Ukulele Ray Named Honorary Fire Captain

I've got thousands of stories to tell about my many travels and journeys through life, but this one especially touched me this holiday season.

While being out and about with my nephew, Matthew (a.k.a. The Mooseman), on the wet, snowy streets of Lansing during our visit to Elderly Instruments, we stumbled into a club called "The Nuthouse."

Knowing, only by name, that this is a place Ukulele Ray should definitely check-into (sans straight-jacket), we ventured into the inevitable.

Matt was drooling over this wonderful buffet at the club, but found out that it was a private Christmas party for the Lansing Fire Department. Well, being the "Starvin' Marvyn" in our enterouge, Matt quickly introduced Uncle Ray, who diverted the friendly firemen in song and laughter while nephew sneaked a plate and helped himself to the lavish holiday smorgasborg.

After spending well over an hour with these real-life heroes, sharing love and song, Ex-Fire Chief Bob Ness took the captain's bars from his brother, Captain Todd Ness' uniform and had them pinned on me, naming me an honorary fire captain for the way that I touch people through comedy and music, calling attention to the charitable work I do with children and art.

I have to say, that this touched me deeply. I've been honored and won awards all through my career, but no distinction has ever meant so much to me, with the unconditional love and support that was shown to my nephew and I, in a city where we had never been before.

It's truly refreshing to know that there's so many beautiful people out there and still believing... "All you need is love!" Peace and love to all this holiday season from Ukulele Ray.