KSGA Jan. 2009 Meeting, Baxter Springs, KS.

Dana Stewart · Post by **Dana Stewart** » 4 Jan 2009 4:51 pm

Hello again everyone. We had a good turn out for our January, 2009 meeting. A good beginning for the new year. I, for one, was glad to be back and see everyone.

We were glad to have Hank Ruff and Marty Neer join us today. We were also excited to have a full band to back the steel players up. Doug Cole brought his drummer to join us, and I believe his whole bad was with us.

Steel Players Were:

Ray Qualls
Lee Ogle
Paul Troup
Austin Stewart
Hank Ruff
Marty Neer
Jim Sentlinger
Floyd McCoy

Drummer: We had a lady drummer who did a fine job. Her name was Jan Galbreith. Jan, I am sorry if I got your last name messed up. I forgot to ask you about it before you left.

On Sax was our own Phil "Rooster" Armstrong.

Jerry Hoffman did a fine job on guitar.

Doug Cole helped us out on bass guitar.

Kyle Ogle stopped by with his lead guitar. He really did a great job. We were very impressed.

Guests were:

Ruth & Donald Sagesar
Bob Taylor
John Thomas
Randy & Dana Stewart

Now I have some sad news to report. Our president, Ray Qualls surprised us today with his resignation. He told us he felt it was time to pass on the responsibilities to the younger members. While we understand and support that, we are sad to get this news. Ray has promised to still be with us and give us his full support and guide us along the way. We appreciate that very much.

Lee Ogle is now our acting president. We have complete faith in him and his ability to carry on, and keep this great organization that Ray has built, going bigger and better than ever. He was our Vice President and has always been an active part of the club. Our full support is with him.

Dana Stewart

Hank Ruf · Post by **Hank Ruf** » 5 Jan 2009 8:24 am

I had a great time!

Jerry Lee Newberry · Post by **Jerry Lee Newberry** » 5 Jan 2009 11:52 am

Ray, Dana called me last night to tell me that you were stepping down. I hate to hear this. You have always done a GREAT job with the meeting's and October Show. I hope you will still be around to give your advise. You will be missed as President I know.

Best of luck to you Lee. I know you can do it.

Donna

Wayne Smith · Post by **Wayne Smith** » 5 Jan 2009 12:26 pm

Ray, Sorry to hear you are giving up your position. You have done a marvelous job. I know you will be there to help when needed. However, Lee Ogle will be a great leader and continue on with what you have accomplished. God Bless all of you.
Wayne Smith

Leland Ogle · Post by **Leland Ogle** » 5 Jan 2009 4:54 pm

Ray and I are the best of friends and we only live six blocks apart. He has assured me that he will help me as much as possible and somethings he will still take care of. He, Doug Hudson, and I started this KSGA several years ago and I want it to continue to be a success. All of the members have helped make this into a top notch association.
In the words of Bartles and James, thanks for your support.

Lee

Roy Rosetta · Post by **Roy Rosetta** » 5 Jan 2009 7:09 pm

Down here in Texas we hate to see Ray "semi-retire", but we know that he is leaving the club in great hands with Lee Ogle taking over.
We're looking forward to being in Baxter Springs again in October and having lot's of musical fun and fellowship with all of the fine members of the KSGA along with the "semi-retired" and the "new" president of the KSGA.
Best wishes to Lee and all of the KSGA.
...Roy and Barbara

Jeremiah Hanley · Post by **Jeremiah Hanley** » 6 Jan 2009 6:26 am

Ray is a very good friend and a partner in the world of steel guitars. He's also a pioneer in putting together steel guitar clubs with a very friendly atmosphere of fellowship. We'll miss you at the top, Ray, but I have a sneaking suspicion that you'll be there as always. I'm sure Lee will be able to function very well for he had a good leader to show him the steps to take. We've always admired Lee's kind and friendly ways. He will do just fine, I know! All the folks from the KSGA form 'a wonderful host' and are very dear to our hearts. You all generate a real spirit of love and fellowship! We're looking forward to October's convention! Thanks for letting us be a part of you!

Michael McGee · Post by **Michael McGee** » 6 Jan 2009 8:24 am

Some of the finest people in the world can be found in this steel guitar community, and Ray is at the top of that list. I'm honored to be his friend, and words cannot express my thanks for the support he has shown me.

KSGA has such an atmosphere of warmth and friendship, due in no small part to Ray's leadership. He has chosen to leave his leadership post, but he isn't leaving us. Plus, he's leaving KSGA in the capable hands of another of this community's finest people.

So, Ray... THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Lee... ONWARD and UPWARD! You know you have my full support.

ray qualls · Post by **ray qualls** » 9 Jan 2009 10:55 am

To the top one more time!

Larry Garrett · Post by **Larry Garrett** » 10 Jan 2009 11:39 am

Ray,
You and the guys have planted another successful organization and watched it grow. I know you're proud of KSGA. Thanks for all you've done for the Siloam Springs Steel Guitar Club as well. You were the one who told me about them in the first place and got me started on steel.

Lee,
Congratulations my friend. I know you'll do a great job. I always enjoy when I get to come to Baxter Springs. Hopefully y'all can make it to Siloam Springs soon. Bring Kyle too if you can.

Larry