Roark and Conner family news, events, and happenings.

Many folks regard "family reunions'' as a mix of potato salad, fried chicken, introductions and visiting, -- and then it's See You Next Year. Our 51st Annual Roark-Conner reunion in Eastern Tennessee went way beyond that. We enjoyed a three day weekend of entertainment, formal and informal meals, family history, visiting local historical sites, and memorial services and church, and yes -- still plenty of visiting. As is the custom, the program planning for our Reunions rests with the Vice President, and our Gene Johnson did a remarkable job.

Friday night, Oct 9 We gathered at the Mountain View Inn in Cleveland for finger food, introductions all around, and clever and well received skits by various families covering the periods of the 50s,60s, and 70s. We were treated to hula hoops, a polka dot bikini dance (on a gorgeous family member -- perhaps age 3 or so), and historical glimpses of the Eisenhower era by the family of Wanda Wilkie. Marilyn Monroe materialized in the next decade's skit and vamped the RCA President with her very breathy "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" -- followed by Connie Perrin and her Boots That Are Made For Walkin' strut around the room. Vice President Gene Johnson handled the final decade with tidbits from the 70s with his usual aplomb. The skits, plus the Official Welcome from the Mayor Ken Jones of Meigs County, made for an unusually entertaining Family Night.

Saturday morning we gathered for announcements and business matters, followed by an excellent Family Presentation by Past President Elizabeth Conner. Elections were held for the next year, and we concluded with a touching Memorial Service for all of our Dear Departeds, led by Faye Thompson. Afternoon activities were free, and somewhat limited this year because of the soggy conditions. Saturday night the RCA reconvened for our Banquet, followed by induction into our Exclusive Society of Excellence -- also known as the recipients of the John Roark Award. It is granted by the Board for special service to our Organization. John was the founding honoree last year and the plaque and the keeper bears his name. Our distinguished honorees this year were Carrol Matthews, Chuck Gross, and Darwin Lane. Their contributions over the years have been invaluable, and unique. The evening concluded with a humorous talk, sing, and impersonation performance by our guest speaker, Tennessee State Assemblyman Vince Dean. Finally, Gene Johnson raffled off the nice assortment of door prizes. Lois Roark prepared table decorations with flags from around the USA and Canada, reflecting our Association's Continental reach.

Sunday morning Our Association gathered for Services indoors at our hotel because of the wet grounds at our old Salem Church Site. After a fine and uplifting hour, we adjourned to our old home grounds of Birchwood, some 20 miles down highway 60. There was lunch at the Birchwood School, a final short Board Meeting, and then folks scattered for another year. Some visited local graveyards, the old blacksmith shop, or visited the Cherokee memorial site. Several were able to enjoy a boat ride up the Tennessee River and around Hiawassee Island, a sacred site and important part of the Cherokee Trail of Tears.

We all vowed to return next year -- and as always we hope for and encourage many more visitors. Come and visit your Cousins!

Bob Roark