February 2007
	RAMBLIN’ with Helen...

It's a beautiful, but very COLD morning (1/20) as I gather my thoughts, notes, etc. to write my monthly “visit” to you. In last month's issue, I wrote about receiving word from George Reese that he had just heard about Jean Labow . After inquires and no success re' this remark, I emailed George and received a very prompt reply: “Hello Helen – Sorry about leaving you hanging about Jean Labow. We got a Christmas card from his wife Bonnie and enclosed was an obituary card that told of his passing on Nov. 2 nd ; but no further details as to the cause.” He also said he is slowly getting some much needed energy after his pacemaker and defibulator installation and is doing quite well. Their Tues. nite Pickin' Session has about 20 players and averages from 50 to 80 people that show up. That's wonderful George, and reminds me that used to be the way our meetings and jam sessions were a few years ago!

I had an email from Sharon Foultz informing me that she saw Marianne Hauer in church on 1/14 and learned that Charles was in a Syracuse hospital with a heart problem. I sent a card to him, and know both he and Marianne (long-time members and supporters of CNYBA) would enjoy mail sent to: 168 County Rte 2A, Pulaski , NY . 13142-9804.

The January issue of the Southern Tier Bluegrass Assoc., Inc. newsletter reveals the following new officers for 2007: President – Ken Pierson; Vice-President – Patricia Hartman; Sec./Editor/Membership – James Hartman; and Treasurer – Louise Hartman. I extend a THANK YOU to the retiring secretary Joyce Bialkowski, for her cooperation in exchange of newsletters and news and look forward to the same from James. The newsletter also reports that the plans for their festival are well underway and am sure that further details will be forthcoming soon.

Sharon Foultz's brother-in-law Dave, who lives in Mass was mugged Fri., Jan. 12 th and left on the street until a newsboy found him unconscious 3 hours later. Drs had to remove part of his skull and freeze it until they can put it back in place. Please keep Dave, his family and Sharon in your thoughts and prayers. You hear of these happenings, but really becomes a reality when it involves someone you know.

At our January 14 th meeting, (Bill) Carlisle Wiley from Homer came, and was very sorry to learn that Bud Artlip was no longer with us. He used to go to Bud's trailer and “pick” with him back in the late 1970's and then come to our meetings. Wilsey Simmon's (a long-time off and on member) son Chuck was also there, and told me that his Dad is “holding his own”. Chuck also said he is back playing after about 25 years of not doing so. It was good to see them both there, and Lois, Bill Wiley wanted to be remembered to you, and was so sorry to hear of Bud's passing.

Emails back and forth from Sharon Foultz reveals that she and Chuck are slowly gaining from their truck accident. The pain stage is in the “bearable stage” as long as they don't overdue, which is hard for both of them as they are very active people. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and hope they can make our Feb. meeting.

In the Sunday edition of the Post Standard (1/7) there was a picture and write-up of former member Robert Piekiel's marriage to long-time sweetheart Rhonda Michaels at the Nashville Wedding Chapel in Madison , Tenn. Bob is a gifted banjo player and was a member of the late Lyndon's Lee's band. I'm sure many of your remember Bob coming to our meetings, mini-jams, etc. with his mother Agnes and her twin sister.

Also in that same paper was an article and picture regarding the Folkstrings band , of which our member Andy Revusky plays mandolin. It told about their trip to Ireland two years ago, resulting in getting a new band member Mike Kister of Baldwinsville who plays banjo. The band was appearing in Syracuse that week. Andy, we haven't seen you around in a long time, and hope that will change soon.

It was so good to see Jack Burns at our January meeting, and to learn that Mary Anne is back home. Jack told me she can't walk yet, but she is determined to do so, so please keep them in your prayers that this will become a reality.

Our dear friend and long-time member Dot Malouin sent her renewal and said she misses her “Al” but knows he is at rest now. She is in a wheelchair and has to have help with the cooking, cleaning, etc., but is able to stay in her own home, for which she is most thankful. Her days are spent listening to music and quilting by hand. Many of us have some of the beautiful crafts she made and sold at our festivals years ago - especially the Christmas Magnets I get out every year! Please take a minute and send a short note or card to: 5 Power Mill Rd. , Phillispton , MA 01330 , it will brighten her day and make you feel good by doing it!

THANK YOU to Dot, Rena Fragiacomo and Joseph Greco for your generous monetary donations towards expenses that you included in your renewals, and to Gordon Lyons for the book of stamps.

I have two very interesting articles given to me by Pete Carr, which I will be using in future issues of the newsletter. He also gave me the schedule for the Jericho Arts Bainbridge Town Hall, which appears in this issue. Pete, thanks for them all.

I also want to thank you all for the many kind words of enjoyment of the newsletter and thanking me for my efforts – they are at times, what keeps me doing it. There are days when I seriously consider retiring from these obligations, and then one of your letters come! My grandson has his “ups and downs”, and is facing additional surgery the end of Feb. So far we are so thankful that there is no sign of a liver rejection, and pray the up-coming surgery will get him onto the road to recovery. Please keep him and my daughter Cindy in your prayers.

Since I didn't receive any replys regarding the two questions in the Jan. newsletter, I have decided it is a waste of time to try doing anything like that. The answer to what Marshall Simmons and I hare in common is that our birthdays are on January 3 rd ! I have been promised an article to reveal the answer for the second question for the March newsletter.

Folks, please support as many of the various events listed, and I urge you to send for a copy of Connie Lea's “Plenty Of Time” CD. I've received two very positive recommendations after they have listened to it, and my order is in the mail.

Until our next visit – stay warm, healthy and may our paths cross soon. See you in Cato on February 11.

Helen
(Helen Weldon)

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