Adler Family Reunion

Strangely, I have never been asked where I came up with the name Kotkas for my personal blog.  Has the Internet killed random curiosity? No worries, I will share it anyway. The name 'Adler' means 'Eagle' in German. As a German descendant living in America, I always thought that was cool. Cool Bird for a Cool Guy. So, when I went to build my blog, I used Google to look up the word 'Eagle' in other languages. In Finish, 'Eagle' translated to Kotka. Kool huh? I thought so.

The reason I brought this trivia up is pretty Kool too. Descendants of Kaspar, Nicholas, Juliana, and Mathias Adler, who migrated to South-Western Indiana back around 1850 are having a reunion this Summer in Haubstadt Indiana. If you know of any other Adlers in this chain of descent, please pass on the information. The Website for the reunion can be seen here. Check out the invitation, and tell a friend! Cheers, NCA

Where and When

Friday, June 20 - Saturday June 21, 2014 in Haubstadt, Indiana

Schedule of Events

Friday, June 20

5:00-6:00 p.m.            

Welcome Mass at St. James Church with Celebrant Fr. Christopher Droste (Adler relative)

6:00-10:00 p.m.           

Haubstadt Sommerfest & Gathering at the Family Life Center, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Saturday, June 21

6:00-10:00 p.m.           

Haubstadt Sommerfest & Gathering at the Family Life Center, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

The reunion will coincide with the Haubstadt 2014 Sommerfest. All of the Sommerfest’s entertainment, great food, rides, parking and conveniences will offer a fun folk gathering for all ages. We have secured the Family Life Center (an air-conditioned gymnasium) at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish for Friday and Saturday evening so that relatives and friends will have a comfortable place to visit. Food and drinks purchased at the Sommerfest can be brought in, except alcoholic beverages. Special displays and pictures outlining the family genealogy and history will be located here.

How to RSVP

Please make it a priority to attend this historic event of family fun uniting our many generations. First, let us know if you & your family members will attend by completing this RSVP form. If you do not have access to a computer, please send a letter including the names and email addresses (if any) of each member of your family who will be attending the reunion to John Adler at 10301 Gentlewind Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45242. All contact information will be kept private within the Reunion Committee, and any emails will be “blind-copied” to protect your privacy. Please feel free to invite family members who did not receive our initial invitation. All are welcome!

You should make your airline and hotel reservations now, as conventions planned in Evansville have already sold out many preferred locations for that weekend. A voluntary financial contribution to St. James Church would be greatly appreciated.

Sharing Family History & Making New Memories

Haubstadt was the first American home of Mathias, Juliana, and Nicholas Adler after their emigrations from Germany in the 1850’s. Our reunion in 2014 will celebrate the lineages that began with their sacrifices and hard work. The last entire Adler Family Reunion took place in 1959 at Eagles Picnic Grounds in Evansville.

We ask you to bring any photographs, mementos or artifacts from the old days that can be photocopied and placed in a memorabilia booklet. A copier will be on site, and photos and videos will abound! We look forward to seeing you in June.

Many thanks,

The Adler Family Reunion Committee

I Stand All Amazed

Today is day one for the merger of my existing employer and the New American Airlines. Reportedly, the largest airline in the world.   My third airline employment spanning 21 years, yet I am still working in the exact same building I started in with little America West Airlines all those years ago.




Whatever happens to me in regards to employment post merger, it has been one exciting ride for sure. The 21 year span has seen a new daughter born, three daughters grown up and moved out, along with 6 grandchildren born with their exciting and sweet personalities.  Professionally, I have witnessed 2 mergers, three sets of layoffs, and I had a front-line active view of the crazy Y2K phenomenon. During my tenure my job and my airline survived the shock and awe of 911, though the times were frightening and the future of domestic airlines were very much in doubt.

Through my travel benefits my family has enjoyed the beautiful lush landscape of the Hawaiian Islands, Big Lake Alaska along with the magnificent Prince Edward Sound, Pigeon Forge Tennessee along with the unbelievable beauty of The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Hogwarts in Orlando, countless trips to the Magic Kingdom, and many other very beautiful and exciting places. We have yet to travel outside of the States, but I expect that to happen soon.



It has truly been a wild, crazy, exciting 21 years...and though certainly not over for me yet...I am in heavy reminiscence mode as I say goodbye to the past and embrace the future.

21 years ago December I interviewed for a job at a little airline in downtown Tempe Arizona. Ignoring sage family counselors who advised me to not risk my future at the little airline, I was intrigued by the opportunity and leaped in full steam ahead.

I can not help but think that our gracious and kind Heavenly Father looked with kindness on the little Kotkas family all those years ago and helped us to make that lasting decision. I acknowledge his hand in my life at all times. I am truly grateful for my job and everywhere else in my life that his tender hand has guided me.  Though I do fear what tomorrow may bring, I do know that through His grace, mercy, and kindness my little family will be alright.

As the song goes:

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

Cheers, nca