April 27, 2006

Community Health Fair promotes healthy lifestyles

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

The day was rain-free and excitement filled the air as the Hoffman/Via Monte Neighborhood Action Committee and the Almaden Hills United Methodist Church working with District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle presented the Community Health Fair April 22 at Almaden Hills United Methodist Church.

The horses from San Jose Police Mounted Unit were a big hit with the kids at the Community Health Fair. Left: Sgt. Greg Trapp on Spartan and Officer Phil Giusto on Rocky. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

The Community Health Fair was planned as an opportunity to bring community members together and provide information and education on a variety of health-related topics to local residents. Councilmember Pyle worked with a number of local teens in the Hoffman/Via Monte area to strategize about the event and request sponsorship from a variety of District 10 businesses. First 5 and Safeway Santa Clara sponsored the event with organizations and groups including the American Diabetes Association, Planned Parenthood, the San Jose Public Library, the Health Trust, the American Cancer Society and others providing information tables at the fair.

Besides a plethora of health care advocates, Mayor Ron Gonzales, Vice-Mayor Cindy Chavez, Redevelopment Agency Director Harry Marogenes and Councilmember Nancy Pyle presented a program to the neighbors in attendance.

“I’m incredibly proud that my office along with the NAC was able to collaborate with such dedicated groups and organizations in the planning of what will be not only a fantastic health fair, but an incredible community celebration as well,” said Councilmember Pyle.

Vice-Mayor Cindy Chavez with one of the doctors from South Bay Children’s Urgent Care and the all-star kids of the neighborhood.

“My office has worked tirelessly with leaders of the local community to ensure that District 10 families in the Hoffman/Via Monte neighborhood will be connected to a wealth of health and asset building resources,” said District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle. “This event is a shining example of the Strong Neighborhood Program at its finest.”

Nubla Ramirez, vice-president of the Hoffman/Via Monte Neighborhood Action Committee, served as the Spanish interpreter. San Jose Police Mounted Unit attended with two of their well-trained equines. Alejandra Parga, a young resident of the area, assisted in the presentation. Almaden Hills United Methodist Church Pastor Carole Vincent, who donated the facilities for the event, was pleased with the neighborhood attendance. Angela Mao, a tenth grader at Pioneer, volunteered her time with the children’s activities.

“All sophomores are to have a project that is a world problem,” said Mao. “Health has an effect on how good students do at school.”

The South Bay Children’s Medical Center mobile health van was on site informing residents of their after hours pediatric care by appointment. San Jose Police Department’s mounted unit entertained the kids. Mayor Gonzales said he was pleased with the information that was being provided at the fair; from free to low-cost health insurance for kids, blood screening, to Medi-cal assistance to dental and childcare resources. It was all there at the Community Health Fair.

City officials and neighborhood residents gather together to present the Community Health Fair at the Hoffman/Via Monte Community Health Fair. Left: Almaden Hills United Methodist Church Pastor Carole Vincent, San Jose Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Harry Marogenes, District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle, Vice-Mayor Cindy Chavez, Mayor Ron Gonzales and Nubla Ramirez of the Hoffman/Via Monte Neighborhood Action Committee.

Pioneer High School sophomore Angela Mao volunteered for the Community Health Fair.