The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Blake Family celebrates 95th reunion
Descendants of Andrew and Ann Meagher Blake marked the 95th anniversary of their family reunion.
The home of Don and Anne Blake VanDreason was the setting for the 95th annual gathering of the descendants of Andrew and Ann Meagher Blake in Rome on Sunday, July 8.
Family members came from throughout New York as well as from Boston, Mass. Knoxvi l le, Tenn., Georgia, and a large delegation from North and South Carolina. Robin Arnott from California traveled the farthest distance. The oldest in attendance was Betty Blake from Vernon, while the youngest was Blake Twomey, who with his parents Brian and Emily Blake Twomey, recently relocated to Camden from North Carolina. Approximately 100 signed the family register.
The business meeting was initiated with a robust singing of the family anthem. Sisters Celine and Helene Courtney, Latham, led the family in a prayer for the deceased and ill members of the family.
The Historian’s report included two marriages, one birth, and two deaths, as well as recognition of several graduates.
Commit tees established included Musical Performance headed by Jack Smith and including Henry Root and Helaina Razzano. Agriculture and Markets headed by Pat Blake and Judy Blake O’Halloran. Sports headed by Jonah Chase and including Chase Root, Ben Treadway, Tanner and Braedon Williams. Travel and Tours headed by Lillian Blake and including Larry Kalk, Chris Thornton, and Brian Ziemba. Culinary Expertise headed by Hal Williams and MaryKay VanDreason and including Jason Ladd, and Debra Eichholtz. Recitations and Exclamations headed by Rita Theisen and including Lauryn Blake, Keri Thornton, Jim O’Halloran, and Mike Young. Senior Citizens Programs chaired by Clare Chase along with Ava Razzano. Youth Programs chaired by Connie Leonard, JoAnn Ziemba, Bob Blake and Terry Arnott.
Tom Blake was connected to the assembly through a conference call from an undisclosed location. Tom has been traveling in pursuit of a large inheritance from an estate in Europe. He asked for additional time and financial assistance to pursue that goal. His request was sent to the Finance, Trust, Endowment and Charitable Funds committee which he chairs.
Next year’s reunion will take place on the second Sunday in July at the home of Brian and Emily Blake Twomey, Camden.
The oldest in attendancewas Betty Blake fromVernon, while the youngestwas Blake Twomey, who with his parents Brian and Emily Blake Twomey, recently relocated to Camden fromNorth Carolina. Approximately 100 signed the family register.