Living in New Jersey I've known of Buddy Hoffman for many years from bluegrass people I've been involved with. I knew he moved to Alaska and played bluegrass all these years. I recently met Buddy when he picked up his banjo in Maine and came to New Jersey to visit friends. One of his friends, Steve Babus, who lives right up the road from me, called and asked me to come over and bring my dobro to jam with Buddy. I went and spent a great day meeting and playing with Buddy all afternoon. We have a mutual connection in that my aunt Jeannette and Buddy grew up together in Richard Mines, New Jersey. My aunt always asks about Buddy and she was thrilled when I told her I met him. I have a photo of him and I together and decided to enclose it in my aunt's Christmas card. As I was doing this I googled Buddy and found out what happened to him. I wish Buddy a very speedy recovery and I will pray for his healthy return to picking..I hope to be picking with him again some day soon. Sincerely, Mike Esposito, Chester, N.J.