The Clark County Activity Coalition held its monthly meeting Feb. 21 at College Park Gym.
Co-Chairperson Gina Lang called the meeting to order and gave an update on the Winchester Weigh Down, a 10-week weight loss competition that began Jan. 19. There are more than 125 participants this year and they have lost a total of 466 pounds so far. The competition has five weeks to go, and winners will be announced at the Joe Reed Memorial Heart Walk on April 16 at the Traveling Trail. All proceeds from the Weigh Down go the YMCA.
Kathy Love, CEO of Clark Regional Medical Center, informed the Activity Coalition on the status of the new hospital. She explained the crew has done an excellent job despite weather, and is only an estimated eight days behind schedule. Construction of the new hospital should be complete by the end of the year, and open for public tours in January 2012.
The new hospital will have 79 beds, and all rooms will be private. Approximately 26,000 patients per year are seen in the current emergency room, and the number of beds in the new ER will be increased from 13 to 22. All records at the new facility will be electronic. In March, a new health initiative will be launched asking employees to submit recommendations and goals for the new facility and how it will be valued by the community.
Tiffani Stafford, also with Clark Regional Medical Center, informed the Coalition that the new group, Senior Friends, will hold its first meeting March 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the training room at the hospital.
Charles Eury, with the Parks and Recreation Department, announced that there were 5,669 visits to the walking track in January and 976 to the gymnasium, not counting Civitan basketball. There were 1,621 visits to the natatorium for all forms of water-related activities. The chess tournament on Feb. 5 had more than 70 participants.
The second annual Ice Bowl Disc Golf Tournament held at Ironworks Hills Disc Golf Course on Feb. 19 had 70 participants, and more than $600 and 401 pounds of canned goods were donated to the Community Needs Center from the tournament proceeds.
Co-ed Adult Volleyball League Tournament started the night of Feb. 21 with seven teams participating. Little Slam Dunkers in March and Little Home Runners in April are among upcoming activities.
The next set of swim lessons starts March 15. Three lifeguard certification classes will be held in March, April, and May. CPR recertification classes will be held March 26, April 14 and May 26. Full information on these and other ongoing activities is available at the front desk in the Health and Wellness Center lobby.
Carol Hisle, with the Clark County Health Department announced that the Health Department had diabetes self-management classes on Tuesday and Thursday Feb. 22 and 24 and Tuesday and Thursday March 1 and 3. Plans are also underway for Diabetes Alert Day on March 22. Hisle informed the group of a Zumba class for those who live in the eastern part of the county. It is at Kiddville Baptist Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. The instructor is Brandy McCoy and the cost is $5 per class.
Jennifer Howard with the Clark County Cooperative Extension announced that Weight; the Reality Series, a UK sponsored weight loss class, will begin after the Weigh Down ends. And Heather Cassill, also with the extension service, said the 4-H Camp will be May 31-June 4.
Jon Walker with Rails to Trails announced that grant money will help BCTC put a short trail around the college, with the hope of getting a longer one. The Traveling Trail and The Path are both doing well and are expected to have more use as spring weather arrives.
Clare Sipple with Lower Howard’s Creek announced the upcoming hiking schedule:
— March 12 at 10 a.m., three hour, moderately strenuous hike. Meet at the main entrance parking lot.
— March 20 at 1 p.m., two hour, moderately strenuous hike. Hot dogs and marshmallows will be provided.
— March 26 at 10 a.m., three hour, strenuous hike with steep climbs. Further information at lowerhowardscreek.org
Cora Heffner with Community Education announced the upcoming College and Career Fair for eighth-12th graders on April 1 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The event will be at the GRC High School gymnasium and is free for exhibitors. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 744-6420 for exhibitor registration. Private and home school students are invited. It is sponsored by Community Education, Chamber of Commerce and GRC Youth Services Center.
Jennifer Ebert with the American Heart Association is preparing for the April 16 Heart Walk at The Traveling Trail. If you would like to join or need more information, you may go online to americanheart.org
Eric Hunter, Winchester Fire-EMS chief, announced that two merit badges were taught at the Boy Scout District Merit Badge Fair.
Neal Oliver, with CANE Emergency Training, led a community CPR class as part of the Winchester Weigh Down. The class was at College Park Gym Feb. 26.
Rene Hauck, with Stroll to Fitness, gave information about her fitness class for moms. Stroll to Fitness meets at the College Park Gym every Monday at 9:30 a.m. It is $3 per class (one free trial class). This is a fitness class for moms with or without a stroller who want to incorporate fitness into a busy lifestyle while spending time with their children and being a positive role model. For more information, e-mail Hauck at joelnrene@att.net.
The next meeting for the Clark County Activity Coalition is scheduled for Monday, March 21, at 12:30 pm in the College Park Gym. Meetings are open to the public.
