WOMEN’S WELLNESS
By Barbara Pash
Talks on longevity, discussions on facial procedures, nutrition and financial planning, even fitness demonstrations featuring ballet, belly-dancing and Zumba – it’s Howard County’s popular health and wellness event, WomenFest.
In fact, since it started four years ago, the event has the second largest turnout of any offered by the Office on Aging (after the 50+ EXPO), says Courtney Barkley, chair of the event. Last year, more than 400 women showed up, and to encourage even greater participation in 2012, WomenFest has been moved from a weekday to Saturday. “We wanted to make it easier for working women to attend,” says Barkley.
Held at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Cooksville, WomenFest will host 50 vendors and offer screenings for osteoporosis, blood pressure, body mass index, hearing and dental health. All events are free – from seminars and exhibits to the screenings and demonstrations.
“We change the programs year to year, especially the seminars and health screenings, to make them innovative and interesting and try to have something for every age group,” says Barkley, who works with a committee that begins planning the event six months in advance.
This year, for the first time, the day’s highlight will be a concert by nationally known blues musician and Howard County resident, Deanna Bogart (above).
WomenFest, Saturday, June 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville. For information, Howard County Department of Citizen Services, Office on Aging, 410-313-5440. www.howardcountyaging.org/WomenFest
