Welcome to the second issue of Visionary Viewpoints. If you are a returning reader, I thank you and commend you as a Thinker of great discernment. Some of the topics are a stretch to the imagination and a challenge to stick with, but that is precisely the kind of engagement we are hoping for. We need more discerning Thinkers in the world. Thinking leads to constructive action.

In the Aquarian Spirit, to give you a more personalized sense of our work, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our contributor / columnists who all hail from the Madison / Janesville area. They are not necessarily professional writers, but most important, all are seasoned meditators, veteran students of the Ageless Wisdom teachings and people with big hearts who care and want to share their experiences with you and get your feedback.

mksummerbell, who outlined our guiding principles in the first issue, is a professional Tarot card reader, former publicity, props, costume and set designer and decorator for theater productions, a parent-teacher-advocate of children with disabilities, and an involved grandmother. You will find her articles precise, well researched and heartfelt.

The second article was by Yours Truly, Dianne Witte, Publisher. I am a retired academic librarian, a former business owner from North Dakota who moved to Wisconsin nearly 30 years ago. I am co-leader of the Moon Meditation Group in Janesville at Earthsong.

Julie Dieterle, is our Advertising Manager, a semi-retired intuitive energy healer, and massage therapist, who has served on boards of numerous non-profit organizations. She is the other co-leader and Zoom hostess of the Moon Meditation Group.

Dale Lucht, our Proofing Editor, is a Janesville native and a sports and political junkie. He’s also a tai chi student, grandfather and served our country in the Vietnam Conflict.

Pam Brann, is a part-time office assistant and also helps out at Earthsong. As our Managing Editor, Pam is a wise, common-sense kind of lady.

Tia Richardson is a public mural artist from Milwaukee who has done a number of murals in this area, completed with community input. She is also the gifted author of childrens’ books and inspiring poetry. See her website at www.cosmic-butterfly.com

Darcy Keehn joins Colleen Akkerman in the series, “Visions of Freedom through a Dog’s Eyes.” Darcy is a retired Chiropractor who is a breeder / exhibitor of Dachshunds in rural Rock County.

Colleen Akkerman grew up in Wisconsin Rapids and lived in several cities in Wisconsin and Illinois before moving to Madison. She has lived most of her life in Madison…she loves the culture and diversity, and the beauty of the lakes and parks in the area. Collen also spends many hours doing volunteer service work. She offers an easy smile and warm welcome to all those she meets.

Doris Deits has contributed articles to the Oregon Observer for over 20 years and is the owner of Peaceful Heart, a metaphysical boutique, in downtown Oregon. Their website is www.peacefulheart.net 

Kathleen Leppek is a professional interior designer.

Bill Collett hails from Hayward, Wisconsin, is a retired businessman and auto detailer extraordinaire. In the past he also managed a website to support victims of domestic abuse.

New contributors to this issue are:

Leesa Collett and Pam Luedtke. Leesa is a Technical College Instructor in reading, writing and occupational readiness and hails from the Chicago area. And,

Pam Luedtke is a retired accountant, who enjoys trips “Up North” with her spouse, but also finds time to develop and manage the website http://www.centerforhealthythinking.com

“A good writer refuses to be socialized. He insists on his own version of things, his own consciousness. And by doing so he draws the reader’s eye from its usual groove into a new way of seeing things.”   Bill Barich