bill berry, jr aaduna Inc CEO/Publisher aaduna There are times in life where we know words are not enough…even when the sounds and cadences of letters strewn together like beads on a string alleviate our consciousness to another level of understanding and appreciation. There are times in life when the simplicity of a “thank you” or an “I love you” or the heartfelt rhythm of an “I’m sorry” resonates a deeper meaning than countless platitudes that sound drenched in artificiality and hubris. There are times in life when we need to say more and understand the heart is so filled with gratitude and appreciation that the less we say the more we say it.    Left to Right:  Michele Jones Galvin, Joyce Stokes Jones, Bobbie Panek, Howard Nelson, Ed Mendes, Heidi Nightengale, bill berry jr, Christine Jennifer Noble, Lisa Brennan, Sheila Applegate To the readers, Michele Jones Galvin, Joyce Stokes Jones, Edward Mendes, Heidi Nightengale, Sheila Applegate, Howard Nelson

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Maya Angelou, a literary giant and champion for civil and human rights.   Her words were always eloquent and dignified and she influenced countless generations of writers, poets, seekers of truth, and those who fought for human dignity and the spirit of freedom.     As we prepare for the Thursday, May 29 th aaduna fundraiser at Theater Mack in Auburn , NY , we dedicate our evening of celebrating words and music to Maya Angelou’s legacy and profound wisdom .    America's Poet Laureate, Maya Angelou - google image Still I Rise - You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my livin' room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise Did you want to see me