HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY----HAPPY SPRING
Our monthly Jamboree will be held from 2-6PM on March 25, 2001 at Raphael's Restaurant, 930 State Fair boulevard, Syracuse, NY. Admission $5--children 16 and under free with paying adult. Food and beverages available. Featuring: ANDY PAWLENKO and the SMOKEY HOLLOW BOYS, including Andy Pawlenko, lead singer and playing guitar; Neil Shortslef singing tenor, harmony and playing mandolin; DickDeNeve playing sweet dobro and Bud Shortslef playing bass. This group originated 40 years ago with Andy and Neil, later joined by the others. They play country, contemporary, bluegrass and traditional music which the audience loves. Andy's jokes keep everyone amused and everyone looks forward to being entertained by this group. These entertainers are avid members of CNYBA and support their organization in every way possible. "Parking Lot Pickers" will entertain during breaks. For information contact Neil Shortslef at 315-947-5545 or Pete Carr at 315-635-5800.
Our ANNUAL MEETING notice for April was included in our newsletter for our membeers to read and prepare for. This is a very important meeting where officers and board members are elected for the next year, starting September 2001.
WHAT'S HAPPENING:
Saturday, March 31, THE MARCH SHOW at the Clayton Municipal Bldg., Clayton, NY from 2-6PM, sponsored by the 1000 Islands Bluegrass Preservation Society Inc. (TIBPS Inc) and partially funded by NYSCA> Admission $5. Performing will be Grass Creek (The Clark Brothers and Uncle Bill from Gananoque) and Ron and Nancy OneSong. Info: 315-658-2679 or e-mail:bluegrass@gisco.net. We now have a link with Northern Bluegrass Committee--check it out at: http://www.northernbluegrass.com. Look for us on the "news and links" page under "festivals".
Please remember to contact John VanDusen to purchase your ad for our festival program. Information listed in February's News and Tidbits.
Many thanks to Andy Pawlenko and the Smokey Hollow Boys (assisted by Mike Dixon on banjo), Stump Hollow Bluegrass, OneSong, and our parking lot pickers for their fabulous entertainment at the All-Star Jamboree in February. Your continuous dedication and support is deeply appreciated. Jack and Mary Anne Burn's daughter designed our flyer for this year's festival. A job well done and thank you.
Welcome new member, Keith Joslin from Poland, NY.
RAMBLIN' WITH HELEN - by Helen Weldon:
The fact that I'm writing my "Ramblin'" for our March newsletter is proof that I made it back safe and sound from Florida. The weather was in the high 70's or low 80's during the day and 60's at night, and no rain, but they need some so badly. Except for a very painful backache (which I woke up with on my third day there, and is still giving me "fits" at times) I had a wonderful time. We visited the Teddy Bear Museum which has over 4000 bears of all sizes, colors, costumes, and beautiful displays; took a 2 1/2 hr. trolley ride thru the Old and New Napples, stopped at the smallest Post Office in the US; traveled up Alligator Alley where we saw all sizes of alligators, and many different kinds of birds; toured Marco and Senibold Islands (where you see how the other people live); went to an excellent Jazz Band Concert in a park, and went to several restaurants, one even had their salad bar set up on the top of an old-fashioned bath tub, and one table had 4 authentic barbershop chairs for seats. The afternoon spent at the Dog Races was a special highlight; none of us made any money, nor did we lose much, but sure had a lot of laughs---Sally has been told to watch and see which dog "piddled" the longest while walking to the gate, and bet on that one as they would be the lightest and run the fastest! Well, folks, I'm telling you it made no difference, because I bet on ones thatwent both ways, and they came in last! My travels are over now, and as my host, Gordon, said every morning--"Another day in Paradise--not sure I can stand it", was exactly how I would sum up my stay. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to go, but am perfectly content to be back to my everyday life and routine. While I was gone, Aggie Simmons (wife of the fiddle player Wiltsie) passed away on Feb. 6th after a long fought battle with cancer. Thanks, Thayle for sending a card on behalf ofCNYBA.
Thanks also to Dot Malouin for your additional donation towards postage when you sent your renewal. She writes that they both are doing alright, but finds they are "slowing down". Many of you will remember Dot and Al when they used to come to the TV tapings at WCNY--she dressed in a beautiful cowboy shirt and skirt, and he with a matching shirt. They also came to many of the Bluegrass Ramble Picnics as a vendor with her crafts and dolls.
Speaking of renewals--Folks you DO NOT HAVE TO CUT YOUR BLANK OUT OF YOUR NEWSLETTER to renew - Just send your check. I have each of your records in a card file, which gives me all the information I need to send your new card back to you. If there is a change, just put it on a piece of paper, and include with your check.
When Homer Reynolds sent me a velantine he mentioned that he was going to have a knee replacement--he had surgery on February 22 and his operation was a success. As of the 28th he was still in the hospital, but doing fine, but in some pain, and should be home soon to 130 Lynnwayne Circle, Havelock, NC 28532. We hope your recovery is swift, Homer.
Mary Carr called the other day and we had a nice long visit. Her count was finally high enough so she could start her next round of chemo; and hopes it will remain that way so she can come to the "All-Star" on the 25th. We all hope so too, Mary, and want you to know we have you in our thoughts and prayers.
I tried several times to call Joy Crouch, but got no answer, so hope that means she is out and about. It was such a thrill to see her and have her sing a couple of songs with "Shades of Bluegrass". She received a standing ovation, and Joy, we all pray for your continued remission. I haven't heard from anyone else, so hope each of you are well and enduring the snow and cold.
Thanks to those who sent me a Valentine-- you all are such wonderful, caring people and dear friends. I'm sorry I didn't get Valentines out this year--time ran out before I left and was too uncomfortable when I got back - but will remember our shut-ins andsick at Easter time for sure.
In order for our FESTIVAL BOOKLET to be a success, we MUST HAVE THE COOPERATION of our MEMBERS to sell ads. PLEASE SEE JOHN VAN DUSEN for supplies. If every member who receives and reads the Ramblin' would take a PATRON'S AD for $3.00, that alone would be a big help. Think about it - ACT NOW...send your name and short message and $3.00 to John VanDusen, 3419 Franklin St Road., Auburn, NY, 13021; or give it to any officer. This is one way for those who live too far away to attend our meetings or events to really help THEIR ASSOCIATION.
This newsletter serves as your official notice to attend our ANNUAL MEETING of CNYBA on APRIL 8th. Officers and board members will be elected for 2002, and your vote is needed to determine who they will be. Plan now to attend on April 8th and let your vote count. Elsewhere you will find TO WHOM and BY WHEN a MAIL BALLOT WILL BE VALID. So Please exercise this priviledge if you can't be present; as the future of CNYBA will be in the direction of these newly elected officers to lead it. Some of us, I for one, have faithfully served for many years, and the time has come to pass the responsibilities on. By no means does this mean I won't still be a part, as I always will be, and hope to continue as Sunshine Gal and Membership Chairman, two jobs that I really enjoy doing. Please don't let our efforts be in vain; come, vote, and help CNYBA grow bigger and better in the ----year 2002.
THANK YOU and will see you in Cato on April 8th.
Until next time, remember--When you're holding on to the past, you don't have your hands free to reach for the future....
Helen
