2008 FALL NEWSLETTER

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Mark your Calendar! September 10, 2008 United Forum Meeting 10:15 a.m. Bountiful Library

"The Importance of an Educated Electorate" Jaynann M. Payne and her daughter, Nancy Herrera will be performing a few scenes from "Patriots in Petticoats,"a play that brings to life the exciting adventures of the intrepid 1776 women of the American Revolution. Some women fought the war with their pen, other actually took up arms, but all dreamed the seemingly impossible dream of freedom and independence. Written by Jaynann Payne, the cast of 2 women performed at the Colonial Days 4th of July Celebration in Provo. Nancy is a talented musician and mother of 5 sons. Jaynann is the mother of 12 children, 71 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren. Jaynann served as the National Director of the Center for Family Studies of the Freemen Institute for 4 years. In 1977, she was a Utah Delegate to the International Women's Year Conference.
We look forward to seeing you there!

United Women's Forum

UNITED WOMEN'S FORUM by Diane Prince
I was intrigued last summer when a small booklet was handed to me, and an invitation was given by a friend to attend a group called the "United Women's Forum." Like many women, my time seemed to be so busy that I wasn't sure how I could possibly fit one more thing into my already over scheduled life. I decided to peruse the booklet, and to my surprise, found that I was immediately impressed with the mission statement of this group. Further, I wanted to show respect to my friend, and so I decided to attend a meeting. All I can say is "wow," am I glad that I did. It definitely exceeded my expectations and has become something that I look forward to each month.
The United Women's Forum is made up of women primarily from Davis County who care about our community, state and country and want to be informed about what is happening in our government. This is an organization of women who are moral and have a firm faith in Jesus Christ and believe that it is His right to rule in the affairs of men. In the forum, not only do we learn what is currently going on in government by those who have taken the time to be informed, but in the process we are given ideas of even small ways that we can make a difference. As an added bonus, each month a dynamic speaker is invited. We have been enlightened by such speakers as; Congressman Bishop (United States Congress), Stephen Studdert (former senior White House Advisor to three U.S. Presidents), Dan Jones (popular pollster) Judge David Sam (Senior Judge of the District of Utah for the United States District Court), Ardeth Kapp (former LDS Church Young Women's President) Jill Stevens (Miss Utah who has been serving in the Utah National Guard and was stationed in Afghanistan), and others. One of the things I have really enjoyed is the opportunity for questions and answers with our guest speaker at the end of their talk. We have truly been taught. Each meeting has been most interest and informative.
As well as being enlightened, I think one of the things that has impressed me the most at the United Women's Forum is the caliber of women who attend. I have loved getting to know many of these women. It has been pleasing to see that in spite of their busy lives, they have made it a priority to take this 1 1/2 hours a month to be informed and where possible to make their voices heard.
The United Women's Forum is open to anyone who would like to attend. You will find it is very much, worth the time.

UWF Meeting May 14, 2008 The Honorable Judge David Sam

United Women’s Forum Minutes – May, 2008


The United Women Forum convened their monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the Bountiful City Library at 10:15 am. Debra Poulsen welcomed everyone new guests to the meeting. Opening prayer was offered by Kris Kimball and Teresa Crapo led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Debra announced that the Davis County Republican Women have scheduled a pre-Primary Election debate on June 3, 2008, at Bountiful City Hall. The public is invited to attend to hear the candidates. The Primary election will be held on June 24.

Barbara Derricott was introduced to present to the forum, the role of religion in a free society. Barbara is a wife, mother and devoted member of our community who has volunteered in schools in Bountiful for many years. She and her family lived for several years in Japan but she loves America and is very patriotic.

Barbara taught that a government of free people, without religion cannot be maintained – principle #4 from the book: A Miracle That Changed the World – the 5000 Year Leap. “Our founders” she stated, “felt that the role of religion would be as important in our day as it was in theirs.”

The Northwest Ordinance, written in 1787, the same year as the Constitution, emphasized the essential need to teach religion and morality in the schools. Article 3 states: “Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”

National morality can prevail and virtue is a necessity in government. Ben Franklin summarized five fundamental points that were to be taught in schools. They are:

1. There is a Creator who made all things and mankind should recognize and worship Him.
2. The Creator has revealed a moral code of behavior for happy living which distinguishes right from wrong.
3. The Creator holds mankind responsible for the way they treat each other.
4. All mankind live beyond this life.
5. In the next life, mankind is judged for their conduct in this one.

In America, we sometimes put religious traits behind issues of government.
In the 1700-1800’s, the clergy were anxious to maintain separation of church and state but they had great influence on the morals and customs of public life. They did not want religion to become involved in partisan politics but believed that it was their duty to keep a message of religious principles and moral values flowing to the people to safeguard America.

The First Amendment provides that “Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The First Amendment was designed to eliminate the interference of the federal government in any religious matters with the states. The federal judicial system was also prohibited from intermeddling with religious matters within the states.

Jefferson and Madison were anxious that states intervene in religious matters so that all religions would be treated equally. In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has taken an extremely inflexible and rigid position regarding the state governments and religion which creates tension and litigation throughout the land. Non religious people litigate any matter where they feel there is mention of anything religious – such as display of the 10 Commandments in a federal building or having a Christian display at Christmas time in a public park.

As citizens, we need to study the Constitution and understand our rights as citizens, stand up for them and elect representatives who also support the Constitution.

Diane Prince reminded us about an organization called: Write Your Congressman where we can send opinion ballots to our Congressmen regarding our feelings about any issue in congress. She said that our representatives will listen to our opinions and sincerely desire to represent their constituency. We can get these opinion ballots monthly and can get more information on their website.

Debra announced that the Bountiful recycling program will be held on Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00 pm at the City Hall – for any who wish to attend.

Adrienne Buckley told us about the Barnes and Noble issue re: decency in displaying literature. She said that the B&N response to our many letters was that there are no enforceable laws and the store is in compliance with the law. She was appreciative of the huge amount of support from the community on this issue and she felt that it was somewhat effective. Adrienne said that there will be a Summit Meeting for the Community on Decency at BYU on May 31st. She suggested carpooling for any who might want to attend that meeting.

Dalane England urged us to support the effort to inform public schools about Constitution Day (week) - September 17th – 23rd. This week is set aside to teach the Constitution in the schools. She said that there is a lot of information already out there to use but she wants to make sure that this program in implemented in the schools this year. Contact Dalane, Deborah Poulsen or Kaylma Rohwer if interested.

Laura Bunker needs a committee of volunteers to help with a fall event for United Families Utah. She will welcome your help. Laura also told us of the recent variance which El Matador restaurant was given to allow the sale of beer at their restaurant. The city council voted 3/2 to grant the variance and it was determined that this vote was not an oversite by the council but a pre-arranged deal when urging the El Matador to relocate. Promises were made to them to help them get the variance. She urged us to start a Bountiful citizens group, run for city council and mayor offices.

Linda Hess told us that McDonalds recently donated $20,000 to gay rights. While only about 2.9% of the population is gay/lesbian, they have a huge voice because they are funded by large organizations such as McDonalds and Ford Motor Co. Some of these organizations just want to be politically correct – as do our politicians and they are always in the spotlight. She urged us to contact our representatives to vote AGAINST ENDA which is supposed to be a non-discrimination bill but actually does discriminate against the rights of some to choose to hire homosexuals, have them as scout leaders and so forth. Gays have no tolerance for Christians but expect tolerance from themselves.

Our guest speaker was introduced by Marva Lyman. The Honorable David Sam was our speaker today. Judge Sam is from Indiana. He was born of Romanian immigrant parents. He received degrees from BYU and U of U. Judge Sam served in the US Air Force where he was a Captain. He lived and practiced law in Duchene County. He was also a County attorney there. He has served on many boards and as a bishop, stake president and mission president for his church. In 1985, he was appointed US District Judge of the 4th District, by President Ronald Regan. Marva stated that she honors him as a good neighbor and friend most of all. “He is a charitable, good man.”

Judge Sam expressed that he felt it an honor to be in this group and he complimented us for our interest in the Constitution. He stated “I am your humble servant” and we felt that from his remarks. He told us that it is so important for each of us to be a good citizen. He spoke fondly of his wife Bennie, who was named after her father who was killed as an American hero in WWII. He also stated that his 3 brothers felt that it was such an honor for them to serve their country in the military. He said “A few people make things happen; a lot of people watch things happen and the overwhelming majority of people do nothing.”

Judge Sam felt that it was a miracle for his family to get out of Romania. His family had the gift of life in Romania but they found the gift of freedom in America. Freedom is not free. It requires something of all people who benefit from it. He told us of a case he had involving the American Atheist Society of America. They were suing the state of Utah for erecting crosses at the location where highway patrolmen lost their lives in the line of duty. The AAS stated that it was a violation of the 1st Amendment and that the government cannot get involved in religious symbols. Judge Sam researched the case and discovered that in the early 70’s, the Lennon case made a decision on symbols. He determined that the law had been defined by the Supreme Court which stated that the government does not violate if secular purposes do not advance religious purposes. Erecting the crosses does not cross that line.

Judge Sam stated that we are the watchdog at the grass roots level. We need to make sure our voices are heard. Our founders put power in the federal judiciary based on righteous principles. He issued an invitation for us to visit his chambers. It was a privilege to listen to his good man.

UWF was encouraged to attend the legislature meeting held on the 3rd Wednesday of June and July. We need to all help shape the laws for our next legislative session.

UWF Meeting May 14, 2008 The Honorable Judge David Sam

Public Hearing for the El Matador alcohol variance

UNITED WOMEN’S FORUM MINUTES – APRIL 9, 2008

Diane Prince welcomed everyone and introduced the program.

The prayer was offered by Linda Reeves.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vicki Harbertson.

Presentation on “A Principle of Freedom” was given by Rebecca Bierwolf entitled, “All Men Are Created Equal”.

Rebecca gave an inspiring message of the ways we are and are not equal as a people. The ways we are equal are in the sight of God, under the law and by how the laws protect us. Some of the ways in which we are not equal are seen in our personal lives and within our families. We all are blessed with different talents and abilities, but in these ways we are not equal. She expressed that the breakdown of inequality happens through the minorities. Rebecca is in the minority in that she has been disabled since being hit by a car at 18 months of age. Her parents raised her with no barriers or boundaries. She was chosen to be Miss Wheelchair Utah and then Runner-up to National Miss Wheelchair. It was at the National competition that she realized that there are many who cannot do as much as she can do, and that she wanted to do something to protect their rights and make sure that they were being adequately helped and protected through the laws of our land. She discussed the ADA laws and has learned much about them. In doing so she has realized how important those laws are to those less abled. She encouraged us to celebrate our differences but in so doing, also be aware that inequality becomes exposed with the more freedom and differences that we share. We have a responsibility to protect the minorities, by making sure that the laws of our land that were made to enable them, are being upheld.

Debra Poulsen led us in a wonderful forum activity that helped us recognize the great accomplishments of The United Women’s Forum in this first year of organization. She shared a poem that in essence speaks of our efforts within the forum. It is as follows:

Written by Edward Everet Hale:

I am only one

But still I am one

I cannot do everything

But still I can do something

And because I cannot do everything

I will not refuse to do that something I can do

And what I can do

I ought to do,

And with god's help I will do.

Adrienne Buckley spoke of the efforts by Shelly Davies regarding inappropriate magazines being displayed at Barnes and Noble and the support of the forum in that endeavor, as well as the forums success in helping stop VIVID from recruiting young Utah girls into their pornographic movie industry. There will be a letter on our blog that we can cut, copy, sign and send to Barnes and Noble corporate offices to protest the material that they are unlawfully displaying.

Debra Poulsen made a special presentation to Linda Reeves for being a founder of The United Women’s Forum and for her great vision and efforts given in its behalf. We will miss her and wish her well as she serves with her husband for the next three years in California as Mission President. Lauralee Christensen was also recognized for her generosity in providing her home as the meeting place for forum meetings monthly during the past year.

Diane Prince introduced our guest speaker, Mr. Ike Ferguson. Along with his many academic accomplishments and honors, Marge Clayton said that the best way to describe him is as a “hands on person with a heart as big as the universe”.

Mr. Ferguson has been involved with welfare work throughout the world since the 1970’s as a profession and has spent most of his efforts focusing on the poor people of other continents as well here in the United States. In doing so, he has discovered that we in North America have a highly exaggerated expectation for our temporal lives as compared to most other people in the world; that humans are remarkably similar in their basic needs and wants and that though we all live in different settings, have similar challenges, opportunities and duties. Four questions have repeated themselves over and over in his work, both faith-based and in community settings.

l. Who do we help?

2. How do we help?

3. How and how much do we help?

4. When do we help?

He stated that for him the inner conflict has been – “the conflict of a tender, giving heart seeing need and wanting to fix it, struggling with the more objective issues of teaching correct principles and leading the needy person toward a greater level of self-reliance, security and personal peace in his/her life”. He shared five ideas that might be helpful in our coming to understand the needs of people, and how best to give aid to those less-secure in their lives. They are:

l. The sometimes misunderstood meaning of human equality;

2. The influence of Judeo-Christian ethics in the generosity of American society;

3. The role of government as a player in making us all equal;

4. Understanding the culture of poverty and its influence in peoples’ lives; and

5. How we as individuals evaluate inequality and act responsibly in doing our part to

help.

The following are remarks from his talk that were so poignant in helping us understand how we can most effectively help others.

Bill Bonner illustrated this notion of “discovering poverty” using a New England woodsman as an example. I readily relate to this scenario, particularly from my experience in Africa:

“The woodchopper from New Hampshire…discover[s]… that he lives not only in a "substandard" hovel, but that he is "poor." Poverty is always a relative measure, but relative to what? A man may be perfectly happy with his lot in life. He may have no running water, no central heat, and no money. Imagine him tending his garden, feeding his chickens, and fixing his tattered roof…. In fact, by all measures that matter to him, he could have a rich, comfortable and enjoyable life. But as the scale of comparison grows, the details that make his life so agreeable to him disappear in a flush of statistics. He finds that he is below the "poverty line." He discovers that he is "disadvantaged" and "under-privileged." He may even be delighted to realize that he has a "right" to "decent housing." Maybe he will qualify for food stamps.

“The idea of being "poor" may never have occurred to him before. He may live in a part of the world where everyone is about as poor as he is...and all perfectly happy in their poverty. But now that the spell is on him, it sits like a curse. Poverty seems like something he has to escape...something he has to get out of ...something that someone had better to do something about!

“His new scaled-up consciousness has turned him into a malcontent. The poor man, previously happy in his naïve particulars, is now miserable in his role as a poverty-stricken hick.”¹⁶

We who are prosperous often contribute to the woodsman’s woes because of our own thought processes. We eat store-bought processed food—everyone should. We sleep in comfortable bedrooms with carpeted floors and on beds with box springs and mattresses—everyone should. Our children are educated in modern, well-equipped schools—all children should. We have access to the latest in communication and technology—everyone should. The reality is, two-thirds of the world’s population have few, if any, of these luxuries, but are still relatively healthy and happy. These people have their challenges, often temporal; we have ours, as well, often social and/or spiritual. The moral: perhaps we should be less judgmental, sympathetic or pitying, and more interested in understanding the circumstances and priorities of others, from their perspective. I recall a high school educated school teacher in Liberia who walked two hours each way to his $30 per month classroom job at a rural orphanage. He had none of the above-named “basics.” Asked what would be his highest priority for improving life, he remarked that a second-hand bicycle would save him three hours walking each day, allowing him more time with his young family.

Mr. Ferguson encouraged us to understand the “hidden rules” of different of societies. They are the “unspoken cues and habits of a group, and in many cases denote what is most important to them” and how we can best help.

In his concluding remarks he referred to a “landmark” book written by David Landes entitled The Wealth and Poverty of Nations in which Mr. Landes writes:

“History tells us that most cures for poverty come from within. Foreign aid (or any other assistance for that matter) can help, but like windfall wealth, can also hurt. It can discourage effort and plant a crippling sense of incapacity…at bottom, no empowerment is so effective as self-empowerment.”

For Mr. Ferguson’s complete address please refer to the following link:

A special Birthday luncheon was held after the meeting.

Photos: April 9, 2008 "Ike Ferguson" First Annual Anniversay General Meeting

Recipes from First Annual Anniversary UWF General Meeting

Spinach, Chicken & Pasta Salad

16 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked al dente

Dressing:

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup bottled Teriyaki sauce

2/3 cup white wine vinegar

6 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 (10-ounce) bag fresh spinach

1 (6-ounce) bag craisins

3 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained

2 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

½ cup parsley, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

½ cup sesame seeds, toasted

6 ounces honey roasted peanuts

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small pieces

Blend dressing ingredients together in blender or food processor. Mix dressing and cooked pasta in medium bowl and marinate for two hours. (I marinate the cooked chicken, pasta and water chestnuts over night in refrigerator) Combine rest of salad ingredients in large salad bowl, add pasta and dressing and toss.

Orange Rolls

1 ½ cups hot water

1/4 lb. (1 stick) butter

½ cup shortening

2 T. Yeast (2 packets)

½ cup warm water (to dissolve yeast)

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. baking powder

6 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

Pour hot water over butter and shortening to melt, cool. Add eggs, sugar and dissolved yeast. Sift together baking powder, salt and flour. Add in and mix well. Let stand 1 hour (covered) or put in refrigerator overnight. Roll out 2 hours before baking. Bake at 375 about 12 min or browned. Makes 2 roll outs (24 rolls). Double for 4 dozen rolls (4 roll outs).

Inside; (for 2 roll outs)

½ cup softened butter

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. grated orange rind

1 tsp. orange extract

Glaze;

3 cups powdered sugar

6 Tbsp. Orange juice

First Annual Anniversary General Meeting : Wednesday, April 9, 2008

United Women's Forum is excited to invite you to attend our FIRST annual Anniversary General Meeting celebration on Wednesday, April 9, 2008. This event will hallmark our fantastic growth and development as an organization over the past year. We strive to keep our forum educated and involved on issues which affect the family, the community and the nation. Won't you join with us the second Wednesday of April, at 10:00 am at the Bountiful Public Library to hear what is going on in our Forum and with community issues?

Our guest speaker this month will be Ike Ferguson who is well known in the field of Humanitarian Service. For the past 7 years, Ike and his wife Gloria have lived in West Africa where Ike was responsible for multi-faceted community humanitarian relief and the development of programs in up to ten West African nations for the LDS Church. Additionally, he has had a lifetime of service in welfare and humanitarian related fields. The topic he will address is: "All Men are Created Equal" and he will help us understand what kind of service is most beneficial to those in need.

Because this is our Anniversary Meeting, we plan to serve a light lunch and also have a "donation" fund raiser to help with some of our expenses. We have not previously asked for any donations from the forum and guests but since our numbers are growing so quickly, our expenses are growing too. We have miscellaneous costs which have been funded by the Steering Committee but we intend to be a "not for profit" organization and spend out our expenses each year. Your "free-will" donation will be appreciated but is not mandatory for your attendance.

Please join us at this wonderful event!