Session 2 Workshops ~ 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

1:00 pm CHILDCARE SESSION 2 (optional), "Therapy Dogs" - Karen George (Alliance of Therapy Dogs)
Caring People & Sweet Dogs
Sharing Our 4-Legged Friends to Spread Smiles & Joy

Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) provides testing, registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with dogs to visit hospitals, special needs centers, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities. We’re a network of caring volunteers who are willing to share our special canines to bring smiles and joy to people, young and old alike.
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Whether you and your dog are looking to become a registered therapy team or your facility would like to start a therapy dog program, Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is your #1 choice for pet therapy
 1:00 pm "The Secrets to Preventing Falls and Improving Your Balance: A Workshop on Balance and Dizziness" - Jeff Barta ATC, CSCS, MBA (Achieve Therapy and Fitness)
Afraid of falling? Have you considered doing “something” about it but haven’t taken any action? Are you afraid a loved one may fall? If the answer to any one of these questions is yes, this workshop is for you.
Every year, 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 suffer a fall. Of those falls, 1 out of every 5 results in a serious injury that requires hospitalization. In 2105, over $50 billion was spent on medical costs associated with fall injuries. These statistics frighten many seniors and their family members. The fear of falling is a frequent concern expressed by patients to physicians, therapists and other caregivers. By understanding & recognizing those factors that place someone at risk for a fall, these fears can be allayed.
This workshop will address the 5 most common reasons people fall, and the 3 essential elements of good balance. It will define and explain the two types of vertigo, or dizziness, and how each one impacts your balance. We will perform a 30 second test to assess your balance and discuss how to train and improve your balance. It will also provide 10 balance safety tips to prevent falls at the home.
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Jeff Barta, L/AT, CSCS is a NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer and a founding partner of Achieve Therapy, LLC. He has been involved in the Grand Forks health community since graduating from the University of North Dakota. For the last 30 years, Jeff has been helping people, age 8 to 98, improve their health & wellness so they can live the life they wish.
1:00 pm "How to Chase Away a Cold with Soup" - Margaret Landry L.Ac. (Margaret Landry Acupuncture)
Chase Away a Cold with Soup.  Food is medicine and there are common herbs, spices, and foods that can support your body's effort to fend off a cold.  We'll make soup.  As my professor said, "If it's not delicious, it's not dietary therapy!"
 
Margaret Landry L.Ac. is a Licensed Acupuncturist (Minnesota Board of Medical Practice).  She holds a Master of Acupuncture degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University, and is Diplomate of Acupuncture (National Certification Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).  She has her certification in Health Coaching (Institute of Integrative Nutrition), certification in Chinese Tuina Massage Therapy (American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), and certification in Fascial Movement Taping "Rock Doc" (Rocktape). 

Her practice is general and she has particular interest and additional training in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, rehabilitation, diabetes/metabolic disorders and chronic diseases.
1:00 pm "Advanced Care Planning" - Gwenn Bazajou (Valley Memorial Homes)
What matters to you the most in life? Is it being surrounded by family members, friends and animal companions? Is it music, art or sports? What would a good day look like for you? How would you like to see your wishes about your life be honored in your last days? Advanced Care Planning is not just about your medical care at the end of life. It is about how you want others to help you live your life in your last months, weeks, days.

90% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important. Only 27% have actually done so. As a member of the Grand Forks Advanced Care Planning Coalition, Gwenn Bazajou will share about the importance of doing advanced care planning, and offer suggestions as how to make “having the conversation” easier, with those you love.

Gwenn Bazajou is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She has been in the ministry for 40 years on May 27, 2018, beginning her service as a Lutheran Deaconess. She presently serves as Chaplain at Valley Memorial Homes in Grand Forks, ND. She is passionate about the Eden Alternative philosophy of care at Valley Memorial Homes and also about Advanced Care Planning. Her hobbies include reading, needlework, and working with animals. She lives alone with her 14 year old, whipper-snapper cat, Hope.
 1:00 pm "Relaxation Through Creative Art" - Rev. Spencer Homan (First Presbyterian Church of Grand Forks)
You've probably heard about the rise in adult coloring books, perhaps you've gotten in on it yourself.  More and more adults are learning the benefits of creating art.  In this workshop we will learn about some of the benefits of creating your own art, how to work it into your spiritual life, and different methods you can use to get started.  Each participant will go home with some starter supplies!
 
Pastor Homan has been pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Forks since 2016.  Pastor Homan grew up in LaMoure, North Dakota and graduated from the University of Jamestown with a degree in Religion/Philosophy.  He first felt the call to ministry as a high school student serving the homeless on a mission trip.  He received his Master of Divinity degree from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 2006 and is ordained as a pastor in the PC(USA).  He lives in Grand Forks, ND with his wife Alyssa and their three sons William, Eli, and Joseph. Pastor Homan has a passion for outreach and a heart for service in Grand Forks and the world
1:00 pm "Your Guide to a Healthy Heart" - Dr. Paul Chan M.D.  (Family Medicine - Altru)
​In this workshop you will learn how to keep your heart healthy and improve your overall heart health.
 
 Dr. Paul Chan is a family medicine physician and provides obstetrical care.  He is motivated to improve patient health.  Dr. Chan feels it is priceless to help a patient feel better and be healthier.  He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, sailing and visiting relatives in California.
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1:00 pm "Equine Assisted Therapy: Changing Lives" - Ben and Caryl Lester (Stable Days Youth Ranch)
Come learn how Stable Days Youth Ranch has been supporting and encouraging youth through adventure and equine based mentoring.
 
Since Stable Days Youth Ranch was established in 2011 as a 501(c)3, our primary faith-based mission has been to support and encourage youth down a path of personal development. Our inclusive and COST FREE program allows ALL KIDS, ages 5 - 17, including those who are healthy, those considered disadvantaged or disabled, or those who are labeled at-risk to experience the many benefits of adventure and equine based mentoring.
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We facilitate one-on-one sessions, using agriculture, art, nature, adventure and specifically the nature of a horse to accomplish goals that are designed and set based on each child’s unique life story. Youth are supported and encouraged through the adventure and sometimes unpredictability of every session.

Active involvement with moments of evaluation and reflection lead to intellectual, social, physical, spiritual and emotional learning and development. Encouragement is emphasized and participants have the freedom to make decisions, choices and even mistakes as they discover unexpected friendships, new capabilities and an enthusiasm for life. Experiencing authentic peace and nurturing a heart of thankfulness, children can accept the freeing truth that life is often both good and hard.
 
Ben & Caryl Lester have been married for over 30 years and have four grown children and a niece they are raising, along with six grandchildren, all who live in the Grand Forks area.  They have been involved in various ministries over the years and are members at Cottonwood Community Church.  They are outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy being in God's amazing creation.
11:10 pm "Samurai Soldier Obstacle Course" - First Pres Buildings and Grounds
A new addition for the conference in 2018 is our Samurai Soldier Obstacle Course!  Children and adults alike will find this course fun and somewhat challenging.  It will be a fun and interactive way for you to get active and get moving through some fun challenges.  The course will include an agility ladder, and army crawl, a tire course, a log challenge, and a spy laser maze obstacle.