Our Family's Journey Through Time
Having survived the millennium scare, 49 registered their names on the attendance roster for the 31st Jones Reunion in North Carolina. The weather was warm, the hosts and hostesses were more than accommodating, and the people were some of the finest from around the country.
The Jones cranked out a delicious selection of food ranging from traditional hamburgs and hot dogs to shrimp and fish. The side dishes were equally tasty. One thing about it, those Jones' Boys know how to handle a grill. Friday evening, early arrivals were welcomed at Rollan and Kathy's home, then the majority of Saturday was spent at Dennis and Kathy's beachfront home. Again, great food, fun, and friends were on the menu. Swimming, boating, tubing, and card playing were enjoyed by everyone. Saturday evening guests returned to Rollan's for an evening meal, more cards and conversation.
Sunday found us a little more tired and much heavier on the scales than when we arrived. The business meeting started at 11:30 a.m. with the promise of food when it was concluded. I wonder if there were any "port barrel" issues Rollan wanted to push through by suspending lunch till afterward? The minutes of the last reunion were read and accepted. New additions to families were highlighted and the first to contribute were the Matthew Jones clan. They had a new cat, three kittens and four bunnies. No DOB were given. Next Brian Jones (David and Judy Jones) and Corey announced the birth of their two children. Chloe Brianne Jones was born on June 8, 2000 tipping the scales at 7 pounds and 4 3/4 ounces. Kim and Kevin Heidenreich (Tom and Evelyn Heidenreich) are the proud parents of Alycia Mary Heidenreich born on July 29, 1999. They will have to provide specific details at the next reunion. Shauna Heidenreich (David and Lori Heidenreich) and Joe Grace are the parents of a little girl, Leslie Renee' born on Octover 28, 1999. And finally Teresa (Mark and Rose Jones) and ------ Walker are the parents of a girl, ---------. Congratulations to all the new parents.
Kathy Jones (Donald and Phyllis Jones) and Glenn (Bo0Nixon were married on may 20, 2000 and was our only announced marriage. We did have three graduations and three birthdays. Jadon Kindlespire (LuAnn and Jeff Kindlespire) graduated from high school on May 19, 2000. He was a member of the National Honor Society as well. Christopher Hurt and Tina Durre both graduated from eighth grade this spring, Tina graduating with honors. Only four more years to go Chris and Tina! Congratulations to all three for this achievement.
Matthew Jones (Kenneth and Terri Jones) will celebrate his eighth birthday on June 28th. Happy Birthday!!! Marilyn Heidenreich pulled a fast one by corroborating with Rollan and Kathy to surprise Tom Heidenreich and Pamela Hutchins-Dorstewitz for their 50th--count it--50th birthday. Pam was born on May 7th and Tom on July 6, so we all know who has seniority. It was commented on by many, many people that these two youthful-looking people could have easily passed for someone half their age@ The celebration was great fun and appreciated.
As is true with the circle of life, the births last year were balanced by the death of our beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, Elverda Ann Thoms on June 28, 1999. After a short hospital stay and numerous complications, she passed away due to a massive heart attack. She will be forever loved and missed.
There was a great deal of discussion generated about the location of the reunion for the year 2001. Tom and Marilyn Heidenreich volunteered their new location and Kenneth Jones agreed to make arrangements to host it in or near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Cost, distance, and the idea of switching from east to west location yearly were at times hotly debated. It was agreed, after one vote was already cast (I might add), to poll all members of the clan to see which location was favored with the majority ruling. This was cone in the late winter of 2001 and Tom and Marilyn won the coveted prize of hosting the next reunion. The date will be June 22-24, 2001 in Illinois.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
There was no official treasurer's report as we were treated to the weekend by Rollan and his family which was greatly appreciated. The $622.71 that was left at the end of the reunion in 1999 gained a small amount of interest only to be negated by a new quarterly processing fee. I sent $600 to Tom for up-front costs of this year's reunion, spent $10 for stamps, postcards, and cashier's check which left us with a balance of -$.43. I took care of the shortfall and closed the account since we now have to have a balance of $500 in every month of the year, which doesn't happen with our system. My suggestion would be to move the extra money generated in to a separate credit union account which only requires a $5 balance.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pamela Hutchins-Dorstewitz
by Pamela Hutchins-Dorstewitz; Re-typed and slightly edited by Cheryl Jones Cash.
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