Archives

From the Home Page:
May 4, 2007: Some recent news arrived from Mary T about the Smith Clan. Check it out at the link to the left.
A little more than 60 days until the reunion. Any more news from you?
We will ramp up the info here soon about menus, fire-building, activities for the kids (and adults?), and everything else we need to prepare for the momentous occasion. Stay tuned... often!!
April 22, 2007: Happy Earth Day and Happy Birthday, Joe Higham! Spring has finally arrived, apparently for real. Our 07/07/07 reunion is now less than 3 months away. Do you have it on your calendar? We are in need of some committees, soon. Do we have volunteers? Send an email with an indication of how you can help.
We have some pictures in the new Photo Gallery (see link at the left) of Grandma Mildred Higham's 100th Birthday celebration, and the co-celebration of Grace Sauerzopf's 16th Birthday. Thank you to all who sent cards, letters and flowers to commemorate the event.
January 24, 2007: We have a couple of news items from correspondents for you. Check out the links at the left for the latest. And, see all of the past info in the Archives link.
Oct 17, 2006: Ten days have passed! It seems like just yesterday. The Reunion is over! An absolutely beautiful day, a great time to share again with relatives and friends.

Some pictures of the day. Click on each for a full page view:

Outside prep for cooking by the Foleys Inside prep, or is it coffee they want?

Pumpkin Art 101 and 102. Look at the teacher! A table full of goodies

A room full of reunioners, too busy to look at the camera. More interest in their plates!

Hail, hail the gang's all here!

Do you have any photos to add to the gallery? If you want originals of any of these, send an email. Each shot is about 2+ MB in size.

From the 2006 Reunion Summary:
What: Annual Family Reunion of the Curtiss-Higham-Seubert-Smith Families
Where: United Church of Camden Presbyterian, Social Hall, Church and Main Street, Camden, NY
When: Saturday, October 7, 2006   We will start the fires at 11:00 A.M. and plan to eat by 1:00 P.M.
Who: All members of the clans mentioned above. Send a reply about your intentions to attend and we will have an attendance list for you to browse before you arrive. See final list below.
Particulars: Bring your own table service; meat to cook, if you wish; and a dish to pass. Coffee (reg and decaf), hot water for tea and cocoa, and hot/cold drink cups will be provided. Condiments, napkins, paper towels, and disposable tablecloth will also be provided.
Final Menu: The following dishes were on the table:
Baked Beans:                                                      Jane Curtiss Watkin
Brownies:                                                            Miriam Smith
Chili con carne, and Cake:                                    Jan & Bob Abrams
Cold cuts with rolls
   (Turkey, Ham and Cheese) and Brownies:          Mary & Mark Glazer
Veggie Platter with Ranch Dressing and
   S'mores fixings:                                                Sue & Ted Foley
Pizza (freshly made local)
(Fresh cider and donuts):                                    Joe & Linda Higham
Macaroni Salad and Gooey Square:                      Garret & Ginger Smith
Chicken Riggi Casserole and
Tortilla Chips with Salsa:                                    Ann & Ben Hughes
Fresh Fruit Bowl (Mixed), Fruited Cottage Cheese,
   Potato Chips, Potato Salad, and Deviled Eggs: Jan & Jack Higham
Soda selection on ice:                                         Jim Higham
Vegetable salad with lettuce, spinach,
celery, mushrooms, boiled egg, bacon, etc.:          Miriam & Jim Parmelee
Pasta Salad and Veggie Chips:                            Mary Taglieri
Dried Fruit:                                                         Carol Curtiss
Cookies:                                                             Dianne Hollibaugh

Games, Entertainment, Photos, and Info: We will plan to have entertainment for the younger set for either inside or outside, depending on the weather. Bring photos or other family info that you think might be of interest to the group.
Activities for the Children: We hope to enlist the adult in-laws to assist, in order to free up the adult family members for the brief reunion meeting following dinner.
(Pre-Dinner)      Pumpkin decoration (a pumpkin for each child); selection of games;
                            (Beautifully decorated pumpkins!)
(Post Dinner)    S'mores, popcorn, and toasted fruit pies (in pie irons) over the fire;
                               more games (Too much food inside, no takers outside!)
Next Reunion (tentative): 07/07/07 Mark this date on your calendar! July 7, 2007 at VBSP
Final Attendance: (as of 10/07, total: 35, including three guests)
Curtiss:   Jane Watkin; Carol Curtiss
Higham: Jack and Jan Higham; Joe, Linda, and Laurel Higham, and Ruth Revette, guest, (Linda's mom):   Ann, Ben, Riley, Joe and Sam Hughes; Mary and Mark Glazer; Sue, Ted, Andy, and Arik Foley; Jan and Bob Abrams;
Seubert:
Smith:    Mary Taglieri; Miriam Smith; Jim, Miriam, Florie, Abigail, and Nathan Parmelee, and Rob Choppy, guest, friend of Abigail; Garret, Ginger, Michael, Kimberley, and Andrew Smith;
Special Guest: Dianne Hollibaugh
Regrets: The following were not able to attend, but sent their regrets and best wishes:
Betty, Bob Sauerzopf & Family; Jim & Joan Entwistle & Family; Jane Higham and boys; Steve, Arlene, & Rebecca Smith; Richard Taglieri; Jim & Peg Higham and Family; Charlie & Pat Smith: John & Madeline Mack; Keith Watkin; Tim Smith; Mary Lou Maynard

Reunion 2007 is Set! 07/07/07
We have a confirmed reservation for the small picnic pavilion (capacity about 100 or so) at Verona Beach State Park for Saturday, July 7, 2007. Mark your calendars, gas up the buggy and get ready for another great time. Let's plan to start this one earlier and run later. We can eat the main meal at an appropriate time, and have time for plenty of activities for the younger set.
If you plan to camp at VBSP that weekend, make your reservation now.
You can reserve online at: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=26

We can start planning an agenda now so we can get lots of input. As for a starter, let's plan that fresh coffee and doughnuts will be available from 9:00 A.M. on.

From the Higham Clan Page: April 22, 2007: We finally have some pictures from Grandma Mildred's 100th Birthday celebration, held March 10, 2007 at her home, the Chemung County Nursing Facility. Also included are pictures of Grace Sauerzopf's 16th Birthday celebrated at the same time. You can view these at the Photo Gallery link at the left.
John Mack tells us his health issue culminated in the removal of a kidney that had become afflicted with a cancerous tumor. John says he is feeling OK, is still recuperating, and will have continued follow up tests. He says the doctors called this a Stage 4 tumor. John checks his email once and a while, so send him an email or better yet, send a card or call him. See below for the info.
Joan Higham Entwistle was found recently to have a positive PAP test. A subsequent biopsy indicated cancerous tissue. On April 4, she underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy that was robot assisted. Additional tissue was also removed for testing. Her doctor says she appears free of any problems and apparently does not face any follow up treatment, other than observation. Grandpa received an excited call on Friday evening, 4/21, from Tyler in which he proudly proclaimed he had won 3rd place in the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. Tyler and his mom started the car construction in the Higham Work Shop and finished it at home.
January 24, 2007: Recent emails or phone conversations give us the following:
Jan and Bob Abrams headed to the warmth of Florida for a couple of months, and to catch up on family visitations:
Richard Sauerzopf recently returned from a trip to Italy with his fellow seminarians, visiting Rome (audience with the Pope) and an especially enjoyable visit to Venice.
Grandma Mildred continues to be well. She will celebrate her 100th on March 11, 2007.
We'll have a letter to family and friends with more details, soon.
John Mack called to say he has encountered some health issues that require some medications now. He'll keep us informed. We wish him well.
Jack experienced a pinched nerve in the neck... turns out to be arthritis. Physical therapy and continued exercise seem to be keeping the discomfort at bay.
Joan Entwistle has resumed her former position with Strong as a Renal Dialysis Dietician, and will continue as an educational consultant for the National Kidney Foundation Rochester Chapter, on a part-time basis. She is also now a den mother for Tyler's Cub Scout den!

From the Smith Clan Page: Aunt Miriam, Miriam and I went to Arizona to visit Ruthie for a week in April. Ruthie no longer can move anything below her neck and is finding it harder to move her head. Her mind is still very clear and she finds it very difficult to communicate. She has a device that has a stick attached to her side rail that she can hit to type on her Light Writer unit. It is very slow, though, and it tires her out. The staff do not have time to stand there until she types what she wants to say. That is frustrating for her. We spent a great deal of time with Ruthie (some of which was watching her sleep.) She does tire easily.
This disease is terrible! The latest is that her cardiac muscles are starting to become affected.
She still has her sense of humor, though. We laughed & cried together. That was a good thing for all of us.
We enjoyed some good chats with Tony! He is a good man! Also, we really enjoyed seeing all the nieces & nephew & great nieces & great nephews! For Aunt Miriam they are great-greats!!
It was a very good but exhausting trip. We are so glad we went. Please continue to pray for Ruthie. She feels all the thoughts and prayers around her.
Also, go to www.runforruthie.com and send messages to her. She sees them when Cathy brings in a laptop. There is also a tee shirt transfer for sale on the home page. Part of the money goes to the Arizona ALS Association!

The latest news from Richard and me is that our house is on the market! We are ready to move out of the city. However, many of you have heard us talk about moving south for the winter. Well, after all these years we have decided to stay in the Rochester area. We are into so many things here, and we have such deep roots that we figure we would never find all the things we enjoy in another area. So we are looking for a condo in the eastern suburbs. This way we will have our cottage for the summer & condo for the winter and we can go someplace during the winter for a break from the cold. We'll be glad when the move is over!!!

Also, we have a new e-mail address - tagone@frontiernet.net
The peoplepc address is good until June but they both are good until then.

Guess that's it for now! Looking forward to the reunion in July! See you then!

Love, Mary

From Mary, January 8, 2007: Trust all is well there! Want to send on a family update for the web site. Luisa and Joe Lukaszewski had a baby girl on Friday 1/5/2007!! Her name is Rita Anne, she weighed a little over 8 pounds and is 19" long, All is well. The Anne part of her name is for her Grandma Ruthie!

Ruthie was out of bed in a reclining wheelchair and a portable respirator for Christmas day. The family gathered in a conference room down the hall from her room and she could watch the festivities. The kids decorated cookies and opened gifts!

Luisa got permission from their priest to have Rita baptized at the hospital so that Ruthie could be there. Joe's Dad is a deacon so he will baptize her!

Ruthie can no longer move anything below her neck so she has progressed considerably.

We are fine! Coming down from all the holiday activities! Look forward to the reunion on July 7th. Woody Stevens and his wife Lini might be coming from Philadelphia!! I hope they can! I am not sure about Jim & Darlene Stevens or Tim Smith yet.

Will be in touch again! Love, Mary & Richard

From the Seubert Clan Page: Sept 30, 2006: Just a quick note from MaryLou on 09/30/2006 to say:
MY KIDS HAD A HUGE 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ME ON SEPT 3RD..
I WAS GOING TO WRITE IT UP FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER BUT HAVE BEEN
IMMERSED IN THE AFTER DEEDS. WILL REPORT ON IT..
LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING ALL THE NEWS FROM EVERYONE..
WE WILL ALL MISS JANE SO MUCH!!!!
HI TO EVERYONE...ML

From John Mack, 07/16/05 to 10/01/06: (Elsworth E. Mack and Helen Penny family branch) Starting with youngest of the children:
Helen (Peggy) Walters. After ten years alone, decided to give up house and move into easier quarters. Is now comfortably and happily ensconced (although not entirely unpacked) in 400 Haddon Ave., Unit No. 50, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (phone 856 428 7897) along with her two cats who are a lot of company and
interest. Health moderately good (bit of heart trouble). Busy with church and volunteering one day a week at thrift shop. Daughter Ann lives nearby so she sees her and grandchildren often.   Son Will is in Babylon Long Island so doesn't see them as often, but does keep in touch.
Jean Robeson and husband Robert haven't had the best last year and a half. Bob's health has gotten worse. High blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, emphysema, and congestive heart disease finally made it too difficult to remain at home. Since March, he has been on Medicaid at a nice nursing home just outside of Kingston. It's about twenty miles from Boiceville, so Jean can't get in to see him daily, but does the best she can. At the moment the prognosis for his return home is poor. Jean is learning to cope with car care, taxes, etc. Has a new well, roof on the house, updated electrical system and a few repairs completed for the approaching winter. Her address (and also for Bob) 340 Upper Boiceville Rd, Boiceville, NY 12412-5107 (phone 845 657 2798).
Elizabeth (Betty) Cameron continues on at the family home at 1138 W. Valley Rd, Wayne PA 19087 (phone 610 688 0843). Says health is generally good although suffers from maculate degeneration which hinders reading and prevents driving. Fortunately middle daughter Allison lives nearby and does a lot of night work so she can help with driving to here and there. Eldest daughter Tracey is involved with Healthcare and HMO management and does lot of traveling around. Son Dean is well established in the concrete business, supplying the local construction industry. His mother says the only problem is that construction work starts very early in the morning so Dean has to be available to dispatch the mix trucks even earlier and sometimes the pours continue quite late at night so his hours are irregular and sometimes very long.
John and Madeline are doing well. Health of both is fine. John reached his desired weight goal last year and is pleased to have maintained it so far. (Why is it so much harder to lose and maintain than to gain?)   This year we have traveled to Maine to see daughter Nancy and husband Richard, to the Catskills to see Jean, Bob and in-laws, and to North Carolina to visit daughter Lois and husband Zandy. Hope to be in N. Carolina for Thanksgivng this year. Did we say that all travel is by that best mode of all, motorhome? Madeline's daughter Madelon lives only about fifteen minutes away so we see a lot of her and 26 month old grandson, Chase. He's well named--that's what I did this afternoon keeping track of him!

Regrettably, we will miss the reunion this year. Just back from Maine, we are both tired, and heavy construction on our back border (five homes are being built on 14 feet of fill) make Madeline desirous of keeping an eye on things for awhile and I do agree with her.

News from granddaughter, Dael, (in New Haven, CT) indicates a wedding next July (2007). Very exciting. We like the young man a lot from the little we have seen him. Hope you all have a very successful reunion and our very best to all.

From Betty and Bob, 07/16/05 to 09/14/06:
The Sauerzopf's have been busy. Richard traveled to Europe last Christmas with a group from his seminary. He hopes to travel to Rome this Christmas for further study.
John continues to follow his interest in NASCAR Racing. He is a Lab. Tech. in a foundry in Pittsburgh. Katherine, Jay and Jeffrey are having a ball camping, helping in Jeffrey's nursery school and keeping up with a very active 3 year old. Bob and I have been dealing with health issues but seem to, at the present, have everything under control. We also keep daily watch over Mom who will celebrate her 100th
birthday March 11, 2007! She is doing quite well for her age.    She talks on the phone quite often with her sisters in Rome. She has a good appetite and on her good days will visit about old times. Occasionally she surprises everyone with her vivid recall of events of the past. We all have enjoyed these moments.
So long for now, Betty, Bob, Willie (10 year old Cocker Spaniel) and Sam (8 year old Cocker)

From Jack and Jan, 07/16/05 to 09/10/06:
Since the last reunion the events of the Higham family members include:
Joe & Linda: Blue Sky Studio released the sequel to Ice Age. Linda's Dad passed away in December; a memorial was held in the Spring. Linda's Mom suffered health problems, requiring surgery. Her home was flooded in the early Summer `06 flood. They spent many hours getting things back together. Linda is a leader for Laurel's Brownie Troop.
Jim & Peg: Jim & Dan returned from a High Adventure trip to Philmont Scout Ranch. Jim rejoined Pepsi in late fall. Dan received his Eagle Award in March. Katie completed her 2nd year at D'Youville College, did nursing work at Wilson Hospital and has begun her junior year.
John & Cathy: The family traveled back to NY (first time in 5 years) for the July wedding of Mary & Mark. John keeps busy in sales traveling most of the State of Florida, and they are enjoying their new home in Cape Coral.
   Sue & Ted:   Continue to be actively involved in church activities, Sue teaching Religious Ed., and with Ted conduct pre-Cana instruction. Ted, still a Scoutmaster, is now a licensed EMT and rides volunteer ambulance. Andy and Ted were both honored at the Scout OA winter banquet. Andy will receive his Eagle Award on September 13.
Ann & Ben: Ann took a half year family leave from teaching during spring semester and subsequently resigned to be a full time Mom. Ben stays busy at work, traveling to China last spring. He runs 10K races and this summer competed in a company triathalon. The boys are thriving, enjoying having Mom around.
   Mary & Mark: Spent many, many hours preparing for a beautiful wedding celebration on July 9, 2006. Our entire family (children, grandchildren, and our siblings) attended. Mary moved to teaching Kindergarten at Vestal Hills as Mrs. Glazer. Mark teaches in a neighboring school district.
   Jane: Completed another year of study toward her doctorate at UAlbany . She works part time for Brain Injury Association of NYS, and Comprehensive Neurological Services.
   Joan & Jim: Joan began a new job with the National Kidney Foundation in October. New addition, Cole Michael Entwistle, was born on July 26, 2006.
Jan: sings barbershop with Carousel Harmony Chorus and with the quartet, Good Vibrations. The quartet is doing singing gigs quite regularly.
Jack: stays busy with the alumni associations of Camden HS, and his college fraternity, Potter Club. The Club celebrated its 75th this June. Both Jack & Jan are in the lifetime fitness program at the Lourdes Hospital.

Sept 30, 2006: Smith Info: From the Deandas via Tony. Thanks for the update.

Hello to all of our relatives from Tony and Ruthie Deanda. I hope to keep you updated on our family.
This time I'll concentrate on Ruthie and me. Next time I will report on the children and grandchildren.
Most of you may be interested in hearing more about Ruthie's condition. Mary has done a great job
of keeping some of you current and I'm thankful for her help. I will give you some history going back
to January 2003. We started seeing doctors when we began noticing a weakness in her hands having
slurred speech and stumbling, but not falling up to this point. Falling came later, she only fell twice,
only once did she skin her knees. The first time I was nearby and kept her from falling hard. She was
given a battery of tests for heart conditions, carpal tunnel, had surgery on her right wrist done.
She was referred to a Neurologist, he first thought she had Myasthenia Gravis. He determined she did
not and recommended she see a specialist in Neurological diseases. After a series of tests and
some painful EEG's this doctor came a conclusion that it could be a form of Amyotropic Lateral
Sclerosis (ALS) known as Progressive Bulbar Palsy, a motor neuron disease.

Approximately 300,000 people in the United States and 300 residents in Arizona live with the reality of
ALS daily. She does not have the "familial" ALS, which occurs more than once in a family lineage.
ALS is not contagious. ALS slowly affects the nerves that make the muscles move. Her tongue was
affected first. When swallowing became difficult, she had a PEG tube put in, with which to maintain her
nutrition and health. Shortly, her walking was affected and was given "toe-up" leg braces to wear.
Soon she was told to start using a wheel chair. I kept her mobile in it. We even made a trip to Menard,
Texas for my 50th High School Reunion. We had a lovely time. my classmates fell in love with her attitude
and treated her equally well during that weekend. When we were returning home we were involved in
an auto accident, in a rental car on the way to the airport in Austin, Texas. The car was hit from
behind and rolled at least twice. Ruthie got a small cut on her head. EMT's took us to an Emergency
Room to have stitches put in. Needless to say we missed our flight, but the volunteers at the hospital
were kind enough to call the airline and get us on a flight 4 hours later. After getting home, we had
Ruthie checked out by her Primary Doctor, who took out her stitches and checked her over and gave
her a clean bill of health from the accident. Things kind of smoothed out until December when she
started having problems breathing. We went to ER on 3 occasions, and were seen by doctors, but were
sent home because by the time they saw her she was better. The fourth time, she was finally
admitted for observation. She was in ICU for about 2 hours. The doctor decided she should be put in
CCU where they would be better able to care for her. There they put her on a ventilator, and recommended
she have a tracheotomy. We called her specialized doctor and asked for advice, he said it was our
decision. We decided to have the trach. So since January 12, 2006 she has been hospitalized, because
with a trach requires 24/7 care. Her right arm is now immobile, she can use it enough to work the call light.
She uses a device called a Lightwriter. She types in what she wants to say and it speaks for her.
She can stand with help, but cannot walk. Strength therapist work with her doing light exercises.
Her fingers are curled, so the use of her hands is limited. There is currently no known cause or cure, for
ALS, therefore there is no effective treatment to stop the decline and eventual death of those affected
with this disease. She has not given up and continues to be a "model' for those around her. She smiles as
she always has and gives off "rays" of hope to those near her. She is the pillar of force that keeps me going.
She loves to have visitors, especially our grandchildren who give her great joy. You can send her cards
or letters at the following address: N/Mountain Med & Rehab Center, 9155 N 3rd St, Room 224-Bed 2,
Phoenix AZ, 85020.

Will write more later.
Antonio & Ruthie Deanda
16454 N 46th Dr
Glendale AZ 85306-2118
602-843-2666 (H) or (M) 602-694-0209
_adroselady@aol.com_ (mailto:adroselady@aol.com)

Sept 27, 2006: See the link to Ruthie's web site that follows, and send a message to her, as well. http://www.runforruthie.com/

RunForRuthie@verizon.net?subject=Say hi to Ruthie!

Smith family update, 8/24/06:
We lost our Mom (Aunt, Grandma, Great grandma etc.) Jane Smith on Feb. 3, 2006. She was admitted to the Rensselaer County Nursing Facility in December and was suffering from Congestive Heart Failure. On the day she died, she told her daughter, Mary that she was "worn out". She was 91 years old and had been rather well until last fall. We were so fortunate to have her for so long! We all miss her very much!

Steve & Arlene are still living in Rodman, New York. Arlene is now retired from teaching but Steve is working for the South Jefferson School system and will continue to do so for a few more years. Their children, Garret, Heidi and Rebecca are busy with their lives. Garret still works for Bristol Myers in Syracuse and now has a supervisory position. He and his wife, Ginger, have three children (Michael, Kimberly and Andrew) who are growing up fast. Michael will be 16 soon!! Heidi and her three children (Harrison, Chandler and Olivia) live in Arkansas. Rebecca lives in Auburn with her friend, Tommy.

Ruthie, as many of you know, is battling Progressive Bulbar Palsy which is a form of ALS. The form that we all are most familiar with is Lou Gerhig's Disease. PBP is very much like that, but is a slower progressing form. Ruthie is in a Chronic Care Facility in Phoenix, Arizona. She has a trach and is on a respirator. Her mind is very clear, but her body is slowly deteriorating. Ruthie is a beautiful lady with a great spirit.

Tony is there with her every day. The girls, Cathy, Luisa and Beth visit her as often as they can. Their son, Steve and his family; wife Marty and two sons, Nick and Kyler live in Oregon now. So they keep track of Ruthie from afar. Cathy and her husband, Jeff, live in Maracopa, Arizona. Luisa and Joe live near Tony & Ruthie's home. They have four children and another one on the way!! (Johnny, Peter, Christopher, Mary, plus!)

Beth and Mike have two children (Emma & Robbie) and live close by, also.

Roberta & Bernie still live in Washington State. They love the life style out there and have made many friends! Their sons Rob & Chris live in Dundee, New York. Chris has an apartment right in town. Rob and his wife, Megan, have four children (Justin, Madison, Zackary and Keegen. They have a lovely home in the hills near Dundee.

Mary & Richard live in Rochester and have a summer cottage on Lake Ontario in Webster. They are making plans to sell their home and move south next year for the winters. Richard's daughter, Nicole, works for Canandaigua National Bank and loves her job.

Miriam & Jim are still in Rensselaer, New York with their three children. Florie works at Albany Medical Center and lives nearby. Abigail is a typical teenager and keeps them on their toes. Nathan is involved with a lot of things, too. They all are always on the go!!

Aunt Miriam Smith still lives in Rochester in an apartment. She is on a waiting list for a Senior Community (St. John's Meadows) and hopefully will be moving there soon. It is a very lovely place and lots of her friends will be there, too.

Dave & Evelyn Smith recently sold their house in Phoenix, Arizona and moved in with their daughter, Sheri and her husband Clive, in Indiana. They were very excited about the move. Their son, Merritt, is still in Phoenix. He has a very good job and a special friend there.

Jan Smith Walta (Bill Smith's widow) is still in Belleville, Illinois with her new husband, Bob. Her children, Tim, Debbie and Donna are spread out around the country.

The following came from Tim: I was very sorry to hear about Aunt Jane and actually wrote a song about her "A Card From Jane". When it is done I will send or bring it with me to the reunion. All my kids knew of her and loved her even though some of them never met this lady that cared about them so much. I hope the song reflects this and does her the honor she deserves. I can't even sing it without getting teary eyed. I hope to attend the reunion this year if everything falls into place. Recording moves slow here in Nashville, but October is reasonable for having a studio version. I think I had said I was involved in the music scene here. I went to the family web site and it is a great start. I may be able to help some. Anyway good to hear from you. Tim

Oct 6, 2006: Seubert Info Late news. Mary Lou will not be able to attend. She experienced some health issues that will keep her from driving. She sends her regrets.
Oct 6, 2006: Tomorrow! We have a couple of tweakings to the food list, so check out the latest menu under Reunion Info. We may have one other guest beyond the total number currently shown. See you on Saturday.
Oct 5, 2006: Two days to go! Most everyone has responded with their food plans, so you can see pretty well what our menu will be under Reunion Info. We will have activities for the kids as soon as they arrive, before dinner, and more activities after dinner. Bring your ideas for our 2007 reunion to share in the brief business meeting.
Oct 4, 2006: The countdown continues. We have heard from most about their food offering, but a few are still being "secretive."
Late news: Ted Foley will bring his traveling kitchen with large grill for cooking.
We will keep this spot hot for new info until Friday evening! Keep checking the Reunion Info!! Check out our plans for children activities.
Oct 1, 2006: More news from the Higham Clan, via John Mack, and a brief note from the Seubert Clan, via MaryLou Maynard.
Keep checking the developing menu items under Reunion Info.
Sept 30, 2006: A week from today. Are you ready? Do you know what you plan to bring as a dish to pass? If so, let me know and I'll add it to a developing menu under the Reunion Info. That way we can help increase diversity of dishes and avoid too much of the same thing. Will you be bringing pictures to display, or other family memorabilia? Do you need projection for a computer slide show? Let me know.
More new information from the Deanda Family. See the Smith page.
Sept 27, 2006: A little more than a week away! Under the Reunion Info, note we will also provide a selection of soda on ice among the beverages. Keith Watkin is now recuperating at the Lutheran Home of Central New York, 108 Utica Rd., Clinton, NY 13323-1548.
Mary Taglieri sent the link that follows to sister Ruthie's web site. Check it out and send her a message. http://www.runforruthie.com/ See the link also at the Smith site.
Sept 26, 2006: More responses. Check them out.
Sept 21, 2006: More responses, but several not heard from, yet. Will you be there? Check Reunion Info for the particulars. What do we need for activities for the children? Any ideas, send them to us, quickly. Forest Park is within reasonable walking distance, the Elementary School is also within about 3 blocks.
Sept 15, 2006: Keith Watkin currently in Oneida City Hospital following gall bladder removal. More responses in Reunion Info.
September 14, 2006: More news. Some responses about attending and some regrets.
See the Reunion Info. See the latest from Betty and Bob under the Higham Clan.
September 10, 2006: Less than a month to the Reunion. Check out the latest news
from the Higham Clan (still incomplete.)
August 27, 2006 - Check out the info from the Smith Clan sent in by Mary, with a
supplement from Tim. Still looking for stuff from everyone else.
August 21, 2006 - Happy birthday to Betty Higham Sauerzopf. Nobody is counting, Sis!
Clan Columns - We have started a page for each of the branches at the left which we are
arbitrarily calling "Clans" If you click on any one it will take you to the latest events for that "clan." There, too, you will find the "CC" or "CCs" (Clan Correspondent(s)) listed. Keep them
informed about what is happening in your life and they will keep all of the rest of us informed.
Think of this as an ongoing "Christmas Letter."

Reunion Info - This link at the left will take you to current information about the
preparations for the upcoming reunion (see below) and for future reunions.

Archives - This link at the left will take you to the news formerly in this column.
As the info here gets stale we will move it to the Archives. That way you can still read
about things posted from the past.

August 9, 2006, (almost) - We have confirmation of the use of the Hall and Kitchen
at the church in Camden from Noon to 4:00 P.M. for our family reunion on Saturday,
October 7, 2006. This is the date that had the least number of conflicts among family
members from the responses to our survey. Put the date on your calendar. We will
work out more details for the reunion in the very near future.

August 8, 2006 - We said we'd be back, but it has been a slow process. At the moment
we are trying to get some "family info" together from each branch listed at the left to liven
things up. What we envision is having each branch send to us a write up (email, if possible)
about what the various members of that branch have been doing... sort of like a Christmas
letter, but in August! The info provided should be screened so that all of it is acceptable to
you to be put on the web site. In other words, don't send us stuff you don't want to see
on the web site!

The info will be added to the site as often as new info comes along. We will probably
put it in as a link at the left, so you can browse the info by family. We can indicate
on the home page, here, when new stuff has been added and where.

Check in to the site often and send reactions to me using the email connection or phone
number at the bottom.

By the way, I finally got the caption completed (one year late!) for the Sauerzopf's
wedding photo below. I promise to keep things more current than the past record
has shown!!!

May 6, 2006 - We have been inactive for a while, but soon will have a lot of new
information for you.

Aug. 27, 2005: This is the eve of the 45th Wedding anniversary of Bob and Betty
Higham Sauerzopf. They were married in the Methodist Church in Camden.
That church was located at the corner of Second and Church Streets, across
from the Town Hall. The church is gone now, replaced by the new one on upper
Main Street. Here is the wedding party as they appeared August 28, 1960.
[The picture has been removed, but is available if you want it. Send me an email.]
From the left: Karl Fatzinger; Jack Higham; Paul Stark; Gerry Mallard; Gerry Jones;
Bob Sauerzopf; in front, Miriam Smith; Betty Higham Sauerzopf; Joan Madison;
Sharon Allen; Pat McConkey; Gloria Buski; and Jan Higham

August 27, 2005: A message from Garret Smith on Aug. 22 with some feedback
for the web site:

Jack,
    We've hit a temporary lull in our busy summer schedule so will send a few thoughts
your way regarding the web site. Overall it is a great idea!
    Perhaps the layout could also include a general genealogy section which covers
the overall background of the family tree. Each family that chooses to participate
could have their own section in a "members only" area to put up specific family information
and photos. To encourage those who might have concerns about identity and security
issues the "members only" area could be password protected.
    It would also be nice to have the capability to put up slide shows of past picnics,
to have a message posting area, and to have a calendar/signup area for future picnics.
The sign up area could have a list of items for people to select that they can supply for the next picnic.
    These are just a few thoughts which are subject to hosting service bandwidth and
server programming restrictions.

Hope all is well with you folks.
Garret

How about some reaction to Garret's ideas? Send them to me and we can get some
discussion going.

July 24, 2005: We now have our own web site! Visit us often. Send stuff to us oftener!

July 20, 2005: The picnic reunion was held Saturday, July 16. The site was changed,
due to likely bad weather, from Verona Beach State Park to the United Church in Camden.
The weather held, so following the meal, several family members went to VBSP to swim
and enjoy the pleasant surroundings of Oneida Lake.

Approximately 27 attended, including: Jane Higham Smith, Troy; The Parmelee Family,
Jim, Miriam, Florie, Abigail, and Nathan from Rensselaer; Jane and Keith Watkin, Camden;
Mary Lou Maynard, Spencerport; Richard and Mary Taglieri, Rochester; Jan and Bob
Abrams, Florida/Camden; Steve and Arlene Smith, Rodman; Rebecca Smith, Syracuse;
the Foley Family, Ted, Sue, Andy and Arik from Vestal; Jack and Jan Higham, Vestal;
Tyler and Justin Entwistle, Rochester; Garret, Michael, Kimberly and Andrew Smith, Phoenix.

At a brief business meeting a discussion was held regarding future dates and locations
for the reunion. A formula date was decided upon for next year and if successful may
become a permanent plan. The reunion date will be the Saturday following July 6.
In 2006 this date will be July 8. This formula means the reunion date will be no earlier
than July 7, nor later than July 13. Locations should provide for coverage in event of
inclement weather. The list at present includes: United Church, Camden; and the Small
Shelter, VBSP. The United Church does not charge a usage fee, but will accept a goodwill
offering. VBSP rates for the Small Shelter are currently $60. This includes electricity.
Garbage pickup would bring the rate to $70. This year a goodwill offering of $75 was made
to the church. Steve Smith and Jack Higham looked over the Small Shelter and felt it
would be very adequate in meeting our needs. However, we cannot submit a request for
a reservation until 9 months prior to the preferred date. Thus, late September or early
October will be the earliest we might know if our request is granted. The shelter is designed
to hold about 100 people. It is an enclosed pavilion with a covered barbecue cooking area.
Roll-up windows are located on the lakeside and both ends. The shelter is adjacent to the
walking path along the edge of the lake. The lakeshore is within about 50' of the shelter.
In other words it is right on the shore with a magnificent view of the lake. The swimming
area is about 200 yards farther North. A children's play area is adjacent to the shelter
and bathroom facilities are reasonably close by. The distance from the parking lot is
greater than for the previously used tent shelters, but automobile access may be possible
to allow passengers to be dropped off at the shelter. Jack will follow up to determine
details prior to the request submission date. Check this web site to keep informed.

Family Information: We need feedback from you about how to make this web site
useful and attractive. The list of family names at the left can become links to specific
information about that respective branch of the family. Since the reunion structure has
been expanded to include the Greater Families we will have participants who are not
directly related, but whose connections can be traced through the family web.