VIRGINIA TIDEWATER CONSORTIUM HOSTS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The Virginia Tidewater Consortium for Higher Education's Substance Abuse Prevention Committee will host Life Choices: A Leadership Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Norfolk Airport Hilton.

The conference, which will feature four speakers, is designed for college and military students, campus task force members, counselors, resident assistants and peer educators.

The conference is free of charge and includes a continental breakfast. Due to limited space, attendees are encouraged to register as soon as possible by contacting Nicola Beltz at 683-3138 or nicolabelt@aol.com. Name, institution, phone number and e-mail address are required for registration. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Conference speakers include:

Health educator Linda Hancock will present "Jungle Juice and Genetic Snowflakes." This session looks at harm reduction strategies and how to use evidence-based practices like "motivational interviewing" in brief interactions.

Attorney Bobby Howlett will give a presentation and provide information on the occupations that can be denied to an individual as a result of a misdemeanor or felony alcohol statute conviction. He will specifically discuss the impact of bad decisions on future endeavors.

Professional speaker Sara Panzau will discuss peer pressure, the "wrong crowd," the meaning of "real" friends, how to spot telltale warning signs, and when and how to seek help.

Professional counselor Lori Hobson will present, "I Met the Man/Woman of My Dreams and Then I Woke Up!" This highly interactive presentation is designed to challenge participants to examine the way they choose a partner and the influence alcohol may have on that choice.

For more information about the Virginia Tidewater Consortium for Higher Education, which is based at Old Dominion University, call 683-3183 or visit www.vtc.odu.edu.