THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 1, 1996 TAG: 9604300143
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER BENNETT, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
On the fun side, there's pony riding, face painting, bean bag tossing, story telling, cookie decorating and Mother's Day card making.
On the practical side will be eye and dental checks, health screenings, immunizations and child safety programs.
It's all scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at KIDfest '96 at the First Baptist Church of Virginia Beach at Holly Road and 35th Street.
In this, the church has embarked on a mission to offer stimulating activities for kids while giving health screenings, immunizations and information - all for free. ``We're providing (activities) that are mutually beneficial for children and parents,'' said Penny Stant, event chairperson.
In the chapel, Virginia Beach police officer Robert Mathieson will talk about ``stranger danger'' and area psychologist, Alice Twining, will speak on parenting. The Rev. Douglas Plumlee, church minister of music, will lead a sing-a-long segment and Spectrum Puppet Productions will present its performing poodles and roller skating elephant in the ``Wildlife Follies'' puppet show. Popular local storyteller, Susan Corbett also will share her tales.
``While the emphasis is on fun and entertainment, the underlying theme is safety and health,'' said Ginger Baxter, one of the 25-member organizing committee.
Children can have their eyes and teeth checked or shots updated. Parents are encouraged to bring their children's shot records for the doctors' reference, Baxter said.
The church's spacious fellowship hall and parlor will bustle with games, giveaways and energy. Members of Glenwood Baptist Church will paint faces and blow up balloons. With the Women's Missionary Union of First Baptist, children will decorate cookies. Tots can make cards for their moms with the Sunday school's preschool department. Food will be for sale.
With its original and extended structure, which includes two sanctuaries, the 88-year-old church is prepared for at least 400 toddlers to school-age children.
``We have such a large facility, we thought we'd open our doors to the community,'' Stant said, ``to let them know we're here and we care.''
The action will even extend into the neighborhood. Blocked off during the event, 35th street between Holly Road and Arctic Avenue will be filled with excitement, said organizers. Featured outdoor events include a petting zoo, pony rides, fire trucks, games and prizes.
This effort was fully funded by the church congregation, according to Stant. The idea originated from her desire to warn her 5-year-old son about strangers. KIDfest '96 evolved from her various conversations with fellow church members about the issues.
Stant formed an ad hoc committee and presented the concept to a supportive church membership, she said. No funds had been earmarked in the church's annual budget, therefore church and community members donated enough finances and resources to make the program a reality, said the Rev. Ted James, the pastor.
This came as no surprise to Baxter. ``Within the confines of the church, the commitment to children is extremely sincere,'' Baxter said.
James said the event was organized for Samaritan, rather than recruitment purposes. ``This is not a day of indoctrination, but a day of doing something for the community.'' MEMO: WHEN & WHERE
KIDfest '96 with free arts and crafts, games and medical screenings for
children will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist
Church of Virginia Beach at 35th Street and Holly Road. Call 428-6562. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS
J.C. Stant holds ``Blackberry'' the rabbit, Master Firefighter Bobby
Muers shows a kitten from the SPCA and Penny Stant, Kidfest
coordinator, cuddles ``Princess.'' The animals will provide some of
the fun at KIDfest.
by CNB