Family News and Reunions Page

Family News and Family Reunions

* Last updated 20 June 1999 *

Leitsch Family Reunion

On August 7-9, 1998, the descendants of Frank and Maria Leitsch gathered at the Willow Valley Resort and Conference Center in Lancaster, PA for the First Leitsch Family Reunion. More than eighty-five individuals attended, representing the descendants of all but one of Frank and Maria's eight children. Family members from all over the country came together to catch up on current events in each other's lives. All of Frank and Maria's living grandchildren were present, some of whom had not seen each other for more than 30 years! (Click on the photograph to see a larger version.)
Cousins separated for many years came together as if they had never been apart. Others who had never met talked and laughed together like old friends. Spouses of the family members mingled as if born to the family. Age differences had no meaning as both the young and the young-at-heart chatted about family stories and new experiences. It was readily apparent by the end of the weekend that no one had less than a spectacular time!
The Reunion Committee, comprised of Carol Weisdock, Karen Orpneck, Joy Friess, Dorothy Kozlowski, and Mary Miller, did a splendid job of organizing the event. A meeting room was reserved for the duration of the weekend where family members could gather at will to share special events in their lives, show off pictures of children and grandchildren not able to attend, and view the copies of various photographs and old documents displayed throughout the room.
On Saturday afternoon, everyone gathered in the meeting room for the First Leitsch Family Olympics. Four teams competed in four events, each team member taking a turn. One point was awarded for each successful attempt in the first three events. The first event dared the participants to drop five clothespins into an empty milk bottle from waist-height. The second event challenged the team members to toss five metal coin-sized disks into a metal pie pan from a kneeling position. The third event expected the participants to toss a Nerf football five times into an elevated clothes basket turned on its side. For the fourth event, each team member was required to put on five articles of clothing, walk across a designated space to escort the next participant back to the box of clothing. This event was timed, and the team which finished in the least amount of time received one point.
After the Family Olympics were completed, amidst much good-natured rivalry and teasing, the winners were awarded their prizes. The Family Trivia Questionaire was distributed for everyone to fill out, and the winner was announced during the Banquet Dinner. Howard Miller and Carol Weisdock tied for first place, and both were awarded a prize.
Spouses and immediate family members were not allowed to sit together during the Banquet, with the exception of those with young children. Nearly everyone complied, many with enthusiasm. After a delicious buffet dinner in the converted meeting room, the entire congregation moved outside onto the lawn for a photograph session. A picture was taken of the entire group of Leitsch descendants, spouses not included. Then a photo was take of each branch of the family. Spouses were included in these pictures, of course.
When the photo session ended, the group returned to the meeting room for the remainder of the evening. The Spouse Baby Contest challenged everyone to determine which baby picture belonged to the spouses of family members. Sam Bianco, age 9, won this contest to the surprise and delight of those present.
On Sunday morning, the family gathered once again in the meeting room for the opportunity to say their goodbyes to each other. Amidst laughter and tears of joy, people expressed their delight in seeing each other once again and being introduced to one another. Many heartfelt promises were made to keep in touch. Everyone voiced their gratitude to Carol Weisdock, reunion coordinator, for bringing about this wonderful weekend. And many expressed a wish to have another reunion in the future.

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