"It's About Time" Newsletter
Summer 2011

". . . 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."



IN THIS ISSUE...

QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority."  ~Elwyn Brooks White, Essays of E.B. White, 1977
 
"Till now man has been up against Nature; from now on he will be up against his own nature."  ~Dennis Gabor, Inventing the Future, 1963

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hi everybody!

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer (or winter as the case may be!). Here in the northeast, it's been pretty pleasant but it looks like we’re in a for a hot spell.  I can just see the electric bill now :(  Oh well – all the more reason to make and eat sorbets!
 
Recently, I reconnected with an old friend on Facebook.  He was the youngest of three – his sister was the closest to me in age -- and his family lived in the same apartment building in New York as I did, many many moons ago.  When we were all still quite young, they moved to New Jersey.  Although we didn’t see them that often, we remained in touch over the years.  I was even at his wedding, which was held at their house in the backyard. 
 
One day while drifting around Facebook, I got the idea of looking up his sister.  Although I didn't find her, I did find him.  And what a shock I got!  He's the editor-in-chief of a well-known libertarian publication that is considered one of the top 50 magazines in the US.  He was on Bill Moyers' show in 2007, discussing the then-upcoming elections and now, he’ll be a panelist on Real Time with Bill Maher this Friday (7/22/11) on HBO.  Proud of him?  You betcha!  I bring this up because seeing all his accomplishments reminded me of something his mother once said about him.  Apparently he didn’t seem too bright when we were young, prompting her to say to my mother, “Well, someone has to run the elevators, right?”  (Not that there’s anything wrong with running an elevator... ;))

So where does our motivation come from to change our destiny?  How does someone go from being considered the “runt of the litter” to one of the top journalists in the country?  It’s not too hard to figure it out, really.  It’s passion.  It’s finding that thing that feels rewarding to do.  It’s getting involved in a cause that you care about deeply, and suddenly the obstacles are easy to overcome.  It’s not allowing anything to interfere, including your own fears.  This’ how we all must be if we want to create the world of peace and justice and beauty that we long for.  Find your passion – and go for it!  And as always, please share with us here at IAT.
 
My  heart to yours,
Ann

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JULY
July 29, 2011 - Breckenridge, CO - John Adams - "Rocky Mountain High", http://www.johnadamsmusic.com
 
AUGUST
August 4, 2011 - Banning, CA - City of Banning Summer Concert Series - Free Concert! Jim Curry presents "The Music of John Denver", 7:30 / Playhouse Bowl in Repplier Park / 789 N. San Gorgonio Ave., Banning, California 92220
 
Chris Bannister presents The Music of John Denver:
 
August 5, 2011 - UK - Coniston Institute, Cumbria 8:00 pm, Ticket price £7.00.  http://www.chrisbannister-musicofjohndenver.com
 
August 19, 2011 - UK - Hawkshead Market Hall, Cumbria 8:00 pm, Ticket price £7.00.  http://www.chrisbannister-musicofjohndenver.com
 
Jim Curry presents "The Music of John Denver":
 
August 5, 2011 - Emmetsburg, Iowa - Wild Rose Casino / 777 Main Street / Emmetsburg, Iowa 50536    http://wildroseresorts.ticketforce.com
 
August 17-18, 2011 - Brockville, Ontario, Canada - 8:00 pm, Brockville Arts Centre / 235 King Street / Brockville, Ontario, Canada  *  1-877-342-7122.  www.brockvilleartscentre.com.  Matinee performance on August 18, 2011 2:00 pm
 
August 25, 2011 (with Anne Curry) - Altadena, CA 8:00 pm Coffee Gallery Backstage / 2029 N. Lake / Altadena, CA 91001  (626) 798-6236  Reservations Needed, http://www.coffeegallery.com.  To make reservations via email: bstane@earthlink.net
 
Wayne Denton “"Country Roads: A Celebration of John Denver":
 
August 6, 2011 - UK - Mowlem, Swanage – Dorset http://www.mowlemtheatre.co.uk
 
August 11, 2011 – UK -- Playhouse, Bradford – Yorkshire,   http://www.bradfordplayhouse.co.uk
 
August 13, 2011 - UK - Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh – Scotland, http://www.bruntontheatre.co.uk
 
August 14, 2011 - UK - Glasgow Pavilion, Glasgow – Scotland, www.paviliontheatre.co.uk
 
August 11, 2011 - Delevan, NY - Ron Matthews - outdoor concert for the "Music in the Park" concert series - Music of John Denver and others. A benefit for Boy Scouts Troop #627, http://www.ronmatthews.net
 
August 27, 2001 - UK - Poems, Prayers and Promises Picnic 2011 - At the John Denver Bench in the Dersingham National Nature Reserve in Norfolk.
 
SEPTEMBER
September 2, 2011 - Hesston, PA – Premiere of the documentary film "Conejos,  Undiscovered Colorado" about eco-tourism.  at dusk.  Seven Points Amphitheater - Raystown Lake / 6145 Seven Points Road / Hesston, PA 16647, pjspiker@verizon.net  (814) 658-6812
 
September 3, 2011 - Hesston, PA - John Denver Tribute Concert featuring Chris Collins and the   Boulder Canyon Band.  7:00 pm, Seven Points Amphitheater - Raystown  Lake /    6145 Seven Points Road / Hesston,   PA 16647 / Free concert - donations accepted.  For more information:  pjspiker@verizon.net  (814) 658-6812  or srose312@embarqmail.com;   http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil
 
September 3, 2011 - Estes Park, CO - Brad Fitch and the TropiCowboy Band will present their Eighth annual John Denver Tribute Concert at the Stanley Park Fairgrounds.  (970) 577-1027, www.etesparklionsclub.org
 
September 3, 2011 - Fawnskin, CA - Jim Curry presents "The Music of John Denver" 7:00 pm Big Bear Discovery Center / 40971 North Shore Drive / Fawnskin, CA 92333,  www.nationalforestassociation.org   $20, National Forest Assn. Summer Concert Series
 
September 4, 2011 - Dillon, CO - John Adams - "Rocky Mountain High",   http://www.johnadamsmusic.com
 
 Wayne Denton - "Country Roads:  A Celebration of John Denver":
 
September 14, 2011 - UK - The Grove Theatre, Dunstable, UK  Telephone 01582 602080, http://www.grovetheatre.co.uk
 
September 30, 2011 - UK - Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, UK, Telephone 01724 277733
 
September 30, 2011 - UK - Chris Bannister presents The Music of John Denver / Parbold Village Hall, Lancashire 8:00 pm, Ticket price £7.00, http://www.chrisbannister-musicofjohndenver.com
 
  
OCTOBER
Wayne Denton "Country Roads:  A Celebration of John Denver":
 
October 1, 2011 - UK - Pavilion Theatre, Worthing – West Sussex , www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
 
October 2, 2011 - UK - The Grove Theatre, Dunstable,  www.grovetheatre.co.uk
 
October 7, 2011 - UK -  Shanklin Theatre, Shanklin – Isle of Wight,   http://www.shanklintheatre.com
 
October 13, 2011 - UK - Pavilion Theatre, Exmouth, www.exmouthpavilion.co.uk
 
October 14, 2011 - UK -  Palace Theatre, Paignton, www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk
 
October 29, 2011 - UK - Albert Halls, Stirling – Scotland,  www.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls.htm
 
Chris Bannister presents The Music of John Denver
 
October 7, 2011 - UK - Burnsall Village Hall 8:00 pm, Ticket price £7.00, http://www.chrisbannister-musicofjohndenver.com
 
October 21, 2011 - UK - Nether Kellet Village Hall 8:00 pm, Ticket price £7.00,   http://www.chrisbannister-musicofjohndenver.com
 
October 14-16, 2011 – NSW Australia –  Higher Ground Australia’s JD Tribute Weekend, Wombaroo Adventure Centre.  For further details, including costs for the weekend, please contact Janette on jefrawley@optusnet.com.au
 
October 29, 2011 - UK -  John Denver tribute concert featuring Mark Robinson, Neil &   Gill Sharman,   Brian Lupton and others.  The Gladstone Theatre, Port   Sunlight,   Wirral, at 7:30 pm.   Tickets £10.
 
*ASPEN CELEBRATIONS*
October 12, 2011 – Aspen, CO - Chris Collins and the Boulder Canyon Band in Concert, Aspen Community Church, 7:00 PM, Tickets are $20 each, doors open at 6:30.  For tickets, email Hollie at HollieCWoodstock@aol.com
 
October 13, 2011 - Aspen, CO - Mollie Weaver and Bob Sirois - Tribute concert to John Denver 7:00 pm / Venue TBA; http://www.bobsirois.com
 
October 14, 2011 – Aspen, CO - Aspen Meadow Band in Concert, Aspen Community Church, 1:00 PM.  Tickets are $15 each.  Please email oceanbeachdaisy@aol.com for tickets.
 
October 14-15, 2011 - Aspen, CO - "14th Annual Musical Tribute to John Denver",   Wheeler Opera House / All profits will be donated to Pete Huttlinger to help with his medical expenses.  Prices $45 / $75 / VIP $125, Tickets go on sale June 1, 2011.    http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com  (970)920-5770 or (866) 449-0464
 
October 15, 2011 - Aspen, CO - Pine Creek Cookhouse Luncheon and Concert.    Chris Collins and the Boulder Canyon Band 11:00 am - 3:00 pm  Tickets $60 srose312@embarqmail.com or holliecwoodstock@aol.com
 
October 16, 2011 - Aspen, CO - John Adams – “Rocky Mountain High: A John Denver   Tribute" 7:00 pm - Wheeler Opera House $35 (970)920-5770 or (866)449-0464 http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com
 
 
NOVEMBER
November 10-12, 2011 - Nashville, TN - JD Tribute concert with the Nashville Symphony, "Mike Eldred: The Very Best of John Denver", Tickets $44 - $129  www.mikeeldred.com  or http://www.nashvillesymphony.org
 
Wayne Denton - "Country Roads: A Celebration of John Denver":
 
November 10, 2011 - UK - Renfrew Ferry (The Ferry), Glasgow, www.the-ferry.co.uk
 
November 11, 2011 - UK - Buccleuch Centre, Langholm, Telephone: 01387 381196,  www.buccleuchcentre.com
 
November 12, 2011 – UK - The Cinema, Newton Stewart – Scotland, www.nscinema.co.uk
 
November 18, 2011 – UK - The Mart, Skipton, www.themarttheatre.org.uk
 
November 24, 2011 - UK -An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny -  Republic of Ireland,   www.angrianan.com
 
November 25, 2011 - UK - Ramor Theatre, Co Cavan – Virginia, Republic of Ireland,  www.ramortheatre.ie
 
November 26, 2011 - UK - Riverside Theatre, Coleraine - Northern Ireland,  www.riversidetheatre.org.uk
 
November 27, 2011 - UK - Waterside Theatre, Derry/Londonderry - Northern Ireland,   www.watersidetheatre.com
 
 

Branson, MO - Monday through Saturday 10:00am "A Tribute to John Denver & Country Music Legends".  James Garrett sings John Denver's best-loved hits.  IMAX Little Opry Theatre / 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway / Branson, MO 65616  (800) 419-4832
 
 
(thanks to Emily Parris and the Rocky Mountain High newsletter for these dates; thanks too, to Karen Tupek for keeping us up to date with Mack Bailey’s schedule, Judy Therrien, PattiAnn Cutter, Pat Hough and others for information on Chris Westfall and Charlie Zahm’s engagements, Patty Speicher for Chris Collins’ dates, and Deb Sanderson for news of events in California)

BITS 'N BOBS

POETRY

From AARP The Magazine, June 2011, “The Mail”
 
Going green does not have to be expensive.  Vinegar will clean anything a glass cleaner would.  It can also freshen laundry in the rinse cycle, and with a bit of baking soda, it can clean your sink drain.  Baking soda itself is a good cleaner too.  Add it to your wash to boost the power of your detergent.  Hydrogen peroxide can take the place of fancy “oxy” cleaners.  Rubbing alcohol will leave your metal faucets and appliances sparkling and germ free.  And remember to use stained or worn washcloths as apposed to paper towels.
 
***
 
From Sandy Clark:
 
Check out Lorraine Myers’ tribute song, "Denver's Song" which is very touching.  The lyrics and other info about the song are at the IAT website's Poetry page:  http://home.comcast.net/~tybrenn/iat/poems/DenversSong.html

 

 

"The Journey!"
(by Carole Romanowski - whispjesse@aol.com)

A man hikes through the Rockies
Contemplating what he sees.
He has never seen such splendor
And views the forests through the trees!
 
His journey is introspective.
Yet he feels he can relate
His epiphanies through music
For perhaps this is his fate.
 
This is no ordinary man
For he feels that he belongs
With the splendor of the forest
That he relates to us through songs.
 
And the world now lives vicariously
Through the saga built upon
The lone hiker of the forest
Whom we've come to know as John!.

  (copyright by Carole Romanowski - whispjesse@aol.com)

ENVIRONMENtAL NEWS

No Vacancies But Some Reservations
 
As Gulf tourism rebounds, BP seeks to lower payments  
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/16/us/16gulf.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

LETTERS

The "Art" of Recycling (Rich Romanowski, wrangellmtns@aol.com)
 
Recycling is at the hub of an unusual collection in Pennsylvania.  In Ken Marquis' Wilkes Barre, PA. art gallery and framing shop, you will find a strange, cloistered world that makes the humble hubcap an excellent canvas.
 
Over the past 3 years, Marquis, 60, has persuaded artists from every state and 52 countries to transform discarded metal and plastic wheel coverings into objects of wonder and whimsy.  He's filled two rooms and a hallway with more than 800 works to date, dented old Pontiacs and Plymouths given new life and meaning by fertile minds and talented hands.
 
Some of the art is purely decorative: enormous roses, intricate sundials, abstracts and landscapes.  Other artists make political statements, drop cultural references, or get personal.
 
Beyond the wow factor lies an environmental message.  Reclamation artists have long used junkyards and trash heaps as source material, taking someone else's garbage and turning it into something beautiful or strange or provacative.  The goal of the Landfillart Project, Marquis says, is to get people thinking about the amount of trash they generate - and, perhaps, to reduce it.  "Old rusted hubcaps, or even old plastic ones, eventually have no use.  They end up in landfills or in people's backyards," he says.  "So it made perfect sense to use this as a basis to create art on."
 
Why hubcaps?  The idea came to Marquis at an auto show near Allentown, where he had stumbled on a cache of 41 rusted disks.  "It was one of those eureka moments," he recalls.  "I saw a hubcap and I thought, "I think I can get this repurposed."
 
Landfillart is an international effort encompassing 1,041 artists to claim a piece of rusted metal garbage and create fine art while having a positive impact on the environment.
 
More information on Marquis' reclamation project can be obtained on hus website www.landfillaart.org.

 ***

"Coal River Mountain, West Virginia" (Carole Romanowski - whispjesse@aol.com)
 
 
My daily Journal Newspaper reported a short while ago that on this past  Memorial Day, a film was shown on the personal toll of pollution from coal extraction in West Virginia.
 
Former Newsweek correspondent Clara Bingham is familiar with the dangers of coal mining. When she returned to West Virginia a few years ago to research a magazine story, she was startled by the devastation wreaked by the practice of mountaintop removal, which uses explosives to blast the peaks off mountains to extract the coal inside.
 
 "I'd  seen what (mining) was like in the 70's and early '80's, and this was an entirely new ballgame," she says. "The mountains were being completely obliterated. The people who lived there were sick. It was so extreme and shocking."
 
Bingham was so appalled that she teamed up with award-winning documentary filmmaker Bill Haney to co-produce "The Lost Mountain." aired this past Memorial Day in Pleasantville, NY, which tells about a passionate band of citizens living near Coal River Mountain, W.Va., who are desperately trying to stop coal companies from continuing these operations. Mountaintop removal has wiped out 1 million acres of pristine forests, buried 2,000 miles of streams and contaminated the air and water in Appalachia, causing poor health and even death in their communities.
 
This impacts America's environmental and economic future, since coal fuels almost half of the electricity produced in the U.S.
 
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, has attended rallies against mountain removal - specifically targeting Massey Energy, which controls mining in Coal River Valley. Ordinary residents have turned into environmental activists over this issue.
 
They are folks like a W. Virginia waitress who joined the fight after repeated rounds of blasting led to the flooding of her home and pollution of local well water.
 
Since coal companies are among the region's largest source of employment, these activists often butt heads against pro-coal friends and neighbors who believe that they're trying to take away how many of them make a living.
 
Haney, however, points out that the coal industry isn't exactly looking out for its workers. He says W. Virgina coal companies have actually eliminated more than 40,000 jobs in the past 30 years.
 
The wind industry employs as many people as the coal industry, a powerful fact in favor of renewable energy. Some supporters want to see the Appalachian Mountains topped with wind turbines, rather than a barren landscape.
 
Yet,  is wind power truly feasible, given America's tremendous power needs? Haney's answer to that question is Canada plans to shut down its coal plants by 2014 and move toward more wind and solar power.
 
"The economics are good, the technology exists and is improving, so we could be free of the oil industry and big, smudgy coal." Haney says. "Why aren't we doing it? Politics. But you see Canada moving past that, and you have to wonder, why can't we?"

 

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 October 19, 2011.  Please be sure to include any contact information so that members can e-mail or snail-mail for further details.

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.

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@comcast.net)
Co-Presidents -- Ann Schnitz (aerie01@comcast.net) and Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
Web Site -- -- http://home.comcast.net/~tybrenn/iat/
Facebook -- -- IAT – John Denver:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=100472756285

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