Baby Expo showcases services

By Mark Iacampo, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria - HohenfelsApril 21, 2015

Baby Expo
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HOHENFELS, Germany -- Agencies from across Hohenfels Military Community gathered at the Second Annual Baby Expo to highlight the services they offer to new moms and families, April 17.

"It's kind of a baby shower for moms and families," said Mary Sauza, New Parent Support Program home visitor. "This is a transient community, so we especially wanted to reach out to those new arrivals and new moms and let them know the resources that are available to them."

Organizations set up tables with informational displays and personnel on hand to answer questions and explain services.

Child, Youth and School Services promoted their summer youth program, highlighting trips to Munich, Disney Paris and other amusement parks. The School Age Center presented their 11-week summer camp program which features daily fun activities as well as weekly field trips to places like Legoland and the Munich Zoo.

The Hohenfels Health Clinic gave away pregnancy and childbirth books and DVDs as well as information on child vaccines and their popular hospital tours for expectant mothers.

The Hohenfels Library shared their programs that encourage early literacy, like Lapsit Story Time for newborns to two-year-olds, and traditional story time for older children.

The Red Cross provided handouts on child illnesses and accidents as well as offering information on their Infant CPR and babysitting classes.

"One of the things I didn't really know was some of the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) information," said visitor Vicky Chelette. "And I didn't know they had Bible study stuff going on here at Hohenfels. We're going to go to that next week."

Terry Giles, Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator, said he wanted to let parents know about the Family Karaoke night on the fourth Friday of every month at the Army Community Family Center across from the Thrift Shop from 4 - 8 p.m.

"You can bring the kids to an environment where they have toys to play with and you can sing, too," he said.

One new addition this year was the Flying Trainer Swim School from Regenslauf.

"I start taking babies at seven weeks old," said owner and instructor Christina Williams. "The water reminds them of the womb, and they relax with mommy or daddy. They love it. We do massages and sing songs."

Williams offers classes for infants, toddlers and older children as well as Aqua Fitness and Aqua Zumba for adults. She also teaches toddlers how to get out of a pool in case of accidents.

"If they're going to fall into a pool, it's not going to be out in the middle, it's going to be near the edge," she said. "So, we teach them to turn around, paddle to the side and climb out."

The expo was not just about babies, but also families. Hohenfels Education Center discussed continuing education for parents while the Post Gym talked about ways even new moms can stay fit.

"Sometimes mommies need spoiling too," said Michaela L'Marian of Belega Natur Wellness Studio in Parsberg. Her latest wellness program is an all-inclusive, full-body massage, facial, pedicure and manicure.

Parents donated gently used baby items which were given away on a first come, first serve basis. There were also prizes, raffles, and a gift bag for the first 100 arrivals.

"It was a great event with a lot of good information," said visitor Natasha Swenson. "And I got a lot of free stuff!"

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