16-18 July 2010, Richmond, VA

The Reception and Informal Get-together convened at 7:30 p.m. Friday with President Jerry Chenault calling the meeting to order and making a few brief announcements. He then called on association historian Sue Chenault to introduce the speaker for the evening’s special program. Cathy Wright, Manager of Collections at the Museum of the Confederacy, presented a program entitled, "Civil War Artifacts and Oddities." It was an enlightening and entertaining presentation about various items from the Civil War era donated to the museum. Included in the items shown were vintage buttons, dolls, shoes, jewelry, candles, aprons, plates, prosthetic arms, and other items including POW jewelry, boxes, toys, and games.

Following the presentation, James Logue led the attendees in reading the Chenault Prayer, composed by Mrs. W. W. (Elizabeth) Chenault in 1960. President Jerry covered arrangements for those planning to go on the specially arranged tour of the Museum of the Confederacy and Confederate White House Saturday afternoon and then called on Secretary/Treasurer Barbara Chenault MacManus for a special announcement. Barbara reminded everyone to check for their meal tickets in the registration packets and asked attendees to take a moment to review their directory listings in the display area of the hospitality room to ensure the accuracy of information shown for them in preparation for publishing the new edition of the directory. She then announced that a special proclamation had been drafted dedicating the 2010 reunion to the memory of Ovie "Granny" Chenault, who passed away in January. The proclamation was approved and presented to President Jerry Chenault and historian, Carolyn Sue Chenault, who are the son and daughter of Granny Ovie. It was noted that Granny Ovie was responsible for embroidering many of the signatures on the reunion tablecloth before having to pass it on due to her failing eyesight. It was suggested that a picture of the tablecloth and its history be added to the web site. Sue Chenault agreed to pursue the suggestion.

President Jerry then invited Elizabeth Ann "Libby" Chenault, Jean Chenault Logue and Howard Logue to come forward and handle the introduction of family groups. Following the introductions and a few stories of family interest, the session was adjourned, and everyone was invited to move to the hospitality room for visiting.

President Jerry Chenault opened the Saturday morning session with the call to order at 8:30 a.m. The invocation was given by Rev. Nan Cushing. President Jerry made a few announcements regarding the afternoon tours and the Sunday memorial service before calling Libby and Jean to introduce attendees who were not present for introductions Friday evening.

President Jerry then introduced the first speaker for the session, Cabell Chenault, son of Rev. Dr. John Cabell Chenault, welcomed everyone to Richmond as he was serving as our local host. He explained that while his early roots were in Kentucky, he had lived in Richmond for several years and now has his dad living with him. They have in recent months been able to explore the area where our Chenault roots in America began along Occupacia Creek. The area is where Stephen Chenault (II) lived and where documents were discovered that were the result of Annester Chinault purchasing various items from a local merchant, Ninian Boog. He also told of locating an original of a document previously thought to bear only the mark of Stephen Chenault (I), but which actually bears his signature. This appears to confirm that he was indeed literate as believed as a result of his signature appearing on the 1707 Manakin petition located prior to the publishing of the 2008 edition of the Red Book.

The second speaker for the session, Carolyn Sue Chenault, presented the results of her exploration into the benefits of using DNA results in genealogical research. Following a brief explanation of DNA and the differences between tracing male versus female DNA, called mitochondrial DNA, she presented a chart which promoted greater understanding of the importance of selecting candidates to ensure the desired results or findings. She also covered the different types of tests and the associated costs as indicated on the web site for Family Tree DNA.

Libby Chenault, the third speaker for the session, presented another well-received slide presentation entitled, "Advertising the War: Poster Art of World War II." While her presentation last year focused on WWI posters, this year she presented posters from both the government and private sectors publicizing the need for caution, volunteers, food, military recruitment, and manufacturing during WWII. It was interesting that there were Dr. Seuss posters, Philco ads, "Rosie the Riveter" posters, and Red Cross posters encouraging blood donations and other services. The Norman Rockwell art posters shown are still under copyright. The themes of many of the posters were "War needs come first!"; conservation of resources; and "Watch your speech!" Ironically, these might well apply today, too.

Following Libby’s presentation, the session was adjourned for a brief break before convening for the business meeting.

Before calling the business meeting to order, President Jerry invited Barbara MacManus to the podium to introduce a special guest who had joined the group during the first session. Barbara read a letter to the group from Roger Chenault of Houston, who is the son of Rex Chenault, former President of the Association in 1958. He explained that although he and his wife, Phyllis, could not attend, their daughter, Stephanie Renee, would be there. He explained that they were quite proud of Stephanie’s commendations from the Department of Defense for serving as a civilian in Iraq heading up information/intelligence gathering and systems development. Barbara then asked Stephanie to stand and meet the other attendees, who gave her a warm welcome.

The business meeting of the Chenault Family National Association was called to order by President Jerry Chenault.

He invited Secretary/Treasurer Barbara MacManus to give her report. Barbara indicated the minutes as shown on the web site and in newsletter had been made available for everyone’s review and asked if there were any changes. She then covered the Financial Report asked if there were any changes or corrections to the report. Motions were made and seconded to approve both the minutes and the financial report as covered. They were approved.

President Jerry then called for the Committee Reports, beginning with the Site Selection Committee, which he chairs. He indicated that his goal is to identify potential sites at least three years out so that hotel accommodations can be properly investigated and the best possible prices negotiated through requests for proposals from hotels in the areas. He recommended that in 2011 the reunion be held in St. Louis, MO. Motions were made and seconded to approve the site for 2011. The motion carried.

John Blackwell Chenault, chairman of the Nominating Committee reported the slate of officers recommended for the coming year. The recommendation proposed and approved included Ed Chenault, President; Cabell Chenault, 1^st Vice President; John Blackwell Chenault, 2^nd Vice President, Barbara Chenault MacManus, Secretary/Treasurer. He indicated that he would be willing to continue to chair the Nominating Committee for the coming year in developing a slate of nominees for presentation at the 2011 reunion.

Carolyn Sue Chenault provided an update on the internet site. The site continues to be a great investment for the association as inquiries for membership, the new edition of the Red Book, and help in family searches continue to be received through the site. Suggestions for changes are welcome and should be addressed to Sue.

President Jerry then asked for other committee reports, but there was no further committee business offered. He asked if there were any changes to be proposed in the membership of any of the committees, but no requests for changes were received, so the committees will remain as currently staffed through the coming year.

President Jerry indicated that he had been made aware of a few new business items to be discussed and asked Carolyn Sue Chenault to come to the podium to explain a couple of new endeavors being proposed. Sue said that a couple of ideas have been proposed to encourage attendance at the reunions, and another has been proposed to encourage the sale of the 2008 edition of the Red Book.

First, it was proposed that a drawing be held during the dinner on Saturday evening where the prize to be given away would be two paid registrations for the next year’s reunion. The recipient would have to be present to win and would be able to use the prize themself or within their family. The association’s finances are supportive of this, and it was further proposed that this would be done annually, unless the financial impact becomes detrimental to the association. A motion was made and seconded to approve the proposal. The motion carried.

The next item proposed was a second drawing at the dinner for a copy of the Red Book. This give-away would be funded out of the fund set aside for purchase of copies of the book by the association for gifts to various institutions. It is intended to get some copies out into the hands of family members who will share them in their areas and encourage interest in purchasing additional copies. A motion was made and seconded to approve the proposal. The motion carried.

The next item proposed was a contest for users of the internet site, primarily for children, but open to anyone. A series of questions about the family would be asked to which the answers are only available in the 2008 Red Book. Participants who send entries in the contest with all questions correctly answered would be entered into a drawing at the next reunion for a prize worth at least $100, which would cover the cost of purchase of a Red Book if the person entering the contest had to purchase a book to enter. A motion was made and seconded to approve the proposal. The motion carried. Carolyn Sue Chenault will head up the effort to develop the contest and get it on the web site.

Libby Chenault proposed that a "scholarship fund" be developed to help members in the proximity of reunions to defray some of the costs of attending the reunion. With so many people being hit by the economic hard times, it is believed that by helping them cover some of the costs for accommodations and registration, they would be able to attend where they might otherwise be unable to afford it. This idea definitely appealed to the attendees, but further work is needed to develop the guidelines, ideas for funding, and the manner in which applicants for the funding would be reviewed and selected for the scholarships. Libby was asked to head up this effort and present it to the Executive Committee for review.

President Jerry asked if there was any further new business. None was brought forward, so he adjourned the business meeting for 2010.

The Annual Banquet began at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, July 17 2010 with President Jerry Chenault presiding. Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ed Chenault, the invocation was given by John Blackwell Chenault.

President Jerry Chenault introduced the people seated at the head table, and then called on Cabell Chenault to introduce the keynote speaker, William A. Young, Jr., who entered the room in period dress as Capt. Gabriel Archer. His historical interpretation was both entertaining and educational. Capt. Archer, educated at Cambridge, first came to America in 1607, as part of an exploration of the James River. On his second trip in 1609, it is said that he likely perished with other settlers during a period of great starvation. As part of the first exploration, he proposed a settlement on land further inland from the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. That land became known as Archer’s Hope. The settlement, however, was not undertaken at that time, as the site of Jamestown was chosen because of its deeper off-shore waters for closer mooring of ships. Mr. Young recommended reading of a book by Connie Lapallo entitled, Dark Enough to See the Stars in the Jamestown Sky."

Carlisle Chenault announced the results of the Silent Auction and the Candy Challenge, which was won by Becky Caldera.

President Jerry Chenault presented the Certificates of Appreciation and Special Awards, assisted by the Secretary/Treasurer, Barbara Chenault MacManus. Then, in a drawing approved during the business meeting earlier in the day, two prizes were awarded. Two paid 2011 reunion registrations were won by Nan Cushing, and Dot Chenault won a copy of the 2008 Red Book.

Following the "Passing of The Bread Basket," the newly elected officers were installed by Judge Jean Chenault Logue, assisted by Barbara Chenault MacManus. Out-going President Jerry Chenault expressed appreciation to those who had helped him during his term and said he would continue to serve the association to the best of his ability as Site Selection chairperson. He then passed the gavel to the newly installed President, Ed Chenault, and invited him to address attendees. Ed presented a plaque of recognition and appreciation to Jerry before making his remarks.

Barbara announced the results of the bread basket donations and the contribution of sales of T-shirts donated by the Kentucky Chenault cousins and said the hospitality room would open immediately following the adjournment of the dinner session.

The session was adjourned.

The annual Chenault Family Memorial Service began at 9:00 a.m., Sunday, July 18, 2010. Following a greeting from Rev. Nan Cushing, a program of prayers and hymns with a reading from Job 19:21-22 was handled by various attendees. After the reading of a prayer of remembrance, the Memorial Honor Roll was read by Jerry Chenault. Following a period of silent prayer and petitions, the service was closed with a final prayer.

The Reunion was adjourned until the third weekend of July 2011.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn Sue Chenault