2019 Reunion
Highlights of the 61st - 2019 Reunion
Those of us who were fortunate to attend our 61st Reunion in Eastern Tennessee, on September 27-28, 2019, helped to create yet another historic event for the R-CA. Forty cousins came from 13 states for the 2-day family Reunion. The cousins there included the Delashmitt, Gatlin, Gentry, Glover, Gross, Johnson, Johnston, Lane, Maupin, Morgan, Perrin, Raber, Roark, Scott, Shafer, Thompson, Thornton, Wilkey, and Witt families.
Cousins travelled from across the US: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah for fun, family, and photos. Hopefully we didn’t miss anyone!
You can see, many cousins traveled long distances at great expense of money and time. For them, the personal rewards of honoring our ancestors, learning more about our families, and meeting with cousins outweigh the sacrifices.
For more on this wonderful, educational, family event you can read the 61st Reunion Highlights article in the Jan 2020 Newsletter.
Highlights of the 60th - 2018 R-CA Reunion
Friday, September 28 – Sunday, September 30, 2018
by Terry L. Roark
I’d like to first express appreciation to everyone involved in making the reunion a success at bringing together 35 Roark and Conner family members for the 60th annual reunion. For the enthusiastic spirit; tireless dedication; and important, selfless, and noteworthy contributions to the continuance of the R-CA reunions the Board of Directors is grateful. In addition, the reunions could not continue without the R-CA membership especially those who attend the reunions every year.
This year we had family come from all across the country – California, Colorado, Louisiana, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and from cities all over Tennessee. To attend a reunion, our family members travel far and wide, take time off work, and upset their daily routines. All this to spend quality time and get reacquainted, learn about Roark-Conner family histories, and pass on the rich legacy to their children and grandchildren. That’s what has kept the R-CA alive for 60 years, and will keep it going for future generations. As my uncle Baxter Roark said, “It’s a long drive, but it gives inspiration for the whole year.”
The 2018 Reunion began on Friday at the Old Fort Restaurant, in Cleveland, TN. Twenty five cousins gathered to enjoy a home style supper together and get reacquainted.
Saturday 10 am – The Board of Directors met. The results of the Board Meeting were presented during the Reunion Business Session. I gave a presentation on the History of the R-CA Reunions – 1958- 1972. Chuck Gross videotaped the presentation. A copy is available on DVD.
Saturday Evening – A delicious BBQ supper was enjoyed by 35 cousins. Following dessert, the families played games and listened to musical entertainment provided by vocalist Terri Hall. Several cousins danced including Margene Roark Higham and Ida Belle Clayton, both 91. At intermission, there were many fun and unique door prizes and the 50-50 winner drawing was awarded to Karen Thompson.
Sunday Morning – Twenty-two family members met at the Old Birchwood School for Church Service. Reverend James Scott presented an inspiring message, “Obligation to God”. Carolyn Roark led singing “I’ll Fly Away.” The families sang “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” as was done 60 years ago at Laura Shropshire Roark request – the original reunion visionary.
Following the closing prayer, the families ate a delicious lunch. I then presented Rhonda Scott with a beautiful clock to recognize her efforts as R-CA president. Rhonda held a drawing for a patchwork quilt she designed to commemorate the R-CA 60th Anniversary. Angela Roark Jones won!
After the events at the school, several cousins convened a caravan to tour local R-CA historic sites. After exchanging hugs, and kisses, and “love you’s” everyone departed for their journey back home.