BALLI FAMILY HERITAGE, LLC
2504 Hidalgo St. · Austin, TX 78702
(512) 478-5438 · FAX (512) 472-2501 · EMAIL: webmaster
WEBSITE: http://www.balli.org

February 16, 2002

As you know the Lopez branch of the Balli Family is sponsoring a family reunion that includes chingos of people. It's a big party. It's a family picnic. It's a little business. And it's a whole lotta fun.

For those of you who attended the family reunion in Poteet, Texas (strawberry capital of Texas) on March 11,2000, this is the 2002 new and improved re-reunion. Although Poteet was a good location, two things need improvement. First, the weather, last time it was a little bit cold. Thus, we decided to move the time later in the year. It appears that four weeks can make a lot of difference. I talked to our local weather station. They did a historical analysis for the 6th of April. For the last five years, the Average high temperature is 79 with and average low of 55. It has not rained on any one of those days. Second, the location was changed into the city of San Antonio. The Mission County Park is located inside loop 410 off Roosevelt. Roosevelt exit (exit 44) off Loop 410 is on the Southeast side of the Loop. Once on Roosevelt, follow it for approximately 2 miles. Your landmark is the Mission 5 drive-in theater. Turn right at the light (E White Ave) toward the drive-in. Follow the signs. On your way in you noticed the motels. This is another reason we looked in San Antonio. The motels are close to Mission Park. There is a list with prices that will be available when you purchase your tickets RSVP.

A little bit about us. The Lopez branch of the Balli family a/k/a The Lopez/Balli Interest Organization is a group of first Cousins who are all secondaries in this lawsuit against the Kenedy Foundation. And that is where our interest originates. We want to be informed on the latest information as the case develops through the court system. We then report to our immediate family. Our primaries are here in San Antonio, Weslaco, Ft Worth, Michigan, and Colorado. We are also members the Balli Family Heritage, LLC. The (BFH) does an excellent job of informing its members about the latest developments in the case.

On with the Show. The day will start at 6:00a.m and end at 11:00p.m. Those of you who have graciously "been" volunteered to help out are expected to come at that time. This includes the Cooks, Decorating Committee, Greeting Committee, and other assistants who need to organize early.

Doors for registration open at 9:00am. Greeting committee needs to be aware that folks from out of town may come in early. We may need to be ready earlier.

Our Cooks for this year are the famous Los Canos Del Valle. Headed by Manuel Cano, this team of cooks has provided a Texan dinner for family functions time and time again. Brisket, beans, rice, potato salad is the dinner menu. Dinner starts promptly at 5:00pm.

Joe Guzman is heading a CARNE GUISADA COOK-OFF. The contest is limited to the first seven entrees. You must have your own propane fired cooking equipment. You will be given a detailed rule and schedule information package. Judging starts at 11:30am sharp. Trophies will be given to First, Second, and Third place. All are invited to eat the carne guisada once judging is completed. Entrees; please submit your name to the Lopez/Balli Interest Organization to the attention of JOE SHAKY. Also there will be hot dogs and hamburgers served for lunch. Anybody who wants to bring fruit salad, cookies, pies, desert type foods are encouraged and welcomed.

Scheduled for the day is a Family Talent Show. This is open to anyone who wishes to share their talent with the rest of the family. A speaker system will be available for our use. You are asked to provide an outline of your show as well as an estimated time you will need to perform your act. Please submit your entree to the Lopez/Balli Interest Organization to the attention of Corina Castruita. Certificates of appreciation and prizes will be given to all participants.

Also scheduled is EL GRITO CONTEST. This is a "free for all"-"lets get it on"-"you can do it" contest. Don't be shy. Sign up and be heard. Trophies for the First, Second, and Third place. Sign up sheet will be available on the 6th. .

Dance the night away with Conjunto music. Several bands will be in attendance.

The Mission County Park has a play ground for children. Although it will be supervised, you are asked to take care of your children. We can never be too careful in this day and age. There are four full size Basketball courts. There are also four tennis courts in excellent playing shape.

There will be a fund raising auction scheduled for early evening. Any items that anyone wants to donate can be brought on that day. This is always a fun event. Bring your competitive spirit with you and be prepared to have lots of fun.

Volunteers will be needed throughout the day. Please check in with the volunteer table for a list of areas that still need to be covered.

For those folks who are certain they want to volunteer for the day or even a couple of hours, you are invited to come to San Antonio on March the 16th. That is for organizers and volunteers. The day will include an update on the agenda and we will review what else needs to be done. Please RSVP to Eddie Lopez at 210-622-0867. You will be provided with a map to his house. His address is 11220 Hollowell Rd, Atascosa, Texas 78002. He will provide a Bar-B-Que and Mariache entertainment starting at 1:00pm

The Classic Panoramic Pictures of San Antonio (CPP) will take a panoramic picture of all the Primaries in attendance. CPP will also take a panoramic picture of all family members. CPP is going to provide for the bleachers that will accommodate up to 800 people.

Balli family member, Hector Cardenas, who is also the lead lawyer in our lawsuit; will be there to give us an update on the case. Because this is an open meeting, his comments will be limited to general information. He will have a table available to update information such as retainers, address changes, etc.

You are asked to RSVP as soon as possible to the Lopez/Balli Interest Organization with a donation of $10.00 per person. Your tickets along with a map and motel list will be mailed back to you. Children 12 and under free. Our address is THE LOPEZ/BALLI INTEREST ORGANIZATION, P.O. BOX 458, and ATASCOSA, TEXAS 78002. We want as many friends and family to attend. We also want to make sure that we are able to provide the best experience for the least amount of money possible. I assure you that most, if not all the donation money will go directly to pay for the cost of the event.

Our goal and purpose for the reunion is: Our goal is to include as many of our extended family members and friends as we can for the purpose of promoting unity, reuniting and introducing extended family members to each other and to support those organizations who are dedicated to the Balli Family struggle.

Let us pray for family unity and justice
Erasmo "Eddie" Lopez

Please make copies and pass them among the family….

Jose Balli,
BFH