3rd BAKER-BLUMIN FAMILY REUNION

Gainey Suites Hotel - Scottsdale, AZ

June 25-28, 2009

June 1, 2009

Howdy All!

Our 3^rd Family Reunion is fast approaching and we look forward to sharing a terrific time together in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun. We expect about 70+ cousins and extended family members ranging in age from infants to super seniors to be in Scottsdale and we have planned a number of activities and events that hopefully will appeal to everyone. It’s nice to see that several members intend to arrive early and/or remain after the reunion to take advantage of the expected warm weather, many sightseeing opportunities in the area and visit with friends. To hopefully avoid any conflicts, the following is a schedule of events we intend to offer at the Reunion.

Thursday, June 25

Opening Registration, Dinner, Family Meeting

- We expect to have a welcome desk in the hotel lobby beginning in the afternoon to be staffed by cousins Deborah Alfassa, Ruth Baker, Diana Moody and Sadell Tobin. Be sure and pick-up your registration materials – nametags, final schedule of activities, gift mementos and other handouts.

- Beginning at 5 pm family members are invited to join at the hotel’s complimentary pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres reception. Note: a reception will be available each evening and is included in your room charge. Breakfast is also included and available each morning.

- 6:30 pm (tentative). Our first family dinner will be held at the hotel to be followed by a family meeting with introductions and a short program.

Friday, June 26 – Morning Golf, Fun Park Activities

Old Town Scottsdale Lunch trip & Afternoon hotel activities

Special Evening Dinner

- Early morning plans include a Family Golf Outing at the Kierland Golf Club, one of the area’s top-rated courses. Our tee times start at 8:02 am. California cousin Bob Baker is coordinating this outing. It’s not too late to sign-up ($85 per player) but please let me know immediately if you’d like to play.

- Mid-morning. Youngsters and fun-seeking adults will enjoy a 2-hour visit to Cracker Jax, a family-oriented sports park featuring bumper car and water rides, video and interactive games, and other sporting events where we’ll again host a friendly mini-golf competition. Transportation to be provided.

- A visit and lunch in Old Town Scottsdale. We plan a late morning departure from the hotel via bus for a no-host lunch at a wonderful restaurant (a varied menu will be available), and the opportunity to visit some outstanding galleries and shops. We plan to return to the hotel about 2:30 - 3 pm. Adopted family member “cousin” Owen Basil will coordinate and chaperone this event.

- “Afternoon activities at hotel” – please see below.

- Evening plans - Please be ready for a 6 pm on-time bus departure for our Western theme special dinner to be held in Cave Creek, AZ, about a 30 minute ride. All family members are encouraged to “dress western” and to be prepared for a fun - and musical - evening. We plan to return to the hotel between 9:30 – 10 pm.

Saturday, June 27

Family Fun Rafting Trip

Luncheon Trip to Arizona Biltmore & Afternoon Hotel Activities

Gala Dinner

- An 8 am on-time bus departure for the Salt River and onto our fabulous 2-hour family rafting trip. Reservations can still be made by contacting Desert Voyagers directly. Please see the attachment for additional information. We plan to return to the hotel shortly after Noon.

- All other “land-lubber” relatives are invited to join cousin Iris Lasky on a late-morning departure for an enjoyable no-host luncheon trip to the historic Arizona Biltmore Hotel, one of the country’s truly grand hotels now celebrating its 85^th birthday. Plans include a stop en route at Cosanti, an Arizona historic site which is the studio/gallery of the world-famous Soleri bells (wind-chimes). Expected return to the hotel by 2:30 – 3 pm.

- “Afternoon activities” at hotel – please see below.

- 7 pm (tentative) start time for our closing gala dinner to be held at the hotel followed by awards and program.

Sunday, June 28

Closing Breakfast & Family Meeting

- 9 am closing breakfast at the hotel to be followed by a family meeting to conclude the reunion about 11 am.

About “Afternoon activities at hotel”

- On Friday and Saturday afternoons upon returning to the hotel from our morning activities and luncheon trips we encourage family members to gather poolside to soak up the sun, enjoy chit-chat and mingling, and/or join in some ad hoc family gatherings at the hotel.

- At the pool, we can look forward to Philadelphia cousin Julie Baker leading us in water aerobic exercises to help build our appetites for the family dinners. Elsewhere at the hotel, we thought interested family members would get together sometime Friday afternoon to view our family website, review family genealogy and share photos, stories, and memories. Please bring old letters, cards, naturalization papers, legal documents and any other kind of family memorabilia to the reunion. Webmaster Michael Baker will have his computer on hand and together with Family Genealogist Sylva Baker they will be most interested in updating, correcting and editing any and all family records that require changes. Please explore the family tree at www.bakerbluminfamilytree.com.

- On Saturday afternoon we will try to have a discussion about family health and genetic issues. Cousins Joel and Carol Baker have expressed great interest in this topic and we are hopeful that cousins David Blumin and Cindy Baker, both physicians, can lend some helpful input in the discussion.

- Also, throughout the reunion cousins Daniel and Benjie Baker will be assisting their father (Joel) in interviewing, taping and recording family members in an attempt to build “oral histories” about our family.

A word about dress attire: The dress attire for the entire Reunion is “resort casual” – shorts/slacks and collared shirts (no tee shirts) are preferred at dinner. To help set the mood for our Friday evening “Western Night,” bolo ties, cowboy neckwear, western shirts and the like are encouraged for everyone!

Special food requests: I have received a few special dietary food requests which we will make every attempt to accommodate. Also, the Gainey Suites Hotel is located adjacent to “The Shops at Gainey Village”, which features some fine food stores that carry a variety of (delicious) prepared foods. Since each hotel suite has its own refrigerator and dining area, family members desiring to stock any preferred “food supplies” can easily do so. See www.theshopsgaineyvillage.com. The Reunion will be “nut free.”

If you’re looking for a relaxation treat: Those looking to unwind and possibly treat themselves to a massage, facial, or other “renewal” body treatment might wish to consider a visit to the highly regarded Spa at Gainey Village, a full service day spa located just a stone’s throw from the Gainey Suites Hotel. Information can be found online at www.villageclubs.com

A word about Arizona’s (hot) weather: One phenomenon of Arizona’s weather is that the high summer temperatures are usually accompanied by low humidity so you may not sweat or feel thirsty. Don’t be fooled! Evaporation is occurring and to avoid dehydration you need to drink plenty of water. Please keep a bottle of water handy and take frequent sips. It is very important to be keep your body hydrated . . . don’t forget!!

Finally, a special appeal!: While we hope family members participate together in as many events as possible we recognize that some may want to break away and do individual sightseeing, visiting or just be on their own for a while. That’s fine. But, please . . . I ask that everyone plan to join together at the three family dinners, closing breakfast and meetings/discussions that will follow those meals. Also, to help us make the appropriate arrangements for our events and activities I ask that you reply to my email as soon as possible and let me know if you plan to participate. Family members who receive this letter by snail mail/hard copy can mail the cover sheet back to me ASAP, or fax it (to 631-462-1050), or call me (at 631-499-6066). In closing, I look forward to seeing everyone in Scottsdale. For any questions, concerns or the like please contact me.

Sincerely,

Howard