Fiegs Spend Week at Yosemite National Park

Brother and sister Ed and Lisa Fieg and Ed's son Max recently spent a week at Yosemite National Park in the Yosemite Valley in the Sierra Madre mountain range in northern California.

The trio spent time hiking, sunning and reading while Ed was on call as acting park physician.

The park was full of wildlife and in fact, as the Fiegs were leaving the park three adult bears stopped traffic, presumably in need of medical assistance.

Kyle McGonigal To Address National Forum

We are thrilled to announce that Kyle McGonigal, 27, son of Mary and Bobby McGonigal of Kendall, NY, has been selected to appear on the dais at the annual convention of the National Down Syndrome Congress this week at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.  Among several speakers scheduled for the week-long event, Kyle will address other young adults about "Golf as a Lifetime Fitness Sport," a subject with which he is well acquainted, having played the game since he was a small boy.

Mary says that Kyle is not the least bit intimidated by speaking before a large group and he handles himself with a great deal of confidence.

For the past several years, Kyle has served as training camp locker room attendant for the Buffalo Bills football team, and when his mother observed Kyle interacting with his good buddy, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell "T.O." Owens at the team's training camp last year, she said "It was hard to tell which one had the bigger ego."   Kyle is well regarded by all members of the team.

Kyle also works security each year during induction weekend at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

His brother, Tyler, 28, is also an avid golfer and is supervisor at the Rockland Lake State Park golf course in Rockland County, NY just north of New York City.

Their cousin, Matt Holm, of Elk Grove, CA is a professional golfer and member of the PGA.

For more information about the National Down Syndrome Congress, go to http://www.ndsccenter.org/news/events.php .

Don Roman Recovering After Health Setback

Don Roman, son of Dorothy (Fieg) Roman, sustained a mild heart attack very recently and is on his way to a relatively quick return to normal.

Details of this report are sketchy, given the circumstancial logistical limitations, but we are rushing into print because of its importance and magnitude.

Don, being the picture of health and vitality after passing his chronological half-century birthday, certainly has surprised us with this setback, but we are pleased to report that he is in good hands with the services of an individual described as "the best heart specialist in Philadelphia" and, of course, his wife, Jennifer.

Happily, Don was able to break the news to his mother personally by telephone, to buffer the shock, and Dorothy reportedly took it well, all things considered.

At last report, Don was recovering at home and was expected to soon return to work, if he hasn't already. Meanwhile, those who have Don's home phone number and address are urged to pass it on to the appropriate family links as soon as possible. More details will follow.

Doris Holm Wins Two Golf Tourneys at Age 82

Eighty-two-year-old Doris Fieg Holm has won two golf tournaments this year (so far).  Doris is the daughter of the late Max Fieg of Milford, PA.

Of particular note, at her local course's annual spring ladies' tournament Doris topped more than two dozen competitors in the three-week event, scoring a birdie on the par four fourth hole by sinking a twenty foot putt from just off the green. 

Her son, Matt, a member of the P.G.A. and golf pro at the Bing Maloney Golf Course in Sacramento, CA, tied with seven other competitors as he shot an 81, just six strokes back of the qualifiers, for the annual U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.  Matt outscored 53 other rivals in the event, parring on nine holes. 

Matt is an expert demonstrator for Phoenix-based Ping golf equipment.  He also holds the Jack Tone Golf Course record of 54 (not a misprint - 54!).

Matt is the father of six, in addition to his career as a golf professional.

McGonigal Cousins Head South

Jon McGonigal, eldest son of Emilie Fieg McGonigal and first grandchild of Lothar Fieg Sr., will pull up his New York roots and, with wife Marilyn, move to the Blue Ridge Mountain city of Staunton, VA.

Marilyn writes that she and Jon will soon visit Staunton (pronounced "Stanton"), home of the Statler Brothers of country music fame, to look around, check out apartments and visit with her son.  They plan to be all moved in by August 1 of this year.

Staunton, first settled in 1732, is nestled in the Shenandoah Valley and I will bet that Jon and Marilyn will have many visitors there.

For the rest of you, please send empty boxes!

By the way, if you have forgotten what Jon looks like....

75th Shields Reunion Set for July 11

For those of us who have Shields connections, this message was sent by Midge McClenon.

The 75th Annual Shields Reunion will be held on Sunday, July 11, 2010, at 12:30 pm at Nathaniel Cole Park, Shelter #2, Harpursville, NY.


Please bring a covered dish to share, your own meat, table service, and beverage.

Charcoal will be provided for those who wish to grill.

Call Vera(570) 729-8621 or Midge (607) 441-0475, or e-mail midgemcclenon@lycos.com for directions.

Kimiko Fieg Wins Award

Kimiko Fieg, former wife of Greg Fieg, recently won an award from the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors. 

The first place award in Team Page Design, Class AAA, was garnered by Kimiko and four teammates at the Victoria Advocate, the Victoria, TX newspaper where Kimiko is currently employed as Presentation Editor.

Kimiko told me when she first began working at the Advocate that she was surprised at how few awards the paper had won over the years in comparison to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times where she had previously been employed.  It looks as if she will put an end to that trend!

Kimiko's husband of two years is retired newspaperman Brooks Peterson, also formerly of the Caller-Times.  They live in Victoria in a lovely Victorian-style house that Kimiko swears she will refurbish one of these days.... Stay tuned for that story!

Cousins Convene in Jacksonville

Will Bookhout and Greg Fieg visited Jack and Mary Wolcott for a dinner engagement in the Woolcotts’ hometown of Jacksonville, FL on April 7.

Jack, chief financial officer for Blood Alliance – a non-profit organization that collects, processes and distributes blood in the community – is counting down the days toward his pending retirement, and Mary is now a domestic goddess.

Jack took Will for a spin in his 19’ Bowrider, which he and Mary regularly take up the St. John’s River for the amusement of their four grandchildren. The open boat is ideal for fishing and swimming and features a 200 h.p. inboard motor.

Will also visited with his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Jenny in St. Augustine, where Daniel is full-time youth pastor at the Good News Presbyterian Church. He continues to maintain the Bookhout law practice in Oneonta while residing in Cazenovia after having recently sold his former home in Laurens. His associate, Hollie Jaffe, recently returned to the firm after an extended personal leave.

Will, who is the son of the late Judge Richard J. Bookhout, Otsego Co. surrogate judge, has maintained the practice for more than three decades. He is a graduate of St. John’s University Law School in N.Y.C.

Fiegs and a Kestner Do The Town

On March 15, Diana Fieg Monaco picked up her niece, Emilie Kestner, in Secaucus, NJ where Emilie and her fellow high school choir-mates had been staying during their biannual trip to the Big Apple, and the two of them met Lisa Fieg in Manhattan for lunch.

Diana and Emilie then spent the rest of the day sight-seeing and being entertained by various drunks and loose screws on New York City's transit system.  Though that sounds exciting the real highlight of the day was a visit to the Manhattan School of Music for a vocal master class conducted by an Italian maestro.  They also enjoyed the library, Harlem and the fur department at Saks. 

That evening the two visited with Diana's friend, a high school guidance counselor, who helped them create a nice timeline to follow toward college admission.  (The advice is always more relevant coming from not your parents....) 

On the next day, St. Patrick's Day, they watched some of the parade in the city, and then enjoyed a meal of corned beef sandwiches at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, on the invitation of one of Diana's really important clients who just happens to be -- you guessed it -- of Irish descent.

Courtesy of Diana's hair dresser, Emilie now sports a short curly bob which is very becoming to her.

During their four-and-a-half day stay in New York, the choir saw two Broadway shows plus "La Boheme" at the Met and attended a voice master class of their own conducted by members of the cast of "Rent."  They ransacked Chinatown and South Street Seaport and slogged through the rain to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.

Emilie flew home on March 18 and we stopped to take pictures among the bluebonnets on the way home.

New Granddaughter Visits Whitesides

Flicka Maxine Adams, first born child of Ursula and Bob Adams of Chicago, traveled with her parents to the Sioux City, IA area this Christmas. Flicka (and her parents) stayed with her grandparents, Bill and Marsha Adams, in Dakota Dunes, SD across the Missouri River from Sioux City, the home of  great-grandparents Robert and Maxine Whiteside. 

The name Flicka means "little girl" in Swedish, an acklowledgment of her mother's roots, and the baby's middle name is a gracious nod to her great-grandmother.

From the picture on the Christmas greetings received this year, it is difficult to tell who is the proudest adult in Flicka's family!

Second Blast From the Past

Here are some family groups. My how we have changed over the years! And I LOVE the bowl haircuts....

Annie Bookhout Announces New Grandchild

This e-mail came from Annie Bookhout today with the news of her second grandchild's birth on Christmas Eve 2009!

Andrew Shedlock and Denise Egan Shedlock produced a very handsome son, Ryan Andrew Shedlock, born via surgery on December 21, 2009 in Tamarac, Florida. Grandmother Anne Bookhout could not fly out of Binghamton, NY as planned due to snow storms on December 20 so, Anne got into one of her road tractors (a nice red Kenworth) and rode with two of (their) drivers who had a load of plastic fencing to deliver in central Florida.

The road trip was very interesting, especially going through Washington, DC where there was 24 inches of snow. The truck blew the alternator in Northern Virginia and Anne and the two drivers hung out at a repair shop for nearly 24 hours, getting back on the road at 5:30 PM on December 21. Anne and one of the drivers delivered the load and took off for Miami.

Grandma Anne arrived at 8:30 PM on December 22 at Andrew's house just in time to help Andrew with first grandchild, Madeline, and to welcome baby boy Ryan home on December 24. It was a great experience!

Fondly to all,
Anne Bookhout
daughter of Florence Fieg Bookhout

Here is a photo of Anne at a tender age, looking at her pony with probably the same sort of gaze directed at her newest grandchild! Well, maybe she has a bit more fondness for the baby.....

Enjoy This Blast from the Past

Thanks to Diana Monaco and Steven Fieg for combining their efforts in taking some old Fieg family slides, converting them to photos and emailing them to me. See if you can identify the child with his finger up his nose and his tongue in his cheek.

More to come!

Joe Kestner Brings Magic to the Season

Joe Kestner, husband of Judy Fieg Kestner, is not just an amateur magician, as witnessed at the Fieg family reunion in July of this year, he also shares his talent with anyone who requests his presence during the Christmas season, while acting the part of Santa Claus.



Joe receives many requests from friends, churches and foster agencies in the Corpus Christi, TX area and because his services are free he is very popular. He distributes gifts to the children in attendance and poses with them for holiday photos, as well as amazing them - and the adults watching as well - with his magic tricks.



Because of his natural attributes (i.e. beard and belly) Joe only needed a Santa suit to complete the image, and Judy made one in the 1980s which has since been replaced with a second one (the lap wore out!).

John and Anne Roman Mark 25th Anniversary in New Zealand

John and Anne Roman recently returned from New Zealand where they vacationed for two weeks in observance of their twenty-fifth anniversary.

They spent one week on the north island and one week on the south island in the beautiful South Sea nation which is about the size of Great Britain. New Zealand features luminescent, crystalline peaks, lush forests and pristine beaches, all in an unspoiled setting, as there are only 400,000 inhabitants.

Anne recently retired and John still works as an audio-visual technician. They reside in Somerset, N.J. John is the eldest son of Dorothy and the late Robert Roman, and is the grandson of Lothar Fieg Sr.

Rose Bowl Hero Marks 40th Anniversary

This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the network television apearance of cousin Bob Stiles of Los Angeles, who played himself in a 1970 episode of the Emmy-winning "Bracken's World" starring Lee Majors. Stiles re-created his true life persona as the most valuable player of the 1966 Rose Bowl victory of the underdog UCLA Bruins over the #1-ranked Michigan Spartans.

Bob, the grandson of the late Max Fieg of Milford, PA, is remembered as a key component of the undersized California upstarts who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as more than 100,000 New Year's Day football fans looked on at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA.

Bob was credited with saving the game after he literally knocked himself unconscious to prevent a game-breaking score as the final seconds ticked off. A story in the Los Angeles Times written in 2000 said, "The game film shows (Bob) Apisa, a 212-pound (Michigan) sophomore fullback from Honolulu, running parallel to the line of scrimmage, fighting off defenders Dallas Grider and Jim Colletto, then getting tackled by a flying Stiles, a 5-foot-8, 175-pound junior, who slams into Apisa's upper body and brings him down."

According to Wikipedia, "Michigan State was a two touchdown favorite and the consensus #1 ranked team, but the undersized Bruins held their own through a scoreless first quarter. In the second quarter, UCLA recovered a muffed punt inside the Michigan State 5 yard line; QB Gary Beban eventually took it in from one yard out to give the Bruins a surprising lead over the stunned Spartans. Then UCLA coach Tommy Prothro went into his bag of tricks and called for an onside kick. Kicker Kurt Zimmerman executed it perfecty and Dallas Grider fell on the ball. UCLA QB Gary Beban then threaded a pass between 3 Spartan defenders to Kurt Altenbeg, who made a great catch that put UCLA on the 1 yard line. Beban then scored on a short run to make it 14-0. UCLA's undersized defense continued to play well, but the larger Spartans were beginning to wear them down and began picking up bigger and bigger chunks of yardage on the ground. Midway through the 4th quarter, Michigan State finally broke through for a touchdown, but failed on the try for a 2-point conversion and UCLA led 14-6. Michigan State got the ball back and began to march down field in the waning moments. With under a minute to play the Spartans scored again, and trailing 14-12, lined up for a two point conversion attempt. They pitched out to their large Samoan fullback, Bob Apisa, and as he turned the corner, it appeared he would fall into the end zone to tie the game. But UCLA defensive back Bob Stiles ran full speed and threw himself into Apisa, keeping Apisa out of the end zone and knocking himself out in the process." The photo of Bob being carried off the field unconscious is courtesy of Sports Illustrated.

Bob today is the proprietor of the Hana Sushi Restaurant on Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles and also in Ketchum, ID.

Oneontans Make Way for Stork ... Again!

Anna and Alan Dangca of Oneonta are expecting a baby in August 2010, the family has announced. This will be their fourth child, with their oldest child, Cade, turning 15 in April, Eva turning 6 in March and Rosa who will be 4 in November.

Alan is employed by Mirabito Oil and Fuel in Oneonta, and Anna is a stay-at-home mom. She and her sister, Sarah, home-school their children and are active in Loving Education At Home (L.E.A.H.), a Christian organization that sponsors field trips and athletic activities for home-schooled children in New York State. Both families are members of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morris, NY.

This child will be Grampa Greg Fieg's ninth grandchild.

Congratulations!

Family Member Meets Ghost in Sierra Nevada

Barbara Harris, who works as a registered nurse on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, recently made an excursion to the Groveland Hotel in the Sierra Nevada where she had an encounter with a most unusual guest.

The hotel, a seventeen-room adobe bed-and-breakfast, which opened in 1849 to serve miners in the Gold Rush, is said to be haunted and Barbara can confirm that.

Sleeping in her room with her husband Eddie, she was awakened during the night to find the visage of a young woman wearing a full-length dress and a broad, 1920s-style hat, peacefully sitting in a chair near the foot of the bed. No words were exchanged during the brief encounter, but the ghost let it be known that her name was Margaret.

Though they did not see them, the hotel is also supposed to be haunted by other guests who checked in but did not check out, including a 19th century miner named Lyle. The hotel is near Yosemite National Park where Barbara and Eddie frequently while away their off hours.

Cousin Observes Rare Western Squirrel

In a recent visit to Flagstaff, AZ nestled at 7,000 feet at the base of an extinct volcano, cousin Greg Fieg came across the rare, endangered (and pretty damn cute) Tassel-eared Squirrel (Sciurus aberti).

This squirrel, a relative of the North American Gray Squirrel which can be found in many a backyard, looks like a climbing rabbit with long tufted ears, a comparatively fatter body and huge fluffy tail.

Greg introduced himself to a family group of more than a half dozen of these squirrels who were bold enough to come within a few feet to accept his handout of fancy nuts.

Speaking of nuts, this is not the only unusual sighting Greg has had in Flagstaff, which is located not far south of the Grand Canyon. In 2007 he stopped by the Little America Hotel and whom should he see there but Peter O'Toole, Vanessa Redgrave, Liam Neeson and his late wife Natasha Richardson, who has since perished in a freak skiing accident, and her sister Jolie Richardson.

Greg was so impressed with the women's arresting, world-class beauty that he told Jolie, someone he did not recognize at the moment, "You should be in the movies." Jolie turned to Greg with a frank stare and replied, "I am in the movies."

Diana Monaco Accepts New Position

On Nov. 30 Diana Monaco, daughter of F.F.N. founder V.P. Fieg, accepted the position of director of the Lower Hudson Valley chapter of OSSN (Outside Sales Support Network), an organization that educates and assists travel agents who are outside sales people, sole proprietors or independant agents. She begins her duties in Jan. 2010.

Diana will be responsible for hosting meetings, retaining educational speakers and recruiting new OSSN members.

Diana has been in the travel business for over thirty years. "Can you believe it?" she marvels. Her business is based in Croton-on-Hudson, NY in Westchester Co., home of Bill & Hill (you know who I mean), and her personal client list includes the likes of Ann Roberts, a member of the Rockefeller family, Sylvester Stallone's mother, a Hollywood psychic, and Davy Jones of the Monkees.

Are You Smarter Than a 1930s Seventh Grader?

Here is part of a history exam for seventh graders from the 1930s, courtesy of Jean Davie Fieg. See how you score on this one!

Answer two questions from each group. (ed. note: There were five groups of questions on the original exam. Only two of them are represented here.)

Group I
1 a What language was spoken by a majority of the colonists?
b The Navigation Laws compelled the colonies to trade with what country?
c Was the first representative government established in New York, Virginia or Massachusetts?
d Was more attention paid to the establishment of schools in the New England, the middle or the southern colonies?
e Was the Stamp Act passed by the Continental Congress or by Parliament?
2 a Did the colonists object to the tax on tea because of the cost of a pound of tea or because of the principle involved?
b What port was closed by one of the Intolerable Acts?
c Was the chief cause of the Revolution a dispute over land, commerce or taxation?
d Which gave British officers the right to search a man's home for smuggled goods, Writs of Assistance or the Stamp Act?
e With the tax included, did a pound of tea cost more in England or in America?
3 Tell whether each of the following statements is true or false:
a The Declaration of Independence gave reasons for separating from England.
b The Committees of Correspondence were composed of British officers.
c Town meetings trained the colonists in law making.
d Farming was the principal occupation of the colonists.
e The Committees of Correspondence kept Parliament informed about colonial affairs.

Group V
13 Connect an important event with each of five of the following dates: 1781, 1776, 1777, 1492, 1620, 1609, 1607, 1614
14 Describe briefly two means of travel in colonial times.
15 Name five of the following: (a) a noted hunter, (b) a colonial college, (c) a colonial newspaper, (d) a colonial author, (e) an invention that has aided travel, (f) an invention that has made women's work easier, (g) an invention of benefit to southern farmers, (h) an invention that has helped in lighting cities.

GOOD LUCK, SCHOLARS!

Emilie Kestner Advances in Choir Competition

Emilie Kestner, only granddaughter of F.F.N. founder V.P. Fieg, has moved a step closer to earning a place in the Texas state high school choir.

On November 14, Emilie placed seventh at the regional choir auditions in Corpus Christi, TX. She and another member of the Calallen High School choir, a bass who also placed seventh, received the top honors from her school. That makes them second alternates for the area auditions that will take place in January.

We are now praying that two of the top competitors in her level receive a free trip to Hawaii and won't be able to compete in January, moving Emilie up two notches and allowing her to audition. I hope you join us in that fervent hope!

Windy Hill Alpaca Ranch Video on YouTube

Doug and Cindy Fieg, owners of the Windy Hill Alpaca Ranch in Somis, CA, recently avoided disaster during one of that state's infamous wildfires.

The Los Angeles Times recorded a video of Cindy and Doug and their animals that can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6WWUsAY65Y.

Alpacas are smaller relatives of the camel and the llama, bred not as working animals but specifically for their fiber. They also come across as quite the cuties on this video.

A Veterans' Day Salute

Today is the day that World War I ended, and the day that Americans pay tribute to the men and women who serve now and served in the past, protecting our freedom. It may at times seem that our freedoms are fragile, but as an African saying goes, many spider webs together can bring down a lion, and together Americans of all colors, religions and origins form a web strong enough to keep our freedoms intact and secure.

Thanks to Steven Fieg for forwarding several photos of his dad in uniform in 1944 to mark this special day.

Bookhouts Tie Knot at 'Fountain of Youth'

The former Jenny Whittington and the Rev. Daniel I. Bookhout have set up housekeeping in St. Augustine, Fla., after having been married over the summer. Some 50 people were in attendance at the church wedding, held at the Fountain of Youth Park, a recreational site devoted to the memory of the 16th century Spanish expedition led by explorer Ponce de Leon.

Jenny, 25, a graphic designer, is the daughter of Kathy and Ron Whittington. Ron is a National Aeronautics and Space Administration rocket scientist who works at Cape Canaveral. Dan, 25, is the son of William R. Bookhout esq. and the former Diane Jester, and the grandson of the late Hon. and Mrs. Richard Bookhout of Oneonta. Mrs. Bookhout was the former Florence 'Flossy' Fieg.

Jenny and Dan are graduates of Flagler College, where they met. They enjoy beach activities, especially pontoon surfing.

Dan is youth pastor at Good News Presbyterian Church in St. Augustine, which has the distinction of being the oldest settlement in North America.

Bill Doyle to Visit Scandanavia; Baltics

Having recently returned from Iceland, where he has been studying the tiny North Atlantic nation's culture, history, religion and language, Bill Doyle will soon depart on a similar expedition to Finland and the Baltic states.

Bill, the significant other of Diana Fieg Monaco, daughter of the F.F.N. founder V.P. Fieg, is a member of the Union of Operating Engineers and has a relatively flexible schedule that allows him to indulge his fascination with European history when he is not tending to the repair and operation of graders, rollers, loaders and other types of yellow-colored heavy equipment. Bill studied the ancients at State University of New York at Buffalo. His specialty is the military.

He is considering retiring in Iceland with Diana, his life companion, or, to coin a term, "his old lady," with whom he takes occasional excursions to his rustic cabin the Adirondacks, and with whom he spends a great deal of time dining, traveling, reading or enjoying various other sorts of quietude at home, including weekend ballgames on TV.

Living the often unfettered existence of urban bonvivants, the couple resides in the stunningly beautiful lower Hudson River Valley community of Croton-on-Hudson, in a vicinity known to the people of New York City as "Upstate," but to the people upstate as "New York City." (See how that works?)

The vicinity, encompassing Rockland, Westchester and contiguous counties, includes West Point Military Academy, the palatial homes of Bill and Hillary Clinton, Robert De Niro and the late Franklin D. Roosevelt, James Cagney and Helen Hayes and numerous other luminaries. It was formerly known as home to such great robber barons as John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt and Jay Gould and was regarded by other types of robbers in residence as "Sing Sing."

For this coming trip, Bill will attend the Trialogos Festival in the Baltic state of Estonia on the European continent. It's an event devoted to global enlightenment through the advancement of Western thought, dialogue and culture.

Bill is a former U.S. Marines non-commissioned officer and Vietnam War veteran. His son, Capt. Dan Doyle, is on active duty with the U.S. Air Force in Oklahoma, where he serves as a judge advocate. Dan has served in a number of posts, including the combat zone in Bagdad, Iraq.

McGonigal Walks Out on Hollywood

Robert J. McGonigal of Kendall, N.Y., recently completed his first year of retirement from Eastman Kodak at Rochester, N.Y. where he had worked as a line mechanic in the production of bulk film stock for thousands of major Hollywood movies.

Recruited almost providentially at 21 by Kodak after graduating from the automotive program at Delhi Agricultural and Technical College, Bobby completed 34 years at the company, enabling him to accept a buyout at the age of 55.

Bobby's departure marks an ongoing corporate purge, which has seen his company diminished from a sustained workforce of some 60,000 to a mere 10,000 or so, with further cutbacks anticipated. The once bustling complex has been reduced in many sections to an almost desolate sprawl of building after building silenced and shuttered as Kodak downsizes to keep pace with overseas competition and cutthroat off-shore production costs, which in some cases are government subsidized.

Bobby has spent much of his first year of retirement at home with his family and indulging himself with his hobbies of off-road and highway motorcycling, fishing and hunting large and small game with his 12-gauge Remington pump or with bow and arrow. Not long he ago returned from a three-week adventure seeking elusive, 1,200-pound elk in Colorado.

Bobby and his family each summer visit historic Cooperstown, where his son Kyle McGonigal, 27, works security during induction week at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Kyle works for the Buffalo Bills during football season, and is on a first-name basis with quarterback Trent Edwards, running back Marshawn Lynch and other stars.

Continuing to work as a secretary at State University of New York at Brockport is Bobby's wife Mary McGonigal, easily the most beautiful debutant ever to emerge from Portlandville. Come to think of it, she is the only debutant ever to emerge from Portlandville.

Bobby and Mary were Milford High School sweethearts, and have known one another since childhood, as Bobby's boyhood home in Milford Center is just a short jaunt to Portlandville.

Bobby is the son of the late James McGonigal, plant superintendent at State University of New York at Oneonta, and the late Emilie Fieg McGonigal, who was an avid gardener, cook, antique collector and doll maker.

When Bobby was a toddler, the family's 1825 homestead was memorable for its black cast iron wood stove on which his mother prepared all the family meals, an original, old-time, wooden, handcranked magneto wall telephone, and even a two-hole indoor privy (which had been replaced by indoor plumbing sometime previously).

In Milford Center Bobby can still be remembered as Teedee, the name his playmates gave him after hearing his mother addressing him as such. Teedee is how you say "Sweetie" in baby talk. Please be advised that it is no longer permissible to call him Teedee.

Josh McHenry to Command Armored Platoon

Robert Joshua McHenry recently completed his studies at California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, and has been promoted from ROTC recruit to second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, where he will command an armored platoon.

Armored platoons comprise four tanks, each with a 10-man complement, for a total of 40 field trained soldiers answering to Josh. His unit is "combat heavy," with orders being awaited. He is scheduled to begin service in January.

Josh, who majored in agriculture management at Cal Poly, is the son of S. Craig McHenry and noted children's author Janet McHenry of Yreca, Calif. His maternal grandmother is Doris Fieg Holm of Elk Grove, Calif.

He is a direct descendant of James McHenry, who served as secretary of war under presidents George Washington and John Adams from 1796 to 1800 and for whom Baltimore's Fort McHenry is named.

McHenrys Awaiting Stork in Bakersfield

Megan and Justin McHenry of Bakersfield, Calif., are awaiting a bundle of joy next spring.

It will be the first child for the couple, though Megan has a child from a previous marriage.

Justin, son of noted children's author Janet McHenry and grandson of Doris Fieg Holm and great-grandson of Max Fieg, was recently promoted to general manager of production and packing for Bolthouse Farms , a 90-year-old internationally recognized Southern California produce processor which, among other things, is the nation's largest domestic wholesale marketer of fresh carrots.

Megan, a former interior designer, has set aside her career for the time being to devote herself to Justin and the new baby.

Justin's career has been virtually meteoric since his granduation from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obisbo, where he majored in agriculture management. He is only 29.

His kid brother Robert Joshua McHenry, known among his peers as Robert but among family members as Josh, also recently graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in agriculture management as a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps for the U.S. Army.

Emilie Kestner Earns Choir Honor

On September 26, Emilie Kestner, daughter of Judy and Joe Kestner of Corpus Christi, TX, was awarded first chair at a district-wide high school choir competition.

Emilie, a high school junior and budding songstress, received the highest score - 256 out of 300 - in a group of eighty soprano II voices from various high schools in the Coastal Bend area of Texas. She was also the only choir member from her high school to receive first chair honors.

Emilie now moves on to the regional competition which will take place early in
November. Congratulations and good luck, Emilie!

Wedding Vows Recited in Indianapolis

Allen Still and Cami O'Connor recited marriage vows during a church ceremony at Ste. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Indianapolis on Aug. 18.

Allen, 27, is the elder son of Anne and Kevin Still of Danville, Ind., and Cami, 26, is the daughter of Joyce and Pat O'Connor of Noblesville, Ind. He is a certified public accountant for Clifton Gundersen and she is a nuclear physicist for Cardinal Health. Both are graduates of Purdue University.

The bride wore a V-necked street-length silken gown with a trailing veil and purple accoutrements, accenting theme colors.

Kevin's brother, Michael Still, also an Indianapolis CPA, was best man, while his cousin Anne Whiteside, 15, appeared in the entourage as a bridesmaid.

The couple resides in Indianapolis, where she has accepted a new, supervisory position with her company.

They honeymooned in the Caribbean.

Allen's grandparents, Maxine (age 83) and Dr. Robert Whiteside (age 88) of Sioux City, Iowa, observed their 60th wedding anniversary during the reception, dancing to Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade." They were joined by the bride's mother and father and grandparents, also observing their 60th anniversary this year.

Aunt Maxine and Uncle Bob are reported as active and well, having spent a refreshing three weeks with the Stills in Danville.

Max Fieg has 100-Yard Day for Cardinals

Max Fieg, 14, starting halfback for the Ste. Cecilia Cardinals in Omaha, Neb., recently notched 100 yards rushing in an 18-12 victory at area rival Elk Horn.

Without a single loss, Max averaged approximately four yards per carry on 25 touches. A two-way player, Max also was credited with seven solo tackles and an indeterminate number of defensive assists. He broke into the backfield on four out of four blitzes from the line, playing guard.

Max -- who is named for the late Max Fieg of Milford, Pa. -- is the son of Col. Edward L. Fieg (USAF) of Fairfield, Calif., and Dr. Teresa Hennesy of Omaha. His brother, Edward L. Fieg Jr. of Chicago, and sister, Emilie Harvey of Des Moines, Iowa, are planning a fly-in in the near future to see Max play.

Max wears No. 39, in honor of his uncle Greg Fieg's age.

Doug and Cindy "Dodge the Bullet"

I received this email from Doug today. As you may know, he and Cindy live in California, and from this message, they were in the path of one of the wildfires that seem to have become the state's most identifiable icon of late.

Check this website for the story:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/09/alpaca-farm.html#more

We are all gratified that their ranch was spared!

Hi all,

The fires passed by the mountains on the north side of Bradley Road (which borders our ranch). Looks like we are going to get by unscathed, thanks in large part to God for letting up on the northeast winds at just the right time. The air strike was very impressive. I tried to make a few movie clips. We will see if they worked out.

The media converged on the ranch. I did interviews with CBS national news and the Los Angeles Daily News, and Cindy did the Los Angeles Times, KNX radio, and one other one that I can’t remember right now. So, be watching the internet sites and TV tonight.

Judy, this might be the kind of news story that makes the REALLY big time media…the FFN! Ha! If you could get the word out through your network, that would be great!

Doug

Dates, Locales for Next Reunion Contemplated

With the next full reunion tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2012 at Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, the board of directors is contemplating a mini-reunion to be held next year at Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border, or Osage Lake in Missouri.

Unlike the Cooperstown affair -- which for some of us lasted for a week or more -- the mini-reunion would be a single day picnic, with an option to stay longer for those who wish to do so. No more than 15 or 20 people likely would attend, including those from the East Coast.

However, this event is being offered largely as a concession to a surprisingly large contingent of family members who make their homes in Nevada, California, Iowa, Missouri and Texas, etc.

All are encouraged to leave a comment. A decision likely will come after the first of next year.

Thank you all, and once again our extreme gratitude to all those coming to last year's events from the four corners of the continent.

Nancy Fieg Sends Blog from Ireland

Nancy Fieg, daughter of Ed Fieg, will be studying in Ireland for the next three and a half months. She has started a very entertaining blog relating her adventures there, and I know you'll all be fascinated, as I was, to read of her adventures.

The web site is http://www.nannercf.blogspot.com/. Take a look -- you'll see her kissing the Blarney Stone, you'll read of her adventures in a real Irish pub and the photos of the Irish countryside, buildings and archeological sites are marvelous.

Reunion Minutes

MINUTES OF THE FIEG FAMILY REUNION
JULY 18, 2009

The meeting was called to order by president Greg Fieg in the Beach Front pavilion of Glimmerglass State Park at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Judy Kestner welcomed attendees and recognized those who had helped plan and carry out the reunion.

The slate of officers was presented:

President: Greg Fieg
Vice president: Diana Monaco
Secretary: Judy Kestner
Treasurer: Anne Roman
Archivist: Anna Dangca
Family News editor: Judy Kestner

Judy asked for nominations from the floor. Greg nominated Anne Roman for the position of treasurer. Anne accepted, the nomination was seconded and the slate was approved by voice vote.

Judy reminded attendees to sign in and to update the family tree information on the registration table, and that photos and other archival material were available for perusal.

There were no other comments or questions and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:55 p.m.



Judy Kestner
Judy Kestner, Fieg Family Reunion Secretary
August 1, 2009

Schedule for Reunion Day and Week (long message)

Fieg Family Reunion Week Schedule

Saturday July 11 -- Arrival

List of accommodations:

Sue and Ed Williams, Steve and Eleanor Fieg, Doug and Cindy Fieg, Richard and Cindy Fieg
Phoenix Inn, 1270 County Hwy. 33, Cooperstown 607-547-1943

Russell & Heny Fieg
Howard Johnson’s, 4470 State Hwy 28, Milford NY 607-286-7600

John and Anne Roman, Don and Donovan Roman and Jennifer Blakeley, Dorothy Roman
Phoenix Cottage, Otsego Golf Club, Golf Club Ln., Springfield Ctr. 607-547-2148, 908-581-8447

Greg Fieg, Diana Monaco, Judy, Joe, Emilie Kestner
Aalsmeer Cabin #10, 7078 State Hwy 80, Cooperstown NY 607-547-8819, 914-806-4233

Jennifer (Boggs), Don and Keenan Murphy
At home, 8 Maple St., Cooperstown NY 607-547-1251

Ed and Barbara Fieg, Lisa Fieg
Lake ‘N Pines, 7102 State Hwy 80,Cooperstown NY 607-547-2790

Doris Holm, Dolly Rosenberg, Carol and Bob Ramagosa
Aalsmeer - motel section, 7078 State Hwy 80, Cooperstown NY 607-547-8819

Will Bookhout
At home, 315-655-2229, 607-432-5200

Dave Boggs
At home, 31 Woodside Ave, Oneonta

Annie Bookhout, Bob Morgan (maybe), Mary, Jeremy, Adam, Bailey Woolcott
Camp David, St. Hwy 80, Cooperstown NY 607-547-8305, 904-536-7556

Jon & Marilyn McGonigal
At home, 2752 St. Hwy. 7, Lot 20, Otego, NY 607-688-6346

Sarah, Kevin, Maren, Karoline, Grace, Collette, Frances Corkery
At home, 3895 State Hwy 23, Oneonta NY 607-433-7649

Anna, Allan, Cade, Rosa Marie, Eva Dangca
At home, 7 Richards Ave, Oneonta NY 607-433-7369

Estimated total: 55!

7:00PM Welcome dessert and coffee reception at Phoenix Cottage. Magic by Joe Kestner. Bring dessert to pass, BYOB. Coffee, tea and paper goods provided.


Sunday July 12 -- Reunion Day!
Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown, NY

10:00AM Set-up committee meets at Glimmerglass State Park, ‘Beachfront’ Pavilion.

11:00AM Sign in, buy auction tickets/Meet and Greet/Family Bingo

12:00Noon Eat

12:30PM Musical entertainment and sing-along

1:30PM Group photo on beach/family memorial

2:00PM Business meeting for adults; kick boxing class for kids conducted by Lisa Fieg and Anna Dangca

2:30PM Chinese auction

3:00PM Clean up, play, swim, mingle

4:00PM Optional Hyde Hall Hike conducted by Anne and John Roman. Includes oldest covered bridge
in America, historic Mohawk Trail toll house


Monday July 13 -- City Tour Day

8:00AM Early risers' breakfast at Phoenix House ($7 for non-guests)

9:00AM Late risers' breakfast at Phoenix House for late risers

10:00AM SHARP Tour of Oneonta leaves from Phoenix House:
· Original Fieg Homestead (plus 2 Cityview Drive & 6 Cityview Drive)
· Original Fieg shop
· Chipmunk Hollow
· Thornwood
· Fieg Family burial plot
· Table Rocks (picnic lunch if weather permits)
· Memory Forest & Cathedral Farms
· Bookhout Family plot
· The Gardner House
· Duncan Briggs Estate
· Bob & Dorothy Roman Honeymoon Cottage

Evening gathering at Phoenix Cottage. Bring meat to grill plus a dish/appetizer/dessert to pass. Step-dancing by Maren & Colette Corkery. Hosts John and Anne Roman, Don and Donovan Roman and Jennifer Blakeley. Please call Anne at 908 581-8447 to RSVP.


Tuesday July 14

9:33 AM. SHARP Tee-off time for golf tournament at Otesaga Hotel. Carts and clubs are provided with room for 2 more players or a foursome. Cost is approx. $150 + tips. Call host Greg Fieg at 702-449-9531 to join.

All day Come hang out at Aalsmeer Motel & Cottages for beach activities.
Bring sandwiches & games. Soda, juice, ice, paper goods & place settings
provided. Call Diana at 914-806-4233 for info.


Wednesday July 15, Phyllis Fieg's 5__ th birthday

Howe Caverns with Judy Fieg Kestner. Anyone who wants to go please call Judy at 361-701-1962.

If you have anything to add, please give a holla.

Col. Edward L. Fieg Receives Appointment

Col. Edward "Eddie" L. Fieg, fresh back from his second tour in the Middle East, has been named chief of the medical staff at Travis Air Force Base near Napa, CA. Eddie and his wife Barbara Harris, a registered nurse, will move later this summer from their present location at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. They have secured lodgings at a private golf course community outside Travis A.F.B

With great pride, we announce that Eddie, recently promoted to full colonel, has been awarded the Bronze Star for performance above and beyond the call of duty in combat in Afghanistan. He formerly served a tour in Iraq and two tours in S. Korea, and is approaching his twenty-fifth anniversary in the armed services, having formerly served in the Army.

Eddie formerly attended State University of New York at Oneonta and Corning; and is a graduate of Duke University.

Presenting Hannah June Harvey!

On June 10, Miss Hannah June Harvey came into this world in Des Moines, IA. She weighed eight pounds and fourteen ounces, and the proud parents are Emilie Harvey (daughter of Karen Fieg and Ed Fieg Sr.) and Harv Harvey. Hannah is a fourth generation descendant of Carl and Emilie Fieg.

The photo on the left is of Hannah, coming home from the hospital. On the right, Aunt Nancy Fieg holds Hannah and Emilie and Harv's first child, Paige, 20 months old.

Please send your well wishes (and a couple packs of Pampers, oh yeah!) to the proud parents.

Memorial Day, 2009

Steven Fieg sent a couple of photos of his dad -- the first Memorial Day he is not around in a long time.


We thank all the current and past veterans who keep our country safe and free!

Looking forward to the Fieg family reunion, it seems there is much left to do )lots of hot dogs to buy for one thing!).

Here is a teaser of what you can expect on Sunday July 12 at Glimmerglass State Park:

At our registration table there will be color-coded name tags identifying attendees by the particular branch of the tree they fell from, and we will have a donation jar to help offset future costs.

A "Chinese auction" is being organized by Diana. You will purchase tickets and distribute them among boxes that correspond to items you want to win, and the prizes and merchandise will go to the person whose ticket is drawn from the box. You may place all your tickets into one box, or spread them out to try to win several FABULOUS prizes.

Eleven Fiegs are committed to attend a family breakfast at the Phoenix Inn in Phoenix Mills at 8:30 Monday morning. A dozen more people can be accommodated for breakfast for $7 a head, with reservations required by Saturday morning. Please come and join us for one of the best $7 breakfasts you'll ever eat. The owner puts out a fabulous spread with fresh fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice, exotic breads, eggs to order etc. etc. When we eat at the B&B, Kathy Clancy recommends we mention that the Clancys are part of our clan. She said the owner, Vicki Gates, would like to know.

After breakfast the Oneonta tour of buildings produced by Lothar Fieg Sr.'s business will commence. This includes Thornwood, Chipmunk Hollow, the Duncan Briggs estate, the original Fieg shop and more. Tour attendees may opt to enjoy a late Dutch treat lunch in Oneonta at a good Italian restaurant.

We are tossing around family tree ideas, so if you have something to contribute -- photos, information, anecdotes -- we'll try to include everything somehow.

The reunion is right around the corner -- polish up your Bermuda shorts!

Jon McGonigal Welcomes Third Great-Grandchild

On March 30, 2009, Jon McGonigal's grandson Justin and his wife Heather had their third baby girl. Her name is Lucy Hannah McGonigal, and she weighed nine pounds and seven ounces! Jon's wife, Marilyn, writes that Lucy was close to twenty-two inches in length. They are looking forward to our reunion in July, and renewing family ties.

Jon is the eldest son of Jim and Emilie (Fieg) McGonigal, and grandson of Lothar Fieg Sr.

College Basketball Thrilla

Binghamton University, of which Judy Kestner is an alumna, will play Duke in the NCAA basketball finals on March 19 in Greensboro, NC. Eddie Fieg Sr. has wagered two Omaha steaks that Duke will whup up on B.U. Judy Kestner has accepted that bet, with grave misgivings.

The game will be broadcast on CBS at about 9 p.m. on March 19 -- take a look and see who ends up with Worcestershire on his face.....

Grandpa Redux

Another link from Diana to a story in the Oneonta Daily Star about Grandpa Fieg's history. Go on a scavenger hunt around Oneonta and find the structures referenced in the story!

http://www.thedailystar.com/opinion/local_story_113140117.html

Thanks Diana -- don't you do any work at home? Haha.

Patently True!

Thanks to Diana who discovered this link. It looks as if Grandpa Fieg was an inventor of concrete railroad ties. Though I've never seen one, the description makes me think he invented rebar! Who knew?

http://www.google.com/patents?hl=en&lr=&vid=USPAT1396566&id=ZgRhAAAAEBAJ&oi=fnd

Sarah (Fieg) and Kevin Corkery Welcome New Daughter

In an email, Sarah Corkery, daughter of Greg Fieg, writes:

Our new baby girl, Frances Catherine Corkery, took us by surprise when she was born Jan. 4, 2009. She weighed in at 5 lbs. 14 oz and measured 19 inches long.

We were not expecting her until at LEAST Jan. 8 and since all my babes are late, expected her even later than that. Also her size is significantly smaller than what we are used to...I never thought I could have a peanut for a baby, but boy is it nice!! She's healthy and strong and we sure are happy she is here. Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers. (Picture at left shows Karoline Corkery with baby sis Frances.)

God bless!

Sarah

Letter From Susan Fieg Williams

Susan Fieg Williams dropped me a lovely letter which I would like to share with you all. She included addresses for all of Uncle Bud's kids and grandkids, as well as email addresses and some very interesting info on their doings. I have done some minor editing.

2/19/09

Dear Judy,

We received so many great emails, phone calls, cards etc. from the family while dad was ill, as well as since he has passed. He lived a great life and was admired by many people (not only family); he will be missed....

His health had gone downhill quickly after Rachel died in early August 2008. I think it was too many changes in a year's time, and he was not very happy without her, or with the Presbyterian Manor. I don't want to lead you to believe that he "gave up," but it was too difficult to make so many changes in his life all at once.

On Sunday Jan. 18 we brought him over to Steve and Eleanor's new home in Pevely, MO. Three of his five children and their spouses were there to share a meal and see the new house. I think Dad was impressed with
with their home .... I wish I had taken pictures!

On Jan. 19 he moved back to Ste. Genevieve to the Parkwood Senior Care Center and saw his family doctor of many years on the same day. Dr. Raju was very excited to get him going on more therapy, change his meds etc., to try to get him back to his old self.

On Tuesday Jan. 20, Dad could not stay awake and slept all day. After dinner, the emergency staff was called and he was taken to the local hospital for tests. It was determined he had had a heart attack and they admitted him. Richard stayed with him the first night, and others shared the duty the following nights.

On Jan. 28 there was a big snow storm, so Richard looked in on him after work at 11 p.m. and when he saw that Dad was resting comfortably, he went home to shovel snow and get a good night's sleep. This was Dad's first night alone, and when the nurses checked on him about 2 a.m. on Jan. 29, they found he had passed. I personally think he was waiting to be alone!

We planned a one day wake/funeral for Monday Feb. 2 and did not expect any other out-of-town family to attend except for we five.... Much to our surprise, Greg Fieg was able to attend.

The service was beautiful. The place was packed with Ste. Genevieve friends and all spoke very highly of him. Dad was buried with his mining helmet (per his request) next to Mom in Ste. Genevieve, MO.



Following are addresses, phone numbers for Uncle Bud's progeny, and interesting bits of information about them:

Children:
Richard & Cindy Fieg, (Cindy's youngest daughter Brenna lives with them), 13775 Highway M, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670; phone 573/883-7328; email clrlfiegs@gmail.com
Susan & Ed Williams, 10728 Buck Dr., Orland Park, IL 60467; phone 708/460-5179 home, 708/955-2906 Sue's cell, 708/403-4777 Sue's office; email sue0625@comcast.net
Russell & Heny Fieg, 4782 Primavera, E. Las Vegas, NV 89122; phone 702/458-8743; email nomazmo2000@yahoo.com (they will be moving shortly and this info will change)
Steve & Eleanor Fieg, 115 Chablis, Pevely, MO 63070; phone 636/224-2126; email steven_fieg@yahoo.com
Douglas & Cindy Fieg, 7660 Bradley Rd., Somis, CA 93066; phone 805/386-8186 home, 562/212-6173 cell; email dfieg@charter.net

Grandchildren:
Brian & Emily Fieg (Doug's youngest), 2508 Cumberland Ct. SE, Smyrna, GA 30080; phone 770/597-9335; email brianfieg@gmail.com
Laura Fieg (Doug's oldest) is teaching in Uganda, Africa. her blog is www.xanga.com/loverofbirds, and her email is laurafieg@gmail.com, though she sometimes has a hard time receiving and sending emails. She is the owner of the condo where Brian and Emily are living.
Tamara & Thomas Bradford (Richard's oldest stepdaughter), 817 Warne St., Festus, MO 63028; phone 636/937-4879; email tferguson@jeffco.edu.

USAF Awards Bronze Star to Col. Edward L.Fieg

Edward Lothar Fieg, having recently returned from his second tour in the Middle East, has been promoted to full colonel and been awarded the coveted Bronze Star -- the fourth highest commendation for meritorius service and bravery in combat after the Medal of Honor.

Ed and his wife Barbara Harris are currently vacationing in New York City and will soon return to their home near Dayton, Ohio, where Ed previously had been hospital emergency room director at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

They recently returned from San Antonio, where Ed gave the opening presentation, concerning Afghan combat medical support, to top-ranking Air Force medical personnel at Lackland AFB.

He recently completed a year's tour in Afghanistan, having served for six months in Iraq last year. He is approaching his 25th anniversary in the armed forces, having initially enlisted in the Army. He formerly served two tours in South Korea with the Air Force.

Barb is also in medicine, having formerly been named Nurse of the Year at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, the nation's second largest medical center. She and Ed are awaiting word of his next assignment.

Janet Holm McHenry, Author

Janet Holm McHenry, daughter of cousin Doris Fieg Holm, is a noted author. Below is a bit of information from her personal web site. She is published by Random House in New York.

"Whether she's speaking on prayer, spiritual health or girlfriends, Janet Holm McHenry will fill you with help from God's Word, hope from her own stories, and humor from her heart.

"Janet is the author of nineteen books, including Girlfriend Gatherings: Creative Ways to Stay Connected and several on prayer:
PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline
Daily PrayerWalk: Meditations for a Deeper Prayer Life
Prayer Changes Teens: How to Parent from Your Knees
PrayerStreaming: Staying in Touch With God All Day Long
My Prayer Buddy Devotional: For a Sisterhood of Prayer Partners
"She also has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines, including Today's Christian Woman, Interpreter, Discipleship Journal, Decision, Woman's Touch, and Guideposts. Additionally, stories about her transformation through prayerwalking and her passion for her community have been aired on radio and television stations around the country and appeared in magazines such as Health, Family Circle, First and Catholic Digest.

"After Janet graduated from University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in journalism, she married her high school sweetheart Craig and worked as a newspaper reporter and editor. They eventually settled down in the Sierra Valley north of Truckee, where Craig is a rancher. Now a mom to four kids and a high school English, creative writing, and journalism teacher--Janet says the only pastime she has time for is friends!"

You can read more, or contact her at http://www.janetmchenry.com/. She is the granddaughter of the late Max Fieg. Her husband is a direct descendant of James McHenry, secretary of war under President George Washington. Fort McHenry at Baltimore is named after James McHenry.

Jean Fieg Celebrates Her Eightieth Birthday

On February 9, 2009 Jean Davie Fieg will turn eighty years old. She was born on two/nine, two-nine, as her father, Raymon G. Davie Sr. noted on that day.

Jean married Philip Fieg, the Fieg Family News founder, on Sept. 2, 1950 and they had three daughters: Judy, Diana and Phyllis.

I hope you will send your congratulations to her!