99th Whipple Family Reunion held in August
The 99th annual reunion of the Emmett R. Whipple family was held on Sunday, Aug. 18 2019. The gathering took place at Midway State Park Bemus Point.
It was a windy but sunny day. Debbie, Rick and Corey Stearns along with their family greeted 51 family members and guests. A blessing was given by Elaine Stearns and a moment of silence for all deceased members before the 1 p.m. buffet meal.
A 2 p.m. business meeting was conducted by Jerry Stearns president. Joan Lisa secretary/treasurer read the minutes from 2018 and gave the financial report. Lydia Galati vice president and 100 year committee member gave an update regarding our 100th year. Whipple crest decals and 100 year T-shirts were still for sale. Lydia Galati will also be putting together a memory quilt with 63 blocks which were purchased by anyone who was interested. Bonnie Bromsted, 100 year committee member, is accepting recipes for a cook book she is compiling. Discussion was held by Genevive Ludeman and Marilyn Chambers regarding a memory board. A vote was taken and accepted to have a D.J. at the 100th reunion.
Traveling the farthest was Grant and Elaine King from Pineville Louisiana. Oldest member present was Zelda Kittell at 90 years young. The youngest member present was Cali Ann Daniels. The family with the most members present were the Stearns with 12 in attendance. There were 5 deaths to record: Donna Franklin on 9/18/17, Patricia Draves Carlson on 9/17/18, Steven Shuart on 9/25/18, Barbara Schwertfager on 3/11/19 and Michael Ruiz on 4/20/19. There were two marriages to record: Eileen Rae Carroll to Ryland Arbuckle on 10/16/18 and Adam Lockwood to Angel Carrizales on 2/16/19. We welcomed five births: Lorinda Daniels, a daughter Cali Ann on 4/23/18; Elizabeth and Devin York, a daughter, Monroe Louise on 7/11/18; Stephanie and Richard Knighton, a daughter, Elizabeth Ellis on 9/23/18; Jenn Hutchinson, a daughter, Claire Mireille on 3/27/19; and Lindsay McCarty, a daughter, Jacklin Elizabeth on 10/10/18.
Officers elected for 2020 will be Jerry Stearns president, Lydia Galati vice president, and Joan Lisa secretary/treasurer. The 100th reunion will take place at the home of Ray and Ann Stearns on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020 with hosts Rick and Deb Stearns along with Grant and Elaine King.
An auction completed the afternoon along with a cheezball guessing game won by Bonnie Bromsted.