The Sword & The Spirit: Guestbook
Donna Babic
June 20, 2008
Tony, I read the article in the Bridge weekly newspaper about your involvement with the Guitars Not Guns program. What an awesome idea! I love it. Just wanted to commend you on sticking your neck out for something you believe in. Needless to say, you can already guess that I oppose violence/war.
Nice picture of the three students. They look proud.
Donna Babic
Groton State Park Interpreter
Jim Flanders
June 13, 2008
Hi, Tony:
My name is Jim Flanders and I live in the central part of Vermont. I discovered GNG through a local music club and was very happy to find that such an organization exists. My wife and I have fostered several children and one of the things that helped me to build a strong bond with our last child (a 14 year-old) was music and theater. To see that music created such a positive outcome was very gratifying, to say the least. His anger transformed into confidence and happiness as we spent hours working through songs and learning about restringing and tuning and music theory.
Thanks for being a part of such an important organization. I will provide my support however I can in order to help kids develop a lifelong love of music as I have.
Regards,
Jim
Nancy Tuccillo
June 4, 2008
I've been a foster parent for five years, and hope that my home will always be open to be a place of comfort and caring to children in need. I plan to adopt my three foster kids this year. I think your group is amazing and I am so happy to know about your efforts. I wish you all the best. Don't ever stop!
Just wanted to say thanks!
March 27, 2008
Hi Tony,
Just wanted to say thanks! Thanks for your lyrics and for your contribution of music to the foster care kids you touch, and to raising awareness of the need for more foster families.
Having been "one of those kids", I think that if I had been introduced to your music as a teen in foster care, perhaps I would have had a creative alternative to drugs and other bad choices. Even so, I did ok outside
of the foster system, and now am an RN, am 32 years old, and doing well. I work on a maternity ward, and hear the same thing from my co-workers - "those poor kids" who are going into the custody of the state -
they will never amount to anything - there is no hope - they are often surprised when I say I was one of those kids.
I recently found music and am pursuing it as more of an enthusiastic hobby than anything else - fiddle and bagpipes mostly. REALLY fun, and definitely powerful.
I plan to have music be a positive influence on my children's lives also.
Please keep up increasing the awareness of the foster care system, and contributing music as a part of the lives of the kids that need people like you!
Flora Jestice, RN BSN
Jennifer
November 29, 2007
I've been reviewing your site and song lyrics. I am a child welfare social worker in Newfoundland, Canada and I have worked in foster care for the past 3 years. It is heartbreaking yet rewarding work.
I am currently completing my Master's degree and working on a paper that specifically examines the marginalization of children with attachment disorder in society. I am hoping you will allow me to provide my professor with a copy of your lyrics to Because and Dream Lost in the Wind. I would like to use them to demonstrate the feelings of young people in care and the response that is needed by those who care for them.
Keep up the great work,
Jennifer
Lawrence Adams - World Initiative for Orphans
November 8, 2007
Dear Tony~ I was quite moved by your comments as well as your web site upon visiting it.
It is very obvious that you have put action behind your words of helping our fragile youth in the foster care system. Your love and passion for what you are doing comes through loud and clear! I myself am a former foster youth so your work with your band is very much appreciated.
I think your work needs broader exposure as well as credit for what you are doing. I decided earlier this month to begin a blog entry, which I will do each month, what I call "Heroes for Our Youth." I would like you, and the band to be the first ones I write about for October.
Your work needs to be recognized and I would like to help in some small way. Sincerely, Lawrence Adams
Mary
November 5, 2007
What a fantastic ministry! I am in awe of the love that rolls off these pages. What's up with the "Up-Coming Shows?" Are you still active? I'm a West Coast foster parent, but do you ever travel into PA? My nephew has a studio and plans/schedules productions for many groups/artists. Keep on keeping on...
Jenn
October 16, 2007
Tony,
First time at the web site - this looks great! I love the pics you have. Funny one of you and Rich with the sun glasses sitting in the chairs outside -- trying to be the blues brothers huh?
Great work you guys are doing! If you ave going to collect toys/teddy's for the foster kids please let me know ahead of time. Chelsi has more than any child ever needs.
God Bless you for what you do.
Beth
October 15, 2007
Great Web site Tony! I finally spent some time checking it out. I really like the suitcase campaign idea. So many of our foster guests came to us with all their belongings in trash bags. I used to buy all the suitcases I could find at yard sales so that they could at least have something decent to transport their things in. Keep up the good work!
Donna B. Pacini-Christensen
May 25, 2007
Dear Tony & Eric,
I am impressed with your band and I want to help more people learn about you. I have included your website address (and summary) on a list on my website. Please go to The Loose End of the Rainbow link: www.astarrynightproductions.com
then click on the Resources link. Find the listing I have for you (under " S " )
Again, I admire your band and hope that I can help more people learn about you.
Warm Regards,
Donna B. Pacini-Christensen
GNG President: San Joaquin County, CA. Chapter
Beth
January 18, 2007
Great site Tony! Thank you for everything you do for the children. Most of us want to help in some way or talk about helping but you are all action!
The Screw Tops
October 10, 2006
Tony,
I talked with the other guys in the band and we would be happy to help you out on Dec. 3.
I checked out your website and think it's a great thing you are
doing. When you get things set let me know some more details.
Thanks, Lance
Paul Rivers
October 3, 2006
Hey Tony,
Great site! Your caring and devotion to Foster Parenting is evident throughout the site. Your music mirrors these qualities. I look forward to meeting you and also working with you in December
Thank You!
September 23, 2006
Dear Tony,
Thanks for the T-Shirt and CD
I love your music & the stories that you tell about the children.
Keep up the good work!
Your music has real meaning and we appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Please also give my thanks to Eric, Richard, Greg and Claire.
Bonnie Holt
Robin Scudder
July 15, 2006
Dear Tony,
The size of your heart is incredible, as is your passion for our kids. Good luck with your project!
Robin Scudder (foster/adoptive parent, now Springfield SW)
Dot on Shaft Guitars
June 30, 2006
Dot on Shaft Guitars are very proud to announce a new affiliation with THE SWORD & THE SPIRIT.
What a tremendous cause to be part of. Helping Children and Youth.
Dot On Shaft are donating a few dozen guitars to their "GUITARS not GUNS" program. Furthermore we are going to SPREAD the word as best we can by telling YOU the reader.
Be a part of the GUITARS NOT GUNS program! If you would like more information check out their website at the link provided.
Get in touch with Tony or Eric. These are people that devote tons of their personal time to help out Foster Kids all over Canada and the USA. Please help by supporting their cause. Buy their CD!
Be Blessed! Mikeymike
Vicky
June 10, 2006
Thank you for the websit...I've really enjoyed listening and learning about what your band is all about. Awesome work... I love it. Expecially "Beleive in me"... beautiful
SanGia
May 29, 2006
I love what you guys are doing keep up the good work!!!
MikeyMike
May 15, 2006
Getting the Word Out! Great Mission! You guys deserve Honourable Mentions for your actions!
Mikeymike
Canadian Music Rocls
May 12, 2006
What a great concept to do with a band! It's awesome what you're doing guys. Keep up the great work.
Bonnaventure
April 9, 2006
4/9/2006 2:14 AM
Hey, I just want to write a quick message to tell you how great your mission is. We are touched by what you stand for.
Christine DeFord
April 1, 2006
What a great website! Kudos to all of you for the work you do in the name of the Father of all.
Nicole
March 29, 2006
I don't even know where to begin in telling you how amazingly wonderful your music is. It is the kind of music that makes one's heart sing and their body warm all over. I have never heard anything quite so beautiful. Really I could have cried! Nicole