Haines Family Association, Inc.

        On Saturday, July 11th, families and friends gathered at the South Lake Pavilion, NYS Campground, Haines Falls, NY, to celebrate our 23rd annual reunion, 10 generations and 230 years (1779) on the mountaintop. A beautiful day contributed to all having a good time. Many more fun activities were provided for the children this year. After enjoying our picnic and socializing, we had committee reports to update us on progress made on the worthwhile projects we are working toward completing, including our web site.
        The following people were elected for the 2009-2010 year: Richard E. Haines, president; William Haines, vice-president; Rachel Haines, secretary; Robert H. Van Dyke, treasurer; and directors Gail Haines, Harriet Bucca, Robert Haines, Anthony Bucca, George Van Dyke, Susan Haines, Ron Haines, Linda Schultz and Nancy McGowan. Shirley Poladian was thanked for her many years of faithful service as a director. We also acknowledged and thanked the Stewart Shops that donated the ice cream and all the fixings again this year.
        Our contest winners this year were the following: Baking contest first-prize winners: Stan Drezek, cherry cheesecake; Charito Haines, cupcakes; and Linda Schultz, peanut butter/chocolate pie. The 50/50 raffle was won by Sophia Haines, a hat by Rachel Haines, and a wind twirler by Gie Haines. Other awards: youngest boys, Adam Christophero and Owyn Haines; youngest girl, Lisa DeCristafaro; largest family group, Tony and Harriet Bucca family; matriarch, Shirley Haines Poladian; patriarch, Ray Phillips; and farthest traveled, Dolores Legg Watts (North Carolina and Hawaii).

The Haines Family Association held its 22nd annual reunion and general meeting at the North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls on July 12th to celebrate the memory of our ancestors, 10 generations and 229 years on the mountaintop. It is believed their first settlement was in the vicinity of Tannersville’s Rip Van Winkle Lake, near where a New York State historic marker now stands. Within a few years many Haines families settled in the Haines Falls area (then known as Haines Corners) where they farmed and provided the skills and manpower to aid newcomers to the mountaintop in the development of their homes and property. Some eventually hosted tourists in their homes which they turned into boarding houses; others owned stores that supplied the mountaintop with groceries and meat. Eventually they sold off portions of their property in Haines Falls, among them two large parcels, which are now owned by the Mountain Top Historical Society and Twilight Park, including the actual Haines Falls falls. They also donated the land upon which the Haines Falls Kaaterskill United Methodist Church now stands, and portions of the Haines Falls Cemetery property to its rear.

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for our reunion. After everyone had visited with their friends and relatives, gone for walks, participated in various contests, looked at the old photos and family trees and eaten their fill, including ice cream sundaes with all the fixings donated by the Haines Falls Stewart’s Shop, we held our annual general meeting.

Officers elected for 2008-9 are: Richard “Cousin Dick” Haines, President; Vice-president, Bill Haines; Secretary, Rachel Haines; Treasurer, Bob H. Van Dyke, and Directors Harriet Bucca, Nancy McGowan, Susan Haines, George Van Dyke, Linda Schultz, Anthony Bucca, Gail Haines, Shirley Poladian, and Robert Haines.

Awards and contest winners were: Patriarch, Ronald Haines; Matriarch, Florence Howard; Balloon toss, Ana Haines; Bean bag toss, Aurora Haines; 50/50, Marvin Howard (donated back to the Cemetery Care Fund); Best Frisbee, Madie Driscoll; Horseshoe toss, Emil Klopp; Ring toss, Kaylyn Klopp; Best fisherman, Ryan Driscoll; Youngest attendee, Joshua Nelson; Most handsome, Frank Schulze; Most  beautiful, Hannah Schulze, Best finger food, Karissa Driscoll; Best cake, Nana Haines; Best snack bar, Shirley Poladian; Best bubbles, Owyn Haines; Cutest white dog, Molly; Cutest black dog, Jasper.

The Haines Family Association held its twenty-first annual reunion and general meeting at the North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls, NY on July 14th, in celebration of the memory of our ancestors and 10 generations and 228 years since settling what is now known as the Town of Hunter in 1779. 

We enjoyed the beautiful weather and had a picnic at the South Lake Pavilion.  Joan Brower and Lida Perezowsky won the two 50/50 drawings.  The Farthest Traveled Award went to Charles Legg, from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.  The Largest Family Group Award went to the Leonard Haines, Sr. family.  The Youngest Girl Award went to Anastasia Haines, age three.  The Youngest Boy Award went to Kyle Dechene, age nine.  The Matriarch Award went to Betty Haines Palmer.  The Patriarch Award went to Leonard Haines, Sr.  Baking contest awards went to Carol Centamore for Best Cake, Marie Haines for Best Pie, and Ashley Dechene for Best Finger Food.  A good time was had by all!