Hello everyone.

Before I begin this months newsletter, I want to take a moment to thank all of those who have provided the information for this newsletter. Due to a crisis in my personal life, I have not had the time to put into this organization, and I am so grateful to everyone for pitching in and making sure that the momentum keeps going.

As most of you are probably aware, the look of our webpage ( http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/index.html ) has not changed in quite some time. Well, the time has come to begin to make some new changes and express our identity. Therefore, we have decided to hold a LOGO CONTEST to come up with a new logo for the group. So, let's all show our creativity and/or artistic ability in designing a logo. All designs should be submitted to Sandy or Marcelle. Finalists will be chosen by Sandy, Marcelle, and Theresa. Everyone will have a chance to vote on the actual winner.

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Quote of the month:

June's quote is from Carol (Meow) from OK:

Thank god for this family that John made for us, the family he gave to us. When you're a member of John's family, the trust and love and support are built-in. We are the lucky ones, aren't we?

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Fundraisers:

The Cyber Cookbook was a great success! I will be mailing all of the checks - a grand total of $442 - to The Hunger Project this week. Thank you so much to all who helped make this a success with their recipes and orders. A very special thank you goes to Sandy for all of her time and effort into collecting the recipes, putting the cookbook together (which I think is absolutely wonderful!), and making sure that everyone who ordered one was able to access it. Anyone who had placed an order but not yet sent the money, please do so at this time. I will make another donation with any late arrivals in about a month or so. Let's see if we can break that $500 all told!

If you have anything that you would be willing to donate to the raffle, we would really appreciate it. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the Windstar Land Conservancy. Thanks.

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Tree Plantings:

From Mary Ellen Padget in Indiana:

This was a day that I will carry with me forever. First I want to thank Steve Stockton, assistant park manager for helping me choose the site and setting up the planning, and to Rick Scott, the naturalist that helped us get our supplies together and helped carry the tree to it's spot. He provided the mulch and instructions on how to properly plant a tree. I've never met kinder people in all my life. This started out as a simple tree planting on my part to honor John. What happened next just blew me away. Diana Taylor asked if I needed help and if she could perform a Native American tree blessing. Brian Taylor offered to come down and help with the planting and play music for us. Harold Simpson asked if we needed help with the shovel and that he would like to come and do The Lord's Prayer in Native American sign language..we thought an illness in the family was going to cause him to have to cancel. Patty (Columbine), her husband Robin, and their son came down from Michigan too. We met a very nice family that read my post on the newsgroup. Christy and Ed Frampton and their sons.We're really all connected in our feelings for John and our concerns for our mother Earth. We started out not meeting up as planned so I went down with the ranger to set the camera up and leave the tree. It started pouring..Oh come on, please a little sunshine on my shoulders! LOL I had time to sit and think with my tree. I felt John all around. Then I heard voices..There was the park ranger and Harold! He made it! Eventually it was Harold, Ed, and me and we decided to start digging the hole while we waited for the others. When it was pretty much done...I remembered that Wolf (Diana) was supposed to bless the ground first!!! I told the guys and they graciously filled it back in...even covered it with leaves! Wolf eventually saw it on video anyway so we were caught! LOL When Wolf got there, we were all innocent of course! Brian brought his guitar down while Diana performed her ceremony. He played "Late Winter, Early Spring". Very peaceful.. While we were all being smudged to enter the area (where we'd already been, right Harold and Ed?) we thought of all of our fellow World Family of John Denver members who were there in spirit. We took turns digging in the muck and decided that we must really be dedicated to not let the nasty weather deter our enthusiam. (Well, they did, I felt bad it was raining on them) We attached a tag with the type of tree and that it was planted by the World Family of John Denver. We sang Plant A Tree from the Arbor Day Foundation and Garden Song. We said a prayer for the tree from Susan (Wolfpup). Then we decided to head up to the picnic area where it wasn't so muddy. We were sorry to hear that Harold had to leave at this point but he did get to hear Brian sing "Blue Water World". There we finished our tribute. Thirstyboots had sent a poem that we all read together. And then Brian played my special request..emotions and tears everywhere! That got to me like I hadn't expected. To The Wild Country has a new memory for me now. One of being with caring friends. After my tears stopped, I looked up to see everyone crying with me! Now that's friendship!! :) After awhile it started raining again. We moved into the shelter. As Brian sang, some birds were singing along with him..It was so pretty! Then he sang "My Sweet Lady" for Wolf and came and sat at the picnic table across from us. We finished the program with "Friends With You". We all put our arms around each other and sang along. Then the planned part of the tribute was over. Brian made the mistake of saying "Do you have any special requests?" We kept him for another 2-21/2 hours. We had a sing-a-long! We only quit because it was getting dark. We all drove into Crawfordsville and had dinner. Patty had bought her pictures of her day with John at my request ..I'm so jealous! and then we finally called it a night at 11:30. and all went our own way ... this day will be forever etched in my mind. We all helped this beautiful oak tree get a good start. Brian said something to the effect of, It had more caring and good wishes than most trees when they start out. I really feel like I have a very special place I can go and talk to John and the fact that everyone contributed to it, just makes it more special. It is truly "OUR" tree.

(*Note from Marcelle - I have a listing of the songs performed by Brian at this event. If you are interested in seeing it, just email me for it.)

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Adopt-A-Highway

I am currently involved in a group affiliated with but not officially a part of IAT that is trying to organize an Adopt-A-Highway in MA. We are looking for volunteers to help us with this. All it involves is a commitment to clean a 2 mile stretch of highway a few times a year. If you are interested in helping out, please contact (and they are gonna love me for putting them in charge of this!) Ellen (Ellen10b@aol.com), Melissa (WebBigD@webtv.com), or Kathy (110307.2735@compuserve.com).

From Diane Nilsson in Wilton, NH: New Hampshire Friends of John Denver is pleased to announce that we will hold our first highway clean-up: WHEN: Sunday, June 28 at noon. WHERE: We will meet at Friendly's Restaurant in Peterborough Plaza, Peterborough, NH then will caravan to Dublin Lake for the clean-up. Please bring gloves and a small water bottle. WHO: Anyone over the age of 11 is welcome to join us. We need all the help we can get! CONTACT: Diane at dnilsson@tellink.net

From Joan Kurtz in Long Island, NY: I, too, have "adopted-a-highway" but mine is a 2-mile stretch of my residential development. My town provides me with the bags, a reflector vest and work gloves. They expect me to clean this area 4 times a year. I've had it for 2 months and have cleaned it 2 times already! I am eagerly awaiting for the town to erect the signs saying, "Long Island Friends of John Denver." I know that someone else on LI has also adopted an area near her home so LI may be networked real soon, too.

From Ann Schnitz in Delaware: The Delaware Friends of John Denver have also adopted a 2 mile stretch of highway. We're still waiting to find out which piece we get and when we'll be able to go out and do our thing! More details to follow for anyone in the area who'd like to participate.

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Gatherings:

From Julie Gilleand in Indiana: On Saturday, May 30th from 12 noon till 6 pm, in Mishawaka, Indiana, about 30 people gathered together to celebrate the life of John Denver and to meet and fellowship with other JD fans for an afternoon of music, memories, and good food! Linda Stoops from Niles, Michigan helped me plan and coordinate the event and her husband and daughter did wonders with the decorations. Pictures of John lined the walls of the Lakeside Community Building as well as a banner which read: "John Denver -- Our Memories Of Love Will Be Of You." I had intended to begin the activities with saying a few words of welcome and to have everyone introduce themselves, etc. But you know how it is with the best-laid plans! A slightly un-expected visit from the South Bend Tribune reporter threw us off schedule a bit but it was great to have the chance to clue the press in to what John was all about and why we come together as we do. And so after that there was a mad rush for the food table (slight exageration!) and formalities were done away with. We had hungry people to feed! John's music played in the background as well as a video montage of several clips of John from tv shows, movies, concerts, etc. Such precious memories caught on film. Next on the program was a very special treat -- a concert by Brian Taylor from Taylor, Michigan! He graced us with many of JD's lesser-known songs which he deemed to be some of the most meaningful of all. Songs such as "Blue Water World", "Singing Skies And Dancing Waters", and "Yellowstone - Coming Home". He made us laugh as he shared John's hilarious "18 Holes" golf song! Brian also sang some of his own music including a song he wrote in tribute to John entitled "Eulogy" -- very moving. Brian is a wonderful singer and musician with a warm heart and a gentle spirit. I'm so glad that he came down to be with us that day. After a short breather, we gathered around the tv and watched some video footage I had of Aspen, Colorado and then from my recent trip out to Monterey, California. The mood in the room turned solemn and quiet as we watched onscreen the waves crashing against the rocks near the place where we lost John. Inspite of the constant pounding of the ocean, it is really a peaceful and beautiful place. I then showed a little footage of the flight I took in a Long-EZ. Fred Weaver from San Jose was the pilot. I took this flight to understand and connect with John's last earthly experience. I was in awe of being able to have this flight and glad also to be able to share the video of it. Our day together came to a close with some special music by my son, Tim Gilleand and Marcy Nielson singing "Sunshine On My Shoulders" together. Then Tim sang a song he had written for John called "The Water Is Singing". A touching song. It was a great day and a wonderful time! So many new friends have been made through John. We are truly a family bound together with cords of love and kindred spirits. No one was a stranger that day and neither was there any shortage on hugs! We all hated to leave and some of us lingered long after most had left and watched a beautiful sunset through the trees. A perfect end to a wonderful day of remembering John Denver.

From Donna Pinto in New Jersey: August 1 - HIH (Hearts in Harmony) has organized a third get together/ singalong "A CELEBRATION OF LIFE". Come and join us for an exciting day in beautiful Pennsylvania! For a change of pace -- we will set aside a time for folks to "do there own thing". There will also be a silent auction of rare JD collectibles, including TV show videos and older LPs! Space is limited; no "drop ins". If you decide to attend at the last minute, please call Carol (717) 548-2457 or Dottie at (215) 766-7363 no later than the 31st of July. WHEN: Noon till 8 P.M. WHERE: Salem United Church of Christ / 186 E Court St / Doylestown, PA. Entertainment - North Carolina's Kevin Yeargin, New Jersey's Dr. Christopher Westfall (and friends) will perform their celebration of JD's music for several hours. Open Forum - (of around two hours) where YOU have a chance to sing /play /read poetry or just talk about your feelings! (Please get in touch with either Dottie or Carol concerning what you want to do so we can hold a time slot for you (10 minutes maximum please!) Dinner - covered dish - we'll supply coffee, tea, iced tea, condiments, etc. You provide a covered dish, special beverage of your choice (if you want more than what's listed), dessert, snacks or salad (enough for 4 to 6 people) to share. Please call Dottie if you need to know what to bring - we need to coordinate the meal. There will be kitchen facilities so we can re-heat or refrigerate items. Merchandise - we'll have club merchandise like jackets, sweat shirts, t-shirts, tribute CDs & tapes, pohotos calendars, etc. COST - Adults: $7.00 each Children (under 10): $4.00 each (Please make your payment out to: "Dottie Honer" and or email her at honer@erols.com or Carol at blevins@epix.net

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Environmental Issues:

From Ann Schnitz in Delaware: Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research Inc. in Newark, Delaware, is a non-profit center devoted to the care and rehabilitation of sick and injured birds. More than 2500 birds are rescued and released every year. The Delaware Friends of John Denver bought a leaf in his honor for Tri-State's Tree of Life. The leaf is a small bronze engraved plaque that will become part of the large wooden "tree" that hangs on the wall in their lobby. The funds go towards enabling the center to feed and house its charges. Anyone interested in either volunteering at Tri-State or who would like to find out more about it can e mail me at aschnitz@entrix.com.

News on the Wolves of Yellowstone:

NEWS FROM THE TRENCHES Under the legal counsel of Michael Bean, attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund, we have filed an appeal (Amicus Brief) with the 10th District Court in Denver to overturn Judge William Downes' ruling on the American Farm Bureau's lawsuit against the USFWS. If we win this appeal, the wolves will legally be permitted to remain in Idaho and Yellowstone - where they belong. We MUST find a way to protect these wolves and their pups -be it in the courtroom or by Congressional intervention.

ANOTHER BLOW TO THE WOLVES The legal and political climates in the world of reintroduced wolves have been in turmoil since Judge Downes' ruling on December 12th of 1997 - and just when you think things can't possibly get any worse... the federal government deals yet another hard hitter; On May 13th, 1998 the USFWS announced a proposal to alter their wolf control program - and the rules of the game will change dramatically. The former "two strikes and you're out" policy has just been whittled down to ONE. Rather than giving wolves who are caught preying on livestock another chance - if this plan is adopted - those wolves will face immediate death. The wolf population is too small to sustain the loss of many wolves without jeopardizing their recovery.

WHAT WE'RE DOING NAWA and WRF feel strongly that we OWE wolves a more humane and reasonable response to the small percentage of livestock losses that occur - an average of five sheep and four cows are killed by wolves annually in Montana. Logic dictates that there ARE alternatives and these programs must be investigated. With an acute sense of urgency, NAWA and WRF have been intensely researching options that would create a win-win situation. We are committed to finding NON-LETHAL alternatives. Several promising options are on the horizon. One, is a natural "babysitter". Wild burros are formidable characters and have a long history of bonding with livestock, rigorously protecting them from intruders, including coyotes and other predators. Everything we've seen indicates that this alternative would be effective with wolves - but, this program MUST be credible. The biologists we're working with are excited about this prospect! They WANT a viable alternative to killing wolves.

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Press Releases:

"A Musical Tribute To John Denver"

* VIP TICKET INFORMATION: There are still a limited number of $100.00 VIP tickets available through Challenge Aspen (970) 923-1931. Includes reception with entertainers, following the performance Please note: The M.U.S.E. Foundation will release more information regarding this performance as soon as possible.This will include the entire list of entertainers and guests. This memorable and entertaining performance will include a prestigious group of life long friends, musicians and colleagues who were associated with John's illustrious career. The benefits of this charitable event, will go to CHALLENGE ASPEN a non- profit organization which provides recreational opportunity's nationwide, to anyone with a physical and mental disability. For more information, you may access them at: www.challengeaspen.com

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Up-Coming Events:

From The JD Summer Celebration Committee in Ohio: The JD Summer Celebration scheduled for the last weekend in July in Columbus is still on schedule and getting better all the time. In our meeting last week there were two major decisions. The first was to adopt the theme "Celebrating Life and Peace in a Violent World". Given what is going on in the world today with school shootings and a nuclear arms race in South Asia, it seemed appropriate. The theme works well both on a personal level and an environmental level. Ellen Stapenhorst from Aiki Works will certainly address the former with her presentation on "The Magic of Conflict" and Lou Gold can address the latter with his presentation on the Ancient Forests. Our other presenters will also fit into this theme. The second decision was to not raise the registration fees the first of June as was previously planned. Since we were a little late in getting the word out this year it didn't seem fair to many people who are just now learning about the event. The rates are still $50/adult and $25/child including three meals and a T-shirt. Without meals and T-shirt the rates are $30/adult and $15/child. Considering what all is included in the package, this is a great family value.

Brian Taylor will next be appearing at Bill Young's Plant-It 2000 and Mickey Grove Zoological Society benefit, to be held at the State Theatre in Modesto, CA on June 27th; performing along with Bill Young and Phil Christie. For more info, visit the following site: http://members.aol.com/Weekendrus/index.html

The Windstar California Connection presents A CELEBRATION OF JOHN DENVER Special Music, A Salad Pot Luck* Picnic and A Gathering for Windstar Members and Friends Irvine Meadows Amphiteater Private Picnic Grounds Saturday, July 4, 6:00 PM (before the concert) $2 per person *Bring an entree, beverage and picnic ware for your party and a salad or hors d'oeuvres for 10 people JOIN US! To Reserve your space at the picnic and intermission gatherings, contact Cynthia at CINDYDOE@aol.com, or Sue, <LSmith15@compuserve.com>

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A Word from Our Reps:

From Michael Pushard - our rep from Maine: I want to take a few lines to tell you all what is happening here in Maine. I have been working to get more members from this area. Last count I think we have 4. My goal is to get enough members so we can start doing some projects together. I am looking forward to the gathering in Hollis on August 2nd.

Personally,I am working on several projects. Peace2000 is an initiative to have one day in Peace on Jan 1,2000. I know I have been sending info to you all about this. There are other efforts in conjunction with this,including Lightshift 2000,Millennium gathering,and,others. Another project I am involved in is child sponsorship,I sponsor a child in Brazil,and,am a countertop volunteer for World Vision. I have placed 2 displays in local stores. I also am involved in the planning of the gathering and the concert.

From Patty Rusch - our rep from Ohio: The Ohio membership donated a van load of clothes to Goodwill Industries in May. This month another clothing drive was scheduled and 10 large bags of clothes were collected to be donated to the National Kidney Foundation. There are members from southern Ohio doing the same. Itís extremely hot and humid here which is not our normal weather for this time of the year. Of course, is anyone having normal temperatures? We were trying to collect as much in the way of summer attire as possible and almost all of the clothing in the last drive was summer! Neighbors and relatives really dug deep into their closets to help out. God bless them all! We may be asking again in the fall and winter. Flood and tornado victims really need our help in the states surrounding Ohio as well as those fighting fires and other adversities in the U.S. It would not be unlike John to travel from state to state in an attempt to help those who may be ready to give up the fight. His shining smile and positive outlook would definitely give them the courage to keep trying. We all know that sometimes itís not possible for us to travel to help personally, but there is always a way to assist. Let's take a few minutes each day to think of these people and say a prayer for strength to rebuild their homes and their lives. Another way is to contact the American Red Cross to ask for a list of necessities to donate. Both of these together are win win situations! Membership is in its initial stages for our state. A newsletter and brochure will be sent to anyone interested in becoming a member of IAT. Please contact Patty at rusch.1@osu.edu and membership information will be mailed or stop by at the JD Summer Celebration and pick up a packet.

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Reviews:

From Diana Taylor in Indiana: For all of you who can't decide on getting Tom Crum's books-- Magic Of Conflict and Journey to Center, I highly recommend you order both. I have read both and I am here to tell you, Tom had captured the "human condition" beautifully. He shows you how to relieve the stress of everyday life and how to find "center". As most of you know, Tom was a very close and dear friend to John Denver. In Magic, Tom even has an intro from John, along with photos John took. If you find that everyday life has you off balance, Magic is for you. In Journey To Center, Tom talks about his many adventures with everyday life. He talks more about centering and becoming calm and less stressful by this. He teaches as well as entertains us with a new insight into todays world. His story telling can only be compared to that of John himself! So please don't wait, order them today! I promise you won't be sorry!

From Nancy Jurka in Colorado: I would like to tell you of a unique experience that I had recently had in Cheyenne Wyoming. Some of you may know that I am a Sweet Adeline; in May we had our annual Regional Competition in Cheyenne. Twelve choruses competed with one another for the privilege of representing our region at International Competition Atlanta Georgia in 1999. Our chorus won third place and I felt we sang the performance of our lifetime! While the judges were tabulating their final scores, a very unique and unexpected musical performance was about to happen for the audience. Last year's winner the Hi Country Chorus from Denver Colorado took to the stage and the lights dimmed. As the chorus was separating in half on the risers, a huge screen came down in the middle of the stage..the lights were still dimmed.. and the most gorgeous picture of an eagle in all its majesty took command on the screen. The director of the chorus went on the recite his piece about eagles..about living to one's fullest..and about a singer/songwriter that we lost. I knew instantly when I saw the eagle on that screen that it had to be something about John Denver..but I wasn't sure. When I heard those words"singer/songwriter", my instincts were right. Soft lighting cast a glow on the chorus as 5 tenors from the back of the risers (fifth row) sang in "one voice".."I am eagle I live in high country." The voices of the chrous joined in in beautiful barbershop style,.the music of John Denver sung like I had never heard it sung before. I sat there with tears welling up in my eyes..I was over come with such incredible emotion..and the adrenaline from singing and competing also added to it as well. The Hi Country chorus went on to sing Rocky Mountain High, Country Roads, Sunshine on My Shoulders..and I think one other that I cannot recall right now. This music was sung to awesome slides of John Denver and the Colorado Rockies. After it was all over, many in the audience were in tears and a standing ovation with its thunderous applause filled that Civic Center. I was stunned..awed..and overcome with emotion. I have not been to a tribute at all, this was the first one. It was done in such eloquent taste to his legacy and his music..that I know of the pride of I felt of being a Sweet Adeline, of being a John Denver friend...of being a part of his Family ..and most of all as I have tried to instill in my students..and in my fellow chorus members.."to be all that we can be..not what we are.." This very unique and eloquent tribute to John Denver will always be in my heart as well as in my memory...it seems his legacy comes in all forms of musical appreciation and tastes.

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Misc:

"Colors in Time" musical memories of John Denver is the title of the CD Pete Huttlinger and Chris Nole recorded in memory of John. It is currently available through:

The price is $15.00 + $1.50 shipping (U.S.A.) Other countries should email for shipping charges. The reviews are extremely good! This is a must have!

"As the First Snows Fell in Colorado" CD is available (In Memory of JD) The words and music are by V. Buddy Renfo and Tim Malchak. Ordering Information: Price: $8.00 includes Shipping and Handling. (International orders please add $2.00) Please send your check (payable to Dreamland Productions) to:

For more information, you can visit this site: http://www.mumze.com/dreamland

Reflections and Thoughts on John Denver's Mask by Nancy Jurka

It was a day full of warm sunshine and cobalt blue skies in Colorado finally. I, along with a friend of mine, Kit, both having of our share of rain and snow out here in the Rockies and we decided to "just do it" and go to Cherry Creek Mall in Denver to see John Denver's artwork for the Mask Project which was benefiting the Hospice of Metro Denver. I cannot begin to tell you what it was like to see John's perception of what his mask should tell, what it was like to see his signature, what it was like to imagine of what he saw and most importantly what he wanted all of us to see through his mask. I was not surprised by its simplicity.I said to myself , "it is so simple." It says so much. It is a Native American Mask..its colors are of the earth itself..the browns..the reds..perhaps of the sun..the white highlights..perhaps of the clouds..or as it sits in the pupil of the eye and on the cheek..maybe of hope. I don't know . The black of the spruce tree that sits on the right cheek, perhaps conveying the darkness of the environment. Maybe it was the plight of the Native American that he wanted to explain as he drew a black tear, coming from the left eye making a trail down the cheek. As he allowed his brush to thin out the paint..it disappears. I took this as a sign of hope..that perhaps tears for our earth, tears for our children, tears for our skies, and tears for our hearts will cry no more..or maybe cry much less. John's signature, his "autograph" is a simplistic "JDenver" sitting along the curvature of the jawbone,under the cheek that shows the dark spruce. It reminded me in a way of "JDenver" sitting against a boulder in the Rocky Mountains taking in its splendor. The lips of the Native American are a bright red..perhaps a voice that needs to be heard and to be listened to. Maybe, just maybe this is what John wanted us to see, wanted us to know and understand, and maybe wanted us to just "get it". Yes..this is John's autograph..simply put. We stood there mostly in silence my friend and I. His mask sat in the storefront window of the Mask Project Shoppe. It was surrounded by others such as John Elway..Willie Nelson..Penny Marshall..Bob Dole..Elizabeth Dole..Jane Fonda..Peter Fonda...Dante Bichette..Tommy Hilfiger..a few others that I can't recall. I took a few pictures. They may come out, they may not. The reflection of the flash against the window maybe be a hindrance but after hearing the news of the fate of John's mask, I would not be surprised if the photos I took were "broken" also. I am not sure what all of this means..what I have written to you has been my experience. Late in the evening, while online, Kit sends me a message to look in the Mask Project booklet and read the paragraph that was on the bottom of page three. I had already written about this experience and it blew me away to read this..I had not read it earlier. My thoughts written above were in my mind long before I read this. Yes, John's mask was broken..his spirit..his legacy..his vision for the future lives on in all of us.That is not broken, it may be tattered for the time being..but my friends..it is not broken. Sad as it is for something like this to have happened..should we be surprised? Perhaps not. Let us make today and all days less broken..less tattered..it doesn't always matter who is right..who is wrong..who said what..who didn't..what matters is the spirit that we all live by..no matter what your faith is..no matter what your politics are..no matter where you live in this world..no matter what you do for a living. John Denver taught us these things to live by.

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Well that's all for this month. Make sure you keep those emails coming for next month. I'm looking for volunteers to help me out each month. If you have Word or something compatible and could take over a section or two to coordinate each month, please email me at morswell@earthlink.net I really appreciate all of the help I have received and will continue to receive.

Peace to you all, Marcelle