How we began
A BRIEF HISTORY OF NEDERLAND'S
MOUNTAIN FORUM FOR PEACE
Part I
In a land far, far away and a time long, long ago was a village inhabited by mostly gentle folk from all walks of life:: Nederland!. Whilst a few were gathering for coffee around the table one morning, there arose the idea of organizing into a coherent group of peaceful warriors, hell bent on bringing sanity to an otherwise crazy world.
It was 1985.
Ronald Reagan was sworn in for a second term, with you know whom as his vice. Mikhail Gorbachev became General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party. Both countries were well on their way to testing over 1500 nuclear bombs. This translates to 438 megatons of plutonium in our atmosphere, equaling in the 36 years between 1947 and 1980, to a Hiroshima size bomb being dropped every 11 hours.
Arlene Strand, Ellen Moore, Barbara Farwell, Liz Caille, Jean Gardener, Phillys Wright, and Lori Sawyer, (with Sally Grahn soon to join), gathered hoping to make a difference. To quote Liz Caille, "A group of women met to discuss possible actions that would involve the mountain community in promoting peace and removing the threat of nuclear annihilation". The first meetings brought people together to discuss, learn and take action on socially pertinent matters, initially, nuclear disarmament. Education was a main focus of the group as well, with speakers being invited to meetings attended by members and locals. The group participated in the antinuclear demonstrations at Rocky Flats, and some journeyed to the Nevada Test sight bearing witness and committing civil disobedience.
To raise funds for worthy causes , the idea of a yard sale was initiated. The 1st sale was held at Barbara Farwell's home. Now years later, it is clear how important this event has become. The Mountain Forum for Peace (MFP) yard sale has become a great way to meet and greet the community, as well as a major recycling effort for the town.
In 1993, Phyllis and Stan Wright had the idea of creating a garden outside their Donut Shop, to make a beautiful entrance into Nederland. Around the same time, Ellen Moore and her husband Scott, were visiting to gather ideas for his carousel dream. Ellen saw the opportunity and importance of creating a "potent presence" in the garden scheme. It is general consensus that Ellen was the instigator of the Peace Garden, and Phillys the force that pulled people together to make it happen.
And so an opportunity was presenting itself, not only to create the sculpture garden, but also for members to study problem solving and conflict resolution to create harmony within the Mountain Forum and the Nederland community. Raising the sculpture funds, choosing an artist, involving the Native American community, and justifying the money spent, all became part of the project.
After months of discussion and debate, Dave Current's model of the present Native American girl and young settler toddler was agreed upon. Dave researched intently the correct dress for both characters, and labored long and hard to create the "potent presence" that Ellen was looking for. Phillys rallied the MFP members for planting and gardening help. All of the above listed women and many more people worked to raise the funds and complete the project.
the largest one in Nederland.
The sale also serves as a community recycling for clothing and household items.
-Profits are donated to worthy causes here and overseas.
-Our group has donated books on peace and conflict resolution to our local schools
If you would like to become a member and receive information about our current projects,