Acknowledgements by Mike

It’s a real thrill to find a young journalist with keen insight and incentive who can not only tell a great story but offer it in a way that compels the reader to want more.  It’s also an extreme honor and even a humbling experience to have that same writer say, “Let’s do this project together.” Breanna Mona is that writer, and I thank her for a truly rewarding opportunity. This book is the first step. I’ve said it many times. Watch her star rise!

Janice Olszewski has been the guiding force in my life who has shown me the only boundaries to my success are the limits of my imagination. I am so proud to share that success with her. Jan has challenged me, encouraged me, confounded and amazed me, and I have lived a rich and eventful life with her as a result. I love her more each day and I dedicate my work on this book to her.

I would also like to give special thanks to Cliff Baechle, Brad Funk, Eric Funk, Rick Funk, Bianca Kontra, Angelina Leas, Cate Misciagna, Cole Misciagna, Cora Misciagna, Jenny Misciagna, Tony Misciagna, Landon Phillips, Matt Phillips, Theresa Phillips..

Special thanks also to the artists, scholars and eyewitnesses who generously gave their time and insight to this project. Some were known to actively avoid such interviews, but they very kindly agreed to help us see this through to completion. They include Russ Ballard, Don Brewer, Chris Butler, Chic Canfora, Alan Canfora, Barbara Dane, Jim Fox, Christine Lavin, Terry Leonino, Bob Lewis, Tom Paxton, Tom Rush, Gene Shelton, Terri Thal.