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Everything went smoothly from the well organized registration to the final brunch on Sunday morning. The meals and hospitality were superb under the direction of Jyl and Len DeGiovine, proprietors of the Balsam Shade. Jyl is connected to the Lounsburys through her mother, Mary Lounsbury Griffin who used to operate the Balsam Shade.
From Alberta, to Florida; from Los Angeles to Texas; from Connecticut to Michigan; from Ontario to New Brunswick and many places in between, the family gathered. About eight states and four provinces were represented with a sizeable delegation from New York State.
The spacious, beautifully landscaped lawns of the Balsam Shade, the
rolling hills of what was once a farm and the high peaks of the beautiful
Catskill Mountains to the southwest made an ideal setting for the reunion.
Bountiful home cooked meals in an elegant dining room, comfortable lodging
and an abundance of recreational amenities provided opportunity for relaxation.
The recreation hall was lively with registration and genealogical research
during the day with the help of Bill Mac
Donald (Langton, Ontario) and Jim Jurista (Cazenovia, NY, and the new
editor of the newsletter) and their computers with a wealth of information
stored in them. Sharing of family lines, family picture displays, perusing
genealogy books was ongoing.
In the evening the recreation hall became the center of entertainment: Friday evening a short skit/play depicting the family of Richard Lounsberry and Elizabeth Pennoyer, each having come from England separately; then, their marriage and arrival of six children (five sons and one daughter). They lived in and around Rye, CT/NY in the mid to late 1600s. Elaine Lounsbury Brown directed the play with volunteers from the audience in the roles of the family members. Then, there were some talent acts by "volunteers" from the audience lots of laughs. Saturday night featured some awards and a DJ for dancing and entertainment. There was a bonfire each night for those who preferred the outdoors under a beautiful sky, with marshmallows to roast and friendly conversation.
An interesting extra sideline was that some farriers were staying at the Balsam Shade. Under a tarp on the lawn, they were making various kinds of horseshoes, practicing for competition at the Rhinebeck Fair in Columbia County on that Sunday. The propane heated forges and the hammering of red hot metal being shaped into horseshoes was a special show all weekend.
I must not forget the gift shop and auction. The gift shop was open
from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning with many beautiful items
to purchase. The auction was held Saturday afternoon with Don Berkhofer
as auctioneer lots of laughs, good bidders, and fun from start to finish.
Thanks to everyone who brought and bought so many items for both the gift
shop and the auction. These two events helped to put the reunion finances
in the black with a little to spare for the
next reunion. Thanks to Mary Lounsbury Griffin who was the reunion
treasurer, and to all who helped with the gift shop and auction.
Sunday noon came too quickly following a delicious bunch, and then it was time to say goodbuy until when? maybe 2003 or sooner. Any ideas?
I am most grateful to Jyl and Len DeGiovine for the splendid hospitality, and to all of the hardworking committee members I will miss some if I start naming them for all the wonderful ideas as we planned the reunion (five meetings at the Balsam Shade starting in May 1997) and for the follow-through with every detail which helped the reunion go so smoothly. There was so much talent and enthusiasm in that committee. I am most grateful to each one.
I had a very special surprise at the Friday night program. I was presented first with a "gag" gift of an ice bag which they thought I might need, and then a very beautiful jacket with the Reunion Logo on the back and Al Lounsbury, Editor on the front. It was made by Peter Forsythe who made all of the memorabilia items. Peter is the husband of Dawn Lounsbury, one of the many Lounsburys in the Albany and Green Counties area. Thank you to all who had a part in giving me that gift a complete surprise.
Until the next reunion, whenever and wherever it might be, I want to thank everyone for coming. You were a great group. I dont think I will be coordinating the next reunion. However, I will gladly share the records of this one, and help in a less active way. We must have another one, they are such fun!
Sincerely,
Albert "Al" Lounsbury, retiring editor of The Lounsbury Tree.