Thanks also to Martin Lovell, Neil Shortslef, and Aaron Moen for their generous donations towards postage costs.

Marion LaMont was going to “fill-in” for our secretary at the February meeting, but just wasn’t feeling well enough from her recent surgery to do so. We hope each day finds you gaining strength, Marion. It was my privilege to do the “fill-in” job, and when Bill Light replied to my email that he got the minutes via attachments (I’ve finally mastered that process I think!!), he reported a nice time in Phoenix, at his father’s wedding, although it rained most of the time they were there. However, as Bill said, there is a saying that if it rains on your wedding day, the couple will be with good fortune in the years to come, something we all hope proves to be true. When they arrived home, they sound news waiting of the sudden passing of his wife’s Aunt Joan in New Jersey. She has just recently turned 70 and was in excellent health, and again as Bill wrote, it goes to show how precious our time is, and we should make the most of every day, as one never knows when they will be called “Home”. Expressions of sympathy were sent to the Lights, who most certainly had the best and worse in one week.

I received a letter from Bert Mehlenbacher, regarding Alice. On Jan. 25 th, she went to the hospital, received 3 pints of blood, a colonoscopy, and on Fri., the 28 th, had a cancerous tumor removed from his large intestine. She is now DOING GREAT, and as Bert says – for one who became 90 on Feb. 7 th, she is one tough lady!! Their daughter Donna, went to Florida and brought Alice back to her home in Penfield to regain good health. PLEASE take a moment and send a card to: Alice Mehlenbacher, % Donna Redick, 16 Clove Dr., Rochester, NY 14625. These folks are long-time members and supporters of all CNYBA endeavors, and Alice, our thoughts and prayers are with you for a fast recovery to good health. You are one great lady!! Bert ends his nice letter with the fact that the weather there was nice, but a bit chilley and hoped to see us at the May meeting. (I’ll bet it wasn’t as chilly as what we have had here)!

I had a nice long letter from Dora Jean Tupper along with a flyer regarding an up-coming festival, which I will use in next month’s newsletter. She writes she minds the cold weather more this year, and we sure have been having our share of it, along with lots of snow. Her Senior Citizen Group went to “One Song’s” place in Medina, and she said their show was outstanding, and hopes to make it to the VFW on Sun., Feb. 17 th for our program. She would like to go to the festival in Gouveneur (if there is one there now), but doesn’t know when it is. If someone who reads this does, please let her know – Dora J. Tupper, 8780 Oswego Rd., Clay, NY. 13041. Thanks.

Sharon Foultz’s cousin, (whom she has become reunited with after 50 years, has a young grandson who has Burkitts Lymphoma. The cancer was caught early (stage 2) and the doctors are quite optimistic for a recovery. She asked Sharon to contact her email friends for prayers for this brave little boy, so am asking all of you to keep Billie in yours. I read an article just recently that doctors are beginning to realize just what the power of prayer plays in recovery of patients, and feel that it indeed does help.

Well, folks it is that time again – our Annual Meeting will be here before you know it. A nominating committee must be appointed at our March meeting, and the Annual Notice and slate of officers will be in the April newsletter. P L E A S E consider volunteering or at least accepting an office if asked, as the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and 2 board members must be filled. We are in our 29th year, so let’s make our 30th one in 2006 a banner year! CAN WE COUNT ON YOU? – I HOPE SO.

If any of you have attended the MADRID BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL in CANADA, I received a copy of an email that Howard Bonner sent regarding the passing of Bud Rupert on Feb. 21st. Many of you remember Howard, and this passing is one very hard for him to accept. Please keep him in your prayers as he morns the loss of a dear friend.

I talked to Jerry Miller this evening (Feb. 25 th) and he sounded much stronger. He says he is doing some better, and has an appointment thru a new doctor for an MRI on the 28 th to check on the enlarged spot on his side. He expressed the desire to start building model airplanes, something he used to do, and am sure it would help pass away the time and help keep his mind occupied from his aches and pains. I asked about their triplet grandchildren, and they are now 5 years old, and being home-schooled. How time flies! Keep the faith Jerry, and do start that hobby.

After finishing writing the Ramblin, I went on line to send an email and found one letting me know of the untimely passing of Bruce Cutler’s mother in Arizona. Bruce was to have left on Monday, the 28 th to spend a month and help make arrangements for her future care, but now has left to made the final arrangements. From there, Bruce will be going to Nashville for a dejay induction into the Disk Jock Hall of Fame dinner. CONGRATULATIONS on this Bruce, and per yours and Connie’s request, we will keep you both in our prayers as you and your sister Gail carry out the necessary plans for your Mom. BRUCE has been a long-time member of CNYBA, and thru his radio endeavors, at every opportunity lets people know of our association. Recently, over the phone, I made an announcement regarding our association, our festival, and our internet address, which he dubbed over music, and is played at least three times a week in various locations that his radio show is carried. I have a copy, and will bring a player at the March meeting so all can hear it. PLEASE take a minute and send a card or note to: Bruce and Connie Cutler, 5 Ditton St., Lyons, NY 14489.

I had hoped to be able to go to the “One Song” Concert at Baldwinsville on the 27th, with John and Maryan Vandusen, but received a call from John on Sat., that both of them had been sick, and would be unable to go. I hope it was a big success despite the poor coverage we received from my efforts at sending out notices to many radio and tv stations, along with a long write-up and pictures to several newspapers. I honestly don’t know what else to do, and would sure appreciate some suggestions from “someone-in-the know” as to what I am doing wrong. PLEASE HELP ME.. as I know publicity is needed for success in any endeavor.

Well, folks, guess it is time to end this visit, and hope to see many of you in Cato on Sun., March 13 th – remember, you CAN PLAY ALL AFTERNOON!!