Well said! I was writing something along this vein but you stated it so perfectly I discarded my response. I will add my humble thoughts... I think John's suggestion that the individual families have separate reunions or events in conjunction with the main Foundation is an excellent idea. Such individual family reunions would be more in line with what Jay seeks. The Clores do this and the Yagers have done so, too (and probably others). It would nice if in scheduling the separate family events, consideration is given to the fact that many descendants have multiple Germanna ancestors :-) Those separate 'family reunions' would be more in line with a conventional family reunion that allow closer relations to meet and catch up on the family. etc. Such family events would certainly add depth to the experience for attendees. I felt bad that I could not attend the Clore meeting after Saturday's seminars. I said I would then simply wasn't feeling well (turned out I was getting pretty sick). The Foundation annual reunion of descendants could remain an event with elements focused on historical studies, future foundation plans, etc., as it is now. Whenever I am able to attend, I am always blown away by the tours, seminars and presentations. Kathleen On 8/5/08, Michael L. Oddenino <oddlaw@pacbell.net> wrote: > > 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 > > <snipped for brevity> > -- > Kathleen Bowen Simons > Falls Church, Virginia > > IMAGE - a No. VA Christian church whose mission is simple: Worship. > Community. Service. > www.thisisimage.com (click on the Audio icon to hear Pastor Chris' > messages!) > > Listen to a beautiful song, "Feel the Ocean Calling," by Roderick C. > Simons: http://www.myspace.com/roderickcsimons