Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 15 June 2006 — Page 22

Page 22 • The Muncie Times • June 15, 2006

Second Annual Clean Air Fair Honors the late Dr. Nicki Turner

By Judy Mays The second annual Dr. Nicki Turner Clean Air

tion to encourage those who use tobacco to quit and for those who don’t to never start.

sortium of coalitions in every county promoting youth led advocacy. Over 450 students in

The Tobacco Free Coalitions of Delaware County offer information on how to quit tobacco use

Fair kicked off the event with convocations at Northside and Wilson Middle Schools and Southside Middle Schools. An estimated 1,500 students were engaged by the interactive presentation of anti-tobac-co rapper and youth motivational speaker, Sterlen Barr. Barr, along with Special Effect, a group of dancers who travel across the country with him, delivered a high energy presentation using facts on the harmful effects of tobacco use, tobacco industry manipulation, humor, personal experience and audience participation. The principals, teachers and students were all impacted by the presenta-

“This is the best convocation we’ve had all year,” said Derrick Jamerson, assistant principal at Northside. The following comment was made by a Southside High School student: “I really enjoyed the presentation. Me and a few friends just wanted to tell you that you did a great job of getting the message through to all of us. My boyfriend has decided to stop smoking along with some others I talk to. We are wondering how to become a member of Voice.” Voice is the statewide youth movement directed by middle and high school students to address tobacco control and industry manipulation. It is a con-

Muncie/Delaware County signed up for Voice during the convocations and at the Saturday Fair held at Head Start (formerly

Claypool School). The Dr. Nicki Turner Clean Air Fair is celebrated annually to commemorate Asthma month and The pioneering work of The late Dr. Turner who worked fervently to educate on the dangers of tobacco use. Sponsored by the Asthma Foundation of Ball Memorial Hospital, Minority Tobacco Coalition of Delaware County, Tobacco Free Coalition of Delaware County, Medical Consultants Inc, and Head Start/Action Inc. Over three hundred people came many of them parents who said their children told them about the convocation. Publicized as a day for clean air fun for the family, attendees once again enjoyed the presentation of Mr. Barr as well as magician Wayne Hinkel, Butterfly and Buther

(clowns) and the Muncie Black Expo princesses and queens who served a variety of Baskin and Robbins ice cream cups. Other activities included a climbing wall, dragon and jumping house. Also screenings and informational booths were available. The public was served hot dogs, chips and sodas all at no cost. Beside the food, and fellowship, the Asthma Foundation provides scholarships for youth with asthma to attend a summer camp sponsored by the American Lung Association (ALA). Former health educator and chair of last year’s event, Carol McDonald created a hanging memorial quilt in memory of Dr. Turner highlighting photos of the first fair. Sharon K. Adams was the chair of this year’s event.

Anti- Tobacco rapper, youth motivational speaker, Sterlen Barr talks to some of the youth about the dangers of tobacco use.