A standing room only crowd enjoyed a Voucher Debate which was sponsored by the United Women’s Forum on September 20, 2007 at the Bountiful City Public Library, Bountiful, Utah. An opening prayer was offered by Robyn Bagley and Janet Seamons led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. After a warm welcome, Debra gave a brief introduction of the UWF explaining that United Women’s Forum is a faith based women’s board who are interested in current events and ways to make a difference in families, the community and the world.
Debra Poulsen, co-chair of UWF, introduced guests: Lauralee Christensen, who served as moderator, Joel Briscoe and Leah Barker who debated Referendum 1.Moderator Lauralee Christensen has resided with her family in Bountiful for 12 years. She was chosen as “2001 Utah Woman Making a Difference.” She has chaired several committees including the “Stay Alive” program which is helping challenged children in Africa. At the onset of the debate, she used C.S. Lewis admonition to “argue like Christians.”
Leah Barker, who lives with her family in Sandy Utah, represented Children First Utah, on the pro-voucher side. She is previously from Puerto Rico and feels like “the quality of one’s education serves as a life line and determines the lives we lead.” Leah has had 10 years of first hand experience living in low income areas and working with children in poverty. She has worked tirelessly trying to solve education problems and has seen personally the tragedy of people who are trapped in a bad learning environment, who drop out or get no higher education. Leah is a professor at the University of Utah.Joel Brisco, a Bountiful native and popular teacher of History at Bountiful High School for many years, represented opposition to Referendum 1. Joel resides with his family in Salt Lake City. His children attend public and charter school. He is active in the Democratic Party and teachers unions having served on the UEA Board of Directors and as President of the SLC School Board.
Lauralee Christensen outlined the format for the debate after stating “Governor Huntsman signed this bill in February, 2007 after it was narrowly affirmed in the legislature. Because of the close vote, the school vouchers bill was placed on the ballot by Governor Huntsman for the public to vote on in this November election and it is the most comprehensive Voucher Bill in the US at the present time.” Each side had 5 minutes to present their position and 3 minutes for clarification after which there would be a Question/Answer period from questions submitted by the public prior to the meeting. After that, there would be an opportunity for audience questions. A wide range of concerns were represented in the questions. Both Leah and Joel were passionate about their positions on vouchers and clearly showed their own views.
Joel addressed three issues in most of his responses: affordability, accountability and affability. He answered questions using these three measurements. His concerns throughout the debate focused primarily on private enterprise improperly trying to make money off of education for personal gain, discrimination against the poor because of costs, misuse of school funds, and finding acceptable teachers. “Even though money is still given to the public schools when a student leaves, over the long run public schools will loose money.”Leah’s answers focused on the position that 1.Vouchers are FOR public schools in ways such as smaller classrooms, continued flow of money into the public system and teacher competition. 2. Vouchers are FOR all parents (rich or poor) – giving them the opportunity to choose what is best for their own children. She said that “private schools help with over-crowding problems in the public schools and turn parents into customers who can place their children in academic settings that work for them. Do we trust parents or accept a random assignment to zip codes?”
Lauralee posed several questions to Leah and Joel addressing the different stakeholders with vouchers and how they would impact: students, parents and families, public and private schools and society in general. They both answered with dignity and consideration for the other. They were passionate, articulate and well informed in their responses and took very opposite points of view.
In closing, Joel stated that “...he would defend to his death your right to take a child where you want but I do no not want my tax dollars funding your child’s education. School vouchers have no accountability. We won’t know if they are working unless they have measurements to see if they are helping. It doesn’t help Utah families.”
Leah stated that “Money is not the issue. This Referendum is a principle of liberty and the most important vote of our time. We have agreed that every child needs to be educated. We have not agreed that they have to have a public education. Parents need to have a choice of what works for them and have options rather than feeling trapped. Students improve when they find a program that suits them.” The Voucher debate was very educational and informative. Thank you to everyone who helped out and participated in a very enjoyable evening.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
School Voucher Debate
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
MY TAPESTRY OF LOVE
MY LIFE IS LIKE A TAPESTRY WITH THREADS OF EVERY HUE
A FABRIC INTERWOVEN WITH CHRIST’S LOVE
SUCH TRUST WAS PLACED IN ME, TO CREATE THIS TAPESTRY
SO I WEAVE WITH CARE AS HE GUIDES FROM ABOVE
SOMETIMES THE COLORS SEEM TO BE SO DARK AND DULL AND GRAY
WILL THERE BE ANY BEAUTY WHEN I’M THROUGH?
IS THERE PURPOSE AND DESIGN, TO THIS TAPESTRY OF MINE?
OR AM I ALONE IN WHAT I’M CALLED TO DO?
I DO NOT KNOW THE PATTERN OR DESIGN OF WHAT I DO
NOR THE END OF THIS GREAT WORK THAT IS FOR ME.
STILL I WEAVE WITH CARE EACH DAY, EVERY COLOR ON MY WAY
AND TRUST HE’LL GUIDE WHAT ONLY HE CAN SEE
THIS MASTERPIECE OF LOVE, MY TAPESTRY
I WONDER WHAT THE OTHER SIDE WILL BE WHEN ITS COMPLETE,
WHEN I HAVE FINISHED WEAVING AND CAN SEE
THE SAVIOR’S GENTLE LOVE, IN THE VIEW FROM UP ABOVE.
WILL IT BE AS HE INTENDED IT TO BE?
WILL MY FABRIC BE OF USE TO THOSE WHO CROSS MY PATH OF LIFE?
WILL IT’S STRENGTH BE SUCH TO SERVE MY FELLOW MAN?
WILL I REALIZE IN TIME, THAT ITS PURPOSE WAS DIVINE?
WILL I SEE IN IT THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND?
CHORUS
FATHER, CAN YOU HELP ME?
IF ONLY I COULD SEE IT FROM ABOVE.
FATHER, WILL YOU GUIDE MY HANDS,
AS I LABOR IN THIS MASTERPIECE OF LOVE?
CHORUS
A FABRIC INTERWOVEN WITH CHRIST’S LOVE
SUCH TRUST WAS PLACED IN ME, TO CREATE THIS TAPESTRY
SO I WEAVE WITH CARE AS HE GUIDES FROM ABOVE
SOMETIMES THE COLORS SEEM TO BE SO DARK AND DULL AND GRAY
WILL THERE BE ANY BEAUTY WHEN I’M THROUGH?
IS THERE PURPOSE AND DESIGN, TO THIS TAPESTRY OF MINE?
OR AM I ALONE IN WHAT I’M CALLED TO DO?
I DO NOT KNOW THE PATTERN OR DESIGN OF WHAT I DO
NOR THE END OF THIS GREAT WORK THAT IS FOR ME.
STILL I WEAVE WITH CARE EACH DAY, EVERY COLOR ON MY WAY
AND TRUST HE’LL GUIDE WHAT ONLY HE CAN SEE
THIS MASTERPIECE OF LOVE, MY TAPESTRY
I WONDER WHAT THE OTHER SIDE WILL BE WHEN ITS COMPLETE,
WHEN I HAVE FINISHED WEAVING AND CAN SEE
THE SAVIOR’S GENTLE LOVE, IN THE VIEW FROM UP ABOVE.
WILL IT BE AS HE INTENDED IT TO BE?
WILL MY FABRIC BE OF USE TO THOSE WHO CROSS MY PATH OF LIFE?
WILL IT’S STRENGTH BE SUCH TO SERVE MY FELLOW MAN?
WILL I REALIZE IN TIME, THAT ITS PURPOSE WAS DIVINE?
WILL I SEE IN IT THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND?
CHORUS
FATHER, CAN YOU HELP ME?
IF ONLY I COULD SEE IT FROM ABOVE.
FATHER, WILL YOU GUIDE MY HANDS,
AS I LABOR IN THIS MASTERPIECE OF LOVE?
CHORUS
Thursday, September 13, 2007
SEPTEMBER MARCHING ORDERS
School Vouchers
To be voted on in the November election.
ATTEND & INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO THE VOUCHER DEBATE:
THURS. SEPT 20TH 6:30pm BOUNTIFUL LIBRARY
HR 3162 SCHIP
Congress is attempting to reauthorize the SCHIP, children’s health insurance program, to increase taxes on cigarettes to fund it. The 1997 SCHIP program authorized $40 billion over 10 years. The House bill would expand this program and cost over $200 billion over the next 10 years. In 2002 the President's Administration issued a regulation that defined a "child" as being from conception to 18 years of age, a regulation that is known as the "unborn child rule." This regulation allowed States the option of covering the health care of the unborn child and has the benefit of covering the pregnant woman's health care as well. Unfortunately, pro-abortion forces oppose any reference to unborn children, and as they did during the battle over the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, they prefer instead to refer to "pregnant women." The new House bill changes the SCHIP program to cover health insurance for a "pregnant woman," rather than cover the child in the womb. This would undermine the "unborn child rule" and could possibly allow funding for abortions in those States that include abortion as part of their Medicaid health coverage for pregnant women. Also, Medicaid has allowed States the flexibility to exclude controversial procedures like abortion or sterilization from the taxpayer funded program. The House bill contains language that actually forces States to cover "family planning" services as part of their Medicaid programs, which could be a huge financial boon to Planned Parenthood. To add insult to injury, the bill contains a provision to gut the Title V abstinence-only education program. .
CALL YOUR SENATORS AND TELL THEM TO VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.
HR 3162 Hate Crimes Bill (Defense Appropriations Act)
This bill would make hate crimes (a crime in which the victim is intentionally selected based on his or her race, religion, ethnicity, gender, etc.) a federal offense and it would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as protected classes in the U.S. criminal code (Title 18). This amendment violates both the 1st and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution by attempting to regulate speech, religious expression, and equal protection under the law for all citizens.
We don’t need a new law to combat hate crimes! Almost all 50 states have their own laws to fully prosecute such acts. The amendment is expected to come up for a vote sometime in the next few days. We need your help to stop Ted Kennedy’s sneaky maneuver to insert such a controversial and problematic piece of legislation into the DOD Authorization! Call your Senators today!
CALL YOUR SENATORS AND TELL THEM TO VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.
ORRIN HATCH (R)
104 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5251
ROBERT BENNETT (R)
431 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5444
CAPITAL SWITCHBOARD 1-202-224-3121
FOR ADDITIONAL INFO VISIT THE NATIONAL CONGRESS LIBRARY WEBSITE – thomas.loc.gov
Constitution Day
September 17th
CALL A COUPLE OF SCHOOLS AND ASK THEM IF THEY NEED HELP TEACHING THE CONSTITUTION ON MONDAY.
In May of 2005, Congress enacted a law stating that “Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17th of such year for the students served by the educational institution. This applies to “Educational institutions” includes but is not limited to “local educational agencies” & “institutions of higher education” receiving Federal funding. It requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17th of each year, commemorating the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. Schools throughout America will celebrate our nations commitment to freedom at the annual Constitution and Citizenship Day Celebration on Monday, September 18, 2006. This celebration commemorates the day in 1787 that the Constitutional Convention adjourned from its long months of deliberation at the State House in Philadelphia (now Independence Hall), after having completed the arduous and historic task of writing the United States Constitution, the oldest and most revered constitution in the world.
We would like to contact each school in Davis County and see if they would like any help with materials or teaching the constitution in the classrooms or with any activities. If you are interested in help, please sign on the on the sign up sheet and I will contact you regarding which school.
Thank you,
Dalane England
801-298-5319 home
801-330-0303 cell
To be voted on in the November election.
ATTEND & INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO THE VOUCHER DEBATE:
THURS. SEPT 20TH 6:30pm BOUNTIFUL LIBRARY
HR 3162 SCHIP
Congress is attempting to reauthorize the SCHIP, children’s health insurance program, to increase taxes on cigarettes to fund it. The 1997 SCHIP program authorized $40 billion over 10 years. The House bill would expand this program and cost over $200 billion over the next 10 years. In 2002 the President's Administration issued a regulation that defined a "child" as being from conception to 18 years of age, a regulation that is known as the "unborn child rule." This regulation allowed States the option of covering the health care of the unborn child and has the benefit of covering the pregnant woman's health care as well. Unfortunately, pro-abortion forces oppose any reference to unborn children, and as they did during the battle over the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, they prefer instead to refer to "pregnant women." The new House bill changes the SCHIP program to cover health insurance for a "pregnant woman," rather than cover the child in the womb. This would undermine the "unborn child rule" and could possibly allow funding for abortions in those States that include abortion as part of their Medicaid health coverage for pregnant women. Also, Medicaid has allowed States the flexibility to exclude controversial procedures like abortion or sterilization from the taxpayer funded program. The House bill contains language that actually forces States to cover "family planning" services as part of their Medicaid programs, which could be a huge financial boon to Planned Parenthood. To add insult to injury, the bill contains a provision to gut the Title V abstinence-only education program. .
CALL YOUR SENATORS AND TELL THEM TO VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.
HR 3162 Hate Crimes Bill (Defense Appropriations Act)
This bill would make hate crimes (a crime in which the victim is intentionally selected based on his or her race, religion, ethnicity, gender, etc.) a federal offense and it would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as protected classes in the U.S. criminal code (Title 18). This amendment violates both the 1st and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution by attempting to regulate speech, religious expression, and equal protection under the law for all citizens.
We don’t need a new law to combat hate crimes! Almost all 50 states have their own laws to fully prosecute such acts. The amendment is expected to come up for a vote sometime in the next few days. We need your help to stop Ted Kennedy’s sneaky maneuver to insert such a controversial and problematic piece of legislation into the DOD Authorization! Call your Senators today!
CALL YOUR SENATORS AND TELL THEM TO VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.
ORRIN HATCH (R)
104 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5251
ROBERT BENNETT (R)
431 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5444
CAPITAL SWITCHBOARD 1-202-224-3121
FOR ADDITIONAL INFO VISIT THE NATIONAL CONGRESS LIBRARY WEBSITE – thomas.loc.gov
Constitution Day
September 17th
CALL A COUPLE OF SCHOOLS AND ASK THEM IF THEY NEED HELP TEACHING THE CONSTITUTION ON MONDAY.
In May of 2005, Congress enacted a law stating that “Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17th of such year for the students served by the educational institution. This applies to “Educational institutions” includes but is not limited to “local educational agencies” & “institutions of higher education” receiving Federal funding. It requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17th of each year, commemorating the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. Schools throughout America will celebrate our nations commitment to freedom at the annual Constitution and Citizenship Day Celebration on Monday, September 18, 2006. This celebration commemorates the day in 1787 that the Constitutional Convention adjourned from its long months of deliberation at the State House in Philadelphia (now Independence Hall), after having completed the arduous and historic task of writing the United States Constitution, the oldest and most revered constitution in the world.
We would like to contact each school in Davis County and see if they would like any help with materials or teaching the constitution in the classrooms or with any activities. If you are interested in help, please sign on the on the sign up sheet and I will contact you regarding which school.
Thank you,
Dalane England
801-298-5319 home
801-330-0303 cell
MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 12TH MEETING
United Women’s Forum convened September 12, 2007, at the home of Lauralee Christensen. Linda Reeves welcomed everyone and invited Rosemarie Schumutz to give an opening prayer, followed by Janet Seamons leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Linda opened the meeting with a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley which invited all women to “…. Stand tall and be strong… and be a force for good in the world…” and she encouraged all of us follow that council. She announced that UWF will sponsor a Voucher debate on Thursday, September 20, at 6:30 pm, at the Bountiful City Library. Everyone is invited to attend to learn about the upcoming Voucher Referendum. She also announced that pollster Dan Jones, will be our guest speaker on October 10, at an adjusted time of 11:00 am instead of 10:00 am.
The Steering Committee was introduced and invited to comment on their role on the committee.
Delane England presented this month’s “marching orders” and gave us some information about upcoming issues.
1. The first item is S-chip bill which is a health care plan for children covering all kids. It is supported by cigarette tax. Over the last 10 years this bill has already cost $40 billion dollars and would cost $200 billion dollars over the next 10 years. This health care plan ultimately takes responsibility away from parents and gives it to the government. It also provides for an “unborn child rule” giving coverage to pregnant women and eventually the natural consequence of a National Health Care program – covering unborn children, all children, pregnant women, and senior citizens and eventually men would not be left out. “Liberals do not like the “unborn child rule” because the term “unborn child” gives credence to a viable fetus – therefore complicating abortion laws.” S-chip has already passed in the House and is in the Senate. Delane urged calling our Senators and any other Senators to oppose this bill. When calling, we should state that we belong to the United Women’s Forum because Senators are more inclined to pay attention to a group than to an individual.
2. “Hate Crimes bill” sounds good because no one likes the idea of hurting anyone or committing a crime against another. Every law that is covered in the Hate Crimes bill is already covered by the Constitution. The Hate Crimes bill gives rights to one person over another person and extends the law to being punished for one’s thoughts and not just actions. In other words, the law would be extended to judge intent such as bias toward race, gender, homosexuals, etc. This bill has passed the House and is now in the Senate. We were encouraged to contact leaders.
3. In 2005, Congress passed a bill called “National Constitution Day”. The designated day for this is September 17, which is a Sunday so it will be observed on Monday, September 18th. On this day, all schools are required to teach the constitution in the schools to students. Delane asked our support to contact schools to make sure that they are aware of this observance and offer to help with free materials for every grade level, videos/DVDs and booklets. One Utah man is funding these materials and we can help in distribution wherever needed. They need volunteers to help with calling schools, emailing and distributing. Delane offered her help in pushing this forward. September 18th is just a week away and the needs are immediate.
Debra Poulsen introduced the theme for today “The Spirit of America” and also our speaker, Jill Stevens. She started out by recalling the shared grief of all Americans at the great tragedy of 9/11 and the aftermath of a united country who proudly flew flags and proclaimed freedom. She reminded us of the millions of candles, symbolically lit to show light, love and concern for the vicious attacks on our freedom. Debra showed us a beautiful painting by Ann Marie Oborn of a woman and her daughter (Ann Marie and her own daughter) lighting their candles. Ann Marie donated the use of that painting to the UWF for our use in our cause and efforts to preserve our rights and freedoms in defense of our country.
Next, Debra welcomed Jill Stevens, the current Miss Utah 2007, and stated that Jill is a person with “light” in her countenance. She has been an honor student and Suma Cum Laude graduate in the nursing program at SUU, a marathon runner, and a Combat Medic with the Utah National Guard in Afghanistan.
Jill Stevens began by giving us a taste of a soldier’s life showing slides and sharing her multi-faceted life in active duty. She entered the military in a Combat Medic/Aviation unit in March 2001. She enjoyed the challenges and educational benefits to serve and give back to this country. Jill had rescue missions in Black Hawks and Shinooks in the combat zone amid rocket attacks, worked in the Aid Station administering IVs and medications, had duty in ICU units taking care of locals and kids, and helped in operating rooms with surgery. She experienced finding safety in bunkers during rocket attacks and target practice on the shooting range. Jill stated that “we all need to have a goal or a target in life – not just on the shooting range. No matter what our course, we need to make the best of our situation and make life better for those around us.”
While in Afghanistan, Jill tried to brighten everyone’s life, painting rocks into pumpkins and making a “Thankful Tree” for everyone to add leaves of things that they were thankful for. She tried to make a home away from home. She helped and befriended local children – particularly those in need. She was proud to be an American woman and proud to be a soldier.
Jill noted that there is a lot of good going on in the fight for freedom. “We are giving a future to others as we wave the flag of freedom,” she stated. She admonished us to “take a stand and make a difference, to carry America forth and fight for freedom, family and faith.” Jill ended by singing a beautiful song written for her by her mother, called My Tapestry.”
Holly Jordan gave the benediction.
Refreshments were served.
Linda opened the meeting with a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley which invited all women to “…. Stand tall and be strong… and be a force for good in the world…” and she encouraged all of us follow that council. She announced that UWF will sponsor a Voucher debate on Thursday, September 20, at 6:30 pm, at the Bountiful City Library. Everyone is invited to attend to learn about the upcoming Voucher Referendum. She also announced that pollster Dan Jones, will be our guest speaker on October 10, at an adjusted time of 11:00 am instead of 10:00 am.
The Steering Committee was introduced and invited to comment on their role on the committee.
Delane England presented this month’s “marching orders” and gave us some information about upcoming issues.
1. The first item is S-chip bill which is a health care plan for children covering all kids. It is supported by cigarette tax. Over the last 10 years this bill has already cost $40 billion dollars and would cost $200 billion dollars over the next 10 years. This health care plan ultimately takes responsibility away from parents and gives it to the government. It also provides for an “unborn child rule” giving coverage to pregnant women and eventually the natural consequence of a National Health Care program – covering unborn children, all children, pregnant women, and senior citizens and eventually men would not be left out. “Liberals do not like the “unborn child rule” because the term “unborn child” gives credence to a viable fetus – therefore complicating abortion laws.” S-chip has already passed in the House and is in the Senate. Delane urged calling our Senators and any other Senators to oppose this bill. When calling, we should state that we belong to the United Women’s Forum because Senators are more inclined to pay attention to a group than to an individual.
2. “Hate Crimes bill” sounds good because no one likes the idea of hurting anyone or committing a crime against another. Every law that is covered in the Hate Crimes bill is already covered by the Constitution. The Hate Crimes bill gives rights to one person over another person and extends the law to being punished for one’s thoughts and not just actions. In other words, the law would be extended to judge intent such as bias toward race, gender, homosexuals, etc. This bill has passed the House and is now in the Senate. We were encouraged to contact leaders.
3. In 2005, Congress passed a bill called “National Constitution Day”. The designated day for this is September 17, which is a Sunday so it will be observed on Monday, September 18th. On this day, all schools are required to teach the constitution in the schools to students. Delane asked our support to contact schools to make sure that they are aware of this observance and offer to help with free materials for every grade level, videos/DVDs and booklets. One Utah man is funding these materials and we can help in distribution wherever needed. They need volunteers to help with calling schools, emailing and distributing. Delane offered her help in pushing this forward. September 18th is just a week away and the needs are immediate.
Debra Poulsen introduced the theme for today “The Spirit of America” and also our speaker, Jill Stevens. She started out by recalling the shared grief of all Americans at the great tragedy of 9/11 and the aftermath of a united country who proudly flew flags and proclaimed freedom. She reminded us of the millions of candles, symbolically lit to show light, love and concern for the vicious attacks on our freedom. Debra showed us a beautiful painting by Ann Marie Oborn of a woman and her daughter (Ann Marie and her own daughter) lighting their candles. Ann Marie donated the use of that painting to the UWF for our use in our cause and efforts to preserve our rights and freedoms in defense of our country.
Next, Debra welcomed Jill Stevens, the current Miss Utah 2007, and stated that Jill is a person with “light” in her countenance. She has been an honor student and Suma Cum Laude graduate in the nursing program at SUU, a marathon runner, and a Combat Medic with the Utah National Guard in Afghanistan.
Jill Stevens began by giving us a taste of a soldier’s life showing slides and sharing her multi-faceted life in active duty. She entered the military in a Combat Medic/Aviation unit in March 2001. She enjoyed the challenges and educational benefits to serve and give back to this country. Jill had rescue missions in Black Hawks and Shinooks in the combat zone amid rocket attacks, worked in the Aid Station administering IVs and medications, had duty in ICU units taking care of locals and kids, and helped in operating rooms with surgery. She experienced finding safety in bunkers during rocket attacks and target practice on the shooting range. Jill stated that “we all need to have a goal or a target in life – not just on the shooting range. No matter what our course, we need to make the best of our situation and make life better for those around us.”
While in Afghanistan, Jill tried to brighten everyone’s life, painting rocks into pumpkins and making a “Thankful Tree” for everyone to add leaves of things that they were thankful for. She tried to make a home away from home. She helped and befriended local children – particularly those in need. She was proud to be an American woman and proud to be a soldier.
Jill noted that there is a lot of good going on in the fight for freedom. “We are giving a future to others as we wave the flag of freedom,” she stated. She admonished us to “take a stand and make a difference, to carry America forth and fight for freedom, family and faith.” Jill ended by singing a beautiful song written for her by her mother, called My Tapestry.”
Holly Jordan gave the benediction.
Refreshments were served.
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