Area women who embrace the rural lifestyle are invited to attend the 5th Annual Women Gaining Ground Conference on Saturday, March 9 in Glenwood. This event is brought to you by Women, Land & Legacy of Southwest Iowa and is a one-day summit designed to be fun and empowering for women from all walks of life. The conference will begin with check-in at 8 a.m. Once you have arrived, you will be treated to a yogurt bar, muffins, and plenty of coffee. You will also be invited to visit with the many vendors ranging from non-profit ag-related organizations, to unique local entrepreneurs like Lindy’s Laine, Down Home Creations, and Denim Do-overs.

Starting at 9:00, Deadra Stanton, this year’s keynote speaker, will take the stage. Deadra, a former English teacher, has inspired thousands of people across the United States with her humorous stories of life lessons. In her opener, she promises to “make you laugh until you cry!”  Following Deadra’s keynote presentation, Melanie Bruck, the Education Program Coordinator for Loess Hills Ag in the Classroom, will share her passion for building a foundation of Ag literacy through a presentation about the impact of food labeling on marketing and consumer perceptions.

From there, participants will choose three breakout sessions from a variety of relevant topics including:

• The Power of the Screen, presented by Tiffany Pinkerton, a Prevention Specialist with Heartland Family Services. Tiffani will help us understand how screen time affects brain development while sharing what games kids are playing, the latest brain research, and tips for improving screen time for everyone.
• Battle of the Beetles by Shirley Miller, Horticulture Program Assistant with ISU Extension and Outreach Mills County, will help us figure out what can be done about Japanese Beetles! Shirley will share strategies for protecting flowers, gardens and yards from this invasive little bug!
• Crafting with Kids will teach us how to be the best grandma on the block, just like its presenter, Carol Tedder! She will show us how to keep our cool while being cooped up with the kids by using common household items to encourage creativity.
• Working with Wool will demonstrate both wet and needle felting while offering a chance to try it. LouAnne Thompson is excited to introduce the fun and creative world of working with wool and other animal hair to her audience.
• Diets of Today will feature Jennifer Bass, the Food and Nutrition Manager at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Jennifer, a registered and licensed dietician, will break down the pros and cons of current diet trends and share her expert recommendations for ideal nutrition.
• Know Thyself will lead participants through activities and discussions aimed at better understanding yourself. Tina Bakehouse is a Keirsey Temperament Professional and public speaker.

It’s Time to Grow Up! Betsy Maryott, Mills County Master Gardener, is excited to share the pros and cons of vertical gardening through her own successes and failures in “growing up!” She will also identify resources to help you get started. Knowledge is Pow-Her is a financial workshop designed specifically for women. It will be presented by Denise and Daniel Miller of Miller Financial Group, Inc. Stop the Bleed, led by Katie Morse, Trauma Coordinator with CHI Health Mercy Hospital, will help participants learn the skills and basic tools to save lives in uncontrolled bleeding emergencies such as loss of limb and puncture wounds.
Getting Away without Going Too Far will be presented by Lisa and Tim Trudell. They are authors and bloggers based in Omaha and specializing in short-distance get-aways, perfect for busy farm families or retirees who don’t like to stray too far from the comforts of home!

Self-Defense Basics, taught by Officers Macy Arman and Kim Juarez from the Shenandoah Police Department, will equip you with basic self-defense skills and tips for staying safe in uncertain situations. Flower Power gives us the opportunity to learn from a pro. Jayna Guehlstorff from Jayna’s Country Store & Gardens will teach us how to cut and handle fresh flowers to keep them looking beautiful longer. She will also cover basic design principles and techniques that can be applied to all florals-fresh, fake or dried!

Lunch will feature one of the area’s best local caterers, Katy’s Catering of the Tabor/Glenwood area. A long break will allow plenty of time for shopping with the amazing vendors that will be on-hand, and networking with the many fascinating women who will attend. At the end of the day, participants will make their way back to the auditorium where the planning committee will distribute door prizes, and one lucky woman will win the $100 Early Bird Cash Prize! Sandy Hansen and Spencer Williams will close the conference with their special brand of positivity, affirmations, and tips for living your best life. The event is expected to end by 4:30.

Registration forms are available at www.extension.iastate.edu/fremont, or in any of the Extension offices in East Pottawattamie, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page or West Pottawattamie counties.  Register by February 22 to be eligible for a chance to win $100 CASH!  All registrations are due by March 1.  Special accommodations, including dietary needs, must be requested in advance.  Any questions can be directed to Fremont County ISU Extension at (712) 374-2351; Mills County ISU Extension at (712) 624-8616; or Montgomery County ISU Extension at (712) 623-2592. Vendor spots are still available and vendor registrations will be accepted until March 1.  Vendors can download the form at www.extension.iastate.edu/fremont.

Women, Land & Legacy (WLL) is an education and outreach program designed to educate and empower women.  Three to four programs are presented each year to bring relevant information and resources to local women to help them affect positive changes in their communities.  WLL of Southwest Iowa serves the counties of East Pott, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page and West Pott.  Its programs are available to all.