April - 2005

RAMBLIN’ with Helen...

First – a belated “HAPPY EASTER” to each of you. I hope it was spent with family and friends, along with thoughts of the true meaning of why we celebrate it. How wonderful it seems to not hear “Snow Flurries or Lake Effect Snow” in the daily forecast. This, along with the loud honking of geese morning and night are welcome signs that SPRING is coming! It was reported at the March 13th meeting that the “ONE SONG” Concert was a success, and a wonderful time was enjoyed by all. Watch next month’s newsletter for our next planned Jamboree.

I received an email from Peg Miller telling me that Jerry had gone for another CatScan on March 11th, but hasn’t received any results of it yet. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers.

Carol Grant called to say she is home, her shoulder is doing fine, and she has started playing her dobro again. So happy for you Carol and hope to see you in Cato on April 10th.

When Frank and Joyce Howlett renewed their family membership, along with a gift membership for their son, Frank Jr., Frank wrote that Frank Jr. was home for Christmas and really enjoyed the “Friday Night Jams” at Marcellus. I have heard many favorable remarks regarding them, and hope sometime to get down to one of them.

A big THANK YOU to Dennis Coty, Dale Barnell, C. Warren Clemens and Frank and Joyce Howlett, for their extra donations for postage when they sent me their renewals; and to Helen and Henry Wells for a book of stamps. Along with their new dues cards and receipts, I expressed to them the fact, that every donation helps to further THEIR association’s goals. Keep them coming.

John Long sent a note asking me to make you aware of the fact that there will be a Bluegrass Monthly Jam in May this year at the Ontario County Arts Council, 655 Main St., Canandaigua, NY. This is because Memorial Day weekend is on the 5th Sunday this year. These Jams are listed on page 2 of the newsletter under “What’s Happening?, and John, I have corrected it to read, “All Things Art”. (Thanks for bringing it to my attention.)

I received a beautiful Easter Card from our long-time member, Homer Reynolds, telling me he was going to start his garden the weekend of March 19th and 20th! He says his heart is doing fine, but for the past four weeks, is having a problem of keeping his right eye open and the doctor can’t seem to find the cause. Homer, could it be possibly be from looking at to many pretty girls? Thanks for the card Homer, and here is your “Hi to all the Bluegrass Gang.” That you asked me to relay for you.

Back to the Marcellus Friday nite Jams – in the note included with their renewal, Helen Wells spoke about now that our winter weather is over, they will once again be going on Friday nites, and she is trying to learn the dobro; and how much she enjoys singing at them. I certainly hope to get there sometime in the near future – I’m working on it.

In response to my “Answer to Some Questions”item in the March newsletter, I’ve enjoyed several visits via email with John Hornyak, and want to tell you about another former and long-time member, Edwin Horton. A few years ago, Ed had a stroke which left him particially paralyzed. On March 16th, he had a heart attack, and on March 25th was to undergo a quadruple by-pass surgery. Since I am writing this on the 26th, haven’t any report to give, but will do so in the next newsletter, and hope to have an address where those of us who remember him and Pat can send a note to help his recovery period be brighter. Also, as a result of this item, I’d like to share the following – “John: Helen Weldon scores again! What a pleasant surprise to have word that you would welcome greetings from old admirers. You may recall that my Syracuse family used to tape your programs “Blue Grass & Folk Music Jamboree” and send them down to me here is SC. After enjoying them, I’d return the cassette with a recording of the first-class “Gospel Truth” program, Sunday mornings on WNCW from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m. When yours was about to go off the air, I saved one tape, marked just “Hornyak 2/96,” to reinforce my memories of the good times. Not long before getting the March 2005 newsletter, you were already in our thoughts as your 2/96 voice brightened our kitchen. Though not adding much these days to my own collection of LPs, tapes and CDs, it’s good to be able to say a deserved “Thanks, John, for fine listening and the addresses of many bluegrass musicians offering their recorded great music.” Best wishes to you, John, from a South Carolina fan, Ellis Bradford. (Mr. Bradford is a ling-time member and supporter of CNYBA, and having been the recipient of many complementary notes from him, it wasn’t at all surprising to hear of his response to John. Even tho I have never met you Mr. Bradford, I know you are truly a fine and thoughtful gentleman. My thanks too for taking time to email John, and know from his note to me, that he truly enjoyed hearing from you.)

At our March meeting it was reported that we couldn’t have the park in Baldwinsville for our Annual Picnic on June 12th, due to a prior booking. Bill Light was asked to look into locations, and he called to say that after checking out several state parks (all of which had enormous fees) that Baltimore Woods is available free of charge. Watch the next newsletter for final details.

Also at that meeting, a discussion was had regarding bands for our Annual Christmas Party, to be held on Sunday, Dec. 11th. Our president has asked me to be chairman for this event, and to find bands, menu, etc. I am sure it will be held at the VFW in Baldwinsville, and have talked to Fred, who has charge of the kitchen. The following bands were suggested: James Reams & The Barnstormers, (James is a member of CNYBA), Cabin Fever, and our next-to- the-newest band membership, The Sunnyside String Band, with all the musicians in the band being members of CNYBA. Dick DeNeve is contacting Cabin Fever, and I have contacted the other two, so hope to have the final report in the next newsletter.

I had hoped that Betty Humphrey would be working with me on the other details, but due to illness, she has declined the request. Betty is a “go-getter”, and was responsible for the working arrangements with the VFW, along with publicity work in the Baldwinsville area. Betty, we hope and pray in time, you will be once again be able to take an active part in our CNYBA activities. Please keep in touch, so I can let our members know how you are doing. Folks, please take time to send her a card or note of encouragement, as feel she really needs them at this time: 8241 Exeter Dr., Baldwinsville, NY 13027. Thanks.

Just before starting to type this “book” for the newsletter, I went and got my mail, and in it was a cute Easter Card from our dear “Doodle-De-Do Fiddler.” His daughter Mary wrote the following on it: “Dad has to have the difibulator procedure done all over again – there’s a RECALL ON THE BATTERIES! How scary is that? It will be done on April 6th at 7:30 a.m. She said he is feeling a lot better, and his only complaint is his equilibrium. Please keep Pete in your prayers, and send a funny card (the funnier, the better) to:7396 Centenary Rd., Sodus, NY. 14551.

As you can see by the front page of our newsletter, we have a slate of officers for next year! PLEASE come and cast your vote on the 10th, to show them you do indeed appreciate their time and efforts to make YOUR ASSOCIATION grow and survive. It is very apparent that the majority of our membership would rather “Jam” and leave the planning to a few – which is all well and good – IF those few can depend on THE SUPPORT OF THE REST when needed. Can they do that – show them they can, by coming, and voting on the 10th.

Also, just a reminder, that my Cato Star Chapter will be having a bake sale that day, and I’ve heard we are going to have baked beans, breakfast buns, brownies, breads, etc., so do come and buy. See you in Cato on the 10th.

Helen....

(Helen Weldon)

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