BARRHEAD – The Barrhead Women’s Conference raised the volume on what it means to be part of a caring community on March 22 at the Barrhead Legion.
This conference has existed for 39 years, marking the dedication and community drive of local women.
“Our theme is Hand in Hand, and we want people to have a comfort level with what’s available in the community,” said Faye Branden, MC and one of the organizers.
“This year we have local speakers from our community.”
Dawn Coberstein and Shirley Fluet have been coming to the Women’s conference for over 30 years.
Fluet enjoys getting out and meeting with people while seeing what’s going on in the community and coming to the event delivers on those things.
Coberstein said that there has been lots of good speakers with very interesting topics and the camaraderie is really what attracts them to the event.
Each person sat down to a bouquet of trinkets from seeds to note pads to enjoy while they sampled the coffee and pastries, visiting with table neighbours.
The day’s agenda was filled with four fascinating speakers and plenty of time to visit, meet new friends, share stories and enjoy the treats of the day.
The MC Faye Branden led the events with thoughtful consideration of timing and organization.
Ilse VanLoon shared a wonderful array of her photography with the group, sharing her photo made family memories for people in the community.
Dr. Jenna Butler spoke about community and connection to the land.
She danced the group through her many adventures around the world sharing and learning about different lands and their food.
Butler shared her passion for her grounding place, her off-grid farm where she nurtures a plentiful two-acre garden for her garden market.
Jacqueline Hamoen from Birch Creek Farms Ltd. shared her adventurous life stories on their bison farm. She introduced their participation in Open Farm Days, emphasizing the importance of knowing where food comes from.
People have been so grateful for the opportunity to visit Birch Creek farms and other Open Farm Days businesses, Hamoen said.
They learn about how farmers raise food products whether its livestock or with crops.
County of Barrhead Coun. Walter Preugschas regaled the crowd with his own family's journey as German immigrants.
He described the toil of his relations and how teamwork was the key to building successful farms in the area.
Trisha Enman, Adult Learning and Literacy Coordinator with Blue Heron shared her own perseverance perspective, shedding light on mental health importance.
The day included speakers from 4H, entertainment by Charlie Sutherland, a visit from Inge De Herdt and a marvellous luncheon.
Display tables were set up for the group to peruse with a variety of interesting groups to chat with.
The group visited with Birch Creek Farms and Nadine Quedenbaum from Open Farm Days, Isle Van Loon Photography, Jenna Butler’s Book Display and Sales and 3D Sunbeam with their amazing three-dimensional art.
Leah Jackson, Program Co-ordinator with Barrhead FCSS was sharing information beside Susan Rees from the Barrhead Art Club.
Trisha Enman had a table set up sharing information about Blue Heron’s adult learning programs.
Carol’s Country Cottage showcased items where fantastic artisans share their work for sale in her ancestral cottage.
The event was organized by the Farm Women’s Day Committee and the County of Barrhead Agricultural Services.
The Farm Women’s Day committee includes Marj Preugschas, Faye Branden, Audrey Shield, Marilyn Flock and Ilse VanLoon.
The event was sponsored by the County of Barrhead, Co-op and the MTM Community.
