ASA Annual meeting

Fifteen years of a genealogical association, it's worth celebrating.

Indeed, for these years, thanks to the volunteers and the participation of the members, the association of Séguin d'Amérique holds good. On the occasion of the 2005 annual meeting, the Séguins celebrate in style at the Manoir Alpine de Sainte-Adèle from August 26 to 28.

The Manoir Alpine is a log building built in the Laurentians, near the North River, some 80 kilometers north of Montreal. This part of the Laurentians was cleared during the Great Depression. The government encouraged unemployed people to move up north. Curé Labelle, deputy minister of colonization, greatly contributed to the establishment of settlers in the pays d'en haut, as they used to say.

To occupy 150 people for three days, the organizers had planned everything. Already, on Friday evening, we attend a comedy at the Le Patriote theater in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. "A man in a taxi is worth two". We had the opportunity to laugh and laugh from the beginning to the end of the play. How good that feels! Saturday morning is devoted to a visit of the surroundings of Saint-Sauveur and Sainte-Agathe by the paths of the hinterland.

The regulations state that a general meeting must be held which will take place on Saturday afternoon. Everything is going smoothly. The president, Pierre-Paul Séguin # 368, first welcomes the many Séguin present. The heads of the various committees present encouraging reports. The treasurer, Raymond Séguin # 002, presents a positive report despite the constantly increasing costs. The C.A., always on the lookout for new directors, is delighted to find two new members on the board.

We take advantage of this meeting to launch the second genealogical dictionary of Séguin designed by André Séguin # 006. The first appeared in 2002 during the gathering at Les Cèdres. André Séguin returns with an addition of about forty pages. As I know this Séguin, I wouldn't be surprised if he was cooking up a third dictionary for the year ...? A genealogical dictionary is never finished; more births and deaths occur. If you notice any changes, send them to our genealogist. Thank you, André, for your work of patience.

A highly anticipated moment is the presentation of the “FRANCOIS” and the “BERGER”. Réjean-E. Séguin # 265 will brilliantly present these lucky ones.

A “FRANCOIS” is awarded to someone from the Séguin family who has been an example in any sphere or in its environment.

The first “FRANCOIS” is dedicated to Cécile-Marie Séguin-Tyl # 634 living in Connecticut, E. U. A woman very involved in her community in Uncasville and a musician, she takes care of the choirs of her parish and her City. Being Catholic and very active, the parish is happy to benefit from her participation in all points of view. For ten years, Cécile and her husband have never missed an annual meeting and have taken part in all the Séguins' trips to France. Congratulations, Cécile.

Another “FRANCOIS” is given to Jean-Rhéal Séguin # 712 from St-Pascal Baylon in Ontario. A proud and exemplary man in his community, he was able to give sound values ??to his 13 children. By his example, he transmitted the love of nature, language and faith. His dedication to the community has earned him the admiration and respect of all. Despite his age, he still maintains the flowers on the church grounds.

For all these considerations, Jean-Rhéal well deserves this honor that the Association has shown him. Congratulations.

Recently, the Board of Directors has honored one or a Séguin who has done exceptional work in the Association itself. This person receives a “BERGER”. The “BERGER” was not difficult to find. Who more than Raymond Séguin # 002 has worked the most in the Association. A pioneer in the Association, he supported it with all his might. Not only did he take care of the finances scrupulously, he carried out La Séguinière with all the work that that entails. A great organizer of annual general meetings, he makes sure everything runs smoothly. He maintains ties to America and Europe through his time consuming emails. Raymond, hats off and thank you very much.

The evening of Saturday evening is also a success. Claude Desrochers, outstanding singer and host, succeeds in making the Séguin sing and dance. His talent and his experience stretch both the vocal cords and the legs. Happy was the choice of this artist.

Sunday morning, André Séguin # 006, our genealogist presents us with a montage showing a panorama of facts, meetings and trips to France. Once again a work of patience to choose and assemble the representative photos among the thousands available.

The Association is preparing a trip to Europe in September 2006. So Sunday afternoon, Pierre Dorion came to give us a taste of the trip. The list of travelers is already growing. The costs of the trip will only be known in November as the price of fuel continues to rise.

At the annual meeting, we are happy to meet old acquaintances and to discover new figures; therefore, it is important and very interesting to attend these meetings.

This year, the two organizers Jacqueline Séguin # 012 and Bernard Séguin # 340 almost performed a miracle. They are certainly skillful negotiators: two sunsets, six delicious meals (and what about Sunday noon brunch!) A play and the Saturday night party: all this for a very reasonable cost. How much time to give, how many details to plan to make this meeting such a success! Thanks to you two.

We look forward to seeing you in Embrun, Ontario, in June 2006.