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Mariposa’s Path To Wellness Leads To A Healthier Future

Mariposa 4H members, L-R: Joanna Tilton, Brie Stephens, Lia Tilton, Acelia Tilton, Emily Tilton

MARIPOSA — The Mariposa County Courthouse lawn was the scene of an inaugural event which fulfilled its promise to provide a network of support for healthy living, and having fun, too.

Noting that access to health and wellness services in Mariposa can be challenging under the best of circumstances, the Mariposa Health and Wellness Coalition was determined to create a one-stop shopping event the Path to Wellness fair.

The event placed a spotlight on the diverse wellness-related services and activities available in the county.

Running with a broad definition of wellness, organizers say the event was designed to exercise the awareness of wellness-related activities in the county that stretch beyond the typical definitions.  Included were informational booths, demonstrations and activities from local health-related organizations, along with healthy snacks, water, and health-related give-aways.

Mariposa County Tobacco Education, Amy Stratton and Kim Keith

Among the many observances throughout the day of clean living, members of the Mariposa County 4H Club were on hand to demonstrate the ease with which one can prepare a healthy salsa recipe using simple ingredients from the garden. They did so deliciously.

Katelyn Strickland from Ethos offered those who were interested an opportunity to play with a homemade stress ball, or they could even make their own from a combination of a small balloon and rice.

Father and daughter Bob Pickard and Laurel Pickard, of High Country Health Foods, were set up under the shade of a tent to answer questions and give out freebies — as they celebrate their 30th year in business, having first opened in 1988.

Mariposa County Resource Conservation District: Melinda Barrett and Vicky Cole

Tai Chi teacher Don Cirillo gave a demonstration of the ancient Chinese movement which is known to enhance lifestyle and represents another healthy choice, while a demo of poi dancing was offered by Jovan Steele through Mountain Fitness.

Courtesy of Mariposa Safe Families, alcohol impairment simulation glasses were available as a teaching tool for youth to show just how much alcohol can impair judgement. Those who did don the goggles were challenged to move about an obstacle course of construction cones. They did so with difficulty.

Visitors were given the opportunity to connect with a variety of health screenings and services including those related to breast wellness, birth and early childhood. Representatives from the County were available to consult on matters including tobacco free living and rebates available for water savings and other environmentally responsible actions. Businesses and nonprofits were included in the mix along with agencies, bringing together a well-matched group in which to network.

Bob Pickard and Laurel Pickard of High Country Health Foods

A raffle of great value was conducted as entrants were instructed to go booth-to-booth and answer questions, after learning the answers during their walk on the Path to Wellness. Baskets and bags were generously donated and abundantly filled by local merchants and through the largess of the event’s sponsors and organizers.

“The Mariposa Health and Wellness Coalition is grateful for all the support of our first ever health resource fair, the Path to Wellness,” says Ginnie Day, Public Health Educator for Mariposa County. “People of all ages turned out to enjoy a beautiful spring day on the Courthouse lawn on Saturday. Everyone seemed to enjoy learning about all the great low or no-cost local opportunities to stay well!”

The Coalition appreciates the support of John C. Fremont Foundation and Mariposa Yosemite Rotary for their generous donations, the many booth participants who donated raffle prizes, and the Mariposa Community Foundation, the fiscal sponsor.

The following vendors, a mix of coalition members and local businesses, were in attendance at the event:

  • Mariposa County Housing for Locals
  • Mariposa Safe Families
  • Mountain Crisis Services
  • Pure Training Studio
  • 4-H Mariposa County
  • Nature Bridge
  • Ethos
  • Mariposa Co. Resource Conservation District
  • High Country Health Foods
  • Yosemite Dental Care
  • Mariposa Co. Tobacco Education Program
  • Mariposa County SNAP-Ed Program
  • Kindred Lactation Support
  • Mariposa Doula
  • Infant Child Enrichment Services
  • SAFE Program
  • Mariposa Community Services
  • Mariposa Co. Human Services
  • Heritage House
  • Balanced Rock
  • Sierra Foothill Conservancy
  • Mountain Fitness
  • Anthem
  • Susan G. Komen North/Central CA
  • John C Fremont Hospital District
  • Set Free
  • New Life Christian Fellowship
  • Yosemite Bug and Anahata Fair Trade were represented by donations to the event.

NatureBridge: Chris Ziska and Marianna Diaz

Liz Darcy of Pure Training Studio

Katelyn Strickland of Ethos and local youth build stress balls

Ginnie Day of Mariposa County Tobacco Education

Tai Chi teacher Don Cirillo demonstrates the ancient movement

Mariposa Safe Families enabled visitors to demo alcohol impairment simulation glasses, a teaching tool for youth to show just how alcohol can impair judgement

For more photos and information visit Mariposa County Human Services Department

 

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