July 2018
GWL Greenway 5K on Sunday, August 12 - Register Today! 
Don't be afraid, the 5K is fun,
Join the only race where chickens can run!

The fifth annual GWL Greenway 5K Walk/Run is on Sunday, August 12, 2018.  Register here.  
 
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the Spicket River Greenway, whether you walk, run, roll, or squawk down the track! The 3.1 mile course begins at Manchester Street Park in Lawrence, follows the Spicket River Greenway, and ends at Ferrous Park. Trolley rides are available back to the starting line. You can see the course on our website. 
 
A great run, and one of the courses on the Merrimack Valley Striders' Super Iron Runner series, the Greenway 5K promotes health and active living for people of all ages and abilities. So if you want to hit the ground running, or would like an easy Sunday stroll, the Greenway 5K is the event for you!
 
The New Balance Foundation is the lead sponsor for the GWL Greenway 5K as part of their support of Groundwork and our shared mission of promoting health and wellness for children and families. 
Groundwork Farmers Markets - Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
The Lawrence and Methuen Farmers Markets are open and offering the best produce of the season! Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm you can find sensational fruits and vegetables, freshly caught fish, crafts from local artisans, musical performances, and so much more.
 
As if that's not enough, you can earn more SNAP dollars with the Healthy Incentives Program! Spend SNAP dollars on farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at our farmers markets (and other participating retailers) and the amount of your purchase will instantly be added back to your EBT card. Depending on household size, you can earn up to $40 (1-2), $60 (3-5), or $80 (6+ people) per month! Spend your earned benefits anywhere that accepts SNAP. Additional great news -  yesterday, Governor Baker signed the fiscal year 2019 budget which includes $4 million for HIP! 
The Lawrence and Methuen Farmers Markets are generously supported in part by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, Bank of America Foundation, Holy Family Hospital, Lawrence General Hospital, the City of Lawrence, the City of Methuen, Methuen Village, and Rumbo.
Urban Adventures Summer 2018

This summer, middle school students participated in Urban Adventures program at the Parthum and Bruce schools. Throughout the summer, they explored the assets their community has to ensure healthy lifestyles and nutrition, such as Costello Urban Farm, the farmers markets, and community gardens.
 
They then developed their own projects to increase the positive impact of these assets in their community. This week, the students implemented these projects. The students at the Parthum School held a garden party for the elementary school students and staff, the students' family members, and community members where  the Urban Adventures students led guided tours of the Parthum School's vegetable garden and offered recipes and samples of healthy snacks such as smoothies. They also designed and led different games and activities to educate participants about different types of healthy foods. Students at the Bruce developed a healthy recipe book and also gave out smoothie samples and facilitated educational games at the farmers market.
 
Both projects were a great success and we are so proud of the young leaders in the Urban Adventures program for making a difference in their community this summer!
 
Urban Adventures is a summer program designed to engage Lawrence youth in public health, healthy food access, social emotional and service learning, in a fun and safe environment. Urban Adventures is supported in part with generous funding from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the City of Lawrence Community Development Block Grant program, and the Essex County Community Foundation.
Secretary Beaton Visits Green Team
 
On Tuesday, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew A. Beaton visited with the Green Team. Green Team members learned about his career journey and his role leading the state in energy and environmental initiatives.
 
Green Team members led their own tours of Ferrous Park and Costello Farm for the Secretary, proudly showing their projects in the Lawrence parks to promote environmental stewardship and community health. We want to extend our deepest thanks to Secretary Beaton for visiting Green Team, offering career advice and mentoring. We hope you will visit again soon!
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