News : AmeriCorps Oak 1 Science Run helps collect school supplies for V-S families

Runners begin the 5K race during the AmeriCorps Science Run for Fun.

Natalie and Faye Wade were the youngest runners in the half-mile...

.. but they rode a stroller with their parents in the 5K race.

Oak 1 members of AmeriCorps NCCC sign in participants of the first Science Run for Fun.

If you saw police cars with flashing lights, and and ambulance, also with lights on, on Second Avenue Saturday morning, here's why you did not also hear sirens:

The members of Oak 1, one of the AmeriCorps NCCC teams stationed in Vinton, have been working at the Science Station in Cedar Rapids the past few weeks. They have been preparing and teaching lessons for the Science Camp there, and also taking care of the children who attend the camp, and cleaning up after the sessions.

They decided to combine their project with their community day event, so they organized a Science Run for Fun.

The 5K run began at the high school football field, just behind the concession stand. The route led to the library and back to the field. A police car preceeded the first runner. An ambulance followed the last of the participants as they walked and ran.

The event also included a one-half mile run and a mile run. But most of the participants chose the 5K.

Several tables have been set up in the parking lot near the football field. The Science Station has representatives there, as well as some other health care providers. And AmeriCorps has a table where members offer face painting. The booths were scheduled to remain open to 11.

The event is free to every one. Participants were asked to donate school supplies which will be distributed by the Vinton Area Ministerial Alliance.