Why is the Reunion Canceled?
Ten years ago, we began planning this commemorating event. We would never have imagined when we changed our reunion schedules to coincide with the 200th Vison Anniversary that we would face so many uncertainties this year. We ask you all to see the good we can accomplish with our Go to the Grove Virtual activities.
Our main concern is to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Use this link https://www.relativefinder.org/#/groups/189309/join and enter the password (for the password email SmithReunionNews@gmail.com) to see how you are related to the Smith Family members. This group is private, but it will be exciting to see how we all relate through our ancestors. Check back often as this is a new group.
Family History is one of our eight categories with our Go to the Grove event. A great place to start is to understand how you related to the Smith family. We encourage the older generation to explain the family lines. We encourage the younger generation to ask their parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents about their family tree. Spend some time to learn or to share. You can record your family history activity at http://record.gotothegrove.com.
The Smith Family’s first Virtual Go to the Grove 5K is a huge success. We have almost 300 people from all 50 states participating. With encouragement from some living out of the United States we are moving our Virtual Go to the Grove to an expanded international level. Additional categories allow each person to “Go to the Grove”— celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the miraculous First Vision in their own way. Free registration options are available and donations are appreciated. The Virtual Go to the Grove raises funds that the Smith Family will donate to save vision and honor the good that began with Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
Go to the Grove—Join with us by participating in one or more of these eight categories: Contemplate–Celebrate–Commemorate! Shall we not go on in so great a cause?
5K
The Virtual 5K gives you time to contemplate the event and your own convictions. Activity: Run or walk. Record your time. Prizes: $200 Fastest times. And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
Meaningful Service
Providing service is a way to show your gratitude and build your charitable heart. Activity: Provide service and report. Prizes: $200 Random picks. When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
Read a Good Book
Reading good books provides you with knowledge and wisdom.
Activity: Read a book. Share your report.
Prizes: $200 Random picks.
Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom.
Photo or Art
The earth is amazingly beautiful. Capture a photo or create some art of your own sacred grove. Activity: Take a photo or create some art. Share it.
Prizes: $200 Judging committee
It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day
Short Story or Poem
Committing thoughts to words to bring understanding and enlightenment.
Activity: Write your short story. Share it.
Prizes: $200 Judging committee
Proverb: A brief moral saying or counsel
Music
Music reaches the soul, matching the beats of a grateful heart.
Activity: Perform music and share it.
Prizes: $200 Judging committee
For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me.
Family History
Know family history, know thyself. Know thyself, know God.
Activity: Do family history. Report it.
Prizes: $200 Random picks.
A day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another
Food
Food is the celebration of life, bringing people from the world to the table to rejoice.
Activity: Create your own recipe. Share it.
Prizes: $200 Judging committee
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the dchildren, and the heart of the children to their fathers
Report your activity at http://record.gotothegrove.com/. All proceeds go to all proceeds will be given to Vision Care, a non-profit organization.
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Saturday, October 24, 2020
We are still monitoring the pandemic reopening regulations and schedules.
We are sharing some activities to help distract our family members from the COVID-19 news. Add some fun and lighten the day. One challenge: be the first person to determine what the image inside the below words “Chalk the Walk.†Email your guess to Steve Orton or Frances Orton.
We are excited to announce a new contest “Chalk the Walk†to celebrate with art the “Go to the Grove†theme. We invite you individually or as a group to decorate your sidewalks and driveways with chalk art. These “Go to the Grove†activities are to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the First Vision in our efforts to have Joseph’s name known for good. This contest is open to the public, so ask your family, neighbors, and friends to participate. Please follow the guidelines and directives of physical distancing as instructed by community leaders. Here are the details:
Print this page to participate in the game. Use your smart phone to scan the QR Code and perform the associated tasks. Enjoy and have fun.
Check out this song by Michael McLean.
History about creating this song – https://www.facebook.com/michaelmcleanmusic/videos/207232633933162/
Find it on your favorite music platforms: https://lnk.to/helookedup
For health and safety concerns we are making the 5K a virtual race. This new format is actually more fitting with the goal of “Go to the Grove” because we are celebrating the world-changing event that Joseph Smith made 200 years ago. He went to the grove by himself to ask a question. The answer has changed the world.
Each reunion year we are excited to do a service project that will help and improve the world we live in and have Joseph’s name known for good. This year, our project reflects our theme of the 2020 Vision Celebration. In honor of the miraculous event 200 years ago, we have chosen to donate to Vision Care. This organization helps “volunteer ophthalmologists assist medical care providers around the world with training and equipment to treat simple vision problems.” The Go to the Grove Virtual 5K raises funds that the Smith Family will donate to honor the good that began with Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
Registration is now open for the 2020 Vision Celebration. This day will be filled with wonderful experiences helping us celebrate 200 years since the First Vision.
