Isaac Young PTA—'Spring into Wellness' Program

On Wednesday, April 3rd the IEY PTA sponsored a successful "Spring into Wellness" event. The event featured a variety of guest speakers and interactivities for the participants. Attendees came dressed to work out and listened to a variety of speakers.

PTA members did 20 minute strength & conditioning workout with Eric Fama, assistant NRHS varsity wrestling coach. In addition Mr. Fama is a physical education teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes HS, certified personal trainer; head coach at New Rochelle youth wrestling program and Rugged Wrestling Club; and a professional MMA fighter. Mr. Fama focused on exercises that could be performed at home without any special equipment. 

Next Amelia E. Jones L.A.C., a 25-year district veteran and IEY technology teacher, gave a informative presentation on acupuncture. Her holistic approach to health maintenance brings out the best in her patients and, if they so desire, empowers them to take charge of their health. Ms. Jones is a graduate from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and is nationally recognized and board certified as an acupuncturist. Ms. Jones used a Powerpoint slide presentation and showed various needles.  She invited attendees to her monthly "Acupunture Happy Hour" sessions at the Oaks. (http://www.theoaksndf.org/events.html)

When the Zumba session started, the "Mother and Daughter Sex Education" group finished with their program and joined the class. Laurent Gutstein, a New Rochelle school district full time speech-language pathologist and part time aerobics instructor, led a lively group in Zumba basics, incorporating Latin music. The attendees seemed to really enjoy the event.

Next the group heard a presentation about the New Rochelle School district lunch program by Dawn McGinn, Director of Food Service for the New Rochelle school district. Ms. McGinn is responsible for overseeing breakfast and lunch managed by Whitsons School Nutrition Group. With the support of Whitsons, Ms. McGinn plans menus, purchases food, plans specials and promotions and manages the  district’s food service staff. Works with administration and the PTA’s to support a successful School Meal program in each school. Ms. McGill is a resource for any questions, suggestions or comments you may have about the district’s food service department. She said that the district serves 5,000 lunches daily and 500 breakfasts.  She said that IEY would have a visiting chef during April that specializes in Asian cuisine. Ms. McGill also explained that purchasing one lunch entitles the child to unlimited vegetables.

Geri Wurman, school wellness council leader, spoke. She is from the New York/Connecticut head Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which was founded by the William J. Clinton Foundation to address childhood obesity. She is contracted by the school district to promote a healthier lifestyle among students and staff. At IEY they have yoga at lunch, do blood pressure screenings and have an upcoming blood drive, for example. Last year IEY won bronze recognition from the Healthier Schools Program, by serving healthier foods that appeal to students, planning meals that feature daily fruits an vegetables and are low in fat, cholestorol, sodium and added sugars. 

Special thanks to all our speakers and participants. Also thanks to Marlin Simpkins of Robeks (77 Quaker Ridge Road) for delicious smoothies.  Thank you to Scholastic Books and Harper Collins for their donated books about health and fitness for teens which were given away as door prizes.