HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

From Blue Zones Project Southwest Florida

Although the holidays can be a time of stress, with hectic schedules and lots of events and activities, it's also a wonderful time to take a step back and give thanks for even the small things in your life. Take time to put #FamilyFirst and enjoy this holiday season.

This year the Blue Zones Project team in Southwest Florida wanted to share what we're thankful for, not least of which is all of you, our community, for working alongside us to help spread well-being and increase longevity. We hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

"I’m thankful for my family, my travels, my job, my coworkers, my health, my home, my wonderful animals, and amazing husband!"  ~Jessica Crane, Community Policy Lead

"I'm thankful for being able to move well-being in our local schools. This past year, Seagate Elementary, Gulf View Middle, Naples High School and Gulf Coast Charter Academy students combined to fill 2,137 water bottles at their hydration stations in the schools." ~Joe Stoner, School Sector Lead

"I am grateful for the Blue Zones Project and what it has offered me and my family and for the wonderful staff that I get to work with every day. I am grateful for my healthy, loving husband and son. I am grateful to live in Naples, Florida and be back with all my friends and family." ~Chante Pemberton, Community Outreach Coordinator

"This year, I am thankful that all my loved ones are healthy and happy. I'm grateful to have moved to a new home, grateful to have my puppy by my side and grateful to be able to work alongside such talented and compassionate people every day." ~Kate Walter, Engagement Lead

"I'm so proud of and thankful for all our wonderful worksites that have worked hard to become Blue Zones Project Approved this year!" ~Bree Fung, Organization Lead

"I’m thankful for being able to bring all of our kids and grandkids with us to England in July to spend time with my father-in-law, Leslie Tavener, before he passed in September. We all had a wonderful time and made many happy memories. I’m thankful to be working on such an amazing project with a wonderful team of people, all trying to do the right thing for the right reasons. I’m thankful for my health, and feeling better every day as I follow the Power 9. The Plant Slant, 80% Rule, and Move Naturally are really helping me to not only lose weight, but feel better during the day and sleep better at night." ~David Longfield-Smith, Organization Lead

"I am grateful for the amazing volunteers who support the Blue Zones Project work throughout SWFL, as well as our generous sponsor, NCH, for making this all possible!" ~Deb Logan, Executive Director

"I am thankful for my family, friends & my amazing colleagues who have become family!" ~Marcy Ricciardi, Engagement Lead

"I'm thankful for my health, my friends and family, and all the experiences I've gained this past year through working with Blue Zones Project." ~Rae Woods, Project Manager