IAT NEWSLETTEROctober 2003
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Calendar of Events | Environmental News | For Sale | Fundraisers |
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Letter from the President | Letters | Newsletter News | Organization Information |
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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@comcast.net)
*** CHANGED!!!
Co-Presidents -- Ann Schnitz (aerie01@comcast.net)
*** CHANGED!!! and
Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
Web Site -- -- http://home.comcast.net/~tybrenn/iat/
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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Dear Friends,
I hope all of you had pleasant and safe journeys to and from wherever you participated
in the October JD celebrations. It was lovely to see so many of you in Aspen this
year and let me extend my thanks to all of you for helping to make our Peace Cloth
event such a great success (you can read more about that in Deb Chilton's letter
below). Thanks too, to all of you who helped with the Halloween donation for the
Taos Pueblo.
So -- without further ado -- let's get on with the show!
My heart to yours,
Ann
PS -- A special thanks to all who contributed to this month's newsletter -- AS
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to
win glorious triumphs, even though checkered with failure, than to take rank with
those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the
gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt
(Thanks to Tom Fleetwood for this month's quote -- AS)
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FUNDRAISER
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Nothing to report this month
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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Please consider writing a review if you attend an event
and would like to share your experience -- AS
November 8 -- Racine, WI - Evening Auction Event featuring a signed copy of the book
"Take Me Home" by
John Denver. 7:00pm Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, 625 College Avenue
(The_Family_Churchill@msn.com)
November 29 -- Chevy Chase, MD. Jan Garrett and JD Martin, appearing at Chevy Chase
United Methodist Church Chapel (Washington DC area); 7pm, Tickets $12 suggested donation
at the door
December 13, 2003 -- Welland Ontario, Canada. "A Rocky Mountain Christmas"
JD Holiday Musical Tribute / Welland River Road Lions Club (905) 714-1027 <DWMonroe@hotmail.com>
December 31 -- Scottsdale, AZ. Celebrate what would have been John's 60th birthday
at the Franciscan Renewal Center Benefit for the Hunger Project and the Andre House.
For more information, see www.chrisnole.com
REMINDER::: The John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth is available for all JD-related
events. Please email peaceclothinfo@yahoogroups.com
for more information, or see our website at www.johndenverpeacecloth.com
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LETTERS
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From Debra Chilton (wilco@paclink.com):
A big thanks to everyone who volunteered and contributed to the Peace Cloth concert
in Aspen this year! While the Board itself did not have an opportunity to see the
concert, we received many compliments on the line up which included, Ellen Stapenhorst,
Karen D'Attilo and the Earthbeat Choir, Ron Rich, Terry and Donna Lipman and Chris
Collins. Ron Deutschendorf presented the JDMPC Vision Award to Donna and Terry Lipman.
A big thanks to all of you who made this a success.
The Board of the Peace Cloth would like to thank everyone who contributed to the
Halloween Party for the Taos Pueblo. We took the donations to Taos, stopping along
the way to pick up Halloween candy from those who had given us cash donations. We
dropped everything off at the office of Robert Mirabal and the Middle Road Foundation.
This year was the second year that the Halloween party was being held for the children
of the Taos Pueblo Indian Reservation. Robert opens his home to the children, spending
a couple of weeks preparing a themed party. This year was "The Trail of Fears."
He and his band also built a crashed space craft and called it
"Reswell." The whole band participates in dressing up and putting on a
party for the younger children, which is held in the afternoon and for the older
children in the evening. Thanks to all of you who helped to make this
a wonderful success for children of all ages!
Robert Mirabal is a musician from the Taos Pueblo, he still lives on the reservation
and continues to give back to his tribe. You can check out his website at www.mirabal.com
Peace,
DEB
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From Susan Leaver (susanleaver@yahoo.com):
Memorial to John Denver - 12 October Lake Taupo.
Well we sang our hearts out, with Summer, and Sweet Surrender - then we listened
to an address of John's recorded at the 1986 Windstar Symposium, with the topic being
human spirituality.
The "spirit" of John touched us deeply, in the same way it did at the 1975
Auckland concert, enough to make someone want to turn the direction of their life
around. A few of us wept in that deep recognition of the truth that was being expressed.
Then we created our floral emblem tribute in the silence as we listened to "Healing
time on earth" - finishing with our rendition of "Friends with you."
The legacy of John Denver presents a "living" way to transform the planet
out of survival mode.
I am renewing my commitment.
Love to all,
Susan Leaver
International John Denver Memorial Foundation
www.IJDMF.org
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(And also from Susan:)
The vision of John Denver is outworking in New Zealand
A number of our membership have just returned from a weekend gathering on the shores
of Lake Taupo to commemorate the sixth year since the plane crash in Monterey Bay.
Sarah Gibb, executive officer of our partner organisation, the Tongariro Natural
History Society, brought us up to date with the aims and projects of that organisation.
For the benefit of international readers, Tongariro National Park is situated in
the middle of the North Island of New Zealand, and contains three mountains, Tongariro,
Ruapehu, and Ngaruhoe. The park has been classified with world heritage status, and
much of the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy was filmed there.
TNHS as they often referred to currently have a project to improve the habitat of
native plants and birds to save them from near extinction.
What impressed our members was Sarah's expression of hers and her members commitment
to caring and restoring the land in whatever means available, even if it was a small
gesture. This passionate commitment indeed contributes to creating the sustainable
future that John spoke of.
Let me encourage you to visit their site http://www.tongariro.org.nz
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From Carole Romanowski (whispjesse@aol.com)
Somewhere... A Tribute to John Denver
Somewhere between I felt I knew it all...and I didn't,
I listened to JD's music and learned about preserva-
tion of the environment - so I planted some trees.
Somewhere between I believed I'd done it all...and I hadn't,
John taught me about global starvation - so I wrote recipes
and poetry for a benefit to help world hunger.
Somewhere between I was sure I'd given all the love
I had to give...and I hadn't,
I learned from JD about the "falling leaves" - so I now
volunteer at a nearby nursing home.
Somewhere between I attested to being a finished
product...and I wasn't,
John taught me about "opposite tables" and forgiveness
- so I mended a fence with a friend.
Thank you, John, for teaching me to grow through your
music and legacy....I am still learning...and I will not
disappoint you.
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From Janette Frawley (jfrawley@bigpond.com):
Warburton Victoria 10 ñ 12 October, 2003
One of our participants commented that on the approach to our weekend accommodation
that she had experienced déjà vu. With the river on one side of the
road, it was like driving into Aspen. Others who had previously been to Aspen agreed.
Welcome to Warburton, Victoria, Australia.
Our fun-filled weekend began with a meet-and-greet of old and new friends. Over a
shared meal, we were able to catch up with the last twelve months of each others
lives. During the course of the evening, others arrived, readily joining in with
the festivities. This was the beginning of a memorable weekend.
Saturday was largely at leisure, although many wanted to sit down and watch videos
of John that they had not already seen, most of us went our different ways. Some
to Healesville Sanctuary to see the new Wedge Tail Eagle fledglings, some to the
snow (yes I did say SNOW), whilst the others rested or wandered around the township
of Warburton.
Saturday evening started about 4pm with greetings to the new arrivals, guitar tuning,
BBQ organisation and the decoration of fabric to be later sent to be part of the
John Denver Memorial Peace Cloth. Together with the drawing of a raffle for a hand
crocheted rug and the annual silent auction, we were quite busy.
After the BBQ dinner, we settled down to sing. With the help of three guitarists,
our JD sing-a-long continued until about 2am. During the evening, when we all needed
a break, one of the guys stood up and recited ëThe Boxí. I do not have to tell you
that I came out in goose bumps and the hair on my neck stood on end. It is such a
powerful poem and so timely.
Sunday greeted us with a wonderful sunny day. After breakfast we set out with tools
and trees in hand to the area designated for our tree planting. The owners of the
property (Arrabri Lodge) had decided that our trees and plaque should be in a place
that can be seen by many people, so we were brought to a new ërainforestí area that
is currently under forestation and invited to plant our trees. I should mention that
Arrabri Lodge is primarily a school childrenís camp, and the new rainforest is the
beginning of a sensory bushwalk, where children are blindfolded and with the assistance
of a rope can walk through the bush using their senses of hearing and smell as they
make their way through.
After a momentís silence, the campfire letters from Aspen and Pacific Grove were
read and we planted four trees. One was to commemorate the victims of the terrorist
bombing in Bali, Indonesia, one was planted for us, the global family of John Denver,
the third one was planted for peace and the last one was planted for John. In front
of ëJohnísí tree, we placed a plaque. The real bonus was that Johnís tree is planted
at the beginning of the aforementioned sensory walk. The owners of the property wanted
it in that position so that they could tell the children about who John Denver was
before they are blindfolded and take part in the walk.
Another positive was that we raised approximately AUD$800 at our silent auction.
The entire amount will be donated to the nearby Healesville Sanctuary for the wedge-tail
eagle in Johnís name. Next yearís Australian John Denver weekend will be held in
Queensland. We are looking at a number of sites, but Eagle Heights looks like the
perfect place.
Regards,
Janette Frawley
Higher Ground, the Australian Friends of John Denver
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From Kathy Lill (denver@southwind.net):
I didn't think the celebrations and events in Aspen could get any better, but this
year proved to be filled with wonderful surprises. The weather was perfect, as it
has been the past six years!
The highlight for me was attending the Windstar Connection Conference and participating
in Tom Crum's 'centering' workshop. When Tom was introduced and began to speak, he
decided the weather was just too nice to be sitting inside, so he asked if we'd like
to move outside. A unanimous YES was heard from the participants. Eventually we moved
our chairs out to the Aiki tent for the remainder of the day. Sitting there listening
to Tom's inspirational stories and being able to view the Windstar land and beautiful
Mt. Sopris was so perfect!
The Wheeler concerts were great as usual and many different songs were used this
year. Mack Bailey gave a wonderful performance of "The Wings That Fly Us Home"
and "I Want To Live". Molly Weaver sang a beautiful version of "On
The Wings Of A Dream." Mack and Molly have made a great CD together called,
"Wish You Were Here" and it includes many of John's songs.
The campfire near the Maroon Bells on Sunday evening was well attended. A highlight
was a cute skit with none other than Kermit the frog and Robin singing, "The
Rainbow Connection."
I volunteered at the check-in table at the Windstar gathering on Sunday. It turned
out to be a very productive day as more than 70 people either renewed memberships
or became new members. The walkway around the "Spirit" statue at Windstar
is coming along very nicely. They have laid the first phase of the inscribed bricks
and it looks great. It was fun reading all the inscriptions.
The five days spent in Aspen went by very quickly and it was soon time to say farewell
for another year! I'm already looking forward to 2004 and meeting up with friends
once again. I can't wait to see what surprises next year will bring!
Kathy Lill
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From Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com):
I attended the third annual benefit concert on October 24 for the Maryland Therapeutic
Riding organization
based in Annapolis, MD. The Hard Travelers and many of John's former band members
and colleagues gathered at the Maryland Hall For The Performing Arts for a wonderful
tribute to John as well as to benefit MTR. Some additions this year were Mollie
Weaver and Bill Danoff ... I felt like I was back in Aspen!! The show
featured many of the same songs from Aspen including the mega hit for the Starland
Vocal Band ..."Afternoon Delight." Bill expressed that the group consisted
of two men and two women and felt he and Mollie had their end covered but wondered
about the rest! Mack stated he'd like to be Jon Carroll and Kenn decided he'd be
Taffy!!! Although it didn't quite sound the same ... it was great!!!! There was a
guest artist: Carolyn Black-Sotier from Comcast Cable who delighted us with a beautiful
rendition of "Shanghai Breezes." A live auction of a beautiful
painting of a photo from the program was at the conclusion of the show which raised
$2,500 alone!
This is a wonderful organization and I would like to personally welcome a young man
whom I met at the show.
He's a participant in MTR and it was a delight to talk to him ... Welcome to IAT
Zane Jackson!!
Mary
Also: Christopher Canyon had an event in Aspen on 10/11 showcasing the first of many
children's books using John's music: "Sunshine on My Shoulders" is the
first. It's a beautifully illustrated book which includes a CD with John's song along
with "The Music Is You." He also showcased the next book which will be
"Ancient Rhymes" which will be as equally beautiful as "Sunshine."
Christopher will be a part of the Aspen celebrations next year to correspond with
the release of the second
book. More details to come in January/February 2004.
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WEBSITES OF INTEREST
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None this month
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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. The Peace Cloth now
has eScrip -- please see our website for more information.
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For sale: JD tapes. Will ship worldwide. For list or more info, please contact amazonjd@aol.com.
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If you're looking for something special for a special someone, come check out what
Wildlife Creations (http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation) has
to offer!! We have many items relating to John Denver and other items that would
make fantastic gifts for people you know and love! Or gift someone who is hard
to buy for, something that they will talk about for years! From keychains, snowglobes,
t-shirts, potpourri jars and more!!! We're sure you'll find something!
And remember, whenever you purchase from Wildlife Creations, you're not only giving
a gift to someone you know, but to the Windstar Foundation and also the National
Wildlife Federation, in John's memory, for wolf education as all proceeds are given
to them. Wildlife Creations is now offering a feature product. Checkout the website
for this month's offering! 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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None this month
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POETRY
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None this month
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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 November 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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