Happy 4th of July to Everyone! Let the fireworks begin!
This year our country is 242 years old. Fifty-six men signed their names to a document that set our country free and started this great adventure. In 1836, the first Diersburg Roederers set sail for America in search for a better life… one that embodied FREEDOM! Political freedom, freedom of religion, freedom to own land, and freedom from hunger and poverty. The wave of Roederer freedom-seekers continued for another 120 years! The first Roederer arrived in Louisville over 165 years ago and this area continues to be home to the highest concentration of Roederers and their descendants in the entire US.
As we celebrate our nation’s independence on July 4th, we will be celebrating our family in November in Louisville. Much planning has been taking place for our reunion and many exciting things are in the works. So much news to share in this issue… Special Birthday, Volunteers, Cookbook, “Remember When…” Family Stories, and the Online Store.
Happy 100th Birthday!
Congratulations to Art Raderer, of Louisville, who turned 100 years young on May 22nd! Come meet our only living centenarian Roederer, learn why and when his branch changed the name, thank him for his service in WWII and hear stories of what life was like nearly 100 years ago. He’s truly an amazing man and we are honored that he will be joining us!
It is often said, “It takes a village”. So too, organizing this event takes the talents and commitments of many villagers. Thank you to all who have already come forward to help in so many ways. We still are in need of a few more volunteers:
- Any shutterbugs in the family? We need 2-3 photographers to record the weekend of events. We will post the pictures on the Reunion website.
- We would like to do a Memorial Tribute to those who have passed away since our last reunion. Becky Ettel Burnard has volunteered and is in need of someone to work with her on this special project. We’ve got some ideas, but want to hear yours. Email Becky at bburnard@gmail.com.
We are currently only 30 recipes shy for our new goal of 300 recipes for the Roederer Family Heirloom Cookbook, Vol. II. We have over 75 submitters from 15 different immigrant lines. Quite a good representation! We are hoping to represent all 20 immigrant lines that we are calling together for this reunion. Patti has done an amazing job on this and we know everyone will be so pleased with the final product.
There is still time to get those yummy recipes in before the book goes to print. Remember to add any anecdotes. So find your grandma’s favorite recipe or the family recipe that you love the best and send those to patti.jako@gmail.com.
Final deadline is July 15th!
The “Remember When” section of the cookbook will be just a small sampling of what is in store in the post-reunion publication of interesting, funny and touching family remembrances. Every family has great stories and they are begging to be shared! Some family stories tend to get exaggerated over the generations (a few of mine sure have); however, we’d like these family tales to be as factual as possible.
How about some memory ticklers…
Your first car… Favorite vacation… Christmas tradition… Most memorable birthday.
Looking through old family pictures can be a wonderful and fun trigger for those memories you hadn’t thought about in years or decades. A huge “Thank You” to all submitters so far and to those who have attached a picture with your story ―bringing those memories to life for everyone! Send your stories to rhonda@roedererreunion.com.
We have been working hard on our Online Reunion Store, which is about to go live! We have some very exciting things, including both cookbook editions, T-shirts and a surprise item! You can also sign-up for our genealogy class there. Soon, a special newsletter will announce when you can start shopping! Stay tuned!
Of the more than 100 people already committed, we are proud to announce we have 3 more German family members joining us, bringing the total to 10 so far! We’ve also been in contact with descendants of two new branches who are excited to meet their new extended family! With the number of registrants growing and the excitement of horseracing fans anticipating the Breeder’s Cup (especially after the Triple Crown winner this year), hotel rooms are becoming very limited. So if you haven’t made your reservations yet, secure your room NOW!
Visit www.RoedererReunion.com for links to Reunion Registration, online payment, LODGING, past postings and more.
Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July, everyone! Enjoy those barbecues and fireworks as we celebrate our country and salute our ancestors. But most of all… enjoy your families!
Cousin Rhonda
Rhonda@RoedererReunion.com
504-452-4370