Welcome!
Although the weather was not very conducive to bicycling during Bike to Work Week in May, we'd like to congratulate those who toughed out the conditions. Those folks were able to get exercise during their commute, save some gas money and save pollutants from entering our environment. If you were not able to participate, don't let it get you down. You have all summer and even most of fall to start biking to work.
Also, with summer just around the corner, you'll soon have access to a variety of fresh local produce thanks to your local farmers' markets. Not sure where to find a farmers' market near you? See the schedule below for more information. This information was compiled by the Licking County OSU Extension Office.
Sincerely,
Kate White Photo courtesy of The Denisonian
Licking County Wellness Coalition Chair
Licking County Farmer's Markets
Granville:
Saturdays, May 22-October 23; 8:30-Noon; North Main Street & Broadway
Tuesdays, June 22-September 14; 4:00-7:00pm; Main Street at Ross' Granville Market parking lot
Contact: Granville Area Chamber of Commerce- Larry Strayer: 323-6208
Johnstown:
Saturdays, June 19-October 23; 9:00-Noon; The Square in downtown Johnstown
Wednesdays, July 14-September 29; 4:00-7:00pm; The Square in downtown Johnstown
Contact: Pat Kramer: 967-8388
Newark:
Fridays, June 11-September 24; 3:00-6:00pm; 3rd Street in Newark (next to McDonald's)
Contact: Newark Chamber of Commerce- Vicky Crist: 345-9757
Pataskala:
Fridays, June 4-September 10; 4:00-7:00pm; Pataskala Square parking lot (behind Chase bank)
Contact: Pataskala Area Chamber of Commerce- Zoe Latimer: 964-6100
Utica:
Wednesdays, June 16-September 22; 3:00-6:00pm; Velvet Ice Cream
Contact: Velvet Ice Cream- Andre Dager: 892-3921
Change Gears: Ride a Bike- Ride for your Health a Success!
 Despite the high winds and unseasonably cold temperature, the first annual Change Gears "Ride for Your Health" was a success on Saturday, May 8, 2010. While only 20 of the 57 pre-registered riders participated in the event, 14 made the 30 mile round trip to Johnstown and back to Advantage Fitness West (AFW) on West Main Street - Newark. Riders from 9 years old to 83 years young took to the bike trail and had a great time.
Pit Stops were setup in Granville, Alexandria and Johnstown, providing water and granola bars to everyone out on the trail during the event. A healthy lunch awaited the riders when they returned from their trip.
“This event could not have been possible without the help of our sponsors,” said Joe Ebel, Licking County Health Commissioner. “We’d really like to thank Advantage Fitness Clubs, Bayer Foundation, Christy’s Pizza and the Licking County United Way.” Look for the second annual "Ride for Your Health" in May 2011. Given the positive feedback we heard from the riders this year, you don't want to miss next year's ride!
6th Annual Kickin' Ash Splash
 The 6th annual KICKIN' ASH SPLASH, sponsored by the Licking County Health Department, Licking County Wellness Coalition, Licking Memorial Hospital, Park National Bank and Time Warner Cable, will be held at the Heath City Water Park on July 10, 2010 from 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm. The event will celebrate our community and their choice to be tobacco, alcohol and drug free. It will also encourage residents to get healthy by choosing fun activities and healthy snacks.
Health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke can result from poor nutrition and lack of exercise. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "based on current overweight and obesity trends, one-third of today's children will develop diabetes over their lifetime."
Everyday, 3,000 kids will smoke their first cigarette. That is more than 1 million teens a year and nearly one-third of them will die from a tobacco related illnesses. Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death and illness.
While kids are riding the water slides and dancing to the music, there will still be time for everyone to realize there are alternatives to using tobacco and other drugs. Admission is $2.00/person (Free for Heath City Water Park Members). For more information, please contact Mary Richardson at 740-349-6535 or via e-mail at mrichardson@lickingcohealth.org.
National Trails Day
National Trails Day will be held nationwide on Saturday, June 5, 2010. According to the
 American Hiking Society, "National Trails Day is the only nationwide celebration of trails, it brings awareness to trails and thanks many people and partners for their support and hard work, including volunteers, land agencies, and outdoor minded businesses. It is also a day to introduce people to the many joys and benefits of trails."
Sadly there are no events in Licking County to promote National Trails Day. If you would like to organize an event in your community visit the American Hiking Society's Event Organizers Manual. To find your happy place, visit the Licking Park District, the Black Hand Gorge or the Dawes Arboretum. On June 5th, find a local trail in your area or maybe try a trail that you have never visited before. Hiking is a great form of physical activity and a great way to connect with nature.
MORPC Soliciting Applications for Transportation Funding in Licking County
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is now soliciting applications for funding from local public agencies for transportation projects and programs located in the City of Pataskala and Etna Township in Licking County. MORPC is accepting requests for federal funding that is available in State Fiscal Years 2012 to 2019.
A workshop on the funding process will be held on Wednesday, June 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at MORPC. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Brenda Noe at 614-233-4146 or bnoe@morpc.org.
Initial applications for funding are due on Friday, June 25, 2010. An online Initial Application Form will be available on MORPC’s website beginning June 1, 2010. The documents detailing the principles and procedures for the project selection process, including application forms, are available on MORPC’s website.
Please direct comments and questions about the application process to Nathaniel Vogt at 614-233-4183 or tip@morpc.org.
Sun Safety
Do you know how to protect yourself from the sun? It only takes a few simple steps to keep you and your loved ones safe.
1) Avoid the sun between 10:00am and 4:00pm when it's the strongest
2) Wear sun-protective clothing when exposed to sunlight (hat, shirt, sunglasses, etc.)
3) Use sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher
4) Avoid artificial sources of ultra-violet (UV) light which could cause burns or other skin damage (tanning beds, sun lamps, etc)
5) Avoid getting a sunburn
6) Schedule regular appointments with your dermatologist- most skin cancers can be treated if detected early
As skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, self screening can be your partner in early detection. When looking at your moles, try to remember ABCD, if you notice any of the following make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible.
A- Asymmetry: one half of the mole does not match the other half
B- Border Irregularity: the edges of the mole are ragged, notched or blurred
C- Color: if the pigmentation is not uniform, with variable colors (tan, brown and/or black)
D- Diameter: if your mole is greater than six millimeters, or if there is any sudden or progressive increase in the size of your mole.
For more information on skin cancer prevention, please visit the American Cancer Society.
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