On Sept. 14, over 500 members of the Connetquot school community came together for a day of health and wellness during Community Wellness Day.

Held at the Connetquot Public Library, more than 40 wellness vendor tables filled both the library and adjoining parking lot of Connetquot School District’s central office building. The day was filled with activities and exercise initiatives, including Zumba, mindful yoga, karate, Kerboomkidz and painting classes. Additionally, the Suffolk County Police Department offered a NARCAN training and presented “Shed the Meds,” showing how to properly discard unwanted or expired medication to help prevent prescription drug abuse.

The Bohemia Fire Department provided a “smoke house” which is a simulated experience showing students what they could expect should they have to navigate a smoke-filled area. They also reviewed the equipment firemen and women use. Molloy College joined with their Community Care mobile clinic, providing free health screenings. While students and their families perused the many vendor tables, they enjoyed great food and music from DJ Kevin Nitzsche.

Through many generous donations, free raffles were offered to all attendees, including a team autographed Islander’s jersey as one of the prizes.

This year, the event was sponsored by Youth Enrichment Services and Islip Goes Purple, an initiative designed to unite the Town of Islip in raising awareness of mental health, substance use disorder and celebrating those in recovery.

Click here to view the Community Wellness Day slideshow.

Date Added: 9/18/2024