On Monday, October 14, 2002 a wondrous event occurred....a meeting of 3 cousins from 3 different Martens' families met to discuss and exchange information on our remarkable family. Marianne Lantis from Milbank SD of the John Family, Kay Meason from the Adrian John Family and me, representing the Girard Family. It was truly an exciting exchange and a most enjoyable opportunity for distant cousins to share their knowledge and love for our remarkable Martens' family. A trip in August 2003 is being planned to visit Martens Crossing and the John Martens Homestead in SD.