2009 Mason Grugan Reunion

Yes, Folks, it’s almost that time again! Time to decide what salads, main dishes, desserts, etc to take to this year’s gathering of the Descendents of Joseph Mason and Margaret Grugan. Some folks can be counted on for making their old stand by that everybody loves, some are more adventurous and like to try out new recipes on us. However you choose to go about it, let’s begin now! Let’s plan to bring some lawn chairs and we really need some folding tables if you can squeeze one or two in the car. You might just need a sweater or sweat shirt as it often cools off in the evenings under those big old hemlock trees in Mason Grove.

We’ll be repeating last year’s expanded day with a horseshoe tournament getting underway around 10 am. We’ll have coffee and doughnuts to sustain you until lunch. At 11 am it’s a nature hike….but can we top last year’s when a snake decided to give birth right at the outset of our hike???

Our noon time meal will begin at 12 noon sharp. Please plan to arrive early enough so you aren’t rushed. The usual afternoon activities…children’s games, contests, guess the number, bingo, the hayride, etc will be underway and of course, the 3 pm Business meeting will give us a chance to learn “the state of the reunion”.

We neglected to have an election of officers last year, sorry, so this year we’ll need to elect our treasurer (Martha Schalles has, thankfully, been continuing to do this important job!) This year the office of secretary is up for election. Our incumbent secretary is Bibana Park.

We’ll eat leftovers and feast on hotdogs and roasted sweet corn at 5 pm so we have lots of energy to square dance and polka and whatever into the evening.

Please encourage all your family and friends to join us to keep this annual get together growing and to help us all renew our acquaintances and get to better know distant relatives- those that live a long way from Sterling Run and those on a different branch of the family tree!

Be sure to check out our web site:

www.masongruganreunion.com

As always, we need your support in two ways. Help us by being with us and spreading the word to all the relatives you see. And please help us financially. You probably know the maintenance needs never let up. We have a couple huge trees that need to be removed before a storm drops one of them on our new pavilion or coffee house. Hot dogs, corn and bands don’t grow on trees………your contributions make them happen. Checks made payable to Mason Reunion can be sent to Martha at: 534 Sterling Run Road, Driftwood, PA 15832-9413. I’ve been hearing from many of you that you’d like to see a bench around the inside of the pavilion like the old one had. If we can get a couple volunteers and a little money together that could happen in a weekend or two. We might not have to transport so many chairs for the day if some could be seated on the benches for lunch.

Speaking of transporting chairs and tables, Mike Johnson will be co-ordinating volunteers with trucks and strong backs to pick up and return what we need. If you can help, please do!

See you on August 15^th!

Nancy Vojtasek nvojtasek@yahoo.com

507 Vineyard Way, Poinciana, FL 34759

November 2008

With Fall Foliage blazing in Cameron County, Mason Grove is silently awaiting the return to spring, summer and the Mason/Grugan Reunion on AUGUST 15, 2009! Mark your calendars, plan your vacation, reserve your motel room or camp site, contact your relatives and let's all plan to make 101 bigger and better than the centennial event celebrated in August!

It was wonderful to see so many come early for the morning activities and stay late for the dancing and singing. We'll have even more activities on the agends for the coming year so plan now to make a longggggg day of it.

For those of you who may have missed the 3 pm meeting, the following are our Secretary Bibi Parks minutes:


SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2008

After lots of hard work and planning by the officers the 100th Annual Mason-Grugan Reunion was held on Saturday, August 16, 2008, always the 3rd Saturday in August, with approximately 175 relatives and friends attending. Dinner was at noon.

Prior to dinner there was coffee and donuts with Steve and Sue Dechant in charge. Thanks. Also, there was a nature walk, led by Mark Johnson and Dan Johnson. This was a big hit because it started out with everyone seeing the birth of baby snakes. Eek. Then we saw and identified flowers, trees and listened to birds. Quite enjoyable. Then, led by Jerry Mason, there was a Rifle Shoot with 30 participants. Scott Mason won 1st place, Adam Mason 2nd place and Les Burlingame, Jr. 3rd place. All had a great time.

Mid Montegue, former local Minister, led us in prayer before dinner. Dinner, as usual, had everything imaginable to eat. There must have been 5 tables full of food. Nobody should have gone away hungry or without gaining a few pounds.

After visiting and reminiscing, Nancy Vojtasek, Co-President, opened the meeting at approximately 3:00 P.M. Nancy thanked the guys that gave us the new concrete floor, they put a lot of hard work into getting it ready, the First United Methodist Church for the use of tables and chairs, Kris Johnson for making Gibson Girl outfits, they were very nice and the young ladies looks just lovely.

The Secretaries report was read by Bibi Park. June Leonard made a motion to accept as read seconded by Kitty Reid. Motion approved.

The Treasurers Report was given by Martha Schalles. Ending balance in 2007 was $3,351.21 with $1,810.00 ($1,000. Was given by Ellen Snyder (in memory of Bill) being sent to Martha prior to this reunion plus interest of $32.78. Expenses for the floor were $3,723.62. Leaving us a balance of $1,470.38. Income for 08/16/08 was $905.17 and expenses were $573.74. Giving us a balance of $1,801.81.

Income was realized from a collection of $687.42, donuts $9.20, 50/50 (won by Keith Summerson who donated his share back) $93.00, Candy counts and Plate chances $19.00, Lollipops $9.00, Auction $31.50, Relish $12.50, Bingo $12.55, Rifle Shoot $31.00.

Expenses were Betsey Flite for games $51.42, First United Methodist Church for use of tables and chairs $25.00, Kathy Johnson – Corn $45.00, Band – The Country Express $370.00, Nancy & Tom V. for hot dogs, rolls, condiments, supplies and candy $82.32. Postage and table cover were donated.

Two big trees are in need of being removed before they fall down on the pavilion. We also would like benches built around the inside of pavilion for better seating arrangements.

Nancy also thanked Jessie Schalles for taking care of our Web Site and Billie Stone for being in charge of the shirts. Discussed the year that should be put on shirts, 1907 or 1908?

Awards were given as follows:
Newest Married – Terry and Jill Summerson
Longest Married – Madelyn and Anson Mason – 67 years
Person/persons with most children attending –
Kathy and Mark Johnson – 5
Don Summerson – 5
Most Grandchildren –
Madelyn and Anson Mason-6
Jerry and Delia Mason – 6
Most Great Grandchildren – Madelyn and Anson Mason – 10
Oldest Gentleman – Anson Mason –89
Oldest Lady – Dorothy Card – 97
Youngest Child – Tyra Davis – 5 months She received a red
sweat shirt with 100th on it.

Traveled Greatest Distance – Germany –
Eric, Carmen, Tatjana & Noah Jensen

Traveled Greatest Distance in U.S. –
Susie & Richard Harmon – California

All were given certificates.

Mike Johnson, Co-President, thanked Glenda Card for all of her hard work on Genealogy.

Meeting adjourned.

John Mason took approximately 52 people on an enjoyable hay ride. Betsey Flite did games for the kids. They had bingo and Nancy did an auction. Plus different guessing games were provided by various folks and added to the fun and profit....thanks! There was a 50/50 won by Keith Summerson who gave his winnings back to Reunion. Thanks Keith. Some of the men pitched horse shoes.

We had corn on the cob and hot dogs cooked over an open fire for supper. Thanks to Mark and Phil for roasting our supper!

The new floor was cleared off and the band, the Country Express, thanks to Sally Novosat , played for dancing. We finally had square dancing again. It was so nice to see the younger people plus some of the not so young out square dancing. The music was great. Anson sang a song and then sang with his Granddaughter. Also, the band played music for other dancing. I left at 9:00 P.M. but I understand quite a few sat around the fire with Phil Jensen and Gene Card playing guitars and people singing.Johnson, Eric and Philip Jensen, Simeon and Sam Johnson and Steve Summerson.

Thanks Nancy and Mike for the wonderful job you did in organizing the 100th Reunion

Thanks also to the fellows who transported the tables and chairs. Namely, Mike and Dan

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Our thanks to Bibi for providing an excellent account of the day! While many were thanked for their efforts, I'm sure just as many were missed and we do apologize and thank each of you who came, supported, worked, talked about or just wished us well.

Please do encourage all family to try to join us for our 2009 Reunion and talk it up at Thanksgiving and over the Christmas Holidays.

If you want to make suggestions and/or volunteer to do anything, feel free to email me at nvojtasek@yahoo.com We want and need feedback if we are to provide the kind of get together you want to attend!

PICTURES GALORE!!!!

Many of the events and activities of our 100th Reunion were captured by cameras and appear in the photobucket. The easiest viewing is to select slideshow and just sit back and watch. They all erroneously have my name attached to them. As you know, Sam Johnson took the group picture shown both here and there and a couple segment pictures that give a closer view. You can see this photo bigger on photo bucket. Thank you Sam....you did a great job!

Mike Johnson sent me 100 pics that have my name on them as I uploaded them onto the page. Tom and I did snap a few. You can share yours by signing up and signing in....its not too hard---I managed it and I'm technically challenged! You may also feel free to caption existing photos. Again, I believe it will be easy when you sign in.

What a wonderful day!

Mike and I are so glad so many of you made your way to Mason Grove and took part in our 100th Mason Grugan Reunion! It was great for us to see so many smiling faces having fun visiting with family, chowing down on great food, enjoying a beautiful Pennsylvania day, playing games and square dancing! We'll give a more detailed report of the day a bit later....just wanted to say hi and remind everybody that the 101st will be even better!!!! Mark your calendars now for the 3rd Saturday in August!
Mike took about 100 pictures that I'm going to put in the Photo Bucket now. I'll do the same with yours if you want to share them. Just email them to me at nvojtasek@yahoo.com .

More later....check back from time to time for any related family news that comes my way.

Final Week to Get Ready!

Hi All!

I hope everybody is getting ready to make those favorite casseroles and desserts....only a few days until we seriously get ready for our reunion. While you're at it, don't forget any folding tables...even card tables will be helpful and folding chairs. We will most likely run short and will appreciate your efforts to help us out. While I'm on that subject, Mike Johnson and I were talking a couple months ago about how great it would be to build a bench around the pavilion like the old pavilion had. Not only would it provide seating for watching square dancing, business meetings and other entertainment, but it would help with the mealtime seating dilemma. A board across the back providing a back to help our backs and prevent us from falling backwards when drifting off to sleep during boring parts of the meeting. Sound good??? Make a motion that we proceed and then volunteer to do it or at least help!

Betsey Flite says she is planning on have face painting available for youngsters who are so inclined. No age limits on those youngsters...young at heart qualifies, too! Betsey says there will be lots of games and activities for all. Don't forget Mark is leading a short Nature Hike around the grove at 11 am for young and old alike.

We got a nice note from Richard Harmon, Thousand Oaks, CA who is heading this way with his wife. Eric Jensen and his family have just arrived from Kitzingen, Germany and are visiting brother Phil, mother Zelia and other family. I've heard of a few others making a long trip to be part of this 100th Reunion and we look forward to seeing everyone....even those of you living on Mason Hill! BE THERE!!!!

Come early......stay late.....rest up before Saturday and on Sunday, but give us your Saturday and we'll try our best to give you a memorable day!

Schedule (changes and additions may be made)

Coffee and Donuts at 9:30 am organized by Steve Dechant (free coffee and donation for donuts please)
Horseshoe Tournament organized by Simon Johnson begins at 10:00 am
Nature Walk led by Mark Johnson at 11:00 am
Lunch begins at high noon (12:00 sharp)
Family Photograph to be taken at 1:30 pm
Kiddie Games led by Betsey Flite at 1:45 pm and Bingo called by Tom Vojtasek
Business meeting, as always, at 3:00 pm
Hayride provided by John Mason after business meeting
Bingo called by Tom Vojtasek after business meeting
Auction of donated items at 4:15 pm. This will go on until all sold or until band starts at 6 pm
Drawings for items sold by chance, 50/50, and winners of guessing games announced at 4:45 pm
Supper at 5:00 pm (Leftovers plus corn-on-cob and hotdogs)
Square Dancing from 6:00-9:00 pm Music and square dance caller : Country Express
Jam session/sing-a-long led by Phil Jensen from 9 pm on

Just 3 weeks left!

Billie reports a surge in t-shirt orders during the last day or two. If you want one....contact her NOW!
Plan now to arrive early for the horseshoe tournament at 10 am. Simon Johnson made new pits and is gearing up to resurrect this old favorite! And Mark Johnson is leading a Nature Walk around the grove at 11 am. Mark will be sure to get you back in time for our 12 Noon Meal!
Country Express will be providing music for square and other dancing from 6-9 pm.
BRING CHAIRS AND FOLDING TABLES IF YOU CAN AS WE MAY RUN SHORT....AND YOU WANT TO BE COMFY WHILE CHATTING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

T-shirt order deadline extended...act now!

Billie Stone has announced that she is extending the deadline to order T-shirts for the reunion. Please email or call her this week if you will be wanting shirts for you or your family. Her contact info is below following the green depiction of the embroidered design.

JUST 5 WEEKS TO GO!

Hannah and Grace Johnson stylishly pose in their "Gibson Girl" outfits that were the rage in 1908!

Shannon Johnson, a new family member and recent bride of Simon Johnson also will be a style setter at this year's get together!

Chris Johnson spent some timeduring the cold winter researching the look and then created these reproductions on her trusty sewing machine. Well done, Chris!

In five short weeks we'll be packing those picnic baskets, donning our new T-shirts and heading to the Mason Grove on Mason Hill near Sterling Run for our 100th Reunion. Haven't ordered your t-shirts yet??? Scroll down and see picture of design with ordering info beneath it. One other inportant concern....we may find ourselves short in the tables and seating departments....if you have folding tables that you can stick in your trunk and lawn chairs, etc it maybe very helpful and needed. We are hoping for great weather and a great turnout!

Speaking of tables and chairs, Mike Johnson is making arrangements to borrow tables and needs help in the picking up and return them from an Emporium church. Please email Mike if you can help out with this at blackoak@windstream.net.

And we all will give a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Mike & Chris Johnson who have generously arranged for a very nice port-a-potty to be delievered to Mason Grove for our use during this year's reunion. This financial contribution plus the time both have worked on preparing for this year's festivities is greatly appreciated!

Ellen (Mason) Snyder has also made a generous contribution that has been used to complete the payment for the new floor, provide our square dance band and general operating funds for this year's shindig. The floor was expensive and drained our pockets dry! THANK YOU, MOM! Please dig deep and help us keep this thing going for another hundred years! It will if the young people today have fun and enjoy coming together in our special place. They will want their families to experience the Mason Reunion for decades to come!

Glenda Card will be setting up a display of historical information. She will be available to talk history and answer your questions, share her extensive knowledge of Cameron County and its inhabitants.

If you haven't checked out these web sites, you might find them interesting:
http://www.thelittlemuseum.org/ and http://www.cameroncountygenealogy.org/

And don't forget our expanded schedule of activities will require you to arrive earlier and make a day of it! Horseshoe Tournament on new our new horseshoe pit -thank you Simon!- begins at 10 am. And the nature walk led by Mark takes off at 11 am and most certainly will be back in plenty of time for our 12 Noon meal!

Nancy

nvojtasek@yahoo.com

T-Shirts Can be Ordered NOW

Hi All!

More BREAKING NEWS! Billie Stone has designed a t-shirt that she is taking orders for right now. I will try to include a picture of the design in this message...if not successful, it will be in photobucket. I am easily exasperated by all things technical!

The shirts will be Jerzees T-Shirts, forest green in color with gold lettering. The adult shirts are heavyweight 5.6 ounce, 50/50 cottton/polyester short sleeve and come in sizes S-5XL.

The above design will be embroidered in the upper left of the shirt.

The youth shirts are the same as the adult shirts and come in sizes XS-L.

The price is $10.00 each for both adult and child sizes.

To order, please indicate clearly in a letter the sizes you want and include a check for the proper amount made payable to: Mason Reunion. Send the check and your specific order to Billie Stone at: 1510 Grimesville Road, Williamsport, PA 17701.

If you have any questions concerning the shirts and/or your order you may reach her at stoneyridgeminiatures@comcast.net or 570-326-0274.

Ah, I see I did add the picture.....not where I wanted, but who's complaining!

Get those orders in soon.....the earlier the better! July 15 will be the deadline for ordering these historic shirts!

See ya'all in living color in August!

Nancy

Project completed

Hi All!

Received the following email from Mark Johnson last night. Thanks to Mark and the volunteers who worked hard on each of the 3 work days this spring and last fall we will be able to enjoy a solid safe floor for this year's festivities! Photos of yesterday's work are in our photobucket.


Greetings,

I, duly elected chairman of the Mason/Grugan Building Committee, expressly pronounce and declare that the floor renovation is finally accomplished and fit to use. In retro-examination of the process all of the following objectives have been met:

-The old wooden floor has been razed and incinerated-

-The site has been leveled and graveled-

-The new floor has been formed and re-enforced-

-The concrete has been poured and finished-

-The site has been graded with topsoil, seeded, and mulched-


I now declare our work finished for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Thank you everyone for the good work and tenacity put forth to achieve our goals. Many, many good memories will be kept.

At this coming reunion's business meeting we can address future grounds keeping and building needs such as benches and tables, railings( if even necessary), tree removal, site landscaping, pavilion trim, etc. For now, speaking on behalf of the entire work party, we sign off for another year. Mark Johnson