Back-To-School fair to help kids stay healthy, safe

Before area students head back to school, they will have an opportunity this week to play streetball, receive free dental, vision and scoliosis screenings and immunizations, play games, enjoy free refreshments and learn more about go-kart safety and fire safety.

All the activities, which are free, will take place at this year’s annual Back-To-School Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Gattis Junior High School at 13th and Cameo streets.

“The Health Office started the fair as a way to get kids immunized and then, it’s just grown from there,” said Twila Rutter-Wooley, Curry County special projects coordinator. “The Curry County Wellness Council and Plains Regional Medical Center are sponsoring this year’s health fair.”

School-age children, teens and parents also will be able to see B-bop the Clown and the Cannon Air Force Base working dogs, learn tips for safely packing a backpack and watch a play about drug awareness by the Teen Health Council. Representatives from the Clovis Police Department will be on hand to do fingerprinting for children, and the Clovis Fire Department will bring Sparky the Fire Dog and provide safety tips.

In addition, students ages 6-17 can play in a Back-To-School 3-on-3 Streetball Challenge at Gattis. Winners in each age group will receive basketballs and T-shirts. Registration starts at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Reporter’s Notebook was compiled by CNJ staff writer Janet Bresenham. Suggested items may be mailed to editor David Stevens at P.O. Box 1689, Clovis, N.M. 88102. The e-mail address is:

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