John More Association

This post is directly from the Fall 2022, Historical Journal of the More Family, Volume 15, Number 5, Whole number 157

With the enthusiasm, participation, and support from more than one hundred sixty-five JMA cousins, our belated 2020 reunion was a huge success! We gathered in Delaware County in July 2022 for a weekend filled with activities that honored our Scottish heritage. Committee members Becky Allsop, Cindy Schade and I would like to thank those cousins who traveled to New York this summer. We will share the positive feedback and suggestions with members of the 2025 committee, who will begin planning for that gathering this winter.

On behalf of the JMA, I would like to thank Caitlin Jones, our contact at the SUNY-Delhi campus, for helping us maneuver through all the challenges associated with this particular reunion. It was a pleasure to work with executive chef Hannah Hauser to plan meals that offered a sampling of Scottish fare – the sticky toffee pudding was outstanding! Sunshine Catering from Oneonta provided two amazing meals for our Saturday festivities at Kirkside Park. This reunion was a challenge to plan and we had a lot of help.

Please see an extended “thank you” list on page 9.

Joe Klett has resigned as our archivist and we thank him for his years of service. His detailed preparation of materials was demonstrated in July, with his informative program on Ancestry DNA research. With his assistance I will be making that new appointment this fall. Look for contact information for that position and revised guidelines for submitting archival materials to the Fenimore Museum in the spring Journal. At that time we’ll be able to answer your questions – thank you for your patience.

Cousins Juanita Goin, Joe Klett, Rich More, and Becky Allsop continue to work with the technology associated with updating family records, maintaining our website, and keeping track of cousins who receive the Journal. It is almost a daily job, and we applaud their volunteer efforts. In a conversation with Claire Stumpf (M471831), I was reminded of how important it is for us to focus on the details – computer programs don’t always get it right!

I spent six days in Scotland in August – attending the Royal Tattoo in Edinburgh, the Cowal Highland Games in Dunoon, and two days with a private tour guide exploring MORE family sites. As I immersed myself in all things Scottish, I was reminded of how important our organization is in my life. As with any volunteer experience, it is in the “doing” that we gain rewards. Please let me know if you would like to assist with planning reunions, have a specific skill to offer, or have suggestions or concerns. We’re always looking for new ideas and welcome your feedback.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our previous president Eric More Marshall (7.10.711) for encouraging me to join the leadership team in 1998 and guiding me through my years as president. His service to the John More Association and steadfast friendship continue to be a blessing to each of us.

Our 2023 mini-reunion and board meeting is scheduled for July 1 at Roan Mountain State Park, in northeastern Tennessee. Look for details on page 12 and more information to come in the spring Journal, on our website, and on the JMA Facebook page. Join us for MORE fun in the mountains!

With much appreciation,

Patty