More responses . . .

Latanya would love to participate in the family reunion as long as it's something that her children (ages 16, 11 & 4) can enjoy as well and its within her budget. She also notes that she is willing to drive but not fly to to the event.

Debbie says, Perhaps Virginia Beach is a good location. What is important is that we begin.

Zanzana thinks that Washington is a 'great location' - central for most family members. Agrees with Uncle Hubie that we should move forward with a plan and put it out there - the people will come. She also passed on that Aunt Edna agrees with Uncle Ray that 'the sooner, the better' She thinks our format is good.

Sandra W absolutely agrees with Zanzana, put the plan and best location in place and let’s go for it.

Tracey: Washington DC is great for the family members in NYC.


Renee C says, 'I agree - Washington is a great place. I was going to suggest Virginia Beach. Let's do this!'


I spoke by phone with Uncle Ray, who was thinking Virginia Beach, and Derek, who was pulling for a cruise to Bermuda. Both gentlemen now concede that a Fri - Mon reunion in D.C. is more central and more affordable and will probably make the event feasible for more family members.

Family Reunion Responses/Comments

As promised, here's a summary of what's being said:

Uncle Hubie said (by phone) that even though family members may be slow to jump on the planning band wagon, if we plan the event, the people will come.

Uncle Ray said (by phone) relative to the ideal date "at my age, I think the sooner the better"


Suzette thinks that planning a family reunion can get quite cumbersome and expensive, but if there is one, my dad will come. She's not sure how far his sisters will want to travel


Clarence, Jr feels that Washington DC is a pretty convenient driving distance for his family (from Maryland)


Sheila is not sure - she needs more info on proposed dates and costs.

Zanzana feels that its definitely time for another family reunion. The last one was in Bermuda in 1988. There's another whole generation of 'Hazels' since then


Derek wonders, "How about a cruise! Lots of families are doing that now."

Stacey F. and Renee F. both thought a cruise would be nice but expressed concern about the cost of a family cruise for families with 4 or 5 fares to pay. Stacey would like to see us return to Bermuda, where it all began but she will go with what the majority decides

Sheila suggests that an all-inclusive resort in Mexico would probably cost about the same as a cruise but would be more condusive to family socializing

Gregory likes the Washington DC idea. Understands the challenges of coordinating the whole effort. Suggests that we keep it simple and that we pray early and often.


Kovan and I have been engaged in a very productive dialogue. We've decided that it is probably too ambitious to plan anything that requires cooperative prepayment or guaranteed attendance numbers to secure certain rates. Instead, right now focus on where and when. Select a base hotel and maybe another one nearby with a lower room rate, and let each family make their own reservation directly with the hotel. As the date nears and we know who is committed to attending, we can figure out what we will do about meals, activities, tee shirts, etc. This way we can still customize our event but no one is taking a huge financial risk way in advance. He likes the dates of July 2nd - 5th and he likes the area of Bear Mountain National Park, N.Y.