IAT NEWSLETTERFebruary 2004 |
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Calendar of Events | Environmental News | For Sale | Fundraisers |
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Letter from the President | Letters | Newsletter News | Organization Information |
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"IT'S ABOUT TIME WE BEGIN IT,
TO TURN THE WORLD AROUND . . . "
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ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
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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@comcast.net)
Co-Presidents -- Ann Schnitz (aerie01@comcast.net) and
Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
Web Site -- -- http://home.comcast.net/~tybrenn/iat/
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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Dear Friends,
Just a quick note this month, since there are lots of interesting letters below.
I am more than proud to be able to promote our sister organizations, The Singing
Skies Foundation, The John Denver Foundation, The Windstar Foundation and The John
Denver Memorial Peace Cloth as they go forward in making a wonderful difference in
our world. I hope you'll do what you can to help support these great groups!
My heart to yours,
Ann
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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You and I want our lives to matter. We want
our lives to make a real difference -- to be of genuine consequence in the world.
We know that there is no satisfaction in merely going through the motions, even if
those motions make us successful, or even if we have arranged to make those motions
pleasant. We want to know we have made some impact on the world. In fact, you and
I want to contribute to the quality of life. We want to make the world work.
~Werner Erhard
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FUNDRAISER
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Nothing to report this month
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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February 27, 2004 * Watchung, NJ -- Chris
Westfall in Concert, 7 PM
Watchung Performing Arts Center Singer-Songwriter Showcase $10. Chris will perform
one set. Contact: www.watchungarts.org
March 6, 2004 * Leesburg, FL "Rocky Mountain Memories" - a musical tribute
to John Denver performed by Ron Rich 8:00pm Paul Williams Auditorium, Lake Sumter
Community College, 9501 US Highway 441 $15 http://www.cabinsong.com
March 6, 2004 * Gwynedd, PA * Christopher Westfall return engagement at the Friends
Folk Coffeehouse 8:00pm
http://www.gwyneddfriends.org/coffeehouse0304.html
March 27, 2004 * Barton Under Needwood, England - Mack Bailey Concert for The England
Friends of John Denver
http://www.travelingtroubadour.com/index.html
April 3, 2004* Pete Huttlinger in concert, Guitar Night, at the First Seacoast
Guitar Festival, 8:00pm. Unitarian Church (usually called the South Church) at 292
State St. in Portsmouth, NH. (Dave Mallet will be performing there Friday night,
Songwriter Night.) Tickets via the web or phone 207-363-1886. Tickets are $15 advance
or $25 for a two day pass. Follow the link for more info. http://www.seacoastguitar.org.
If anyone needs any help e-mail me. ~Richard (richolm@adelphia.net)
April 4, 2004 * Claremont, CA - John Denver Tribute Concert with Jim Curry and part
of John Denver's band. Candlelight Pavilion / 455 West Foothill Blvd. / 6:30pm Tickets:
$20 - $40 909-626-1254 http://www.candlelightpavilion.com
April 17, 2004 * "An Evening of Acoustic Music with Christopher Westfall."
6 PM South Seneca High School, Ithaca NY. $10. Benefit for Elementary School musical
instruments drive. Contact: kkaminsky@southseneca.k12.ny.us
April 23-25, 2004 * Cassville, PA / Spring 2004 Retreat - PA Friends of John Denver.
Bitter Goose Lodge. $45.00 Pat Liddic <tigersnwolves@comcast.net>
April 30, 2004 * Denver, Colorado - "John Denver Celebrated!" A benefit
for the Two Hearts Cabin Restoration Project - Featuring Mack Bailey and Chris Nole.
7:30pm Tickets: $22.50 Swallow Hill, 71 E. Yale Avenue / twoheartscabin@yahoo.com
Swallow Hill Box Office: 1-877-214-7013; www.geocities.com/highpeak_99/WindstarColoradoConnection.html
May 8, 2004 * Christopher Westfall, Charlie Zahm, & Tad Marks at their SECOND
ANNUAL SPRING FOLK CONCERT starting 7:30 PM at the Salem United Church of Christ
in Doylestown, PA. Email honer@erols.com
May 22, 2004 - Tiburon, Ca - John Denver Memorial Concert 7:00pm Community Congregational
Church, 145 Rock Hill Dr. Jim and Anne Curry performing. (510) 234-8843; George Schumer:
Itamazesus@aol.com
(thanks to Emily Parris and the Rocky Mountain High newsletter for some of these
dates)
REMINDER::: The John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth is available for all JD-related
events. Please email peaceclothinfo@yahoogroups.com for more information, or see our website at www.johndenverpeacecloth.com
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LETTERS
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Hello IAT!
Well, Singing Skies Foundation finally has a presentable web site!
I will give a nutshell view of SSF, but first let me share that we are having a John
Denver Memorial Concert Saturday, May 22, 2004, 7pm at Community Congregational Church,
145 Rock Hill Drive, Tiburon, CA, featuring Jim and Anne Curry. If you could
place it on your calendar page, that would be great.
Singing Skies Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation whose purpose is supporting
John Denver music. It awards prizes to young people willing to perform
John's music, as well as to people who have distinguished themselves in their efforts
to ensure John's legacy.
For more info, visit the Foundation web site at www.singingskies.org
geochu
(George Schumer, President, Singing Skies Foundation)
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From Judith Gabriel (judithgabriel@comcast.net)
Hi!
We are looking for people to join The John Denver
Foundation as board members and fundraising committee folk. In the past four
years, we have given $4,000 away, mostly to Hawk Mt. Sanctuary with small amounts
going to The Hunger Project and The Windstar Foundation. We gave a small sum
to The Reading-Berks Human Relations Board, and this year will be giving a $1,000
scholarship to a Berks Co. student majoring in environmental science or another earth-related
science.
We will be giving the scholarship every year. We also are part of a project
with The Arbor Day Foundation and supported by Sycamore Spring Farms in a research
project with Hazelnut bushes instead of trees. This high yield bush is a very
woody plant that not only absorbs a lot of pollution but as stated gives a high yield
of fruit. We also are donating 10 trees to the Berks Conservancy to plant on
their trail refurbishing project either in Oley or on Neversink Mt.
OUR NEXT DINNER/CONCERT IS 17 SEPTEMBER 2004 AT THE INN AT READING, READING, PA
Our ultimate plan is to raise money to put on a big weekend concert with a name artist
on Saturday and a folk concert on Sunday. After our first big concert, we will
be well on our way to becoming a big contributor to county environmental, educational,
and humanitarian needs while providing wonderful music and entertainment for the
county and bringing tourists into the area.
We are not a membership organization. So we would like to build a large group
of committee people. We lots of committee folk to spread the work and sell
a few tickets or whatever our fundraiser is, we will be assured plenty of income
to continue our goal.
Please consider spending a little time and selling a few tickets or cards, or raffle
tickets to your friends, colleagues, relatives, church members, and other associates.
It would be well worth your time and effort. Please get back to me via email or call
610-371-9122
Thank you for your time and consideration
(PS -- Road cleanup days for the PA Friends of JD Adopt-a-Highway are as follows:
March 28, May 16, July 25, and Oct. 24. They are all Sundays and are
all at 1:00 p.m. except July 25 which will be at 9 a.m. because of the heat.
For directions and more information call 610-371-9122 or email judithgabriel@comcast.net)
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From Dreux DeMack (dreuxdog@comcast.net)
Windstar Foundation members, Connection members and Friends:
It is exciting to look ahead to 2004 and see so many great projects that the Windstar
Foundation and the Connections programs have scheduled. Many plans are underway by
members of several Connections, and happily, many members who have been less active
are stepping up to the table and getting involved on many fronts. Of course, we want
the entire membership to participate in events and projects, so feel free to step
to the table as well. From Windstar's home state, the Colorado Connection has some
major projects in the works for 2004. More on that later.
I write today on another note actually. It is exciting to see what lays ahead for
the Windstar Foundation. While there was a perceived setback recently with the departure
of the Board of Directors, I can assure you that there is plenty of existing energy
and new energy building within the Windstar Foundation. As the saying goes, however,
it begins at home, meaning, it begins with you!
Members of all Connections have a unique opportunity
to build support for the Foundation and for good reason. Not only because this year
is a turning point in the Windstar Foundation future, but also the ante has been
upped through a new commitment to Windstar by developing several new projects. The
momentum is there for all to contribute to. If you have any doubt individually or
as a group that the long-term commitment is lagging for Windstar, you need only look
at what Windstar, Windstar members AND your Connection groups are working on together.
But more importantly, you should know that Windstar has a very bright future ahead
with Ron Deutschendorf at the helm of Windstar. His commitment is very strong to
continue building on the recent successes at Windstar. For example, membership grew
an estimated 60% last year and Windstar is operating with a positive budget for the
first time in years. The Windstar Wish List is being filled by some of our Connection
group members. Closer to my home and heart, several projects spearheaded by the Colorado
Connection have enjoyed the support of Windstar members across the country. And it
is getting more exciting by the day, literally.
Some of you may worry about the sustained heartbeat
of Windstar. Or you may not know some of the behind the scenes operations and organization
going on to build a confident and committed Board of Directors. Common ground is
being established as we build the Windstar future because finally, there are real
results to be seen for the Foundation after several years of baby steps after John's
death. Ron has tremendous energy and desire to recognize those people and groups
who will take Windstar to the next level and I ask each of you in the Windstar family
to be patient and positive as the work of so many people come together. There is
much to be encouraged by and soon the whole world will be able to tap into this spirit
of growth.
I also invite you to visit our Colorado Connection website regularly as it is being
updated constantly now with new information about Windstar and other programs and
events that we have developed in partnership with Windstar.
http://www.geocities.com/highpeak_99/WindstarColoradoConnection.html
I encourage each of you to ask questions and know that Windstar is growing each day
in ways we all hoped for and will continue to do so as each of us contributes our
ideas and energy and our vision. Be informed and learn all you can as we escort the
Windstar Foundation to great accomplishments in 2004 and beyond. Get involved, renew
your membership, restore your faith and be ready to make a difference! It's your
choice.
Sincerely,
Dreux DeMack
Windstar Colorado Connection Secretary/Treasurer
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From Debra Chilton (wilco@paclink.com)
Hi all,
Some of you may be aware that singer songwriter Kyle Vincent has written a song called
"Sierra", which includes the lyrics:
Where have you gone John Denver?
I still can hear your voice echo through
It's not too long we still remember
Your words of harmony rang true
"Sierra" has been accepted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which is collecting songs that express love of
the environment, humanity, and self-development in the name of peace. When finished,
"New Songs for Peace" will be a book of songs available to teachers, activists,
singers and others as a way of promoting both singing and a consciousness for peace.
"Sierra" will be featured in this book! Here's the website to Kyle's lyrics
and those of other participants: http://www.newsongsforpeace.org/songs-vincent1.html
Also, in Kyle's latest newsletter:
"I am honored to announce that the lyrics to 'Sierra', from "Solitary Road",
will soon be included on the John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth. The Peace Cloth is
the creation of thousands of people worldwide who have contributed material or created
beautiful works of art that represent their dream of a peaceful world. The cloth
is now well over 2000 feet long and travels throughout the world as a message for
peace and in memory of John Denver's legacy of a world without hunger, in support
of the environment and peace. John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth is a non-profit organization
under the auspices of The Windstar Foundation."
We are thrilled to have Kyle on board.
...if peace is our vision, let us begin!
Debra Chilton
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WEBSITES OF INTEREST
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None this month
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FOR SALE
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Peace Cloth Items!
Don't forget to check out www.johndenverpeacecloth.com (Peace Cloth Store) for exclusive
John Denver items. All proceeds benefit The John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth.
Also -- if you shop online, please visit our virtual mall: www.johndenverpeacecloth.onecause.com -- every sale at a store in the mall returns a donation
to the Cloth. The Peace Cloth now has eScrip -- please see our website for
more information.
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If you're looking for something special
for a special someone, come check out what Wildlife Creations (http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation)
has to offer!! We have many items relating to John Denver and other items that would
make fantastic gifts for people you know and love! Or a gift for someone who
is hard to buy for, something that they will talk about for years! From keychains,
snowglobes, t-shirts, potpourri jars and more!!! We're sure you'll find
something! And remember, whenever you purchase from Wildlife Creations, you're not
only giving a gift to someone you know, but to the Windstar Foundation and also the
National Wildlife Federation, in John's memory, for wolf education as all proceeds
are given to them. Wildlife Creations is now offering a feature product. Checkout
the website for this month's offering! For more information, you can email
us at wldlifecreation@wildmail.com.
In this healing time...
Thank you for helping to make the world
a better place in which to live,
Diana and Susan
Wildlife Creations
http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation
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For Sale: cassettes of rare, unreleased songs sung by John Denver in the early
years and videotapes of John Denver concerts, specials and movies. Please contact
Connie for a list at rhymesandreasons@aol.com
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
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DENlines 2/19/04
A Biweekly Update from Defenders of Wildlife: Working to Save Wildlife and Wild Lands
Bush Administration Plans to Weaken Grazing Rules on Public Lands
Wyoming's Proposed Changes to State Wolf Plan Still Lacks Protection for Wolves
Help Save the Lives of Alaska's Wolves
Forest Experts Say Too Many Fires Fought
Alaska Sea Otters Slated for Endangered Species List
Leaner Energy Bill Still Bad for Wildlife, Conservationists Say
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1. Bush Administration Plans to Weaken Grazing Rules on Public Lands
Once again, the Bush administration is attempting to shut the public out of decisions
made about public lands. Despite the administration's own acknowledgment that their
plans to weaken grazing rules on 160 million acres of public lands could cause damage
to rangeland and wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is continuing to blaze
a trail in that direction. The BLM plan would undo grazing reforms enacted under
President Clinton, limit public participation in many decisions, and eliminate the
public's ability to challenge the bureau on endangered species issues. Conservationists
contend that the rule could perpetuate the destruction of streams, cause erosion,
spread weeds and disease, and displace wildlife. Learn more.
2. Wyoming's Proposed Changes to State Wolf Plan Still Lacks Protection for Wolves
As readers of this newsletter will recall, Defenders has sued the federal government to maintain
protections for gray wolves. Despite the lawsuit, the Bush administration is continuing
its plan to remove protections for the species. Following a meeting between Wyoming
legislators and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Steve Williams, two bills
were proposed in the state government to bring Wyoming's plan for wolf management
in line with the Bush administration's efforts to delist the animal in the northern
Rockies (see DENlines, January 22, 2004). The latest version of the legislation essentially
removes penalties for illegally killing wolves throughout the state, while changing
their classification to a "trophy game species" that residents can legally
kill with $5 permits. Learn more about the plight of the gray wolves and stay tuned
for the opportunity to take action to protect the wolves.
3. Help Save the Lives of Alaska's Wolves
The barbaric wolf killing continues. At least 42 wolves have been killed by aerial
gunners in Alaska. Private hunters with permits - who can gun wolves down from the
air, or run them to exhaustion, then land and shoot them point blank - plan to kill
up to 180 wolves. Defenders has petitioned Interior Secretary Gale Norton to declare
the aerial gunning program illegal under the Federal Airborne Hunting Act and stop
the wolf killing immediately. We must stop the massacre. Make an emergency tax-deductible
contribution today. Thanks for doing your part.
4. Forest Experts Say Too Many Fires Fought
According to a New York Times story (purchase required), a group of forest experts
are suing the U.S. Forest Service to get the agency to conduct the first official
review of its firefighting plans. The group, Forest Service Employees for Environmental
Ethics, argues that the service fights too many fires in wilderness areas, away from
homes and communities, which endangers firefighters and the ecosystems that have
relied on natural forest fire for thousands of years. One member of the group, Ken
Weaver, lost his son in a forest fire that he believes should not have been fought.
"His death was needless," Weaver told the Times. "That fire threatened
nothing, and certainly nothing worth the lives of the four firefighters who perished."
5. Alaska Sea Otters Slated for Endangered Species List
Responding to a lawsuit by several conservation organizations, federal officials
announced a proposal to place southwest Alaska's sea otters on the endangered species
list. Alaska's sea otters nearly became extinct due to fur hunting in the 19th and
early part of the 20th centuries. The species rebounded after hunting was banned
in 1911, but the southwestern Alaska population, which now numbers approximately
9,000, has steadily declined by about 90 percent since the 1980s. Comments on the
proposal are due June 10.
6. Leaner Energy Bill Still Bad for Wildlife,
Conservationists Say
The new energy bill cannot necessarily be described as new and improved, according
to conservationists. Although some of the anti-environmental provisions have been
removed, including the provisions protecting producers of the water-polluting gasoline
additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), many others remain. The bill is full
of pork for the coal, nuclear, and oil and gas industries and would lead to a gutting
of clean water, and other environmental laws on federal and Native American land.
If enacted, it would reduce the royalties that the public receives from energy developers,
imperil coastal areas and allow the burning of old-growth forest for energy production,
among other things. Stay tuned for more information and the chance to take action
to stop the bloated energy bill.
Defenders of Wildlife
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Copyright Defenders of Wildlife 2004
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POETRY
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None this month
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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 next edition is March 19, 2004. 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 contents of this newsletter are entirely at the discretion of the "It's
About Time" staff. Contributions, as always, are welcomed, although
inclusion is not guaranteed. All contributed material may be subject to editing
for content and length.
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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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