IAT NEWSLETTERFebruary 2002
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Calendar of Events | Coming Events | Environmental News | Events Reviews | |
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For Sale | Letter from the President | Letters | News |Newsletter News | |
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"IT'S ABOUT TIME WE BEGIN IT,
TO TURN THE WORLD AROUND . . . "
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ORGANIZATION INFORMATION: (*****NOTE SANDY'S NEW EMAIL ADDRESS AND OUR NEW WEB ADDRESS*****):
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Co-Founder/Former President - Marcelle Orswell
Co-Founder and Secretary -- Theresa Shea (Tree1A@aol.com)
Co-Founder/Webpage Designer-Sandy Clark (tybrenn@attbi.com)
Co-Presidents -- Ann Schnitz (aerie01@sprynet.com)
and
Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
Web Site -- -- http://home.attbi.com/~tybrenn/iat/
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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Dear Friends,
The dictionary defines "tolerance" as: "the capacity for or the practice
of allowing or respecting the nature, beliefs or behavior of others". I have
noticed a distinct lack of this in our community at times, and I wanted to share
with you some thoughts on why I think we should do better.
Who amongst us doesnít deserve a second chance, or to be given the opportunity for
self-expression? Yet, over and over, we see postings on various online services,
cutting list members or others to shreds for their perceived wrong-doings. In the
first place, we may not have all the facts, so we make knee-jerk, inappropriate decisions.
And especially when it appears to have the potential to harm some aspect of John
Denverís memory, we react from a place of anger. Is this really the way we want
the world to see and hear us? And couldnít this energy be put to far better use
for positive, rather than negative actions?
The internet is a wonderful tool for communication. Within mere seconds, we can
talk to friends or business associates or even strangers on the other side of the
world. It also grants us a degree of anonymity so that we can speak our minds freely
without fear of reprisal. However, that anonymity and freedom doesnít exist in a
vacuum, and the people we rip apart so cavalierly are other flesh and blood people
just like us. We simply donít know who else is sitting at their own computer at
that same moment, reading our words. It could be a person who is curious about John
and would like to get more information, but upon seeing the vitriol being spewed
forth uncaringly, decides that this is not an entertainer (or a fanbase) worth getting
involved with. Can we afford to turn away people like that?
And what of Johnís friends and family who might also be reading our postings, some
of which may even be about them? What if it was ErmaÖor Jesse Belle? It just isnít
right to conduct endless discussions about people we donít know personally and about
circumstances we only know through one side of the story, drawing ugly and unfounded
conclusions that can potentially hurt innocent souls who have already been hurt enough.
You should know that I myself have been guilty of this behavior in the past. Itís
so easy to forget that newsgroups and egroups and so on are open forums, and not
private groups like this list. But I made a conscious choice a while ago not to
do it anymore because I believe that the way we interact with each other impacts
how John is portrayed in the general public ó and thatís more important to me than
becoming involved in highly speculative online conversations that donít belong in
public. Let's face it -- our emotions about John and his music and causes can get
out of hand. It's up to us to be aware of how we're conducting ourselves and the
impression that it can make.
So before you hit the "send" button, think carefully about what youíve
written and who might be reading it. Be tolerant of others, and pleaseÖif you have
a burning desire to write something with content like I described above, send it
to one of your friends, and not an egroup. Furthermore, if you see a thread beginning
to erupt into a flame war, donít add fuel to the fire. After all, it isnít always
what you do that makes a difference. Sometimes itís what you donít do.
My heart to yours,
Ann
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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March 2, 2002 -- Online chat with Ron Deutschendorf
March 16, 2002 - Phil Christie in Concert, Altadena, CA
March 21-April 30, 2002 -- "Almost Heaven", Denver Center for the Performing
Arts, Denver, CO
May 3-5, 2002 -- John Denver Spring Retreat - Lebanon, PA
April 13, 2002 -- John Adams in Concert, Arvada, CO
April 20, 2002 -- Earth Day Celebration, Annapolis, MD
April 27, 2002 -- Dedication of the John Denver Nature Exhibit and Memorial, Austin,
TX
June 28, 29 -- 2002 -- A Tribute to John Denver: The Man and His Music, 2002, Coatesville,
PA
July 20 -21, 2002 -- Country Roads Folk Festival, Almost Heaven Farm, WV
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SEE DETAILS ON CALENDAR EVENTS IN NEWSLETTER
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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Humankind has not woven the web of life. We
are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All
things are bound together. All things connect.
Chief Seattle
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NEWS
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THE LATE JOHN DENVER TO BE INDUCTED INTO
COLORADO PERFORMING ARTS HALL OF FAME
DENVER, CO ñ Coloradoís adopted son, singer/songwriter John Denver, will be inducted
into The Colorado Performing Arts Hall of Fame, an affiliate of The Denver Center
for the Performing Arts. The ceremony will take place on Monday, April 1 in the Donald
R. Seawell Grand Ballroom at Speer & Arapahoe in downtownís Denver Performing
Arts Complex. Guests will include members of the DCPAís Directors Society and Best
of Broadway Society, as well as John Denverís friends, business associates and family
members.
During his career, John Denver earned international acclaim as a singer, songwriter,
performer, actor and humanitarian. His first major break came when he was chosen
as lead singer for the Chad Mitchell Trio and his songwriting talents became evident
when Peter, Paul and Mary hit number one with his "Leaving On A Jet Plane."
Before long John found himself at the top of the pop charts with "Take Me Home,
Country Roads," "Rocky Mountain High," "Sunshine On My Shoulders,"
"Annieís Song," "Back Home Again" and "Thank God Iím A Country
Boy."
Johnís popularity can be measured in record sales: seven multi-platinum albums, 13
platinum albums and 20 gold albums in the US alone. John Denverís Greatest Hits is
still one of the largest selling albums in RCA Records history with sales exceeding
ten million. The cumulative US sales from his 30 albums exceeds 32.5 million units.
His numerous awards include the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Music Award, given
to him for "a lifeís work dedicated to music and devoted to humanity."
It was the first time a non-classical musician had been so honored. And, in 1996,
he was inducted into the Songwriterís Hall of Fame. It is with great pleasure that
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts will induct John Denver into its Colorado
Performing Arts Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony will be held in The Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom. Mr.
Seawell, Founder and Chairman of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, will
preside over the award ceremony at which a short video of John Denverís life will
be presented. Relatives, friends and business associates of Mr. Denverís are expected
to attend and never-before-seen memorabilia from John Denverís tremendous career
also will be on display. As part of the ceremony, guests will attend the Denver Center
Theatre Company/Harold Thau world premiere of Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of
John Denver.
Established in October 1997, The Colorado Performing Arts Hall of Fame, Inc. was
created (a) to honor Coloradans who have made major contributions to the advancement
of one or more of the performing arts disciplines, and non-Coloradans who have made
substantial contributions toward the advancement of the performing arts in Colorado,
(b) to enhance interest and participation in the performing arts by honoring these
inductees.
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PARKS STAFF HONORED FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN
The Aspen Times
February 18, 2002
A pair of Aspen Parks Department projects have been chosen for recognition from the
American Society of Landscape Architects.
The landscape work at the Snyder Park affordable-housing complex, featuring a waterfall,
two wetland ponds and pedestrian walkways, received an honor for superior professional
accomplishment. The John Denver Sanctuary along the Roaring Fork River earned a merit
award for outstanding accomplishment in the design profession. The sanctuary was
a collaborative effort between the Parks Department and Denverís family.
The ASLA awards were created to recognize Colorado and Wyoming landscape architecture
professionals and other affiliates in their pursuit to lead, educate and participate
in the careful stewardship, planning and design of the cultural and natural environment.
The submitted projects were judged for quality of design, functionalism, and relationship
to context, environmental responsibility and overall relevance to landscape architecture.
"The Parks Department felt that we had completed four incredible projects,"
said parks planner Scott Chism. "We submitted the John Denver Sanctuary, Rio
Grande Skate Park, Snyder Park and Yellow Brick Park."
"These projects were competing with some of the top projects in the state,"
added Stephen Ellsperman, deputy parks director. "The fact that we planned,
designed and constructed these projects all within our own office shows the professionalism
of our staff."
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LETTERS
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From: Betty Keutzer (mountain_mumsie@hotmail.com):
I subscribe to the magazine, COUNTRY, which is published by Reiman Publications in
Wisconsin. Each month there is a featured story by a reader telling what area in
the United States is what they believe to be God's country. I opened my new magazine
yesterday and found out that a couple felt that West Virginia is God's country. Here
is what the first paragraph said, " "Almost Heaven, West Virginia."
Those were the words of John Denver in his famous song, TAKE ME HOME COUNTRY ROADS.
In our opinion, he couldn't have said it better. West Virginia surely is almost heaven.
To us, it's God's country." I read that and it made my heart happy to hear
John's name and song mentioned. I live in Blue Ridge, GA and haven't seen West Virginia
yet, but I can dream about its' beauty and can imagine John and his love for all
the beautiful things in our world.
Another instance happened last week while I was attending a conference with my husband
in Young Harris, GA. The setting was beautiful...the conference being held at Brasstown
Manor, another gorgeous man-made Inn...we started walking through this awesome leisure
room with a huge fireplace and couples sitting around and enjoying the fire and wouldn't
you know, John's music was playing...Fly Away and my husband and I just had to stop
and absorb the surroundings and thoughts of the man whose words touch so many people's
hearts each day. What a wonderful, peace-filled soothing feeling. To the man with
a huge heart, who gave so much, he has taught us all to be, " just a little
bit better!"
My love and peace goes out to all of my fellow kindred spirits who share my thoughts
of John.
Betty Keutzer
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From: Susan Leaver (susanleaver@yahoo.com):
Hello everyone,
Just wanted to remind everyone that the New Zealand John Denver Collection CD was
released here recently. This is a complete reversal of this company's attitude to
John's music from that of four years ago. The Foundation's name and address are to
be on the CD sleeve. The CD is 73 minutes long (see the track listing in last month's
IAT newsletter -- AS).
For the sake of John and his legacy, the International John Denver Memorial Foundation
has been persisting with the
record company for four years and now FINALLY they are listening.
If anyone would like to order the CD, please email me at susanleaver@yahoo.com
At the moment I am unsure of exact cost but I think with postage will be around
US$12.00.
Peace,
Susan
International John Denver Memorial Foundation
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From: Jennifer Hunter (jenden1099@yahoo.com)
We've been heading downstate several weekends to Peoria IL to help my husband Dennis'
mom get packed up to move and we always like to drive along the Illinois River to
get there. It's a pretty drive and there has been abundant birds from gulls to egrets
to Great Blue Herons along the river. Our journey takes us across a wide spanning
bridge at the little town of Lacon where we look down on a small island in the river.
As we crested the bridge Saturday afternoon and looked down, there was a bald eagle
flying alongside us to the island. There was no place to stop on the bridge and we
couldn't see him through the trees after crossing so we turned around and drove back
over the bridge. We found a parking area at a grain elevator with a view of the island
and got out the binoculars. There he was, perched in a tree with the late afternoon
sun shining on his brilliant head and tail. We saw him preen and arrange his tail
feathers. We noticed another tree also had a perching eagle. We watched them for
awhile and the 2nd eagle took flight climbing effortlessly circling up and past the
bridge out of sight. It was then we spotted yet a 3rd eagle perched in another tree
on the island. This pretty much sets the record for us here seeing 3 eagles at once
in our home state of Illinois. The very first we'd seen was last Easter from up on
the bluffs of Peoria looking down on the distant lake (a wide area of the river).
It was a look just long enough to see that it was an eagle, then it disappeared behind
the trees. We'd also seen an eagle in Steamboat Springs CO last October and I'd seen
some up in Wisconsin years ago.
An eagle in the wild is a spiritual creature. It's just magic to see and this day
it seemed as if all 3 of them had just hung out there waiting for us to come along
to reward us for our good deeds (well not really- it's the fish they're waiting for),
but I feel so priviledged to have seen them there. It's nice to see they are making
a comeback.
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From Steve Jones (KSJSBS@aol.com):
My love for John's music goes back to the early 1970's. I liked the folk music that
was popular in the '60's because it was acoustic, the songs had substance to them
and many of them had a history. John kept acoustic folk music alive after most defected
to the rock and roll ranks. Over the years, I have learned to play and sing many
of John's songs.
We moved to Steamboat Springs in 1995 from the St. Louis area. Over the next few
years, I was looking for an avocation that would really grab me. I tried doing what
I had done in my former life in St. Louis (practice law), but it was no longer rewarding.
I continued to occasionally play my guitar and sing some of John's songs (and others)
at parties, around campfires, etc.
On October 12, 1997, my wife and I went to a "Fall Crawl" party at a friend's
residence. At that party, I met a man who has since become one of my best friends.
In our initial conversation, John Denver's name came up and I recall him telling
me that he liked John's music, and that one line always stuck in his mind (from Wild
Montana Skies): "there was somethin' in the city that he said he couldn't breathe,
there was somethin' in the country that he said he couldn't leave". We talked
some more about John's music, among other things. At that time, I had not listened
to any of John's songs for several months.
After arriving home, I had a very strong urge to get out some of John's CD's and
listen to my favorite songs. We did that and went to bed. The next morning, I went
into town, picked up a newspaper and saw a headline that John's airplane had crashed.
That was the first knowledge that I had about the mishap. Upon reflection, I know
that I met my new friend and had the discussion about John near the time of the crash.
I know that John's spirit touched me that evening. While listening to his songs,
I once again marveled at the simple beauty of his lyrics which could evoke a memory,
a wish, a desire, or a hope. It was almost like listening to those songs for the
first time. I remember thinking, while listening, that I hoped his career would blossom
once again and we would be blessed with some more wonderful songs.
After October 12, 1997, I began playing my guitar every day. Eventually, it lead
me to writing my own songs, including the one for John, to performing (which I began
to do in 1998) and to my new career in music.
The song that I wrote for John chronicles the events of October 12, 1997, the following
week and many of the feelings that I had during that time. It was a work in progress
for quite some time--in fact, the idea to incorporate song titles into the lyrics
developed along the way. It was only after I was satisfied with the work as a whole,
that I recorded it on a CD that has a collection of other songs that I have written.
I now perform, for the most part, cowboy and western songs. Once in a while, I do
a solo event and I get to do more of John's songs, which is always a pleasure. But,
regardless of the type of songs that I do in any concert, I always think of John
and thank him for touching me and giving me the courage to pursue my music.
(See the words to Steve's WONDERFUL song in our Poetry section, below - - AS)
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EVENTS REVIEWS
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From: Julie McClain (bluebonnetgirl@netzero.net)
Just wanted to share with you...
Michael Johnson played at Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse (where I volunteer every Friday
night) this past Friday (during January). If you'll remember, he was one of the last
members to join the Mitchell Trio and when he joined they had to change their name
to "Denver, Boise & Johnson" and drop Mitchell all together. Then he
had the hit song "Bluer Than Blue" in 78 and some country hits in the 90's.
He's played there before, but only a small set with the Kerrville (Folk Festival)
on the Road Tour. So we were glad to have him back for his own show. All I can say
is "This man is smooooooth!"
He even delighted us (myself, Pam Beasley and Kim Cox) by singing "Ponies"
later in the evening. And he is one comedian too! He will keep you in stitches and
he kept us rolling all night in between the songs. He has teenage boys, you know.
If you ever have a chance to see him in concert, do go.
Actually he did a house concert at my friends' house the Sunday afternoon before
we left for Aspen last fall. I got to ask him about John in those days and what it
was like singing with him. His reply was that John mostly kept to himself and didn't
always party with the rest of them, but that he was a very nice guy (which we knew
already). During the pickin' circle after the house concert, I got to sing my song
"All Too Soon" for him and he really liked it and was very moved.
So, go see him if you ever get a chance!
Julie McClain
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COMING EVENTS
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ONLINE CHAT WITH RON DEUTSCHENDORF
Saturday, March 2, 9-12 Pacific Standard Time
The chat site can be accessed by either going to:
http://windstarchat.john-denver.org or http://chat.wstar.org
Update: Due to unforeseen circumstances, at this time, questions can only be posted
on the http://chat.wstar.org url for the chat. When the page opens, you will see a notice
that says the chat area is closed. Ignore this notice, and scroll down the page,
and put in your information, name, email etc. and click on submit. It will take you
to the chat page. On the question and answer side of the page, it says "Ask
a question". Click on this and it will bring up the screen for asking a question.
Type in the subject and your question and click submit and your question will be
posted for Ron to answer. If you have any questions on this procedure, please email
me at harlean@wstar.org .
Thanks!
Harlean Peterson
*****
PHIL CHRISTIE IN CONCERT
Saturday, March 16, 2002, 8pm
Coffee Gallery Backstage
2029 N. Lake, Altadena CA
Call 626-398-7917 for reservations (ticket prices haven't been set yet, but the Coffee
Gallery is always the best deal
in town, so this show won't break the bank). Phil will be premiering his brand-new
CD "Summerstown" (he hasn't even left for the recording session yet, so
this one will really be "hot off the presses"!). The CD will feature 7
brand new songs, along with his tribute to John Denver and the Rocky Mountains, "Dream
of Colorado" and other favorites ("If I Could," "Mother's Day"
and "Karl the Koala"). For more information, please go to Phil Christie's
site, www.philchristie.com (the site is being revised for 2002).
*****
ALMOST HEAVEN - Denver Center for Performing
Arts
STAGE THEATRE - March 21, 2001 to April 30th
General admission tickets go on sale February 3, 2001
Songs and Stories of John Denver
This world-premiere theatrical event celebrates the music and ethos of our State's
adopted son.
With sparkling new arrangements of his best-known ballads - and some surprising discoveries
- a 14-member ensemble explores the work of this internationally-acclaimed songwriter.
John Denver spoke to millions around the world with such songs as "Country Roads,"
"Sunshine on my Shoulders," "Rocky Mountain High." It will bring
you back home again - and send you out singing.
For more information: http://www.dcpa.org
Discounted tickets for the March 28 performance are available through Colorado Friends
of JD - Contact Evelyn Pinney evepin@colorado.net
Single tickets go on sale February 3, 2002.
*****
JOHN ADAMS IN CONCERT
APRIL 13, 2002
Pomona High School in Arvada, CO (near Denver) from 7-10 pm.
Tickets are $20 and are tax-deductible.
Contact Feather Berkower at featherberkower@msn.com
for tickets or you can phone her at (303) 673-9558.
Front Range Center for Assault Prevention
P.O. Box 270208
Louisville, CO 80027
(303) 266 - 9019
*****
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
April 20, 2002
11-3 PM
The Rams Head Tavern (http://www.ramsheadtavern.com)
Annapolis, MD
Come join us to celebrate the earth! Our guests this year will be Mack Bailey, Christina
Muir, Chris Westfall and Side By Side (unfortunately, Rachel Bissex is not able to
be with us, as previously announced). Tickets are $30, and all proceeds will benefit
Kids For A Clean Environment (F.A.C.E.) -- http://www.kidsface.org
For tickets, send a check made out to Ann Schnitz to:
Ann Schnitz
P.O. Box 483
Lionville, PA 19353 (note change in zip code, which was incorrect last month --
AS)
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JOHN DENVER RETREAT
May 3-5, 2002
Camp Gretna Glen, Lebanon, PA
JD Fellowship and inspiration. $50 due by April 1, 2002.
For more information, email Pat Liddic (liddic@lancnews.infi.net)
*****
A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER: THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC
2002
Don't forget! This is the last month for fund raising for "A Tribute to John
Denver: The Man and His Music 2002" formerly at Hawk Mt. Sanctuary, this year
at beautiful Hibernia County Park in Chester Co., PA on June 28 and 29.
Performing will be Mack Bailey, Christopher Westfall, Charlie Zahm and Frank DeLaMarre.
In addition, the singer/songwriters Amy and Tim Dabb will join us. Tim has put Joe
Henry's poem "Ascension" to music. And of course a video retrospective
of John's career will be shown. There may also be some special surprises so the
program is subject to change.
An extra special treat--John's friend Bruce Gordon, pilot and environmentalist, will
join us to talk about John. Max Langstaff, who has joined us the last few years and
was creator and producer of "The Wildlife Concert" will again speak about
John.
Food will be available, primitive camping available at Hibernia. Full service camping
close by plus lots of nice hotels. Lots of picnic tables outside of performance site.
Bring your own chair or blanket to watch show.
So please send in your donations March 1st so I can finalize plans for the concert.
List below. Ticket price will be set in March and tickets will go on sale, April
1. So stay tuned and support this concert this year with your patronage and sponsorship
so that The John Denver Memorial Foundation can be started and the concerts will
continue year after year and John's music and memory will continue through his foundation
long after we are all gone.
PLEASE HELP THIS TO HAPPEN.
Peace,
Judith Gabriel
$25 patron one line
$75 sponsor 1/4 page--send picture and/or message to me sized and
printer-ready if possible or email it to me
$100 sponsor half a page
$200 sponsor whole page
$500 sponsor two separate pages
$1,000 silver sponsor two page spread and 5 free tickets and special gift
picture of John Denver and "A Portrait of John Denver" video
$2,000 gold sponsor two page spread with big gold stars in corners, 10 free
tickets, gift picture of John Denver, video set of "Remembering John Denver"
and "A Portrait of John Denver"
$3,000 or more to be a platinum sponsor two page spread with gold and silver
stars all around page, 20 free tickets, gift picture of John Denver, video
set of "Remembering John Denver," "A Portrait of John Denver, "The
Wildlife
Concert," CD set of the Wildlife Concert, and a commemorate gold record of
"Country Roads" framed with John's picture.
FYI: All donors will receive a free program; modest ticket price will be asked this
year; children under 12, free; I will need volunteers to sell and take tickets ,
to sell and distribute programs, to direct car parking, and to clean up afterwards.
Volunteers will, of course, get free admission.
Contact Judith at 610-371-9122 or email her at judithgabriel@msn.com
if you have questions.
*****
COUNTRY ROADS FOLK FESTIVAL
July 20-21, 2002
Almost Heaven Farm, WV
See www.mofolk.com for details
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FOR SALE
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Wildlife Creations (http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation/) has lots of wonderful items that
make great gifts for yourself or others. Stay tuned for more new products! Remember,
your
purchase helps the National Wildlife Federation, in John's name, with wolf education
and the
Windstar Foundation. Any questions, email us at wldlifecreation@wildmail.com.
Thanks!
Diana and Susan
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POETRY
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From: Steve Jones (KSJSBS@aol.com)
HENRY JOHN, WHERE HAVE YOU GONE?
(Steve Jones © 1999)
October twelve, ninety-seven, at a party, sippiní some wine.
A new friend and I were shariní a WILD MONTANA SKIES line.
There was SOMETHINí ABOUT the eveniní, THE THOUGHT OF YOU so near.
BACK HOME AGAIN from the party, your songs I had to hear.
Then the WELCOME TO MY MORNING was nothiní but a TRAIL OF TEARS.
FIRE AND RAIN, LIKE A SAD SONG, AROUND & AROUND in my ears.
Though I never had your AUTOGRAPH, or looked you in the eye.
IN MY HEART Iíd lost my brother, the pain so deep inside.
First Chorus:
Henry John, Where Have You Gone, why did you FLY AWAY?
IíM SORRY, THE GAME IS OVER, yeah, the cynics will surely say.
But the MUSIC IS YOU, itís the GIFT YOU ARE, itís THE FLOWER THAT SHATTERED
THE STONE.
LIFE IS SO GOOD, so HOLD ON TIGHTLY, before you SAIL AWAY HOME.
Your voice was my companion, ON THE ROAD, in my car.
I even learned to play your songs, on THIS OLD GUITAR.
ALL THIS JOY in your music, about this SWEET, SWEET LIFE.
COUNTRY ROADS, COUNTRY LOVE, or a ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH.
Now every time I see the EAGLE AND THE HAWK floatiní on high.
Feel SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS, hear a WINDSONG lullaby.
ANCIENT RHYMES fill my senses, a ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUITE.
Itís an ANTHEM-REVELATION, IT AMAZES ME.
Second Chorus:
Henry John, Where Have You Gone, why did you FLY AWAY?
IíM SORRY, THE GAME IS OVER, yeah, the cynics will surely say.
But ITíS ABOUT TIME they got it, ONE WORLD, A RIVER OF LOVE.
LOVE IS THE MASTER of THE BOX, is the message from above.
It was near STARWOOD IN ASPEN, under a Colorado blue sky.
PERHAPS LOVE, FOR YOU, AMERICAN CHILD, brought a tear to my eye.
Over brilliant aspen gold, white balloons rose and then.
To the sound of your music, we all said GOODBYE AGAIN.
POEMS, PRAYERS & PROMISES, A SONG FOR THE LIFE.
THERE WAS NEVER A DOUBT, oh you were never just ALONG FOR THE RIDE.
YOU SAY THAT THE BATTLE IS OVER, well, this is my retort.
ITíS A POSSIBLITY, Henry John, youíre just A LITTLE FURTHER NORTH.
Third Chorus:
Oh Henry John, youíve not really gone, your SPIRIT is here TODAY.
And the CHILDREN OF THE UNIVERSE have your music EVERYDAY.
So TAKE ME TO TOMORROW, FOLLOW ME, come along.
For though our singer is silent, there still is the truth of his song.
*****
From: Margaret Moores (Brighteagles@compaq.net)
LESSONS OF LIFE (dedicated to John Denver)
From you,
I've learned the lessons of life,
I can wear shades with golden rims,
my brightest colors of yellow and green,
I can even wear purple if I so desire,
I can run the race and finish well,
at fifty or beyond,
with grace and mercy,
I can listen to the wind
as he sings me a song
maybe even dream a dream or two
I can treasure each day
and know it is a gift!
You can read more of my poetry at www.poetry.com
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
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ACT NOW TO PROTECT THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
This is it! The countdown has begun and the stage is set for the Senate to decide
the fate of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Drilling proponents are pulling
out all the stops and spending millions to coerce your senators into supporting oil
development in the Arctic. Their efforts are paying off, which is why we are asking
for your help once again. Senators across the country need to hear one last time
that Americans, like you, care about protecting this spectacular national treasure.
They need to know that as a nation we are not willing to sacrifice our last remaining
wild places in a misguided oil-drilling frenzy that will do nothing to address the
nation's energy needs.
Senators across the country need to hear one last time that Americans, like you,
care about protecting this spectacular national treasure. They need to know that
as a nation we are not willing to sacrifice our last remaining wild places in a misguided
oil-drilling frenzy that will do nothing to address the nation's energy needs.
This is one of the biggest conservation battles of the new century. It is a landmark
case that could set the stage for many more wildlife victories. But we must win
this one first! That's why we need your help more than ever.
What You Can Do
Please contact your two senators right away and urge them to oppose any legislation
that would mandate drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. A mere six-month
supply of oil is not worth plundering one of our nation's last-remaining pristine
places. Tell your senators that the Arctic Refuge is simply to wild to waste. Urge
them to support an energy policy that balances conservation and improved energy efficiency
with traditional energy sources -- a policy that will go farther in solving the nation's
energy problems than drilling in the Arctic Refuge ever could. At NWF's site, www.nwf.org/arcticrefuge, is a letter you can send via fax or email to your senators.
Feel free to edit the suggested text. A more personalized letter often has more impact
on members of Congress.
Additional Information
Further information about the costs of drilling in the Arctic Refuge can be found
at www.nwf.org/arcticrefuge. For additional ways you can take action -- and for the
most recent updates -- on the Arctic and other important conservation issues go to
www.nwf.org/action. You can also demonstrate your support for protecting the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by forwarding this alert to your friends and colleagues.
The more people who contact their senators and tell them to reject oil drilling in
the Arctic Refuge, the greater are our chances of protecting this essential and pristine
area.
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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 e-mail
any of the IAT staff. The submission deadline for the January edition is February
19, 2002. Please be sure to include any contact information so that members can e-mail
or snail-mail for further details.
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The content of this newsletter is entirely at the discretion of the "It's About
Time" staff. Contributions, as always, are welcomed, although inclusion is not
guaranteed.
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". . . 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."
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