The Johnston Senior Center hasn’t had a Health Fair since 2009.

“It was strictly all health back then,” explained Assistant Director Millie Santilli. “I started thinking about it a month ago and decided we should do another one. But this time I wanted to make it more of a fun event, so I added a boutique.

For five hours next Wednesday, the Senior Center will present what could turn out to be its biggest event in quite some time.

It’s being called the Women’s Health, Wellness & Boutique Expo and will kick off at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, inside the Center’s all-purpose room at 1291 Hartford Avenue in Johnston.

“We invite all women to join us for a day of health screenings, shopping and giveaways,” Santilli said while going over a long list of vendors. “There will also be free raffles, free coffee and pastry and much more to celebrate women.”

After Santilli discussed the idea with JSC staffers, she began contacting people she thought would be interested in participating in this type of event. Once the word got out that Santilli was actively recruiting vendors, her telephone started ringing off the hook.

Santilli said one of her first recruits was Roger Williams Hospital, which will offer cholesterol screening, glucose testing and sleep apnea screening. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island will offer Bone Mass Screening.

Dr. John R. Miele, who heads up Podiatry Specialists of RI, will be on hand, as will Beltone Hearing and Dr. Giulio Diamante of Ocean State Ophthalmology.

“Walgreen’s Pharmacy will have a special giveaway and Atwood Liquors will offer a wine tasting as well as free mimosas,” Santilli said. “I even got a call from Serendipity Artisans & Crafters LLC from Cranston saying they wanted to participate. I’m really, really excited; this should be a great day.”

Other vendors include Miche Bags, Twirl Hair Salon, Weight Watchers, Visiting Angels, Lanzi Furs, Mary Kay/Michele Ruzzano/Beth Kaye and Lori Imondi Jewelry.

“Even the housing facilities in Johnston will be here,” Santilli explained. “There will be representatives from Pocasset Bay Manor, North Bay Manor, Briarcliffe Manor, The Bridge at Cherry Hill and Capital Ridge and they’re all going to offer giveaways.”

The Arthritis Foundation will also be among the participants, as will Nicole Lahouse Aura Photography, Kristen MacRae of Organizing in RI, the Johnston Senior Center Quilting Group, Al’s Moving Minds/Anne Mulhall, Avon/Brenda Martini, The Point/Aging & Disability Center and AARP/Deborah Miller.

The event, which is designed to celebrate women, will feature entertainment by Vera Buratti, an accomplished pianist who offers lessons on Tuesday afternoons at the Senior Center.

Another popular Senior Center program, Zumba with Fran, will also be a part of next Wednesday’s Women’s Health, Wellness & Boutique Expo.

Admission is free. For more information, call the Johnston Senior Center at 944-3343 during the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.