Students prepare for Wellness Fair, where fitness meets fun

By APRIIL GUILMET
Union Leader Correspondent
LONDONDERRY -- Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly do not necessarily go hand in hand with having fun.
But don’t tell that to the scores of elementary school students expected to fill the gymnasium of Matthew Thornton Elementary School next week.
On Feb. 9, the school will host its annual Wellness Fair. From 6 to 8 p.m. that evening, students will have the chance to enjoy a variety of free, fitness-oriented activities, including dancing, rock wall climbing, karate demonstrations and even children’s Zumba .
According to Danielle Barrette, one of the event’s organizers, all children attending the Wellness Fair will be presented with “passports,” which they can stamp at assorted educational booths and have the chance to earn raffle prizes.
Among the local businesses and organizations hosting booths next week are Stonyfield Yogurt, Nutrition In Motion, Healthy Living Library, Arbonne International, Chair Massage Transitions, Elliot Health Systems, For Kids Who Cook, CVS Pharmacy, The Learning Stop, Parkland Hospital, Med Stop Wellness Training, ZumbAtomic Kids and the American Kenpo Academy.
Principal Carol Mack will host “Just Dance” in the school lobby, while physical education teacher Mike Corf will oversee the rock wall climbing.
Members of the Hip Hoppin’ Hawks, South Elementary School’s award-winning student jump-rope team, will perform at 7:15 p.m.
Meanwhile, students throughout the school have been keeping active during the winter months via the school’s Fun Fit program, held appropriately on “Wellness Wednesdays.”
Each Wednesday, Corf leads students and staff members in fun-filled games and activities in hopes of beating the winter doldrums.