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See more photos from the 2013 Copper Basin Women’s Expo online at http://bit.ly/Y8y7Cn.
By Nina Crowder
Wow!
For those of you who attended the Women’s Expo Saturday you know what I mean. Where do I start? There were so many good speakers, attendees, vendors and food that was so good it sold out before the day was over.
Cheryal Taylor, a probation officer for sexual offenders, gave an informative talk about sex offender awareness.
One of the stories she shared was about a level-one offender, which indicates a low level offender, who was on probation. Throughout her time as his probation officer, she discovered when he was between the ages of 14 and 18 he lived across from a group home for young girls who had been sexually abused, molested or raped.
During the four years he lived across the street from this home he would visit the girls and bring them alcohol, drugs and cigarettes in return for sexual favors.
This offender could not be tried for these offenses, as he was already tried and convicted for prior offenses. Taylor said this was one of the worst cases she had witnessed.
It is important for the community to be aware of sexual offenders, she said. Specific information about offenders is dictated by state law. It may include a photograph, name, home, work and school addresses, physical description, crime location, conviction date, offense committed and basic information about the victim.
For more information on sex offenders, visit AZSexOffender.org.
Ralph Hume Jr., from the Center of Forensic Profiling, discussed handwriting analysis and what to look for when analyzing handwriting. Besides creating a personality profile, handwriting can reveal health issues, morality, hidden talents, past experiences and mental problems.
Handwriting analysis, or graphology, is the science involved in producing a personality profile of the writer based on the characteristics, traits and strokes of the handwriting. The spacing, slants, pressure, small or large letters are all indicators or your individual personality.
The way one slants words indicates emotions. If writing slants to the left, it means the writer is reserved, reluctant and not artistic by nature. If writing slants to the right, it means they are warm, friendly, hold emotions back and are artistic by nature.
If someone’s writing is straight up and down, they control your emotions, show leadership qualities and are reserved.
The expression of violence, hidden language of sexual abuse, suicide handwriting, therapy and crime reduction are a few of the topics taught.
The Center of Forensic Profiling provides training, continuing education and workshops for law enforcement, behavioral health, teachers, human resources and the general public. To contact the Center of Forensic Profiling, visit SolveMyCase.com.
Veronica Bracamonte was full of energy when she performed a demonstration of Zumba. Unlike other aerobics classes, Zumba is a unique dance workout where you shake your hips, side touches, V-steps, stretches, cha-cha-chas and other dance moves.
Participants learn through repetition and by example. Several members of the audience joined in and tried to keep up with her.
Don’t worry if you can’t finish the first time learning as you go is key. Veronica teaches classes at Central Arizona College and at Brac’s Clubhouse in Kearny, which can be found at Veronicab.Zumba.com. The first class is free.
Martina Burnam gave examples of meditation and how it can help in our everyday life. She reminded the class that if you are stressing out over meditation you are missing the point of meditation.
Meditation is truly about relaxing. Relaxation exercises help us to center and to feel in the present moment. The benefits of meditation can promote a sense of calm, control, relaxation and happiness. One of the greatest outcomes of meditation is learning to go with the flow and allowing tranquility into your life.
As if the speakers and vendors weren’t enough, an added bonus was a fashion show put on by the Pioneer Day Queen Contestants and a sneak peak of some of the Copper Basin Idol Contestants, Juliana Borquez and Julie Meza.
It was truly a special day. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the Copper Basin Women’s Expo.
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