NEWS and TIDBITS for NOVEMBER 2003 Congratulations to Bruce Cutler who received The Golden Harp Award, award in memory of Dave Hall who was a member of the Country Music Guild of Hot Springs, AR. This award was given to those who show excellence in radio and recording. Great job done, Bruce.
Congratulations During her visit to Lake Placid with the Eastern Stars, Helen Weldon was awarded with a very prestigious award, the Elizabeth L. Pounder Award. This award is given to people who go out of their way to perform good deeds for others, their chapter, and the community. Letters of recommendation from Star members from all over New York State determined the winner of this award. A well-deserved winner, indeed, Helen. I can't think of anyone more deserving. Congratulations from all your friends from CNYBA.
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Ramblin' with Helen By Helen Weldon
Where do the days go? I returned from Lake Placid on Friday the 17th, and of course had to "visit" with my dear buddy Thayle via e-mail. When I opened a return message from her today (the 21st) she asked if she could have my "Ramblin" by this weekend, and I hadn't even given it a thought that it was time for another visit! Oh well, just a "senior moment", and I told myself to get my act together!
Our association lost a charter and very supportive member with the passing of Bob Klaben on Thursday, October 2nd. Bob was born in Syracuse, and was a life resident of the area. His aunt, Mrs. Mary Phillips and several first cousins survived him. I have received an appreciation note from his aunt, and I know she would appreciate notes from our members 3472 Warners Rd., Camillus, N.Y. 13031. Calling hours were Sunday, October 5th between the hours of 4 and 9 at the Luciaris Memorial Chapel, 315 Bridge St., Solvay, and the funeral services were held there on Monday, October 6th at 9:30, with burial in Belle Isle Cemetery. When I read Bob's obituary in the paper, I e-mailed Dick DeNeve for the address of Bob's aunt, and asked him for some facts about Bob that I could share with you all. Many thanks, Dick, for your prompt reply, and your help in allowing me to pay a fitting tribute to a most-deserving member. Bob was an only child, born on July 15, 1932, and became very close to his Aunt Mary after his stepmother passed away. She is the last of Bob's parents' generation, one of about 14 on his father's side, and is a "young 94", uses a cane to get around; but her mind is sharp as a tack! Bob was one of the pioneers of bluegrass in the area, and he, along with his cousins John and Paul Klaben (Loretta DeNeve's brothers), and Bill Howard Smith had the first organized band in the area, a few months earlier than the Down City Ramblers. Loretta says Bob got enthused about bluegrass in the Army, and got more into it while a college student in Georgia where he played mandolin. Bill Howard got him started on the banjo in 1955. Just after Loretta and Dick got married, they, along with Bob and Loretta's brother, Paul, formed the Bluegrass Highlighters. Bob has played in several other bands including Andy Pawlenko's, one with Fred Bartlett, one with Bill Smith and his wife, and one from down South. Despite his occasional temper, Bob was really a gentle soul, with a sense of humor. He fostered the bluegrass genre in the area for nearly 50 years, and probably knew its roots and early history better than most people. He also gave banjo and guitar lessons at times, just to have someone to pick with. Music was one of Bob's few passions; as years ago he used to do hang gliding behind a boat; and in recent years enjoyed ice hockey. He was a good nurseryman, being owner and operator of Klaben's Nursery since 1954, and was one of the first to bring rhododendrons to the area. He graduated from the University of Georgia, and completed graduate work at Syracuse and Cornell Universities. Bob became fearful of cancer, and took every precaution to protect himself; and is ironic that in the end two forms of internal cancer-leukemia and prostate-were what eventually took him from us. Bob was a charter and honorary member, served on our board of directors for several years, and was the financial backing when Ralph Stanley entertained us at one of our Christmas parties, and concerts in Mexico and Cortland. I know many of you have your own special memories of Bob, and a couple of mine are the times he spent way into the wee hours of the morning visiting my late husband on our front porch, and the many, many times seeing him and the late June Rotach picking and singing together after our meetings. Bob, I'm sure you are already playing with all our other dear departed members, may you rest in peace-you certainly earned it.
Now for some good news when Perry Cleaveland renewed his membership, he told me that he and Caren are busy trying to beat the weather, getting their new home/business together. They moved to Waterloo, N.Y. this past April and plan to open a portion of the house up as a bed and breakfast. It will be called "The Gridley Inn" (in remembrance of the original 1869 owner, Charles Gridley). We wish you much success in your new endeavor, and they can be reached at 36 W. Main St., Waterloo, N.Y. (315 539-5192) or e-mail (pcleaveland @hotmail. com). Perry also told me that Mother "Max" had a heart catherization a few weeks ago, and is doing well. Her hip is still very painful, but she isn't ready for the replacement just yet. Perhaps a card or note to her at Brighton Tower Apts. #1704, 821 E. Brighton Ave., Syracuse, 13205 would brighten her days.
A sincere thanks to Dale & Sarah Lyndaker, Norman & Otilla Fey, and Richard Ryczek for their generous monetary donations toward postage. To Catherine & Ronald Roloson for a book of stamps, and Roy Murphy for three books of stamps, a big thank you also; and these will enable me to not have to get any postage money from our treasurer for a long time.
I received a nice "thank you" from "Soc" Nellis for the gift of the CNYBA 25th Anniversary CD. He says both he and Jan are enjoying it immensely, and feel we certainly have great talent here in New York. Through a very reliable source, I learned that our beloved Andy Pawlenko is doing much better after changing doctors. As Andy said, "he went through me like a dose of salts", and all say it is so good to see the sparkle in his eyes and spring in his step again. We are so happy to hear this, as Andy, you are loved by one and all.
What a shock it was to learn of the sudden passing of Farmer Brown on Saturday, October 4th. Having one of my sleepless nights, I turned my radio on and was surprised to hear a strange voice announcing the songs and many references to it being a tribute to Farmer. As time passed, I became aware that something had happened, and finally Nancy came on and told of his sudden passing about noon on Saturday. Donald (Farmer) Brown was a retired farmer, and well-known all over the United States from his radio program of old-time music. He is survived by his wife Nancy, one daughter, two sons, two sisters and nine grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on October 8th at the Open Door Baptist Church in New Woodstock, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Calling hours were Tuesday, October 7th between 2 and 4 and 7 to 9 at the Tait Funeral Home, 2333 Fenner Rd., Cazenovia, N.Y. At this writing, Nancy is continuing the show, and hopes people will continue to send contributions to her at: Cary's Hill Rd., Chittenango, N.Y. 13037. I listened in to the October 12th show, and she was calling it "Grandma Brown's Parlor"; and am not sure, but think it will only be from 12 midnight to 3 a.m. from now on; as she said she needs to get some rest as she has to continue to work her fulltime job. Please keep the Brown family in your prayers and send Nancy a note. Farmer was a MC at our festivals, always a colorful, jolly person who could be found 'cloggin up a storm' most anytime! I know he will be missed by many; and may you rest in peace, Farmer.
Our Christmas Party is fast approaching, and elsewhere in this newsletter you will find a reservation form, so mark your calendars now, and send your reservations in. I hope I will be able to make it again this year, but only time will tell whether or not I have a way to get there. Just remember to pray for good weather!
What a pleasure it was to see our member Maria Revutsky, along with her daughter and two beautiful grandsons from France at the breakfast on October 12th. After visiting with them, I learned that they hope to move back to the states after the first of the year. And I know that will make a proud Grandma and Grandpa Revutsky very happy!
I heard that Cora Sturge's husband (who had been ill for a long time) passed away recently. Due to my going to Lake Placid, it slipped my mind and Cora; I apologize for being so late in expressing our sympathy. Notes can be sent to: 116 State St., Apt. 208, Phoenix, N.Y. 13135.
I received a phone call Sunday night from Donna Walter telling me she and Bob had a wonderful time at IBMA in Kentucky, and are now settled in at their winter "home" in Lillian, Alabama. Donna needs our thoughts and prayers as she has some health problems. Folks, enjoy the warm weather-its really COLD here!
As I was just finishing up typing this "book", I had a phone call interruption from our editor, and folks, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She spent most of yesterday (October 21st) in the hospital due to severe pain, and was put on a new medication. She has an appointment on Halloween (it had better be a "treat") with another specialist, whom I pray will be able to do something to help here. Hang in there, Thayle, we all are "pullin" for you. I received a phone call from Thayle on Sunday, October 26th asking if I could finish the newsletter, as she was just too sick to do it. Of course, I said "yes", and her daughter brought it to me on Tuesday, October 27th. Because I'm "computer illiterate" my daughter, Betty Jane, came out on Friday and typed the Ramblin, so was able to let you know about Thayle. She needs some "spirit lifting" so please send a card or note her way NOW. Thanks.
Hope you see more of you at our November 9th meeting, and until our new visit remember "to make a long story short, don't tell it"!
Helen
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