Linda McLaren, RDS, checks out a 7-year-old's teeth.
Southend Citizen's District Council hosts Community Unity Night
August 19, 2016
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By: Pati LaLonde
Everybody came out for a Community Unity Event, hosted by the Southend Citizen's District Council Wednesday night.
The idea of the event is just what the name suggests, bringing the Southend community together for an evening of fun, and lots of free stuff.
While fun was the theme, registered dental hygienists Linda McLaren and Karen Pavlawk of Dental Hygiene Health Services cleaned, assessed, provided fluoride and sealants for anyone from the age of 0 to 100 plus.
This non-profit group offers free dental care through grants from the Bay Area and Midland Area community foundations.
"We provide the service to people at reduced rates or no rate," said Pavlawk. "Many people have health care, but don't have enough money for dental care."
Saphyre Jacobs, 7, was a little nervous as she climbed into the chair and opened her mouth for McLaren. But when all was said and done, the Bay City Academy student decided it wasn't that bad.
"It was different," she said.
As the duo worked inside, outside was where all the action was with Bay City Police and Fire on hand with squad cars, fire trucks and the smoke house, games, and lots of good things to eat.
Hailey Thompson, 5, and brother Karson Thompson, 8, learned a few lessons during their trip through the smoke house.
"There was smoke and we had to crawl," said Hailey.
Meanwhile, Karson learned it isn't easy getting out of a smoke-filled house.
"We had to feel for a door," he said. "If it's hot, we don't go. If it's cold we can go."
With school just around the corner, members of Grace United Methodist Church passed out book bags, notebooks, and pencils, as well as offering a cup of lemonade.
Joycelynn Morin, 8, a student at Washington Elementary School, was excited to receive a pink polka dot backpack decorated with kittens.
"I'm going to fill it up with lots of crayons, pencils, and rulers," she said.
The Literacy Council of Bay County offered free children's books, and Magic Carpet offered popcorn.
Jim and Wanda Irving manned the grill, cooking up a mound of hots dogs, and Trinity Lutheran Church and School passed out bottles of water.
There were also chances to win gift cards from McDonald's and PNC Bank.
Hailey Thompson, 5, leaves the smoke house with Zachary Davis, 5, right behind her.
Photo by Pati LaLonde
© MyBayCity.com
Saphyre Jacobs receives a backpack from a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
Photo by Pati LaLonde
© MyBayCity.com
Wanda and Jim Irving man the grill during the Community Unity Night.
Photo by Pati LaLonde
© MyBayCity.com
Dani Sova, 9, Destiny Sova, 9, and Dorian Sova, 10, select free books from the Literacy Council of Bay County.
Photo by Pati LaLonde
© MyBayCity.com
Pati LaLonde
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Pati is a freelance writer with experience in all things pertaining to Bay County, Michigan.
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