Health Department celebrates second year of SilverSneakers

By Ed Banks Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

CADIZ — Now celebrating the second anniversary, the Harrison County Health Department is proud to announce the beginning of their 2023 “SilverSneakers” exercise program.

The Health Department started the SilverSneakers program in June of 2021 as a response to a need observed in the community-based Community Health Assessment. The program serves as a strategy to improve community health through increased physical activity opportunities.This year’s class is already in session and is one of the largest attended exercise programs with over 33 members. Classes are held Monday through Thursday from10 a.m. through 11 a.m.

“The Community Health Assessment was the catalyst for the program,” said Deputy Health Commissioner Katie Norris. “SilverSneakers was a vision of the Health Department before the COVID19 Pandemic, and it is both remarkable and rewarding that it is here celebrating its second anniversary! Our nursing staff works hard to organize routines, and this wonderful group of participants makes the program so special. We hope participation continues to grow and that SilverSneakers continues for many years to come!”

The SilverSneakers program classes consist of multiple exercise types and are largely based off input from class participants. The Health Department nursing division staff are certified instructors for the program. While the classes are designed for people over the age of 60, anyone of any age and fitness level is highly encouraged to attend.

Classes are free, and all equipment is supplied by the health department. The program also offers attendance incentives, such as personalized water bottles, T-shirts, and other articles.

Megan Smolenak, health commissioner, added, “I attended one of the classes when I first started at the Health Department and the participants were all so helpful and welcoming.”

“Seeing the class in person showed how much the community and the instructors enjoy the program and I hope to see it grow in the coming months, especially with the expansion to a new Scio location,” she continued.

The Health Department partners with Harrison Hills City School District (allowing use of the Stephenson Center Gym), Scott United Methodist Church, and the Puskarich Public Libraries (allowing use of the Barr Memorial Gym) for use of class space. The Health Department has its own “SilverSneakers program- Harrison County, Ohio” Facebook page for posting class schedules and updates. However, anyone is welcome to call the Health Department at 740-942-2616 for more information.

See SNEAKERS Page 4

CADIZ — The Cadiz American Legion Post 34 has donated a $5,000 check to the Cadiz Police Department. Legion Commander Steve Keesey shared, “We appreciate the police department for all they do for the town and all they have done. We’d like to help them with their equipment.”

Finance Officer Ed Long said explained they had some increase in their charity fund. “We wanted to do something to help law enforcement, especially with the war on drugs. We donate as much as we can to the children and youth in the county. We like to keep our money in Harrison County,” he said.

Chief Ryan McCann expressed his gratitude on behalf of the department, “Myself along with the Cadiz Police Department are very grateful to receive this donation. The money will be put toward necessary new equipment through the purchase of new body cameras and system software.” Body cameras are one of the most important tools for officers. They add a layer of protection for both the officer and the general public and have been growing in use across the country for over a decade. “[Post 34] over the years has always done good things for veterans and first responders,” McCann said.

Politics

Jewett wants rid of abandoned homes

By Cornelia Grace Harrison News-Herald Reporter

JEWETT — During its regular meeting July 17, village wanted to give a special thanks to those who helped redo the basketball courts.

Council member Bobbie Prevot said she had been in contact with a person who was going to paint the lines on the new concrete and had been told it would be done in a few weeks when the concrete was fully set.

Several people were involved with the project and council made sure to thank everyone for their help. Dennis Lee took out the old concrete and prepped the space. Damien Kovarik donated the gravel for the base. BrightSide Tavern donated the concrete and is working with the person painting the lines.

“That court looks very good,” Mayor George Baillie said.

Village Adminis - trator Mike McBee was unable to attend the meeting so Baillie shared a short report before council moved on to discuss ordinances.

Village ordinances have been an ongoing project for council members and it appears to be nearing completion.

Several council members have been reading through old ordinances, organizing them, and discussing what ordinances are needed for the good of the village.

One specific ordinance that spurred the project months ago was about what buildings were allowed on properties within village limits. There was a lot of uncertainty about which mobile homes would be allowed, what the rules were on building size, and whether trailers or campers were allowed to be permanent residences.