DECEMBER 1999
"IT'S ABOUT TIME WE BEGIN IT, TO TURN THE WORLD AROUND..."
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ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
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Co-Founder and Former President - Marcelle (morswell@earthlink.net)
Co-Founder and Secretary -- Theresa (Tree1A@aol.com)
Co-Founder and Webpage Designer -- Sandy (IATMail@aol.com)
President -- Ann (aerie01@sprynet.com)
Newsletter Editor -- Ellen (elq@gateway.net)
Web Site --http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
(Ann /aerie01@sprynet.com)
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Hi all,
As many other organizations and individuals are evaluating their next steps into
the 21st century, so, too, are we here at It's About Time. And I think that first
and foremost, we need to make sure that we are working for the big picture in our
enthusiasm to be John Denver's voice in the new millennium.
Case in point. A dear friend of mine, Judy Gabriel, started a project to dedicate
a bench to John at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (and you can read about the progress of
the project below). This is coming on the heels of similar projects of wonderful
sentiment like the Central Park Bench, etc. Just like that bench, though, this one
at Hawk Mountain was also met with some attendant controversy. Judy recently received
an email from someone who didn't understand what our purpose was in creating a memorial
to John Denver. Why couldn't this be done by John's estate? And surely, why was the
bench so expensive?
Another friend wrote an extremely well-crafted letter in response, and pointed out
that the bench itself is not costly - a similar bench in a garden center could be
had for a song (or maybe two). Obviously, the donation goes to the charity for the
continuance of their programs and so on. But as he correctly stated, it's the fact
that John's name is there for all to see. And that his name has the ability to spark
remembrances of him and his music, and just maybe, it might also spark feelings of
environmentalism. While sitting, gazing at the view of circling raptors from a rocky
promontory, isn't it possible that a weary traveler might be inspired to make a donation
to Hawk Mountain, or another worthy conservation organization or get involved as
a volunteer? If this happens for even one person, mission accomplished. Imagine if
it works for 10...or 100...or 1,000. The power of such seemingly subtle messages
cannot and should not be forgotten.
I have to admit that I too have had some trouble with "material" memorials
for John, in light of knowing that he wouldn't have wanted them. Yet, I recognize
their intrinsic value. These are investments that can return profits a hundred-fold,
forever. A popular expression of the late 90s is "learn to think outside the
box". Isn't that what this is?
So here's a suggestion for our mission statement for the 21st century, if you will:
It's about time...to reaffirm our commitment to making the world work....to spread
messages of peace and environmental and social activism...to rededicate ourselves
to helping our brothers and sisters in need...to promote and protect the treasured
memory of our "spirit guide", John Denver. Sounds lofty? If so, let me
take this opportunity to remind you that none of us would be here were it not for
what JUST ONE man did. Yes, commitments like this are time-consuming and sometimes,
you end up taking it on the chin. But the results make up for all that. I guarantee
it.
I send my own message of peace and love to you all. Happy Holidays! See you in 2000!
My heart to yours,
Ann
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR (Ellen /elq@gateway.net)
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Dear IAT friends,
While this edition of our newsletter is a bit shorter than usual, there is some interesting
reading here. We have suggestions for joining in on a "prayer wave" on
New Year's Eve and helping to create a peaceful day on New Year's day. There is some
interesting information about the Moon on the
Winter Solstice, and a call to form a Midwest faction of the John Denver Network.
All this, along with our usual "Upcoming Events" column and website alerts,
is capped off with a remarkable song, written by Dennis Ducey, a newcomer to the
It's About Time network. So, enjoy reading!
I want to wish each and every one of you a happy holiday. No matter which one you
celebrate, I hope that you encounter an abundance of blessings. And, may the New
Year bring you the things that make your heart sing.
Wishing you peace,
Ellen
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"...IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START TO MAKE IT, THE DREAM WE'VE ALWAYS KNOWN..."
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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MOVIE OF HIS LIFE
Finally! The following appeared in a news report in People Online on 10/29/99:
"John Denver Story Coming: CBS is reportedly planning a made-for-TV movie (based)
on the life of the late singer John Denver, who died in 1997 when he crashed in the
small plane he was flying. The movie will star Chad Lowe, with Kristin Davis playing
Denver's first wife, Annie Martell. 'Take Me Home: The John Denver Story,' will be
adapted from Denver's 1994 autobiography, 'Take Me Home.'"
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RINGING IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
This is a great idea, even if the new millennium doesn't actually begin until New
Year's day 2001! I saw this at the Celestine Vision website. I am inviting everyone
to join in. Please e-mail me (flyangel@early.com)
and let me know if you intend to join, so I can give the number of people
committing.
"One Moment of Prayer for the New Millennium: WHEREVER YOU ARE...JOIN US IN
A WORLDWIDE PRAYER WAVE JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT YOUR TIME ON DECEMBER 31, 1999.
Wherever you happen to be as the new millennium arrives, we invite you to join in
a world-wide effort to begin this historic period of history linked in prayer with
millions of others around the world.
We know you believe that prayer works, that it can make a difference in how the new
millennium begins and unfolds, and that it can help to energize those who have the
solutions to many world problems.
The Vision: A minute before midnight wherever you are, as everyone around you focuses
on the countdown to the new millennium, intentionally join together with everyone
else who is committed to holding this sacred moment. Thus united in intent, each
person can spend as long as they want praying in their own way for a common vision
of peace, freedom, and the spiritual uplifting of the human race. Imagine if we get
hundreds of thousands, or millions of people joining together in this effort.
How You Can Help: We must inform as many people as possible. If everyone will duplicate
this flyer and e-mail or fax it to just ten people or more, we can literally reach
millions by January 1, 2000. Also, it would be helpful if participants will then
e-mail us at One Moment Of Prayer For The
New Millennium information page at www.celestinevision.com
and give us an estimate of the number of people they know who are committed to unite
in this moment. Our plan would be to record the number of participants as it grows,
so we will know how large the prayer effort is becoming and can issue press statements.
Would it not be amazing if we could reach so many people that this effort becomes
the largest prayer vigil ever? Journalists might record thousands, perhaps millions,
pausing for a moment in hope and love as the new millennium arrives.
Thank you, and remember to send us the number of commitments you know about.
With love, James Redfield & Marianne Williamson" (submitted by Judith -flyangel@early.com)
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CAN WE DO IT??? - ONE DAY IN PEACE - JANUARY 1st, 2000?
This is a concept where, for 24-hours, no guns are fired anywhere on earth, including
on television.
What if: for 24 hours, whosoever was at war in December 1999, agrees that for one
whole day no guns would be fired? The silence would be golden.
What if: the television programmers of the world agreed NOT to air any programming
with a violent content?
What if: Newspapers only wrote the nice things that happen around the world on this
day, JANUARY 1st, 2000?
At present, this ONE DAY IN PEACE concept is beginning to get further circulation.
Can you spread this concept so that a possibility might become a reality?
This is a 'thought wave campaign' -- that is to say, the more people grasp this thought,
the more possibility it can come into reality.
As John Lennon once said, " All we are saying is give peace a chance"
ONE DAY IN PEACE - JANUARY 1st, 2000.
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NOTES FROM IAT FRIENDS
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UPDATE ON BENCH AT HAWK MOUNTAIN
John Denver fans donate money to commission at bench at Hawk Mt. Sanctuary, the oldest
raptor sanctuary in the world, in Kempton, PA. Donations for a second bench or lump
sum donation in John's name, if we don't make the amount for a bench, will be collected
until Dec. 15. I am well on the way to making it for a second bench with your generous
donations. For more information on Hawk Mt.
call the Info line at 610-756-6000 or the offices at 610-756-6961. Dedication ceremony
is planned for Earth Day 2000. If you want to contribute, e-mail Judith at the following:
flyangel@early.com. Thanks again for your
support. --Judith
[PLEASE NOTE: There is also a web page for The Hawk Mountain Bench and Kestrel Box
fundraiser that Judith is running. The URL is:
http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/hawkmtn/hawkmtn.html
--Sandy/IAT]
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AN EVENING OF CAMPFIRE SONGS, FEATURING THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER
On Nov. 27 in Doylestown, PA, we had a very special evening of music, featuring the
songs of John Denver. Once again Charlie Zahm was called upon with very short notice
to do a solo performance, when an emergency situation prevented the appearance of
the other performers. Charlie delivered an outstanding show, singing the songs of
John Denver, some traditional songs, some of his wonderful original songs, and some
Christmas songs. The show was very well attended and the audience acknowledged Charlie's
terrific performance with a standing ovation.
We raised $450, which was all donated to various charities in John's name. I'd like
to thank my dear friends Dottie and Kurth Honer for opening up their lovely church
to us; Donna Pinto and Ann Schnitz who helped me organize this event; and most of
all, Charlie Zahm, who is always so willing
to give his time and talent to keep John's music alive for us and to hopefully pass
it on to future generations (sent to us by Pat, Hockessin, DE (PAHough@aol.com).
[NOTE: The following charities were the beneficiaries of this event: Hawk Mountain
Sanctuary, The Christian Appalachian Project, The Sierra Club, The Wellness Community,
Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, Inc., and The Duke University Primate Center
- AS/IAT]
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UNIQUE FULL MOON COMING
This year, December's full moon will occur on Dec. 22nd, which is also the Winter
Solstice (the first day of winter). Since a full moon on the Winter Solstice occurred
in conjunction with a lunar perigee (the point in the moon's orbit that is closest
to Earth), the moon will appear about 14% larger than it does at apogee (the point
in it's elliptical orbit that is farthest from the Earth). And, since the Earth is
also several million miles closer to the sun at this time of the year than in the
summer, sunlight striking the moon is about 7% stronger, making it brighter. Also,
this will be the closest perigee of the Moon of the year since the moon's orbit is
constantly changing. If the weather is clear and there is a snow cover where you
live, in theory, even your car headlights will be unnecessary at night.
On December 21st, 1866 the Lakota Sioux took advantage of this combination of occurrences
and staged a devastating retaliatory ambush on soldiers in the Wyoming Territory.
In laymen's terms it will be a super bright full moon, much more than the usual AND
it hasn't happened this way for 133 years. And, it will take another 100 or so years
from now for people to see this again. (submitted by E.L. Quinn)
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MIDWEST FRIENDS OF JD NETWORK FORMING
Hello Friends of JD,
I would love to hear from anyone in the midwestern region of this country (who) is
a fan of JD. ...(T)o the best of my knowledge, there isn't a JD group to be found
close to my area, and I am going to help change that! So, if you are from anywhere
in this Midwest--Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota--or even my husband's home
state of Ohio (he's from Toledo, folks!), I would love to hear from you.
I would love to use such a group to raise awareness and support for the causes John
believed in and gave so much of his time and life to. (I'd) also (like) to promote
a greater awareness of the life and music of such a gifted man and national treasure.
I also have this idea of organizing group trips to Aspen every October and for other
special events. But one person cannot do it all, and so I need the help of interested,
committed people.
The group would be called "Friends of John Denver-Chicago-Midwest." You
may contact me at my e-mail address (75210.645@compuserve.com)
or by "snail mail," at Box 3732, Oak Park, IL 60302.
"Reach for the heavens, and hope for the future,
"All that we can be, Not what we are." --John Denver
Peace,
Margaret (75210.645@compuserve.com]
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REFLECTIONS FROM ASPEN
Friends,
Well...just came back from Aspen and have the usual "let down" feeling
that
one goes through after coming back from a mountaintop (literally)
experience! I could go into details of the weekend and events in Aspen but I
am sure many others will post details on the events I didn't attend and
several that I didn't get to attend. Plus, since I know many were not able
to attend and would have liked to, rather than posting about things that you
weren't able to share in, I want to post some thoughts and impressions from
my Aspen experience that include and pertain to all of us in this wonderful
World Family of John Denver.
The thing that struck me most was the how many, many, MANY folks were there
that I didn't know from chat or this page. I met lots of wonderful new
folks. It really hit me how the "regulars" of us that post here on this
page
represent only a small fraction of the John Denver World Family that is out
there. I would say I only knew or knew of about a fifth or so (if even that)
of the people there this year (and I couldn't even estimate how many there
were). You combine that with all the folks out there that love John and did
NOT make it to Aspen, which is probably the overwhelming majority ...well,
you're talking a staggering amount of brothers and sisters out there who
were touched so deeply by this man. This is just overwhelming to me. There
must be a few thousand of us out there!!
The second thing that struck me was the number of nationalities represented
there: England, Germany (in a big way), Holland, Australia, Canada, Puerto
Rico...and I am sure there were many others as well. We truly are a WORLD
family!
Third, we seemed truly integrated as a group this year...even though people
were at different hotels and condos, it seemed there was a real mixing
between different groups of folks...HIH members, people who have met through
this page and in chat, others who have met and bonded by playing John's
music together, and many, many other ways. The nightly jam sessions at the
Mountain Chalet and the campfire were a real evidence of that.
And finally, I felt this year that we have started something that isn't just
wasn't a one-time thing in Aspen but the friendships we have developed and
the causes started since we lost John are something that are going to
continue for a long, long time. I think the town of Aspen senses that and we
all sensed that...There are some of us who thought this all might die out
after a while, but after this weekend, I really don't think that will
happen. Not just yearly events in Aspen or Monterey, but the whole united
spirit of this family I think now is solidified enough that it, and WE, will
last for years to come (someone even mentioned at the campfire last night
the need to start a John Denver nursing home in future years for all of us)
She may not be that far off base! I think our friendships and this World
Family will last for a long, long time.
So, in light of this, let's keep the fire going!!! With the sheer strength
in numbers here I think we have the potential to do some MAJOR things to
carry on John's legacy and humanitarian and environmental causes and many,
many of those things are already happening. And I am sure some new ideas and
projects germinated this weekend (I know of one for sure that you will hear
about shortly).
However, even beyond specific causes to help the environmental, wildlife,
and humanity, I think John left us all an even BIGGER legacy which I truly
saw these past few days in Aspen and have seen on this page over the last
two years...and that is our genuine and honest love and caring for one
another true caring...acted out in word and deed...the selfless giving I
have seen in this World Family over the past two years puts some churches I
have attended to shame. Not just little encouraging friendship gifts (of
which I was surprised by many this weekend), but the being there for one
another during the tragedies in our lives, and the sacrificial giving of
ones time, financial resources, and love to make someone else feel special,
loved, and important).
Oh this has gone on waaaaaaaaay too long...I just hope the thoughts I am
trying to get across here make sense. This family includes EVERY SINGLE one
of you that loved and still do love John Denver...not just his music but all
that he was. This includes folks from every country, every occupation, many
many different kinds of beliefs, and ages, those who could come to Aspen and
Monterey, and those who remembered John at home or elsewhere in the world.
ALL of you are the WORLD Family of John Denver and each of you is uniquely
important, special, and NEEDED in this family. I think we have made a
tremendous start over (these) first two years....I for one who like to see
the LEGACY grow much stronger in many different ways as we carry on John's
work, both environmental and humanitarian, and love one another. I think we
have the potential to impact this world in a big way....as each one does
what "one man and woman can do."
Love to ALL of you...and thanks for changing my life in these last two
years...Most of all, thank you JOHN DENVER for bringing us
together! --B.D.King
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JOHN DENVER MEMORABILIA
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PLANT-IT 2000 FUNDRAISER
Hello,
It is Annalisa from Idaho, and I wanted to let everyone know what I have been up
to. In addition to trying to get people together in memory of John here in Idaho,
I have been trying to raise money for Plant-It 2000. I am doing this in two ways.
One is that I am selling hand made Holiday ornaments and cards in his memory. Some
of the ornaments have a picture of John. Others are just nice ornaments for gifts
and such. The other way I am raising money is that I found a number of Holiday CDs-
"John Denver and The Muppets" and "John Denver Christmas Like a Lullaby."
If you do not have these CDs yet and are interested in buying them I am offering
them at my cost (plus shipping and tax) plus a minimum donation of $2 to Plant-It
2000. The minimum cost is about $10.00. Please email me if you would like to order
any of these items or if you have any questions!
Thanks!
Annalisa (aberns@hotmail.com)
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MOVIE PROGRAMS AND VIDEOS FROM INTERNATIONAL DISC
"International Disc" is offering rare 16-page movie programs of the film
"Oh God". These magazine-sized booklets feature lots of color and b/w rare
photo out-takes of JOHN DENVER from the film. We offer these on a "first come"
basis at $59.00. We apologize for the high price, but these were bought at "collector's"
prices from Japan. Call 800-280-2990 to reserve your copy of this rare JOHN DENVER
collectible.
Also offered are these rare video titles:
"Live at Newcastle 1994", $39.00
"The Christmas Gift", $29.00
"Higher Ground", $39.00 (1988 filmed in Alaska-featuring JD as a detective)
Thank you for allowing this message to be posted.
Gregory Neal/Int'l Disc Inc./<http://www.ImportMusic.com/jdenver
[EDITOR'S NOTE: It has come to my attention that some fellow John Denver fans (myself
included) have had difficulties with obtaining products and/or refunds from this
company. However, I am also aware that many other customers have had no problem and
been quite satisfied with "International Disc". Just thought it might be
a good time to remind people to buy wisely...when ordering, ask if your items are
in stock and how long to expect shipping to take. This may help ward off potential
problems and misunderstandings. Please note also that the owner, Greg Neal, is making
attempts to correct the problems. - ELQ]
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WEBSITES OF INTEREST
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http://www.sky.net/~emily/jewelry.htm
(This site has some pretty jewelry
from Emily Paris...the newsletter editor of "Rocky Mountain High")
http://home.earthlink.net/~mikea1/jdyouthartgallery.html
(John Denver Youth
Art Gallery website. (Michael Alexander)
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POEMS, QUOTES AND INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS
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I HEAR HIM SINGING
Dedicated to the memory of John Denver
Who filled my heart with songs and taught it how to sing.
--Dennis Ducey
Once there was a bright and shining Star
who's voice and words filled my days with joy ---
His deeds where a bright and shining example to guide my way ---
I heard him singing Songs for all lovers
Songs that expressed my deepest love - for my lady---,
As if he had looked into - my soul,
and wrote them just for me ---
and I knew that millions felt the same ---
I heard him Singing Songs for all children,
Songs to End Hunger,
Songs to End W-a-r ---
and they touched my soul ---
I heard him Singing Songs for the Mountains,
Songs for the Rivers,
the Flowers,
and the Trees ---
and they filled me with hope and joy ---
I heard him Singing with the voice of an angel
of his love for all --- Gods creatures,
and his love for you and for me ----
and it brought tears to my eyes --
And now I feel my heart is breaking, there's an emptiness in side ----
I fear the light that brightened my days will shine no more ----
the voice that seemed to come from within me ---
that expressed the things I couldn't find the words to say --
With that voice of an angel he gave words to my deepest feeling,
words I could not find or express, he expressed with such beauty,
and clarity they seemed to come from my soul -----.
He became the voice of my soul. ---
Oh I know his music lives on, and often brightens my days ---
but then I never know when his songs will bring tears to my eyes,
or a sense of loss that threatens to overwhelm me.
And when I think, the emptiness inside me, - is more than I can bear
I turn to the Mountains and look for him there;
I search for him in the flight of an eagle
or in the sight of wild horses running free. ------
And I hear him Singing in the forest, as the wind whispers through the trees
He's telling us - All that live here, were born to be free ----
I hear him Singing, in the sounds of the rivers,
singing - I want to run free ---
I hear him Singing, in The Cry of an Eagle,
telling us - to Be All We Can Be -----
to stand up for the for our Mother the Earth, ----
for the Children, --- to End Hunger, --- to End War. ----
and when you do he will be standing there beside you -----
And with a tear in my eye I KNOW he is HERE within YOU, within ME -----
And I know the light he has brought into our lives need not go out,
for he has passed the torch to You and --- to Me,
In his songs and his deeds he has shown us the path to a brighter
world. ----
Embrace one or more of the causes he worked for, with all your heart
and soul,
In your heart you know what to do, find the courage to take a stand
and let the knowledge that you can make a difference, brighten your day --
And if all us that love him stand up and do one thing to make the world a
better place ---
we will surely create a glow that will light the world.
-- Dennis Ducey
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NEWSLETTER NEWS
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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
our January edition is January 15, 2000.
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"...IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START TO LIVE IT, THE FAMILY OF MAN."