In This Issue

Perhaps the most telling thing to come out of the writers workshop at Ely was the common opinion that the lure and value of the wilderness was in its intangibles. Writers and readers alike spoke not of economic and ecological values but of beauty, of mystery and wonder, of joy and freedom, of peace and quiet, of belonging, of closeness to the almighty, of closeness to our own hearts. The film about wilderness matriarch Mardy Murie and the origin of the ANWR touched our hearts and brought tears to their eyes.

They lamented the loss or the threat of the loss of these qualities before the glacial power of progress, technology and development, population growth, and rising living standards. In an era when the very definition of wilderness is being challenged and debated by academic deconstructionalism, scattered by the winds of change, writers and readers focused on the needs of the human heart, soul and spirit. This was a powerful testament and demands respect. It sets the theme for this issue of "The View."

We are publishing some short pieces that reflect these things: on silence by Paul Monson, guest editorial on wilderness values by Jeff Rennicke, Nancy jo Tubbs on her own Listening Point.

We introduce and welcome several new members to the Listening Point Board of Directors: Nancy jo Tubbs of Ely, Jon Helminiak of Mequon, Wisconsin, Rev. Paul Monson of Minneapolis, Pat and Kate Lidfors Miller of Milaca, Minnesota, and Don and Alanna Johnson of Ely. Together they reflect the Foundation's growing stature and strength, and individually bring exceptional talents and experience to the Board of Directors.

This year has been an Ely year and quite purposely. In addition to the writers workshop and symposium, we held the annual Sigurd Olson birthday dinner for the first time at the Ely Grand Hotel with plenty of good fellowship, speeches, music, and a special recognition award to Jim Brandenburg. Our Ely constituency is growing and we are now officially represented in Ely by Nancy jo Tubbs, David Peterson, Chuck Wick, Don and Alanna Johnson, and Milt Stenlund. One of these days the Listening Point Foundation will have an Ely address. Just wait (and help to make it happen). See Financial Section.

Is there any more eloquent example of the power of nature over our hearts and lives than the simple change of the seasons? The beauty and the mood of fall is indescribable. The days shorten, the birds fly south, fall flowers emerge along the road sides and in the fields. We sense a quiet, sweetly sad mood as the leaves flutter down. Amid the continuing bustle of life there is also a sense of fulfillment and completion, and of waiting for something, we know not what. And then, in the soft, cold grey of a quiet November day, the first snowflakes start to fall and we know it is all over for another year. What sound of the silence is more evocative of the time and of the mood than the calling of a flock of wild geese?