Trending
The Right Path wraps up 19th year
The Right Path for Washington County wrapped up an incredible 19 years with swim parties and mini farmer's markets for youth and families. With 17 events and our end of Summer Block Party, it was a whirlwind.
Research shows how very important it is for families to spend time together, playing games and having fun. The sense of family and community being built is bigger than we could have foreseen. Our Friday night Family Night at the Marietta Aquatic Center has grown to include parties in Belpre and Beverly. Thanks to a great rate with the city of Marietta and free nights in Belpre thanks to Belpre Heights United Methodist Church and free nights in Beverly thanks to the Fort Frye's Wellness Committee, we have continued to prioritize the importance of family. Putting aside the daily grind and just being together strengthens protective factors and reduces risky behaviors in youth.
This is where our mini farmer's market project began. During the pandemic we brainstormed ideas to keep us connected to our youth and families with the closing of the community pools. We decided to build on the market idea we introduced the previous summer and make it bigger and better. Our concept was to host a free mini farmer's market for kids to shop for fresh produce introducing them to a variety of fruits and vegetables they had never tasted before. It was a beautiful thing to see eyes light up when blackberries and varieties of grapes and peaches were enjoyed and appreciated. After this first market our board decided that if we never did anything else, we were going to continue the markets, somehow! GoPacks was our partner and Witten Market provided our produce after we were able to raise the funds to buy the produce outright and give it all away. We never looked back.
We know that healthy choices begin by thinking about what we put in our bodies to fuel our brain, body and thoughts; healthy mind, body and spirit. What better way to connect us than sitting around a dinner table with friends and family? It all begins with healthy choices and healthy food. When we think about respecting ourselves, our bodies, our healthy choices; we begin to think about those things that make us unhealthy; drugs, alcohol, and anything that puts us at risk from realizing our dreams. We are enough; healthy mind, spirit and body. I can't stress this enough. This is a great prevention strategy! The continuum of care: sounds pretty simple.
We were able to raise $19,000 to host 5 markets in June, July, August, September and we want to thank our funders! Washington County Behavioral Health Board, Sisters Health Fund, Belpre Area Community Development Foundation, Peoples Bank, Marietta Welfare League, WV Credit Union, Elks Club, Superior Toyota and the fundraising efforts of The Right Path Board. We thank you from the bottom of our heart for your commitment to the youth of our communities. They truly are our future and we want them to be healthy and up to the challenge of continuing the spirit of giving!
Our markets; we have River City Farmer's Market and Bob's Greenhouse provide our fresh produce. Our first market was held at our first Friday Family Night pool party. Kiwanis celebrated their 100 year anniversary with admission for the first 100 kids to the Marietta Aquatic Center (MAC), and partnered with The Right Path and GoPacks to pack the MAC and share our many community resources/amenities. Our second market was in partnership with Belpre Heights United Methodist Church who provided free admission and food. Our third market was held at the Beverly Pool, partnering with Fort Frye's Wellness Committee, who provide free admission and healthy snacks. Special thanks to these 2 wonderful partners. We hope to partner again next year as The Right Path celebrates 20 years.
Our fourth market was a special event. We wanted to hold this market at the Gospel Mission so we could have a market in Harmar Village. We knew the Mission had an annual back to school backpack giveaway and we hoped adding a market would make it even bigger. After speaking with Director Candy Waite we heard the event was not happening this year due to the loss of their backpack provider. I made a call to Huntington Bank's Barb Close and the bank provided 300 backpacks and school supplies. Those of us living in our community know you can pick up the phone and find someone willing to help out. Thanks to Barb Close and Huntington Bank for continuing this "BackPack Extravaganza," as we called it. What made this event even more special was partnering with MHS Coach Austin Gardner's Basketball Team. These amazing young Guys carried produce, bagged it and helped kids and families pick out their produce, backpacks and picked up the slack wherever needed. They really know the meaning of teamwork. Thanks to Candy and Jeff Waite for helping to make this happen.
Our fifth and final market of the year was held on September 17, celebrating Recovery Month. Families were able to shop the market and share resources and fellowship with each other. Any produce that was left at the end of each market was shared with local pantries and the resource center.
I also want to thank our Family Night pool party sponsors. These are community stakeholders who shared resources and talents with our kids and their families. GoPacks, Kiwanis, MOVE, House of Hope, Fort Frye Wellness Committee and their partners, Ely Chapman Education Foundation, Wendy's, Brightview, Community Action, Belpre Heights United Methodist Church, Southeastern Ohio Counseling Center, WC Health Dept and Spero Health.
Thanks to The Right Path Board and our volunteers Greg Siegfried/Iheart Media, Jen Miller, Gary Williams and his granddaughter, Judge Williams/Juvenile Court for our DJ at every event, Mike Bishman/Premier Productions, our DJ Pat Horner, Kim Horner, Doug Terrell/Wendy's, Tara Plaugher, David Browne/ WC Behavioral Health Board, WMOA Radio/John Wharff/Ben Marshall, The Marietta Times, our many supporters and funders, city of Marietta, Belpre, Beverly and most importantly, our kids and their families. If I have left anyone out I apologize and thank you for your continued support.
Find us on Facebook and join our market project for 2023! Ralph Waldo Emerson says it best: "It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
Cathy Harper
Marietta