Grandmothers are Awesome, MCJ News

Hello Family, we're just a little over a week away from MCJ 2021 KC and did I mention it's going to be lit! I'll get to that in a minute but first I have to share the 411 on our cousin, Pamelia "Pam" Readus. Pam is an author who recently published two children's books, "A Very Kind Lady" and "Can I Be? Sure You Can!" Both are excellent, inspirational short stories with young people interacting with the adults in their lives. In particular, A Very Kind Lady, while based on Pam's interactions with her granddaughter, is inspired by Pam's mother Catherine Johnson Draper.

For any long time MCJ Reunion attendees you will recall two ladies who never missed a reunion, Catherine Johnson Draper and Ethel Barnes. They were sisters and both really loved their family and epitomized what this reunion was all about. It's a fitting tribute that Pam wrote this book inspired by her mother and made it a testament to the crucial role that grandmothers play in our lives. The books are available on Amazon and even though Pam will be unable to attend this years reunion she sent a $50.00 donation to the scholarship fund and copies of her books and asked that they be shared with two grandparents at the reunion. Awesome!

On to MCJ 2021 KC in just a few days. Do you have your white outfit ready for the banquet. Yes, the MCJ 2021 Banquet on Sunday Sept 5, 2021 is an all white affair! So get those outfits ready because its going to be special. Here's just a few other tidbits to help with your planning for KC. Covid protocols will be in place so we will have masks, sanitizer, and social distancing in place at all events. Well okay, the social distancing part is totally by choice so if you just have to get your hug on, so be it!

A special feature we'll have available this year is motorized transportation within certain areas like the picnic, the opening party, and maybe for plaza shopping (we'll see), our very own 6 passenger golf cart. It will certainly help any seniors get around on the picnic grounds and other places. Yep, them Collins boys think of everything! Also we'll have plenty security at our picnic since its at a public park. We'll be able to stretch out and enjoy everything with no impact or interference from outsiders.

Also, since many churches are still under Covid impacts, we thought it would be a good idea to have our own Sunday school service at the hotel on Sunday morning at 9:00 am, which makes it convenient and we still get the opportunity to get together and acknowledge our Heavenly Father as we always do at our gatherings. It'll last just one hour and you'll still get a break before heading out to the banquet at 1:00.

Don't forget, lots of business to handle at the business meeting Sat. morning at 9:00 am and of course at the banquet as we will be awarding our usual scholarships to those in school. Our scholarship committee says bring your report cards and transcripts and get them to our committee members Terrail, Pamela, or Erin. And it's late, but not too late for the information below.

Family Reunion Dues - Just use one of the easy, convenient ways to pay. They are: Cash app $Familyman123 Paypal ecollinsemg@gmail.com Check or money order - Ernest Collins 3891 E. 61st street KCMO 64130 2021 MCJ Dues Adults: $75.00 Seniors: $60.00 (age 60 or up) College: $60.00 Children:13-17 $50.00 6-12 $30.00 0-5 FREE Hotel Info as follows: Below, is the complete process to book Suites under the Metcalf-Collins-Johnson Family Reunion Block. Family can call Reservations 24 hours daily, at 1-800-445-8667 to book a reservation. Guest must provide the Group Name “Metcalf-Collins-Johnson Family Reunion” or Group Code “MET” to receive the Group Rate. Your web page address is: https://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/M/MKCWEES-MET-20210903/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG Also, Family can book reservations online using the Booking Link. You must use the entire link for the Webpage to display properly. You can forward or copy/paste the link to your website. Family needing extra assistance can contact Charles, our Embassy Suites sales manager directly at 816-204-3732. Reunion Tee Shirts - Log on to www.alphaomegacontracting.biz to order and be assured of receiving your preferred style, fabric and size. We'd like to share some of the planned activities for the reunion although we're continuing to refine those plans with an eye toward making your stay in KC as enjoyable as possible. You may have heard we're going to kick things off this year with a special Thursday night opening party at the Collins Compound. This event just might become a tradition at our reunions, at least for any future reunion hosts that want to compete for the title! Next, we have the Welcome to KC Meet &Greet on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. at the hotel. The annual MCJ Family Business Meeting will be Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. followed by the KC Masterpiece Picnic at 1:00 in Swope Park at the Bandstand, just off 63rd & Jackson. Saturday night we’ll have a range of suggested activities including chilling at the hotel for the less adventurous. Sunday morning we’ll worship together for those that choose to followed at 1:00 p.m. by our annual MCJ Banquet with all the related activities. The banquet will be held at the Fireman's Hall at 63rd & Manchester. Contact Information Ernest Collins - ecollinsemg@gmail.com - (504) 717-9824 Lee Collins - capt2278.lg@gmail.com - (816) 510-5187 TC Collins - teeceekc1@gmail.com (816) 216-8075 Much Love, MCJ 2021 KC Host Committee