Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Rob Gress!  Will you be making the trek from paradise?  I hope so!

Wishing everyone safe travels, and looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!

More Birthday Wishes!

Happy Birthday, Craig Hoff!  Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks!

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to Jim Geyer (hi dad)!  Hope you enjoy your day!

Monday Update

Hi all!

First of all, my apologies for missing Curtis's birthday, which was the 3rd of June - so sorry, but I hope you had a great birthday! 

Secondly, I've got a bunch of new pictures for today, courtesy of Karan Goetz.   These are from 2000, I believe.  I've run out of photos, but would be thrilled to accept some to post, if anyone has some to share.  Just e-mail them to me, Karan, or Darlene, and we'll get them up in the coming weeks, especially as the countdown to the reunion picks up pace. 

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Happy Birthday!

Today is Carol Gress's birthday - let's all wish her a happy one, and we're looking forward to seeing you in July!

Updated Reunion Schedule

As you may have seen, Joan, Karan, and Darlene sent out an e-mail last week with lots of update about the reunion, and the schedule in particular.  I'm posting it here, just in case anyone hasn't already seen it.

GRESS FAMILY REUNION

July 6, 7 & 8, 2012

Schedule:

Friday, July 6:        Arrivals and get-together during the day

                            Dinner starting about 6pm followed by games and organized activities



Saturday, July 7  -  8-9am - Fun Run/Walk

                            9am - Breakfast followed by organized games for the kids

                            12:30pm  -  Family meeting

                            1pm - Lucy's Life Celebration/Luncheon

                            4pm  -  Mass for Lucy

                            5:30pm - Dinner at the American Legion Hall followed by the Auction at Schnell Hall



Sunday, July 8  -  Breakfast at Schnell Hall (Time to be determined later)



All scheduled meals will be furnished by our reunion fund.  Families will be assigned to help prepare,

serve and clean up for 1 meal as we did last time.  A schedule will be posted.

The American Legion Auxiliary will prepare and serve the Saturday nite dinner.

Anyone who lives close by is asked to bring a pan of bars or cookies for desserts.

A special cake is being ordered for Saturday nite.

Bring your own drinks and snacks.  Families with young children may want to bring cereal and snack

items to tie them over before breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning.



Schnell Hall will be available beginning Wednesday, July 4th if anyone wants to arrive early.

Price this year for a single person in a room is $22.00 per nite.

The price for 2 people in a room will be $34.00 per nite.

Motor home hook-ups are $22.00 per nite.

Rooms in Dickinson will be very expensive and need to be reserved well in advance.



Each family is asked to bring at least one Auction item, and if possible,

bring a childrens item also for the kids to bid on.


Come prepared to have a good time while seeing everyone again.

Please contact Karan by June 1 with numbers for your families attending

so we can make final arrangements for food etc.

Also, contact us if you have additional ideas.


Thanks,

Joan, Karan & Darlene

Monday Photos

Hi all!  These awesome photos are courtesy of Karan Goetz - love them, and thanks for sharing, Karan!  Anyone know what year these are from?  Hilarious!

Happy Birthday, Karen!

Today is Karen Gress's birthday - if you get a chance, pop in and wish her a happy one at The Dog and Duck!

Monday Update

Hi all!

I got a request from my mom to post the following, and since it was just Mother's Day, well......

From Darlene:
When we were in Paris in January we visited with Jeff Londo and his family (Aunt Madge Kaufmann's son).  He keeps up a family tree website where he lists all family tree info, and for many families it is very complete----but for the Julius Gress family he has very little.  He has a few photos of Lucy and info on Joan's family, but for all the rest of us----nada.  I promised Jeff when we visited him, that I would work to get as much info on our family, and maybe even other aunts and uncle's families info, if I could, at the family reunion.  If everyone could bring their own family info, including names, birthdates, spouse's info, wedding dates, etc.  If anyone has any photos, we could scan and send them to Jeff too.  Would be nice to have our family included in that big research project, and any of us can access it whenever we want to on-line.

Sounds like a fun research project!  If you've got info you'd like shared, you can e-mail them to Darlene, leave me a comment in this post (which I'll pass on to her), or you can bring your info and photos to the reunion in July. 

Thanks everyone!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there! 

(And an extra special one to my mom...)

((Hey, it's one of the perks of writing a blog!))

Schnell Hall Update

Hi all!

Karan e-mailed me some photos of the Schnell Hall remodel, and when I looked at them, my jaw totally dropped open.  It's amazing what they've done - hardly even looks like the same place!

If you're planning on staying, keep in mind that the rates are as follows:

$22 per night for a single room

$34 per night for a double room (2 people, please)

$22 per night hook-up fee for trailers and RVs (electricity only, but includes use of restrooms and showers in the hall. 

Remember to bring cash or your checkbook, please. 

So, on to the photos.  Can't speak to how comfy the beds are now (how could they be any worse?), but wow - it certainly LOOKS nicer!

Birthday Roundup

Hi all!

It's time to celebrate a bunch of birthdays!  Today is Marc's birthday, and Saturday, the 5th, is Scott Gress's birthday so if you get a minute, send them both some birthday wishes!

If I've missed anyone, please be sure to let me know - I'd hate to leave someone out!

In other news, it looks as if we've got another attendee - Gwen left a comment with the following:

"Hi all!  This is Gwen.  Just letting you know that Alicia and I will be there, and will be bringing my boyfriend Mark and his daughter Taylor with us.  Can't wait to see everyone!"

Thanks for commenting, Gwen, and I can't wait to see you all!

Birthday Wishes!!!

Happy Birthday, Ann!

Looking forward to seeing you and Ray in July!

Monday Photos

Hi all!

Sorry it's been quiet here on the reunion blog - not much to report on, although we did get a comment from Marc - he wrote the following note:

Hi Everyone; Carol and I will be there and wouldn't think of missing the Gress Family Reunion. Most likely I will still be bald but I will be there. BYE!!

So excited you'll be there - can't wait to see you both!  Anyone else?

I also got some reunion photos from Karan, and so I can post some up today.  I'm running low, and so if anyone has more they can send me, I'd sure appreciate it!  It's fun to put these up, and I'd love to keep it going up to the reunion date.  E-mail them, if you can.

In the meantime, here's what Karan sent - they're from the '94 reunion, and they're a hoot!

Birthday Wishes!!!

Happy Birthday, Tom Goetz!

Hope to see you in July!

Birthday Wishes!!!

Happy Birthday, Bob!

Can't wait to see you in July!

Quick Update

Not much to report on today, but got a new comment this week, and was so excited to see it! It's from Ken Lindeman, and he says:

"Just today found this blog. Letting you know that I and my friend Darlene will be there. Been waiting for this for 3 years. I believe my sons Ken and Randy with their families will be there also.

Not the first son in law, but the best. Take that Joe Hoff "

Oh man - it's ON! Charmin is so excited to see you, Uncle Ken!

Also - I've run out of photos and stories to share, and so if you all would like to see this keep going, I'm going to need some contributions. As always - feel free to leave anything you want to say in the comments, and if you've got pictures to share, please e-mail them over to me.

Thanks, all, and have a great week!

*edited to add - thinking about Ken Lindeman; does anyone have that AWESOME photo of him dressed as Norman Bates from the time we stayed at the nunnery? Ten bucks to the first person who can e-mail that to me, and it'll go up on the blog straight away. HAHA!

Monday Photos

More from 2006:

Reunion Poll

Hi all!

Received the following comment from Darlene (hi mom!) on the last post:

DarleneMar 26, 2012 08:38 AM

Was thinking about items for the auction, and games for the little kids. I think it would be
helpful to know the approx number and age groups of the kids who will be there. If we could get a survey of who's coming, who's bringing kids and what are their ages. ie, 3 kids under 1, 8 kids 1-3, 12 kids 3-6, etc.....that would really help in organizing games, and even in menu planning. WE NEED INPUT FOLKS!

So, I thought maybe we could try a poll - it might be easier than leaving a comment, and perhaps we could get some idea of who's likely to there come July.

Who will be attending?
I'll leave the poll here until Monday's post goes up, and then I'll move it over the the sidebar. (Or rather, I'll try to move it to the sidebar...) Please respond if you can - it will really help everyone who's trying to plan to get a sense of who will be there.

Thanks for your help!

Monday Photos

From the 2006 reunion - courtesy of Karan Goetz. Thanks, Karan!

Birthday Wishes!!!

Happy Birthday, Patty!

Can't wait to see you in July!

What Are Your Plans?

Rather than put up a lengthy post this week, I'm going to throw the questions at you! I'm wondering who is all planning on attending the reunion? I've heard lots of rumors, but would love to gather a list.

Leave your name and plans in the comments, and then as I see them, I'll update this post to include you. The comments should be super-easy now - just use the "Anonymous" selection, and then hit "Publish", and you'll be good to go. Don't forget to sign your name, though - we will want to know who you are!

• Cindie commented on the last post, and she, Brian, Jacob, Alexa, and Nathan will all be coming. (Lucas is crazy excited about playing with Jacob, by the way...).

• I'll be there (Shelley) along with my family. Lucas and Owen are excited for their first trip to North Dakota, and Tim is just hoping that his allergies will be tolerable. We're driving from Seattle, with stops at Silverwood and Medora on the way. Can't wait!

• Darlene Mar 21, 2012 10:17 AM Count us in---wouldn't miss a Gress Family Reunion in Richardton! Jim & Darlene

• Anonymous Mar 22, 2012 12:26 AM Hi Everybody! This is Steve and I wanted to let everyone know that Sharon, Tommy and I are all going to be there this summer, we can't wait! We're flying into Billings on thursday the 5th and driving to Medora for the night, then heading to Richardton on friday morning. We'll be leaving on monday morning to head back to Billings, we have a 7pm flight out monday night. Can't wait to see everyone!!! Steve, Sharon and Tommy Geyer

Who else will be there? Let me know, and I'll add you to the post!

Monday Photos

From the archives (and a bit blurry). I know that second one isn't a reunion photo, but I couldn't resist.



Also, I've heard that it was a bit difficult leaving comments, and so I've changed things a little to make it super easy. You should be able to comment using an Anonymous title (just make sure to include your name in your text), and after typing, just hit "Publish" to have your comment show up.

Thanks, everyone!

Auction Ideas

One of the biggest hits of every reunion is the auction - and I'm sure this year will be no exception. It's not only fun to watch competition in action, but it's also really important to help cover reunion costs.

This year, there will be a lot of kids - which means there will be lots of parents, ready to be completely worked over. (Bring your checkbooks, parents!)

Of course, there are all sorts of items that go over well. Here's a list of just some ideas - if you've got others, leave them in the comments!

AND - if you've got something you're excited about bringing - talk it up here!

Here's some things to consider:

• MORE stuff for little ones! What parent will say no?
  Legos, video games, dolls, stickers, sports items, art supplies, books, Matchbox cars, puzzles, board games, videos, stuffed animals - all great ideas.


• Homemade Items - got something from your garden that you've canned? Jams you've made? Homebrewed beer? Handmade cards? Quilts or other linens? Framed photographs? Hand-tied flies? Now is the time to show off your handiwork - and bring in the big bucks!


• Local Items - since we're all so spread out, something specific from your neck of the woods is likely to go over really well. We're thinking we might have to bring some smoked salmon or blackberry jam. Everyone's region has something - and even if it's not exciting to you, it's a treat for someone across the country!


• Memorabilia: have you got old family photos, just gathering dust? Or, have you got a collection of family recipes? Antique tools or gadgets? You might be looking to get rid of it, but to someone else, it might be a real treasure.
  


• Something you Love: Did you discover the coolest BBQ tool or kitchen gadget ever? The absolute best hand lotion? The best book you've read in ages? An umbrella that won't turn inside out (aside: please call me if you actually have this one)? Bring one to share!


• Gift Baskets: Who doesn't love a gift basket? There are so many options to consider - the spa basket, chips and dip/guacamole/salsa basket, chocolate/coffee/tea basket, Craftsman tool basket (hey, just trying to come up with some offerings for the guys), you get the idea. Pull together a little collection, and you could have a hit on your hands!

Of course, the whole point of the auction is to bring in a good price for your item. It's all in good fun, of course, but it's up to you to sell your item. Don't just drop it on the table and walk away.

Talk it up! Demonstrate! Share details! Shamelessly plug!

It's all about marketing, folks. You can start your efforts right here, in the comments section - let us know what you're thinking about bringing, or if you've got an idea you're unsure about, get some feedback here!

Speaking of which Speaking of which:

Did you hear that echo? Yeah, so did I. The internet can be pretty noisy, but around here things are pretty quiet.

This blog is a lot of fun, and I hope it can be helpful/useful for all of you planning to attend this year's reunion. If you're enjoying it, please let me know. Speak up, and say "hi" in the comments.

But, if it turns out that none of you are really looking for that, then I'll just post the schedule and an occasional update, and leave it at that. But please, can you let me know? I want to make this a worthwhile endeavor - please let me know what you think is worthwhile.

Thanks for your feedback!

Birthday Wishes!!!

Happy Birthday, Virgie!

Wishing you all the best on your birthday, and looking forward to seeing you this summer!

Monday Photos!

These are both from the same reunion - couldn't resist that second one!



Hope to see you here Wednesday!

Reunion Schedule

Hi all!

I hope that you've all been spreading the word about our blog, and if you are checking in, take a moment to say "hi" in the comments. You don't need a Google password to do so, and it would be great to start the conversation. If you're planning on attending, let us know, and let's start sharing our plans!

As for the blog, the current plan is to get a post up once or twice a week. On Mondays, I'll be posting fun photos from past reunions, and so if you've got some good ones to share, please e-mail them to me!

On Wednesdays, check in for reunion updates and discussions. We'll be covering all sorts of things, from auction ideas to menu planning. (Betcha can't wait for that one, huh?)

As we get closer to the reunion date, I'd love to start sharing funny stories and memories here on Fridays, but I'll need feedback from you all. If you've got a fun one you'd like to share, e-mail me!

And of course, if there's anything you are wanting to know, please ASK, either in the comments section, or e-mail me directly! We want to make this blog as helpful as possible, but we need your feedback to make that happen. Please, speak up!

So, with that out of the way - let's get on to today's programming - the SCHEDULE!

This is a rough timeline, and at this early date is more than subject to change. There are, however, a few things firmed up, and so I wanted to get this out as soon as possible. When the next post goes up, I'll be moving the schedule to the side bar (over there, to your right), so you can find it quickly, without having to page through past posts. We'll also update it periodically as more details get solidified.



Friday, July 6th

Arrivals planned for all day Friday

Saturday, July 7th

4pm: A special mass/farewell for Lucy
5:30pm: Dinner at the Legion Hall

Sunday, July 8th

Departures, etc.



As I said, pretty rough. Mostly likely, the auction will be Saturday evening, following the dinner at the Legion Hall. Also, we're planning to have some organized activities for the kids during each of the three days, and so if you've got ideas or suggestions, please let us know.

If there's anything that's important to your family, and you'd like it included in the schedule, let us know that too!

That's it for this week, but I hope to hear from you all in the comments. And, if you haven't already done so, spread the word, and send your family members over!

Welcome!

Hi all!

To make it as easy as possible to keep everyone in the loop for this summer's reunion, we've put together a blog to post details, plans, and gather suggestions.

If we just happen to get crazy excited as a result, well, that would be pretty cool too!

Get the word out - e-mail your family members, and have them bookmark our page. Or, add it to your blog reader, so post pop up automatically. We'll try to get a post up once a week or so, or whenever there's new information to update you all on.

Oh, and don't forget to stop by and say "hi" in the comments. Everyone is welcome, and we want to know about your plans for attending.

Can't wait to see you all in July!