It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ben Chapman, founding member of the California State Old Time Fiddlers Association District 8. There are no words to describe how much you will be missed. You are forever in our hearts and your legacy will live on in the music you loved so much.
The annual Christmas Dinner and installation of the new officers for 2012 will be taking place at the Oak View Community Center on Sunday December 11, 2011 at 1:30pm. A traditional Christmas Dinner with turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie & all the trimmings will be catered and served at your table.
This event is a members and their guests only gathering. Member tickets are $7.50, guest tickets are $13.00 and are available by contacting Merrilyn Lemons. Reservations are required by December 5, 2011. 
We hope to see everyone there!
The Fiddlers Annual Barn Dance, coordinated by Mikey and Mike Brodey, was held Oct. 8. As always there was plenty of good food, good friends and good music. Sus Corez helped set up the bands. There were 5 different music groups who played for the crowd. A picture is worth a thousand words so not much to say except it looks like everyone is having a good time. Every event we do takes a lot of volunteers working together to make it fun for everyone. We want to thank all those who helped setup, decorate, bring food, play music and clean up. Couldn’t have done it without you!! -by Cathy Agnew
Even though it was VERY hot in Oak View, close to a hundred members and guests showed up for the annual summer BBQ at our jam on Sunday Aug. 28. Darrell Wallace was the Chief Cook and with the help of his two assistants, Joe Johnson and Rory Franco, they cooked up the best BBQ in town! While they were sweating over the hot coals other members were working hard in the kitchen to get everything ready. Polly Gehr along with the help of Joyce Chapman, Merrilyn Lemons, Cathy Agnew, Luana Hunsinger, Michele & Dee Franco, Hazel Martin and Jane Wortman set a fine table.
We want to thank all the folks who brought food to make our feast complete and everyone else who helped out. Because of the heat the Kunkle Room (which is air conditioned) was set up with tables and chairs to accommodate those folks who can’t take the heat so they could enjoy their meal in comfort. As always with fiddlers, there was plenty of food for seconds so if you went home hungry it was your own fault! Once everyone was full, then the music started on stage and out on the patio. We had a good crowd in both places and were pleased to have several visitors who we hope will come back again. All in all it was a great day with good food, good friends and good music!! — by Cathy Agnew
2011 Christmas Dinner and Installation of Officers
80 Old Time Fiddler members and their guests gathered at the Oak View Community Center to fellowship and celebrate the Christmas season with dinner, music and dance. Country Harvest catered the event, serving a full meal of roasted turkey complete with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and salad. President Joe Hunsinger addressed the gathering, touching on several issues, as well as the recent losses we’ve suffered with the passing of Ben Chapman and Skip Straw. Ben’s longtime dedication to District 8 and his sense of humor will be sorely missed. Skip, Marlene’s constant companion will also be missed. Likely we’ll meet him again somewhere along Route 66.
The new Board of Officers was installed by CSOTFA State President Wayne Agnew. New to the Board this year are Joe Johnson, Rory Franco and Sid Brown as additional Advisors. Joe Hunsinger and Merrilyn Lemons are returning as President and Membership Secretary respectively. We are looking for someone to fill the Vice-President vacancy – will you be that person?
Great music by various musicians rounded out the afternoon. Next Fiddler meeting is Sunday January 8, 2012. Happy New Year!