Monessen’s Walk in the Park Takes Strides Against Tobacco Use Despite Obstacles

Last Updated on Saturday, 02 July 2016 18:37

By Jill Brown

Doing their part in the fight against tobacco use, Monessen’s Annual Walk in the Park was held on Saturday, June 11, 2016.

The Monessen City Fire Dept. participated with tours of their truck. They are (l-r):Tony Sarper, Mikayla Speck, Marley Evans, Fire Dept. Captain Tony Evans, Zach Evans, and Ryan Speck.

The Monessen Tobacco-Free Coalition sponsored the event at the Monessen City Park Walking Track from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The day turned out sunny and missed being canceled, escaping reports of rainy weather. However, walkers braved another irritant, with locusts everywhere, and also dealt with the extreme heat.

Donna Kean, registrant with St. Vincent Prevention Project, said that by noon, there were 88 walkers so far and their goal was to get 100 people. The event, for fun and health, included: a raffle, free t-shirts and pedometers, food vendors, a drawing for two bikes, crafts, baked goods from Union Baptist Church, information on quitting smoking, blood pressure screenings with Donna Hatalowich – nurse/health educator from Mon Valley Hospital, information from Monessen Library, and children and teen programs information.

Maurice Rice, Coalition Chairman, said, “The Monessen Tobacco-Free Coalition’s goal is to convince people not to use any tobacco products and not smoke around kids. Everyone knows tobacco smoke leads to a lot of health problems.”
For further information to quit now, call 1-800-784-8669.

The Monessen Tobacco-Free Coalition Team

In the photo at right: The Monessen Tobacco-Free Coalition team who worked to make the day a success.

(l-r): Top: Donna Hatalowich, nurse, MVH; Angel Gulik, Mon Valley YMCA; Teresa Seh, Monessen CTC; Esther Ulery, Penn State Coop Ext.; Carrie Callahan, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Bottom: Scipio White, Wayman Quinn AME Church; Maurice Rice, Chairman.