STUDENTS IN GRADE 10 FROM ESSEX NORTH SHORE AGRICULTURAL & TECHNICAL SCHOOL were at the Healthy Living Lynnfield Expo to educate residents about everything from stress management to dental care. From left, Ashleigh Karuri, Charlene Nansubuga and Anastacia Montina. (Gail Lowe Photo)

 

 

By GAIL LOWE

LYNNFIELD — A light drizzle began to fall over Lynnfield’s Town Common late Saturday morning, May 20 just as a group of women heard Latin-inspired Zumba music calling them to rise to the occasion.

In spite of a light rain, only a few moments later up to 30 dancers demonstrated the Zumba moves designed by choreographer Bob Perez to get their hearts pumping.

The cardio fitness program was only one of many attractions residents enjoyed while attending the second annual Healthy Living Expo last Saturday, May 20 on the Town Common.

Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Smolinsky was more than pleased with the turnout.

“The vendor turnout was wonderful, as was the support we received from the community—from Town Hall to Lynnfield residents. Being backed by everyone makes a huge difference,” Smolinsky said.

Co-Chairs of the event, Substance Use Prevention Coordinator Peg Sallade and A Healthy Lynnfield Chairman Phil Crawford, said they were “grateful to all who participated,” including 50 vendors, the town’s high school hockey team and many volunteers.

“It’s been a tremendous event,” Crawford noted.

 

A GROUP OF WOMEN got in the groove when they participated in a Zumba dance class at the Healthy Living Lynnfield Expo held on the Town Common Saturday, May 20. Zumba is a fitness program that involves cardio exercise danced to Latin-inspired music. (Gail Lowe Photo)

 

The event included Tai Chi with Patricia Fabbri, Custom Fitness; fitness with Meg Caprio, owner of The Vault; kids’ yoga with Keri Sloan; family entertainment and music by Steve Blunt; senior Zumba and Cervizzi’s karate.

The junior set enjoyed face painting, soccer classes with Soccer Shots, balloon artistry, rock painting and a robot dog. Pizza and ice cream were also offered to satisfy hearty appetites.

Sponsored by A Healthy Lynnfield and the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce, the event also featured blood pressure screenings, personal fitness and nutrition instruction, mini massages and stretching tables, therapy dogs for petting and CarFit auto safety adjustments for drivers.

Geraniums in a beautiful array of colors were also sold by Townscape Lynnfield, which started at $5 for a single pot.

Sponsors also included Soccer Shots and Whole Foods Market (platinum). Gold sponsors were the Think of Michael Foundation and Vault Training. Silver sponsors included Beth Israel Lahey Health, First Financial Trust, Kelly Automotive Group, MarketStreet Lynnfield and The Savings Bank.

Bronze sponsors included Dermatology & Skin Health, Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness (MCAW), Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning, Torigian Family YMCA, Wakefield Co-operative Bank, and Walmart North Reading.

“Our first Healthy Living Expo was so well received last year that we knew immediately we would have to do it again,” said Sallade. “This year we had even more vendors and activities.”

For more information, visit www.ahealthylynnfield.org/about-the-expo.