Thirty-four members of the Gerking Family signed the guest book at the 40th Annual Gerking Family Reunion held  at Blue Lake Park just east of Portland, Oregon. Our hosts were Ed and Cindy Dreske and Susan Dreske McBurnett, all of Portland. Kim and Michael Grayson, who had planned to help host the event, found themselves instead nursing a child through unexpected surgery, and the concern of all was extended to them.
    A list of those who signed the guest register follow the minutes.
    As has become tradition, the Bixby family led the group in singing grace prior to the potluck meal. All had brought a main dish for their families and a side dish for the communal potluck table. The Bixbys again furnished soft drinks for all, and Beth Johnston furnished coffee.
    Our reunion hosts had arranged an icebreaker game that was quite successful. Nametags with the name of famous people had been made up in advance, and as each person registered a nametag was pasted on his or her back. The person then was allowed to ask three questions of as many people as necessary to figure out the name. This provided a great opportunity to meet others and enjoy their company.

Business Meeting
    President Susan Dreske McBurnett led the business meeting. She thanked all for coming and invited them to enjoy the many activities available at Blue Lake Park following the business meeting. She gave special thanks to Florence Bowe for once again attending to help others learn the Gerking Family history.
    The minutes of the 1998 reunion had been distributed through the newsletter and were approved as mailed.
    The Treasurer’s report showed income for the year from August 1, 1998 through July 31, 1999 of $745.32 and expenditures of $698.77, leaving an August 1, 1999 balance of $441.32 in the Gerking Family savings account.

Election of Officers
    Susan McBurnett was reelected president; Beth Johnston and Florence Bowe also were reelected to their current positions of Historian and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively.

Historian
    Although willing to let her self be reelected to the office, Florence told the group she feels it is time for the family to begin thinking about someone else to serve as historian. Those present expressed regret  at Florence’s request but gratefulness that she was willing to serve another year.
    A brief discussion was held regarding the role of the family’s historian. When the office was first begun, little research had been done on the Gerking family. Florence’s uncle Will Junkin began extensive research, which Florence continued when Will passed away. Three editions of their work now have been printed. At present, there are many people researching the Gerking family, and most lines of the John Gerking, Sr. family have now been computerized by someone. It was suggested that perhaps the role of family historian has changed since the time Will and Florence began their research.
    Beth said most of those on the Gerking email list she maintains for the family are computerizing their genealogy and have expressed willingness to contribute their personal research to a project which would pull everyone’s research into one computerized place where it could be accessed by family members. As family information changes, it would be relatively easy to make additions and changes. Those who have not computerized their genealogy have said they would be willing to help type the text parts of The Gerking Family in America so that the stories Florence has written are not lost. If the computerization project proceeds, it probably would make reprinting of the current book unnecessary. There would be many details to work out, but those present agreed the project should be investigated further.
    It was also agreed to investigate further whether the book can be reprinted if the computerization project turns out to take longer than a reasonable amount of time.

Newsletter
    Editor Beth said newsletter contributions  received during the year are enough to keep the newsletter afloat for at least another edition. After discussion, it was agreed to ask everyone who wishes to continue receiving  the newsletter to contribute $5.00 toward the cost of its upkeep.

Other Business
    40th Anniversary souvenir cups had been ordered for those attending the reunion, and it was agreed to sell the excess cups for $3.50 each plus postage.
    The hat was passed to help defray reunion expenses, resulting in $131.25 for the treasury.
    President Susan expressed thanks to Ed and Cindy Dreske for hosting the reunion and Ed for his outstanding barbecue technique. She also reminded everyone to police the area for garbage before leaving so we don’t incur a fine.

2000 Reunion
    Because President Susan’s high school class had already planned a reunion for the second Sunday in August, 2000, it was agreed to meet for one year only on the first Sunday next year. The date will be August 6. It was agreed to meet again at Blue Lake Park.

    There being no further business, President Susan adjourned the meeting and those attending continued to enjoy themselves by visiting the sharing tables, exploring the park, or just chatting.

Respectfully submitted,
Beth Johnston, Secretary

---

Cody Barber    Salem    OR Kati Barber    Salem    OR James R. (Bob) Bixby    St. Helens    OR Evaline Bixby    St. Helens    OR Jay Bixby    St. Helens    OR Florence Bowe    Troutdale    OR John Doyle    Portland    OR Cindy Dreske    Portland    OR Edward Dreske    Portland    OR Edward Dreske II    Fairview    OR    Janelle Jackson    Portland    OR Elizabeth (Beth) Johnston    Newport    OR Paul A. Lewis    Eugene    OR Sheryl Lewis    Warrenton    VA Paul Lewis, Jr.    Warrenton    VA Rosalie Maddock    Canby    OR    Bill Maddock    Canby    OR

Susan Dreske McBurnett    Portland    OR    Ray McCormick    Lake Oswego    OR Linda McCormick    Lake Oswego    OR Nabil Miskawi    Keizer    OR Kari Miskawi    Keizer    OR Serene Miskawi    Keizer    OR Tristan Miskawi    Keizer    OR Doug Perle    Salem    OR Barbara Perle    Salem    OR Maddi Perry    Hood River    OR Charlotte Perry    Hood River    OR Lisa Perry    Hood River    OR Robert Perry    Hood River    OR Rachel Perry    Hood River    OR Gladys Robison    Battle Ground    WA Allison Verville    Fairview    OR Wally Young    Kamuelah    HI