|
Punxsy welcomes kids to community through Fresh Air program |
|
|
|
Front Page -
Front Page Story
|
|
Written by Mike Ishman
|
|
Tuesday, 07 July 2009 |
Fresh Air Kid Quiariah (second from left) is spending her second summer in the Punxsutawney area with the Shields family: Hailey (far left), Nikki and mother Sherri. The Shields family has been involved with the program for several years. (Photo by Mike Ishman/The Punxsutawney Spirit)
PUNXSUTAWNEY — For 12 children, Monday marked the first day of their two-week visit to Punxsutawney.
The Fresh Air Fund, founded in 1877, has been providing children from New York City the opportunity to visit small towns (known as Friendly Towns) in the eastern United States, free of cost. It provides the children opportunities to experience things they wouldn't otherwise be able to do in New York City.
The children that come to areas such as Punxsutawney range from six to 12 years old for first time visits. Repeat visitors can be up to 18 years old. Since the program began, more than 1.7 million inner- city children have participated in the program.
Punxsutawney and Indiana Chairperson, Celine Tersine, has been involved in the program for 25 years.
"I was helping a friend who was involved with interviewing potential host families when I decided it was something I wanted to get involved with," Tersine said.
As their host families waited in Punxsutawney, the children came to town on a bus. While 12 were assigned to Punxsutawney area homes, another child was assigned to an Indiana family. Other children were heading to other destinations.
Some of the families taking part in this year's program are first-time hosts. Tanya Bruno of Dayton — along with her daughters, Keeley and Alyssa — was very excited while they awaited their Fresh Air Kid, Kymmya.
"We live on a farm, so I think it will be a good experience that she wouldn't be able to take part in otherwise. It will be a good experience for my children as well," Bruno said.
The Brunos have planned a variety of events for Kimmya, including a trip to the cheese factory in Smicksburg, camping and swimming.
"We love where we live, with all the space and quiet. It's a great opportunity to share it with someone from New York City," she said.
The Brunos didn't make contact with the organization to get involved until the end of May.
"It was a last-minute thing when we found out about it," she said.
While some of the children are here for the first time, others have been here multiple times.
Sherri Shields, of Conifer, — along with daughters Nikki and Hailey — welcomed her Fresh Air Kid, Quiariah, back for a second year.
"We had the same girl for two years. This is our second year with Quiariah," Sheilds said.
The family eagerly awaited Quiariah's arrival Monday. "We have talked to her on the phone a few times" she said. "She is excited about coming too."
Some families — much like the Shields — have been involved with the program for a number of years. "I think it's a good experience for us and for the children. We've had good experiences so far."
The Shields family decided to get involved after reading an article about the program.
"We saw an article in the newspaper with a number to call if interested," she said.
The next two weeks are sure to be fun for Quiariah and the Shields family, who have planned to spend a lot of time outside. "Nikki and Hailey's grandparents have a swimming pool," Sheilds said. "So we can spend a lot of time there, just kind of hanging out."
The next two weeks are sure to create memories that the Fresh Air Fund children and their hosts will never forget.
|
|
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 08 July 2009 )
|
