I apologize for the brief newsletter. Surgery for prostate cancer and the subsequent rehab have limited my extracurricular activities this spring. I am doing just fine now, though, and look forward to seeing everyone in July.
Month: May 2007
Spring 2007 Newsletter: Technology and Dingler Family Communications
The Dingler family reunions are now in their 28th year. There have been many changes since Martha, Margaret, Edith and I first met in 1979, not the least of which has been the advance in technology. When I published the Dingler book in 1983, I typed the proofs on a small Olivetti typewriter. Today I am in the slow process of transferring that data (as well as much later research) into my laptop, with the eventual aim of linking it all on our web site. So please continue to visit and submit information to the Dingler Family History web page (https://dingler-family.ladewig.com/).
I am also attempting to transition from regular mail to email for the newsletters. This year, I will be forwarding the newsletter by regular mail to 260 people and by email to 75 recipients. I would like to reverse those ratios. If you receive this letter by email, you will probably not receive a hard copy in the mail. If you receive this newsletter by mail, yet also use email, please forward your email address to me at tcowan@jcowaninc.com. If you know of family members who should be receiving the newsletter, then forward their email addresses, as well. As long as we continue to put out the newsletter, there will remain some copies sent by regular mail. But with stamps now at 41 cents (probably even higher by this time next year), it only makes sense to keep our regular mailings to a minimum.
Spring 2007 Newsletter: Billy Dingler 1928-2006 & Elorene Denney
We were saddened to hear of the death of Bill Dingler of North Carolina back in December. Bill was an integral part of these reunions from the very beginning. He is responsible for most of the North Carolina research for the Dingler book, as well as locating the wonderful pictures we used from that branch of the family. Our sympathies go out to Paula and the rest of the family. Obituaries can be found at these links:
Mooresville Tribune
Statesville Record & Landmark
Charlotte Observer
We were also informed of the death of Elorene Denney. We extend our sympathies to Clarence and their family, as well.
Spring 2007 Newsletter: 2006 Reunion Report
A total of 59 attended the 2006 reunion in Huntsville, AL. This was our first time in this city, and while numbers were down somewhat, everyone certainly seemed to enjoy the gathering. Huntsville itself is a very pleasant city and the Hampton Inn facilities were excellent.
Spring 2007 Newsletter: 2007 Reunion to be held in Little Rock, Arkansas
July 20th and 21st, 2007
La Quinta Inn & Suites
617 South Broadway
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 374-9000
Make plans now to attend the 28th annual Dingler family reunion in Little Rock, AR. When making reservations at La Quinta Inn, please specify that you are with the Dingler reunion to receive the special rate of $74.00 plus tax (a substantial discount from the normal rates of $99-$149). This is a large, recently renovated hotel in downtown Little Rock. Please make your room reservations by June 20, 2007 to ensure that you receive the special rate.
The hotel will provide a hospitality room large enough for 50 to 60 people. This 12th floor room, with nice views of Little Rock and vicinity, will be available for us all day Friday and Saturday. On Saturday night, we will have our annual meeting, following a banquet. The event will take place in a spacious church fellowship hall only 2 blocks from our hotel. Cost for the meal will be $15.00 per person. Glen and Jessie Dingler are to be commended for their diligence in arranging for the hotel and banquet.
Little Rock offers a number of attractions. Obviously, the new Clinton Library is now a major tourist destination. A trolley line, the River Rail Electric Streetcar, connects our hotel area to the Clinton Library, as well as the Riverfront District, a noted restaurant and entertainment area along the Arkansas River. The State Capital, Governor’s Mansion, several museums, and a submarine (the USS Arkansas) are all close by. If at least 20 people express interest in touring the Clinton Library, we can arrange for a guided tour.
So, please make your hotel reservations by June 20th. If you plan to attend the banquet, please call, write or drop me an email at tcowan@jcowaninc.com. If you are interested in the guided tour of the Clinton Library, let me know, as well. If it has been a few years since you last attended a family reunion, then 2007 would be an excellent opportunity to become reacquainted with the extended family.