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Rural women to gather in Bowman

Farmwomen diaries this year might be filled with drought stress. It might mention unpredictable breakdowns, or long days in the baler.

Many of those women could use a little pampering, so a group near Bowman, ND put together a plan – the Rural Women in America extravaganza.

Women living in North and South Dakota and Montana have a day planned for them, by women.



A day of pampering, shopping, and hearing prominent speakers and if they’re lucky, they could win a $500 makeover.

About 300 women are expected to attend the sixth annual Rural Women in America conference on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008.



The conference committee chair, Camie Janikowski of Rhame, ND, is a rancher herself, and knows the needs of women who live in rural America.

“I think we have unique issues where we live,” Janikowski said. “If you live in a big town, you might fight traffic or urban development or safety issues.

“Here, we worry how to keep our schools open, or how do we continue our schools with fewer kids. Whether we live on a ranch or in town, our issues are similar.”

For six years, a committee of eager ladies in the tri-state region work to bring a high-caliber, energetic and motivating conference to the women living in rural America.

Those attending the Rural Women in America conference will hear inspiring speakers and enjoy a delicious catered meal, and take part in several enlightening workshops with topics from gardening to estate planning, anti-aging tips, grilling, animal health and handyman tips around the house.

One lady will win a special day of pampering from some of Bowman’s best beauticians and clothing experts and walk away with a makeover valued at $500.

Everyone will hear keynote speaker Elaine Froese, from southwestern Manitoba.

Her address entitled, “Balanced Living in a Complex World… Living an Intentional Life,” will pinpoint ways to help women manage their multitude of roles.

Conference committee members Janikowski, Andrea Bowman of Rhame and Stephanie Kelner and Katie Dilse of Scranton, ND, heard Froese speak at the National Women in Agriculture Conference in Oklahoma City, OK in April, 2008.

Froese coaches individuals and families to discover the life they want, and a workable plan to achieve their destination. She authored an award winning book, Planting the Seed of Hope, and speaks professionally on her passions to encourage people to make positive changes in their lives.

Terry Fleck, formerly of Scranton, ND, will speak as “The Attitude Doctor.” He focuses on personal attitudes and gives action plans for our attitudes. For the last decade, he’s conducted numerous training sessions and seminars on attitudes.

The conference is exclusively for women, those both engaged in agriculture, and those who are not.

Women will also be entertained by “T.R.A.S.H.,” a performing group who mix humor and harmony with modern medicine.

The conference has earned a high reputation for creating a fun, inspiring, and rejuvenating day just for women.

The Rural Women in America Conference has a packed schedule from 8:30 to 3:30 p.m., but all are invited to attend the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo in Bowman at 7 p.m. that evening.

More information is available at the Bowman-Slope Conservation Service at 701-523-3871, Ext. 3.