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Hear Ellen Kehr, past Albert Lea City Council member and now the National Vitality Center project manager, describes how the Blue Zones Project transformed their community. The 6-month pilot was done in 2009. Seven years later, what is the results? Is the community living longer and better? What is a Moai? Can you create your own Moai activities for support and socializing? DOWNLOAD
This is the 3rd mentoring conversation of four in The Blue Zones Series. Mike and Sylvie Kabeya, and I drove to where the Minnesota Experiment (coined in the National Geographic feature article in 2016) took place 100 miles south of the Twin Cities. Dan Buettner analyzed, with his team, the results of his 15-year study of five community pods around the world where people live longer and better. Albert Lea became the chosen city for the first pilot of the Blue Zones Project.
Albert Lea, Minnesota, has a population of 18,000 people. Downtown is between Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake. The community is an ag-based rural city. We strolled through the vintage car show. We ate at The Interchange Wine and Bistro. We noticed lots of healthy lunch choices and great beverages and coffee on the menu! We also enjoyed walking most of the 5-mile Fountain Lake trail. On an 84 degree, windy day. It was picturesque with people out and about swimming, boating, ski-doing, and enjoying the day like we were.Tony Buettner explained how they chose Albert Lea as a Minnesota Blue Zones project last week’s podcast. Dan and Tony Buettner are upending the healthcare industry through their Life Radius approach based on all the initial pilot’s positive results. How did they get the buy-in? What were community leaders involved? How many people turned out for the huge community kickoff in 2009? Ellen also describes the Power 9 principles they implemented to create healthier, happier life and the kinds of pledges. The transformation is incredible! And, they have the numbers to prove it from a 2016 Gallup Poll measurement. Would this work in your community?
Mentoring Tips For Listeners
Answer the following questions after listening:
- If you haven’t yet, take the True Vitality Test
- Ellen is so motivating and purpose-driven. What are a few things you learned from her that can be applied to your life and work?
- In what area can you create your own moai where you bring together a group of mutually committed friends ready to change with you?
- Research and decide where you can plug yourself into making your community and city a better place! Get going.
Here are pictures of Mike, Sylvie, and I signing our Personal Pledges promising to make healthier choices to live longer.
This was taken with me by a vintage car with General Nuisance written on the side.
Resources
Star Tribune article about Ellen Kuhr and the Blue Zones Start Tribune Article
The Interchange Wine & Bistro Albert Lea’s The Interchange Wine & Coffee Bistro, where we ate lunch.
National Geographic Blue Zones Issues
Podcast Guest Mentor
Ellen Kehr. Ellen Kehr joined the Blue Zones Project® team as the Organization Lead for the City of Albert Lea. With over 20 years of experience in community partnerships and applying a strong background in community well-being, Ellen brings an experienced and collaborative management style to the Blue Zones Project.
Before joining Blue Zones Project Albert Lea, Ellen worked as the Coordinator for the Freeborn County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership and the Organization Lead for the Blue Zones Project Mason City.
Known for her boundless energy, passion, and ability to develop strong relationships, Ellen has pioneered many grassroots community initiatives to improve the quality of life in Albert Lea.
Ellen has served on many community boards and commissions and is a past member of the Albert Lea City Council. Currently, she is a past president and board member of the Riverland Community College Foundation.
She and her husband Randy live in Albert Lea and have two children and three grandchildren.
Episode 80: The Blue Zones Series: Minnesota Experiment
Author: Nancy A. Meyer, M.A.
Nancy A. Meyer, M.A., is a seasoned entrepreneurial leader, business and life mentor/coach/teacher, podcaster, author, and certified mindfulness yoga and meditation integrator (she integrates those skill sets into everything). Nancy’s compassionate and collaborative approach reinforces resilience while maintaining accountable conversations supporting how you redefine your lead while redesigning your business. Nancy calls this “Dual Innovation Leadership.” Nancy founded WeMentor, inc. in 1992 to change the leadership in our country by providing emerging and existing business owners with mentoring in Dual Innovation Leadership. She has mentored thousands and is eager to work with you! Assert self-leadership and get started today! Clients say, “Nancy is a compelling, engaging, and ‘decipher the trees from the forest’ kind of mentor, speaker, and leader. A dedicated entrepreneurial leader and mentor who role models what she preaches. Her style and candor enrich the content she delivers and the results clients experience.” Nancy accepts people where they are while inspiring them to breakthrough into new dimensions: As an Entrepreneurial Leader (Innovator), As a Competent Business Owner (Practitioner) As a Mentor (Role Model) As a Spiritual Being and Self-Leadership Master! Start by subscribing to WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST. Join your peers and...
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