The Bremen Town Council members discussed the town’s match toward a possible Blue Zones initiative in Marshall County.
According to information about the program in stories contributed to MAX News by Jamie Fleury from The Pilot News, Blue Zones helps establish places including restaurants and grocery stores that offer healthy food options and increase walking trails, an initiative already embraced by Marshall County through Stellar and Regional Cities, to help increase access to improved health factors. It also allows a team of Blue Zones experts to train local residents to assist with residents with healthier options.
Bremen Town Councilman Michael Leman stated that the council did commit $100,000 toward the effort, but with inflation and the potential of a shortfall of funds with the proposed Aquatic Center project, he wanted to revisit that decision.
“To be quite honest, I feel a little differently about that now,” said Leman. “I think we have some more urgent items for the town that need to be addressed and I’d like to have that as a discussion. I’m not saying it’s not a worthy cause. I’m just concerned that we have other items that need attention financially.”
He further commented that the Aquatic Center is a tangible item that will benefit the community.
Town Attorney Anthony Wagner suggested that Linda Yoder from the Marshall County Crossroads Team should come in and talk more about Blue Zones and answer any questions before making any solid decisions. The council agreed to have her present information at the next meeting on January 23.
