NEWS AND TIDBITS

September - 2004

Ramblin' with Helen
by Helen Weldon

Another festival is behind us, and on Sunday, September 12, another year for our association will begin. Congratulations to the out-going officers: President Bob Hayden, and Vice-President, Jack Burns, for a "job well done" the last two years. Thanks also to board members Sam Murphy and Karl Paisley for serving their terms and help in keeping our association alive and active. To our New Officers: President, Ed Campbell, Vice-President, Sam Murphy, Treasurer, Pete Carr, Secretary, Bill Light, and Board Members: Ray Crouch (3 years), Marion LaMont (3 years) and Jerry Miller (1 year), Best Wishes as you "take over the reins" for 2005. With the cooperation of all, CNYBA can and will grow!

I am sure many of you remember Howard Bonner from Canada, and want you to know he is a proud Grandpa for the first time! In june, his daughter Kim, presented him with Abrigal Elizabeth Compeau, 8 pounds 10 ounces, and Grandpa reports she is a "charmer"! Congratulations, Howard.

Once again, Bruce Cutler's radio show, "Gospel Doings" has been nominated for an award from the Country Gospel Music Guild. Good Luck, Bruce, and keep me informed of the results.

I had a nice visit with Emma Teachout this week, and she hopes to be moved to an assisted living home in Liverpool, possibly by the end of August. This will be closer and I hope some of us will be able to visit her. She enjoyed going to Bill Knowlton's Bluegrass Ramble Picnic with all the Salmon River Boys, something she was unable to do last year. As soon as I have her new address and phone number, I'll let you all know it, as mail and phone calls make one's day much brighter.

When Winnie Jones sent her donation to "Thayle's Memory Fund", she wrote that family weddings, granddaughter's graduation, etc., kept them from attending our festival, the Norwich Festival, and Pickin' in the Pasture, so they have decided they will have to look forward to Bluegrass in Florida this winter! David's brother who was in that bad motorcycle accident last year is improving slowly. In September, they will decide if they can remove the tracheotomy, as that causes him more problems than the loss of his leg. Please keep them all in your prayers

When Pete Carr sent me the checks for the July/August newsletter, he sent a note telling me that the Norwich Festival had good music, but the crowd was down, and they enjoyed going to Montour falls an Tioga Center.

Please keep Jerry and Peg Miller in your prayers, as they endure the "waiting game" of frustration in trying to determine just what Jerry's health problem is. Folks, we do care.

Sharon Foultz recently underwent a test that consisted of putting a "camera" down her throat to check on problems. She is so thankful to report that the tests came back with good results, and a "miracle once-a-day pill is taking care of everything! We are all very thankful for you too, Sharon.

Donna and Bob Walter were so disappointed that they had to miss our festival, but guess things finally "caught-up" with them. They have been working almost non-stop since coming north, cleaning out her Mother's home, ready for selling. Anyone who has had to do that job, fully understands what they are going through, and what a job it is. Donna was also "entertaining" a nasty "bug" and didn't want to pass it on to anyone. You folks were missed, I assure you, as several remarked and inquired as to not seeing you with us.

While sitting at the CNYBA's headquarter's table at our festival, I enjoyed visiting with many of our members and learned several things!! A big "thank you" is due Charlotte Noftizer, the winner of the 2 free tickets from last year's "Survey" drawing. She gave a check to CNYBA for them, as she wants to see our festival continue!

George Hall has had recent surgery repair on his heart, and his last check-up resulted in the doctor telling him to "keep doing what he has been doing" - but of course George didn't tell me what that was or had been!!

Carol Grant has a appointment in the near future to have an artery cleaned out - keep her in your prayers.

When long time member, Gary Smith, renewed his membership at the festival, he changed it to a family one, as he took a lovely lady by the name of Lynne as his bride last August 7. Congratulations to both, and those who attended the Gospel Show on Sunday morning got to enjoy their beuatiful voices, along with their auto-harp and guitar music.

It was so nice to see David Prine and have him rejoin our Association. He travels and now makes his home in Florida.

Another unexpected pleasure was seeing and having a nice visit with Doug Bartlett, and have him join one of the bands during their performance. Folks, other than some "gray" hairs, he hasn't changed a bit.

A "hidden talent" was revealed when Maryann VanDusen filled in for MC, Ed Campbell, while he went to get Cathy from work!! A great job, Maryann, and the next time will be easier!! Nancy Brown and Dee from WSCP were also MC's, and did a good job of keeping us informed. I was so sorry to miss our retired MC - Vernon Loucks, who "manned" the mike Thursday evening. Vern and his dear wife, Olive, are very busy moving into their new home and folks, we wish you the very best, and many years of happiness there.

John Crouch, festival photograper, kept busy taking picutres, and please keep him and his wife, Martha, in your prayers. He told me she had just gone back to the nursing home from the hospital.

Elsewhere in this newsletter, is a "thank you" from Bud Shortslef, regarding his retirement as bass player with Andy Pawlenko and the "Smokey Hollow Boys" band. It sure did seem strange not to see him on stage, but, Bud, from one and all - the very best to you always, and will be looking forward to seeing you out and about!

The Talent Show, under the direction of John Wilmot, had 5 contestants, and being unable to determine by the audience's applause, (each one sounded the same to me too) each one received $20. Thanks John, for your efforts, putting up the prize money, etc. - a job well done, and also for selling the tickets for the guitar and auto-harp raffles.

Speaking of raffles, a big "thank you" is also due Carol Grant for the fantastic job she did on the two 50/50 raffles.

Our festival program was most professional looking this year, and thanks to the untiring effors of Bob Hayden, the financial support of Byrne Dairy, Cathedral Candle Company and Strathmore Paints paid for the printing. It also carried most appropriate dedications to Thayl Phair and Ardy Pawlenko, both of whom are missed so much by us all.

Last, but most important, I want all to know that I was again able to enjoy our festival Friday throught Sunday, thanks to the generosity of Ed and Cathy Campbell, who had my "home away from home" all waiting for me when my good friend Sally's husband, Gordon brought me down, and my daughter, Betty Jane, came after me on Sunday afternoon. I am so blessed with so many caring friends, that words just aren't adequate, but will continue to try, by working all the harder for CNYBA! Until our next visit, remember - "Good habits are as addictive as bad habits, and a lot more rewarding!!

...Helen