Health & Public Safety Fair Held At Newtown Middle School

By Andrew Gorosko

People attending Newtown’s 16th Annual Great American Health & Public Safety Fair at Newtown Middle School on Saturday, September 26, had opportunities to learn about a range of health, medical, and safety topics, as well as receive some basic health testing.

The four-hour free event brought together approximately 60 exhibitors who mounted displays and provided information to the public on the front lawn, inside the school gymnasium, and in school classrooms.

The Newtown Prevention Council conducted a bicycle giveaway. A food drive was held to benefit the needy.

Those attending the fair had opportunities for health screenings in the areas of: vision, cataracts, blood pressure, posture, skin cancer, cholesterol, and body composition.

Also, influenza shots were available at the event.

Among the many exhibitors at the health fair were Shannon Paproski of Castle Hill Farm. who displayed Leba, a 7-month-old Brown Swiss cow.

Members of the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps were on hand to explain the work they do in providing emergency medical care in the community. Instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was provided.

Also, several police attended the health fair, explaining their public safety role and law enforcement duties.

In a dramatic demonstration, members of the Botsford and Sandy Hook volunteer fire companies showed how they extricate victims who are trapped in motor vehicles following accidents. Ambulance corps members demonstrated their emergency medical role in such situations.

Newtown Health Director Donna Culbert said of the fair, “I thought it went great. It was a beautiful day.”

When the event began many years ago, it was known as a “health fair,” but due to the expanded scope of its activities, it has become a “health and public safety fair,” she explained.