CNYBA News

	May 2007
	RAMBLIN’ with Helen...

I hope you all got to enjoy those three beautiful days of warm and sunny weather a week ago – and do hope more of the same hurry back! As I sit here (4/27) writing our “visit” it is dark, dreary, but has finally stopped raining. Of course, we all know that APRIL SHOWERS bring MAY FLOWERS, so am not complaining.

I received a nice Easter Card from our long-time member Homer Reyonlds, and he included a picture taken on 2/26 of his flower garden, with beautiful daffodils all in bloom! Thanks for the card Homer, and our daffodils are in bloom here now.

I am sorry to report that Ann Radigan, a senior member who joined our association in Feb., passed away in early March. I know our thoughts and prayers will be with her family.

On a happy note – had a nice visit with Maryan VanDusen, who told me that the “little one” is gaining, and they are planning in “getting out” some now. Know it has been a long winter folks, and hope all your plans work out for you.

Was so sorry to hear that Pete and Mary Carr wasn't able to go to Maryland as planned due to Mary “entertaining” a bad cold. Sure hope you folks will soon be able to be “on the road” to your various yearly festivals, as no one deserves it more than you two do.

Please keep Sharon Foultz's daughter Melinda in your prayers as she has surgery scheduled for 4/30. Also, that day, long-time member Charles Haver is also scheduled for surgery – please keep him and Mairanne in your prayers. I know cards sent to – 168 County Rt. 2A, Pulaski , NY 13142-9804 would help brighten their days.

I received a nice letter from Peg Miller when she sent their family renewal, and she wrote: “It has been difficult getting back in the groove after such a relaxing winter and so enjoyable just knowing we didn't have to deal with much snow. It was a bit chilly in the mountains of NC, but we only had one day with a dusting of snow and the sun was out most everyday which helped to warm the air. We are looking forward to returning there next winter also.”

She also said they were sorry not to be able to make our Annual Meeting and was quite surprised that we chose to hold it on Easter Sunday. FOLKS, WE DIDN'T CHOSE THAT DATE – Our bylaws read that our Annual Meeting will be held on the 2 nd Sunday of April, and as far as I know, in our 31 years of existence, it has NEVER BEFORE fallen on EASTER, and probably, if we survive another 31 years it won't do so again! Anyways, we are thankful that enough showed up to have our election, and congratulations to the “new team” who will take over the reigns in September – President – Albert DeForge; Vice-President – Gordon Lyons; Secretary – Ann Deforge; Treasurer – Cathy Campbell; Board Members for three year terms – John Crouch and Les Hathaway. Our out-going president Ed Campbell will be the liaison between the board and the membership.

A BIG THANK-YOU to the Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier Bluegrass Newsletter editors for putting our festival flyer in their last newsletters. It sure is a big help in publishing the event.

Speaking of our festival – PLEASE consider answering the request from Sharon Foultz regarding BECOMING A SPONSOR for our 9 th ANNUAL APPPLEVALLEY BLUEGRASS and OLD TYME MUSIC FESTIVAL. We have well over 200 family, active or senior memberships, and if each one would send a donation, it would go a long way towards ensuring our big 10 th ANNUAL ONE in 2008 could become a reality! I ask all of you folks who can not attend meetings, events or our festival, this is YOUR CHANCE to show your support to YOUR ASSOCIATION! Let's keep Sharon 's mailbox full of letters with donations – that way, I'll also know my efforts each month are not just taken for granite. THANK YOU ONE and ALL for acting on my request.

As he does every year when he sends in his renewal, Carl Leege enclosed a nice long letter regarding his and Clare's activities during their winters in Florida . He started out his letter by saying: “I may never get to a Sunday meeting of the CNYBA in the near future, but that doesn't stop me from continuing my annual dues.” THANKS CARL, and how nice it would be if many others would feel the same way. Clare, who turned 90 on 4/15 (Income Tax Day) has health problems which prevent them from doing many of the things they used to do – one being able to dance. Carl and Clare were one of the most graceful, beautiful dancing couples every to grace a dance floor, and know how they both miss being able to still be there. Her son, who plays guitar, harmonica and has sung with various bands over the years, has moved in with her and Carl, and is a big help in the care that Clare now needs. They arrived home just in time to “enjoy our late snow storms” and he hopes that is the last of it. Believe me Carl, you are not alone in that thought! I know that many of you don't know these folks, but also know that a “Thinking Of You” Card sent to – 16 Ben Rd. ,, Honeoye , NY . would brighten their days. Thanks from me for considering acting on this request.

Don't forget our Annual PICNIC on Sunday, June 10 th at Mercer Park in Baldwinsville. We have been there several times, and it is really such a beautiful, relaxing place with lots of room to move around. I hope I can make it there this year, but only time will tell.

Also, do consider bringing MOM to Cato on her day, Sunday, May 13 th for a delicious All-You-Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, stay and enjoy the good music and fellowship always enjoyed when bluegrass people get together… Looking forward to seeing you there, and until our June visit – a new definition for CHICKEN is – The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead!

Helen
(Helen Weldon)