I joined the FSGW after my first Getaway as a "Thank You' gesture. I donate items for the auction and to the scholarship fund when I can. Outside of that there isn't much I can do from Maine.

At my first Getaway I felt a real "them and us" atmosphere and couldn't understand it - I didn't know that Mudcatters were a new addition. My second year, with AllanC in the lead, we made a real effort to invite everyone to after hours sessions in the Singles Cabin and make it clear that they were open to everyone. A small room jammed with about 75 people and two harps - I think it was a success.

This year, I have asked (begged) single FSGW females to join us in the Single Ladies (and I use the term loosely) Cabin. Keep in mind, it is the usually noisy to all hours and modesty isn't always a prerequisite in the shared bath facilities. I DON'T SNORE but some of us do - another drawback. But we share everything from shampoo to bourbon and are sometimes lulled to sleep by serenaders from the adjoining single men's room. And we will need all the help we can get this year to make Mick Lane's Getaway perfect.

Lastly, the likelihood of a formal Mudcat Organization with a Board of Directors is, I believe, slim and none. Mudcat is an internet website owned and run by Max. It has no non-profit status nor for that matter any formal organization. People join for free on-line and participate as they see fit.

We can however find a way to participate from a distance and take some of the reponsibility for making the Getaway happen. Maybe with the move to a new location, this is an ideal time to start delegating some of the work.

I envy those who have attended Getaways for years and shared a song with Jonathan Eberhardt and Helen Schneyer. What I would give to have known the Patons in their prime and heard a young Kendall Morse sing and play and tell stories. In my mind, the Getaway is a continuation of a sacred tradition. When I see a talent like Elizabeth LePrelle or Dan Schatz carrying on while adding their own interpretation to classics, I am thrilled to be part of it.

Thank you to the FSGW for making it possible. I wonder if you realize how instrumental you have been in solidifying Mudcat into a "community". The Getaway is where most of us get to meet each other face to face. I wonder if you know that at least two Mudcat marriages began with a Getaway meeting.

Mary