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Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper October 2018 Page 17
Annual Wivell ‘Grandma’s Girls’ Reunion
Pictured left, Roy and Helen
by Cathy (Wivell) Yoder and Wivell of Emmitsburg are
pictured on their wedding
M. Phyllis (Wivell) Green day, October 20, 1926. They
were dedicated parents
Since 1978, Grandparent’s Day of 20 children. The male
has been celebrated the Sunday descendants of Roy and
Helen enjoy an annual
after Labor Day. September is a ‘Savage’ Wivell reunion.
good time to make plans to honor Since 2015, the female
past generations. A few years ago, descendants now enjoy the
‘Grandma’s Girls’ Reunion.
a friend described a memorable
breakfast that she organized with Pictured below, Roy and
cousins to honor their grandmother. Helen Wivell at their
We liked the idea, so in March of 25th wedding anniversary
celebration.
2015, the women in our Wivell
family held the first “Grandma’s Above left to right, daughters of Helen and Roy
Girls” gathering to honor our Wivell are Joan Matthews, Helen Reaver, Therese
Topper and Genny Little wearing the aprons
matriarch, Helen Guise Wivell. We that are now a highlight of the annual Wivell
have met annually for lunch since ‘Grandma’s Daughter’s’ reunion
then to catch up with each other,
share wonderful memories, and week with a wringer washer. It
enjoy our time together. The Wivell starts with building a fire to heat
men camp each summer in Western the family. That seemed the water. This year we honored
Maryland, so this event is for the like a lofty goal, but our Grandfather, Roy Wivell, on
ladies. several aunts and cousins the anniversary of his 120th birth
Many local people have heard used nice cloth napkins year, with special memories from
of, and even remember our leftover from a family his children, an interesting picture
grandparents, Roy and Helen Wivell. wedding and fabric and farm display, and a decorated
They met at a barn dance at the remnants on hand, to birthday cake.
Guise farm. They were the dedicated piece together more than Chinese auction items are always
parents of 20 children. They had a 60 aprons, complete with a favorite and help to cover expenses.
deep faith in God and a commitment lined pockets, at no cost. Popular prizes include copies of a
to their community. They possessed a A lovely lady added a framed family picture from times
strong work ethic and passed this on beautiful and priceless past, and expertly handcrafted gifts
to their children. For younger family embroidered rose with from family members. Games to
members who never knew them, the “Grandma’s Girls” logo to each bib, displays depicting family members entertain young and old alike have
“Grandma’s Girls” gathering is a making them a special keepsake. and birthdates. Cousins make been a highlight. This year’s “Human
good opportunity to learn about their Everyone was encouraged to make centerpieces from flowers, elaborately Hungry Hippos” probably was the
ancestors and feel connected. Each memories with their new aprons, but decorated cupcakes, or meaningful all-time favorite. Ladies from 4 to
year approximately 50 ladies, from we think they are too pretty to get mementos. Food items are assigned 70s tried their luck at snatching the
babies to late 80s attend. dirty. alphabetically based on first names. most balls with a round laundry
Our grandmother Wivell usually Family members lend their talents There is always a good selection of basket while lying on little wheeled
wore an apron, so aprons have been to make the occasion special. If we delicious food. dollies, as someone held their legs and
an ongoing theme at our gatherings. mentioned each by name we would Prior to the event, cousins have pushed them in the right direction.
The first year everyone was asked surely miss someone. Prayers of selected a theme, prepared questions, If this sounds like something your
to bring an apron to wear and small thanksgiving are always offered and interviewed family members. family would enjoy, we hope you
prizes in several categories were and loved ones are remembered. They then share these stories about will organize a family gathering to
awarded. We all had a hearty laugh One of our cousins brings her our ancestors and life growing up in honor your ancestors. We hold our
at the apron dance as the long line of tea cup collection each year and the 30s, 40s and 50s on the family gatherings at a local church hall,
apron clad ladies tried to keep time we look forward to a special cup farm. Times have certainly changed but smaller families could go to a
to the fast drum beat of the Hawaiian of steaming tea or coffee, served and the stories are quite interesting, restaurant or home. It takes some
War Chant. Last year some cousins in dainty china from times past. like the laborious process of washing planning, but it is a lot of fun and
suggested that we make aprons for Another cousin developed poster 12 loads of laundry three times a well worth the effort.
Showing Friday Evening
Showing Friday Evening
November 9, 2018 @ 7pm
November 9, 2018 @ 7pm
Join us for this Special
Join us for this Special
Thurmont Church of
Thurmont Church of
the Brethren
the Brethren
Community Event
Community Event
Thurmont Church of the Brethren
Thurmont Church of the Brethren
14 North Altamont Ave, Thurmont MD 21788
14 North Altamont Ave, Thurmont MD 21788
301-271-2634
Admission is Free
301-271-2634
Admission is Free