2010 Turn Off the Screens Continues

Written by admin on 12 June 2010

2010 Turn Off the Screens Continues

by Karina Hunter

Lloyd White biked the 1km Fun Run course while his little sister Emeraude rollerskated along side their walking Mom.

MANITOUWADGE, ON – In spite of some inclement weather, Manitouwadge residents have come out in large numbers for the first 4 days of the TBDHU’s 2010 Turn Off the Screens Week which, now in it’s 7^th year, has become a full week celebrating community spirit while encouraging families to be more aware of time spent in front of televisions, computers or video games.

Organizer Jackie Jung doesn’t expect people to become zealots “We don’t want people to go overboard or get too serious about things. Groups and organizations in our community have come together to offer a variety of fun activities for the young and young at heart and we are happy that so many people are participating and spending time getting active together with their families” said Jung adding that “Even turning the screens off for a few hours a day can make a huge difference in the lives of families and the overall health of our community”.

Derek Labbee with a big hit at the MHS Lob Ball Challenge.

Monday, June 7^th,

TOTS Week kicked off with Manitouwadge High School’s fun Lob Ball Game between students and their parents and teachers; visit www.OntarioNewsNorth.com/?p=13357 for photos and details;

Tuesday, June 8^th, kids of all ages participated in Take Heart Manitouwadge’s annual Fun Run which was a huge success with more than 200 people making the 1km walk;

www.OntarioNewsNorh.com/?p=13424 Fun Run for Heart (English)
www.OntarioNewsNorth.com/?p=13576 Fun Run for Heart (Francais)

Sagle's lighthearted nature puts any kids at ease, they seem to know instinctively that following her lead will end in fun.

This Mom seemed to have almost as much fun as her kids; behind, Turn Off the Screens Week organizer Jackie Jung, RN who makes a point of attending every event to lend a hand.

Wednesday June 9^th

the Manitouwadge Best Start Hub held their Family Fun Olympics, due to rain these were held indoors at the Manitouwagde Public School; the inclement weather did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of participants. Hub Program Coordinator Kelly Sagle with the help of Prenatal Programmer Reene Warren and French Language Programmer Linda Jetté had children, mostly pre-school to Grade 1, working up an appetite as they enjoyed a variety of games including old favourites with a twist like egg in spoon races, using wooden spoons AND wooden eggs, and new like giant soccer ball races.

After nearly two hours of fun a great spread of fresh fruit, which Sagle had prepared in advance, was offered to participants before the evening wound up with prize distribution.

A special thank you, goes out to volunteer Logan Warren. Logan assisted the Hub ladies throughout the evening, demonstrating games and encouraging the little ones with plenty of patience and kind words. Good Job Logan!

Meanwhile the same evening, at the Recreation Centre, Shawna Patterson of Manitouwadge Leisure Services coordinated Family Fun Badminton (photos above & below). A mix of adults and children played throughout the evening thanks to Shawna’s impressive choreography – every 5 mintues she would call on players to rotate giving everyone an opportunity to play not only with their own family members but also with plenty of new friends. This system also gave adults a much needed 10 minute break every 4 sets or so.

As per TOTS Week tradition, there was a table full of prizes, distributed by a draw of names to numerous lucky participants.

Thursday, June 9^th at Agawa Gardens Park the Manitouwadge Volunteer Firefighters held their Annual Junior Fighfighter Obstacle Course Challenge, photos and video from that will be posted in a subsequent email, needless to say it was a GREAT event with plenty of fun, friends and prizes (and a few wet participants near the end) !

WHAT’s LEFT?

Tonight, Friday, June 11^th is the Great Golf Challenge (see advertisements on OntarioNewsNorth.com home page for details); also the Northshore Relay for Life takes place from 7pm tonight to 7am Saturday morning, a celebration of life, support and hope, the Relay is the Canadian Cancer Society’s largest single fundraiser during the year.

The 2010 Relay for Life is proud to welcome several teams from neighbouring Northshore Communities, there will be a bbq which opens to the public after the Survivor’s Celebration Supper, live entertainment throughout the night and storefronts all at the Ball Field behind the Rec Centre, EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Participants in the Library’s Book Detective Challenge remember to hand in your sheets.

Tomorrow, Saturday June 12^th is the Mystery Family Poker Walk which will begin at the Rec Centre Lobby at 1:30pm.

Sunday, June 13^th, Turn Off the Screens Week wraps up with the Conservation Club’s Perry Lake Trail Walk, beginning at the bottom of Church Hill at 1:30pm this is a can’t miss afternoon of learning, fun and exploration don’t forget to bring a grocery bag to help tidy the trail!

: This Mom seemed to have almost as much fun as her kids; behind, Turn Off the Screens Week organizer Jackie Jung, RN who makes a point of attending every event to lend a hand.