Cat food snack puts bite into discussion
ARD director eats handful of feline mix to illustrate level of district’s unhealthy food
Auburn Recreation District director Gordon Ainsleigh munched on Purina Cat Chow during Thursday night’s meeting in an effort to showcase the level of unhealthy food he thinks the district serves at several of its annual events. “For the rest of the meeting I will be eating food that is healthier than the food we serve in our programs,†Ainsleigh said as he opened a fresh sack of the cat food and took a handful to his mouth like it was trail mix. Ainsleigh said he was specifically referring to hot dogs and other “non-nutritional†food the district serves at some of its events and during seasonal programs, such as children’s summer camps. The cat food spectacle followed an unsuccessful second attempt to add the words “and health†to the district’s mission statement, which currently reads, “The mission of the Auburn Area Recreation and Park District is to provide an excellent system of parks, recreation facilities, programs and services that enrich the lives of our citizens.†Ainsleigh requested the words be added after the word “services.†During an October 2006 meeting, directors sparred over whether to add the words “and health†to the district’s mission statement, but the motion failed 3-1. “I’d like to revisit this and hope there has been a change of heart among the board,†Ainsleigh said Thursday. “By making health a priority, we are making the opportunity available to have a healthier lifestyle. Everyone involved in our programs should have the opportunity to eat healthy food.†Ainsleigh’s motion died after the lack of a second. “On a birthday, a cupcake is a perfectly acceptable thing,†Chairman Scott Holbrook said. “You aren’t eating it every day.†Holbrook and directors Curt Smith and Jimmy Carroll, said they didn’t have a problem with the words “and health,†but were worried about what adding them to the district’s mission statement would mean. “I personally believe people should follow a healthy lifestyle,†Smith said. “My concern is that if we put (these words) in our mission statement, what happens after that? I wouldn’t want this used as a hammer or tool to reprimand or censure activities of the staff as they pursue their jobs.†Carroll agreed. “What other positive use would this have?†Carroll asked. “Other than to twist a point?†Ainsleigh said it was not his intention to force anyone to do anything, but that he simply wanted to make healthy food available. Holbrook said the board came up with the district’s mission statement after careful thought and work with professional consultants. “Our focus is recreation,†Holbrook said. “Health may be a goal, but it’s not a mission.†In other business Monday night, Tricia Ruff, ARD program leader, was presented with the employee of the month award for March. Ruff is the director of ARD’s Discovery Day Camp in Placer Hills. She has also been working to help coordinate the district’s Teen Night Out events. “You are doing an awesome job,†said Sheryl Petersen, ARD recreation services manager. “Keep up the good work.†The Journal’s Jenna Nielsen can be reached at jennan@goldcountrymedia.com or comment on this story at auburnjournal.com.
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Anybody know Gordon's neck size? If so please advise, as I will by him a flea-collar.
Heath should be a point of concern and promoted for awareness. Ever go into a convenience food store? There is nothing edible to be found; except maybe some nuts. 99.9% of the food items are highly processed and have minimal nutritional value. It's no wonder Americans are getting so fat! Their bodies scream for nutrients and their interpretation is that they are hungry. So they eat more junk food, more calories, more fat for their bodies. Americans need to turn away from the junk, then the food conglomerates would stop over processing the food. If it doesn't sell... Basic economics.
Gordy must keep pounding at his out-of-touch colleagues who need to realize that recreation and health are inextricalby llinked. Americans are the richest people with the worst diet on earth with the worst and need to be educated away from the fast food mentality corporate America pounds into us and our children. Keep pounding this recalcitrant board, Gordy, because you are trying to do a noble thing for our children. ARD can do much for the health of all people starting with our children.
good grief, you have to love California. Would think that ARD would have more pressing matters to discuss. If you guys are concerned about your kids eating hot dogs at events then eat trail mix or a granola bar before you leave the house. At some point we, as Americans, need to take accountability.
I had an uncle that thought dog food was healthier than human food. He ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then one day, at the age of 35 (that is like 245 dog years) he died suddenly.
The autopsy found that he was healthy and had a pretty shiny coat.
When asked what killed him, a witness to the event said he was chasing a car when he got caught under the rear wheel.
Its too simple : Have a healthy populace and the result will be lower health care costs. If you haven't graduated from the second grade you may not comprehend that simple concept. Gordy, I say let then eat cake. Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Analist: You may want to research Gordy's athelethic acheivements. Although its not too important to get the facts about a story or individual before comments are posted on this site, it common practice not to do so. Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe Gordon can spread kibble in the grass and let the people graze. The board was wise not to give in. Why is he beating this dead horse anyway? My family does not eat hot dogs so we bring our own treats whenever possible. This discussion is taking attention away from ARD's real business. Ainsleigh's is trying more than just hijacking civil liberties. Somehow, I am sure he stands to profit and that is all.
Axehandle, If you reread my post, I was not refering to Gordy.
Your post is no longer there no more Analyst. What's up with that?
I guess the truth hurts.
If I recall, you indicated that ARD Director Scott Holbrook didn't look like he got much exercise...this is the comment that got pulled? Why? Does someone consider this unacceptable criticism of an elected public figure? Amazing!