NEWS AND TIDBITS

JULY/AUGUST - 2004

Ramblin' with Helen
by Helen Weldon

First things first – when I realized that once again I’d “ goofed” the address portion of the June newsletter, I fully expected a “call” from Thayle about it! Each time she did it, we shared a conversation and a good laugh over it. I’m determined to have it right for this issue, and if not, then it is time to have a new editor take over the job – “three times and you’re out” is my decision!!

From the emails and notes from members renewing, I understand the attendance at our Annual Picnic was small, but the ham was delicious, (thanks to Marion Lamont), the rain held off until all had eaten, and there was lots of good music. I would have liked to have joined you, but as I’ve said before, my “broom” doesn’t handle long trips very well!!

A big “THANK YOU” to Donna Burleton, Joseph Greco and Bert and Alice Mehlenbacker for your generous additional donations included with your renewals. Every dollar helps towards postage, etc. and greatly appreciated. Peter Carr, our treasurer, called to tell me that he had received a most generous check from Jacqui McCarthy, which included membership dues for 5 years. THANKS Jacqui, for both. Along with his renewal, Howard DeGroff included a book of stamps, something that is always welcomed – thanks Howard. Our president, Bob Hayden sent me two books of stamps, along with several very pretty Thank-You Cards to be used for those sending me donations for “THAYLE’S MEMORY FUND”. Elsewhere, in this newsletter, you will see that the response has not been what I thought it might be, but there is still time. I hope many of you will send a donation (none is too small), to reach me by July 27 th. I’m keeping in touch with her daughter, Roberta, and she hopes to be moved before school starts in September, as the loss of her grandmother and mother meant not being able to keep the house they were buying together. Roberta feels perhaps that will be best for all, as going from a 4-generation home to a 2-generation one, needs a new start. THANKS Bob for the stamps and cards, and hope many will be used real soon.

Our member, Homer Reynolds, had a 4-by-pass open heart surgery on June 9 th, and had a letter from him written on June 30 th saying he was “hanging-in-there”. Of course, due to him not being able to work in his garden, it was the “best one” in years, but he says he has time to put in another one later!! He will be starting a heart program on July 6 th for 12 weeks – thus hoping to help him make his heart stronger. I know mail sent to: 130 Lynnwayne Circle, Havelach, NC 28532-9432 would help brighten Homer’s days. Please take a minute and send a note or card as he asked me to say “HI” to any of the “ole gang” who might remember him. How could we forget you, Homer??

I received an email from a classmate I graduated with, telling me when she went to the Annual Cancer Survivors Luncheon in Syracuse, she sat with the wife of our member, Ronald Oster. Phyllis had been in remission, but is now again taking treatments, so also feel a cheery note or card to: 3179 Clock Rd., Canastota, NY 13022 would be a good morale booster. One only has to be “laid up” for a period of time to know how much mail means, so when asked, please take a minute to send some. THANKS.

I’ve had several phone conversations with Donna Walter, and glad to report her shoulder is beginning to “work” some, but is still very painful. Taking some time out from trying to clear out her Mom’s house in Fabius, they attended one day of the Norwich Festival, and Donna spoke how good it was to see and visit with Mary Carr, someone who needs our thoughts and prayers, and also a card now and then. (Her address is same as Pete’s, which is on the first page).

I saw the following ad in our local pennysaver, and decided to share it as it has a Weedsport phone number: WANTED – SOMEONE to teach guitar to me. I don’t read music at all, but I’m willing to learn, please call 834-6355. If any of you contact this person, I would like to hear the results.

On 7/1, I received an email from a Brent Sanders, a painter of bluegrass scenes, inviting me to view his most recent ones. His site is: www.brentsanders.com and his email address is: BdandDzine@aol.com . I’m no art critic, but thought perhaps some of you might like to take a look at it.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a message left on my answering machine from Emma Teachout, but she couldn’t remember the phone number from where she was calling from. Before I started writing this “book”, on 7/5, I tried to call Loren at work, but got no answer, the same results I got when I tried on 7/3, so one of my priorities for our Sept. visit is to get in touch and find out where and how Emma is doing. Remember, all of you, Teachout’s are in our thoughts.

Perhaps I will also have some interesting news about our 6 th ANNUAL APPLEVALLEY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, and am looking forward to seeing and visiting with many of your at our CNYBA Information Table under the tent. REMEMBER to ORDER your ADVANCE TICKETS by July 23 rd from Mary Anne Burns, and bring your “NO LONGER NEEDED TREASURES” to Sue Hayden for her popular Flea Market Booth. Plan now to come and see WHO the Annual IRENE THURSTON and BUD ARTLIP AWARD recipients are, take some 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS, and TICKETS on the very beautiful WHITE AFGHAN donated by Maryan VanDusen to further help “THAYLE’S MEMORY FUND”, to make and renew old friendships, all while enjoying the wonderful music by our great line-up of bands!! See you there…Until next time, remember – “Life is fortified by many friendships – to love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence”…

BREAKING NEWS: I had an email from PEG MILLER on Friday evening, 7/9 that JERRY had been admitted in the hospital for tests. They have him on a nutritional IV, trying to build him up for possible gallbladder surgery in a few days. An email on Sunday, 7/11 found him feeling some better and since his birthday was on the 10 th, Peg said the nurses really “pampered” him, and of course Jerry enjoyed it!! Please keep them both in your prayers, and let’s give him a real card shower to: 6290 Pottery Rd., Warners, NY 13164. (I’ve had a suggestion to start a PRAYER LIST, and will pursue this in the September newsletter…send me names you want included.)

(Folks, this is my first attempt at doing the newsletter completely by myself, on my computer. Please excuse the typing errors, and hopefully as the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”…so too I will get better!! Please bear with me, and thanks.)