Speaker: Amy Bliefnick, President/CEO of Macon Resources, Inc. (MRI)

Imagine going to work every day at a place where people celebrate their abilities, have a positive attitude, and want to grow into their best self. Such is the atmosphere at one of the jewels of Decatur ~ Macon Resources! President/CEO, Amy Bliefnick, will be joining us by video to share what it's like to lead and love the persons MRI serves. Due to the special opportunity presented by COVID-19, Amy will be giving us a virtual tour of their facility and discussing some of the jobs persons they serve perform for organizations in our community. Perhaps MRI could support your organization in a way you’ve never thought of? Tune in to learn more and to experience DAWN’s first virtual meeting on our Facebook Page!

To check MRI out before the meeting or follow them after, click on:

www.maconresources.org or www.facebook.com/maconresources

Recorded Zoom Meeting: www.facebook.com/DAWNsince1982/videos/2623768211060318

Becky Newton, Owner, Wren’s Gate Garden & Studio

A "farmener" is both a farmer and a gardener! When most of us hear the word farmer, we think of combines and commodity crops, but Becky strives to do things differently! Becky grows hard-to-find, stop-you- in-your-tracks flowers in an environmentally friendly way then sells them to local flower shops, and also offers workshops and tours at her farm. She also wears the hats of small business owner, designer, and nature enthusiast. As we eagerly await spring, come discover this unique industry and get your gardening questions answered too! 

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David O. Edwards, Attorney, Owner of Edwards Group LLC

David has two main goals when helping people with estate planning: To make it easy on your family and To protect what you worked so hard for. Join us to learn the keys to making your estate plan work right and some pitfalls to avoid. You will walk away with a clear idea on what to do now and in the future. David will also be discussing some important legal tools such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Come with your questions and consider inviting a friend who might be helping a parent navigate this situation right now

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Speaker: Kathy Frederick-Caldwell

Ever walk to your car after dark from the grocery store? Have a daughter or granddaughter in college who may have to walk home from class in the dark? Join us for this important workshop! The mission of Damsels in Defense is to Educate, Empower & Equip good people so they have options for their personal protection! Kathy has survived several attacks and is grateful to be alive. She will help us develop "situational awareness" and teach us how to layer our protection! To see some of the products she sells ahead of her presentation, visit her website www.heartswithhalos.com.

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Speaker: Julie Lauper, Owner of Serenity Fields Farm

Have you ever thought about turning your passion into a business?  Julie will walk us through how she turned her love of farm fresh food and connected living into a business.  As she tells us about her journey we’ll learn about her motivation, some of her ups, and some of her downs.  Today Serenity Fields is a place where everyone can unplug and reconnect with themselves and others (including animals, fresh food, and beautiful plants).  You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn about this wonderful woman running a local business.

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Speaker: Jerry Johnson, Executive Director, Decatur Area Arts Council

The Decatur Area Arts Council is celebrating the 50th year of its remarkable journey. Jerry Johnson, Executive Director, will guide us through the Arts Councils’ remarkable history and tell us about their wide variety of offerings including art galleries, classes, community events, etc.  Lastly we will get to help plan for its future! Join us for this informative, memorable evening.

Speaker: Laquitta Ford, Director of Student Support Services/TriO Program

Join us to hear how Laquitta Ford, Director of the TRiO Program & Student
Services at Richland Community College, targets and assists students who are
first generation college attenders, those who meet federal low-income
guidelines, and/or those with disabilities. For all of these students,
college can be extra intimidating, so Laquitta and her team are there to
help smooth the way to success with the ultimate goal of seeing everyone
graduate.  She will uncover the truth about some of the negative stereotypes
associated with TRiO participants, and in the end, reveal just a few of the
many success stories of TRiO participants and how you can help them achieve
their goals.  You won't want to miss the opportunity to learn about this
inspiring program!