Brewers’ Kjeldgaard new anti-tobacco rep

This summer, Helena Brewers first baseman Brock Kjeldgaard has a new job besides working his way to the major league.

Kjeldgaard recently signed on as the team’s tobacco-free spokesperson, encouraging fans — especially males — to stay away from spit tobacco products. The move is logical, given that since 1993, Minor League Baseball has not allowed spit tobacco use among league team players, coaches and staff.

“Spit tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking,” Kjeldgaard said. “As a professional athlete, I want all baseball fans to understand that the tobacco industry sells only nicotine addiction, no matter which product it puts on the shelves.”

Kjeldgaard is part of a new collaboration between the Helena Brewers and the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP). The program wants to reduce spit tobacco use among Montana males, which at 12 percent, remains among the highest prevalence rates nationwide.

“We know that spit tobacco users are 50 percent more likely to develop oral cancer than nonusers,” says Linda Lee, section supervisor for MTUPP. “Our recent surveys reveal that nearly a quarter of high school senior males are using these highly addictive products.”

Spit tobacco delivers about five times the nicotine as a single cigarette.

The Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program is sponsoring all four Montana Pioneer League teams. Fans will notice in-field signage featuring the Montana Tobacco Quit Line logo and the message “Spit tobacco is not a safe alternative to Smoking,” and they will find the same message in game programs.

Representatives will distribute free 8.5 x 11 posters featuring Kjieldgaard at the Brewer’s home game, Monday, Aug. 4. Promoters have included a word game on the back of each poster for fans to enjoy during or after the game.

The free Montana Tobacco Quit Line, funded by MTUPP, offers help so tobacco users quit for good, including free telephone counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. Montanans can call toll-free at 1-866-QUIT NOW (784-8669).

Back to School fun run set for Tuesday

As part of their Back to School event, St. Peter’s and New West Health Services are sponsoring Capitol Classic, a one-mile fun run to help youth become aware of the importance of fitness. All students ages six to 14 are welcome to participate with Carroll College head football coach Mike Van Diest and Carroll athletes.

Those finishing the route from the State Capitol to the hospital will receive a free T-shirt.

The run will start at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the State Capitol (corner of Montana and Sixth) and travel along Broadway to the hospital’s finish line.

Following the run, there will be a health fair at the hospital with sports physicals, immunizations, well-child screenings, and numerous health education booths. The first 300 youth attending will receive a free backpack.

Register your children today from the link on the home page of www.stpetes.org to guarantee a T-shirt size.

Helena figure skaters medal at BSSG

Members of the Helena Figure Skating Club recently competed in the Big Sky State Games in Billings, July 19th. The following is the results:

Jessie Griffiths — Basic Beginner 5 Girls: Gold, Basic Graduate Showcase: Gold

Emily Griffiths — Pre-Preliminary Girls Freeskate: Gold, Pre-Preliminary Showcase: Gold

Kaylene Green — Pre-Preliminary Girls Freeskate: Silver, Pre-Preliminary Showcase: Silver, Pre-Preliminary/Preliminary Artistic: Gold

Crystal Curry — Novice Artistic: Silver

Aislinn Munck — Junior Showcase: Gold

Also, the club is holding its annual summer camp Aug. 7-10 at the Helena Ice Arena for skaters of all levels including beginners and basic skills. Call Kathy Lamping at 449-6251 for more information.