Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Town of Swansea and National Fitness Campaign Make Fitness Free for Everyone in Swansea 

swanseamass on November 20, 2023

State-of-the-Art Outdoor Fitness Court® Studio Coming to Swansea Memorial Park

(SWANSEA, MASSACHUSETTS – November 20, 2023) — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), Town of Swansea, and National Fitness Campaign today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® Studio to Swansea Memorial Park. The Fitness Court Studio, located at 90 Milford Road, will open on November 29, 2023 at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Blue Cross Fitness Court Studio in Swansea will be the first Fitness Court Studio to launch in the state of Massachusetts.

The location of the Fitness Court Studio is connected to walking trails and will serve as a wellness hub among other outdoor offerings at Swansea Memorial Park. The Fitness Court Studio will be within walking or biking distance of nearly 5,000 Swansea residents.

This Fitness Court Studio was developed by Blue Cross, Town of Swansea and National Fitness Campaign to expand free access to high quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state. The Fitness Court Studio is twice the size of the Fitness Court, providing over 2,000 square feet of healthy infrastructure. With the Fitness Court Studio, classes such as yoga, pilates, zumba, stretching and more can take place while the Fitness Court is utilized for simultaneous group and individual workouts.

Created with people aged 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users also may download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience.

“Blue Cross is committed to helping people live healthy lives and eliminating the physical and social barriers that lead to health disparities,” said Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “We’re proud to partner with National Fitness Campaign and the Town of Swansea to launch a Fitness Court Studio that will provide Swansea residents with a communal gathering space and access to premiere free outdoor fitness opportunities.”

The Town of Swansea is one of 15 outdoor Fitness Courts in a series of Blue Cross Fitness Courts that are currently open or will be constructed in easily accessible public spaces this year. Blue Cross’ sponsorship of National Fitness Campaign is part of the company’s strengthened corporate citizenship commitment to promote health justice in communities across the Commonwealth. Over the next five years, Blue Cross will provide $16 million in grants and volunteer support to not-for-profits working to address food, environmental and racial justice in Massachusetts communities. This work supports the company’s overall pledge to be a leader in addressing health inequities across the Commonwealth.

“Given our emphasis on accessibility, aging-in-place, and providing innovative recreational spaces, investing in the Fitness Court Studio was a fun project for us,” Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein said. “We also are really excited about the economic benefits for local businesses like the YMCA Southcoast, Swansea Total Fitness, Crunch Fitness, yoga studios and more that can take advantage of this outside space for classes and other group activities.”

“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome the Town of Swansea to the campaign as a leader in Massachusetts, launching the first Fitness Court Studio in the state, championing health and wellness for their residents,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “We are proud to continue our mission of getting people moving outdoors and helping communities combat the fiscal and humanitarian costs of inactivity.”

Residents are invited to attend the launch event on November 29, 2023 at 10 a.m. to try the Fitness Court Studio. For more information, visit www.swanseama.gov, or contact 508-678-2981 Option 5. For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts’ support of NFC, please visit https://nationalfitnesscampaign.com/massachusetts.

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About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable and equitable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation’s best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About the Town of Swansea

The Town of Swansea is a bucolic, coastal community on the south coast Massachusetts on the border of the state of Rhode Island steeped in history. The Town is home to 17,000 residents and has a great mix of commercial, recreational, and rural activity as well as plenty of water access, including a Town Beach, making it a desirable, active community and a great place to work and raise a family. Swansea has worked hard to preserve open space, provide both active and passive recreational opportunities and serve residents of all ages and abilities, often investing in improved pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure.

About National Fitness Campaign
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors with the mission to build healthy communities nationwide. The campaign delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered around the Fitness Court®– the world’s best outdoor gym. National Fitness Campaign is planning its 500th healthy community, uniting the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court® within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. Follow along with National Fitness Campaign at www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com or on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

*Photos* Swansea Recreation Hosts Successful Trunk-or-Treat Event

swanseamass on October 27, 2023

SWANSEA 一  Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein is pleased to share that the Swansea Recreation Department hosted a successful trunk-or-treat event last week. 

On Friday, Oct. 20, 20 cars with decorated trunks lined the Joseph Case High School parking lot to give out candy and treats to more than 300 children in the community. 

Throughout the night, children were able to collect candy from the theme-decorated vehicle trunks of Swansea businesses, residents and community groups including Bank Five, Veterans Association of Bristol County, Swansea Police, Swansea Fire, and the Swansea Highway Department. 

During the event, attendees enjoyed dance performances from members of the Mass Witches Guild, live music by DJ Mark Johnson, hayrides, pumpkin decorating and a variety of Halloween-themed games, all free of charge.

In addition to candy and treats, generously provided by community members, attendees had the opportunity to purchase refreshments from a variety of food trucks including GG Pretzels, Waves Soft Serve and MAC Screaming Corn.

Swansea’s annual trunk-or-treat event mimics traditional trick-or-treating, while also allowing children to show off their costumes in a fun and safe environment. 

“I would like to thank DJ Mark, Mass Witches Guild, Swansea Highway, Carol of the Swansea Library, and the many volunteers who made our trunk-or-treat event a success,” said Town Administrator Aronstein. “It was heartwarming to see our community come together to create such a spectacular event.” 

The Town of Swansea would also like to thank volunteers Angela Dolan, Erich Heilborn, Ethan Heilborn, Rick Bassett, Dena Bassett, Heather Souza, Lisa Graham, and Stacey Surrell.

 

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Swansea Police and Fire Invite Community to Public Safety Day This Weekend

swanseamass on October 13, 2023

SWANSEA — Police Chief Marc Haslam and Fire Chief Eric Hajder would like to invite community members to attend Swansea Police and Fire’s upcoming Public Safety Day this weekend.

WHEN:

Sunday, Oct. 15 from 1-3 p.m.

WHERE:

Swansea Fire Station No. 2, 50 New Gardners Neck Road

WHAT:

Swansea community members are invited to come down to Fire Station No. 2 to celebrate Public Safety Day. This year is the 30th anniversary of Swansea’s Public Safety Day and the event will feature an abundance of family-friendly activities for all to enjoy.

The festivities kick off with a parade of apparatus at 12:30 p.m. The parade will depart from Fire Station 1 onto Main Street to Gardners Neck Road, then to Route 6, Maple Avenue, Pearse Road, and Route 103, concluding at Fire Station 2.

Following the parade, community members will be invited to tour the station and take part in different activities. Activities include a blood pressure screening, extraction and fire extinguisher demonstrations by members of the department, and target practice during which children will attempt to hit targets with a fire hose stream.

Sparky the Fire Dog will be in attendance in addition to state and local police, National Grid and Liberty Gas.

In addition to trying on firefighter gear and air tanks, attendees will also have the opportunity to check out antique fire apparatus.

There will also be door prizes, raffles, handouts and refreshments for all to enjoy.

Swansea Police and Fire looks forward to meeting members of the community this weekend!

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Swansea Police Investigating Recent Utility Service Scams, Offer Safety Tips to the Community

swanseamass on September 28, 2023

SWANSEA — Chief Marc Haslam reports that the Swansea Police Department is investigating multiple incidents in which two unknown suspects have approached Swansea residents and posed as utility company employees in an attempt to gain access to their homes.

The Swansea Police Department is actively investigating two separate incidents in which two individuals claiming to be employees of a utility company have attempted to enter homes and steal from residents. One of these attempts resulted in the suspects successfully gaining entry into the home and property being stolen.

In both cases, residents reported being approached at their homes by two men who were driving a white van and who identified themselves as employees of a utility company. 

Through their investigation, Swansea Police determined that one suspect has attempted to distract the homeowner while the other collected valuable items throughout the residence. 

Anyone who believes these suspects are in their neighborhood or who has information about these incidents is encouraged to contact the Swansea Police Department at 508-674-8464. 

The Swansea Police Department would like to provide residents with the following safety tips:

  • Beware of people coming to your home unsolicited, offering to do utility work.
  • Do not let solicitors inside your home.
  • Be calm, but firm, and tell them that you are not interested. Ask them to leave your property. If they do not comply, call the police.
  • If you do hire a utility worker, ask to see their proof of company affiliation.
  • If you are at all unsure whether a person has come to your home for a legitimate purpose, call Swansea Police.

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Swansea Board of Health Invites Community Members to Attend Public Health Awareness Fair

swanseamass on August 8, 2023

SWANSEA —  The Swansea Board of Health would like to invite community members to attend the town’s first Public Health Awareness Fair.

WHEN: 

Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

WHERE:

Swansea Memorial Park, 347 GAR Highway

WHAT:

The Swansea Board of Health will be hosting the Town of Swansea’s first-ever Public Health Awareness Fair.

This free event is open to the general public and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend.

As part of the event, there will be local food vendors, health fair vendors, music, free handouts, and activities for all to enjoy while learning more about health and wellness.

Event partners include Swansea Animal Control, Swansea Town Nurse, Swansea Fire Department, Swansea Police Department and Outreach Team, Swansea EMS, Swansea Free Public Library, Bristol County Mosquito Control, Southcoast Health, YMCA, and Southcoast Public Health Coalition Representatives. 

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*POSTPONED* Town of Swansea Invites Community Members to Attend Second Annual Purple Heart Day Softball Game

swanseamass on August 4, 2023

SWANSEA — Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein and Director of Veteran’s Services Kevin Serpa report that due to expected inclement weather, the Town of Swansea’s second annual Purple Heart Day softball game has been postponed.

Due to expected Inclement weather, the Town of Swansea’s second annual Purple Heart Day softball game will now take place on Friday, August 18 at Veterans Memorial Park, 347 G.A.R. Highway starting at 5:45 p.m.

Purple Heart Day will be recognized locally with a softball game between Swansea firefighters and police officers.

The event will begin with the singing of the National Anthem by Abby Medeiros and the Posting of the Colors by the American Legion Post 303 and Boy Scout Troop 303.

The first pitch will be thrown at 5:45 p.m. by Retired Army Major, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Ronald Cabral. Cabral received a Purple Heart after being wounded in Vietnam. Cabral is a Swansea resident and Swansea’s 2023 Memorial Day Parade Marshal.

The Snack Shack will be open to the public during the game for those who would like to purchase food or drinks. Swansea’s Aroma Joe’s will be available for beverage purchases like coffee, lemonade and a popular energy drink called Rush. There will be a hot dog and ice cream truck provided by DM Goods. Informational tables will be set up for the Municipal Complex Project, Swansea’s Free Public Library and The Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

The Town of Swansea officially became a purple heart community in 2021 by a voted resolution of the Board of Selectmen. As a result, the Purple Heart trail traverses through Swansea, with signs posted throughout the Town recognizing the special distinction.

Purple Heart Day is observed each year on Aug. 7 and is a time for Americans to remember and honor the brave men and women who were wounded on the battlefield or lost their lives serving our country.

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