The Road Show finished up with some wonderful times in California at UC Davis Outdoor Adventures; UC Ivrine Outdoor Adventures Campus Recreation; Climb ThreshHold in Riverside; Galen Rowels' Moutain Light Gallery in Bishop and back in Wyoming at Mountain Sports in Casper.  Thank You One, All and Everyone for Your enthusiasm, generosity and willingness to listen, learn, participate!!!! Enjoy the photos and please join us in this Amazing Journey in Life with Friends and Fellow Enthusiasts, Supporters and All-Around Awesome Folks !!!!!

UC Davis Outdoor Adventures -- Where  kyacking tales are told late at night........

An attendee at UC Irvine sent this note:  "Hi, My name is Tucker and I was at the lecture Frank gave at UC Irvine 
tonight. I wanted to write thank him for coming and giving the inspiring talk. I am also planning on coming out this summer and climbing the tower and would be interested in talking about that.

I visited Devils Tower in the summer of 2006 as I moved from Boston to  California to start my PhD here at UCI. I saw people climbing it and decided that that was something I wanted to do.  However, at the time I was not in good enough physical shape to have done anything like that. I weighed 330 lbs. After I arrived in California I started working toward my goal, and lost 130 lbs. Now that I am in sufficient health to climb I have been learning to climb, and I believe that this summer I will be able to achieve my goal. Frank's talk made me think that he is someone who can help me achieve that goal.

All the best, Tucker Lentz"  WAY TO GO TUCKER!!!! You are the inspiration!

Jay Bro travelled from the East Bay in Northern California to see the Show with Fred at Climb ThreshHold !!!! The Sacred Display of donation opportunities with Juliana.  

A day of placing rocks, creating paths, caring for nature and an evening of shaping conceptions, enjoying visions of nature and celebrating LIFE !!!!!  Thank YOU Zeke and PCGI for all of Your support !!!

From near the Start at SSU on March 4, 2009 in Rohnert Park, California to the end on May 8, 2009 at Mountain Sports in Casper, Wyoming, The Tales of The Tower Road Show was an incredible learning opportunity and fabulous SUCCESS !!!! The Enthusiasm of everyone who participated made it happen.  Thank You.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO LIVE OUT THEIR DREAMS

Frank Sanders, Juliana Byrd, Mike Eisenberg and Mary Sell, Sacred Board of Directors

Six months after receiving a grant from Wal-Mart and many generous donations from "Friends of Frank", Sacred has the opportunity to reflect on what has been done and map out what is next, which starts with a great deal of THANKS for the generosity and willingness to support a community sooooooo very deeply in need. 

We were able to use donations and the $50,000 Wal-Mart grant to partner with other entities, both non-profit and for-profit, to give those living on Pine Ridge Reservation over $200,000 worth of goods and materials.  We have used the funds entrusted to Devils Tower-Sacred To Many People to support Porcupine Clinic by providing them with medical supplies, health supplies, necessary household goods, and assistance with the payment of heating, electrical, and telecommunications bills.  We have discovered that the Dialysis Center building has been closed due to structural damage resulting from a sink hole under the foundation. We are working to, in short term, provide transportation for those patients needing dialysis and, in the long term, rebuild and reopen the Center.  We are raising funds for this purpose and searching for construction grants.   Sacred funds are used in a wider manner by supporting the heroic traveling Nurses who go home-to-home administering immunizations and care to newborns and elderly alike.  In February alone, Sacred supplied approximately $3,000 worth of basic health supplies which were gratefully received (photos).  Included in these deliveries was a blender for a terminally-ill mouth-cancer patient who had chosen to return home rather than die alone in a hospital. The loved elder had two holes in her jaw and your blender provided her final meals.  Wal-Mart funds were utilized to provide clothing to a family in Red Shirt Table whose house had burned down with everything lost. These loving parents have been busy raising biological, foster- and adopted-children for 42 years.  Their surprise and gratitude are overwhelming! Funds have been used to collaborate with One Nation Walking Together, a non-profit from Colorado Springs, to deliver a truck load of warm winter clothing, a small amount of non-perishable food, household essentials, seven toilets, and other vital goods to Pine Ridge in January.  Sacred and One Nation are joyously committed to the continued delivery for the next six months of additional trucks containing vital health supplies, clothing, some food, household goods and other requested items necessitated by the hardships of winter.   Funds have been used to actively work on several projects with Oglala Lakota College, an ambitious center of higher education and beacon of progress.  We have partnered with Two Wheeler Dealer in addressing diabetes awareness, prevention and physical fitness to expand a campus exercise center which is an integral resource for faculty, staff, students, and the general public. Working in tandem with Nike Footwear we have provided shoes for the men’s and women’s basketball teams at a fraction of the retail price. The association of Nike Native and Sacred continues to create an opportunity for OLC students to access resources otherwise unavailable to them.  Our own efforts have been raised to new heights by the bright, shining star that is the Women’s basketball team.  We discovered that each team member lives a life of vigorous academic endeavors, varsity athletics pursuits, employment off-campus, all the while engaged full time in loving motherhood.  We also supported a Diabetes Awareness Basketball Tournament by playing a minor though conspicuous role as we provided boxes of fresh fruit as prizes for players, audience and community members.  Looking to the future, we provided direction and seed money for the purchase of t-shirts to be sold as an on-going and self-sustaining fund raiser.  We are planning a scenic and cultural bike tour of the Reservation in conjunction with Dakota Bike Tours and hope to offer a competitive Triathlon in the near future. Other on-going projects include continuing to build a strong foundation for the future academic expansion of the library beyond its current fledgling state.  

 Additionally, we believe that by supporting the Oglala Lakota College we are supporting a community committed to addressing and preventing the spread of diabetes.  As positive role models, college students inspire their community (and the wider area) to pursue dreams and education.  They are individuals the children can look up to and follow.     

We are in the process of applying for a second State Giving grant to expand the work we’ve begun in creating an everlasting presence on Pine Ridge.  Our current efforts focus on shoring up the Clinic and Dialysis Center in Porcupine as they make their way toward success.  Our goal is to continue to support the Clinic and assist it to become a self-sustaining organization.  Presently, it remains unable to meet basic operating expenses while being the community’s focal point for pre-natal care, well-baby check, a local pharmacy and a screening site as well as offices for Karen Red Star, one of the Traveling Nurses.  Keeping the lights on, the heat going and the telephones ringing was not our original business plan, but has turned out to be the most immediate, beneficial expenditure of the funds.   We are continuing to meet the Traveling Nurses, ascertain their and their clients’ needs and provide a consistent means of reliable delivery of necessary, basic, every-day supplies. We propose expanding the support we give to the Traveling Nurses by adding Community Action Program (CAP) offices to those served and making use of central locations for delivery/disbursement of needed items to better serve the population which does not have transportation to either Wamblee or Pine Ridge Hospitals.  The Nurses tie the community together, create well-being for all ages and are an invaluable resource.   Looking to the future, our goal is to provide support and materials for the CAP offices, which are cornerstones of each of the more populated communities in a very large geographic area.  We are researching roles we can fill at the Women’s Shelter which is soooooo very much more than that and truly a bright spot on the Reservation.  Other entities which have come to light and about which research will be done include the educational programs run by Catholic Charities for elementary school students and by Rick Two Dogs for middle school-aged children.    

This brief report of our activities to date and goals for the future serves to highlight the underpinnings of our efforts:  to become as reliable, stable, constant and dependable as Devils Tower itself.  We have heard over and over again that one of the chief complaints is that agencies come on to the Reservation, offer assistance/advice/materials/hope and then disappear from sight.  With the support of “Friends of Frank” and Wal-Mart, Devils Tower-Sacred To Many People will be a long-lasting source of support for short-term, immediate crises that people can turn to in times of need and will be as constant as the Tower itself.   Thank You sooooo very much for the opportunity to put our efforts, time and minds to the issues in our own back yard.  We have found that our role as mediator, advisor, educator and supporter of programs already established but needing a little extra assistance has created a positive partnership for the community.  We look forward to being able to continue to support and assist those who are struggling to not only survive but thrive, against odds we never dream could exist in this great country of ours.  We are extremely grateful to Wal-Mart and to each and every "Friend of Frank", without whose grant we could never have achieved as much as we did in our first year!!!! Thank You one and all.     

 Alan Shawn Feinstein is using his money to help OUR neighbors in need !!!! 

For the past 7 years, he has been giving away $1 million a year to anti hunger agencies throughout the country.  This year, Sacred is participating in his Challenge. 

WHATEVER YOU DONATE TO SACRED, marked "To Fight Hunger",  HE WILL ADD SOME OF HIS MONEY RIGHT ON TO YOURS. THE MORE OF A DONATION YOU MAKE, THE MORE OF HIS $1 MILLION SACRED WILL GET—THANKS TO YOU!   YOU who will help decide how many needy people in your city or town or conscience will be fed this year. We're only here to help, and to remind you of something we know You hold dear: All that will matter to us someday is what we did while we were here to help those who needed us.   We Are ALL Needed Now!  Call 1-888-314-5267 or email jbyrd@devilstower-sacredtomanypeople.org . 

In February, Sacred, in partnership with Wal-Mart and One Nation Walking Together arranged for the delivery of a semi-truck full of goods for those living on Pine Ridge Reservation, including non-perishable food. Please consider that every donation helps us bring more needed items to those who have always lived in dire straights and are feeling the lack all the more in these difficult time.  Thank You for Your thoughts, prayers and actions which have assisted in the positive improvement of living conditions for those who path is much less traveled than our own.    

Frank Sanders is Out on the Road with where he tells Tales of The Tower all across the US !!!!  Young minds have been enlightened; climbers of many varieties have been invited and ALL have enjoyed an evening (or afternoon) with Frank.  Half way through this amazing adventure, a most enthusiastic location has been American River College in Sacrament, California.  The Native American Club was proactive and quickly put together an event to take advantage of Frank's time just prior to their PowWow.  An incredible Afternoon!

Jerry Dodrill and the RIM Club in Santa Rosa were sooooo Awesome in setting a starting date for this tour and the enthusiasm was carried all the way to Seattle, via Klamath Falls and Bend, Oregon, for a wonderful experience!!!! 

On to Iowa !!!!  Go East Young Man, go East........ and South ......

RIM Club with Jerry Dodrill & Harrison Hood  Expeditionary Learning with Michelle Russotti & Peter Menth

REI Stockton with Jerimah and Erin and Sonoma State University's Rec Center

A shot from the "Supertopo" Dinner in Seattle. It was generously hosted by Wayno, attended by many climbers, was a reunion of sorts for many "Valley Rats" from the '80's including Steve Grossman & Mimi, and was a warm up for the presentation at "Feathered Friends" that was well attended later in the week.....  For more, log on to Supertopo and follow the thread posted by Jerry Dodrill regarding Tales of the Tower by Frank Sanders.

Along the way, Frank has gotten to meet his Web Mistress Elaine of www.fluttrbydesigns.com after designing three web site together and untold hours on the phone!  What a Joy to speak with this lovely lady face-to-face!!! Another amazing pleasure was the stop in the big Piano store in Omaha and playing the Lovely Steinways there.  Salesman Dick was patient and pleased by the impromtu concert and even more excited that he would be able to listen to the music again anytime he wished.  Thank You Dick!!!

Walnut Creek, Iowa had an enthusiastic turnout -- what a great advertising man You are, Ash!!! Thanks for putting together such an amazing night!!!!!! 

And turning Southeast to Oaklahoma City and Springfield, MO, the Roadshow takes Frank to Backwoods Equipment and Petra Rock Gym.

Hosts and Hostesses, Jackie & Alan Ellis and Melissa & Stephen Alcorn in OKC took in a weary traveller, and got him into shape to hit the road again.  Gratitude beyond words to all of You for Your gracious welcome and participation.  It was a Joy to spend time with You all. 

At the Backwoods Outfitters show, Jeff Lloyd, Harry and Bruce reminded Frank of their visit to the Tower and shared a laugh over the "chewing gum" story.       

Frank noticed that Harry had left his package of chewing gum on the breakfast table in their excitement of enjoying the Tower.  After all the chores were completed, Frank climbed up to meet the three near the top and hand Harry his gum!  The surpise on their faces and the Joy of that moment remain to this day!?!?! Thank You all for bringing Your bright spirits to Frank's "summit" in Oklahoma City!

Springfield, MO brought more bright smiles and enthusiastic seekers of Tower Lore !!! The Petra Rock Gym hosted a lively event and included the two wounded warriors who are eagerly awaiting the coming day when they will climb again !!!!!!! They came to whet their appetites and plan their trip away from the delights of the gym and out the wonders of Devils Tower.  We cannot wait for Your arrival.  Heal fully and quickly, dear friends.  Thank You all for the memorable night. 

 And the Road Show travels on the Grimes, Iowa, a cheerful community seeking elevation where they can find it.  They came with open minds, hearts and a willingness to hear the Tales of the Tower.  The warm welcome Frank received went a long way toward warding off the chill of winter storms and life away from his Beloved Devils Tower.  Thank You all for everything!!!!

Turning ever northward, the trusty Jetta pointed its headlights toward the bright lights of the big cities in Minneapolis/St. Paul, for two shows.  Ever gracious, hospitable and energetic, Glenn opened his arms, doors and cell phone to Frank.  As always, it is a pleasure to spend time with Glenn, whether is he is banging on a drum, climbing a rock or telling his own Tales of the Tower.  Minnesota gyms have some excellent challenges and fabulous people.  We have enjoyed those who have made the drive to the wilds of Wyoming and been delighted by the reverse.  These facilities and clubs have prepared climbers well for the challenges of crack climbing, wall climbing, adventuring and LIVING. 

Frank was interviewed this morning on Mancow's radio show and got to publicize our Non-Profit organization Devils Tower - Sacred To Many People, Inc.!!! He didn't have time to describe exactly what the needs are at Porcupine Clinic so what follows is a brief description of what we're trying to provide to one small entity on Pine Ridge. 

Porcupine Clinic is independent of the Indian Health administration run by the Federal Government.  It is an organization attempting to be entirely self-sufficient in a community which has criminally high unemployment rates and a web site (http://friendsofpineridgereservation.org/) which states that they need bandaids, ipbuprophen, cough drops, diapers, gauze....any first aid / medical supplies that can be donated.  We can do this.  Anyone can help. 

 Listen to the Mancow interview at www.mancow.com and enjoy!!!

The website is moving along very well, the base format is in place and the content is being added daily. We are still in need of photos to choose from for use on the web site if anyone has any that would be relavent to the content of Devils Tower - Sacred To Many People.org, specifically of the Native American community and local events, please feel free to send them along to us for consideration.
This site is created to amplify the thoughts and voices of Many, and You are welcomed to contribute in any way you can!

Thank you for your interest and Have a Great Day!

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