IAT NEWSLETTER
December 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.com)
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,
"The season is upon us now, a time for gifts and giving,
And as the year draws to its close, I think about my living...."
Through it all, through the ups and downs, this was "the year that was".
We want to thank each and every one of you for being a special part of our world,
and we hope the holidays bring peace and happiness to your family.
Thanks to everyone who sent their wonderful contributions to this month's newsletter
and we look forward to being with you again in 2002.
Our hearts to yours,
Ann, Mary and Sandy
"...say a prayer for the wind and the water and the wood....and those who live
there too."
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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December 21, 22, 2001 -- The Hard Travelers Holiday Concerts, Annapolis, MD
December 30, 2001 -- Berks County (PA) Friends of John Denver Highway Cleanup
January 12, 2002 -- Pete Huttlinger in Concert, Los Angeles
March 21-April 30, 2002 -- Almost Heaven, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
April 13, 2002 -- John Adams in Concert, Arvada, CO
June 28, 29 -- 2002 -- A Tribute to John Denver: The Man and His Music, 2002, Coatesville,
PA
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SEE DETAILS ON CALENDAR EVENTS IN NEWSLETTER
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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So let us not be petty when our cause is so great. Let us not quarrel amongst ourselves
when our Nation's future is at stake. Let us stand together with renewed confidence
in our cause--united in our heritage of the past and our hopes for the future--and
determined that this land we love shall lead all mankind into new frontiers of peace
and abundance.
JFK - To Be Delivered 11.22.63
(courtesy of Kelly Robison (KRob881602@aol.com))
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FUNDRAISERS
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CYBER IDEA COOKBOOK
For a sample, please see:
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/tybrenn/iat/ideasample.html
(and linked from the IAT News page).
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
This' it, folks. I will be mailing the check to The Hunger Project at the end of
this month, so if anyone would still like one of these cyberbooks (or any of our
previous ones), please let me know as soon as possible.
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LETTERS
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From: Pam Beasley (pamela.beasley@airmail.net)
To all who might be interested:
For the past several years, we DFW area JD folks have been in the habit of gathering
to celebrate the life of JD on his birthday. The uninformed think we are having a
New Year's Eve party......but what do they know! If there are any of you who are
within range of North Texas on Dec. 31, or if you are in bad need of a special road
trip.........we
would love to have you join us. For information about time and place and other pertinent
details, email me.
Pam
*****
From: Frank DeLaMarre (frank@frankdelamarre.com)
Dear Friends,
After John Denver was so tragically killed, I was in shock like so many of you were.
However, I was not able to truly express the emotions of grief that were locked deep
inside of me. When I finished recording the initial version of "Take Him Home"
late in 1997, I sat and listened to the master CD several times late that evening.
I was finally able to cry about this great loss and release a level of grief that
has helped me to begin to heal from that loss.
Soon after I finished writing the song a friend in my church choir pointed out that
this song could easily apply to so many of the loved ones that all of have lost over
time. With a few minor changes, I was able to come up with "Take Them Home".
This song was then sung by me with the assistance of our church choir at the "Feast
of All Souls" on November 2, 1997.
On September 11, when I saw the horrible terrorist attacks committed against all
of the thousands of innocent people, I immediately thought of the words to "Take
Them Home". The shock of this event and the thought of these words brought a
level of grief that I have never before experienced. Only time and faith in God will
ultimately allow us to heal, but I can tell you from personal experience, that a
good cry goes a long way to starting that healing process.
Peace Friends,
Frank DeLaMarre
Take Them Home
Words and Music by
Frank DeLaMarre
Just like You, she came to us for all too short a time
But she came and made her mark and gave meaning to the rhyme
She taught us how to laugh and love, she taught us how to live
She taught us the ways of peace and showed us how to give
Take her home
Take her home
All I ask of You, is take her home
He longed to watch his children grow, he loved to watch them play
He gave them all that he could give, and helped them find their way
He taught them how to laugh and love, he taught them how to live
He taught them the ways of peace and he showed them how to give
Take him home
Take him home
All I ask of You, is take him home
He danced across the mountains and flew the clear blue sky
He sailed across the ocean and then He said goodbye
Just like You, they came to us for all too short a time
But they came and made their mark and gave reason to the rhyme
They taught us how to laugh and love, they taught us how to cry
They taught the ways of peace and then they said goodbye
Take them home
Take them home
All I ask of You, is take them home
Oh, all I ask of You, is take them home
(c) 1997 Frank DeLaMarre
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From: Theresa Workman (Theresa948@webtv.net)
Yesterday was a very trying day for me. At work, people were being rude, I got stressed
out, and came home to a phone call from my dad saying my aunt had passed away. On
top of all this, we had a falling out. I cried most of the day. I decided to put
on my John Denver CD, Christmas Like a Lullaby. Just hearing him sing these Christmas
carols was uplifting. I put on a smile and went to do my errands afterwards. This
afternoon, after listening to John again, I got the surprise of my life! My dad called
and apologized. I feel so much better now about the holidays! John always pulls me
out of the deep end and brings me up! If only he could be here so I could tell him
personally, what a Godsend he was while here on Earth. John will always be; a legend
for Mother Earth. His music will live on forever!
Happy Holidays !
Peace, Theresa
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From: Alexandra (pesch@myplace.net.au)
Dear It's About Time Family
As a teacher and a parent, I feel it is necessary to be guided by a vision and a
philosophy; mine is a sentence I keep in my head from an article by John Denver called
"In the Hearts of Children". That sentence is "Our Actions Matter".
As a lover of music and poetry, I am forever grateful that, although he is gone from
the earth, John Denver's music has been a part of my life and will continue to be
a part of my family's life. As an advocate for peace and for the environment, I am
happy to know there are people who think as I do all over the world and who are eager
to stand up and be counted.
"Say a prayer and open your heart again,
You are the love and the light that we all need to see.
Always willing to shine and then
Peace on this earth is the way that it always can be..."
Alexandra Geneve
Western Australia
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From: Judith Gabriel (judithgabriel@email.msn.com)
ASPEN, CONCERT TRIBUTE, AND YOU
Visiting Aspen this year was fabulous as usual. The concerts were great, and although
rainy some of the days, the Maroon Bells were just as gorgeous, and walking in the
mountains fantastic.
Also as usual the church service in memory of John was wonderful. I love hearing
Frank DeLaMarre sing the song he wrote in tribute to John, and the memorial park
around the church is growing steadily.
One of the most interesting and moving moments for me was meeting one of John's friends
in the John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen Park, also beautiful, serene, and growing.
I went there my last day to spend time by the river
and the rocks with all those beautiful lyrics on them. I took a picture of some ladies
at the rock with the words to Autograph on them and they then took one of me. They
left, and as I sat there deep in contemplation, a man came down between the two huge
rocks and was looking out over the water. We remained in silence for a time and I
felt a sort of immediate "yes" so I said that it was very serene here.
He agreed and said I looked familiar. And actually I thought he did too, but I didn't
know why. He said his name was Bud Wilson, and those of you who have been around
Windstar for a long time will probably recognize that name right away.
In fact, I said immediately, oh I know you. I've read your name in things concerning
Windstar. He asked if I had ever been to Windstar and it turned out that he was there
participating in both classes I took in '85 and '87. Small world around John, right.
He said that's why he remembered me. We talked for a bit, but the thing that struck
me the most was this. He said that he had worked with John in South America during
the Earth Summit. And he said with a wistful voice--"people just don't know
how committed John was to making the world a better place for everyone, absolutely
committed." I said that I knew and that John did it at great personal price
to which he wholeheartedly agreed.
Well, folks, I'd like to let people know that fact. Lots of you are doing fantastic
things, like the Peace Cloth and working with Windstar and all sorts of great things.
I'd like to join in that by growing the concert I originally organized at Hawk Mt.
Sanctuary the last two years.
This year, the concert will be held at Hibernia County Park in Chester County, PA,
about 45 minutes from Lancaster, Reading, and Philadelphia. The problem is, I cannot
do it without your help.
The first year I paid for the production of the concert. Knowing I couldn't do that
every year, I decided that asking people to be patrons/sponsors of the concert was
the way for me to make the money I needed for equipment, travel expenses for the
musicians, and advertising, etc. I had approximately 80 people who joined in that
patronage. The first year, all money donated went to getting John's benches at Hawk
Mt. and the video donations went to either Hawk Mt. or the Hunger Project. The second
year, after costs, the money went to Hawk Mt., The Hunger Project, and Windstar.
My dream is to begin charging a modest ticket price that will enable me to give to
the charities John loved and to put money away for the next year's concert, so that
the concert can continue to grow in stature and numbers. However, this year, I am
beginning at zero again and need your help to get this going. In light of my future
goals, I am working toward creating The John Denver Memorial Foundation. Patrons/sponsors,
of course, will always be needed, but your participation will not so desperately
be solicited each year. If you choose to, great, and if not, with each year, the
money will grow in the foundation not only to fund the concert each year, but to
grow in a way that will eventually enable me to create an endowment. This means that
the money will continue to grow after all of us are gone and a portion of it each
year will also continue to support the earth, children, and the dreamers in John's
name.
Help me to make this a reality. When the foundation is finally set up, I will be
able to approach bigger businesses. Until then, it is you little people that can
make this begin, here, this year. Also creating the foundation will get the money
out of my hands and into the hands of a board with legal and financial representation.
So our concert may remain small for this year, but in a few years the East Coast
will be remembering John Denver in a beautiful atmosphere, and enable those folks
who cannot make it to Aspen to hear his music, and also to hear
speakers teach us things about the environment and ourselves. Email me for a flier
with the information I have to this point so you can give it to those who might be
interested. Please feel free to tell everyone you know about it or contact me if
you have questions. Remember as someone told us, "You can make a world of difference."
Thank you and Peace,
Judith Gabriel
(see below for more information on becoming a patron for this event -- AS)
*****
From: Jennifer Hunter (jenden1099@yahoo.com)
My Blue and White Christmas
Years ago when I was 25, I had a very special Christmas. My family had never been
very close to each other and just didn't know what to do at Christmas, and it always
seemed to turn into a contest of how my brother could embarass me with his gift or
even worse, the apathy I'd sense after I tried so hard to give something that would
be treasured. I never had much expectation of enjoying Christmas as it usually brought
disappointment in our family. It looked like everyone else was having a wonderful
Christmas full of hugs and smiles. I was also in the midst of a painfull divorce
and my hopes of happiness were gone. I was living with my parents and I just didn't
want Christmas to come.
My dad had met one of the Commanders from Great Lakes Naval Base and got the idea
that they could invite some of the men from the base to our home for Christmas dinner.
We had to pick them up and be able to drive them back to the base, so we could bring
8 of them home in our 2 cars. They were not able to go home to their families, and
as I came to learn, some didn't have families they could go home to be with. The
commader was not able to join us, but he hand picked his very best men and invited
them to our house.
When we arrived at the base on Christmas day to pick them up, they were waiting in
their Navy dress blue uniforms and white caps. I hadn't expected that or the "Yes
'Mam" and "Thank you's". I wanted to know all about them, but they
were being so polite, they didn't want to talk about themselves. I had to keep asking
them questions to engage them in conversation and they politely declined when we
offered them beer. I just couldn't figure out why they wouldn't take it. They liked
the food. We wanted them to enjoy themselves and tried to make it special. When I
finally asked why, I found out that they worried about how their Commander would
judge their conduct. Of course we said, we're not going to tell him so go ahead and
enjoy. Everybody needs a break from their job. That lightened things up and then
they became regular guys again, although really polite guys. I enjoyed their company
and had fun, and to be able to share that with guys who needed it as much as I did,
made it special. I felt like a big sister to them being several years older. It was
all I had really wanted for Christmas. I realised that we don't all have the same
opportunities, but we all need to reach out to one another. I discovered the true
meaning of Christmas that year. Now in 2001, I wonder if any of them stayed in Navy
careers and could they be leading the effort in Afganistan. It does make me realize
how much they care for this country when they put their lives on the line for us.
I don't remember their names, but I will never forget them.
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EVENTS REVIEWS
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From: Donna Lynn Pinto (donnapinto@yahoo.com)
A Gathering of Friends - November 10th in New York City
Those who didn't make it to Aspen this year for the annual Memorial Week literally
ached to have been there. Whether the reason was wanting to stay home with family,
resistance to flying or not having the money or vacation
time, hours spent on the phone or emailing good friends for a "rundown of events"
still didn't fulfill that need in our hearts.
It was out of that need that Peace Cloth board member Eve Kleinfeld and friends decided
to open up her New York City apartment to a John Denver gathering. She contacted
Christopher Westfall who readily "signed on to sing on!" The afternoon
was set for November 10th and Eve tried to invite most anyone she could. It wasn't
actually a private party but there are only a certain number of people who would
fit into her apartment! It was arranged that one of the panels of the wonderful John
Denver Memorial Peace Cloth would be displayed at the event.
The panel included beautiful replicas of the great clothing Anna Zapp designed for
John in the 1970's. Those western shirts are truly embedded in our memories and were
a big part of John's country boy image. Wow, right before
our eyes was a piece of the same material as the tux John wore at the "People's
Choice" awards in the mid-1970's and the western shirt from the poster included
with the classic "An Evening With John Denver" double album. That poster
hung on my wall for a dozen years!
In our wishes for peace and since the next day would mark the two-month anniversary
of the September 11th terrorist attacks against the United States, many of us visited
"Ground Zero" at the World Trade Center before the gathering. Again, it
wasn't something we wanted to do, it was something we HAD to do to pay our respects.
Good friends at Eve's ended up numbering about 15-20, who all brought a covered dish
to share. It was also just a few days before several of the attendees birthdays (Rayleen
and Eve herself) so there was lots and lots of cake! Besides deserts, Eve cooked
all day for us. As usual with Denver people, there were tons of Aspen photos and
stories shared.
To cap off the afternoon, Chris sang for us for two and a half hours! He tried anything
requested including Yellowstone, America the Beautiful, Ponies, Today, and Heart
to Heart. He treated us to his newest composition,
I'm Coming Home and even threw in some Christmas songs to remind us of his free concert
the next month in Doylestown, PA.
By then we were down to a dozen and it was time for pictures with the Peace Cloth.
The last of the group disbursed around 9:30... what a GLORIOUS DAY! Thank you so
much to Eve, Rhonda, Terri & Chris for putting the event
together.
This event made it especially clear that each of us has to use whatever gifts we're
lucky enough to have to continue the Vision, Message, and Music of John Denver! If
you're good at organizing, put together a party or event! If you're a gifted musician
like Chris, PLAY and SING. If nothing else, buy John's music as Holiday presents
for your family and friends; the "A Christmas Together" Muppets disc is
only about $6 and a great gift for kids. Whatever you can do, make a difference that
way!
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A VOICE AS BIG AS THE SEA - November 24 in Doylestown, PA
The 3rd Evening of Campfire Songs featuring the Music of John Denver in Doylestown,
PA with Charlie Zahm and friends was wonderfully fun! Murphy's Law created many obstacles
to our evening of legendary folk music...Charlie's guitar player backed out, his
fiddler took ill the day of the concert, and another backup musician ALMOST didn't
make it. Traffic was horrible that Thanksgiving Weekend (well THAT shouldn't have
been a shock). To top it all off, the 72 degree weather also literally put a damper
on celebrating Charlie's 12th album, a marvelous collection of Christmas music called
"The White Snows of Winter." Due to the September 11th attacks, attendance
at entertainment events is down, too, in general.
Those adversities were overcome by a truly great baritone, as those who did attend
were treated to an evening of good old folk music by someone who hardly ever does
anything but Celtic songs! Charlie played guitars and banjo and was joined by Vermont's
Will Patten on mandolin/guitar and Mark Sullivan on percussion. There were ten JD-related
songs along with tons of material popularized by the Kingston Trio, Gordon Lightfoot,
Peter Paul & Mary, and the Weavers, too. Judith Gabriel talked a bit about the
relocation of the Hawk Mountain event scheduled for June 28 & 29th; Charlie's
already said "yes" to performing there!
The best part of this show was that a JD fan's sibling played with Charlie. Pat Hough
works hard to publicize Charlie's JD appearances in "Our Family." Just
try to imagine her pride as her brother Will Patten picked out mandolin parts on
JD songs like Today and Whispering Jesse. By the end of the night, they were a really
HOT band; we had a great time singing along with Charlie and friends for over two
and a half hours... you should'a been there!
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COMING EVENTS
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THE HARD TRAVELERS-HOLIDAY CONCERTS AT THE RAMS HEAD
December 21, 2001 -- 8:30
December 22, 2001 -- 7:00
The Hard Travelers will be performing two holiday shows this year at The Rams Head
Concert Hall. The Rams Head is located at 33 West St. in Annapolis. The Travelers
- Mack Bailey, Kenn Roberts, Mike Munford, Jon Glik, and Ira Gitlin, will all be
on hand to entertain you with two complete evenings of your favorite songs, an oldie
or two, along with some Holiday classics. Also dropping by both nights to sing a
few carols for all will be "The Annapolis Vocal Corps".
Looks like either night is a winner, so call now, all seats are reserved! 410/268-4545.
http://www.ramsheadtavern.com
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HIGHWAY CLEANUP
December 30, 2001
Berks County branch of PA Friends of John Denver for final road cleanup of the year
for our adopted highway. Come join us! We will clean up, visit Hawk Mt. Sanctuary,
and go to dinner at the Roman Delight to toast John's birthday a day early. Contact
judithgabriel@msn.com.
*****
PETE HUTTLINGER IN CONCERT
January 12, 2002
PLACE: Boulevard Music
LOCATION: 4316 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA (Los
Angeles), 90230
tickets: (310) 398-2583
DATE & TIME: January 12, Shows usually start at 8:00 PM unless otherwise specified.
(Check with ticket agent)
*****
ALMOST HEAVEN - Denver Center for Performing Arts
STAGE THEATRE - March 21, 2001 to April 30th
General admission tickets go on sale February 3, 2001
Songs and Stories of John Denver
This world-premiere theatrical event celebrates the music and ethos of our State's
adopted son.
With sparkling new arrangements of his best-known ballads - and some surprising discoveries
- a 14-member ensemble explores the work of this internationally-acclaimed songwriter.
John Denver spoke to millions around the world with such songs as "Country Roads,"
"Sunshine on my Shoulders," "Rocky Mountain High." It will bring
you back home again - and send you out singing.
For more information: http://www.dcpa.org
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JOHN ADAMS IN CONCERT
APRIL 13, 2002
Dear Friends,
My name is Feather Berkower and I live in Louisville, CO (near Boulder).
I am the co-director of a non-profit organization called Child Assault Prevention
(CAP) Project in the Front Range of Colorado. CAP teaches children and teens strategies
they can use in potentially abusive situations. In a classroom setting, children
learn ways to protect themselves and seek help if faced with peer abuse, stranger
abduction, or sexual assault by a known person. Additionally, teachers and parents
learn important information about decreasing children's vulnerability to assault.
In the 2000-2001 school year, CAP served 5,533 children, their parents, and teachers
at 16 schools. A disclosure from a child in a Boulder Valley school led to the conviction
of a neighborhood pedophile with a sentence of thirty-two years to life in prison.
Children, parents, extended families, and the community all benefit from children
receiving prevention education. For more information on CAP visit www.geocities.com/childassaultprevention
One of our big fundraisers this school year is a John Adams Concert. John
has offered to do a benefit concert for CAP. All proceeds from ticket sales goes
directly to CAP. The concert is April 13, 2002 at Pomona High School in Arvada, CO
(near Denver) from 7-10 pm.. There are 500 seats and tickets will sell out. Tickets
are $20 and are
tax-deductible (100% of the profits will go to CAP).
Thank you all,
Feather Berkower
Co-Executive Director
Front Range Center for Assault Prevention
P.O. Box 270208
Louisville, CO 80027
303.266.9019
*****
A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER: THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC 2002
Previously held at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA, for the last two years,
this event will be held on June 28 and 29 at Hibernia County Park, four miles north
of Coatesville, PA, off Route 82
I NEED PATRONS/ SPONSORS FOR PROGRAM TO FINANCE THE SHOW! DEADLINE FOR MONEY
IS MARCH 1. PLEASE HELP MAKE THIS A YEARLY EVENT BY BEING A SPONSOR.
Make checks payable to "JD Tribute Concert Donation." Mail to:
Judith Gabriel
2271 Hampden Blvd. G5
Reading, PA 19604
or contact Judith at 610-371-9122 or email her at judithgabriel@msn.com
if you have questions.
PRICES FOR PATRON/SPONSORSHIP ARE AS FOLLOWS: (BUSINESSES MAY USE THIS AS
AN ADVERTISING DEDUCTION)
$25 patron one line
$75 sponsor 1/4 page--send picture and/or message to me sized and
printer-ready if possible or email it to me
$100 sponsor half a page
$200 sponsor whole page
$500 sponsor two separate pages
$1,000 silver sponsor two page spread and 5 free tickets and special gift picture
of John Denver and "A Portrait of John Denver" video
$2,000 gold sponsor two page spread with big gold stars in corners, 10 free tickets,
gift picture of John Denver, video set of "Remembering John Denver" and
"A Portrait of John Denver"
$3,000 or more to be a platinum sponsor two page spread with gold and silver stars
all around page, 20 free tickets, gift picture of John Denver, video set of "Remembering
John Denver," "A Portrait of John Denver, "The Wildlife
Concert," CD set of the Wildlife Concert, and a commemorate gold record of "Country
Roads" framed with John's picture.
FYI: All donors will receive a free program; modest ticket price will be asked this
year; I will need volunteers to sell and take tickets , to sell and distribute programs,
to park cars, and to clean up afterwards. Volunteers will, of course, get free admission.
Also, if interested in reviewing what happened the last two years at Hawk Mtn. go
to Judith's web page at www.judithgabriel.com
and click on "John Denver Tribute."
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FOR SALE
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A LIMITED NUMBER OF T-SHIRTS AND BUMPER STICKERS STILL AVAILABLE
We have a limited number of our Aspen 2001 t-shirts with a full color photo of John
on the front (large, x-large, xx-large, xxx-large) and bumper stickers available.
Please contact Pam (pamela.beasley@airmail.net)
for details.
COUNTRY ROADS FOLK FESTIVAL TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER VIDEO AVAILABLE (offered with
the permission of the performers)
This is a video from the Folk Festival held this past July in West Virginia. It features
Bill Danoff, Mack Bailey, Doris Justis and Sean McGhee (Side by Side) as they pay
tribute to John. It comes with a beautiful color cover with photos from the event.
It also includes Mack Bailey's tribute to John at the Ashton Methodist Church this
past May. The cost will be a minimum of $10 donation to Windstar. If you are interested,
please e-mail me for details.
Mary (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
*****
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.
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POETRY
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From: Carolyn Reineke Matthews (MyMountainSpirit@aol.com)
|
Christmas in the Valley
An American Christmas 2001
|
|
It's Christmas in the valley, a time of good cheer,
but hearts are heavy with sadness this year.
Though Christmas has come we still remember
the horror and grief of Eleven - September.
We trim our trees with blue ribbons and bows,
with red shiny balls, with white lights that glow.
Wreaths are hung in our country's colors,
this Christmas is different from all of the others.
|
Friends and family gather in love.
Together we pray to our Father above,
to ask Him to care for our daughters and sons
who defend our freedom with aircraft and guns.
American spirit and courage prevails.
We welcome this Christmas and holiday mail.
It's Christmas in the valley with little to fear.
May peace reign in your heart throughout the New Year.
|
*****
America's determined response to terrorism for the preservation of our freedom as
a nation and a people is meaningful to me because I lost my father in World War II
and my father-in-law was a prisoner of war. Both fought for our freedom then as we
must now.
Rich (Romanowsk1@aol.com)
|
Three Months
|
|
The terror strikes
And towers fall
Our loved ones die
In massive toll
The heroes rise
And nations mourn
A world unites
For justice sworn
We send our sons
To fight the war
And hunt the one
That Satan bore
|
As we at home
Protect our land
From terror's threat
From terror's hand
Three months have passed
Since terror's claim
Though life may not
Be quite the same
If doubt there is
You can be sure
Our freedom lives
And will endure
|
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*****
From: Melanie Trondson (Songbunny@aol.com)
|
Heaven's Peace
|
|
When all the world screams loud and high
And whispers forget their whispering sigh
When chaos stirs with fire ablaze
Sweet doves seek shelter from the haze
As earthly concerns cause troubled hearts
From where the saddening turmoil starts
The drowning sun in a smog filled sky
The cold and lifeless lullaby
Of a shattered, war-torn, littered earth
Yearning for its fresh rebirth
When such a maze of hate and guilt
Should steal what dream the peaceful built
Then open Heaven's gates my Lord
Draw upon your loving sword
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Slice and sheer the walls divided
If your heart has thus decided
Please have mercy on the fierce
Thy sword omnipotent doth pierce
Grace us with your blessed story
Sprinkle earth with Heaven's glory
Till dawn shall beckon forth in haste
And not another morn to waste
Oh Lord, on angel's wings in flight
Spread Heaven's peace throughout the night
As we awaken, let us pray
For blessings of a quiet day
May we feel the soft release
Of loving light and heaven's peace.
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From: Jennifer Hunter (jenden1099@yahoo.com)
Here is the poem I wrote for our Christmas card this year that all started when I
took a snow picture with a spruce tree, added Christmas ornaments and presents under
it and a fox and a deer. The picture begged for a story, so here it is:
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'Twas the night before Christmas
where under the tree
A small fox was curled up
warm as can be
Out in the meadow
in the sparkling snow
A solitary deer
with no place to go
What would they do
on this magical night
Hearing stories of reindeer
beginning their flight
They soon found each other
a gift in just knowing
They are together
in a friendship that's growing
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The dawn sparkled with beauty
with sunshine and snow
Bright colors and lights
and packages tied with a bow
They shared them together
all the gifts of the day
In the peacefull silence
of nature's way
The truest of gifts
come straight from the heart
It's the sharing and caring
God's real work of art
May the joy of discovery and beauty of Christmas live
in your heart always
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Jennifer Hunter copyright 2001
P.S. Merry Christmas to Alfie too!
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
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DENlines
Defend Environment Network (DEN)
Wednesday, December 12, 2001
1. ISLAND EVACUATION: Global warming forces entire country to flee
The debate over global warming isn't merely academic for the 11,000 citizens of the
Pacific island country of Tuvalu halfway between Hawaii and Australia. Rising seas
from the melting of glaciers are forcing them to abandon their homeland. During the
20th century, the ocean rose by up to a foot at Tuvalu, causing saltwater to contaminate
its drinking water and erode its coast. Higher temperatures are also generating more
tropical cyclones. The country is bitterly critical of the United States for abandoning
the Kyoto agreement to combat climate change. A Tuvaluan government official told
the BBC: "By refusing to ratify the protocol, the U.S. has effectively denied
future generations of Tuvaluans their fundamental freedom to live where our ancestors
have lived for thousands of years."
2. DOLPHIN DEADLY: Court ruling undercuts dolphin-safe tuna
Defenders of Wildlife is vowing to appeal a judge's decision undermining one of the
most significant environmental protections of the 1990s -- the dolphin-safe tuna
program created by the U.S. government. Under the ruling from the Court of International
Trade, foreign-caught tuna need not be verified as dolphin-safe when it comes into
the United States. In addition, the Bush administration can lawfully ignore the "depleted"
status of three dolphin populations harmed by tuna fishing, and it has no obligation
to abide by the congressional mandate to reduce the deaths of dolphins. In the eastern
tropical Pacific Ocean, fishermen intentionally net dolphins to catch tuna swimming
underneath. That practice has killed 7 million dolphins since the 1950s.
"We will absolutely appeal this flawed decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals
and to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary," said William Snape, Defenders'
vice president for law and litigation. To read his statement, go to http://www.defenders.org/releases/pr2001/pr1210a01.html
and go to http://www.Savedolphins.org to
send a free e-mail to President Bush to demand that tuna sold in the United States
remain truly dolphin-safe.
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3. ON THIN ICE: New report chronicles shoddy oil safety record in Alaska
A new report by the state of Alaska concluded that safety valves at drilling pads
on Alaska's North Slope are failing at rates higher than those considered acceptable
even by the oil industry. Chuck Hamel, a former oilman who represents a group of
BP workers, told the Wall Street Journal: "The industry is isolated and virtually
unregulated up there." And Big Oil's latest maneuver to drill in the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge flopped in the Senate, losing on a 94-1 vote on a procedural
question involving whether to attach national energy policy onto a railroad retirement
bill. The House already has passed legislation that allows drilling. An up-or-down
vote could come by late January in the Senate, where the outcome is too close to
call.
Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has introduced legislation emphasizing efficiency
over drilling. "Instead of throwing the doors to the Arctic refuge wide open
to Big Oil, Senator Daschle's approach says it's not worth it to pillage one of our
last, best wild places for maybe six months' worth of oil that we wouldn't begin
to see for a decade," Defenders of Wildlife President Rodger Schlickeisen said.
How big is Big Oil's footprint in the Arctic? Click here to see the DENlines cartoon
by Bruce Plante:
http://www.defenders.org/newsroom/images/arcticed.jpg
WHAT YOU CAN DO: To urge your senators to preserve America's greatest wildlife
sanctuary, go to http://www.Savearcticrefuge.org
4. STOP ANOTHER SLAUGHTER: Government killing Yellowstone buffalo again
Yellowstone National Park is home to our last wild, free-roaming herd of buffalo.
But the state of Montana has killed about 3,000 of these bison in the past decade
on public land outside Yellowstone, and fears are mounting that this winter will
bring another slaughter. State agents have just shot and killed the first bison of
the season -- a majestic
bull that left the park in search of food -- and they are trapping more buffalo and
shipping them to slaughter. A harsh winter could send hundreds of buffalo from Yellowstone's
high plateau to the milder lower-elevation pastures that have become government killing
fields.
Montana claims buffalo might infect cattle with the disease brucellosis. But there
are no cattle grazing on the public land just outside Yellowstone in the winter,
and even if there were, there's never been a single documented case of wild buffalo
infecting cattle with brucellosis. "These bison are a precious reminder of America's
heritage. They deserve to be protected, not shot or trapped and shipped to slaughter,"
said Caroline Kennedy, director of special projects for Defenders of Wildlife.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Go to http://www.denaction.org (Alert
125) to send a free e-mail to Montana Gov. Judy Martz urging her to stop the killing
of Yellowstone's buffalo.
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5. OPERATION MIGRATION: Whooping cranes complete experimental journey
With an ultralight aircraft showing them the way, a flock of six whooping cranes
landed at a Florida wildlife refuge to finish a 1,200-mile journey that may help
save the endangered birds. The cranes left Wisconsin's Necedah National Wildlife
Refuge on Oct. 17 and followed the ultralight -- a motorized hang-glider whose pilot
wore a white bird costume. Their arrival at Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
was a milestone in establishing a second population of migratory whoopers in the
Lower 48 states. There were only 21 whooping cranes left in the world in 1941. Today
there are slightly more than 400, but almost half of those live in one wild flock
that migrates between Canada's Northwest Territories and the Texas Gulf Coast. A
second migrating flock will help ensure the species' survival.
The experiment was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a Wisconsin state
agency and several private groups, including Defenders of Wildlife. Laurie MacDonald,
one of our Florida representatives, was there when the birds landed. To read her
first-person account, go to http://www.defenders.org/newsroom/whoopingcranes.html
For more information, go to http://www.bringbackthecranes.org
Defenders of Wildlife
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.defenders.org
http://www.kidsplanet.org
Only when the last tree has died
And the last river has been poisoned
And the last fish has been caught
Will we realize that we cannot eat money
Cherokee Prophecy
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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 January edition is January 19, 2002. Please be sure to include any
contact information so that members can e-mail or snail-mail for further details.
*********************************************************************
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.
*********************************************************************
". . . 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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