RAMBLIN’ with Helen...
What a beautiful morning – (9/27) – brisk, sunny, very noticeable changes in color on the trees, and the sound of geese flying over! However, the last two are only reminders of what the future holds, and am not looking forward to it.
First things first – my sincere apologies to Sam and Nancy Anderson for neglecting to mention that the reason they weren’t able to be at our festival was due to the fact that Sam had surgery for lung cancer on July 25th. I had an email from our president relating the facts, did send Sam a card from the association, put the email where I was sure I would see it, BUT did not when I did the September Ramblin. Nancy reported that Sam was “upbeat” and is sure he will “lick” this setback. He never had any symptoms and the cancer was spotted in a routine chest x-ray during a physical prior to cataract surgery, which he has had done on both eyes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sam, and hope to hear you are gaining daily.
In my report on our festival last month, I neglected to mention and thank Dave Nicholas for all his efforts with donating a guitar, furnishing people to conduct the raffle and joining our association. You are indeed a wonderful, caring person, Dave, and our sincere thanks for all your efforts on our behalf.
I received an email from Dee, who has “Dee’s Bluegrass Jamboree” on WSCP, asking me to make some changes in her schedule (see page 2) and also telling of her Mom’s passing on Aug. 8th. Thankfully, all the children were called on the 4th, and were able to be there with her. This is the reason for her not being at our festival (she was listed as an MC), but is looking forward to 2006 and hopes to be asked to MC another year. Yes, Dee, I am sure you will be, and indeed as you said, “if anyone in the world would understand you not attending, it would be your bluegrass family.” Expressions of sympathy were sent from CNYBA. (Dee, I will check on your request regarding Sharon Foultz’s poem, and if possible, will reprint it in a future newsletter, as I am sure others would like to use it also).
I also sent a sympathy card to Bob Treat, whose mother passed away on Sept. 13th at the age of 93. Many of us had the privilege of meeting her years ago at some of our events, and know how much she enjoyed her sons and grandson’s musical talents. She loved to sew, and made her daughter’s wedding dresses and great-granddaughter’s baptism gowns. Bob is a long-time member and am sure many also know his brother “Andy” and son Jim, both of whom used to belong. Notes can be sent to: 80 Green St., Port Byron, NY 13140.
A big “THANK YOU” to Maryann VanDusen, Joe Greco, Norman & Otilla Fey, Gen. & Mrs. Bob Purple and Socrates Nellis for your stamps and/or monetary donations towards postage, and to all who have included SSAE’s with your renewals. As I always say, every bit helps so much; and assure that all the many kind words sent my way regarding my work for CNYBA are greatly appreciated. Socrates wrote that his wife Jean was having a left knee joint replaced on Sept. 12th, and since she had the right one done three years ago, I told him when I sent his receipt and dues card he would have to “tow the mark” now as she could most certainly catch him if needed!
Folks, I “misplaced” George Reese in last month’s newsletter!! I had him going to Tennessee, and he is going to Kentucky; and should be all settled in by now at: 1715 Oak Hill Rd., #4, Somerset, KY. 42503.
I had a note from Olive Loucks, saying that Vernon is doing ok after some surgery which “slowed him down a bit”, but am sure by now he is no doubt as busy as ever! Both of these dear people are to be commended for all they do for others.
Carol Easton, a friend of Sharon Foultz, came to our September meeting with them, and brought me some cards – something I can always use. THANKS Carol, and hope you come again.
Had a nice note from Sharon Volles, (who was secretary of CNYBA for many years and an honorary member) saying she missed our festival as the hot weather just zaps her energy. Her husband, Norm “kept me company” on Sat. at our table, and I received a nice thank-you for the supper I bought. (Sharon says it’s a first!), and Norm I do appreciate your note, but even more the friendship of the Volles family, which goes back for many years.
I had an email that the Sunnyside String Band needs a base player. Anyone interested, please contact: Bill Light at: 463-4186; or wlight1@twcny.rr.com or 211 Allen St., East Syracuse, NY 13057. (Please help them out, as they are going to be one of the bands at our Annual Christmas Party on 12/11/’05 at the VFW Post, Baldwinsville, NY.)
Speaking of bands, Joy Crouch sent an email telling of the newly formed “The Old-Time Melodies” under the direction of Bob Simmons. They have played at several senior dinners, dances and played at the Ontario Orchards Fall Jamboree on Sat., Sept. 24th. Best of luck to them, and hope we get to hear them real soon.
An email received from Donna Walter told that they were leaving Sat., 9/24 for their winter stay in Alabama, and hoped that each of us have a good fall and winter season. She said her daughter Jennifer is well on the way to recovery – the blood clot is gone, asthma is under control with medication and a nebulizer, and at the tender age of 28 will be under the care of a thoracic specialist and a hemotologist. Please keep Jennifer in your prayers – thanks.
When Dale Webb sent me her renewal, she wrote that she is dong fine – a few bad moments now and then, as it takes time to get over the loss of a loved one, and as she said, actually one never does really get over it. (How true). Her son Norm had accompanied her to a few festivals this summer, and was the lucky winner of a Martin Guitar raffled off at the Bluegrass Ramble Picnic this year! She said his father had tried for the past 8 or 9 years to win one, and could have owned 3 or 4 with all the chances he had taken - so feels he was watching over them on that Sunday. Dale, I believe he was indeed there!!
Well folks, my hand is tired, and I am sure you are tired of reading, so until next time – remember our meeting in Cato on 10/11 and our Jamboree with Andy Pawlenko and The Smokey Hollow Boys on Sun., 10/23 at the VFW Post, Baldwinsville, NY.
Helen
(Helen Weldon)
CNYBA
PO Box 491
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
www.cnyba.com
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All Rights Reserved.