43
Struthers City Schools to host first safety fair Monday
By EMMALEE C. TORISK
STRUTHERS
Superintendent Joseph Nohra said he’s anticipating a great turnout at the district’s first safety fair, but admitted that high attendance numbers are not what’s most important.
“If we save one life from it, we did our job,” Nohra said.
The safety fair will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Struthers High School, 111 Euclid Ave. It’s a free family event — open to all community members — that will provide safety tips and information for all ages, along with entertainment, food and giveaways.
Nohra said the idea for the safety fair arose during a meeting of the district’s crisis and safety committee, which includes representatives from law enforcement and district administrators, back in September.
During this meeting, Nohra expressed his concern over gun safety, particularly for elementary-age children, and Gary Mudryk, the city’s fire chief and a member of the committee, expanded upon that concern.
Mudryk suggested an event that would address gun-safety issues, as well as “a whole host” of other issues that jeopardize the safety and well-being of the district’s elementary, middle and high school students, Nohra said.
Both Mudryk and Yvonne Wilson, the juvenile diversion officer for Struthers City Schools, began planning the safety fair shortly afterward.
The event “is to raise awareness of preventable tragedies, so they don’t occur. There’s everything from furniture tip-overs, to bike safety, to what happens if something catches on fire while you’re cooking,” Wilson said. “It’s for our kids and our families, and will provide all the safety tips that they need.”
She added that several organizations have partnered with the school district for the event.
Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, for example, will tackle car seat, bicycle and poison safety, and will raffle off a booster seat; while the YMCA will offer information on water safety; and MedSafe will raffle a prescription lock box.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol will share winter-driving tips, and representatives from the AT&T “It Can Wait” Campaign will have a texting-while-driving simulator — and give participants the opportunity to sign the pledge to never text and drive.
Information on Internet, gun and cooking safety will also be available, as will free smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and gun locks, among other safety tools.
Nohra noted that the safety fair will include a question and answer session regarding the district’s drug testing program; it will begin at 7:15 p.m. He said community members will then have the opportunity to offer feedback, and also pose any questions or concerns, about the program.
All who attend the safety fair will be entered into raffles for gift cards to several local businesses. Face painting and refreshments will be provided, too, along with entertainment from the Aut Mori Grotto clowns.
Mudryk explained that his intention was simply to create a “fun night” that both students and their parents want to attend, and added that he’s hopeful the safety fair will become an annual tradition.
“If kids are able to have a hot dog, see some clowns and learn, they might be more willing to come,” Mudryk said. “We hope word gets out, and that we can grow year to year on this.”
Businesses and organizations that have donated to the effort — through monetary, giveaway or gift-card contributions — are Belleria Pizza, Campbell Hardware, Chasen Perfection Nail Gallery, Dona Vito’s Italian Grille, Ernie’s Barber Shop, Holiday Bowl, La Villa Sports Bar and Grill, Los Gallos Mexican Restaurant, Lowe’s, Pizza Joe’s, Ram Tuff Muffler, Rick’s Detailing, Sam’s Club, Steel Valley Fitness, and the Struthers Fraternal Order of Police.