RAMBLIN’ with Helen...

Well folks, “Spring has Sprung...” and hope this monthly visit finds each of you doing A-ok. The last week of February and the month of March has been a busy one for me; as my daughter, Betty Jane , fell on Sun. Feb. 26 th and fractured her left shoulder. Being left handed surely didn't make things any easier! She was in the hospital 3 days, with pending surgery cancelled each day, so came home and finally had surgery on March 6 th . I've been in Syracuse with her, so if you sent your renewals and didn't receive your cards and receipt right back, it was because I only went to Cato one day a week to get mail, hear phone messages, etc. She is doing very well and starts therapy tomorrow (March 28 th ) and am sure she will make good progress with it. One never realizes just how much we use both arms until one doesn't move—but also amazing how we figure out ways to work around it. Thanks to all for being so patient and expect to be back in Cato in a couple of weeks; at least during the week. I must tell you she is indeed one that doesn't give up, as she did the labels for the March newsletter (changes and printing them off) with her arm in a sling and in terrific pain. I told her I would write the addresses, but she wouldn't hear of it—needless to say I was most grateful and thankful for her efforts.

THANK YOU to Diane Laurent for the book of stamps she included with her renewal and to Martin Lovell, Dale Barnell, Charles & Marianne Haver, David Stevenson, and John Warner for their donations toward postage when they sent their renewals. WELCOME to NEW MEMBERS George Melton and Aaron Chamberlain and hope you enjoy your membership. When Dale Barnell sent his renewal, he changed it to a family membership as he told me he is getting married this year! Congratulations to both of you and, Audrey , welcome to CNYBA. Helen Wells included a nice note with their family renewal and hopes to make it to Marcellus some Fri. nite. THANKS to John Long for the notepads he included with his membership—they always come in handy, John.

Our long-time, dedicated member, Bill Szabo , again asked me to thank the Association for their donation to Hospice of Norwich and spoke of the many donations other groups sent there in Ruth's memory. Bill misses Ruth—a great lady and dancing partner—we know you do Bill , and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

When Pete sent me the checks for the printing and postage for this newsletter he said there was a big crowd at the meeting—so glad to hear that and sorry I wasn't there.

Ed Horton , a long-time member is not doing well, and his wife, Pat , had a surprise birthday party for him on March 26 th at the Veteran's Home. Please keep both Ed and Pat in your prayers. Bruce Cutler is in the process of moving to Newark, as he has sold his home in Lyons. Sure don't envy you your job Bruce, but good luck.

Please keep our member, John Hornyak, and his mother in your prayers. She is 92 years young, in failing health and John takes complete care of her, along with the many household and outside work that has to be done. You both are in my thoughts,John.

Donna and Bob Walter have a new address: 1865 North Spanish Cone Dr., Lillian, AL 36549. Bob is scheduled for cataract surgery on April 11 th , so keep him in your prayers that it will be successful as he has glaucoma problems along with the cataract.

Congratulations to Joyce Bialkowski on the fine job she did with the Southern Tier Bluegrass Newsletter! We are exchanging newsletters and, Joyce – a job well done!

I am one of those who seldom open an e-mail if I don't know who it is from, but took a chance when I had one from a Diana Carpenter regarding a change of address – and so glad I did. Diana was a member and talented entertainer for CNYBA in years past, and says when she gets settled in Boonville, she will send her membership to me. She is a Director of a local medical office, and when they entertain they are called “Together Again”, as she and George Harrington are together after dating and splitting up 30 years ago. They attend the Mohawk Valley Bluegrass Jams whenever they can and hope to get a camper so they can take in other events. Hope you can make our festival, Diana, and so good to hear from you. Their address is – 124 Aubrey Ave., Boonville, NY 13309.

Joy Crouch sent me an e-mail saying the All-Star Jamboree was a success and all three bands were excellent. She also included pictures of them and our dear members Vernon and Olive Louck .

I received a request from Joyce Rafferty (along with 2 SASEs) to send her copies of the March and April Ramblin's as she wanted to see how much “hot water” she got herself into. She said to please tell Dick DeNeve (and others I'm sure who remember her brother, Dusty Bevens that he fell over his footstool and broke his right arm. He will be in a cast 6 weeks and not a happy camper! For those who would like to send him a card, his address is: 2805 Rt. 74, Ticonderoga, NY 12883.

I'm “sworn to secrecy” regarding why, but ask you to please keep our President, Ed Campbell , in your thoughts and prayers—more in the May visit. Until then—please plan to attend our Annual Meeting and volunteer to work at our festival—we need you for both.

Helen
(Helen Weldon)

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