Visit http://planetgreen.discovery.com/feature/instrumental/jerr-coons-ecotistical-star.html for the whole article.

"However, I recently spoke to a 4th grade class at the Charlotte Central School in VT, on the subject of my career as a musician, and what being a Vermonter means to me. It is part of a yearlong program aimed at elementary students, designed to instill a sense of pride in our local community, value of local businesses and the protection and appreciation of our state's natural resources. I entered the classroom concerned that I wouldn't be able to effectively communicate my ideas, and that the message would go over their heads, lost amidst daydreams of lunchboxes and recess. I fielded questions from the class of 9 and 10 year olds about how this humble state has affected my song-writing, the importance of eating local food and the great asset our land is on sustainable communities. I left the room, two hours later, completely floored by their level of comprehension and respect. These kids are at such an impressionable age - this is the time when ideas about what is truly valuable are formed - and the fact that they are cognizant of so many relevant issues instilled in me a huge sense of hope for the future. As long as these values are passed along to the next generation, I have complete confidence that we can make the significant changes needed."

    - Submitted: Thursday, April 22nd by Ed Bianchi