Dear Friends,

Magpie and Kim and Reggie Harris need our help. The recent tropical storms caused major flooding in their town of Middleburgh, New York, and washed out the bridge that leads to Kim and Reggie's and Terry and Greg's houses. Currently they cannot get to their homes. If the bridge isn't replaced before winter sets in, the damage will be far worse, and they risk losing their homes. They are on their own to repair this bridge - a $25,000 expense, with only a little over $7,000 assistance from FEMA.

Some musicians are always there to lend their hands and voices to good causes and people in need. Terry, Greg, Kim and Reggie are those kinds of people. Between them, they have performed countless benefits, rallies, free community concerts, and school presentations. Now it is time for us to give something back to them.

Here are ways you can help:

1. Direct donations
This is the quickest and simplest way to help.

Please make checks out to "Terry Leonino" with "Bridge Gift" in the memo line, and mail to:

Terry Leonino
7425 Buffalo Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912-4144

2. Pass that hat at your local folk society gathering or coffeehouse.
Terry, Greg, Kim and Reggie have always said "Yes" when asked to help their fellow folk musicians and folk music communities. This is something we can do for them.

3. Organize a benefit concert.
Even after the bridge is constructed, Terry, Greg, Kim and Reggie will have major bills from the repair - not to mention the other damage done to their homes and properties. A benefit concert could make a real difference!

4. Do your holiday shopping from Magpie and Kim and Reggie.
Buying CDs directly from the artists will help them greatly, and they have lots of good music that some of your friends probably haven't heard yet. You could also try booking a special "short notice" concert with Magpie or Kim and Reggie Harris with donations at the door going to the bridge reconstruction.

For updates, to coordinate, and for further information, we have set up a Folkie Flood Relief Facebook Page.

On behalf of our friends who have given so much to their communities, thank you!

Dan Schatz