FRANKLIN
The Franklin community was treated to a day of fun on Saturday at Armory Drive Recreational Park. The Western Tidewater Community Services Board, in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Lambda Psi Omega Chapter and the Franklin Department of Parks & Recreation, were the key sponsors of the annual event.

The event is also a product of a coalition of many community groups and organizations that meet on a regular schedule. Brenon Artis of Franklin Department of Parks & Recreation serves as the chairman of the coalition.   

The day of fun presented a variety of activities, educational vendor booths, youth inflatable rides, swimming in the pool and food.  The overall purpose of the day was to focus on health awareness for the whole family. Franklin Mayor Frank Rabil was present and gave greetings during the opening of the program.

Dr. Carletta Perry, a staff member of the Western Tidewater Community Services Board, served as the mistress of ceremony of the program portion of the event. Perry also doubled as a keynote speaker and spoke on the “power of the mindset.” Also appearing on program was Tearanie Parker of Virginia Beach who spoke about generational finance. A powerful monologue was given by Rickaya Sykes of Franklin. Sykes, a rising senior at Southampton Academy, gave a dramatic presentation, “I kissed a boy once.”

Others appearing on the program were a praise dance team from the Celebration Church and Franklin’s own high-stepping youth group, Create Bliss.

Lunch for all was prepared by members of the Celebration Church.

Another key highlight of the day was the landing of the Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance for Sentara Healthcare. The pilot and crew were well received after their 20-minute flight to the event from their home base in Norfolk.

After their short visit, the crew received an emergency call that required them to take off immediately to North Carolina.