FARMINGTON – Maine Rep. Tom Saviello, District 90, will be the keynote speaker at Franklin County’s 10th annual March for Violence-Free Communities on Saturday, April 28.

Participants will gather at 9 a.m. at Meeting House Park, Main Street. Marchers are invited to carry signs and pass out brochures with information about violence and local resources, make noise and have fun. E.L. Vining will provide a vehicle for those participants who are unable to walk the length of the march.

The march will be followed by a program at the Old South Church on Main Street, where a short break for snacks and cold drinks will be provided. The Franklin County Children’s Task Force will provide child care during the program. An open microphone will be provided for anyone who wishes to speak about the issue of violence.

The annual Peace in Our Families’ Recognition Award will be presented to Ernie Gurney of New Beginnings. New Beginnings offers basic shelter, longterm transitional living, outreach services, case management and assistance with survival needs for youth living on their own. Gurney has been with New Beginnings for seven years.

The march is sponsored by SAVES, AWAP, the Healthy Community Coalition, Peace in Our Families, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, Franklin County Children’s Task Force and numerous local agencies and individuals.

For more information, call SAVES at 778-9522 or the Healthy Community Coalition at 645-3136. The toll-free, 24-hour sexual assault crisis and support helpline is 1-800-871-7741. Local cell phone users can access the helpline by dialing 778-0110.