Central Valley Christian School hosts safety demonstrations

By Alex Paul

Gazette-Times reporter

TANGENT - Students at Central Valley Christian School "oohed" and "ahhed" Thursday morning as Lt. Erik Anderson of the Tangent Rural Fire Protection District showed them a diamond-tipped power saw, hydraulic jacks and other tools used to extricate people from wrecks.

But what the kids really wanted was to play with the fire truck's shiny chrome bell - which they eagerly took turns clanging.

The session was part of a day-long series of safety-oriented activities held at the 51-year-old school on Highway 34.

"With summer coming up, there are so many adventures the kids can get into," said Lisa Sheldrake, who teaches fifth- and sixth-graders. She and preschool teacher Jenny Stitzel organized the event. "It's a day off school for kids in the public schools, and we thought it would be a good opportunity for them to be able to see what we do here," Sheldrake said.

About eight children took advantage of the offer and joined the school's 80 students in learning about the area fire and ambulance services, as well as bicycle and water safety taught by members of the Linn County Sheriff's Office.

Marine Deputies Andy Bebeau and Dan Wittekind warned the youngsters not to jump in after someone who is flailing in the water, trying to stay afloat.

"If someone is drowning, they will try to pull you in the water with them," Bebeau said.

They instead demonstrated how to use a life preserver, rope and a pole to effect a quick and safe rescue.

The deputies, assisted by Alisyn Wallace, 8, and Holly Hahn, 10, also taught the students how to properly wear a life jacket. A loose life preserver can too easily slip off when it's needed the most - when someone hits the water. Too tight, and it's uncomfortable. That at least can spoil an outing and at worst ends up with the wearer simply taking it off.

Cathy Morris, LCSO community service specialist, taught first- and second-graders how to properly select their bicycle helmets. They learned that bike helmets often can be obtained free of charge from area law enforcement agencies such as the sheriff's office.

Central Valley Christian School is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but is open to children of all faiths, Sheldrake said. Tuition is $400 a month. The average class size is 15 students.

Alex Paul can be contacted at alex.paul@lee.net or by calling 758-9526.