My dear, dear Cousins of the Alvarez Families,  

This month has been quite an interesting, exciting, happy and sad month. With the passing of Pope John Paul II on the weekend of the Angel of Goliad Alvarez Reunion to Fiesta Celebrations in San Antonio, Texas to the election of a New Pope Benedict XVI, we give thanks for our families, country, and life in general. We would like to give our sincere and grateful thanks to everyone who made our Angel of Goliad Alvarez Reunion a success and an event to be cherished forever in our hearts. From

 the generous hearts who donated Door Prizes: Jerry and Gloria Alvarez, Gilbert and Dora Alvarez, Nora and Harry Rothwell, Rudy and Gloria Ramirez, Eleanor Garza, Mr. and Mrs. Humberto Alvarez, Jr. and to the many others who helped decorate the Parrish Hall. A big thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Arturo Alvarez, Sr. from Kingsville. Edwina you outdid yourself with the beautiful Bluebonnet centerpieces. A very special thanks to the beautiful Alvarez banners designed and made by Sandy Valadez. They will now become a part of our Alvarez legacy. and to those who brought their pictures of family relatives to share and keep alive those Alvarez who are now deceased. A sincere appreciative thanks to Mr. Robert Wilcox from the Victoria Advocate who reported on our reunion.    

Many thanks to the Empresario Restaurant manager Fred Hayes and staff who served a most delicious meal. A warm thanks to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Father Baidoo and staff for the use of their Parish Hall.  We thank also the Mayor Of Goliad: Mr.William Schafer and Judge Harold Gleisner, the descendants of the Survivors of the Goliad Massacre and Miss Rebecca Valadez who sang our theme song written by KR Wood: The Angel of Goliad  and so many others.   What can we say?  Just watching the over 160 Descendants of the Angel enjoying one another and many meeting for the first time is what Family is all about. From the states of California, Maryland, Nevada, and all over Texas the cousins came and enjoyed the reunion. We know that the Angel our great ancestor and those who are with her rejoiced in heaven to see so many Alvarez.       

Many thanks for the wonderful pictures taken by Manuel Munoz our webmaster and presentations of the genealogy of the Alvarez given by Ray Alvarez. 

Our next meeting will be held in San Antonio, Texas on June 4th at the home of Sandy Valadez.This will be a very important meeting for we must elect new officers for the 2005-2006 year. In conclusion, the AOGDHP Newsletter will be   published quarterly from now: January, April, August, and December. For those of you who have not joined our organization, please mail your dues 2005-2006 to Becky Shokrian at "The Estates of Northwoods, 17635 Henderson Pass Apt. 717, San Antonio, TX 78232. ($25 per family). check our website for details.  Again, let us thank Our Lord for the best ever Family Reunion and we look forward to the next one.  

Respectfully submitted,  Rudy Garcia, Herlin Pineda, and Rebecca Shokrian Newsletter Chairmen