GWT Family Organization Coordinator
Remarks

Dixie Lee Davis

February 17, 2005

Welcome to the George Washington Taggart Family Organization Website. It is amazing how many wonderful, creative family members there are who are descendants of G. W. Taggart. Many have contributed their time and skills to make this family organization a success. May our organization continue to be an inclusive, informative - and most of all - an inspiring experience for all.

Two important events have happened since I last wrote on this page: a 2004 Salt Lake City Family Reunion and the completion of the DVD, "George Washington Taggart - the Salt Lake City Years," by Steve Berlin.

Our reunion was held on the campus of the University of Utah on August 6-8, 2004. We had some outstanding events starting with a lively and fun activity night ably run by Julie Rabe on Friday night. Saturday's gathering was started in the morning with colors being presented by the US Mormon Battalion in costume, Steve Berlin's first presentation of his yet unfinished but totally awesome DVD, "George Washington Taggart - The Salt Lake City Years," Ethelynn Higbee's presentation of her life experiences told beautifully and inspirationally through original poetry, paintings (presented on screen), dance (by her grandchildren) and song. Brad Taggart was totally extraordinary and loved by the children and adults who went to his sculpture activity. Lunch time and the early afternoon were used to explore the Salt Lake City areas important to our family. Afternoon "sport" activities by Elizabeth Rabe were enjoyed and well planned.

Saturday evening was completed by an excellent, high quality Talent Showcase organized by Steve and Jennifer Lerud. The MC was Chris Taggart with his usual wonderful humor. It also featured Jerri Warnick - she and her husband had just gotten back from a mission to Nauvoo and really "wowed" us with her torch songs; the Crinna Hill Irish Dancers who also showed off a "modern" side by presenting some other songs - some original - that displayed their dancing, singing and instrumental talent; and Jennifer Lerud who pleasantly impressed everyone by singing some of her original songs.

Sunday morning started with special seating at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Broadcast and ended with a short, warm, farewell gathering at the North Visitor's Center on Tabernacle Square. Newsletter Editor Steve L. Taggart was at the reunion with his photo camera and we are looking forward to seeing and reading about the reunion in our next newsletter. Also, we can't forget all the people who helped to make the reunion a success - from those who helped with registration to those who "got up there" and gave their best and the activities. Thank you!!!

Steve Berlin's DVD is wonderful and was finished in time to send to family members for Christmas. There is no telling how much "time, work, sweat and tears" by several people was necessary to complete it. But it was all worth it. You can learn more about the DVD and how to order it on this website. We have several plans for the future. Mark your calendar for the next reunion in Bountiful, Utah on Saturday, August 5, 2006. It is being planned by Glenn and Marilyn Taggart - now home from their mission in Mongolia. We also want to start a new "First Cousins" communications system. George Washington Taggart has a wonderful family and we would like as many possible to join us in remembering this great and inspiring man. So be expecting us to get in touch with you.

God bless you all, Dixie Davis, GWT Family Coordinator

E-mail Dixie here: prestonconnection@msn.com