A regular meeting of the La Famille Gravois Corporation was held at 10 a.m.
at the St. James Parish Courthouse Annex in Vacherie on April 18, 1998.
There were 29 members present.
Ronald Gravois called the meeting to order.
Ted Abadie gave the invocation.
F.D. Gravois Jr., Secretary, read the minutes of the previous meeting. There
being no corrections or objections, the minutes were approved as read.
F.D. Gravois Jr, Treasurer presented the treasurer' s report which was
approved as read. A copy is attached to these minutes.
The following committee reports were made:
Genealogy - Ed Hicks reported on the Genealogy meeting held in Scott, LA.
Some suggestions made for the family reunions were: There should be Family
Tree Displays. We could show a video of the deportation.. Preregistration is
most important. A room, separate from the food and equipped with copiers and
computers should be set up for genealogy. Reunion souvenirs should be
considered for sale. Ed closed by saying that we need volunteers for the
genealogy room.
Activities - Jackie Waguespack presented many ideas for activities which we
might consider for the reunion. Among the ideas were: Pictures of the Past;
Activities of Way Back When; Skit showing life as it was then; Cajun
Fiddlers; Cooking contest (maybe potato stew?); Display of the Mad Stone of
Vacherie. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Finance - F. D. Gravois Jr pointed out that we need to set up a finance
commitee as soon as practical. We need to start budgeting for the reunion as
soon as practical. August 99 is not far away.
Housing - Richard Brazan reported that we are seeking newspaper articles and
other publicity for housing. Julie Ordoyne has blocked off all motels on the
west bank from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. We need to locate bed and
breakfast rooms for the reunion.
Photography - Warren Gravois was not present. Ronald Gravois pointed out
that we need a program for this.
Program Publication - Ronald Gravois reported that he would have an outline of
the program for the reunion at the next meeting to include costs, etc.
Registration - Rosalie Tubre discussed the updated version of the registration
form, copies of which were available for review.
Acadian Village - Helen Gravois reported that 50 acadian families are to be
honored ( 4 families on different days). A short history of Gravois family is
desired. Famous Gravois' (Deceased) are to be honored. Need a blurb for
radio talks. Should we get a souvenir pin with the Gravois name? Helen has
reserved Tuesday, August 10, 1999 for our family at the village. This will be
during the Congres Mondial. A family list will be displayed (?) More
information is forthcoming.
Roland Gravois discussed the Gravois Book now being printed. He briefly
reviewed how he got started and some of the interesting items he wrote about.
He indicated that he checked with Jean Paul Gravois in France who reported
that he was unable to find any family crest. We need to design our own.
Roland Gravois indicated that we might consider reducing the reunion to only
one day. Think about it and we'll vote on this at the next meeting.
Ronald Gravois reported that the Gravois web page is in process and should be
available shortly. In the interim, Neil Martinez has set up a web page which
includes a membership listing, meeting information and officer and committee
names and addresses.
Roland Gravois reported that the next meeting has not yet been arranged but
would be in July or August at a site to be arranged.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
F.D. Gravois Jr., Secretary
1926 Valentine Court
New Orleans, LA 70114
(504) 392-4140
La Famille Gravois
Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting
June 3, 1998
Persons Present: Ronald J Gravois, President
Roland A Gravois, Vice President
Francois D. Gravois Jr.. Secretary/Treasurer
Edgar L. &Gloria Gravois Hicks, Directors
Earl & Helen Gravois, Directors
Neil Martinez, Director
The meeting was held on June 3, 1998 at the Holiday Inn (Holodome) in
Kenner, La at11:30 A.M.
Ronnie opened the meeting. He indicated that future meetings would be set up
monthly with corporate membership meetings quarterly and executive committee
meetings the other months. Ronnie agreed to setup outlines for future meetings
and establish objectives to get the show on the road. At future meetings
committee chairmen should present outlines of their reports in writing with
recommendations for action items. This would facilitate orderly meetings and
make it easier
to keep track of our progress.
Roland reported that he had been unable to find a Gravois family crest.
After some discussion it was agreed that we might try to design our own.
Roland reported that St James Parish CMA99 has provided us with $500 in seed
money to help us get started. We will have to submit receipts for
expenditures to be reimbursed.
F.D. reported the need for a finance committee and chairman to get started
with the budgeting and financing for the reunion. We will need to make up a
work description for the committee. He reported on the Oak Alley reception
the St James CMA 99 held for Lt. Governor Blanco at which we agreed to present
her with Roland's La Famille Gravois Book. A special copy duly inscribed was
autographed by Roland and signed by Ronnie as president. It would be mailed
the next day.
Roland questioned whether we should schedule our reunion for one or two days.
We will consider this at our next meeting. Tentatively, we plan to meet in
Vacherie about July 18 at Jackie Waguespack's if we can set it up. Details to
be arranged.
Gloria and Ed informed us of the new website www.cajunculture.com which
might be of interest.
Neil Martinez presented up to date membership lists to those present.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
F.D. Gravois Jr., Secretary
1926 Valentine Court
New Orleans, LA 70114
Draft copy of Minutes:
La Famille Gravois
Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting
July 25, 1998
Persons Present:
Ronald J Gravois Lester & Lucille Gravois
Roland A Gravois Richard Brazan Jr.
Francois D. Gravois Jr. Adrienne Brazan
Edgar L. &Gloria Gravois Hicks Rosalie Tubre
Earl & Helen Gravois Jackie Waguespack
Neil Martinez
The meeting was held July 25, 1998 at Richard Brazans office in Vacherie, La
at 10 A.M.
Roland Gravois: Cheryl Collins could not make the meeting. She wanted to
discuss the hosting of Acadian families who might not have local relatives or
families having reunions. Teddy Gravois has agreed to chair the finance
committee.
Ronald Gravois: Julie Ordoyne indicated that insurance would be covered by
CMA thus freeing up $4000 from St James budget. The Blue Nose sailing vessel
will be at the St James Mass. She wants the Gravois Family to consider joining
the outdoor Mass at St James. She suggested that we consider having private
food vendors sell food at the reunions (must be insured). Julie's letter re
the St James reenactment activities was read indicating that this would
involve a sizeable
undertaking with many tents, vendors, etc.
Roland Gravois: Proposed that next corporate meeting be held in Kenner at the
Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, September 20 from 11AM to 3PM. This would
be a bring your own food picnic lunch. The entire mailing list should be
invited. We could offer to sell some of the Gravois Books.
It was agreed that we go ahead with this as a sort of mini family reunion.
Helen Gravois: Presented draft samples of Family Crest for review. Reported
that the Gravois article had been sent to 21 papers and that we have had a
good response with several publications.
Jackie Waguespack: Re activities do we need a photographer? (Ronnie
indicated that Warren Gravois would handle this.) Should we have music on
Saturday? (More checking on this is needed since costs could be $1200 or
more.) We could raffle a quilt. Spoke to those with the mad stone about
possilble display. (Could members of the Ernest Gravois family be present to
give some of
their peronal knowledge and experience about the mad stone. Earl, Lester &
F.D. to check.) We might consider craft displays like shingle making and
pirogue making. We have decided against having a cooking contest.
Rosalie Tubre: Still need information to complete the registration form.
Hours for reunion? (Suggestions were: Registration start at 8am; Mass @ 9am;
end at 5pm) Need to establish registration fees. Information on area
lodging has been provided by Julie Ordoyne with most in Assencion Parish and
more work for bed and breakfast type arrangements needed. Tee shirts (We
agreed to allocate $1000 for tee shirts to be sold at September picnic. Sizes
should be Xlarge, large,
medium and small. We will try to get a corporate sponsor for ads on the
shirts. The Vacherie bank should be checked out with Gravois relatives on the
board)
Neil Martinez: Current membership list was provided. One new member since
last meeting. The CMA website link is included in the Gravois membership
website ( CMA- http://www.cma-la99.com/en_home.html; GRAVOIS
-http://www.gnofn.org/~jppersnl/gravois.html) It was agreed that meeting
minutes should be included on the website.
Gloria Hicks: No report from genealogy committee.
F.D.Gravois Jr. : Current Checkbook balance is $1553.49.
Respectfully submitted
F.D. Gravois Jr., Secretary
1926 Valentine Court
New Orleans, LA 70114
Please advise me of and corrections or suggestions.
La Famille Gravois
Minutes of General Membership Meeting
Sunday, November 1, 1998
Kenner, Louisiana
Roland Gravois called the meeting to order at 1:10 pm. There were 29 members present.
Minutes of Previous Meeting: Reading of the minutes was dispensed with since most members had received copies.
Treasurer's Report: F.D. Gravois Jr. summarized finances as follows: Balance sheet shows Cash of $1321.45; Inventories -Books $3494.00, T-shirts $796.24; total assets $5611.08; liabilities: book loans $4500.00; equity $1111.08; total liabilities & equity $5611.08. Income to date - dues $1030.00; donations $240.00; book sales $91.90 for total of $1361.90. Expenses to date total $250.82 leaving a net profit of $1111.08.
Reunion Up-Date: Roland reported on the registration form put together by RosalieTubre and her sisters, but it is still in the planning stages. Rosalie's husband, Melvin Tubre, was the artist for the Gravois Coat of Arms. The contract for use of the Vacherie Elementary School has not been signed yet. Cost is estimated at $15 per hour for hours of usage (8am to 5pm). This would be the total cost of the building and grounds for Saturday, August 7, 1999. CMA has advised that they will provide the liability insurance which will also include liquor liability.
CMA is planning a large festival at Oak Alley on Friday, August 6, 1999 at which they expect about 30 - 40,000 people. Tickets will be sold through Ticket Master when all contracts are signed. There will be lots of food, music and entertainment. The Gravois Family will have a designated place to gather and will be able to sell t-shirts, books, etc.
CMA is also planning another gathering at St James Church on Sunday, August 8, 1999. There will be a reenactment of the landing of the Acadians, an outdoor French Mass, food booths, a fly-by of fighter jets, and dedication of monuments. This event will be free. Julie Ardoyne advised that the Gravois Family will have a designated space to meet and sell souvenirs.
On Tuesday, August 10, 1999 at the Acadian Village in Lafayette, there will be four (4) families featured including the Gravois Family. Dee Smith is coordinating this display, etc.
Committee Reports:
Registration and Souvenirs: Rosalie Tubre advised that she and her sisters are still awaiting final plans from other committees for food, entertainment, etc. before a final printed registration form can be mailed. A preliminary application was distributed to show current planning. Rosalie brought the Gravois Reunion t-shirts for sale. These can also be ordered through the application form to be picked up at the reunion. T-shirts will also be available at future meetings. They are also working on souvenir pins and fans with the coat of arms.
Housing: Richard Brazan advised that rooms have been blocked from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Anyone desiring room accomodations must go through him to make reservations for the weekend of August 6,7 & 8, 1999.
Geneology: Gloria Hicks reported that things were progressing well. One unresolved problem is how to locate information on decendents of Gravois women Not included in the computer files.
Membership: Neil Martinez reported that we currently have 118 paid members. He mailed notices to about 400 Gravois decendents and received replies from about 87 different families. He has created a web site which has all information available about the reunion and other related festivities.
Publicity: Helen and Collette Gravois have been busy sending news releases to numerous newspapers about the Gravois meetings, as well as the big reunion in 1999. If anyone has information that needs publication, please contact Helen and Collette so they can get the news out.
Exhibit at Acadian Village: Dee Smith has been working on this in Lafayette and is gathering Information and photos for this exhibit. She showed a souvenir gold/enamel pin that can be ordered through Acadian Village at a cost of $1.25 each with the Gravois Name below the French and Acadian Flags in a dark color. A motion was made, seconded and passed that we order a total of 175 pins for a cost of about $218.75.
Yard Signs: Roland Gravois advised that CMA will be selling yard signs 12X24" in size with the Gravois name. Visitors will know that your home contains direct decendents of the Gravois. Helen Gravois said that when they visited Nova Scotia at the first CMA reunion almost all homes were decorated and had signs in their yards with decendents names. A motion was made, seconded and passed that we order a total of 50 signs at a cost of $5.25 each for a total of $262.50.
Coat of Arms Quilt for Raffle: LucilleGravois advised that Rosalie Tubre had supplied her with an official copy of the Gravois Coat of Arms and she and Helen Gravois will begin their work making this quilt for the reunion. It will be raffled at a cost of $1.00 per ticket.
Roland advised that there would be a CMA planning meeting at Addis, LA on Sunday, November 8, 1998. He would send e-mail notice of the exact time and place.
Roland said he would call for an Executive Committee meeting within the next few weeks at a time to be announced.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted
F.D. Gravois Jr., Secretary
1926 Valentine Court
New Orleans, LA 70114
Minutes of last meeting held 12/12/98 in Vacherie.
La Famille Gravois Minutes of Executive Committee Meeting Saturday, December 12, 1998 Vacherie, Louisiana
Roland Gravois called the meeting to order at 10:00 p.m. There were 13 members present.
Minutes of Previous Meeting: F. D. Gravois, Jr., read the minutes of the previous meeting which were then approved.
Treasurer's Report: F.D. Gravois Jr., finances as follows: Balance sheet shows Cash of $1962.81; Inventories: Books $3493.39; T-shirts $602.56; total assets $6058.76; liabilities: book loans $4500.00; equity $1558.76; total liabilities & equity $6058.76. Income to date: dues $1070.00; donations $780.00; book sales $91.90; and T-shirt sales of $160.32 for total of $2102.22. Expenses to date total $558.46 leaving a net profit of $1543.76. The treasurer's report was approved.
Committee Reports:
Genealogy: Gloria Gravois Hicks reported that Family Tree Maker software was chosen for updating the Gravois data base and for attendee use during the reunion weekend. Roland Gravois has made his massive data base available along with his marriage and obituary files for future reference. Birth, marriage and obituary information is being added at it becomes available. The Genealogy committee requests family information on any married Gravois female whose grandchildren were not included in Roland^Ňs book. The data base will be updated as information is received. Eric Martinez has volunteered to make large family pedigree or family group charts for display at the reunion. He will experiment with charts provided by Gloria and Ed Hicks so that we can decide on what format we like best. For Saturday, August 7, 1999 we plan to have computers, printers, and copiers available for visiting relatives and friends to use. Hopefully these can be borrowed. Lots of paper will be needed. We also need blank disks for those who wish to copy information electronically. As soon as we can visit the Vacherie School we will be able to determine the space available for a genealogy room or corner and figure out how much hardware will fit and what size charts can be displayed. The school will probably waive all costs for the reunion, however, we may have to pay the cook if we use the cafeteria. Volunteers are needed to help participants find their family connections and to help with computers, printers and copiers. Since we will move to St. James on Sunday, do we move the Genealogy project and if so, how?
Activities: Jackie Waguespack reported that is little change to the plans announced previously. We still need to decide on what foods will be served so that costs can be determined. Some details still need to be worked out for the "Mad Stone" display. Arrangements have been made for the making of the Gravois quilt. No musicians contacted are willing to make commitments this far in advance.
Finance: The finance committee still needs cost input from the other committees before any estimates of costs and funds needed can be made.
Housing: Richard Brazan advised that rooms have been blocked from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Anyone desiring room accommodations must go through him or July Ordoyne to make reservations for the reunion weekend.
Photography: No report. Question was raised whether to take family portraits at the reunion.
Program Publication: Ronald Gravois reported that costs of ads, size of program to be used, etc., would be provided. Families and businesses would be urged to sign up for ads.
Registration and Souvenirs: Rosalie Tubre advised that the registration form is essentially at a standstill. We still need committee input on food and prices. Perhaps we should have a food chairman. (Adrienne Brazan will check on this and coordinate with the School Management.) No Gravois Reunion T-shirts were sold since the Kenner meeting.
Acadian Village: Still not set for pins and souvenirs.
Old Business: Gravois Books : 9 were sold; 1 given to Lt. Gov. Blanco; and 90 still on hand.
New Business: La Famille Gravois is now a member of Confederation of Associations of Families Acadian, Inc. Helen Comeaux Gravois was elected as a director and Elodie Gravois Smith was designated as our delegate. Dues of $25.00 for 98/99 were paid.
The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 1999 at the St. James Courthouse Annex on Vacherie Road.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at noon.
Respectfully submitted,
F.D. Gravois Jr., Secretary
926 Valentine Court
La Famille Gravois
Minutes of Executive Committee Meeting
Saturday, January 16, 1999
Vacherie, Louisiana
Ronald Gravois called the meeting to order at 10:10 am. There were 23 members present.
Minutes of Previous Meeting: F.D.Gravois Jr., the minutes of the previous meeting. Minutes are corrected to show that Ronald Gravois chaired the meeting. They were then approved.
Treasurer's Report: F.D. Gravois, Jr., finances as follows: Balance sheet shows Cash of $1993.81; Inventories: Books $3454.58; T-shirts $602.56; total assets $6050.95; liabilities: book loans $4500.00; equity $1550.95; total liabilities & equity $6050.95. Income to date: dues $1070.00; donations $780.00; book sales $113.09; and T-shirt sales of $160.32 for total of $2123.41. Expenses to date total $572.46 leaving a net profit of $1550.95. The treasurer's report was approved.
Committee Reports:
General Chairman Report: Roland Gravois reported that Teddy, Gloria, Ed, and Jackie visited the elementary school on Wednesday, Jan 13. After checking the facilities it was decided that we would ask for use of the auditorium, entire cafeteria, gym and outside sheltered area. The general consensus was that the facility would serve our reunion well. Roland will contact Tina Rouges at the School Board to work on an agreement.
The yard signs are on order and should be available at our next meeting. It would be best if someone in Vacherie handled stocking and selling the signs. The Enterprise could run an article saying that signs are available for purchase. These signs cost $4.50 and will be sold for $10. They will be in by Feb 15. Belinda agreed to pick them up.
The Acadian Village is unable to get the small Acadian flag pins with Gravois name. Prices were obtained on a 3/4 x 2 inch pin. The setup fee would be $100 and pins would cost $1.95 for up to 250 and $1.75 in lots of 1000. These pins would thus cost $2.40 each for 250 pins and $1.75 in lots of 1000. We will check for more prices.
Election of Board Member: Rosalie Tubre was nominated to fill our remaining directors position. She was duly seconded and elected. She has volunteered to assist our secretary-treasurer by becoming our recording secretary taking the minutes of the meetings.
Genealogy: Gloria Gravois reported that based on the visit to the school, we plan to arrange for a “Genealogy Corner” ( about 9X9 feet) at the rear of the auditorium. There is enough room for tables for computers, printers and copiers. Five electrical outlets are available. There are two large (4x8 foot) bulletin boards on the back wall where we could mount large family ancestor and/or descendent charts. We were asked not to tape anything to painted walls; therefore, we will need easels for any extra charts.
We have printed some family group sheets for families from whom we need updated information. We plan to distribute them and beg for the missing information as soon as possible. As soon as available this information will be added to the data base.
Activities: Jackie reported that we still need to agree on food to be prepared. We still need permission for the proposed display of the Mad Stone. We have trouble getting a band to commit this far in advance. Jackie has the pattern number for Acadian costumes.
Finance: The finance committee still needs cost input from the other committees before estimates of costs and funds needed can be made. Since our reunion will be a fair type activity, we may be able to arrange to sell tickets at one site for the food and drinks, thus simplifying the money handling.
Housing: Richard Brazan advised that he or July Ordoyne are to be contacted for any rooms. Costs and finances will be worked out with the rooming facility. Places will be arranged for parking RV’s. July is to provide lists of available rooms furnishing us with places and addresses.
Photography: No report. Warren is temporarily living in Destin,FL. It is expected that both he and his wife will do a good job with photography.
Program Publication: Ronald Gravois reported that this committee needs to meet and decide on format and costs and establishing costs for ads, etc. It is hoped that these figures will be available within two weeks.
Registration and Souvenirs: Rosalie Tubre advised that she still needs the latest info for any updates. We still need a menu and costs. It was decided that we would serve Jambalaya, white beans, salad and bread plus hamburgers and fries. Aubrey Gravois agreed to be the Food Chairman for the reunion. It was decided that we would charge $10/adult and $5/child with pre registration and $15/adult at the door. A program would be provided with the registration packet.
Publicity: Helen reported that CAFA will continue after CMA. Each family will get two banners Feb 5; (4x2.5 feet and 6x4 feet) with vinyl Congres Mondial Logo and Lourdes at the bottom. Family names can be added. Free posters will be available which can be put out in businesses. There will be a family weekend in Acadiana Mall in April. There are 84 families in the reunions. There will be a CMA regional meeting in Addis on Feb 20 at 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Old Business: Gravois Books : 1 more sold; 89 still on hand.
New Business; We should encourage all family members to join the corporation and buy the Gravois books. Rosalie Tubre has a large Velcro display board which can be used at the reunion.
The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00am, Saturday, February 20, 1999, at the St. James Courthouse Annex on Vacherie Road.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11:55 am.
Respectfully submitted,
F.D. Gravois, Jr., Secretary
1926 Valentine Court
New Orleans, LA 70114