Within the past week, Danilo Konvalinka, the owner and founder of the
Musical Wonder House museum in Wiscasset, ME, suffered a minor stroke
and is currently recuperating.  His mind and hands are unaffected, and
his speech is untouched except for a slight paralysis on one side of
his face, similar to a dose of Novocain at the dentist's.  But he will
need some therapy to walk normally again.

Since the museum itself is closed for the season until next Spring,
its operation is not affected and Danilo should be back on his feet and
giving tours as usual when it re-opens.

Meanwhile the retail shops and other aspects are being handled as usual
by his business manager, Marcia.  She plays piccolo and flute in the
same town band where I play trombone, and informed me of the situation
and cleared me to post it on the MMD.

Danilo is in Room 19 of the Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta,
ME, phone (207) 563-1234.  He can take calls from friends in the
afternoon and well into the evening.  He's itching to return home and
probably will in a very few days.

No MMDer should pass through northern New England without stopping by
at the Musical Wonder House.  You will see and hear perfectly restored
musical boxes and other instruments and novelties, narrated with some
stories and opinions on the side.  When Danilo saw that I was as
interested in the music as in the gadgetry, he treated me to a few more
overture boxes beyond the standard tour.  Having his museum a half hour
away doesn't quite make up for leaving the Chicago area, but it comes
close!

Let's wish Danilo a speedy recovery and many more years of introducing
the world to the joys of mechanical music.

Mike Knudsen