First Sandle Reunion (June 21, 2008)

The first Sandle Reunion was held June 21, 2008 at Sparrow Pond Campground and Recreation Center in Waterford, PA. Although the day began with cloudy skies and rain, as the family gathered, the sun came out. It was a tremendous turnout considering the attendees - now three generations of family members - came from far and wide around the United States (representing 11 of the 50 states).

Mary Pat Horvath must be highly commended for organizing such a fabulous gathering. The catered food arrived on time and was delicious although Otto's fish fry was the longest line of the day. There is nothing quite like Lake Erie perch in Otto's "secret batter".

A fabulous two-tone cake (chocolate/vanilla) rounded off the meal.

What a surprise to find several musical types in the family and entertainment ran the gamut.

There was our own Mick Jagger/Bob Dylan (Eric Long) ...

and our own John Lennon/Neil Young (Loren Fryxell)...

Later we were treated to true Irish originals by a couple of Irish Rovers themselves (John and Stephen McGinnis). If only they could have gotten the crowd more into it....

Rachel Sandle did a beautiful job with the family portraits and a wide selection of candid photos. How she wrangled each family and sub-family and then managed such excellent photos we will never know. It's a gift I tell you! And all under threat of a big incoming storm which eventually blew us all to our cars with rushed farewells.

Some of the "youngers" had cabins at the campground for the night. And I'm afraid that story has yet to be told. Suffice to say there are some telling photos of the night that will hopefully be shared by one of them.

Reuniting with family is always special. Our hope is that this page will open up new ways of staying connected and sharing memories.