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From the Newsletter

Aug 2002 Meeting Marks 30th Anniversary Of Completion Of French Church

By Roger Crispell

This one was special! We were together to mark the 30th meeting since "our French Church" was completed in 1972. It is also the 35th year of the Crispell Family Association.

Copies of the church service program is being sent with this newsletter.

Note the recognition of our living members who attended the first meeting in the church thirty years ago. Unfortunately none were able to attend the service, although Lew did stop by to say hello after lunch in Kingston. Minnie Sidorek who was also honored, did attend the service and brought Ruth Newberry with her, the sister of Earl Crispell, a former president of our group.

After enjoying coffee, muffins, and delicious crumb cake we heard from Sam Schoonmaker, President of the HHS, who spoke of the emphasis HHS is now putting on family recognition and participation. He pointed out that they are having many of the old documents, housed in the archives, translated from French and Dutch to English. He said "by reading these documents, we are letting them talk to us". An interesting way to think about it. They were apparently very good record keepers. (I know first hand that this translating is being done, because one of our friends and neighbors here in Chelsea has volunteered to decipher some of the Dutch writings)

We then enjoyed a very nice slide presentation by Susanna and David Lent. It covered their trip this spring, to France, Belgium, and Germany, where they visited the land of our ancestors. At one stop, it was a Crespel who headed the small group that met and welcomed them.

At this point I want to give special thanks to Linda Crispell, Gar's wife and mother of two, who paid special attention to our young guests. Madeline and Ben joined Alice and Devon, Diane's children, and Cathleen (Crispell) Adams' two daughters, Caitlin and Cassidy.

Linda brought supplies to make and dress corn husk dolls. An activity of the 1700s. She also brought donut holes and juice boxes, which she somehow knew they would like. She helped create undivided attention for the adults who were listening to Sam and watching the slide presentation, except for the popping of a balloon, which she must have also added to her bag of fun.

Sharon's recognition of our young members included the presentation of a "Book of Ancestors" for Diane and Claude's son Devon.

Sharon is still accepting orders from any member to put together a personalized book for them. They really are great and well worth the $25 to cover her time and the cost of printing.

Following the business meeting, many members took a trolley ride through "Historical Kingston" -while the driver pointed out various points of interest in the Crispell Family history..

All in all, a good time by all.

Hope we see YOU next year.