The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District asked local students to help get the message out about Healthy Air Living, and their efforts — including a drawing from a Turlock second grader —can be seen in the District's 2016 calendar.

Althea Mumford, second-grader at Brown Elementary, had her artwork selected to be featured in the bilingual, full-color annual wall calendar that showcases 15 original works of art chosen from hundreds of entries by children stretching from the eight counties that make up the Valley Air District.

“One of the most significant, negative impacts on public health is from air pollution,” said Anthony Presto, outreach and communications representative for SJ Valley Air Pollution Control District. “Educating all Valley residents about those impacts and their role in reducing air pollution is critical to improve air quality and the Valley's public health."

The creative and colorful drawings illustrate a monthly clean air message in both English and Spanish, such as “Clear skies, healthy lives” and “Use an electric lawnmower.”  

“As children are our future, the more educated they are at an early age, they more they will be able to make an even larger positive impact on air quality,” said Presto.

Mumford’s illustration included four children arriving to school with the message, “Healthy Air Living means walking to school.”

“Kids learn the most about air quality issues as they prepare calendar entries,” said Presto. “But everyone benefits from the positive and educational messages in the annual Healthy Air Living Kids Calendar.”

The calendars are distributed to schools, community groups, health care facilities, churches, civic organizations and non-profit groups throughout the Valley. The District prints 20,000 copies of the popular, free publication, which promotes Healthy Air Living throughout the year.

The 2016 calendars can be reserved by calling 557-6400, while supplies last, and picked up locally at the District office in Modesto at 4800 Enterprise Way.