Rotary Club sponsors health fair, picnic

By SHIRLEY UPTON, T&D Correspondent
Saturday, March 22, 2008

SANTEE -- A Health Fair and Picnic, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lake Marion on March 15, featured valuable health information as well as food and fellowship.

Various health-oriented organizations had displays, and their personnel answered questions from participants.

CASA Family Systems, which sponsors programs on sexual assault, domestic violence, adolescent pregnancy prevention and community advocacy, also provides assistance with emergency shelter services and alternative methods for perpetrators of domestic violence.

Representatives of South Carolina State University and Voorhees College were on hand to offer information on their programs, and personnel from Community Long Term Care of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services also provided information.

Participants took advantage of the blood pressure checks and screenings for cholesterol offered by the Regional Medical Center. Blu-Bird Medical in St. Matthews had a display of shoes for diabetics and information on their equipment and services.

Santee Mayor Silas Seabrooks greeted guests at a picnic featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and all the trimmings. The head chef at the grill was Herman Keller, head of Santee's Water Department. Assisting him was Linda Shipley, codes enforcer and planner for the town. Councilmen John Mark Gilmore and Cleveland Gilmore were on hand to help with cleanup.

"The displays are very informative, and the food is delicious," participant Rosa Perry said.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.