East Panhandle Times

Gerrardstown Elementary School recently held a Winter Wellness event, inviting families to explore physical and mental wellness resources provided by local businesses. The event aimed to offer a space for families to disconnect from daily routines and focus on health and well-being.

Shannon Hess, the school counselor who helped organize the gathering, explained the purpose behind it: “We all know that mental health should be a priority,” Hess said. “During these busy times, it’s nice to take a pause and just take a night to spend time together. This event also gives people the chance to see what resources are available in the community.”

The event featured 16 stations divided into different sections. Families started at the welcome center before moving to the cafeteria, where nutrition was discussed. Guests received an apple and water, while students engaged with a pretend grocery store exercise focused on healthy food choices.

In the gymnasium, participants could try animal yoga, learn about programs offered by Planet Fitness and Berkeley County Parks and Recreation, and converse with Musselman High School athletes about future opportunities as Applemen.

Physical education teacher Nathan Schweinebraten presented a project mapping local areas for exercise and play—a resource he developed during his college years at West Virginia University. “There are a ton of places to go in the area, but they aren’t well known,” Schweinebraten noted. “This map helps tell people about what’s available to help them get out and get moving.”

Additional activities included talks with a dental hygienist, ambulance tours, haircuts, and more. A station dedicated to mental health introduced kids to techniques like the “Power of Pause” for managing stress. The Chick-fil-A cow made an appearance as well, interacting with children and distributing free meal cards.

Hess expressed gratitude towards participating businesses: “This event will help families because it exposes them to all the things Berkeley County has to offer,” she said. The main objective was connecting families with available community resources amidst growing business developments in the area.