Fox Chapel Area School District and its municipalities collaborate for annual health, wellness and safety event

Dozens of Fox Chapel Area families braved the elements to support the school district’s Community Safety, Health & Wellness Event.

The annual collaboration of school resource officers, local emergency responders and nonprofits took place in the Aspinwall municipal parking lot on April 26.

Things got off to a rainy and windy start that morning, but things eased off into the afternoon.

Some attendees believe the Pirate Parrot brought the sun. The Pittsburgh ball club mascot took photos with the Little Foxes youth football and cheer program participants, as well as other attendees.

“We are so pleased with the turnout for the (event), despite cloudy skies and rain earlier in the morning,” said district community engagement specialist Jill Leonard. “We are grateful to all the first responders, community partners and sponsors who contributed to its success, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year as we continue to grow the event.”

District officials in announcements leading up to the event let the public know it would take place rain or shine. This was the second straight year there was rain.

Several district police, including Shannon Santucci and Dennis Lynch, served tender chicken kebabs, freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs, among other fare.

Officer Scott Bailey assisted with free bicycle helmet distribution and showed children the proper way to wear their new safety gear. The Aspinwall Police Department also had an informational booth.

District police Chief Joe Kozarian said interaction between municipal and school police officers is a crucial part of the event.

“The safety event is an extension of the relationships that Fox Chapel Area school resource officers develop and build every day with our students and staff,” Kozarian said. “The officers look forward to this event all year to see students outside the school and get to know them and their families better.”

Other activities included free blood pressure screenings and face painting from Foxwall EMS. Paramedic Dorian King brought Nakita, a one-year-old German Shepherd crisis dog in training.

There were inflatable basketball games, Girl Scouts sold cookies and several Fox Chapel Area school board members participated and gave away free pencils among other items. Little Foxes youth football and cheer program members played catch and had cheer demonstrations.

Fox Chapel Crew set up a rowing machine tended to by volunteer coach Becky McCormick. She showed users proper rowing techniques.

Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services brought one of its fire trucks for folks to explore, and provided some fire safety information.