La Dolce Vita!

Betty Davic writes from Florence (Firenze), Italy:

"Hard to complain about going to work when this is what awaits each day! Tutto bene... everything is good."

When Betty looks out her windows, she sees...

"Il Terrazzo"

(Betty's porch)

The Duomo and Campanile (Dome and Bell Tower)

(The Medieval Cathedral of Florence)

"La città al tramonto"

(The city at sunset)

" La Buona Sera..."

(Beautiful Evening)

For those who don't know, Betty is currently in Italy teaching a class in fashion design. I think her pictures speak for themselves. Thanks for sharing, Betty. Be sure to look for the Light in the Piazza!

Minutes of 77th Snavely Reunion

The 77th Snavely Reunion
Sunday, August 6, 2006
Memorial Park, Martinsburg, PA
Attendance: ~75

Rodney Templon led the invocation as we gathered for the meal and Pot Luck at 12:30 P.M. With no age-appropriate children attending, games were suspended until the next reunion when Carol Snavely Zangrilli will lead.

President George Snavely called the business meeting to order at 2:45 P.M. His introductory remarks included this being the 77th reunion to be held.

Recognitions:

• Most Senior Woman: Isabelle Stiffler, 89
• Most Senior Man: George Snavely, 92
• Youngest Child: Kara Jane Snavely, born February 16, 2006, one minute younger than her twin sister Sara Ann
• Largest Family: Aunt Babe and Stacey Family, 16
• Traveled Longest Distance: Donna and Troy Higginbotham from Florida
• Candy Jar Guess: Natalie Robinson, age 15
• Happy Birthday: Diane Lytle, August 6
• Angela Hitchcock, August 7
• Stacey family member, August 7 (Ryan’s? wife)

Betty Davic read the minutes of the 2005 reunion.
Carol Snavely Zangrilli, Treasurer, provided the following report:

• Balance Brought Forward: $405.05
• Expenses: about $80 for games and gifts

Announcements/Good of Order:

• Donna Higgenbotham passed along greetings from Ada and Steve Munchak who were unable to attend this year. Both are doing well. Sonia’s son Josh is traveling all of the US with a competition drum and bugle corp this summer. He graduated with many awards and honors and will be attending Florida Central University.
• Stacey’s announced that Lucy was married this year, as was her daughter Trista.
• Dick and Linda Stacey shared that youngest granddaughter Mikayla had emergency open heart surgery at 7 weeks old and now at age 1 is doing fine.
• Bob Lytle announced the passing of his father John Lytle on July 18, 2006. On behalf of his mother, Shirley, and all of the family they wish to thank everyone for their thoughts, kindness, and prayers. It was especially nice that so many could come for the services.
• George Snavely expressed condolences on behalf of the entire family, and we are glad that he and Shirley were able to attend today.
• It has been an exciting year for George with birth of 3 new grandchildren. Daughter Carol and husband Dave gave birth to a son. Son George and wife Laura gave birth to twin daughters.
• DATE OF NEXT YEAR’S REUNION: SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2007

The meeting closed with the singing of BLESSED BE THE TIE THAT BINDS and was adjourned at 3:05 P.M. Dick and Joe Stacey conducted the traditional auction immediately following the business meeting. The auction raised $202 revenue for the treasury, thanks to all who donated and purchased items.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Kidston Davic, Secretary
Daughter of Gladys Thomas Kidston, Grandaughter of Edith Snavely Thomas

77th Snavely Reunion

For the 77th time in the past 79 years, on August 6, 2006 the descendants of Albert and Emily Snavely held their annual reunion. The place was, as usual, Morrison's Cove Memorial Park in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. This year about 75 folks attended, down from the 110+ that has been the norm for the last few reunions. The children of Albert and Emily attending this year were George Washington Snavely (93), Isabelle (Izzie) Louise Snavely Stiffler, Frances Millicent Snavely Woomer and Florence (Babe) Irene Snavely Stacey. The other surviving daughter, Ada Fern Snavely Munchak, was not able to attend.

This year we were honored to have Shirley Evans Lytle, wife of our late cousin John Lytle, in attendance. Shirley brought news and photos of the family members who attended John's funeral. We all mourn John's loss, and we thank Shirley for being with us. We greatly admire her strength of spirit.

The families pooled their goodies to form a delicious luncheon buffet, which began at 12:30 PM. After the meal we had a family meeting (which your correspondent skipped out of to observe the bowling). Official minutes of the meeting will be posted as soon as I get them from Secretary Betty Davic.

At the auction emceed by Dick and Gary Stacey, some spirited bidding raised about $202.00 for the family treasury. As usual, Aunt Frances counted the money and made sure we all paid up!

I believe the decision has been made to hold the 78th reunion at Memorial Park on August 5, 2005. In conjunction with next year's events, arrangements are being considered for a car tour of the family genealogical sites in the Southern Cove, led by Uncle George!

We hope that everyone can come next year, and make it a record turnout.

We Need a Games Coordinator!

Carol Zangrilli writes:

"Hi cousins!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I've got the kids' games pretty much organized with the prizes and candy bought, list of games to play, and supplies for those games. Again, I'm unable to actually run the games this year and am looking for someone who can. I will volunteer to run the games in the near future (either starting next year or the year after) so that special someone for this year won't be stuck for the indefinite future. I love having the games for the kids and have some wonderful memories of playing the games when I was a kid and Donna & Joyce ran them.

So...if you or someone you know can help me out, please try to see me before lunch at the reunion. Also, think about "volunteering" one of your siblings or children!

Thanks so much and see you Sunday!

Carol"