Fair Draws Hundreds To Learn About Health/Safety

By Andrew Gorosko

The town’s 18th Annual Great American Health & Public Safety Fair held on Saturday, September 24, in and around Newtown Middle School drew hundreds of visitors and scores of exhibitors to the event intended to promote public awareness of health and safety topics.

Town Health Director Donna Culbert observed, “The 18th Annual Health Fair was a success. Lots of fun was had by all, as well as valuable health screenings and health information.

“It was a great demonstration of how the hands and hearts of many people interested in a common goal can do great work. There is no way I can express enough gratitude for all the help, support, and participation we had. All I will say is, ‘It is nicer in Newtown,’” she added.

Services offered at the fair included health screenings for vision, skin cancer, blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, posture, and scoliosis. Influenza shots were provided by the Bethel Visiting Nurse Association.

Zumba dancing, a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program, was demonstrated by staffers from Z Place for Fitness.

Public safety organizations exhibited their hardware at the fair, as well as answered questions from the public.

Among those units attending were the Newtown Police Department, which demonstrated the work police canine Baro; the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps; Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue; and volunteer firefighters from Newtown Hook & Ladder, Dodgingtown, Hawleyville, Sandy Hook, and Botsford.

The organizational committee for this year’s fair included: the American Red Cross, Dr Della M. Schmid, Mae Schmidle, the Newtown Health District, Newtown schools, and the Newtown Visiting Nurse Association.

Among the dozens of exhibitors at this year’s fair were: the Al-Anon/Alateen Family Group; Castle Hill Farm; the Chamber of Commerce of Newtown; Kevin’s Community Center; Masonicare at Newtown; Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS); the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); and the Children’s Adventure Center, plus many others.