My heart goes out to you George, Peter and Than. I, too, met George and Vaughn way back in the 70's, actually I think it was Fox Hollow in the late 60's. But my most cherished memory is not about Vaughn herself but about the Niskyuna Folk Festival that Jeri mentioned in her post as did Kathy.

I believe that I was fortunate to go to each one. However, one year (they were held in March)there was a terrible blizzard the day I was to leave and I really, really wanted to go. I had a broken leg and was in a cast well above my knee and didn't want to take a chance driving in such bad weather. So, I decided to take a bus - which actually turned out to be 3 busses. Oh, to be young again! I walked with cast and duffle bag about 2 miles to catch a bus to Hartford. Then took a bus to Springfield. While waiting for the bus to Albany I overheard 2 young college students talking and one of them said, "Niskyuna".

"Excuse me," I said. "Did you say, Niskyuna?" One of the girls said she was from Niskyuna and was going home for the weekend from Smith College to go to the Niskyuna Folk Festival. Shocked, I told her that I too was going there. When she heard that, she asked me how I was getting from the bus station to the high school. My reply was that I hadn't a clue, probably a cab. She said her father was picking her up at the bus station and they had to go right by the high school on their way home and would I like a ride. I sure did. They wouldn't even tell me their name so I could properly thank them. But I'll never forget their kindness. Gordon Bok gave me a ride home since he was going to Annie Muir's and she livedabout 20 minutes from me at that time. What a great weekend that was.

Vaughn not only instilled in her students a love for the music but she helped them become wonderful human beings (Jeri is a prime example). What an incredible gift. I for one am greatful to have known Vaughn and will always remember the Niskyuna Festival and especially the kindness of one of her students.

Despite your devastating loss at this holiday season, George, I hope that you can remember the good times and try to realize how many people are better people for having known Vaughn.

karen kobela