​Dear family members, especially local or Florida based Hosting Group for the upcoming Sparrowmelvin Family Reunion to be held in a few weeks July 21 - 23, 2923.A reminder of sorts, if you haven't been following pertinent information from the meeting: Meet and Greet will be held on Friday July 21 st at 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. with those ages 4 to 12 having a break out fun event in an adjoining room. The continued activities will be ongoing in the larger venue facilitated by the Host members. Plenty of activities and fun events will be forthcoming. On Saturday July 22nd an optional offering of a picnic style event for those who have no plans to venture out in our Great city with Amusement parks, Disney World events, Fun Spot or a helicopter ride, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. later a Happy Hearts wearing Family Reunion Schedule begins at 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.with fun and entertaining activities, hopefully memorable moments. Next day, Sunday July 23rd, a Service breakfast and Memoriam begins at 8 a.m. honoring our deceased and end around 11:00 a.m. to our delight. ****Notice of Importance: Room Reservations have been Extended at the Avanti Palms International Hotel for our Group Sparrowmelvin Family Reunion. ****Notice of Importance:Final payment for Florida Host attendees have been Extended to July 8, 2023 or if your can get it in before that date checks, money orders or in person to Louis Sparrow. **""T-Shirt 👕 deadline is Final. Can do more shirts after reunion is over if you're still interested. *"""Next meeting is this coming Sunday weekend June 25, 2023. Time 3:30 p.m.at Aunt Margie House. 1649 Glen Haven. Ocoee Florida.34761 Conference Line 📱 1268079601 Access Code 551214981# Mute. *6. To Talk UnMute.*6. To Listen Check your ✉️ emails, text, phone calls, messages. We still need helpers, volunteers, bring gifts, trinkets, etc. Any questions or concerns call Uncle Louis, Aunt Lil, or any of us for further information or instructions. You are authorized to go to the hotel and check the layout of the venue at the front desk Again, it's No Banquet Attire on Saturday Night, Happy Fun Night, T-Shirt 👕 and preferably White Pants or White bottoms with the T-shirt 👕 recommended. Most importantly We need A Hard Count, number of Adults 18 and over, Number of young folks 13 and over and Number of Kids Infant 12 ASAP., Preferably this week to give to the Hotel. The facility only holds 260 capacity for space and food. My apologies for making this Soooo lengthy, but necessary and Happy Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration. Vincent P.S. Cousin Jerome needs your undated contact information pronto. I will provide him what I have minus most of the home addresses.

​News Update!!!!!!
This just in today, really sad news, just last week I had indicated that we needed to send up some prayers for family members on different occasions. Well, today I was informed that Maurice, Lottie's husband up in Ocala, had a stroke and didn't make it. Any additional information will be forthcoming and let family members know the particulars later. We are getting good positive feedback from some family members on wanting to go on the family reunion Cruise, this is just a trial survey to see how many are interested, going forward. Edith's nephew, Donnie Gains have also left us and funeral services will be announced later, as we don't have all the particulars. Joe, Joann, and Herbert all made it out of surgery and are in recovery. Don't forget, the state has been extended Six ( 6 ) more days to register to vote, yesterday was the last day, October 11th, now we have until October 17th. If you don't vote, then don't complain. It's your future. Lots of ballets are coming in unsigned on the back without a date and will not be counted. Michael and Sabrina are leaving next week to Zeke's graduation ( boot camp ) Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Fred Jr. starts his academic fraternal program Saturday at Frontline while Nali is on to another victory at the Soccer field. Do check in with family members from time to time, never know what's going to happen next and life is short. Take Care, Vincent
P.S. We did here from Lil Chrissy over in Nassau and All is well. They're safe. Also, Joe talked to Norman down in Miami, so far so good. I talked to Sarah up in North Carolina and they are safe as well. Time to breathe. I have a few of my students who lost their parents and siblings in Haiti in the storm, sad but they're dealing with everything. We definitely need to count our blessings. Thanks for the prayers, we heard all of you.

To All Family Members
We are sincerely grateful that all, so far, that I am aware of, have successfully weathered the storm ( Hurricane Matthew &  Hurricane Nicole ). Lisa, Valle, Charlie, Sylvia, Karen and Chico made it back, by the grace of God, ahead of the storm while they ventured out on a Cruise on the high seas. Welcome Back! We definitely dodges a bullet, the storm wobbled instead of wiggling and we were fortunate enough to escape the rafter of its mighty force. Lots of folks, especially in Haiti, Cuba, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina were not so fortunate. Tried to reach some of the family members in that area and got a hold of some but not all. Family members in Nassau and the out lying Islands were hunkered down pretty good, so far no bad or lingering reports. Sometimes, no news, is good news. Again, our prayers go out to all of those that were affected whether it was your electricity, debris in the streets and yards, or simple displacement, do try to reach out and see what's going on. Maurice, Lottie's husband still needs our prayers, Joe, Joann, Herbert and Edith all had situations that had to be medically addressed either with short stays at the hospital or some type of surgery that needed to be fulfilled. Other than that, surely thankful that we are still standing.

On another note: Family members in Wilmington and local need some feedback, nothing permanent or carved in stone. Folks are interesting in hosting a Cruise for the next Family Reunion and needed to know or get some feedback on how many are interested or are willing to participate in this different type of venue. The cost is not any issue at this point in time, just wanting to know if any of you or all of you desire to entertain something different and exciting. We have never done this before, but whatever it takes to gather up our straws, be together, and enjoy a once in a while Family Affair. Don't worry about the cost or anything like that at this time, however, I can say the more the merrier and the less costly when large groups are involved. Also, you don't have to worry about where you are going to stay, going to a different venue for food and entertainment, etc. Most of all, we get a chance to enjoy each other without having to concern ourselves about who is working behind the scenes, which can be very taxing and exhausting to the host group. Let us know your thoughts and concerns, if any, and give us a number in your family as well as a yes or a no confirmation, that you're interested. How about numbers and confirmation by Saturday of this week, October 15, 2016. Those that do not have access of a digital device can pass this on to a family member, get the information from them, and relay it back ASAP. We just need some idea of everyone's thoughts before proceeding. If there are questions, do not hesitate to contact myself of Joe Sparrow Jr. 3526304726. Most of you already know Uncle Louis' number and location, so stop by and let him know if you get a chance. Zeke is almost done with Basic Training and ready to venture into more challenging waters ( Yeah ). In addition to this correspondence, this may take a while to collect the information/ data concerning this event, but as always, I'm being overly optimistic and believe in you all.
Thanks,
Vincent

I forgot to give you information on Mookie's bowling schedule.  She has a tournament on Saturday May 7, 2016 @ 9 a.m.   She will also have a tournament in June that is in New Port Ritchey.  I will have to get the location for you.  She bowl both Saturday and Sunday June 4 & 5, 2016 @ 2 p.m.
​To purchase tickets for JSA recital you will need to go online at schools.polk-fl.net/JewettSchooloOfTheArts.  Scroll to were you will see 14th Annual Dance Concert.  Click on there and it will take you to the purchase screen.  The concert is on May 20th @ 6:30 p.m.  Tickets should be purchased ahead of time.  Seating is limited.  You will need to purchase before May 19, 2016.  Tickets are $8.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door if seating is available. 
Celie and Mookie's dance recital for A New Pointe Dance is June 11, 2016 with two times 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are $10.00 and need to be purchased in advance.  They will not sell tickets at the theater.  It will be held at the Chain of Lakes Theater across the street from Applebees.

Hello Everyone,

You can tell I have been very busy and definitely off the radar for a while. This is Celie and Kathryn (Mookie) Sparrow's schedule of activities that's added to information you all should already have from weeks ago. In case I forget and the clock strikes midnight, hopefully, all will be well, both here and abroad, all around the world. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to All mother's and grandmothers, and great grandmothers, if that applies. I did go out to my mother's grave site this morning and had a pleasant calm morning of meditation and prayer. Do acknowledge who you are and the legacy imbedded in your hearts and souls. I did get an opportunity to speak to yet another family member by and by, Melissa and cousin Emma, do support her on her books she's selling. They are great spiritual poems and prose, usually I give them out to graduating seniors, to take with them as keepsakes as a constant reminder, that we are never alone and God is forever present in our lives. This, another year, and soon summer will be here. On Thursday, Uncle Louis and a cast of others will be going to the Holy Land Experience, two openings are still available. Call me before I Call you (smile). Lil Chrissy, I should have an answer for you by the end of next week. I have not forgotten, At All. Do, if you have them, send pictures of any of our Uncles or Aunts, which a clear picture and also clear pictures, if you have them to Mr. Michael Bright (pronto). Again, if I have missed anything or anybody, do send out events or venues, notable that would interest family members and friends that are credible and worth abbreviating for both the soul and our entertainment. On Wednesday, May 11, 2016, Laila, Tinker Bell's daughter, she's 13 years old, will be running the 400 meter and 440 relay at Memorial Middle School at 5:00 p.m. and on June 4, 2016, an event fundraiser at Eola Park with Michael and Sabrina will be going on for " At Risk " kids etc. Folks are doing things, so get involved and call, text, shout, or throw a rock (with a message) to someone. The hour glass is turned upside down and the sand is slowly falling down. I'm not sure, but I think Malyia, Sheila's daughter is graduating soon, don't have date, time or place. If someone can research and send that information out, it will be deeply appreciated. Take Care.

Thanks
Vincent
P.S. Angel Sparrow is getting married on May 20, 2016 in Arizona. I can's make that trip, but my prayers are already gone. That is also, by coincidence my mother's birthday (yeah). Clarence has a birthday in May and so does Joe, along with some other people that slips my mind. Herbert and Joshua are going to be out there supporting her.

Hello Everybody,
This is the month of April and as usual so much is happening both here and around the world. Coupled with work and other intangibles, every now and then I am able to take a few minutes and glue in on others daily routines and proposed infractions. Again, if I haven't stated before or someone didn't get the memo, I was able a few weeks ago to get up to Williston to see Jerome and his crew, didn't get to see or visit Aunt Idella. the situation and timeliness was not convenient at the time, however, I did get to go South and see the Miami crew with Aunt Princess and Andrea along with Barbara and Dornell but didn't get an opportunity to see Anthony, Nadine, Norman and the rest to the group but did leave a message. Norma is highly missed and so many thoughts are ramming through my head with reflective moments. This weekend, not sure who would be on my radar to either call or see, but it is imperative that some family member will get a call, tap on the shoulder or have a moment of calm. These days seem like an hour - glass being turned over and waiting for the sand to flow slowly is eye - opening. For the past few weeks I have been trying to come up with a good time and date to just have a gathering for a few hours here and there and it nearly seems like it is out of reach for the moment. I can only pray that some magic will hit me and miraculous pings will bring the forces into alignment. I am working with Mr. Bright, collaboratively to put a website of sorts together for the Sparrow - Melvin side just like he did the one for the Roberts - Weir reunion where we can post or blog important or pertinent information without having to break into folks schedule to summon a meeting where its conflicting. This is an area, hopefully where we can post pictures, rsvp, give notice to birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, births, or any historical notices as well as flight information or medical concerns, etc. Once this takes place, even those individuals that don't have or do not know how to use electronic devices, like me ( smile ), can have access or be able to share and tap into what is happening with family affairs. Things are happening everyday and sometimes we don't get the word until its too late, like March 7th of this year, cousin Barbara from Miami turned 85 years old this year and we wasn't aware, because she is the oldest cousin on that side of the family and that's not only important but historical. I didn't know that Aunt Princess played basketball way back then when they had six women on a team instead of five, and loved to play softball, until we talked, exciting moments and the Easter program at Andrea's church would have been promising for some of us to just show up. It's not too late to stay connected and that includes me, there is no blame involved here just making a point of acknowledgement. The discussion was, somehow, we can show up for funerals or sad moments, in record numbers but it is difficult too just make a call or show up for something small or spontaneous. Anyway, in the year of 2016, I made a concerted effort to allow myself to spend more time with family members in one way or another and I'm chipping slowly, nonetheless, chipping all the same. I do not expect anyone else to do what I do or even how I do it.Uncle Louis is sponsoring a trip to the Holy Land Experience on May 12, 2016. The cost of the trip is $40.00 and he needs the money by Sunday May 10th or before, if you wish to go. Now, some of you may not be able to pay now, but I will front anyone up to two people and we can discuss the arrangements. Get back to me right away on this. Take Care. Vincent

​In addition to the foregone information:

On Wednesday of this week, at around 5:00 p.m. I attended Laila's, Tinka Bell's daughter, track meet, although she came in second place in the 400 meter run, she was eternally grateful for the support at Liberty Middle School. She will be competing every Wednesday around the same time, even if it is raining. Yeah. There are two slots for the Holy Land Experience on May 12th, let me or Uncle Louis know if you're interested. It is on a Thursday and last from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Hope some more family members can participate. Graduations and other events are coming up and folks need to let us know about any other areas that need to be addressed. I haven't heard about any report cards. I know you all have them, or had them and I'm baffled not even a sound from anywhere. Again, want to thank Lisa for her support on a family member coming in town from out of the country and was right on time with her hospitality. On another note, I have been collaborating with Mr. Michael Bright to do a family website for us, something similar to Facebook, but only restricted to family members and events that are conducive to our history and upcoming, documented, events and he has agreed. There will be two Sites: Roberts - Weir (mother side ) and Sparrow - Melvin ( father side ). Lots of time we either don't have time or are in another state of mind and can't seem to get together, so this would be another mechanism by which to create a forum for unity and collectiveness. We do need you all's help in constructing this medium: Anyone who has family pictures, old pictures of Uncles and Aunts from each side of the family that's worth resurrecting, Jill just sent me one of her father and mother that's priceless, pictures from prior Reunions, and those that probably need to be preserved. Do send them, with promptness and haste to Sheeka's husband, Michael Bright ( upload ) and he will format and put them in the family website's gallery as well as other areas as discussed. After the site goes up, any suggestions or ideas that would be beneficial are highly encouraged. His email address, effective, NOW, is [email protected]. I'm not sure but you may be able to transport reunion pictures from your FACEBOOK page or camera's to this email address or talk to some young tech in the family who is proficient with this kind of medium. Make certain you do it as quick as possible of right after you read this message, for those who are forever forgetful, me. Yep, I constantly need reminders, cause I'm busy, legitimate excuse ( smile ). Joe, I need a time, place and date, either emailed or texted to me, for the weekend of the 23rd of April, pending on the time, it maybe an issue. I have a meeting with Sabrina and Michael, that morning at 10:00 a.m. for a few hours. Also, Jill is trying to round all of us up in one place, before she makes that trip from Nassau over here. I did talk to Dominique, Rochelle and Paul this week and will track down other relative, just to say hi! on next week, until later, don't forget to send Michael Bright those pictures from anything you have for the family website.
Thanks,
Vincent
P.S. If I have missed anything or anybody, do not hesitate to use the email in the cue and forward updates and beneficial news. Yesterday was Emancipation Day all over the United States and political jockeying is happening even as we speak. Do be aware of the Zika Virus from the mosquitoes and take precautions, lastly we all need prayer, Lisa, Fred and DJ were just  released from the hospital as well as my grand daughter with a broke arm from playing sports, and all of us need to breathe, Take Care, Love ya'll