Idaho Women Seek The Power To Better World

Step aside, men. Women are reaching for the world’s reins and, for a change, no one is stopping them.

They’re pooling ideas, sharing concerns and making plans to improve cities, countries, the world. They’re Women of Vision and Action - and they’re in North Idaho.

“Women want leadership,” says Ione Jensen. “They’re no longer willing to just be supporters.”

Ione and Julie Keene, who live in Hayden, discovered the women’s movement of the 1990s as they interviewed women for their latest book, “Emerging Women - the Widening Stream.” The book will be out in April.

They chose 50 intelligent, fearless women from feminist Gloria Steinem to actress Ellen Burstyn. One interviewee directed the pair to Rama Vernon.

Rama is a yoga teacher who led tours of Americans to the Soviet Union in the 1980s and encouraged street-level discussions. Resulting friendships spawned 700 joint projects and eventual policy changes between the two countries.

In 1992, Rama extended her work to the Middle East. She brought together Arab and Israeli women in the United States. They shared sorrows, sympathies, prayed together for peace and buried centuries of enmity to reach a common goal.

Their work attracted women beyond the Middle East who wanted world peace. New groups formed and Rama created Women of Vision and Action to unite their efforts. She asked Ione and Julie to invite North Idaho women into the movement.

“The women’s movement of the ‘70s was angry,” Ione says. “This one is moved by a spirit of determination, love, peace.”

Forty-eight women gathered at the Coeur d’Alene Inn last September to share their dreams for healthier hometowns. They offered plans to help the homeless and women in prison with the idea that world improvement begins at home.

Ione and Julie were so pleased with the turnout that they’ve scheduled a second gathering for Jan. 25 to capitalize on the momentum. They expect twice as many women.

“Women in this area are doing marvelous things,” Julie says. “But they don’t know about each other. We’re trying to bring them together, give them some support, show them the time is right for women to make a difference.”

WOVA will meet 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jan. 25, at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. Attendance will cost $15 and includes lunch. Reservations are due by Saturday. Call 765-5905.

S’no way

I asked what goes on in snowplow drivers’ minds as they’re clearing our streets and Coeur d’Alene’s Urnie and Ginger Holliday had a quick answer.

“I think they’re singing,” Ginger says. “Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the money’s so delightful…and since I need work to go…let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.”

Demanding duty

St. Maries’ Vernon Baker easily became the most popular man in the nation this week after President Clinton slipped the long-overdue Medal of Honor over his head. The public found the down-to-earth war hero so approachable that his phone has rung nonstop all week, his housesitter says.

After 300 calls in three days, Vernon decided to go unlisted, discovering the real price of peace.

My funny Valentine

My father-in-law married at 71 a year ago after living as a widower for more than 10 years. He married a charming artist who’s the same age. Both lost their first spouses after long, happy marriages. Hopefully, they’ll live happily ever after.

What’s your late-in-life love story? What did you look for in a relationship that was different from your younger years? Would you encourage other seniors to pair up?

Warm the heart of Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; fax to 765-7149; call 765-7128; or e-mail to cynthiat@spokesman.com.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo