COMMUNITY CARING CONFERENCE SET

Laughter and stress reduction, team building and self-improvement are among topics of the fifth annual Community Caring Council conference Friday.

The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Show Me Center. Lori Hayden, who is planning the conference, said 160 people have already registered for the conference.

"I'm very, very excited for this conference," said Hayden. "I know people will come away with a lot of information, and you might enjoy yourself."

Keynote speaker is Marilyn Grey, who will talk about laughter for stress reduction, team building and improving in times of change. Grey is an educator, school psychologist and author.

"She is supposed to be great," Hayden said. "People who have heard her talk say she is very, very witty and warm. She keeps you laughing and thinking about yourself."

Grey speaks at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Theme of the conference is "The Collaborative Environment," Hayden said.

The Community Caring Council has as a goal helping families become self-reliant, resourceful and responsible. It involves representatives from many community agencies and organizations offering services to families and children. The groups meet to share information and resources.

"We're all different agencies and businesses and concerned citizens working together. We have a lot of teamwork to get the most for the people we serve," Hayden said.

Also on the agenda for the conference is a panel discussion on welfare reform, planned at 8:45 a.m. Scheduled to attend are U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, state Sen. Peter Kinder and state Reps. Mary Kasten and David Schwab.

Shelba Branscum of Southeast Missouri State University will speak at lunch. "Over the hill, under the gun and bottomed out: Be all that you can be," is her topic.

Hayden said: "She's wonderful. Every time I've heard her at any function, she's hilarious."

At 2:30 a.m. in the afternoon members of the Caring Council will discuss progress in the community.