TARANTELLA - The 22nd annual family reunion of Guiseppi and Rosa Tarantella was held on Sept. 4 with 52 members enjoying the gathering at Chapman Township Fire Hall.
Tom and Ann Tarantella, Ginny Serafini and Mary Ann Tarantella served up a delicious meal of rigatoni, meatballs and salad.
A brief meeting was held and new additions to the family were announced and recorded on the family tree. A moment of silence was held in honor of deceased family members. The adult and children's auctions were held with John Tarantella serving as auctioneer with help from Thomas Tarantella and Shirley Kisko, treasurer. The children enjoyed games with the traditional pinata.
A memorabilia table was set up and enjoyed by all who viewed it. It was voted that next year's reunion would be held at Hyner run State Park beginning at noon. Ann and Tom Tarantella will host it.
Those in attendance included Susie Kisko, Emily Ransford, Susan and Ronnie Randsdorf, Karen, Harold, Holly and Hayleigh Dent, Wyatt Dent and friend Josh Winkleman, Sandy, Joe, Austin and Evan Ransdorf, Shirley Kisko, Ginny and Bill Serafini, Renee, Gino and Mario Serafini, John and Mary Ann Tarantella, Maria, Dayna and Payton Fourney, Johnny, Adelle, Giovani and Julianna Tarantella, Ray and Lindsay Tarantella, Tom, Ann, Tommy, Amanda, Rossella and Thomas Tarantella III, Patrick, Connie, Patrick, Angelo Tarantella, Laura Tarantella, Patt and Lauren Pieroni, Jonas Cummings, Joseph Shugats, Colleen, Zoe, Steff and Alex, Kayla Richmond, Jonny Sickler.
MERRILL- The 29th annual reunion of the descendants of Arthur and Henrietta Merrill was held on August 20 at the Woolrich Community Park with 73 members and friends in attendance. Everyone enjoyed a delicious menu followed by a short business meeting. Officers for next year will remain the same Kathleen Merrill, President; Clay Allen Sr., Vice President; Valerie Johnston, Secretary and Beverly Merrill, Treasurer.
Those attending were Beverly Merrill, Dekota Welker, Robert, Valerie and Amber Johnston, Colton Confer, Carleen Merrill, Brittany Kunes, Carl Merrill Jr., Alvin Sr. and Marilyn George, Alvin George III, Courtney Foulsham, Christine Merrill, Cody Bradley, Abby Barner, Carl Sr., Kathy and Cierra Merrill, Steve, Sis and Lykea Butler, Clay Allen Jr., Deb Peters, Jerry Peters, Roma Zener, Darlene Bloom, Charlene and Glenn Rich, Kaycie, Mersadies and Kina, Helen Katherman, Ben Katherman, Duane Merrill, Michael Rachau, Marjorie Merrill, Wanda, Malcolm, Jannetta, Justin and Jessica Erb, Josh Confair, Jean Merrill, Bob Merrill Sr, Diana Merrill, Laurie Merrill, Chelsea George, April Williams, Nicholas George, Joshua Williams, Millard, Wendy, Zachary and Della Long, Gene and Leotta Summerson, Harold and Velma Shoemaker, Charles L Merrill, Brice Bradley, Kathleen Merrill, Dennis Winner, Chad, Jenn and Jessica Jeirles, Curisa Ertwine, Mario Serafini Jr., Kiranin and Kandyce, Megan Merrill, Phillip Dauberman and Robert Parker Jr.
YOST - On June 23, five members of the Yost reunion planning committee met at the "old homestead" in Sugar Run to prepare for the 2011 reunion. On Aug. 6, the committee arrived early to get the sign put up and the tables arranged.
The rain started early and continued all day. It was a very, very hard rain. The tables were arranged and the food put out and our chaplain Jim Yost, offered prayer. After the noon meal, president Fred Yost called for a brief meeting. Marion Spong read the minutes from last year's reunion. Craig Bennett gave the treasurer's report. It was decided to keep the same officers for next year and rent the same pavilion for the 2012 reunion.
Both softball and volleyball games were rained out. The volleyball court was completely flooded. The kids games were postponed until after the evening meal. A "break the balloon" game ws played with all kids participating. Hannah, Noah and Cameron won. Other winners were Ashley, Alonzo and Sophia. Stephanie, Sophia, Ashley, Hannah and Alonzo participated in a peanut scramble and Alonzo picked up the most peanuts - 142. Ashley found the "green" prize peanut.
Door prizes were handed out after the evening meal. Bradley Spong won the "cruise" this year. However, the winner had to be present and Brad had left before the drawing, so the group will try again next year to give the cruise away.
There were 74 people present, as follows: Lois Henry, Samantha Henry, Doug Henry, Denae McCarcheo, Frank, Swanna and Jessica Henry, Malachi Noone, Dawn and Dakota Strouse, Faith Batts, Alonzo Henry, June Lansberry, Dan, Marilyn, Katie Lansberry, Nick Fiocca, Toot Mapstone, Joyce Yost, Tiffany Simpson, Logan Morris Fred and Peggy Yost, Mike, Tracy Noah and Megan Yost, Jim, Donna, Ashley and Hannah Yost, Marion Spong, Steve, Michelle, Erick and Sophia Spong; Slovie and Brad Spong; Jim, Joanie, James, Michael and Stephanie Walizer, Geraldine Yost, Chris and Lauren Bennett, Tim Yost, Cameron Yost, Gary and Jeanne Bingman, Craig, Terrie and Gregory Bennett, Pat, Lindsey, Alex, Peyton, Gave and Hannah Johnson, Ricky Yost, Jim, Danielle, Noah and Cameron Yost, Aften, Alleya and Levi Yost and Jason, John and Hayes Henry, Jann and Casi Marzzacco, Kaitlyn Kaufman and Michael Lundsbury.
