101 Furs, Paws and a Big Heart
Cornelia A. Cuff, Susquehanna Trail Dog Training Club
Therapy dogs – learn how!  Resources, requirements, rewards!  Everything you need to know to become involved in visits to nursing homes and other possibilities.  [L, MI]

121 Strong Words: Poems of Experience
Susan Brook, Tara Holdren and Janet Locke, River Poets
As it is with potent wine or dark chocolate, rich language can be an indulgence of the most delicious kind.  Come for a taste of decadence: poetry by women you know and by some you don’t.  [L, GP]

122 Publishing Pathways for Writers: Pros & Cons of all Options
Barbara Dauria, Touchstone Communications
This workshop is perfect for writers who wish to see their work in print.  Learn the process…from idea to writing, planning editing, designing, producing, marketing, distributing and/or selling.  An overview ‘how-to” discussion.  [L, GP]

123 Your Imago and Romantic Attraction: Why we choose the partners we do
Dr. Kathryn Lindenfeld
A brief introduction explaining the imago concept and how it relates to romantic attraction, followed by an easy written exercise that enables participants to define their own personal imago.  Discussion to follow.  [L, MI]

124 Information on WCA: Women’s Caucus for Art
Kathy Dobash, Artist and Proprietor, Beauty Flower Poem
This workshop will provide information on the WCA and instructions on setting up your portfolio on their website, www.nationalwca.com. WCA is committed to education about the contributions of women, opportunities to exhibit women’s work, publication of women’s writing about art, inclusion of women in the history of art, professional equity for all, respect for all individuals without discrimination and support for legislation relevant to their goals. (For more information prior to the conference, email phila_wca@yahoo.com or see http://www.inliquid.com/wca/framset.html.)  [Handouts, Contacts, Question & Answers]

141 Introduction to Reiki
Sue Yarnes, The Reiki Center
Reiki (pronounced Ray – Key) is simple energy touch therapy that anyone can be attuned to.  Reiki can help alleviate stress, pain and enhances well-being on all levels – physical, mental/emotional and spiritual.  A lecture demonstration provides the basic concepts and prepares one for attunement to Reiki.  [L, GP]

142 Taiji Roots, Branches and Flowers
Jim Birt, Harmony Spirit School of Taiji and Qigong
Explore the core elements of Taiji practice that can lead to greater balance, strength and flexibility on the physical, psychological and spiritual levels.  [GP, MI]

161 Women’s Professional Baseball - (part 1 of 2)
Sarah Jane “Salty” Sands Ferguson
A local small town girl goes from “Batgirl” to Professional All American League, leading to being in “The National Baseball Hall of Fame” in Cooperstown, New York and in the movie: A League of Their Own.  Salty shares how this amazing one time opportunity for women happened; what it was like.  She will bring pictures and other personal memorabilia and sign her own baseball cards. [A Conversation Presenter, GP]

162 Learn to Tat
Cindy Rupp, Columbia Montour Family Health, Inc.
Learn the ancient art of “making knots” to create lace and craft projects.  No experience needed.  Material will be supplied by the instructor.  [MI]

163 Self-Defense for Women
David Miller, The Carpenter’s Hammer
Learn how to avoid danger and what to do, and how to do it if you find yourself in a life threatening situation.  [L, MI]

181 Skincare 101
Nancy Gelber-Flick, #10648964, Arbonne International
This fast paced, fun and funny presentation will sear into your brain skincare 101 basics you will never forget.  If one half of the effectiveness of any skin care routine is proper application, are you doing it correctly?  Does the skin care we buy really have the potential to rejuvenate our skin?  Based on clinical skin rejuvenation studies conducted by independent research institutions and published in peer reviewed biomedical journals, which active ingredients deliver proven results?  Knowledge is the antidote for falling prey to the hype of cosmetic ads and infomercials.  You can work out the smartest most economical personal strategy for ageless skin with the information shared in this presentation.  [L, GP]

182 Relaxation for Professional Women
Lisa Makara, Loyalton of Bloomsburg
Dr. Carolyn Engdahl-Hines, Berwick Hospital Center
In this workshop women will learn to pinpoint the physical and emotional manifestation of stress in the body.  Along with learning techniques to combat stress, such as exercise, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and more.  Wear comfortable clothes; bring mat or large towel and small pillow.  [L, GP, MI]

201 Dreams & the Creative Process
Antonia Felix, Keynote Speaker
Writers live in the world of the imagination, and this workshop reveals the author’s personal experiences with dream material as collected for more than two decades.  From her work with Jungian analysts to plumb the depths of her unconscious, from whence dreams come, to her dream visits by her three muses that led to her writing her first novel, this is an intriguing exploration of a mystery we all share.  Participants will be invited to share their dream stories as they relate to the topic.  [L, GP]

202 Self Esteem – How to Get It, Boost It and Keep It
Moira Dalton, The Women’s Center, Inc. of Columbia and Montour County
Everyone feels bad about themselves from time to time and this is normal.  However, low self esteem is a constant companion for too many women.  You have the right to feel good about yourself, so join us and learn how.  [L, GP]

221 The Role of Women in Art and Society in the Medieval World
Patrick Dunn O’Neill, Ph.D., Art History, PSU Hazleton
View slides from ancient medieval and early modern art that show the roles women have had in culture and society throughout the centuries.  [L, GP]

222 Improving Your Presentation Skills: One Context at a Time
Nicole L. Defenbaugh, Ph.D.
This one-hour workshop covers the primary elements needed to present a well-polished speech.  Whether delivering a wedding toast, giving an impromptu presentation to a company, or speaking at a town hall meeting, this workshop examines how to be a more organized, confident, and less apprehensive speaker.  [L, GP]

223 Confronting Conversation
Molly Wertheimer, Ph.D., Communication Professor, PSU, Hazleton
Learn tips for talk when you can’t go over, around or under a conflict.  [L, GP]

241 Reiki Level 1 (Beginner) Class
Sue Yarnes, The Reiki Center
You will need to have attended the Introduction to Reiki (141) program to participate.  Receive attunement and experience giving Reiki to yourself and others.  Class fee of $25 payable at the beginning of class covers the attunement, manual and certification as a Reiki Level 1 Practitioner.  [L, GP, MI]

242 Images of Women in Disney Animation
Gaye Ranck Jenkins, Sullivan County Victim Services
This workshop takes a critical look at how women are portrayed in Disney Animation films and asks how these portraits affect our children’s perceptions of gender.  [L, GP]

261 Women’s Professional Baseball - (part 2 of 2)
Sarah Jane “Salty” Sands Ferguson
A local small town girl goes from “Batgirl” to Professional All American League, leading to being in “The National Baseball Hall of Fame” in Cooperstown, New York and in the movie: A League of Their Own.  Salty shares how this amazing one time opportunity for women happened; what it was like.  She will bring pictures and other personal memorabilia and sign her own baseball cards. [A Conversation Presenter, GP]

262 Bloomsburg - “A Different Point of View” 
Isabel Tarr, long time resident and active volunteer (Conversation Presenter)
Sharing the lives of African Americans in a place called home.  Isabel will share her experiences and memories of Bloomsburg through the eyes of an African American.
[Conversation, GP]

263 You and Your Car
Fred Kressler, Kressler Service Station
Take a look under your hood to learn what maintenance information is expected of you and get to know your car with an expert mechanic.  Bring owner’s manual and maintenance record for a fun session that could make you and your family safer and perhaps help you save money.  [L, MI]

264 Folk Dance for Fun
Lori C. Fraind, Dancing with BRASH
Learn about other cultures while doing simple folk dances from around the world.  No experience necessary – If you can move, you can dance!  [GP, MI]

281 Advances in Breast Care
Marie Lamey, RN, OCN
This workshop will review breast cancer screening guidelines, breast cancer risk factors, benign breast disease, as well as advances in breast cancer treatment that have helped to improve survival of women diagnosed with breast cancer.  [L, MI]

282 Caregiver Stress
Christine Pritchard, Columbia Montour Aging Office, Inc.
Cindy Schaible, Columbia Montour Aging Office, Inc.
We will discuss the effects of caregiving as it applies to the care giver as well as the recipient, with regards to physical, emotional and mental health effects.  [L, MI]

283 Pharmaceuticals in the Environment
Virginia Thompson
The news has been full of stories lately about pharmaceuticals and personal care products possible effects on aquatic species.  This workshop will discuss impacts on the environment and steps you can take to reduce the amount of medicines you dispose of directly into the water. [L]

301 Four Principles for Living Abundantly
Sharon Marquart, Life Coach, Living at Yes!
Learn 4 principles – easy steps – that will shift your ability to live abundantly and prosperous.  [L]

302 Storying our Lives: The Power of Narratives in Understanding Self & Others
Nicole L. Defenbaugh, Ph.D.
This one-hour workshop explores how we use stories to express our thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  The workshop identifies different areas in our lives for using story (e.g., illness, creative expression, relationships) and how words are a powerful vehicle for understanding ourselves and others. [L GP]

321 and 421 Community Unity with ART (2 hour session – must take both)
Kathy Dobash, Artist and Proprietor, Beauty Flower Poem
Melissa Miller, Coordinator, The Ophelia Project of Greater Hazleton PA
The artist will share her community art projects: First Night, First Light Community Mural, Ophelia Arts Floral Garden Mural, The Autumn Landscape Project, First Night Hazleton 2008, Procession of Colors Banner Project.  Information about The Ophelia Project of Greater Hazleton to help youth form healthy peer relationships in a safe environment will be shared. Time will be allotted for discussion and the implementation of a small collage for each participant to create and take home. Each participant will also contribute to a group banner.  This hands-on workshop allows each member to view art, make art and talk art.   A perfect Saturday activity for everyone to enjoy!  $5.00 Material Fee – Pay at Registration  [L, GP, MI]

322 What is a Protection from Abuse Order?
Peg Ross, Sullivan County Victim Services
A protection from abuse order is a legal paper that can do more than protect you from abuse.  Learn what it can do, how to get one and what the consequences are for a violation. [L]

323 Loving Children of Color
Alicia King Redfern, Ph.D.
This workshop will focus on issues related to adopting and/or having a biracial child, with emphasis on the current and future special needs, concerns and realities that affect African American children.  The session is intended to be highly interactive and candid.  If there is an African American child in your life or someone close to you, this session is for you.  [L, GP, MI]

341 Healing with Crystals & Gemstones (part 1)
Sue Yarnes, The Reiki Center
Experience the intuitive approach to selecting gemstones and crystals for yourself and others.  Learn how to cleanse, place and care for them for best results. A wide selection of stones will be available for use and/or purchase.  [L, GP]

342 The Enneagram: Learning to Know and Love Yourself
Nancy Roberts DePoe, Anam Cara Farms
An introduction to the ancient wisdom system for self-understanding based on 9 distinct personality types.  It is a tool to overcoming inner barriers, a means to realizing your gifts and strengths and discovering your spiritual path in life.  This class will help you determine your type, learn characteristics of each type and explore relational aspects.  [GP, MI]

343 Gender Advertisements: Stereotyping from Past to Present
Daniel Doyle, Professor Emeritus, Penn  College
Images depicting masculinity and femininity for over 100 years of modern advertising have consistently stereotyped feminine qualities as powerless.  An examination of subtle visual cues in historical and contemporary ads will heighten awareness as to how visual language may be negating efforts to change the spoken and written word regarding equality.  [L, GP]

344 A Thousand Splendid Suns
Sue Jackson, PhD, Bloomsburg University (retired), former social worker
Discussion of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Housseini will focus on the Middle Eastern culture, specifically including women and family issues, and the overall impact on people’s lives. [L, GP]

361 Women’s Professional Baseball - (part 1 of 2)
(if second session needed)
Sarah Jane “Salty” Sands Ferguson (A Conversation Presenter)
A local small town girl goes from “Batgirl” to Professional All American League, leading to being in “The National Baseball Hall of Fame” in Cooperstown, New York and in the movie: A League of Their Own.  Salty shares how this amazing one time opportunity for women happened; what it was like.  She will bring pictures and other personal memorabilia and sign her own baseball cards. [A Conversation Presenter, GP]

362 Learn to Tat
(If repeat session needed)
Cindy Rupp, Columbia Montour Family Health, Inc.
Learn the ancient art of “making knots” to create lace and craft projects.  No experience needed.  Material will be supplied by the instructor.  [MI]

363 You and Your Car (If repeat session needed)
Fred Kressler, Kressler Service Station
Take a look under your own car’s hood. Learn what maintenance information is expected of you and get to know your car with an expert mechanic.  Bring owner’s manual and maintenance record for a fun session that could make you and your family safer.  [L, MI]

364 Learn and Have Fun with “The Charleston”
J. Ben Austin
Celebrate the flapper in you with a little light exercise.  Ben will teach you the basic steps.  No experience, no partner needed – just a spirit of fun. [GP, MI]

381 Women & Colon Cancer
Kathy Baylor, MD, Bloomsburg Health System
A discussion on colon cancer and the importance of screening.  [L]

401 Using the Law of Attraction
Sharon Marquart, Life Coach, Living At Yes!
Learn practical ways to read and manage your energy – thoughts and feelings – so you are empowered to create your “Dream Life.”  [L]

321 and 421 Community Unity with ART
(2 hour session – must take both)
See above Description

422 Sexual Abuse: Effects on Children
Amanda Donald, Sullivan County Victim Services
An overview of the warning signs of sexual abuse in children and a discussion of the short and long term affects. [L, GP]

423 Domestic Violence and Substance/Alcohol Abuse:
The Myths/The Facts (An Overview)
Linda S. Fassett, Sullivan County Victim Services
Discussion of common beliefs of persons under the influence and domestic violence.  Research based facts concerning substance/alcohol abuse and domestic violence.  [L, GP]

424 Monstrous Mothers:
Exploring the Portrayal of Motherhood & Technology in Literature and Film
Dr. Christina Francis, English Department, Bloomsburg University
This lecture/discussion would present the influence of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein on portrayals of creation/birth without a mother in subsequent science fiction films such as The Matrix and the Alien(s) series.  Motherhood is made monstrous when blended with technology.  [L, Part Discussion]

425 Women Playwrights: What They’re Writing About Now
Laurie McCants, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble
Actors from BTE will read excerpts from the works of contemporary female playwrights – funny, moving, thought-provoking!  [L, GP]

441 More Healing with Crystals & Gemstones (part 2)
Sue Yarnes, The Reiki Center
You will need to have attended the Healing with Gemstones & Crystals (pt 1) program to participate.  Learn how to “charge” crystals and participate in a powerful crystal and gemstone healing layout.  [L, GP, MI]

442 The Enneagram: Learning to Know and Love Yourself (If needed)
Nancy Roberts DePoe, Anam Cara Farms
An introduction to the ancient wisdom system for self-understanding based on nine distinct personality types.  It is a tool to overcoming inner barriers, a means to realizing your gifts and strengths and discovering your spiritual path in life.  This class will help you determine your type, learn characteristics of each type and explore relational aspects.  [GP, MI]

461 Women’s Professional Baseball - (part 2 of 2)
(If second session needed)
Sarah Jane “Salty” Sands Ferguson (A Conversation Presenter)
A local small town girl goes from “Batgirl” to Professional All American League, leading to being in “The National Baseball Hall of Fame” in Cooperstown, New York and in the movie: A League of Their Own.  Salty shares how this amazing one time opportunity for women happened; what it was like.  She will bring pictures and other personal memorabilia and sign her own baseball cards. [A Conversation Presenter, GP]

462 Getting Started with Mutual Funds
Nancy Schott, Schott Financial Coaching
Nancy, an independent financial planner, will explain basic investing terms and how to choose mutual funds.  She will review several funds including their fees and past performance.  [L]

463 Belly Dancing
Barbara Price
Learn some fun, energetic belly dance movements and put them into a short dance.  [GP]

481 Osteoporosis: Who’s at Risk?
Sherri Derr, CRNP, Bloomsburg Health System
Learn how to protect yourself against this bone related illness.  [L]

482 First Aid for Beginners
Brenda Pitonyak
Discussion on topics of sudden illness/injuries and how to prepare for emergencies  diabetic, heat and cold related seizures, fainting, cardiac, etc.  [L]
Columbia-Montour Women's Conference
Presenting the 28th annual
workshop descriptions
First Session                Second Session
Third Session                Fourth Session
Check this page for important details on workshop prerequisites or  requirements.