The Marblehead Counseling Center hosted its inaugural Community Wellness Day at Hobbs Playground on Sat., June 22.
The event was the first of a series of four events to commemorate MCC’s 55th year providing mental health services to the community.
“We’re using this to give back to the community for all of its support over the years,” Counseling Center Vice President Ron Grenier said.
The event kicked off with a performance by the local singing group Shooting Stars. Six elementary school girls took the mic, led by instructor and life coach Molly Williams.
Williams teaches kids how to deal with anxiety and build confidence through music and live performances. Saturday’s setlist included empowering songs like, “This is Me,” “The Climb” and “Fight Song.”
“Every time they step on stage they have to tap into being courageous and kind to themselves if they make a mistake,” Williams said. “The goal is to build confidence and have fun while doing it.”
Meanwhile, attendees played lawn games and enjoyed free popcorn and Italian ice handed out by volunteers wearing neon orange shirts. The Terry’s Old Fashion Ice Cream truck showed up, giving everyone a complimentary scoop.
“We came up with this idea to celebrate the community and bring wellness and the community together,” Lisa Cohen, the Counseling Center’s business manager, said.
An array of booths were set up in front of the Counseling Center. Local vendors included Marblehead Cares, The Mariner and the MHD Pride Committee. Holistic chiropractors, yoga instructors, holistic health and culinary counselors and a speech and language therapist were also there.
“We’re trying to address mental health from your mind to your toes to the food you ingest,” Grenier told the Current.
Seated at the Counseling Center’s booth was Marie Ouellete and Gregg Mulford. Ouellette is a Chief Clinical Officer, while Mulford is a Clinical Supervisor. Ouellete said the Counseling Center’s clientele includes all populations, from children to the elderly.
Body Mind Systems of Swampscott gave two martial arts demonstrations, one for kids and one for adults. J&J Pony Rentals of Groveland brought three ponies to Hobbs, and led children riding the ponies around the field.
Ronan McKiernan, 12, and Markus Faust, 13, arrived at the event with smiling faces. Both boys go to Marblehead Veterans Middle School and were excited to kick off the summer with ice cream and Italian ice. When asked if they planned on riding the ponies, Mckiernan laughed, saying, “We joked about that in the car… we’ll see!”
The Marblehead Police Department closed down Ware Lane for enhanced safety surrounding the ice cream truck. The Marblehead Fire Department offered to use their hose if it was too hot, though the day proved mild and overcast.
The teamwork exhibited leading up to the event and on the day of was an excellent reminder of the community’s ongoing support for one another.
“You’re not supposed to go through life alone. You’re meant to find friendships,” Williams said.
