Free health fair at Town Hall

WINSTED — A free health fair at Winchester Town Hall has been scheduled for Thursday, May 12, from 2 to 6 p.m.Organizer Pamela Horton of Connecticut-based Bearingstar Insurance said vendors participating in the health fair were initially brought in to provide information to Winchester Town Hall employees, but the event was opened up to the broader public to give town residents a chance to learn about area health services.“The town of Winchester is one of our clients,” Horton said. “One of the programs we offer is complimentary health and wellness vendor fairs, drawing upon local expertise. We sent out invitations to chamber of commerce members and there will be a wide range of services represented, including cholesterol screenings and stress management.”Participating organizations include the Visiting Nurse Association, March of Dimes and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, along with local health-insurance companies, nutritionits, holistic health and home health-care services. U.S. Army representatives will discuss programs they offer. Representatives of the New Britain Rock Cats and massage therapist Pat Shelesky of A New Day Therapeutic Massage will also participate. Residents will be able to speak with representatives from Hartford hospital, local insurance companies, Viridian Energy, Xowiee Vitamin Products and other groups showcasing self-defense, sign language for children and family health care. “It’s an opportunity to meet people you might not normally have the opportunity to meet,” Horton said. “It’s about sharing information.”Horton said some of the health-care representatives will have more information about health-care legislation and how it will affect consumers. Visitors can also learn about smoking cessation, self-defense programs and other preventative programs that can lower insurance rates.There is no charge to attend, but participants are asked to bring one nonperishable item per person for the local Winchester Food Bank at the Salvation Army. For more information, call 860-682-3333.