Earlier this year, area teens received a crash course in résumé writing, interviewing techniques, advice on proper interview apparel, followed by opportunities to speak with representatives from area colleges and businesses. The event was the first in a series of Teen Fests, an annual celebration from the City of Fontana. The second in the series is Saturday, October 11 from noon to 4 pm at the Don Day Neighborhood Center, located at 14501 Live Oak Avenue.

This second event in the series will introduce participants to opportunities to focus on themselves with professional guidance for improving their health and self-esteem.

Part I. Focus on Health & Fitness

Years ago, the Healthy Fontana program was created to combat the growing epidemic of obesity within the community. With the support of the Mayor and City Council, Mayor Pro-Tem, formerly City Council Member, Acquanetta Warren took a decisive stance to educate and challenge the community to become fit and active.

“This began as a chance to be proactive in educating and challenging our Fontana Community to become fit,” says Warren adding, “I have great joy knowing that my personal challenges with obesity would create a catalyst for other cities throughout the Inland Empire and the state. We will continue to challenge our residents to eliminate diobesity [diabetes/obese].”

Healthy Fontana has put together a positive program that encourages adults and children to become involved and promotes nutritional value in all meals for children. Mostly adult oriented classes include cooking seminars, walking clubs, and boot camps. Programming for children is often addressed in the Fontana After School Program which has a current enrollment of approximately 3,000 youth.

Addressing teen needs is a bit more challenging. Tapping into the unique experiences and changing personalities of today’s youth means having to come up with ideas that will attract 13 to 17 year olds. Thankfully, Teen Fest will do just that with the fitness challenges.

“We wanted to make exercise and nutrition fun, exciting, and easy for area teens to emulate at home or when they are out with their friends,” said Dede Benson program coordinator for Healthy Fontana, adding “By encouraging a little added competition, we plan to engage many of the Teen Fest participants.”

Nutritional meals will also be a focus of the event. By teaching teens how to quickly prepare snacks or dishes that will provide optimal energy and taste good, youth will be given a sense of having more control over their surroundings and are more apt to continue to select healthy alternatives.

Part II. Focus on Self

One of the most difficult aspects to being a teenager is the awkward transition into adulthood when the most influential people in one’s life are visible, helpful, and critical every weekday at school from early morning to mid-afternoon. Some rise above the peer pressures by becoming homecoming royalty, class presidents, or simply popular students. Others manage to imitate or create their own identities and yet others suffer some sort of self-esteem and identity issues.

In an effort to help both female and male teens to feel proud of who they are and where they are going, the Teen Fest coordinators have added some fun informational booths and workshops that promise to enlighten everyone.

Make over’s abound at Teen Fest. Professionals will be on hand to offer advice on hair, makeup, and dress for either males or females.

Professional input on what to wear, how to cut one’s hair, and ways to improve one’s image will help teens to feel more confident and gain direction in other areas of their lives. When coupled with the fitness and nutritional advice from Healthy Fontana, Teen Fest looks to be one of the best ever.

For more information about Teen Fest, please call (909) 428-8360 or visit online at www.fontana.org.