the dowdie news gazette volume 1, issue 5

The Dowdie News Gazette Volume 1, Issue 5 June, 2011

2011 Family Reunion Newsletter Published: 6/25/2011

"The great gift of family life is to be intimately acquainted with people you might never even introduce yourself to, had life not done it for you." - Kendall Hailey -

The final countdown… It is 26 days (and counting) to our Historical Dowdie Family Event. We are so excited about the upcoming family reunion and are looking forward to seeing YOU in Fort Lauderdale!

Sasha and I created this poem for the invitation flyer, February 2010, “The time has finally come, for us to get together and unite everyone. Brothers and sisters there are lots of them about, Uncles and Aunts are plenty of that there is no doubt. Nieces and nephews and cousins from all parts, we request your presence those from abroad and those from yaad. Let us sing the praises of what God has made in a family so large.” FAMILY…THE TIME IS HERE!!! Tomorrow is not promised and over the past couple years, I have learned to live in the moment. In my eyes, this is a once in a lifetime experience for me to bring family together to celebrate our heritage. Even though we may have more reunions in the future, I am proud that I am a catalyst in the maiden voyage. In the past month I was sick and even diagnosed with a fever of 104 and a severe headaches caused by sinus pressure. When I returned to work two days later, I expressed to a colleague that even if I have to attend the reunion on a gurney, that I will be there. The coming weeks will most definitely be challenging

and overwhelming, however, I intend to cherish each moment of the final stages of the planning as I intend to make this an event you will not soon forget. By the way, I had a complete physical and was given a clean bill of health, so full speed ahead. Acquaintances and colleagues have questioned how I am able to partake in the planning of an event of this magnitude, while maintaining my demanding work schedule. At times I wonder the same and it is through the grace of God that I am able to stay focused on this important task. With Him, all things are possible and He has opened many doors and granted me the necessary courage and strength to persevere. He is the only one who knows how I am able to stay focused on my career while aiming to create a union of the family. To think, two years ago this seed was conceived from the construction of the family tree, and now the birth of my brainchild is closely pending; IT IS REALLY GOING TO HAPPEN!!! The

celebration of our “complete” DOWDIE family is just around the corner. July 20th will be a proud day for me, as I greet ALL my relatives “new” and old. Some that I have known from Niagara, St. James, where I lived with my grandfather, Rev. Stanley P. Dowdie and grandmother, Wilhelmina Coke, until they died in 1979 and 1980, respectively, most whom I met through this great journey we call life. Very recently, one of my Uncles had a dream that my grandparents were excited and in the midst of packing. Call me crazy, but I believe they are excited about this celebration and that they will be there, along with our other ancestors well as loved ones who have passed, to enjoy this historical occasion. I am truly blessed to have been chosen to take on such a huge responsibility. I have received many thanks from family, worldwide, but I believe I owe YOU ALL thanks for your time and patience. A cousin suggested that I dub this occasion a Family Union as there will be a lot of introductions and I think it is a great idea.

The following individuals have served in the noted capacities for the 2011 Dowdie Family Reunion Committee:

ANTONIA “ANN” ALLEN-WILLIAMS Organizer

Granddaughter of Rev. Stanley P. Dowdie

ALLISON CARDOZA Welcoming

Granddaughter of Rev. Stanley P. Dowdie

DELANO “DICKY” DOWDIE

General Counsel

Son of Leonard C. Dowdie, J P.JUDY DOWDIE

CateringDaughter of Leonard C. Dowdie, J. P.




Family activities are planned for each day of the reunion and there will be time allowed for those who care to venture off on their own, to enjoy the sites, shop, etc. The Reunion Committee will plan additional activities, including a pajama party where our special invited guests will be the children. This will be another great opportunity for the children to bond with their newly found cousins, while the parents bond with theirs. For the beach bums, we plan to have a trip to the beach; and for the shopaholics, a trip to the Sawgrass Mills Mall, one of largest discount malls, and the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop, the largest daily flea market in the world, will be on the agenda. Not to exclude those who prefer to have a drink in hand and just relax, we will also have cards and dominos, to pass the time. We also plan to visit the Hard Rock Casino to experience the nightlife of Fort Lauderdale.

The weather in Fort Lauderdale is likely to be mid 80’s to low 90’s, so be sure to pack light clothing. Following are a list of items that you should also consider taking with you to Fort Lauderdale:

• Sunscreen • Bug/mosquito repellant • Camera • Your address book (to collect your relatives’ information) • Suitable footwear for fun day activities • A great attitude

OUR HOST HOTEL

The Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport is conveniently located 1.5 miles from the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport just off of I-95. The hotel has 388 rooms and underwent a complete renovation in 2007. In addition to their prime location, they are just minutes away from Port Everglades, Broward County Convention Center, shopping, restaurants and of course the beach.

The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel Features:

• Gift Shop catering to all business and personal needs (including Hawaiian outfits) • Express self check-in kiosk for hotel arrival and airline departures • 24-hour bell-service • For those with babies or young ones, the hotel has high chairs and cribs, available. • Refrigerators are available for use, upon request (where available). • The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport offers ample parking at a daily rate of $10/day.

SASHA PRYCE Adult Activities

Granddaughter of Theophilus Dowdie

DIONNE REID-HAYLES

Children’s Activities

Granddaughter of Theophilus Dowdie

EVANS ROACHE Young Adult’s Activities

Grandson of Muriel Roache, nee Dowdie

JOYCE FLETCHER Set-up/Decorating Friend of Antonia




The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply:

• Boating nearby • Fishing nearby • Golf - driving range nearby • Golfing nearby

• Helicopter/airplane sightseeing nearby

• Kayaking nearby • Parasailing nearby • Personal watercraft nearby

• Sailing nearby • Swimming on site • Water skiing nearby • Windsurfing nearby

Dining

After a day of events and exploration, you can unwind in Liquid Lounge, a hip, casual setting featuring a wide array of beverages and light meals or dine in Ocean Blu, their signature restaurant that offers a wide variety of culinary delights for breakfast, lunch and dinner or just enjoy the comfort of our full room service menu.

Hours of Operation: Ocean Blu Restaurant – 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Liquid Lounge – 2:00pm – Midnight

Room service is also available 24 hours a day.

Reservations Our reunion rates ($79/night) are still available and you may make your reservations by calling 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) or online at: http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/FLLHAHF-DOW-20110717/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG. If you call, please remember to mention you are with the Dowdie Family Reunion, in order to get our special daily rate ($79 for single, double, triple & quadruple occupancy). Following is the physical address for the hotel:

Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel 1870 Griffin Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33004 Tel: 1-954-920-3300

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/FLLHAHF-Hilton-Fort-Lauderdale-Airport-Florida/index.do If you are unable to attend the reunion, but would like to purchase a T-shirt and/or tote bag, please let me know by June 29th. Call 1-917-226-1069 or email [email protected]. For those flying to Florida, a free airport shuttle will take you to the hotel. Upon arrival, call the hotel with your airline information and the number of people traveling, and you will be given a pickup time. Please note that there is no pickup from the rental car location, at the airport.

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport Ocean Blu Restaurant Liquid Lounge




REUNION SCHEDULE

Wednesday, July 20th: Arrivals/Welcome Packet

Upon arrival to the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel, the Welcoming Committee will greet you with traditional Hawaiian lei, along with your welcome packet. Your packet will include all the necessary tools required to ensure a fun-filled weekend: reunion schedule, name tags, t-shirt, information and brochures about local attractions, maps, emergency phone numbers, etc.

Registration hours will be determined when we receive everyone’s travel itinerary. If you plan to stay at the host hotel, please submit your travel itinerary as soon as possible. For those who will not be staying at the host hotel please be sure to stop by during the hours of registration to receive your welcome packet.

Thursday, July 21st: Dowdie Devotion/Breakfast/Meet & Greet/Family Tree Presentation

Our first family gathering will begin with Devotion to kick off the events, followed by a buffet breakfast in Ballroom A at the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel. After breakfast, our family tree, that illustrates six generations, will be displayed. The banner will be a visual representation of the family structure, our history and your place in it. After breakfast, we will have a mix and mingle session and play some get-to-know-you games in order for the cousins to become acquainted.

Friday, July 22nd: Dowdie Lunch/Dowdie Fun Day

Our Dowdie Fun Day will be celebrated at a local park, in Fort Lauderdale. The Seminole Indian name of this 150-acre urban park, Topeekeegee Yugnee, means, “meeting or gathering place.” This is a suitable location for our ‘ohana (family) celebration. We have reserved the Corporate Pavilion at Topeekeegee Yugnee (TY) Park and it includes water, electricity, grills, picnic tables, and restrooms.

Plan to wear your family reunion T-shirt and your favorite “Hawaiian flavor” accessory, then get ready for some island fun in the park! We will have plenty of food and fun activities for all ages scheduled throughout the day. We are planning to have a variety of games (including but not limited to: bounce-a-about for kids, egg toss, hula hoop, volleyball, basketball, tennis, tug-of-war, and water balloon toss). A DJ will be at the park to provide musical hits that are sure to make this a memorable occasion. We will also have a photographer on site who will take group photos of the family and capture the invaluable moments.

Spa TubOutdoor Pool Fitness Center




Topeekeegee Yugnee (T.Y.) Park 3300 N. Park Road Hollywood, FL 33021 1-954-357-8811 www.co.broward.fl.us/parks/topeekeegeeyugneepark/pages/default.aspx

Saturday, July 23rd: Dowdie Banquet/Luau/Party/Presentation of awards

Our last night will be our banquet luau, which will be celebrated at the elegant Diamante’s Banquet Center and our dress code is tropical.

We will travel to Diamante’s via a coach bus that will depart the hotel at 6:30 PM. For those who are not staying at the host hotel, you may either park at the hotel and travel with the group or meet us at the banquet center.

Throughout the night, we will present certificates and awards to relatives for the following categories:

• The oldest and youngest family members • Who traveled the least and greatest distances to attend • Youngest grandparents • Couple with the most children or grandchildren

Trophies will also be awarded to winners from our Dowdie Fun Day, in each age group-including relatives as old as 90+!

Cocktail hour will begin at 7:00 PM and we ask that you arrive at 7:00 PM sharp so that you can enjoy every minute of our live entertainment who will perform a not to be missed Polynesian show (Native dances from Tahiti, Hawaii & Samoa).

After the Polynesian show, we will dine on a customized buffet-style dinner where fresh, creative savory dishes will be prepared to excite our palates. We'll be enjoying tropical smoothies and a variety of cake. There will also be a cash bar available.

A DJ will be on site to get the party started, spinning some of our favorite tunes that are sure to keep us on the dance floor.

A photographer will be at our location to capture our memorable event that we will treasure for years to come. In addition to candid shots, we will schedule various group photos.

Gazebo by the LakeAerial View Corporate Pavilion




Diamante’s information: 6501 W. Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33319 Tel: 1-954-726-0346 www.diamantesbanquests.com

July 24th: Dowdie Family Worship & Farewell

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the brunch in order to reduce cost, however, we will still have Dowdie Family Worship Service. Time and place will be determined and communicated at a later date.

ADDITIONAL REUNION DETAILS

• Date: July 20 – 24, 2011 • Place: Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida • After shopping around to get great deals, and taking cost cutting measures, we were able to adjust the cost: Adults (13 & above) - $200;

Child (6–12) - $150; Child (1–5) $30. 1. Following are the options for those who are not able to attend all the events.

• Friday thru Sunday - $170 • Saturday & Sunday - $130

• Payment Deadline is July 10, 2011. • A late fee of $20 per person will be added to any full or partial payments received after July 15, 2011. • No personal checks will be accepted after July 15, 2011; cash/money order/cashier’s checks only! • If you have paid your fees already, you will be refunded the difference after the reunion.

BANK INFORMATION

A bank account has been established in the name of Dowdie Family Reunion with Bank of America. If you are interested in paying your reunion fees at a Bank of America location near you, we will provide you with the account number in order for you to make your deposits; or you may make your check made payable to Dowdie Family Reunion and mail to:

Dowdie Family Reunion c/o Antonia Allen 234-18 137th Avenue

Diamante’s Banquet Center




Rosedale, NY 11422HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE At present, the best thing that you can do to help the reunion is to confirm your attendance and pay your fee. It is it very important for catering and planning purposes to know how many people will be attending. Please confirm your attendance by email ([email protected]), letter or telephone to any of the following Reunion Committee member:

Allison - (845) 282-9991 * Antonia “Ann” (917) 226-1069 * Delano “Dicky” (516) 439-6279 * Dionne (678) 392-0727 * Evans (201) 916-1607 * Joyce (347) 789-5427 * Judy (954) 815-4732 * Sasha (516) 610-6042

WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS! We need a current photo for the family tree. The construction of the family tree is a time consuming process and I have taken photos from Facebook, as needed. If you haven’t done so already, please send me the photo that you would like to be used for the family tree. CONTRIBUTIONS Contributions to the Gazette are most welcome. If you have something that you would like to share (a poem, a recipe, a joke, or family news) please email it to [email protected] so that it can be included in a future Gazette.

We pray that God will grace us with your presence at our 2011 Dowdie Family Reunion.




Family News and Updates

*Most of the birthday information was taken from Facebook.

Demorah Adrianna Robinson – March 05

Proud Parents: Damiel Dowdie & Rohan Robinson Grandparents: Enoch Dowdie & Andrea Morris

Great-Grandparents: Stanley & Wilhelmina Dowdie

Inessa Karrin Cooper – March 27 Proud Parents: Nasya Bailey & Kevin Cooper

Grandparents: Wilson & Melva Bailey Great-Grandparent: Albert & Agnes Bernard

Zyiann Viera Roache & Kingston Irie Roache – April 26

Proud Parents: Collin & Stacey Roache Grandparents: Gifford & Angella Roache

Great-Grandparent: Ernest & Muriel Roache

Robert & Racent Dowdie – May 28, 2000 Hans & Deirdre Charles – June 1, 2002 John & Louise Dowdie – June 25, 1968

Homer & Leonarda McKenzie – June 29, 1975

Evans Roache & Antoinette Alston Brian Dowdie & Monica Vines

Shanice Young – Stanford University (MBA) Midori Dowdie – Malden High School

Raul Dowdie – National Guard Boot Camp Alleena Porter – PreK3

Rochelle & Darwin Dowdie

May Keron Dowdie 01 Davia Dowdie 08 Alleena Porter 10 Armani Dowdie 11 Nickeisha Mason 12 Bonnie Chambers 13 Winsome Patrice 17 Bradley Shepherd 18 Neil Beswick 19 Leopold Sawyers 21 Mathew Smith 22 Chris Dowdie 24 Jervelle Fearon 24 Crystal Williams 24 Tevin Nebar 25 Maria Rock 29 Destiny Williams 29 Natasha Gravesande 29 Enoch Dowdie 29

June Natty Sawyers 03 Ephraim Dowdie 03 Shaun Legister 05 Dale Dowdie 07 Kerri-Ann McKenzie 07 Jerry Brooks 07 Rita Dowdie 08 Delano Dowdie, Sr. 12 Stuart McKenzie 17 Donovan Dyer 18 Adele Dowdie 19 Andre Malcolm 20 Robert Dowdie 21 Owen Donaldson 22 Chloe Sawyers 22 Deon Sawyers 22 Keyone Dowdie 23 Janet Roache 26 Cordehlia Williams 26

July Judy Dowdie 01 Tanish Dowdie 01 Rosalee Samuels 01 Chanice Sewell 02 Carlie Donaldson 02 Leonarda McKenzie 03 Rachelle McKenzie 03 Evon Phillips 05 Lauren Dowdie 05 Brandon Legister 06 Jenni Allen 09 Sean Dowdie 10 Pauline Sawyers 10 Coleen Dowdie 11 Joy Marie Fearon 13 Raniese Smith 14 Shanice Young 14 Damiel Dowdie 16 Nickhail Dowdie 17 Asheka Mathew-Ekuku 19 Rukia Sawyers 20 Terry Bent 21 Zach Dowdie 23 Hugh Smith 23 Tashna Smith 24 Patrice Murphy 30 Brian Legister 31

the dowdie news gazette volume 1, issue 5

Documents

complete dowdie family

family tree

historical dowdie family

upcoming family reunion

great gift of family

family reunion newsletter

dowdie news gazette

past couple years