THE HACKETT FAMILY

Hello Fellow Hacketts !!! Hi my name is Barb Brooks. I would like to say thank you for making me your new Entertainment/Publiciy Officer. I am looking forward to working with my fellow officers to make the 133rd reunion a successful and fun experience for all. I will need everyones help and advise to make this happen.

I would like us all to try and contact the hackett's that were not able to come this year, and also the hacketts that haven't been to a reunion in a long time. We need to let them know they were missed and we need them to keep our reunion strong. I wanted to let you know of some addtions to next years reunion now so you can let fellow hackett's know, maybe it will help encourage them to attend. .

I do have some few tents lined up for next year to create a youth tent area. I believe a special area for the youth. Is essential for the future of this reunion. The youth need to connect with one another while their young to create lasting bonds that will take them into the future. The youth tent will have activities that will run throughout the whole reunion. Plan on having lots of board games available, yard game supplies, crafts and coloring, I want the older youth group members with assistance of adult steward to run this area.

The youth group next year will take attendance and elect their own officers. They will have their own volunteer sign up sheet for Hackett family activity participation and event helpers. Goal is to make the Youth Group more structured, so they can make lasting friendships and learn how the whole hackett process works. We need the youth, they are our future, they are our future committee members and officers. The youth do an outstanding job at selling raffle tickets for us each year to help pay for the reunion. We need to look after their needs as well, I want them to have more input in other areas as well. We will be putting on a kids carnival next year. I want the older youth group members and willing adults to run the booths and relays. We will also have coloring under the tent, and also a coloring contest. Will have pictures that reflect our heritage for the contest.

We will be having a Hackett History Spot under the big tent next year. Will have items that will help teach our hertiage to include posters, pictures and ribbons along with some stories of past reunions This location will also have props and vintage or reproduction outfits for families to dress up and take their very own "Old Time Pictures" ! I will need adult stewards to take a shift at this location. I am looking for donations of items we can use at this location.

Planning to have Friday night Karoake for all. We also will be having a rehearsal for talent show routines for anyone that would like to practice. I will be adding a prop box for anyone needed special items for their talent or skit. If you are going to sing a suggest you bring along your own cd to make sure you will have your song available. The last reunions talent show was great it had alot of different types of talent displayed. Lets shoot for different types of acts again for next year.

Next year along with the White Elephant Sale and the kids Yard Sale Table, we are including a Silent Auction Table. So start thinking now on what you would like to donate to any or all of these areas. Start making that blanket or wine perhaps and/or you can put together a nice basket of items.

We also are planning a candle light memory walk to honor past family members. We will have a tea light bag path that we will walk through carrying our memory candle's. This was a idea of a few of our cousins who is also offering to spear head this entire project. Great idea ! This is what we need, I am always willing to hear any of your thoughts and ideas. After all we cousins are in this together in this special endeavor " The Hackett Family Reunion" ! Take Care. Have a safe year, Barb Brooks