Introduction

First, a few words of explanation. At the recent family reunion everyone unanimously picked Jerry, Ray, and me to work with genealogy. We were given the go-ahead to organize the work however we wanted. Jerry and I discussed the possible publication of a family newsletter and concluded that my talents could better be used in this area than with specific research assignments. This then is the beginning of the results of that decision.

Now a family newsletter is much broader than genealogy narrowly conceived. A newsletter keeps people informed; it helps keep families united. But such a project requires everyone's help. If the spotlight never shines on your particular family, blame no one but yourself, since I plan to share only that news you send to me. If there are births, baptisms, ordinations, graduations, job changes, vacations—in short, anything you want shared with everyone else—send me the information and it will make the next number of the newsletter.

Expect a copy of the newsletter four times a year—free of charge—in September, December, March, and June. This one is the first.


The Cleverly Newsletter, Sept 1973 [Vol 1 no 1]

Second annual family reunion

The second annual Ivard R Cleverly family reunion belongs now to history. The fun, the food, and the friendshipping should linger as a pleasant memory for all who participated. Ray and Sheryl deserve special thanks for planning and then hosting the reunion in their Burley home. Twenty-three family members came, out of a possible thirty-nine. The sixteen lost souls belonged to Lyle's and Kay's families, neither of which were able to attend.

The reunion weekend began Friday evening, July 13, with a dinner and lots of visiting. Saturday morning featured breakfast, organized games, and more visiting. Following lunch a business meeting was held. Then a swimming excursion and a night picnic. Sunday meant meetings, a final meal, and departures.

In the business meeting: (1) Jerry, Ray, and Dean were appointed as the family genealogy committee; (2) Ray talked about certain items he could get for food storage; (3) Gene forwarded the idea of buying land; and (4) Ray showed a packet of genealogy materials he had prepared for each family. The pictures of early homes and chapels, together with Harry Pledger's story of how he courted Grandma Batt, make this packet well worth its $10 price.


The Cleverly Newsletter, Sept 1973 [Vol 1 no 1]

Next year's reunion

No definite plans have been made yet, but Lyle and Barbara will host next year's family reunion in Washington state. This will coincide with the World's Fair in Spokane next summer.

The Cleverly Newsletter, Sept 1973 [Vol 1 no 1]

Autumn people

The following eight people celebrate their birthdays between September 21 and December 20:

Sept 25: Stanley (age 19)
Sept 29: Dorothy (age 58)
Oct 30: Randy (age 11)
Oct 31: Jackie (age 17)
Nov 5: Angie (age 11)
Nov 8: LaWanda (age 2)
Nov 15: Kay (age 32)
Nov 20: Grandma Batt (age 79)


The Cleverly Newsletter, Sept 1973 [Vol 1 no 1]

Claudia graduates from BYU

Claudia (as in my wife) was one of 2,143 graduates in BYU's 98th annual summer commencement. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in elementary education (minor in German). She taught second grade in Springville during the past school year and then finished her course work this summer. During her sophomore year (1971) she spent a semester studying in Salzburg, Austria.

Elder Howard W. Hunter, now of the Council of the Twelve and once Claudia's bishop and stake president, presided and spoke at the summer commencement August 17. Wallace F. Bennett, retiring Republican senator from Utah, gave the main address. His theme: We cannot possess that which we inherit from our fathers until we earn it for ourselves.

The two of us spent the week following her graduation on the sunny beaches of southern California as guests of her parents, the Langes. It was a last chance to see her only brother David, who leaves October 13 for the newly created Thailand Mission.


The Cleverly Newsletter, Sept 1973 [Vol 1 no 1]

Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following couples on their autumn wedding anniversaries:

Oct 10: Kay and Claudia (tenth)
Oct 17: Ray and Sheryl (fifth)
Nov 22: Dean and Claudia (first)
Dec 17: Ivard and Dorothy (thirty-ninth)


The Cleverly Newsletter, Sept 1973 [Vol 1 no 1]

A final word

And now a parting observation from Harold B. Lee's closing address in the April 1973 general conference: Go home now to your people, I pray you, and say as did Joshua of old: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). Teach your families in your family home evening, teach them to keep the commandments of God, for therein is our only safety in these days. If they will do that, the powers of the Almighty will descend upon them as the dews from heaven, and the Holy Ghost will be theirs.

That's quite a promise! And it comes from the prophet of God. I commend his counsel to you, with my hearty blessing and love.


The Cleverly Newsletter, Sept 1973 [Vol 1 no 1]