March 2008
	RAMBLIN’ with Helen...

Ramblin' with Helen:

As I start our visit on 2/20, the sun is shining here—but it is bitter COLD! I'll try and keep my news in order received since our last visit sent to our new editor in mid-December. First, congratulations to Ann for a very professional looking newsletter for January and assure you, Ann, it will be easier the more you do.

I received many Christmas cards, and want to share the news received from the following members: Dot Malouin wrote regarding all the memories they made when they went to Cato and the “Bluegrass Ramble” tapings and said it's helping to keep her sanity since losing her husband, Al. I really believe a cheerful note or “Thinking of You” card sent to: 5 Power Mill Rd , Phillipston , MA 01331 would help those long days spent in a wheelchair.

Bill Kretschmer wrote he and Ursla are “hanging in there” even tho he has some heart problems, and they think of us all often, loves reading the CNYBA newsletter and wished everyone a happy Holiday Season.

Bert Mehlenbacher wrote both he and Alice , who is now on oxygen all the time and walks with a walker, are pretty good. They are sorry to hear we're not having a festival this year, and IF we get a nice Sunday, he will try and make a meeting. We'd all love to see you Bert, and again a card to 200 Kidd Castle Way, Apt. 143 , Webster , NY 14580 would be most welcome I know.

George Hall wrote he and Bibiane are enjoying themselves, watch the weather reports of all the snow up here, and told me to stay out of it and let it all fall on the ground!

George and Mable Reese wished everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

James Reams and Tina sent Happy Holiday greetings and the best for 2008. He also called me New Year's Day to ask me to thank everyone for all we do to keep our Bluegrass Music alive. Elsewhere in the newsletter you'll see where and when they will be in our area. Do go see them, and let them know you are a CNYBA member.

To each of you who wrote, sent e-mails or called me regarding my years of doing the newsletter, each and every one meant so much to me. Some indicated that they think I also gave up writing the Ramblin' but want you to know I'll continue to do that part of the newsletter as long as I feel comfortable in doing so. It is very hard now that our newsletter is only sent every three months, but please keep sending me news anytime.

When our long-time member Shirley Miller sent her renewal, she said she doesn't get out much anymore, but was able to attend three weddings and a family reunion where she met two great-granddaughters from South Carolina and they are awesome! Couldn't agree any more than I do regarding those “greats” Shirley and only wish yours were closer for you to enjoy.

Theresa Caltabiano wrote that they live in Fulton and will try and make it to our new meeting location, Canton Woods sometime this year—by the sounds of your weather, Theresa, you'd better wait until Spring!

Lyle Hobart's newsletter was returned due to no mailbox to put it in, and in checking, discovered his PO Box # had been left off. I called him and learned he and Evelyn didn't go to Florida this year—or at least not yet. Talking to Evelyn, she said the reason was due to having some thyroid problems along with very high blood pressure readings.

Our board member John Crouch's wife, Martha , who had been able to return to their trailer, had surgery on January 14 th , and had to return to the nursing home for rehab. It is with sorrow I have to report Martha passed away February 15 th , and there will be a memorial service held later for the family. Expressions of sympathy were sent, and know John would appreciate cards sent to— 956 Middle Road , Lot 27A, Oswego , NY 13126 . I was glad to have a chance to meet Martha when she attended our October and November meetings, and know many who go to the jam sessions at Marcellus Legion Hall on Friday nights know them both very well.

Ellen Owen , a long-time member was in an automobile accident on December 12 th, (I didn't hear about it in time to get it in my December Ramblin'.) and is still at St. Camillus Rehab Center for therapy. Her leg was shattered so badly that doctors predict four months at least before she can possibly attempt to walk. Please send cards to her home address—2399 Co. Rt. 37, Central Square, NY 13036, and they will be taken to her.

I'm sure many of you know by now about the passing of our Charter Member and long-time treasurer, Peter Carr's beloved wife, Mary on January 25 th ; after a long and courageous battle of bone cancer. Mary and Pete had been married 28 years (after being introduced by members of CNYBA) and both were active at every CNYBA meeting or event all those years. Mary was pre-deceased by her husband, Edwin Harris, in 1977, and is survived by two sons, one daughter, two sisters, nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours were held from 3 to 7 on Tuesday, January 29 th at the Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St ., Baldwinsville, NY, and the funeral was Wednesday, January 30 th 11 A.M. with burial in Riverview Cemetery. Contributions can be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, CNY Chapter, 401 Salina St . , Learbury Centre, Syracuse , NY 13203 . I have so many fond memories of Mary as we graduated together in 1946, and when I came to the Cato-Meridian School in 1942 as a freshman, Mary was one of the first to help me find my way around the school. She served as a board member for CNYBA several different occasions and was always willing and always volunteering to help wherever and whenever needed. She was the recipient of both the Irene Thurston and Bud Artlip's awards and was an honorary member of CNYBA. During the past year of her illness, her outlook was always positive—one never heard her complain. Please take a moment and send a note to Pete: 2177 W. Genesee Rd. , Baldwinsville , NY 13027 .

Our treasurer, Cathy Campbell, called and asked me to let our members know that donations of $50 have been received to CNYBA from Lois Artlip and Peg & Jerry Miller in memory of Mary and she sent thank-yous to both. May you rest in peace Mary, and the following most certainly expresses her wishes to us all: I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one, I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Thanks to another long-time member, Homer Reynolds for the nice valentine —the first one Homer!

I had an e-mail from Tina on February 6 th telling me that James Reams had an emergency appendectomy on February 4 th but was home and doing fine. They were able to do it the “new way” but it still is a shock to anyone's system. I sent him a card from CNYBA.

Maryan VanDusen called to say Joanne Bartholemew's Mom had a heart attack. I called and talked to Joanne on February 10 th , and learned her Mom fell and broke her bone below the hip and then had a heart attack. She is in a nursing home and not doing very well. During our conversation, she spoke about having received a picture from Lois (I assume it was one when she and Dean were presented the Bud Artlip Award as she said Lois was in the picture.) and asked me to thank Lois for it and how much she enjoys it. Her writing time is pretty scarce these days, and Joanne our thoughts and prayers are with you.

John VanDusen called to say another long-time member, John Long , passed away sometime the second week of February, and an expression of sympathy was sent to his widow, and his membership thru September '08, has been changed to her name.

Emma Teachout wrote a nice letter on January 22 nd saying she was doing about the same. They hadn't had too much snow in Liverpool , but where her husband, Rex, is—Pulaski—a much different story! She said they both are getting a little forgetful, but Emma we all do that. On the 21 st the “Misfits” consisting of Lee Teachout, his wife Vicki and Vicki's father, Herb Smith entertained there at Buckley Landing, and the residents enjoyed them so much.

A big THANK YOU to Shirley Stevens for the fantastic job she did in getting Mary Carr's passing on our website and thru an e-mail to so many. This really was a necessity due to no newsletter going out for February. Also thanks to all who passed the news on to others when I sent word to them of the details.

Mary Phillips and I have kept in contact thru e-mails since Andy's passing, and folks I can't begin to tell you of all the serious illnesses to her sisters and their families. At one time her sister Tillie and her husband were both in the hospital at the same time, along with her other sister, Anne. At the present time her sister, Tillie and her husband are at St. Luke's Nursing Home for therapy. Along with all of this, their neighbor, only 41 years old passed away. Mary did what she could—cooked food and took it over. This week they are entertaining their two little granddaughters and am sure they will most certainly brighten their days. Mary and Ted, our thoughts and prayers are with all your family and of course both of you as you help them thru their illnesses.

I'm sorry I didn't make the January meeting, but was “entertaining” a bad sore throat and just felt uky. Thanks to Joy and Ray Crouch and Neil Shortslef who both offered to come my way. When I heard the time some had getting home due to heavy snow, I was glad I stayed put.

Best wishes to Dennis Crawford and those who volunteered to help him get our music into the schools, get instruments and instructors to give lessons to those young people showing an interest to learn—something that needs to be done to help keep bluegrass music alive. Well, folks, I think this covers all the news I've had or heard of. Please keep in touch, and as things stand now our next visit will be in June. So, Happy St. Pat's Day, a blessed Easter, Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers, and have a safe but happy Memorial Day Weekend. (Helen)

Helen
(Helen Weldon)

CNYBA
PO Box 491
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
www.cnyba.com
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All Rights Reserved.