Mahalo to North Hawaii residents for welcoming Blue Zones Project to participate in more than a dozen celebrations, workshops, farmers markets, meetings and other gatherings throughout the past month - you've all helped make it possible for our entire community to "Live Longer, Better".  

We've talked and walked and cooked healthy, yummy dishes; we've made fresh fruit and veggie smoothie samples on our custom Blue Zones Project blender bike for literally hundreds of people of all ages; we've connected with many new friends, shared recipes, painted cute walking school bus signs...and much more!  It's just a beginning, and we welcome everyone to join the movement in making small changes that can become big changes in community well-being!  

Two North Hawaii Community Members Join Blue Zones Project Team

Blue Zones Project - North Hawaii has two new colleagues joining the movement for a healthier Hawaii! Sue Dela Cruz is serving as the Community Engagement Lead, and Dena Smith Ellis is now spearheading efforts to collaborate with restaurants, grocery stores, and worksites as the Organization Lead.

(Left to right) Blue Zones Project North Hawaii Engagement Committee volunteers Jane Sherwood and Patti Cook with new colleagues Dena Smith Ellis, Organization Lead, and Sue Dela Cruz, Engagement Lead for the Blue Zones Project North Hawaii team. Photo courtesy: Marie Fellenstein Hale.

Prior to joining Blue Zones Project by Healthways, Sue was an Outreach Specialist at North Hawaii Education and Research Center (NHERC) in Honokaa. Her work in the community spans more than 20 years, including role as Program Coordinator for Hawaii Island Workforce and Economic Development Ohana (HIWEDO), Outreach Networker for Hamakua Health Center, Public Relations and Fundraising Manager for Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Community Facilitator for the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office, and an Early Education Facilitator for Good Beginnings Alliance.

Dena joined the team after serving as Director of Development at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. The mother of six has a dual certification as a health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Columbia University Teacher's College, and has had decades of experience serving the community, including non-profit work as a La Leche League Leader for over 15 years, Secretary of the Board of the Hawaii Sustainable Community Alliance, President of the Unitarian Universalists of Puna, Charter Member of the Hawaii Island Women's Leadership Forum, and Club President of Waimea Toastmasters.

Congratulations Sue and Dena, and welcome aboard!  

Interested in getting involved? Help volunteer at community events, farmers markets, and other Blue Zones Project activities, and share our Power 9 mission in helping our community make healthy choices easier! Contact Sue Dela Cruz at Susan.DelaCruz@healthways.com.

Parker School Launches Walking School Bus 

Parker Lower School in Waimea has successfully launched its own Walking School Bus - a fun and healthy way for students to get exercise. Parker kicked off its first Walking School Bus on Friday, March 4, and will continue to hold it on the first Friday of every month.

A Walking School Bus is a group of students and parent volunteers who walk safely to school together. Not only is it a great way for students to bond and "Move Naturally", it also can reduce traffic in school areas.

Plus, research and experience has proven that children who walk to school are more alert and ready to engage in classroom learning. And kids who walk together, stick together. A simple walk teaches kids to be responsible pedestrians and develop lifelong fitness habits.

Mahalo to Parker School for helping our keiki live longer, better!Interested in coordinating a Walking School Bus at your elementary school? Contact Carol Ignacio, Blue Zones Project Program Manager for Hawaii Island at CarolR.Ignacio@healthways.com.