A Word from the
President A Word from the
PresidentGreetings to all,
2008 has just started and already it promises to be an exceptional year for the Association des familles Robitaille as it is the 20th anniversary of its foundation. This milestone is a testimonial to Lorraine Robitaille-Samson who first worked towards founding our association, back in 1988.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, the Board of directors had organized a special trip for our cousins from France. But, because of an insufficient number of enrollees, the Board had to cancel this touring offer. Nonetheless, and so that our cousins from the rest of Canada, from the United States and from France can enjoy our celebrations, the Board decided to postpone to August 7 and 8, the event originally planned for August 4. It should be easier to get hotel rooms for just two nights. We sincerely hope that you will help us make sure this two-day event is a success.
The agenda for Thursday August 7, 2008 will include a meet and greet event as well as a tribute to the wifes of our ancestors: «Hommage aux épouses de nos ancêtres, Marguerite Buletez, Marie Maufait et Madeleine Warren». Activities held on August 7, will center in the Gaudarville area, in the village of L'Ancienne-Lorette, where our ancestors were first established. We will have as our guest of honour, Mr. Jean-Charles Bou, Deputy Consul General for France in Quebec City.
For 20 years now, you, our cousins from all corners of our country and of our world, have been reading our newsletter « Les Robitailleries », have been participating in our activities, have met other namesakes in various provinces and countries because of the volunteer work some of our Robitaille relatives have dedicated to the Association. Still today in 2008, many of you are deeply engaged in maintaining the Association and its endeavours.
This is why, Friday August 8, 2008, will be dedicated to the recognition and support of those who were the pioneers of the Association. We will hold a Gala dinner to celebrate our founders. The theme being « Reconnaissance aux pionniers fondateurs et à nos héros contemporains », this Gala will be hosted by Mr. Michel Robitaille, official representative of the Department for International Affairs, Québec Delegate General in New York from 2002 to 2007. This dinner will be a distinguished celebration set in a warm musical ambiance.
The organizing committee for the 20th anniversary celebrations has been working for over a year to prepare a program which will only be successful if you, our local members and cousins from farther away, make it a point to join in.
The best way to say « THANK YOU » to all the volunteers is to come in great numbers and to bring with you other Robitaille relatives. We look forward to exchanging news, meeting you and above all taking part in the celebrations. If you know of specific facts about our ancestors or have memories that we could share with everyone, do not hesitate to contact us before August.
On February 17, we held our traditional « Brunch en rouge », a lovely event which was very appreciated. Congratulations to all who came to this Valentine's Day wearing red! We also want to congratulate our chef Yvan who had prepared a delightful menu. He has a knack for exceptionally tasteful discoveries.
Louise Robitaille-Roy, beautifully dressed in a blue sari, talked about and showed us the magnificent treasures and beautiful sights of India, a country rich with history and mystery. We experienced India as if we were there and to our surprise Louise's husband, Paul-Émile Roy, came in wearing the traditional high cast habits.
Even if we don't hear often about the Dictionnaire généalogique des familles Robitaille, we know there are a number of working bees who spend hours on end to collect and organize all the data. If all goes well, we might be able to surprise you in the summer. Please join me in showing your appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who work on this project.
Should you have historical data, documents, legal deeds or records of agreements, please send them to us and once we have copied the data, the documents will be returned to you. The more data we can get our hands on, the most useful our dictionary will be.
The Board of directors decided to hold the 20th Annual General Assembly on May 24, 2008, in a venue where families will be welcome. The meeting will start with registrations at 10 am at the Aquarium de Québec and participants will have time to review the achievements of the last year and visit an always fascinating waterworld.
As we approach the end of a year during which we worked on organizing so many events, I want to thank the members of the Board of directors who made themselves available as well as all volunteers who contributed their time to the booth at the Salon des familles-souches (root families exhibition), to the writing and editing of this newsletter, Les Robitailleries, to the maintenance of our Web site, to taking photographs and writing reports on our various events.
If you wish for the Association to continue to expand, it is important that you join the Board of directors and support our various project teams. By renewing your annual membership, you renew your confidence in our administrators and we ask that you take every opportunity to promote the Association amongst your friends and relatives.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Aquarium for a unique family experience. This location offers much to learn as well as a refreshing park. Don't forget that a wonderful meal is included in the registration fee.
Please fill out the coupon included with this newsletter and return it to us as soon as possible, or by May 15, 2008 at the latest. We will then make the reservation for our event.
All of us need to think of succession planning and this is why we suggest that you invite your sons and daughters and your grand-children to come with you at the Aquarium de Québec and at all our other activities. They will experience first hand the pleasure of celebrating family values.
Nicole Robitaille