International Reunions Workshop
UPDT
Apr 2001 Next Reunion Planned for 2005
The 2005 AGM will be held
in conjunction with the
USA COOK REUNION see here for details
Where ACGS General Meeting will be held
Elections, reports, respects, future plans on the agenda
Comments/suggestions to President
by Jan 2005
MILLENNIUM REUNION 2000
The 5th International COOK Reunion - Board of Directors & Committee
PROPOSAL #1 FOR MILLENNIUM REUNION 2000
July 24, 1997 - Per item 2f) - pp 192,
Minute Book File:- 283-2000
Friday 7th - Greetings to arrivals - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday 7th - Greetings to arrivals - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday 7th - Greetings to arrivals - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday 7th - Greetings to arrivals - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday 7th - Greetings to arrivals - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday 7th - Greetings to arrivals - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday 7th - Greetings to arrivals - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday 7th - Greetings to arrivals - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
 | @ "COOK's KOZY KORNERS" 2, 46
King St., Tillsonburg ON and help to get Visiting COOK Cousins settled in. |
| - Someone will be present and at the phones all day |
| - Picnic tables & some refreshments will be available |
| - a Log will be maintained so that we can advise
cousins who has arrived & where they are located --- if they let us know |
Saturday 8th - Both the Town
Hall & Community Park have been booked.*
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Saturday 8th - Both the Town
Hall & Community Park have been booked.*
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
- WELCOME Arrivals - view displays - PIXs, albums (Society & others, mark their own) - Computer Display - Cooks Travelling Tablecloth - Samplers & other Society Items - Archival Items - audio tapes - video tapes
-- Ad hoc FIELD GAMES & VIDEO GAMES for children & adults??
-- UPDATE Genealogical data - forms & display available
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
- PICNIC LUNCH - Each family bring their own - beverages
supplied
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. MILLENIUM TGM of ACGS Inc
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. ORGANIZED GAMES - for everybody - Prizes supplied
Sunday 9th
9:00 -10:00 a.m DEDICATION SERVICE at Courtland United Church
10:00 - 12:00 a.m. FAREWELLS
*These two facilities are near, with Ball Diamond, Tennis Courts, Football Field, Pavilion, Lavatories, & the Town Hall is new with physically challenged access.
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July 24, 1997
This is only a suggestion - a dream - a possibility. The early input (comments) of each Board & Executive member of the Society is of the utmost importance - and the feedback each of you can obtain from your contacts. This will permit some modifications and the delineation of a more detailed plan, let's say by the end of September 1997 - could you please provide your comments by then??
Having this accomplished by October, we can then prepare a good motivational mailer for our Annual Newsletter - December of 1997 - leaving us two more mailers (Dec 1998 & 1999) to inspire COOK Cousins to a good attendance. We can also begin to establish some milestones to arrive at our destination in the best possible condition.
We look for someone to volunteer to CHAIR THIS EVENT (or at least act as an MC) -- will it be YOU???
We also need the help of every one of you and anyone else you can encourage to help to spread the word of the importance of this event -- it will not happen again for another 1000 years. WHAT KIND OF HERITAGE will we leave our descendants? Will it be richer for them because we have passed this way??? Will they know what we looked like, what we sounded like, what kind of person we were, what our accomplishments were??? This is the expressed purpose of the ANDREW COOK GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Inc. #820632 - to support and maintain the works today which will legally (and properly) retain these remembrances in perpetuity; of these works, our COOK REUNIONS are a major element. We need to encourage both young and old to honour and respect the larger COOK FAMILY --- these reunions play a very significant part in this regard --- especially if we can make this a BIG ONE. We also need the help of every one of you and anyone else you can encourage to help to spread the word of the importance of this event -- it will not happen again for another 1000 years. WHAT KIND OF HERITAGE will we leave our descendants? Will it be richer for them because we have passed this way??? Will they know what we looked like, what we sounded like, what kind of person we were, what our accomplishments were??? This is the expressed purpose of the ANDREW COOK GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Inc. #820632 - to support and maintain the works today which will legally (and properly) retain these remembrances in perpetuity; of these works, our COOK REUNIONS are a major element. We need to encourage both young and old to honour and respect the larger COOK FAMILY --- these reunions play a very significant part in this regard --- especially if we can make this a BIG ONE. We also need the help of every one of you and anyone else you can encourage to help to spread the word of the importance of this event -- it will not happen again for another 1000 years. WHAT KIND OF HERITAGE will we leave our descendants? Will it be richer for them because we have passed this way??? Will they know what we looked like, what we sounded like, what kind of person we were, what our accomplishments were??? This is the expressed purpose of the ANDREW COOK GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Inc. #820632 - to support and maintain the works today which will legally (and properly) retain these remembrances in perpetuity; of these works, our COOK REUNIONS are a major element. We need to encourage both young and old to honour and respect the larger COOK FAMILY --- these reunions play a very significant part in this regard --- especially if we can make this a BIG ONE. We also need the help of every one of you and anyone else you can encourage to help to spread the word of the importance of this event -- it will not happen again for another 1000 years. WHAT KIND OF HERITAGE will we leave our descendants? Will it be richer for them because we have passed this way??? Will they know what we looked like, what we sounded like, what kind of person we were, what our accomplishments were??? This is the expressed purpose of the ANDREW COOK GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Inc. #820632 - to support and maintain the works today which will legally (and properly) retain these remembrances in perpetuity; of these works, our COOK REUNIONS are a major element. We need to encourage both young and old to honour and respect the larger COOK FAMILY --- these reunions play a very significant part in this regard --- especially if we can make this a BIG ONE. We also need the help of every one of you and anyone else you can encourage to help to spread the word of the importance of this event -- it will not happen again for another 1000 years. WHAT KIND OF HERITAGE will we leave our descendants? Will it be richer for them because we have passed this way??? Will they know what we looked like, what we sounded like, what kind of person we were, what our accomplishments were??? This is the expressed purpose of the ANDREW COOK GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Inc. #820632 - to support and maintain the works today which will legally (and properly) retain these remembrances in perpetuity; of these works, our COOK REUNIONS are a major element. We need to encourage both young and old to honour and respect the larger COOK FAMILY --- these reunions play a very significant part in this regard --- especially if we can make this a BIG ONE. We also need the help of every one of you and anyone else you can encourage to help to spread the word of the importance of this event -- it will not happen again for another 1000 years. WHAT KIND OF HERITAGE will we leave our descendants? Will it be richer for them because we have passed this way??? Will they know what we looked like, what we sounded like, what kind of person we were, what our accomplishments were??? This is the expressed purpose of the ANDREW COOK GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Inc. #820632 - to support and maintain the works today which will legally (and properly) retain these remembrances in perpetuity; of these works, our COOK REUNIONS are a major element. We need to encourage both young and old to honour and respect the larger COOK FAMILY --- these reunions play a very significant part in this regard --- especially if we can make this a BIG ONE. We also need the help of every one of you and anyone else you can encourage to help to spread the word of the importance of this event -- it will not happen again for another 1000 years. WHAT KIND OF HERITAGE will we leave our descendants? Will it be richer for them because we have passed this way??? Will they know what we looked like, what we sounded like, what kind of person we were, what our accomplishments were??? This is the expressed purpose of the ANDREW COOK GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Inc. #820632 - to support and maintain the works today which will legally (and properly) retain these remembrances in perpetuity; of these works, our COOK REUNIONS are a major element. We need to encourage both young and old to honour and respect the larger COOK FAMILY --- these reunions play a very significant part in this regard --- especially if we can make this a BIG ONE. We also need the help of every one of you and anyone else you can encourage to help to spread the word of the importance of this event -- it will not happen again for another 1000 years. WHAT KIND OF HERITAGE will we leave our descendants? Will it be richer for them because we have passed this way??? Will they know what we looked like, what we sounded like, what kind of person we were, what our accomplishments were??? This is the expressed purpose of the ANDREW COOK GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Inc. #820632 - to support and maintain the works today which will legally (and properly) retain these remembrances in perpetuity; of these works, our COOK REUNIONS are a major element. We need to encourage both young and old to honour and respect the larger COOK FAMILY --- these reunions play a very significant part in this regard --- especially if we can make this a BIG ONE.
As Dr. Robert H. Schuller has said, "IF IT's GOING TO BE --- IT's UP TO ME" and I will add --- "and YOU as ME --- and ME as YOU". Together, there is nothing we COOKs cannot do!!!
RN199 Kathy Cook, President
Date August 18, 1989
Dist'n: 1 - RN177 Charles A Cook President
2 - RN198 Fred D H Cook Past President
File: wkg 283PP RUAAPEP.061 CD 1 - ACGS Key Docs
------------------------------------------------------------
Prepared by: RN198 Fred D H Cook for presentation to
RN177 Charles A Cook
Conditions: This report was initially prepared for the new President's perusal on 24 July 1989; to permit him to adequately prepare for the 12th August 1989 Board meeting. Comments were solicited at that meeting - with none forthcoming, the report is now finalized for the Presidents further action/dispensation, as he deems proper.
Financial:==================================================
Cost $10673 - Income $6312 for a net loss of $4361
These figures include $2121 of funds loaned by RN198 Fred Cook to support this reunion - Fred & Kathy have agreed to write-off this amount in favour of the Society. This will leave a net loss of $2240. Considering the inventory held (Accoutrements left from the Reunion and other items) of $5778 the whole project will realize a net $3538 positive balance. Some of this inventory may be very difficult to sell (particularly the items containing a date; except as souvenirs)
Conclusion:
We (the folks in the USA and Canada) must work together to liquidate this stock at The Second International Cook Reunion. If this is done the financial contribution to this reunion will have been well spent. Recommend the President work closely with the 1991 USA Chairperson to insure these items are available to the US team.
Situations/Problems/Recommendations & Solutions:=================
1 Disappearing Help ---------------------------------------- Persons who had agreed to help, either did not do very much or "bowed out" at a very late time (too late to replace them) or did not come at all. Of 21 appointed total help, 7 persons were considered non-effective, 4 persons were questionable help, 10 were very helpful; another 10 to 15 persons who were not appointed were extremely helpful, some in "key positions". This imposed such a burden on the "Humble Few" that they almost collapsed under the strain - it became a nearly impossible task. Those who "stuck it out" through the many long critical hours (from Tues 11th to Sunday 16th) are surely worthy of our respect.
Solution:
Seek more responsible/reliable persons & obtain firm & early commitments --- and Pray they don't let you down at the last minute.
2 Attendance/Food ------------------------------------------Summary -- On 10 July - 502 persons had indicated they would attend ($1454.00 - 90 adults, 10 children prepaid). The actual final attendance was 220 (179 adults, 40 children) therefore paid attendance was $3784 vs $8015 budgeted - a shortfall of $4231. The true attendance over the 3 day weekend was probably more than 3 x 220 (who paid), as verified by those in the Registration area (many came on Sat & would not pay $20.00 - why should they, if they can walk in an open door???). Tom Bertrand counted in excess of 330 at the Sat eve meal. This single item would have more than balanced the books (from a cash position).
Food: Even if we had wished to order less than 500 plates of food, (our estimate was 400 adults, 125 children - as low as we could make it) we could not, because the contract negotiated 27 Sep 1988 had a "minimum number of 500" clause inserted. I have many negative comments concerning the Eden's & their catering service (not shared by others - but I have dealt with many, over the years) they are without doubt "the worst".
Solution:
- suggest no minimum number of persons to serve ever be
included in future food contracts.
- never deal with the Edens again
- Secure and monitor all entrances and permit no-one to enter without entry fee payment
- obtain more reliable data on pre-registration. I include this with
"tongue-in-cheek" - I really don't know how anyone could do more than we have;
with the cost of 2 mailers @ about $1600 - my opinion is we far surpassed the "point
of diminishing returns". Our real gain from all of this, is a 1000 plus confirmed
(recently purged) address list, for future use.
3 Accommodations ---------------------------------------------
Situation: This is without doubt the most difficult task associated with this type of event; however it was completed in an outstanding manner by RN183 Walter A Cook. There were however, the usual problems identified with this activity - all concerning human nature: ie. most people procrastinate, do not communicate well, frequently change their mind etc.. The "bottom line" is Walter & I were much troubled (coordinating this item) in the months/days leading to the event & Kathy & I (already overloaded) were severely tested during the event, coping with adjustments, changes of plans, no shows etc.. However I consider this an essential item for the first ever international Cook Reunion.
Solution:
- for future reunions, don't do it - let folks make their own arrangements - if the decision is made to get involved, keep it to an absolute minimum - the returns are not worth the energy required and the associated problems.
4 Sampler Project: -------------------------------------------
Without a doubt, the single most successful element of the Reunion. Now that the "bugs" are resolved, I strongly recommend we pursue preparations to get more ready for The Second International Cook Reunion in 1991 in USA. This can be a very good "long-term" fund raiser as the Society grows - at least until we complete the quota of the "Limited Edition" of 220ea Samplers.
5 Accoutrements: --------------------------------------------
Situation: One could consider we had ordered too many accoutrements - perhaps..?? This will only be true, in the "long run", if we do not keep all the Andrew Cook Clan together under one Umbrella Organization namely Andrew Cook Genealogical Society Inc.. If we do stay together, every three years will afford an opportunity to liquidate old stock and renew popular items at the lowest possible cost (providing we continue to use the same supplier - the die costs are already written off). With judicious advertising in our Newsletter and Mailers, we may even have a fairly constant market - I say this because our new contacts should continuously increase (we now have about 800 family contacts of a potential of >5000).
Recommendations: Careful consideration should be made of the quantity of items, particularly those items which have a date on them; they obviously have a limited "after-market".
6 Sponsorship: -----------------------------------------------Situation: For this reunion, RN199 Kathy & I sponsored the Magician Show ($150); Canadian Flags, which were attached to our Call Cards and handed out at the gate ($30); Donation to Tillsonburg Theatre ($100); Donation to Melody Makers ($50); plus other sundry expenses ($2121) for a total of $2451.00.
Recommendations: This type of sponsorship could be pursued at future Reunions - perhaps some sort of solicitation may even be proper.
7. Next Reunion: ---------------------------------------------Situation: To plan this Reunion, we started 21 March 1987; not too soon for the "first ever" international reunion. Actually, my experience has shown that 3 years is a good "planning window" for this type of event.
Recommendations: A letter be sent from the president, offering to support The Second International Cook Reunion and suggesting an early committee appointment and planning meeting. Also might suggest some/or all of the following be made available to them for this event:
- a list of stock and accoutrements held;
- a copy of this report;
- a list of signs, displays etc.;
- the Guest Register from 1989 Reunion, should be used for succeeding Reunions;
- the Comments/Suggestions Book from 1989, should be used for succeeding Reunions;
- Genealogy Display and publicity;
- address database Confidential for Society use only;
- publicity support - in our Newsletter - many other; publications we subscribe to
which give reunion coverage;
- computer Progeny (table runner) report;
- Archival Picture Books and Indexes;
SUMMARY =========
The First International Cook Reunion has been an outstanding success;
outstanding because we have met our objective, "to form an organization which will
assist in the acquisition of the minimum of 500 prepaid orders required for the 1990
Genealogy and one which will promote the welfare, acquisition documentation and recording
of the Cook History". Part of this, as the founding members will recall, was to
sponsor the 1989 Reunion. We are well postured to have the best possible chance of
success - certainly light years from where the founders were when they first met
formally on 21 March 1987.
- the Andrew Cook Genealogical Society Inc. is well constituted and has a sound foundation
to build upon;
- the address database has been completely purged and enlarged (we now start with >1000
good addresses);
- genealogical information input has increased;
- archival picture input has improved;
- much publicity and credibility has been gained;
- the USA committee has agreed to hold the nest Reunion in1991 and it would appear these
international reunions will continue every three years, with support from both sides of
the 49th parallel;
- we hold $5779.00 of stock to begin the next reunion (this is both good and bad);
- and perhaps the most substantial gain of all, we COOKs are closer together as a
family (Andrew & Anna do live on, in us).
So we should "press on" with plans for the Second International Cook Reunion in
1991 with continued optimism; taking into account the points outlined on the preceding
pages. This type of international reunion can be increasingly successful, in the
opinion of the writer. The base laid thus far should permit a good sound future
development. One word of caution - please continue to include ALL COOK FAMILIES (not
just the Andrew Cook Family) - we benefit from this (as well as the other Cook families)
because the Cooks are all tied together somewhere - we must continue to grow and this is
the most practical way I know to accomplish that objective.
It has been my pleasure to serve; my thanks to all for giving me this extremely rare opportunity - thanks, from the bottom of my heart.
RN198 Fred D H Cook President 88/89
46 King St Tillsonburg Ont N4G3E7 ph 519-8429433
