Health and Wellness Fair planned in Vernon

VERNON — Deb Fisher and Pat Faris sat in the cozy sitting area outside of Boland Hall at St. Francis de Sales Church and were visibly excited as they spoke of the upcoming Health and Wellness Fair scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30, at the church.
Both women are Sussex County nurses, Fisher working in the Sussex-Wantage school system and Faris inn the Lafayette system. Both are coordinators of the Health and Wellness ministry at St. Francis and both are also volunteers for New Jersey Action Coalition (NJAC), a state-wide organization promoting the culture of health in New Jersey communities.
According to NJAC, the mission of nursing focuses on health, preventing illness and treating illness in acute care settings. The Coalition is moving nurses into an even more direct engagement with communities and populations.
“It’s been about seven years since the last health fair here,” said Fisher. “We are hoping to make this a community, family event.”
The list of health and wellness participants as of Labor Day totaled 25 currently on board with more participants still deciding and committing daily. The list includes the Sussex County YMCA, Shop Rite dieticians, area physicians, High Point State Park’s information on hiking trails for families, Trans Options and bike safety, Jamie Wherry demonstrating acupuncture and artist Kathy Sojka with relaxation art techniques and much, much more.
“Tables and resources will be displayed in Boland Hall and the church’s social hall and classrooms will serve as participation areas and a hands-on area,” explained Faris.
Both nurses agreed the day will be a fun-filled family, community, health, wellness, fitness extravaganza.
The “Fall into Health” Fair will take place on Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 at St. Francis de Sales Church 614 Route 517 in Vernon.