Art / Craft Project intro and feedback request

From Beth:

To All Interested Parties,

I have some art/craft projects that just about any child can do. I have plenty of paper, washable markers & crayons for any and all who wish to be creative. I also have several board games that will be available. If anyone would like that list who didn't already receive it, let me know. I don't think I'm going to plan for anything else unless I get feedback that that would be necessary. Please let me know.

Who’s Who - semi final

This was compiled by Ginny from your input. The final version will be ready when you arrive.

(People were asked for their age, city, job title or their school, favorite school subject, favorite sports team, their pastime, an experience they’d like to share, and any upcoming or recent important event)

Paul Carpentier (no nickname) 44 Clarkston, MI

Project Manager

Detroit Tigers, golf

Kerry Carpentier (no nickname), 40

Clarkston, MI

Senior Consultant

Supports all Detroit sports, volleyball

Madison Carpentier (Madie), 4.5 Clarkston, MI

Going to Kinder Cubs, will go to pre-K in the fall

Drawing and Painting

Swim and play dress up

Earning trophies for participating in 4 straight sessions of Tumble Tots this year

Samantha Carpentier (Sammie) 2.5

Clarkston, MI

Swim and play dress up

Earning trophies for participating in 4 straight sessions of Tumble Tots this year

Pat Bruce, South Haven

Personalization Analysis

Detroit Lions

Colin Bruce, 5 Livonia

Computers

Play Video Games

Evan Bruce, 3 Livonia

Play outside

Nikole Bruce, baby South Haven

Play my jump-jump

Eric Hopp, Troy, MI

Biking

Erin Prendergast-Hopp, Troy, MI

Running

Alexander Prendergast (Alex), 8 Troy, MI

Troy Union School, Math

Indiana Colts; reading; learning how to fence; recently got to pet a 6-week old baby tiger

He was chosen by his classmates as the best Citizen in his class

Lydia Prendergast (Lydi), 6 Troy, MI

Troy Union School, Reading, hanging out with Mom

Detroit Tigers; learning how to fence; recently got to pet a 6-week old baby tiger

She saved a baby bird once, and wants to be a vet – she was chosen by her teacher to earn her class award for citizenship.

Isabella Hopp (Bella), 2 Troy, MI

Dancing; recently got to pet a 6-week baby tiger

We are a crazy family of three adults, 3 kids, 3 cats, a rabbit, 3 water frogs and a new puppy!

Sean Bruce, 39 Harrison Twp., MI
Finance Director, Neighborhood Club
Detroit Lions
Eat Ice Cream, Coach and run

Erika Brown, 16 Bradford, Ontario
Holy Trinity High School in 11th.

I work at Boston Pizza Restaurant as a Hostess.
Mathematics & Phys. Ed.

Toronto Blue Jays probably, & the Raptors maybe? I'm not a big fan of watching sports I prefer to play them.
Play sports, hang out with friends and go to the movies or the mall.
Um, when I was younger my nick name was Monkey ‘cause I used to climb all around the monkey bars every which way possible. When I was younger, I remember the first time I went through Nan and

Grandad’s house. He showed me everything and we got to drive around in the cars & the ATV's.
I went to a prom on June 26, 2008.
Nope, just looking forward to the summer :)

Kyle Brown,15 Bradford Ontario
Holy Trinity Catholic High School
Phys-Ed/Science
Toronto Maple Leafs/ Raptors/Blue Jays, San Diego Chargers
I like to play hockey, basketball, or hang out with friends; I Love Sports

OHL Hockey Camp

Great experiences for me would be running in The Blue Goo Marathon; that I came in first place for the boys within my age group. My Student of The Year in 2004 Award, National Junior Honor Society (I was in during middle school). Student of the Month. I also lettered for Varsity Cross Country as a Freshman.

I am taking summer classes to jump ahead & get my license sooner & hopefully graduate sooner

I am a determined ambitious person. I have many accomplishments in school, & I plan to continue doing that until I fulfill my goals. I am also a very athletic person; always try to stay fit…. (.even though I hear I am a bottomless pit)

Mike Bruce, 37 Grayslake, IL

Regional Account Manager

History

Chicago Bulls

Angela Bruce, 33 Grayslake, IL

Student- Environmental Biology

Green Bay Packers

Jacquelyn Bruce 7 Grayslake, IL

Student- Science

Michael Bruce, 3 Grayslake, IL

Full-time wild man

Green Bay Packers

We all love spending time outside riding bikes, going for walks, playing sports. As long as we are all together we are happy…and rugby!

Every day is a funny day in our house.

A family vacation in August in WI and the parents first vacation without the kids!!!

Charles Dennis Bruce (Bruce, The Fisherman, Lil’ Chucky; he doesn’t care for this) but we still use it! Ha Ha), 38, Richmond, VA

General Manager for Sodexo

Client is Wellpoint- Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Science was his favorite subject

Dallas Cowboys (since Bill Parsells is no longer Head Coach)

Spending time with Family, Fishing, & Camping

Learning how to fish with my father at Wasque Point on Martha’s Vineyard was a defining moment in making me an outdoorsman/fisherman.

My daughter Amanda graduating from High School

My dream is to become a professional Angler. When I’m not fishing I make my own fishing baits.

Racheal Bruce (Rae), 35 Richmond, VA

Personal Care Attendant for Mentally &

Physically Impaired

Science

Professional Teams - have no interest (but I enjoy watching my son Eric run Cross Country for his High School)

Spending time with my family, GARDENING, & Camping

My great experience which I am proud of is I helped obtain, & entirely programmed, a communication device for a mentally non-verbal individual. I also had to teach him how to use it. I gave this man who cannot speak a voice.

My daughter Amanda is graduating & we are very proud.

I don’t have much for family of my own. I am honored to be a part of the Bruce Clan. Also, I love flowers and have worked very hard to landscape my entire yard.

Amanda Martin Bruce (Bob, or Manda),

17….almost 18 Yippee!!!, Richmond, VA

Graduating 2008!!!!

The easiest school subjects are always the best!

Dallas Cowboys

Hang out with friends and family

My greatest experiences (besides me GRADUATING lol) that I have made over the years, would be all of my artwork. When I was younger I drew a picture and it was published in Highlights Magazine, also I’ve Had Pointillism artwork displayed in the state fair, and my most proud piece of artwork would be the mural that’s hanging in the middle school I attended

My GRADUATION!!! Class of 08’

I like to think of myself as a very caring and understanding person, I am always there when anyone needs someone to talk to. I often find myself caring about others more than I do myself, I just like everyone to be happy J My mom tells me that I always find the best in people lol

Eric Martin Bruce, 16 Richmond, VA

L.C.Bird high School

Math

I don’t enjoy watching sports I prefer to play them

Running, canoeing, 4 wheeling

Brian DeBruin, 38 Glen Ellyn, Il
Commodity Trader for Chicago Board of Trade
Sleep

League Baseball and College Football. He was cheering for the Netherland National Soccer Team in the European Cup who lost in the semi finals

Brian is a born and bred Chicagoan and still works in Chicago

Lucille DeBruin (Lucy), 36 Glen Ellyn, IL
Technical Education Consultant for GE Healthcare
History
Norbert College's Green Knights
Watch TV

Had a baby

Thomas DeBruin, 2 Glen Ellyn, IL
White Sox, Cubs and Bears

Talk, puzzles, read books, kick the ball, go for walks, watch sesame street (especially Elmo)? New brother - William and started taking swimming lessons
He is wonderful big brother but he is in the throws of the terrible two's. He is basically a 2 year old trapped in a 4 year old body

William DeBruin born March 2008 Glen Ellyn, IL
Talk and play with bouncy seat's giraffes and watch his crib's mobile
He is the perfect baby boy :)

James Phillips (Powder), 38 Germany

US Air Force- Training Manager

Virginia Tech Football, Golf, Billiards,

Traveling

Just found out he will be promoted to Master Sergeant

Trips to Scotland, France, California

Virginia Phillips (Ginny), 35 Germany

HR Technician

Green Bay Packers, Traveling

Trips to Scotland, France, California

Joe Boemer, Long Beach, CA

Likes movies, sports, cars

Chicago Sports and University of Wisconsin Sports Fan

Heather Chaix, 30 Irvine, CA

Manager

Math,

LA Angels,

Spend time with Nieces and Nephews & Travel

Marriage proposal from Rick

Wedding Sept 20, 2008

Richard B Boemer (Rick), 33 Irvine, CA

Consultant/Accounting Controller

Math,

Green Bay Packers,

Watch Movies &Travel
Soccer World Cup in Europe
Wedding Sept 20, 2008

Beth - Dave removed at their request

Kathleen Boemer (Kay), 67 Brookfield, WI

Psychotherapist

I’m taking piano lessons again,

Green Bay Packers

I love to garden and spend time with our grandchildren.

Caring for my father in our home during his last months was one of the best experiences of my life. He viewed his dying process with the same ease, personal warmth, dry wit and interest he had every other experience of his life. Thus, for me, it was not only a satisfying and intimate time with my father, but, for the most part, truly enjoyable as well.

Every day of my growing up years was a story. Just ask any of the Bruce elder siblings to tell you about anything from our constant stream of visitors and interesting conversations at “the lodge” (as my friends called our home), to our father’s dry wit, our mother’s wisdom, the boys’ sports, our unkempt & sparse home, the many illnesses, and of course our mafia neighbors and our consequent involvement with the FBI, etc. Anyone who knew the Bruces of Devonshire Rd. knew there was always something interesting happening there.

Rick and Heather’s wedding is September 20^th!!

Richard C Boemer (Dick), 67 Brookfield, WI

Retired

Milwaukee Bucks, Notre Dame College, Green Bay Packers, Marquette University

Volunteer at Habitat and S.C.O.R.E (Senior Corps of Retired Executives)

I’m a crossword puzzle and SUDOKU addict

After Grandma Bruce lost her second leg and was about to leave the house for the first time to go to church she was frightened at the prospect of going out in her wheelchair. For some reason, she made clear she would only attempt it if I took her. She knew I was familiar with taking someone in a wheel chair because my grandmother had been in a wheelchair for years and I had often been the person to assist her. But I’d also like to think Grandma Bruce knew I loved her and would make every effort to take good care of her ( being a 6’4” young male probably played a part as well). It might also be interesting to note that right after church she asked if I’d stop and buy her a pack of cigarettes and I said, “No”. When giving me a hard time about doing this didn’t work she got someone else to do it.

Rick and Heather’s wedding in September.

Kathleen Galarza (Katie), Brookfield, WI

Human Resources

Likes to swim and play with the kids

Green Bay Packers

Rafael Galarza (Rafa), Brookfield, WI

Financial Operations Manager at GE

Santos Soccer Team – his hometown soccer team – were champions of Mexico this year.

Play with the kids

Raquel Galarza, 10 Brookfield, WI

Science

Swim and play basketball

Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks

Spent 3 weeks in Mexico this June.

Patrick Galarza , 8 Brookfield, WI

Gym

Play Soccer

Green Bay Packers

Antonio Galarza, 6 Brookfield, WI

Music

Likes to listen and play music

Green Bay Packers

Evan Galarza, 3 Brookfield, WI

Hang out with family and friends

Green Bay Packers

Play with the kids

All the Galarzas are looking forward to going to California for Rick and Heather’s wedding September 20^th.

Charles Leslie Bruce (Charlie) , 60 and counting; Jaffrey, NH (the only Jaffrey in the world, unlike cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, ... etc)
Sports and Wedding Photographer and retired from IBM
Math
Conant High School Boys & Girls Basketball, Jaffrey, NH - Five state championships in four years
Ride my Harley and play with my camera and PC toys

I plan to win powerball next month ;-)
There are lots of great experiences with my parents, brothers, sister and our branch of the family that are too numerous to list here, but here's one favorite memory of each:

· My grandfather and namesake, Charles L. Bruce, - aka Charlie, was the first captain of the first basketball team at Detroit College (later named University of Detroit) and the only one ever to be captain for four years.

· My mom, who got her college degree in home economics in the 30's, went back to school and got her masters degree in education, specializing in Math in the 60's.

· My dad left the business where he had worked more than 20 years, and started a new business from scratch when he was about 50.

· My first lucky day was to survive meningitis when I was a baby due to my families prayers and new antibiotics. My second lucky day was Dec 5, 1968 when I met Kathy on a blind date and the rest is history

· Mike helped me get started at IBM and then let me beat him in the state fencing championship

· John and I stopped fighting when he coached my Babe Ruth league baseball team and we've been friends ever since

· Kay played the piano, made great chocolate chip cookies, and was my second mom

· Krista quit cheerleaders to take the lead in Brigadoon in high school and was accepted at Eastman

· Michelle was 1st team all-state in two indoor track events as a high school freshman and was on the Women's National Rugby championship team from NYC in 2006.

· Lauren's college lacrosse team set records for Hamilton college twice by making it to the final 8 in the D3 NCAA's, which set the stage for Hamilton's NCAA championship this year.

· Robert has made a name for himself as a self taught bass player with the band Mook and as a soloist, Mr. Hands

Kathleen went to the NCAA Jr. College softball national championships in Fort Dodge, Iowa as a freshman, and just graduated from Keene State with a degree in psychology.

Kathleen Lois (Sturm) Bruce. I am mostly known as Kathy, Mom, Honey or Grandma.

I'm considered one of the"elders"

Jaffrey (New Hampshire).

I am a Registered Nurse and work in a Family Practice office.

Psychology is my favorite subject.

Favorite team is the one that our children (or grandchildren) are associated with or playing on at the time.

Cross stitch, read, sing in a woman's chorus or watch a movie.

I will be turning 60 later this year.

Some favorites of mine are: daffodils and lilacs, oceans and mountains, Sundays, starry nights, sunsets, happy endings, mornings, the smell of fresh basil or baking bread, Thanksgiving, children laughing, musicals, romantic comedies, Autumn, "cruising with your Uncle Charlie (on his motorcycle), singing, oreo ice cream, Martha's Vineyard and Niagra-on-the-Lake, cross-stitching, a really good book, visiting with family or with long-time friends, fires in the fireplace, summer breezes, fondues...................

There have been so many proud moments involving my family but as for me, I am proud to have been able to sing in a town chorus with Krista and Michelle, to have been part of a town production of H.M.S. Pinafore, to have been instrumental in helping the girls in my Girl Scout troop earning their Silver Award and to have participated in a 3-day cancer walk in Boston.

Lauren Bruce, 29 Potsdam, NY

Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at SUNY Potsdam

Painting/Drawing were my favorite subjects

Hamilton College Lacrosse and the Potsdam Bears

Travel, paint/draw, bike, play soccer, movies I studied at an art school in Tasmania, Australia and have been to Macchu Picchu in Peru

The Easton's (Krista and family) just moved to Potsdam and I will be coaching Cora Easton's U8 Soccer team with my brother-in-law, Jon

Started my first vegetable garden this spring, and trying to cook at home more, wish me luck

John Bruce, 41, Northborough, MA

Senior Network Architect at Microsoft

Got his MBA

Kimberly Bruce (Kim), 39 Northborough, MA

Senior Account Manager at GE Healthcare

Yoga and running

Jackson Bruce, 11, Northborough, MA

Mellican Middle School

Math Science

Soon he will be a middle schooler

Julia Bruce, 7, Northborough, MA

Zeh Elementary School

Science, Music and Art

We love the Red Sox, Patriots, and (now) the Celtics

We like to cook, go to the movies, bike ride, and SWIM!!!

Reunion Agenda - semi final

This info was updated primarily by Ginny. She will have the final version available when you arrive.

**Michelle will be the expediter who assures everyone can get to events.

It is expected that everyone participates in the listed activities unless specified that it is free time.

Thursday

6:00 to 11:00 PM Greet family and distribute welcome packages in the Hospitality Suite.

The “Bruce Reunion” ballroom will also be available from 7:00 – 12:00 for

those who wish to use it.

Team: The elders, Ginny and James

Friday AM

7:00 – 9:00 Breakfast which we get it in the atrium and take it into the adjacent “Bruce

Reunion” Ballroom

9:00 – 12:00 Welcome message and photo montage by Uncle Charlie.

Mingling activity. Team: Joe, Sean and JB

Friday lunch A simple lunch will be available in the Hospitality Suite.

Friday afternoon and evening at Edgewater Pavilion at Cleveland Lakefront State Park.

The afternoon includes games and activities for all ages. And, weather permitting,

will also include swimming and playing on the beach.

Time of departure will be announced at lunchtime. Adjustments will be made for families

needing to accommodate naptime for little ones.

Team #1: Kathleen & Browns are in charge of games/activities for teens and adults.

Team #2: Erin, Mike & Katie are in charge of games/activities for the kids

Team #3: Kerry, John selected this terrific venue.

Friday BBQ Dinner Edgewater Pavilion

Chefs: Charlie, Pete & Rick

Friday Evening After dinner your time is your own just, please, be sure to coordinate transportation

with Michelle

Saturday AM

7:00 – 9:00 Breakfast from the atrium. Bring into the ballroom

9:00 Everyone gather in the ballroom room and we will go directly to the Zoo.

(If we are rained out for the zoo, people can choose to go to the Rock 'n Roll

Hall of Fame or the Children's Museum in the morning.)

Team: Lucy, Michelle and Heather

Saturday 12 noon Picnic lunch at the Zoo

We will have leftovers from the Friday meals. Individuals may also choose to

purchase some food from the Zoo’s vendors..

Team: Charlie, Pete, Rick and Kay

Saturday after the Zoo. Your time is your own.

Saturday late afternoon and evening at the Heritage Barn

3:30 – 5:30 Arts, Crafts and Games for Kids and Adults

Team #1: Beth, Angela and Emily

Team #2: Kerry and John found another great venue.

5:30 Catered dinner.

Team #1: Pete and Charlie and whomever they need to help out.

Team #2: Ginny will organize family to clean-up. Everyone should participate.

Saturday after dinner

On your own.

Heritage Barn is reserved until midnight.

Sunday AM

7:00-9:00 Breakfast in the atrium.

9:00 Short ba-bye program for anyone who doesn’t have to leave right away.

Team: Bev, John and Kay

Photo Montage update

The photo avalanche has been amazing. Thanks to all your efforts to find and forward your photo selections.

There are now over 2,000 digitized images to select from. While not every category (eg. grade school photos, residences, individual sports / performances) is fully populated, there is no question that the family is well represented, from ancestors to grandchildren.

Your help with names and your talent in discovering previously hidden photos have been a boon.

The last request is for any suggestions you have for music to accompany the photos. This is not a requirement, but typically the suggestions include songs I might have overlooked.

Here's the delivery plan. You will see the montage from your photos on the Friday am at the hotel. During the weekend, I plan to take photos of the events during the reunion. On Sunday morning, we will have a short and simple version of the weekend's photos as a photo montage. After the reunion, I will create a combined DVD that will include the opening and closing montages, as well as all digital photos which will be distributed to each cousin and elder for your own personal heirloom. This will be available in the weeks following the reunion.

First look at the weather

The reunion date is now so close that AccuWeather is starting to make SWAG forecasts for the weekend. (SWAG= Scientific Wild Ass Guess).

Thursday high 88 Partly Sunny
Friday high 90 Mostly Sunny
Saturday high 90 Mostly Sunny
Sunday high 87 Mainly Cloudy

Look for your sun screen and water bottles.

You can check for yourself at:
Cleveland Forecast for 11-15 days from today

Another great question, this one from Joh Patrick

Q. Is there a site I can upload to for pictures? -John

A. Yes there is. It's another way to send photos, particularly larger ones

Thanks for the question, John.

For those of you with more photos to send me, I have set up a simpler (once you get the hang of it) and faster way to send me photos, particularly large ones. Email delivery is still OK, but some restrict file sizes and some programs down size your email images, which reduces the image quality.

To get fast delivery for all, including many large digital files, use your web browser to go to:

http://www.bluehost.com/cgi-bin/uftp/

To login, use:

Domain / Username: clan@kcbruce.com
Password: Family

This will be a web page that shows you two sets of files. The one on the left is your own computer. The one on the right is my FTP (File Tranfser Protocol) site destination. I have set up some example directories ("folders") for you to place your photos. If there is not already one with your name, please hit the "MakeDir" button to a new directory. Then you can double click on your directory name to open it. Then you can drag / drop your files from your computer into your directory. Using these directories will make it easier for me to organize the photos.

Call or write me if you want to use this and need some help.

Uncle Charlie

Great question, Beth

Charlie, How many photos do you want for each person/family? Beth

Beth,

I don't have an exact number. I expect to use 10-20 photos from each family group, but would prefer to get 25+ photos to give me a selection that will fit it with the rest of the photos. Since I asked for some individual photos as well as group photos, the number can vary by family. Having a selection of good photos will allow a better balance across the family units.

I plan to copy all the photos I get onto the DVD for the slideshow, including the ones that are not included in the photo montage, so everyone will get a complete set of the submitted photos.

Charlie

P.S. here's the original request list.


Here is the desired list of photos:

For cousins and their spouse / significant other:

• A family photo, hopefully within the last year ( for those with children)
• Recent photos of each individual - one with a clearly visible face, and another that shows them involved in something they like (sports, reading, relaxing, performing ....);
• Old photos of each individual - approximately one for each decade, with a grade school, high school and college photo where available
• A photo of your current residence
• A few other photos that you think would be appreciated by all

At 09:28 PM 6/10/2008, you wrote: