Just in time to welcome the New Year, the community is invited to attend and discuss a series of free films designed to inspire and encourage creativity in solving problems and creating vision. The film series is sponsored by the newly reorganized wellness coalition, now know as Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly (PF3).
The films in the series were created to help people look at the ordinary and see the extraordinary. Created, narrated and produced by Dewitt Jones, an award-winning photographer with “National Geographic,” the series is intended to provide inspiration for a new vision for oneself, organizations or even communities, and the creative thought to develop a new vision into reality.
The films will be followed by group discussion to brainstorm ideas and expound on creative change to improve the health and wellness of the community.
The first film of the series, “Celebrate What’s Right with the World,” will be shown Thursday, Jan. 12 at 9:30 a.m. and again at 7 p.m.  at the Tryon Fire Department, located at 423 N. Trade Street in Tryon. Jones’ message through this film focuses on the power of vision and how vision can inspire us to see the opportunities that can come from change.
Pre-registration is requested by calling 828-894-2408 or by e-mailing kwoodham@saintlukeshospital.com.
Future films will be shown at the same location and times:
Jan. 19: “Focus Your Vision”
Jan. 26: “Everyday Creativity”
Feb. 2: “For the Love of It”
“We are excited to host these films again to engage our community in helping to shape a healthier future for Polk County,” said Anne Britton, a community volunteer serving on the PF3 board of directors. “While each film can be viewed on its own, participants will probably find the entire series more meaningful in helping us shape a vision for a flourishing and healthy community.”
“Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly: A Coalition For Wellness Promotion” (PF3) is the new message for the former Polk County Wellness Coalition, a consortium of volunteers dedicated to making a difference in the health and wellness of Polk County. The new name reflects the mission of a broad-based group of community leaders, health professionals and concerned community members working together to plan and implement effective strategies to promote wellness in our community.
“Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly” recognizes that wellness is more than absence of disease and requires more than access to medical care. Wellness involves thriving and emphasizes such factors as physical activity, healthy eating, spiritual comfort and positive, supportive relationships.
For more information about PF3 or the “Creative Change” film series, please email kwoodham@saintlukeshospital.com; lgreensfelder@windstream.net or msmith@rpmhd.org.
– article submitted by Kathy Woodham