On behalf of the Learn to Eat and Play committee of the Junior Auxiliary of Vicksburg, I would like to express our gratitude to our guest speakers and exercise leaders who devoted their time to teach young children about healthy eating habits and the importance of exercise. Our programs were held at the YMCA locations during June.

We kicked off the month with visits from Linda Fondren and Monica Hughey. The Shape Up Sisters duo led an intense but fun-filled exercise routine. To finish out the first week, deputy Brad Redditt brought his K-9 partner Zeus for a demonstration. Deputy Mike Marshall explained responsibilities of law enforcement personnel.

During the second week, Lawran Richter, a former water ranger, discussed water safety including the proper use of life jackets and swimming rules for lakes and pools. Chesley Lambiotte, a Junior Auxiliary life member and Vicksburg Performing Arts Company creator, led a Yoga class with the children at the Purks YMCA.

Coaches Ben Shelton and Bubba Nettles from Vicksburg High School explained their strength and conditioning routines and then led several exercises with the children at the Verbeck YMCA.

For the third week, Patrick House spoke to the children at Purks about his experience as the winner of “The Biggest Loser.” He handed out placemats that will encourage parents and children to focus on planning healthy meals at home. At Verbeck, several student athletes from VHS talked about their individual sports and the requirements, both physically and mentally.

After the discussion, the children were split into groups outside and learned several exercise techniques. VHS athletes included Erin Stirgus, basketball; Heather Middleton, football cheerleader; Jose Gutierrez, football; and Vikki Lewis, softball.

During the last week of LEAP, River Region Dietician Francine Nosser explained the food pyramid and offered helpful information about healthy snacks and meals.

We would like to thank the YMCA staff from Purks and Verbeck for welcoming us into their summer programs. Also, thank you to NOLA Lending and River Region for donating healthy snacks.

The LEAP Committee includes Mary Katherine Ellis, Katie Ferrell, Jennifer Grey, Heather Kealhofer, Kimberley Mansfield, Ginger Parker, Whitney Simmons and Lisa Sudderth.