How does that sound ? Do we want to form an Association and charge dues and award scholarships and become a formal organization and register with the IRS so contributions are tax deductable? Or do we want to stay informal and just get together every couple of years ? Here are my thoughts on the whole idea.

1. We form an Association that is tax deductable and one that actually accomplishes some things. I think building a scholarship fund would be a great idea. My kids will be out of college long before we have enough to award a scholarship, but I think it would be a wonderful thing to work for. We could award scholarships in two or three years.

2. We plan a regular time to have a family reunion. Every two or three years. We could plan something in Las Vegas, Denver, San Francisco, a cruise to Alaska or a beach resort. We could even hold it in Oklahoma or Arkansas every other time. Something that would get a lot of people to turn out. I think going off to spend three or four days with their relatives is not every teenagers idea of a good time, but I would like them to know their cousins and if we planned it for a 'destination' city or a resort, we would get a better turnout.

3. We get a newsletter or Email going. something that goes out once a month or so. Nothing elaborate, just something to keep everyone informed of What everyone is doing and who the newest Bowlans are. We have lost touch with several branches of the family and this would be a way of keeping in touch.

4. We get together in the summer of 2000 and have a family reunion and part of that is planning for the next one and figuring out some of these details of the association, planning committees, scholarship group, etc..

What do you think? Good idea or the dumbest thing you have ever heard? Yell at me, I can take it! If you have questions or comments or anything to add, please let me know. I can be reached at Bill@Bowlan.com. And I will post everyones comments up here. I may edit the language a little, but the idea will remain. Thanks.