The mission of the Newton Wellness Coalition encompasses advocacy, awareness and action. To honor that mission, the group is hosting a series called Newton Talks, a gathering for ordinary people who live in the community to share their extraordinary journey to healthy living. The first talk is set to take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Newton Arboretum.
“It evolved from a brainstorming session with the marketing committee,” NWC member Sheri Benson said. “The conversation began around Ted Talks, and ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to host our own?”
Three community members will share their wellness journey at the Sunday talk. Janet Clark, a kitchen staff member at the Newton High School, used a diagnosis of cancer to transform her food and exercise choices, Benson said. The second speaker, Tammy Heyveld, grew up very active, roller skating, playing sports and working out. In 1988 she was involved in an accident that ended in both legs being amputated in 2012. Even through her new challenge, Heyveld has tried to be as active as she could and is currently relearning how to job/run and hopes to some day run a 5k.
Susan Anderson has had a long history of fibromyalgia and chronic pain as well as some mental illness, NWC member Robyn Friedman said. She has overcome all of these things with the use of exercise and determination to be patient and stick to her exercise plan. A goal she set when she first started her exercise program was to complete a 5k (walking) and eventually she accomplished this goal many times over.
“Hers is an inspiring story that many can learn from,” Friedman said.
The event is free and anyone is invited to attend. Sponsorship for the event is provided by First Newton National Bank, Park Centre and Newton Village. The second talk will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. May 20, also at the Arboretum.
“One never knows whose ears are listing for just such a voice and then will make a decision to begin, begin again or keep going in their own story,” Benson said.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com