Scheduled dates: July 16, 17, and 18, 1999
Scheduled location: Rupert, Idaho
It's hard to believe, but yes, it has been over four years since our last reunion, and it's time to
Mark your calendars for July 16, 17, and 18th, next summer,
Get your vacation requests in, and
Make your plans to get to Rupert for this momentous event.
It has already been a busy time for us. We have asked several family members to act as the representative for each family tree. They were then invited to a Reunion Planning Meeting. We had to settle on a date which is basically the date we sent tentatively four years ago. The location was already set, since we did vote on it at the last reunion, so that part was easy. Some of the committees are working on their parts, and now we need your input and help.
As you may recall, some of the criteria for the location included:
An area where we could have numerous events.
Keep the cost of attending as low as possible.
Have facilities for RVs and/or tents so lodging would not be a problem.
Include a hall for displays of crafts/pictures or whatever and not have to move them.
There is a restaurant that will cater the Saturday night dinner reasonably, and
We will not have to move from location to location for different events
Also:
It is in Idaho where the majority of the family is located
Theressa Henscheid and her family volunteered to coordinate things locally
It is near the cemetery where Grandma and Grandpa Velasquez are buried
There are Motel accommodations available in both Burley and Rupert (Lists will come later.)
Those flying in can arrive at Twin Falls, or Pocatello (Boise or Salt Lake are about 3-4 hours away)
We have tried to contact everyone, but there are some family and friends that have moved or have otherwise been out of touch. Please contact anyone in the family that you think may not have been reached by this mailing. We will attach the list for your family that we have so far Some folks will be on the list, but with no mailing address. If you know the address, please send it to me, Geneva Irwin. and please, if you are in touch with family not on the list, also let us know who they are, where they are, and let them know about the reunion. If possible, send e-mail addresses, too.
We want this to be the largest reunion ever!!
We are also updating the family tree with additions by marriage or birth. Please let us know of our new members so we can include them on the list. (A form is attached that can be filled out, folded over, put a stamp on it and send it back as soon as possible.)
Please include:
Parents, names of Child, and the date of birth, and names of new spouses, the marriage date, and if there are children from a previous marriage to be included in our lists. Also include divorces.
We would like to recognize members for outstanding achievements. So, if you or someone in your family achieved something special, please let us know. For example: A member that has attended and/or graduated from college or received special recognition for something they have achieved.
Activities are being planned for our weekend together. If you have ideas, or preferences for ways to spend the time, let us know. Also, if you are willing to help with one of the committees, e.g., food, games, history, decorations, reception, music, fund raising, or whatever, we need your help.
The a pre-reunion planning meeting in Rupert this past June was a great success. I would like to thank Viola Van Rey (used to be Walton); Georgia and Eldon Wright; Tonia Belasquez and her friend Della; Deborah Mackley and daughter Heather; Cecelia Davis and Paul Paxton; Sister Esther Velasquez and Theressa Henscheid for attending and providing their input which is very helpful in putting on an event of this size.
At this meeting we had input that indicated some members would like the have the reunion some other place, besides Rupert. That is fine. When you come to the reunion this time, bring:
Your proposals, with information about the accommodations, how they can handle RVs, what hotels are nearby, and in general, outline the way the various functions would be handled.
The Henscheid family has been great about providing us with on-site help, but I’ll bet they wouldn’t mind letting someone else do that for the next reunion.
Craft Auction: Our auction of crafts at the last reunion enabled us to have the funds to start our mailings, etc., without asking for any money. So, we would like to have you crafty people plan again to make something to auction off, to help for the following reunion. Tonia Belasquez and Juanita Schaeffer are in charge of the craft items. I believe they also want some craft items for sale. It's fun to see all the wonderful things each of you contributes.
We only have Family reunions every five years. So, please help us make this one great!,
In an attempt to help everyone get to know one another, we decided we would like to have each branch of the family tree identified by a color, as we did last time.
The colors have been pre-selected and will allow you and your family to decide how you want to be recognized: For example: you may want to have matching shirts for Sunday's picnic, or visors in your color. In any case, we will have your family color on your name tag.
No. Family Tree Branch Color Family Rep.(s)
1 Jess Velasquez Purple Bob Velasquez/ Rob Velasquez
2 Joe Velasquez Light Blue Geneva Irwin/ Cecelia Davis
3 John Velasquez Turquoise Juanita Schaefer/ Connie Eborn
4 Duby Gonzales Green Georgia Wright/ Sr.Barbara Gonzales
5 Marian Pena Yellow Marian Pena/ Tonia Belasquez
6 Delphino Velasquez. Orange Bob Velasquez/ Brian Butler
7 Annie Belasquez Dark Blue Tonia Belasquez/ Sally Slater
8 Max Velasquez Gold Bonnie Velasquez/ Faye Velasquez
9 Viola Van Rey Red Viola Van Wey/ Simeon Walton
So - pass the word about the reunion, and let us know if we have missed anyone.
Send in your quilt blocks! We need a 12” X 12” block with something on it to represent your family. It should be washable, not too heavy, and indicate which part of the family. Ideas: You may want to include your family color, activity, etc.
We need the quilt blocks by the middle of May. If they are on time, send them to Geneva Irwin, or if they are a little late, send them to Theressa Henscheid, 1223 No. A. Street, Rupert, Idaho. 83350.
We plan to put them into a quilt, before the reunion, which will be the one that will be quilted on-site, starting on Friday night, with everyone who wants to, getting a chance to stitch a little. If you want to see how it is stretched and put on the frame, be there on Friday night.
Bring in your crafts, both for the auction and for the raffle. If you have some things you want to share, but not sell, bring them in for display. E.g., we have some of my Mom’s quilts, Grandma’s molcajete, etc. Also bring pictures to show, especially if you have members that cannot attend.
Some things we will need to have on hand:
grills, electric griddles, hot plates,
refrigerator, ice chests,
Tubs for melons, cold drinks, etc.
Write up, or contribute something already written about your family. We are not sure how we will use these, but I know things have already been written about Annie Belasquez; Duby Gonzales, and Pearl Velasquez. Whatever you write does not have to be long, but we are trying to capture the things that you remember and treasure about any family member.
Recipes! We plan to update the cookbook and add those special recipes that did not make into the last issue. We need these right away, since they have to be edited and formatted into the book. Send them to Geneva Irwin, 3848 Quinlan Lane, San Jose, Calif. 95118, or to Phyllis Taylor, 8850 Roadrunner, Prescott Valley, Ariz. 86314. Phyllis will edit and get them to Rob Velasquez who will coordinate the printing as he did last time. I know we could have sold many more books than we had available.
Funny Sayings? Do you remember special sayings or comments that were made by your folks, or grandparent that you’d like to capture? For example, my Mom, Pearl Velasquez, used to say “Fiddlesticks!” when things didn’t go her way. We would like to put some cute saying, or story by the recipes we have handed down, so help us with whatever you remember.
Some activities that will be scheduled, include:
Friday night: Bring finger food, or pot-luck dishes to share as people travel in, we would like to have food, family, and MUSIC available to welcome them. So, music makers, this is your chance to get together and practice (with an audience) for more to come later in the weekend. Quilting begins, how to put a quilt on the frame, and then throughout the weekend, stop by and pick up a needle and help us quilt.
Saturday: Continental Breakfast , or there will be some grills, etc. that could be used in the hall if you want to cook up something. 11AM, a visit to the cemetery, program to be prepared/conducted by Sisters Barbara and Esther. Noon - Bring what you’d like to share at the hall, or eat on your own on the way back from the cemetery. Afternoon, Games: e.g., horseshoes; Holey Board; volleyball, bocci ball, sack races, etc. and whatever else the game committee comes up with.
Dinner: Catered by a local restaurant - your family committee had dinner there, and the food was good and reasonable. The cost, including all fees, delivery, set-up, utensils will be about $8 per adult and $4 per child. However, thanks to our fundraising events, we may be able to lower the cost if the price is prohibitive for your family. Don’t stay home because you can’t afford the dinner, come and we’ll work it out. Contact your family representative or Geneva Irwin to advise us of the situation.
Sunday Morning: Brunch, on-going so you can attend the church of your choice and also get a bite to eat.
The family meeting with votes for the next time, any special awards,
Other activities include: Salsa making contest (no blenders), tortilla making contest, Line dancing, music making, meeting new family members. A schedule of events will be sent later.
For suggestions, corrections, etc. Contact:
Geneva Irwin, 3848 Quinlan Lane, San Jose, Cal. 95118 - 408-266-5535,
or, e-mail at: girwin@ix.netcom.com
The Fifth Velasquez Family Reunion
Scheduled dates: July 16, 17, and 18, 1999
Scheduled location: Rupert, Idaho
____Yes, we are planning to attend the reunion in Rupert.
Adults ________________ Children _____________________
____No, we cannot attend the family reunion.
Signed___________________________________
Family members or long-time family friends that may have been missed in the mailing, are:
Name Address Telephone No.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Additions to the Family Tree:
_________________________ Married to:_______________________ Date __________
_________________________ Child of:__________________________ Born __________
_________________________ Child of:__________________________ Born __________
_________________________ Child of:__________________________ Born __________
Special Award Nominations:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Thanks in advance for your information!!
Mail this back as soon as possible to Geneva Irwin, 3848 Quinlan Lane, San Jose, Cal. 95118 , fold over, tape shut, and put a stamp on it and send it back.
If you prefer to call it in, the number is 408-266-5535 or e-mail at girwin@ix.netcom.com
Mrs. Geneva Irwin
3848 Quinlan Lane
San Jose, California, 95118
The Fifth Velasquez Family Reunion
