RAMBLIN’ with Helen...
As I start my monthly “visit” with you on Sunday, Nov. 27 th, my first thoughts are that I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, and have recovered from eating too much! My plans to go to Rhode Island to visit my oldest granddaughter and family (they have two adorable boys, age 6 and 2); did not materialize, as they had a forecast of snow and freezing rain about the time we would arrive in their area. Therefore, I had a very quiet weekend, with my daughter Betty Jane joining me for Wed. night and Thursday. Friday, I decorated our rec room here at the complex for Christmas, and yesterday, I did my apartment. While Betty Jane was here, we worked on putting names on the table favors for our Annual Christmas party, and to date have 72 reservations, including the band members, so hope several more arrive this week. This will be the last year of my taking charge, as the stress of worrying about whether or not the reservations will cover the anticipated number you have to give when making arrangements for price, etc., possible bad weather, etc., etc., are just too much. However, I have truly enjoyed working on them over the years, and have many wonderful memories to think back on in the future.
If we had more dedicated members like Ira Williamson who sent in 17 reservations, it would sure help!! Thanks so much Ira, and know we can always count on you.
I had a nice email from Maryan VanDusen after she returned home from a three week visit to South Carolina. The purpose of the trip was to be there with her sister when she had open heart surgery and then go to Georgia for a Bluegrass Festival. Due to her sister’s surgery being put off for other tests, it was finally done three days before they left, so needless to say they didn’t go to Georgia, as they had to get home for doctor appointments for Tyler. Not to be out done by her sister, Maryan had to get in on the show – they were out looking at planets, and she turned her ankle, and ended up on top of both, which resulted in splints in both! She said John didn’t have time to say he was bored, and he had to do all the driving coming home. She reports she is doing better, and hopes to be able to wear regular shoes to the Christmas Party as can’t wait to see everyone. We are all looking forward to seeing you Maryan, and of course John too!!
My dear friend Howard Bonner from Kingston, Ontario sent me the following news item: Old tyme banjoist Will Keys, who developed a unique two-finger style of banjo passed away in Tenn. On Nov. 4 th. His style wasn’t as intricate nor as difficult as the Scruggs style, but less harsh than the clawhammer style and it took some finesse to master it. As Howard says – “Another master joins the heavenly choir, making their music just that much sweeter”.
Also, he was in Nashville with the ABRAMS when they appeared on the Opry with Mike Snider. It was just as though they were in the kitchen jamming, not a nerve while everyone around them was hyper. A sold out house on the same bill as Wynonna, Brad Paisley and John Anderson plus Jimmy Dickens and Jimmy C. Newman, Porter Wagoner and Bill Anderson. Wynonna spoke to them and wished them well. He said their Mom took 6000 pictures from Tuesday to Saturday evening. They also shot a music video for their new single last week. Becky Buller of Valerie Smith’s band wrote it. It’s called “Searching For Myself in Tennessee.” I’m sure all who enjoy the Abrams so much can just picture them in Nashville, and wish them well always.
After sending a friendly reminder to long-time member Harold Ferguson with his Nov. newsletter regarding his renewal time, I received a nice letter telling me they have their house up for sale and plan to move to Florida as they are sick of winter in upstate NY!! For this reason, Harold has decided not to renew his membership, and said they have enjoyed the past 20 years plus but is time to do some new things. It’s going to seem strange not to put his address label on each month, but wish them much success in their new endeavor.
A former member, John Hornyak has joined CNYBA, and would like to see a merchandise, classified page or section for bands and members to have a “Want” or “sale” list of used instruments, CD’s, T-shirts, etc. to market, along with those needing rides to events and those willing to car-pool, to have a place to have their wishes published. Both sound like good ideas, and I would be glad to try to do this the best way I could. Welcome back John!!
I received the following email from Mary Phillips: “Hi Helen! Ted and I would like to thank you for caring and for your kind words in the November Newsletter. I hope you know how much it means to those of us who are on the receiving end of your thoughtfulness. It sure helps during a hard time.” (You can publish this in the Newsletter if you like.) Thanks for your kind words Mary, and am glad to know they do help. I really enjoy sending cards, writing notes, and try to do so when I know about things – so folks please let me know if someone need some attention.
I know many of our members know Ted Wrench, and in the Nov. newsletter I mentioned the fact he was to have a pacemaker put in on Nov. 9 th. I got an email from Brenda on the 9 th, saying she had brought Ted home from the hospital after having it implanted, but it was zapping him one time right after another at the slightest movement. The procedure was experimental to see if it would help his heart function more efficiently as it has been working at only 25% capacity the past 9 years. He went back to the hospital on the 10 th, and they reprogrammed the pacemaker, which seemed to help. Ted was hoping they could leave on the 21 st and be in Florida the day after Thanksgiving, but that wasn’t possible as he went back on the 22 nd for another redo, but that proved not to take care of the problem, but did help it some. The surgeon said that with his heart as weak as it is, it is the best they could do, and he will have to learn to live with the zapping. He gave them the “go ahead” to head south and when they return he will try to work with it and get it turned up more, as wanted to wait and let it heal well. I have emailed Brenda, and she says cards and prayers are what is keeping Ted going, so please send a note or card to: 123 Wrench Lane, Bainbridge, NY 13733 and it will be forwarded to Florida. She promised to keep in touch so I’ll update you in the January Ramblin. “Hang In There Ted, we’re all praying for you.
Since our last visit, Vernon Loucks has had cataract surgery, and they were among the first to send their reservations for the Christmas Party.
A big THANK YOU to two new members, Daniel McLoughlin and John Hornyak for their donation of stamps that they sent along with their applications, and to Jack and MaryAnne Burns who included a monetary donation for stamps when they sent their renewal and Christmas Party reservations. THEY ALL HELP THE CAUSE….
This morning when I was reading the Sunday Post Standard, I read an article about a 1992 Jordan-Elbridge graduate, Steven Reynolds, who was expected home soon, but was killed on Thanksgiving Day in Iraq. It spoke about his last visit home and going to South Carolina to visit his parents. Suddenly it came to me that he must be an nephew of our long-time member, Homer Reynolds. I tried off and on all day to call Homer, and finally just got thru and indeed that is who it was. He was 32 years old, the only son of Homer’s brother Norm, and is survived by a sister who lives in New Jersey. Homer said arrangements are incomplete, but he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I asked Homer to express our sorrow to his brother and family, and that we were thinking of him also. You hear daily of loss of life over there, but it really hits home when it is a relative of someone you know. Take care Homer, we do care.
Well folks, if things go as planned, you will be reading this before our Christmas Party, and to each of you who sent reservations – THANK YOU – for doing so and am looking forward to seeing each of you. To those of you who didn’t, for one reason or another, you will be missed, and I ask each of you to please pray for good weather and safe travels for all.
Until next year – A blessed, healthy, happy Holiday Season to each of you, and THANKS for helping us – “KEEP BLUEGRASS ALIVE IN 2005”…
Helen
(Helen Weldon)
CNYBA
PO Box 491
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
www.cnyba.com
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All Rights Reserved.