A Very Happy and Blessed Easter to All
RAMBLIN' WITH HELEN by Helen Weldon
I'm wondering just how many more months it will be before I can start my "visit" without having to mention that four letter word "SNOW" which is coming down "full force" as I sit here writing. We have a gentleman who lives by the entrance to our complex where I live, who has measured the snowfall in Cato for years; at our Senior Citizens' meeting on 3/15 he reported a total of 202 inches as of that morning. Since we have had several inches more since then, I say "enough is enough" for this year!
After hearing from Thayle the report that George Reese had fallen and broken his leg at our meeting in Cato on 3/11, I called him this morning (3/26), and he told me that he fell on the ice just outside his apartment as he was leaving to come to Cato. He realized that his leg hurt some, but came on anyway and had breakfast and enjoyed his usual "pickin". When he got home his wife felt he should have it x-rayed. Doing so, he found out he had broken the bone just above the ankle and is in a cast for at least another week. He is getting around with the aid of a wheelchair, walker and crutches, depending on just where he wants to go! George hardly ever misses our meetings, so please take a moment and send him a card - 410 Meadowbrook Circle, Fulton, NY 13069 or give him a call at 315-593-7625. Speaking from experience, those days of "confinement" are long, and mail and cards do help.
A "Big Thank-You" to Thayle for the three boxes of cards she gave me at our last meeting. They are a big help and greatly apreciated. I haven't heard of many needing cards lately, so am asking each of you to PLEASE LET ME KNOW when someone needs a "Bit of attention" as I enjoy writing and sending them as much as anyone does getting them.
When Marianne Hauer renewed hers and Charlie's membership, she sent a note saying that after being ill in bed for 7 weeks, he is now able to start P/T, in hopes of helping him regain some strength. He wants to be able to go to at least one festival this summer, so please keep him in your prayers to be able to reach that goal. I know both of them would appreciate a card at: 168 County Rt 2A, Pulaski, NY, 13142-9804.
Thayle talked with Homer Reynolds since my last "visit" and she said that he is doing better each day and going to therapy to build the strangth back in his leg. I've tried several times to call him, but get no answer; so am not sure if the phone # I have is the same since his address change. I received a card from him some time ago and he feels we've forgotten all about him; so for those of you who do remember "good ole Homer", please take a minute and send him a card at: 130 Lynnwayne Circle, Havelock, NC, 28532-9432.
I was sorry to hear that Mary Carr wasn't up to coming to the Jamboree and ask you all to keep her in your prayers and please send her a card or call. The days are long, and moreso when you can't be out and about--2177 W Genesee St. Rd., Baldwinsville, NY 13027 - 315-635-5800. I'm as guilty as the rest of you for not doing either more often, but Mary you are in my thoughts and prayers every single day. "Hang in There."
Due to circumstances "beyond my control" I missed our 3/25 Jamboree with Andy Pawlenko and the Smokey HollowBoys, one of my favorites. To say I "felt badly" is true in two ways - one because I couldn't go and secondly because I most certainly did "feel bad". Thayle called me that evening and told of so many that I haven't seen for sometime were there, and to all of you a special "HELLO" and sorry I couldn't have said it to you in person.
Please remember that SUN., APRIL 8th is our ANNUAL MEETING, at 2:00PM at the Cato Masonic Temple in Cato. All ACTIVE and SENIOR MEMBERSHIPS, whose dues are current, are eligible to vote. Folks, just remember that this is YOUR ORGANIZATION and YOUR VOTE WILL COUNT and IS NEEDED. In the 25 years of our existence, I've never been so concerned or apprehensive as I am regarding this meeting. NOW IS THE TIME TO COME FORWARD AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT. Time has a way of helping to work problems out, and broken bridges can be mended. SEE YOU IN CATO on APRIL 8 th...
"HAPPY EASTER" to each and everyone of you, may your blessings be many, and may each of you get to enjoy many more.
Until next time, remember - "people resist change, yet it's the only thing that brings progress"...remember this on April 8th.
Helen
Carol Beckwith would like instruction for playing the dulcimer-If interested please call 315-682-1501.
Jammin' at Marcellus-every Friday night 7-?. What a great time everyone has! All musicians sit in a big circle and play favorite songs. Everyone gets a chance to lead while the rest assist. If you come hungry there is always some "good food" in the kitchen-plenty of coffee-goodies on the table. The non-players sit at a table, sing along, chat, do their personal crafty things, and encourage our musicians. Come join the fun! Have you ever heard 17 people play together in perfect harmony without first rehearsing? Well, it can happen! Come to Marcellus and hear it for yourself.
John VanDusen still has layouts and receipt books for anyone interested in selling ads for our festival program. We need all member's help. REMEMBER, a patron's ad for $3 would be a wonderful help-please call John now--315-252-0610. Thanks
Many thanks to all who attended our Jamboree in March and experienced a sensational time due to the efforts of ANDY PAWLENKO and the Smokey Hollow Boys: Andy playing guitar, singing and telling very funny jokes-Neil Shortslef playing mandolin and singing tenor and harmony-Dick DeNeve playing sweet dobro-Mike Dixon playing hot banjo-Mac Claflin playing fantastic fiddle and Bud Shortslef playing "Ralph" the bass (obtained from Ralph Stanley). Also entertaining were Flint Creek: Lee Aikey playing guitar, singing and telling jokes, and Peggy Aikey playing dobro and singing (assisted by Ray Crouch on bass and Carl Stump on mandolin). Also filling in during breaks were the "Odd Balls" consisting of Ray Crouch on bass and singins, Carl Stimp playing mandolin and singing, Rod McComber playing guitar and singing, Bill Lynsky on guitar and singing and Jim Hackett pn washtub bass. Thanks you to all who made our March Jamboree a success!
Please refer to our Festival list-mark your calendars. Don't forget the 3rd Annual CNYBA Bluegrass Festival on August 2-5, 2001 at the LaFayette Festival Grounds---Great Bands-Open Mic-Youth Talent contest-square dance-- (see write-up).
