IAT NEWSLETTER
July 2001
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"IT'S ABOUT TIME WE BEGIN IT,
TO TURN THE WORLD AROUND . . . "
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ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
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Co-Founder/Former President - Marcelle Orswell
Co-Founder and Secretary -- Theresa Shea (Tree1A@aol)
Co-Founder/Webpage Designer-Sandy Clark (tybrenn@mediaone.net)
Co-Presidents -- Ann Schnitz (aerie01@sprynet.com)
and
Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
Web Site -- -- http://people.ne.mediaone.net/tybrenn/iat/
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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Dear Friends,
Phew....what a month! As some of you may know, I required an emergency appendectomy
at the end of June. I'm finally back to work and feel MOSTLY like myself -- but I
couldn't have gotten here without the support of my wonderful friends out there.
Thanks to all who sent messages or cards or your good energy. It was much appreciated.
A special thanks to those of you -- you know who you are! -- who cared for my Mom
and my animals and my mind and spirit -- I love you guys very much.
My heart to yours,
Ann
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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August 5, 2001 -- Let's Give Peace A Chance, University of Arkansas in Fayetteville,
AR
August 10, 2001 -- Ellen and Steve Stapenhorst in Concert, Altadena, CA
August 18, 2001 ñ Second Annual John Denver Potluck Picnic Remembrance, Saratoga
Springs, NY
September 1, 2001 -- Adopt-A-Highway Barbecue, Peterborough, NH
September 22-23, 2001 -- Ninth Annual Prayer Vigil, Washington, DC
And thanks to Emily Parris (if any events are missing, please let me know):
Sept 29-30, 2001 - Germany - "Music and Communication's" annual Denver
Weekend in Sinzig near Bonn.
http://www.johndenverclub.de <e-mail:
weekend@johndenverclub.de>
October 1-5, 2001 * Lyons, CO / Tom Crum's Aikiworks: "Journey to Center"
www.aikiworks.com <e-mail: aikiworks@aol.com>
October 11, 2001 * Life Trip up the Mountain to the RMH Ski Run 8:30am - 4:00pm.
$50 Info <e-mail: lvanscoy@walterind.com>
October 11, 2001 -- "It's About Time" -- A Musical Celebration of the Life
and Vision of John Denver, Aspen District Theatre Elementary School, write jdspirit@cox-internet.com
for more information. Tickets $50, $35 or $25 if bought before Sept 1, 2001 -- <e-mail:
info@rocketshipearth.org>
October 12, 2001 * Aspen, CO / 1:00-5:00pm Concert at the Mtn. Chalet - Benefit for
the JD Memorial Peace Cloth / Mack Bailey, Ron Rich, John Adams, Jim Connor and Donna
Lipman, $15 <e-mail: EEEEEKL@aol.com>
October 12, 2001 - Flagstaff, Arizona * Starwood Ranch /John Denver Memorial Celebration
602-728-0710
Info: Emily Aspen Hutcheson <e-mail: Firstlight@qwest.net>
October 12-14, 2001 * Pacific Grove, CA * 4th Annual JD Memorial Beach Cleanup and
Tribute / Memorial Tribute 10/12, Concert 10/13, Beach Cleanup 10/14 <e-mail:
PixieDmyr@aol.com>
October 12-14, 2001 * Aspen, CO / Fourth Annual Musical Tribute to JD * Wheeler Opera
House <e-mail: dyoung@winstarmail.com>
October 13, 2001 * Aspen, CO / "Let This Be A Voice" / $15.00 JD Auction/Lunch/Concert
* Mountain Chalet Ballroom /11:00am-3:00pm * Checks to: Pam Beasley / 721 Ravencroft
Drive / Garland, TX 75043 <e-mail: Pamela.beasley@airmail.net>
October 13, 2001 * Aspen, CO "Dancing with the Mountains" 9:00pm - 1:00am
/ Keith & Deb Perry <e-mail: aspeninoct@aol.com>
October 13, 2001 * Aspen, CO "Dinner at the Tower Restaurant" 4:00pm $26
Payment + SASE to: Vicki Wells / 420 SW 38th St. / Cape Coral, FL 33914 <e-mail:
vickibet@aol.com>
October 13-14, 2001 - Salida, CO / 2001 JD Celebration $35 Now taking reservations.
/ Christine Smith, 0478 CR 46, Howard, CO 81233 <e-mail: dreamsoffreedom@yahoo.com>
http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen2001/smith.html
October 14, 2001 - Open House at the Windstar Foundation /Snowmass, CO * http://www.wstar.org
October 15, 2001 - Aspen, CO - John Adams will perform at the Wheeler Opera
House 7:00pm <e-mail: jdspirit@cox-internet.com>
http://www.wheeleroperahouse.com $35
1-970-920-5770
October 15, 2001 * Aspen, CO "Tapestry in Aspen" 1-4pm in the ballroom
/ Mountain Chalet Hotel / 333 East Durant Street $12 / Reservations: <TapestryInAspen1@aol.com>
Checks payable to: Columbine Trust Foundation / PO Box 11807 / Aspen, CO 81612 *
http://www.geocities.com/astrild15/
October 19, 2001 - Austin, TX / "Musical Tribute to JD" - Pete Huttlinger,
Chris Nole, Machito Sanchez, etc.
Info: <e-mail: musefdtn@winstarmail.com>
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SEE DETAILS ON CALENDAR EVENTS (except the October celebrations) IN NEWSLETTER
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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"Peace and war begin at home. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin
by loving one another in our own families. If we want to spread joy, we need for
every family to have joy."
Mother Teresa
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FUNDRAISERS
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CYBER IDEA COOKBOOK
They're here! Thanks to the terrific work of our friend Richard Holmes, the 2001
Cyber Idea Cookbook is now available. Each book is $5 and will be sent in the form
of an attached PDF file (or Word file, if you prefer). A printable form is available
at our website -- just click on the tab at the left marked "Fundraisers".
And as a special treat, our two previous cyber cookbooks are also available again
for those who never got one the first time or would like another one. These are also
$5 each. All proceeds go to The Hunger Project.
Send a check for $5 per book, made out to Ann Schnitz, to:
It's About Time c/o Ann Schnitz
P.O. Box 483
Lionville, PA 19353
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DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR MEMORIAL TREE IN HONOR OF PATTY PEAVEY AND CAROL SMITH
Don't forget!!!
Checks can be made out to Snowmass Chapel Community Center
and mailed to:
Grace (Tigger) Sylvan
1702-H Meridian Ave, #171
San Jose, CA 95125
http://members.theglobe.com/tiggerypum/snowmasstree.html
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LETTERS
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JOHN DENVER PEAK!
July 18, 2001
"Today we say hello to John Denver, to his family, his friends and his fans
around the world. It's a day to honor the wildlife and the wilderness he so loved,
to claim a peace and understanding that he felt all of his life. To take a stand
for humanity and all living things and to look to the sky for guidance in all that
we do, for it is in the sky that we see the eagles, the beautiful way in which they
soar, and a place where John loved most to be. The mountain to be called "John
Denver Peak" touches the sky and sets his spirit free. May it do so for those
who have climbed to its peak, and all those whose hopes and dreams shall also come
true. To dance on a mountain top is truly an inspirational, peaceful and spiritual
work of art. May this day bring the peace, love and understanding to all the world,
that has so long
been deserved by those who faithfully and tirelessly work to continue living the
music, the generosity to humanity, and the legacy of Mr. John Denver." -- J.R.
It is my great honor and pleasure to announce that as of 4:30 P.M. MST (10:30 P.M.
Greenland Time) July 18, 2001, the nine member team that comprise the 2001 Return
To The Top Of The World Expedition, successfully climbed
and summitted a most beautiful, never before climbed mountain in the Roosevelt Mountain
Range of Northern Greenland. The name "JOHN DENVER PEAK" will be submitted
to the Greenlandic Place Naming Committee upon
the Expedition's return to the United States.
The summit of this mountain is a rock pinnacle, where the Expedition found evidence
of eagles living in the area. From the summit, they can see the Arctic Ocean. The
weather is sunny and 40 degrees. It took them 11 hours to get to the top of this
beautiful and pristine mountain. They are so excited to be there right now, and plan
to spend some time singing a few songs, taking some photos with the Colorado flag,
filming the area, and spending some quality time there in honor of John Denver, before
beginning their descent. What a wonderful feeling to have this
great success! Congratulations to the 2001 RTOWE!
All further Expedition updates will continue to be posted to the web site at www.2001topoftheworld.com . I expect photos from this expedition
within the next 24 hours, and will post them to the web site also.
Far Out!
Javana M. Richardson (JMR@STARSEND.com)
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(And as a follow-up to the above story:)
Greetings,
As of July 25th, five of the Expedition team members had completed climbing a couple
of Greenland's northernmost mountains on earth and had arrived safely into Kap Morris
Jesup, Greenland, to wait for their four teammates to arrive. At that time, the four
had also completed the climb of a north mountain near Cape Christian, and were approximately
5 miles from Kap Morris Jesup. They still had to reassemble and compare the GPS readings
of each mountain.
Today, all nine team members had arrived safely and assembled at Kap Morris Jesup,
and are still looking over the GPS readings, but they still have yet to confirm their
readings with the Danish Polar Center. I believe until they
are finished sorting the GPS readings out, we won't truly know which is the very
northernmost mountain on earth, but they have in fact climbed it, and will let us
know as soon as they know for sure. The scientific program has gone well, and is
still in progress. Their analysis of that environment will surely be of benefit to
many.
They informed me that they have seen lots of wildlife and many wild flowers. Of the
wildlife, they saw some geese, musk oxen, found several wolf tracks, and other animals
that they will list upon their return to the U.S. (nope, no Polar Bears, but they
have been known to visit Station Nord from time to time...). During this trip, four
of the team members made their first ever mountain ascents to the top, and are quite
excited to have had the opportunity to do so.
Currently, they are all together at Kap Morris Jesup, celebrating their great successes
on this Expedition, with champagne, salami, cheese and crackers. We all, of course,
are invited!!! But the weather there is about 30 degrees and a little windy, so even
in the excitement and celebration, it is a little cold!
The team is in very high spirits (not due to the champagne of course), and are in
very good health. They have successfully accomplished all of their missions, and
more. They feel a little melancholy about this being the end
of their trip, but it certainly isn't the end of this Expedition. There is still
a book to write, multiple media interviews to give, a meeting with Governor Owens,
and perhaps even a couple of television shows to be on, along with looking over their
film footage for possible use in documentary form. They are all looking forward to
returning home, and will do so, beginning tomorrow with the flight to Station Nord,
and from there to Akureyri, Iceland. They are due to arrive in their home cities
on the evening of Monday, July 30th, and will probably take a much needed rest as
the long trek and the jet lag can be hugely exhausting.
They also wanted to thank everyone, family, friends, fans, for their support, their
wonderful caring and the supportive email notes to me and to them about this great
feat. A special thanks to Erma for your son, John Denver, and to Ron for your brother.
And thanks too for your loving support (and from me to both of you Ron and Erma,
thanks for being so kind to me, it's been such a pleasure!), this expedition feels
mighty privileged to have been able to honor John Denver in this way, and to know
his wonderful and caring family. We all look forward to seeing you again.
With regards to the mountain chosen for John Denver Peak, Jim McCrain said "we
couldn't have made a better choice, if we'd had ten mountains lined up in front of
us to choose from!" And Ken is so very happy and excited with all the goals
that they accomplished, the great weather they had, all the great moments and successes
they had together, all the time feeling that there were many spirits and guardians
watching over them. He said that
everything went extremely well, and they are so grateful for it. I could hear in
his voice a great peace and fulfillment. John Jancik too, sounded extremely happy
to have had the once-in-a-lifetime (maybe twice with the 1996 expedition) opportunity
to accomplish all that they did. He sounded tired, but very fulfilled and thankful
to everyone many times for their support.
I will be glad to see this Expedition return home and to be able to hear and see
all the wonderful stories they have to share. And even though I wasn't physically
there with them, my heart and spirit was with them all the while.
I'd like to say also, that we still need signed support letters for the naming of
John Denver Peak, and so I ask, if you haven't already done so, please visit the
web site at www.2001topoftheworld.com, and download
and sign a support letter for us. Instructions on where to send the letter are also
on the web site. We could use all the letters we can get, and we still have several
states that we have not received anything from. I will have a list of those states
on the web site, so that if you know anyone in those states that you could contact
and ask them to send a signed letter also, that would help us receive something from
all 50 states in the U.S.
Well, whew! What a long note! That's it for now, but I have a feeling we'll be hearing
many more things from this Expedition even before they return home, so I will be
posting more photos on the web as soon as I receive them, and more info as it arrives,
so keep checking the web site over the next few weeks or even months, as we add more
information to it.
Take care everyone!
Sincerely,
Javana Richardson and the 2001 Return To The Top Of The World Expedition
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Hi JD fans!
I'm looking for fans living in Michigan...please write me at rtcouture@yahoo.com
"Sunshine on Your Shoulders"
Rose
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Hi Ann,
Can I just share this song that I saw in a 'Church' Hymn book when I was singing
another song at a Prayer Group recently. I think it is very much in tune with John's
dreams... and was written by a John Glynn...
OUT AND AWAY THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING!
Voices are clear and wide as the sky!
Where is the music I hear IN MY HEART:
Soars over valleys as swift as a lark:
Echoes the joy that has scattered the dark: I AM FREE!
Hear the wind sigh through leaves that are falling; See the wind sway the trees that
are dry. Silent the darkness where thunder-clouds form; Still is the world as it
waits for the storm: Now comes the lightning that heralds the dawn of the rain.
Water is clear, as clear as the moonlight
Dew on the ground, a tear in the eye.
Rivers and torrents have vanished before;
Oceans have coastlines and continents shores: Boundless the flow that's unlocking
the doors of my heart.
Free as the day my spirit is flying:
Eagles have wings, but none as strong as these! Where have I found it, this life
newly-grown? Gently, my heart says it's not of my own: Deeper beyond me the Spirit
has blown - He is Love.
I hope you enjoy this song/poem,
Cheers, John Atherton (johnatherton@cwctv.net)
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Hi everyone,
Our first meeting in Kansas was a success! We had five in attendance and two others
that are very interested, but not able to attend. I went over the basics of Windstar
- vision, mission, history and current happenings. Then recapped what it takes to
become a connection - structure, reporting, etc. (from current handbook) and let
them know that revisions are forthcoming. Thanks to everyone who responded here,
I had a great collection of projects and plans compiled from other Connection groups
to share the possibilities. Jim Toth of Northern Ohio sent me several of his newsletters.
I had printed info from Heart of Ohio and from the Colorado Connection to share as
well. I brought my Work weekend pictures from three years, old Windstar Journals
and Newsletters and other various pamphlets, books, brochures. We all got to know
each other and agreed that they believe interest IS present in our area - and that
we will definitely find more people to build a membership once we are established.
Everyone's mission between now and our next meeting is to brainstorm ways to find
other interested people in our area - and also list a few things they would like
to do as a group.
An annual bluegrass festival is held in September just south of us and it was agreed
that we would like to be a 'presence' at the festival as a Connection if we are approved
by then. It was agreed by everyone that they would support Windstar Connection efforts
in Kansas 100% and that we will move ahead by starting the application process. Our
next meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 25th.
Yeehaw!!
Christie
Christie Smith
jura@kscable.com
www.geocities.com/ks_connection
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The Singing Skies Foundation is finally getting off the ground, with the purchase
of stationery, web site (singingskies.org), and award materiel. Our mission is to
promote the music of John Denver, as a catalyst to creating a more peaceful, prosperous
and healthy planet.
I hope you will join me in implementing this vision.
George Schumer, Founder
To see my Web site please click on:
http://singingskies.org
or http://firststepsite.com/singingskies.org
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EVENTS REVIEWS
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HAWK MOUNTAIN - 7/15/2001
It was a glorious day at Hawk Mt. for this second dedication of the bench for John
Denver. There were over 300 people attending this celebration of the life of the
man who brought us all together. The entertainment was superb featuring Chris Westfall,
Charlie Zahm with Tad Marx, Frank DeLaMarre and Mack Bailey. To hear Charlie Zahm
perform "Whalebones and Crosses" a capella is awesome at any venue ...
but at this particular place I'd have to say phenomenal!! Frank sang his beautiful
tribute to John entitled "Take Him Home" which is on his new CD "A
Lovely Place". Chris Westfall introduced a new song he'd written which will
hopefully be on a new CD!!! At the very end, all three performers joined in a jam
session much to the delight of the crowd!
A special treat for all was a chance to view a portion of the John Denver Memorial
Peace Cloth. The Cloth was laid out on the ground beneath an awesome statue of an
eagle in flight and right next to a Peace Pole. I encourage all to send in donations
to help this amazing creation continue to grow. Thanks to Eve Kleinfeld for bringing
it!
My dear friend Max Langstaff, co-executive producer of the Wildlife Concert was the
keynote speaker, talking about his experience in Alaska and about meeting a grizzly
bear and wolf a little to close for comfort!!! But to begin his talk, he lead Chris,
Mack and Frank and everyone in attendance in singing John's spiritual "All This
Joy" ... what a wonderful moment that reminded me very much of the 1995 Windstar
Symposium when John sang that song so beautifully.
The best fun was after the event when we all gathered at a local Italian restaurant
and were treated to a JD songfest!! Max was definitely the 'leader of the band' that
night!!!! Eventually we had all the restaurant staff and some patrons joining in
the fun!
Our very grateful appreciation to Judith Gabriel for all her hard work and we all
look forward to next
year!!
COUNTRY ROADS FOLK FESTIVAL - 7/21/2001
"Almost heaven, West Virginia ... Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River ..."
was the setting for this second annual Country Roads Folk Festival held at the Almost
Heaven Ranch in Kerneysville. Maureen and Steve Workings opened their home once again
for this wonderful festival and the day couldn't have been better ...Mother Nature
certainly cooperated!
The festivities began around 12noon and went well into the late evening. I would
guess there were about 200-300 people in attendance where folk music reigned as we
heard some of the best: Hot Soup!, Robin Bullock, Mustard's Retreat, The Kennedys
(Pete and Maura ... a local husband and wife team from Washington, DC who lead the
crowd in a line dance!) and of course the incomparable Tom Paxton!
As they did last year, a tribute to John Denver was performed again by Bill Danoff,
Mack Bailey and Side by Side (Doris Justis and Sean McGhee). Mack did a beautiful
rendition of "For You" dedicating it to Maureen and Steve as it was the
song they chose to have played at their wedding.
I was fortunate to have been able to bring a panel of the Peace Cloth with me for
display. People marveled at its beauty all day and were truly astounded when I told
them that this panel was only 50 feet of the total of the 850 feet!!
A video of the JD tribute will hopefully be made available soon. I'll keep you posted!
Peace-Mary (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
(If you attend an event you want us to know about, please send us your review --
AS)
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COMING EVENTS
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LET'S GIVE PEACE A CHANCE, UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE
Date: SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2001
Sponsored by the Omni Center for Peace, Justice and Ecology.
The event, held in remembrance of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, will begin
at 6:30 at the Fulbright Peace Fountain on the U of A campus behind Old Main. Other
scheduled participants will include a display of local peace intitiatives, the John
Denver Memorial Peace Cloth, Ron Deutschendorf, speaking about "What One Man
Can Do", with respect to Windstar and the Peace Cloth, and music by Mack Bailey,
and Naked Brunch. Email Bonnie Woolsey at nilla9241@aol.com
for more information.
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2ND ANNUAL JOHN DENVER POTLUCK PICNIC REMEMBRANCE DAY
Date: SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2001
Place: Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, NY
Time: 8 a.m. - till 6 p.m. (Park open until park close.)
Sherianna@hotmail.com or Meg at mpdreamer1@yahoo.com
The address for the park is: 19 Roosevelt Court, Saratoga Springs, NY and you can
go to http://www.expediamaps.com to get
directions.
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ELLEN AND STEVE STAPENHORST IN PERFORMANCE
Ellen Stapenhorst and her brother Steve Stapenhorst (who wrote "All My Skies"
in tribute to John Denver) will be
appearing again at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena - Friday, August 10,
2001 at 8pm, admission is $8.00. The Coffee Gallery is at 2029 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena,
and reservations (highly recommended, as the Coffee Gallery only seats 49) can be
made at 626-398-7917.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE FRIENDS OF JOHN DENVER BBQ
Come join the New Hampshire Friends of John Denver for our annual adopt-a-highway
barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 1st. We will be cleaning our adopted section of highway
during the day followed by a barbecue from 3:00pm till 8:00pm(?) at MacDowell Lake
picnic shelter in Peterborough, NH.
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/eml/emlhome.htm
Five dollar admission charge for the barbecue with excess proceeds and/or
contributions going to The Nature Conservancy Adopt-An-Acre of Rain Forest program.
Hot dogs and burgers (including veggie) will be supplied. Please bring your own cooler
for any additional food items. Plenty of picnic tables available but, bring lawn
chairs and/or blankets just in case. There is also a new swimming area!
Paul Swanton http://members.tripod.com/Paul-Swanton/
and Tina Waldron will be providing their wonderful renditions of JD songs plus a
few originals. 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 contact Diane Nilsson
dnilsson@tellink.net or myself for info on either event.
Thanks,
Richard
gerrich@crosswinds.net
**********
NINTH ANNUAL PRAYER VIGIL, WASHINGTON DC
SEPTEMBER 22-23, 2001
The John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth is pleased to announce our invited participation
in the 9th Annual Prayer Vigil for the Earth in Washington, DC, September 22-23,
2001. The Cloth will be on display on the Mall near the Washington Monument, and
it is estimated that close to 3,000 people will view it during the weekend. For more
information about the event, go to www.oneprayer4.org. Also, please note that donations
(including frequent flyer miles) are being sought to cover expenses for Elders traveling
to the Vigil -- if you can help out, please let me know.
We would love to see you there, to share with us this incredible weekend of peace
and spirituality! Email Ann Schnitz @ aerie01@sprynet.com
for further details.
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FOR SALE
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Reminder -- Arctic Dance: The Mardy Murie Story is still available!
Arctic Dance is now available for purchase as a 75 minute VHS home video! To order,
call 1-800-345-9556.
To order from outside the U.S., call 1-804-649-8611. The purchase price is $29.00
plus $6.25 for shipping
and handling. Please note that Arctic Dance videos are for private, home use only.
For information on public
screenings, library copies, or special showings with the producers, contact C.E.R.I.
at
boxonemoose@onewest.net.
**********
Videos are available from the April 21 2001 Earth Day event, held at the Ram's
Head Tavern in Annapolis, MD. Contact Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
for more information.
**********
I have dedicated my newest embroidery disk, produced by Cactus Punch. I will be donating
10% of the amount I earn to the Windstar Foundation. The disk is titled "Rocky
Mountain Wildflowers". If you want to e-mail them to find out when the disk
is being released you can contact Rob, the art director, at rbackues@cactuspunch.com
Anna Zapp
Anna@annazappdesigns.com
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
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National Wildlife Federation Urgent Action Alert
July 26, 2001
Dear Friend,
The House of Representatives next week will vote on an energy bill that would open
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, while ignoring more sensible
conservation measures such as improving the fuel efficiency of cars, SUVs and light
trucks. Please call your member of Congress TODAY and tell them that drilling in
the Arctic Refuge is not a solution to America's energy problems, and that a balanced
energy plan must include stronger fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
With the nation's energy policy at a crossroads, Congress next week will vote on
an energy bill that focuses primarily on increasing the use of conventional fossil
fuels like oil and coal, while paying little attention to clean, existing energy
technologies and increasing energy efficiency. For example, the bill includes plans
to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, while ignoring more
sensible conservation opportunities such as improving the fuel efficiency of automobiles.
Often referred to as "America's Serengeti," the Arctic Refuge is home to
a rich assortment of wildlife, including wolves, polar bears, the stately porcupine
caribou and more than 135 species of migrating birds. Drilling supporters would have
us believe that oil exploration will leave only a "footprint" on this fragile
environment while helping "improve" America's energy security and lowering
short-term energy prices. But the truth is, habitat destruction and pollution caused
by oil drilling or oil spills, could cause irreparable harm to this globally important
ecosystem. Not to mention, development in the Arctic Refuge would destroy the 20,000-year-old
culture of the Gwich'in Nation, one of Alaska's native tribes.
Meanwhile, cars, SUVs and light trucks guzzle millions of barrels of oil every day,
increasing the pollution that is causing global warming. For years, Congress has
prevented government agencies from revising the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ)
standards for automobiles. In fact, the average fuel economy of new passenger vehicles
has declined over the last decade because of a loophole that allows SUVs and pickup
trucks to be 25 percent less efficient than cars. Advances in technology already
allow for energy-efficiency improvements without sacrificing safety. Stronger fuel
efficiency standards for passenger vehicles would significantly help reduce the global
warming emissions, while saving consumers money at the gas pump.
WHY ACT NOW
Despite an outpouring of public support in favor of protecting the Arctic Refuge
and increasing fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, the House of Representatives
is about to enact energy legislation that does neither. Powerful industries have
spent millions of dollars lobbying Congress on these issues and their efforts are
paying off -- which is why we need your help. While we can't fight them with money,
we can fight back in numbers. Working together we can send a message to Congress
that voters are not willing to sacrifice the Arctic Refuge for nine months of oil,
nor are they willing to support an energy plan that does not include meaningful conservation
measures and stronger fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.
HOW TO HELP
The time for action is now! Congress will vote on this issue as soon as next week.
Because time is so short, please use the talking points below to call, fax or email
your member of Congress today. Urge them to oppose any legislation that would mandate
drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and to support an amendment sponsored
by Representatives Markey (D-Mass.) and Boehlert (R-N.Y.) to close the SUV loophole
in the nation's fuel economy standards..
You can contact your member of Congress and obtain fax numbers by calling the U.S.
Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Just ask to be connected to your Representative
or ask for the fax number. All letters should be addressed to:
The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
You can find your Representative at www.house.gov/writerep.
Here are some specific points you can make:
* The Arctic Refuge must be preserved for the more than 200 species of wildlife that
call it home; the native people who rely on it for their daily life; and for future
generations to enjoy. Exchanging one of the nation's last remaining wild places for
a mere nine months of oil is completely unacceptable.
* Support the Markey-Boehlert amendment to improve automobile fuel economy. The amendment
closes the loophole that allows auto manufacturers to sell consumers inefficient
SUVs and pickup trucks that pollute more and cost families more at the gas pump.
Technologies exist today that can improve fuel economy of these vehicles and reduce
pollution without sacrificing safety.
There are times when caring people must come together to stand as one for what they
know is right. This is one of those times. Please write or call your member of Congress
today! Additional information on the Arctic Refuge and fuel efficiency standards
can be found at www.nwf.org.
Sincerely,
Jim Lyon
Senior Director of Legislative Affairs
National Wildlife Federation
P.S. Let your action be counted. Let us know if you took action by sending an email
to operations@lds2000.com.
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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 August edition is August 19, 2001. Please be sure to include any
contact information so that members can e-mail or snail-mail for further details.
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The content of this newsletter is entirely at the discretion of the "It's About
Time" staff. Contributions, as always, are welcomed, although inclusion is not
guaranteed.
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". . . 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."
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