The annual Barrus-Barris Family reunion was held Aug. 4 at the home of Jane and Bernard Lindquist on Center Road in Cassadaga. Those members wishing to were given the opportunity to camp from Friday evening through Sunday. Over 50 family members and guests were present for most of the weekend.

The main reunion luncheon was once again a pot luck luncheon with family members bringing a dish to pass and the reunion committee providing hot dogs, Italian and Polish sausages as well as lemonade, coffee, and paper products. The hit of the dessert table was the chocolate pudding slush with Oreos and Reeses made by Judy Clark.

During the business portion of the reunion – held immediately following the luncheon, Chairperson-treasurer, Bonnie Rowicki read the treasurer’s report from last year and a vote was taken to purchase Chiavetta’s chicken for next year’s meat dish, to be paid for with the funds from the White Elephant auction that was held.

Two deaths were entered into the family record book: Alene “Pat” Barrus and Douglas Payne, and no births were noted.

There was only one marriage this year – Joshua Braymiller to Felicia Steger.

Graduations included Brandon Barrus from Fredonia High School, Rob Steinel from ECC and Donna Steinel from Virginia University. Dylan Gee was the first student from Fredonia Central School to be accepted into the new 6 year P-Tech Program through BOCES for the school year that began September 2017. He will be working toward getting his associate’s degree while attending high school classes.

Liz Barrus was noted as having traveled the furthest, along with her guest Jonathan Oakes, having traveled from Northampton, Pennsylvania.

Also, during the business portion of the meeting, a phone call was received from Marcus Sterner serving in the United States Air Force stationed in Hawaii. The phone was passed around and many were able to wish him continued success in his military career.

Next year’s reunion dinner will be held at the same location, the home of Jane and Bernard Lindquist on Aug. 10 with the reunion starting at noon and barbecue dinner at 12:30. Bonnie Rowicki will be continuing as Chairperson/ Treasurer by unanimous vote. Those wishing to camp the two nights Aug. 9 and 10 should contact Jane Lindquist for arrangements. More details will follow on the FB event page for family members. If unable to view the Facebook page, contact Judy Clark at 679-7708 for further details for next year’s reunion. All descendants of Benjamin and Betsey (Stebbins) Barrus are invited to attend.