2009 Gathering at Rivière-Ouelle

The members of the organizing committee, the members of the board of directors and Berube from the Rivière-Ouelle region welcomed 300 persons to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of "l'Association des familles Berube inc." at Rivière-Ouelle, ancestral home of the Berubes of North America.

Guided all weekend by the talented leader Martin (#0536), Berubes first discovered, Friday, the souvenir publication presented by René and André. This special number contained articles on the history of our Association, the archaeological research at Riviere-Ouelle, genealogy genetics, the origin of the Berubes. The launching of the publication was followed by a toast offered by Robert (#0232) which preceded a wine and cheese tasting. During the evening Madam Elena, of Lebanese origin, performed several oriental dances to a packed room.

Saturday morning while artists and craftsmen were installing their kiosks, Andre proceeded with the unveiling of the official Coat of Arms of the Association followed by the raising of the flag. Next, the Berubes where able to admire the creations of Berube artists, to assist in the presentation by Michel (#0338) on the origin of the name Berube and to consult with Pierre (#0562) in order to learn about their ancestry all the way back to Damien.

After dinner and in the community hall, Mr. Jean-Marie Lebel, historian, explained the Quebecois way of life in the 18th century. At 16:00, André presided over the annual assembly at the church of Rivière-Ouelle presenting the annual report. Gaston (#0795) gave the financial report. During the election, Gracia Devost-Poulin (#1457) was replaced by Guy (#1520) of Quebec.

Present at the banquet, Mr. Roger Richard, mayor of Rivière-Ouelle, offered a toast to the Berubes. To thank him, Andre, the president offered him a membership card of our Association. Supper was followed with the presentation of sketches by members of the Board of Directors of the Québec region, with musical accordion numbers by Madeleine Proulx-Berube of La Tuque and with stories by Ghislain (#1554) and by his daughter Claudia of Messines. The main attraction of the evening was the presentation by Jocelyn Bérubé.

Sunday, the day began with a mass co-celebrated by Father Jean-Marc O.F.M. Cap. and Gabriel (#0606) parish priest. On the steps of the church, Jacques (#0219) took a group photograph followed by the auction for the souls lead by Martin (#0536) who became auctioneer for this occasion. After a visit to the cemetery where the monument of Damien and of Jeanne are located, the participants shared in a meal in company of Mrs. Leda Berube, almost a centenarian. Then, the draw of the 25th Anniversary took place before the lowering of the flag. And finally, the Berubes took to the road hoping to meet at the corn roast in Oka at Marc's (#0015) and Carmen's (#1409) in 2010.

Winners of the draw of 2009 are:

• 1st prize: painting donated by Laurier Berube, (#0204) won by Mr. Alex Martel of Val-d'Or
• 2nd prize: La-Z-boy won by Mr. Antonio Langelier (#1515) of Rimouski
• 3rd prize: $100.00, donated by the region of Bas-St-Laurent, Gaspésie and Iles-de-la-Madeleine, won by Mr. Donald Berube (#1024) of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
• 4th prize: $100.00, donated by the region of Québec, won by Mr. Robert Vallières of La Tuque
• 5th prize: $100.00, donated by the region of Montréal, won by Mrs. Ghislaine Berube (#1334) of Baie-Comeau
• 6th prize: $100.00, donated by the region of Rivière-Ouelle, won by Mrs. Nancy Forrest of St-Luce.

Members of the Board of Directors of the Rivière-Ouelle region contributed to the decorating of the room and of the good unfolding of this celebration of our 25th anniversary of the "Association des familles Bérubé inc."

OFFICIAL PROGRAM FOR THE 2009 GATHERING

Friday 14th August 2009

• 16:00: Welcome and registration
• 17:00: Launching of the special edition Le Monde Berrubey
• 18:30: Wine and cheese tasting
  Followed by a recreational event

Saturday 15th August 2009

• 09:00: Registration
• 10:00: Unveiling of our official Coat of Arms and raising of the flag
  Visit to exhibits of Berube artists and craftsmen
  Photo-exhibit of remembrance (25 years)
  Visit of Rivière-Ouelle
  Archeological presentation and exhibit
  Slide show on the origin of the name Bérubé
  Presentation and exhibit of Berube literary works
  Memories of the vegetable garden and culinary heritage
  of our ancestors: Jeanne and Damien
  
• 12:00: Lunch offered on site
• 13:30: Continuation of the morning's activities
• 14:00: Lecture from Mr. Jean-Marie Lebel, historian
• 16:00: Annual meeting
• 18:30: 25th anniversary banquet
• 20:30: Party and surprise number

Sunday 16th August 2009

• 09:30: Mass
• 10:30: Official photo
• 11:00: Visit to the Bérubé monument
• 11:30: Auction for the souls
• 12:00: Dinner
• 13:30: Mingling
• 14:30: Draw
• 15:00: Lowering of the flag
• 15:15: Goodbyes