NEWS AND TIDBITS

October - 2004

Ramblin' with Helen

I woke up this morning (9/26) to the sound of many geese...this is the time of year I dread hearing them as I know what is coming around the corner!! Oh well, the weather is one thing we have no control over. Speaking of that -- I pray none of our members lost their homes in the terrible hurricanes that have been taking place in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and elsewhere.

I had a call from Donna Walter on the 25th saying they were planning on flying down in a couple of days to their place in Lillian, Alabama, as they had received word that "Ivan" had caused severe damage to their campsite. Many units were all gone, but theirs was still standing. As she said, they won't know the extent of damage until they get there, but was told all the trees, etc. are gone. Please keep them in your prayers, as Bob canceled an appointment with his heart doctor, to go down to help their elderly neighbor who lost everything and has no one to turn to. I'm not surprised at this, as that's the type both of them are.

THANK YOU to Betty Humphrey for calling my attention to the fact that in typing the new officers for the front page of the September newsletter, I transposed the first 3 numbers of our President's phone number. After several attempts and leaving a message on someone else's machine, she double checked and noticed that further down under MC that it was different! When she tried that number, it brought positive results. I'm sorry, and am asking each of you to check the newsletter each month, as folks, I'm only human, and do make many mistakes...just give me a call when you find one.

I received a nice note from Olive Loucks with their new address: 629 Lakeport Road, Chittenango, NY 13037, and their phone number is: 315-687-3178. She said they are living in a "disaster area", but knows it will be much more convenient when they are settled in. It sure would be wonderful if everyone had the "get-up and go" that this couple has!! One of their many tasks they do for others is now taking 93 year old Aunt Gertrude (who has to have a shot every day) each Saturday and Sunday for them, and has to be there at 8 AM! You folks are "the salt of the earth", and we all are truly blessed having you as members and dear friends.

When I received a change in the address of a long time member, Donald Weeks, his letter told of a terrible loss and tragedy to him last April 19th. His house burned to the ground, losing everything he owned, and took the life of Gerry Stewart, his companion of 18 years. It was Gerry who introduced Don to Bluegrass 17 years ago, and he says he has been "hooked" on it every since and will keep on attending our festivals. I sent Don an expression of sympathy, and folks, I know a friendly note, or "Thinking of You" card sent to Donald Weeks, PO Box 386, Parish, NY, would bring a bit of happiness to him. I'm so sorry, Don.

I had a phone message left for me from Rex Teachout, telling me that Emma has been moved to: Buckley Landing, Room 411A, 7430 Buckley Rd, North Syracuse, NY, 13212. This is closer for the family to come and visit, and hopefully, if any of you are in the vicinity, you will stop in and say hello. Her phone number is: 315-458-6057. Emma, I will give you a call soon and hopefully will get the chance to visit you too.

Sharon and Chuck Foultz planned to come to our September meeting, but on September 2nd, with 2 bags pf groceries in her arms, Sharon tripped over her grandchildren's kitten, and badly stretched and bruised the tendon in her left leg. She has it in a brace, and on the 20th was scheduled for an MRI, as she can't bend the leg. Her best friend right now is called, "ICE PACKS"! A card was sent, and Sharon, we hope each day finds you gaining and more comfortable.

Speaking of the meeting, the attendance was small, but am sure many were out enjoying our "late summer" weather! The time has now arrived for us to enforce the decision made at the January 2004 meeting: No Music Playing will take place in any of the rooms during our business meeting. President Ed Campbell, appointed Jack Burns as "Sergeant of Arms" to enforce this decision. We are keeping our meetings short, and everyone is welcome and urged to come to the meeting. I receive copies of other newsletters, and this procedure is "the way" at their club meetings, so let's all cooperate and give it a try.

When James Reams sent in his renewal, he said to "say HELLO" to everyone, and if I saw Bud Shortslef, to tell him a "special hello"! OK, Bud, here it is.

Our long time member, Kathleen Mayhew, has moved to her daughter's home. She spoke about enjoying the "Ramblin", and always asks God to Bless each and everyone. She has her 62nd class reunion coming up, and looks forward to attending. Congratulations, Kathleen, and may you get to enjoy many more.

Jean Tupper, another long time member and supporter of all our events, sent a nice long letter with her renewal. She missed our festival for the first time, due to waiting all day Friday for a service man, who came at 3 and was there only an hour! She asked about the plans for our Christmas Party, as her brother and sister-in-law come with her, and expressed their delight at last year's bands. Jean, details are elsewhere in the newsletter, and you'll be glad to see one of the bands is returning for this year.

After the September newsletter went to press, I received a nice letter from Homer Reynolds. He is doing fine since his by-pass surgery, and has been given the ok to return to work. However, the doctor told him to remember, he is no longer 20, and it is up to him to take care of himself. It has been real hot there, and the remains of "Ivan" brought them 7 inches of water and lots of bugs. He said to say "HI" to all that remember him. Many of us do, Homer.

I had two requests that were acted upon at our September meeting. First, it has become a problem for me to get the newsletter to the printer, so asked the board to request the membership to allow me to mail the copy to the printer, and they UPS it back to me at the cost of $5.22 per month. I will take care of the mailing of it. Secondly, I nominated our long time and esteemed member, Andy Pawlenko for Honorary Membership in CNYBA. Both requests were voted and passed, and Andy, you will be receiving your certificate sometime soon.

Renewal time brought a nice long letter from "Soc" Nellis, and your kind words regarding my hard work and dedication on the membership and sunshine committees, and now taking on the job as Editor are greatly appreciated. It's always nice to know one's efforts are appreciated, and am made aware of that time and time again. "Soc" is the one who wrote his World War II Memoirs, and I've spoken about them at various times. They were recently published in the local Tri-Town Newspaper (Sidney, NY), and he is still getting letter, phone calls, etc. regarding how much people enjoyed reading them. Soc, I assure you they are well worth reading, and you deserve each and every call or letter you receive.

He sent a SASE and a book of stamps along with his renewal, and thanks to you, Robert Hook, Leslie Lash, Norman and Otilla Fey, Jean Tupper, Betsy VanNostrand for your monetary or stamp donations, and to all those who included a SASE. They all do help the cause.

Folks, I completed my work as chairman of "Thayle's Memory Fund", when her daughter Roberta and grandson Cody came to visit me on September 18th. We had a nice visit, and assure you tears were shed when she opened the beautiful card and check for $1000. Words are few to express my sincere thanks to each and everyone who in any way contributed to make it the success it was. I had three donations given to me at the September meeting, and my suggestion that the Association bring it up to the final total was accepted. You all are the greatest!

Roberta assured me, that in time you will hear from her. They have moved into an apartment, and are working hard to carry on. Keep them in your prayers. Until our next visit, remember -- The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.