From Manhattan to Clinton County
Fresh Air Kids Arrive in Flemington
FLEMINGTON — Twenty-six New York City children left Manhattan at noon today and arrived at Flemington’s Grove Memorial Park just after 4 p.m.
There they met their host families, the visitors comprising the 2015 edition of the Fresh Air Fund’s free summer experiences for New York City youngsters. The program has served 1.8 million participants since it was started in 1877. Local coordinator Pamela Hubbard has been involved as a volunteer for 23 years. She said one of the first children she housed is now in the Navy and 27 years old and next year his child will be old enough to come to Clinton County.
Typical of the host families are Scott and Kelly Baker and their teenage children Brody and Avery. Their guest for a second year in a row is Kristian Martinez, a 10-year-old from upper Manhattan.
The Bakers said the experience a year ago was a positive for all involved. Mrs. Baker said Kristian “fit right in” with his love of sports. Events they shared with their Fresh Air kid last year included camping, participating in a basketball camp where Scott Baker is coach and a trip to Knoebel’s Amusement Park.
The visiting children range from six to 18, some leaving home for the first time while others, like Kristian, make return visits to their host families. The Fresh Air Fund program this summer will send close to 4,000 children to volunteer host families in rural, suburban and small town communities in 13 states and Canada.
