Board chair seconds that motion

A recent letter by Ms. Ellen Rosner of Highland Park ("Vickie White's legacy," Sept. 10th) lamented the sudden passing of Vickie E. White from our Highland Park scene. Her strong support for our Annual Heath Fair will surely be missed. We were glad to see that Ms. Rosner supports the idea to honor Ms. White by naming our next, and future health fairs, in her name.

We very much appreciate Ms. Rosner’s glowing comments about our Health Fair. Although our event takes place in only one evening, many may not know that planning starts about six months prior to the actual event. These planning meetings were always attended by three or four Board of Health members, and Ms.White and Ms. Leigh Davis representing the People’s Organization for Progress, Central Jersey. I was very much impressed by Ms. White’s attendance at these meetings, since it was always immediately after her full-day of work.

Ms. Rosner correctly points out the true value of these health fairs. Attendance at our Health Fairs has increased each year, and the Board of Health has gained much satisfaction in knowing that we have served a variety of people, including those with little or no health insurance. Ms. Rosner itemized a number of the health tests provided (all free of charge).

If all goes as planned, the Board of Health and the People’s Organization for Progress, Central Jersey plan to offer this Health Fair, honoring Ms.Vickie White in 2010, and in many years to come.

Lewis Fishberg, MD is chairman of the Highland Park Board of Health. He can be reached at 732.846 - 8027.