The Fresh Check Day tables were spread throughout the first and second floors of the Arts, Sciences and Technology building.
Esther Johnson, an Occupational Therapy Assistant major, prepares to collect a meal from Grandma Lil’s food truck. Esther is one of many students that participated in the Fresh Check Day stamp program. Students collected stamps by visiting various tables and then were able to get a ticket for a meal.
The “Be Yourself” table let attendees tie dye a T-shirt.
The CT State Manchester Cougar made an appearance to pump up the crowd, but he wasn’t the only animal in the house.
There were also dogs to pet! Dean of Student Affairs Dalexh Hunt and Sage Hojda, who teaches Therapeutic Recreation, got to know one of the therapy dogs who stopped by.
Marv the duck arrived in style to interact with attendees.
Wanda Reyes-Dawes, a counselor at CT State Manchester, manned a table that provided information on where to find help with depression and suicidal thoughts.
In addition to drawing, painting spinning discs and tie dyeing shirts, students were also able to create suncatchers with various light-catching materials. The items were then donated to a local residential home for the elderly.
Georgette Hyman, center, Assistant Director of the Office for Disability & Accessibility Services at CT State Manchester, is Coordinator of Fresh Check Day. She assisted two student volunteers with handing out fresh popcorn.
CT State Manchester’s annual Fresh Check Day event took place on Oct. 22 and was a hit with students who took the time to tend to their mental health by making art, interacting with animals and gathering information about how to express feelings and seek help, information that could one day save a life.
