Subj: Minutes of the April 19, 2008 Meeting
I. The meeting was called to order at 1:20 pm by President George
Rivers at the home of Rachel Jarvis with the reading of scripture
John 1:1-9 followed with prayer by Trent Webb.
Birthday recognition was extended for the months of February, March, April and May to individuals celebrating birthdays during those months.
II. The minutes from the last meeting was read by the Assistant
Secretary Jesse Rivers, Jr. and approved as read with the
necessary corrections.
III. Hospitality Coordinators Reports – Mid Atlantic stated that they
are holding quarterly Prayer Fellowship at different location in the region. The last fellowship was held at the home of Linda Lyles on March 22, 2008. Southeasteren (Yale) reported that Ernestine Barnes had been hospitalized for several weeks, Annie Taylor is home she had to be hospitalized briefly with pneumonia. Sonya Rivers has been featured in Essence Magazine and Michelle Taylor’s book is number 1 on the religious book sales. Tidewater reported that Helen Breckenridge grandson is critically ill in Duke University Hospital and want everyone to lift him up in prayer. Edith Obey is running for Queen of Ministers Wives, a fundraiser for their scholarship fund.
IV Old Business
A. Reports
The treasurer’s report was presented by Angela Nelson. After audit and transfer of funds to a new account, Wachovia, the new balance is $4,374. A more detailed report will be submitted at the next meeting. She also submitted the format that the reports would be in, and the new form to be used for reimbursement of funds. She highlighted the importance of having a budget in the process of planning future reunions. In addition a motion was made by the treasurer that the treasurer’s report and a Budget Committee be formed consisting of the treasurer, assistant treasurer, financial secretary and three other members. It was moved and second by Sheila Adams that a Budget Committee be formed with the aforementioned members to include, Angela Coleman, Rosa Rivers, and Trent Webb.
B. Regional Coordinators Reports:
1. Northeastern – No report
2. Mid Atlantic - No report
3. Southeastern - Edith Obey is checking on a family resource with someone name Rivers from Southeastern region (Tidewater).
4. Yale - $150 from a fund raiser was presented to the Scholarship Committee.
C. Historian Report/Family Tree –. Committee will be planning a trip to interview Anna Ridley this summer. Recommendation was made that the two reports be combined. They are the Historian and Family Tree Committees, since they consist of the same committee members. Edith requested that if any family members have pictures of Isaac’s children, she would like to have copies. She also requested volunteers to serve on the committee. Marilyn Webb and George Rivers volunteered.
D, Scholarship – Scholarship committee will meet following the Reunion
committee meeting Suggestions were made to continue to hold collections for scholarship at the quarterly Reunion Meetings. Regional Coordinators were asked to solicit donation from family members that are not able to attend the meetings. An attempt will be made to reach out to them during the Mini-Reunion. Suggestion was made by Magnolia Rivers for persons who are making contribution to the scholarship as patrons and/or sponsors be given recognition in the souvenir booklet.
V. New Business:
A. Mini-Reunion – The mini-reunion will be held on Saturday, July, 19, 2008 at Rivers Mill, Capron, Virginia. The committee will purchase fish and watermelons. Persons volunteering to assist with cooking the fish are George Rivers, John Henry Rivers, Jesse Rivers Jr. and Kenneth Rivers. George has a friend that is willing to provide DJ with music. Activity – Jesse will check with Sonny and George will provide a basket hoop. Eva Rivers and Magnolia Rivers will provide some type of raffle to raise monies for the general treasury. Official opening for the mini-reunion will be 2:00 PM.
2009 Family Reunion Report. Report was made by Rosa Rivers and Marvin Taylor (Rosa made the report for Marvin in his absence). The two locations reported on were Atlanta, Georgia and Virginia Beach, Virginia. One hotel in Atlanta provided information and waiting for others. Virginia Beach, one report submitted by the Sheraton Oceanfront (rates were too high) waiting for package from the Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center. Another location is being check on in Ocean City, Maryland. Suggestions were made to seek further information on hotel in Ocean City, Maryland, the hotel is Princess Royale, and information will be submitted at the next meeting. Kenneth recommended a family cruise; information for the cruise will be presented at the next meeting. Betty Smithwrick reported that her family is going on a family reunion cruise for 7 days for $800 per person this August 2008.
VI. Fundraisers. George asked what type of fundraisers can be done to increase the treasury funds and would like for all regions to have some type of project. A few of the suggestions were; bus trip to casinos; candy, donuts, bus trip to a play. Tidewater has planned a yard sale.
The next meeting will be held in New York. Trent presented information and prices. The family voted to do only one night versus two nights. Trent would like to have a $50 deposit by May 10th to let him know that you are serious about going. Cat on A Hot Tin Roof is playing in New York if anyone is interested in going. If you purchase tickets, arrangements will be made for transportation.
VII. Appreciation and thanks were extended to Rachel Jarvis who hosted the meeting for her hospitality and love. The meeting was adjourned with prayer by President George Rivers to include the blessing of the food.
Those in attendance were:
George Rivers Kenneth Rivers
Rebecca Rivers Marilyn Webb
Constance Webb Pamela Paige
Ernestine Barnes Gladys E. Jones
Eva Rivers Mattie Winston
Eunice Rivers Betty Smithwrick
Rosa Rivers Edith Chandler
Edith Obey Sheila Adams
John H. Rivers, Sr. Trent Webb
Helen Winfield Angela Coleman
Linda Lyles Magnolia Rivers
Jennifer Rivers Angela Nelson
Jesse Rivers, Sr. Jesse Rivers Jr.
Rachel Jarvis Michael Adams
Respectfully submitted, Cynthia Scott, Rivers Family Reunion Secretary
as recorded by Jennifer Rivers and Rosa Rivers
