Letter from the Editor, 2010

Friends of Baker Reunion family members are often shocked to learn that, in fact, this is not Henry Baker, but only one branch of his family. 

TEXAS FAMILY HAD NO

             IDEA WHAT THEY STARTED

Experts See Exponential Growth for Family

—Over Next Seventy Five Years

By J. HULETT JONES 

  For some reason I signed up for this job (on a whim, frankly) after church service on Sunday under the pavilion. If I recall, there was an audible gasp. I had no idea what I was getting into. I like to write every now and then, and I like to do graphic stuff, so I figured... I can do this. Now I could berate myself for this, and you could, too. Berate me, that is... that's what family is for, after all. But I have come to realize that my accepting this on a whim is what we all do. If you think about it, it's what family is about. Yes, we plan for things, but when you are at the Reunion next month, look around. There are a lot of living, breathing, loving family members whose parents had no idea what they were getting in to. They enjoyed creating all of us, to be sure, and thought, "I can do this," ...and here we are. If some of our ancestors did know what they'd be getting in to, let's face it, a lot of us would not be here. It is a gamble on ourselves. We want to do it. We think we can do it. Then we go for it. Around 1934, our ancestors thought they should have a place to get together for a family reunion. My guess is they knew other families that did such a thing, and thought, we should do this. We all have those friends now. They get shirts made, and their families gather at the local park, the amusement park, church, union hall, take your pick… and we think to ourselves… AMATEURS. 

What our ancestors started, well, likely they had no idea what it would grow into. The Reunion grounds are now facing a drought similar to, potentially even worse, than the dustbowl our family had just gone through when they started this gathering. How many of us have loved ones or friends that ask, “why do you keep plates and glasses stored upside down in your cabinets?” The answer: 

DUST BOWL. It is in our genes. Also in our genes:being confronted with dust bowl conditions and thinking, “we can do it.”

So I think I took up the reins on this job for two reasons. 

FIRST: Three years or so ago at about 3AM after poker, Walter and I were talking about our family. Walter mentioned his folks, and their folks, and my Dad and Granddad (J.D.), and all they had put into this family, this Reunion. It wasn’t a guilt trip discussion. It was a discussion about faith and belief — in ourselves and our family.  That discussion resonated with me. If anyone tells you no good can happen in the wee hours between Saturday night and Sunday morning, you just have them talk to Walter. 

SECOND: Again, I blame Walter. Uncle Walter. Except… he’s not my Uncle. I didn’t realize that until I was about 12. And then there’s Aunt Clyde. Except… she’s not my Aunt. Now I know my immediate family, but those of us in the third generation (or more) of this gathering have more names to remember and are further out on the branches of this tree. We have a great history of names, and those names repeat and we call each other in familial terms that aren’t always accurate.  My Grandfather used his engineering lettering skills to put up a family wheel on the grounds that showed all the branches of the family and where everyone came from. You could trace back how far you were related. Or if you chose, how you weren’t related. My mother has been shepherding the family directory for years. I will admit: when I go to the Reunion, I too often get that feeling that Robert Earl Keen sings about… “I can’t remember how I’m kin to them.” While that has its merits: “everyone is family”, it also means I am missing out on a lot of the richness.

This has been a huge learning curve for me. So read all of this with that in mind. Know that I had no IDEA what I started or got myself into. And help me out. After all, we are kin.

You just might have to remind me how we’re kin.

Letter from the President, 2010

Letter from the President

Agnes Giles with her daughter, President Mitzi Gimenez

Dear Family,

The 2011 Baker Family Reunion on Labor Day Weekend is fast approaching.  I hope you are all making plans to come - from far and wide, and even close by.  We'll miss you if you don't join us!

I'm looking forward to seeing Hulett's first Reunion Newsletter.  This note will accompany it, and I'll send it off to him tonight so I don't hold up the presses.

I have enjoyed being your   president this last year.  I am more in touch with my cousins than usual, and I can tell you the camaraderie is great.  We have lots of humor in this family!  Let us know if you have time to be involved. 

The more the merrier!

There are lots of ways to support our Reunion.  The best way is to love it, remember it fondly, and come back every year to keep it alive.  

See you soon on the banks of Mule Creek!

Love,

Mitzi Gimenez

President, 2010-20??

(question marks, ed.)

Alain and Mitzi Gimenez sailed their 25-foot Catalina sailboat, the Eliza Jane (named after our famous ancestor who was born 150 years before this boat was built in 2004) up Lake Travis as far as they could go, to mile marker 47 (out of about 53). The lake was about 12 feet deep and wasn't safe to go further.  They sailed for 5 days - over 100 miles - in 100℉ plus temperatures and blazing sun. The bimini and staying wet kept them cool and comfortable. The Gimenezes are ready to sail anywhere now!

The Back Page

Dave Jones taking a break from the BBQ pit with Nicholas Parrish

New Swingset!

What's wrong with this picture? Every kid in it is CLEAN!

Nofe Tayara having absolutely NO fun with Adam and Nicholas

Work Week 2010

The Work Week 2010 Report

By J. HULETT JONES

July of 2010 was a long time ago, and those involved in Work Week have clearly been affected by the heat of the sun, as there is no real official report for what all was done last year. There are reports of pretty severe flooding after Work Week. A few brave kinfolk even travelled up to the grounds in August to assist James and others on hand with trying to get things in order after the deluge.

This year aside, apparently it does rain in Texas in August.

Now, not having clear notes from any family members who were at Work Week 2010, and having not been there myself, I am left to forensic studies of photographs to piece together what may have happened.

Clearly someone dug a trench in a straight line, likely put something in said trench, and then Bill Mooney and Keith Shultz buried it while Walter checked to see if he had cell phone coverage

Now while that all may sound productive, apparently Rick Crumley and James Shultz got into a bit of a “discussion” about bull fighting and well, boys WILL be boys -- and apparently... sometimes boys will be matadors and mechanical bulls.

Rick Crumley (the bull) and James Shultz (the matador)

Apparently while all of this was going on, I will say that a substantial amount of debris, large and small, was no longer present on the Reunion Grounds. I can only deduce that these fine folks removed it from the premises.

For fear of leaving someone out, I will say from the photos, there was a good turnout: Bill & Suzy Mooney, Walter Bryan, James Shultz, Keith Shultz, Lloyd & Jackie Shultz, Trudy Robinson, Debbie Brown, Judi Gentry, Lari, Beverly Jones and several dogs.

And while most of the photographs suggest a lot of visiting, food and fun was had, evidence on the grounds last reunion suggested a world of cleanup and maintenance was accomplished.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SHOWED! 

WORK WEEK 2011 WILL BE IN NEXT YEAR’S LETTER

The 2010 Business Report

The 2010 Business Report

By DIANNE SALES

President:  D’Arcy BryanWilson

Vice-President:  Sam Bryan 

(not at Reunion this year)

Treasurer:  Becca Clark

Secretary:  Dianne Sales

Copies of the Treasurer’s report (below), prepared and presented by our Treasurer, were handed out to those in attendance, and the meeting was called to order by our President.

NEW BUSINESS

• The Reunion grounds flooded twice this year, and the propane washed away.  The electric and phone were also affected by the floods this year.
• Money for the crossing repair twice this year is not included in the treasurer’s report.  $6,000 was spent for those repairs.  Walter Bryan will be raising donations to pay for those expenses, outside of the Reunion Fund.
• The treasurer’s report does not cover bills yet for this year’s Reunion expenses, nor does it cover donations that will be made this year.
• Several people are talking with Buddy Rivers about a permanent solution to the flooding.  The whole creek and dam need to be fixed.  Water comes to us fast and the trees and brush spread it out.  Long term solution is to clean out the creek.  We need to be considerate of our neighbors in whatever is done, since it will affect them too.  Buddy Rivers is working on a plan.  It will be a big project.  He is working on getting help from the government or county conservation office.  He has started the project by exploring long term solutions.  We need a plan first.  If we start with a soil conservation survey, then help may be available at no cost to us.  Buddy was a highway engineer.  Buddy spent 2 days overseeing the repair work on the fixes made this year.  FEMA money may be available for the flood situation.  The goal is to look for funds available to fix the flooding problem, at no cost to us.  Someone mentioned that they thought one of Judy Gentry’s boys works for FEMA (Jason).  Someone suggested that someone local talk to Judge Charlie Bell, for information on what is available.  He is the County Judge and may know of other resources.  David Blackburn offered to talk with Judge Bell.
• D’Arcy noted that she would send a “thank you” note to Buddy for helping us with this.
• Mitzi Gimenez reminded everyone that contributions are needed from those staying at the Reunion this year.  We need to remind everyone what money is used for the different accounts.  It is recommended that those who are able, contribute $35 per person for the weekend to cover their share of food, electricity and supplies expenses for the reunion.  Those staying with RVs and using utilities, should contribute $50 per person for the weekend.
• The General Fund is one account and goes to cover several things, including electricity, phone, propane, grounds upkeep, meat, eggs, bread.
• Walter and Barbara Bryan took care of the crossing repair expenses and will be looking for private donations to cover those expenses.  
• There is also a separate Cemetery Fund, for those wishing to donate to that.  That Fund helps with upkeep and maintenance on the Margaret Cemetery, where many of our relatives are buried.
• Lucille Holman wanted to remind everyone that the Drinking Water is for drinking only, not for bathing feet.  The well did not test out for drinking quality this year, although it is being treated with chlorine.  Therefore, DO NOT drink the well water. 
• Someone asked about the status of the Family Quilt.  It is being worked on by D’Arcy Bryan-Wilson.  (Although the Secretary was told after the Reunion that D’Arcy is not able to do the quilt, so that job is now open for another volunteer.  Anyone interested?)
• The well.  The water is currently contaminated, but is expected to eventually clear up following treatment with chlorine.  Jim Robinson and James Shultz took water samples to Crowell for testing.  Those in attendance acknowledged their work on this and thanked them.  Jim said they would keep working on it as long as necessary.

JOBS FOR NEXT YEAR

• Judy Gentry will do the gifts for new babies.
• Beverly Jones will do the gift for newlyweds (she will give them a set of Reunion cookbooks).  Great idea!
• Beverly commented that we need better participation next year in welcoming our newlyweds.  There was not enough participation this year.  You don’t have to give kisses if you don’t want, but at least go up and say “welcome to the family”.
• Judy Gentry said if there were any children who didn’t get baby blankets, to let her know, if you need one.
• Suzy Mooney will do the gift next year for the farthest travelled.
• Hulett Jones will do the gift for the eldest gentleman.
• Beverly Jones will do the gift for the eldest lady (until she becomes that person).
• Mike & Celeste Wesley were not able to be here this year, so they asked Sydney and Morgan to assist Little Beaver with the Treasure Hunt this year.  Thanks to both of them!  We will assume Mike & Celeste will help with Little Beaver for next year, and someone will contact them to confirm that.
• Agnes Giles will do the gift for the longest wed.
• Officers are for 2-year terms, except Becca Clark has offered to be Treasurer as long as she is able, and Dianne Sales has offered to be Secretary as long as she is able.  D’Arcy has requested that we elect someone else to be President for next year.  The President is in charge of making sure arrangements are made for Work Week and for the Reunion, and will be the person to contact in case of emergencies, such as the flooding this year.  The Treasurer cannot make emergency spending decisions without directions from the President.  The President can consult with other family members before making spending decisions.
• Dianne Sales suggested that we put together a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Reunion organization duties and responsibilities, as well as writing down traditions so the next generation of officers and volunteers will know what is needed and expected of them.  Beverly Jones offered to consult on that.  Walter and Barbara will help too.  Kevin Murphy offered to help too.  Barbara Bryan offered to make updates to the Mule Creek Directory.  Susie Mooney said if anyone has address changes, to send them to Barbara Bryan.
• Any volunteers to take over the Newsletter?  Hulett Jones volunteered.  Yea!  So, if anyone has stories, family events, graduations, births, deaths, weddings, etc., send that info to Hulett.
• We need to replace one stove in the kitchen that is not working.  Becca & Craig Clark will be donating a refrigerator.  Scott Mauldin will take care of the new stove.  Thanks, y’all!
• Discussion was then about nominations for a new President.  Sam Bryan is Vice-President and was unable to attend Reunion this year, so it would be unfair to put him in as President for this coming year.  Several suggestions were made, but those nominated could not take on that role, for a variety of reasons.  A nomination was made that Mitzi Gimenez be our new President.  She accepted the challenge and the nomination was seconded.  There was discussion on the duties of the President and Dianne Sales offered to interview Beverly and others to begin typing up an SOP of duties.  Barbara Bryan offered to assist with this project and began by making a list of Advisors to the President that can be contacted for consultation.  One thing the President needs to do is build up connections so communications will go smoothly in preparing for each year’s events for Work Week and the Reunion, and for handling any emergencies during the year.  Any requests for Reunion funds for purchases or services, should go to the President, who will communicate them to the Treasurer, Becca.  Becca will handle reimbursement for authorized expenses.  Please keep your receipts and make sure Becca gets them.  Mitzi will make the decisions on emergency expenses, with consultation of her helpers.  Mitzi can call anyone for advice and consultation.  She can call Walter & Barbara Bryan, Beverly Jones, Lucy Holman, etc.
• Thank you’s were offered to D’Arcy for being our President this past year and for filling in for Clyde Bryan as MC for the Talent Show and events on Saturday night, since he was not able to be here this year.  Thanks, D’Arcy!

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Please see updates regarding the well here

If any corrections, please have at the ready for this year’s business meeting. You may also email Dianne Sales at dianne.sales (at) sbcglobal.net

The 2010 Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer’s Report

By BECCA CLARK

INCOME

Beginning Balance, August 30, 2009 $6,141.02

General Fund $4,701.02

Crossing Fund $   940.00

Special Projects $   500.00

Reunion 2009 Donation $4,850.00

Raffle donations $1,545.00

Donations throughout the year $   360.00

Subtotal, Income               $12,896.02

EXPENSES

Adkins Oil $534.04

Phone $300.00

SWRE, electricity $908.90

Meat, eggs, bread 2009 $733.49

Pump-house expenses $863.90

Fans $300.00

James Shultz $500.00

Electrical Upgrade $360.00

Lawn mowers, paper goods $522.29

Appliances, Website, 

Newsletter $937.74

Subtotal, Expenses [$5,960.36]

Balance as of August 30, 2010 $6,935.66

General Fund $5,495.66

Crossing Fund $   940.00

Special Projects $   500.00

Note:  This does not reflect any monies out to fix the crossing twice this year.

The 2010 Raffle Report

The Raffle Report

By TRUDY ROBINSON

At the 2010 reunion, the raffle was successful in bringing in $1235.  There were 159 items generously donated for the raffle. For success, it requires the generosity of both the donated items and the ticket buyers. Both elements came through with flying colors.

I really appreciated all the raffle items that were sent ahead of time. This allowed me to get a head start on logging items in and getting them ready for display early Saturday morning. Please send as much as you can ahead of time, again this year, and feel free to bring additional items with you. However, the more I can do in advance, the smoother the process will be.

This will be our 2nd year to have a permanent structure for the raffle. It is in my plans to work on getting the gables and at least one end wall completed at Work Week, thus improving security of the raffle items from any inclement weather.  This is an on-going expense out of my own pocket, so any donations will be humbly accepted and very much appreciated. I am so pleased (as I am sure you are) to be able shelter the items from wind, rain and sand.

We need plastic stacking cups to use in the raffle for ticket collections. Sunsweet Prunes has the perfect size. It is a white cup with blue lid (approximately 20 oz). It has a paper sleeve around the cup, but the plastic cup is white. If you consume prunes, please consider this brand and size and save the cups and lids for the reunion. I need about 200 and I don't think I can eat that many by reunion time.

Please use the below address to send raffle items or list of items you plan to bring.  

Trudy E. Robinson

625 N. 3rd

P.O. Box 96

Crowell, TX 79227

Margaret Cemetery Fund

MARGARET CEMETERY FUND

By JACKIE SHULTZ

The Margaret Cemetery bank account is still in the black with many thanks to some generous donations at Reunion 2010 and memorials received since then on behalf of Jeannie Crumley and Bill Moore.

Hired hands for up-keep on the cemetery from September 2010 to June 2011 amounted to almost $900.  Because I am not physically able to do as much free labor as I have in the past, I have to depend on hiring outside help to assist with the mowing, cleaning, etc. The checking account, as of June 2011, has just over $1100, but as the weather permits, I will be hiring more help this summer (2011) to clean out the dead trees and brush from the west side. We had all of the ground mowed short before the wild flowers came up and now that they have finished blooming it is time to start mowing again. However, with these unusual 100 degree plus days, no one needs to be down there on a lawn mower. As soon as we get a few cooler days, I will arrange for hired hands to start mowing and cleaning up brush.

The CD's total to just over $13,000.  The CD's are not used for maintenance, but are held for reserve. Interest on the CD's (approximately $200 total) roll over into the checking account to help cover yearly expenses.

It is sad, but all the contributors outside of family are now gone. Please remember our dear loved ones who are buried at the Margaret Cemetery and continue to contribute to the care of their graves.

Many thanks to you all for your continued support.

The Quilt Report

THE QUILT REPORT

By NOBODY

The quilt raffle has been an amazing tradition in our family. It also has raised quite a bit of  money. Currently, no one has taken the reins to continue the tradition. It is a lot of work:  a labor of love.

If you feel you are up to the task, The Mule Creek News would be proud to announce your extreme awesomeness, and will feature your efforts proudly in the next edition.