LBCC: Annual Health and Safety Fair

Photos courtesy of LBCC Safety Department

A few short months ago the courtyard at LBCC was a deserted dead-zone with leafless trees and snow covered concrete. Now, it's time to celebrate Springtime, sun and safety amidst the blooms and fountains.

On Wednesday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 3rd annual Health and Safety Fair will take over the courtyard with booths and demonstrations from over 25 venders.

Organized by the LBCC Public Safety Office and LBCC Safety Committee every May, the intent of the event is to bring knowledge to students about how to live healthier, offer solutions of assistance to those in need, and to educate safe practices in times of emergency.

"Every year it gets bigger and bigger. We're expecting 300 to 500 students this year," said Mindy McCall Chair of the Safety Committee.

Venders will come from across the Willamette Valley including Lebanon, Albany and Corvallis.

A snapshot of expected venders are: The Corvallis Clinic, LBCC Nursing Program, Search and Rescue, LBCC Horticulture Club, Head Start, Love Yoga, Kaiser, Dogs for Invisible Disabilities, Team Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program, Local Emergency Planning Committees, Linn-Benton HAZMAT team, HAM Radio Club, and Sick Town Derby Dames.

"We try to have a lot of information tables so people know where to go [locally]," said McCall.

Justin Franco, student and staff of the safety department, will be working the LBCC Safety Department booth. Their booth will be informative such as where to pick up lost items on campus, suggestions for registering cars, and general awareness.

"If you're writing this for students, I think with my stomach," said Franco.

Indeed a good reminder.

The LBCC Dance Club will be hosting a barbeque! Plates are $4 for students and $5 for staff.

Fun can also be found. Among the informational booths there will be several venders with interactive demonstrations.

Workers' compensation insurance company, S.A.I.F., will be doing a "drunken goggles" demonstration. They are designed for students to wear and attempt to do ordinary tasks while the goggles give the effect of intoxication.

Kaiser will be giving students free Body Mass Index testing which measures body fat based off height, weight, and gender.

A student last year learned how to put out a fire.

Love Yoga will be providing hands-on demonstrations. The HAZMAT team will have their truck outside of Takena Hall for students to tour. There will even be a fire prop set up for students to learn to and then put out a fire.

The Sick Town Derby Dames will also perform.

"They are awesome, they're amazing!" said McCall.

Student Abby Hardy attended last year and enjoyed it so much that she will be attending again this year.

"It's a very happy environment. They're very open and you can tell they are purposely here to help you," said Hardy.

Suggestions for future events can be made to mccallm@linnbenton.edu.