Diversity, the theme of this year’s Rimbey’s annual women’s conference, is reflected in the choice of as well as the variety of vendors and fascinating keynote speaker who will be in attendance.
The conference will be held Feb. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Rimbey Community Centre and promises to provide a day well worth attending with an interesting potpourri of sessions and shopping opportunities.
Following registration and refreshments, the day will kick off with a welcome and presentation by keynote speaker Noreen Olson whose talk entitled, That’s My Story and I’m Sticking To It, will be sure to set the mood for a great day to follow.
Olson, who was raised west of Ponoka, is a farm wife who wrote a biweekly column for the Didsbury Review for 26 years. She has also written several books in which she combined humor with nostalgia, warmth, social comment and love of her family, animals, birds and the country. She is a long-time member of Alberta Women’s Institute and active in the Sons of Norway and Parkhills Women’s Guild and past chairperson of the Alberta Rural Childcare Pilot project.
Following the keynote speaker, the ladies in attendance will have the opportunity to take part in three concurrent sessions.
Kerry Huber, a nutritionist with Alberta Health Services in Wetaskiwin, will offer the session, Healthy Eating Starts Here; Cooking with Beans and Lentils.
Those who wish to enhance their creative side may wish to take part in a session led by storyteller and author Mary Hays.
Hays learned the art of storytelling as a child at the kitchen table but notes the creative art is not just for the young and people of all ages delight in the stimulation and enjoyment of listening to a fine story. Her storytelling has taken her across Canada to Brazil and to London, England.
Ladies who wish to learn more about the therapeutic benefits of drumming may wish to take in the session led by Tanya Schur, a certified HealthRHYTHMS trainer and Fit Rhythms trainer.
Schur holds a MA in leadership studies from the Royal Roads University and is executive director of Red Deer Native Friendship Centre. Her session taps into the excitement of creating deeper connections that have proven to strengthen the immune system and enliven your spirit.
After lunch and entertainment provided by Mary Hays, who will give a short presentation entitled, A Recipe for Life – Mrs. Nikanen’s Bread, the Taoist Tai Chi Society will teach some moves. These exercises, based in eastern tradition, help increase focus, balance and an overall sense of well-being.
Theresa Turner from Direct Travel in Ponoka will speak about travelling to such places as Turkey, Paris, India and New York.
Anna Schappell from Country Thyme Farms will give valuable tips about cooking with and growing herbs.
For registration information contact Family and Community Support Services at 403-843-2030. Registration forms are also available at businesses in several communities in the surrounding area.