Morristown School Wellness Fair Draws Parents, Children

MORRISTOWN - Members of the committee that organized Saturday's Wellness Fair at Morristown Central School said that goals for the event were to be bigger than last year, to reach out and provide services to the community, and to get participants to become actively involved in spreading the word about safety and health issues.

Mission accomplished, according to several of the students and adults who took part in the fair, attended by over 20 local vendors who provided services ranging from blood pressure and cholesterol checks, to healthier food options and information about smoking cessation.

"My favorite part was trying the different foods," said nine-year-old Lauren Woodcock, an Morristown third-grader in Brad Paradis' class. "They had chick peas ground up in one dipping sauce that was delicious."

Ms. Woodcock said that she learned a lot about healthy eating, admitting her eating habits probably could be improved "a little bit."

Healthy eating was also the theme for the day for 2009-2010 St. Lawrence County Dairy Princess Kristin E. King of Madrid-Waddington Central School, who, along with a few helpers, was handing out milk, cheese, and yogurt.

"We're handing out dairy products," Ms. King said, "and trying to inform people about the 'three-a-day' dairy program."

SPORT (Supporting Peer Options to Resist Tobacco) Program Director Debbie L. Miller, of the St. Lawrence County Health Initiative, said approximately 75 to 100 people stopped by her table, where several students had props and presented information about the dangers of smoking and tobacco use.

"We find that these fairs are a great avenue to get our message out," said Mrs. Miller, pointing out that student-centered initiatives can be the best way to get teens to listen.

BOCES Northwest Tech students joined Allied Health instructor Sue C. Robinson in administering blood pressure checks.

Heuvelton Central School senior Kara Leonard, an Allied Health student at BOCES, said she probably took readings on 20 to 25 people during her three-hour shift.

Alyssa Jock, a seventh-grade student at Morristown working the booth for St. Lawrence Reality Check, said she had been very active during the afternoon's festivities.

"I've been walking around getting petitions to eliminate smoking in Youth-rated movies," Ms. Jock beamed.

Activities continued in the gymnasium, with Dance, Dance Revolution and Wii Sports games for gamers of all ages.

"What's next, Dad?" asked Hammond Central School third-grader Dayton Pike as his father, Robert A. Pike, manipulated a Wii controller.

"Fishing," Mr. Pike said as he made a computerized cast.

Winners of the Healthy Poster coloring contest included Abigail Evans and Ethan Graveline (kindergarten), Hannah Johnson and Garrette Nugent (first grade), Nolan O'Donnell and Anna Stout (second grade), Brooke Thompson and Jayven Youngs (third grade), Savanna Barse and Alisha Mashaw (fourth grade), and Meghan Vollmar and Macenzie Berry (fifth grade).