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IAT
NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2000
In this issue.....
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"IT'S ABOUT TIME WE BEGIN IT, TO TURN THE
WORLD AROUND..."
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ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
Co-Founder/Former President - Marcelle
Co-Founder and Secretary -- Theresa (Tree1A@aol.com)
Co-Founder and Webpage Designer -- Sandy (IATMail@aol.com)
President -- Ann (aerie01@sprynet.com)
Newsletter Editor -- Ellen (elq@gateway.net)
Web Site -- http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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Dear Friends,
After what seemed like an endless winter of snow and ice in the Northeast, it appears
that spring is finally here. Only a few days ago, I looked outside my screen door
to see the green leaves of tulips coming up alongside my patio and it won't be long
before the crabapple in the front yard is in bloom. I hope all of you will get a
chance to get outside and open yourselves up to the beauty and peace of Nature as
She puts on a spectacular show of renewal. And as you go, I also hope you will tread
lightly and look to remove litter when you find it.
Another reason I don't regret leaving behind the cold of winter is the fact that
the past couple of months have been something of a frustration for me, personally.
Without going into specifics, I will tell you that I have encountered more narrow-mindedness
among people that I would have otherwise considered enlightened than I have ever
experienced before, to the point of wondering if what I was doing with our organization
and the World Family was worth it.
To my mind, one of the fundamental things that John Denver believed in was diversity,
and acceptance of all beings on this planet. We share the same goal here - we all
want to further John's legacy and memory. However, we should also be sensitive to
differences in the way that people arrive at the same destination, and not project
a strident, judgmental opinion that does more to separate than unite. It's important
to "keep our eyes on the prize", and not get lost in petty squabbles or
zealotry.
Sure - I make it sound easy. I'm aware of that. Just as in all things, though, this
too is what John was fond of calling a "conscious choice". If we can't
have peace and harmony amongst ourselves, i.e., John's admirers, then what hope do
we have of making a difference in this world? I'm all for presenting an opinion.
That's how healthy dialog starts. But no healthy dialog is possible when the two
sides talk AT each other, rather than respecting each other's position.
With that, I climb off my soapbox for this month, and go on to telling you about
our new fundraising project for Y2K. It was one of our members' ideas that we compile
a "suggestion book" of helpful, environmentally friendly hints. Here's
one - instead of using pesticide spray to keep ants from overrunning your house,
sprinkle a little cinnamon where you see
activity. It keeps the ants from coming back and really works! Know any others like
that? We'd love to have them from you - please send them on to any one of the club
officers and we'll put them together into a cyber book that you can purchase. The
funds raised will be donated to The Hunger Project.
And please - be gentle with the Earth and each other.
My heart to yours,
Ann
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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Hello, IAT friends,
This month's newsletter is another full one and I want to say, "thank you"
to those who have contributed information, articles, letters and poetry. There is
a lot of sharing here and I hope each of you finds many things to enjoy.
Overall, I continue to be struck by how much one man has touched so many lives. And,
how he continues to do so. When you read the letter from Jane (under "Notes
From IAT Friends"), I think you'll know what I mean. There is so much that John
did (and continues to do) in simply one song!
Yet, when I heard Annie and Cassie talk about John on VH1's "Behind the Music",
I couldn't believe that John still didn't feel he was doing enough. He, somehow,
wasn't completely aware of his effect. It seems amazing that someone of his stature,
recognition and influence could feel that way, doesn't it? (I, for one, aim to find
him when I get to the "other side" and tell him just how much of a difference
he did make!)
Makes me wonder about the rest of us, though. Are we, too, making more of a difference
than we realize? Is that just the formula for how it works? If that's true, then
living more consciously and carefully of the way we behave seems to be important,
too. Perhaps HOW we put it out there is just as important as the fact that we put
it out there at all. After all, even John didn't do everything perfectly, but what
he DID do usually came from a place of loving intent. Maybe that's what made him
so compelling.
Thanks for listening to me wonder.:-)
Have a good month,
Ellen
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"...IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START TO MAKE IT,
THE DREAM WE'VE ALWAYS KNOWN..."
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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"This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals...stand up
for the stupid and crazy...have patience and indulgence toward the people...re-examine
all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss what insults your
very soul, and your very flesh shall become a great poem." -- Walt Whitman
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FUNDRAISING
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SUPPORT NEEDED FOR JD MEMORY GARDEN
Dear friends,
Your support is needed to purchase an Aspen tree and engraving for the John Denver
Memory Garden in Snowmass, Colorado. (This project is being) spearheaded by Jane
McLaughlin and Brian Mooney (and) we hope that, together, the World Family of John
Denver can complete this project in time for the October celebration. For more information
follow the link http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/memgrove.html
or e-mail me directly.
Thanks, Richard (gerrich@jlc.net)
_____
NEW IAT "HUNGER PROJECT" FUNDRAISER
Our latest fundraiser will be an environmental suggestion book. It's a cyber book,
too, of course, like our previous cookbooks, but this it will have a different focus.
The goal is to round up hints and household tips that are earth-friendly, and incorporate
them with other environmental behaviors to make an easy-to-do handbook from which
we'll all benefit, especially Mother Earth.
If you have any ideas or suggestions along this line, please send them on to any
of the IAT staff along with your name (first is ok), e-mail address and location.
Look for an online form in the near future (http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/ideaform.html)
to make idea submission easier. We'll compile the cyber book and let you know when
it's available for purchase. The funds raised will be donated to The Hunger Project,
naturally.
Thank you in advance for your support, The IAT Staff
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS and INFORMATION
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IAT friend, Kim V. writes:
This is cool....more Keiko news and a website too!
THIS WEEK WITH KEIKO
It has been three weeks since Keiko was first given access to Klettsvik
bay. In this short period of acclimatization he has already demonstrated
several traits valuable to rehabilitation. Each day Keiko grows noticeably
more comfortable, spending more time out of the bay pen and exploring the
farther reaches of the bay area. Despite the increased workload that goes
with bay access, staff members are rewarded for their efforts daily by the
sight of Keiko in open water.
This week saw the introduction of boat desensitization conditioning,
teaching Keiko to ignore boats. Once this is achieved, he will be taught
to approach one specific boat and only under controlled conditions. Those
conditions involve the use of an audible call tone played through an
underwater speaker and a "receiving" platform mounted on the port
(left)side of the "Draupnir," Ocean Futures designated walk vessel.
Eventually the Draupnir will be used to escort (or "walk") Keiko to the
open ocean, allowing him access to the wild population that frequent the
waters of Vestmannyjaer. In the meantime, staff members have spent hours
each day exposing Keiko to boats inside the netted off bay area.
Currently, he is adapting very well to the changes that have been
presented along with access to Klettsvik bay.
For more information about Keiko, including the latest pictures of Keiko
and the bay, and a first-hand account of Keiko's progress, check out
KeikoWatch at: http://www.oceanfutures.org.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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JIM SALESTROM AND FRIENDS IN CONCERT
MARCH 30, 2000 - 7:30 pm - Jim Salestrom and Friends in
Concert...featuring a special tribute to John Denver at the Dean Lesher
Regional Center of the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA. The non-profit museum
will host the evening of acoustic folk music, including a special tribute
to John Denver. The band will include the following who performed with
John Denver - Jim Horn, Pete Huttlinger, Richie Garcia, John Sommers, and
Jim Salestrom.
General admission to the concert - $25.00.
Patron's Admission, including a reception with the artists following the
performance - $125.00. For tickets, contact the Dean Lesher Box Office at
925-943-SHOW.
For more information (about the event), contact the Lindsay Wildlife
Museum at 925-935-1978.
For more information about Jim, check out his web site at
http://www.jimsalestrom.com/.
_____
ECLIPSE PERFORMANCE
The band Eclipse will be performing "Beyond Country Roads: A John Denver
Tribute" on Sat. APRIL 8, 2000 at 8:15 pm at the Orange Arts Center; 13 S.
Main St. Orange, MA. The band consists of folk guitar, bass guitar and
woodwinds. A $5/$10 donation will go towards the Orange, MA town hall
restoration. Prior to this performance the band will be performing on
April 6th, 8:00 p.m. at the Flywheel in Easthampton, MA. (For more
information and/or directions, contact:) Richard [gerrich@jlc.net]
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JOHN ADAMS EVENT
APRIL 16, 2000
7-9 pm, $12 at door
Church of Religious Science
505 Camino de los Marquez
Santa Fe, NM
Phone info: 505-983-5022
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PLANT-IT 2000 EARTH DAY BENEFIT CONCERT WITH PHIL CHRISTIE
Phil has just announced his next concert: Saturday, April 22, 2000, 7:00
pm and 9:00pm at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake, Altadena, CA
91001-3520, www.coffeegallery.com, 626-398-7917 for reservations only.
Tickets are $6.00, and $1.00 per ticket will be donated to Plant-It 2000.
Of course, Phil will be performing "Earth"-themed songs. Michael
Valentine will be appearing with Phil, plus Extra Special Guests (top
secret until confirmed).
Reservations are strongly recommended, as the house only seats 60 (not
counting koalas). If you have questions about the concert (other than
reservations), or any of Phil's CDs, you can contact him at
www.philchristie.com, or c/o Lauret River Music, PO Box 251666, Los
Angeles, CA 90025.
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EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
We invite you to join us for an Earth Day Concert featuring the music of
John Denver. It will be held on Sunday, APRIL 30, 2000 from 11a.m. until 3
p.m. at the Rams Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD. There will be a buffet lunch
and wonderful music. Performing for us will be our own Charlie Zahm; Mack
Bailey and Kenn Roberts, from the Hard Travelers; and this year we have
added a percussionist - David Stemple, from Virginia. Proceeds from the
show will benefit the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The cost is $30.00/person, which includes the buffet lunch, sound system
rental, and a small donation to the WCS. We will have items for auction as
well as items for sale, which include the bears from our symposium last
year in Aspen. Deadline for reservations is APRIL 21, 2000. NO REFUNDS
AFTER THAT DATE.
For any additional information, contact: Ann (aerie01@sprynet.com)
or Mary (eagleshorses@yahoo.com).
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"THE JOHN DENVER STORY"
The CBS TV movie is scheduled to air on Sunday, April 30th, 2000. Check
your local TV listings for more details.
_____
...For Californians or those in the area:
MAY 13, 2000 - Hey, I'm going to be visiting California (San Fran /
Monterey Bay area) very briefly and would like to get together with JD
friends, if possible!!! E-mail me at donnapinto@yahoo.com.
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MUSICAL RETROSPECTIVE
WHO: YOU...are invited to...
WHAT: John Denver: a Musical Retrospective by Christopher Westfall & Kevin Yeargin
WHEN: May 20, 2000 at 7:30 P.M.
WHERE: Doylestown, PA - at the Salem United Church of Christ 186 East Court Street.
(Doylestown is about 30 miles north of Philadelphia.)
HOW: Please Join Us!
WHY: Gather with good friends and have F.U.N.!
Tickets are $10 each adult (kids 12 and under are free). There will be
tickets sold at the door but please reserve early. We will be serving
light refreshments at break time and need to have a count to buy drinks
and snacks. Please enter through the side door of the church, which opens
to the public at 7:00 P.M. This is a World Family of John Denver event
presented by Eagleflight Productions and not connected to any fan club.
WHO BENEFITS? Profits resulting from this concert will benefit the Salem
United Church of Christ and the Southwest (American) Indian Foundation.
The SWIF raises funds via sales from their catalogues. Visit them at
http://www.cia-g.com/~t1132/.
Visit the event's web page at:
http://john-denver.org/web/events/jd_retro.htm
For directions, visit http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py
or
http://www.mapquest.com
For more details, email honer@erols.com.
Send your check to:
Dottie Honer
5214 Stump Road
Pipersville, PA 18947
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"A CELEBRATION OF LIFE" - A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER
June 3, 2000 - from 1:00pm 'til 6:00pm
Come and enjoy a Spring Musical Tribute to the life of John Denver, held
at his Memorial Bench site on the Lake in beautiful Central Park NYC.
Rejoice to the sounds of John's music in a performance by JOHN ADAMS.
John is here from the Netherlands. He is currently touring the United
States and quickly earning the title of the "Dutch John Denver". Sounding
strikingly like John Denver, you can close your eyes and almost believe JD
is back with us. John Adams gives a respectful and very entertaining
tribute to John.
Also on the program will be special guest artists singing and playing
John's music. As the program progresses, we will list their names. This
will truly be a "Musical Tribute" to our John and a day to remember.
Please e-mail for more info and directions.
Jo and Eve - WSmith5492@aol.com & EEEEEKL@aol.com
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PA HIGHWAY CLEANUP
The PA Friends of JD, Reading branch, is changing the date of their
cleanup from April 30 to May 7. Several John Denver events on the East
Coast are happening and I don't want to compete with any of them.
Our last pickup - cleaning up after winter - was not arduous, yet we
picked up 18 bags of trash. 18 bags of trash in a 2 mile stretch of
highway! That is incredible to me! What happened to the signs that used
to say $300 fine for littering? We need to get back to those I think.
It's unbelievable what people throw out of their car windows! If you want
to (help) keep your Mother clean, let me know. Judith G.
[flyangel@early.com]
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JOHN DENVER BENCH DEDICATION
The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, Joan Kurtz and Mary Warren
cordially invite you to the John Denver Bench Dedicaiton, on June 11th,
2000, at 1:00 pm. (It will be held) at the Connetquot State Park, Sunrise
Highway in Oakdale, NY.
Music, nature, presentations, and a celebration, followed by a 3 mile
hike.
RSVP: Joan (rangerfan1012@lycosmail.com)
For additional information, please go to:
http://www.geocities.com/sandy2164/
_____
DEDICATION AT HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY - Kempton, PA
The dedication ceremony at Hawk Mt. Sanctuary is a day to honor John and
to dedicate two benches at the sanctuary in his memory. The date for the
dedication is June 18th. That's Father's Day, so bring your Dad or your
children with you!
Tentatively, plans are as follows: we will gather to listen to singers
perform John's music; a representative of Hawk Mt. will be giving a raptor
demonstration; someone from Hawk Mt. will talk about the history of the
mountain and their research work; of course we'll be hearing John's voice
on CD, as well. There will also be background videos throughout the day,
if possible.
The musicians to date are Charlie Zahm from Philadelphia, Frank DeLaMarre
from Michigan, and Carol Sullivan from New Jersey. Max Langstaff, who
produced the Wildlife Concert for John will be there to tell us how that
all got started and to share his memories of John.
I hope you can join us. I'm sure John will be there too. Love and Peace,
Judith G. [flyangel@early.com]
http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/hawkmtn/hawkmtn.html
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NOTES FROM IAT FRIENDS
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Greetings to all of you...It has always been others who wrote these
messages about John, not me. But tonight, I want to share with my friends
something very special and hope that the core won't be lost in
translation. I trust the heart will hear what this heart needs to say.
... I work at St. Anselm College and ... live in residence with 325 women.
It has been a most rewarding experience for me because I see these young
people at the threshold of their lives...eager, hopeful and waiting to
taste the fruits of life. Right now, however, they are cramming for
mid-terms and don't have time for much else, least of all, a time out.
This is all leading somewhere, I promise.
I was in my residence, which opens to the main lounge, and reading while
... listening to who else, but John. It was one of the many "Best of..."
CDs and "Perhaps Love" was playing. This is not an uncommon occurrence,
but what was different about tonight is that a student knocked on my door.
When I opened it, a young man who was visiting his girlfriend asked, "Who
was singing that beautiful song?" He came in, sat down, and I gave him
the CD and proceeded to replay the desired track. After it played, he
asked if he could bring his girlfriend in to listen. In she came, and
then another, and another, and another...and soon, in my humble "little"
abode, there were 11 college seniors sitting around, so intent on John's
voice and the words to the song, that they forgot that this is a night of
major stress for them. They hung on to his music like it was the first
time they had ever heard of JD. The next song to play was "For You" and
may I say, that when John sang this for these young people, it was like
he, too, was in this room giving a personal performance. It was so quiet
except for John's singing and, as I looked around this small room at the
faces of each young man and woman, I saw tears in many of their eyes,
including two of the men. They had me play it three times. One of the
couples is getting married in August and they decided that after hearing
the song they wanted it for their special day with John singing it by
tape. One of the comments was "all I've ever heard him sing is 'Country
Roads'...is this the same guy?" The added beauty was that they kept
listening for almost an hour...unheard of at crunch time, when every
minute is occupied. I loaned out six tapes for their listening pleasure
and they kept asking about him. That he actually stood up for the
environment, the hungry of the world, etc. was something not one of them
ever knew and they were impressed. Some had grown up on John's earlier
music, but had no recollection of these songs.
We've all heard John speak and sing about spirit, and I have felt John's
spirit since he left us, probably the strongest in Aspen last October.
But tonight, in this room, he was here as surely as I type these words and
he held those students spellbound, just as he did us at concerts. I wanted
you all to be here because these moments, that are rare now, I believe
will be more frequent... because John still speaks better than most
because he speaks to the heart. The ages will hear him, of that I am sure
especially after seeing the open faces of these young people
tonight...they heard and if they knew about it, they might have even said
"Far Out". My heart is full.
We all remember how much he hated to sign autographs...his recording
"Autographs" is one of my favorites..."This is my autograph, here
in the
songs that I sing, here in my joy, in my laugh, here in the love that I
bring...I am always with you, and you always with me." He was here
tonight, and I wish you could have been here too. For a little while, it
wasn't so cold outside.
From my heart to yours, dear family...
Jane
_____
Dear Friends of John Denver:
My name is Charlie Zahm, I am a folk singer from Pennsylvania who is lucky
enough to do a lot of traveling and a lot of shows singing the music that
I love, and I owe a huge debt to John Denver for inspiring me so early on
(age 10) to pursue making people happy and expressing the love that I find
in life through music. At age 34 now, I am fortunate enough to have grown
up in a time when the music of John Denver was really at its peak, and I
can honestly say that I learned more about playing the guitar from his
records than from any other performer in this world.
He has been and continues to be a great inspiration in my life, both
musically and spiritually: the happiness he gave people through his life's
work is so easily reflected in the heartfelt joy of his music, and vice
versa. I suppose that's why those who love his music feel more than just a
regular admiration for him as one might feel for a pop star, but it is
more of a higher level of connection, the kind people who believe in the
same principles of goodness and kindness and oneness with the family of
life might have.
I have been lucky enough to have been asked back to a wonderful Celtic
music festival held in Monterey May 12-14, and while being at the festival
and in Monterey are great experiences in themselves (I fell in love with
Northern California all over again when I was last there almost two years
ago) I would especially like to meet with as many friends of John Denver
the Saturday night, the 13th, for an evening of song and sharing. I am
giving a performance to raise money for a charity to be announced, of
which we feel John would have approved, but mostly I would like to share
my love of his music and I am writing to you for ideas and help. I don't
know where you all live, but I figure if the music industry is good enough
to fly me out there for this great time *and* give me the Saturday night
off, I would like to give back to the memory my primary inspiration, JD,
by singing for you the songs that brought me to music in the first place.
I have been involved with several programs featuring JD's music in the
last couple of years, and every one has been a great experience for me,
and I think those folks who come, and in many cases bring their guitars,
their stories, and their fond memories come out having been part of a kind
and caring community for a few hours.
I am also happy to say a few good friends who also love the music of JD
are coming to California for the music and hopefully for a night of
meeting other JD friends as well. They would love to see you, as I would.
Please email either Pat (PAHough@aol.com) or
Ann
(aerie01@sprynet.com) for details as they
develop. Of course, once all
the plans are finalized, we'll be announcing the show in next month's It's
About Time Newsletter.
I realize this note has gone on quite long! Thanks for reading this far,
and I hope to see you all real soon.
PAX, Charlie Zahm (Maritimes@aol.com; http://www.charliezahm.com)
_____
JD and Cloth of Many Colors
I am working with a project called the Cloth of Many Colors. We are
asking for a piece of cloth that you hold for a moment in your hand and
think of peace and then send to me. I am now officially one of the
project directors of this program. Jimmy has been invited to the UN
September 5, 2000 opening ceremonies to dedicate this cloth by wrapping in
around the UN in a ceremony of peace. Where does John Denver come into
this? I have talked with James McManis, who is the in charge of this
project, about our JD groups throughout the world and that I felt that
thousands would contribute to the project in John's memory. Here is what
his response was: "I can assure you that we will find a way to honor John
Denver and his humanitarian work. There will be much publicity in the
media and many printed materials relating to the Cloth of Many Colors, as
we move forward toward September. Each of these venues will allow for
John
Denver's name to be used and his work for world peace to be memorialized."
This is exciting -- John's message will be sent out and he will be held in
a positive light before the world. I know we can make a major statement
to the world that John work is still continuing and that his fans and
family still care for all his contributions to the world. Please support
this project. The deadline is August 1, 2000 for the cloths to be sent.
I'm also asking if anyone has any way for me to contact John's family or
Hal Thau or anyone else who could help with this project to contact me
personally.
Please send your cloth to me at: Debra Chilton, JD Cloth of Many Colors,
2817 NE 48th Street, Vancouver, WA 98663, (360) 694-6012. Call if you
have any questions. DEB (From: Debra <wilco@paclink.com)
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STORIES AND SHARINGS
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One IAT friend, Patricia, wrote to the Australia Zoo in praise of the
Crocodile Hunter show and shared her and her husband's love and respect
for John. "When we first saw your show, I could not believe how Steve and
Terri both have the same 'totally alive and loving every minute of it'
attitudes that made John so special," she says. She went on to talk of
the JD e-mail group to which she belongs and tell how many JD fans have
seen Steve and Terri and their Crocodile show and thanked them for their
caring efforts. Patricia received the following response:
Dear Patricia, Hi there! Thanks so much for you lovely e-mail; it's
wonderful to hear from people who enjoy Steve and Terri's shows. It's
great to hear about the group that you belong to and how they are so
active in trying to make this world a better place. Congratulations to
you all!! If you are wanting to aid in Steve and Terri's wildlife
conservation efforts, or you just would like to learn a little more about
them, you can join our Crocodile Hunter Zoo Club.
Through this you receive quarterly newsletters, which might be of interest
to you and your group.
If you would like more information on this you can check out our website
www.crocodilehunter.com, or simply e-mail me back with your home address
and I'll send all the information to you. Steve, Terri and Bindi their
little girl have been very busy filming new Crocodile Hunter episodes, so
keep an eye out for them! They'll be really exciting! Thanks again for
your e-mail and I hope to hear from you again soon. Keep up the great
work and thanks for sharing Steve and Terri's passion for wildlife.
Regards, Arnie/Australia Zoo
_____
"Grandma's Feather Bed" - by Shirley Pestana
Jim Connor, who wrote "Grandma's Feather Bed", performed this song at the
concert Saturday night at the Wheeler Opera House. He is an enthusiastic
performer, strumming his banjo, and singing with such fun and energy. But
before this particular rendition was over, he sang a verse never heard
before! Wow! Where did that come from?
On Sunday, we (Don Larson, Keith Hilton, Shirley Pestana, Ellen Brown and
Anne and Jim Curry) stopped by the Inn at Aspen to make a quick purchase
of some CD's. There was Jim Connor, sitting at a table, being
interviewed. We quietly nudged each other saying, "Look! It's Jim
Connor!".
We left shortly after purchasing the CD's we had come to buy. Although
there were six of us when we arrived, only five of us were now in the van,
ready to leave. So, we pulled up to the hotel entrance to wait for Keith,
our sixth passenger. Soon after, he came strolling out to the van, with
Jim Connor following close behind, saying, "Y'all got room for one more?"
Next thing we knew, Jim Connor was climbing into our van and we were
giving him a ride back to the St. Regis. We were all staying at the
Mountain Chalet and the St. Regis was directly behind our hotel.
So, off we drove in complete glee and excitement! During our ride, Jim
began to tell us the story of Grandma's Featherbed. He spoke about how
during the time the song was written, China had a one-child restriction,
so most children in China never had siblings; only cousins, aunts and
uncles. That's why there is no mention of sisters or brothers in the
song. He thought the song would go over big in China if it sang about
cousins, aunts and uncles.
Not every Sunday, but every few Sundays, the family would meet at his
Grandmother's house. There, she would always have chicken pie for all to
eat. He told us that one particular cousin in the family hated the task
of churning the homemade butter, and she was looking forward to the day
she got married and didn't have to churn the butter anymore. And wait she
did; she was 30 years old when she finally married! Quite coincidentally,
once she got married and tasted the store-bought butter, she hated the
taste, and returned to churning her own butter!
He talked about all the great food people would bring to share and how the
old folks would sit around and talk and that when his father reminisced of
the war, it was the Civil War. The only part of this song which never
really occurred was stealing a piggy from the shed! All that he told us,
truly made this song come to life.
Then he said that a couple of years after John Denver had recorded and
popularized the song, he realized that he had written about every element
of his family life except a very important one - church. Dismayed, he
realized it was too late to add the additional lyrics. But, he wrote them
anyway!
"Yeah, we heard them last night. We sure wish we had them so we could
start singing them when we play that song", we said to Jim. He patted his
pockets as he said, "Anyone got some paper?" "Right here," said
Don as he
handed Jim a piece a paper. We were just pulling up to the St. Regis, but
sat there with the engine idling while Jim scrolled out the new verse. I
was sitting next to him and watched history unfold before my eyes.
"On Sunday morning we'd go to church and stay for covered dish
I'd run, play and get so tired, and then I'd get my wish.
To lie out flat and nap and dream with the feathers 'neath my head
But my cousins wouldn't stop tickling me on Grandma's Featherbed!"
When Jim was done, we all got out of the van and took some pictures with
him. Then, away he went into the St. Regis. Did that really just happen?
Wow! When we got to our hotel lobby, Keith made photocopies of the new
hand-written verse for all of us.
Later that night at our jam session, John Adams walked in with Karen
D'Attilo to join us. Keith told John he had something for him, but he'd
give it to him after the next song. When we finished our song, Keith
began telling the story of our three-mile journey with Jim Connor. When
finished, he presented John Adams with a copy of the lyrics Jim had
hand-written for us. John was overwhelmed and gave Keith a big hug!
John, like us, knew the importance of this little piece of paper. Keith
also gave a copy to Karen, who like John, was very thankful to have it.
So, the next time you are at a John Denver jam session, don't be surprised
to hear the "other verse" as Jim Connor calls it.
_____
After printing Dennis' story of an "Eagle and a Hawk" in January,
we
received this from another IATer...
I, too, had a very wonderful "close encounter" with a bald eagle --
actually, a pair of bald eagles -- on New Years Day, that took my breath
away. We were driving around the bay here in Astoria and my son shouted
out, "Mom! Eagles!!!" Sure enough, there was a huge bald eagle standing
out on the mud flats in just a few inches of water. (The tide was out
(and) I thought at first that the bird was stuck in the mud, or drowning!
Scared me to death!) Of course, I had to throw the car across the road
and park in a turn out so I could hop out and watch this wonder. As soon
as we bailed out of the car I saw Eagle spread his wings and give a little
hop to try to get airborne. (I) ... saw right away why he couldn't and
why he appeared to be "stuck!" He had this HUGE fish in his talons; it
looked like a salmon (I *think* the salmon are running now, but I'm no
expert!). But whatever it was, it was much bigger then the eagle. MUCH!
Oh wow. My heart is going bumpity-bump with raw excitement, when my son
shouted out again (in my ear! grin), "Mom, 'nother eagle!!!" Sure enough!
Another big, beautiful eagle flew right over our heads!!! She
was so close I could see her nostrils and it felt like all I had to do to
stroke her was to lift up my hand. We watched her fly across the road and
land in a pine tree.....tail flared and talons extended. Wow!
In the mean time, "Sir Eagle" ... is still struggling to fly out of the
water with his monster fish. He's got a flock of gulls circling around him
creeling away like mad ... when he finally achieves lift off! Without his
fish!!!! As soon as he was air born all the gulls dived into the water
after that fish, but I didn't keep watching them, I wanted to see were
"Sir Eagle" went.
He perched in the same tree as his mate and when the kids and I got into
the car to park under that tree the pair of 'em took off and flew down the
road a little way farther (with us following!), only to land in another,
bigger tree. I could almost hear them thinking, "sheesh, won't they ever
give up??" I kinda sent out a little silent plea, "please just let us
watch for a little while, then we'll leave you alone." I swear they heard
us! They sat there so pretty, preening and fluffing their feathers, drying
them out in the sun. Then they both stretched out their heads and let out
a big old trumpeting cry, poofing out all of their feathers, extending
their wings and just flapping like mad. Pine needles went flying
everywhere from the shaking those branches took!!! ... Then, in absolute
synchronicity, the pair lifted off their branch and wheeled around over
our heads and flew out towards the bay. I felt compelled to follow, but I
remembered my promise to leave them be if only I could watch, for just a
little while.
Well, they put on a grand show for my children and I and I left them be
to get along with their day with a silent "thank you" and thoughts of love
and blessings in my heart. I couldn't have asked for a better way to start
off the New Year, not to mention, a new Millennium!!! Thank you, friend
Eagles! And thank you John, for teaching me how to be so appreciative,
thankful, and honored to be allowed this glimpse into theirs lives!
Blessed Be. - submitted by Kim V.
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MEMORABILIA
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(Just a reminder that not all Internet businesses are legitimate
and we are unable to verify each vendor who requests that we place their ad in our
newsletter. "Buyer Beware".)
POETRY by George Spendley
"For The Dreamers", a poetic collection of love by George Spendley is now
available. Signed copies of the book may be ordered from the Aspen Teddy
Bear Company: Ph# 970-429-0689. The purchase price is $15.95 plus $4.00
shipping and handling with a portion of the sale being donated to the
Windstar Land Conservancy in Snowmass, Colorado. Credit cards and mail
orders are accepted. Carolyn Matthews will have signed copies of the book
available for purchase at the Earth Day Concert in Annapolis, Maryland on
April 30, 2000. For more information or for purchasing unsigned copies of
the book please visit Trafford Publishing's Web Bookstore at:
http://www.trafford.com/robots/99-0061.html
You may also visit Mr. Spendley's website for a sampling of his work:
http://members.xoom.com/oakcreekpoet
_____
ROLLING STONE MAGAZINES (from Howard Fields/ "Rock Paper")
Hi. I just thought you &/or the visitors to your site might be interested
in my business Rock Paper. I am perhaps the largest dealer in Rolling
Stone magazine in the world as well as many other classic rock magazines
of the 60s & 70s. This stockpile of magazines is infinitely enhanced by a
database whereby ANY artist or band can be completely researched regarding
their content in Rolling Stone magazine. Following then is a list,
including the year of publication, of EVERY cover appearance, substantial
article, concert review, record review, and advertisement EVER published
in Rolling Stone magazine having to do with John Denver. You can purchase
from me, at the stated prices, ANY of these complete mags containing the
indicated items. Also, please inquire about lesser priced issues with
cover damage if that doesn't concern you. OR...if you'd prefer I can
provide you with photocopies of ANY of these items for a $4.00 per item
search/service fee ($7 for cover appearance articles & articles longer
than 3 pgs). When ordering, it would be helpful to return this list (or a
copy of) with your choices clearly marked.
COVER APPEARANCES
Rolling Stone #186 from 5/8/75; $25
BRIEF NEWS ITEMS W/PICS
one from '76; $20; one from '81; $12.
ARTICLES
"Six Weeks...Live: John Denver Set For The BBC Tube"; '73; $20
"Frankie & Johnny...& Jerry Too"; '75; $20
"Who's Hot: John Deutschendorf"; '71; $20
"John Denver: 1943-1997" (1 pg, pic); '97; $10
RECORD REVIEWS
"Aerie"; '72; $20
"Farewell Andromeda"; '73; $20
"Greatest Hits"; '74; $20
"Poems, Prayers & Promises" & "Take Me Home Country Roads"
45 RPM (brief
review); '71; $20
"Rocky Mountain High"; '72; $20
"Spirit"; '76; $20
"Windsong"; '75; $20
ADS
The Main Point club, Phil. PA, John Denver, Eric Andersen, Fairport
Convention, Randy Newman (very small ad); '70; $40 (Grateful Dead cover)
The Main Point club, Phil. PA, Kate Taylor, Flying Burrito Bros., John
Denver, Yvonne Elliman (very small ad); '71; $25 (Elton John cover)
"Poems, Prayers, & Promises" LP; '71; $25 (also have one available
w/cover
damage but w/ad perfectly intact-$10)
"Aerie" LP (full pg); '72; $25
"Rocky Mountain High" LP (full pg); '72; $25
"Farewell Andromeda" LP (full pg); '73; $25
"John Denver's Greatest Hits" LP (full pg); '73; $25
"An Evening With John Denver" LP (full pg); '75; $25
"The Music For Unicef Concert" LP (full pg w/illustration of Bee Gees,
Abba, Kristofferson & Coolidge, John Denver, others; '79; $20
ALSO:
Concert ad neatly clipped from the NYC newspaper: The Mitchell Trio;
10/9/65; w/pics of John Denver, Mike Kobluk, & Joe Frazier (names
indicated); 3.5" X 1"; $7 (6 available) Creem; 1/76; John Denver cover
(3
pgs, pic); $20 Zoo World; 9/12/74; Loggins & Messina cover w/John Denver
article (1 pg, 2 pics); $20
PAYMENT/SHIPPING INFO
USA: shipping: $3.20 shipping for the first three mags and $1 additional
for each additional mag/book. We also ship COD for which the US Postal
Service charges a small additional fee. Payment: By Personal Check,
Postal Money Order, Bank Check, or Cash.
CANADA/MEXICO: Shipping: $5 shipping for the first two mags and $1
additional for each additional mag/book.
Payment: NO PERSONAL CHECKS, US Currency, or International Money Orders
payable in US funds only-MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE IN CANADIAN FUNDS WILL BE
RETURNED. ALSO PLEASE NOTE THAT US BANKS CHARGE A $3 FEE ON DEPOSITS OF
CANADIAN MONEY ORDERS. PLEASE ADD THAT AMOUNT TO YOUR TOTAL IF YOU CHOOSE
TO PAY BY MONEY ORDER.
· EUROPE: Shipping: AIR MAIL; $6 for the first mag & $2 for each
additional mag.
Payment: By International Money Order or US Currency only.
JAPAN/AUSTRALIA/ALL OTHER COUNTRIES:
Payment: By International Money Order or US Currency only.
Shipping: AIR MAIL; $10 for the first one, two or three mags and $3
additional for each additional mag
PLEASE MAKE CHECKS/MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO HOWARD FIELDS.
ALSO...
1) 1986 reprint of Rolling Stone #1 from 11/9/67 with John Lennon on the
cover. An exact duplicate of the original . A great collector's item; $40
2) COMPLETE collection of Rolling Stone magazine from issue #1 to the
present (or to the issue of your choice). Please inquire for details.
3) 32 pg, color, 12" X 10" booklets entitled "Covers: 1967-1997"
containing pics of every Rolling Stone magazine cover from issue #1 (John
Lennon cover; 11/9/67) to issue #772 (Fleetwood Mac cover; 10/30/97); $10
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WEBSITES OF INTEREST
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http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/hawkmtn/hawkmtn.html
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POEMS, QUOTES AND INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS
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ROCKY
MOUNTAIN MINSTREL
by Emily M. Parris
Dedicated to John Denver
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|
Once upon a time there was a man
Who sang of love, and joy and life
Of the joys of raising a family
And of cherishing a wife
He sang of the Rocky Mountains
Of the moon and stars above
He sang a simple, country song
Of happiness, peace and love
His voice was a clear, sweet tenor
His heart was immense and true
If you're lucky perhaps he'll sing
A country song for you
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For the Rocky Mountain Minstrel
Has a voice and the songs to inspire
My Rocky Mountain Minstrel's songs
Can take me higher, higher...
Into a pleasant paradise
Of Rocky Mountain peace
Where everything is wonderful
And all my troubles cease
----------------------------
Copyright 1992 by Emily M. Parris
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_____
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Joy
In Spring's Beauty
Carolyn Reineke Matthews
April 1999
http://members.xoom.com/MyMtnSpirit/
|
|
I pray to The One
of Heavenly Things
and ask to see beauty
in all that life brings.
I ask to have patience;
I must listen, somehow,
to this voice deep inside me
that speaks to me now.
There is poetry here
in each day's rebirth,
and in all living things
that reside on this earth.
I seek to find joy
as the flowers unfold;
to see them stretch upward
with petals of gold.
In hope do I see
that the birds are now here;
with nesting and sweet songs,
they bring summer near.
The trees are now leafing
a bright yellow-green;
they contrast with heaven,
such beauty unseen.
|
As I lie on my back
and I look to the sky;
white marshmallow clouds
slowly drift by.
And I hear children playing
with laughter and joy;
what pleasure they bring,
what a wonderful noise.
The soft, gentle breeze
brings a sweet, flowery scent;
it reminds me of childhood,
and past days I've spent.
And when the day ends,
the sun sinks in the west;
a soft orange sunset,
is a sight I love best.
As I gaze in the heavens
at bright, brilliant stars,
I give thanks for this beauty,
both near and so far.
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NEWSLETTER NEWS
*********************************************************************
If you would like to submit articles, news items, stories, poetry, or any other pertinent
information to IT'S ABOUT TIME, please send it to the Editor, Ellen, at elq@gateway.net
or e-mail any of the IAT staff. The submission deadline for our April edition is
April 21, 2000.
***The content of this (and future newsletters) is entirely at the discretion of
the It's About Time staff. Contributions are welcome although not all can be guaranteed
inclusion.***
**********************************************************************
"...IT'S
ABOUT TIME WE START TO LIVE IT, THE FAMILY OF MAN."
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