Saint Rose Physical Education Fair marks 30th year

The College of Saint Rose will host the 30^th annual Physical Education Fair on April 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium, 420 Western Avenue, Albany.

More than 40 exhibitors will cover a wide range of topics in health, fitness, wellness, and safety, reflecting both expertise within the Saint Rose community and the many resources available in the Capital Region.

“Our students really learn about health for a lifetime,” said Dr. Ann Neilson, physical education department chair and the fair’s longtime organizer. “With this event we can take what students are learning and apply it to our neighbors and the outside community. It’s an example of our College mission; to help thy dear neighbor.”

Exhibitors include: Dr. Jan Patterson, a local family physician specializing in women’s health, and Kim Murdick ’17, who has worked to destigmatize substance abuse since a 2015 heroin overdose claimed the life of her son Sean. The College’s Counseling Center and Career Center, Office of Spiritual Life and Department of Safety and Security will also provide information in their areas. Community organizations will offer information and support on cancer, alcoholism, smoking cessation and Alzheimer’s disease. Members of the Albany Fire Department will share fire safety strategies, the city’s Department of General Services will share information on recycling, and the Honest Weight Food Co-op will provide nutrition information and offer samples.

People who attend the fair can help fill a box for Operation Christmas Child, which sends care packages to children in need worldwide around the holidays.

For the first time, Neilson said the fair would offer music and dance much of the day, including a dance performance led by Lorraine Weiss of the DanceFlurry Organization from 2 to 4 p.m. along with offerings by the Jazz Cats Trio.