MLive: Meet with area leaders taking on childhood stress at free, family event

WHITEHALL, MI – Community members are invited to a free, family event to learn about “Rocketoons,” an animated series geared toward fighting childhood stress.

The event will be Saturday, Jan 14 at 2 p.m. at the Howmet Playhouse, 304 S. Mears Ave. in Whitehall.

Mercy Health and Hackley Community Care have equipped every classroom in Muskegon County, Mason County, Newaygo County and Oceana County with Rocketoons.

Rocketoons are conversation kits that “give teachers maximum instructional flexibility with minimal interference from time-consuming preparation,” according to its website.

Teachers and counselors can use the modules on bullying, divorce and social media to discuss what causes stress and disruption in students’ lives.

Free pizza and sub sandwiches from Bellacino’s and free popcorn will be offered. There will also be free massages from Dee Stress U Massage Therapy, free yoga demonstrations from Muskegon Yoga, cartoons, prizes and more.

The following people will be at the event:

• Tim Wheeler, Owner of Wheeler Creative Studios and Creator of Rocketoons
• DJ Hilson, Muskegon County Prosecutor
• Terry J. Sabo, 92nd District State Representative
• Scott Green, Director of Special Education for the North Service Unit
• Nancy Jaskiw, Psychologist and counselor for Reeths-Puffer Schools
• Nick Jaskiw, Psychologist and counselor for Montague Public Schools
• John Severson, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Superintendent
• Terri Portice, Director of Teaching and Learning at Reeths-Puffer
• Steve Edwards, Reeves-Puffer Superintendent