The 92nd Annual Philhower Family Reunion was held on Saturday,
September 6, 2008 at the Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Cokesbury, NJ.
The meeting was
called to order at 11:45am by President Jane Smalley Eick.
Vice-President Mary Robertson introduced our guest speaker: Mr.
Wayman Williams of Basking Ridge, NJ.
Program:
"History & Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge"
The President, welcomed
everyone to the reunion and greeted out-of-state visitors. We had no first time visitors this year. Jane hoped
the rain from Hurricane Hanna would stay away until after we were finished.
The Secretary's
minutes were approved as read.
The Treasurer's report was approved as read.
HISTORIAN'S REPORT
The President called
on Mary Elizabeth Young to offer memorial services for those who passed away since our last reunion, after which she read
a prayer and asked for a moment of silence.
OLD BUSINESS
Everyone was reminded to sign the registry, giving complete mailing address and to pay the dues of
$10.00 single person - $15.00 couple -- $20.00 family.
The Association is selling at the entrance to the church, the
Philhower ornaments, emblems, framed pictures, and note paper.
Donald Freibergs was thanked
for his work on the bulletin board.
NEW BUSINESS
Any new names for the mailing list, any corrections, items for the newsletter or bulletin board,
should be given to Jane Eick or Donald Freibergs.
Everyone was asked if they knew which branch of the family tree
that they belonged to by way of Philip's children.
Lisa Couch spoke about a new project (a crock) for the 95th
reunion. George Apgar asked if anyone had any samples to bring them to the next reunion.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The President called
upon George Apgar to read the slate of officers and also nominate Marie Freibergs as our new Web Master:
President: Jane Smalley Eick, Bernardsville,
NJ
Vice President: Mary Robertson, New Providence, NJ
Secretary: Catherine A. McCatharn, Washington, NJ
Treasurer: Rodney W. McCatharn, Peapack, NJ
Historian: Donald E. Freibergs, Lebanon, NJ
Registrar: Lisa M. Couch, Green Brook, NJ
Nominating
Committee: George Apgar, North Brunswick, NJ and
Lisa M. Couch, Green Brook, NJ
Trustees:
Jon Philhower, George Apgar, and
Denise Philhower Ross
Chaplain:
Mary Elizabeth Young, Califon, NJ
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the named officers were elected
to serve for 2008-2009.
Then, starting at 100, the President counted down to find the
oldest lady and gentleman present. Respectively, a corsage and boutonniere were presented to:
Cecilia Phihower Bell
87 years young
Robert Haycock 90 years
young
A spoon and stuffed animal were presented to
Morgan Rose Stanley, 8 months, for being the youngest to attend the reunion. She is the great, great, grandaughter of
Cecilia Bell.
A candle was presented to Carol Harris who traveled the furthest
to attend the reunion, from Atlanta, Georgia. She is the daughter of Robert Haycock.
A guessing jar filled with Hershey Kisses was correctly guessed by Robert Lucas with the closest guess of 266 out of 277.
He is the grandson of Jane Smalley Eick.
President Jane Smalley Eick thanked all of the officers for their
help in preparing for the reunion.
There being no further business to discuss, the business meeting
was adjourned at 12:45pm.
At 1:00pm, a traditional turkey dinner, prepared and served by
the church members was enjoyed by all. Mary Elizabeth Young offered grace at dinner. The dinner attendance totalled
47 adults and 1 child. A hearty round of applause was given to the kitchen staff for the delicious dinner.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine
A. McCatharn, Secretary
