IAT
NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2000
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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"Far-Out! ...I try not to say that. But, sometimes it's just...just
appropriate."
- John Denver (from "Let There Be A Voice")
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FUNDRAISING
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FUNDRAISING IDEAS FOR THE HUNGER PROJECT NEEDED
In 1998, we organized our first fundraiser for The
Hunger Project. It was "The IAT Cyber Cookbook" and it raised almost
$500. In 1999, we continued the tradition and raised over $325 for The Hunger Project
with the "Cyber Cookbook, the Sequel". This year, we are going to continue
our fundraising efforts for The Hunger Project, but we would like some new ideas.
The cookbooks were fairly successful and we would be happy to do another if there
is enough interest, but we would also be more than willing to try something new.
Please submit any fundraising ideas for The Hunger Project to Ann at aerie01@sprynet.com
or Sandy at IATMail@aol.com.
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS and INFORMATION
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According to various estimates by scientists, every day 35-150 species of life become
extinct. Most of these vanishing species are (or were) inhabitants of tropical rain
forests. A majority of them are insects or plants, and most remain undiscovered by
humans at the time of their extinction.
The vast majority of these extinctions are the result of forest clearing and other
human disturbances. Since humans began changing the planet, the number of extinctions
has exceeded several of the great prehistoric die-offs caused by giant comet impacts
or climate changes. If current trends continue, the human-caused die-off will be
the worst one ever.
Earth's tropical rainforests are the oldest, most diverse continuously existing ecosystems
on the planet. Some forests in Southeast Asia have been in existence for 100 million
years. Now, because of human actions, these fabulous, fragile treasures are threatened.
For more information about the threatened rainforests, and opportunities to help
save them: http://www.stevensonpress.com/animals.html
http://www.ran.org/ran/info_center/factsheets/04b.html
For more information about tropical rain forests:
http://www.pbs.org/tal/costa_rica/animals.html
-- submitted by Ann Schnitz
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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GEORGETOWN, TEXAS GATHERING
We are planning a John Denver Gathering in San Gabriel Park on March 25th. I am hoping
people will gather in the park around 1 PM and spend the afternoon. We will start
setting up the sound equipment around 4 PM and John Adams will do a free concert
for us. We are hoping once people hear and see John Adams they will be willing to
buy tickets to The Hunger Project benefit concert we will do later in the year. I
have an area reserved very near the gazebo and there are tables there in case you
want to bring a picnic. Don't forget to bring blankets and/or chairs to sit on for
the concert. Please e-mail for directions (jllong@thegateway.net)
-- Peace and love, JoLynn
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EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
We invite you to join us for an Earth Day Concert featuring the music of John Denver.
It will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2000 from 11a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Rams Head
Tavern, Annapolis, MD. There will be a buffet lunch and wonderful music. Performing
for us will be our own Charlie Zahm; the Hard Travelers, featuring Mack Bailey and
Kenn Roberts; and this year we have added a percussionist - David Stemple, from Virginia.
Proceeds from the show will benefit the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The cost is $30.00/person, which includes the buffet lunch, sound system rental,
and a small donation to the WCS. We will have items for auction as well as items
for sale, which include the bears from our symposium last year in Aspen. Deadline
for reservations is APRIL 21, 2000. NO REFUNDS AFTER THAT DATE.
For any additional information, contact: Ann Schnitz (aerie01@sprynet.com)
or Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com).
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PLANT-IT 2000 EARTH DAY BENEFIT CONCERT WITH PHIL CHRISTIE
Phil has just announced his next concert: Saturday, April 22, 2000, 7:00 pm and 9:00
pm at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake, Altadena, CA 91001-3520, www.coffeegallery.com,
626-398-7917 for reservations only. Tickets are $6.00, and $1.00 per ticket will
be donated to Plant-It 2000. Of course, Phil will be performing "Earth"-themed
songs. Michael Valentine will be appearing with Phil, plus Extra Special Guests (top
secret until confirmed).
Reservations are strongly recommended, as the house only seats 60 (not counting koalas).
This concert is just one week before the CBS TV movie, "The John Denver Story,"
is scheduled to air (Sunday, April 30th). You may be aware that Phil provided the
singing voice of the Mitchell Trio-era John Denver for the film! This will be the
last concert Phil will be giving until fall, so make plans to attend, and bring your
koalas
If you have questions about the concert (other than reservations), or any of Phil's
CDs, you can contact him at www.philchristie.com,
or c/o Lauret River Music, PO Box 251666, Los Angeles, CA 90025. We look forward
to seeing everyone in Altadena! Don't forget to set your VCRs to tape the CBS movie
the next weekend!
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HIGHWAY CLEANUP IN SOUTHERN CA
And for those of you in Southern California, there's a highway cleanup scheduled
for Sunday, February 27th in Redondo Beach. Contact Debra at PixieDmyr@aol.com
for more information.
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"THE JOHN DENVER STORY"
The CBS TV movie is scheduled to air on Sunday, April 30th, 2000. Check your local
TV listings for more details.
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MUSICAL RETROSPECTIVE
Who: YOU are invited to
What: John Denver: a Musical Retrospective by Christopher Westfall & Kevin Yeargin
When: May 20, 2000 at 7:30 P.M.
Where: Doylestown, PA
How: Please Join Us!
Why: Gather with good friends and have F.U.N.!
"John Denver: A Musical Retrospective", featuring Christopher Westfall
and Kevin Yeargin will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday May 20, 2000 at the Salem
United Church of Christ 186 East Court Street in Doylestown, PA. (Doylestown is about
30 miles north of Philadelphia.)
Tickets are $10 each adult (kids 12 and under are free). There will be tickets sold
at the door but please reserve early. We will be serving light refreshments at break
time and need to have a count to buy drinks and snacks. Please enter through the
side door of the church, which opens to the public at 7:00 P.M. This is a World Family
of John Denver event presented by Eagleflight Productions and not connected to any
fan club.
WHO BENEFITS? Profits resulting from this concert will benefit the Salem United Church
of Christ and the Southwest (American) Indian Foundation. The SWIF raises funds via
sales from their catalogues. Visit them at http://www.cia-g.com/~t1132/
Visit the event's web page at: http://john-denver.org/web/events/jd_retro.htm
For directions, visit http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py
or http://www.mapquest.com
For more details, email honer@erols.com.
Send your check to:
Dottie Honer
5214 Stump Road
Pipersville, PA 18947
Thank you for listening!
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DEDICATION AT HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY - Kempton, PA
The dedication ceremony at Hawk Mt. Sanctuary is a day to honor John and to dedicate
two benches at the sanctuary in his memory. The date for the dedication is June 18th.
That's Father's Day, so bring your Dad or your children with you!
Tentatively, plans are as follows: we will gather to listen to singers perform John's
music; a representative of Hawk Mt. will be giving a raptor demonstration; someone
from Hawk Mt. will talk about the history of the mountain and their research work;
of course we'll be hearing John's voice on CD, as well. There will also be background
videos throughout the day, if possible.
The musicians to date are Charlie Zahm from Philadelphia, Frank DeLaMarre from Michigan,
and Carol Sullivan from New Jersey. Max Langstaff, who produced the Wildlife Concert
for John will be there to tell us how that all got started and to share his memories
of John.
I hope you can join us. I'm sure John will be there too.
Love and Peace,
Judith
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WHEELER TICKETS NEED ADVANCE RESERVATIONS
Kenn Roberts and Larry Kushner, of the MUSE Foundation, are inviting us to reserve
our Wheeler tickets NOW prior to them going on sale in the Spring. REQUESTS WILL
BE RESPONDED TO ON A FIRST-RECEIVED LIMITED BASIS ONLY. Here's what to do:
Indicate Number of tickets (VIP or regular seating) you want per night: October 13,
14, or 15. The tickets prices have not been established so there will be NO money
exchanged now. You will be contacted for payment. Please include your day and evening
phone numbers/name/ address.
You can do this by "snail mail", e-mail or fax, to either the MUSE Foundation
or Challenge Aspen:
Challenge Aspen:
E-mail: possibilities@challengeaspen.com
Fax: 970-923-7338
"Snail mail":
Challenge Aspen
P.O. Box M
Aspen, CO 81621
The MUSE Foundation:
E-mail: muse@erols.com
Fax: 1-888-384-5054
"Snail mail":
M.U.S.E. Foundation
102 W. Pennsylvania
Avenue, Suite 504
Towson, MD 21204
(submitted by Mary Ledford)
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NOTES FROM IAT FRIENDS
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My John Denver Story
I felt the desire to share my story of John. I have never met him or even seen him
in concert. I had heard his songs, I was part of the humanistic psychology movement
of the 70-80s and his songs were played for some of the processes we did back then.
I liked his music, especially the words. When I heard he was killed I was saddened.
Flash forward to October 1999. A series of synchronistic events occurred that still
have me reeling. I found myself involved with a group of people in a peace movement.
We were gathering in Estes Park, Colorado, for a 4 day seminar. The leader is James
Twyman, he's called "the peace troubadour" and has traveled all over the
world singing for peace. He has recently returned from East Timor. As this process
was moving along, I happened to be surfing through tv and came across "Let This
Be a Voice" on PBS with John Denver. Something clicked in me and I ordered the
video and was hooked. This all happened within a few days of the second anniversary
of his death. I found myself experiencing great loss. The pain I felt at the world
losing such a great mentor and humanitarian was immense and I didn't understand why
now I was experiencing this. I guess what I am trying to say is this, John Denver
still lives and reaches us through his example and his songs. That part of him can
never be taken away. I miss the best friend I never knew and I'm sure the world will
one day feel that also. - Debra (wilco@paclink.com)
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FRIENDS OF JD-MIDWEST/CHICAGO PLAN TREE-PLANTING PROJECT
Hi Everyone,
Friends of John Denver-Midwest/Chicago are planting 100 trees in John Denver Meadowlands.
The John Denver Meadowlands is located near Aspen, in a park that was dedicated in
John's memory in August 1998. Anyone who would like to contribute can just send his
or her contribution to:
John Denver Meadowlands
The National Arbor Day Foundation
100 Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE 60410.
I think that, if all the people who loved JD and live in the Midwest could give $10.00
to the National Arbor Day Foundation, we could
reach our goal by Earth Day 2000. What a tribute to John this would be! As you know,
John did a lot of great work for the NADF and heartily endorsed and encouraged the
idea of tree planting.
Furthermore, anyone who would like to join Friends of John Denver-Midwest/Chicago
is welcome to write me at my e-mail address: 75210.645@compuserve.com
or my snail mail address: Box 3732, Oak Park, IL 60302.
Peace,
Margaret Moores
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WISCONSIN FRIENDS OF JD
"The Wisconsin Friends of John Denver" and have finally completed our website.
Our address is: http://users.wi.net/~wifjd.
Please contact Karen at karenj@wi.net for more
information.
We are having a gathering in Racine, WI on April 1 from 1-7pm at the Holiday Inn
Express. We will be welcoming any new members as well as discussing our goals for
2000. Our group has 30 members and we have 3 newsletters a year. The next one is
available in May 2000.
Our group wants to thank all of you for what you have done, and continue to do, in
John's honor. Again, if there is anything we can do, please let me know.
Peace and Friends in JD....Karen (karenj@wi.net)
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VA FRIENDS OF JOHN DENVER CHAPTER HAS FORMED
By default, David Stemple (A.K.A. The resident Drummer) has started up the VA Friends
of John Denver chapter. So I am serving as newsletter editor and president until
I hear a motion for better ideas ( I hope to get some help soon). The chapter has
released its first newsletter this summer and a second newsletter was released in
December. The group has grown from 8 to 16 members over the past few months. The
official area of the group is VA and DC, but we will accept anyone anywhere in the
world on 2 conditions: 1) that they love John and his music, and 2) that they have
an e-mail account, as all newsletters go out via e-mail. If you would like to join
and have not sent me an e-mail indicating so please send me an e-mail to: djstemple@juno.com.
I'll confirm your mail and add you to the list. Lets make 2000 the year of John Denver
and get Virginia and DC on the map as a place John Denver can be proud of. Lets all
make a difference and lets get John's voice and ideas out there. - David Stemple,
Founder, VA Friends Of John Denver
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"HAWKS"
Every single day since John's passing I "look" for him, and luckily I've
always managed to "see" him somewhere; whether it's in the branches of
the trees swaying gently from the wind's breath, or winter's chilly bite with hints
of the scent of wood smoke from the fire keeping my family warm. I see him in the
winter wheat; their proud heads raised to the sun peeking through the clouds thriving
while most of our World waits for the kiss of spring to awaken them from their slumber,
and I'm waiting for what is to be; the growth, beauty and bounty of spring rejoicing
in a new season; a brand new birth and beginning.
I was moved to tears the other day when I watched a pair of red tail hawks playing
in the wind thermals, they'd shoot straight up and roll over, diving to the ground
where'd they catch another, flying around and around chasing each other, dancing
through the canyon walls, skimming the sage, following the sunbeams glimpsed through
breaks in the clouds, the light glancing off their feathers creating a russet halo.
I could feel their joy, their love in life; I was honored being allowed this experience
and I felt John there with me.
Our souls lightly brushed, and we flew with the hawks, joining in their game as they
tumbled through the air, their talons clasped in love (I think they were a bonded
pair!) as they plummeted to the Earth, only releasing each other before the ground
rushed up to meet them. It was incredibly powerful and beautiful, reminding me of
the blessing I feel when the coyotes sing their songs to the moon (with my wolves
raising their voices in spirit with the coyotes song too!), and to each other. I
swear I can hear John in their voices, and when I am very lucky they sing me a lullaby
in the night, keeping me safe and warm, their song blanketing me with John's message,
"close your eyes and rest your weary mind." I sent a thought of love and
gratitude, with a soft "I miss you" whispered from my heart. God, it's
hard letting him go.
John's spirit inspires these feelings in me, and I'll remember this for the rest
of my time on Earth, I think this was a gift from him saying, "see, I'm not
gone, I live everywhere, just look in your heart and I'll be there when you need
me, I didn't leave you alone." But even as my eyes brim over with tears, my
soul is uplifted and made strong from his words, "reach for the
heavens and hope for the future, be all that you can be and not just what you are."
This man, and his message, remains tightly tucked close to my heart, life is again
an inspiration. -- Kim Collard (December 31, 1997)
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Hi, Folks!
I received an exciting e-mail...from a reporter with the "Mail Tribune"
of Southern Oregon. It seems he was driving along and saw the Oregon Friends
of John Denver Adopt-A-Highway sign. He did some research on the web and found my
site! His e-mail to me read in part:
"I'm a reporter at the 'Mail Tribune', Southern Oregon's largest daily newspaper,
and am trying to put together a story about the Friends of John Denver adopt-a-highway
program. I saw your website, and would like to talk with you about when and why it
started, how many states now have adopted highway stretches, etc, etc."
We spoke on the phone for about a half hour about the project. The article he wrote...(appeared
in the "Mail Tribune" on Monday, February 7th. You can check it out at:
<http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2000/february/2700n2.htm>)
YIPPEE!!!
Peace,
Carole
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PETITION THE GRAMMYS ON JOHN'S BEHALF
Dear Friends:
Elaine Byrne has forwarded this information to us, asking that we pass it along to
any John Denver fans we may know. This is an important issue, and we wanted to share
this with everyone.
"I received an e-mail from this person asking for signatures on a petition to
present to the Board that votes for Grammy awards. Apparently she and her husband
have connections with that group. I e-mailed her asking if letters needed to be snail
mail, this was her reply:
'Yes, please send all letters to me via snail mail with a signature. Please forward
to the friends of John Denver, I want to get 10,000 plus copies of support, then
the voting members that I know will also nominate him, and hopefully in 2001, he
will be nationally honored. Thank you.
Myra Gainer Gift of Music
Charlene A. Finney
417 W. 2nd St
Salida, CO 81201
719-539-5457'
(To make a contribution or for more information about the Myra Gainer the Gift of
Music, please contact Charlene Finney at the above address.)
...(A) sample letter...follows: This is just to get people started, so please personalize
it, leave out anything you like - this is just to get people started thinking!
Dear Ms. Finney:
I would like to add my voice to the chorus raised in favor of nominating
John Denver for a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award. In his thirty years as
a singer/songwriter, he wrote over two hundred fifty songs, including many
that are still as popular today as they were when they were originally
written. He has achieved record sales that few other artists have matched,
including 14 gold albums and 8 platinum albums in the U.S. alone. In 1984 he
was invited by the Soviet Union of Composers to perform in their country.
The success of that visit led to a concert tour of the U.S.S.R. in 1985. He
returned to the U.S.S.R. in 1987 to do a benefit concert for the victims of
Chernobyl. Denver was the first artist from the West to do a multi-city
tour of mainland China, in October, 1992.
In addition to his talents as a singer and songwriter, he served as a role
model for effective advocacy on behalf of the planet and all citizens of
Planet Earth. He was asked to serve as a member of the Presidential
Commission on World and Domestic Hunger. He was one of the five founders of
The Hunger Project, and was awarded the Presidential "World Without Hunger"
Award; he was a supporter of the National Wildlife Federation, Save the
Children, the Cousteau Society, Friends of the Earth and the Human/Dolphin
Foundation, to name just a few of the groups which benefited from his time
and talent. In the summer of 1993, Denver was the recipient of the
prestigious Albert Schweitzer Music Award, given to him "For a life's work
dedicated to music and devoted to humanity." It was the first time a
non-classical musical artist had been so honored.
John Denver was more than just a singer/songwriter, more than an advocate
for the environment; he was a true hero, willing to stand up and be counted,
willing to put himself on the line for what he believed in. His songs are
anthems of an entire generation, and reminders to all of us that the work he
began is not finished. There is more to be done to achieve peace on earth,
to eradicate hunger in our time, to protect the air we breathe, the water we
drink, the earth we walk on, the woods and mountains and deserts, and all
who live there. There are few artists who have inspired others as many
people as John Denver did, even two years after his death.
His achievements are truly deserving of a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award.
Thank you for whatever you can do to make this dream a reality.
Sincerely,
(your name here).
Many thanks to Elaine for sending this information on, and to Charlene Finney for
coordinating the effort!
--submitted by PixieDmyr@aol.com
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TREES IN MEMORY OF JOHN...
Buy Trees In Memory of John...to benefit Dreams of Freedom & The
National Arbor Day Foundation. Christine Smith, with Dreams of Freedom, has beautiful
trees for sale to benefit Dreams...and to plant in a memorial grove for John Denver
in Colorado.
You can choose to purchase the trees and have them sent to you to plant at your home...or
you can designate them to be planted in John's memory in the mountains of Colorado.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to remember John, and help 2 excellent charities.
I am splitting the money raised half for Dreams of Freedom, and I am giving the other
half to the National Arbor Day Foundation which John was part of," said Christine.
Christine has Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Black Walnut, Redbud, Tuliptree, Weeping Willow,
White Dogwood, and Red Oak seedlings available. The trees will be mailed directly
to your home at an appropriate time for spring planting. They will be sent to you
from the nurseries of the Arbor Day Foundation and will arrive postage paid and include
complete planting instructions. Or, if you prefer to have your trees planted in Colorado
at a special grove being planted in John's memory by Christine Smith, you may tell
her and she will make sure your trees are sent to her in Colorado to be planted in
the Rocky Mountains.
Trees cost only $3.50 each + $3.50 shipping one time cost...all additional seedlings
you purchase are just $3.50 each with no more shipping cost...So you can order as
many seedlings as you like at only $3.50 each.
People who would like to honor John in this way (and help the Dreams of Freedom nonprofit
charity) can contact Christine Smith at tel. # 719-942-9620 or email her at dreamsoffreedom@yahoo.com
Christine can help you select the shade, flowering or nut trees that are best for
your area; or help you choose tree(s) for the Colorado Rocky Mountain planting; and
she can take your order by email or phone.
"This fundraiser is wonderful," says Christine, "because it combines
the goodness of planting trees as John promoted, and it helps Dreams of Freedom as
we bring John's music, our literary newsletter, and humanitarian items to people
who are alone and in need of hope. I am very happy to offer these trees...together
we will make a difference."
All checks must be made payable to "Dreams of Freedom, Inc. and mailed to Dreams
of Freedom, c/o Christine Smith, 0478 CR 46, Howard, Colorado 81233. You are recommended
to email or telephone her if you'd like recommendations on the best trees for growing
in your area or to have them sent for the Colorado Mountain planting in John's memory.
NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: We welcome planting trees for you in Colorado. But
we are unable to ship trees overseas. So, if you would like to participate you may
send in your order and we will plant the trees for you in the Rocky Mountains.
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MISCELLANEOUS
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Mary Ledford is putting together a photo book. This' what she says about it
--
I haven't come up with a title yet, but it will consist of photos and narrative (i.e.:
Farm Aid, Choices, etc.) depicting John's career. Send me your favorite photo (either
color or black and white - no larger than 8x10 -- which you've taken yourself) and
a little paragraph about it - where it was taken, etc. Include name, address and
(your) birth date for the copyright registration -- do this separately -- do not
write on the back of the photo. I am going to have this published and marketed through
as many of the online sources I can get it into. -- Mary
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SUNNY WATERS RELEASES CD
After many years of touring and honing his craft, Sunny Waters assembles a team of
Master musicians and enters a premier recording studio in Nashville.Soon after, he
emerges with his first album, appropriately titled, "This Is Me".
Laying it all on the line, the songs on this album provide a peak into Sunny's soul
and speak to the experiences of his life, and to the things that he cares most about.
With combined influence from artists such as Elton John, U2, John Denver, Clint Black
and others, Sunny has emerged with a sound all his own and a style that is fresh
and distinct.
The credentials of the players on the album are extensive, to include Grammy nominated
producer Fred Vail, former John Denver band members Pete Huttlinger and Tom Roady,
Chris Leuzinger, who has played on nearly every Garth Brooks album, and Grammy winning
Engineer Tom Harding.
"It's been a long time coming, and I couldn't be more excited. I hope the folks
enjoy listening to is as much as I enjoyed writing and recording the songs. My sincerest
thanks to all those who have encouraged and supported me, whether old friend or new.
The music means so much more to me if it seems to have value to others". --
Sunny Waters
To order your copy of Sunny Waters' CD "This Is Me", please go to the following
website where orders are currently exclusively being taken. <http://members.aol.com/SunnyWeb01/Home/SunnyHome.htm>.
Thank you!
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WEBSITES OF INTEREST
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<http://www.johndenver.net> - A terrific
website dedicated, obviously, to John.
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POEMS, QUOTES AND INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS
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ONE REMARKABLE MAN |
|
|
There once was a child, an ordinary child |
And some wouldn't hear, said he's too ideal |
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NEWSLETTER NEWS
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If you would like to submit articles, news items, stories, poetry, or any other pertinent
information to IT'S ABOUT TIME, please send it to the Editor, Ellen La Corte Quinn,
at elq@gateway.net or e-mail any of the IAT
staff. The submission deadline for our March edition is March 17, 2000.
***The content of this (and future newsletters) is entirely at the discretion of
the It's About Time staff. Contributions are welcome although not all can be guaranteed
inclusion.***
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"...IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START
TO LIVE IT, THE FAMILY OF MAN."