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Show Page 8 The Ogden Valley News Volume XXVIII Issue VII February 15, 2021 Weber County Sheriff’s Department Gives Back The Weber County Sheriff’s Department is always `looking for opportunities to give back to the community. In an on-going effort to improve the lives of newly-released inmates, Weber County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to community members for donations to their yearlong Re-entry Hygiene Kit Drive. The hygiene kits are given to inmates in need by a case manager upon release, in a measure to buoy up their spirits, lend confidence and encouragement, and aid healthy living choices as they make a fresh, new start. Many newly released inmates may remain jobless for a period of time or may face extraordinary hardships in finding housing and food. Incarceration may have strained many close relationships with others whom the inmate would otherwise lean on for support. Weber County Sheriff’s Office knows that a smooth transition to daily life may mean the difference between repeat offenses or a life of positive contribution to the community. Weber County Sheriff Ryan Arbon stated, “We want to make sure those leaving the jail are able to maintain cleanliness, increase health, and be connected to community resources available in the area. Some inmates leave the jail with very little to nothing at times, and we don’t want to see this happen. Donations will ensure that every inmate will leave with a hygiene kit. Together we will all be able to make a difference.” The Re-entry Hygiene Kit donation project is a way for Weber County Sheriff’s Department to fulfill their mission to “protect the lives and property of all people they serve and to preserve citizen’s constitutional rights.” The Weber County Sheriff’s Office Law By Shanna Francis Red Hawk, often related how he had shot at Washington at least eleven rounds and had missed each time; thus, was convinced that the Great Spirit was protecting the American soldier. He then put down his weapon and submitted to the will of heaven during the battle. Washington later wrote, “I have been protected beyond all human probability... for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot under me and yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me.” Truly, the Lord had an important mission for him to live to fulfill—to help America win the upcoming Revolution and gain independence from Britain so a free nation could be established. After surviving both wars—the French and Indian War and the American Revolution—Washington once again retired to his home at Mt. Vernon to finally farm; however, it was not to be. Even though very ill, he was still convinced to travel to Philadelphia to attend the Constitutional Convention, and, eventually, become the new nation’s first President in 1789 at the age of 57. At this time, the average lifespan of a white male was only about 38 years of age. Washington served for eight years. Now, finally, Washington would retire and return home to Mt. Vernon to farm. But already, statistically living 20 years longer than expected, he died a short two years later; however, not as a farmer, but as an American hero who spent his life in service to his country. Chris Brady states in the book Resolved: 13 Resolutions for Life, by Orrin Woodward, “It has been said that everyone wants to change the world, but only a few feel the need to change themselves. Even just a basic study of history, however, shows that those who first focus on self-improvement usually end up doing the most good in the world. Why should this be so? Perhaps it stems from the fact that excellence doesn’t occur by accident, but, rather, from In The Wa s h i n g t o n Hypothesis by Timothy Ballard, we learn about our nation’s first president’s early life—a foreshadowing of his future role in this great nation. Born into an upper middle class family, he understood the importance of duty. Like most individuals, though, he would have liked to have spent his life following his own pursuits. All he ever wanted was to settle down and farm, but God had a different plan for him. George felt called to serve God, which he did at his local congregation. He also felt obligated to serve his country. When in his early 30s, the governor of Virginia called for him to help survey the then wild Ohio frontier, which he did. While there surveying the area, an old Indian chief—the Grand Sachem—traveled far to come and see Washington again after learning he was in the region. After finding Washington, he told him why he had come—to see the man God favored and had protected. In the French and Indian War, at the age of 23, Washington had served as a colonel in what then was still the British service. In a terrible battle by the waters of the Monongahela, this chief had told the Indians going into battle to shoot and kill all the men on horses as they were officers—including George Washington. Indeed, of 86 officers, 62 were killed, along with over half of the 1,300 British/American soldiers fighting. George was the only officer on a horse to survive. The chief, named Enforcement Division believes community partnerships and cooperation enhance the quality of police service. Partnerships with other service organizations, schools, neighborhood groups, businesses, and concerned citizens will ultimately reduce crime and improve the quality of life in Weber County. Special thanks to West Weber Elementary 5th graders, Catholic Community Services, community members, church groups, community partners, and families who have all donated hygiene kits for our inmates in need. These kits help ease the burden of our inmates, upon release, helping them get started on the right path. Each hygiene kit (packed in a 1-gallon Zip-lock plastic bag) includes the following: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hairbrush, Deodorant Hand Soap, Dental Floss, Feminine Hygiene products (in female kits), Shampoo, Conditioner George Washington—An American hero intentional effort correctly applied over time. Subsequently, a person’s example of excellence increases his ability to influence others. The much-touted ‘ripple effect’ then takes hold and change resonates outward in ever-widening circles from the genesis of a lone individual who cares to change his/her own life first.” In the same book, Woodward explains, “In the early 18th century, three young Colonial Americans resolved to build lives of virtue by studying and applying daily resolutions. Each of them made his life count, creating a legacy of selfless thoughts, words and deeds. The first, through tireless sacrificial leadership and against indescribable odds, defeated the mighty British Empire with his ragtag group of Colonial volunteers (General George Washington). The second—through his growing international fame, sterling character and endless tact—became America’s leading diplomat, forming international alliances that secured war funding, without which the Colonials’ cause would have been doomed (Benjamin Franklin). The third, through his overwhelming intellectual and spiritual gifts, became Colonial America’s greatest minister, who, by preaching and writing, fanned the flames of the Great Awakening—a spiritual renewal in Colonial America—which further led to political and economic freedoms after the American Revolution. These great men— George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Jonathan Edwards, transformed themselves by diligently studying and applying their resolutions, creating an enduring legacy, not just through what they did, but more importantly, through who they were.” For George Washington, life became a series of resolutions to live by. He wrote and studied many maxims, or wise sayings, throughout his life, such as, “Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” “Washington developed and studied his Hand sanitizer (low alcohol level) and Face Masks For more information about this project and other ways to support the Weber County community, please visit <https://www.justserve. org/webercountysheriffsdepartment> West Weber Elementary 5th graders recently collected hygiene kits for newly-released Weber County jail inmates. maxims repeatedly, becoming convinced of the correctness of the maxim’s, teaching virtue over happiness and duty over rights, and resolving to live based on the principles implied in them. In the book George Washington’s Character, Katherine Kersten asked, ‘What would Washington have accomplished if happiness [or fun!], rather than integrity and service, had been his life goal? Instead of suffering with his men through the snows of Valley Forge, he might have followed the example of Benedict Arnold, another Revolutionary War General. Though brave and talented, Arnold valued his own well-being and prosperity above all else. Out of self-interest, he plotted to betray West Point to the British, and died a traitor to his nation. What can we learn from Washington and his contemporaries about character building? They teach us, most importantly, that “the soul can be schooled.” Exercising reason and will, we can mold ourselves into beings far nobler than nature made us….’ “General Henry Knox spoke truthfully when he shared that it was the strength of Washington’s character—not the laws of the new Constitution—that held the young republic [America] together.” And it has been the good character of the majority of the American people throughout the last 244 years that has continued to keep her strong. Remember that it will only be the character of America’s citizens, young and old, of today that, in future days, will hold our nation together in the latter days. What maxims, standards, and covenants to self and God are you willing to live by? Be resolved to live a life of integrity and character; to seek after those things that are virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy. Be worthy of greatness! This President’s Day, study the lives of Washington and Lincoln to see what lessons can be learned and adopted to improve your life and those around you. |