The Amsterdam Family YMCA held its Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 26, at its Pawling Street location in Hagaman. The nationwide event celebrated at more than 1,500 Y’s was free to children and their families. People enjoyed activities such as arts and crafts, face painting, fitness stations, and healthy snacks. The event was sponsored by NYS Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Parisi, Coan and Saccoci Law Firm, St. Mary’s Healthcare, and Kohl’s. Assemblyman Santabarbara arrived with members of his family around noon and spent time with children and volunteers at different fitness stations.
Event supporters also included DeCrescente Distributing, Wal -Mart, Beckmann Converting, Inc., Amsterdam Rotary Club, Jim Fischer for Congress, Haid Aziz Rehman MD, and Lowes.
A number of exhibitors also contributed their resources to the event. Organizations with exhibits included the Amsterdam Free Library, Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties (community, prevention, and youth services educator), Cornell Cooperative Extension (nutrition program educator), GAVAC, Hagaman VFD, Facilitated Enrollment- IPA Navigator, Reality Check, Cancer Services Program of Fulton, Montgomery and Schenectady Counties, Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY, Montgomery County Sheriffs’ Dept., CASA of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, Capital District Child Care Counsel, Centro Civico of Amsterdam Inc. , and Rebecca Lee of the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York.
The goal of Healthy Kids Day was to bring children, families and communities together and provide education and activities for fostering a healthy lifestyle. Throughout the day children had fun working out with the “wellness wheel” and climbing wall, and enjoyed the gymnasium which was open to all. GAVAC made use of its stretcher and wheelchair to educate and entertain the children. The Sheriff’s Dept. made photo ID’s for the kids, children and adults had their faces painted and worked on crafts, and people learned about healthy alternatives to sugary filled drinks through the Cornell Cooperative Extension. It was a healthy, fun day despite the rain.
(Photos by Scott Mulford)
