What Do You Run For?

When my daughter was entering high school we all encouraged her to join a sport. "You'll have a ready-made group of friends. It'll be fun. You'll have something to do." She chose cross-country, which started in late July so she'd have that "ready-made group of friends" before she even entered the front doors on the first day of high school. Also, because running in easy....right? Not so much. Especially when you're running 5-8 miles a day in the summer heat. But she stuck with it and, even though she never became a speed demon, she did make friends, she did have fun and best of all, she nurtured a healthy habit that is still with her today. She no longer runs competitively but she still throws on her running shoes and chugs around her college campus or track. She also occassionally participates in 5Ks for various causes.

Next month, before the weather gets too hot she has a chance to run for art. The Walk-In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven is hosting a 5K on Saturday, June 2. The race winds through downtown Schuylkill Haven and the Island and even includes a bit of trail running (much better for tired legs than asphalt). You can even cheer on another type of athlete: the kayakers and canoers launching for the Schuylkill Sojourn. If you register by this Sunday, May 20 the fee is $20, after May 20 the fee is $25. You can register at Pretzel City Sports. Participants get a t-shirt and energy inducing snacks and drinks...and who knows? maybe even a medal! Check-in is between 8:00 am and 8:50 and the race begins at 9:00 am.

The race is just one small part of a bigger weekend at the Walk-In Art Center. It's their Rock the Block event which includes a speaker on Friday evening at 7 pm (Glen Wenrich on Haven Canal History),  a block party type event for the whole family at noon ($5/free for kids and racers), and a musical event at 9 pm featuring two of my favorite musicians Bill Whalen and Jim Devlin.

Never been to the Walk-In? Well this is your lucky day! They're giving tours all weekend to introduce you to what the center has to offer! Stop by! Brinig your running shoes!

I know, my image placement is still kinda random. I'm working on it folks! New computer programs are always a challenge!

VISION unveils first "Report to the Community"

In an effort to strengthen community ties and make new ones, Schuylkill County's VISION unveiled its first "Report to the Community" on Tuesday morning.

It's a 10-page full-color pamphlet subtitled "Weaving Community Resources Together," and the first copies were given to a group of 20 people who gathered for a breakfast meeting at the VISION office at 123 Mahantongo St.

To read this article in its entirety click here to visit the Republican Herald.

Childrens program promotes healthy diet, exercise habits

BY AMY MARCHIANO (STAFF WRITER amarchiano@ republicanherald.com)

Published: May 7, 2012

A new program will be geared toward promoting healthy habits in children.

In "Healthy Schuylkill Summer" those in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade will have the opportunity to keep a log and be eligible for a prize.

The theme is "Five a Day and an Hour of Play," which refers to eating five fruits and vegetables a day, is to "Encourage them to exercise and eat well," said Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill County VISION.

To read this article in its entirety click here to visit the Republican Herald website. 

Partners Perspective - Plant A Row

Spring is here. Many of us will be working in the garden soon. The Interfaith Health Network of Schuylkill County invites you to Plant a Row for the Hungry this year. If you are putting in a vegetable garden or if you raise fruits, the food pantries of Schuylkill County can use some of your produce to provide high quality nutrition to families who probably do not have the resources to put enough fresh food on their tables. Most of us don’t realize the great need we have here in our own backyard.   Families, including children, go to bed hungry every night here in Schuylkill County.