Exhibit Hall, Wellness Pavilion draw large crowds
Elsy Mecklembourg-Guibert did not know that animal fur was a trigger for asthma. Environmental pollution, she knew, but not fur. Then the vice president of New York’s Elmont Union Free School District visited the Health and Wellness Pavilion on the opening day of the NSBA Annual Conference.
Mecklembourg-Guibert, who was attending the conference for the second time with her board president Pamela Byers and board colleague Aubrey Phillips, said she had a particular interest in health issues, which was why she was checking out the Health and Wellness Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall.
The health pavilion, co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and NSBA’s School Health Program, was one of many features on the exhibit floor that piqued the interest of conference-goers on the opening day. The show floor was packed on Saturday morning and again Saturday afternoon.
The American Heart Association was offering a self-training CPR manual, DVD, and mannequin kit for districts that want more employees trained on life-saving techniques.
Merrilee Sweet, the association’s director of community programs, said the pavilion was a good chance for conference-goers to find out more in-depth information about health and wellness and what her organization can offer.
“A lot of people are interested in health issues,” she said.
Attendees can also find out about the breadth of information offered by NSBA’s School Health Programs and pick up handy plastic water bottles as well. The health pavilion also features fitness assessments and challenges from members of the Orange County Fire and Rescue Department.
One exhibitor, REMO, Inc., was a part of the health pavilion, and another feature of the floor show, Music Main Street, USA. REMO representatives gave a demonstration of Health Rhythms, a drumming program for children that reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts the immune system.
The program integrates wellness and curriculum, said Health Rhythms Manager Alyssa Janney. Attendees can stop by REMO’s booth 331 to try out the drums and learn more about the program from company representative Craig Woodson.
Other Music Main Street USA exhibitors include Yamaha Musical Products, NAMM—the International Music Products Association—Sibelius, Wenger, VH1 Save the Music Foundation, Disney Youth Group Programs, and Talking Tabs.
Joseph Trimarchi, board president of Pennsylvania’s Indiana Area School District, and board member Amy Todd of the Carmichaels Area School District in Carmichaels, Pa., took in the scene in the hall. Trimarchi said this was his fourth time at NSBA’s conference. “It looks great,” he said.
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