Franklin – National Coloring Book Day is recognized annually on August 2.  Coloring and coloring books have always been popular with children, but over the years adults have gotten more and more involved with coloring. Adult coloring is now a huge trend and many are finding that it is not only fun but also a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Coloring has also been linked in studies to help with healing the mind, body and spirit, releasing repressed feelings and emotions and stimulate creative thinking and problem solving, just to name a few.

This year Franklin VNA & Hospice is again having a coloring contest that runs through July 19, 2018. The winners will be chosen on August 2nd. The categories are broken down into 3 age groups: 8 and under, 9 – 14 and 15 and up.

As they are known for doing, the Franklin VNA & Hospice is keeping things local on this National Day! Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in each age group all from local organizations! The Soda Shoppe and Central Sweets in Franklin, Tilton Dairy Queen, Dipsy Doodle in Northfield, Jordan’s Homemade Ice Cream of Belmont and Art Escape in Laconia were all proud and happy to provide all the prizes to the talented artists.

The butterfly, in many cultures is a symbol of the soul. Franklin VNA & Hospice had long ago adopted the butterfly as their logo because it represents their mission – to provide quality home health care, Hospice care and education to individuals and families in our communities so they may reach their highest level of independence. In other words, they aim to take care of the whole soul. So it is no surprise this year a butterfly was chosen for the contest, with beautiful swirls and whorls to give the contestants, what will undoubtedly be a great start to creating a masterpiece.    
 
Local area schools and businesses, such as Winnisquam, Shaker Regional and Franklin Schools, Merrimack County Nursing Home and all the local senior centers will have the coloring sheets to hand out as well as a printable version on the FranklinVNA.org website. There are also printed versions available in their July ‘The Butterfly Files’ newsletter and at their office on Chestnut Street.

The winners will be displayed online on their Facebook page and website. So grab or print out the contest page, some coloring supplies and enjoy some quality coloring time!

For more information, call Franklin VNA & Hospice at (603)934-3454 or visit www.FranklinVNA.org