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Show AN E D I T I O N O F P R I D E & P R O G R E S S The Spanish Fork News VOL. 1/NO. 9 M l . O C A L L Y O W N E D A N D O P E R FRIDAY, A T JUNE E D2, 2006 500 SPANISH FORK, UTAH Women Working for Women Amy Baum STAFF WRITER "Women all share a universal thread. We are caretakers, mothers, daughters, wives and friends. Let's all work together to enlighten others and provide future generations of women the opportunity to live and prosper in this community/' —Tresa Ahlin. This is the motto for Women Working for Women, a not for profit organization that specializes in women's issues. Tresa Ahlin, owner of Dirty Joe Punsters and Julie Anderson, owner of Outer Beauty Supply, both of Spanish Fork, have been active in our community for many years. Both women were members of the Spanish Fork Chamber of Commerce, Ahlin for eight years and Anderson for two. Service has been imbedded into their lives. Although they loved the work they did for the chamber, both felt that they wanted to do more for women. That is when the idea for Women Working for Women was born. Established in January of 2006, the membership has grown to about 26 women. Steve Hardman / Spanish Fork News REFLECTIONS: Staff Sgt. Barney Johnson looks for the cross of his father, WWII veteran Max Johnson at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. Celebrating M e m o r i a l Day s e r v i c e s held to honor heroes DOM Namon Bills STAFF WRITER his friend Joe Blanton. "I had no idea how tall he was," Dunn said. "I never saw him out of a Spanish Fork's American Legion wheelchair." Post 68 conducted Memorial At age 18, Blanton participated Day services at the Spanish Fork in the D-Day invasion of France. Cemetery Monday. In attendance He and his fellow paratroopers were Mayor Joe Thomas, and former landed on the beach. All Blanton mayors, Marie Huff, and Dale remembered of the experience Barney. Steven Wilson, conducting was a feeling of intense pain upon the ceremonies, recognized Gold landing. The next thing he knew, Star Mothers, Fern Lindley and he woke up in a hospital. Since that Ethyl Hutchings, as well as former day, Blanton never had the use of POWs, Richard Banks and Lyman his legs. Peterson. Many expected him to be bitter and cynical about his situation Tricia Christensen and Steven Dunford provided entertainment, — about the war that had taken so singing "God Bless America" much away from him. But Blanton and "God Bless the USA," disagreed. He served proudly and had no regrets. He reminded respectively. Retired Army Colonel Ron people that there were many who Dunn was the keynote speaker. He sacrificed much more than he did. gave a brief history of Memorial Blanton has since passed away. Day. He cited September 11 as a Dunn said that those men and day when many were awakened women who gave their legs and to the harsh reality that there were their lives did not do so in vain. people who wanted to destroy our Their sacrifices constitute "a tribute way of life. It was a powerful wake to soldiers who fell and a country up call that "life, liberty, and the that did not." pursuit of happiness must never be Dunn encouraged the audience taken for granted." to allow these thoughts to lift them This is why we have servicemen to a higher plane, to do better things, and to remember that the freedom deployed all over the world. "AH of us," Dunn said, "have we enjoy isn't free. the duty, obligation, and privilege to honor those who work to defend the freedoms we enjoy." For more Memorial Day Dunn recounted the story of coverage see pg B9, B12 Namon Bills / Spanish Fork News SOLDIER'S TRIBUTE: Retired Army Colonel Ron Dunn stands with his daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Zac Davis, and their kids Tag and Jaeien. In this short time, the group has already had a meeting with Mayor Joe Thomas, talking about city issues had how they affect women in our community. Last month they held a Dress for Success activity. Leslie Stott was their guest speaker, she gave great advice on clothing styles, colors and how to mix and match, for lower out-of-pocket expense when building a professional wardrobe. This month, guest speaker, Patty Long, will address domestic violence issues and how they are affecting our community. Along with how the issues affect us, she is going to give advice on how to handle a domestic violence situation, how to talk to women who are victims of domestic violence, and how to get and stay away from becoming a victim. Ahlin and Anderson have decided that for the year 2006, Domestic Violence will be the main focus for monies raised. Each year they want to concentrate on different issue that affects the women in this community. Moreover, its not just women who will benefit from this group. They have decided to award an "Exceptional Customer Service in Our Community" every month. They will be looking for anyone who contributes to our community to make it better, man, woman or child. They want to spread their passion for service, and recognize those who share in it. The group gets together each month to discuss future events, give support, receive support, and throw out new ideas. Their next meeting is June 5 at 1 at Prestwich Farms (mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon). Current members are encouraged to See WOMEN • B12. |