A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU from the Officers and Board of Directors of CNYBA!

I hope all of our members who wanted to attend made your reservations for our December 10th Christmas Party--Thunder Mountain Bluegrass from Mass. will be entertaining as well as Andy Pawlenko and the Smokey Hollow Boys. We are all looking forward to good fellowship, great music and a scrumptious buffet.

Many thanks to Helen Weldon and her daughter Betty Jane for making our favors and many thanks to Marion LaMont and Sam Murphy for making the centerpieces. These contributions will make our party very festive.

As the year 2000 runs out, I think back to our past year and feel very fortunate for the Officers and Board Members who have worked so very hard for the prosperity of our organization. Working side-by-side with each and every one of them has made the year 2000 enjoyable and a learning experience. I am very proud to be part of a group that is so dedicated to their principles. Although our music is straying beyond what we represent--as is the case all over--I feel that every note played comes from the heart of the person(s) performing. Bluegrass is what we represent and bluegrass is what we should present. I am looking forward to another year filled with music and fellowship.

Thayle

The Salmon River Boys entertained us at Raphael's Restaurant on November 26 for our monthly jamboree. Their professionalism was obvious as they played for many hours, offering a wide variety of music which was enjoyed by a sizable crowd. During intermission we were entertained by Joe Bedus who played harmonica and accordian--first time entertaining a crown and doing a greatjob. Also playing during intermission were Ray Crouch, Carol McGinley, Rod Macomber and Jim Hackett--as usual doing a super job. Thanks to all.

If anyone is interested in "old" musicians and instruments--you will enjoy this website:
http://www.locksley.com/pics/banjpi42.htm. Thanks Karl for the address.

If anyone has pictures and/or clippings that pertain to CNYBA and would like to include them in an album, please
end them to Thayle.

A tribute to Josh Graves, a dobro player who lost both legs, will be held February 4, 2001 in Nashville, TN and everyone is invited to attend. Bob Larsen, B-730, Manotick, Ontario, K4M1A6. Or blueheron@sprint.ca is heading this tribute. Bob is asking all dobro players to please send a picture and a note to Josh via Bob Larsen at either address above. Thanks

Ed Deaver would like instruction on playing his banjo -- 598-8898.

Welcome new members: Mary E Bertram, Ronald De Peyster, Evelyn Downs, Ronald Oster, Sylvia (Marge) Palmer, Robert Sahm and Jim Sawtell.

Ramblin' with Helen - by Helen Weldon

Well folks, the 2nd biggest day of "SHOPPING' is behind us - wonder how many of you were out there in the crowds.....I can assure you I WAS NOT - that's not my "cup-of-tea"! Hope all of you made your reservations with Thayle for our Annual Christmas Party on Dec. 10th at Raphael's. I picked up the table favors from my daughter when I returned from Kansas on Nov. 15th and they are really "neat"! These, along with the centerpieces, etc, will add much to our party atmosphere. Hope to see many of you there.

In last month's "Ramblin" I reported on the illness of our beloved Norma "Granny" Sweet, and regret to have to inform you that she joined our "CNYBA Bluegrass Heaven Band" on Thursday, Nov. 2nd, and am sure she's already "fiddlin" up a storm. Over 200 people including relatives, friends, former and present students filled the Fulton Municipal Building on Sunday, Nov. 19th for a lasting tribute to one who "gave so much to so many". Norma was an Honorary Member of CNYBA; named to the New York State Fiddlers Hall of Fame; the New York Country Music Hall of Fame, and in 1993 she received a Jefferson Award for Community Service. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Charles E.; three daughters, Kathy Kinney of Fulton, Karol Woolson of Baldwinsville, Barbara Claxton of Asheville, NY; a son Frederick of Pickins, SC; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Expressions of ympathy were sent to her family, assuring them that we who knew her, felt our lives had been enriched for it, and that our thoughts and prayers were with them all. Rest in peace Norma- you earned it.

During a conversation with Loren Teachout (he called for an address) I learned that his mother's sister-in-law, Ethel Hilton had just passed away. Our Sympathy and prayers are with her, and we also hope that soon they will , at last, get Loren's mother's medication straightened out.

Rod Macomber's wife had surgery early in November and a "thinking of you" card was sent her way.

Joy Crouch (Ray's wife) spent several days in Lee Memorial Hospital in Fulton and at the present time I think she is home. I sent her cards and kept in touch with Ray by phone. There was no answer there as I write this, so hope that means she's "out and about". It wouldn't hurt to send her a "Thinking-of-You" card--2105 C. Rt. 45, Fulton, NY13069.

Expressions of sympathy were also sent to Tom and Joni Russell, on the passing of Tom's mother on November 12th. I'm sure notes would be appreciated in their household too - 2521 E Maple Terrace, Marcellus, NY13108-1211.

Many thanks to Sarah and Dale Lyndaker for their generous donation for our treasury when they renewed their membership. As I've said before - "Every bit helps - large or small - it all adds up". I had a phone call from Peter Hoysic this past week thanking me for his cards, and everyone's concern. He is progressing, but still in lots of pain; but assured me we would see him and his family at our Christmas Party - but didn't reveal the color his hair would be!

Had a nice note from Mary Phillips regarding the card and note I sent to her - she is gaining slowly, and hopes to make our Christmas Party also. We all hope you will be there, Mary.

I decorated postcards with appropriate stickers for both Halloween and Thanksgiving and sent them to 12 of our "shut-ins" or "needing special thoughts" members. I hope I didn't miss too many and if I did, please be assured it was not intentional, and will try and "pick-you-up" at Christmas time.

Have had a couple visits with Mary Carr since our last "visit", and ask you all to keep her and Peter in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

A "birdie" let me know that a very special "guy" was 40 on November 25th - namely Perry Cleaveland! Congratulations Perry - hope you had a big celebration, and regardless of what anyone says - being 40 isn't bad at all--I know as I was that age a LONG TIME AGO!

Well folks, enough is enough - may I be one of the first to wish you a very 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' and "A HAPPY NEW YEAR". My prayer is that you can spend them with loved ones, and that the year 2001 will bring good health and much happiness to each of you.

Until next time, remember - " To love and be loved is the greatest joy in the world".

Helen

Written by Thayle Phair,Secretary/Editor CNYBA

CNYBA
PO Box 491
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
www.cnyba.com
Copyright 2002
All Rights Reserved.