Buds,

The 2009 Buds Reunion is fast approaching. I thought I would send a little information on things you may or may not see at or on the way to this years reunion courtesy of the hills in NY.

There are deer all over the hill out here. They come in to our yard to eat apples (and some of our shrubs). We have had beaver in our pond from time to time. There is a groundhog living across the street. Turkey wander through the yard and fields in the area. An occasional rabbit or two drop buy to also see what we may have planted that they can munch on.

We have various types of birds around here. We have the common blackbirds, crows, starlings, robins, bluejays etc, There are a number of redwinged blackbirds that come around in the morning and evening. We also have various types of hawks and a couple types of eagle including bald eagles. Turkey vultures can also be seen soaring the skies overhead. We have bluebirds (NY state bird) and a number of woodpecker varieties. Northern Flicker is a wood pecker that spends a lot of its time on the ground eating ants & small insects. It has a red heart shape marking on the back of its head. We have some cardinals living in our hedges along with other birds. Blue heron stop by the pond with mallard ducks and canadian geese. Hummingbirds zip in & out for a drink. There are just to many different birds to name them all.

Within a half mile of here there is a farm that has a camel, alpaca's, and floppy eared goats. At the top of the hill on the main road is a riding stable/horse farm.

Larry Bourque

Thanks to Richard and Shelley Peach we had a GREAT REUNION.  This was #7 and we aren't done yet.  Great friends, terrific food, and plenty of cold drinks.  Many of us took time to walk around the down town Evanston Area.  Very nice, several shops and a number of restaurants.  Evanston is also in the process of upgrading their infrastructure, with street and sewer upgrading.  Richard has played a big part in Evanston, as he has served on the School Board and is past President of the Chamber of Commerce.  Seems he is very well know in Evanston.  It is great to see one of our " BUDS " take an active part in their community. 

The reunion was attended by: Larry and Jeanne Bourque, Dean and Pat Burgstahler, Steve Gunderson, John and Chris Hoover, Larry Kuepper, Paul Kuzinski, Rick and Brenda Lawrence, Richard and Shelley Peach, John and Christina Urbank, Erv and Carolyn Zimmerman, and Gary and Debbie Roberts.  We really missed those that could not make it for various reason.  We hope to see you again next year. 

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rick and Brenda Lawrence are new grandparents, with a grand daughter being born a couple weeks ago.  Ray and Jane Zeigler are also new grandparents, with a grand son born within the last two week.  Debbie and Gary Roberts are expecting their fourth grandchild in February 2009 and should find out boy or girl TODAY. 

REUNION 2009:  Larry and Jeanne Bourque and Dean and Pat Burgstahler will co-host next years reunion at Larry and Jeanne's home in Greene, New York.  Date Will be set ASAP so that all can make plans. 

REUNION 2010:  John and Christina Urbank will host in Rocky River, Ohio.  As in the past, these plans are subject to change if necessary and we have a backup in place, thanks to Paul and Barbara Kuzinski. 

I am positive everyone had a great time and we look forward to many more.  To quote Jim Tiller, keep finding NEW BUDS.  This past year we added 4 new names.  We also found out that Lt. Bob Miller is married to Christina Urbank's sister and is living in England.  Christina will get an address for us.  If anyone has copies of orders with SS# on them, that would be a big help.  All help will be appreciated.  As soon as next years dates are announced, we will get the word out to everyone.

Gary Roberts