Press

ALBANY, N.Y. – As part of the “Let’s Move” initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama, the New York State Museum is offering “Smart ’N Healthy: Museum Movers and Shakers,” a six-week activity and health program for children.

Designed for children, ages 7-11, “Let’s Move! Museums and Gardens” was launched by Mrs. Obama and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to combat the increase in childhood obesity. Museums and gardens across the nation are asked by the First Lady to create interactive exhibitions and programs that promote physical activity and inform visitors about healthy food choices.

“Smart ’N Healthy” is a free program that will run from Oct. 1 through Nov. 12 on Saturday mornings at the State Museum from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents may participate in any or all of the sessions but are especially encouraged to attend the special cooking classes led by Sandra Varno of the Cornell Cooperative Extension on Oct. 29 and Nov. 5. Also, Chef Yono Purnomo of Yono’s restaurant in Albany will teach participants how to make a quick and healthy snack on Oct. 1. Registration for the “Smart’N Healthy” program is necessary and closes Sept. 26. To register call Peggy Steinbach at 518/474-1569 or email her at psteinba@mail.nysed.gov.

All activities will begin at the State Museum. They include a walk to the Port of Albany to see a Coast Guard cutter on Oct. 8; lessons on the “Let’s Move” dance, taught by an eba Center for Dance instructor, on Oct. 22; ZUMBA for Kids on Oct. 29 and a walk to the grocery store on Nov. 5 to buy groceries before preparing a meal. The “Smart ’N Healthy” program will conclude with an award ceremony and farewell party, with prizes for participants, on Nov. 12.

The Museum program was developed by The Links, Inc., an international organization of predominately African-American professional women, who identified childhood obesity as a problem in the African-American community in 2006. Using a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, the Links

partnered with the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta to research the impact of childhood obesity in the African-American community and develop a sound educational program that could be used as a tool to combat the growing epidemic.

Founded in 1836, the State Museum is a cultural program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/.

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