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Show Friday, January 26, 2001 THE SIGNPOST ge CflrattBiraGij Enrnao'D'oag By Jill Halbasch news writer The Signpost Weber State University has teamed up with Utah State University as a co-sponsor of the Ogden Area Marital Enrichment Conference in an effort to promote healthy marriages and families. Nearly one-third of American children are born into families with unwed parents and 75 to 80 percent of all people on welfare are there due to divorce. Almost no amount of public investment in children could possibly offset the damage that accompanies the decline of marriage, according to the Governor's Initiative on Families Today. The focus of the conference, which will be held today from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., is "Celebrating Marriage." The conference will feature workshops that will concentrate on . building and strengthening marriages. This is the second conference that Weber State has been involved in. The first conference was a success with more than 600 in attendance. "The goal of this conference is to strengthen families through strengthening the marriage," said Randy Chatelain, WSU child and family studies professor and Ogden area GIFT co-chairman. "Our goal is to give each couple a great night of entertainment with speakers, workshops and a great dinner," he said. "It is time to try to strengthen the families, the State can't take care of all the broken families that are out there, so something needs to be done, we need to start educating people on how to help their marriages," Chatelain said. The topics that will be discussed at the workshop include making marriages last, parenting with love and logic, blending families, conflict and cooperation, and marriage and mid-life crisis. "We just don't want to patch up problems in relationships, we want to fix the problems that are affecting marriages" said Dr. Julianne Arbuckle, psychology professor and a marriage counselor. "Couples need to gain appreciation for each other and realize what a wonderful spouse they have married." Douglas Brinley, co-author of the book "Between Husband and Wife," will be the keynote speaker for the evening. Also in attendance will be Governor Leavitt and Jacqueline Leavitt. "With the endless rising of divorce rates, we really want to focus on the good things about marriage and promote it as being a healthy, wonderful and a fulfilling thing. We want to celebrate marriage and just how great it is," said Arbuckle. Chatelain said. "This will be a night that is well worth your marriage's time. The speakers, workshops, entertainment and dinner will all be great." The conference wifl be held at the Ogden Marriott Hotel, 247 24th Street. Cost of the conference is $34 per couple, the price includes enrichment activities, dinner and entertainment. For more information visit www.weber.educhfam or call (801)399-8200. SeSSiOHHS examine ire Big noun a and ethics By Rafe Nielsen sr. news reporter The Signpost Throughout the spring semester the Religion and Ethic Resource Center will sponsor a weekly forum to discuss differing religious beliefs and ethical questions that deal with society. Based on the PBS program "Religion and Ethics News Weekly," Brian Davis, director of the Religion and Ethic Center, facilitates the discussion hoping to broaden the minds of all religions."We're trying to get a dialogue across differing religions and faiths," Davis said. "We have a variety of folks who attend, LDS, Jewish, Catholics, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and some unknown."The forum is designed for all people, not just those with religious backgrounds. Those who just want to learn about differing religions or are concerned with ethical issues are also encouraged to attend. The purpose of the forum is to cultivate interest and knowledge in the differing religious beliefs that society is faced with. Gaining an understanding and tolerance toward others with varying beliefs is the goal. "I don't like the idea that if you're not a Christian like me then you're a non-Christian," Davis said. "We're trying to see the common ground of all religions." Each forum begins with the viewing of the weekly PBS program to introduce the topics of the week. Topics range from the doctoring of grades for college athletes, to Hindu religious festivals. "Many people come during their lunch time just to watch the program," Davis said. Following the PBS program, Davis leads the group discussion based on the topics presented. 'The thing that really makes these occasions great, however, is the discussion afterward," said Sandra Powell, director of Women's Studies. To promote discussion, Davis will often bring transcripts of the show and find other research items related to the topics. It is here that ideas are shared among students and university faculty and staff members. "We've had faculty, staff, and students from a rich variety of ex-periences and backgrounds," Powell said. "And it's an environment in which people can really open up about things that are important to them." The diversity of religions is not the only thing Davis is hoping to see, but also a diversity of students and faculty mem bers. Having students and professors from different disciplines meeting together is what the university is all about, according to Davis. "It's a great way to get the faculty and students together away from class," Davis said. "We can all learn a lot about other people. We're all equal around the table." Because of the diverse backgrounds of those who attend, people are able to learn new information from sources who have had experience with the topics being discussed. Such learning eliminates rumors and prejudices previously believed. "It makes a difference having a Hindu priest teaching Hindu principles," Davis said. Above all, the weekly religious and ethics forum allows students to ponder some deeper issues. Davis believes we often get caught up in class and studies, and miss the opportunity to really think about what is important. The weekly forums are held every Tuesday at 1 1:30 a.m. in the Diversity Center. The PBS program "Religion and Ethics News Weekly" can be seen every Sunday at 7:00 a.m. on KUED and at 10:00 a.m. on KBYU. More information about the forums can be found at the Religion and Ethics Resource Center's Web site at www.weber.edudavis cen- , ' '. . V 7 V c I ( j r" " V j y ' a ! i h r ::! : , " ' . - X : O I o - A phenomenal collaboration ... Luckey Heath (left), Nicolette Coinier (middle) and Charity Pomeroy (right) sing "Manhattan," Thursday in the Stewart Library at "Did They Write That, Too?," a musical review of Rogers' and Hart's 1920s and 1930s show tunes. Published ii times meek Call for your FREE ESTIMATE today! . rr 5-:f- t V y "O' M 5 1. J Show worn 3565 S.V.'est Tempb.SLC UT A NEW indispensable Internet tool for your business! Tic It t.d VivluAt i- ' iiU-! it ' , I. I.,. ,- .- '. , . ... . S E M I N A R Learn everything you need to know about traveling to Europe on a budget. Our free seminar covers: Discount Airfares How to Get Around Travel Safety Budget Accommodations What You Need to Know Before You Go Planning Your Itinerary Tours Enter to win a trip to Europe Other giveaways include: rail passes, travel gear, travel books and more!! DATE: January 30th, 2001 TIME: 4.00pm-5.00pm PLACE: University of Utah Campus, East Ballroom 1-877-FLY COUNCIL ff 1V.L-, Ii .i'.l IHIW 4lc I- (ll.Ll.li ll-l I'. (. to; TVWT,ULlllk-';allVjtiCL''S,COin ' - 't Council h'.!ii' |