Ramblin' with Helen

I can’t believe it is time for another “visit” but the calendar indicates that it is, so here goes. Expressions of Sympathy were sent to Joy and Ray Crouch on the passing of Joy’s brother in Alaska on Oct. 12 th. As Joy says, she is so thankful she was able to spend two weeks with him, he is now free from suffering, and in a far better place. We are never ready to let our loved ones go, but must believe that God knows best. On Oct. 14 th, Joy had the misfortune of falling asleep at the wheel and totaled their car. Other than lots of black and blues, she is fine, and when I sent her a card, I told her how glad we all were of that – you can get new cars, but not new bodies!! Do take care Joy, get back to driving, and best to you always.

On Fri. evening, Oct. 8 th, I had the pleasure of attending the Masonic Apron Presentation Dinner for the Cayuga-Tompkins District at the Sunset Restaurant in Auburn. During the evening our CNYBA member Bill Szabo was presented with a beautiful Dedicated Service Apron for his dedicated service over the years to his F & AM Masonic Lodge in Ithaca. We all are well aware of Bill’s dedication and support over the years to CNYBA, and what an honor for his lodge to recognize those same qualities. CONGRATULATIONS BILL, and was so glad to be able to share the evening with such a dear friend.

At the same meeting, CatoLodge #141 was presented the Richard Athorp Plaque, a very prestigious award given to the lodge, chosen by the D.D.G.M., for their efforts at various programs that benefit both the lodge and public. Along with their monthly pancake breakfasts, they pick-up the highway between Cato and Meridian, sponsor 2 bloodmobiles each year, hold a monthly luncheon, furnish refreshments for Halloween and Christmas parties for the village, Child ID tapings operate a milkshake machine at local Field Days and several other activities – all with less than 20 members participating!. Folks, our support of their breakfasts each month helped them attain this award, and know they thank you for it.

BRUCE CUTTLER reports that KNGR radio has extended “Gospel Doings” to two hours, and is on the web at www.kingcountry.org on Sat. evenings at 7 pm eastern time, as well as on WACK 1460 in Newark, N.Y. on Sun. mornings at 6:30 am. THANKS to Sarah Lyndaker for her package of all kinds of cards which will be put to good use, to both Sarah and Dale for their most generous donation towards postage, and to Roy Murphy for the book of stamps.

Speaking of renewals, remember, you do not have to cut up your newsletter, just send your check, and if any changes, put them on a piece of paper, as have all the information needed in my files.

I have enjoyed phone messages from our “Doodle Dee Do” fiddler, Peter Hoysic and from Emma Teachout. Peter says he is doing so-so, but I assure you he still has his wonderful sense of humor. Emma is getting situated in her new home, and I know both of these folks would enjoy mail – Peter at: 7396 N. Centenary Rd., Sodus, N.Y. 14551 or a phone call at 315-438-4895, and Emma at: Buckley Landing, Room 411A, 7430 Buckley Rd., N. Syracuse, N.Y. 13212 or a phone call at 315-458-6057.

When Jessie Fish sent her renewal, she spoke about hearing that our festival was good talent-wise this year, and did her first multi-day festival this year at WindGap. She hopes to make ours in 2005 and will look forward to seeing you Jessie.

I had an email last week from Peg Miller telling me that Jerry has started with a new team of doctors, including a spine specialist and is working with a pain clinic. He had lost 85 pounds and is very depressed. Another email on 10/27 indicates Jerry has been under going lots of tests, and again is in the “wait and see” mode. Folks, please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers, and keep some mail going to: 6290 Pottery Rd., Warners, N.Y. 13164; phone 315-487-6920 and email: pjmiller@usadatanet.net.Jerry is a long-time, dedicated member, presently a board member, and needs our support.

Included in Donna Walter’s email was the information that she had the work done on her shoulder to unfreeze it after surgery. It went well and she is going to therapy everyday, which gets a bit old, as is two hours per day, but is working. Thank goodness for that, Donna. She also wrote that they saw Ron Feinberg who used to play fiddle with the Fox Family when they first started. He asked about the people in CNY and misses them and the area. He teaches music in Long Island, is married to Alecia, and have three children ages 8, 6 and 5. He has now formed a band with some friends. One of the members is a girl who grew up in the Adirondacks and misses it. She is an excellent musician and they are hoping to get to play in the CNY area. I heard their demo and it is very good. I look forward to seeing them. Ron looks the same – a little more mature and a little heavier, but has the same big smile. Thanks for telling us about this Donna.

BRUCE CUTLER receives AWARD: - at a recent Award Ceremony, Bruce was presented a award for “EXCELLENCE in RADIO and RECORDING” given in memory of Dave Hall by the Country Gospel Music Guild. Congratulations Bruce, and keep up the good work.

Remember our ALL-STAR JAMBOREE on Sun., Nov. 28 th at the VFW in Baldwinsville. We MUST have your SUPPORT by ATTENDING this event as additional funds must be raised to continue to have our FESTIVAL grow each year. THANKS to Betty Humphrey for all her efforts in finding the location; to Ed Campbell for getting the THREE BANDS to donate their talents, and to ALL who have or will work to make this event a HUGE SUCCESS…we do need it!! Hope to be able to attend and see all of you there.

So long for this visit, and may each of you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and loved ones.

...Helen