The 14th Annual Women’s Health Fest will be here soon. This popular event will be held on Saturday, March 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Branch Area Careers Center. It provides local women an opportunity to do something just for themselves offering eight different workshops, exhibitors, and doorprizes.

Sponsors for this year’s event are the Community Health Center of Branch County, Pines Behavioral Health, Century Bank and Trust, Altrusa International of Branch County, AM 1590 WTVB, Monarch Community Bank and Southern Michigan Bank and Trust. With the support of these sponsors, women of all ages can attend two of eight educational and fun sessions at no charge. Women with small children can take advantage of free childcare by preregistering at 279-5008.

Those attendees registered by 11:00 a.m. will have a chance to win a year’s membership to Great Lakes Health and Fitness, a gift basket from Taylor’s Stationers and another from North Woods Coffee each valued at $300 or more, and a LazyBoy recliner from Wilbur’s Furniture.

Session topics are:

Pure Michigan Coldwater Country Staycations: Branch County Tourism Bureau’s Debra Yee will show you how you can vacation in your own backyard & hidden treasures in and around South Central Michigan.

Pro Kitchen Tips: Chris Nixon from The BoatHouse Restaurant…learn from the best! Helpful, easy tips for cooking like a Food Network star!!

Tricks & Tips for Easier Living: Come & learn how to simplify your hectic life with Courtney Dirschell, self proclaimed Organizer Extraordinaire!

Cut Costs, Save Smart!! Patty Parker from Southern Michigan Bank & Trust will show you ways to save without cutting into your lifestyle!

Stress Relief 1-2-3: Learn techniques to reduce stress on your own, anywhere from Darlene Starr.

Having Fun With Children: Kayleen Bovee will show you ways to have fun with your kids when they’re bored and you’re broke!

Do-It Herself Clinic: Learn how to do your own home maintenance and repairs with a Home Depot hunk!

Spring Spruce Up: Backyard Kreation’s Matt Hyska will show you handy tips to spring your yard alive after the snow melts.

Over 40 exhibitors will also be on hand to showcase their services and merchandise between sessions. Some of the exhibitors include several departments from the Community Health Center of Branch County with health information, Upper Hand Bodywork, Creative Memories, Great Lakes Chiropractic, Branch County Literacy Council, and many more. Free on-site childcare, (preregistration required) will be provided, as will refreshments throughout the morning. Goody bags will be handed out to the first 250 participants to register on the day of the Health Fest.

Women’s Health Fest is planned and staged by women from area businesses and organizations. The first event was held in 1998 and has been held annually ever since. Women’s Health Fest is one of the few free events of this kind in Michigan. Each year the Health Fest has attracted 250 - 300 women who have consistently rated it as excellent on participant surveys.

A few exhibitor spots are still available. Contact Patty Parker at (517) 279-5665 or e-mail to pparker@smb-t.com. To for more information or to preregister for free childcare, call (517) 279-5008.