Mower Refreshed is expanding.

New programs, an extended brainstorming session and a few more initiatives in the works were among the highlights of this year’s Mower Refreshed annual summit.

“It just shows that people are ready to collaborate,” said Sandy Anderson, Mower Refreshed coordinator.

A record number of people were involved in this year’s summit, which took place Thursday and Friday. The initiative has started six new programs over the past year, including a Dodge County-equivalent, an award for the county’s most health-focused business, and children’s outreach.

Several Austin High School students attended this year’s summit, as well, as part of the high school’s Give/Take 5 group, which also focuses on health and wellness.

Lea Oelfke, Ellis Middle School counselor, said Ellis students will also form an overall health and wellness group by combining two existing groups focused on various health goals.

“The cooperation efforts are wonderful,” Oelfke said of Mower Refreshed. “Again, it goes back to little things that are not overwhelming, not intimidating.”

The initiative has focused in recent months on educating the public about preventing adverse childhood events in order to decrease a child’s stress level, and therefore overall health level, as he or she grows into adulthood.

Yet the program could tackle further public health issues based on the responses residents gave at the summit. Anderson hopes to collect more responses next year, as she and other Mower Refreshed partners plan to meet with residents in Lyle, Grand Meadow and LeRoy in smaller summits.