A Healthy Start!

January is a time of new beginning and fresh starts, and for many, a resolve to live a healthier life.  As a society we've struggled with the economic and social impact of obesity and unhealthy living, and 2010 brought an increase in the health-consciousness of America.  Many of us are starting to take a greater interest in not only what we eat but in how it's grown and where it comes from.  And we've realized that we have to start building this awareness in our children.

Last year, the filmmaker's behind "The Fat Boy Chronicles" attended Effingham's own AHA Film Festival.  Inspired by a true story, The Fat Boy Chronicles reveals the emotionally painful world obese teens experience in the face of a thin-obsessed society.  This visit inspired teachers, students and community members in Effingham, raising our consciousness and resulting in several initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle.

One motivated group was the Effingham County CEO class, which decided to plan a Community Wellness Day, offering a number of activities that focus on fitness and wellness.  The FIT (Facing it Together) Fam Jam will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Effingham Performance Center and will include the Effingham premiere of "the Fat Boy Chronicles".

Chef Niall and the firefly grill will start the event off with a cooking demonstration at 4 p.m.  Chef Niall plans on .....  Fitness Activities start at 5 p.m., and include a corporate challenge where teams will compete in challenges (some physical and some gathering information) and a kids scavenger hunt sponsored by the Cincinnati Reds.
 

 Former NFL player Brett Fischer will give a fitness demonstration.  Fischer is a personal trainer and CEO of Gr8 Fitness, a company that helps people reach their fitness goals through creating wellness programs based on personality types.  Jamie Ramsey:  Cincinnati Reds, author of a popular MLB blog will also be on hand, along with the film's writers and producers.

General Admission tickets are $5, and VIP tickets are $50 each.  Tickets are available through the Effingham Performance Center's website, CEO students, and county High School and Jr. High Offices.  The VIP event includes special seating and parking, a reception catered by the Firefly, a meet-and-greet with actors, filmmakers, authors, and guests, and a gift bag.

Alexis Teichmiller, CEO student, is excited about the event.  "This is our effort to bring our community together," she said. " Obesity and bullying kind of go together for kids, and we want to create a positive and supportive atmosphere where healthy choices, exercise, and family are the focus."  The firefly is proud to be a part of this community event.

Birthdays, firefly style

Catherine Willenborg didn't want just any old pizza party for her 9th birthday.  She wanted a make-your-own pizza party, one that the firefly was happy to help with!  Young hands were busy rolling dough, spreading sauce and thoughtful decisions were made about toppings as each child perfected their creation and handed it over to be baked. "We wanted to do some sort of cooking party....I thought the Firefly would be an excellent choice because the pizza oven was so close to the counter area," said Mom Melissa.   "I didn't know how hands on they would let them get, but they really got to do everything except make the dough (though, they did get to stretch it!).  The kids also got a tour of the kitchen, heard the story of the firefly, and talked with Kristie about the environment and being green.

Her little brother loved it so much that he told his mom that he wants his party at firefly in June.  "It was a perfect place to hold the party.  I considered doing it myself, because I love to cook and have double ovens.  But, there is no substitute for great pizza dough and a real pizza oven.  I really didn't have to do a thing.  I helped pass out some of the toppings, because I wanted to help, but the firefly really took care of everything.  The girls also loved the upside down ice cream cones at the end of the party.  It was the perfect sweet treat to end the party," added Melissa.

 

This was something new for us at the firefly and we're so glad Melissa came to us with the idea.  There are so many possibilities in the summer...kids feeding the fish, picking their own ingredients from the garden, and playing games on the lawn.  We loved having the kids and they definitely had a blast - but so did we!

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