HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Our monthly "All Star" Jamboree will be held from 2-6PM on February 25, 2001 at Raphael's Restaurant, 930 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse, NY. Admission $5, but children 16 and under admitted free with paying adult. Entertaining will be four (4) groups, starting with ANDY PAWLENKO and the SMOKEY HOLLOW BOYS which includes: Andy Pawlenko who is lead singer and plays the guitar; Neil Shortslef, singing tenor and harmony and playing mandolin; Dick DeNeve playing sweet dobro and Pat Parsnow playing solid guitar. This group originated over 40 years ago with Andy and Neil, followed by the others at a later date. They play country, contemporary and traditional music which the audience loves; and Andy's jokes keep everyone amused. (2) Nancy and Ron ONESONG who specialize in traditional country music who have a repertoire of more than 1000 songs relating to many styles and reas. Both sing and play guitar and create sounds from the past with heartfeltmelodies and harmonies. (3) STUMP HOLLOW BLUEGRASS BAND, playing true bluegrass and includes Carl Stump, the band's namesake, who sings harmony and plays guitar; Lori Thompson, the mandolin player who sings lead and harmony and writes the bands original songs; Suzanne Privett who plays bass and sings lead and harmony; Ed Entwistle who plays fiddle which adds depth to bluegrass sounds and Phil Husted who plays solid banjo and sweet dobro. (4) THE PROSPECTORS, who will be holding their debut performance includes Bill Lynskey on guitar and vocals, Chris Pepe on banjo and Lori Thompson playing mandolin and vocals. For further information, Neil Shortslef at 315-947-5545 or Pete Carr at 315-635-5800. Food and beverages available.
Election time is coming up in April, which is our Annual Meeting month. Although people are responsible to hold their office from September to September, elections are held in April. Every year there are Board of Director members who need to be replaced because their term of office has run out. Also every year any of the four Officer positions can be opted for. In the March newsletter there will appear a slate of officers and board members who are interested in holding various positions. There will be four openings on the board of directors this year as well as officer positions. If any of you members wish to hold an office please let John VanDusen, Jack Burns or Bob Hayden know that position and it will be presented in next month's newsletter. If more than one person is interested in the same position, a vote will be held (via paper ballot) at our annual meeting in April. Also, for people who are "thinking about" holding an office, nominations can be made from the floor (with that person's permission) in April during theelections.
The festival committee needs people from various areas to sell ads for our festival program. A sample of the layout size and a receipt book will be given to each person wishing to help. Our ads will be as follows: A full page--5x7 1/2--$25; 1/2 page--3 1/2 x 5--$15; 1/4 page--2 x 5 or 2 1/4 x 3 1/--$10. A patron's ad will be $3. All interested people please contact John VanDusen--252-0610. Thanks.
WHAT'S HAPPENING: The usual four entries, plus------FEBRUARY 18, 2001, LONESOME ROAD RAMBLERS 2nd Annual Winter Show at the Glen Theater, Watkins Glen, NY, 2-5PM. Guest band will be Blue Ridge Mountain Boys and Plexigrass. Info: Brenda Tryon-607-753-1615.
FEBRUARY 24, 2001, 7-9PM, DELANEY BROTHERS CONCERT, Cornerstone Coffeehouse, Weedsport Baptist Church, 30 Liberty Street, Weedsport, NY. Info: 315-834-6851.
--------------------------
We were very sorry to hear of the pssing of Lucy Norton, Secretary/Treasurer of Southern Tier Bluegrass Association. Her death is a great loss to STBA.
Dean and Joanne Bartholomew, members of STBA enjoyed the Mason's breakfast on January 14 and they also attended the membership meeting of CNYBA. It was nice talking with them both and the fact was mentioned that it would be a "fun" plan if STBA and CNYBA could get together in June for a day of picking and a picnic at Stewart Park in Ithaca. Further plans will be made.
CANCELLATION---Spirit of Bluegrass Reunion, April 21, at Ephrata, Pennsylvania--John Good.
Congratulations to Neil Shortslef and Karl Paisley for being nominated for and voted on by the Board of Directors to serve the remaining terms for Andre' Revutsky and Thomas Russell. Also, thank you to Andre' Revutsky and ThomasRussell for the time served on the CNYBA Board of Directors.
Thank you very much to all people who donated pictures of our Christmas Party and the Friday night Jam at Marcellus.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Joseph Bedus, Syracuse, NY; Lisa Benzing, Oswego; Fred Brown, Canastota, NY;
Morse and Theresa Caltabiano, Fulton, NY; G. Warren Clemens, Durhanville, NY; Bob Deverell, Weedsport, NY;
James Reams, Brooklyn, NY; Maurice Lovell, LaFayette, NY; Martin Lovell, LaFayette, NY; Agnes MacMaster, Syracuse, NY and Maureen Bartlett, LaFargeville, NY.RAMBLIN' WITH HELEN - by Helen Weldon
As those snow flakes keep falling, decided to take pen in hand and start my "monthly visit" with each of you; as our editor will be expecting it on Sunday when we go to our "Open Mic" Jamboree. Hope to see many of you there but time will tell that.
It's been a "hard" week for me as I lost 3 very close and dear friends on Sat., Jan. 20th, so my days have been busy with calling hours and funerals--but in the case of two it's a blessing as they've lived no quality life for a long time. Member, Gail Jones has been in the hospital due to diabetes problems, but hopefully is now a home -- cards to her at RR1, Box 10G, Milan, PA, 18831-9701, I know, would help to cheer her. Many of you know that Ray and John Delaney's father passed away on Jan. 10th and expressions of sympathy from CNYBA were sent to them. As I've said many times before, even though we know our loved ones are better off our of their suffering, we are never ready to give them up; and the Delaney family has our thoughts and prayers at this time.
I found out thru e-mail passed on to me that our charter and honorary member, Bill Knowlton, had cataract surgery and came thru OK on the first eye, but had quite a time after the second eye was done. At last report the doctor had done something to release the pressure behind the eye and his severe headache was better. Well, Bill the only good thing is that you can be thankful we only have two eyes (not 10 like fingers and toes), and now both of yours are done--best wishes for a complete recovery soon. A "Thinking of You" card was sent.
Had a call from Homer Reynolds for my birthday telling me if all goes as planned he expects to have a knee replacement in the very near future; as he put it--"things do wear out after a while!" I'll keep you posted when he does have it. Bruce Cutler let our secretary know that Harold Ferguson (a long-time member) had double by-pass open heart surgery on Jan. 11th and came home on the 15th. I talked to him that evening and he said he was doing good, "But it hurt like you know what______!" Please keep him in your prayers and know a card sent to Box 15, Alton, NY 14413-0051 would be greatly appreciated.
When Madelyne Williams renewed her membership she said she couldn't attend our events due to caring for her father, but keeps her membership as she enjoys the newsletter. We're glad you do enjoy it Madelyne. It's always nice to hear from those who do; and know our editor will be happy to hear this.
I've talked to Joy Crouch since she came home, and if all goes as planned her next "round of chemo" will be done on an out-patient basis in Oswego; something we all pray will be able to be done. Also, there is a good possibility she may be able to come to our Jamboree on the 28th; and even sing a song or two with one of the volunteer groups. I've asked our editor to let you know if this takes place, and thanks Thayle for doing so.
We all missed Mary Carr at the meeting in Cato on Jan 14th and a card was sent to let her know this. Also a Sympathy card and note was sent to member David Prine who lost his Mother recently. If anyone knows of someone who needs a card, please call me at 626-2603 or e-mail me at helwel80@hotmail.com - and when I get online I'll read it... sometimes I think I'm too old for this "modern method" of communication, but am working on it!
As I've told you before, I never know what I'm going to get when Loren Teachout sends me the band renewal for the Salmon River Boys and folks, here is the contents of the 2nd slip (he couldn't find the catagory for "LOONY" to renew, so made one up) - NAME: That Tune; ADDRESS: and high heels are good in public; E-MAIL; told e-female tune; STATE: ment; ZIP: up your pants, and PHONE: a friend! Loren, it's a real "lift" to get these; never change and keep them coming. NOW for some real news - forthose who attended our Jamboree in November when the Salmon's were our host band, many of us got to meet a beautiful lady that was with Loren, and one couldn't help but know that something was really "clickin" between them. Well, it sure was! As Loren wrote on the bottom of the renewal, "Helen, that girl I introduced you to and I are getting married in July. WOW! Congratulations to you Loren - it couldn't happen to a nicer
and more deserving gentleman and I know one and all whish you both the very best for many, many years
of happiness together.I'm sorry I won't see you all at our Feb. 11th meeting in Cato, but as you are meeting, I'll be "up in the air" someplace between FL and PA on my way home, as we have to change planes in Pittsburg. Please pray for good weather so I can get our and back to Cato; as I'm not a good traveler anywhere in the winter! I know there is going to be lots of information regarding our festival; getting a new slate of officers, etc., so please come and give your input - remember, it's YOUR ASSOCIATION.
Until next time - People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be. Take care - I care,
Helen.
Our "Open Mic" Jamboree which was held on January 28 was most enjoyable and well attended. We were entertained by eight (8) different groups who played a variety of music. Vernon Loucks, our emcee, was proud to announce the following:
Flint Creek--Peggy, on dobro and Lee on Guitar and assisted by Ray Crouch on bass
Peter Hoysic and the Old Farts, which included Pete Hoysic, playing fiddle and vocals, Luke Hoysic, playing guitar and vocals, and Pete's daughter Janice on vocals;
Next was Lisa Benzing, playing guitar and vocals, assisted by Neil Shortslef on guitar and Bud Shortslef on bass.
Following was Grass Creeek Bluegrass Band from Canada, including Bill Kinne on mandolin, Buddy Clark on banjo and vocals, Douglas Clark on bass, Dick Bartlett on fiddle and vocals. Also singing was Maureen Bartlett.
Next was a little girl, Nicole Sacco, who sang "Tomorrow".
Mudslide Slim and the Slammers included Gene and Ev Pritchard on guitar and vocals, Dick deNeve on dobro and Bud Shortslef on bass.
Shades of Bluegrass, consisting of Ray Crouch on bass, Carl Stump on mandolin, Carol McGinley on guitar and vocals,
Sherri Reese on guitar and vocals, Butch Spencer on banjo and Grorge Reese on guitar played a nice medley of tunes. Also joining them was Joy Crouch (now in remission from cancer) singing two tunes.
Last was the Putnam Creek Boys--Mike and Bob playing guitar and vocals, assisted by Jim Hackett on washtub bass.
Written by Thayle Phair,Secretary/Editor CNYBA
