December 2008
	RAMBLIN’ with Helen...

Well, folks, as I start my visit with you, we have an “early winter morning” with sun shining through heavy “snow showers”, only adding to the way too much already here! I’m telling you this, so you folks who have no snow can at least think about it. 

I had a phone call from Maryan VanDusen after they arrived home on 10/21 telling me of their wonderful 5 week trip and vacation which encompassed visiting John’s brother, her sister and attending the best ever Bluegrass Festival in Georgia.  It was also nice to see both of them at our November Showcase at Wacky Wyatts, that featured Lake Effect Bluegrass and Bill White and White Pine from Canada.  A big thank you to Pete Carr, for providing me with a ride, and I really enjoyed sitting and visiting with long-time member Shirley Miller and her grandson, and visiting with many of the other members present.  

At our Nov. meeting, our editor gave me the returned copy of our newsletter sent to long-time members Stuart and Jean McWhorter as undeliverable.  After I got home that evening, I called their number, and their daughter informed me that Stuart had passed away earlier in the month, and her mother was in Florida for the winter.  Expressions of sympathy on behalf of CNYBA was sent to her.

 I also sent a note of sympathy to Louise Chave, who told me with her renewal, that her husband Chellis had passed away in March.  I assured her had I known, she would have heard from us at that time. 

I had a call from Louise Hartman, asking if I knew of any CNYBA up-coming activities that she could list in their newsletter, so told hr about the up-coming November Showcase.  During our conversation, we spoke about in years past how our two clubs had gotten together at Stewart Park in Ithaca for a combined picnic in June.  I’m sure many of you remember those, and she is going to contact our president in regards to possibly trying to resume these again. 

I had an email on 11/19 from Joy Crouch telling that her chemo is done for this time around, and she started radiation on the 18th – daily for the next 7 weeks and then pills for 5 years.  She wanted to thank one and all for your concern and to still keep her in your prayers. 

Bill Knowlton emailed regarding a benefit  that is being planned for Sat., Dec. 13th at the Weston Playhouse, Weston, VT. for Linda Ralph, who has pancreatic cancer, and is the mother of Harry Black, a member of the Cabin Fever Band.  

THANKS  to the following members who sent an extra monetary gift, stamps, and/or SASE with their renewals: Norm Hassman, Roscoe & Jacqueline Kelley, Neil Shortsleff, Joe Greco, Jack & Mary Anne Burns, Deanne Carpenter & Thomas Murray.  Every donation helps to further our efforts and are greatly appreciated. 

Along with her renewal, Jessie Fish sent me 2 packets of note-paper and envelopes, which will be put to good use, I assure you, Jessie.  She also spoke about being so glad our newsletter is again monthly, and congratulates our new president on being quite energetic and organized!  Keep up the good work Dennis. Thanks, also Jessie, for your kind words regarding the Ramblin’. 

We lost a long-time member, Joyce Rafferty on Nov. 13th.  Joyce was a sister to Dusty Bevins, whom I know many of you remember as he, his family and their band were members of CNYBA for years. 

There have been many articles in the Post Standard the past couple of weeks, regarding John Rossback & Chestnut Grove’s final appearance in central New York, which was Friday evening, 11/21 ( a very snowy evening) in Syracuse.  John is moving to Elkins, W.. VA., where his wife is already working.   On behalf of CNYBA, we wish both John and his wife the very best and know, it our loss and Elkin’s gain. 

Thanks to Pete Carr, I was able to attend our Nov.  meeting,  and see first-hand our new home, Parkrose Estates.  Folks, it really is a friendly, homey atmosphere with lots of room for jammin’, and holding our meetings – please make an effort to plan and attend future meetings. 

I hope many of you will attend our annual Christmas Party held at Wacky Wyatts, on Sun., Dec. 14th.  I know that Mark Sostrin has great plans for it, and am sure it will be a fun-filled time with good food and music.  I am so sorry that I can’t make it, as this year, the 2nd Annual Party I’ve always been able to attend in he evening, is a brunch from 11 to 2, and my daughter has charge of it. 

Thanks to Shirley Stevens,  I was able to attend the benefit held for our dear member Joy Crouch, and it was a huge success.  Thru talking with her, the stress of wondering how some medical bills would be paid became a thing of the past due to everyone’s generosity. 

WELCOME to the following new members – Bristol Mt. Bluegrass, Linda and John Jackson, Louise Chave, Connie & Sam Rudd and Steve Aiken.  I also want to thank Mike Mawhinney of the Boots & Shorts Band, for the CD included with their band’s renewal.  I recommend it to one and all. 

On 11/18, I received an email from Bill Knowlton informing us that on Sat., 11/15, Tom Yanis of Sweet Cider suffered a stroke and is in ICU at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady.  On 11/21 received an update that he is unable to speak and has paralysis in his right side.  Bill is going to keep future updates on htt://www.sweetcidermsic.net/welcome.htm. – please keep Tom in your prayers. 

As you all know, our Vice-President, Bill Light had open heart surgery on Nov. 3rd.  I sent him a couple of cards and have been keeping in contact with him thru emails cards and so am happy to report he is doing very well.  The day after his surgery, he was up walking, and was able to go home on Nov. 8th.  He had a hospital bed brought in so he wouldn’t have to go up and down stairs, and he can’t help lift himself up for awhile yet.  On the 26th, he sees his cardiologist and hopes to get permission to play his guitar.  He feels he is up to it now, but his “nurse and watch-dog Donna” gives him no leeway to the rules!  Bill is so thankful that the doctors found his condition when they did, as with the snow we have, he would have been out shoveling which could have resulted in a fatal heart attack – pretty  scary – and he urges all to see their doctor regularly and also to talk openly to them.  He has given up his “light” smoking habit, as his doctor told him smoking was definitely a factor in his heart condition.  In closing, he said: “I have a lot more songs to play, a lot more good times ahead with my bluegrass friends.  This Thanksgiving is all the more meaningful for me as I reflect and count my blessings which are many.”  How true, Bill, and all wish you and Donna  the very best always.

There is still time to order a CD for a Christmas Present from Andy Pawlenko’s daughter Deanne – only $12. each, mailed to you – order on line at: www.ClipClocks.com or write: Deanne Hubbard, 1092 County Rt. 85, Oswego, NY. 13126/  (She is now settled in the home she was brought up in – her folks home).  Remember, all profits from these CD’s will be donated to Cancer Research, something so desperately needed.
I had a phone call from Chuck Foultz  on 11/22 requesting a phone number, and he said he has been suffering terribly with a severe sinus infection, but is doing better.  Sure hope so Chuck, as I know first-had how painful they can be. 

I need to ask you all to keep my brother George in your thoughts and prayers, as he suffered a massive stroke on Wed., Nov. 19th and is in ICU at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse.  The bleeding in the brain has lessened, but swelling continues, with paralysis on the right side.  They tell the family it is now a “wait and see” situation. George is my only sibling here in the east, and is the same age my Mother was when she had her massive brain hemorage thirty some years ago.  His wife Mary is recovering from breast surgery, and still has to go for chemo every three weeks until next summer.  Thanks for your caring and prayers. 

In closing, it has come to the time where I must cut back on mailing so many Christmas Cards, so I’m taking this opportunity to wish each of you a “VERY HAPPY, BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON and a NEW YEAR of the best of everything” as my Christmas Greeting to you in 2008”.  It is not necessary for you to send me a card, as I know how you feel towards me and my efforts for CNYBA.  As I have for the past several years, I will send a card to our shut-ins, sick, etc. members, as know how much mail means to us all.  We who have email can also send greetings via that method, and I am sure I will be doing some of that this year also.  Do take care – I do care, and PLEASE let me know of anyone who needs a card, send me any news, joys, etc. and will “visit” you again in 2009!

Helen
(Helen Weldon)

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