IAT NEWSLETTERDecember 2002
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Peace On Earth. Good Will to Men..and
women...and chickens...and Dizzy Gillespie
Happy Birthday to John Denver 12/31/43
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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 (notmartha2@yahoo.com)
Co-Founder and Secretary -- Theresa Shea (Tree1A@aol.com)
Co-Founder/Webpage Designer-Sandy Clark (tybrenn@attbi.com)
Co-Presidents -- Ann Schnitz (aerie01@sprynet.com)
and
Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
Web Site -- -- http://home.attbi.com/~tybrenn/iat/
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT (A LETTER FROM ANN)
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Dear Friends,
I have a confession to make. I am a huge J.R.R. Tolkien junky, and have been for
25 years. In fact, my first-born son (actually, he's an iguana, but don't tell him)
is named Frodo -- he'll be 10 in June. So it has been with wild joy that I have looked
forward to the last two Decembers, to the release of one of Peter Jackson's epic
and magnificent film adaptations of "The Lord of the Rings" (known to all
who love Tolkiana as 'LOTR', an acronym that rhymes with the word 'floater'). I am
already wistful at the thought of next year, when the trilogy (and the anticipation)
ends!
The story of Frodo and all of Middle Earth is the classic tale of good vs. evil.
But more than that -- it is the story of personal courage. Of standing alone when
"there's no one here beside you." We, as John Denver fans, know this perspective
intimately. It's hard to stand up for what's right, whether it be to fight corruption,
or protest war, or protect the environment. It's often a long, lonely battle and
the light at the end of the tunnel frequently dims. Yet...as Galadriel, the Lady
of the Wood, said to Frodo, "Even the smallest person can change the course
of the future." We must be that "smallest person".
I made a journey back in IAT time recently, to when it was Marcel and Theresa (Tree)
and Sandy who brought you these missives instead of me. The newsletters from that
time were filled with wonderful stories of individual accomplishment. Highway cleanups
were treated as revelations, and we all chorused "Bravo to you!" when one
was reported. We dedicated benches, picked up litter off beaches, and eagerly shared
our deeds. So what has happened to that enthusiasm? If these works are still being
done -- I want to know about it. If you bend down and pick up even one candybar wrapper,
tell IAT. Find an article about something important, either locally or globally?
Send it to me. Now, more than at any other time, it is an imperative that we tell
our tales and inspire each other, for you never know -- you may just be that smallest
person. And if this newsletter becomes 30 pages long because of it, so be it. You
have my permission not to read all of it in one go (LOL).
I wanted to share with you one last image from this year's installment of LOTR. In
it, we're introduced to, among other creatures, the Ents, a group of tree-like beings
who are the shepherds of the forest. When Treebeard, the Ent leader, sees the destruction
of the forests wrought by the greed of man, he and his kind, who had previously led
a very peaceful existence, go to war. We too are Ents. Our beautiful world is under
attack, our moment is at hand. Won't you do your part to save it? And while you're
at it -- say a prayer for the wind, and the water, and the wood...and those who live
there too.
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a wonderful 2003!
My heart to yours,
Ann
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A LETTER FROM MARY
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Dear Friends,
We are drawing close to another year gone by. I still find it hard to believe it's
been five years since we've lost John. He has been my inspiration for all that I've
done and do now. Aspen was wonderful...we raised more money than we did last year
which makes our total somewhere around $35,000-40,000! We've all accomplished a lot...the
Peace Cloth was established and has grown; Windstar has been reborn; and the events
in Aspen continue to flourish. But we have a long way to go and much to do.
I hope that 2003 will bring peace to those troubled nations and that they will realize
we are 'one world.'
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all --
Mary
PS -- Here's the link to buy Bill Danoff's new CD "I Guess He'd Rather Be In
Colorado." It's a wonderful CD.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/danoff
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A LETTER FROM SANDY
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I can't believe that December is upon us already and the holidays are here. Such
a busy time of year that allows us to get distracted and sometimes forget the things
that really matter. I have 2 sons....one is now in middle school, or junior high
school as it is called here, and the other is in second grade. I have spent a good
part of the last few years volunteering at the elementary school and I miss seeing
my oldest son now. It was nice to 'touch base" with him during the day once
in a while. What was even nicer was getting to know all of his peers. To have 11
year old boys and girls light up when they see me outside of school now assures me
that I made the right decision to devote more time to my kids.
And how quickly that time is flying by. It's nice to know that the extra attention
that some of those children received from me has made a small difference in their
lives. And it is also nice to know that I get to do it all over again with another
group!
I recently had the honor and the pleasure of bringing a section of the Peace Cloth
to the elementary school. Despite a lack of interest from the adults, I stuck with
the effort and worked with the art teacher to get our kids to create some panels.
Now, most of the kids were not familiar with John Denver, but once they saw the Peace
Cloth, they began to ask questions. They started to ask about him and about peace.
Their panels came out spectacularly (you can see them at www.gardnerschool.com or
on the Peace Cloth website) and every child that I talked to afterwards told me how
much they enjoyed the whole experience. Some are too young to realize what they did,
but some day in the future, they will flash back to that project and remember the
day they learned a little about peace and some guy named John Denver. So even though
the adult side of the experience was frustrating, the child side was absolutely wonderful.
My advice to anyone out there who is thinking about volunteering at a school or church
or any group working with kids, but not sure if they really want to...go for it!
It will change your life. These kids are our future and you can help shape that future.
And the joy and satisfaction that you will gain from that experience are beyond words.
To quote my good friend Theresa (Tree) who does such a good job quoting JD, "in
the hearts of the children a pure love still grows."
Happy Holidays! Peace to all my JD friends!
Sandy
(tybrenn@attbi.com)
(See a letter from Tree below -- AS)
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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Thoughts for New Year
To leave the old with a burst of song;
To recall the right and forgive the wrong,
To forget the things that bind you fast,
To the vain regrets of the year that's past;
To have the strength to let go your hold
Of the not worth while of the days grown old;
To dare go forth with a purpose true,
To the unknown task of the year that's new;
To help your brother along the road,
To do his work and lift his load;
To add your gift to the world's good cheer,
Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.........
(unknown)
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FUNDRAISER
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DON'T FORGET.....
If you know of a John Denver memorial site in your area, please send details
to Todd Barker (TheDenverRealtor@aol.com) and/or Jennifer Hunter (jenden1099@yahoo.com)
to include in our IAT Fundraiser. Please see the May edition of the
newsletter for more information, and contact Mary (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
with any questions-- AS
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LETTERS (thanks to all the contributors
this month!)
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From: Theresa Shea <TREE1A@aol.com>
Happy Holidays to all my JD friends............
I had not planned on writing anything for the newsletter this year until Ann sent
a message out and I realized that itís been five years since Marcelle, Sandy and
I got together and started this big JD family. That, coupled with the daily events
of life, made me realize how time really does fly. I mentioned this once to my son,
who is all of 20, and he said it has actually been proven that time for "older"
people" does go faster than it does for "younger people". "Really
Mom" he said, "itís a proven fact." LOL!
Well, proven or not, time has gone by so fast that I am reminded of a conversation
I once had with Sandy. I mentioned to her that I like to think of lines out of Johnís
songs and use them. I may find myself having a conversation with someone and I may
quote the line, or I may refer to them for comfort, but here is the problem ÖI told
her I would send her the lines and I never did. I got too busy......
When people ask me if am I looking forward to 2003, I say "where did 2002 go?"
I say that because last October, my Dad wasnít feeling well he insisted that he did
not need to go to the doctor, but I took him anyway, he ended up having bypass heart
surgery. So then 2002 just flashed by with trying to care for him and my mother.
And then, I fast forward to two months ago when a friend lost her son. He was 19.
And last week, another friend lost her daughter. She was just 18. I mention all this
because in situations like this, I still go back to those lines in the songs. I guess
I use them for everything. I guess I use them to try to make sense of what's going
on in the world, and where does the time go. I am grateful for the extra year we
have had with my dad and I also feel for those who lost their loved ones so soon.
And then I think "why is it thus we are here and so soon we are gone" (see
how that happens).
Let me sum this up by saying thisÖ we started this JD family to continue Johnís work
and the things he supported. And I feel that still, after five years, through all
the things that go on in daily life, it is so good to have this group of friends
to always turn to. And to know that with all the everyday things in life we have
this to look forward to and itís good and it lifts you always. And as fast as life
is passing us by, this helps me to make the best of it, it slows me down some, helps
me to make more of things. So I am going to end this with some of my lines. Sorry
Sandy that I didnít get these to you sooner, LOL.
These are the lines I use for myself. There is a message in each one of them. I also
find hope in there and strength in there and even dreams, and at times when life
gets cloudy, it clears the sky for me.....So even though my son says it is proven,
I am going to try and make 2003 slow down just a little bit for me. The only thing
I hope does not slow down is the success of the IAT web site, and the friends that
we keep gaining through it.
I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Peace,
Theresa (Tree)
A special thanks to Sandy, Ann, and Marcelle for all your help. Enjoy.
|
"Is a jewel just a pebble that
found a way to shine, |
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From: "Susan Leaver" <susanleaver@yahoo.com>
Dear Ann, organisers of IAT and fellow readers,
Merry Christmas !! Hasn't it arrived quickly this year?
I'll let you into a secret - I have a lot of colour pictures of John on my wall,
mostly from the 1990's.
My experience is that he is with us still, his spirit, everything he stood for, loud
and clear.
We are so privileged to have known him.
Susan - New Zealand
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From: Theresa Workman <Theresa948@webtv.net>
I just want to say, that I hope the coming new year will bring peace and goodwill
throughout the world. I hope we can continue the good works John left behind, to
make this world a better place for the next generation. John, we miss you, and hope
we can continue your legacy for you.
Peace, Theresa
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From: "Debra Chilton" <wilco@paclink.com>
Peace Cloth 2002
As I look back over the last year for the Peace Cloth, the words of Charles Dickens
comes to mind "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." So
many wonderful things have occurred over the last year. The Cloth became a part of
the Windstar Foundation, and as such, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization . It was
an unexpected and also great honor for all of us. That began our year for 2002.
The Cloth traveled to new places and went into more schools and churches this year.
We were honored to be part of Childrens Day in New York City in June, and to again
traveled to Washington DC in September for the Prayer Vigil for the Earth for the
second year in a row. The Cloth was part of the Aspen Celebration of John Denverís
life in October for the 3rd year.
We welcomed new people who were and are invaluable to the continued growth of the
Cloth. Lawrence Smith, Cassandra Delaney Denver and Jesse Belle Denver have supported
us throughout this past year, along with Ron and Erma Deutschendorf. The support
of Johnís family has been a great asset to us -- we couldn't have gotten this far
without all of them.
We began the 9/11 panels. This was created in memory of all who lost their lives
and also to honor the firefighters, police and emergency workers in New York City,
as well as in communities throughout the US. This panel holds special meaning for
many of usÖ.but especially to me. I lost my mother in October of this year. She had
been my greatest supporter in all areas of my life, but especially in the years of
working with the Peace Cloth. Her last contribution had been sewing the 9/11 panels.
So, as this year comes to a close I look back on how far we have come and it is my
hope that the John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth will continue to touch, to teach,
to grow and to speak out for all of us.
Peace,
DEB
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From: Sherry Cook <backhomagain@yahoo.com>
As John and the Muppets said so well, "Christmas is the time to come together;
a time to put all
differences aside..." To me, there is no better time to do that than now. Not
only as individuals, but as a
nation. If we live in love, we can and will be able to do just that; to respect and
love one another,
regardless. It is my prayer that as we come together with our friends and family
for the holidays that we
will all pray for peace.
God bless each one of you, and Happy Holidays!
Peace and joy,
Sherry :)
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From: Kathy Lill <denver@southwind.net>
Our Kansas Windstar Connection group met yesterday (12/14/02) for lunch and then
headed to the Salvation Army Christmas distribution center to do some volunteer work!
We were given a tour of the facility first so we could see how it all comes together
on the day that all the items are distributed to the those that applied for help!
We were blown away at the THOUSANDS of items that have been donated....mostly from
'angel trees' and some private business donations.....but then to learn that they
are still behind on donations for all the families that are in need this year! It
was a real eye opener for those of us fortunate enough to not have to worry about
providing Christmas for our loved ones!
If you are one of the fortunate, please consider donating to these type of organizations!
You will be rewarded over and over! We had such a good time helping out and went
away feeling like we had made a difference in someone's life!
Kathy
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From: Leslie Newman <starwood2@mindspring.com>
Please go to www.ecologyfund.com and join John Denver Remembrance.....begin clicking.....save
rainforest and other land in John's name. If you are a member and haven't been there
in a bit, please consider going there now and
every day. Every 145 sq. feet of land saved every day has trees and critters on it.
Just recently, my personal totals amounted to more than five acres of land, clicked
for and saved. Please understand....I am not bragging. I have no right to do so as
it took me less than two minutes a day to accomplish this.
If everyone would try to go there even several times a week, so much more land could
be saved. We can do so much together.
Go to www.ecologyfund.com
To Join: Click "Join" on John Denver
Remembrance at this site:
http://www.ecologyfund.com/ecology/groups_listing.html?serial=2090
Thanks from me and from all the Alfies,
Leslie
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FOR SALE
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Peace Cloth Items!
Don't forget to check out www.johndenverpeacecloth.com
(Peace Cloth Store) for exclusive John Denver items. All proceeds benefit The John
Denver Memorial Peace Cloth. Also -- if you shop online, please visit our virtual
mall: www.johndenverpeacecloth.onecause.com -- every sale at a store in the mall
returns a donation to the Cloth.
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Wildlife Creations (http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation) would like to wish everyone a happy holiday. Our prayer
to you is that the season find you surrounded by the comfort and love of family,
and may peace be in your hearts. While you enjoy the holidays, take time to remember
the true spirit of Christmas...the joy of giving. When thinking of gift ideas for
next year, come visit us. We have many items that can be enjoyed by all. For more
information, you can email us at wldlifecreation@wildmail.com.
In this healing time...
Thank you for helping to make the world
a better place in which to live,
Diana and Susan
Wildlife Creations
http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
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Sent to us by Nancy (JDEN1951@aol.com):
BP QUITS CAMPAIGN TO OPEN UP ALASKAN WILDLIFE REFUGE TO OIL DRILLING
BP PLC has pulled out of Arctic Power, a major lobbying group that is spearheading
the campaign to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska to oil
drilling, the New York Times reported, citing a company
spokesman.
BP's decision to drop out of the drilling debate underscores the growing concern
among many oil companies that the matter has become a public relations liability,
the paper said, citing both critics and supporters of oil production in the narrow
coastal plain along the Beaufort Sea coast.
Opponents of developing oil production in the refuge have said it will destroy one
the world's last remaining areas of untouched wilderness.
However, BP, which is among the biggest oil operators in Alaska, insisted that the
decision to leave Arctic Power was not meant as a broader statement on the economic
viability or morality of drilling in the refuge.
BP plans to continue investing $500 million a year in Alaska for the foreseeable
future, said Paul Laird, a spokesman for BP Alaska, cited by the New York Times.
"The only message is that we are no longer going to be involved in the ANWR
debate," Laird said, in an interview from Anchorage. "When and if the American
people decide ANWR should be opened, we will consider it based on
its commercial and competitive attributes."
Lord Browne, BP's chief executive, said this year that BP was cutting costs in Alaska
by ending expensive exploration efforts in new, or "frontier," areas and
focusing instead on smaller finds near existing fields and
facilities.
© AFX News
Story filed: 10:18 Tuesday 26th November 2002
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Environmental News Briefs:
LYNXES TO BE RELEASED INTO THE WILDS IN COLORADO
DENVER, Dec 7 2002 (AP) -- About 180 Canada lynxes will be released in southwestern
Colorado in an effort to re-establish the threatened cat in the state. The Colorado
Wildlife Commission recently approved plans to release 50 lynxes a year for three
years and up to 30 after that if the numbers need to be increased. Wildlife officials
hope the lynx, a long-haired, reclusive cat, will reproduce in self-sustaining numbers
to firmly re-establish itself in Colorado's rugged southwestern mountains, which
has not happened since recovery efforts began in 1999.
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APPEALS COURT PROHIBITS WHALING BY INDIANS IN WASHINGTON
SEATTLE, Dec. 21 (AP) ó A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that the Makah Indian
Tribe could not resume hunting gray whales. It agreed with whaling opponents that
the government must study the impact of hunting more thoroughly. A panel of the court,
the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco, rejected
as inadequate a federal environmental assessment that the whaling had no significant
impact. The court said the assessment did not adequately determine its effect on
the local whale population and the precedent whaling could set in other areas.
Overturning a lower court, the panel ordered the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the National Marine Fisheries Service to create an environmental
impact statement, more extensive than an environmental assessment. A lawsuit filed
by the Fund for Animals, the Humane Society of the United States and others contended
that Makah whaling would endanger public safety and harm gray whales that linger
in Washington's Strait of Juan de Fuca. Most of the whales migrate between Alaska
and Mexico.
Makah whaling rights are guaranteed by an 1855 treaty. After a seven-decade break,
the tribe resumed whaling after gray whales were removed from the Endangered Species
List in 1994. Since then, tribal whalers have killed one whale, in 1999. In May,
the International Whaling Commission authorized the tribe to continue whaling, allowing
a harvest of up to four gray whales annually for five years.
The appeals court panel also said the whaling violated the Marine Mammal Protection
Act. The threshold for protection under that law is less than that required for a
threatened or endangered listing under the Endangered Species Act. The agencies have
90 days to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.
(Articles excerpted from The New York Times)
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POETRY
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|
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES |
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|
MAYBE NEXT CHRISTMAS |
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|
... two poems that I wrote on October
17th, the day that I left Aspen......they both reveal some of the many thoughts |
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|
From This Place |
Hearts & Voices Together |
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Best of Holiday wishes to you and
yours!!!!! |
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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 next edition is January 19, 2003. 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. All contributed material may
be subject to editing for content and length.
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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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