Saturday conference will celebrate families

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
October 22, 2004
The Family Matters Conference marks its 10th anniversary in Meridian this year.
It is scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus. The conference is free and walk-in attendance is welcome.
In the past, topics discussed have included communication skills, technology, fatherhood, abstinence, family resiliency and building self-esteem.
This year's theme is "Celebrating Families." Activities for teens and children, as well as their parents and caregivers, are scheduled.
The general session will be conducted by Jere Hess, who was instrumental in bringing Family Matters to the East Mississippi area.
The keynote speaker will be Margaret D. McGlown, an educational consultant and founder of YouthServices Network which specializes in character development, conflict intervention, counseling and mentoring.
Following the welcome, breakout sessions will focus on topics like "Cyberstalking," how to be safe and make best use of the Internet while stressing the warning signs of social predators; and "Parenting: It's a Journey," a 90-minute interactive session about experiencing joy and handling the heartaches of parenting.
The day will also include:
A family storyteller will share fun ways to have family time with a few children's books and household items;
Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center employees will provide blood pressure checks and more;
Dr. John Giesemann, a computer specialist, will offer tips for taking perfect digital pictures;
Dr. Pat Reeves, associate Extension Service professor, will offer ideas on how to save time with holiday baking and gifts; and
Another workshop will focus on school information for parents and teachers of children ages 3 to 7.
And, of course no Family Matters event is complete without door prizes donated by businesses in East Mississippi.
What: Family Matters 10th Anniversary Conference, sponsored by MSU Extension Service
When: Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
Where: Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus
Information: Call Beth Randall, 482-9764