Nearly 300 people attended Southampton Memorial Hospital’s Administrative Professionals Day luncheon and garden party held at the Workforce Development Center.

Part of a series in the hospital’s Healthy Woman Program, which promotes health topics and education to the community, the event was co-sponsored by Feridies and International Paper.

“I was very pleased with the turnout,” Director of Marketing Anne Williams said. “Our attendance is definitely an indicator that there was a need for an event to recognize Administrative Professionals in Franklin.”

The program took place during the luncheon, catered by Dot Kitchen.

Nancy Beale of Inspired Spaces in Franklin presented a floral arrangement demonstration using everyday items that may be found around the house. Beale filled in for Inspired Spaces owner Gayle Johnson.

“She did a great job,” Williams said. “She is very talented.”

Williams noted that Johnson “was a real trooper,” to give a presentation on short notice in front of so many people.

Southampton High School’s culinary arts students helped serve during the event. Three members of the class, Yaseen Ali, Jayson Williams and Chris Goodwyn, demonstrated how to create berry trifle, which was also served as dessert.

Williams was impressed with the students.

“They were fantastic,” Williams said. “They were a tremendous help to us with everything from set up to service to cleanup.

“The three young men who gave the demonstration did a wonderful job. They were so poised and confident in front of all of those people.

“Mrs. Debra Holt and her students definitely give Southampton County Schools something to be proud of.”

The students culinary team and their management team both recently placed second in a culinary arts competition sponsored by the National Restaurant Association.

Dr. Michael Ponder delivered a presentation to participants about springtime and health. He talked about seasonal affective disorder, allergies and the benefit of sunlight for bones.

He warned of overdoing it when working in the yard.

“The warm weather makes us feel like doing more,” he said. “Pace yourself while doing yard work.

“The secret to springtime is to spring in moderation, not all in one weekend.”

Shon Holman of the American Cancer Society set up a device for audience members that analyzed how much sun damage had been done to one’s skin.