January 2008
	RAMBLIN’ with Helen...

Well folks, by the time you read this, 2007 will be history, and 2008 has arrived! I hope each of you had a wonderful Holiday Season spent with loved ones, and may 2008 prove to be a good year for each of you.

I've had many favorable reports regarding the job Mark Sostrin did on the Annual Christmas Party , which included a copy of his CD for table favors for each of the 70 present, and a super job of lining up entertainment. Our very faithful member, Ray Crouch donated the sound system, which was used by the following entertainers: Shirley Stevens and friend Karen; Neil Shortslef, Mark Sostrin and Butch DeForge; Sheila Brown and Mike Tirella; Les Hathaway, Morris and Marty Lovell and Ray Crouch, and Connie Cutler who sang a couple of gospel songs. (The person who sent this list said she sincerely hoped she didn't forget anyone, and if so, please let me know for our next visit). The food was excellent and Christmas Songs were sung along with country and bluegrass selections. I was very sorry to have to miss it, but having been an Eastern Star member for 59 years and a Past Grand Officer of our district for 17, felt my obligation was to attend our annual Past Grand's Party in Ithaca which was at 5 p.m. Altho I have been told I wear “many hats”, folks there is just one of me, so couldn't be at two places at one time.

Donna Light, one of our board members had surgery in early Dec., and a card was sent to her. Mary Carr called me on the 17 th to say it was good to be home from the hospital and she enjoyed the many cards she received. It was so good to hear your voice Mary, and keep on “doing”!

Included with the Christmas card from Soc and Jan Nellis, he asked me to “ wish each of the CNYBA friends a wonderful and Happy Holiday Season”. He also wrote about the many wonderful tributes expressed for our dear departed Andy Pawlenko.

THANK YOU to all of you who sent me Christmas Cards, which included such kinds words of thanks and appreciation for my years of being editor of our newsletter, and for my continuation of the Ramblin' and taking your memberships. As I have told you many times, I really enjoy doing both, and look forward to hearing any news you have so I can make our visit interesting and informative each month.

When Hope Shortslef sent Neil's renewal, she spoke about the fact that their memories of Andy go way back to their high school years.(Yes, Hope, that is most certainly “a few years!). It's always a pleasure to receive Kathleen Mayhew's renewal for herself and her daughter Frances Campagnoni, as she writes such an interesting letter. Even tho they are unable to attend our meetings, etc., they want to support our efforts and enjoy “keeping up” on folks thru the Ramblin'.

I answered the phone on Monday, the 17 th , and was serenaded by the song “GOOD MORNING TO YOU” by none other than our Doodle-Do fiddler, Peter Hoysic. He said he used to have that on his answering service for his business at Christmas time – what a nice treat for customers. I know it really made my day, Peter! He says he's doing so-so, and this old age is most certainly not “golden days” as they say. We had such a nice visit reminiscing about all the wonderful members we've lost over the years, and it most certainly is a big number.

I also had a phone call from Vernon Loucks wishing me a Merry Christmas from him and Olive, whom I talked to for a few minutes also. She is going to have surgery on her ear either on Jan. 7 th or 8 th , so please make yourself a note and send her a card – 629 Lakeport Rd. , Chittenango , NY . 13037.

THANK YOU to: Charlotte Noftsier, Neil Shortslef, Richard Albro, Scott Langille for each of your most generous donations towards expenses when you sent your renewals – over a total of $50! WELCOME to new members: Samuel Fox, of Waymout , Pa. who included $1.00 donation when he joined; and to Boots N' Shorts Band (Mike Mawhinney, from Syracuse, and to Tom Burr who changed his membership to band for Diamond Someday Dan McLauglin included a book of stamps with his renewal, and Dan, they will be used to send back dues cards and receipts to those who renew.

Another yearly renewal that is such a joy to read is the one from our only Charter Band left – The Salmon River Boys. Loren says he plays the 5-string banjo and guitar, but not at the same time; an that the Salmon River Boys have been around so long, perhaps they should change their name to “The Salmon River Old Guys”. How nice it would be to have a Mini-Jam or Jamboree and feature this charter band – 32 years is a long time!

I had a phone call from Donna Walter on 12/19 wanting to know how much snow we got here, and am sure you know my answer – way too much! She said that Bob had several teeth pulled recently, and had his plate put right in. On the way home, he started bleeding, and she had to stop at a Fire Station for help. They took him to the hospital, where they finally got the bleeding stopped, and they went on home. Bob is still tired, but is doing ok, and trying to get used to his “new” dentures. Good Luck, Bob.

I had an email from Carl Stump after I did the Dec. newsletter asking me to tell him the rumor he had heard regarding there would be no 2008 festival wasn't true. Sad to say, I had to reply that the rumor was true. When he renewed, he sent the following note: - “ I really don't have words to express my disappointment at not planning on my favorite Bluegrass Festival. I and many others from the Mohawk Vally Bluegrass hope the leadership will reconsider.” Believe me, Carl, you aren't alone in thinking that – one can only hope.

Dave Prine sent me the program from the “Jerusalem Ride Bluegrass Celebration 2007”held at the Monroe Family Home Place in Rosine , KY. He said he spent 6 glorious days there and it was wonderful.

I had a phone call from Peg Miller as she needed Mark's phone number as Jerry came down with the shingles and was in too much pain to go to the Christmas Party, so I sent him a card. Hope you are doing better Jerry, and that you folks will be able to head south soon.

Well, folks, this takes care of all the notes of reminders I had for this visit. Chuck Foultz and Bob Hayden came to Cato on the 18 th , and loaded all of our “treasurer” from Cato Lodge into Chuck's van – now can be said, truly an end to 31 memorable years in Cato. Thurs. evening, 12/20 while checking my emails, had one from Chuck Foultz that included two pictures of his and the other fellows vans from an auto accident on the 17 th . Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt, but Chuck says “those air bags are not a tasty treat!” Speed on winter roads caused the other driver to overcorrect, and came over into Chuck's lane, hitting him head-on. The insurance adjuster is coming on the 21 st (the day I am typing our visit) to determine if his van can be fixed or declared as totaled. As I emailed Chuck, he can be so thankful no one was hurt badly, and cars can be fixed or replaced.

I have passed everything onto our new editor, Ann DeForge, and we have exchanged a few emails and am looking forward to getting my Jan. newsletter in the mail! Please note: if any of you renew after 12/21 it will be changed for the Feb. issue, as am sending the renewals, etc. to Shirley on the 21 st .

Hope to see you at the Jan. meeting, and until our next visit – stay healthy, warm and again thanks to all for your many kind words, and the very best to one and all in 2008.

Helen
(Helen Weldon)

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CNYBA
PO Box 491
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
www.cnyba.com
Copyright 2002
All Rights Reserved.