January 25th  2021

Good Morning Folks,

First of all I would like to thank everyone who sent good wishes regarding my recent total knee replacement surgery. It’s been a harrowing ride and the most painful thing I have ever experienced but I’m starting to turn the corner. I believe I may be able to walk pain free once again. I cannot give enough thanks to my dear wife Julie Schnepf who has taken care of me every single minute of every day. She is also taking care of the business remotely in her free time  

Yesterday, Ryan Yarmel and his faithful companion “REN" visited us in Penn Yan. Ryan has been working for us for nearly half of his life. He came to us as a high school student, accomplished bass player bound for the prestigious Eastman School of Music. He stopped in the store during Jazz Festival and asked if we needed any help. He looked honest enough so I hired him that day. After graduating high school he attended Eastman for a short time but finally confessed to his parents that really all he wanted to do was work at Bernunzio’s and be a "musician". We hit it off right away because we both have a passion for learning new things about old stuff. We have been constant companions over the past 13 years and I have taught him all I know. I trust him with everything we do. He has been managing the store along with Sam Snyder, Greg Maslyn and Alex Patrick in repair. They are running a viable business despite all the challenges. Julie is keeping a handle on the financial side so that we are keeping our heads above water. Really, rather than a store it’s becoming more like a co-op. We all work together at what we love and we do best. They are in touch with me or Julie daily. I trust them with our business and with our name. It should be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out with us living an hour away but challenges beg creativity and that is what we breed. Look for exciting times in the months to come.

Sincerely,

John Bernunzio 

Bernunzio Uptown Music