OCTOBER 1999
***SPECIAL EDITION IN REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN'S PASSING ***
"IT'S ABOUT TIME WE BEGIN IT, TO TURN THE WORLD AROUND " ***************************************************************************
*
Organization Information:
Co-Founder and Former President -- Marcelle Orswell (morswell@earthlink.net)
Co-Founder and Secretary -- Theresa Shea (Tree1A@aol.com)
Co-Founder and Webpage Designer -- Sandy Clark (IATMail@aol.com)
President -- Ann Schnitz (aerie01@sprynet.com)
Newsletter Co-Editor -- Ellen La Corte Quinn (elq@mciworld.com)
***************************************************************************
*
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
"I miss John....And, life feels so surreal. However, in the middle of everything, John stands true. Like a steady pulse of God's comfort through stereo speakers. He continues to amaze me with his comfort and his beauty." -- Submitted to IAT
***************************************************************************
*
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT (Ann Schnitz (aerie01@sprynet.com))
***************************************************************************
*
Dear Friends,
Another October 12 has come and gone. Hard to believe, isn't it, that's it now been two years since John was with us? For me, it was a year of both wonderful friendship and discoveries, and a trying time of personal hardship.
On October 21, 1998, I received an email from someone I didn't know, whose name I'd never heard before. He was a folk singer from Havertown, PA, not far from where I live in Newark, DE, and he was writing to invite me to a John Denver tribute he was performing at in Wilmington, DE, in December. He had gotten my name from Emily Parris' Rocky Mountain High penpal list. At first, I couldn't believe it! How was it possible that there was someone like this, so close to me, that I'd never heard about before? Then, I went on to read what he'd written, and it was obvious that he had John's stamp all over him. He wrote fluidly and easily, unafraid to bear his soul to another, a stranger, but someone who might feel as he did. I was instantly touched and started a correspondence with him. Today, a year later, he is one of my best friends in all the world. His name is Charlie Zahm.
My friend Pat Hough and I were lost without John. We would meet and share videos and cry and think that our world was shattered forever. But with Charlie, we were able to put the pieces back together and have this music in our lives once again that was and is everything to us, a debt to him I doubt I can ever repay.
I found myself thinking of all this as I watched Charlie sing "This Old Guitar" in New Castle, DE on October 12, 1999. I found myself thinking of the blessing of these two wonderful friends in my life who have been there for me at every turn during nine months of difficulty and how we came together as a result of our love for John Denver. And I also thought of the many other loved ones who at that very moment were in Aspen and Pacific Grove and all around the world, sharing the music and the spirit. Truly, the circle was complete.
There was much said of people's attendance in Aspen this year. My feelings about this is that if you carry John in your heart that day and do the things that make you feel good and maybe might have made him feel good (e.g., picking up a piece of trash, spending time with a loved one, etc.), then to my mind, what difference does it make where you are? Are we any less connected in New Castle, Delaware...or Sydney, Australia? No. We honor John everywhere we go, just by who we are and what we do.
Peace, my friends. Make it a great day!
My heart to yours, Ann
***************************************************************************
*
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR (Ellen La Corte Quinn (elq@mciworld.com))
***************************************************************************
*
Dear Friends,
I did it. I went flying! In something besides a 757, that is. And, as IAT Friend, Annalisa Berns, said in her letter last month, "(b)eing up in the sky floating, was incredible". She's right!
I have had flying on my list of "Things I Want To Do Before I Go" for a good long time now. I just haven't taken the time to actually go do it. My husband knew about this wish and gave me a half hour of sky sailing for my birthday. It was simply wonderful!
Sky sailing is done in a glider plane. The glider is a non-power plane connected to a towplane that takes you to about 3500 feet up - where you're then in the hands of the pilot and the thermals. IT WAS AMAZING! All that held us up was AIR. It was simply beautiful. So much of it was beyond words. All I can say is, if you've ever been the least bit curious about what John loved so much about flying, give yourself the treat of trying it and you'll see. As for me, I am now incredibly jealous of birds!
In this Special Edition, we remember John most poignantly because of the anniversary of his passing on October 12th. Having just this month buried a close family member myself, I am struck with one question - one ponderance that repeats itself incessantly in my mind: What is PRECIOUS? With the passing of my brother-in-law, that question began chasing me down, and is demanding an answer. In response, I have made the list. A list of people who are incredibly dear. A list of activities that bring me into the very heart of Life. It is a tender time, but I aim to savor every bite, taste every drop and give myself more wholly to Life going forward.
This may be a tall order, but I will do my best. Because I saw that it is possible. John did it. It seemed he never forgot Life's value. He never missed an opportunity to bare his soul or to be 100% present to the experiences before him. For me, his life was a message saying, "Love wholly, we don't have too long "
Thank you for listening, Ellen ***************************************************************************
*
" IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START TO MAKE IT, THE DREAM WE'VE ALWAYS KNOWN "
***************************************************************************
*
***************************************************************************
*
OCTOBER 12TH - REFLECTIONS, CEREMONIES AND MEMORIES ***************************************************************************
*
I had the opportunity to spend October 12th in Jamaica with a very good friend of mine who won the trip on the radio and took pity on me and asked me to go with her. The 12th was our last night there and we remembered John by lighting a candle for him on the rocks by the shore of the Caribbean Sea. It was dark, warm, and beautiful. I can't wait to see the pictures to save for my scrapbook. It was very special to be by such a beautiful body of water at such a difficult time for me. Somehow it helped to at least be at the shore. --Cheryl in NH ----- My name is Ann Shuki. Last year I was in Aspen on Oct 12 sharing in all the wonderful stuff that went on there. This year I was at home in Ohio. Oct 12th was a beautiful day. I wanted to remember John in a special way. I played and sang with John on as I drove from patient to patient. (I am a hospice nurse) and John has always been a great help to me as I prepare myself for my visits. His music is a comfort and helps me keep on going. I played a memory disc by Chris Westfall. He has written a song called "No Difference." He sings of the day John died and the way he now sees him in the beauty around us. In the early evening, my husband and I planted a small pine tree in John's memory. A little later, I visited the tree and offered a prayer for John. As I turned to leave I noticed a deer standing about 50 feet away. She just stood there, unafraid, looking directly at me. This went on for several minutes. Then she began to wander around nearby. A moment later she was joined by two smaller deer. They grazed near my little tree for about 15 minutes, until dark, and then wandered away. I marked this in my memory as a wonderful John Denver moment. At 7:30 my time - 5:30 Colorado time - I had a silent moment as we did last year in Aspen. Just wanted to share my day with all of you. Oct 12 will never be the same for me. I have a copy of one of the memorial services for John - the one that was held in his mother's church. I wanted to play it that day but I knew it would be very painful for me to watch. -- Peace to all, Ann Shuki ----- I would guess that you probably heard about "John's presence" at the Snowmass Chapel Memorial Service. As Annie was speaking, an eagle was just soaring around in circles overhead. It was the perfect morning and everyone there was there for John. He (was) known to have said many times, "when I die, I am going to come back as an eagle." Well he did. Cindy -----
"Let This Be A Voice" - By Mary Ledford
"Let This Be A Voice" Symposium was held at the Inn At Aspen on Monday, October 11, 1999. When I thought of what kind of event to have this year, I thought, what better way to honor John's memory than to continue an event that he himself was so very proud of his Windstar Choices For The Future Symposia. Although the structure of the event was much like Choices, I thought the level of Choices might not be achieved at first but with the caliber of presenters we had, I think we were there! The title was certainly for John's PBS special aired earlier this year but also for his beautiful song "Amazon" which opened the day's event.
The purpose of the symposium was to highlight the "new" organizations (to most of us anyway) brought to light since John's passing. We had Dr. Bette Loiselle from the International Center For Tropical Ecology (ICTE) - the organization that presented John with a world Ecology Medal back in September of 1990. They are doing wonderful work worldwide. Mr. Ken Davies of the Denver Music Association also spoke about the John Denver Music Education Fund that has been established. Dr. Corie Campbell of the Daystar Commission spoke about their humanities degree program which honored John by awarding him a posthumous doctorate. Charlene Finney of the Myra Gainer Music Foundation, Salida, CO also gave a presentation. Dennis Weaver was scheduled to give a presentation but due to an unfortunate back injury he suffered earlier in September, he had to cancel. We hope to have him with us next year. Javanna Richardson gave a presentation on an expedition to the Top of The World in Greenland. She teamed up with two geophysicists and is going on this expedition next year and will hopefully be naming the highest peak in honor of John. All in all it was a wonderful day and I hope everyone who attended felt as empowered and inspired, as you would have leaving a Choices Symposium. We closed the program with John's performance of "Calypso" from the Wildlife Concert.
Our auction raised well over $4,000 for John's charities and is currently being distributed. We were able to present two checks at Christine Smith's luncheon the next day in Salida: One to Betty Loiselle of the ICTE and one to Christine Smith for her "Dreams of Freedom" project.
The evening concert was highlighted by our featured performers Pete Huttlinger and Chris Nole (they have already said, "put us down for next year!") Since John Sommers was in attendance they played "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" or as Chris said of their version "Thank God I'm A Funky Boy!" from their beautiful CD "Colors in Time - Vol. 2." Pete then took us to the mythical "McGuire's Landing" the song he wrote for guitar and cello. John heard this song and loved it (rightly so!) and wanted to write lyrics to it. Pete shared with me at the Aspen service in 1997 that he'd asked John how the lyrics were coming. John replied, "not yet pal!" I could hear John singing as Pete played the song. Chris delighted us with a beautiful rendition of "For You" and joined Pete for "Eagles & Horses." Chris Westfall and Kevin Yeargen opened the show and were followed by Frank DeLaMarre, Paul Swanton, Mark Cormican, Tim & Amy Dabbs and from Holland, John Adams. All were super!
I want to personally thank all of the presenters and performers who made this day and evening special. And a special thank you to Dreux DeMack for your excellent emceeing and to Pam Beasley for being my partner in this endeavor. We will definitely do this again next year! Plans for Aspen 2000 are currently being formulated and if anyone is interested in helping or if you have any suggestions, please let me know. -- Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
"WHAT ONE MAN CAN DO"
"What one man can do is dream, What one man can do is love, What one man can do is change the world and make it new again.
Here you see what one man can do..." (John Denver, 1982)
10/9/99 - In a few days, it will again be the anniversary of John's death, and I can scarcely believe it. Time has passed ever so quickly and it seems like yesterday that I was at our campground, celebrating my wedding anniversary with my husband, Larry, when I heard the news. John's plane had gone down and he was gone--instantly. Gone into eternity. As I think about John, and I think about that day, I also think about that memorial service in Aurora, Colorado in the little Presbyterian church. There were John's mom, Erma, his children-Zak, Anna Kate, and beautiful little Jesse Belle, Annie and Cassy, and of course, John's younger brother, Ron. You could see and feel how much they loved him. Maybe they told him often how much they loved him. I hope and pray that they did. Somehow, it is times like this that make us wish we had done a lot of things more often. I know that was true for me when my mother died so suddenly years ago in a train accident.
I think that, if I remember anything at all about that memorial service, I will remember some of the eulogies given by a few of John's loved ones. Those stories are all so precious and make John seem so very human, and he was. Jerry Jampolski, one of John's dearest friends, told a story that even today moves me to tears when I think about it. It seems that Mr. Jampolski, through his work, met a cloistered nun named Sister Ada. Sister Ada had terminal cancer and didn't have long to live. It seems that she was quite a John Denver fan, and told Mr. Jampolski that when she heard John's music, she experienced the peace of God being present. I could easily relate to that, as (it) happened to me the first time I heard him sing "Sunshine" Mr. Jampolski told John about this, and he called Sister Ada. That made her day. She went around talking about how John Denver called her.
Then there were a couple of stories told by John's "Uncle Abe" Deutschendorf. "Uncle Abe" first recalled how John's Grandma Swope (his mom's mom) gave him his first guitar at age 12. That's what "started all this, "Uncle Abe" lovingly said. There was also a time when they brought John's Grandma Deutschendorf home for Thanksgiving one year. It seems she was in a nursing home and they brought her home for the day for a visit. They sang and visited with each other for about two hours. But before the family took her back home, John knelt and took her hand and told her what a special lady she was. And he hoped that she would have the happiest Christmas ever. It made her day. "Uncle Abe" also talked about how John sang from the heart and lived all he sang about.
So, why do I say all this? I say (it) to remind us all that there is something that one man, or one woman can do. It doesn't have to be a big thing. But if we all can take the time to say a kind word, or to make one's burden ours, and make theirs a little lighter, this world can and will be a better place. Why don't we begin today? Then John's dream will truly become a reality. "It's about time." -- Peace, Margaret Moores -----
I drove about an hour and a half to Monterey. The drive down was beautiful. I thought that California would be crowded and just one house and building after the other. Well, all I saw was trees! It reminded me of West Virginia! About 20 minutes outside of Monterey the landscape changed to farm land- lots of artichoke, brussel sprouts and strawberries. I had never seen migrant farm workers before...there were out there before 7 am bent over picking our strawberries...makes you think.
I started crying the first time the ocean came into sight. I really needed to be there by the water. I just knew that it was perfect, and me being there was perfect. John Denver is quoted as saying that he had a perfect life in an interview in Rolling Stone Magazine and I understand.
I found Lover's Point, where all of the John Denver events were going to be held Getting the rental car and such had put me behind quite a bit. But, there wasn't anyone there. I was worried at first, but then I looked at my schedule, and it was the wrong day! The events were (to be on) Sunday. So, I just switched my plans for Saturday and Sunday. I just started to drive, having no clue where I was going. Well, I stumbled upon the world famous circular driving tour "The 17 Mile Loop." It was spectacular. It went right by the ocean- I have never seen such big waves. I drove for a long time with the window down and John Denver playing on the tape deck I saw black tail deer (eating on golf course greens), sea lions, a unique kind of squirrel, and more. I did spend some time sitting on the beach and looking out onto the ocean. I thought I would be sad because I think so highly of John Denver, and this is where he died. But, I did not feel any of that- just joy that I was there and that he was blessed with such a wonderful life and that we were blessed because he left such wonderful music!
Sunday morning I got up very early and went back to the shoreline as the sun was rising- PERFECT! Also, just by chance I saw two sea otters playing and eating along the coast. I mean, there were right in front of me jumping and resting. I had never seen sea otters in the wild. Also, I saw two seals trying to get up onto some rocks for a rest. Hundreds of people walked by them and I don't think a one saw this beautiful and funny sight!
The people who organized the John Denver events were setting up their booths. So, I went and bought a T-shirt with the last picture that was taken of him before he died on the front. I then helped with the beach clean up that was done in his memory. I picked up tons of cigarette butts- why don't people just put them in a garbage can?
I also got to meet many other John Denver fans- from Oregon, Washington, Ohio, Canada, and more! We talked about John Denver and his legacy. A newspaper reporter interviewed me for one of the local papers.
One of the highlights of the trip was the public concert at Lover's Point. They had two singers who performed John's songs right on the ocean- it was beautiful. Hundreds of people were there. Everyone had a grand time and I will never forget one of the singers performing "Calypso" with the sun above and waves crashing in the background!
After that there was an informal sing-along. Fans brought guitars and sat around and played his songs. Some of the people who played were really talented!
Then we all gathered at the crash site. We all lit candles and listened to his songs. At the exact time of the crash three airplanes flew over the memorial- it was beautiful and moving. We read a poem together and talked a little bit. One of the most important things we discussed was the importance of continuing his environmental work. We talked about different issues and what we can do. We all agreed that one person could make a big difference in the world but that we need to support each other.
The city council in the area has approved putting up a memorial to him- it will be a big boulder with a bronze picture of him and some words. There was a news crew there to film it all!
Next was the second concert inside on the fisherman's wharf. There were about 50 people there, and we had a fun time listening to John Denver songs. I won a John Denver CD!
I had a perfect trip! In closing I would like to say that some (but no one on this email list!) may question what might seem an extreme devotion to a singer that many of us never met. My reply to that is two-fold. First, John Denver's songs touched us and changed our lives. If we did not have devotion and commitment, what would that say about us? Secondly, he was much more than just a great musician. He was a defender of nature. He wanted to make this world a better place, and he wasn't afraid to speak up about controversial issues and ask tough questions. He fought hunger, deforestation, nuclear bombs and energy, oppression, racism, ignorance, war, and our general neglect of responsibility concerning Mother Earth. If we don't do it, then who will?
-- Peace, Annalisa Berns -----
I was very pleased to meet up again with Ken Davies at what has evolved into the annual John Denver Reunion on Columbus Day Weekend. Folks from all over the country, and even from abroad, joined together to discuss John's legacy in terms of his musical and environmental impact. I was privileged to hear Ken speak again, and this time he really focused on the need for John's music to be an integral part of school curricula. He explained how the Meloz notation method (fall DMA newsletter, page 12) can provide a much needed stepping stone to elementary school children who for whatever reason may have difficulty reading music. I had mentioned to him that I would like to see John's music introduced into every Grade 3-5 music curriculum across the country. JD was inspirational to millions of people. If the newest generation was only exposed to his AESTHETIC philosophy as well as his environmental message, "there has to be a better way" and that is in FOLLOWING ART in COMMUNICATING and thereby POPULARIZING the deep-seated concerns for our planet and ourselves! Thank you, Ken, for being a motivator yourself and for spreading John's word via the DMA and your trips to Aspen. Time for you to go on tour with this, don't you think ?! - Bette Danse, Griswold, CT ----- I traveled down to Washington DC to have lunch at the Starland Cafe owned by Bill Danoff. There, we had lunch with all of John's band members and friends. It was great to see them all again as I had traveled to Aspen last October. I got to talk to John Sommers, Chris Nole, Steve Weisberg and of course Machito Sanchez, just to name a few. They were fantastic! Very personable people. And since we saw them last October, we got to thank them again for the tribute concert they performed in John's honor. Then, last Saturday evening we went to the tribute concert in DC. It was FAR OUT! Of course at the very end of an exhilarating performance, they put a guitar center stage with a spotlight and played John singing "This Old Guitar", as they closed the black curtains to the stage. There was not a dry eye in the house and everyone left in a solemn silence. Very moving! Then on Sunday, driving back to New York we stopped in Baltimore to see the John Denver exhibit at the Babe Ruth/Orioles Museum. We must have spent one hour looking at the very small but nicely done exhibit. They had a video of John when he jumped on top of the Orioles dugout and sang along to the song "Thank God, I'm a country Boy!" What a weekend! The weather was typical John Denver Sunshine on my Shoulder! Of course this whole weekend just made us miss John all the more, all over again. It doesn't really get any easier.
-- Peace, Terri -----
A LETTER FROM TOM CRUM
(from the Windstar website Dear Friends of J.D., It's been two years, and John is as close as he ever was. I still see his smile and feel that wide-eyed commitment to drive headfirst into life. John didn't give, he was a gift. When I walked with him somehow I felt like I was jogging. He had a contribution to make to this earth and all living things and he didn't want to be late. And yet, when he picked up his old guitar and opened his mouth, his soul poured out and time would stop for all of us who truly listened. The wind, the forest, the flowing rivers and all the children had come together in one clear voice.
John's spirit is free now. He has no need for shoes. No need for time. He lives with eagles and rides the wind. John's songs echo through the canyons and through our minds reminding us how right it is to care. He smiles when we pick up litter or assist a fallen friend. He laughs with us when we live joyfully and whistles when we walk gently on the earth.
There's no need to shed tears for John any longer. He'd rather that we shed it for the ones walking beside us who may be hurting.
We hug John every time we hug someone in need. We laugh with him every time we have fun with children. We share in his spirit not just in our memories, but in our eyes and our hands as we see what is possible and live a life that reveals it.
"Love doesn't die People do So when all that is left of me is love Give me away" (author unknown)
Thank you for all that you have given on John's behalf, Tom Crum
***************************************************************************
*
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ***************************************************************************
*
'PERSONAL TOUCH' STILL WORKS BEST ON HILL Members of Congress spend much of
their time staying in touch with their electorate. But as many constituents turn
to e-mail as a quicker and more efficient means of communicating with their senators
and representatives, lawmakers are finding themselves buried by a deluge of computer-generated
messages. House members collectively receive more than 750,000 pieces of e-mail a
week!
In a series of recent studies, congressional staffers were asked to rank the attention and weight given to constituent communications received via various means. Results indicate that "snail mail" letters still command the greatest amount of attention, followed closely by personal visits and phone calls. Communication via faxes and e-mails ranked considerably lower. In one report, 70 percent of the offices surveyed said they did not respond to e-mail inquiries.
It seems that nothing is as effective as "personal" communication with your legislator, so if you want to make a difference in the fight to save wildlife and wild places, keep those letters and phone calls coming. And next time you're in Washington, schedule a stop on Capitol Hill. ----- ENVIRO-UPDATE Yellowstone Bison: Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt recently announced that the federal government has purchased 9,300 acres of private land bordering Yellowstone National Park to act as a protective buffer for bison wandering beyond the park's boundaries in search of winter forage. The purchase, made possible by $13 million from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, is an important step in protecting the largest free-roaming bison herd in America.
However, it does not address the larger issue: there is still no commitment from Montana officials to stop needlessly slaughtering buffalo on public lands, including the land acquired in this purchase. NWF has approached the state with publicly supported, common-sense management alternatives, including a plan to reimburse area ranchers for vaccinating their cattle against the disease brucellosis. But the state of Montana's refusal to discuss such win-win proposals means that the newly purchased "buffer zone," while a good start, is no solution.
Trade campaign: The 1999 World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Meeting set for this November in Seattle (EnviroAction, Sept. 1999) is a critical opportunity to improve international trade rules that threaten wildlife and wild places everywhere. Remember, unless the WTO incorporates environmental reforms, endangered species and invaluable freshwater, ocean and land ecosystems will continue to be put in danger by harmful trade practices. Please contact President Clinton today (The White House, Washington, D.C. 20500) and urge him to:
--Support only those trade policies that balance growth of the global economy with protection of the global environment;
--Reform the rules and procedures of the WTO the leading institution of the global trading systems; and
--Make protection of wildlife and the environment the top priority at the Ministerial Meeting in November.
Harmful appropriations riders: As Congress labors to complete consideration of more than a dozen federal spending bills, some legislators continue to saddle these bills with environmentally destructive amendments, or riders (EnviroAction, Sept. 1999). Current attacks now in the spending bills include allowing the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to renew livestock grazing permits without undergoing required environmental reviews; diminishing wetlands protection by delaying the removal of a destructive nation-wide permit; and authorizing the U.S. Forest Service and the BLM to ignore their own requirements to survey for threatened and endangered species before logging is allowed in an area. In addition, the rider intended to derail grizzly bear reintroduction has been replaced by a less damaging but still problematic amendment. Originally written to permanently restrict funding for reintroducing grizzlies into the Selway-Bitterroot ecosystem in Idaho and Montana, this rider now blocks funding only for the next fiscal year. Please urge Congress and President Clinton not to allow these stealth attacks to go forward.
Conservation funding: Critical decisions will be made this month on the future of the conservation funding bills currently before Congress (EnviroAction, June 1999). Key committee members are hard at work to build a consensus bill that would permanently fund wildlife habitat, coastal restoration and green spaces. If enacted into law, this initiative would bring permanent conservation funding to each state to conserve what remains of our natural heritage. Now is the critical time to demonstrate broad-based support for this vital legislation. Please contact your legislators and urge them to enact conservation funding legislation that 1) provides permanent, full funding with no restrictions on land purchase; 2) supports state wildlife programs with an emphasis on non-game species; and 3) includes no funding incentives for inappropriate new offshore oil and gas development.
ORPHANED ORCA'S HUMAN FAMILY STRUGGLES TO HELP IT SURVIVE (by Robert T. Nelson Seattle Times staff reporter) The biblical passage says nothing about actually caring for the animals or treating them with some respect. That falls to Ken Balcomb, whose Center for Whale Research has been obsessed the past week with the fate of an orphaned, 5-month-old orca struggling to survive in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In the old days - the 1960s and '70s - man's "dominion" over orca whales involved capturing young calves, taking them from their mothers and siblings and hauling them off to places such as Sea World. Capturing orcas in Washington State waters ended in 1976, the year Balcomb began studying them for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Since then, with a little help from state and federal governments, and lots of support from volunteers, Balcomb is now on a first-name basis with the dozens of orcas that roam the coastline and through the San Juan and Gulf islands. "We've been able for the past 25 years to study them like they are in a fishbowl, almost," Balcomb said. "Over time, we've watched whales grow up and, of course, we've seen them pass away." That is why the recently orphaned orca is in the news and not some anonymous victim of the wild. The calf's mother died around Sept. 25, before the calf was weaned. The orphan has been tracked for a week. It was last spotted on Saturday. If he survives, he will be named Tweak when the Whale Museum and the researchers at the center, both in Friday Harbor, San Juan County, hold their annual adoption and naming party. Family takes up the feedings Balcomb's whale-research center operates on about $60,000 a year. None of the staff gets a salary, and virtually all support comes in the form of private donations and volunteers - 50 or 60 a year - from Earthwatch of Watertown, Mass. Because they have been able to keep such close track of the orca population here, researchers know precisely when Tweak was born, when his mother was born, that she gave birth to two undersized calves, and that she most likely died from a massive infection caused by the birth. A necropsy is under way. They know who the baby whale's grandmother, brothers and uncle are. And during the past week, researchers have watched this family rally around the orphan and offer him food. "I'd heard they were caregiving creatures, but I'd never actually seen it," Balcomb said. "It's the most dramatic example. We were out in our boat monitoring the condition of the whale. We saw this thrashing about. Turns out his brother was capturing salmon, breaking them apart and appearing to offer it to the baby." The feeding appears to be working. Researchers tracked the emaciated calf by boat last Tuesday until it got too dark. They gave up the watch expecting the baby whale to die overnight. When they caught up with him the next day, they were amazed to find him alive and appearing stronger. There had been some talk by Canadian authorities of capturing the calf, Balcomb said. If it was highly improbable the calf would survive on its own, they also would attempt to intervene and give it some formula. Since it appears to be taking some fish, that may be a moot point. Such interest in a lone whale is understandable, say researchers who spend their days tracking animals at the top of the food chain. "Who's alive? Who's born? Who's dead? What that gives you, as a scientist, are the life-history parameters," said Marilyn Dahlheim, a biologist with the National Marine Mammal Laboratory at Sand Point. "It's critical for understanding population dynamics. In the event there's a problem, you know when a species is starting to get into trouble." Orca mother died young Balcomb and Dahlheim, who tracks killer whales in Alaska, say they care about the whales in ways that are both personal and scientific. The mother whale that washed up in a bed of seaweed on Race Rocks near Victoria was named Nootka, and her death at age 26 came midway through an orca's normal life span. In studying her carcass, they have determined she probably didn't pass the placenta when she gave birth in May. That caused an infection that probably caused her to stop lactating long before Tweak was ready to be weaned. "We've taken blubber samples and tissues from all the organ systems" of the dead whale, Balcomb said. "Collectively, they should paint a picture of what went wrong." Balcomb and Canadian researchers expect to find PCBs and other contaminants. "I think, in general, people don't understand and know about this," Balcomb said. "Even though it's a beautiful, gorgeous area we live in, it's a toxic soup, and they're swimming in it. That's a bit of an overstatement, but the toxins attracted to fats accumulate to super-high levels in these animals. That's what's happened to the whales." Number of deaths `not natural' In the past five years, the orca population in Puget Sound has dropped by 15, to 83 total. Balcomb and his center's volunteers have seen 30 orcas die - many prematurely. "That pattern of mortality is not natural," he said. "It's not like these are old whales dying. And there are going to be more. The question is, what are we going to do? We've got to begin developing some techniques for dealing with environmental problems that we caused." Balcomb says he feels the kind of affection for the whales that he would for a dog in his care for years. And he and Canadian researchers gave serious consideration to extraordinary measures to nourish the orphan. Using a technique they developed for testing porpoises, they were preparing to net Tweak between two boats and force-feed him a formula. But they decided against it. Now, as the world watches, Tweak's fate rests with the 9-year-old brother and uncle who've been giving him morsels of salmon. "At the point where it's obvious his family is unable to care for him and abandons him, which at this point they have not done, I'd say at that point we have to write him off as a living member of this community," Balcomb said. ----- Mass Extinction of Freshwater Creatures Forecast HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Canada, October 4, 1999 (ENS) - The first estimate of extinction rates of North America's freshwater animals, just released, has found they are the most endangered species group on the continent. The Canadian study warns that the U.S. could lose most of its freshwater species in the next century if steps are not taken to protect them. "A silent mass extinction is occurring in our lakes and rivers," says author Anthony Ricciardi of Dalhousie University in Halifax. Ricciardi's study with coauthor Joseph Rasmussen of McGill University in Montreal is published in the October issue of "Conservation Biology." Relatively little media attention has been given to freshwater species, the authors say, but these animals are in at least as much danger as land species. Since 1900, at least 123 freshwater animal species have been recorded as extinct in North America. Common freshwater species, from snails to fish to amphibians, are dying out five times faster than land species, and three times faster than coastal marine mammals, the researchers found. Their estimate of the loss of freshwater biodiversity "is probably conservative," the researchers say, "because there have likely been extinctions of species that we did not know existed, as suggested by the fact that several extinct fishes are known from only a few specimens." Freshwater animals are dying out as fast as rainforest species, considered by many to be the most imperiled on Earth. The authors predict that about four percent of freshwater species will be lost each decade if nothing is done to conserve them. Worldwide the situation is even more perilous for these creatures. The World Wide Fundfor Nature (WWF) said in September that 51 percent of freshwater species, from fish and frogs to river dolphins, are declining in numbers. The 1999 Living Planet Report, an annual index on the state of the world's natural wealth, presents the most reliable data available on forest area and populations of marine and freshwater species worldwide. It also examines consumption of critical resources in 151 countries and its consequences. "This report is a graphic call to reduce these negative trends as the world enters the 21st century," said Claude Martin, director general of WWF. "The observed declines in populations of freshwater species is particularly alarming as they indicate the extent of deterioration in the quality of the world's rivers, lakes and other wetlands." Freshwater amphibians are hardhit. The disappearance of the golden toad and other amphibians in Costa Rica has been attributed to climatic changes. Many losses have been recorded in national parks and nature reserves, indicating pervasive threats even in protected areas. In Australia, Panama and the US, about 20 frog species have been decimated by a previously unknown fungus. Deformities are also widespread, caused by pollutants such as pesticides and other factors. The report, produced by WWF in collaboration with the New Economic Foundation and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (IUCN), found that the total of marine and inland fish caught reached a record level of 95 million tons in 1996, up 11 million tones from the annual average in the preceding five years. To get a picture of how rapidly species extinction is accelerating, the Canadian researchers compared current extinction rates with those from the fossil record. They calculate that the background rate of extinction for freshwater fish species is about one species every three million years. The modern extinction rate in North America, the study says, is about one extinction every 2600 years - about 1,000 times higher than the background rate. Ricciardi and Rasmussen predict that many species considered at risk will disappear within the next century. At risk species account for 49 percent of the 262 remaining mussel species, 33 percent of the 336 crayfish species, 26 percent of the 243 amphiower 48 states, less than two percent, or about 100,000 kilometers, is pristine enough to be federally protected, Ricciardi and Rasmussen say. Excess sediment, toxic contaminants and organic pollutants from agriculture threaten most U.S. waterways. Only 40 rivers longer than 200 kilometers (125 miles) remain free flowing in the lower 48 states. "Such massive habitat deterioration threatens some of the world's richest freshwater faunal assemblages," the study says. Ricciardi and Rasmussen note that hundreds of U.S. dams are coming up for federal re-licensing soon, providing an opportunity to reestablish natural flows in many rivers.
***************************************************************************
*
PERSPECTIVES ***************************************************************************
*
Greetings,
I appreciate the newsletter you've put together, and the efforts of all involved... However, I cringe when I read of people encouraging others to visit Aquariums, the circus, zoos, and other wild animal attractions.
The animals in these 'attractions' are imprisoned, they are taken from their families. They did not choose to be here, and it's plain wrong for them to suffer for our entertainment. John Denver believed in wilderness, in freedom, in nature. None of that is present in these parks. These animals suffer, and die prematurely, usually from despair. Please, vote with your money, do not encourage these jails for whales, and other animal attractions. We need to evolve away from the dominion of animals. We may feel good for seeing these animals, but is it fair? Is it just? No. With warm regards. -- John Calabria, Boston. ----- Hello, John, and thank you for your letter.
I am a person who grew up in New York City but my attachment to wild places and wild creatures started as a result of visiting zoos and aquaria as a small child. I do agree that it isn't fair to lock up animals in unnatural places, but these days, many of these species can no longer live in the wild. Natural habitat is dwindling by the minute, spurred on by the needs of the 6 billion humans on this planet. We risk losing these creatures forever if we don't intervene and provide a safe place for them to live and breed. That's the role of zoos today -- they should be thought of as repositories of life.
John Denver worked very hard to save the wild places for the future but he also knew the value of zoos for education, captive breeding programs and conservation. In fact, did you know that The Wildlife Conservation Society (the organization for which the WildLife Concert was performed) was formerly called The Bronx Zoo? It is one of the foremost zoos in the world for the breeding of rare and endangered species that have little or no chance of surviving in the wild.
I salute your passion for the animals and we will surely print your letter. Thanks again.
Sincerely, Ann Schnitz, President, It's About Time
-----
EDITOR'S NOTE: At one time, I would have taken the same position as John Calabria. However, the reason I felt comfortable recommending the places I did is that I have learned that "not all animal parks are created equal". As Ann pointed out, many are refuges for rare and endangered animals. Many are also the "halfway houses" of the animal world, caring for injured animals, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitats when they are healed. I would not knowingly condone mistreatment of animals in any way, but rather choose to support the organizations that DO function in our animal-friends' best interest. -- ELQ
***************************************************************************
*
JD ITEMS FOR SALE ***************************************************************************
*
"International Disc" is seeking to buy-trade-barter for any copies of the
following titles by JOHN DENVER:
Sealed LP's, Cassette Tapes: "Autograph" "Live in London" "Rocky Mountain Holiday"
Videos: "The Christmas Gift" "The Leftovers" "VH-1 In Concert" (Any other "official" video titles; please no TV dupes)
Other: Photo Books Tour Books and Programs Music Books w/Photos (other print material w/photos)
We are looking for items that are still sealed, excellent, or mint condition only. If you have duplicate copies, or just want to do some trading, please contact us by e-mail, or call 800-280-2990. Our JOHN DENVER site can be viewed at <http://www.ImportMusic.com/jdenver>. Thank you for allowing us to post this message. -- Greg Neal (Int'l Disc)
"International Disc" is still offering the following items, most of which may be seen at our JOHN DENVER web page at <http://www.ImportMusic.com/jdenver>.
COMPACT DISCS: "Christmas Like a Lullaby"- Australia import w/rare cover featuring JD in Santa hat, holding Jessie Belle, $19.00. "Commemorative Disc", European import features a "picture disc" of JD, $16.00. "Henry John Deutschendorf", German import 2CD collection is the only disc to feature his given name, $24.00. "Aerie" "Rhymes and Reasons" "Whose Garden Was This", all 3 titles imported from Japan and now out of print, while inventory lasts at $29.00 each. "Unplugged Collection-Love Again", Canadian import features the COMPLETE Nashville '96 sessions, on a "picture disc" collectible CD, $19.00.
VIDEOS: "Live at Newcastle 1994", out of print Japanese import video of the 1994 performance, $39.00. "Higher Ground", 1988 movie starring JD as a detective (filmed in Alaska), out of print Australian import, $29.00. "The Christmas Gift", out of print video, $29.00. "Windstar Symposium-In Memory of John Denver", collection of Windstar symposium material, $39.00.
OTHER COLLECTIBLES: "The Final Tour" Commemorative Plaque, beautiful framed/matted tour program and color photo, $89.00. "Take Me Home Country Roads" Commemorative Plaque, beautiful framed/matted gold record 45 single and color photo, $115.00.
Thank you for allowing us to post this message to all JOHN DENVER fans. Thank you all for your continuing support, and for keeping the legacy of JOHN DENVER alive! Gregory Neal International Disc Inc. 800-280-2990 -----
Greetings from England,
Thanks for the copy of the IAT Newsletter, as always it is great to read and also thank you for mentioning the Yellowstone print and Seasons of the Heart Calendar.
I am also pleased to be able to tell IAT members that all my prints etc can now be ordered in the USA via
Karen Sable 2712Telephone (412) 462-4347/E-mail: krnsable@nb.net Peace and my best wishes to all -- Steve Rafferty -----
BEARS AND BEARS AND BEARS...OH MY!!!
Mary Ledford has a number of stuffed bears left from the Let This Be a Voice Symposium in Aspen, October, 1999. They're 10", fuzzy brown and wear a T-shirt "bearing" a recent photo of John and the words "Let This Be a Voice". Utterly adorable and available to go to good homes!
Want one? They're $22 in US including postage. International orders: $20 + $5.00 for one; $20 + $8.00 for two. Please write to Mary at
18202 Willow Creek Way Apt. F.and have checks payable to her.
***************************************************************************
*
UPCOMING EVENTS ***************************************************************************
*
Please join us for An Evening of Campfire Songs Featuring the Music of John Denver.
Together -- at last!!! -- Charlie Zahm and Chris Westfall - you should all know that
we've been working on this for almost a year and we've finally been able to make
it happen.
Charlie and Chris will be singing the music they grew up with and loved and will even be doing a few Christmas songs to get you in that Holiday Spirit! These guys are the greatest, folks - - this is an event not to be missed!
WHERE: Salem United Church of Christ, 186 East Court St., Doylestown, PA. (If any of you have been to Hearts in Harmony events, this is the same church.)
WHEN: November 27, 7:30 PM
HOW MUCH? $8
Please contact one of us for more information or directions - Ann (aerie01@sprynet.com) or Pat (PAHough@aol.com)
***************************************************************************
*
WEBSITES OF INTEREST ***************************************************************************
*
This is really a great site. Each day you can get their sponsors to donate food to the hungry and it won't cost you a cent. <http://www.thehungersite.com/index.html>. For more on world hunger, here's The Hunger Project site. This organization was co-founded by John Denver. <http://www.thp.org>. (submitted by Frank DeLaMarre)
Here's a New England based group that encourages volunteering. It looked good. http://www.GreenForNewEngland.org/ -- The Environmental Federation of New England
***************************************************************************
*
POEMS, QUOTES AND INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS ***************************************************************************
*
| by Carole Romanowski (whispjesse@aol.com) | |
|---|---|
|
Sometimes I ponder why John was taken. I believe God gives us a job to do I also believe there is right and wrong, |
For John, he chose the path of love And of peace and truth and beauty. And then he instructed us through song To fulfill our earthly duty. John completed his job in such a short time, And then one day he was gone. The Master was pleased and took him Home Because John's work was done. |
-----
"We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do." (Only One Earth, the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, 1972). Submitted by Sandy Clark.
***************************************************************************
*
NEWSLETTER NEWS ***************************************************************************
*
To submit articles, news items, stories, poetry, and any other pertinent information
to IT'S ABOUT TIME, please e-mail any of the IAT staff. The submission deadline for
the November/December edition of IT'S ABOUT TIME is November 30, 1999.
***************************************************************************
*
"IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START TO LIVE IT, THE FAMILY OF MAN, IT'S ABOUT TIME
AND IT'S ABOUT CHANGES, AND IT'S ABOUT TIME...."