DELAWARE WIC PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH THE COMMUNITY

The Delaware WIC Programhas recently been involvedin several outreach activi-

ties, partnering with other organi-zations in the community to pro-mote good nutrition and healthpractices.

The Food Bank of Delawarereceived a grant to provide boxesof non-perishable foods andnutrition education to pregnantand postpartum women, and theygraciously offered to providethese services to WIC clients inNew Castle County during themonth of March. Beverly Jackey,RD, nutritionist for the FoodBank, presented a nutrition classto several prenatal WIC clients at the Hudson State ServiceCenter in Newark, DE. Ms. Jackey utilized materials fromMyPyramid.gov and discussedrecommended weight gain goalsand portion sizes for variousfoods using food models. Clientswho participated in the class

MARWICT . I . M . E . SM I D - AT L A N T I C R E G I O N S U P P L E M E N TA L N U T R I T I O N P R O G R A M F O R W O M E N , I N F A N T S , A N D C H I L D R E N

■ Puerto Rico’s SanSebastian WIC GetsNutritious................Page 3

■ St. Croix GoodHope SchoolScience Fair SparksNutrition EducationActivity................Page 5

■ District of ColumbiaWIC ShowcasesNational NutritionMonth................Page 7

■ WV’s Elkins WICand Area AgenciesRaise AwarenessAgainst DomesticViolence ................Page 9

■ NJ’s NorthHudson WICProgram SpringsInto Good Health................Page 10

WEST VIRGINIA’S TSN/WIC PROGRAM CHOSEN AS A PILOT SITE OF THE SOLES 4 SOULS PROJECT

WIC participants are kicking uptheir heels and stepping out instyle this spring in their new

shoes provided by local podiatrist, Dr.Lenord Horwitz as part of the Soles 4Souls Project. Shoe manufacturers whoare members of Soles 4 Souls donateshoes to be given out to families inneed. Dr. Horwitz chose to donate 110pairs of Skechers canvas slip-ons to theTSN/WIC Program clinics in Bluefieldand Welch, West Virginia

Parents and TSN staff alike aredelighted with the smiles of the chil-dren as they try on their new shoes andpose for pictures during this pilot phase of the project.

“They’re asking about shoes for toddlers too,” comments TSN clerk Mary Williams, about the excited mothers and caregivers. Program Director Elva Clemons is optimistic about getting more varieties and sizes in the future.

The TSN/WIC Program would like to thank Dr. Horwitz for bringing so much joy into the lives of our participants. ■

KUDOS TO THE STAFF AT

PENNSYLVANIA’S MIFFLIN

JUNIATA WIC OFFICEBy Kathie Wagner, BSE, IBCLC,RLC, Family Health Council ofCentral PA, Inc.

This letter was received from aformer participant.

Please forgive the lengthydelay of this letter. I am writ-ing to inform you of the

excellent service I received fromthe Mifflin-Juniata WIC office inLewistown, PA. I received servicesfrom about 2000 until 2007. I wasexceedingly impressed with thecheerful and expedient service Ireceived from the ladies at the WICoffice. There was never complain-ing or gossiping, and the office wasalways neat, clean, and welcom-ing.

I’m grateful for the wonderfulservices provided by the Mifflin-Juniata County WIC offices. Theywere a great help to our family. ■

Continued on page 4

NUTRITION ON DISPLAY — Check out thecreative materials provided by WIC at theYMCA Kids’ Health Day.

CLASS IN SESSION — WIC participants listen as Nutritionist Beverly Jackey makesher presentation.

PROUD SHOE SHOWCASE — As participants enter the TSN/WIC clinic in Bluefield, WV, they are boldly met by Soles 4 Souls Project information.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED — WIC partici-pants, Alan and Corey Pendleton, prepare to wear their new shoes home from their WIC appointment.

The MARWIC TIMES newsletter is now available online at www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks

SUMMER 2008

Regional Training on New Food packageheld in Herndon, VA

As reported in the Winter issue ofMARWIC TIMES, the long-awaitednew WIC food packages, which had

not been changed for 30 years, were pub-lished in the Federal Register on December6, 2007. The new regulations require amagnitude of program changes, but are wellworth the adaptation. The revisions are inline with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines forAmericans, as well as infant feeding guide-lines of the American Academy of Pediatrics.The revisions also reflect the recommenda-tions made by the Institute of Medicine.

April 8-10, the Mid-Atlantic WIC FoodPackage Federal/State Workgroup met inHerndon, VA and shared new WIC food pack-age implementation strategies, developedmulti-state cost containment initiatives, andidentified areas for collaboration to preventduplication of effort. With the magnitude ofprogram changes the rule covers, the facilitat-ed sessions provided an opportunity for statesto work strategically and share initiatives, such

as medical documentation approval forms, ITplans, vendor management initiatives, partici-pant surveys, and various marketing strategies.

The first afternoon, Tuesday, includedgreetings and a presentation by Diana Torrice,Regional SFP Director, on how Americans’dietary habits have changed over the yearsand how timely the new food package is.This was followed by a presentation on thenew food package by Patti Mitchell, SeniorProgram Specialist of SFPD, who provided anoverview and update of the new regulations.This was followed by time for questions, animportant part of the session which continuedinto the following day when Debbie Whitford,Chief of the Policy Program DevelopmentBranch and Anne Bartholomew, Team Leader,and several other staff members, were avail-able the full day to participate in answeringquestions and other activities of the day.

On Wednesday, the states were dividedinto work groups where several states workedtogether on predetermined topics for brain-storming. On Thursday, a panel was con-vened whereby Mary Mickles (NJ State WICNutrition Coordinator), Donna Seward (VAState WIC Director) and Chris Harr (PA State

WIC Chief for Grants and Retail StoresSection) explained how they were addressingfood package issues through default foodpackage system (NJ), Work group involvement(VA), and concerns for vendor managers (PA).

The meeting provided additional time forstates to come together and work strategicallyon their work plans: both collectively inregional work groups on Wednesday, and thenon Thursday, in individual state staff workgroups to make strategic decisions. The ses-sions followed an approach that was useful indeveloping VENA strategies in 2006. The ses-sions will be facilitated by MARO SNP SectionChief Barbara Martin, who was instrumentalin planning for strategic sessions, to be heldfor the VENA meeting. The objective was forall state staff to leave the training meeting withsome of their goals for implementation inplace, and this was successfully realized. Staffwho participated included the WIC Directors,Nutritionists, Vendor Mangers and IT staff.

Regional projects for the new food packageinclude securing a multi-state infant formularebate, cross state public service announce-ments, and the development of a participantnotification marketing strategy.

2

MARWIC TIMES is funded by

the United States Department

of Agriculture, Mid-Atlantic

Region Office as a discre-

tionary project of New Jersey

WIC.

Marilyn A. Lynch, MS, RD ......Project ManagerJean Malloy.............................Acting NJ WIC

DirectorChristina Balas ........................Creative DirectorLisa Arnold .............................Editor

Please submit articles or story ideas for MARWIC

TIMES to your State Editor at the State WIC Office

Address.

Delaware ................................Laura Peppelman

District of Columbia ...............Anne Spaulding

Maryland ................................Connie Webster

New Jersey..............................Marilyn Lynch

Pennsylvania...........................Bonnie Mellott

Puerto Rico .............................Alma Ortega

Virgin Islands ..........................Lorna Concepcion

Virginia ...................................Carol BellWest Virginia .............................Heidi Staats

MARO, USDA ........................Delores Stewart

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department ofAgriculture policy WIC is prohibited from discriminating on thebasis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director,Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400Independence Ave. SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunityprovider and employer.

(Left to right) Denise Ferris, WV WICDirector; Joanne White, DE WIC Director;Cindy Pillo, WV WIC; and Sandy Daubman,WV WIC, break for a group photo.

Diana Torrice, MAROWIC Director, addressesthe group and makesthe welcoming andopening remarks.

MARO and WIC State agency staffdiscuss the intricacies of the WICFood Package rule.

(Left to right) Barbara Martin,Section Chief, Special NutritionPrograms, Facilitator of the meet-ing; and, Jeanne Kelleher, MAROstaff, take a break and pose for a picture.

MARO and WIC State agency stafffocus their attention on one of themany issues discussed.

Attendees (left to right) MarcelinoCollazo, PR WIC; Tony Hardy, SFPD;Donna Seward, VA WIC Director;Kathy Knolhoff, MD WIC Director;and Sabrina Lewis, DC WIC, share a light moment during the work session.

NEWS FROM THE USDA

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The WIC Works Resource System is pleasedto announce that Value EnhancedNutrition Assessment (VENA), the latest

addition to WIC Learning Online (WLOL), is nowavailable on the WIC Works Web Site. Seewww.nal.usda.gov/wicworks for full details.

The three new modules that make up this lesson■ identify the health outcome approach and criti-

cal thinking as skills helpful in completing avalue enhanced nutrition assessment,

■ provide an overview of VENA, ■ define the WIC nutrition services process,■ explain the anticipated results of incorporating

VENA for staff members and participants, andhow to achieve these results,

■ describe critical thinking,■ illustrate how to apply critical thinking skills in

a WIC nutrition assessment, ■ present the health outcome-based approach to

a WIC nutrition assessment, and ■ show how protective factors or health determi-

nants help to achieve a desired health out-come. The new modules highlight content from the

VENA guidance and associated training docu-ments which can also be found on WIC Works.In addition, new implementation materials arecontinually being added to this section so checkthe site often.

The entire 18 modules of WLOL were devel-oped as a joint project of the USDA/Food and

Nutrition Service, the NAL/Food and NutritionInformation Center, and the University ofMaryland. Each interactive module takes about20-30 minutes to complete.

A free, Web-based course, WLOL providescontinuing education, training, and resources.The entire course offers continuing professionaleducation hours for registered dietitians and reg-istered nurses. Those who finish the modulescan print a personalized certificate of completionfor their records.

Some WIC offices use WLOL to provide ori-entation, training, skill building, and informationreview sessions for employees. The 15 WLOLmodules released previously focus on customerservice, literacy and cultural issues, facilitateddiscussion, motivational interviewing, nutritioneducation, infant nutrition and feeding, breast-feeding, food safety, and herb and supplementuse.

Please take a look at the newest additions to WIC Works. If you have any questions about the modules, send an e-mail to wicworks@nal. usda.gov.

The WIC Works Resource System is an onlineeducation and training center for WIC staff. Inaddition to online learning, users can access hun-dreds of printable education and training materi-als, share ideas via the WIC-Talk listserv, andsearch three unique databases of resources andtools. ■

Where are we going from the Aprilmeeting? States in the Mid-AtlanticRegion are well on their way to complet-ing implementation plans, listing parkinglot issues that will be further pursued,and setting more realistic timelines forcompleting their plans. The Regionaloffice staff is now looking at issues raisedand trying to find solutions for betterclarification. ■

WIC FOOD PACKAGES: HELP ISJUST A CLICK AWAY

Need some help? Visit the WICWorks Resource System(WWRS). Check out what’s

available at http://www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks/ when you click on“New WIC Food Packages: Resourcesfor WIC Staff” at the top of the page.

WEST VIRGINIA ’S CABELL WICSEEING MULTIPLESBy Jenna Rose, MA, RD, LD

On October 27, 2007, a CabellCounty family participating inWIC welcomed five new little

ones when Lori Baker delivered quintu-plets Hunter, Aiden, Kailee, Emma andChloe. All five infants were healthy atbirth with each of them weighing overtwo pounds, but unfortunately Kaileepassed away a few weeks after delivery.

Lori Baker, mother of the quintupletshas been using a Lactina breastpumploaned from the WIC Program. Eventhough the infants spent seven weeks inNICU, Lori has been providing theinfants with the best since birth. Sherotates which baby gets breastmilk ateach feeding. We congratulate the BakerFamily on their new additions to thefamily and will continue to provide themwith support. ■

NEW FOR WIC LEARNING ONLINE: VENA MODULES

WIC SUPPORTING A MOTHER IN BREAST-FEEDING MULTIPLES — (Left to right) Hunter,Emma, Chloe and Aiden are growing andreceiving the best as their mother breastfeeds.

PUERTO RICO’S SAN SEBASTIAN WIC GETS NUTRITIOUSBy Alma Luz Ortega-Báez, Outreach Nutritionist

Family Day Celebration

The WIC Clinic of San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, along with thelocal Head Start Program, celebrated with participants onFamily Day during March’s National Nutrition Month activi-

ties in Carmela Perez Park.WIC Nutritionist Carmen Corchado, in coordination with Diana

Ramirez, Nutrition Coordinator of the San Sebastian MunicipalityHead Start Program, prepared the event.

The objective of the day’s activities was for all the children, aswell as the WIC and Head Start employees, to work as a team andactively participate in the physical exercises offered by CristineMatos, a physical trainer with the Department of Health.

Friendly Healthy Recipe Demonstration

The staff of the WIC Clinic of San Sebastian, Puerto Ricoattended a food recipe demonstration as part ofSan Valentin Day festivities. The employees

were trained by Nutritionist Carmen Corchado.The objective was of the day was to share knowl-

edge and skills about healthy cooking. Ms. Corchadoexplained the importance of nutritional analysis infood recipes. Everyone agreed the best part of the daywas when they tasted the final product, which was alow-fat cake with fresh strawberries.

Events such as these increase the employees’awareness of the importance of teaching WIC participants about healthy food choices. ■

LET’S PLAY — Physical trainer(left) Cristine Matos shows HeadStart children a new game.

LOOKS GOOD – Nutritionist Carmen Corchado(left) demonstrates a tasty recipe for the employees of the San Sebastian WIC Clinic.

MARYLAND VENA TRAINING PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIESBy Nancy Dimond, MS, RD, LDN, CLE, NutritionistMid-Shore WIC Program

Maryland’sVENA train-ing in March

presented many practi-cal tips for connectingwith our WIC familiesand helping them toimprove the nutritionalstatus of their families.The inspirational andmotivating videos,“Everyday Creativity”and “Celebrate What’sRight with the World,”by Dewitt Jones,prompted the following thoughts about opportunities we have as nutri-tional facilitators for our WIC families.■ “Most of us wouldn’t work for WIC if we didn’t care about people.

Create a caring environment at your workplace. If you care, if youshow compassion, clients will enjoy coming to their appointmentsand they will listen more.”

■ “Grab every opportunity to use positive language. For example,telling clients what their ‘risk factors’ are may sound like a reprimand.Instead of talking about health risks, reframe the language into: ‘Theseare things you can do to help improve your child’s health.’”

■ “It can be difficult to balance families’ priorities with WIC’s mandateto educate and inform. Find every opportunity to make your tech-nique meet both the needs of the family and your responsibility toinform. We all make mistakes but the important thing is that we learnfrom our mistakes.”

■ “Our families and we, as WIC employees, sometimes make decisionson an emotional basis. We make decisions on how to interact withour families as we discuss with them the nutrition choices they make.Take every opportunity to not choose the path of least resistancewhen decisions are hard – even when we’re pressed for time andpatience.”

■ “We need to believe that parents are doing the best they can andwant to be good parents. No one says to herself, ‘I’m going to be abad parent.’ Parents get advice from all different sources. We have19 or more opportunities (at WIC appointments through age four) toguide them in being the best parents they can be.”

■ “We hear over and over again that families come to WIC for thefood. If we take every opportunity we have to really market WIC as afamily’s best choice for nutrition information and promote the nutritioneducation component of our program, our families will come to expectthat from their visits. They will see us as their guide through the uncer-tainties of feeding and raising their children. We can do it because wecare!” ■

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ARTISTS TOO! — Natalie Camacho (left) andIndia Buchanan (right), Johns Hopkins WICProgram, focus on creative art activity during “The Art of the Cert” VENA training.

WV HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARNING ABOUT WIC By Jenna Rose, MA, RD, LD

WIC was invitedto two localhigh schools in

Huntington, WV, to pro-vide a presentation aboutWIC. The WIC presenta-tion was presented to stu-dents participating in par-enting and child develop-ment classes. The teach-ers at Huntington andCabell Midland HighSchools wanted studentsto learn about availableresources in their localcommunity, so they couldhelp classmates, friends,and families with findinghelp if or when theyneeded it. In addition, many of the students plan to have professionsthat focus on children.

The students asked many questions during the presentations and pro-vided their insights about the program. I really enjoyed the students’interest in the WIC Program and hope we will be invited back in futureyears. ■

TARGETING THE FUTURE – Sharing the WICmessage in high school parenting, home economics, and child development courses not only increases public awareness, but may also spark adolescent interest in the nutrition profession.

VIRGINIA WIC UPDATES COORDINATORS

The Virginia Annual WICCoordinators’ Meeting was heldMarch 11-13 in Richmond. The

conference covered topics such asVENA, the new Food Package, theAutomated Computer System, andCrossroads. Attendees took only a fewshort exercise breaks, but they had theirrunning shoes on the entire time.

The WIC Coordinators were updatedon the status of the ongoing initiatives,and they were informed about upcom-ing trainings that will be availablethroughout the state for all WIC employ-ees. The Advisory Committees, com-posed of WIC coordinators, made theirrecommendations on topics such astechnology, nutrition education, andtraining. A workshop on developingmeasurable strategies and the use of theautomated system was presented.

This meeting was a great opportunity for coordinators from aroundthe state to network and share ideas. ■

STRETCHING BODY AND MIND — Virginia WICCoordinators took exercisebreaks during their annualmeeting.

seemed genuinely interested and asked somegood questions. Each client received a foodbox to take home which contained staplesfrom each food group, such as pasta, rice,canned fruit and vegetables, shelf-stable milk,beans and peanut butter, as well as a flyer withrecipes featuring these ingredients. Foodboxes were also provided to more than 20

other families who came for their WIC certifi-cation appointments that week.

Delaware WIC also occupied a table at aKids’ Health Day on April 12, at the WesternFamily YMCA in Newark. WIC NutritionistAmee Woodard presented a poster on “whatkids need more of” (such as healthy foods andphysical activity) and “what kids need less of”(such as junk food and sedentary activities),

and handed out nutrition education materialsand booklets of recipes highlighting fruits andvegetables. Dozens of families attended theevent, which also included a moonbounce,health and safety demonstrations, and a tabledistributing healthy snacks.

We look forward to continuing to work withother community organizations to supporthealth and nutrition for Delaware families. ■

Delaware WIC continued from page 1

PENNSYLVANIA’S ADAGIO HEALTH’SBREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELOR

NETWORKING WITH LOCAL HOSPITALBy Barbara Jinar, BS, CLE, IBCLCNutrition Education CoordinatorAdagio Health Inc., Pittsburgh

Adagio Health’s WIC Breastfeeding PeerCounselor Aimee Bintrim recently visitedJameson Memorial Hospital in New

Castle, PA. Aimee, who works part time in theAdagio Health WIC office in Lawrence County,scheduled a visit with the OB nursing staff toshare the January 2008 Lawrence County WICbreastfeeding statistics. Aimee was happy toannounce that the Lawrence County breastfeed-ing duration increased from 9.59 weeks to 14.2weeks. The breastfeeding incidence also showeda marked improvement from 33.42% to 41.53%.

Aimee took the OB staff a basket filled withall types of goodies to thank them for their partin helping WIC increase their breastfeeding rates.These goodies included items such as mugs, tea,hot chocolate, milk duds, cream savers, andteddy grahams. Aimee told the hospital staff thatteamwork needs to continue between the hospi-tal and WIC. These efforts will thus help WICbreastfeeding mothers and babies enjoy theirbreastfeeding experience.

Aimee counsels both prenatal and breastfeed-ing mothers during their WIC appointments.Because breastfeeding support is vital in thebeginning, Aimee calls all new breastfeedingmoms several times a week to make sure thatthings are going well. Prenatal moms are alsocalled near the end of their pregnancy to see ifthey have any questions and also to make themaware of what to expect in the hospital.

In addition to the networking with the hospi-tal, Aimee has also built up an outreach breast-feeding support network with the pediatricians,family practitioners, and obstetricians in theLawrence County area. It has been said that “Ittakes a village to raise a child.” In the world ofWIC it takes the breastfeeding mom, the infant,the WIC Program, the hospital, the pediatrician,and family support to help mom and baby suc-ceed at breastfeeding. ■

MOMMIES AND BABIES AND MORE, OH MY!By Christine Compton, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Kanawha WIC, Charleston, WV

Recently the Putnam, WV WIC office, in Teays Valley (WV), hosted a community-widebaby shower for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the area. The shower wasopen to all members of the family, including special prizes for dads. Both WIC and

non-WIC participants were invited to attend and to learn and share information. The event was organized by Tina Mullins, IBCLC, and the breastfeeding coordinator at

that location. More than 50 mothers and family members signed in for the celebration onMarch 19, and 21 of them were able to take advantage of free massages offered by MountainState School of Massage. Many other wonderful prizes were given out as well, includingcoupons for free meals, groceries, haircuts, even tickets to the area’s Wave Pool and anupcoming circus performance.

Aside from the abundance of free items, a lot of free and useful advice was also shared. Representatives from several service agencies were on hand to share information with the

attendees. Also, while refreshments were enjoyed, three different guest speakers spoke tothe group. Local news anchor Penny Moss shared her stories of childbirth and nursing.Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Yvonne Snyder spoke about the history of breastfeeding and itsimportance in child development, and Midwife Angy Nixon explained the benefits of havinga home birth experience.

In the end, Mullins felt that the event was successful, “We put a lot of work into it,”Mullins said. She hopes this makes more community members aware of the benefits WIChas to offer. ■

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ST. CROIX GOOD HOPE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR SPARKS NUTRITION EDUCATIONACTIVITY FOR NUTRITION MONTH IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WIC PROGRAM

St. Croix Good Hope School’s fifth grade sciencefair game project on label reading fostered anexcellent nutrition education clinic activity for the

Charles Harwood WIC Program, St. Croix. WhenNutrition Education Coordinator Lorna Concepcion,MS, RD, saw the interactive science fair display, itsparked an idea for holding a Label Reading activity forNutrition Month in the clinic.

The didactic activity was done in game form enti-tled, “Guess Which Food I Am,” where food labelswere numbered and attached to a poster board and thefood containers were placed in a basket. Participants

were asked to guesswhich labelbelonged to whichfood and to writetheir answers on a score sheet. A display board gaveinformation on the Nutrition Facts label and alsoexplained the game. Participants who recorded three ormore correct answers received a prize. Participantsenjoyed the hands-on activity. A WIC mom, MarisaTrinidad, said the activity was fun and made her think, butshe added, “I did-n’t realize that thelabel told you theserving size. Ilearned that afterdoing it.”

Activities thatrequire partici-

pant involvement are encouraged in the RevitalizingQuality Nutrition Services Process, so that nutritioneducation can help facilitate healthy behaviorchange. This activity also promotes the positive lifeapplication that science fair projects can foster. TheVI WIC Program wishes to commend the Good HopeSchool fifth grade for such an applicable, real-lifeproject. ■

ALL SMILES — Brenda Parris smilesproudly as she learns she was the first to get everything right.

LEARNING IS FUN — Marisa Trinidadsays, “It’s work, but I learned aboutthe serving sizes on the label.”

GAMES PEOPLE PLAY — LornaConcepcion explains the “Guess WhatFood I Am” activity to StephanieLindsey.

GOODIES FOR ALL — Breastfeeding PeerCounselor Aimee Bintrim shows off the basket of goodies she delivered to Jameson MemorialHospital OB staff.

NEWS FROM NEW JERSEY’S BURLINGTON COUNTY WIC

Celebrating National Nutrition Month

The Burlington County WIC Program, in collaboration with Rutgers CooperativeExtension, celebrated National Nutrition

Month with the theme “A Taste of the Tropics.”The event was held at the Burlington CountyHealth Department for employees, WIC clientsand the public.

WIC staff was dressed in tropical attire andCaribbean music was played to set the stage ofthe Tropics. There were various fruits familiar andunfamiliar to the clients. It was an opportunity forclients to sample fruits and juices they may nothave had. Recipe and information cards weregiven to clients on the fruits sampled as well asother fruits. The event was enjoyed by all.

Best Practices

Burlington County WIC clients were recipients of over 200 brand new pajama sets provided bythe children of Tabernacle Elementary School. The project was for each child/family to donatepajamas to give to an agency that served low-income families. The Burlington County WIC

Program was selected as the lucky recipient of this donation.Burlington County WIC Coordinator Dr. Deepti Das and Assistant Coordinator Leshette Williams

attended the event to thank all the children and their families for their generosity and how it benefit-ed the WIC clients. The pajamas were for infants to adult sizes and distributed during certificationand class appointments. Tabernacle is also a town in which the Burlington County WIC Program hasa satellite site to provide services to WIC clients. The WIC families who received the pajamas haveexpressed their gratitude to the children of Tabernacle Elementary School. ■

NEW JERSEY’S GLOUCESTER

COUNTY WIC PROGRAM

CELEBRATES NATIONAL

NUTRITION MONTHBy Linda Spiegel, RD, Chief Nutritionist

New Jersey’s Gloucester CountyWIC Program celebrated NationalNutrition Month with food sam-

pling and two contests during the weekof March 10. Participants at each of thefour sites were offered treats of clemen-tines, sampling cups of homemade beansoup, turkey and cheese roll-ups madeon whole grain tortillas, cookies madewith beans, and banana slices rolled inwhole grain cereal. These snacks werewell received.

We also solicited favorite healthyrecipes from our participants for a recipecontest. The winner was a Flan recipethat made good use of WIC foods.Guesses were offered on the number ofbeans and amount of protein in a jar ofpinto beans with bean recipes madeavailable. Those whose guesses wereclosest received a zippered food cooleror colander. ■

NEW JERSEY’S TRINITAS WIC HOSTS NUTRITION MONTH BABY SHOWER

New Jersey’s Trinitas Hospital WIC Services incorporated the National Nutrition Monththeme, “Nutrition is a Matter of Fact,” by hosting a baby shower on March 31. Pregnantwomen and families were invited to attend educational sessions that included: Facts

About How WIC Helps; AIDS Awareness; Getting Prepared for the Hospital; Who’s the baby’sdoctor?; Infant Water Education: Sterilized versus Baby Spring Water, Bottle Selection Based onInfants’ Needs; WIC Breastfeeding Support and Nutrition Jeopardy.

Guests participated in educational sessions and were invited to visit the various table dis-plays featuring Babies ‘R Us, Trinitas Women and Pediatric Health Center and VIKMOMBoutique. WIC Nutritionist Amanda Reyes was instrumental in contacting the various vendors tooffer displays. Gift cards donated by Stop and Shop, Target, ShopRite and Babies ‘R Us were raf-fled prizes. Carry bags, blankets, training cups, and clothing gift sets were donated from TrinitasHospital, New Jersey Food Bank, First Baptist Church of Elizabeth, Gerber and Babies ‘R Us.

Women were presented with party favors, corsages and gift coupons as they rested in thespecial occasion chair which was donated by the New Fantasy Novelty Party Shop.Representatives from VIKMOM Boutique demonstrated how to use various breastfeeding sup-ports aids which included pumps, pillows and nursing pads. All the WIC staff participated indecorating the office with lights, garlands, and education displays. Staff contacted vendors, collected donated gifts, prepared gift bags and servedrefreshments. The Diaper Cake center piece created by Nutritionist Zelma Lopez was a crowd favorite.

“Preparing for the Trip to the Hospital,” was presented by Sister Marion Scranton, Vice-President of Community Initiatives. It is important to knowthe names of all the doctors providing services to your family. Being an informed, educated patient is empowering. Sister Scranton explained the hos-pital admission process, labor and delivery, and the services for infants on the nursery floors. She suggested patients collect business cards from alltheir family providers and have them available during doctor visits or trips to the emergency room. Collect all your insurance information and forms ina folder to facilitate patient registration. WIC referrals are provided to pregnant women.

Heather Evans, Nurse Practitioner from Trinitas Pediatric Center, delighted our guests with an explanation of services and vital issues of pediatrichealth. If a patient does not have a pediatrician, the hospital provides this service from whoever is on call. Appointments are made to the PediatricHealth Center within three or four days. Ms. Evans discussed the Apgar scores and the rating from zero to ten: the higher the rating the better.Mothers were curious about the hearing test given to infants and the practice of circumcision. It is important to discuss breastfeeding with your obste-trician, so a patient should inform the nurse about breastfeeding plans. A hospital stay for a normal delivery is about two days. During the first appoint-ment, along with an examination, patient education is provided covering such things as: infant feeding, umbilical cord care, infant stools, immuniza-tions, weight gain, bathing temperature, circumcision and breathing. Mothers were encouraged to post the numbers of emergency contacts for thePoison Control Center and doctors in an easy-to-find location. ■

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NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE REGION

GROUP SHOWER – Lots of moms participated in theTrinitas Baby Shower.

TROPICAL TASTE – The tropical fruits were but asample of the foods served during Burlington WIC’sNational Nutrition Month festivities.

NEW JERSEY’S PLAINFIELD WIC CELEBRATES 2008NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

New Jersey’sPlainfield WIC cel-ebrated National

Nutrition Month allmonth long.

During the first week,the agency nutritionistinvited Shagufta Yasmin, aregistered dietitian fromMuhlenberg Hospital, tospeak to WIC clients onthe subject of portioncontrol. Ms. Yasmin useda Power Point presenta-tion and captivated theaudience’s attention. The session ended with lots of questions andanswers. All clients received a colorful laminated portion plateplacemat to take home.

During the second week, Rhythmic Arts Academy instructorswere invited to the WIC office to demonstrate physical activityworkouts. The instructors taught different exercises, such as mus-cle strengthening, self defense, stretching, weight bearing, yogaand more. All WIC clients enjoyed the session and learned theimportance of exercise.

The final event featured Anna Kozak, a nutrition student fromLehman College, Bronx, NY. She worked with WIC ChiefNutritionist Ms. Kalyan to develop a Sudoku game with pictures.The theme for the game was fruits and vegetables. The studentgave a brief presentation to a group of WIC clients and engaged allparticipants in solving the game by giving clues to fill in the miss-ing pieces in the puzzle. WIC clients were rewarded with prizesfor the correct answers. WIC clients showed enthusiasm and par-ticipated freely. ■

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WIC SHOWCASESNATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

DC WIC held several events around the city in honor of NationalNutrition Month. The Howard University Hospital (HUH) lobbyproved to be an excellent venue for that local WIC agency to

spread the news about the importance of nutrition, as it captured theattention of all who passed by with brightly colored posters and informa-tion. A large table-top, three-dimensional food pyramid showcasedauthentic examples of the food groups. Many visitors and hospitalemployees stopped to ask questions of the WIC Staff about nutrition relat-ed to overall health, as well as about their personal health conditions suchas diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. There was also some curiosityabout nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Among the attrac-tions were sample offerings of fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples,pears, grapes, and salad bags of raw broccoli, cucumbers, and carrots. Asomewhat surprising and pleasing phenomenon was the interest in thefresh food samples. It was proven that when given the opportunity, peo-ple will eat healthy food. It just needs to be as accessible, convenient andeconomical as less healthy choices.

The planning and hard work of the HUH WIC staff paid off with a suc-cessful day of sharing vital information about nutrition, breastfeeding andWIC services with the hospital and community. The staff included DoraThomas, Nutrition Coordinator; Doris Sawyer-Guest, Nutritionist; TiffanyWilliams and Trenita Cassell, Technicians; Vernessa Perry, WIC ProjectManager; with assistance from Sayeeda Habib, a nutritionist with theHUH Cares Program, and Gwendolyn West, DC WIC LactationConsultant.

The Children’s Hospital Adams Morgan/Dorchester site offered break-fast demonstrations each Tuesday morning during the month of March.The general objectives were to increase participant awareness of theimportance of a healthy breakfast that meets their nutritional needs; pro-vide participants with specific information about the benefits of fiber andhow to incorporate it in their diet; and increase participant awarenessabout ways to include fruits in their breakfast.

The Children’s Hospital WIC clinic on Michigan Avenue celebrated by decorating its waiting area and clinic space with colorful National

Nutrition Month posters obtained from the American Dietetic Association.During our nutrition education classes, we showed and discussed anengaging culturally competent video designed especially for WIC.Participants learned how to include their children in preparing delicioushealthy meals and snacks, and were given a recipe card to make the foodsat home. After class, one participant exclaimed, “I can’t wait to makeveggie nuggets with my kids. This is a great way to get them to eat theirvegetables!”

The Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care WIC Program celebrat-ed by inviting residents of the surrounding community to learn about theirservices in a big and colorful open house. All the staff participated andhelped to organize it, but particular recognition goes to Wendy Quinterosand Xian Zhen, whodonated toys for thechildren who visitedthat day and a fruitbasket that wasgiven out as a prize.Another winnerreceived a food bas-ket with deliciousand nutritious itemsfrom the WIC foodlist. ■

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PENNSYLVANIA’S HOME NURSING AGENCY WIC CELEBRATES

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTHBy Diana Wallace, RN, WIC Director

The staff at HomeNursing Agency’sWIC Program, Blair

and Centre counties, PA,celebrated NationalNutrition Month by pro-moting beans with a fiestatheme. Clients wereencouraged to guess thenumber of beans in a jarand the offices displayedbulletin boards with beaninformation. Additionally,clients were treated tofood samples featuringbeans such as beanbrownies and spicy beancake. Children whoattended were givenprizes and recipes wereprovided for the foodsamples as well as otherrecipes featuring beans. ■

MOVING AND GROOVING — Exercisewas one of the highlights of PlainfieldWIC’s Nutrition Month activities.

BOUNTIFUL FEAST – These breakfast treats wereamong the foods served during DC WIC’s NationalNutrition Month festivities throughout the District.

ALTOONA FIESTA — In the party mood are(seated) Nutrition Assistant Zelda Riddle,(standing left to right) Nutritionists AmyLowe and Sue Lamertina, NutritionEducation Coordinator Tracy Kelley,Nutritionist Marci McDonald, NutritionistAssistants Jessica Lonsinger and PaulaO’Rorke, Nutritionist Karen Allen, andNutrition Assistant Vicki Schellberg.

WEST VIRGINIA’S VALLEY HEALTH

HIGHLIGHTS PEER-TO-PEER TIPS

OFFERED BY WIC PARTICIPANTSBy Helen Payton, Nutrition CoordinatorValley Health WIC Program

VENA is in full swing in the WestVirginia Kanawha Valley. A partici-pant bulletin board has been estab-

lished in a prominent location at theKanawha County WIC office after staffbegan gathering children’s artwork, recipesand feeding tips submitted by WIC families.During group and individual counseling,nutritionists invited participants to share“what works for us” tips on feeding andparenting.

Children colored on paper taped to thewall while parents talked with the nutrition-ists. Copies of displayed recipes, in wallpockets beside the bulletin board, are avail-able to take home. WIC families werepleasantly surprised to be asked for THEIRexpertise to share with everyone. Now theyhave a board created by them for them, nota board of what we want them to know. ■

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GIRL SCOUT’S GOLD AWARD BENEFITS PA’S CHESTER COUNTY WIC CHILDRENBy Paula M. Taylor, Outreach and Breastfeeding CoordinatorWIC Program, Chester County Health Department

Anne Sheldrake wanted to help her community as shedeveloped ideas for her Gold Award project for GirlScouts. She remembers driving by the WIC Clinic in

Southern Chester County (PA) almost on a daily basis and see-ing young children arriving for their WIC visits. Thinkingabout her love of reading she thought, “Wouldn’t it be excitingto be able to provide these children with story books,” andthat is exactly what she did!

The Gold Award in scouting requires the scout to create aproject that will benefit her community, devoting at least 65hours of her time. She is required to write a report on whatshe learned as she did the project.

A busy senior at Ursuline Academy, Anne worked on herGold Award project beginning last September by asking all ofher high school classmates to give her children’s books theyno longer wanted. She asked her church group, her neigh-bors, her former elementary school teachers and their studentsfor used books. In fact, she asked just about everyone shecould think of to give her books. Anne collected the books allwinter long until she had enough boxes of books to complete-ly fill the back of her mother’s Jeep!

Then she called the WIC Director and requested a date when she could deliver the books tothe Toughkenamon Clinic. Toughkenamon is located in an area of mushroom barns where manymigrant workers, mostly from Mexico, harvest the mushroom crops. The families who come to

WIC at this clinic may not speak English and have few posses-sions. Early exposure to books is a wonderful way for thesechildren to begin to understand some elements of the Englishlanguage, and many of them have older siblings who speak andread English. Of course, pictures are a universal language.

On February 25, Anne and her mother unloaded all thebooks she had collected. The boxes were labeled by the age ofchild who would enjoy the books in that box, starting withinfant books and continuing to older elementary level books.Since the day the boxes arrived, the children in Toughkenamonhave had a wonderful time choosing the books they want totake home with them.

There is just something special about bright colored, over-sized, bigger than life stories that fill a child with wonder andawe. Anne Sheldrake experienced this love of stories herself asa child and has passed on this excitement to the children of theToughkenamon WIC Clinic. What a wonderful community ser-vice this has been! ■

THE GIFT OF GIVING — AnneSheldrake shares a book with JoseJulian Duran during his WIC visit.Anne donated many story books tothe Toughkenamon WIC Clinic forher Girl Scout Gold Award project.

A PERSONAL FAVORITE — “I’mreally glad to see who got thisbook,” said Anne Sheldrake as shegave a bright colored book aboutprincesses to Sherlyn Nunez. “Itwas one of my favorites!” she said.

PARENTS HAVE PLENTY TO SHARE — This bul-letin board highlights participants’ tips as well aschildren’s artwork as a way to facilitate VENA ingroup nutrition education classes.

THE ART OF THE CERT MARYLAND VENA TRAININGBy Nancy Benjamin, Maryland WIC Temp - assigned to Baltimore County WIC Program

Not having attended prior VENA trainings, I was pleasantly surprisedby my recent experience at “The Art of the Cert,” held in Baltimoreon March 4. The presenter, Mary Dallavalle, began by reviewing

the six components that comprise VENA, and followed this with adetailed PowerPoint presentation on the communication skills and knowledge base necessary to succeed while using this framework.

Attendees were reminded of many relevant points covered duringCathy Carothers’ training session at the State WIC Conference in October,especially the need to really listen to and care about your clients. The tra-ditional lecture format was effectively broken up with a variety of activi-ties, including a fun coloring project, in keeping with the “art” theme, thatgave a hands-on understanding of the message that “There is always morethan one right answer.” This message was conveyed by two excellentfilms, “Everyday Creativity” and “Celebrate What’s Right with the World,”featuring National Geographic photographer DeWitt Jones.

Participants were purposely seated with staff from other agencies toincrease the likelihood of brainstorming new ideas and solutions to real-life case studies that emphasized key VENA concepts. We all benefited asa designated representative from each table shared his/her best approach-es with the entire group. Attention to detail was evident right up to the lastmoment when every attendee was presented with a “VENA Change ToolKit,” filled with clever props to remind us of each of the core teachings.

As a relatively new WIC employee, I found this training to be informa-tive, supportive, and liberating. I learned that while it is tempting to giveparticipants every last bit of information, it is more important to collabo-rate with clients to determine their most urgent needs. We were allencouraged to abandon the “medical model” of dispensing information,and to take advantage of the many opportunities that WIC provides forbuilding meaningful relationships with participants over time. “Light a fire.Don’t fill a bucket.” I will continue to remember that very helpful slide. ■

PA’S ALLEGHENY COUNTY WICCELEBRATES MR. ROGERS’ BIRTHDAY WITH

“SWEATER DAY”By Candis Sines-Westerberg, MEd, AlleghenyCounty Health Department WIC Program

On February 26, Pittsburgh celebrated the80th birthday of Fred Rogers by having“Sweater Day.” On Sweater Day,

Pittsburghers were encouraged to wear theirfavorite sweater in honor of Mr. Rogers’ spirit ofbeing a caring neighbor. In the downtownPittsburgh Allegheny County HealthDepartment/WIC office, children were read to byACHD/WIC Nutrition Services Assistant TiaCapuraso. All of the children participatingreceived a book and a key chain. The childrenand the parents were all excited to participate,and it was a fun way to celebrate Mr. Rogers’birthday! ■

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It’s the middle of the night. I’m on a trainwith my six-month-old son sleeping peace-fully on my lap. We’re somewhere outside

Chicago on our way to Maryland, where we’llmeet with my husband who’s been drivingcross country with all our belongings. I hearthe doors between rail cars slide open and thenclose. A woman holding her crying babyapproaches me. She asks me if I have a bottleshe could have or borrow. I’m thrown off bythe question and ask what’s going on. She tellsme that at some point during her travels shelost her baby’s bottle and now her baby is hun-gry. I tell her I don’t have a bottle, but I offermy son’s new sippy cup as a possible substi-tute. She declines and returns the way shecame. Her baby continues to cry.

As a breastfeeding mother, I was aware ofmany of the health benefits associated withbreastfeeding, such as reduced risk of certaincancers for both mom and child, the likelihoodof fewer allergies, less incidence of ear infec-

tions, and a host of other benefits. However,meeting this mother and baby on the trainmade me realize one basic benefit I’d taken forgranted – the ability to immediately answer mybaby’s need to eat and be soothed. No needfor bottles, powders, sterilization, or scoops.The minute I saw signs my baby was ready toeat, I was able to provide him with the verybest in infant nutrition. This incident alsoaffirmed my belief that breastfeeding empowersmothers, gives them satisfaction and confi-dence in their ability to nurture their children.

Every mother has to decide how best to feedher new baby. Many factors go into this deci-sion. As the Frederick County WIC PeerCounselor, I work along with the Local AgencyBreastfeeding Coordinator, and all of the WICstaff, to help mothers-to-be see how breastfeed-ing can fit into their lives. Should they decideto breastfeed, we work to support them in thatchoice. WIC supports breastfeeding in manyways. ‘Breastfeeding Basics’ and ‘Breastfeeding

and Beyond’ classes are offered every week.The Frederick County Health Department’sLactation Consultant is present at these classesthe first Tuesday of every month to answerquestions. In addition to providing access to apeer counselor, breastfeeding coordinator, lac-tation consultant, and supportive staff, WICprovides larger food packages to mothers whochoose to breastfeed, and makes resourcessuch as nursing pads and breast pumps avail-able to them at no cost.

Occasionally, I think back to the mother Imet on the train that night. I can’t imagine thepanic I would have felt at not being able toquickly meet my baby’s need to be fed.Breastfeeding my son has had its challenges,some of them tougher than I expected, but thismoment on the train made me appreciate theease with which I was able to feed and comforthim. I feel positive about my personal decisionto breastfeed. It was, and is, the right choice forme. ■

WEST VIRGINIA’S ELKINS WIC AND AREA AGENCIES RAISE AWARENESS

AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCEBy Lori Leach, Nutritionist

In honor of October being “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” as well as to supportour community, Randolph-Elkins WIC Program participated in a Community CandlelightVigil and Domestic Violence Awareness Night. The event was sponsored by the Randolph

County Prosecuting Attorney and the local domestic violence shelter, Women’s Aid in Crisis.The evening began with fun activities designed to educate children. The children learned

ways to control emotions through skits performed by Old Brick Playhouse’s Artistic Directorand Assistant Creative Director, who dressed as clowns.

Decorated shirts with anti-abuse messages made by inmates at Huttonsville CorrectionalCenter (HCC) were displayed along the wall while the HCC Warden spoke of how awarenessin prison is powerful. “Designing the t-shirts helps ensure inmates are getting help for theirproblems that assists in their re-entry into society,” stressed the Warden.

Candles were lit to represent victims of domestic violence. Many observers held backtears as community members lit candles for either those they knew were victims of domesticviolence or if they were a victim themselves. Most residents gained insight into how wide-spread the problems of domestic violence are in our local community as a young teenage girlcame forward to light a candle in representation of her experience with domestic violence.

The evening concluded with candles burning bright while the students from theWilderness Journeys Alldredge Academy, a nationally recognized wilderness program for at-risk youth, struggling adolescents and troubled teens, played healing rhythms on handmadedrums. While the crowd was silent, the students of the Academy shared their mission of giv-ing back to others while representing who they are now and the journey completed while atthe Academy.

“The Community Candlelight Vigil and Domestic Violence Awareness Night is designed toshow the public in a very dramatic way that domestic violence happens in every communityand encourages them to focus on prevention as part of an overall plan to break the cycle ofabuse,” explains Tammy Johnson, Randolph-Elkins WIC Program Nutrition Assistant. Severalarea agencies, including WIC, offered awareness and education materials concerning avail-able community resources that are intended to support families. This included Youth HealthService, Inc., Mountain Heart, WV Birth to Three, Right From the Start and Randolph CountyChild Advocacy Center.

The Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney, a Family Court Judge, a police officer, a StateSenator, and a Child Protective Services worker spoke about our community’s role in domes-tic violence prevention. The event was a demonstration of concern and commitment to find-ing solutions as well as offering help to victims. ■

A TIME TO READ — Tia Capuraso, ACHD/WICNutrition Services Assistant, reading to Joey Zappi,Thomas Cavanaugh, Ryan Knudsen, Brittany Knudsen,and Michael Hahne.

TRAIN RIDE TO MARYLAND REAFFIRMS MOTHER’S CHOICE TO BREASTFEEDBy Jerica Miller, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Frederick County (MD) WIC Program

NEW JERSEY’S TRINITAS HOSPITAL WIC CELEBRATES BREASTFEEDING

AWARENESSBy Anita Otokiti, WIC Director, Trinitas Hospital

New Jersey’s Trinitas Hospital WICBreastfeeding Services hosted an educa-tional session in honor of World

Breastfeeding Week on several dates in August.The theme, “Breastfeeding the 1st hour saves onemillion lives! One Action, One Hour!” was pro-moted in all the WIC sites and services of thehospital. Over 120 countries celebrate WorldBreastfeeding activities. Initiation of breastfeed-ing within the first hour of birth is the first steptoward reducing infant mortality (WABA).

Trinitas Hospital WIC is centrally located inElizabeth, NJ. Site locations are at the HillsideHealth Department, Summit Health Departmentand the Union Township, Vauxhall HealthStation. New Jersey Healthy People 2010 objec-tive is to increase the proportion of children everbreastfed to 75 percent. Anita Otokiti, TrinitasWIC Director reported that in 2005, 55 percentof the children enrolled in WIC were breastfedand in 2006, 68 percent of the children werebreastfed.

The WIC Center is located adjacent to theTrinitas Hospital Women and Pediatric HealthCenters at 65 Jefferson Avenue in Elizabeth. MaryBeth Santillion, Director of the Trinitas HealthCenters and WIC Director Anita Otokiti workcollaboratively to coordinate appointments tosupport early enrollment into health care. Boardcertified lactation specialists work at the HealthCenter, WIC and in the nursery at Trinitas. Thepolices and practice of the hospital supportbreastfeeding and foster a family support

Supervisor of Breastfeeding Services MaribelSolano indicated that more than 100 guests par-ticipated in the World Breastfeeding Celebrationat the main site in the Trinitas WIC Center andthe Summit Health Department. Mothers andinfants were presented with infants gift setsdonated by the First Baptist Church of Elizabeth;blankets from Project Linus; water bottles andbags from Amerigroup. It was a time of sharingand acknowledgement. Pictures of mother andchild were taken.

Guest lecturers were Mary Beth Santillon and Theresa Andrews, Nurse, TrinitasPediatric Health Center and Glenda Mejia from Amerigroup. Registered DietitianRosa Tamayo presented “The Crawl” and discussed that lack of breastfeeding is amajor cause of under nutrition.

Nutritionist Ephoeta Jerome discussed infant feeding. WIC Nutritionist ZelmaLopez discussed the importance of breastfeeding as explained in a pamphlet“When Disaster Happens”, by Pamela K. Wiggins, IBCLC and the pamphlet, ”InfantNutrition During a Disaster, American Academy of Pediatrics.

Breastfeeding Service focuses on prenatal education and support for lactatingwomen. Lactation Instructors/Consultants are available to assist women with prob-lems, positioning and latch-on techniques. Bi-lingual staff is available and informa-tion in many other languages are also provided through the New Jersey WICProgram. Weekly classes and support group meetings are held for breastfeedingwomen.

Mothers who delivered at Trinitas were greeted by the Breastfeeding Service staffand presented with a congratulatory rose and information of World BreastfeedingAwareness. ■

NEW JERSEY’S NORTH HUDSON WIC PROGRAMSPRINGS INTO GOOD HEALTH

New Jersey’s North Hudson Community ActionCorporation WICProgram and

Health Centers collabo-rated their efforts to kickoff spring with a healthfair, “Spring Into GoodHealth.” The purposeof the event was toincrease people’sawareness of theirhealth and nutrition andto encourage them totake positive steps toimprove their healthbehaviors. Staff members enjoyed teaching about the

value of good nutrition and everyone had fun learningabout the benefits of eating the proper food.

The nutritionists conducted a food demonstration of funand healthy snacks and parents and children were excitedto try them and take home the recipes. WIC staff dressed infruit and vegetable costumes greeted all those who partici-pated in the activities. The children were excited to com-pete in a painting contest and play “Hop to Health,” “FeedMe,” and “Hit the Foods.” The “Nutrition Wheel” game wasused to ask nutrition questions to both the parents and chil-dren. The adults won the NHCAC WIC Program cookbookand children won fruit and vegetable coloring books and“Fun Kids’ Recipes” for playing the games. There were alsoopportunities for free screenings of blood pressure, choles-terol and glucose followed by nutrition education providedby the WIC nutritionists.

Adults and children enjoyed snacking on Kix, Cheerios,Juicy Juice and VitaTops, courtesy of General Mills, Nestle,and Vitalicious. Horizon Insurance Group, Inc.,Amerigroup and Americaid were present to enroll people inhealth insurance plans. Many people won pedometersfrom Horizon Insurance Group, Inc. as prizes to questionsasked about health and physical activity.

The fair was a great success and participants reportedthat learning about nutrition at such an event made theprocess pleasurable for them. A local cable station reportedon the fair events and interviewed staff, children and adults.We would like to thank Victoria Hollist from New JerseyState WIC for joining us at the fair. ■

SEE HOW IT’S DONE —BreastfeedingPeer Counselor Claudia Lopez usesmodel dolls for class demonstrations.

WHY BREAST IS BEST — Breast-feeding Peer Counselor AngelaSmith addresses women on the benefits of breastfeeding.

LEARN A LESSON — WIC ManagerRosa Tamayo, MPA, RD, presents the“Baby Crawl” from World AllegianceBreastfeeding Action (WABA).

NUTRITION WHEEL — ChiefNutritionist Karen Lazarowitz (right)uses the Nutrition Wheel to ask participants questions.

HALLOWEEN WISHES FROM PA’S SHENANGO WIC

The Shenango Valley Urban League Oil City WIC participants were amused by the WIC staff, whodressed for Halloween. The staff distributed

treat bags to allthe children.Dressed for theoccasion are (leftto right) RobynKavounas, GraceOlson, SandraVanTassel, andBrenda Wells. ■

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MARWIC TIMES Calendar PA Breastfeeding Coordinators' Annual Training. Harrisburg, PA. June 18-19. WV WIC Outreach Partners Strategic Planning Team Meeting. John 23rd PastoralCenter. Charleston, WV. June 26-27. PA Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment(VENA) Statewide Training. Harrisburg, PA. July 16-17. Handbook 901 Training.Philadelphia, PA, July 21. Bi-regional Cross Program Nutrition Conference.Philadelphia, PA. July 24-25. Monmouth Ocean (NJ) Breastfeeding ConsortiumConference. Amy Spangler, “Breastfeeding Keep it Simple.” For more information,call 732-471-9306. July 29. WV Local Agency Directors Meeting. PipestemResort. Pipestem, WV. July 29-31. PA Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment(VENA) Statewide Training. Pittsburgh, PA. July 30-31. Passaic (NJ) WIC WorldBreastfeeding Week Party. Passaic, NJ. August 4. Delaware WIC Program AnnualBreastfeeding Celebration. Chase Center on the Riverfront. Wilmington, DE.August 7. West Virginia State Fair. Fairlea, WV. August 8 -16. PA WIC Directors'Meeting. Harrisburg, PA. September 17-18. NWA Nutrition and BreastfeedingConference. Louisville, KY. September 23-25. 2008 WV Local Agency DirectorsMeeting. Morgantown, WV. October 7-9. The deadline for the Fall issue of MAR-WIC TIMES is July 15, 2008. Please submit articles, photos and calendar events toyour State editor. No Polaroid pictures used. 5” x 7” digital photos (saved as JPGs,please) preferred. All photographs must include a detailed caption.

Mary Dallavalle did a great job puttingthe March VENA training together. Thetraining was such a delightful learning

experience. I was so glad for the seatingarrangement. I really enjoyed meeting and shar-ing team input with members from other agen-cies, especially Marge, the Breastfeeding PeerCounselor Coordinator for Harford andBaltimore counties. Her insight in the case stud-ies was so VENA friendly; she taught me somuch. The coloring sheet icebreaker she set upprovided for good team interaction. I have mycoloring page on display in my work cubicle.The two videos by Dewitt Jones were awesome!I came away from the training feeling soempowered. The first thing I did when I cameback to the office was to gather informational

pictures related to nutrition counseling topicsand get copies made for the staff. “Speaking tothe heart from the heart” has always been mycommitment.

I know when I sing my little “finger pinchsong,” the mother and her child are put at ease.It may not work for everyone, but it seems right,to try to make someone else’s journey a littleeasier – to “reframe problems into opportuni-ties.” As I set up for the hemoglobin test, I pre-pare the child. Looking at him at eye level, Isay… “Jaylin, today, Miss (your name) is goingto sing you a song, pinch your finger, and put aBand-Aid on it, ok?” The song goes like this…

“It’s cold and wet, it’s cold and wet, it’s very,very cold and wet!” (while holding the child’shand and wiping his finger with the alcohol pad)

“Dry, dry, dry, dry, I’ll do my best not tomake you cry!” (while wiping the child’s fingerwith gauze)

“Tiny little pinch, tiny little pinch, tiny little,tiny little, tiny little pinch!” (while using thelancet)

“Catch a little drop, catch a little drop, catcha little, catch a little, catch a little drop!” (whiledoing the “catch” with the cuvette)

“Put your Band-Aid on, put your Band-Aidon, put your Band-Aid, put your Band-Aid, putyour Band-Aid on!” (while putting the Band-Aidon)

And when it’s all finished, “Jaylin, reallygood job!” ■

MARYLAND WIC INTRODUCES ADVANCED

TRAINING FOR NEW STAFFBy Michelle Clark, Assistant Community NutritionistBaltimore County WIC Program

Since beginning employment with the BaltimoreCounty (MD) WIC Program in December 2007, Ihad been looking forward to the week-long WIC

Wise 2 training. A diverse group of 14 women repre-senting nine local agencies attended this training.

Facilitated by Mary Dallavalle, Amy Resnik, andSherri Sabol, the training covered prenatal and post-partum nutrition, infant nutrition, breastfeeding, andchild nutrition. The entire first day focused on coun-seling skills. This focus was continued the rest of theweek as part of the nutrition and breastfeeding con-tent. The training included topics of both professionaland personal interest, such as effective counselingskills, quality customer service, anticipatory guidancerelated to infant and child feeding, breastfeedingbasics, and VENA.

As a group we were encouraged to share best prac-tices and ask questions to find appropriate solutions toour individual client and clinic issues. Although themajority of the training participants had less than afew weeks of WIC experience, the discussions andbreakout practice sessions generated useful and infor-mative dialogue. Most impressive to me during thetraining was how facilitators modeled the behaviorand service that should be delivered to our WIC cus-tomers, such as: active listening, meeting each traineeat their needs and moving them forward, welcomingquestions, and providing useful tools to perform suc-cessfully on the job.

Both written and interactive evaluation tools wereused to determine how well the concepts coveredduring training were received. BreastfeedingJeopardy was a blast! At the end of the week, I feltequipped with the knowledge to head back to clinicand provide quality service focused on the individualnutritional needs of my WIC customers. ■

BECOMING “VENA FRIENDLY” IN MARYLANDBy Kathryn Conrad, Nutrition Technician Supervisor, Eden Street Clinic, Baltimore City WIC Program

PENNSYLVANIA’S ALLEGHENY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

WIC PROGRAM AT TURTLE CREEK HELPS WITH TOY DRIVEBy Candis Sines-Westerberg, MEd

Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County HealthDepartment WIC Program in Turtle Creekparticipated in the annual toy drive spon-

sored by the Westinghouse Valley HumanServices Center (WVHSC) in Turtle Creek, PA.The Turtle Creek WIC staff, Danielle Beck,Nutritionist, and Elaine Brisson, NutritionServices Assistant, contributed $35 to theWVHSC and collected names of the WIC partici-pants who wanted to receive toys.

On December 21, Danielle and Elaine distrib-uted the toys to approximately 150 children. Thefamilies expressed their appreciation for the verynice gifts (trains, dolls, trucks, etc.) the children received. The toy drive was a greatway for the WIC staff to give back to the community and the families they serve! ■

A GREAT GIFT — Jason Boyd withhis new truck.

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New Jersey State Department of Health - WICPO Box 364Trenton, NJ 08625-0364

13th Annual Mom’s Shower

Community Action Southwest WIC Programheld their 13th Annual Greene CountyMom’s Shower in April. The shower is a

community project developed and staffed by a committee from local service organizations.More than 20 exhibitors were present to distrib-ute valuable information on the services theyprovide and had many giveaways for the partici-pants.

WIC Program holds “Happy Baby” Training

Certified Happy Baby Educators provided aclass at a local “Pennsylvania EarlyLearning” training. Attendees included

child care providers and parent educators.During the interactive session, participantsviewed sections of the parent video and wereprovided additional information on happy babytechniques. After the presentation, the attendeessuccessfully demonstrated the 5 S’s, explainedthe safety points, and everyone received certifi-cates!

Through funding from Penn StateCooperative Extension, all those attendingreceived a “Happy Baby” parent kit with thehope that they will share all the informationwith parents.

The training was a huge success! Don’t weall love a Happy Baby? ■

US MARINES TEACH TRINITAS (NJ) WIC PARTICIPANTS ABOUT EXERCISE

The second Tuesday of each month, RosaTamayo, PVA, RD, conducts ChildhoodObesity Prevention Sessions. Marine

Sergeant Gustavo A. Serpa and Staff SergeantJason Tucker made a grand appearance todescribe what a real workout is like. They dis-cussed the importance of keeping fit, daily exer-cise and increasing physical fitness gradually.

Water bottles were provided to stress theimportance of staying hydrated while exercising.Drinking water helps you feel full and decreasesthe urge to over-eat after a workout.

Nutritionists conducted several other activi-ties during Nutrition Month, including educationsessions on food labels and the junk in junkfood. ■

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING AT PA’S COMMUNITY ACTION SOUTHWESTBy Leisa J. Shawley, Information Technology Manager/Outreach & Retail Store Coordinator

A SHOWER OF FUN — Enjoying some ofthe displays is Debbie Ramey with her son Cole.

DRESSING BABY — Brenda Yeater, DayCare provider, practices the techniques of swaddling.

HERE COME THE MARINES — WIC participants listenas a Marine describes a real workout.