WIC holds 10th annual Celebration of Parenthood
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| Children take part in a Procession of Flags honoring the roots of many of the
WIC clients. |
The 10th annual Celebration of Parenthood, sponsored by Citizens for Citizens
Women, Infants and Children Program, was held Friday, Aug. 3rd at Liberty
Union Park in Taunton.
Just before the event was to start, a gusty wind threatened to disrupt the
celebration as WIC Director Karen Swass struggled to keep the colorful yellow
and white umbrellas from blowing away.
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| A child makes huge bubbles. |
As the event neared its beginning the wind subsided and the exhibitors were
all in place to provide valuable information to clients and to the general
public. Carmen Morales of the CFC WIC led a procession of children with youngsters
carrying flags of various nations.
This year's event had an additional reason for celebration. Karen Swass,
director of CFC's WIC program was named Massachusetts Outstanding WIC
Director at a conference held several weeks ago in Worcester.
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| A mom holds her child over her
shoulder. |
State Rep. James Fagan presented Karen Swass and WIC with a citation from the
House of Representatives. David Silver, on behalf of State Sen. Marc Pacheco
presented a citation from the State Senate.
Taunton Mayor Ted Strojny hailed the dedication of the WIC staff in Taunton
and told of the importance of WIC's nutrition programs. He hailed the CFC
team for promoting breast feeding and building healthier families.
Awards were presented to Darlene Tousignant and Rachelle Pena for their
dedication to WIC's breastfeeding program.
The CFC WIC Community Service Award went to Princess House for the company's
active role in promoting the program.
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| A boy smiles at all of the festivities. |
Kathleen Mastin, R.N., IBCLC, lactation counselor at Morton Hospital, said
the close relationship between the hospital and WIC has had a definite impact
on the community.
Ms. Mastin, who teaches a WIC breastfeeding class, said the partnership is
important to Taunton area families wanting to give children the healthiest
possible start to life.
She said the collaboration gives expectant mothers important information to
ensure the health of their children.
Upbeat music, colorful balloons, and a constant barrage of bubbles from a
bubble-making machine kept the event festive while at the same time promoting
the important work of WIC.
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