When the North Royalton Health Fair and Family Expo started eight years ago, its mission was simple: Raise awareness of the many resources residents have available to them. It was 2009, the economy had tanked, and individuals and families were hurting.
“Our goal has always been to make a positive difference in someone’s life,” said Christine Coniglio, an Expo coordinator and the director of marketing and community outreach for Sports Rehabilitation Consultants, a co-sponsor of the Expo. “If we can help even just one person find the appropriate resources he or she needs, it is worth all the time and effort we put in. We know that every year, people have been helped.”
Now, eight years later, that positive mission and focus remains as strong as ever. On Sept. 30 at North Royalton High School, more than 65 vendors representing aspects of nutrition, fitness, health, chiropractic care, home healthcare, senior care, municipal offices, civic groups and nonprofit organizations met with residents to share their knowledge, offer guidance and explain their services.
A collaboration with the City of North Royalton, the North Royalton City Schools and Sports Rehabilitation Consultants, the North Royalton Health Fair and Family Expo is one-stop shopping for all things health, family and community.
Event highlights included a four-hour American Red Cross blood drive, health screenings provided by University Hospitals Parma Medical Center, a free Pancake and Sausage Breakfast courtesy of City Council President Larry Antoskiewicz, flu and pneumonia shots, the Ohio Department of Transportation Distracted Driving Simulator, demonstrations of a bomb squad robot, performances by Midwest Cheer Elite and North Royalton Martial Arts, meet-and-greet opportunities with the North Royalton City Schools’ Mascot Bear and The Jump Yard, raffle prizes, and entertainment provided by Island Jeff Cavallo playing the steel drums and serving as Emcee.
More than 20 runners also participated in the annual 5K Bear Run, which departed the high school at 9 a.m. and took runners on a course through Memorial Park, State Road, the Valley Parkway and Ridge Road, said Jason Swim, director of recreation.
North Royalton Middle School teacher Joe Simonek ran alongside his 13-year-old son, Evan, and came in second place for his age group.
“My son is in cross country and I run myself recreationally,” Simonek said. “My favorite aspect of running is the great feeling you have after a good run and knowing how great it is for your heart and lungs.”
A Turkey Trot and food drive was also held in conjunction with the Bear Run, along with a doctor-led “Walk to Wellness” with Dr. Bradley Banko of University Hospitals.
Over in the high school gymnasium, dozens of expo-goers lined up to donate blood to the American Red Cross.
Eighty-eight-year-old Carl Flanik proudly donated his 156th pint of blood during the Health Fair and Family Expo. Flanik, who is Type O Positive, has been giving blood for the past 60 years.
“Right now, there is the biggest need for blood,” Flanik said. “It’s not a painful thing to do, just the first time is the hardest. I do it because at one time it helped save the lives of my mom, who got a large gash up her arm while cleaning windows, my father who had cancer, and my niece and nephew.”
Julia Cronin gave blood alongside friend Mary Ellen Watrobski.
“It’s far less painful than a shot,” Watrobski said. “There is such a need now in particular to donate.”
Dozens of vendor tables lined the high school cafeteria, and representatives meet with residents to explain their services. Amy Kuntz of The Partnership for a Healthy North Royalton (PHNR) shared the good news that more than 300 pounds of pills were collected during a recent Drug Take-Back Program. PHNR is a community coalition in North Royalton and Broadview Heights who mission is to promote a healthy, drug-free community by empowering youth and adults to make responsible decisions. Its next meeting is at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at North Royalton Library.
Kenneth Redd of the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled explained this free service of mailing free digital players to those who can’t read or hold a book due to physical disabilities.
“I feel so good knowing that I’m helping people, and I’m helping open that door to help someone read,” Redd said.
Representatives from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) were also in attendance meeting with event attendees. More than 100 volunteer members comprise the community CERT and help augment the city’s public safety capabilities. The North Royalton CERT is so successful in its endeavors that the county uses it as a model to other communities, said member Ana Billow.
Membership is open to residents 18 and older, in good general health and is contingent upon passing a police background test. Members engage in a 20-hour FEMA training program and learn the appropriate tools and skills needed to assist during city disasters including terrorism, natural disasters, acts of violence, explosions and plane crashes. To learn more, visit northroyaltoncert.org.
Resident Bea Santoro visited the Health Fair and Family Expo and said she enjoys the free testing and screenings.
“It’s a good place to get up-to-date and know what’s happening in your body,” Santoro said. “I enjoy the socialization aspect and seeing all the offerings by all the different agencies. This event really means a lot to people who might not be out in the community.”

     
By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer