FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 May, 2023
(Shawnee, OK) — Several community organizations throughout Shawnee will present Health Week 2023 from May 27-June 3.
“Avedis Foundation appreciates the many wonderful organizations who have partnered with the Foundation to present Health Week 2023," stated president and CEO Kathy Laster. "This year's Health Week steering committee, led by Audrey Seeliger, External Relations-Special Events Director, will offer a week of family-friendly activities that will bring the community together for a fun and healthy kickoff to summer," Laster added.
Health Week will feature events throughout Shawnee for all age groups. All of the week’s activities are designed to promote healthy habits and active lifestyles, keys to positive outcomes for individuals of all ages. Events are free and open to the public.
Representing several community organizations, members of the steering committee include Kerri Foster and Amy Riggins (Shawnee Recreation), Andrea Beck (StrongHER) , Lindsay Goodson, Suhaila Nease and Korie Perez from Pottawatomie Go (Pogo), Taylor Bivings (Gateway to Prevention and Recovery), Mike Jobe (Shawnee Family YMCA), Travis Flood and Chad Burdine (Community Renewal).
Korie Perez, Marketing and Communications Manager for Pottawatomie Go (Pogo), draws a close connection between Health Week and Pogo’s organizational focus on healthier, more active lifestyles. “Health Week is all about collaboration, well-being and fun!” Perez observes. “In short, it’s a great opportunity to engage with family, friends and community in healthy ways,” she concluded.
Amy Riggins, Recreation Facility Supervisor for the City of Shawnee, noted two events that promote a more active lifestyle. “Celebrating National Senior Health and Fitness Day is a great way to acknowledge that anyone can benefit from staying active!” Riggins said. “Our inaugural Glow Pickleball Play Night (for all ages) promises to be creative and colorful!” Riggins added.
Health Week 2023 kicks off Saturday, May 27 at 6 pm with a proclamation by Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt at Splash Water Park. The week’s highlights include:
• Health Week Keynote Speaker, Tuesday, May 30 (11:30 am-1:30 pm) at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center (1700 W. Independence), featuring nationally recognized expert in the science of hope, Dr. Chan Hellman; Dr. Hellman will present “The Science and Power of Hope,” along with an evidence-based framework that provides tools to nurture and restore hope. Admission is free. Avedis Foundation kindly encourages guests to register at avedisfoundation.org. The event will also be live streamed on Facebook Live: facebook.com/avedisfoundation;
• “Summer Grillin’ and Chillin’” Cooking Demo, Tuesday, May 30 (6 pm-7 pm) with Andrea Beck, Registered Dietitian, and Pottawatomie Go’s Lindsay Goodson, sponsored by Pottawatomie Go (Pogo) and StrongHER, at the CPN Festival Grounds (1702 Gordon Cooper Drive). Healthy, fast summer recipes will be featured for participants to sample;
• National Senior Health and Fitness Day, Wednesday, May 31 (come and go, 8 am-3 pm), sponsored by Shawnee Parks and Recreation, to take place at the Shawnee Recreation Center (401 N. Bell Street). This day of fitness activities for adults 55 and older will feature a lineup of activities, including a free morning health fair from 9-11:30 am, fitness classes, and pickleball;
• Bark in the Park, Wednesday, May 31 (5:30 pm-7 pm, weather permitting), sponsored by Pottawatomie Go (Pogo), Shawnee Parks and Recreation, Shawnee Animal Shelter and The Doggie Spot, at the Mary Maxine Williamson Dog Park (Darrien Gordon Drive, Shawnee). Food trucks, drool-worthy door prizes, pet portraits and a Sniff-ari search game are a few of the pup-centered activities planned. Leashes are required;
• Glow Pickleball Play Night - Thursday, June 1 (6-9 pm), sponsored by Shawnee Parks and Recreation, at Shawnee Recreation Center (401 N. Bell St.). This evening of pickleball play includes music by DJ Brad, face painting, a costume contest, a photo booth and more for all ages;
• Teen Movie Night, Friday, June 2 (7:30-10 pm), sponsored by Gateway to Prevention and Youth ACCT Pottawatomie County (36609 W. 45th St.); for grades 6-12, a special screening of Mamma Mia under the stars, including a 1970s costume contest. Bring a blanket; snacks provided. In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled for Friday, June 9 from 7:30-10 pm;
• National Healthy Kids Day with The “Y”, Saturday, June 3 (10 am-2 pm, rain or shine), sponsored by Shawnee YMCA (New event location: Gordon Cooper Technology Center, Public Safety Center Building, 1 John C. Bruton Blvd.); games, inflatables, an imagination station, fun run/walk, Smoothie bike, a free throw competition and more activities for kids to celebrate what makes healthy kids;
• Disc Golf Tournament on the OBU Campus, Saturday, June 3 (1 pm); sponsored by Community Renewal and OBU (Hole #1 is located on the OBU Campus behind Taylor Dorm, north of MacArthur on Raley Drive). This family-friendly tournament features fun and competitive play for beginners and intermediate skill levels in Men’s/Women’s/Kids’ (17 and under) divisions, with prizes for the winners;
• Instructor-led fitness classes, presented daily, May 27-June 3 (times vary), on Facebook Live, sponsored by the Shawnee YMCA; follow the Shawnee YMCA Facebook page for schedule at facebook.com/shawneeymca;
Additional details and updates for all 2023 Health Week events may be found at bit.ly/HealthWeek23.
