Keeping families fit, healthy

ONEIDA >> Kids bounced around in inflatable bubble suits, played games, and ate healthy foods at this year’s Eat Well Play Hard event at Vets Field.

Rain held off Friday for the an- nual event, this year hosted by Oneida Healthcare, where families were able to browse through fresh produce from Stone Brothers Farm in Fenner, get information on how to quit smoking, and learned about a community service directory for Madison, Oneida and Herkimer counties, among other activities.

“It’s a fun way for kids to have contact with each other without getting hurt,” explained Dean Moffo, a teamleader at the Oneida YMCA. Throughout the day, the Y was busy promoting physical activity for children.

“There was a huge line of kids all day,” said Caitlin Farr, another team leader at the Y.

Robin Robinson of the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica was touting the 211 service directory, launched earlier this year, which connects families to a detailed database for community services, including healthcare screenings being held in the area, food, clothing and shelter assistance, and mental health services.

For those who would rather look the information up on the Internet, an online directory will be available in September, Robinson said.

The 211 service also partners will 911, Robinson added, so emergencies can be handled quickly.

“We’re just trying to get the word out,” she said.

There are six call centers across the state that propel the system. Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties are now hooked into a call center based in the Fingerlakes.

JOLENE CLEAVER — ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH Robin Robinson of the United Way explains the 211 directory to a group of parents.

JOLENE CLEAVER — ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH Locally grown fruits and vegetables at Eat Well, Play Hard in Oneida.