John B, Jay and Michael-- You have all captured what the Foundation calls "the Reunion." I recall your suggestion, Michael, that we change the name of this annual event and I agree, as do many others. John B, you bring up something that I have sorely missed over the last couple of years--the gathering of cousins. I remember 2 years ago that Bill and Susan Holtzclaw organized an incredibly wonderful Holtzclaw Reunion. There were about 20-30 of us, all Holtzclaw descendants, sharing stories at Napoleon's restaurant over a delicious dinner prepared by the German chef. We had already been out to the little cemetery at Ashland/Ashlawn together, a very emotional experience to be sure. It was emotional even though the Holtzclaws in that cemetery are not my ancestors! This is something that we need to keep doing. Skip Poole, a Clore descendant, has a get together every year in conjunction with the Reunion. Jay, your suggestions about the watermelon eating contest and the sack races is something that we, both the Foundation and the Association, have been considering adding to the schedule, perhaps even a family picnic. If you've ever read the accounts of the history of the Germanna Foundation, you've probably seen the photographs of BC Holtzclaw leaning on a podium, outside at the annual picnic, with the families gathered around. With the heat at this time of the year, tents might be a good option as there aren't enough trees, but don't be surprised if you see this as an option. I might add, too, that both the Foundation and the Association appreciate suggestions and comments. Those can be directed to: _office@germanna.org_ (mailto:office@germanna.org) Perhaps in the near future we will have email capability to all of the Trustees, Association Board members and the various committees--but, that costs money, too! Michael, thank you so much for the reminder of the responsibility that the Germanna Foundation has in it's hands in relation to the various properties that we own, which we take very seriously. At the present, we are responsible for the care and maintenance of Salubria, an 18th century Georgian mansion and the Visitors Center and surrounding property. All of these properties require funds in order to maintain them properly. We also have an office staff at the Visitors Center and we're responsible for their salaries. We couldn't operate without them. Thus, we have to raise money! Not only does the Foundation have to maintain the above and pay salaries in order to keep the Visitors Center open, but we also have to pay for the publishing of publications and the newsletter that is sent out to our members. I would argue with you, Jay, that the Reunion itself is a fund raiser, as the main way that we raise funds is through our membership, which needs to grow and grow! The Reunion does not raise money, it costs money!! I view the Reunion as just that, a reunion of people with a commonality that goes back hundreds of years and just a few years. I look forward to the Reunion because I know that I will see some of my cousins, I will see fellow travelers to Germany and I will meet new people. The difference between the Germanna Reunion and a traditional reunion is that we are gathering people from more than 50 families, not just one or two, so the focus is on their shared experience. Just my two cents.....Barb Price In a message dated 8/5/2008 07:36:54 Pacific Daylight Time, oddlaw@pacbell.net writes: I take a slightly different position in that I believe that Germanna is different from other "family reunions." Few "family reunions" own a large tract of property and even fewer have a stewardship over a significant part of American history that reaches beyond mere family members. The goals of most "family reunions" would be fellowship, fun and refreshing family ties. Germanna is charged with a more expansive duty owing to the unique history of the "Germanna family." I do agree that a name change is appropriate and my suggestion is "The Germanna Historical Conference and Annual Reunion." This more accurately reflects the heritage and actual operation of the annual Germanna event. As for the fund raising element, it is simply necessary to sustain the many obligations of Germanna, which unlike most "family reunions" must sustain expenses on a year-round basis with the operation of the visitor's center and website. Personally, I find Germanna's fund raising activities to be very benign. Vendors selling items of interest to those who attend and the auctions are for many people are attractive elements of the Germanna annual event. As for the genealogy, it is my impression that it ties in neatly with the essential mission of Germanna and is an important part of the "soul of Germanna." Anyone who attended this year's conference and heard John Blankenbaker's fascinating account of Urban Tanner, or Katherine Brown's superb presentation on the women of Germanna, or Barb Price's insightful unveiling of the history of Ashlawn (Ashland) could not help but be impressed by the rich offerings of the Germanna experience. I say this as one who has no known relation to Urban Tanner, am not a woman (though I confess to soft spot in my heart for women), and who has no family ties to the Ashlawn (Ashland) property or families. These were just exceptional presentations that enhanced one's appreciation for the context of one's own family history. Also, anyone who heard Marc Wheat's discussion of Germanna and the exciting plans for the future of Germanna could not help but be inspired by being a part of such a worthy enterprise. Fund raising will be an important part of fulfilling the many opportunities that Germanna possesses. The Sunday morning experience with Dr. William Kelso of Jamestown also provided a marvelous look at the context of how our ancestors were able to come to this country and how the path was cut. Germanna is more than just a family reunion and we should all celebrate that fact. Of course, that's not to say we can't have some sack races and watermelon eating contests as part of the festivities! Best wishes to all, Michael L. Oddenino Jay Rector wrote: > Germanna is the first "reunion" I have ever attend where the primary focus is fund raising. Very sad. > > While fund raising is a necessary activity for the organization the reunion of familes, in my opinion, should be at minimal costs, and "family" oriented. Otherwise it isn't a family reunion at all. It is currently what it is - an annual fundraiser. > > Another issue with the manner of this Germanna Reunion is that the events and activities seem to be focused on genealogy. While many of you are "genealogy" oriented, most of the family decendents are not. We are "family members" with a common heritage. Where is the sack race and watermellon eating contest! Who has a story of family member success that can be shared with other family member and "Germanna cousins". Who graduated High School, College or has a new job, or maybe needs one? These are things that my family reunions have on their agenda. > > These aspects of fund raising and genealogy need to take a back seat at a family reunion, or rename the event. > > Sigh... > > Plan - Work - Sustain. > > > Jay Rector - 4046603282.com > > -----Original Message----- > From: john.blankenbaker@comcast.net > > Date: Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:32:41 > To: <germanna_colonies@rootsweb.com> > Subject: [GERMANNA] Suggestions for the Reunion > > > > To Michael's excellent suggestions, let me add one. > > Reunions mean more when a good sized contingent of people from one family attend. I, for one, would volunteer to help provide a special event program outside of the usual activities. In particular, I am thinking of the year that 19 Ambergers came early. We met before the commencement of formal activities and they listened to a discussion by me before we went out to visit the two land patents that Conrad Amberger had. Then we went to Hebron and the town of Madison. We concluded the day with a dinner in Madison. In total we spent about five hours on the activities. I think the group had a good time that was informative. > > This was before the time that we had Friday tours. Still, having something tailored to one's own family is especially interesting. It would remain to be seen how we could merge all of the activities but the aim would be to have something special for the family. > > How do get the ball rolling? Principally it would depend on a person within the family who would organize the family and promote the idea. At the moment, I would volunteer to help if the group could trust that the creek doesn't rise too high. So contact the Foundation or me if your family is interested. > -- > John.Blankenbaker@comcast.net > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GERMANNA_COLONIES-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GERMANNA_COLONIES-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3328 (20080805) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > > ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GERMANNA_COLONIES-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message **************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? 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