Report from Rhea Bottler:
It was a lot of fun for me to be part of the Mayoff Day Celebration in Montreal this year. I proudly told my friends (and anyone else who would listen) all about the Mayoff cousins and how we celebrate our family name. Lots of chuckles and head bobbing came my way. I love spreading good cheer.
It always amazes me that whenever I attend a Mayoff cousins’ function everyone is happy to see everyone and the smiles remain all evening. This year was no different. A big hug to Sarah, Essie and Vivian. I appreciate the time and effort they put into the 2001 Mayoff Day Celebration.
Essie Mayoff maintained the Mayoff Day song tradition by writing a song she entitled “This is Mayoff Day” sung to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” I literally couldn’t believe my ears. What a sound the Montreal Mayoff cousins made! Suddenly, Susan Vamos and I looked at each other with our eyes wide open. We both realized, at the same moment in time, that we had inherited the Mayoff genes for singing… off key and a half a beat behind. What a revelation for each of us! The truth made us laugh even more.
One of the evening’s highlights for me was when a handsome, white hair man approached me. With emotion in his voice he told me that he had just been told that I was a Bottler. I was elated when he told me that he is Stan Mayoff. Many years of memories here. His warm embrace spoke volumes. Stan thank you! Our connection that evening brought me closer to my father.
I believe that a Mayoff gathering is more than a social event. Our roots are deep. Billy Solomon was at the celebration with her daughter Lynn and son-in-law Steven. Billy is the great grand-daughter of our great grand-father’s sister. (Zelig’s sister) WOW! (Leon and his charming wife Dorice were seated at my table as well. My grandson, Adam and I are proud to be descended from Zelig. [Art’s note: Rhea didn’t mention that she designed and produced souvenir notepads which were distributed to those attending. A great idea that was also used at the Los Angeles celebration the following week]
Report from Richard Mayoff
Our daughter Ashley had fun playing with 3 or 4 children who were there. Speeches were short and sweet. Attendance totaled about thirty seven people. There was some discussion about trying to attract more of the young adult cousins and their new families to the next celebration. However everyone had a very nice time. Food was quite good. The room was upstairs and much better than last year.
Comment from Art Mayoff
I would like to post some photos of the Montreal celebration. Submissions are solicited.