'We the People' to sign and support US Constitution

BLUFFTON — While most people will be exchanging cards, candy and flowers with their valentine, a group of Bluffton women have other plans. They will be showing their love and peaceful support for the U.S. Constitution. On Valentine's Day, the friends will have a large scale version of the document on the third floor of the Bluffton Town Hall from 1-4 p.m. Anyone interested is invited to sign and/or write short messages about what they value about the Constitution. This has nothing to do with political parties, according to Connie Anderson. A year ago, she planned a series of coffee klatches for anybody in the community. She said the response was good for the first event but not the second. The next time she tried it, the former teacher invited a group of friends. "They came and I said let me tell you what I'm thinking. I just think with everything that's going on in the world and in the country, we're not of an age or of a condition where we can march. But I think we can do something," she said. "And I said, if you're not interested, fine. If you are interested, we'll do it. And every one of them said yes." Anderson said she's not sure how they came up with the idea to do this. "It just kind of grew and changed as we went along," she explained. Wendy Chappell-Dick mentioned that Valentine's Day was coming and maybe they could do something to support the country, the Constitution and their values. And that, said Anderson, evolved into a celebration for the Constitution. "Really this group has formed around this event. We're not a group that will necessarily keep going," said Chappell-Dick. "It's so important for us in our conversations to create a space where Republicans and Democrats are both equally welcome. And that space is the Constitution. That's literally where we meet is our Constitution." A large paper banner will be created with the words "We the People" written in calligraphy by Bluffton artist Beth Boehr. The blue colored sign will also include the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Amendments. People will write their thoughts on white index cards that will be affixed to the banner with white stars. "We don't want to have negative comments," said Anderson. "We want to have positive things." Members are asked to contact five to 10 people who they think might want to attend. "We are just saying everyone is invited, regardless of your political standing," Anderson said. Libby Hostetler is one of the group who will attend the event. She is the founder of the Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center at Bluffton University and also was principal at Bluffton Elementary School. "The Constitution allows me to be free to search and interact with people and to leave my home country and come back," she said. "And every time I see the Constitution is being spit on or whatever as far as its being treated, how we're being treated, it just brings back that whole idea of I've got to keep doing something," said Hostetler. "I have to keep talking. I have to keep seeing people, getting people to care." The first 50 attendees will receive a donated mini copy of the Constitution. There will be light refreshments and seating areas for chatting. An elevator is also available in the town hall, 100 E. Elm St.