Following their presentations, women will have the opportunity to voice their opinion and concerns on the issue. The conference will begin with registration at 8 a.m. at the Indian Capital Technology Center, 240 Vo-Tech Road in the Tahlequah Industrial Park.

Participants may visit the many interesting exhibits until 9 a.m., when the program will begin. The conference is free and will include a light lunch served by students from Talking Leaves Job Corps. Advance reservations are requested to plan for the food. Interested women from all walks of life are encouraged to attend, and can register at any time by calling Pam Williams at (918) 458-1138 or Norma Stopp at (918) 456-8780; leave a message with the number of reservations you need.

Dr. Hawley will focus on relationships of the "Sandwich Generation" as they experience caring for aging parents and their own children. In 2003, she retired from the Department of Psychology and Counseling at Northeastern State University, where she was chair of the department and facilitated numerous self-help work-shops in addition to teaching her courses. Carolyn currently is the chair of the Help-In-Crisis board and is studying to be an advocate for children in trouble. Her spare time is devoted to her two daughters and four grandchildren in Texas. At home, her two puppies and interest in artistic areas such as water color and drawing keep her busy.

Rev. Nietfeld will also discuss relationships. She is in her fifth year as minister of the Unitarian Universalist congregation of Tahlequah. Nietfeld worked as a labor union and coalition organizer before going to the seminary 16 years ago. She was married for 21 years, divorced and has been single for six years. Her son recently became engaged to be married and lives in the Los Angeles, Calif., area. She is secretly collecting children's books for when they are needed for future grandchildren. In her spare time, Nietfeld enjoys the Circle of Joy dancers and attending community activities, including movies at the recently-reopened Dream Theater.

The morning keynote speaker, Dr. Amy Blackburn, will focus on the conference theme, "Seduction of Addictions." The afternoon discussion, "Effects of Addictions on Relationships," will be addressed by Sandra Hill and Gina Olaya.

The American Association of University Women is networking with other organizations to plan presentations that will be informative and enjoyable for the participants. Co-sponsors include the Indian Capital Technology Center, NSU/Sodexho and Talking Leaves Job Corps. Snacks for the breaks will be provided by Sodexho of NSU. The conference will conclude by 2:45 p.m.

Several non-profit organizations and women business owners will have displays for participants to visit throughout the day. Some exhibitors will have many interesting and fun items for sale. Many wonderful door prizes will be presented during the day. The goal of the conference is to allow a diverse group of women to share their ideas, concerns and feelings about what is going on in their lives and in their community. All interested area women are encouraged to attend.

Article from Tahlequah Daily Press