Family Reunion Itinerary

Meg Loncharic: Butterfly release set for Erie

For the ancient Greeks, the transformation of a butterfly from pupa to adult was a metaphor of the soul's resurrection and immortality, so I've learned.

Wings of Hope, the VNA Hospice memorial butterfly release beginning at 1 p.m. on Aug. 7 in Perry Square West, will be a sight to behold. This is the seventh year for the event, a benefit for the Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Services of Erie County, and it just keeps growing.

Anyone can join with VNA Hospice to celebrate life, commemorate a special occasion or remember those who have passed on. Sign interpretation, courtesy of Luetta Gross, a VNA Hospice volunteer, and presentations, readings and music will be provided. VNA pastoral care counselor, the Rev. Harry Johns III, will deliver the keynote address.

Assisting with the program this year are vocalist Colleen Zandbergen, director of music at Glenwood Elementary and Grover Cleveland Elementary schools; accompanist Andrew Alleso and guitarist David Pennsy Jr.

A gift of $25 per name is requested. Participants can release their butterflies themselves or watch as the butterflies take flight. The program includes music, children's activities and a reading of the names of those being remembered. If contributors are unable to attend, VNA volunteers will release those butterflies at the appointed time. The monarch butterflies are brought to Erie from Wish Upon a Butterfly Farm in New Castle. As of this writing, VNA has 351 registered requests.

"As the butterflies float skyward, so too will be the good wishes and prayers of those who watch them fly," said Ann Moore, VNA development associate.

You need not sponsor a butterfly to attend. Wings of Hope 2011 Chairwoman Wendy Weber and VNA Hospice Services Coordinator Shelly Love, and Mary Lincoln, of Lincoln Metal Processing, a major sponsor, would love to have you join them for the afternoon's proceedings at the gazebo. Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

For more information on the butterfly release or about VNA Hospice, call (814) 454-2831 or visit www.erievna.org .

Day at Put-in-Bay

Retired local educator, author and musician Don R. Haener is sounding his trumpet for the forthcoming local celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. The Perry 200 is a two-year-long celebration, which kicked off with a luncheon in June at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel with former Erie Mayor Joyce Savocchio as the general chairwoman presiding.

2011 Family Reunion | 2011 Family Reunion Itinerary | Thompson ...

Mynatt Park is located just down the hill from the entrance of the

Park Vista Hotel.

* Games/Prizes – Bingo under covered pavilion, basketball court,

Baseball field, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, children’s fishing stream,

Playground.

**BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS AND SNACKS AND ENJOY FELLOWSHIP

WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS .

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Saturday, July 9, 2011     8:00-10:00 a.m.