Susan L. Bingler, CGRS wrote: >>>snip..<< >This seems to be a proposal going in too many directions. A business does >not open all its branch stores on the same day. Many businesses have failed >because they grew "too quickly" tried to do "too much". >>>snip..<< Greetings Cousin(s) Friday 13 July 2000 Just to respond to this statement as presented above. There are "no" branch stores and this is "not" a business!! We have to remember, it takes ideas to organize... and there are many out there to be sure! As the facts are in, the following seems to be the general wants: 1st: Some type of a "formal" Washburn family organization. 2nd: Family gatherings of some type to be able to "connect" with one another. 3rd: A Washburn Family Association web page. To me, these are the "basic" three ideas that have been presented to date. To be able to function at all, we need the ability to organize as a national family organization. And, from that, every thing else would come together. I for one, love my country and number two, love my family and am proud of "our" Washburn family heritage! We as as family have contributed much to this country of ours and to form such an association would be a credit to "all" of our beloved ancestors!!. I respect those who disagree with this entire idea. That is their choice. But, I know there are those out there that agree with me. And, there are those that probably are only into the family research for other motivations. Meeting at genealogical conferences is nice. It is great for those who can attend those functions. But, to have a organization just dedicated to the "wants" and "needs" of our Washburn family genealogy is something entirely different then attending a general genealogical conference. Regards, Cousin Chuck