Sunday, July 30

Cousin Randall Bland opened the family business meeting with a beautiful prayer and message of: "Leath Family Matters".  He brought the house down with his message of: PRIDE, PURPOSE & PASSION as it applies to our family ancestry. Ronnie Barrett lead us in song with "Remember only what you do for Christ will last". 

A presentation of appreciation was give to cousin Jolyne for putting together the family newsletter. Carolyn Bland was presented with red roses for her contribution to the 2017 reunion.  Historian/genealogist Angela White presented an update on heir "William Henry Leath Fisher prepared by cousin Carolyn.  Much of this info. was supplied by cousin Dawn Baldwin Gibson in her book: "A Place Called Home" (a desire to purchase the book was expressed). It was confirmed that "Willis & Killis" were 2 different people and twin children of Caroline Leath.

The following are minutes from the meeting provided by Angela White.

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Family Meeting Minutes, Sunday, July 30, 2017

• Unanimously voted to incorporate at least one stanza and chorus of the song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing"  somewhere in the reunion program.

• Discussion was held to reinstate the family dues which the area coordinators will remind their area members of the cost of $25.00 per adult (13 and up), $10.00 per child (4-12) and whom to send. This is to be paid by Jan. 31 every year which will be deducted from reunion registration. This will be used for seed money for the reunion.

• The reunion committee must have at least a SAVE  THE DATE forwarded to family by Jan. 31 of the reunion year.

• The southern area agreed to host the 2019 reunion where we will be celebrating 30 years. Discussion took place as to whether it should be held anywhere in the area or if it should be held in New Bern. It was reminded that the family has previously voted that every 3rd reunion will be held in NC. It was unanimously voted that it should be held in the New Bern/Oriental area. However any other reunion can be creative to where the reunion is held.

• Ways to increase participation were discussed and it was decided that each family member should encourage attendance. Enthusiasm of the reunions can be accomplished  by having information on the family Facebook page and the family newsletter was also suggested. Jolyne Badger will do the newsletter and website and we will ask Debra Stewart to do the Facebook.

• Fundraising ideas to assist with reunion expenses were shared but we decided the host reunion committee would head up for their area or if it can involve all areas. Vera is to inquire about a fundraising opportunity she was told where money could be raised by signing up on a website.

• A suggestion was given to have each region participate in the planning of the 30th reunion.

• We were informed that the family does have an tax ID #. This will avoid us sitting one up at each reunion. Carolyn Bland will forward to the next committee and each reunion committee will pass along.

• Meeting adjourned

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Respectfully Submitted,

Angela White