Smith-Hedrick Newsletter
February 2000

IN THIS ISSUE -
Uncle Wayne's Column
Call for Letters
Grandmother Smith's Request
Poem by Gwendolyn Smith
Pat Goes to Europe
Correspondence
Uncle Wayne Writes - We did it! Yep, we managed to reserve the same spot for our July 8, 2000, reunion, so will be looking for ALL of you to attend on that date! We have promise of some "new blood" for this one. Dale has continued to have contact with various and sundry folk who are (probably) related to us. She found a Hedrick cousin, Celia Girard, who stopped by Dale's house for a visit last summer. Celia and other of her family have made plans to attend the reunion. We hope other contacts will follow through on "sort" of a promise to attend.
I had mentioned before that we have to wait until the first business day of the New Year to make the reservation for the pavilion. In order to get our request in early, we have to be there to get in line. This time we hedged a bit and were not first in line, but those before us didn't want our date. So! We arranged for the best spot in the area again.
For those who did not attend last July, let me tell you a little about the pavilion. It is called a "200-man shelter" by the Corps of Engineers. It is located in what is known as the Dam Site Recreation Area, but is fenced off by a high wooden fence that gives excellent privacy. Within the fence is a playground for the children, and a sand volleyball area. It is on a low bluff right on the lake, so we can observe boats, skiers, etc. A fence at the edge of the bluff makes it very safe for small children. There is a nearby beach for swimming, and also camp sites for those who may wish to camp out.
There are numerous motels in the area, but let me stress the need to get reservations early. That is also true for campsites. It is much easier to cancel reservations than to get them at the last minute, because this is a busy tourist area in summer, and things can fill up fast. Also, getting reservations now may enable you to get winter rates and save money!
If you want to call direct to the local Chamber of Commerce at (501) 362-2444, you can obtain literature about the area. I can give you information if you want to contact me directly
about any item of interest or concern (see information below).
GOLF, anyone? We will plan to hold the golf tournament again this year, and it will be on Friday afternoon, the 7th. Please let me know if you plan to participate, and more details will be supplied to participants later. There seems to be more interest, so I hope those expressing interest will be able to make it - and a few more! The course has been changed some (remember changes were underway last summer) so it will be a bit different this time. Still lots of water and loads of fun! One change for the better is the type of water seen. Water is now being pumped from the nearby river, and that is really cold. This makes the water much clearer and not so repulsive as before when it was stale and stagnant. Some prizes will be forthcoming, though probably not trophies as in the past.
A vase is being prepared for presentation. It will be appropriately engraved with some profound something-or-other. I haven't decided just yet how to do it, but likely a door prize of some sort. And then there is the annual White Elephant Sale which will be conducted, so come loaded with cash so can get money for Pat to operate the newsletter (doesn't she do a fantastic job? Thanks, Pat!). And bring items to auction if you have extra family pictures (particularly the old variety) or such to donate.
Make your plans and reservations now, and look for more information in the May Newsletter. Meanwhile, feel free to call, write or e-mail me.