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THE CLACKAMAS PRINT
EEÄH1BE
May 6,1992
'Making Dreams Happen' draws 110
to fourth annual women's weekend
You're never too old for the Women's Weekend - or for
politics! Women ages 19 to 75 attended.
"Food for the body.. . food for the mind...
food for the soul... soooo nourishing!
Thank you."
-Margaret Dresbach
A student's point of view:
Women’s weekend proves to be bonding experience
by Renae Parr
ASG Vice-President/
Contributing Writer
Write a story about the Focus
On Women Retreat Weekend from
a student’s point of view? Sure, no
problem.. .that is, untilT actually
sat down to write it. Things that
are basically emotional are diffi
cult to express in words that make
sense to someone not involved.
When I was asked to attend
this year’s event as a speaker, I
wasn’t quite sure what to expect I
had never attended anything like
this before. I took all the things on
the packing list, my outline of the
session I was to speak at, the direc
tions to get there, and got on my
way.
What I found there is hard to
put into words. This group of
approximately 100 women rang
ing in age from their early 20s to
late 60s and 70s came together to
share their joys and strengths, as
well as their sorrows and weak
nesses. Tears of both joy and sad
ness were shed. There were work-
shops to attend, art to be made,
songs to be sung, and walks to be
taken. Friendships were deepened,
while mere acquaintances and
strangers became friends. Given
the option of doing anything or
nothing, we were encouraged to
“make the weekend our own.”
one actually define it? It involves
getting out “with the guys,” ex
tended hunting and/or fishing trips,
and watching sports, but there is
more to it No one can put it into
definitive words, but something
happens. I’m told this is “a neces
Attending this weekend took me back to my
family refreshed and in a better frame of
mind to handle the daily routines we all
encounter.
Putting away the pressures of
school and home felt great I didn’t
have to worry about getting kids to
bed on time, doing the laundry piled
by the washing machine, or taking
care of anyone but myself. It was
the most relaxing weekend I have
had in a very long time—like a
weight had been lifted off me.
Attending this weekend took me
back to my family refreshed and in
a better frame of mind to handle the
daily routines we all encounter.
We’ve all heard about the need
for “male.bonding,” but can any-
sary part of the ‘male’ needs.” But
what about women’s needs?
I have also been told that women
have many opportunities to bond
talking on the phone, shopping
sprees, and taking the kids to the
park. We’re supposed to be home
taking care of kids, home, and hearth
and that should be enough for us.
Now women have an outlet for
“bonding.” We have the FOCUS
ON WOMEN PROGRAM with
monthly breakfast meetings and
weekend retreats. It’s about time!!!
Sandra Johnson and her mom - Counselor Bernie Nolan - take
a sun break. Bernie's three daughters were part of the "Your
Sister, Yourself* panel, along with Oregonian writer Jann
Mitchell and her two sisters.
"Praise to the healing hands. Honor to the
healing tears."
—Jann Mitchell
"A wonderful place to connect with women.
Female energy is so sweet, nurturing, nour
ishing (even more so when we nurture our
selves). It just feels ‘flat out’ great to be
here with such energy music, spirit. There’s
no turning back; I am forever changed. I will
nurture this information in me to grow and
grow."
photography by Linda Vogt
and Kate Gray
Coordinators for the event were CCC faculty members Nancy Baker, Ellen Burbridge, Linda
Vogt and Rene' Rathburn.