IAT NEWSLETTERApril 2002
|
|
For Sale | Letter from the President | Letters | Newsletter News | |
*********************************************************************
"IT'S ABOUT TIME WE BEGIN IT,
TO TURN THE WORLD AROUND . . . "
*********************************************************************
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
*********************************************************************
Co-Founder/Former President - Marcelle Orswell (notmartha2@yahoo.com)
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/
*********************************************************************
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
*********************************************************************
Dear Friends,
I am finally home from a wonderful but totally sleep-deprived weekend in Austin,
Texas. On the flight home, I wrote this letter in my mind, so now that I've gotten
some rest, I hope I can remember what I wanted to say! Funny that I find myself in
the position John used to be in....in the 70's, before flights were permitted to
land in Aspen at night, he'd come off the road by flying into Denver and then driving
home. Often, he'd write songs in his head during the quiet, 4-hour drive, but once
he arrived at Starwood, he'd go straight to sleep, and by morning, not remember what
he'd written! I can only imagine what amazing music disappeared that way! So anyhow,
here goes.
***
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step". This old
Chinese adage kept coming to me as the plane made its final descent through the low
ceiling of clouds. And I kept thinking about the surreal quality of the weekend I
had just spent in Austin, at the dedication of the John Denver nature exhibit and
memorial at the Austin Nature Center. The Peace Cloth was an invited guest at the
dedication, and we, in turn, invited as our special guests, Cassandra and Jesse Belle
Denver.
About six months ago, we sent Cassy and Jesse a letter, asking if they would like
to donate something for the Cloth. What we never expected was the friend and partner
we would make in Cassy. She went to our website and read of the Cloth's adventures,
and she became very excited with what we were doing. Both she and her producer, Lawrence
Smith, pledged to help us. They arranged for us to get a domain name of our own,
and with them, we have dipped our proverbial toe into the world of multi-media, with
more and better planned for the future. This is an exciting time for us, and would've
never been possible without their input.
But you should know that all of this didn't happen without major reservations on
our parts. How were we to reconcile the feelings we've had about Cassy over the years?
Was she to be trusted, was she doing this for her own gain....etc etc.....our conversations
along these lines were many at the beginning. We even spoke to our friend, Ron Deutschendorf,
as to what he felt we should do...and we were given an enthusiastic green light.
The old rift between the families was mending, and Ron was delighted to hear that
Cassy and Jesse wanted to participate in the Peace Cloth. If the Deutschendorfs were
willing to let go of the past, who were we to do otherwise? So we took the first
step towards them. And as we took each subsequent step, it became obvious that there
was sincerity behind what she was doing.
When we picked Cassy up at the airport on Friday (Jesse did not come with her afterall),
it was obvious that she was very nervous. Both she and Jesse had read what was being
said about her on the internet, and she was frightened of what her reception might
be. At first, she didn't even want to speak at the dedication -- she was there for
the Peace Cloth, she said. She was there to support US. But because of Ron's impending
back surgery, he was unable to be there, so he emailed us his speech and asked Cassy
to deliver it. She did a lovely job, and added some words of her own too. And in
the end, the event was very positive for us all. She went home feeling accepted and
wanted, and eager to further her relationship with us. We went home knowing that
we had broken down an important barrier, and that now, we were free to move forward.
In the immortal words of John Denver, "who'd'a thunk it?"
I felt very proud to stand beside her on Saturday as the memorial was dedicated.
Proud to know that I had wrestled with my demons and put them to rest. The journey
of a thousand miles has begun. This IS how the peace begins....with the first step.
My heart to yours,
Ann
*********************************************************************
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
*********************************************************************
May 3-5, 2002 -- John Denver Spring Retreat,
Lebanon, PA
May 4, 2002 -- Windstar Chat with Chairman and CEO Dan McCormick
May 4, 2002 -- Chris Westfall in Concert, Gwynedd, PA
May 24-26, 2002 -- Windstar Volunteer Work Weekend
June 1, 2002 -- Colorado Friends of John Denver Annual Highway Cleanup, Vail, CO
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
*********************************************************************
SEE DETAILS ON CALENDAR EVENTS IN NEWSLETTER
*********************************************************************
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
*********************************************************************
"We must learn to live together as brothers
or perish together as fools."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
*********************************************************************
LETTERS
*********************************************************************
RE: KIM VICKERS
From Jenny Hunter: (jenden1099@yahoo.com)
Ann, I'm touched and saddened by your news of Kim Vickers. I remember well her beautiful
spiritual writing painting a magical picture in my mind. She was very supportive
of me and my fears that paralyzed me when I was going through surgery a few years
ago. My fear of pain and the medical practice was the biggest fear in my life going
all the way back to my childhood and I've passed out more times than I can count.
I can also say that with Kim's help, I did get my fears under control. While I was
on my way to a pre-surgery blood test, I saw a red-tailed hawk soaring. That was
the image I thought about during the test and I felt myself get light headed and
just kept thinking about how beautiful the hawk was. It was the first time in my
life I'd stopped myself from passing out. I also went through clinical hypnosis the
day before my surgery and handled it like a pro. The "safe place" where
I imagined myself to be was the geodesic dome at Windstar and the surgeon played
John's music for me in the operating room.
I love Kim's story that you printed as it was so spiritually connected and somehow
seems to have deeper meanings for her own life. I'm so sorry for her loss as she
wrote with sincere honesty and poetry- the same things I strive for in my artwork
or writing. Truly I can see John's influence in her and wish I could have met her.
I'd like to make a suggestion that we could honor her by publishing some of her words
in the Peace Cloth or put some cloth of hers there. Like John, she's gone too soon.
She truly is a child of the Spirit who will always be with us.
Thank you Kim for everything that you are.
"Love is only letting go of fear"..... Jenny
*****
FLORIDA AREA LOOKING FOR WINDSTAR MEMBERS
We do have three members who recently sent in their Windstar membership monies and
at least a couple more
and possibly three who plan to do so. THEN, I will be sending in the papers to make
us officially the Florida Windstar Connection group!!! I'm SOOOOO excited about it!
I can't believe it's actually going to become a reality that I will be a division
of Windstar right here in my town, like I had envisioned many months ago! We will
have a great group, capable of doing great things!
Contact Sherry at backhomagain@yahoo.com for more information.
*****
RE: EARTH DAY DEEDS
Thanks to all who sent news of their Earth Day deeds....I'm in awe of all of you!
Ann
From Jackie (starwood76@msn.com)
Hello Ann,
I've been thinking about getting a group together to help me clean up a park nearby.
Its an absolutely beautiful park in Wayne, NJ and I'd like to find some JD people
who would be willing to help me clean the place up. I couldn't believe the trash
that was thrown there, and I hear it also washes up on shore from the lake.
Thanks!
Have a wonderful day~
Jackie
(Please write to Jackie if you're in the area and interested in helping out -- AS)
*****
From Wendy Nelson (Ladron23@aol.com):
Dear Ann,
I will take a few moments here, and post to you what I personally did for Earth Day
2000 at my work. The outcome of this most special day could and should have been
more successful, in my mind and heart. However, I was able to reach some people,
and they thanked me for my hard work and caring.
I am a grocery checker for Albertson's close by where I live. Early in 2000, I was
getting wonderful inspirational ideas that kept popping in my mind while trying to
sleep. I could envision what I could do for Earth Day 2000 for my store, and ways
to get each and every department involved.....First, I had to convince my bosses
that this was something that needed to happen at our store.
My idea sprang from Tom's of Maine toothpaste carton, of all things. While looking
at their website, I realized how much that they do and care about the environment;
so along those thoughts, I started researching the many different store products
and companies that have their items for sale. Paul Newman's was another that completely
surprised me with the amount of money that their company donates to help others and
the environment. And the list went on and on.
Then I started thinking about our local communities here that work with others to
care for the environment. Many hearts, many places....Then that led to of course,
John Denver, Mardy Murie, Jacques Cousteau, David Brower, and on and on..
So, for over two months I researched and gathered materials for an Earth Day display....I
wanted so very much to share my knowledge with others. I was able to go to a grade
school and talk about John Denver, give them posters that I had purchased, and books,
and help in planting of small flower plants that each child took home.
This Earth Day was right before Easter, and my store director insisted that I not
interfere with any merchandise for the holiday, and that I not be *political* or
offend any customers...So, I did have a display, for two days, on one table. My son,
Judd, helped me set up and take down the display...It was so very difficult to decide
which items to display; I had enough for at least two, maybe three tables. I was
so impressed with the contributions that people and organizations sent me. Jeanie
from Windstar sent me some wonderful pamphlets on energy savings, Melissa Poe sent
me her speech from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, Dr. David Suzuki's organization sent
me hundreds of pamphlets and the Declaration for Interdependence, The Cousteau Society
sent me many magazines, and I bought some wonderful posters from The Jane Goodall
organization....
I can honestly say that I was very disappointed in the lukewarm response of my bosses,
but very proud of my part in my Earth Day 2000.
Peace,
Wendy Nelson
*****
From Carole Romanowski (whispjesse@aol.com):
I'm planning two events to celebrate Earth Day this year. First I hope to attend
the Earth Day commemoration at Tibbetts Brook Park around the corner from my house
where the event is usually held each year. Tents are set up displaying bookmarks,
books, posters, etc. with environmental messages and nature scenes, plus free foot-high
tree saplings. I planted one of these - a Douglas Fir - in my backyard four years
ago and plan to get another one this year for planting - sort of like a JD Plant-It
2002! I usually wear my JD bead and string necklace ordered from Emily Parris to
the park, and people stop and comment on it while I tell them about John's role as
a nature preservationist.
Second, I plan to usher in Earth Day by planting flowers - probably marigolds - and
junipers around a unique bench I "made" in my backyard. Last Fall, I piled
up two columns of four large-sized rocks each, spaced them about three feet apart,
and topped them with a long, flat-topped rectangular rock slab to create my own JD
bench dedication! I used the rocks since they represent nature and are picturesque,
and I placed ceramic owls and frogs on each side of the bench. I hope this inspires
others to do the same, but whatever is done, Earth Day should not go by without giving
back to John and to nature some contribution for all they have given us.
*****
From Kathy Lill (denver@southwind.net)
Our Kansas Windstar Connection group will be teaming up with "Trees For Life"
to present an exhibit at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, KS for Earth Day Kansas
2002. The environmental fair for kids and classrooms,
sponsored by The Boeing Company, is scheduled for April 17th from 9-5. The Earth
Day event, which is in its 6th year, is attended largely by children and their classes
during school sponsored field trips. The zoo is open free to the public for this
event, in which over 40 exhibitors participate. It will feature hands-on activities
and participative learning about conservation, preservation, and protecting our planet.
The Trees for Life/Kansas Connection hands-on exhibit is designed to educate elementary
and grade school children the importance of trees in our community. Children will
have the opportunity to plant tree seeds provided by Trees for Life, to take home
and nurture. They will also receive educational materials regarding trees and their
benefits to the environment.
The Kansas Connection will provide information to teachers, parents, and the general
public, regarding The Windstar Foundation and its various programs, including Educator's
Week and Kid's Week.
Plans are also underway to air educational nature videos at the exhibit for passers-by
to view, as well as other hands-on activities for children to participate in. We
are expecting around 5,000 children to attend the event at the zoo.
This will be a great opportunity to get the word out about Windstar. We are looking
forward to this project which will be our largest project since our group formed
only a few months ago.
*****
From Mev Wilson (macaddict@fuse.net)
Members of Heart of Ohio Windstar Connection moved a mountain today! A mountain of
mulch... OK, maybe it was just a small hill. It sure seemed like a mountain at one
point.
The mulch was wheelbarrowed down and raked over a woodland trail at Camp Mary Orton
in Columbus. The camp has been the location for two John Denver Summer Celebrations
and Windstar One World 2001. This was our third annual Earth Day service project
at the camp. The day started out chilly, damp and overcast. It didn't take long until
we had worked up a sweat. The sun came out too, leaving at least this reporter a
bit red in the face.
Perhaps the best part about the hours we spent working was seeing the woods in her
spring transition. An abundance of wildflowers were visible everywhere -- violets
(both purple and yellow), mayapples, trillium, wild leek, Solomon's seal, toothwort,
to name a few. The dogwoods were in full loveliness too. The afternoon was a great
way to reconnect with our Mother the Earth.
Happy Earth Day, everyone. Go hug a tree!
Mev Wilson
Communications Director
Heart of Ohio Windstar Connection
*****
There are eaglets in the nest! Go to http://wa.gov/wdfw/viewing/wildcam/eaglecam/ for the Eagle Cam!
*****
WARNING: PARENTAL ADVISORY
From Carole Romanowski (whispjesse@aol.com )
I watched the TV movie "Warning: Parental Advisory" aired Sunday, April
2l with JD, played by Tom Guinee, with mixed emotions. JD always stood for freedom,
so it is not surprising he championed freedom of expression and opposed censorship
of inappropriate song lyrics at the 1985 record labeling hearings in Wash., D.C.
I believe his stand directly resulted in the use of record labeling, proposed by
Tipper Gore and the PMRC. I also do not believe John self-served in his views since
his own recording "Rocky Mountain High" was banned years ago with the misunderstanding
the song referred to drug usage. Instead, John put the whole problem of porn rock,
etc. into perspective by allowing its existence - but by also allowing our listening
choice.
What I did not like at the end of the movie was John shown recklessly waving his
guitar in the air and smashing it on the ground, singing he "doesn't have to
take it (suppression of freedom of expression) anymore." I do not believe JD
would ever behave in this manner and felt it cheapened his image and the message
of the movie. But that's just my opinion.
In closing, the movie was enjoyable, held my interest, and had redeeming value. And
it's always nice to see John, or someone playing John, on TV!
*****
I have my own comments about this movie, which are a little different from Carole's.
In viewing all the wonderful letters some of you sent me this past month regarding
what you did on Earth Day, it's apparent to me that you "got it". I wish
I could say the same of the writers and producers of TV programs who simply insist
on portraying John Denver as something slightly left of Gomer Pyle, but with far
less intelligence. We all know that John was an untiring humanitarian who sacrificed
his career and his personal relationships to support what he believed in. He was
bright, curious, extremely well-read and well-spoken, and above all else, he had
great integrity and passion. He was surely NOT some hayseed who lived in a purple
haze in Colorado, oblivious to what was going on in the world. And his quest to go
to space was neither a joke nor the musings of a rich diletante. To see him clutching
a space shuttle model like some idiotically grinning third grader demeans the man
and everything he stood for -- AS
*****
Please write to Jean at music12cat@yahoo.ca if you
can copy "Warning: Parental Advisory" for her. Thanks!
*********************************************************************
COMING EVENTS
*********************************************************************
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)
*****
WINDSTAR CHAT
Dear Windstar Global Family Member,
The Windstar Foundation invites you to join Windstar Chair and CEO Dan McCormick
on May 4th, 2002, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Pacific Daylight Time for an online
chat. Dan will answer questions and provide updates on current Windstar initiatives.
If you have not joined us before, participating in the chat is easy! Just sign on
at http//chat.wstar.org and click help on the next screen for instructions.
Hope to see you there,
Doug
Douglas G. MacDonald, Executive Director
Windstar Foundation
(970) 927-5435
WindstarCO@wstar.org
*****
CHRIS WESTFALL IN CONCERT
Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse, Gwynedd, PA
May 4, 2002
8:00 PM
Gwynedd, PA Friends Coffeehouse at the Gwynedd Quaker Meeting House on Route 202
& Sumneytown Pike in Gwynedd Valley, PA (Across from the William Penn Inn). This
Bucks County folk concert series is held on the 1st Saturday of the month except
for holidays. $3 donation requested - 50% goes to charity. Refreshments will be available
for a nominal fee. Doors open at 7:30 and the concert starts at 8:00 PM. Christopher
is thrilled to be their performer before they break from presentations for four months!
For directions or more information, email donnapinto@yahoo.com
Friends' Info: (215) 646-6890.
*****
WINDSTAR VOLUNTEER WORK WEEKEND
May 24-26, 2002
PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE AS THE REGISTRATION PROCESS HAS CHANGED
REGISTRATION FORMS ARE ON THE "WINDSTAR GLOBAL FAMILY" - MEMBERS ONLY PAGE
*****
COLORADO FRIENDS OF JOHN DENVER HIGHWAY CLEANUP
Greetings!
Now that winter has passed and spring has sprung, it's that time again to start thinking
about
our annual spring highway cleanup in Vail.
This year, we've scheduled it for Saturday, June 1st. Hopefully by scheduling it
a little later, we'll be able to invite some of the Windstar folks to join us. Also,
the traffic should be lighter, since it won't be Memorial Day weekend.
As before, the Antlers will be offering $50/night rates per room, and will be contributing
to our event. We're planning to have a BBQ lunch at the Antlers pool following cleanup,
and many of the Antlers employees will be doing a highway cleanup of their own on
that day.
John and Linda Adams will be joining us, and John will graciously share his music
at the BBQ.
Please let those know who are not on our list, and invite them to join us. Since
we were not able to do a fall cleanup because of snow, we should have our work cut
out for us!
Let me know if you can attend, so I can start a head-count. For room reservations,
please call
the Antlers at Vail: 825-8445 (Denver line); 1-800-843-8245 (toll free); or direct
(970) 476-2471.
Each year this has been a wonderful time for everyone to get together, volunteer,
and enjoy springtime
in the Rockies! Sure hope to see everyone again this year.
All the best,
Evelyn and Rob
evepin@colorado.net
*****
A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER: THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC 2002
June 28 and 29, 2002
Hibernia County Park in Chester Co., PA and 29.
Tickets for "A Tribute to John Denver: The Man & His Music 2002," sponsored
by WEEU and The Inn at Reading--Clarion, are now on sale. Program is subject to change.
For details and to keep abreast of changes, details of festivities, and general information
go to www.judithgabriel.com.
Ticket prices are as follows:
$18 for Friday Evening--all acoustic concert with speaker Bruce Gordon
$37 all day Saturday festival with speakers, video, presentations, culminating in
concert
$45 two day ticket
$80 VIP ticket 2 day ticket plus Meet and Greet the Performers after Sat. evening
concert at The Inn at Reading--Clarion
I highly recommend The Inn at Reading--Clarion if you plan to stay over night. Without
them, I would not have been able to produce this concert. It is a little drive from
the concert site, about 30-40 minutes, but you can then enjoy the Meet and Greet
and go right to bed. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is only a half hour north of The Inn
at Reading--Clarion also. Lots of other exciting things going on--Peace Cloth display,
silent auction, and beautiful surroundings. In May and June, listen to WEEU. They
will have interviews with the performers/speakers.
You may buy tickets two ways: Send money and note of how many tickets, making the
check out to JD Tribute Concert Donation and send to same at P.O. Box 13363, Reading,
PA 19612 OR in seven days "Tickets available through www.TicketWeb.com."
There you will be able to use a credit card. Volunteers are responsible for a great
deal but get in free. I will pick the first 20. Thanks in advance.
Let's make this a great kick off event for this foundation in John's memory.
Contact Judith Gabriel 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
*********************************************************************
FOR SALE
*********************************************************************
Wildlife Creations (http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation/) has lots of wonderful items that make great gifts for yourself
or others. Be sure to check us out in May as we introduce a new CD by Melanie Trondson!
She "hosts" the singalong event at the Assisted Living Center in Aspen.
We'll start taking preorders May 1 so come check us out to learn more about this
wonderful CD! 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.
In this healing time
Thank you for helping to make
the world a better place to live,
Diana and Susan
Wildlife Creations
http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation/
*********************************************************************
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
*********************************************************************
DENlines, 17 April, 2002
Keep in mind that this was sent before Earth Day, and also, before the Senate vote
on ANWR -- AS
1. EARTH DAY 2002: Time to renew our commitment to wildlife
Earth Day arrives Monday with our wildlife and wild lands facing their greatest threat
in a generation. With the help of Interior Secretary Gale Norton and other allies
in the Bush administration, wealthy special interests have launched an unprecedented
assault on America's vanishing natural heritage. Defenders of Wildlife President
Rodger Schlickeisen called it "a clear, massive and undeniable strategy on the
part of the Bush administration and its appointees from industry to weaken, undermine
and subvert the nation's environmental protection laws to benefit their big corporate
supporters." Defenders is joining other environmental groups across the country
in acting to ensure that laws protecting wildlife are enforced.
Click here for an audio report from Schlickeisen, who went to Florida this week to
announce actions to help protect endangered manatees and other species: http://www.defenders.org/audio/02.html. Click here to read our new, in-depth report "Open
Season On America's Wildlife": http://www.defenders.org/newsroom/openseason.pdf. And read this special edition of DENlines to find out what
you can do to help.
2. BACKROOM VOTE-BUYING: Big Oil's allies hatch new scheme to exploit Arctic
refuge
Big Oil's political allies are resorting to cynical schemes to pressure senators
to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling. In the latest, they tried
to tie drilling to a steel industry bailout. Even the pro-drilling Wall Street Journal
denounced this ploy as an attempt to "bribe" votes. Secretary Norton, meanwhile,
is functioning like a press agent for Big Oil, distributing an industry-produced
video depicting the refuge as a frozen tundra. "The Interior Department shouldn't
be spreading oil company propaganda any more than the Department of Energy should
be promoting Enron stock," Congressman Edward Markey of Massachusetts said.
Celebrate Earth Day by urging your senators to save the Arctic refuge. The Senate
is likely to vote this week, and only a handful of votes will make the difference.
To make your voice heard, go to www.SaveArcticRefuge.org.
And help spread the word about the threat to the refuge by sharing this edition of
DENlines with friends.
3. FOR 40 MINUTES OF OIL: Rocky Mountain
Front in the cross hairs
If you think the Alaska refuge is the only important wildlife habitat under siege
by Big Oil, think again. Secretary Norton, the chief steward of one of every four
acres of this country's land, has issued an open invitation to the oil, gas, mining
and timber industries to exploit great swaths of America's last remaining wild places.
One major target is the spectacular Rocky Mountain Front. It's the only place in
the Lower 48 where grizzly bears still roam from the mountains to their historic
habitat on the plains, and it's a major corridor for some of the largest remaining
herds of big horn sheep, elk and moose, as well as rare species such as wolves, wolverine
and lynx. Oil development would destroy this land. And what would we gain? Enough
oil to satisfy U.S. demand for less than 40 minutes.
An amendment to the energy bill now before the Senate would seriously weaken environmental
protections for oil and gas pipelines across public land. To speak out against this
harmful proposal, go to www.DenAction.org and respond to Alert 149.
4. IGNORING THE LAW: No sanctuary for manatees
Defenders of Wildlife asked a federal judge this week to force Secretary Norton to
comply with a court-approved agreement establishing 16 new safe havens for Florida
manatees. Norton has been flouting the agreement. Instead, speeding to the aid of
boat manufacturers, marinas and pleasure boaters, she's trying to weaken protections
for the imperiled sea cows. She ignored the objections of a supervisor in one of
her own agencies when she decided to allow boat manufacturers to test watercraft
at high speeds inside existing manatee sanctuaries. Last year alone, 81 manatees
died in collisions with boats, and powerboats killed 18 more just this past January
-- a record for a single month.
Tell Secretary Norton that she must act now to protect manatees from reckless pleasure
boaters. To send your message, go to www.HelpManatees.org.
5. GHOSTS OF THE SELKIRKS: Last herd of caribou
moves closer to extinction
The woodland caribou is one of our most highly endangered species. Only 30 of the
animals remain alive in the contiguous United States. They're known, sadly, as the
"the Ghosts of the Selkirks." But the U.S. Forest Service is allowing the
Stimson Lumber Co. to log the Colville National Forest in the Selkirk Mountains of
northeastern Washington -- right in the path of this last herd of caribou. That's
even though government wildlife scientists have concluded that logging will likely
result in the deaths of caribou, as well as grizzly bears and lynx, and the further
fragmentation of their vanishing habitat.
6. WHERE WILDLIFE COMES FIRST? Not when it's up to Norton
"Wildlife comes first" in national wildlife refuges, according to the government
slogan. But Secretary Norton is standing by while irrigators along the Snake River
drain the habitat of millions of migratory birds that depend on the Deer Flat National
Wildlife Refuge in Idaho. Norton is refusing to appeal an Idaho court ruling that
denies water rights to the refuge. That refuge -- 100 islands in the Snake River
-- was created in 1937 by President Roosevelt to protect migratory birds.
Earth Day is a time to send the message that America's natural heritage is precious
and belongs to all of us, not just the special interests. To find an Earth Day event
near you, click here http://www.earthday.net/events/events-us.stm.
7. HELP SAVE MANATEES: We'll thank you with a plush manatee toy
Help save the lives of Florida's manatees. Please make a contribution of $25 or more,
and we'll thank you with a plush manatee toy. Your donation will be used in our efforts
to pressure Secretary Norton not to take away federal protections for these endangered
animals. http://www.defenders.org/donate/manatee.html.
Defenders of Wildlife
1101 14th Street, N.W.
Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20005
*********************************************************************
NEWSLETTER NEWS
*********************************************************************
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 next edition is May 19, 2002.
Please be sure to include any contact information so that members can e-mail or snail-mail
for further details.
*********************************************************************
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.
*********************************************************************
". . . 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."
********************************************************************