By Judy Seifert (Contact / Staff Bio)
February 28, 2009 - 01:18 p.m. EST

VASSAR — The Hecht family is planning another reunion. This one will be in Germany. That means travel agents are breaking a sweat.

"There are hundreds of us, everywhere in this area," said Wayne Hecht, organizer of the reunion. "Now I can’t imagine everyone going, but boy, wouldn’t it be fun if they did?"

The trip to Ausbach is scheduled for Aug. 23. In order to get information about the trip out to family members, several informational meetings are being held.

"It’s like having a city meeting, we posted notices in the newspaper," he added.

This won’t be the first time the Hechts have traveled to Europe to visit their German family. Nine went in 1993 and 400 German relatives showed up for the reunion. In 1996, the German side of the family decided it was time to visit their family in America.

"And 26 family members came. Boy, did we have a time trying to find homes for them to stay in. I think the same number of American cousins showed up over their four-day stay," Wayne laughed.

Wayne is among the 13th generation of Hechts in the Vassar/Frankenmuth area. A nearly 200-page family history book, compiled by Gunda Hecht Schricker, profiles the family’s long history, which began in 1531 in Franconia.

"I was amazed when I received the book," Wayne said. "I couldn’t believe how much history Gunda was able to uncover about our family. So the desire to visit Germany is really strong."

Approximately 66 pages of the book detail the lineage of just one branch of the Hecht family.

"I guess you can call us an ‘extended family’," he added.

Family members thinking about making the trip this summer should get in touch with Wayne at (989) 823-7734.