Fifth Annual Healthy Harvest Festival- 2007
Written by Jennifer Champion
The Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association (HHWA) is a non profit organization whose mission is to provide educational outreach and hands-on opportunities that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and the community. HHWA promotes and provides alternative, complementary and integrative health care and wellness initiatives and cultivates experiences and partnerships that inspire, educate, and empower individuals to engage in a healthy lifestyle.
HHWA’s mission revolves around volunteer work and selfless service that is consistent with the philosophy of Seva, an approach to community service that is performed in a spirit of dedication on behalf of others that results in the moral uplifting of the person providing the service.
Members of the Wellness Association employ this Seva philosophy as they strive to provide a variety of services for people, whether it is a product for sale that makes living easier or happier, or by sponsoring outreach opportunities that promote wellness and living life to the fullest.
As one example, HHWA was involved with J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital and Juniata College in developing two new courses being offer this fall at the college in rural health care from the integrative medical perspective, entitled Issues in Rural Health Care and Rotations in Rural Health Care. Juniata students enrolled in the Issues course attend presentations and panel discussions provided by health care professionals in our community, some of whom are practitioners from HHWA. In the Rotations course students shadow the professionals to observe and learn how they contribute to the well-being of individuals.
HHWA is also in the process of developing a Community Wellness Center in Huntingdon. HHWA members have selflessly devoted many hours of their time researching and writing grants to purchase the vacant building located on the corner of fourth and Mifflin Street in Huntingdon’s downtown historic district. The Wellness Center will serve as a central facility for community outreach related to health and wellness and will feature a large activities room for private and public functions, such as dances, yoga sessions, blood drives, fundraisers and dinners, and programs aimed at wellness. Local artists, fitness leaders, nutritionists, and other relevant practitioners will be invited to share the Center with us. The Wellness Center will also serve as a central hub from which to disseminate information for community members on many aspects of health and will include a library of relevant multi media resources. The Wellness Center’s mission include reaching out to the disadvantaged members of our community, and we will have handicapped accessibility and health options for all.
Perhaps our most well-known service is our annual Healthy Harvest, set to celebrate its fifth year anniversary. You are invited to join us on Tuesday, October 16 with a kick-off Taste of Health Dinner, in which we will share a bountiful harvest of local, organic and farm raised fresh foods prepared by Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association Members. The dinner includes zucchini appetizers, curried lentil soup, local free range chicken and turkey entrees, vegetarian lasagna, special salads, bread, beverages and pumpkin pie and tofu cheesecakes for dessert. Proceeds benefit the future Huntingdon Wellness Center and tickets are available at Sweet Annie Herbs at 316 Washington Street.
This year the Healthy Harvest Festival will be on the Governor Proclaimed Healthy Harvest Day, Saturday, October 20, from 10 am to 5 pm. on Washington Street. The festival will feature our Tranquility Tent with free samples of holistic health offerings including aromatherapy, life coaching, massage and yoga. Services will be provided by professionally trained and certified HHWA members, who will give you information and experiences to help you de-stress and relax. Free seminars will also be held featuring herbs, nutrition and more. In addition, artists, food vendors, and health and service organizations will offer goods and educational information that support your well being. Musical entertainers will grace the festival with sweet sounds. Be sure to take a relaxing ride on the wagon pulled by horses Molly and Rebecca. Enjoy supporting the health of animals, families, the environment and our community. All of these wonderful festival offerings are made possible by the active HHWA members and our generous sponsors and vendors. Proceeds from our festival benefit the Huntingdon Senior Center and our future Community Wellness Center.
This year, $50 prizes will be awarded in three categories: 1) best-tasting recipe from a restaurant, 2) best-tasting recipe from a vendor (Note: best ingredients for health and taste considered), and 3) HHWA Vendor Choice Award. Food vendors should submit a sample with the recipe and are encouraged to focus on healthy food choices.
Another highlight of this year’s festival is the Scott Grugan Memorial 5K Run and One Mile Walk. This event is in honor of Scott Grugan, former Chief Radiologist at J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital, who died in 2005. Dr. Grugan was a well-respected physician and an avid runner and fitness enthusiast. Contact J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital or the Juniata College Chapter of Health Occupation Students of America, the sponsors of this honorary event, for registration and other details.
Registration for the race, applications for vendors and donations and volunteers are welcome to help make this community event a success. Participation is encouraged from all who would like to be part of this special event including churches, schools, business and service organizations, clubs, farmers, merchants, artists, medical professionals and others. Visit HHWA.org for more details.
Acts of Seva and selfless community service contribute to the health of others and the world around us. As we grow in our capacity to humbly give, we develop in grace and joy while our inner connection to humanity begins to blossom. These expressions come from the heart and are successful when people enjoy them. Be part of the Huntingdon Health and Wellness celebrations this year and engage yourself and family in educational and entertaining opportunities that promote a healthy and happy life.