Ramblin' with Helen

For all you “snowbirds”, thought you’d like to know we have been having some fabulous Nov. days, with temperatures reaching the high 50’s and low 40’s at night!! However, Thanksgiving night changed things, and Friday morning found everything covered with that WHITE STUFF called SNOW; but those good days can’t be taken back! I hope each of you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving spent with family and/or friends – all loved ones.

My “writing cramps” was all worth it from the emails, calls, etc. that I have received thanking me for letting you know about our president’s unfortunate accident. A special THANKS to my good buddy, Joy Crouch for all the emails she sent for me to get the word out , because I wanted mail to start going his way before waiting for the newsletter to get to you. You did a great job Joy! I talked to Ed the first of the week before Thanksgiving, and he had just gotten in from driving himself to his therapy. I’m not convinced that is what the doctor ordered, but being the type of guy he is, he said he just couldn’t see someone taking time to wait on him any longer, so did it anyways!! I want to THANK each and everyone who took time to send him a card, went to see him or gave him a call. He really was amazed, and said we will be hearing from him regarding this in the near future. Ed, you deserved all the attention, and we hope you keep getting stronger each day.

David Prine emailed regarding receiving the notice and said he is in south Georgia now, working in Okefenokee Swamp as a volunteer. He also wanted to know how Jerry Miller was doing, so I emailed him Jerry’s address and latest report that I had. It was so good to see Peg and Jerry at our Nov. meeting, and know the “waiting game” is hard.

Marianne Hauer, a long time member emailed her thanks and said Charles, her husband and also long time member, has been well for awhile now. She got him a four wheel ATV and took him for a 2 hour drive in their woods. Later, their grandson took him out for the afternoon and he cut a path all around, so he got to see parts of the woods he didn’t think he would ever see again. What a wonderful grandson, and even more, how wonderful it must have been for his grandfather!

The “A New Home Wanted” article in the Nov. newsletter brought fast and excellent results for Gert Rozelle’s late husband’s record, tape, reel-to-reel collection. She had calls from NYC, Canada, etc., and the last time I talked to her the last of them were going to be picked-up in a few days. Sharon Volles, an honorary member, and former secretary called ans said what a delightful lady Gert is, and that they came home with enough, that perhaps Norm will have to build on a room for them all!! I told Gert they couldn’t have gone to a better home, and know her husband would be so pleased to know that will end up in the dumpster! I even have some Bradley Kincaid records coming – thanks so much for saving them for me. Gert, I am so glad things worked out as they did for you. Believe me, it’s things like this, and the kind words of thanks I get that keeps me doing this.

I receive a complimentary copy of the Southern Tier Bluegrass Association’s newsletter, and in their Nov. issue there was a letter from Bill Anderson, who has to be their most dedicated member. After many, many years of service as president, vice-president, secretary, editor of their newsletter, etc., etc., he is declining to be nominated for any office for 2005 – wants to be just a regular member for a change. I know exactly how you feel Bill, and more power to you for sticking to it. I remember corresponding with Bill when I was secretary and also doing the newsletter, and that was at least 18 years ago. Best wishes to you Bill, and know you will still be a supportive member.

I had an email from Patrick Moore, who is taking over as editor of their paper, asking me for suggestions, etc., so if any of you have something you want promoted, please send it to Patrick at 185 South Place, Corning, N.Y. 14803. Good Luck to you Patrick, it is a lot of work, but also can be very rewarding in many ways.

Speaking of emails, I received one from our new member Tivon E. Meir, 3529 Newton Rd., Odessa, N.Y. 14869 – (607-546-8427) – email: rebbe9@juno.com, telling me he had seen our website and was sending his membership, and wanted to know if I knew anyone in his area who gave dobro lessons. When I sent his dues card, receipt and bylaws I told him to contact Dick DeNeve as he is the only dobro player I really know. If there is anyone out there who can help him, please contact him. Thanks.

When Carol Grant sent her renewal, she included an additional donation for postage and a note that she was scheduled for a complete shoulder replacement on 11/22, and hoped it would take care of the terrible pain it has caused her the past few months. Please send a note or card to: 34051 Avacodo Drive, Pinellas Park, FL. 33781. Carol, we all hope it is a complete success and that you heal quickly. I know you will miss your Florida Bluegrass Festivals, but there are priorities…and there’s next year!

Shirley Miller sent her renewal, and with it included a gift membership to a friend who was always calling to see when and where things were. Folks, this makes a very nice Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary, or whatever kind of gift to give – think about it.

In the renewal from Catherine and Ronald Roloson, they included $50.00 extra as a donation from Catherine’s aunt, Dorothy M. Brown, who passed away on July 30 th. Catherine said she was a beautiful lady, who loved bluegrass, but for the past two years at age 93,94 she just wasn’t quite up to going to festivals. But, as Catherine wrote, she is now up in “Bluegrass Heaven”, just raising heck with them!! Believe me, Catherine, she is with the BEST, as CNYBA has lost many of their best members to that same place over the years. I sent Catherine a special note and told her I hoped that this donation could be used for something special.

Last month, I neglected to mention that our secretary, Bill Light, asked yours truly to “fill in” for the Oct. meeting as he and his bride were celebrating their 25 th Anniversary and was going to Niagara Falls to celebrate it. It was my pleasure Bill, and we all wish you both many, many more years of happiness.

George Hall and Bibiane sent their renewals, along with a note that they are all settled in for the winter and will be coming back north on April 18 th. We hope you both have a healthy, bluegrass music filled winter, and looking forward to seeing you in the spring.

Well, folks, this will be our last “visit” for 2004, and it has been a pleasure to attempt to keep you all informed about our members, events, etc., and can only continue to do so in 2005, by hearing from YOU ALL!! To Each of You, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, a healthy HAPPY NEW YEAR, and may our paths cross often in 2005.

...Helen