By Roy Cook

At the April 30, 2011 Springtime Health Gathering of Kumeyaay and Native Americans it was a friendly gathering. Southern California American Indian Resource, SCAIR, welcomed our Native American families at the Southern Indian Health Council, SCIHC, 4058 Willows Rd. Alpine, CA 91901, Phone: 619-445-1188. The SCAIR booth staff: Mary Lou Gomez, Pam Richardson and Roy Cook. They provided SCAIR information on career training and resources site locations, resume development and happy smiles for many of our East county Tribal residents.

At this sunny, warm, ‘Healthy’ event there is plenty of good cheer, comfortable mountain breezes, prizes, food, music, games, surprises and entertainment to be enjoyed from 10am to 3pm, in the Southern Indian Health Center, SCIHC, at Alpine, California. Many of the 100 information booths had remember me gifts to take home.

There were many happy children and bigger kids activities: local talent, face painting, balloon creations and wonderful presentations of Traditional Bird singing by ‘Jr’ Cuero from Campo and Kumeyaay dancers for all to appreciate. Also the Soaring Eagles dance group in regalia presented pow wow selections sung by the San Diego Inter-tribal Singers.

All this entertainment was awesome, along with family photo opportunities with Mr. Rez Dog and Bucky Beaver who gave out toothbrushes. Many donated prizes were given to the lucky ones that signed in at registration. These bonus gifts helped to complete the day and for all to enjoy the afternoon.

It was a delight to participate at this springtime mountain SCIHC Health gathering this day. Finally, to all our Kumeyaay and Native American families thank you: Wado, Aho, Mehan.