Key West The Newspaper - November 30, 2001

Ridenour Report

by Valerie Ridenour

Do you need some music, as in books? Head over to McArthur Music's Truckload sale tomorrow. You'll get 10% off your purchases and probably find something you've wanted for a while. Tell Carole I sent you!

Raiford, honey, I lost your address. Send it to me, please?

Gary Chase and I will be playing the Christmas party for the Retired Officer's Association again this year. It will be held at Grand Key, one of my favorite locations. We get to play some big band music and lots of Latin standards for this group. They also like country! This is the generation that danced, and they still do. I love to dance, so this is a treat for us. Ah, doing the thing we love most for fun and profit! It isn't easy to live a musician's life, but it sure is rewarding.

Bobby Green and Cliff Sawyer dropped in last night after a wedding they played in Big Pine. They are two of the best. It was fun seeing them. Art Descoteaux and Gail Keeler were by earlier. We see more of our Key West friends up here than we did down there.

My heartfelt thanks to Lillian Van Hest and other friends who are praying for my precious daughter in law, Barbara. Barb was injured when part of a building collapsed on her. Now we're on pins and needles to see if her vision can be restored, and how serious her injuries are. It wasn't our best Thanksgiving. Barb's a fighter. If you have a prayer to spare, please mention her. Another Key West Council On the Arts board member, Gail Lima called to add hers. Thank you, Lillian and Gail.

There will be a pig roast benefit at Our Place from 3pm till for Deborah Van Gorder, who has had major surgery and is far from well. You can partake of raffles and silent auctions and enjoy a delicious dinner for only ten dollars tomorrow, so go!

Although the grand opening won't take place for another week or so, Bobby Nesbitt will play this weekend at the Casa Marina. They've acquired a nine foot grand for him, which he richly deserves. Welcome back Bobby, we've missed you!