Dear Family,
Sometimes an idea is great but the timing is wrong. Regretably, that's happened with this year's family reunion. As most of you know, the Melnechuk family has been hit hard recently. There have been funerals and a number of major illnesses, injuries and life changes. After a lot of discussion, those of us planning the reunion concluded the timing isn't right for an organized family event this year. When we have a reunion (hopefully in the next few years), we'd like it to be a time where the majority of people can come and enjoy our time together. Please pass this information along to everyone as soon as possible. Also please remember our extended family in your prayers. If you have questions, you're welcome to call Auntie Eva 250.868.8385 or me 760.471.3872.
With love, Jenell Rusk

July 9-12, 2004
Reunion Update – March 2004 Edition

Scenes from our last reunion.

Important Changes for the Upcoming Reunion

Many aunts, uncles and cousins have said they'd like to come to the reunion this summer, but have no access to camping equipment. So plans have changed a bit.

The reunion will still be in Kelowna, but instead of using one campground, each family should arrange their own accommodations (see below for a list) and we'll meet as a group Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday at a central location. Watch for the locations, times and details soon.

PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ALONG TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY SO EVERYONE KNOWS THE UPDATED HOTEL/CAMPSITE INFORMATION.

Here are the plans to date:

•  The first reunion event will be a welcome dinner Friday evening at 6:00 pm (location to be announced in an upcoming edition of the Reunion Update).
• The last event of the weekend is the traditional family program and a catered dinner Sunday evening 7:00-10:00 pm.
• If at all possible, plan to leave for home no sooner than Monday morning or you'll miss the “highlight event” Sunday night. As you probably remember from the last few reunions, we have some amazing, surprising talent in this family and these programs are always tons of fun.
• Five meals will be provided for a flat fee per person (Friday night, Saturday noon, Saturday night, Sunday noon, Sunday night). Breakfast is on your own but please plan to eat these five meals with the family.
• Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of things to do… relax and visit on the lakeshore, golf with relatives, enjoy boating and water sports, plus lots more.
• We recommend two hotels and two campgrounds close to the event locations. Please make your own reservations directly with the hotel or campground listed below.

Accomodation List:

Holiday Inn, Kelowna

This hotel has set aside a block of rooms for “Melnechuk Family Reunion” at a discounted rate of $129 per night plus tax. This is for 2 adults (1 king bed or 2 queens). Children are no additional charge; more than 2 adults are $10 per night for each adult.

This price includes a deluxe continental breakfast. Reservations: 1.800.465.0200 – Be sure to mention you're with the Melnechuk Family Reunion.  

For the reduced rate, reservations must be made by May 28, 2004.

 Western Budget Hotel

Rate is $88.87 per night for 1 king or 2 queen beds
Reservations: 250.763.2484

Woods Lake Resort – Campground for RVs and Tents

Rate is around $34-42 per night for hook-ups
Reservations 250.766.2763

Holiday Park RV Site

Rate: $52 per night. This campground does not allow small children and has a few more amenities, including a restaurant nearby. They do not allow tents.
Reservations: 800.752.9678 or www.sweetlife.com

More Information:

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Jenell Rusk at rusk@ixpres.com or h:760.471.3872, w:760.633.4160. 

Eva Proskiw (h:250.868.8385), Elayne Proskiw Jacobson (h:250.766.1339), Janice Melenchuk Bell (403.815.1392) and Karen Melenchuk Ferguson (h: 250.766.3436) for handling logistics and events in Kelowna. They are also good sources for more information.

We're working on a master e-mail list for the family, so be sure to send Jenell any e-mail addresses you have in your branch of the family tree. That way we can send Reunion Updates regularly via e-mail.

See you in July.