By CHRISTINE L. PRATT
Staff Writer
With a chain saw demonstration, a lighting demonstration, a talk about sharing the road with snow plows and a mock emergency, plans for the Amish Health and Safety Day are in their final stage.
To-date, more than 20 participants have requested booth space at the event, now in its 12th year; the educational event has grown exponentially since the first year, when it attracted about 750 guests.
For years, one of the most popular booths was that of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which included a simulator to accompany educational information on hunter safety. This year, the display will be absent from the event, according to Suzanne Snyder, program director for Holmes County Safe Communities, which helps to sponsor the annual event.
Coalition members, hearing the display was not available, discussed alternatives, and it was noted the ODNR boating safety display, which will be included in the event, is much needed.
"That's one thing we really need to stress with our people ... the water stuff," said member Daniel Weaver, who was instrumental in starting the event.
Much debate also centered around the tradition of giving away bike helmets. While Snyder suggested moving to safety vests as a giveaway, it was determined a need still exists for bike helmets.
While the girls, because of their head coverings, opt not to wear the helmets, the boys do, said Weaver. But they're not wearing them all the time, and seldom are the helmets seen in use.
"I think we have to go a step further on bike helmets. I wish we could see more bike helmets. I think we could do better with it," said Weaver.
Tami Bucklew noted, in her capacity as school nurse for the East Holmes School District, many children indicated there were not enough helmets, and often family members are forced to share one or two.
Although it has yet to be confirmed if Pomerene Hospital will again donate bikes to be given away, as in the past, Holmes County Health Commissioner Dr. D.J. McFadden said, "Philosophically, I have a hard time giving bikes away and not giving away helmets. I will donate the helmets personally. We had three kids die recently. For me, the message we want to send in Holmes County is helmets are very important."
Safe Routes to School is "looking at doing something (with reflectorized tape) with lunch boxes," said Dona Roberts. "The thought is that kids lose arm or leg bands, but they won't forget their lunch boxes."
The traditional chicken barbecue, bake sale and visit from MedFlight also are on the agenda for the Aug. 10 event, this year being held at Keim Lumber in Charm.
Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at 330-674-1811 or e-mail cpratt@the-daily-record.com.