NEWS and TIDBITS for APRIL 2002

 

FIRST! Some late breaking news from Helen:

It's been reported that Andy Pawlenko has had triple by-pass surgery, had a pace maker inserted, and is home and doing well.

Helen

 

ANNUAL MEETING!

ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE: The Annual Meeting of The Central New York Bluegrass Association, Inc., will be held APRIL 14, 2002, at 2 pm, at the Cato Masonic Temple, West main Street (over Diz's Store). At this meeting the officers and two board members will be elected. Nominations from the floor will be accepted, but anyone nominated must have given their consent to have their name placed in nomination. Members wishing to vote by mail can do so if their ballots are received by the secretary one week prior (by April 7, 2002) to the April 14th meeting. Only ACTIVE and current dues-paying members are eligible to vote; which includes Senior citizens and handicapped members, but NOT associate members. The officers assume their duties at the September meeting.

The following slate of officers has been submitted by the nominating committee, consisting of Vernon Loucks (chairman), Ray Crouch and Bill Light.

PRESIDENT: Robert Hayden
VICE-PRESIDENT: Jack Burns
TREASURER: Peter Carr
SECRETARY: Bill Light

BOARD MEMBERS for a three year term:
Neil Shortslef
Jacqui McCarthy

NOTE: A Board Office position will become available if Jack Burns is elected as Vice-President.

For further information regarding the elections, please call Vernon Loucks at 315-697-9182.

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
Our Bi-Monthly Jamboree
will be held at the Canastota VFW Bingo Hall in Canastota from 2-6pm on April 28, 2002.

Entertaining will be:

BILL and MAGGIE ANDERSON
A two-piece dobro and guitar act which presents the contemporary, mellow side of bluegrass with their harmony and music presentations. They once were leaders of "Cayuga Bluegrass Works," and now they are a duo with a relaxed stage presence. They have done many gospel sets blending traditional with the newer "story songs".

DYER SWITCH BAND
This band has been performing traditional, contemporary and original bluegrass throughout the USA for the past 8 years. Their northern fast-paced sound and southern grit can be heard on radio stations throughout the USA. All members have been inducted into the NY State Country Music Hall of Fame. The members of this group are: Tom Benson who plays rhythmic mandolin, tasteful guitar, and sings lead and harmony, and also is a songwriter. Joann Sifo plays guitar and lead and harmony vocalsfrom bluesy to gentle ballad style, singing from tenor to high baritone. Bob Altshuler plays as well as teaches his distinctive banjo style as well as playing dobro. Nick (Sonny) Viscio plays explosive fiddle and has played with Shagbark Hickory and Back 40 band. Bob Durocher adds a rich foundation to the band while playing acoustic bass. He also plays guitar, fiddle and keyboards.

Plan on attending and spending an afternoon listening to your favorite musicbluegrass.

Directions: From the thru-way exit, turn left, heading south on RTE 13 into Canastota village. About a half mile, at the FIRST traffic light, turn left onto Canal Street. Travel about 3/4 of a mile and on your left will be the VFW Bingo Hall. Same low cost of $5 children 16 and under free. Food and beverages available. Handicap accessible smoke free. "Stage pickin'" between sets. For info: Vernon Loucks at 315-697-9182.

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All people who were involved in/with the groups who are included in our 25th Anniversary Silver CD may purchase the Silver Anniversary CD for half price ($6). Please contact Bob Hayden at 315-673-1313 or Rhayden357@aol.com.

Add this to your lists of good bluegrass sites on the internet: This one streams a bluegrass radio network with a nice mix of old and new. It's http://www.bluegrasscountry.org/ Thanks Karl.

The bi-monthly Jam Session that was held on March 24, 2002 at The American Legion in Marcellus was attended by 60-70 who enjoyed great pickin', good fellowship and all kinds of yummy goodies. There were pickers upstairs and down all afternoon and everyone who attended had a wonderful time.

CORRECTION: Oops, The jam session that Roger Edwards wants to get organized is for the Rome-Utica area not the Ithaca area as stated in the March newsletter. Sorry for the mixup. If you live in the Rome-Utica area and would like to get a jamming session started, contact Roger Edwards at 315-336-3684 or at bluboy@dreamscape.com .

When you see Jack Burns ask him if he enjoyed his chocolate.

If anyone has any questions or an offer to help at our Apple Valley Festival, August 1, 2, 3, 4, 2002, please call John Van Dusen at 252-0610 or Ed Campbell at 637-4180..

Welcome
James Boggs, Seneca Falls, NY
Joe Zeeher , Chittenango, NY
Arnold & Carole True, Bridgeport, NY
Lucille Gajole, Preble, NY
Irene Liberty, N. Syracuse, NY
J. M. Powers, Skaneateles, NY
John & Joyce Burchill, Bridgeport, NY
Paul Brissette, Orwell, NY
James C Hartman, Cicero, NY
Richard & Rachael Perkins, Tully, NY
Dale N. Barnell, Homer, NY
Donna Burleton, Port Byron, NY
We are happy to have you as a member of CNYBA.

Our new website is fantastic and has all the important, up-to-date information in it. The style and presentation is something to be PROUD of.

Next month LOOK for an application for a patrons ad for our festival program. Time has a habit of passing fast - festival time will be here in a few months. Let's do all we can to support it.

CONGRATULATIONS
A private wedding ceremony will be held on April 27, 2002, uniting Kay Betts and Mike VonSneidern, 208 Stolp Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13207

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Ramblin' with Helen By Helen Weldon

I received an email from Bill Knowlton regarding the passing of Hugh Hilton, a member of the Salmon River Boys. Hugh died at his home on Monday, 4/8, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. I had a phone call from his sister, Emma Teachout this evening regarding the funeral arrangements, There were over 500 at the calling hours , which were: Thurs., April 11th, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., at the Foster-Hax Funeral Home, - Park St., Pulaski, N. Y. The funeral was Fri. morning, April 12th at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The Salmon River Boys sang and played "When The Wagon Was New" during the funeral, one of Hugh's favorites. Donations may be sent to: Oswego County Hospices, 70 Bunner St., Oswego, N. Y. 13126. The Salmon River Boys are the only charter band membership, having been a member as a band since 1976.

Has spring sprung? Well, according to the calendar it has, BUT, according to my way of thinking it hasn't! I'm writing this on the 25th, and this past week has found MORE SNOW on the ground each day than many during all the winter months. The only good thing I can say is "It Can't Last"!

I'm sure by now that most of you know our newsletter Editor, Thayle, lost her mother since our last visit. Her Mom, Priscilla Hoskins, who was 89, passed away on Feb. 22nd at Auburn Memorial Hospital. She had made her home with Thayle the past nine years, and other survivors were four sisters, 4 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. There were no calling hours or services and expressions of sympathy were sent to Thayle and her family. Thayle, we know the pain of the loss of a loved one is great, as we never want to let them leave our midst, but knowing that your Mom had your loving care the past 9 years will always be a comfort to you. Not many families get to share the experience of 4 generations sharing day in and day out under one roof. Having had many, many long conversations with Thayle regarding this set-up, it's a known fact the old learned from the youngest, the youngest learned from the oldest; and then there were also times no one communicated with one another. That is daily living, and Thayle your Mom is now at peace and you can always remember that you, your daughter Roberta and grandson Cody made the last 9 years the very best they could be. No one could have done more. May God grant you all the peace of mind you all so richly deserve.

I had a call from one of our recent new members, Allan VanAuken, expressing his desire to find someone to take dobro lessons from. If any of you can help in this request, please contact Allan at: 315-633-8339 or write him at 241 Esther Ave., Bridgeport, NY 13030.

Just got off the phone with Andy Pawlenko and he sounded good and said he was doing good. He told me he went thru the stress test for the complete 12 minutes, and will go tomorrow to get the results, which will determine if a heart catherization is necessary. You are in our thoughts and prayers Andy, as is Ardie. I'm sure a crazy card or good joke or two sent to: 1092 County Rt. 85, Oswego, NY 13126 would be appreciated.

I had a nice note from Donna Burleton when she rejoined our association. She told me the reason for the lapse was when her husband had back surgery in Feb 2000. He has finally found full-time employment again, after a long haul. I agree Donna, society should value the older, dependable workers more than they do, and as you said, perhaps someday they will. Thanks also for your donation towards postage.

Had a nice card from Homer Reynolds as he reports that spring is there in NC as the trees are budding, flowers are in full bloom, will have to cut grass soon, and the temperature is in the 70's during the day. He says he is getting older, as his granddaughter will be 18 this fall. Homer, you're young as my oldest granddaughter will be 30 in August!

I emailed Donna Walter for an "update" and she has had to start rehabilitation as the muscles on both sides are beginning to tighten up. She is still on her treatments. Keeping up with many, she had the misfortune of "entertaining" a virus in her computer, but it finally went away. Folks, I always check my email before going to bed, and when I did so tonite, I had a note from Donna saying she felt the shots had "kicked-in" and rehab. was helping a lot. She gets very tired but is able to walk more each day. That is sure good news to hear. Keep it up, Donna! Bob and Donna are not sure when they will be heading north, but will keep in touch. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Elsewhere in this newsletter, I understand there will be details of the upcoming wedding of our member Kay Betts. From the "Ramblin" writer, the best to you Kay and it's good to hear some "Happy News" for a change.

Maryan VanDusen called to tell me that she and John went to see Marty and Gillie Rowe while in FL. Marty had been in the hospital, but it is now home with hospice. I know many of you remember this couple, so please take a minute and send a note to: Mrs. Claude Rowe, 5249 S. E. 115th St., Bellview, FL 34420.

Ed Horton, longtime member of CNYBA had a stroke and 2 heart attacks and is now in a nursing home. Please cheer him with a card or note to: Edwin A Horton, Vet's Home, Spruce cottage, Oxford, NY 13830. Thanks to Bruce Cutler for this information.

I received the usual "newsy" letter from Carl Leege when he renewed his membership. They are going to try and make our festival and also our picnic in June at Baldwinsville. Carl just turned 80 in Feb., and Clara will be 85 on April 15th. He said they have "slowed down just a bit". This couple loved to square dance, but have given it up but now go dancing the Texas 2-step at least once a week. Keep it up folks and it is always so nice to hear from you.

Thanks to all of you who sent kind words regarding the Valentine cards you received and hope you enjoy your Easter ones, as I love doing them.

Marion LaMont called and informed me that Maurice Lovell just had gallbladder surgery and is recovering at home. Let's help advance his recovery with a note or card to: 3765 Sentinell Heights, LaFayette, NY 14803. We all hope your recovery is quick so you can playyour mandolin again.

My move went like "clockwork" and was all done in 2 hours. Bob Hayden is supposed to pick up the items I saved for the flea market to be held at our festival tomorrow, and then everything will have found its place. Please change your records to read: 2446 Hillview Drive #17, and feel free to stop in and see me, and you won't have to climb any; stairs; something I honestly don't miss at all!

Remember our Annual Meeting and election of officers is on April 14th, 2 PM at the Cato Masonic Lodge. Come early for breakfast, exercise your privilege to voting and enjoy lots of good bluegrass music and fellowship. Hope to see you there! Again, just a reminder that no food or drink is allowed in the big meeting room.

Until next time, did you know: More than 50 percent of the people in the world have never made or received a phone call.

Helen


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CNYBA
PO Box 491
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
www.cnyba.com
Copyright 2002
All Rights Reserved.

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