Hello, cousins!
I am deeply honored to submit my first report to you as newly elected JMA president. I come to the job in all humility, knowing that I have a lot to try to live up to given the example set by former presidents. That includes our outgoing president, Patty Yewcic. Patty brings to JMA a truly remarkable level of energy, appreciation for our heritage, and affection for the organization and its members. She makes JMA look good! I know I speak for the board of trustees and the family as a whole when I say “Job well done!” Patty, I hope you are as proud of yourself as we are proud of you.
Last summer’s reunion—our 27th quinquennial reunion—was a resounding success. It was a time of fun and fellowship, reconnecting with friends, and seeing John and Betty Taylor More’s descendants work with each other to honor them and strengthen our family ties. Whether it was chuckling at bouncing and bursting eggs as they were tossed during the games, or tearing up at the cabin ruins ceremony, or just taking in the sense of kinship and camaraderie as bagpipe music filled the air, we had a memorable and meaningful experience. What a gift from the Reunion planners to those who were in attendance! This was my third reunion—I know that’s just a few compared to many cousins. Yet each reunion has inspired me in one way or another… to get involved with the Association, to further explore our Highland heritage, and to come back again for more.
While I was not part of the Reunion planning committee, and I can take no credit for its excellent work, I would be remiss not to recognize a few individuals. Foremost are Patty, of course, Becky Allsop, and Cindy Schade. What would we do without their creativity and organizational skills?! We can thank Sarah Holland for a delicious picnic luncheon. Our gratitude to Mike and Jacob Williams and Chuck Nydam for clearing the ground at the cabin ruin site, enabling our beloved traditional program there. And we acknowledge the dedication of Rich and Catherine More, Jon Lehman, Juanita Goin, Linda Manfull, Kathy Hewlett, and so many other cousins (choir singers, registration helpers, and on and on) for their dedicated support of programs, services, and events. Once again, we made our ancestors proud!
Finally, we convey our deep appreciation to SUNY – Delhi, the Town of Roxbury and Kirkside Park, Lyndhurst Mansion, Fenimore Art Museum, The Fenimore Farm & Country Village, and Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church. These organizations have been our partners for decades and they always come through for us.
In closing, I want to thank the other members of the JMA Board and its appointed officials for their confidence in asking me to lead the Association. I have been involved in many different professional and genealogical organizations over the years. JMA is in a class of its own. And it holds a special place in my heart. I look forward to working with the board and officers, and the rest of the family to advance our goals. In that vein, I offer a special “thank you” to Rich and Catherine More for volunteering to lead the 2030 Reunion planning.
If you have ideas about how we can improve JMA, our reunions or other operations, please reach out to me or the other board members.
Blessings to you all.
Cousin Joe Klett, JMA President