Hundreds of children, parents, teachers and staff filled the hallways of the E.J. Russell Elementary School on Monday as the school hosted its twelfth annual Family Wellness Night. The evening provided participants with the opportunity to meet representatives from nearly 40 different not-for-profit organizations and businesses aimed at providing information and services to keep moms, dads and kids healthy.

The notion of wellness as a broadly defined health term was well represented throughout the school as information booths were on hand from the Orange Medical Center to Big Brothers, Big Sisters to Curves to the Town of Crawford's D.A.R.E. program. Information to keep our furry family members healthy was made available by Pine Bush Animal Hospital.

One of the most popular stops throughout the evening was the Pine Bush Ambulance area, where emergency medical technicians were showing kids what it would feel like to be placed on a stretcher. Children stood around watching the complicated process as one of their friends would be placed on a backboard and have his or her head stabilized by a head restraint, after which they would then ask to be the ambulance corps' next "victim."

In addition to the variety of informational resources available, kids were invited to have some fun, engaging in a number of games that highlighted the importance of physical health and teamwork. Activities included team relay events and a game known as "mission impossible," which required a large group of kids to work together to cross the gym floor using a series of mats, planks, ropes and rolling platforms so as to avoid touching the floor.

Highlights of the evening included the school's fourth annual Jump-A-Thon to benefit the American Heart Association, family relay races, music by Lisa Johnson and a demonstration by youngsters attending Pine Bush Karate.

One parent who declined to have her name published was quick to praise the school's staff for putting the evening together.

"This is such a great night. With all the problems you hear about Americans and their health problems, I mean, we're killing ourselves and we're hurting our children. A night like this is important because it helps us get our kids on the right path for a healthy life."

The night concluded with a drawing of a basket social that included packages of goodies and gifts donated by several area businesses. Proceeds from the social went to the school's scholarship fund for a former E.J. Russell student who will be a graduating senior, was involved in high school athletics and is intending to pursue a career in the wellness field.

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