'Fatherhood Program' sets goals on fitness

St. Mary Community Action Agency’s Fatherhood Program held an “Exercising with a Purpose” movement activity with help from General Manager Lauren Frederick of Anytime Fitness in Franklin.
Boys and girls at the Peter Pan Head Start Center frolicked with anticipation in the “Spirit of Health and Happiness.” Frederick kindly volunteered to help whip a few Head Start dads and father figures into shape. Roughly 40 dads of all shapes and sizes worked out with their sons and daughters moving, dancing and getting fit. Head Start staff members filled in with children whose dads or other family members could not attend.
Members of the Franklin High School football team, which made it to the third round of the playoffs for the first time in school history, participated in the event. This is the second year Franklin’s players have joined in to exercise with the children. “We are so overjoyed that these young men took time out of their busy schedule to help out with the little children, who look up to them,” Fatherhood Coordinator David Teno said.
Frederick said he was impressed with the number of children and dads who participated. Fatherhood Coordinator Jeff Beverly added,, “Christmas is quickly approaching, and it is important to implement exercises that can combat weight gain from the excessive number of cookies, cakes, pies, and endless amounts of food many of us consume during this time of the year. We really appreciate the dads and moms who came to share in this exercise experience.”