The setting at Liberty Union Park resembled a Ringling Brothers Circus location, with magic shows; face painting, balloons tethered to strings, and plenty of fun-filled games for the families who attended the celebration. An early part of the event found many of the children dancing to the music of DJ Al Martinez from Spinn Productions. Dancing and keeping fit was highlighted as being a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle.

D J Al Martinez from Spinn Productions

Organizers of the Celebration of Parenthood program also made sure that vital nutrition information was disseminated to the gathering of WIC parents and other visitors to the park.

Samples of the new WIC food packages, which now emphasize whole grain bread, brown rice, canned fish and other healthy foods, were distributed. Read WIC Director: Karen Swass Welcome Letter

Several awards were presented for three categories:

Breastfeeding Awards presented to:
Andrea Beuttel and Kelly Murray

Parenting Awards presented to:
Yvette Antonelli and William Cameron

Sponsor Awards
Platinum Sponsor: Future Graphics
Gold Sponsor: BMC HealthNet Plan
Gold Sponsor: Percy, Tedeschi & Associates, PC
Community Service Award: Future Graphics
Community Project Award: Taunton Home Depot & Community Care Services’ Crossroads Program

Elected officials were on hand to commemorate the occasion. Presentations of official commendations were made by State Representative James H. Fagan, and Traci Herrick, who represented State Senator Marc R. Pacheco. Taunton Mayor Charles Crawley also sent a representative to the event.

State-Representatives James H. Fagan Pat Haddad presenting-greetings from the House of Representatives

The WIC Program provides valuable nutrition and health education, healthy food, and other services free of charge to Massachusetts families who meet the qualification guidelines.

To obtain more information on the WIC program and learn how to apply for assistance, please visit the Massachusetts WIC website here.

Program eligibility is determined by household income. To see if you qualify please check the income guidelines here.

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If the date 8/8/08 sounds familiar,  it was the day the 29th Olympiad opened in Beijing, China. In keeping with the theme of the Olympics, the sons and daughters of the WIC parents opened the celebration by marching through the park while the Olympic theme played.  The children carried flags from all over the world  and Olympic torches.

Children marching through the park while the Olympic theme played

After the parade, the children participated in a brief exercise program. They were then presented with gold medals from the Mayor of Taunton, Charles Crowley.

Mayor of Taunton, Charles Crowley presenting gold medals

The WIC Director and Mayor also presented awards to WIC Participants and Local Community businesses.. Awards were given in the following categories: Breastfeeding Mother, Exceptional Parenting, Foster Parenting and Community Service.

Receiving awards were:

Participant Awards:

Breastfeeding Mother: Leila Coelho
Parenting: Slam Saffiedine
Foster Parent: Charles Tower

Community Service:

Annette’s Unisex Studio
June Tsonos-A-1 Pizza

Karen Swass thanked all the organizations that had helped make the 2008 Celebration a success.

Karen Swass presents Community Service Award to June Tsonos from A-1 Pizza while Mayor Crowley looks on

Gold Sponsor: Verc Rentals, Boston Medical Center-Health Net Plan, and Future Graphics.

Silver Sponsor: Percy, Tedeschi & Associates, PC

Bronze Sponsors: First Federal Credit Union, Karsner & Meehan PC, Princess House, Taunton Federal Credit Union and Cardi’s Furniture

In addition to the awards, there were activities for the children which included a magic show by John Henry, face painting, balloon fun, and music. Chase Farms provided free produce to the participants and cooking demonstrations were displayed.

Child enjoying face painting activities

The WIC program has been sponsored by Citizens for Citizens for  29 years and it provides dietary assessment and counseling, nutrition education, food checks, immunizations, assessment, voter registration, farmers market coupons, breastfeeding peer counselors, breastfeeding promotion and support, along with health and human service referrals.

Some of the health-related problems for children that are associated with not being breastfed are:

•    60% more likely to suffer from ear infections

•    40% more likely to get type 1 diabetes

•    40% more likely to get type 2 diabetes as an adult

•    25% more likely to become overweight or obese

•    30 more likely to suffer from leukemia

The benefits of breastfeeding for infants are:

•    Special protection that babies receive from mother’s milk

•    Mother’s milk is more easily digested

•    Breastfed babies have higher IQs

•    Mother’s milk is the perfect food for premature babies

To be eligible for the WIC Program, women must be pregnant, postpartum, have an infant or child up to age 5; must meet income guidelines, and must live in Massachusetts. TAFDC, MassHealth or Food Stamp participation makes WIC Program eligibility automatic. Foster parents may also apply.

For more information regarding eligibility, and other information concerning the WIC Program; please call (508) 823-6346 (for Taunton area residents). Persons living in the Attleboro area should call (508) 226-4543.