Hello everyone.

Sorry this newsletter is so long in coming this time. Summer just makes it so difficult to stay indoors and work! Thank goodness its a rainy morning here in MA today!

The response to the Logo contest has been much less than Sandy and I had hoped for. Sandy has designed a logo that is available to be seen on the page (http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/Logo.html). Hopefully this will inspire some of you to want to submit a design too. If interested, please send your design to Sandy (tybrenn@aol.com) so she can display it on the page as well. Everyone will get a chance to vote on the final design - if there are more than one to vote on that is.

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Quote of the month:

The summer's quote is by Ellen Stapenhorst from CA at the JDSC in July:

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Fundraisers:

The Cyber Cookbook was an even better success! When I mailed the final donation to The Hunger Project, the total was $467! Thanks to all who contributed. I received a lovely letter of thanks which I would like to share with all of you now:

"Dear Ms. Orswell:

I think we can all feel proud that we are indeed doing what John would want us to do!

A Celebration of Life, A Legacy of Song, A Vision of Hope in Hollis, NH

was also a great success for us. Not only was there good food, good music, and good company we also managed to raise $500 for The Windstar Land Conservancy PLUS get a front page article in the Nashua Telegraph! For text of the article and pictures from the event, please be sure to visit the IAT webpage.

From Leslie, our rep from Oregon:

Greetings from the left coast.....I just acquired a great color photo of John, sitting on a fence with the Rockies behind him ...I am planning on having a negative made and I propose to use it to bring in funds for The Windstar Land Conservancy, Plant-It 2000, and The Hunger Project...I will send a copy of the photograph to those who are willing to send me two checks, one to cover the cost of copying the photo and a second check made out to either of the charities in the amount of $10. I will not make any profit. The charity checks will be sent to their proper destinations.....The copy cost should not be more than $5 or $6. I will know soon. If you are interested, please contact Leslie by email: leslienewman@mindspring.com

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Tree Plantings:

I havent received word of any recent tree plantings - other than the one that was a part of the JDSC in Ohio. I did check in with Mary Ellen in Indiana and Shirlee in Connecticut and both of those trees are doing well.

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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 or a visibility site a few times a year. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Ellen (Ellen10b@aol.com), Melissa (rodney@ici.net), or Kathy (110307.2735@compuserve.com).

New Hampshire Friends of John Denver will be holding another cleanup of their adopted highway on Sat Aug 29. And great news - their sign has been erected! Hopefully I can get one of them to take a picture and scan it so we can all see it! CONTACT: Diane at dnilsson@tellink.net

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Gatherings:

As you know, there are many people gathering in Aspen this week. I hope that all attending that receive this newsletter will send me a summary of how things were for those of us that didnt get to go.

The John Denver Summer Celebration in Ohio was a HUGE success! The group led by Sandy Willmore put together a fantastic weekend that inspired and rejuvenated all of us that were there: From Mary Ellen Padget in Indiana: JD Ohio Summer Celebration Where do I begin? It was a weekend that I'll never forget. Sandy Willmore, Marilyn Blimes, Gayle Bosko, Carla Hirzel, Nancy Holloway, John Lowe, Christie Smith, Cindi Westover-Lalli, Corinne..You are the best. Everything went off without a hitch. God and John provided a beautiful weekend weatherwise. It couldn't have been more perfect. The weekend started for me on Friday when I picked Wolf up in Indianapolis for our drive over to Columbus. I had your pin on Rabbit, so you were with us too. We got LOST leaving Indy!! LOL Ok, when we got to Columbus, Marce and Wolfpup were already checked in. Finally! I get to meet the people I spent my winter with! LOL After unloading the car, we JDed our room. Pictures went up on the walls, we brought out the jambox..ah, there, now it feels like a JD room! We stuck our "Brian Taylor Fan Club" picture on the front door...there we were all set! We went down to the camp and met Sandy, Singing Skies, and Way Back. Then we helped move tables a bit and went over to watch Brian's sound check. Then we all went out to dinner. Finally to bed at about 2...what's that noise? Wolf is up at 5:30? Somebody get her!!! :) As Wolfie is bouncing on the bed, she asks if she's bothering me? :) Ok, Ok! We got up and went over to register. At the registration table, this nice guy comes up and I told him I needed to register. What's my name? Mary Ellen Padget. He says.. I'm Rory! OMGOSh!!! RORY!! THE MAN!!! I was so excited! Then we went over for the opening ceremonies. Very nice! Very professional looking! Then is was various activities during the day. I especially enjoyed the history and nature of Camp Mary Orton led by Nature Bob. I met Aerie, her son Jesse, (my chat buddy, Hi Jesse!) Boo-Key, Singing Skies, Prairiewind, Dave Snouffer, Squirrel, Unicorn, and Kim Bailey. Wow, faces with the names! It was so nice to meet my "family". I have to stop here and acknowlege the hard work of my very good friend Diana..She donated most of her day to sitting and selling her ceramics and other donated items to help the wolves of Yellowstone. She missed most of the activities on Saturday to sit and take care of this table. She is a person full of caring and giving. What a friend! Thanks Diana..from the wolves of Yellowstone. Ellen Stapenhorst's demonstration was a high point to me. Several things stuck with me. Conflict is not all bad. It helps us grow. If all we had were good times, we would be content and not ever change things. Lots to think about. Lots I want to pursue and find out more about, like Aikido. Lou Gold inspired me too. Lou talked about what's happening to our forests. Makes me realize that I need to do more there too. There are some environmental groups that I want to get in contact with to see how I can help. What is happening to our national forests is very sad. From there we had supper and headed over to watch the concert. The evening was cool, locusts and crickets were singing. The concert opened with Mark Cormican. It was very obvious that he has a great love and admiration for John. It came through in his performance. And....just as he sang "Leaving on a Jet Plane", guess what slowly flew over???? You got it! a jet plane! It couldn't have been planned better! Wow! As it started getting darker and the lights were on his face, I got the goosebumps. I looked at Patty and said "Do you think he looks like John"? She had thought the same thing! Eerie! Then came Ellen Stapenhorst. Such a beautiful voice and her enthusiasm is very contagious. Very gifted! Then came Brian Taylor. Yea! we girls had our Brian Taylor fan club pins on! Unfortunately his performace had to be cut short because of time limitations. His performance was fantastic as usual. Afterwards I talked him into some extra songs. I wanted to hear Singing Skies and Dancing Waters. He graciously did that. Wolf wanted to do Friends with you. We all stood in a loooong line of all the people that were there and sang and swayed along. WOW! that bonding feeling again! Then we started something new to me... a REAL group hug! We got in a big circle and did the group hug..so much better than cyber group hugs! Thanks Brian!! You know it wouldn't be the same if CountryRoads didn't make a few extra requests! Then we girls went back to our room, played JD, put on our jammies and just talked. We got to bed about 2am. Up at 6...guess who? Wolf again! LOL They couldn't believe that I was the second one up though. I wanted to be at the Tai Chi exercises first thing in the morning. What an experience! What a way to wake up! There's the next thing I want to explore...Tai Chi. At the end we all gave each other a hug. I learned the correct way to give a hug. Hug straight on..hold it..feel the energy from one heart to the other. WOW!! Then it was to the Sunday morning service... I walked in and realized this was going to be very difficult for me. On a projection screen was a smiling picture of John and his music softly playing and the "John" candle. I felt his loss very deeply at that point. I decided to stay as long as I could...I wanted to experience it. I did okay until the minister talked about John standing before God and God listing his contributions...okay, I can't take this anymore. I went for a walk in the woods, crying my heart out..John I miss you soooo much! Sometimes I can deal with it..sometimes it all comes back. I felt very comforted out in the woods. I decided to go back and sit with Wolf at her table...thinking the tears were all out. When I saw Wolfie, she was as upset as me...it felt so good to have someone understand! There was none of this "How could you miss someone you never met?" I was allowed to feel sad with people who understood. The last part was going to be the worst for me. I wanted to go in and see if my camcorder were still going. While in there, the tears started again. After the service,it lightened up a bit when Rory came back with the cherry limeade mixed in the cooler! Rory, since I've had cherry limeade, I can tell you that it was VERY close to the real thing with one exception...where was my cherry floating on top? :) Then it was out to the tree to finish planting it. This was my very favorite part of the whole weekend. Everyone stood in a big circle and one at a time, they would go in the middle and tell a story about John, a favorite song, Wolfpup's tree prayer, (which is essential), how John influenced their lives, thanks to a mom for introducing John's music to a grateful daughter..and much more. The World Family recited Squirrel's poem all together. It was a time of really feeling connected. I felt the presence of the entire World Family at this time. Did any of you have the sensation of standing around a tree at that time? I knew I wouldn't be able to get through my story..maybe next year. This was the day that I made promises to not let his visions die..to do everything I can to continue them. To be the best friend and person that I can possibly be.From there after many hugs and goodbyes..see you in Aspen... Wolf and I cranked up our JD music and sang and cried most of the way home..watched a beautiful sunset as we drove along....What a perfect ending to a beautiful weekend. Sandy and the planning committee...you definitely captured the spirit of what John is all about..thanks from the bottom of my heart for a beautiful weekend.

The Friends of John Denver Gathering in Hollis, NH was a great success: From Barbara/Bunny from Connecticut: What a wonderful day at the IAT event in Hollis, NH. It was as beautiful a day as anyone could ask for. The sky was bright blue with puffy white clouds here and there and the grove itself was a bright green. Not too hot but not too cool either. Somehow, they kept away the huge NH mosquitos I had been warned about!! Never had to spray a drop of OFF! It was fun meeting many computer familiar people in person. I picked out Marcelle immediately thanks to the photo on Rory's page, Friends---there were very few JD songs left unsung yesterday. Michael, and Paul sang soooo many songs (so well I might add.) Having Miriam and Marce on backup just added to the joy. After Michael had to leave for his long drive home, Paul sang for HOURS. I don't know how he did it, but I suspect he will only be able to whisper today! :} When I first arrived and was checking in, someone mentioned that Marce was over on the bandstand setting up. I glanced over and almost died. Out of the corner of my eye, I thought John was standing there! It turned out that it was Paul, but at a quick glance, it was really eerie! Another strange happening, but one I have come to expect., was the hawks that flew overhead as Paul was singing. All 3 of the events I have attended where we sang John's music outdoors have been graced by hawks circling overhead. Coincidence? I don't think so!!! It was a wonderful day and one I hope we can do again soon, somewhere in the area.

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Environmental Issues:

Heres an interesting email I received. I thought you might all be interested in this information:

GIVE A HOOT, DON'T POLLUTE! If you use an inkjet printer or fax machine, we want to buy your empty inkjet cartridges! We need to supply national inkjet recycling companies with thousands of empty cartridges every month and we need yours. Even if you have only one or two, we need them. Please, come visit our site at http://www.CFC-123.com for more information. Thank you for your time. Jenny

From Richard in New Hampshire: I might like to view the hawk migration in early Sept. atop Pack Monadnock at Miller State Park. Hundreds can be seen gathering in a "kettle" as they ride the thermals southward for the winter. If anyone is interested let me know. Not sure about details yet, but should be fun. Email Richard at rholmes@jlc.net

From Sandy in Massachusetts: Our Captain sent out an e-mail about International Coastal Cleanup Day. It is Saturday, 19 September 1998. I had never heard of it before that, but it sounded like something big so I searched the internet for some info and found the "Center for Marine Conservation" site which coordinates the cleanup. It is a very impressive page and I recommend checking it out and maybe letting others know about it. I think it is something JD would approve of. The site is: http://www.cmc-ocean.org/cleanupbro/index.html

INFORMATION ON THE JOHN DENVER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

In order to honor the life and memory of a good friend, JOHN DENVER, The International Center of Tropical Ecology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis has established an endowment scholarship in his name. Family friends have donated $25,000 in the way of a challenge grant, with the hope that The International Center for Tropical Ecology can raise an additional $25,000 or more. This endowment scholarship will be perpetual and keep John's name and vision alive, a vision which challenges us to take responsibility for the future of our planet, including the wildly diverse tropical forest. The scholarship will help students from all over the world to obtain a graduate education and conduct research in tropical biodiversity conservation. The International Center for Tropical Ecology awarded John it's FIRST WORLD ECOLOGY MEDAL in 1990. When John accepted the medal he called on all Americans to learn more about environmental issues and said the "the biggest part of the problem is educating people about the environmental problems on this planet." The 1991 medal was awarded to Jacques Cousteau and subsequent winners have included Prince Sudadrin Aga Khan, President Jose Maria Figueres of Costa Rica and Richard Leakey. Obviously, this is a very prestigious award. It was awarded to John because tropical rain forest conservation was one of his great concerns. "We feel a personal loss in his death," said Dr. Bette Loiselle, Director of the International Center for Tropical Ecology. "John Denver helped raise the profile of the environment and the need to live sustainably". The saving and preservation of the tropical rainforest was of a great concern to John. John's commitment to environmental conservation and human rights is evident not only in the numerous organizations he supported but also reflected in people who knew him. One such person is Jeanne Fair, who is a graduate student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the Department of Biology. After spending much of her childhood in Aspen, Colorado, Jeanne went to first study music in college and then switched to ecology. John as a child, Jeanne says positively influenced her in many ways by his untiring enthusiasm for life, and the environment. Jeanne is completing a Ph.D. in Ecology in the same program that awarded John that first World Ecology Medal. She hopes to continue John Denver's commitment to environmental conservation around the world and is proud to be part of the International Center of Tropical Ecology that John Denver supported. If we all could give a donation in John's name to help fulfill the scholarship, we all, in our own way could help honor his memory . This is a fitting tribute because he cared so much about the environment. If you wish to donate to this endowed scholarship in memory of JOHN DENVER, please send a check to :

Please make the check payable to The International Center for Tropical Ecology and under the memo portion of the check, please indicate that this money is to go to the John Denver Endowment Research Scholarship. Each donation is tax deductible and a receipt will be sent back to you. For more information, the website for the International Center for Tropical Ecology is http://ecology.umsl.edu/~biology/icte

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Press Releases:

DENVER DAY....In SNOWMASS

... The MUSE Foundation is pleased to announce that on Sunday, October 11th, 1998 at 10:15 a.m. they will be dedicating the John Denver Memorial Grove in Snowmass Village, Colorado. Snowmass Village is the sister town to Aspen (approximately nine miles from Aspen) and contains it's largest ski area. October 11th will be John Denver Day in the town of Snowmass Village. The Memorial Grove will be in various stages of planting this Fall, and should be 80-90% complete by October 11th. All are welcome and, of course, there will be no charge for attendence.

The MUSE Foundation will be planting a large Colorado Blue Spruce and will have a Dedication Plaque, "The World Wide Family of John Denver Fans".

You are also invited to attend church services (multi-denominational) prior to the dedication, since the Chapel adjoins the proposed area for the Memorial Grove. Church Service is at 9:00 a.m. Dedication Ceremony at 10:15 a.m.

It is a twenty minute drive from downtown Aspen - take Route 82 to Brush Creek Road. The Chapel and Grove adjoin the fourth green of the Golf Course behind the Fire Station.

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Up-Coming Events:

From Natalie in New Jersey: FIRST ANNUAL JOHN DENVER VISION WALK SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 1998 STOKES STATE FOREST, BRANCHVILLE NEW JERSEY. CHECK IN AT "LOT'' E AT 9 AM STEP OFF AT 10AM . BRING A PICNIC LUNCH AND BLANKET AND ENJOY A CAMPFIRE SING- ALONG FOLLOWING THE HIKE, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! ADULTS $10 CHILDREN UNDER AGE 12 $6 TO REGISTER SEND CHECK TO: KIM FALEY 510 DAVINA CT. LAKEWOOD NJ 08701 (MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO KIM FALEY) PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE# TO RECEIVE YOUR SPONSER SHEET.ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO THE WINDSTAR LAND CONSERVANCY CAMPING ALLOWED AT THE PARK, MUST BE APPROVED THROUGH STOKES STATE PARK.>>>>>>>>>>REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE AT 300 THIS EVENT IS AN INDEPENDENT PROJECT, WE ARE NOT AFFLIATED WITH ANY GROUP OR ORGANIZATION.

There are a great many events coming up in Aspen in October. In order to keep track of them all, Debbie King has set up a webpage. You can see this page at: http://home.earthlink.net/~evergreen2/aspen_events

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A Word from Our Reps:

From Ann in Delaware:

To even begin to tell you about John's impact on my life would surely fill volumes at this point. Like so many of you, I've been around for a long time. This year makes 27. Of course, now, everything's just a bit different, without him physically here anymore. And it's left a huge hole in my life and in my heart that I only hope someday I can fill. On October 13, my life was going sailingly. I had begun a new job at Entrix, an environmental consulting firm in Wilmington, Delaware, 130 miles from my former home of Brooklyn, New York. I was off on my own for the first time, looked forward to all kinds of adventures including such mundanities as buying furniture and cooking for myself. The world looked bright and shiny and exciting -- until 7:00 that morning, when my mother called to break the news to me that the guiding light of my life was gone. What followed can be termed nothing short of agony. And it continued that way for months. I left New York after having completed a Ph.D. program in aquatic toxicology. But, although I had defended the thesis and completed one set of revisions, I had not gotten all the required signatures to be able to submit it in time to receive an October degree -- there was one hold-out who insisted upon another round of major revisions that I didn't have time to do before I moved. That meant that the next deadline for submission was January. Not a problem, I figured. I could finish it up on weekends. What I hadn't figured on, however, was losing John -- and with him, any ability to do the work I needed to do. My advisor was great through all this. I explained to him what had happened and that it would take me time to get myself back together enough to do the thesis, and he understood. In fact, he never pushed and was very helpful in performing statistical analyses -- even after I befouled the data so badly that I had to recompile it and he had to start all over again. I was in bad shape, to put it mildly. Auto-pilot is a good description of how I was functioning. And I couldn't listen to the music or play guitar. The one thing that I had always counted on as my source of strength and inspiration only caused excrutiating pain now, so even that was lost to me. I know exactly when the breakthrough finally occurred. My friend Pat (who I met after John's passing) and I attended the World Folk Music Association weekend in Washington, DC. It had been months since I had even heard any of John's songs and suddenly, for four hours, there were his friends singing them to me! I think I cried that entire evening, and when it was over, I had cracked through the protective shell I had woven around my heart. I was ready. I came home and started writing. And wrote and wrote and wrote until it was finished. By the end of February, it was ready to be submitted to my advisor and my committee member. Proudly, I can tell you that on Thursday, 23 April, my advisor e mailed me to tell me she had signed -- the thesis was acceptable for submission. I sent it to Rutgers University on that following Monday after spending the weekend copying it and putting the finishing touches on it. Including changing the dedication. The acknowledgements had previously read, "And to John Denver, Jacques Cousteau and Carl Sagan, for their passion and inspiration" (when I originally wrote this, I never dreamed that all of my heroes would be gone). The dedication had been to my parents, including my father who died in 1983. But it just didn't feel like enough to me to keep John in the acknowledgements, when he was so instrumental in making me who I am, and in inspiring me to perservere all these years for the doctorate. I even hoped that someday, I'd get to give him a copy. Unfortunately, the way that our lives turned, it is to Anna Kate and Zak and Jesse that I will now send it, so that they can see what their father inspired in me. This is the dedication the thesis now bears: "Dedicated in loving memory, to my two greatest teachers -- my father, Aaron Schnitz, and my dear friend, John Denver." Thank you to all of you, for your love and unending spirit.

From Sandy in Massachusetts:

We had NE Pest control here for our carpenter ant friends. The owner of the company called on Thursday and asked if he could bring Channel 10 news with him to film a story on extermination. He knocked $75 off the price when we agreed. They actually talked to us on camera! I knew we might be on camera and I was trying to figure out what to wear....it was so hot (especially after cleaning the house in case they came inside).....and I decided comfort was more important so I grabbed my favorite JD shirt!!!! The news lady (Mary McGuire) noticed it right away and started telling me that she was a fan and how it was so tragic and she loved his music. I told her about our group and the concert and the web site...she said she would check it out, but she never did ask for the URL. Then I was talking to Tony DeJesus, the head of the pest company. He commented on the shirt and JD and how he saw him in concert and liked the music. He also told me that his brother (or cousin...I forgot exactly whom) worked at the Warwick Music Theater and when JD came to town, he would round up all the employees and explain to them how to handle "his people." JD told the employees that his people were not rowdy fans and he wanted them treated with respect and not hassled. They came to the concert to listen to the music and enjoy the experience, not to cause trouble. I almost started crying! It just amazes me how many good JD stories people have and how you can stumble across one at the strangest time! Thought I would share that. It still makes me feel good to think about it.

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Articles:

Aspen Daily News Oct 22 Vol20#114

SEIZE THE EAGLE August 26, 96 One year ago today, I shook the hand of John Denver at 'Choices 10'. I looked him in the eye, and I said "Thank You". I am writing this essay today as an extension of that appreciation and respect. Seize the Eagle : a name bestowed upon John Denver by the Assinaboine Tribe. John Denver, is perhaps a microcosm of man. He represents what we strive for and are capable of. He is a searcher whose voice is 'our voice', I relate to him because, all parts are the whole, - he is you - he is me. Beyond that, he is a voice "for the mountains, rivers, children, dreamers...." He is a father, son, friend, brother, lover, intellect, pilot, climber, rider, sailor, golfer, skier, student, philanthropist, teacher, poet, singer/songwriter, healer, seeker, and thankfully a Dreamer, he is an 'Eagle' who "reaches for the heavens"-"hopes for the future" and "all that we can be-not just what we are". His messages serve as an experience of Ahhh and enlightenment! John Denver is a man of foresight and courage. I listen to 'Eclipse', 'Children of the Universe', 'Ancient Rhymes', 'Let us Begin'... I become pensive. I hear 'All this Joy', 'Windsong', 'Foxfire Suite'... my faith is revived; I sing 'To the wild country', 'Amazon', 'Alaska and me', 'Eagles and Horses'... I am transformed - by the words of a man who has chosen to "rise to the Vision". I have traveled this country and his music has blessed the waterways, mountains, plains, skies and breezes. "I want to Live" inspired the process of healing my sister's cancer. "Looking for Space" encouraged my own choice for growth.... A butterfly flutters, a robin twitters, the sun glistens; I am grateful and nostalgic. I experience wild running stallions, crashing shores, a soaring eagle, a breaching whale, phosphorescence, a meteor shower, a smiling moon, 'clear waters - laughing', mountains rising, grains of soil.....I am Awake! I feel the cool breeze against my cheek, smell the fragrance of the meadow, hear the sweet laughter of the children and the crunch of the footprint in the snow...I am present, blessed and so lucky; held in the 'Rapture' of silent screams of colour surrounding dawn and dusk. Some moments, I manage to capture momentarily on film, others eternally with my heart and soul. Denver's words are the 'ripple effect' of the stone tossed into 'still' waters. They inspire creativity, questioning, thought-full-ness, compassion, conscious growth, co-operation and participation. Personally, that ripple effect is more like a tsunami. We are all 'eagles and horses'.... We all are 'One' - John Denver asks us to 'act' on that! I too ponder 'serenity' and a staggering loss of 'balance' within myself and our complicated and distressed world, I too seek Peace. I think that J.D. is a complicated man who strives to bring our attention to 'Simplicity'. To understand his sentiment, is to 'Come Alive' in the moment! He is an environmentalist who has his own mentors (Bucky Fuller, Brower, Crum, Huang, Poe...), he takes responsibility for his choices, actively seeking peace and sustain-ability. He strives to rid the planet of hunger while nourishing and stimulating the 'best' in each of us. He is a family man who has publicly suffered loss and disappointment. We demand so much from those who lead. Perhaps their courage intimidates most of us. I perceive him as a perfectionist and perhaps his sternest judge, but I do not see a 'victim', as he once mentioned. We are all born to trip over our own feet occasionally. "But First - Magoomba!" "Such is life"! I think he would agree. He has played the hand that life has dealt him and has acknowledged and shared his awareness and gifts 'par excellence'. He has a brilliant laugh and sense of humour that serve him well. This man has 'presence'! John Denver perseveres because he believes in 'dialogue' and 'standing forth'. That is the path he has chosen and to my mind, he is "seeking Grace in every step he takes". This is a serious and earnest individual with a 'zest for life' that stretches from the depths of the ocean -"the places you've been to"....to the "far-out" expanses of the universe -"rainin fire in the sky". He explores his yearning to taste and to understand as much as he can; and perhaps at times, learns too much for his own good. I believe he realizes that 'to teach is to know', and that 'we actually know very little indeed'! It's all about the lesson of inherent irony, paradox and the underlying humour in it all. We take ourselves so seriously and often forget the larger picture and 'cosmic laughter'-"I do believe he's been laughing all the while". Well, as Patti Page sang "If that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing"...... Children are our future "the Children and the Flowers.."; "Seek the Wisdom of the Children"... I was fortunate to have shared some time with John's youngest daughter at the symposium. This child is so beyond her years and a pleasure to be near. She is a true 'Earth Saver' and clearly 'her father's daughter'. I never look at a 6 yr. old girl without a sudden twinge that reminds me of 'proud' Jesse, also stepping in grace, an elusive butterfly. Her eyes are as big as her dad's curiosity. She is alert, caring, fun, compassionate, concerned and precious. I hope she always carries her dreams "in a sparkling crystal jar". John Denver once "ached for people to sing to" and now with 'all being said and done', I think he still has appreciation for the overwhelming interest that his talent and undertakings have attracted. I assume he realizes that his messages are imperative today more than ever before. So he begins again; touring and touching our hearts, minds and indeed our 'very core'. Hope-fully people will extend themselves beyond 'nostalgia' and appreciate the mature quality that has enriched his voice. His recent lyrics and music are even more meaningful and powerful than the 'treasures' he gave us (from what seems like) 'yesterday'. I see an ancient tree in a Rainforest and I really see a man from the East - roots grasping and extending in all directions. I sense it's age, wisdom, culture, and teachings. I envision the storms it endured and the symphony of it's many dances with the wind. I heed the music and words of John Denver, and for a moment, I seize an 'Eagle'! I salute and applaud this man and his vision. I thank him for endeavoring to 'make a difference' and for encouraging us to do likewise. John Denver, I wish you a wealth of memories and friendships with 'no regrets'. I hope for you, the kind of love that Olaus and Margaret shared in Alaska; and the strength, peace and serenity that the 'wild country' brings. I see that "Boy from the Country who Loved the Sun", and pray that your eyes always "find the sun" and that the 'will-full' Spirit of the Eagle remain 'within'. You are a 'gift', you are a 'flower that shattered the stone'. P.S. YOU HAVE TOLD THE TRUTH AND THEY DID COME AGAIN!

Thank You.

Cath Meadows

Editor's note:

The name given to John by the Indian tribe is actually "SEES the Eagle" not "Seize the Eagle". A thank you to Pete Huttlinger for the correction.

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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

The Hunger Project had a celebration on 17 October, in which they had a tribute to John. You can read about it on their website: http://www.igc.apc.org/thp/ Follow the link to Reports -- November 1997. A video from that evening is available and can be ordered directly from their site -- the link says "Videos and Other Info".

Cami Green found this article in the Parade Magazine in the Sunday Paper. She thought we could get as many JD fans to write to this address and see if we can't get the ball rolling for a Stamp for John Denver:

"Now that Frank Sinatra is dead will a stamp be issued in his honor? Not before the year 2008, because a person must be dead at least 10 years before a commerative stamp is issued. But Sinatra probably will be honored one day, perhaps in the Legends Of Hollywood series. (The next addition is director Alfred Hitchcock, whose stamp goes on sale tomorrow.) A committee reviews about 40,000 suggestions each year nd makes 25 to 30 recommendations. It takes about 3 years from recommmendation to issue date. Suggestions may be sent to:

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Thanks to all who sent in the great info for this month. Make sure you keep those emails coming for next month. I have had some volunteers for help with the newsletter by taking over some categories for me. We will be starting this new system in Sept. Thanks for those of you who will now be on the "staff" of the IAT newsletter - Susan Moyer from PA and Patty Rusch from OH. If there are any others I have forgotten or haven't come forward yet, please email me at morswell@earthlink.net.

Peace to you all, Marcelle