BUUF News – February 2008

Contents

EverGreene

Reverend Elizabeth Greene is on Sabbatical until the fall. She will return to the office August 1 and to the pulpit Sunday, September 7.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Em-bracing the Journey

Emmie Schlobohm, Board President

Starting this month, I'll be here on the front page and the view is a bit altered and absolutely electrifying! We had a rousing send off for Elizabeth on her seven-month adventure/sabbatical in January. In turn, we've started our own adventure.

I always write about our journeying together as a community and here we are bounding down a new path. I'm feeling some real excitement building! Can you feel it too? Can you see it in the faces of your beloved fellow travelers; hear it in their voices? There's a buzz, an impending roar developing from within us and within our community. I'm thrilled to be a witness to and participant in the amazing happenings of BUUF!

There's so much to be excited about! Our Iraq symposium and its dynamic panel of speakers were featured in the Idaho Statesman. We have a captivating line-up of people to lead our Sunday presentations and sermons during Elizabeth's absence. Our Stewardship Committee is looking at the big picture and the big ideas of fostering and nurturing our generosity of spirit and resources to each other and the greater community. Please make sure that you read the BUUF Works! insert in your order of service, as well as on the back of the calendar in this newsletter. You'll find articles about who we are, what we stand for and why we come to BUUF and join in the dance.

Can you tell I'm jazzed? Join with me on this wondrous journey; this magical adventure!

Transforming Conflict

Even the happiest congregations experience conflict—among members, with and within staff and leadership, between committee goals and church priorities, and in differing opinions about directions to go. Conflict can stimulate productive evaluation and dynamic change—or it can grievously hurt people you love and gravely damage the community you cherish. How do we navigate the rough waters of conflict and find smooth sailing once again?

Our sabbatical minister, Rev. Margaret Keip, will introduce us to the dynamics of conflict, how to recognize emerging conflict before it threatens congregational life, how to identify some destructive behaviors and patterns that commonly arise, and, best of all, how to make a difference. She co-leads the PNWD Healthy Congregations Team and will share from its storehouse of wisdom. 

All are welcome to attend Saturday, February 23, from 9 am to 12 noon in the north wing at BUUF.

We've been Improving Our Facility and Programs—Recent Accomplishments

New floor, new sound system, new coffee pots, monthly potlucks for Nursery and Pre-School families, newcomer orientations on Sundays, consistently high quality music, acceptance into the Green Sanctuary process, appealing building colors, visible children's participation, new welcoming carts, a new Maintenance Committee, The Labyrinth, stimulating Adult Education class offerings, an attractive brochure for the Bridge Events Center and its own website, Iraq Symposium, on-going Board training, Dialogues with the Board, broad support for Elizabeth's sabbatical with many volunteers who will assist during her absence, and a reorganization of our "money" committees (in process).

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

Contributing to Our Community

Cathy Carmen, Co-Director of Religious Exploration

As I was contemplating a topic for February's newsletter, I found myself juggling many things at once. Then it hit me — how do we as UU's sort through the myriad things we have in our lives and decide what to do, how to do what's really meaningful and important? Applied to our Fellowship it might translate into asking ourselves how do we take part in this vibrant community so that our individual and/or families as well as BUUF's needs are met? Let us consider three ways of looking at this process.

What is it that brings you here to BUUF? We all come for many different reasons, from a variety of backgrounds (religious and non-religious alike). By identifying a few of the core reasons for gathering, then more intention and focus can be given to the time you spend here.

How much time, energy and resources do I and/or my family have to devote to this community? Come as you are and take part as you are able are very common themes here. However, the Fellowship itself thrives with doses of regular participation generous donations of time and money. We literally need you as much as you need us!

A part of this process involves consideration of where BUUF can "fit in" with the larger, sometimes busier, context of our lives. How to decide what makes sense in light of all of this and more?! It really comes down to prioritizing activities in light of your answers. Staying focused on what brings you here can help you with what makes sense how to best participate in the community.

So, let this conversation with yourself, your family, me and the BUUF community continue. It's a worthwhile discussion to have as we create something together!

Mirror, Mirror—A special stewardship project for children

Karen Raese, Co-Director of Religous Exploration

Every other year, the children and youth at BUUF have had the opportunity to participate in the Mirror, Mirror stewardship project in the spring. I am pleased to announce that we will offer this project again this spring. Please see next month's newsletter for more specific details about this wonderful project.

If you are unfamiliar with Mirror, Mirror, here is how it works. Framed mirrors (approximately 10x10 inches) will be provided at no cost for "check out." When a mirror is checked out, families agree to return the decorated mirror by the specified date. The wooden frame may be decorated in any manner the child or youth chooses. Some examples and suggestions will be offered at the time mirrors are checked out. The mirrors are then offered for sale during a silent auction which will be held on a Sunday. The proceeds from this stewardship project will go to a cause that the children select. What a great combination; children, art and stewardship!

Thank-you friends/members of BUUF

Fiona Montagne, 10 yrs. old (with a little help from mom/RE teacher Renee)

We (the 3/4 grade 9:00 RE class) really appreciate your generosity and support of our tie-dye canvas bag project. With all the help we got from you, we raised $175.00! Your contribution will be used for two chosen social action programs. We will be presenting a check to Interfaith Sanctuary and the second check will be given to Tanya Ambler's Idaho Pajama Project. She purchases, collects and distributes warm pajama to Idaho children who need them. Don't forget to use your cool bags for our pot-lucks, filled with your very own plates and silverware, or for groceries. Since the bags were so great, I even bought myself one!

RE Snack Round Up

The elementary RE Program requests that BUUF members and friends help fill our snack basket for the second half of our RE year. We specifically need:

• Fig Newtons (any flavor),
• Goldfish crackers and
• small boxes of raisins

in the wicker basket in the North Hallway. The children thank you!

Heartfelt Thanks to Our RE "Guides" and Advisors

Karen Raese, Co-DRE

February is the half way point of our RE program year. It seems hard to believe. There have been many, many wonderful things happening in the classrooms. The amazing folks who volunteer to "guide" and advise our children deserve a huge thank you for their commitment to BUUF's children. There would be no RE program without them. Please join me in extending our heartfelt thanks to them.

Children's Religious Exploration Committee:

Angie Tate, RE committee chair

The Children's RE program has settled into mid year. The addition of a 9AM program to our existing 11AM went very smoothly! Cathy Carmen and Karen Raese have done a wonderful job along with all of our valued guides! As a result of two programs, the committee has doubled our Children's Sunday Service coordination. This has been a challenge for our small but mighty group. The coordinator makes sure there are snacks (from the hamper) and a congregational helper in each class, as well as greets the children and assists with newcomers. With Dia de los Muertos and Deck the Halls behind us we are looking forward to our remaining events, The Easter Egg Hunt, Teacher Appreciation and help with Earth Day activities. We will welcome additional committee members to assist with Sunday coordination and the events and celebrations we sponsor. We have a vibrant committee that shares friendship and fellowship! Come join us. Our February 13 meeting will take place at BUUF at 6:00. Call for further information, Angie 336-0738 or .

Adult Education Committee Seeks New Leadership

Mike Philley

For the past six years I've been blessed to serve as the chairperson of BUUF's Adult Education Committee. It truly has been a labor of love! I've enjoyed leading a wonderfully committed team while "Adult RE" has grown to become the dynamic and exciting program it is today. Just take a look at the offerings this spring to see what I mean!

Alas, as the Buddhist teachings say, all things are impermanent. In May I will step down as the committee chair. My fondest hope is that a new leader will step up to chair the adult education committee and take the program to even greater accomplishments. There is so much good experience to build upon! Not only the successful classes and workshops that have been offered in recent years, but also the special events and inspiring speakers such as Fred Allen Wolf, Sharon Ellison, Craig Barnes, Richard Tarnas, David Korten, Drew Dellinger, and (coming next fall) James Hollis.

If you know of someone at BUUF (including yourself!) who may be interested in taking on this important leadership role, please let me know. I would love to talk about the rewards of chairing the committee. I will also be most willing to provide guidance as needed or desired to whoever becomes the next chairperson.

Fulghum Kicks Off Annual Pledge Drive

The Stewardship Committee is pleased to announce that Robert Fulghum, noted Unitarian minister, author and public speaker, will kick off BUUF's annual pledge drive on March 2. Mark your calendars to be sure you don't miss hearing this most entertaining and inspiring speaker.

Most people know Fulghum as the author of the best-seller, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindgergarten, one of seven popular books he has written. Fulghum has performed in two television adaptations of his work for PBS, and is a Grammy nominee for the spoken word award. Born in 1937, he grew up in Waco, Texas. In his youth he worked as a ditch-digger, newspaper carrier, ranch hand, and singing cowboy. For 22 years he served as a parish minister of Unitarian churches in the Pacific Northwest. Fulghum also is an accomplished painter, sculptor and musician. He lives in Seattle, Washington, and on the Greek island of Crete. There is extensive information on Fulghum and samples of his writing on his website, www.robertfulghum.com.

The Stewardship Committee encourages you to begin thinking about the role of BUUF in your and your family's life and imagining all that we as a community can do in the future if we had enough resources. Your annual pledge to BUUF is a reflection of the value you place on our congregation and the faith you have in our continued good works.

(Correction: In last month's article, we highlighted Charlotte Tompkins as an example of one of our generous members for her work in raising funds for Crop Walk. She remains an excellent example, having raised more than any other BUUF participant, but she pointed out that we credited her alone with raising the total amount by BUUF walkers.)

Committee on Ministry (CoM)

Linden Boice, chair

Allow me to introduce the CoM: Alan Schwartzman, Christine Hanzlik, Elton Hall, Linden Boice, Ned Brewer & Sheryl Dowlin.

In Elizabeth's absence and beyond, the BUUF Committee on Ministry aims to act as a conduit and clearing house for information, and to facilitate constructive communication among the congregation, individuals, staff and committees. Our role is to, "keep our ears to the ground", and monitor the pulse of the congregation. We want to assure that what needs to be communicated - is, in the appropriate context, to the proper person or group. Any member, staff, or friend of BUUF may bring a concern or feedback to the CoM. We are all available to listen confidentially and handle information appropriately. As a committee, we have no authority, other than that of providing constructive communication and, perhaps, recommendations for positive resolutions.

In addition, Christine Hanzlik will be arranging Margaret Kiep's schedule of Saturday meetings with committees, staff, etc., during her monthly weekends in the pulpit. If there is a need, committee chairs should contact Christine well ahead of time to schedule face-to-face time with our primary visiting minister.

Gracious Amenities Update

Attendees at the January 15 meeting recommended forming two new committees—

A new Hospitality Committee is forming! Members will consider ambiance, aesthetics, safety, and cleanliness and will make coffee and clean up once every month or two. They will seek additional volunteers to bring consistent nutritious snacks for Sunday mornings. As many as twenty volunteers would be perfect! If you could make coffee and/or clean up or bring an occasional snack, please join the Committee and help us make BUUF more welcoming!

A Flower Committee will arrange and/or procure flowers for Sunday Services. Individuals and families may also arrange in advance to provide an attractive floral arrangement (can be purchased) in "memory" of a special person, occasion, or milestone (wedding anniversary, college graduation, etc). Information about the donation "event" will be included in the Order of Service for the selected Sunday. If you would enjoy arranging or obtaining or cutting flowers from the BUUF cutting garden, please join this committee.

Please contact Sue Philley, sphilley@cableone.net, 378-1714 or sign up on the Gracious Amenities sign-up sheet in the communication rack in the North vestibule.

What is BUUF's Ombuds Team?

Ombudsman-it's a Swedish word that means, "agent of the people."  Along with our growth and commitment to right relationship, BUUF is assembling an ombudsman team to ensure that all members of our community receive fair and equitable treatment.  Standards for BUUF's ombudsmen teams include:

Respect for diversity,
Excellence in ombudmanship,
Professionalism,
Confidentiality,
Impartiality and
Independence

A BUUF ombuds teams will function as an independent reviewer of facts with ombuds activities ranging from; receiving and investigating complaints in a timely and responsive manner, making referrals where appropriate, using best practices, conducting outreach to raise awareness and developing communication tools.  Additionally, the ombuds team will issue reports noting trends and broader systemic challenges. Our intention is to provide a safe, respectful and confidential place where members of our community can make complaints and be heard and to provide an environment where peaceful resolutions can be reached.  This is in keeping with our goal of a healthy congregation.  We will be hearing more about healthy congregations and the role of an ombuds team from the Rev. Margaret Keip.  If you are interested in the Ombuds team, please contact Lisa Johnson at 484-1797 or .

Idaho Foodbank Offering

Rick Groff

The congregation will be feeding hungry people in Idaho through the social justice plate offering during February. Twenty-five percent of the non-designated plate offering will go to the Idaho Foodbank. For every dollar that our congregation contributes, the Foodbank will be able to buy the equivalent of $10.57 worth of groceries.

In 1985, the Foodbank supplied 200,000 pounds of food; in 1989, it donated one million pounds; and in 2006, 4.8 million pounds of food were distributed from its three warehouse sites in Boise, Lewiston, and Pocatello.

The food is distributed through a variety of agencies such as senior citizen programs, family service agencies, and food pantries, which may be in churches. The food may be delivered as a box of groceries or as a prepared meal such as Picnic in the Park. Picnic in the Park is a way for children who depend on free or reduced-price school lunches to get nutritious lunches at their neighborhood park during summer vacation.

If you'd like to nominate a cause for consideration as a future recipient of BUUF's monthly social action outreach offering, contact Social Action chair Rick Groff ( ).

Support the Idaho Foodbank—Two more great ways to help!

BUUF Food Drive

The Social Action Committee, along with the RE Programs, are sponsoring a food drive.  The Idaho Foodbank relies on food drives to ensure a wide variety of foods are available to distribute.  The BUUF Food Drive will be held during both services on:

Sun., February 10 & Sun., Feb. 17

To encourage participation, we have decided to setup a friendly competition pitting the "North" against the "South"; the ultimate winners will be the hungry people in Idaho.

The North Team includes the RE classes in the North wing (pre-K through 6th grade) and anyone who enters through the North vestibule.

The South Team includes RE classes in the South wing (Jr and Sr High) and anyone who enters through the South vestibule.

People that enter through the door on Garret can join to the team of their choice by bringing their contributions to either vestibule.

Please see the list of acceptable food donations.

Let's fill the vestibules with food!

BUUF—Idaho Foodbank Work Days

The Idaho Foodbank relies on volunteers to help with a variety of tasks including sorting and labeling food.  We have arranged two work days to assist with these tasks:

Saturday, February 9 from 9:00 am to noon
Tuesday, February 26 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

This is a great multi-generational activity; children 7 years and older are encouraged to participate (7-10 year olds must work with an adult).  Contact Carol Sevier if you'd like to sign up ( or 345-7062).

Hunger Statistics

• 21.24% of all Idaho children—more than one in five—lived in food-insecure households during 2003-05. This is the sixth worst ranking in the country and means 79,183 Idaho children do not always know where they will find their next meal.
• Increasingly, the hungry in America and Idaho are not the homeless but working-poor families who skimp on food to pay their monthly bills, children, and the elderly. There are 68,400 people in Idaho who qualify as working poor.
• Idaho was graded as an "F" for having the worst post-welfare reform social safety net (tied with Indiana and Wyoming) among the 50 states.
• Charity Navigator, an independent monitoring firm, has named the Idaho Foodbank as the most efficient non-profit in Idaho.?

(Source: www.idahofoodbank.org)

Grocery Sales Tax Credit

Rick Groff

The grocery tax credit was created to offset sales tax paid on groceries. In order to qualify for the grocery tax credit in Idaho, a person or family must have sufficient income to meet Idaho's minimum income tax filing requirements unless the person is over 62, blind or a disabled veteran. An individual must earn at least $8,750 per year and a married couple must earn at least $17,500 a year to qualify for the grocery tax credit.

Idaho is one of just seven states that apply their full sales tax to groceries. Five of these seven states provide credits or rebates to offset the tax. Idaho's current grocery tax credit is the only one of these that excludes low-income families.

The state would loose $190 million in revenue if the sales tax on groceries was eliminated. Many social activists are concerned that this loss of revenue would be balanced by reducing spending on social services and/or education.

Members of the Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger (IIRAH) support the Governor's proposal for increasing the grocery tax credit to those most in need to $90 per individual, which would cost the state $29 million in revenue, and doing away with the minimum income requirement for receiving the grocery tax credit, which would cost the state $2.4 million in revenue.

Learn what's up at the Idaho Legislature

Julie Fanselow

The Idaho Legislature is now in session right here in Boise. Join us during the potluck on Sunday, February 3, to discuss key issues pending before the lawmakers this year. We'll meet for about an hour, so grab your food and come back to the Channing Room (the Junior High HQ, in the south wing) to learn what you can do to advocate for legislation that reflects UU values.

Whittier School Hygiene Kits

Besse LaBudde

We are now entering a very active phase of collecting for the hygiene kits which will be selectively distributed by the school nurse as she undertakes personal hygiene instruction in her office and the classrooms. Each kit assembled at BUUF will contain soap, shampoo, conditioner, a comb, a book (never miss a chance to put a book in a child's hands), and a small toy or possibly a hair care item for the girls. THIS YEAR WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO INCLUDE A TUBE OF TOOTHPASTE. Please check the Dollar Stores for domestic toothpastes and for health reasons avoid those made in China. Schools still receive free toothbrushes, and these will be added to the kits once they reach Whittier. Full size shampoo and toothpaste are also needed by the nurse for family distribution.

We have amassed an impressive collection of travel toiletries from hotels/motels around the world and a great store of books for older readers. We lack COMBS (the $ stores have packets of 6 to 8 for $1.00), books for younger readers, small toys and barrettes. Please place donations in the Whittier box in the north entryway. We will assemble these kits at the end of February.

Whittier Kids Need Clothing

Besse LaBudde

In the past we have taken stacks of clothing to Whittier School, but those collections have fallen off although the need still exists. Instead of preparing a box or bag for an agency, why not drop good, CLEAN clothing and shoes in the Whittier box in the north entryway.

There are now two preschool classes so clothing is needed for children ages 3 to 12 . The most needed shoes and sneakers are size 13, but some older boys wear up to size 9 men's shoes. Please make sure that they have good shoe strings. Underwear and socks are always in demand and so are child-size belts to hold up deliberately oversize or passed down pants. Donation of clothing to Whittier is a quick way to meet the needs of children. Please place clothing in the Whittier box in the north entryway, or, if you desire, take clothing directly to Whittier and get a receipt for tax purposes. Happy closet cleaning!

Congregational Care Team Report

Barry Hope

Drum roll please! The new members of BUUF Congregational Care Team are: Joanne Minnick, Susan Kelley, Pam Woodies, Amy Butts, Jane Bunker, and Mason Morfit. A talented and sensitive group of individuals, who can be tough if the going gets rough. CCT is so thankful they're on board during this important juncture of the BUUF. We've discussed it, trained for it, and even agonized about it. Now it's here: SABBATICAL! We've actually gained a lot of church unity during sabbatical meanderings. Right relationships and getting along with one another should present developmental challenges that are proactive for the Fellowship.

Your Congregational Care Team is happy to step up to challenges of the interpersonal nature and beyond. There is a new team poster on the wall across from Gerry's desk in the office with our names and phone numbers. There is also a request for assistance drop box close by. Please feel free to contact any one of us if you're lacking supportive presence in your lives. Our ears are substantial, but our mouths (post conversation) are zipped.

Special appreciation goes out to Amy Butts for agreeing to head up the CCT's Transportation Project. Charlotte has done a splendid job since its inception, but was ready to pass the torch along. It will have such value throughout the years. (No pressure, Amy.)

If immediate assistance is required, our team coordinators are Sandy Layser (376-8579) and Mary Osterman (385-9950). The seemingly bleak winter is but a prelude of things to come. It in itself contains the light of the soul. Take care.

Humanists Thrashing Over Evil

...the subject anyway. And what about those evil-doers? Problematic. Now that the humanists of BUUF have assembled their own useful definition of worship, and have considered the various names we call ourselves (and the names others call us) we are ready for deeper waters.

When next we meet, 11am February 10, in the middle room of the north wing of our building, we will wade into murky pools of evil. As a subject, like I said. Those who consider joining us are encouraged to muck around in their own life experiences, dictionaries and resources for contributions to the subject.

Questions? Ask Jeanette 378-1217 or Rick .

BUUF Buddhists - Meditation for the New Year

BUUF Buddhists are alive and well and meeting every Tuesday evening from 7 to 8:30 pm. An ongoing group, we share both sitting and walking meditation, and discuss the Buddhist path. We welcome anyone interested in these pursuits, from experienced seekers to those new to the whole idea. If you would like to come, but need childcare, please let us know in advance and we will try to arrange for that. We do provide chairs, but if you prefer a cushion and have your own, feel free to bring it. Warm socks are also a good idea for walking meditation. Contact Mike Philley (378-1714) or Lynne Tolk (376-1336) for more information.

Mészkõ Partner Church News

Cynthia Alleman

Classes on our Transylvanian heritage are being offered by adult RE in March. Three evening sessions and Saturday cooking and art workshops will be offered. If you want to learn more about Meszko, Unitarian history, and past history and current issues affecting the Transylvanian region of Romania, think about joining us this spring. The highlight of these events will be a performance of "Letters from Christine" by Deb Smith on the evening of March 15, complemented by delicious desserts.

Look for Miriam Woito's article in this newsletter with an exciting itinerary for the May 2008 pilgrimage to Transylvania and Romania. A scholarship of $500 for a new traveler to Mészkõ is offered again this year.

Robert Balint, the minister in Mészkõ has created a website telling of the happenings with our partner church. This is a great way to stay connected with our friends.

You are welcome to join us in the BUUF library at 4:30 p.m., the second Tuesday of each month.

Albertsons Gives BUUF Money (with your help!)

Pick up an Albertsons Community Partners Card from the clipboard in the North Vestibule. Next time you shop at Albertsons give them the Community Partners Card along with your Albertsons Preferred Card. Albertsons will do the rest. Every time you shop and use your Albertsons Preferred Card, they will donate a tiny portion to BUUF. Those tiny portions add up and bring income to BUUF.

Pilgrimage Progress

Please join the Pilgrimage to our partner church in Transylvania May 30—June 7. We have a $500 scholarship for a first time traveler! See details on our Pilgrimage 2008 page, and contact Miriam Woito (890-6074 or ) with questions. It is a wonderful adventure!

New UU Class

Whether you are brand new or have been visiting awhile:

Would you like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism? Would you like to meet others and make connections?

Are you looking for ways to get involved?

Then the "New UU" class is for you!

The next "New UU" course begins Sunday, Feb. 3, at noon, following the Potluck. The classes continue on Feb. 10, 17 and 24, following the 11:00 service.

For information, to sign up, and to request child care during the course, call Jay Wechselberger at 871-3765 or email him at .

The Other Bookclub

Join the Other Bookclub for a great forum to discuss recent literature:

The next gathering is on February 10 at 7pm at the home of Erin Logan, 1702 Ridenbaugh Street, when we will discuss The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.  Contact Erin at 336-4960 or for directions or questions.

The following month we meet on March 9 at7pm at Eric Wallace's house, 1387 E. Monterey Drive to discuss Midwives, by Chris Bohjalian. For directions or questions, you can reach Eric at 433-0706 or .

Calling all Moms: Are you going crazy?

OK, maybe crazy isn't the right word, but if you feel like you need a break from your kids and a chance to laugh, dine, imbibe and enjoy time with other BUUF moms, especially those with small children, join us for the first BUUF Mom's Night Out on Tuesday, February 12, 6pm, at the 8th St. Wine Company in Boise. RSVP to Sally Grimes at 860-6370 or . If there is enough interest, we will make this a regular event, so even if you can't make it to the first dinner let us know if you'd like to be added to the email list for future dinners.

Senior Sages Wants You

Tom von Alten

The Senior Sages meet at 9:30 on the second and fourth Thursday mornings of the month, at the Kopper Kitchen (2661 Airport Way) for a no-host breakfast, with lively presentations and discussion. We don't check IDs—or inspect briefcases—all are welcome. February's programs (on Thursday the 14th and the 28th) are still "in the works," but watch the Sunday announcements (or the BUUF web page) for details.

All are welcome. Call Tom von Alten, 378-1217, for more information, or to be added to our email or telephone reminder list. Do you have a presentation you might like to share? Something political, philosophical, pedagogical? Or perhaps a travelogue from an exotic locale? Surprise us! Join us!

Green Homes/Healthy Homes

On February 23, the class Not Under My Roof: Green Homes and Healthy Home Environments will focus on how we can all start moving toward greening our living spaces. Patricia Koleini will report on a recent tour she made of a green remodel in San Francisco (the Sunset Magazine 2007 Idea House), and will lead a tour of a green home in Hidden Springs that was the first Gold-level LEED certified home in Boise. (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a national standard for green building.)

In addition, Heidi Caye from Green Foundations Building Center will present, with hands on examples, healthier choices for the indoor environment.

The DVD, Not Under My Roof, created by Healthy Child/Healthy World will highlight steps that can be taken in the home to keep children safe. This organization includes Erin Brockovich Ellis as a member of the board of directors. Ms. Koleini will also explain how she used remodeling with safe non-toxic building supplies to recover from environmental illness.

BUUF Using Safe, Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

If you look in the kitchen, you'll notice that we're using non-toxic cleaning products as part of our commitment to the health of ourselves and our planet. Also, the book Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe and Healthy, Non-Toxic Cleaning has been donated to the BUUF library. It contains lots of useful information on the ingredients in standard cleaning products that are dangerous as well as recommended alternatives. In addition, a list of ingredients needed for mixing up our/your own safe and healthy non-toxic cleaners as well as recipes to do so are included.

You Picked a Fine Time To Leave Us, Liz Beth

To the tune of "Lucille" by Kenny Rogers

By Wanda Jennings

In a church in Boise
Your board of trustees
We wanted to give you a break,
Not knowin' what to do
When the phone call's for you
We may have to let the phone ring.
When the sabbatical hits her
She said she's no quitter
But she finally quit livin' on dreams
You're hungry for laughter
And here ever after
You're after whatever the other life brings.

You picked a fine time to leave us Liz Beth.
With the Iraq question and we're freezin' to death,
We've had some bad times, lived through some sad times,
But this tragedy's as bad as McBeth,
You picked a fine time to leave us Liz Beth.

When you have left us
We'll refrain from applause thus,
We wanted to give you a break,
Stewardship campaign,
There'll be no champagne,
We may have to let the phone ring.
No rhubarb for Easter,
We'll land on our keister,
But she finally quit livin' on dreams
You're hungry for laughter
And here ever after
You're after whatever the other life brings.

You picked a fine time to leave us Liz Beth.
With the Iraq question and we're freezin' to death,
We've had some bad times, lived through some sad times,
But this tragedy's as bad as McBeth,
You picked a fine time to leave us Liz Beth.

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Several BUUFers Honored for Their Work

Jennifer Grush-Dale

United Vision for Idaho's Tenth Annual Progressive Celebration and Awards Dinner was held January 11, 2008. As in many years past, several BUUFers were honored for their work. This year, we had two individuals: Suzanne Woodcock for Administrator of the Year and Julie Fanselow for Progressive Blogger of the Year. Both women contribute to social justice through their work and volunteer efforts.

Another recipient, Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services, was named Grassroots Leader of the Year. BUUF, and many of our members, have been strong supporters of Interfaith Sanctuary and have greatly contributed to its success.

To read more about all of the honorees, visit www.uvidaho.org.

Congratulations everyone! Thank you for your hard work and continued dedication.