John Farrell: Newsletter

June 11, 2009 Greetings Friends, I hope you are well. As I write these words we sit on the cusp of summer, but I have a question first, “Where did spring go?” It seems that “time” continues its accelerating march forward whether we like it or not. We will soon be utilizing an email newsletter service to keep in touch so this will be brief, but I did want to write now to wish you a healthy and relaxing summer. The last three months have been busy for me with two trips to Europe including visits to Bucharest, Budapest, Kiev, Barcelona and Brussels. Both of these trips included working on the “Bridges of Peace and Hope” project with students and teachers. Unfortunately, the center panel of the gorgeous BOPH quilt was lost in Europe because it was in a bag that was stolen at a train station in Brussels. To read a full account of the theft and my visits to Europe go to www.bridgesofpeaceandhope.blogspot.com While in Europe I made friends with many wonderful teachers and educators. As a result I have been invited to speak at two conferences in Africa in October 2009, one in Senegal and the other in Zambia. While I am there I will also get to visit our daughter Katie, a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon. I’m very excited about the trip. To view my schedule, order materials or learn about school programs please go to www.johnfarrell.net School and Conference Bookings for Next Year: Block Booking and Fundraising Options We are well aware of the economic challenges most groups are facing and we are hoping we can help in some way. If you would like to sell my books and CD’s as a fundraiser we are offering significant discounts to help you. If you can book your school program early and arrange a block booking with another area school we will reduce some fees. If your school or organization is interested in booking a program for the 2009-2010 school year, please contact Mary Jain (607-965-8983) at your earliest convenience. Mary Jain will be happy to assist you and she is a great resource for planning an assembly program, evening concert, or songwriting residency. BOPH Concert Footage on YouTube There are three video clips on YouTube from the April 7 Bridges of Peace and Hope concert in Danbury, Connecticut. To view Kofi Donkor and I with almost 300 students and teachers on stage go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGMT5P4wbcc Have a healthy and peaceful summer. I hope our paths cross again soon. Reach up and touch the sky! John Farrell