An Alberque Family Reunion

           Joan Gibbs and Kay Alberque

On May 11, 2002, the Alberque Family held its first reunion in 20 years at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey.  Over 100 cousins, aunts, and uncles attended, many of whom some of us had never met before.

Kathleen Gibbs Borkowski and Terry Alberque Kohles did a yeoman's amount of work to make the party successful, and were helped by many others (Maureen, Laureen, Ed, Pat, Linda, etc.)  Thanks to all their efforts for a wonderfully success event!  

Here are some photos that were taken by cousins during the party:

(If you can identify someone who is not labeled or mislabeled, please email me at detrano@alberque.net.   Also, send more pictures!!)

Our French Cousins Joined US

In addition to the Alberque family in America that has grown from one man, Ernest George Alberque, Sr., we were able to host some long lost cousins from France, Maurice, Lucette, and Christel Alberque, who joined the party that weekend as the closing event of their two week holiday in the United States.  (See the page La Famille 2001 under the French Roots tab for the story of our visit with them during the summer of 2001 in Paris and Mougins, France.)

Christel, with her father and mother, Maurice and Lucette

Maurice and Christel arrived in the US in Tampa, April 29, where they were met by Ed, Pat, and Linda, who brought them to their Clearwater Marina hotel.  Kathy and Aunt Mary met the group at the hotel that evening for a light supper.

Tuesday, Pat arranged a lovely boat ride out of Tarpon Springs.  Then, the group went to Kathy and Joe's place in New Port Richey for a dinner and sunset watching.  After dinner Pat and Linda went to the airport to pick up Lucette who had been unable to come the day before due to passport problems. 

Wednesday was a day of rest for all.

Thursday Kathy took our guests to see the manatees and other Florida wildlife.  Then, Cissy and Julie arrived in time for everyone to meet for dinner at Aunt Mary's club, Countryside Golf Club. 

Friday, after Barbara arrived, we all went for a boat ride on Kathy and Joe's deck boat.  The wind was strong and the seas were up so we cruised through the canals.  Christel's chair rolled right through the gate in the rail!   Afterward, we dined on antipasto and pizza.

Saturday afternoon we all joined Ed, Pat, and Linda at Ed and Pat's new home in St. Petersburg, "La Casa Flamingo!".  Muffy and Mel Hartman were able to come up from Punta Gorda to join in the festivities. 

Sunday Cissy and Julie left but the rest of us met our guests for dinner at Steak and Ale.  Plenty of beef!  No "la vache folle" in the US!  (Mad cow disease!)