Save The Date -- September 2 - 4, 2025

Genealogy: many of us have collected data over the years trying to reconstruct their own family history. I'm hoping that I can fill in some "holes" of my own family history and the associated histories of my uncles and aunts.

From Charlotte, the first note, for the 2025 reunion:

Our last Cousin Reunion was 10 years ago in September 2015, hosted by Uncle Carl.  It was a great time for visiting and reminiscing about the "olden days".  At that time, we ranged in age from 51 years to 71 years -- in the best years of our lives, some would say.  

This year our range is 61 to 81 years of age!!!  I'm thinking we should make the most of this reunion. (If we gather in another 10 years, we'll be in the 71 to 91 year range, which might make travel difficult for some.)

Plans have been finalized for the 2025 Oksol Cousin Reunion on September 2, 3 and 4, 2025.  Check in to the hotel on Tuesday, September 2, gather, visit and eat on Wednesday, September 3, and check out Thursday, September 4, 2025.

A block of rooms has been set aside at the Best Western--Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Rapid City.  

Call and make your reservation on line as soon as possible, referencing the Oksol Cousin Reunion group.  If something comes up later, you can cancel without any charge if you cancel no later than 4:00 pm MDT - 24 hours prior to arrival.

All events will be in the Badlands Meeting Room of the Convention Center, with an evening dinner in Minerva's restaurant in the hotel.

I hope all of you can attend.  I'd appreciate a quick text message to XXX-XXX-XXX regarding your plans.

Attached are all the details for the reunion.  If you have any questions, call or text me any time.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up!

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Attachment From Charlotte's First Note

Oksol Cousin Reunion
Sept. 2-4, 2025
Best Western—Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center
Rapid City SD
A block of rooms has been set aside at the Hotel.  Rooms have either one King or two Queen beds and are located on the ground floor.  (This is the same hotel where we dined the evening of our last reunion in 2015.)
Room cost is $129.00 plus 8.7% tax ($11.23) and $2.00 Occupancy Fee per night, or $142.23/night.  
The two-night stay will be $284.44.  Make Reservations as soon as possible to ensure availability.  There is no charge for cancellation if cancelled no later than 4:00 pm MDT -- 24 hours before arrival.  

You can call the hotel at (605)343-8550 and reference September 2-4, 2025-- Oksol Cousin Reunion 2025-Tile.  

OR Here's the link for those who wish to book online:
https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.42048.html?groupId=Q58BC9D8
PLEASE NOTE: If a room type requested is not shown, you will need to call the hotel directly to make your reservation. (For example-if you need an ADA room or wish to upgrade to a room type not contracted.)

Hotel Amenities to Enjoy:
• Complimentary airport shuttle
• Complimentary in-town hotel shuttle (based on availability)
• Large free parking area
• Award-winning Minerva’s Restaurant and Bar on-site with breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour
• Refrigerators and Microwaves in guest rooms
• Complimentary high speed wireless internet

• Business center/gift shop
• Fitness center
• Large indoor adult swimming pool with wading pool and whirlpool
• Separate FREE indoor water park with 165’ water slides
• Within walking distance to over a hundred shops, seven screen movie theatre and many dining options
• On-site guest laundry
• Pet friendly-inquire for pet fee details
Tuesday, September 2:  Arrival and Check-in
(Later - Meet in the hotel bar for a toddy to unwind from your travels??? Text me when you are ready!)

Wednesday, September 3:  Events in the “Badlands” Meeting Room:
(Follow the hallway between the hotel Lobby and Minerva’s, take the first left and then the first right – Badlands Rm is on the corner)
10:00 am            Everyone gather for Coffee, Pastries and Conversation

12:00 Noon – 1:00 pm        Lunch Buffet/Deli-Bar
                    Sliced Ham/Roast Beef/Smoked Turkey
                    American/Swiss/Cheddar Cheese
                    Lettuce/Tomato/Red Onion/Pickles
                    Assorted Breads
                    Soup of the Day
                    Deli Salad (Chef’s Choice)
                    Potato Chips
                    Coffee/Iced Tea

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm        More Conversation and Pictures


Shared cost of the above events to cover Meeting Room Rental, Food and Beverages is $25 per person payable directly to Charlotte.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5:30 pm            Gather for Dinner together in Minerva’s Party Room.
Tables will be reserved.
We will order off the menu and pay separately.


Thursday, September 4: – Check-out and Farewell                Safe Travels!!!

Save The Date -- Sometime In March -- 2017

The Texas contingent notes: public school spring break: Friday, 4:00 p.m. March 10, 2017, through Sunday night, March19, 2017 (third full week of March).

The West Coast contingent notes: public school spring break:  Friday, 4:00 p.m. March 24, 2017, through Sunday night, April 2, 2017 (fifth, or last, full week of March).

It's possible some reunionites will be out at Flathead Lake during the third week of March (2017) and some will be there during the fifth week of March (2017).

Bruce is looking at being in Flathead both weeks.

Bottom line: things are still in flux, but the last three weeks of March is still the general time frame. Various contingents may want to discuss among themselves when they might be out there.

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The Red Pan

May has a "loaner" red pan from Wal-Mart. She won't get a genuine red copper pan until she visits Carl, assuming his inventory has not been exhausted. For now:

Save The Date: Last Week In March, 2017

Pencil this in; save the date.

The 63rd annual Memorial Paul and Christine Oksol family reunion will be held the last week in March, 2017. The reunion will kick off in Williston, ND, on Carl's birthday in February, where those who have not gotten their Red Copper frying pan might be able to get one, assuming a) they are eligible; and, b) there are still any pans left.

The reunion will be celebrated in various venues across the upper northwest from Portland, OR, to the Black Hills, SD, to Williston, ND.

Headquarters and culmination for the reunion will be Flathead, Montana.

Tee-shirts may or may not be available. That decision will be made once we have a hospitality committee.

Some initial thoughts, on committee assignments:

• Temporary Event Coordinator: Bruce
• West Coast Logistics and Planning Committee, Chair: Jan
• Southwest USA Logistics and Planning Committee, Chair: Kathy
• Minnesota Conference Logistics and Planning Committee, Chair: Yvonne
• Williston Logistics and Planning Committee, Chair: open
• Red Pan Committee: Carl
• Bakken Area Logistics and Planning Committee, Chair: Bruce