RAMBLIN’ with Helen...
As the end of another year fast approaches (12/26), and another year is about to begin, I hope that 2005 found most of your hopes and dreams fulfilled, and those that weren’t, will be in 2006. My wish for each of you in 2006 is to live each day to the fullest as it is a gift, and one never knows when that gift will be taken from you or a loved one.
I received the following note with her renewal from Shirley Miller: Dear Helen: “Thank you for your kind and thoughtful letter and card. It was beautiful and I keep reading my cards and letters, looking at pictures, and thanking God for my blessings. Caren and Perry Cleaveland were absolutely sunshine, helping me through a very difficult time. You all are appreciated more than I can say.” Sincerely, Shirley. (Thanks for your kind words Shirley, and anyone who knows Caren and Perry would just know they would be there for you – that’s the kind of folks they are).
In one of my phone conversations with Mary Carr, she told me that she has a new great-granddaughter, and she thinks this makes 9! Congratulations Mary, and speaking from experience, they are such a joy and I hope you get to see her often, as they grow up much too fast.
When Carol Grant sent her renewal, she sent a note saying she didn’t think she was going to Florida this winter, and hoped to get to a meeting or two IF it warms up a little, as it was only 7 degrees that morning in Sterling!
I received Christmas Cards from “Soc” Nellis, Mike Hadden and Jacobs Press, expressing their wishes to ALL CNYBA members A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a WONDERFUL HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR.
Along those lines, a sincere thanks to all of you who sent Christmas Greetings to me, and for all the kind words of appreciation regarding all my efforts for CNYBA. To be perfectly honest, there are times when I think to myself, “I’ve had it – this is it, my last time of doing this” and then I think of your kind words, the wonderful friendships, etc., etc., and just forget that thought! HOWEVER, I want you to remember that I do indeed mean what I said about this year’s Annual Christmas Party being the last one I’m taking complete charge of. As I told those present at the party, there comes a time when one knows it is time to say no, and that time has come for this event. By the many emails, calls and notes received, I feel this last effort was worthwhile. The following note from (Nancy) Grandma Brown sums it up: Dear Helen – “I want to take this time to let you know what a wonderful job you did on the CNYBA’s Christmas Party. Job well done. The food, music and everything that was done was perfect.” (Thanks Nancy – I’d have to agree it was as near perfect as it could be).
A sincere WELCOME to the following new members: Gordon Lyons, Camden, NY; Ronald Dodson, Ovid, NY; Ruth Baker, Fair Haven, NY; Betty Joyce, Skaneateles, NY; George and Charm Miller, Fayette, NY; and to Richard Dallas, Red Creek, NY and Donnette Skellington for rejoining. THANK-YOU to Jack & MaryAnn Burns; Donnette Skellington, Ira Williamson; Roger & Roberts Ward; Ward “Bud” Shortslef; Rena Fragracomo; Carol Grant; Chellis Chave; Mike Hadden; Aaron Moen; Dot Malouin and Scott Langille for your monetary donations towards postage included with your renewals. As you all, I’m sure are aware of the increase in postage from 37 cents to 39 cents as of 1/8/2006, your added donations will be a big help towards defraying that increase.
Dot Malouin included a very short note with her renewal saying that neither she or Al are doing very well. These folks have been members since they came to the tapings at WCNY many, many years ago. I am sure a note or cheerful card sent to: 5 Power Mill Rd., Phillpston, MA. 01331 would brighten their days.
Something told me there was a reason why I hadn’t heard from our dear devoted member, Bill Szabo at Christmas time (as he always sends me such a beautiful card), so just got on the phone, and that conversation verified my thoughts – his dear companion, Ruth Pforter lost her battle with cancer the end of November. He said she was under Hospice care and what a wonderful job they did. Please send Bill a note at: 706 Linn St., Ithaca, NY 14850 and donations in her memory can be sent to: Hospice Palliative Care of Chenango Co., 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY. 13815. (Expressions of sympathy will be sent from CNYBA) Bill said Ruth’s obituary was in the Post Standard, but since her last name wasn’t familiar, I along with many others I am sure missed it, and I am so sorry about this. Bill has been and continues to be one of our most dedicated ambassadors of our association, and is the one who gives The IRENE THURSTON AWARD every year at our festival. They say the Lord doesn’t give anyone more than they can handle, but this is certainly a bitter pill to take, as Ruth is the second companion of Bill’s to lose their battle with cancer – Bill, we are all thinking of you and have you in our prayers.
Donna Walter just called and said to be sure and wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR from her and Bob – it’s done Donna.
My thoughts keep going back to the Christmas Party, and it was so wonderful to see Andy Pawlenko there with his sister Mary and her husband Ted. We all know that Andy has had some health problems in 2005, but assure you he looked good, and hope 2006 is better to him in that regards. We all missed our Doodle-Do Fiddler, Peter Hoysic and his family; and of course it wasn’t the same with our dear friend Bud Shortslef not being there also. (I know it is bad to start naming people, but just had to mention these dear folks.) It was such a joy to greet each of you at the door, and only wish I could have had more time to mingle and visit – next year, I promise I’ll do that!
I hope to have news in my February visit regarding Ted Wrench and how our longtime member George Reese and his wife Mabel are doing in Kentucky. Somehow, time just got gone and wanting to be sure this newsletter gets to the printer, and back to me in time to mail it for 37 cents one more month, don’t have the time to do it for this visit.
Well, guess I’ve taken up enough of your time in 2005, and hope to share many more “visits” in 2006; the “Good Lord” willing. However, this can only be done if each of you will remember to contact me if you know of someone who needs a card, or have news to share with our bluegrass family – Remember, this is YOUR ASSOCIATION.
Helen
(Helen Weldon)
CNYBA
PO Box 491
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
www.cnyba.com
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