The conversation will happen again — this time in a different venue.
The fourth annual Conversation Has To Happen Again conference for those affected by suicide and depression will take place Sept. 7.
This time this free event will be held at the Olds College Alumni Centre. Check-in is at 8 a.m. The conference begins at 9 a.m. and is expected to end at around 4 p.m. It's slogan is "our best resource is each other."
Those planning to attend are urged to register by Friday, Aug. 30.
Andrea Hawiuk, an organizer of the event, says the conference has become an annual gathering because there's such a strong need for it.
"We've heard from so many people that want it over and over," she says. "We've had people tell us 'you saved my life today'."
There are several new speakers and a new master of ceremonies (MC) this year.
Darrel Janz served as MC for the first few years, but he will be one of the speakers this year. He will be replaced by Wayne McCracken.
As always, the conference will feature several speakers who will share their stories. Local speakers include Cindy Palin, music therapist Andrea Matchullis and farmer Ron Taks of the Bowden area.
Hawiuk says one of the most powerful speakers is Ace Taito, who lives in Washington State.
His talk is entitled From gangster to God.
"He was a bad kid — him and his brothers," Hawiuk says. "They sold drugs. He was the head of a big gang."
She says Taito was jailed as a result of those activities. As a result, he became very depressed, but found a way out.
"It's going to be very powerful. He's an awesome speaker; he'll raise the roof," Hawiuk says.
She says Mike Fillinger, another speaker, also has a powerful story.
"He was an alcoholic and he did drugs," she says. "He robbed some place and then he set it on fire and the he got caught, of course."
Hawiuk says eventually Fillinger was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder.
"Now he has a business out of Rocky Mountain House where they do fitness and eat properly and he speaks on making sure you take your medication, if that's what you're on," she says.
"He turned his life right around. I love him. I met up with him several times."
Hawiuk notes there will be lunch as well as breakfast items and snacks available during the day.
