RAMBLIN’ with Helen...

Hope each of you, in your own way, enjoyed a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend – and took time along with many others to pause at 3 PM on Monday to remember and thank those who have “given their all” that we may continue enjoying all the freedoms we have. Personally, I welcomed the three days of getting up when I wanted to – doing what I wanted to, when I wanted to – and as you can see time was spent doing our newsletter!!

In last month's Ramblin, I wrote about the email request from Lukas, a gentleman from Europe who was going to visit, and wanted information regarding Bluegrass Activities. The following is an email I received from my inquiry as to how his trip was: “The trip was generally a great success. I spent 3 days in NYC – then Niagara Falls – Nashville – Merlefest in North Carolina and back to Washington DC . In NYC, I received great help from James Reams and Tina Aridas (I put him in contact with these wonderful folks), but 2 days weren't enough, so had to forgo the “jam” offer from James, to see Wall Street, ESP, Statue of Liberty, etc., and lost a lot of time in the subway! On recommendation of James, I bought a very nice Ovation in Mandolin Bros. shop and am very satisfied with it. I was in Village Vanguard for Bill Frisels Concert, and saw great modern country music in Nashville . The top of the trip was the Merlefest! – Thank you very much for your help and hope it could be in the future a possibility to meet you.” Lukas. I sent him a copy or our May newsletter and will do likewise in June, thus letting him know we are glad he enjoyed his visit and able to give him a helping hand.

Lukas wasn't the only one who attended the Merlefest Blugrass Festival, as I received the following note from Shirley Stevens after I requested her to let me know she got the Ramblin copy ok for our website. (I'm always so relieved when I hear that she got it ok)! Shirley wrote: “I got it fine, and just got back from a week in North Carolina , doing a lot of jamming and attending the Merlefest Bluegrass Festival . I had a ball. A friend of mine who used to be on the IBMA Board (don't think he is anymore), gave me a backstage pass, so I got to rub shoulders with a lot of the performers. I wish some of their talent would rub off on me as well!” So glad you had the opportunity to go and the good fortune of having a friend (that's what they do), who allowed you the backstage scene.

MARY ANNE BURNS needs our prayers – since our last visit, she was at St. Camillus for rehab, and while there the family all helped her celebrate Mother's day and her birthday. However, she is now back in the hospital, and has had to have further surgery due to fluid build-up again.

Bruce and Connie Cuttler , having sold their home, moved on May 6 th to – 422 Woodhill Rd. , Newark , NY 14513 , and their new phone number is: 315-359-9022. Bruce plans to continue his radio programs from there, and we wish you both the best in your new home.

It was so good to see Bert Mehlenbacher at our May meeting, but missed his dear wife Alice, who is still in Rochester for therapy due to breaking her hip in Florida this winter. She is expected to be able to come to Pulaski soon, and I ask you all to keep her in your prayers that this is possible. He asked about whom to contact for advance sale tickets to our festival, so hope Alice will be able to be there for all of us to see.

THANKS to B. Joanne Baxter, Alice and Bert Mehlenbacher and Don McLoughlin for their most generous donations towards postage included with their renewals. Also thanks to Bill and Donna Light for theirs, and to David and Winnie Jones for the book of stamps included when they renewed. I can't say it often enough – every little bit helps our association.

Joanne Baxter included a nice note, saying: “I'm hanging in, like the song “One Day At A Time”, but thankful to be “up and about”! She enjoys the Ramblin' even tho she doesn't know the people written about personally, she can keep up on how the club is doing. She closed by saying we must be thankful for ALL the GOOD in our LIVES and “Let A Smile Be Our Unbrella” as the song goes.” So good to hear from you Joanne, and have fond memories of the year you stayed with Thayle and me at our festival.

Aaron Moen, a member of the Sunnyside String Band, sent a change of address, along with a note saying they have moved into their newly built home at – 2439 Wilson Pt. Rd. , Canastota , NY . 13032. We all wish you many years of happiness in your new home, Aaron.

When Dick Cataldi sent the renewal for the “Gone Fishin” Band, he expressed his enjoyment of the newsletter, and hopes to make our festival in Aug. We hope you can, and look forward to meeting you all.

Chuck and Sharon Foultz gave a family membership as a gift to Chuck's son, - thanks folks, and this is always a nice gift for birthdays, Christmas, etc. Think about it.

Well folks, this ends the material I've collected for this visit, so will close by asking each of you to please do this for me – COPY the flyer found on page 7 in this newsletter, (more than one would be even better) and post in your area. (Not sure of my plans yet, but sincerely hope I'll be able to be there – remember – it's OUR FESTIVAL

Helen
(Helen Weldon)

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