June 25: Family Wellness Day In Franklin

FRANKLIN, Va.
The second annual Family Wellness Day will offer free food, contests, health screenings, and more. The free wellness event, which will be held this year on June 25 in Armory Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., attracted about 200 people last year. Organizers aim to attract at least 300 this year. Whether you want to hear free music, enjoy inflatables, rock climbing, face painting or listen to the keynote speaker Ryan Sumblin, a motivational speaker; or you want to stroll through the vendors’ area; your attendance will launch a ripple effect.

“When you have access to all of these resources that we are offering, it will make the community a better place,” said Sammara Green-Bailey, program specialist with the City of Franklin Department of Parks and Recreation. “In other words, a healthy community is a better community.” A case in point is the feedback that wellness organizers received last year. “Some people said it was something that their kids could do all day,” said Green-Bailey, who has been with the parks and recreation department for four years. “Others told us they learned about resources in the community that they did not know we had.”

Green-Bailey said this year’s event will not just focus on the body. It will also focus on the mind. “We will have mental health experts on hand. You can talk to experts about your personal problems.” This means you can stroll past vendors’ tables and receive free health screenings, pamphlets, and assorted materials. You can also enjoy free entertainment. Meanwhile the keynote speaker will speak before lunch, which will include free hamburgers, hotdogs, snacks and fruit.

The grant-funded event is open to everyone. It is sponsored by Western Tidewater Community Services Board, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the City of Franklin Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, please phone 562-2475.