Westford resident recognized for commitment to health and wellness for local seniors

LOWELL, Massachusetts – A volunteer with Community Teamwork in Lowell has been selected by Hannaford Supermarkets as a “Hannaford Health Hero” for her dedication to increasing health and wellness awareness among local seniors.

Pat FitzGerald of Westford serves as the volunteer leader in the Bone Builders program with Community Teamwork. In her role, FitzGerald organizes senior fitness classes focusing on balance and strength-building exercises and educates class attendees on osteoporosis-related topics, such as fall prevention and proper nutrition.

FitzGerald is the first Bay State resident to be recognized this year by Hannaford Supermarkets in conjunction with the Hannaford Health Hero program. Now in its third year, the program will recognize the work of 12 volunteers who inspire others within the community to make healthy choices for life on behalf of non-profit organizations.

“At Hannaford, we strongly believe in promoting health and wellness within the communities we serve,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Molly Tarleton. “We are thrilled to honor Pat as a Hannaford Health Hero and commend Community Teamwork for its commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyles for Massachusetts residents.”

FitzGerald was nominated by Joan Aseltine, Bone Builders coordinator for Community Teamwork, which serves low-income individuals by providing opportunities for them to achieve stability, self-sufficiency and have an active voice and participation in the decisions that affect their lives.

In the nomination, Aseltine wrote, “Pat’s leadership and quality of volunteer training has been the key to our successful Bone Builders program. She has made an enormous impact on the healthy lifestyles of over 300 individuals in the greater Lowell area.”