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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,
This month's newsletter ushers in two major changes for It's About Time. It is with
sadness that I report to you the departure of our dear friend Ellen as the editor
of this document. I have enjoyed working with Ellen very much and will miss her input
here. Thank you so much, Ellen, for everything you have contributed to making my
job so easy and for your grace and ability as newsletter editor. Thank you too for
digging in when the going got tough - and it did! That being said, please join me
in welcoming Marcia to the staff of It's About Time as our new newsletter editor.
It was a very difficult choice among several qualified applicants, and I'd like to
publicly thank everyone who volunteered their services. For next month, please forward
any contributions for the newsletter to either Marcia (mport@netnitco.net)
or me.
Secondly, in producing a number of John Denver-related events with my friend, Mary, the President of "Rhymes and
Reasons", it occurred to us that we should combine forces since our organizations
are pursuing the same path. Therefore, I'd like to announce the merger of It's About
Time with Rhymes and Reasons, effective immediately. The group will retain the name
"It's About Time" and Mary will be my co-president. Mary's members will
be receiving our newsletter and we hope to have as many on board as possible in the
near future.
As many of you know, Mary is also a long-time John Denver friend and has many years
of experience with producing newsletters and events. So welcome, Mary, to It's About
Time. I'm sure that next month, we'll both have more to tell you about our plans
for the future.
In the meantime, take care and enjoy the Spring!
My heart to yours,
Ann
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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Hi, everyone,
Once again, our newsletter is quite sizable! Thanks to all of you who submit items
for inclusion each month. Without you, there'd be no newsletter!
It seems to be that time of year when our calendars fill up fast. It's no different
on the John Denver front, either. This month's edition is predominated by "Upcoming
Events" in his honor. Hope you can catch one or two in your area.
Looking back, I can't believe that almost a year has passed since I first began talking
with Ann and Sandy about becoming the Editor. But, time passes and things change,
and it has come time for me to move on. So, I am writing to you for the last time
as the IAT Newsletter Editor. I wish my successor, Marcia Porter, the best of luck.
It has been my pleasure to be of some service in John's name and I wish all of you
well.
I came across a prayer to the Earth some time ago and, in closing, I'd like to share
it with you now:
"Oh, Earth,
Precious planet, home to each one of us...
Let us become conscious caretakers of you,
in all your abundance and beauty...
Let us recognize the connection between all living
things, and celebrate the great diversity of life forms
that exist here on our wondrous planet...
Let us honor all life, by caring for each other, and
for ourselves, mind, body, and spirit, in every way that we
possibly can, to promote harmony and well-being for all."
((c) 1992, Caroline Joy Adams)
Sincerely,
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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"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and
affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and to endure the
betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give
of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden
patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with exultation;
to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived -- this is
to have succeeded." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
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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
and Brian (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. You may also go to the IAT website and fill out the online form:
http://members.aol.com/tybrenn/ideaform.html.
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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NEWS and INFORMATION
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California Condors Could Have Been A "Thing of the
Past"
Just 20 years ago, the California condor was on the verge of extinction.
Today, through the efforts of many wildlife services, Zoos and Zoological
Societies, they are populating their native habitats once again.
In the early 1980s, fewer than 30 California condors remained in the wild,
and the California Condor Recovery Program was formed. In 1983, an egg
was taken from a wild nest and brought to the San Diego Zoo. That same
year, the first condor chick to be born in captivity was hatced. By 1984,
there was a positive population growth among this breed of condors.
However, condors in the wild were still in danger of expiring altogether.
In 1986, when the last wild breeding female dies of lead poisoning, the
decision was made to bring the remaining wild condors into captivity.
Luckily, the captive-bred chicks began to breed. "Molloko", born on April
29, 1988, was heralded as the high point in the recovery effort. The
following year more captive-bred chicks hatched, as well. By 1992, some
of the captive-raised condors were returned to the wild and, since then,
more than 80 birds have been released in California and Arizona.
The prognosis is good for the survival of these condors. And, saving one
species can help to protect countless others. (--submitted by E.L.Quinn,
adapted from Kathi Diamant's "California Condor Breeding Program: A Happy
Beginning, ZooNooz. May 2000)
_____
From the Aspen Times
The Flower That Shattered the Stone
By Andy Stone
Aspen Times Staff Writer
Columbine.
Once it was a flower - a beautiful, elegant flower.
It was adopted as the symbol of the state of Colorado.
It was taken as a name for businesses and institutions throughout
the state.
And then, just a year ago, on April 20, 1999, it became a symbol of a
different kind, a symbol of horror, a very modern kind of horror: children
murdering children.
Now, an effort has begun to make the columbine a new kind of symbol, a
symbol of healing. And, with luck, it will even become a symbol of how we
can work to grow and mature and move beyond that particular kind of
horror.
The effort is centered on an image and a poem - a photograph by Colorado
nature photographer John Fielder and a song lyric by Woody Creek's Joe
Henry.
It began not long after the massacre at Columbine High School, when
Fielder gave a slide show to the Littleton Rotary Club. The last slide in
that show was a picture of a single, delicate columbine growing improbably
from a narrow fissure in solid rock.
That image made a deep impression and several people asked Fielder for
permission to use the picture in an effort to raise money for medical
expenses for those wounded in the Columbine High School shootings.
Fielder responded by donating a thousand copies of the picture - and
printed across the top of each one was the title of one of his favorite
songs, "The Flower That Shattered the Stone," written by Joe Henry and
recorded by John Denver. The photos were widely sold and quickly raised
nearly $40,000.
When Henry was somewhat belatedly asked for permission to use his song
title, he responded with much more than just "permission." Henry joined
with Fielder and with designer Tina Collen of Boulder (and formerly of
Aspen) to produce a full-sized poster with the photograph and one verse
from the song.
Henry is now dedicating himself to finding a way to sell the poster to
raise money for his newly established Columbine Foundation.
His first mission is to help pay those continuing medical expenses. But,
beyond that, if enough money is raised, he hopes to do more.
"I began to think that, if that's all we can do, then in the end the
forces that bred the shooters will win," said Henry. His hope is for his
foundation to help find ways to reduce violence in society - especially
violence among children.
"Right now, you can go anywhere in the world and they'll recognize the
word 'columbine' - you go to Lagos, Nigeria, and they'll know it, not as
our state flower, but as the most horrific example of kids killing kids.
"The bottom line is, are humans going to evolve to the point where we stop
hurting each other.
"I'd like to see that poster hanging in every school in the country."
And, wherever it hangs, it will carry these words by Joe Henry, from "The
Flower That
Shattered the Stone":
In the hearts of the children
A pure love still grows
Like a bright star in heaven
That lights our way home
Like the flower that shattered the stone
[Copies of the poster are available for a tax-deductible donation of $20.
Checks can be mailed to the Littleton Rotary Foundation, Box 143,
Littleton, CO 80160. Credit card orders can be made by telephone at (303)
795-9209.]
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Join us at The Ram's Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD, April 30th, 2000 for an afternoon
of wonderful music to benefit the Wildlife Conservation Society. Featuring performances
by Charlie Zahm with Tad Marks on the fiddle, Mack Bailey and Kenn Roberts. For more
details, write to Ann (aerie01@sprynet.com)
or Mary (eagleshorses@yahoo.com).
_____
"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.
_____
CLAREMONT FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL (California)
On May 6th and 7th, Claremont will be holding it's annual Folk Music Festival in
Larkin Park. Beginning at 11:00, there will be performers on stage throughout the
day on both Saturday and Sunday until 6:00. In addition to the live performances,
there will be a variety of workshops given, banjo, fiddle, guitar etc., throughout
both days.
On Saturday, May 6th, Jim and Anne Curry will be performing on stage with their band,
Rusty Nail at 1:30.
On Sunday, May 7th, Jim and Anne Curry will be leading a workshop for intermediate
guitar John Denver Songs and Guitar Licks at 12:00. That day they will also be leading
the John Denver Memorial Song Swap at 3:00.
Admission for one day is $12.00
Admission for both days is $24.00
For more information about the Festival Call Doug (909) 987-5701 or e-mail Doug doug.thomson2@gte.net.
_____
...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.
_____
May 20th - the Colorado Friends of John Denver will be doing our highway
cleanup along I-70 by the Glenwood Canyon. From 9:300-12:30 we'll be
working along the highway, then having a volunteer BBQ following. JOHN
SOMMERS, TWIRP ANDERSON, JOHN ADAMS, and our very own SUNNY WATERS will be
playing at the BBQ - what a lineup!
Everyone is invited to join us, and special arrangements have been made at
the Inn at Beaver Creek for lodging. If you would like to attend the BBQ
but cannot make the cleanup, we are asking for a small $10 donation. We
hope you can join us - last year we had a wonderful time in the Rocky
Mountain Sunshine, and the music was wonderful!
_____
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 MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER
June 3, 2000 - from 1:00pm 'til 6:00pm
Come and enjoy a FREE "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 5 hours of John's music in a performance by John Adams, Chris
Westfall, Kevin Yeargin and other special guests.
This Musical Tribute to John Denver will take place on the bank of the
beautiful Lake in Central Park, which is abundant with Wild Ducks, Snow
White Swans, Cranes, Red Tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, and wild
creatures that live in the park. All the trees, bushes, and flowers will
be in full bloom. John loved to stroll through Central Park every time he
was in NYC recording. He was spotted by many fans, strolling through the
park with a smile on his face and whistling along. Come and experience
this Musical Tribute to him and you just may be sitting in a spot where
John himself sat and gazed at the lake.
This will truly be a great "Musical Tribute" to our John and a day to
remember.
Peace,
Jo Smith and Eve Kleinfeld
WSmith5492@aol.com and EEEEEKL@aol.com
Please email for more info
(DIRECTIONS TO JOHNS MEMORIAL BENCH:
Enter Central Park at the West 77th Street entrance. Walk straight down
the path, and cross the running path (a car lane during the week). Make a
right onto the footpath, and the very first left into Hearnshead Lane.
Bear to the extreme right and take that lane straight down to the lake.
John's bench is the very first one you will come to. Bench #40475.
OR
From the East side: walk straight across the park to the West side. You
will pass the large fountain, which is at the bottom of many steps, keep
walking west along the lake. When you get to the beginning of the lake,
make a right onto the path along the lake. John's bench will be the last
one in the row of benches. Bench #40475. You can always ask anyone in the
park how to get to the west side of the lake; people are very helpful in
the park.)
PLUS....
THERE WILL BE A DINNER FOLLOWING THE CENTRAL PARK EVENT:
The plans for this year's dinner on June 3rd after the "Musical Tribute"
for John Denver have been finalized. Last years was so successful at La
Maganette that we decided to have it there again. This year we have the
main floor so we can accommodate more people. La Maganette is located at
825 Third Ave. A five course dinner including tax and tip is $33 per
person. I need to pay the restaurant in advance and will need payment by
May 20th. If interested or have any questions please email me (Eve -
EEEEEKL@aol.com). Hoping you will join us.
____
CHARLIE ZAHM in CONCERT
Saturday, May 13, 2000, 8PM. Charlie Zahm in Concert featuring the music of John
Denver. Donation to benefit The Friends of the Sea Otter. Wharf Theatre, 95 Fisherman's
Wharf (near the end, on the left), Monterey, CA Contact Pat Hough (PAHough@aol.com)
for more information.
_____
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]
____
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 Kurtz (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.
_____
Come join the New Hampshire Friends of John Denver for our annual
adopt-a-highway barbecue on June 25th. In conjunction with the National
John Denver Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup, we will
be cleaning our adopted
section during the day followed by a late afternoon till dusk barbecue at
McDowell Dam picnic shelter in Peterborough, NH. Five dollar admission
charge for the barbecue with excess proceeds and/or contributions going to
the Dublin Lake Restoration Project. Hot dogs and burgers (including
veggie) will be supplied. Please bring your own cooler for any additional
food items. Anyone with musical talent is invited to bring their
instrument along and join in on the fun!
If you'd like to participate in the cleanup or need more information
contact me at gerrich@crosswinds.net. Also, I'd appreciate a RSVP if you
plan on attending.
Thanks,
Richard
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NOTES FROM IAT FRIENDS
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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)
_____
James has asked that I forward this letter to all the groups thanking
everyone for their support of the Cloth of Many Colors and the John
Denver Memorial Peace Cloth projects. -- DEB (Debra<wilco@paclink.com)
"Dear Christine and Debra:
As the Project Director of the Cloth of Many Colors Project, I want to
take this opportunity to thank you and bless you for introducing me to the
work for Peace and the devotion that is being expressed by the thousands
and thousands of groups and individuals who are dedicated to carrying
forth and expanding upon John Denver's passionate work for Peace and
Justice. I thank you, as well, for your kindness and generosity that you
have expressed on behalf of the Cloth of Many Colors Project by activating
your vast networks of friends and co-workers in the John Denver Legacy to
join us in this Project.
I have been deeply moved and inspired by the powerful momentum that the
Worldwide John Denver Group has generated in its communal willingness to
participate in sewing quilts for the Cloth of Many Colors and in
generating so much enthusiasm and goodwill toward our Project.
As I have mentioned to each of you, I was the Director of the Aspen Family
Institute, in Aspen, Colorado, in the years 1980 through 1985. I had
occasion to work personally with many of John Denver's friends and allies.
I was aware then that John Denver was opening possibilities for
international understanding and cooperation in the work he was doing with
the Esalen Institute, for example, and the Russian-American Intercultural
Exchange Program. I spent many happy hours at Windstar. Many of John's
closest friends spoke of him as a powerful and revered shaman, healer and
prophetic voice.
All this is to say that it came as no surprise to me that John Denver's
Legacy is so alive. I am aware, and sometimes experience sorrow, at the
fact that John Denver made many enormous sacrifices and suffered deeply
that this Legacy that lives after him could be born and launched. In
addition, I am well aware that John Denver's energy and spiritual guidance
is backing and directing the Cloth of Many Colors Project.
In my role as Project Director of the Cloth of Many Colors Project, I was
quick to embrace the idea and the reality of The One World John Denver
Memorial Peace Cloth. What this meant to me from the beginning is that
the profoundly inspiring poetry and spiritual wisdom that John brought
through in the lyrics to his songs will be encoded into the very warp and
woof of the Peace Cloth. I here again encourage you to see that The One
World John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth becomes and remains and intact,
special section of the Cloth of Many Colors.
I also wish to take this opportunity to extend a formal and official
invitation to all your vast networks' members attend the ceremony at the
United Nations Building, in New York, on September 5, 2000. This will
constitute a great opportunity to express your solidarity with the John
Denver Legacy. In addition, your participation and strong presence will
effectively bring forth the One World that John was inspired to imagine
into verse and sing into being.
Under your auspices, dear Christine and Debra, I wish to offer my
heartfelt thanks for each and every peacemaker in the Worldwide John
Denver Group. I am deeply inspired and uplifted in my own work for Peace
by the endless stories of dedication and devotion to the cause of Peace by
members of your Group.
Warmest personal regards,
James Daniel McManis
Director, CONCILIANUM"
_____
Hi all,
...I got the (following) information from Phil Christie, and he said it is
ok to pass it on because he wants to be sure that Jim Curry gets credit,
too:
"The soundtrack for the JD movie "Take Me Home: The John Denver Story"
is
listed on Amazon.com, available 4/18/00
(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004SG4K/103-1356900-2187014).
Also, while working on the concert table recently, I happened to get in
contact with PHIL CHRISTIE, who recorded some Mitchell Trio songs for the
movie last October (early Trio recordings of John are not in any kind of
shape to use for the movie). He told me that he wants to be sure that
credit is also given to another World Family member who also did some
recording, JIM CURRY (remember his great singing at the Mountain
Chalet??). Phil said that the producers were concerned that perhaps some
of the vocals weren't sounding quite "John" enough, so they invited Jim
to
do some recording in January. The producers continued to search for just
the right "early John" sound, so they also coached Chad Lowe to do a
little bit of the vocals, too, even though I hear he doesn't usually sing.
As of last week, the music supervisor of the film told Phil that two of
the three Mitchell trio songs which were recorded in October were included
in the film ("Draft Dodger Rag" and "Tarriers Song"), and they
are a mix
of Phil, Jim and a bit of Chad singing. Phil didn't think that the songs
would be on the soundtrack.
Isn't it kind of special that two of our "World Family" members got to
contribute their talents to the movie?"
************
Also, our concert table listing is "up and running". If you, or anyone
else, need to check out who will be in their area, and when, just go to:
http://john-denver.org/web/events/concerts.html. It lists any JD
performers who have given us a schedule of their concerts. It not only
lists concerts where they are performing John Denver's music, but also
concerts where they are performing their own music, for those who have
asked for this. We hope it helps!
Sincerely,
Aileen B.
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STORIES AND SHARINGS
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"A Wing and a Prayer"
I was given a cherished gift on a gloriously sunny day in Victoria B.C.
when I witnessed the ancient dance of the rhythms of time and the universe
between a young gull and a bald eagle. Gull was in a struggle for his
life. Eagle was equal in his struggle to live. This was the time-honored
equation between hunter and prey, a death to sustain life.
As I watched this drama unfolding, I was reminded of the ebb and flow of
the universe, of the very tides that pull at our souls and I became a part
of their dance of fate and passage. My awareness of all the things that
surrounded me was sharpened, my focus was shifted and I felt Gull's terror
as he pirouetted on the fleetness of his wings. The sun of life laced each
feather with ghosts of light, and my heart began to hum and pound in
rhythm with Gull's. Eagle soared after Gull, a blue/black sheen glimmered
from the darkness of his feathers as they reflected the essence of spirit,
and he continued his pursuit with only the thoughts of the need for his
hunger to be sated.
Etched into my consciousness were the images of timelessness as the rocks
along the beach continued their waltzes with the tides, sand grains carved
their surfaces with multitudes of unique designs, symbols of life,
continuity and eternity. I became at one with the pull of the moon, just
as the oceans of the world have for millennia, and I felt like I was home.
I gained insight and understanding as I felt the pulse of All That Is and
was reminded of the basic fundamentals of life as I flew with Eagle and
Gull. We all have purposes, we all have destinies, just as Gull's destiny
was prey and Eagle's was hunter. There is interconnectedness in all of
being, an equality between hunter and prey, and honor between partners.
For, without one, there wouldn't - couldn't - be the other.
With the beat of a frantic heart and terror for the unknown flooding his
breast Gull dipped and dived, skimming the surface of the sea in a
desperate attempt to elude the threat, but it was not to be. Eagle was
joined by his mate, and with precision wing beats while dancing the
currents of air they ended the flight of Gull. The partners and life mates
would feed, their needs for the day fulfilled. The life in their breasts
would continue to pulse, but tomorrow their dance would be renewed.
And so it was, the rhythms of fate ebbed and flowed in the dance of life,
the flight of passing, and the rite of passage. Gulls' soul flew to the
arms of heaven. His wings of spirit gently skimmed the oceans of All That
Is with wing tips sending up minute sprays of water that reflected the
goodness and purity of Light. Each droplet contained the image of fate, a
small echo of Gull's being and essence, and as each droplet fell back into
the sea, Gull remained, as always, in the pool of creation and the oceans
of Spirit. - (c) 1998, Kim Collard
_____
MEMORIES OF JOHN DENVER DAY
What a great success John Denver Day was. When I first read about it I
knew I wanted to go, but I'm trying save all the money I can so I can go
to Aspen this year, and with the price of gas these days and paying for a
hotel room and meals, I had decided not to go. I live outside Dallas and
it's a four hour trip. It finally dawned on me a week before to call
someone else who was going and ride with them to share the cost. So I
called Rory and Connie Young, and sure enough, they were just going down
for the day and would be more than happy for me to come along!
Along the way, the Bluebonnets (State Flower of Texas) were in bloom along
the highway. As soon as we exited the highway and crossed over and went
to the other side, we started seeing the bright orange directional signs
proclaiming John Denver Day at San Gabriel Park. The park is huge and
sits along the San Gabriel River. It was a beautiful park with lots of
trees and the weather couldn't have been much better.
We sat around visiting, relaxing and looking at photo albums for a while.
Next, John Adams showed up and three of us got our guitars out and played
along with him and the JD CD's we'd been playing. Then JoLynn called us
over to the picnic tables to start doing some raffle drawings. Raffled
off were matted pictures of John, small teddy bears wearing Windstar vests
and a few other goodies. I won a small matted collage that has the words
to "Summer" on it. I think I'll find a place for it on my desk at work.
Next someone read the framed John Denver Day Proclamation to us and we all
let out a hoop and holler (or was it Fa-a-a-r-r-r Out?!?) Then it was
time to introduce ourselves. It was great to see how many families were
there. There were moms, daughters and granddaughters, husbands and wives,
and whole families.
Around 5:00 folks from Georgetown were starting to arrive with lawn
chairs, coolers and blankets in hand. I think Rory counted about 57 of us
there that afternoon and our size had almost tripled by concert time. The
concert started off with a minute of silence, then John mesmerized us when
he started singing. Connie had asked me on the way down if I'd ever heard
John Adams before and I told her no. She told me that I would do a double
take when he started singing because he sounds just like JD. And she was
right. It it weren't for his accent, he would sound exactly like JD. His
accent saying some english words is the only reason he doesn't sound
exactly like JD. He said he hasn't written too many songs himself,
because JD's songs were always filling his head and original songs were
not coming out. But he did sing us one of his original songs and I must
say it was fabulous and sounded like one John would have written.
During the concert he told us the story about winning a talent contest in
Holland singing Leaving on a Jet Plane. Then he told us about a TV show
they have there called "Surprise" where they go and surprise people.
Well, sometime after winning this talent contest, he was asked to come and
sing a song on a TV Show. Little did he know, it was for the Surprise
Show. When he came out they asked him what he was going to sing for them
and he replied that he was going to sing a JD song he liked very much
called Whispering Jesse. Just as he finished the song, none other than JD
himself walked up on stage and everyone yelled SURPRISE! He talked
about how friendly JD was and how they were supposed to record a song
together, but the plans fell through due to unforeseen circumstances both
times. He regrets that they were never able to get together for the
recording.
During the intermission, more raffle prizes were given away and the
proclamation was read again. The concert ended around 8:45 and we headed
back to Dallas around 9:30. I walked in the front door of my house at
2:00 a.m. tired, but still thinking about what a great day we had. If you
haven't had the opportunity to hear John Adams yet, be sure and go see him
when he's in the area. You will be absolutely amazed. (submitted by Julie
M.)
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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".)
_____
Hi All,
It's been a while in the making, but I will soon have two new music CDs
available. For details send me an email (frank@frankdelamarre.com
<mailto:frank@frankdelamarre.com>) -- Frank DeLaMarre
_____
PETE HUTTLINGER has a new cd out, called "Celtic Harmony". According to
Pete, it is exactly what it sounds like, "A bunch of great Irish and
English pieces that I recorded with guitar, fiddle, flute, and whistle."
To place an order for "Celtic Harmony", send $15.00 + $2.50 s/h to:
INSTAR RECORDS
PO box 90244
Nashville, Tn.37209
Also, Pete will have another cd coming out the end of May called "Naked
Pop", if that is more your style. He said that it is all solo guitar
playing of his favorite pop tunes. Enjoy!
Take care, Aileen B.
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WEBSITES OF INTEREST
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http://spacekids.hq.nasa.gov/2001/getcert3.cfm?uid=703834
--(Mars 2001 Lander Participation Certificate - presented by NASA to
John Denver in 9/99)
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POEMS, QUOTES AND INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS
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MY DREAM FOR THE MILLENIUM
It is the third planet from the sun
and only planet that could
hold just the right elements
to sustain a phenomenon called life.
We are not the web of life ourselves,
we are merely a strand of it,
and what ever we do to our web
we do to ourselves.
So, for the new Millennium I hope that
everyone will understand that the world
is not a planet.
It's home.
--James O., Age 11
_____
COLORS -- Based on a Native American Legend
Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel: all claimed
that they were the best, the most important, the most useful, the
favorite.
GREEN said: "Clearly I am the most important. I
am the sign of life and of
hope. I was chosen for grass, trees, leaves - without me, all animals
would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the
majority."
BLUE interrupted: "You only think about the earth,
but consider the sky
and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the
clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity.
Without my peace, you would all be nothing."
YELLOW chuckled: "You are all so serious. I bring
laughter, gaiety, and
warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars
are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to
smile. Without me there would be no fun."
ORANGE started next to blow her trumpet: "I am
the color of health and
strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of
human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots,
pumpkins, oranges, mangoes, and pawpaws. I don't hang around all the time,
but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking
that no one gives another thought to any of you."
RED could stand it no longer. He shouted out: "I
am the ruler of all of
you - I am blood-life's blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I
am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood. Without me,
the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of
love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."
PURPLE rose up to his full height. He was very tall
and spoke with great
pomp: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs, and bishops
have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do
not question me - they listen and obey."
Finally, INDIGO spoke, much more quietly than all the
others, but with
just as much determination: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. You
hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent
thought and reflection, twilight, and deep water. You need me for balance
and contrast, for prayer and inner peace."
And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own
superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was
a startling flash of bright lightening - thunder rolled and boomed. Rain
started to pour down relentlessly the colors crouched down in fear,
drawing close to one another for comfort. In the midst of the clamor, rain
began to speak: "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each
trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a
special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another
and come to me."
Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands. The rain
continued: "From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across
the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in
peace. The rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow."
And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a rainbow appears in
the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another.
(Sent to us by Heidi (casey@glx.net))
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NEWSLETTER NEWS
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If you would like to submit articles, news items, stories, poetry, or any
other pertinent information to IT'S ABOUT TIME, please e-mail any of the
IAT staff. The submission deadline for the May edition is May 19, 2000.
***The content of this newsletter is entirely at the discretion of the
It's About Time staff. Contributions are welcome, although inclusion is
not guaranteed.***
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"...IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START TO LIVE IT, THE FAMILY OF MAN."
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