New Wellness Coalition leadership as Berg steps down after 15 years
Ray Berg (right) is stepping down from chairing the Manchester Wellness Coalition after 15 years. Ruth VanBogelen (left) is stepping up as co-chair along with Autumn Orta (not pictured). Photo credit: Lori Kintz.
submitted by Lori Kintz and Matt Pegouskie, 5HF
Wellness, fun, and Ray Berg. For almost 15 years those three things have been a given at almost every meeting and event hosted or sponsored by our local Manchester Wellness Coalition (MWC). At the February MWC coalition meeting, Berg officially turned the reins of chairing Manchester Wellness Coalition to Ruth VanBogelen and Autumn Orta. He is the longest-tenured coalition leader of any 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF) sponsored wellness coalition, chairing approximately 150 wellness coalition meetings and attending 70 Community Advisory Council meetings and countless other coalition activities.
VanBogelen recalled, “When the coalition first formed, Ray was the lead author on a Comprehensive Wellness Plan document for Manchester which explained what Manchester needed to work on to increase the wellness opportunities. As the coalition matured, the need for that yearly document went away but Ray continued to organize forums for broader input into how the funds were used.”
Berg has been an advocate for trails and pathways since the coalition’s inception, supporting the improvement of the shared use trail from concept to usable pathways. His biggest coalition passion has been working to find a solution to Manchester’s need for a senior and assisted living community, so Manchester’s older adults can stay close to home. Berg will continue to lead those efforts in the community and as part of Manchester Wellness Coalition.
He stated, “I have been honored to serve as Chair of the Manchester Wellness Coalition for this period, and pleased that we worked with so many individuals and organizations in the Manchester area to create both health/wellness programs and related infrastructure that benefitted all segments of our population. Move More, Eat Better, Avoid Unhealthy Substances, and Connect with Others in Healthy Ways — those have always been our goals. The Shared-Use Trail with everyone moving through the city is certainly one of my favorites.”
“Ray embodies the spirit of community leadership and has been a dedicated advocate for wellness in his role as Chair of the Manchester Wellness Coalition,” said Steve Petty, 5HF CEO. “Without Ray — and others like him — none of this work would be possible. We are truly grateful for his dedication and enthusiasm.”
On behalf of a grateful Wellness Foundation, Wellness Coalition, and community, thank you to Karen for letting us “borrow Ray” all of these years, and a very heartfelt thank you to Ray Berg for all the hours and work you’ve given to supporting healthier living in Manchester!
Left to right: Jeff Wallace (retired Village of Manchester manager), Ray Berg, and Carol Wotring (Director of Community Resource Center). Photo courtesy of Lori Kintz.
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