Packed house for KPMS Parenting Fair

by JEAN BRAITHWAITE
Tribune Correspondent

KEYSER — Hundreds of people visited the over 30 vendors that were stationed around the commons area of Keyser Primary/Middle School Monday, July 19, during the ninth annual Parenting Fair held in connection with an Energy Express Open House.
Those visiting the tables gathered information dealing with such offerings as how to property wash hands, the dangers of taking illegal drugs, the correct way to brush teeth, knowing the sugar content of everyday food items, and learning 21st century skills for success in school and the real world.
One table was piled high with free clothes, while several vendors spoke about assistance in finding employment and emergency guideline measures to help households with payment of electric or heating fuel bills.
Gerri Mason, executive director of the Mineral County Family Resources Network, the sponsoring agent, stated, “The Parenting Fair is a way for parents to see what services are available in the county, and talk with the vendors in an informal, no-pressure type atmosphere.”
She added that the fair is a “celebration of parenting,” giving them an opportunity to seek support from the many organizations and agencies in Mineral County.
Also giving credit to the three AmeriCorps VISTA workers, Dayla Harvey, Jessica Hawkins, and Morgan Robinson, Mason, cited, “They did the footwork to make the fair a success.”
Mason mentioned those who donated the food and drinks served during the two-hour activity as Martin’s, Wayne’s Meat Market, Keyser Wal-Mart, Bessie’s Angels, Eastern WV Community Action, and McDonald’s.
The following is a listing of those who were available throughout the Parenting Fair to give literature and assistance: Watermark Counseling, Family Preservation Services, WVU Family Nutrition Program, WVU Extension Services, Sheila Golden, C.J. Cangenelli and Thrive, Tobacco Prevention, TS Cellular, WV Birth to Three, WV Prevention Resources Center, Automated Health Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, CASA, Senior Employment Program, Region 8 Foster Grandparents, DARE, Catamount Children’s Center, Coordinating Council for Independent Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Right From the Start, Region 8 Adolescent Health, Mineral County Health Dept., Developmental Center and Workshop, Eastern WV Community Action, Family Crisis Center, Girl Scouts, Mountain Hospice, Mineral County Pre-k/Head Start, Mountain State Psychological Services, Healthy Mineral County Coalition, Keyser-Mineral County Library, Keyser EMS, Keyser Police Dept., and the fire companies of New Creek and Burlington.