International Women’s Day should be on your calendar for 1 p.m. March 8, when men, women, and children will be welcome at Creston Valley Public Library.
Go easy on lunch — the Creston GoGo Grannies will be waiting to provide a variety of snacks and give a short history about their origin and activities.
Organized by the Nelson-Creston New Democratic Party Constituency Association, the focus of the event will not be political, but rather a celebration of women.
Some interesting speakers have been lined up:
Brenda Luke has a passion for goalball. This is played with three contestants a side, all of whom wear blindfolds. Luke, who attends Prince Charles Secondary School, is legally blind and dreams of playing goalball on Team Canada.
Julie Miller has raised three daughters in Creston Valley. She has been a child and youth counselor for 15 years and currently works with youth addictions. Miller is excited about her most recent professional development, which involves incorporating integrative restorative yoga with counselling.
Elena Yeung works for School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) and early childhood services. She is a musician, singer and composer who will share a personal story relative to her creativity.
LaRae Blackmore is a Grade 11 poet who dreams of a better world.
Debby Johnson is well known for her community work. She has started a local chapter of BraveHeart Women, and will share information about the magical journeys of socially conscious women achieving change, one stage at a time.
Gary Smith has been a yoga practitioner for over 40 years. He would like to help women explore stress reduction techniques.
Brandy Hunt (nee Dyer) has two daughters. She began as the owner of Imagine Ink graphic design and printing. Nearly two years ago, she added Creative Fix, a fun, artsy, gift and coffee shop, a female hang out. A few years ago, she wrote and produced an illustrated book for children called Pat’s Place. She will share her life story, wherein she has had good and bad experiences.
Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall plans to attend and help with introductions.
Attendance at International Women’s Day should be well worth the effort.
—BY JULIE EWASHEN