def #113 05/22/08

FESTIVAL AND HEALTH FAIR COMBINES DANCE, MUSIC AND GOOD HEALTH; VENEZUELAN ACTOR/AUTHOR RICARDO GARCIA TO HOST

LAKEWOOD – Combining entertainment including a Zumba Latin dance demonstration with an opportunity to receive free health screenings are just some highlights of the upcoming free SpringFest and Health Fair scheduled for Saturday, May 31 at the Town Square, here.

Ricardo Garcia, famous for his appearances on Venezuelan soap operas such as Abigail, Gata Salvaje, Señora and more recently Angel Rebelde will host the festival which will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Garcia also is the author of La Dieta Del Ser, an inspirational book that helps the reader understand the connection between what they manifest in their lives as well as their thoughts and emotions.

“We are all looking forward to this wonderful event,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Senior Services. “I want to thank all the hosts and the organizations involved in putting together a day that will provide something for everyone, especially our seniors.”

The Health Fair is sponsored by Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey and the Ocean County Multicultural Senior Task Force. It includes free health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, skin cancer analysis and bone density. The mobile County Connection, which provides county government services on wheels, will be on hand to provide information as well as representatives from the many senior service agencies, which provide free assistance to the elderly throughout Ocean County.

“Holding a free health fair gives an opportunity for all members of the community to check up on their physical condition and educates the public on different health risks they might not be aware of,” Vicari noted. “Not only is this a chance to be tested for common health conditions, but a great way to spend a day and socialize with other residents in the area from different cultural backgrounds.”

Along with the free health screenings and information, the event promises to be fun and entertaining. Along with Ricardo Garcia, radio personality Miguel Mejias, local singing talent Carlos Cedenos and singing groups El Silencio, Majestic, Los Hermanos González, Alma Romántica and Majezza, will provide entertainment throughout the day. Garcia will lead a Zumba Latin dance demonstration with audience participation as well.

The event has the full-support of Lakewood Mayor Raymond Coles, and the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. The SpringFest also is being sponsored by many Lakewood businesses including Twin City Jewelers, La Sierra, El Familiar Restaurant, Investor Savings Bank, Taylor Pharmacy and Kansu Service Repair.

“The unique nature of this health fair gives the community a great way to start the summer season,” Vicari noted. “It’s a celebration of culture and health.”

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey is an interfaith, non-profit agency, which provides assistance to the homebound elderly to allow them to remain independent in their own homes. Over 1,000 volunteers help the elderly get to doctors visits, go grocery shopping, help with paper work for the visually impaired and provide relief to caregivers living at home with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Multicultural Senior Task Force is a coalition of community organizations and leaders who reach out to the diverse populations in Ocean County to let them know about available resources and foster communication between different communities.

“We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this day,” Vicari said. For more information about the SpringFest and Health Fair or to learn about the Multicultural Senior Task Force and Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, please call Monica Guerrero at 732.505.2273, ext. 203 or visit their web at www.caregivervolunteers.org.

to the Ocean County News Page