Consider volunteering for marathon
The spotlight at the annual Mill Race Marathon is on the participants, those who zip through the 5K race or grind to finish the half-marathon and marathon. And rightly so, because the event promotes health and wellness.
However, roughly 1,000 volunteers help make the marathon run smoothly and enjoyably for the participants. They perform a wide variety of tasks, such as distributing race packets, organizing runners for the start of the race, keeping them on course, providing water and handing out medals. Without their assistance, the marathon would not be possible.
This year’s marathon, which is Sept. 23, still needs about 500 volunteers. Course marshals are a particular need. Local residents should consider being a race volunteer. Doing so helps makes the experience better for participants, positively promotes the city and makes for a fun time. To volunteer, go online at millracemarathon.com/volunteer.
Program worth joining
The health of an unborn baby is of the utmost importance, and parents naturally want their children to be born without physical problems. Mothers can play a role in that by making good choices, such as not smoking.
A local program, Baby & Me Tobacco Free, is playing a key role in helping pregnant women quit smoking and stay tobacco-free through postpartum and beyond. The Bartholomew County Health Department started the program because the local rate for smoking during pregnancy was higher than the state average. Clarity has since taken over the program, and in its first year administering it, 25 women have participated. Of those, four have had their children, completed the prenatal and postnatal sessions and have abstained from smoking. Another six have quit but are still in the prenatal or postnatal steps.
Mothers who complete the program and stay smoke free are eligible for free diapers for up to a year. That’s a nice incentive, but so is the health of the mother and child. Pregnant women who currently smoke have a great opportunity to benefit themselves and, most importantly, their unborn children. For more information about the program, call 812-378-4730 or send an email to babyandmetobaccofree.com.
Important post
Congratulations to recent Hauser High School graduate Natalie Taylor, 18, who recently was selected as one of seven state FFA officers.
Indiana FFA serves more than 12,000 high-school aged students statewide, and supports and promotes agricultural education and leadership. In her role as the state reporter, she will be responsible for informing the public about FFA-related events and updating all FFA social media accounts. Taylor also will work with the other officers on planning the state conventions, workshops and camps.
The selection is a great opportunity to gain experience for her desired career in agriculture communications and to serve Indiana FFA members statewide.
