Music Saving money Reunion banquets Military lunch reunions

Transcription

Music
Saving money
Reunion
banquets
Military lunch
reunions
VOL 21 NO 3
FEBRUARY/MARCH/APRIL 2011
Display until April 30, 2011.
$3/USA1
F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2011 O R E U N I O N S
in this issue
DEPARTMENTS
February/March/April 2011
Volume 21 • Number 3
FRONT WORDS – 4
PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF
ALUM & I – 6
Edith Wagner
“Sweet, Sweet Red and Gray” by Francia Malone
Eutaw class starts with Reacquaintance Banquet by Miriam Leftwich
Reunion Trivia, consider photography, better planning ideas, mega school reunion
TRAVEL EDITOR
SCRAPBOOK – 10
Jennifer Rueth
Reunion School
Arranging the reunion banquet by Dean Miller
Reunions: Birmingham, Peace Corps, Gearjammers,
Union Carbide and C&O Canal employees
Celebrations: Civil War Trails, Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War
BRANCH OFFICE – 18
“The Gathering” draws descendants by Grace Elting Castle
Reunions: Rockford, Harder, Elder, Apgar, Bitman, Downing, Chandler and Tyler
MASTERPLAN – 24
Spring holidays
Triumph over adversity from Staybridge Suites
Tema Family Reunion at Cragun’s
“At the Gate I Know” by J. P. Miller
West Texas reunion by Sylvia Medrano
Important steps and other new additions by Kathleen Casper
A tree is known by the fruit it bears by Allison Bell
Yaeger Family Reunion enjoys Kentucky State Parks by Theresa Craig Wilhelmy
Reunions on stage
Stewart-Bostic Family Reunion by Meredith B. Furel
REUNION VENUES & FEATURES – 36
The fleet’s in in Norfolk by Edith Wagner
Who’s frugal? Reunions surviving hard times
The hills are alive with the sound of reunion music
Reunions: Greene County (North Carolina) Training School-South Greene High School
(GCTS-SGH) National Alumni Association, Nurnberg (Germany) American High School,
9th Infantry Division Association, Garfield High School (Seattle, Washington)
Families: ALAFFFA, Arce, Branch Outlaw, Malone, Utley
MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 45
Lunch reunions by Al and Terry Hahn
Alliance of Military Reunions
World War I memorial, death camp survivors and their liberators,
last mission for bomber squadron, war brides reunion, USS Nevada in Nevada
REUNION RESOURCES – 48
A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products.
ON THE COVER
Four generations of Hinojos: Patriarch Cesareo Hinojos, age 105 (seated),
his son Isaac Hinojos, granddaughter Sylvia Medrano, and great granddaughter
Claudia Sedillo. See page 30.
Jacky Runice
ART DIRECTOR
SALES
Marion Liston Senior Account Manager
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Karla Lavin
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Andrew Russell Bordeaux
Lauren Bordeaux
Nicole Dettmering Ksioszk
CONTRIBUTORS
Loida Arce Acosta • Lisa Alzo
Tisha Amerson • Allison Bell
Rick Branch • Genevieve Brechtel
Kathleen Casper • Grace Elting Castle
Bob Covey • Meredith B. Furel
Al and Terry Hahn • Anita Linne’a Fortney-Harms
Leon Jessie • T.D. Jorgensen
Delta Hinson • Thelma Harper Jones
Francia Malone • Mary Garavaglia
Miriam Leftwich • Penney and Dan Marks
Sylvia Medrano • Dean Miller • J. P. Miller
Lovine Moss • Kaye Olson • Sharon Rogers
Jackie Utley • Terry Verde
Joan Curtis Waters • Theresa Craig Wilhelmy
REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC. (ISSN #1046-5s235), is published 4 times per year. Send correspondence, queries,
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© 2011 REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC.
3
FRONT WORDS
Be in touch!
WELCOME TO SPRING, REUNION STYLE
he spring before a summer reunion is
the time to attend to communication
and registration tasks that will
ensure attendance and funding. The
program, publication projects, and touring
plans should be coming together. Time to
check in with your CVB and hotel sales
contacts – even just to say hello if you have
no particular questions.
T
Mail to
R EUNIONS MAGAZINE
PO Box 11727
Milwaukee WI 53211-0727
For charge orders
call 800-373-7933 or
visit www.reunionsmag.com
or fax it to 414-263-6331.
Or best of all, e-mail
[email protected].
BONUS!
If you receive the first mailing of this issue, you are also
receiving the 11th edition Reunions Workbook, which provides
the must-have directions for reunion planning. We hope this
is just in time to aid your planning for your next reunion. If
you don’t receive the workbook, we invite you to order a copy
online, available in print or on CD ($9.95 for either).
WE LOVE LETTERS
You should know that we live to learn how our readers feel
about these issues.
Always a good and generous supporter of Reunions
magazine, Carole Neal, Castro Valley, California, who plans
Neal Family Reunions, wrote after receiving the last issue:
“It is always good for reunion planners to see what others are
doing to get new and fresh ideas. This type of informationsharing and support is key, I believe, in order to make each
reunion gathering special, unique and attractive to as many
family members as are able to attend. This issue, just like
others, is chock full of good and helpful information.”
Mahalia Simmons, Huger, South Carolina, Gant Family
Reunion planner, says, “In every dilemma I have faced with
my reunion you have helped. I’ve received your magazine for
10 years and I look forward to each issue. I haven’t had a
chance to go to any workshops. … Reunions magazine is a
reunion workshop in itself.”
Of course, we hope each issue will engage and inspire you,
and make you think. On the other hand, if you’re not finding
information you need in the magazine, you can probably find
it on our website, where – in addition to tons of content –
you’ll find resources with direct links, podcasts to listen to or
download, the latest reunion contests and sweepstakes, media
alerts, lists of upcoming reunions and much, much more. Or
you can ask on our forums or facebook pages.
4
R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
These and all the words that follow
come to you as a gift from the advertisers
in this magazine and on our website. We
urge you to contact them, do business with
them and thank them for supporting
Reunions magazine.
ABOUT REUNION PLANNING
WORKSHOPS
Kathleen Barlow, Medford, Oregon, wondered if we have
workshops in the Pacific Northwest. We do not actually
provide or stage workshops. Instead, as a service to our
readers, we promote and provide materials and sometimes
sponsor workshops done by others.
Workshops typically are offered by local convention and
visitors bureaus (CVBs) – who understand the value of
reunions to their economy – to help reunion planners be
well prepared.
Our reader Pamela Williams attended the workshop by
VisitFax in Fairfax County, Virginia, and took their ideas to
the Durham (North Carolina) CVB, who staged a successful
event in late January. Pamela even recruited the
Doubletree Hotel, where her Wilson Family Reunion was
held, to host the workshop. Durham CVB demonstrates that
CVBs can react to their constituents if there’s enough
interest in a workshop.
CVBs know reunions mean business. Workshops benefit
CVB members (hotels, caterers, attractions, shopping
malls, entertainment). Reunions bring big bucks to an area,
which is what motivates the CVBs to offer workshops; the
goal of every CVB is to get people to come and spend.
Looks like a win-win to us!
If you do take the workshop idea to your CVB, suggest
they contact me. I’d be happy to discuss structure,
promotion and materials for workshops. Also suggest that
they contact their colleagues at CVBs listed on our website
and in this magazine in Reunion School (page 10). They are
all committed to reunions and are successful at attracting
reunions to their areas.
NOW! ON TO THE ISSUE
You’ll find ideas as diverse as planning your banquet;
how one hotel’s resourcefulness overcame the greatest
odds; and integrating stepfamilies at reunions. You’ll learn
how to save reunion money and how lunch reunions are a
solution for some military groups. Curious? Read on. And
remember to let us know what you think! EW
5
ALUM & I
Recently, Bob Covey, Salem,
New Jersey, wrote:
A lady in my church told me
her 75th class reunion would be this
year but she is not going. When I
asked why she hung her head and
said she was the only one left.
OUCH. Any ideas how to cheer her
up? This is really getting to me.
I’d strongly recommend that, if
she’s up to talking about it, ask
her about school when she was
a girl. In fact, have an audience, a
history lesson, a first-hand look at the
past. If she’s the kind of person who
wants to talk about it, I’ll bet she’d be
really happy to have someone listen.
And you might be really surprised at
her stories.
Q?
A!
“Sweet, Sweet Red and Gray”
F
lint Northern Class of 1990’s 20-year reunion celebration followed a long year of
planning. The event kicked off with a Meet & Greet at Brickstreet Bar and Grille
in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where classmates enjoyed hors d’œuvres and drinks, and
reminisced about the good ol’ days as “Vikings” some 20 years ago and all the fun we
had during senior skip day.
On Saturday, the committee really impressed at the Reunion Banquet Dinner with
beautiful red and white décor, a DVD Memorial presentation, a video teleconference
from our Assistant Principal, Bessie Straham, and a phone call from Anita Holley, our
Class of 1990 advisor.
A dandy reunion
E
xpectations were met and exceeded
for the inaugural Franklin High
School Mega Reunion, when more than
400 alumni and spouses from 1970s
classes gathered for two action-packed
days of fun and reflection.
Many never left the area, choosing to
raise their families and build their
professional careers right there. Others
live across the country and overseas and
likewise have prospered personally and
professionally. They give the community a
lot of credit for making them who they are.
The reunion also was a financial shot
in the arm. Reunion-goers stayed in
hotels, ate in restaurants, and filled
merchant coffers that have been pinched
by a recent paper mill closure. It was
good to see people smiling again.
From a note in Tidewater News,
Franklin, Virginia.
WHEN YOU’VE FINISHED
USING THIS MAGAZINE,
PLEASE RECYCLE IT.
PO BOX 335428
NORTH LAS VEGAS NV 89033
800-654-2776 • reunions.com
[email protected]
6
Flint Northern Highschool Class of 1990
Flint Northern Class of 1990 has many success stories: musicians, writers, lawyers,
doctors, nurses and ministers. As the night progressed we hugged, hustled and
wobbled, until we realized we weren’t still 18 and would probably be a tad sore for the
picnic on Sunday. Nevertheless, we partied on until 1:00 AM.
Our class family picnic was at Groveland Oaks (Paradise Island), a beautiful park
in Holly, Michigan. The park had four-wheelers, rollerskating, skateboarding,
swimming and a waterslide. What a perfect location! As the event came to a close we
captured one last moment with a group picture. An afterparty was great because,
although we were tired, we weren’t really ready for the weekend to end.
As I said my final goodbyes, I thought about the committee and their tireless efforts
to make this 20-year reunion memorable. Kudos to Leonard who took the reigns as the
leader Dionne, Ta’Wanna, Larunda, Tina, Lawrence, Chris, Charles, Alghandi and
Ladonya for making our reunion one to truly remember!
Reported by Francia Malone, Flint, Michigan.
New game for class reunions
R
eunion Trivia is an interactive team
trivia quiz game designed for high
school and college
reunions. Each game is
composed of 20 questions
related to events that
occurred during your
graduation year. Reunion
attendees work with fellow
alums to test their trivia
knowledge in a fun, fastpaced format, while being
reminded about nostalgic moments.
You answer a 10-minute questionnaire
about your school and members of your
class. Reunion Trivia uses the information
to create a customized interactive game.
The Reunion Trivia quiz includes an
electronic slideshow designed to be
projected at a reunion
event along with easy to
follow step-by-step
instructions for hosting.
All supporting materials
needed to conduct the
game (participant score
sheets, team scoring
worksheet, text versions
of all questions, and
tips and guidelines) are included.
Products are available for five- and
ten-year reunions in 2011 for classes
that graduated in 1960 and after. Contact
www.reuniontrivia.com; 978-201-0147.
ALUM & I
Better planning
helps class
reunions
R
ose Morely writing in the Visalia TimesDelta, Visalia, California, lamented low
turnout at class reunions. These are her
suggestions to generate better attendance.
The month and place you plan are very
important. Class reunions are usually in
summer, which limits choices of location.
Family vacations, graduations and
weddings are competing for time. The
venue you pick needs to make people feel
comfortable and the cost needs to be
affordable. For classmates who must
travel, cost of flights and hotels are
higher in summer. Spring and fall have
much better weather and more choices.
The most important issue is getting the
word out. You cannot just say, “Everyone
knows it’s their 30th reunion.” The
internet, facebook and classmates.com
get the word out easily and can help find
classmates. Set up a web page where
classmates can make suggestions and
comments, and let them vote for the
month and venue. Give them choices of
summer or fall and different venues.
The committee can make or break a
class reunion. The committee must be a
mix of people and must remember they
represent their whole class, not just the
group they hung with in high school.
Everyone on the committee must help out,
not just be a name on a list. The committee
must work to make the reunion successful.
Relax and be who you are now. A
reunion is supposed to be fun and give
people a chance to reminisce.
Consider photography
S
cott Romer is a professional photographer in Indiana who specializes in
photographing high school reunions and other events, as well as elementary and
junior high school classes. He offers his services to reunions at no charge.
He takes many candid photographs throughout the evening and photographs the
class memorial, décor, speakers, couples, and whatever else is requested.
The images he takes are constantly uploaded on a projector next to the photo table
and a rotating slide show is played throughout the reunion event. Romer can print
quality photographs instantly and inexpensively (5 x 7 photos, $10; 8 x 10 photos $20).
Photos are delivered on the spot and ready to take home in a protective plastic sleeve.
About a week after the reunion, he creates a customized web gallery on
www.ScottRomerPhoto.com where alumni can view available photos at their leisure
and order what they like.
Dozens of reunions Romer has photographed can be seen at
www.scottromerphoto.com/events_misc.html. Contact him at 800-515-1199.
Eutaw High School Class of 1985
A
bout 35 former classmates
gathered for the Eutaw
(Alabama) High School Class
of 1985 25-year reunion. They
met at LAW County Club for
the weekend-long event, which
started with a Reacquaintance
Banquet with former teachers
and representatives from
families of deceased
classmates as special guests. A
memorial tribute was held for
the deceased, and Class
President Rodney Wesley presented each family with a plaque
from the class.
On Saturday, the group gathered for a pool party and picnic
8
during the day and an elegant
Reunion Ball in the evening.
On Sunday, all roads led to
the Morning Star Missionary
Baptist Church, where
classmate Rev. Kelvin Cockrell,
Sr., and the congregation
welcomed the group. Rev.
Cockrell delivered a spiritual
message, and classmate Loretta
Webb Wilson and her daughter,
Lauren, sang a special tribute
to deceased classmates. After
worship service, there were well wishes for traveling grace and
looking forward to meeting again in 2015!
Reported by Miriam Leftwich, Eaton, Alabama.
9
Most of these events are sponsored and presented by convention
and visitors bureaus. They take place on Saturdays unless noted
and, for the most part, are for people planning reunions in their
area. All prefer or require advance reservations and are free or
at nominal cost. For information about new events – added
online, as soon as we learn about them – visit reunionsmag.com
and click on workshops, conferences and seminars.
ALLIANCE OF MILITARY REUNIONS
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Contact Skip Sander, 412-367-1376;
[email protected]; AllMilitaryReunions.org.
February 19, 2011
The Mason Inn on the campus of George Mason University
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Speakers: Dr. Ione Vargus, founder of The Family Reunion
Institute at Temple University and Edith Wagner, Editor of
Reunions magazine. Program, breakfast, lunch, and optional
tour of the National Air and Space Museum Steven F.
Udvar-Hazy Center. Advance registration is free and
required. Contact Dean Miller at Visit Fairfax: 703-7529509; [email protected]
ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA
Contact Carol Gryson, toll-free 877-202-5961
ATHENS, GEORGIA
February 12, 2011
Contact Amy Clark, 706-357-4433; [email protected]
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
September 2011
Contact Angelique Alvarez; 404-521-6572;
atlantareunions.com/events.asp
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
Contact 800-458-8085
BRANSON, MISSOURI
FLINT, MICHIGAN
Contact Renee Cobb, Flint CVB, 888-230-2586
GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA
Contact Lindsay Burns, 864-953-2464
GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA
Military Reunion Planners Conference hosted by the Branson/Lakes Friday, April 8, 2011 –
Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center, Norcross
Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. Contact Branson/Lakes
Friday,
July 15, 2011 –
Area CVB, PO Box 1897, Branson MO 65615; 800-214-3661;
Malibu
Grand Prix Family Entertainment Center, Norcross
[email protected]; ExploreBranson.com/MilitaryReunion
Friday, October 14, 2011 –
George Pierce Park Recreation Center, Suwanee
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
ABCs of Planning a Family Reunion. Complimentary lunch,
Contact Treasure, National Reunion Services, 925-240-1482;
Family Reunion Planning Guide. Drawing for a digital camera.
www.reunionsondemand.com/Workshop/
Reservations only, no walk-ins. Contact Linda Murphy, GCTS,
CHICAGO SOUTHLAND, ILLINOIS
Gwinnett CVB Education Specialist, 888-494-6638;
Contact Elizabeth Baun; 888-895-8233;
[email protected]
[email protected]; visitchicagosouthland.com
COBB COUNTY, GEORGIA
February 26, 2011
Family reunion planning guide, trade show (hotels, attractions,
etc.), complimentary lunch. Free to anyone planning a family
reunion in Cobb County; seating limited to two guests per
reunion. Contact Kathy Buske, Cobb County CVB, 678-3032624; [email protected]
DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA
KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA
Contact Sara Melendez-Davis at 800-831-1844, ext 42446;
[email protected]
LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Spring 2011
Host hotel Keylime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort, Gurnee, Ill.
Contact Kimberly Ghys, Lake County CVB, 800-Lake-Now;
lakecountyreunions.com
March 12, 26, April 16, 30, May 14, June 25, July 23, August
13, 27, September 10, 24, October 8, 22, November 12.
Contact Carol Murray, DeKalb County CVB, 800-999-6055
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
Planning a Successful Reunion in the “D”! Free planning kit
and chance to win prizes. Registration required. Contact Nikki
Donald, Detroit Metro CVB, 313-202-1972;
[email protected]; visitdetroit.com
Contact Meet Minneapolis, 800-445-7412, x 8104.
DOUGLASVILLE, GEORGIA
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA
February 26 (military), May 21, August 13, November 12.
Contact Saundra Robertson, 502-379-6110
NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA
Contact Cheryl Morales, 888-493-7386; [email protected]
March 5, 2011
Contact Douglasville CVB, 678-715-6069
Contact Kevin Flowers, 800-551-8682; [email protected]
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA
October 21-23, 2011
Family Reunion University, YMCA of the Rockies, Snow
Mountain Ranch. Contact Conference Office, 800-777-9622
Contact Durham CVB, 800-446-8604
ESTES PARK, COLORADO
November 4-6, 2011
Family Reunion University YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park
Center. Contact Conference Office, 800-777-9622
10
WINTER PARK, COLORADO
YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN
Contact Mary Zucchero, Ypsilanti CVB, 734-483-4444.
11
SCRAPBOOK
Arranging the reunion banquet
I’m in charge of planning the
formal dinner banquet for my
family’s reunion next summer.
Everyone keeps telling me they want
a “nice” event, but I’ve received the
banquet menus from the hotel where
we’ll be staying, and I’m having
“sticker shock” looking at the prices!
What can we do to put on a nice
event and still keep the cost
reasonable for everyone?
Q?
The best time to negotiate
banquet pricing is before you
sign the hotel contract for your
reunion. By including the banquet in
your negotiations with the hotel, you
increase your leverage and you can
“lock in” the maximum price you’ll be
paying for your meal. A reunion that
includes a banquet is more valuable to
the hotel than one that doesn’t.
In this case, the family has already
confirmed they’ll be using the hotel so
the challenge is to work with the hotel
to plan an event everyone will enjoy
without breaking the bank.
Start by contacting the hotel’s
catering manager regarding the date
and time for your event. If possible,
consider having your event on a Sunday
afternoon or evening; catering prices at
many hotels will be lower on Sunday.
Friday and Saturday events tend to be
the most expensive, as these are days
when the hotel’s banquet rooms are in
greatest demand. An afternoon event
A!
12
will almost always be less expensive
than an evening event, so you may wish
to consider having a formal luncheon
rather than dinner.
Next, ask the catering manager to
work with the hotel’s chef to develop an
“in-season” menu. Items which the chef
can procure locally and in-season tend
to be less expensive than those ordered
from across the country. For example, in
many parts of the country, strawberry
shortcake is a great dessert choice in
June (when strawberries are plentiful
and inexpensive), but not in February,
when strawberries must be imported
from California, Arizona or Mexico.
Also ask what other groups the hotel
will be hosting on your reunion dates,
and what they’re serving for their
meals. If you can agree to some of the
same menu items as other groups, it
will result in savings in both the cost of
food (the hotel is able to order in
greater quantities), and the cost of the
preparation (there will be less labor
involved in the kitchen).
Beef and seafood tend to be the most
expensive menu choices, while
chicken, pork, pasta, and vegetarian
dishes are usually less expensive. Also
remember that a plated meal is almost
always less expensive than a
comparable meal served on a buffet.
(Buffets require additional food that
will ultimately be left over.)
Next, calculate both the number of
adults and the number of children who
will attend your banquet. Ask to have a
separate (lower) per person price for
children. If there is a sufficient number
of children, the hotel may be able to
offer a special “children’s buffet,” with
a kid-friendly menu of pizza, chicken
fingers and peanut butter sandwiches!
If you plan to serve alcohol,
consider a cash bar; this way, those
who don’t drink will not have to pay for
those who do. Or consider offering only
beer and wine.
And finally, don’t be afraid to give the
catering manager your per-person budget
and ask for “the very best menu” the
hotel is able to offer for that price. This
allows the hotel to plan the menu to fit
your budget, rather than trying to “guess”
what you might be willing to pay.
By following these simple steps, you
should be able to come up with an
enjoyable and affordable meal.
About the answerer
Dean Miller, national
sales director for
VisitFairfax (fxva.com),
the convention and
visitors bureau in Fairfax
County, Virginia, is a
great friend of reunions.
If you are planning a reunion in the
Washington, DC, area, consider Fairfax
County and contact Dean at 703-7900643; [email protected].
13
SCRAPBOOK
Civil War Trails
throughout
Tennessee
T
he new Tennessee Civil War Trails
program has begun to install
interpretive signs throughout the state.
Civil War Trails is a multi-state program
that identifies, interprets and creates
driving tours of great campaigns and
lesser-known Civil War sites. More than
1,000 sites in Virginia, Maryland,
Tennessee, West Virginia and North
Carolina have directional “trailblazer”
signs and four-color interpretive markers
with maps, illustrations and text. Visit
chattanoogafun.com/civilwar.
Peace Corps veterans recall clarion call
I
n his 1961 inaugural address, President
John F. Kennedy declared, “Ask not
what your country can do for you; ask
what you can do for your country.”
In 1967 Peace Corps volunteers
trained for four months at Ghost Ranch in
northern New Mexico, then flew to South
Korea to help improve public health.
One veteran after another mentioned
the electrifying memory of Kennedy’s
words as the fuel that drove the decision
to sign up. Person after person at a
reunion recalled the Kennedy speech as
vividly as Americans recall the terrorist
attacks of 9/11. They had also been
increasingly exposed to what was
happening in the Vietnam War and the
movement for Civil Rights and
empowerment in the black community.
Veterans were asked if they think it’s
possible for another generation to be
permanently shaped by such an appeal.
Overall, their answer was: maybe. These
Peace Corps veterans were in high school
when Kennedy lit up their lives. Their
adult careers as community-minded
professionals came more than a decade
after they first heard Kennedy’s words.
What’s most remarkable is that
Kennedy’s appeal continues to shape
their lives half a century later.
From a story by David Crumm
and Benjiman Crumm in the
Detroit Free Press, Detroit, Michigan
Celebrating the Sesquicentennial
of the American Civil War
Union Carbide
employee reunion
I
M
n 2011, Newport News, Virginia, will commemorate the Sesquicentennial (150
years) of America’s Civil War, with special events and re-enactments that can be
added to group tour itineraries.
Explore the famous “Battle of the Ironclads” and Newport News’ other array of Civil
War history, with excursions to the Congress and Cumberland Overlook, the MonitorMerrimack Overlook, the James A. Fields House and the Virginia War Museum.
To learn more about Newport News as a group tour destination, contact Trista Attoh at
888-493-7386; [email protected].
Watching one of Newport News’ many re-enactments at the Endview Plantation.
Free reunion planning newsletter
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ould you be interested in receiving a monthly email newsletter with reunion
ideas and reminders of what you should be thinking about on the way to your
reunion date?
You’ll regularly receive new ideas, how-to suggestions and resources to help you
plan your reunion. It’s only a handful of months before it’s almost time for your reunion.
Listen up! Send your request to [email protected].
14
ore than 560 former employees of
Union Carbide gathered in
Charleston, West Virginia, to reminisce
and tour changes to the Kanawha Valley’s
chemical and research facilities. The
company was a big part of the Kanawha
Valley community and economy,
employing 10,000 to 15,000 people
during its heyday. For nearly a century,
Union Carbide was a major employer and
influence in West Virginia, until 2001
when it merged with Dow Chemical Co.
The company brought people to West
Virginia from across the US and around
the world. Carbide employee reunions are
common across the US, but this was the
first in Charleston. Many who retired from
Union Carbide moved to Florida.
The reunion featured a health fair and
benefits seminar from representatives
with Dow and Bayer. Organizers set up
“Memory Lane,” with photos of employees
at picnics, award ceremonies and other
events, and aerial shots dating back to the
1920s, depicting various Union Carbide
sites across the nation.
The next big Union Carbide reunion is
scheduled for the weekend of April 8, 2011,
in Phoenix, Arizona. For information about
the Arizona reunion or local “retiree gettogethers,” contact Ed Ballard, reunion
coordinator, 304-722-4568.
From a story by Veronica Nett
in the West Virginia Gazette,
Charleston, West Virginia
15
ASTA travel agents make travel accessible
T
oo often the travel plans of people with disabilities are
sidelined or delayed by inadequate facilities, higher
prices and general hassles. The travel community is
generating solutions, creating a network of travel options for
disabled people worldwide and broadening accessible travel.
Each traveler’s needs are different so it’s
critical that a traveler with special needs work
with a travel agent who understands them and
their unique situation.
• Do your homework. Before boarding the plane or
ship, thoroughly study your destination. Word-of-mouth from
other disabled travelers is great, but no source is more
valuable than a travel agent who specializes in disabled travel.
• Speak up. Ask your travel agent detailed questions
about customs and services provided at each destination.
Your travel agent should provide information about transfers
and types of terrain you may encounter.
• Make healthy choices. Talk to your physician about
the trip and immunizations you’ll need. Your doctor can
provide tips and medicines for coping with long flights,
advice about medical facilities at your destination and how
to obtain prescription drugs in an emergency.
• A prescription for travel. Be sure to take enough prescribed
medication and copies of prescriptions. Pack medications in your
carry-on bag. It’s wise to travel with a signed letter from your doctor
detailing your condition, medications, potential complications and, if
you’re diabetic, your requirement to carry needles.
• Leash laws? Some countries have restrictions on service
dogs. Check with your travel agent. If service dogs are permitted,
check whether any quarantine or vaccination requirements apply.
Have your dog’s rabies shots and vaccinations up-to-date, and
carry paperwork to prove it.
• Fly ’n’ drive. Some large planes have space to put a
manual wheelchair in the cabin, though most wheelchairs and
scooters are placed in cargo. Book a non-stop flight to alleviate the
hassle of getting your chair out of cargo. Use gel-cell batteries if
traveling in a power-driven wheelchair, as many airlines refuse to
carry wet-cell batteries for security reasons.
• Time for a tune-up. Have your wheelchair or scooter
serviced before a trip. Bring spare parts and tools. You or someone
you’re traveling with should know how to dismantle your scooter or
wheelchair in the event something goes wrong.
To find a travel professional that specializes in accessible
travel, visit TravelSense.org.
Gearjammers gather
M
ore than 160 former red bus drivers from the 1940s to the present gathered in
Montana at Glacier Park Lodge for a reunion. Drivers came from across the
country and abroad to share stories of their time behind the wheel in Glacier Park.
For some it was their first time back in Glacier since they were red bus drivers,
giving them a chance to show their families why it was the best time of their lives.
Drivers and their guests took an all-day tour in red buses over Going-to-the-Sun Road.
They joined a group in a cavalcade of historic vehicles from The Jammer Trust,
including a 1927 Cadillac, and two earlier model red buses.
Drivers and guests also enjoyed a Tall Tales session where the gearjammers shared
some of their favorite memories and stories about their time in Glacier.
From a report in Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, Montana
Podcasts explained
P
odcasting is the creation of audio files that can be accessed on the Internet. You
can listen on your Windows or Macintosh computer, or download (for later
listening) to an MP3 player (such as the Apple iPod), an iPhone, or most any other
device capable of listening to audio files. Listening to a podcast is like listening to a
radio program.
Podcasts are stored online, so you can listen whenever you want. Unlike radio, you
do not need to check a schedule and be prepared at a certain date or time. Podcasts
are available whenever YOU want them.
From a post by Dick Eastman whose own genealogy podcasts can be heard at
http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/podcasts.
Note: Many reunion-planning podcasts available free for downloading at reunionsmag.com.
m u c h m o r e o n w w w. r e u n i o n s m a g . c o m
16
‘Canal Family
Reunion’ a
chance to learn
about life on C&O
T
he C&O Canal National Historical
Park, Hagerstown, Maryland, hosts
a reunion each year to encourage those
with family ties to the canal to share
their stories of its operation. The canal
from Cumberland, Maryland, to
Georgetown in Washington, DC,
operated from 1850 to 1924. The
Cushwa Basin, where the reunion was
held, was one of the sites where canal
boats unloaded the coal they carried
from mines near Cumberland.
Canal boats carried 110 to 120
tons of coal on a journey that took
about a week.
An old coal and brick warehouse now
serves as a visitor center. Boat registers,
payroll records and lock records can be
researched to learn more about life on
the canal for family histories.
From a story by Heather Keels
in The Herald-Mail,
Hagerstown, Maryland.
17
BRANCH OFFICE
“The Gathering” draws descendants
by Grace Elting Castle
“We all share a common story … a new world story … let’s gather to enjoy it.”
ittle did we know that this comment during a phone
conference one year would result in reunion-the-next,
dubbed “The Gathering.” Attendees spouted superlatives
like awesome, unbelievable and amazing!
In fact, attendance was awesome. The majority of the 200
plus who “came home” to Historic Huguenot Street (HHS) in
New Paltz, New York, are “cousins” who trace our ancestral
lineage to the early families of the town, and specifically of this
little street. We have, or can trace ourselves to, surnames of
Hasbrouck, DuBois, Crispell, Deyo, Schoonmaker, Elting,
LeFevre, Gerow, Freer, Bevier, Terwilliger and others.
We have active family organizations; most are associated
with Historic Huguenot Street’s parent non-profit, the
Huguenot Historical Society of New Paltz, NY. But in the
L
Cousins visiting near a massive, ancient tree behind the LeFevre House.
Curator Leslie LeFevre-Stratton (left of the portrait) explains the new portrait gallery of
treasured family portraits in the LeFevre House on Historic Huguenot Street.
decades since our cousin Kenneth Hasbrouck urged formation
of these groups, we have never had a reunion. Thousands of us
are scattered throughout the world. We know we’re “cousins”
due to the continual intermarriage of the original twelve
French Huguenot families who settled the “New Paltz Patent”
and a few Dutch families. But most of us had never met.
We began preparing for the reunion with the HHS Family
Collaboration Committee as sponsor. It became evident that our
Family Association, with few living in New Paltz, could not
handle logistics of the event. HHS staff and volunteers stepped
up and, though stretched to their limits during the final weeks
of planning and organizing, presented a quality event.
Rockford preservation reunion
T
he Rockford (North Carolina) Preservation Society sponsored
Remember Rockford Families Reunion in September. The
purpose of the reunion is to celebrate the history of the village of
Rockford and the heritage of the village’s families.
The reunion began Friday at an outdoor dinner and program
at the Rockford Inn Bed and Breakfast.
A day of heritage events on Saturday in historic Rockford and at
Rockford Park included a quilting display, book signing, oldfashioned lawn games, children’s coloring contest with prizes,
bluegrass music, heritage craft exhibits, knife swap and whittling
contest. The Catawba Valley Woodcarvers Club demonstrated
whittling and woodcarving.
Local genealogists and speakers at Rockford Methodist Church
helped trace family ties to Rockford. Following a picnic lunch,
18
shuttle buses took participants to local attractions such as Rag
Apple Lassie Vineyards and Stony Knoll Vineyards.
Two military encampments, one from the Revolutionary War
period and one from the Civil War-period, were on the lawn of
the York Tavern, part of the North Carolina Civil War Trail.
The reunion concluded on Sunday with a church service at
the restored Rockford Methodist Church (built circa 1914 and
now used only for special events), followed by a service of
remembrance at the community cemetery.
A fee was charged to attend special meals, all other reunion
events were free and open to the public. Visit
www.rememberrockford.com.
From an article by Meghann Evans
in the Mount Airy News, Mount Airy, North Carolina.
HISTORIC HUGUENOT STREET
18 Broadhead Ave.
New Paltz NY 12561
Ph: 845-255-1660
[email protected]
New Paltz is halfway between
Albany and New York City. Historic
stone houses are open for tours May
through October. Some buildings
are available to rent for reunions.
President Mary Etta Schneider (herself a
The Friday evening “President’s
cousin) said, “We have tried to balance
Reception” honored all family and
social time – an opportunity to catch up
community association presidents. It was
with cousins and meet new friends – with
held on the lawn of LeFevre House, with a
workshops and activities that we hope will
string quartet and a classy reception that
create a real appreciation of our ancestors
provided an early peek at the new gallery of
and others who were an integral part of the
ancestor portraits curated by HHS’s Leslie
founding of New Paltz.” That was certainly
LeFevre Stratton, another cousin.
all accomplished.
On Saturday, family associations
Walking alone down a deserted Historic
gathered for annual meetings while others
Visit www.huguenotstreet.org.
Huguenot Street on a dark night, I
shared breakfast goodies on the lawn near
wondered at the magical feeling as I
the DuBois Fort. There were house tours,
passed the old stone houses occupied over
the portrait exhibit, and several workshops:
three centuries ago by my ancestors, knowing they walked the
“The Missing Chapter: Africans in Early New Paltz”;
same paths, visited on the same lawns and in the same houses
“Researching Your Dutch Roots”; “Before New Paltz: Early
where we had been. The story that our families started in 1678
History of our Founders”; and “Gathering Family Stories.”
continues today through the preservation of these stone houses,
Presentations such as the “Behind the Scenes in Collection
the collections and archives. It’s an American story of escaping
Storage,” a colonial fashion show, and exploration of period
persecution, seeking new businesses and adventure, serving the
clothing, were just a portion of many popular choices, as were
new nation in political, military, industrial, professional and a
archaeology and a house restoration in progress. We honored
multitude of other ways. It’s a story now better understood by
three centenarians who have been members of HHS for
those who “came home” to Historic Huguenot Street.
decades. Lunch, an ice cream social and dinner were provided.
What better place to hold a reunion?
Evening opportunities included a lecture on cultural
pluralism, a special presentation of “Haunted Huguenot
Street,” more house tours, and visiting and making new
About the author
acquaintances until late in the evening.
Grace Elting Castle
Sunday morning, some attended services in the French Church,
([email protected]) is a Eugene, Oregon,
where Rev. Richard Matson brought the centuries together by using
writer. She is a past president and current trustee
computer-provided music. True to modern life, the computer failed
of the Bevier-Elting Family Association of New
to cooperate, so singing was probably much as it would have been in
Paltz, NY, and served as the HHS Family
earlier centuries.
Collaboration Committee’s chair of “The
Even this lengthy description does not adequately portray the
Gathering.” A retired professional investigator,
wonderful weekend activities. In her welcoming message, HHS
she is editor of PI Magazine.
•
Tercentennial (300 Year) Elder Reunion Harder family tree
T
he William Elder of Maryland Descendants Association will host its Tercentennial
(300 Year) Family Reunion in 2011. Goals of the association are to reestablish
familial ties among Elder descendants, preserve family records, establish an archival
repository, and study Elder Family history and the work of Elder family historians.
Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, founded in
1808, is the second oldest Catholic college and seminary in the US. It was established
on what was originally William Elder’s property.
Reunion events include meetings to share Elder history and genealogy, a colonial
encampment to illustrate the world in which the Elders lived, a Mass of remembrance
and thanksgiving near the Elder Cemetery, and a Maryland roadside marker dedication.
The family also will attempt to set a new Guinness World record for the number of
people attending a family reunion.
Visit www.williamelderofmaryland.com.
Reported by Timothy P. Gallagher, New Market, Maryland.
T
he Harder Family Reunion displays
their family tree drawn over 50 years
ago on the back of a tablecloth. Anne
Petrous says, “I also display our
lineage, which has been traced back to
the late 1500s.” She has put the info
online and others are starting to add
more. Last year, she started a Yahoo
Group for family to stay in touch.
Reported by Anne Petrous,
New Baltimore, Michigan.
19
BRANCH OFFICE
Ellis Island Immigration Museum celebrates
T
he historic restoration of Ellis Island and its Immigration Museum, funded
by the American people, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The museum’s exhibits highlight the growth of America from 1880 to 1924.
Galleries illustrate the immigrant reception process, and immigrants’ arrival
and settlement throughout the US. The American Immigrant Wall of Honor® –
bearing the names of over 700,000 individuals and families – honors the
immigrant experience.
The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation’s Oral History Archive
contains the reminiscences of over 1,700 individuals who either immigrated
through or worked at Ellis Island. Excerpts are incorporated throughout the
museum’s audio tour.
The American Family Immigration History Center® offers access to arrival
records of more than 25 million immigrants, travelers and crewmembers who
entered through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1924. It is available online at
www.ellisisland.org.
The Museum’s new Peopling of America® Center, to open in 2012, will
enlarge the story currently told of the Ellis Island Era (1892-1954).
Seniors capture history for their family
T
here’s a lifetime of memories in a senior’s head. Many retirees
find it rewarding to document and rediscover the vast web of
experiences that make up their personal and family histories.
Seniors make history come alive by organizing and labeling
a box of old photographs, having someone document stories
from their past, or tracing family’s roots.
Dr. H. Asuman Kiyak, director of the University of
Washington’s Department of Aging, said research shows that
recalling specific incidents or people in their past helps exercise
seniors’ episodic memory. She cautioned there isn’t evidence to
suggest the activity affects a brain’s cognitive ability.
Toni Taft took action when her grandmother was diagnosed
with terminal cancer.
She videotaped her grandmother’s recollections and learned
things she hadn’t known. One story triggered another memory,
then another.
She had tapes edited, then combined with family photos and
videos to produce a two-DVD multimedia package. Her
grandmother saw most of it before she died. In an eight-minute
excerpt shown at her memorial service, her grandmother said
she had lived a great life, had no regrets and loved her family.
Then she waved goodbye.
WHERE/HOW TO START
• Start with yourself and work backwards. Ask for first-person
recollections of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents.
Get a rough sketch of your family tree, fill details in later.
• Public libraries have electronic databases of census records
and state newspapers on microfilm.
• Genealogical societies have many resources, including death
records from local cemeteries, church histories, military
records, obituaries and yearbook photos.
• Family History Centers are open to the public at Mormon
churches to help people research their ancestors.
• For federal information, census, pension and bankruptcy
records, visit your local National Archives office. Visit
www.archives.gov.
From an article by Caleb Heeringa
in The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, Washington
Want to see your reunion on these pages?
The answer is simple. Send a report, add terrific, well-focused pictures and we'll consider it.
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ad it whe
reunion ire other
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For more details and
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Send with your report to [email protected]; subject line: name of the reunion.
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20
Bitmans, et al., reunite in Baltimore
F
or 17 years, Laya Bitman constructed her family tree, tying
together 16,000 relatives from all over the US, Lithuania,
Russia, Israel, England, Australia, Hong Kong and Canada.
She pieced together 200 Bitmans, Sussmans, Zismans,
Zussmans and Levins back to the early 1800s. In 2008, shortly
after her father died, Bitman’s mother gave her old photos and
a few mimeographed pages.
Bitman, 37, had hit the genealogy jackpot. “Suddenly, I had
1,000 people in my family tree. Then 7,000. It kept growing.”
She says, “I can’t remember a time I didn’t bug my parents
about where we were from, when we came here, if anyone was
still in Europe.”
Her husband, Baruch, a videographer, helped produce a
documentary about the family to show at the reunion. Bitman
planned to add footage at the reunion, including interviews
with two Holocaust survivors, to expand the documentary.
Bitman expected 75 at a family reunion in Baltimore; the other
15,925 couldn’t make it.
From a story by Rachel Vigoda in the
Jewish Exponent, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Reunion celebrates 300 years in Hunterdon
T
he Apgar Family Reunion celebrates
the family’s history and the
immigration of thousands of Germans
300 years ago. For many, the event is
about exploring family history. Reunion
organizer George Apgar said it’s a
chance to be proud of their German
heritage. This year’s reunion theme was
“We are a patient and persistent people.”
Mike Apgar, the family’s association
president, has always been interested in
genealogy. It became a passion when his
grandma took him to tombstones. “She
would sit down on them, out of breath,
but she’d convey what she knew about
the family.”
Last year, the family celebrated their
most famous relative, Virginia Apgar, the
physician who – in the 1950s – invented
the Apgar score, an assessment used to
determine the wellness of newborn babies.
A rule in the family’s bylaws says
reunions are held in Hunterdon County (New
Jersey). the site of the Apgar homestead.
From a story by Veronica Slaght
in the Hunterdon County Democrat,
Flemington, New Jersey.
Tyler reunion
marks a
milestone
F
ifty-four descendants of Malachi
and Mary Tyler celebrated the
200th anniversary of their family
settling in Morganville, New York. The
annual Tyler reunion is held on the
first Sunday in July.
Nora Tyler Sands of Byron, New
York – Malachi’s great-great-greatgranddaughter – prepared a family tree
dating back to 1769. Family members
enjoyed using the genealogy chart to
trace their lineage and learn just how
everyone is related.
As part of the observance, the
family planted peonies moved from a
family farm. Women in the Tyler family
always loved gardens, especially
peonies, Sands said.
“The pull of family, the desire to
connect to my past and curiosity about
where branches of the family went, got
me interested in genealogy again,”
Sands said. “I want my children to know
and appreciate their family history.”
From a story by Virginia Kropf
in The Daily News Online,
Batavia, New York.
21
BRANCH OFFICE
Early American family
regroups in Hampton
T
he Chandler Family Reunion honored the 400th anniversary
of John Chandler’s arrival in America and Hampton,
Virginia’s, 400th birthday. The family took a field trip to
Historic Jamestowne, where their ancestor is thought to have
stepped off the boat in 1610.
The Chandler Family Association has about 500 members;
more than 100 gathered in Hampton. The main trunk of this
family tree stretches back to John Chandler, one of Hampton’s
original city fathers. In 1624, John Chandler was listed as a
servant of Thomas Willoughby in the “Muster list of Virginia at
Elizabeth Cittie,” an early name for Hampton. Family research
shows that by 1640, Chandler was a major land owner, and by
1646 was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. If true,
John Chandler’s tale is one of the nation’s original rags-to-riches
stories. He succeeded in what was wilderness.
The City of Hampton has been eager to salute the return of
one of its first families. Hampton History Museum staff led
family members on a tour of sites from old Hampton.
Visit www.thecfa.org.
From a story by Sam McDonald
in the Daily Press, Newport News, Virginia.
22
The family time capsule
I
n an article in the Mormon Times, Russell Bangerter
describes one family assembling a time capsule to
bury in the ground.
Use a plastic container with sealed edges, so water
cannot seep in.
Give each family a plastic container larger than a
ream of paper, and invite them to place memorabilia in
the container. Items can include photos, chapters from
family histories, newspaper articles, family mottos and
newspaper headlines. Copies of the family genealogy
from the family Bible would be of great worth.
During a reunion, nine boxes were gathered, sealed
in the plastic container and lowered into a hole in the
lawn (2 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet deep) and covered with
dirt, marked with a stone to help those who wish to
visit the site and remember the occasion.
The family agreed to open the capsule in 10 years.
Time capsules can also include genealogy sheets or
information burned onto CDs or DVDs, showing
pedigree charts and family group records. Or include
copies of pages from journals, birth certificates,
marriages certificates and obituaries. This shows those
who follow where we have been, where we are headed
and from whom we descend.
Downings hold historic reunion in French Camp
T
he first known reunion of descendants of James Alexander
Downing and his wife, Rachel Elizabeth Boyd, was held at
French Camp, Mississippi, in 1930. A boy of about ten
attended that reunion and lived to attend the second Downing
reunion in 2010, 80 years later.
The reunion location was the home of Remer Downing, the
last of the Downings to be a full-time resident of French Camp.
The front steps of the house include a foundation stone from the
original home of James Alexander Downing. The wrap-around
porch was covered with photographs, maps, printed data,
enlarged copies of deeds, obituaries, census reports, and a wallsize family tree.
Reunion Day began with descendants gathering at the French
Camp Presbyterian Church, where generations of Downings
worshipped. Descendants then crossed the street for the
dedication of an historical marker that recognized “Oaklawn,”
the 1928 home of William L. Downing (“Uncle Will”), the oldest
Downing home in French Camp.
The Brazilian Downings presented gifts to everyone
attending: a handmade, hand-painted bag, as well as a card with
a photograph of a tree in Brazil – a reminder of the branch of the
Downing family tree in Brazil.
Lunch was catered and served under a huge white tent in the
front yard of the Remer Downing home. The final planned event
was a bus tour, with accompanying map and family history
handout of Downing home, and visits to the Downing School and
the French Camp Cemetery.
From a story by CJ Johnson
in the Choctaw Plaindealer,
Ackerman, Mississippi
Digital Diaspora Family Reunion
T
he Digital Diaspora Family Reunion
(DDFR) (http://ddfr.tv/) is a social
media website where African Americans
can view other people’s stories while
sharing and acquiring information
about their own history. It encourages
users to tell about their ancestry through pictures. After
creating an account, users upload family photos and add
descriptions of relevance to the family. This project provides
a gathering place where lost, neglected and discarded shards
of history can be seen, shared and appreciated.
23
MASTERPLAN
S P R I N G H O L I DAY S
Easter safety tips
I
f you look forward to an Easter reunion, consider these
cautions for your Easter egg hunt. The Thinking C.A.P.P.
Foundation (Children’s Accident Prevention Program) offers
Mr. No-No’s Easter egg hiding tips. They say creative hiding
places cause many kids to end up in the hospital each year.
Color-code eggs for each age group. Let kids know what
color is theirs, and hide them accordingly. Keep eggs at or
below eye level of younger children. Count the eggs before
hiding them. Keep track of the eggs you hide. Do NOT hide
eggs inside light sockets, near electrical outlets or plugs, in
cupboards or drawers holding dangerous products, on or under
glass. Do NOT hide eggs outside in preexisting holes in the
ground or trees, in any plants that have thorns, or that look
potentially dangerous or poisonous, in any animal’s home, food
bowl or play area, or where pesticides or poisons have recently
been sprayed.
After the hunt, throw away eggs that are cracked or
damaged. For additional tips, information and safety products,
visit TheThinkingCAPPFoundation.org.
Easter traditions
E
aster traditions differ from family
to family.
One family visits relatives for a day
of activities, including lunch, an egg
hunt, time for reflection with
family members and hours of fun
for the children.
Whether your tradition includes
a visit to the mall for photos with
the Easter Bunny, coloring and
hunting eggs, visiting family, or
attending a church service in a new
outfit, the day is always remembered.
According to Wikipedia, the
Easter Bunny symbol seems to have its origins in Germany,
where he was first recorded in a German publication in the
early 1600s. The first edible bunnies made of pastry and sugar
were made in Germany during the early 1800s. The Easter
Bunny was introduced to America by German settlers who
arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country during the 1700s.
The arrival of the German Osterhase or hare was considered one
of “childhood’s greatest pleasures.” Children built brightly
colored nests, often out of caps and bonnets, in secluded areas of
their homes. If the children had been good, the Osterhase would
lay brightly colored eggs in the nest. As the tradition spread, the
nest evolved into the modern manufactured Easter basket.
From a story by Jessica Thompson
in the Polk County Democrat, Barton, Florida.
A Passover Seder reunion
A
bout 115 Manis family members came from all
over the country for a Seder and family
reunion in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Edith
Zibelman, 87, shared her handwritten account
of the generations.
Organizer Melissa Rosenthal said
getting all the families together was
easier than she’d thought because they’d
been talking about doing it for a while.
They used evite and held the Seder on
Saturday for better attendance.
Traditionally, a Seder takes place on the
first and second evenings of Passover
(Pesach). The holiday marks the birth of the
Jewish people as a unified nation and celebrates
their freedom from slavery in Egypt 3,000 years ago.
At a Seder, Jews recount the Exodus with rituals and
blessings over wine and food. They read from the Haggadah
24
and eat particular foods. Maror – bitter herbs –
represent the bitterness of slavery, and haroset
– a sweet mixture of apples, nuts and
cinnamon – symbolizes the building mortar
the Jewish people used during their time
in bondage. Matzoh, or unleavened
bread, is especially important because it
recalls the hurry to escape from
Pharaoh, leaving no time to let their
bread rise.
Everyone received a copy of The
Manis Family Directory, a compendium of
all the children, with details about their
lives and where they live, and a letter by
Molly Margolis, 91, recalling other Seders she’d
experienced. Everyone got a family Haggadah, the
book that traditionally recalls the Jews’ Exodus from Egypt.
From a story by Manasee Wagh on phillyBurbs.com,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
MASTERPLAN
Triumph over adversity
Despite the
challenges,
Staybridge Suites
Chantilly, Payne’s
Catering, Sammy’s
Rental and the
Reunion Committee
received rave reviews
from every member of
the family. At the end,
“Cousin” Carl Brown
was adopted into the
family with honors.
W
hen the Epps Family Reunion signed the contract with
Staybridge Suites in Chantilly, Virginia, the understanding
was that the new 2,000-square-feet meeting space capable of
holding the reunion would be completed. Unfortunately, permit
issues prevented completion in time for the reunion. Instead,
Carl Brown, Director of Sales, utilized his referral network and
Epps Family Reunion tent at Staybridge Suites.
Staybridge Suites Sales Director, Carl Brown hosted this game of Bingo for the Epps family.
deep relationships to find caterers and vendors willing to work
with him. They provided a tent, tables, chairs and meal at no
additional cost to the hotel or the family. Everything came
together perfectly and for $35 per person, the 140-member
reunion enjoyed a spacious tent with dance floor. They feasted
on fried chicken, baked tilapia with roasted red pepper cream
sauce, sliced sirloin with wild mushroom demi-glaze, mashed
potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, glazed carrots,
corn, green salad, and dinner rolls.
The Epps family.
Family celebrates centennial
of immigration
A
Join reunion chat @
http://forums.reunionsmag.com
26
lfred Paley and his cousin, Seymour
Paley, both octogenarians, told how
the matriarch of the family died in
childbirth in Russia. Her husband and
eight children – parents, grandparents
and great-grandparents of those listening
– set out, one by one, on ships to the US
in the early 1900s. They held their
audience riveted as they shared more
recent stories about how they and others
of their generation transcended their
parents’ grinding poverty.
The stories have been swapped every
year since 1946 at Paley Family
Reunions. This year they celebrated the
100th anniversary of patriarch Morris
Paley’s arrival at Ellis Island. Paleys
revel annually in a shared history, a
classic American tale of early 20th
century immigration. For 65 years, they
have passed the family lore from one
generation to the next.
The Paley family oral history is a
living history. The reunion’s stars are the
eldest cousins: Alfred, Seymour and the
other children, all now in their 70s and
80s, born to the five men and three
women who fled czarist Russia’s peasant
poverty and Jewish persecution. Now the
great-grandchildren of Morris Paley, in
their 40s, 50s and 60s – have taken over
reunion organizing.
The reunions began after World War
II, when Sylvia Paley Gilbert, 88, of
Louisville, Kentucky, sent a postcard in
1946 to her cousins, saying. “Why don’t
we get together?” Eight boys who
served in the war all came home from
the service.
The family has a facebook page for
sharing news and this year, they
broadcast the reunion via streaming
video on the Web for relatives who
couldn’t attend.
From a story by Katherine Shaver in the
Washington Post, Washington DC.
MASTERPLAN
Tema Family reunion at Cragun’s
T
Family members found
he level of esteem
Cragun’s to be a large resort
for the heads of a
with a homey, friendly family
family is evident
atmosphere – all in a
when, 105 years
“Minnesota Nice”
after their births,
environment. Cragun’s
family members still gather
meeting coordinator, Tanya
to celebrate.
Sawyer, provided thoughtful
So it is with the Tema
planning that assured
family, who have come from
everyone would be in
around the country every
lodgings close to one another,
five years to commemorate
either overlooking or located
the births of Peter and
on the shore of Gull Lake.
Caroline Tema. The
Some members stayed in
tradition was an annual
Hawaiian theme welcome party with Grandpa Tema’s special Mai Tais.
adjacent cabins. Others were
reunion birthday celebration
family members – 20 from Minnesota and
lodged in nearby lakeview rooms
until Peter passed several years ago at
25 from other states.
connected to the Main Lodge.
age 96; Caroline passed earlier, in her 80s.
Carol said, “One of the most remarkable
The reunion began with a Welcome
This year the Tema family chose
things was the range of ages. We had Tema
Party Barbecue and Potluck Dinner
Cragun’s Conference & Golf Resort on
family members from four months to 80
Friday evening, outdoors along the lake
Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota, to
years old. Most impressive was that
near two of the Tema cabins. The dinner,
host their special quinquennial family
Cragun’s professional meeting planners
planned by Carol and Tanya, featured a
reunion. According to the family, this
helped plan an event that was enjoyable for
Hawaiian theme to reflect the years Peter
year’s version was the greatest success.
all ages.” Carol said they especially liked
and Caroline lived there. The highlight
Carol Tema Opheim and her nephew,
the easy access to everything, the beach,
was Mai Tais prepared by the grandsons
Bob Tema, Jr., were primary planners of
pools and the marina.
(assisted by Cragun’s bar staff), using
the three-day event attended by 45 Tema
The Tema Family at Cragun’s Conference & Golf Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota.
28
The “105th Tema Tours Open Championship” awards ceremony.
Grandpa Tema’s traditional recipe.
“We really felt special when owners
Dutch and Irma Cragun visited the party
to welcome us to their resort and make
sure things were going well,” Carol
commented. “It made us feel the personal
attention they put into our reunion.”
“The most fun was having a variety of
events and activities that appealed to
young and old alike,” said Carol.
“Everyone loved having group activities
in the warm, inviting atmosphere. Yet
Cragun’s planned activities so people
could still have fun on their own. They
came up with just the right blend of time
together and time alone,” Carol stated.
The group went golfing, pontoon
boating, swimming, fishing and had
campfires on the beach. Cragun’s golf
staff helped plan a complimentary family
golf event on the Legacy Reversible 9Hole, Par 3 Course. The 105th Tema
CRAGUN’S CONFERENCE
& GOLF RESORT
in Brainerd, Minnesota, has
been serving the meeting needs
since 1940.
Contact
800-CRAGUNS (272-4867);
www.craguns.com.
Tours Open Championship, the familyfun tournament, awarded trophies at the
evening buffet.
Saturday’s Reunion Buffet was the
crowning event, hosted in Cragun’s Main
Dining Room next to the deck
overlooking Gull Lake. This was the
event to celebrate Peter and Caroline, the
Tema family and the golf awards banquet.
“From the first phone calls to the final
planning points, we were treated
cordially and respectfully,” Carol
offered. “They handled all the details to
make sure our needs were met. From the
personal attention of Dutch and Irma
Cragun, to the caring staff, everyone at
Cragun’s made this a most memorable
time for family bonding… We’ll be back
for the next one, and hopefully sooner
than another five years.”
Fun on the water for all ages!
29
MASTERPLAN
“At the Gate I Know”
My mind’s eye began to paint a picture of all our ancestors
rom the time of the Meet ’n’ Greet on Friday, to the
who have crossed over, running to heaven’s gate to receive the
delicious dinner prepared and served by members of New
balloons and our promises of commitment to this great Vernon
Bedford Baptist Church following Sunday morning worship, the
Family legacy. They were overjoyed and excited to receive the
Vernon Family Reunion was one extraordinary demonstration
gifts from their earthly family and stretched their arms in an
of love, togetherness, and reflection. I must admit the most
memorable part of our reunion weekend for me was the
Balloon Release Reaffirmation Ceremony.
Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Smiley Jones of Little Africa,
South Carolina, we were able to stand on a portion of the
original 18.5 acres owned and deeded to Tom and Harriet
Vernon in the late 1800s. After Tom’s death, the land was
divided equally and passed to their children as they came
of age. The Jones residence is built on property inherited
by Sallie Vernon Miller and sold to Fred Jones in the mid
1940s.
With feet firmly planted on soil once owned by Tom and
Harriet, I stood in awe of what they accomplished only 40
years after slavery. I stood proudly united with other
members on their strength reaffirming our commitment to
family. Each person received a balloon, formed a circle
and blessed the ceremony through prayer. Following the
prayer one person from each generation read a portion of a
litany written especially for the Vernon Family as the rest
of us chanted “Hear our prayer, O Lord.” We were asked to
share one word that represented our commitment to family. Balloons were launched for the Vernon Family Reunion Reaffirmation Ceremony on Sunday morning
We spoke such words as love, unity, perseverance,
before Morning Worship at the family home church in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
dedication, forgiveness, faithfulness, and service. into the
attempt to secure a balloon. At that moment an old song came
universe. On the count of three, balloons were released.
to my spirit and I began to hum “At the gate I know! At the
We stood with our faces stretched to the sky watching as
gate I know! Somebody’s waiting at the gate I know!”
balloons bunched together led by two elevating higher and
We continued fellowship on the land that was once our
higher into the hemisphere. We began to joke that the two
forefathers before caravanning to New Bedford. I carried the
balloons were Tom and Harriet leading the way for the other
warm presence of our ancestors with me.
balloons, “the family.” We noticed throughout their journey
Excerpted with permission from the
from earth to heaven the balloons never floated astray from one
Vernon Family Reunion newsletter, Remnants of C.L.A.Y.
another. Remarkably, two balloons launched from a few feet
Thanks to Janice “JP” Miller, Gainesville, Georgia.
away wasted no time catching up with the others.
F
West Texas reunion
T
Four generations of Hinojos,
Patriarch Cesareo Hinojos,
age 105, his son Isaac
Hinojos, granddaughter Sylvia
Medrano, and great
granddaughter Claudia Sedillo.
30
he Hinojos family gathers each year in
Lorenzo, just east of Lubbock, Texas. My
grandparents, Cesareo and Dolores Hinojos,
raised their 15 children to adulthood. At my
grandmother’s death in the late 1980s, it was
suggested we meet in happier times.
Family members come to Lorenzo from all over
the country for food, fun and a whole lot of
catching up. My grandfather, who celebrated his
105th birthday in August, was the oldest
attendee. The youngest was just six weeks old! At
last count, there are over 200 immediate
descendants ... and still counting!
Shared by Sylvia Medrano,
Round Rock, Texas
Photo by Reginald Watson
MASTERPLAN
T
he Powell-Moody Family Reunion in
Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina,
included a Meet & Greet, banquet,
program and picnic at Edwards Beach on
Lake Gaston in Henrico, North Carolina.
Shared by Allison Bell,
Littleton, North Carolina.
List Your Reunion
T
he 10th Bi-annual Stewart-Bostic Family Reunion was held in Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Family came from New York, Delaware, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, Arizona
and Pennsylvania. During four days we had a bowling contest, sightseeing outings, a
business meeting, picnic, worship service and just being together with lots of good
food and catching up. It’s fun to meet new additions (spouses, babies) since the last
reunion and talk about achievements since we were last together.
During the business meeting the next location is voted on. Family at the chosen location
will be the hosts. We have been all over this beautiful country. One year we even went on a
Caribbean cruise. The next reunion will be in 2012 in Delaware or Pennsylvania.
Our family is scattered all over the world now and, while some elect not to
participate, I just know this is something we must keep going.
Reported by Meredith B. Furel, Douglasville, Georgia.
free!
Email ([email protected])
Contact name, address, phone, reunion
name, date, and place. Check us
out at www.reunionsmag.com
A tree is known by the fruit it bears
T
he Ross family, a small but tightly knit family, gathered for its 11th bi-annual
family reunion, spearheaded by Freager and Sherry Sanders. They wanted to
make a difference in the community they were visiting, so before the fun, the Ross
Family spent Saturday morning participating in a community service project.
They volunteered to spread mulch at Dorey Park in Henrico, Virginia. Family
members ages two years to 60-plus carried mulch in a wheelbarrow, dumped and
spread it around trees and in flower beds. The park attendant was impressed with
their work and surprised they did it so quickly. What a wonderful way to kick off a
reunion, reported Dr. Patti Sanders-Smith, Greenville, North Carolina.
32
Yaeger Family Reunion enjoys Kentucky State Parks
T
he Yeager Family Reunion was started by first cousins and
their families to gather yearly, but has grown to include all
the allied families of Joseph and Sarah Cheek Yager of Knox
County, Kentucky.
My aunts came up with the idea and organized the first
reunion. A committee of three aunts and two nieces planned
the next three reunions. When one of the sisters passed two
months before a reunion, the baton was passed to the two
nieces. They have done it ever since, with input from the aunts
and other branches of the family.
We chose to use the state park system to keep our gathering
as inexpensive as possible when costs started getting out of
hand. We rent a handicapped-accessible party room, and the
deposit is put on our bill. It is a nominal price. Our last
reunion was at Blue Licks Battleground and State Resort Park
in Mt. Olivet, Kentucky. The next will be at Pine Mountain
State Park and Resort in Pineville, Kentucky, the area where
our ancestors settled. Because we are indoors, those with
ailments who would not attend if it were outdoors, can come
and have a great time.
We have a basic agenda for each weekend, but the activities
and the theme changes from year to year. A core of us arrive on
Friday night and have a great time visiting and telling stories.
The main event is Saturday, with a catered hot meal, games, a
silent auction and, of course, visiting and celebrating.
Most of us meet Sunday morning to have breakfast together.
We have some type of mixer – for example, a question and
answer session where everyone has to ask questions of others.
We have a tablecloth that first-time attendees sign, then it is
embroidered. It will never be finished.
Individuals pay for their own meals and rooms.
We always start out with prayer, acknowledging our nation
and honoring our veterans and first responders. We recognize
those who have attended each reunion and everyone announces
who their ancestors are.
We have awards, wacky ones and serious ones. We also have
a silent auction to cover costs and a live auction. We sing, and
those who wish to entertain do so.
We communicate by facebook, emails and phone calls, and
via our blog, email, snail mail and word of mouth. We also send
announcements to area magazines, such as Kentucky Explorer,
and put announcements on our facebook page.
Shared by Theresa Craig Wilhelmy,
Florence, Kentucky.
Reunions on stage
T
he subject of reunions is a popular
theme for theatre. These are several
recent plays about reunions.
Family Reunion at Moonshire Creek
was created by playwright Shay Moran,
who has lived in Milton, Florida, since
1970, but whose parents and
grandparents were from Santa Rosa
County, Florida. Stories and family
histories are the basis of this play, which
features an informative portrayal of
historical times in Santa Rosa.
Characters were drawn from happy
memories of visiting salt-of-the-earth
friends and relatives.
The play is set at Carpenter’s Creek
pavilion in current times and revolves
around a modern day family reunion.
Visiting family members are called on to
share interesting stories handed down by
their own parents and grandparents.
Each of six stories involves a storyteller,
actors, singers, musicians and dancers
who bring history to life.
Reviewed by Clairen Reese / Pelican
correspondent for the Pensacola News
Journal, Pensacola, Florida.
From a note by Danie Asbury in The
Concordian at Concord University,
Athens, West Virginia, we learn about A
Crabapple Family Reunion, a murder
mystery. Audience members – who are
family members at the
reunion – must figure
out “who did it.” Aunt
Thelma Crabapple,
event coordinator,
famous Cousin Myrtle
Crabapple, author, and
Elizabeth Crockpot,
TV personality, keep
dinner guests
entertained.
A Crabapple Family
Reunion was written
and directed by Karen
Vuranch, who played
Fortney family readers at their reunionKansas.
Aunt Thelma
Crabapple. The rest of the Crabapple
Dreams” quality. You can read this entire
cast showed a little “murder served
script at reunionsmag.com; click on
family style.”
“Activities” in Family Reunions.
If you would consider including a play
And finally, we encountered a casting
as an activity at your reunion, check out
call in the Bryan County News,
an original reunion play Crickets in the
Richmond Hill, Georgia, for a Comedy
Field performed at the 100th
Mystery Dinner Theater Show, “Murder
Anniversary of the Hans Fortney Family
101,” to be performed at Club Stewart, at
Farm Reunion. The play, by Anita
Fort Stewart, Georgia. “Murder 101” is
Linne’a Fortney-Harms, is a readers’
an interactive comedy murder mystery
theater play. It portrays the late Hans
set at a class reunion of a closing high
Fortney family of ten children, who lived
school. As the various alumni gather to
in Wheeler, Wisconsin. It alludes to the
say good-bye to their beloved alma
original ancestors who came from
mater, old rivalries and new alliances
Norway and settled in Viroqua,
add up to murder and mayhem.
Wisconsin. The play is set in the farm
Just some different ways to celebrate
field on a “ghostly” night with a “Field of
reunions!
33
MASTERPLAN
Important steps and other new additions
W
alking into any party where you
don’t know anyone is stressful
enough. Your palms may sweat, and even
if you enjoy new situations and meeting
new people, you may still feel a little
unsure and nervous. Now imagine the
party is not just a casual gathering but
TELL YOUR STORIES
First, meeting multiple people at once
is a difficult task for anyone. Family
members may need to remember a couple
new additions, but new people must
memorize dozens of names and will feel
pressure to learn quickly. It will be easier
for stepchildren if they’ve
heard stories about the
people they are meeting.
That way, they can connect
faces with stories. It will
help even more if family
members tell their stories,
or if introductions are
made with mini-stories
attached. “This is Cousin
Sue, who is deathly afraid
of spiders…” “This is
Frank, my brother, who is
an amazing soccer player.
He’s actually on his way to
train with a team in
The author with her older daughter Miranda, new baby Maddy, husband Brad,
England for the summer…”
and Brad’s grandparents at the Casper Family Reunion in Kansas.
and so forth.
by Kathleen Casper
don’t know other children. This can be
remedied easily by asking a few
nurturing children to take the new
member under their wings to make sure
he isn’t left out. But if there isn’t another
child to help out, ask adults to talk to the
new child. Ask about school, their
interests, pets, foods they like or don’t,
etc. It gives them something to focus on
rather than being nervous and feeling
new in the crowd.
INCLUDE THEM IN PHOTOS
Give the family photographer specific
instructions to include new family
members in family photographs. This
helps make them feel that they are
valued and that others care.
EATING TOGETHER
You may look forward to Aunt Megan’s
cherry-coke salad all year long, but
someone new to the family may not
understand the appeal. Maybe their
family always has turkey and mashed
potatoes at reunions and they are
surprised by the taco spread at
instead a large family
your party. Even worse, what if
reunion. And these are
they get sick from something
not random strangers
you include as a regular
you will walk away from
ingredient in the salad?
after the party and
It’s a good idea to talk with
never see again; these
new family members before
are your new relatives,
the reunion to let them know
who you will probably
what’s on the menu and ask
see often and probably
them to bring something to
want to impress.
share, if they’d like. They will
A new husband or
probably feel less nervous and
wife will, of course,
may even feel more welcome
have to deal with this
being able to share one of
scenario at least once
their favorite recipes.
when meeting their inTake a little extra time to
The author’s children with their new “step-cousins-in-law” family reunion in Kansas.
law family. But with 3.5
think about ways to include
million Americans remarried with
Telling stories helps family members
new family members to make sure your
children, a new spouse may have
learn one another’s names more quickly.
reunion is a success. You’ll impress
children to bring to the reunion.
It also helps them connect with stories
everyone who always comes, and
Stepchildren are entering new families
about the family in general. Besides, it’s
especially your newest guests, who will
now more than ever. These kids may
more fun when you have more to talk
surely look forward to coming back.
experience even more stress getting to
about than just saying each other’s names.
know other children and adults.
About the author
KEEP TALKING
As you plan a family gathering with
Kathleen Casper teaches writing to
relatives you’ve known for years, it’s
After initial introductions, people
gifted 4th graders at a Florida elementary
important to keep in mind the unique
often fall into the habit of talking to
school and practices part time family law.
experiences new members will be
people they already know and enjoy
Remarried to a wonderful husband, she
dealing with.
being with. When guests retreat to their
has experienced blended family reunions
Making a few adaptations to your
own corners and into close-knit talking
including introducing her new husband to
plans may make a huge difference in the
circles, new family members are often
her extended family and her children to
new family members’ experience and
left out. This is even more distressing to
their new step-in-laws.
make them feel more welcome.
children who feel left out because they
34
35
NORFOLK
The fleet’s in in Norfolk
by Edith Wagner
I
mmersed in history and tradition, Norfolk,
Virginia, is inextricably linked to the US Navy,
and is thus a natural location for Navy reunions.
For many who spent time here in the Navy
(including my own nephew), Norfolk is a
homecoming. It’s equally attractive for family reunions, as well,
because it is rich in family-friendly attractions. And it offers a
perfect opportunity to share the Navy connection with children
and grandchildren. I’d love to hear my nephew explain those
enormous ships to his boys, who will be very intrigued.
USS Henry B. Willson reunion members departing USS Cole (DDG-67).
Aboard the USS Cole in Norfolk Naval Station.
A cruise aboard the Victory Rover is a must for Navy guys, or
anyone with Navy in their hearts. The two-hour cruise through
the bustling Hampton Roads Harbor boasts a continuous show
of aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and guided cruisers.
The guide on my trip aboard the Victory Rover, without a doubt
made this one of the most relevant tours I’ve ever enjoyed. I
learned a lot. Be ready to be dazzled.
The 6th USS Henry B. Wilson DDG-7 Association Reunion
lasted five days in Norfolk during Fleet Week. “It was a tribute
to our Plank Captain, Lawrence D. Caney, who passed away
36
last year,” according
to Penney and Dan
Marks, Rio Rico,
Arizona. The host
hotel was the Norfolk
232 E Main St # A
Marriott, located
Norfolk, VA 23510-1711
conveniently in
800-368-3097
downtown Norfolk, a
visitnorfolktoday.com
block from the
Contact Reunion Specialist,
waterfront, with many
Melissa Hopper,
attractions and
757-622-4528,
restaurants nearby.
[email protected].
Members took
advantage of being in
an historic area to schedule day tours at the beginning of the
week. They enjoyed a one-day tour to Jamestown Settlement
and Yorktown Victory Center and another day tour to Berkeley
Plantation and Colonial Williamsburg. Their Norfolk Historic
Tour was through the historic district to Nauticus, the National
Maritime Center, and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum
operated by the US Navy. The Battleship Wisconsin, one of the
famous Iowa-class ships, is adjacent to Nauticus.
Eating is an art in Norfolk.
of Norfolk, toured Nauticus and USS Wisconsin and had a
banquet
on Saturday night.
hese are several places to consider … all are
They
especially
liked downtown Norfolk because everything
downtown, within an easy walk from most hotels.
was close by. The only time they needed ground transportation
219: an American Bistro serves lunch and dinner –
was for the Naval Base Tour; everything else was within
American cuisine with an Asian twist, featuring fresh
walking distance to the hotel, which Hinson said was
local ingredients.
outstanding, with great rates and very professional staff.
The fourth USS L.Y. Spear Association reunion of
Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center is a
approximately
60 attendees celebrated the 40th anniversary of
gateway for cruise ships sailing to beautiful ports-ofthe
ship’s
commissioning
in Norfolk. The ship was
call. The facility is a magnificent venue to host a
decommissioned
in
1996
and
had been at the Inactive Ships
special event or function. Or you can book your cruise
Facility
in
Portsmouth,
Virginia,
ever since. A highlight of the
reunion from Norfolk.
reunion was to be a visit to the ship for a group photo; plans
were made with the shipyard months ahead. Then, two months
D’Art Center is a unique atrium space flanked by
before the reunion, they learned a contract to scrap the ship
galleries and art shops. Catered events can be arranged.
had been awarded and she was about to be towed to
Byrd & Baldwin Brothers Steakhouse serves only
Brownsville, Texas, for scrapping. The tour fell apart and the
all natural, grain-fed Midwestern beef aged on-site;
photo never materialized. With help from VisitNorfolk (Norfolk
they can accommodate private parties and events.
CVB), they survived. The CVB recommended things to do and
furnished name tag holders, welcome packages, discount
Harbor cruises, where meals can be arranged, are also
coupons
and goodies. One of their shipmates who runs
popular on the Spirit of Norfolk and the American Rover.
Tidewater Touring furnished a motor coach and narrated a tour
of the Naval Base and the MacArthur Memorial at no charge.
Others went to Waterside, Nauticus and
A Friday evening dinner cruise on the
USS Wisconsin.
Spirit of Norfolk featured a hearty buffet
Leon Jessie, chairman of the reunion,
NORFOLK
of beef, poultry, seafood and all the
cautioned
that a disadvantage of having a
WATERSIDE MARRIOTT
trimmings. Saturday they toured Norfolk
military reunion near any Navy port is the
235 East Main Street
Naval Base, the largest naval installation
number of friends shipmates still have in the
Norfolk, VA 23510
in the world and home port to 78 ships,
area. That may take them away from the
800-874-0264
26 aircraft squadrons comprised of 133
reunion and they tend to not book a hotel
aircraft, and more than 100,000 military
The Marriott is so convenient
room and stay with their friends.
personnel. They toured an active ship and
to important attractions. You
Advantages, Jessie says, are the good times
had lunch in one of the clubs on base,
can walk just a couple blocks
and memories of being stationed in the area.
then visited MacArthur Memorial for
to everything.
There is plenty to see and do and they highly
another glimpse into our country’s history.
recommend the Norfolk area for a reunion.
The General and Mrs. MacArthur are
entombed in the rotunda of the memorial.
About the author
Saturday their banquet speaker was Admiral Clark Orzalli.
Edith Wagner is editor of Reunions magazine.
The USS Sellers Association has met every two
years since they began 12 years ago. Reunion
planner Delta Hinson, Virginia Beach, Virginia,
said they try to go to places with activities of
interest to former sailors and crew members. As
orfolk is easily accessible by car or plane, and from most major
president of the Association and a Hampton Road
East Coast cities can be reached by car within just a few hours.
resident, Hinson knows Norfolk and the
In addition to its free transportation system, the NET, and the
surrounding area and knows it has a lot to offer
upcoming lightrail system set to debut in 2011, Norfolk also offers
reunion groups seeking fun and entertainment.
FRED (free ride every day). FRED operates electric-powered,
The Norfolk Sheraton Waterside served as
extended golf carts that pick up passengers free of charge! The city
reunion headquarters. Norfolk’s Navy port gave
pairs this service with its complimentary municipal shuttle system. So
crew members a chance to see today’s Navy. They
hop aboard and FRED will take you anywhere.
took a bus tour of the Norfolk Naval Base, a tour of
the MacArthur Memorial, a lunch cruise on Spirit
T
Getting around Norfolk
N
37
FRUGAL REUNIONS
Who’s frugal?
REUNIONS SURVIVING HARD TIMES
I
n hard times, families often need one another more for solace
and grow closer. This is really the time that, no matter what,
you get together to reassure one another and perhaps find ways
to foster the interdependence that typified families until not
too many decades ago.
Our surveys are leaning very strongly in the direction of
finding ways around things you’ve come to expect at every
reunion by finding alternatives or postponing some activities.
For example, if you forgo a banquet this year, you can look
forward to doing it again later.
We asked readers for ideas for reunions to survive and thrive
in hard economic times and how they save money and still have
fun. We identified reunions which, responding to a survey,
indicated they spend less than $1000 on their reunions, and
specifically asked them to share the ways they save; in some
cases they also share how they raise money for their reunions.
Overall you are seeking value for your reunion buck. No
need to sacrifice the “bang” to spare the budget. Creativity
helps you wow the crowd whether you spend a lot or a lot less.
$ $ $ $ $
COST CUTTING TIPS
Last summer I was asked by another magazine to share my
money-saving ideas for reunions. This was my response. EW
• Promote ownership of the reunion by marshalling the skills
and talents of family members instead of paying for services.
This could include grandma making phone calls or teenagers
maintaining a website, others organizing fundraising activities
to help pay reunion expenses or raise money for scholarships
for family members.
The travel industry is in a buyers market, and hotels, resorts
and other venues are dealing for long-range business. Start
early, lock up the place you really want at a better than usual
price. Contact the convention and visitors bureaus to learn
about their free services, including collecting quotes for your
venues according to your specifications.
• Look at less pricey alternate venues such as
vacation homes or condos that often have four or
five bedrooms to accommodate more people
than hotel rooms. They include cooking
facilities, are usually close to attractions
and activities, and often have pools and hot
tubs.
• No matter where you hold your reunion, look
for activities, attractions, festivals and fairs that
charge no admission.
• Use email, social media and web pages for
communication. Design web pages so they can
be printed and mailed to the few members who are not online.
You can virtually eliminate the high cost of paper, envelopes,
printing and postage.
• Reduce food costs by engaging a caterer instead of having a
banquet; better yet, potluck instead of catering. Potluck is an
opportunity for family cooks to show off their own and some of
38
Banks/Hill/Outlaw Family Reunion enjoyed a potluck with barbecue made onsite. Reunion
planner, Thelma Harper Jones, front left.
grandma’s specialties. Ask everyone to bring the recipes on
cards to share or email recipes for a souvenir booklet to hand
out as a reunion memento.
• Reunions magazine has a long list of freebies for reunions online
at reunionsmag.com/resources/resources_FreeStuff.html.
$ $ $ $ $
CONNECTING GENERATIONS ON THE CHEAP
•
Use food for more than the obvious nourishment.
Assign multi-generational teams from each family
branch to prepare and serve meals. Assign everyone
to food duty either one day or one meal during the
reunion. Teams can also be organized
according to generation: all cousins, all
aunts and uncles, or all grandparents.
• Ask adolescents and teenagers to
interview elders (using audio and/or video
tape) to build a family history archive.
Include questions that are of particular
interest to the young interviewers: tell me about your
school days, extracurricular activities, how you met
grandma/grandpa, what did you do on dates? Ask young people to
tape themselves so their recordings can be listened to at family
reunions 25 or 50 years from now! Some interviewers may be able
to use tapes for school projects, too.
• Assemble mixed teams for games and sports: Goofy
Olympics for silly prizes or serious sports tournaments for
family bragging rights. Reunions are perfect times for grandpa
to teach his grandkids to fish or play golf.
• Ask elders to lead a tour of the family cemetery and recall
stories about ancestors buried there. Some story tellers like to
dress in period costumes and include stories about history
current when the ancestors lived.
HOW OTHERS ARE DOING IT!
Joan Curtis Waters, Charlotte Hall, Maryland, is a master at
finding freebies and bargains. She is planning the 2011 CurtisButler reunion.
They will meet at a member’s home on what they call “The
White House Lawn.” (The family’s name is White.) They will
borrow a large tent (from Waters’s workplace) for free!
They solicit family donations (sponsorships), which netted
$500 last year. Waters solicits door prizes from local
restaurants and other businesses (limo company, spas,
photographers) and asks for goodies from family business
owners.
They plan a potluck meal (sides and desserts) and this year
may also have a dessert contest or theme.
They are using electronic communication more, which saves
money formerly used for postage.
Eileen (Quinn) Champney and family.
And finally, Waters calls on a family DJ for free music!
To ensure out-of-town members can come to the reunion,
consider their travel costs as their contribution. If they fly or
drive, their transportation will still cost more than local
members’ potluck items. Out-of-towners likely want to
contribute, which you can take advantage of.
The potluck may be one of the big reunion boons that comes
out of hard economic times.
Tisha Amerson of Gray, Georgia, says the Sullivan Family
orders barbecue and asks everyone to bring desserts. There are
no decorations because the reunion is outside. Amerson has a
pool and kids create their own games.
Hatton/Quinn Family Reunion picnic at Pioneer Lake in Conover, Wisconsin.
The Sullivans, who buy plates/plasticware/napkins/cups in
bulk for two years, have prepared spaghetti and ordered Olive
Garden salad with dressing. It was inexpensive, wonderful and
generated lots of compliments.
Lovine Moss of Rock Hill, South Carolina, says members of
the Moss Family Reunion bring well-filled baskets of food,
which are set out on two or three eight-foot tables, plus another
two tables loaded with desserts. One cousin makes biscuits for
the whole crowd. Her husband makes at least 10 gallons of tea.
Members also bring goodie baskets for door prizes.
Mary Garavaglia of Sterling Heights, Michigan, reports that
the Kilpatrick Family Reunion meets every two years in North
Carolina. All printed matter was prepared by family members
and the reunion paid the cost of ink and paper. They have used
an air-conditioned Boys and Girls Club dining hall where the
cost is very reasonable. The food is all homemade. Some
members bring a dish, others buy food, like roast chicken or
deli food. It’s also a good time to pass around family recipes.
There’s always one dish everyone ooohs and aaahs over.
Sharon Rogers of Eagle River, Wisconsin, says that holding
the Hatton/Quinn Family Reunion every three years, gives
them plenty of time to pick up bargains. They all chip in and
bring something for the picnic; however, their kitty (an account
from the previous reunion) pays for meat they grill at the park.
They are always looking for deals on decorations, prizes,
printing paper for the invites, etc.
$ $ $ $ $
How does your reunion save $? Send your ideas to
[email protected] or Reunions magazine, PO Box 11727,
Milwaukee WI 53211.
news
Between magazine issues,
sign up for our monthly eblast.
Send request and email to
[email protected].
F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2011 O R E U N I O N S 39
MUSIC
The hills are alive with
the sound of reunion music
M
usic plays an important role at
many reunions, and is incorporated
Gathering
of Eagles
in many ways. These are just some of them.
What role does music play in your reunions?
Alumni celebration
T
he 8th-triennial Gathering of Eagles
reunion includes all classes, faculty
and staff from Nurnberg American High
School in Germany.
They were entertained at the San
Antonio, Texas,
reunion by The
Four Preps, and
one of their own
“Honorary
Eagles,” Jim
Yester, founder and
lead singer/songwriter
for The Association,
recently enshrined
Charlie Eagle
into the Rock Hall of Fame.
Yester and Bruce Belland, lead singer
of The Four Preps, led an array of their
greatest hits in a 90-minute Las Vegasstyle show during the banquet, followed
by a DJ and musical entertainment.
Visit www.NurnbergEagles.org.
Big Blue Band
reunion
F
ormer members of the Enid
(Oklahoma) High School Big Blue
Band had an all-band reunion during a
football weekend. They participated in
pre-game activities and played fight
songs in the stands during games.
“We are looking for past band
members, color guard and feature
twirlers,” said Martin Good, one of the
reunion organizers. Separate committees
will organize the pre-game dinner, music
distribution, instruments and uniform
t-shirts. Visit www.bigblueband.net.
From the Enid News & Eagle,
Enid, Oklahoma
40
T
his celebration is the Dinner/Dance
held annually during the Greene
County Training School-South Greene
High School (GCTS-SGH) National
Alumni Association Reunion Weekend in
Snow Hill, North Carolina. Contributor
Thelma Harper Jones of Washington, DC,
commented that no matter how old the
Electric Slide gets, the reunion crowd is
always motivated to step to the floor (or
the ground, in the case of the picnic).
“And to think,” she continued, “there is
still someone every year trying to learn it
for the first time. Can you believe that?”
Farewell reunion for Bellerophon band
W
elland, Canada, said goodbye to a
piece of its history when Canada’s
oldest sea cadet corps, 141 Royal
Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Bellerophon,
founded in 1917, was decommissioned.
For a “proper send off,” 141 alumni
hosted a farewell reunion. At least 250
came from across North America to share
fond memories and “boatloads” of
photographs. Despite only three months to
plan the send off, the response was
astounding. According to Alan O’Neill,
the decision to close the 141 came from
both the Department of National Defense
(DND) and the Navy League – the two
organizations that fund Sea Cadets – in an
effort to tighten budgets. It came as a
shock to alumni. Alumni and current
members could do little to prevent the
corps from closing, but they could get
together and share memories and honor
the historic group with a decommissioning
ceremony, a navy tradition for ships of
great honor. “We felt that after 92 years
and after what the corps has meant, there
should be a decommissioning ceremony,”
said O’Neill. The Bellerophon Drum and
Bugle Band, led by the Royal Canadian
Legion Branch 4 color party, and 150
alumni marched in a parade to the
ceremony, which featured the lowering of
a naval pennant.
From a report by Steve Henschel
on NiagaraThisWeek.com
ALAFFFAs entertain
W
WII Ninth Infantry Division
Association’s 62nd reunion
included the 39th, 47th and 60th Infantry
Regiments. The Sons & Daughters
Auxiliary and the Ladies Auxiliary
provided support and manpower.
Saturday morning, the traditional
memorial service began as the bagpiper’s
mournful Amazing Grace flooded the
room. The Color Guard from the
American Legion Matt Urban Post 40,
Monroe, Michigan, marched up the aisle.
A moment of silence commanded
remembrance of those missing or killed
in action during WWII, those who’ve
died since the war, and the many
veterans too ill to attend. Veterans from
state chapters placed a carnation in the
Octofoil floral piece on display. In
addition, all widows received a flower
during the service.
The first generation sings a tribute to ALAFFFA. Seated: the late Joe Figlar; back, left to right: Mike Figlar,
Geraldine Figlar Abbott, Helen Figlar Lizanov and Margaret Figlar Augenstein.
“
A
LAFFFA Idol,” produced by Keith Abbott and his son Derik, showed clips of
various singing performances from ALAFFFA members over the years,
interspersed with comments from the “judges.” Then surviving founding members
paid tribute to ALAFFFA with a song Helen Lizanov wrote in honor of the special
day to the tune of “Sixteen Candles.”
Forty candles on the birthday cake
ALAFFFA is 40
Make no mistake
Blow out the candles
And make a wish or two
ALAFFFA is 40
And here’s a song for you
The traditional ALAFFFA “Surf’s Up!” toast followed, with everyone gathered in
a circle with a shot of Malibu Rum or other beverage to do the wave and toast ALAFFFA.
The ALAFFFA’s meet in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Shared by Lisa Alzo, Ithaca, New York
T
he nationally-acclaimed Garfield High School Jazz Band provided live music
during the gala of the Class of 1957’s 50th reunion in Seattle, Washington.
Shared by Terry Verde, Seattle, Washington.
Bagpiper Roger William Billings plays Amazing Grace
while leading the Color Guard up the aisle to begin the
9th Infantry Division Association memorial service.
41
MUSIC
Los Hibaros del Campo perform
A
rce Family Reunion
members were told that a
special group, Los Hibaros del
Campo, was coming to sing. The
theme of the reunion was
Celebrando Nuestra Musica
(Celebrating our Music).
After a traditional Puerto Rican feast,
organizer Loida Arce Acosta, Orlando,
Florida, and others went to a back room,
changed and exited the rear of the
building. They came back in the front
door singing Spanish Christmas songs
with traditional instruments and dress.
Unofficial reunion anthem
D
o you sing along with the O’Jays’ “Family Reunion” at your
reunion? Or have you heard it played at one of many reunion
planning workshops to set the atmosphere? There is no small
connection between the O’Jays, the song and family reunions.
For at least six years, they headlined the O’Jays Family
Reunion as part of a weekend celebration in their hometown,
Canton, Ohio, at Nimisila Park on O’Jays Parkway. The
weekend included the O’Jays Scholarship Benefit Concert and
the O’Jays Scholarship Fund Banquet at the Pro Football Hall
of Fame. They awarded over $50,000 in scholarships.
The O’Jays formed a quintet in 1958, when the members
were students at Canton’s McKinley High School. Performing
for over 50 years, they’ve been inducted into the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame, and received the BET Lifetime Achievement
Award. Visit theojayshomepage.com.
From a story by Malcolm X Abram, Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio.
Spiritual legacy of the Malone Family
T
The gospel CD,
The Malone Family
Choir:
A Family Reunion ($15)
features Welcome to Our
Family Reunion and is
the perfect way to set a
joyful tone for your
family reunion.
he spiritual legacy of the Malone children started when they were exposed to singing and the
power of prayer, praise and worship by their parents, the late Aaron and Jossie Malone, in the
cotton fields and in Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Crawford, Mississippi. The fourteen
children attended church every Sunday and sang in the choir.
The first official family reunion in 1973 was for Aaron and Jossie’s 50th wedding anniversary
celebration. The choir was formed ten years later. The Malones are committed to the tradition of gathering
each year for a weekend to honor their parents and deceased loved ones in a Sunday evening concert.
Order at
www.reunionsmag.com.
Making the The Malone Family Choir: A Family Reunion CD at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Kankakee, Illinois.
42
MUSIC
The beat goes on
T
he annual Utley Family Reunion always includes a theme, which organizer Jackie Utley,
Jackson, Tennessee, announces often a year in advance to get everyone in the mood. “And
the Beat Goes On!” was one such theme and, according to Jackie, was great fun for everyone.
Bobby and Sue Bates and their granddaughter, Erika Droomer, decorated the room with tiny
Table decorations carry out the
rock ‘n’ roll theme.
The Utley Family Reunion group. Note the wall of 45 RPM records and poodle skirts in the second row.
Organizer Jackie Utley is first person left in the first row.
45 rpm records, and rock ‘n’ roll
themed banners and
decorations. Teresa Denson
brought Elvis trading cards for
each table. The theme was
carried out by music of 1950s
and early 1960s hit songs
compiled by Sue Bates, who
planned entertainment,
including “Name that Tune,”
and a Twist Contest.
Music is a
reunion tradition
The Temptations promote
Birmingham reunions
G
T
enevieve Brechtel, Huachuca City,
Arizona, wrote about longtime
Bechtel Family Reunion traditions.
“Best of all, there is still singing.
Our reunions would not be complete
without music, especially Irish songs
or ones our grandparents cherished:
My Wild Irish Rose, Grandpapa, Silver
Threads Among the Gold or I’ll Take
You Home Again, Kathleen. We include
a request in our invitation for
instruments to accompany the singing.
Reunions are as close as we come to
the Good Old Days, when we dropped
in for a neighborly visit without prior
notice or invitation.”
REUNIONS WORKBOOK
11TH EDITION
ORDER NOW!
800-373-7933 ext. 4 or
www.reunionsmag.com
44
the heart of downtown Birmingham.
he Greater Birmingham (Alabama)
Kendricks traveled the world but never
Convention & Visitors Bureau
forgot his Birmingham roots. Sculpted by
teamed with the Motown sounds of The
Birmingham artist Ronald McDowell, the
Temptations to promote reunions. The
statue captures the singers’ smooth steps
legendary musical group’s recently
and flawless moves. Some of the
released CD titled Still Here includes a
Temptations’ hits include “My Girl,”
song called “Going Back Home.”
“Since I Lost My Baby,” and “The Way
Former lead singer, the late Eddie
You Do the Things You Do.” You can
Kendricks, and current lead singer, Terry
hear a sample of the radio spot at
Weeks, are both Birmingham natives.
birmingham.travel.
CVB President James H. Smither
said, “The lyrics of the song fit our
needs very well, and we like having
a famous Birmingham son as our
spokesman.”
The 60-second radio spots feature
voiceover by The Temptations’ Terry
Weeks, who sings the praises of
Birmingham attractions, dining and
entertainment for reunion groups.
Another Birmingham connection
to The Temptations and an
The Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park in downtown Birmingham
attraction for reunions to visit is the
is a tribute to Birmingham-born Kendricks and the legendary
Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park in
group The Temptations.
MILITARY REUNION NEWS USS Nevada gathers in Nevada
War Brides reunion
I
W
n March, 1942, then-Nevada Governor E.P. Carville promised the crew of the
newly refurbished battleship USS Nevada, on its way to the North Atlantic, a
silver dollar, a cigar and a handshake. The crewmen received their silver dollars
aboard their ship in 1944.
After 68 years, the State of Nevada made good on the rest of the promise at the
State Capitol in Carson City. More than 2,500 crew served during World War II but
just 20 who served were given a cigar, a handshake, and a commemorative coin
struck on their reunion day at the old Carson City Mint, along with the continued
gratitude of the state for which their ship was named. They were honored at
Harrah’s Reno at a dinner hosted by the Reno Council of the Navy League.
Shipmates and family members toured the Nevada State Museum to see artifacts
from the battleship, including its silver service, battle flag, bell, and the magnesium
chest in which the silver dollars were delivered to the shipmates in 1944.
Family members attended an event for shipmates who had passed away or who
could not attend for health reasons. Laura Hefner and her 13-year-old son, John,
of Fallston, Maryland, attended on behalf of her father, Charles Benson, who
served on the ship from 1942 to 1945. He recently suffered a broken hip and was
unable to attend.
From a story by Guy Chifton in the Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada.
ar Brides are foreign-born women
who married GIs during or right
after World War II. It is estimated that
more than 500,000 WWII War Brides
eventually came to the US, settled in
every state and raised their families. The
group at last year’s reunion represented
24 nations, cultures and languages.
Their annual reunion is held in a
different part of the country each year.
They tell stories about how they met
their husbands, and the emotional
impact of leaving their family, country,
and culture behind to start a new life in
America. Many were not welcomed, but
many more had great experiences and
found in-laws and extended families with
open arms and hearts for these young
brides who left everything behind.
From a story by Ashley Yarchin
on KSDK, St. Louis, Missouri.
Alliance for Military Reunions
I
recently joined one of the members-only seminars of the Alliance in the Boston
area at the Holiday Inn-Rockland-Boston South (holidayinn.com/bostonsouth;
Moriah Saccardo, 508-648-7889) in Rockland, Massachusetts. A shout out to all
the military reunion planners who welcomed me and shared generously. Enjoyed
meeting all of you!
WWI survivor calls
for remembrance
O
Exchanging ideas in the Town Hall Meeting at the Alliance of Military Reunions.
Alliance events emphasize information and training about the management of
reunions and reunion associations. Workshop sessions included experts in specific
planning areas who also moderated lively exchanges with attendee planners who
were, for the most part, experienced and full of ideas and suggestions. A Town Hall
Meeting format further encouraged sharing and comparing while roundtable
discussions with area vendors and suppliers and the Plymouth County CVB (visitplymouth.com; Paula Fisher, 800-231-1620, [email protected])
gave attendees plenty of incentive to plan their reunions in the area.
The seminar offered a tour of history and highlights in the Boston area, with
stops in Boston at Quincy Market, USS Constitution in Charlestown Navy Yard,
and the Kennedy Presidential Library. The tour bus with a step-on guide by Tour
Trends (tourtrends.com; Edward Sturrup, 800-918-8687) was a great example of
how you can enjoy a reunion in a relatively less expensive area and still take
advantage of historic Boston to the north. Oh, yes, and Cape Cod is to the south!
Visit allmilitaryreunions.org/.
n Veterans Day, Frank W. Buckles,
America’s last surviving World War I
veteran and honorary chairman of the
national World War I Memorial Foundation,
issued a Veterans Day statement.
Our nation cannot yet declare closure
because we still do not have a national
memorial in Washington, DC, to honor
the Americans who sacrificed their
lives. Buckles said, “I call upon the
American people to ask our elected
officials to pass the law for a memorial
to World War I in our nation’s capital. …
On this 92nd anniversary of the
Armistice, it is time to move forward
with honor, gratitude and resolve.”
The nonprofit World War I Memorial
Foundation (www.WWImemorial.org) is
dedicated to the restoration and
rededication of the District of Columbia
War Memorial – that commemorates the
499 District of Columbia residents who
gave their lives in World War I – as a
National and District of Columbia World
War I Memorial that commemorates the
ultimate sacrifice made by more than
116,000 Americans during the Great War.
About the reporter
Edith Wagner is editor of Reunions magazine.
45
MILITARY REUNION NEWS
Lunch reunions
A
l and Terry Hahn organize the USS IREX SS-482 reunion,
and they feel it’s the Reunion Planner’s responsibility to
give the membership an opportunity to gather together to share
their military experiences. However, they’ve discovered that a
reunion does not have to last three to seven days: it can be a
lunch reunion instead. Al and Terry shared their plan for
holding lunch reunions.
KNOW YOUR GROUP
If you know your members – their locations, desires and
limitations – you will know whether a lunch reunion is suitable
for your group. A lunch reunion can be offered to all members
or to a subset of members located in a specific region.
DETERMINE LOCATION
A lunch reunion location is determined by the number of
members residing in a particular state or cluster of states. For
example, a lunch held in Connecticut includes members from
Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire,
Maine and New York.
A lunch reunion can be held at a restaurant, country club,
American Legion hall – wherever there is a meeting room large
enough to hold the group. Doors or adequate space must isolate
the group from other patrons to keep the immediate reunion
environment relatively noise-free so that reunion attendees can
hear one another. The site must be large enough so that
everyone can be comfortably seated and can circulate easily.
Another important element is the willingness of the lunch
facility to provide separate checks so that each member can
pay for his/her own meal and tip. (The benefit for this is that it
eliminates or minimizes the planner’s responsibilities for
handling payments and tips for the wait staff.)
If separate checks cannot be provided, make other
arrangements or find another place to hold the lunch.
CONTRACT
The facility will decide whether a contract is needed.
Duration
Time frame for a room and lunch is usually 11:30 AM to 4 PM.
Suggested possible agenda
11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Reception
12:00 (Noon)-12:15 PM
Lunch orders taken by wait staff
12:15-12:30 PM
Welcome
12:30-1:00 PM
Introductions
Everyone tells when they served and shares stories, one at a
time, for the benefit of the whole group.
1:00 PM
Short business meeting
A Blessing said by one of the members
1:15 PM-2:15 PM
Lunch is served. Enjoy the food.
2:15-3:15 PM
Camaraderie
3:15 PM
Door prizes
The group at an early IREX lunch.
OBTAINING SITE INFORMATION
EXPERIENCE
The Reunion Planner or a representative must visit
restaurants or potential venues to review menus and determine
whether the meeting room fits the group’s needs. Talk with the
manager to arrange the date and other details. Will members
order from the menu or have a pre-arranged meal? Separate
checks or alternative payment? Will members order drinks
from the waitress or the bar?
Or look for a place which allows you to bring in food
(sandwiches, grinders, pizza). It is less formal, but can still be
a meaningful lunch reunion spot. For this arrangement, the
planner collects for the cost of food and the site rental.
Check sites early enough to book your desired date, notify
members in advance, and send and receive registration forms.
The USS IREX SS-482 database of 300+ members indicates
that more than 60 live throughout Connecticut and New
England, and 35 to 40 members live in Florida.
The IREX group meets for reunion lunches usually twice a
year and at a three to four day reunion every three years.
Lunch reunions are held at a restaurant or country club in the
Orlando area every March and at the Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Club (also known as the Joe Negri Club, 40 School Street,
Groton, Connecticut) each October. Shipmates live throughout
Florida so Orlando is a central location.
The group holds two types of lunch reunions. At restaurants,
individuals order off the menu and pay for their own meal
including tip. Or they meet at the SubVets Club where lunch is
brought in and attendees pay a fee. The Florida group has met
at the Olive Garden in Kissimmee, where a large meeting room
that holds up to 40 can be closed off. People order off the menu
and pay separate checks.
If we attend the Submarine Veterans, Inc., conventions every
one or two years, we host a lunch for the IREX at that time as well.
WEB PAGE: reunionsmag.com
CALL: 414.263.4567
FAX: 414.263.6331
E-MAIL: [email protected]
WRITE: PO Box 11727
Milwaukee, WI 53211-0727
46
About the reunion planners
Al and Terry Hahn of Granby, Connecticut, organize the
USS IREX SS-482.
Reunion of WWII death camp
survivors and their liberators
G
unskirchen concentration camp in northern Austria was a
death camp. When Allied troops were advancing, Nazi
soldiers fled Gunskirchen, closing off the camp behind them.
The US Army’s 71st Infantry Division arrived just in time.
For 25 years, 71st Infantry Division soldiers and their
families held annual reunions. Eight years ago, Gunskirchen
survivor Wolf Finkelman contacted the division, asking if he
and other concentration camp survivors could join them;
they’ve joined their liberators’ reunions ever since.
Army training hadn’t prepared the soldiers for what they
saw. Now, 65 years later, the soldiers aren’t ashamed to cry
about what they witnessed.
“The thing I remember more than anything else is that we
This pamphlet was produced
were just struck silent. We couldn’t speak to each other.
by the U.S. Army after the 71st
liberated Gunskirchen Lager, a
Nobody knew what to say,” said one of the soldiers. Our
concentration camp in Austria,
resolve to win the war increased tenfold.”
just days before VE day.
Dr. Robert Fisch, Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Gunskirchen survivor
from Hungary, spends time speaking to young people about the Holocaust. The prisoners who
died would have wanted us to spread a message of compassion, friendship and love.
The soldiers and survivors are all in their 80s and 90s now, and last year’s reunion
could be their last.
From a story by Sean Dobbin on RocNow,
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, New York.
Connect direct to
reunion places!
Reunion Resources at
www.reunionsmag.com
47
CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES
Welcome to Reunion Resources!
We encourage you to tell the listings you contact that
you learned about them from REUNIONS MAGAZINE. And if
at any time you find any info that is inaccurate or e-mail or
web links do not work, notify us immediately at
[email protected]; PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI
53211-0727. And by all means, feel free to comment
and/or suggest changes and additions you’d like to see in
this section.
REUNIONS MAGAZINE will not be held liable for information
presented as facts in these ads. We reserve the right to
edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication.
DESTINATIONS & LOCATIONS
GREAT WOLF LODGE
Indoor Waterpark Resorts, featuring an 84-degree indoor
waterpark, spacious, cabin-themed family suites, fullservice spa, restaurants, meeting space, gift shop, fitness
center and children’s activities. Amenities vary by
property. For more information, visit greatwolf.com or call
1-800-905-WOLF(9653). For group bookings, contact
[email protected]. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
ALABAMA
GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS
BUREAU
2200 Ninth Avenue North, Birmingham AL 35203.
Birmingham is becoming one of the most celebrated
reunion cities in the southeast. There are lots of details to
see to – good planning is hard work. The Greater
Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to help.
For more information regarding reunion services, please
contact the Convention Bureau at 205-458-8000 or 800458-8085; fax 205-458-8086; [email protected];
www.birminghamal.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
ARIZONA
LEGACY GOLF RESORT
6808 South 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85042 Phone 602305-6312, Fax 602-305-6301. We are a perfect fit for any
Reunion! Family reunions, class get-togethers, girls
weekend, guys golf and military retreats. Don’t worry, we’ve
got plenty of activities for everyone; golf, spa services, sand
volleyball, shuffleboard, or just relaxing poolside. Our
Studio suites and one bedroom condos have plenty of space
for family lodging and socializing; With either a kitchenette
or full kitchen, our suites will make you and your guests
feel at home and make any reunion a success. Email:
Michelle Mombleau, [email protected];
www.legacygolfresort.com.
ARKANSAS
THE LODGE AT MOUNT MAGAZINE STATE PARK
Reconnect with family or friends at this mountain resort
lodge while you enjoy the view from Arkansas’s highpoint.
Guest rooms and cabins. Conference and meeting rooms.
Indoor pool, plenty of outdoor activities and nature
programs. Make this reunion one to remember. Call 1-877665-6343 for group rates or log on to
MountMagazineStatePark.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
48
CALIFORNIA
ANAHEIM PORTOFINO INN & SUITES
1831 South Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802; 866-5472913 Looking for a seamless reunion packed full of
laughter and memories at an affordable rate? Let the
knowledgeable experts at Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites,
located across from Disneyland, create a magical reunion
package for you including discount Disneyland tickets and
spacious, comfortable accommodations.
www.portofinoinnanaheim.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
PALM COURT INN
1983 North Palm Court Drive, Palm Springs CA 92262:
800-667-7918. Convenient location with 108 newly
renovated rooms, free continental breakfast, free parking,
free WiFi and expansive banquet and hospitality rooms
spread throughout four acres of lush gardens, make Palm
Court Inn a great spot for your reunion! Call now for great
packages. www.palmcourt-inn.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
PALM SPRINGS VISITOR CENTER
Palm Springs, California guarantees blue skies and
sunshine for your reunion. A collection of new hotels,
boutique inns, and vacation home and condo rentals are
available to host large and small groups. Visitors the world
over are lured to Palm Springs for its storied Hollywood
legacy, Native American heritage and stellar collection of
mid-century modern architecture. Palm Springs is less
than 2 hours from Los Angeles or San Diego. The Palm
Springs International Airport offers direct flights from
major cities all across the U.S. and Canada. Palm
Springs. Like no place else. 2901 N. Palm Canyon
Drive, Palm Springs CA 92262. 800-347-7446
www.VisitPalmSprings.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE
4875 N Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92106; 619-2243621; 800-650-6660; fax 619-224-1787. Host your
reunion at the beautiful Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside
across from San Diego Bay. Our experienced staff will
assist you in creating a very special event. Complimentary
hosp suite and special reunion rates. Beautiful guest
rooms, heated pool, spa, shuffleboard, ping-pong and
billiards, exercise room, family restaurant and cocktail
lounge, free pkg, in-room movies, coffee makers,
refrigerators, hair dryers; [email protected];
www.holinnbayside.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
RAMADA PLAZA HOTEL SAN DIEGO
2151 Hotel Circle South, San Diego CA 92108; 866-4362833. You can go wild in San Diego and still save money!
Featuring 182 guestrooms with tons of FREE amenities
including daily hot breakfast buffet, parking and WiFi,
Ramada Plaza also offers discount Zoo and SeaWorld
tickets, tour planning assistance and more, and is located
just five minutes from San Diego’s best attractions!
www.ramadaplazasandiego.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE RESORT
Nestled in the mountains and minutes to North Lake Tahoe,
families can enjoy a multitude of on-site activities which
makes staying and playing at Northstar affordable, easy
and fun for the whole family. On-site activities include golf,
biking, hiking, and skating as well as events, dining, and
shopping in the Village at Northstar. The resort offers a
variety of lodging accommodations, starting at $105 per
night. All-inclusive family reunion packages make
planning effortless; starting at $249 per person including
two nights lodging, meals, and activities. 800-926-5096,
[email protected],
www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com
THE LAZY Z RESORT
Located on 40 acres in California’s Gold Country. First
class Cabins with Clubhouse meeting space, natural
designed pool and outdoor hot tub. Our 12 Cabins sleep
from two to six people. Perfect for Family Reunions,
Business Retreats, Weddings and vacations too! We look
forward to having you join us and share with you this very
special place! 22732 Middle Camp Rd., Twain Harte, CA
95383, (800) 585-1238, www.LazyZ.com,
[email protected].
COLORADO
THE NATURE PLACE CONFERENCE & EDUCATION CENTER
6,000 acres of private land in the mountains of Colorado,
1 hour from Colorado Springs. We specialize in hosting
extraordinary family reunions. Designed to bring families of
all ages and interests together in fun and unique ways. 48
studio apartments/occupancy for 130. Contact us 719-7483475 / [email protected] or Visit
www.thenatureplace.net
ZAPATA RANCH – A NATURE CONSERVANCY PRESERVE
Zapata Ranch, often called the Rocky Mountain Serengeti,
is a 103,000 acre working ranch bordering Sand Dunes
National Park and Sangre de Cristo mountains. Only 15
bedrooms, makes your experience intimate and easily
customized around real ranch life, riding/photo safaris in
the sand dunes, nature hikes up into 14,000-foot mountain
peaks, fly fishing and rafting. Come see 2,500 wild bison in
a 50,000 acre preserve! 888-5-ZAPATA; San Luis Valley,
Colorado; www.zranch.org
SNOWMASS TOURISM
Looking to plan the perfect reunion? Snowmass Tourism
makes it easy. From a personalized package on our website
to customized evites to your event, to one-stop booking for
lodging, meals, and activities, our experts have the answers
to all your questions. Best of all, our services are
absolutely free. Give us a call today, and we’ll help you
plan the perfect affordable getaway. Contact Karla Baker
P.O. Box 5566, Snowmass Village, Colorado 81615: 970923-2000; 800-598-2009; fax 970-923-5466;
www.snowmassgroups.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
FLORIDA
AWARD VACATION HOMES
“Why stay in a hotel?” over 150 new luxury vacation
homes just minutes to Disney. Offering 3 to 6 bedroom
private pool homes, many with spas, game rooms, lake
views, multiple master suites, and many character themed
rooms for the kids. All of our homes are centrally located
many next to each other and back to back for families to
stay together in comfort for less than the cost of area hotels.
Every home is fully equipped with all major and most
small appliances. Our homes are available to view online
at www.awardpoolhomes.com or call 1-800-338-0835;
1536 Sunrise Plaza Drive, Suite 100, Clermont, FL 34714.
SHERATON FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH HOTEL
After a multimillion-dollar renovation, this beachfront
hotel is reclaiming its place as one of Florida’s most
cherished destinations. The newly transformed Sheraton
offers stylish surroundings, upscale amenities, state-of-theart technology, 485 inviting guestrooms and convenient
access to an array of dining, shopping and entertainment
options. 1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316;
888-627-7109; sheraton.com/fortlauderdalebeach. SEE
OUR DISPLAY AD!
KISSIMMEE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
1925 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee FL 34744.
In Kissimmee, the Heart of Florida, next to Orlando and
close to everything, reunions are our specialty. We offer
planning assistance to reunions of all sizes and budgets.
Let us help you make planning your next reunion easy. Call
or email for details about Kissimmee’s reunion venues and
services. 407-742-8254; [email protected];
www.MeetInKissimmee.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
STAR ISLAND RESORT & CLUB
5000 Avenue of the Stars, Kissimmee FL 34746. Located
just 4 miles to Disney, our Mediterranean styled Resort &
Spa offers spacious mini suites, 1,2 & 3 bedroom Villas
with kitchenette, full kitchens with all the comforts of
home. Enjoy tennis, basketball, pools & putting green, Jet
Ski & paddleboat rentals, children’s activities, BBQ grills,
group meals & more. Group rates for 5 or more units.
When making reservations use the code RM1. Call 800513-2820, or [email protected],
www.star-island.com
BUENA VISTA SUITES
8203 World Center Drive Orlando, Florida 32821 800537-7737. An all-suite hotel offering free full American
breakfast buffet, free parking, and free scheduled shuttle to
the Walt Disney World® Resort and nightly shuttle to
Downtown Disney®, just 1.5 miles away. Visit
www.thecaribeorlando.com/buena-vista-suites/ SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
CIRCLE F DUDE RANCH CAMP
Located on 500 acres south of Orlando, Florida, Circle F
offers reunions clean, rustic accommodations plus many
activities, including swimming, sailing, canoeing,
horseback riding, paintball, a softball field, soccer field,
volleyball court, tennis courts, basketball court, rockwall
climbing and ziplines, some of which have to be arranged
in advance. It’s the perfect place for all your groups;
1-863-676-4113; www.circlefduderanchcamp.com
COCO KEY HOTEL & WATER RESORT – ORLANDO
7400 International Drive, Orlando FL 32819
Family-friendly resort features a 54,000 sq. ft. canopycovered and outdoor water park. With 14 water slides, 4
pools, and a 6,500 sq. ft. Arcade there is something for
everyone. Located on International Drive , this AAA 3
diamond property is near all of Orlando’s major attractions.
Newly renovated rooms feature modern décor furniture,
and a variety of amenities. Connecting rooms are also
available for larger families. On-site dining includes
TradeWinds restaurant, Callaloo Grill, and Pizza Hut
Express. For groups of 10 or more, special reunion menus
are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For more
information, please call 407-351-2626 or email
[email protected]. Visit cocokeywaterresort.com.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
FLORIDAYS RESORT ORLANDO
12562 International Drive, Orlando FL 32821. Located
just two miles from SeaWorld and Disney on International
Drive, offers spacious two-and-three bedroom Grand
Suites, with room for everyone. The free shuttle to the
attractions and the I-Drive trolley makes it easy to get
around town. With two heated swimming pools, game room,
fitness center, and poolside bar and grille, you’ll want to
spend quality family time right here at the resort. 321-3294024; fax 321-329-4001; [email protected];
www.FloridaysResortOrlando.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
TRADEWINDS ISLAND RESORTS
5500 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach FL 33706. Located on the
white sand beach of Florida’s west coast, TradeWinds offers
a wide variety of delectable dining options and flexible
function space. Just 30 minutes from the airport, your
group will enjoy an array of activities and entertainment far
surpassing their expectations. Our award-winning staff
ensures a successful and fun reunion for all. 727-363-2215
or 800-345-6461; fax 727-363-2221; [email protected];
www.tradewindsresort.com/tampa-reunion-hotel.aspx
VISIT TALLAHASSEE
Situated in the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee draws
families and friends to come together with natural fun –
cycling, paddling and fishing – spacious parks, and a wide
variety of cultural and historical sites. From securing
accommodations and transportation to providing catering
options and itinerary building, Visit Tallahassee proudly
provides assistance to reunion planners. Contact Lorrie
Allen at (800) 628-2866. www.VisitTallahassee.com. SEE
OUR DISPLAY AD!
GEORGIA
CROWNE PLAZA ATLANTA PERIMETER at RAVINIA
4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346 Located
in Central Perimeter area nestled on a 45 acre park, with
waterfalls, terraced gardens, facilities for gatherings of 10
to 1,000. 495 guestrooms, 33 spacious suites. Featuring a
three story greenhouse atrium lobby, fitness center, indoor
pool with sundeck. Across from the Perimeter Mall. Free
shuttle to area restaurants, parks and MARTA station for
downtown attractions. Visit www.cpravinia.com or call
770-395-7700. Mention this listing for 10 % off reunion
banquet pricing. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
EMBASSY SUITES ATLANTA PERIMETER CENTER
1030 Crown Pointe Pkwy, Atlanta GA 30338. 770-394-5454.
All suite, upscale, renovated hotel located in beautiful
Dunwoody, just steps away from Perimeter Mall, Perimeter
Shoppes and more than 30 area restaurants/dining facilities.
Hotel features complimentary amenities such as: cookedto-order breakfast, Manager’s Reception, area shuttle,
parking deck, indoor pool/sun deck, Precor fitness center
and business center. Hotel offers an onsite restaurant with
Starbucks café, meeting space and wireless internet
throughout. Flat screen TV’s in all suites. Easy access to
downtown via MARTA. Hilton Family Hotels. Book us at
www.atlantaperimetercenter.embassysuites.com. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
ATLANTA MARRIOTT PERIMETER CENTER
246 Perimeter Center Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30346.
The Hotel is located adjacent to Perimeter Mall and the
Dunwoody MARTA station offering easy access to all city
attractions. Amenities include onsite restaurant and lounge,
room service, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, meeting and
banquet space for up to 350 people and complimentary
hotel shuttle within a 2 mile radius. Ask about our special
reunions packages. Call 770 394-6500 or visit
www.atlantamarriottperimeter.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
STAYBRIDGE SUITES PERIMETER CENTER EAST
4601 Ridgeview Road, Atlanta-Dunwoody GA 30338.
Staybridge Suites is an All-Suite Hotel and offers a
premier location in the Dunwoody – Perimeter Area within
walking distance to some of the best Restaurants and
Shops Atlanta has to offer. Minutes away from attractions
like Stone Mountain, Six Flags, Zoo Atlanta, Hartsfield
Airport and the Georgia Dome. Fantastic amenities like
Free Full Breakfast, Free Shuttle within a 3-Mile Radius,
Free Internet, Free On-Site Fitness Center and Guest
Laundry! 678-320-0111; Fax: 678-320-0250;
Reservations: [email protected]; Website:
www.staybridge.com/atlanta-pr. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
W ATLANTA PERIMETER
111 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta GA 30346. Find
sanctuary in 121 deluxe guest rooms and 154 fantastic
suites complete with the W Signature Bed, Bliss™
Sinkside Six amenities and balconies in all rooms. Suites
feature a full kitchen. Free shuttle service within a 3-mile
radius, which includes Perimeter Mall and MARTA
stations. Banquet spaces with full catering available. For
reservations, call 770-396-6800; fax 770-394-4805;
[email protected];
www.whotels.com/atlantaperimeter. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
DOUGLASVILLE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
With a great location near Atlanta and over 1,800 hotel
rooms why not choose Douglasville, Georgia! For details on
complimentary services, including welcome bags and
name badges, contact the Douglasville CVB today and let
us help plan your next reunion. For more information call
us at 1-800-661-0013 or email us at
[email protected]. www.visitdouglasville.com
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU OF DUNWOODY, GA
Just 10 minutes outside Atlanta in DeKalb County,
Dunwoody is the best location for your next reunion.
Minutes away from Stone Mountain Park, Georgia
Aquarium, the MLK Center and more! Home to five
excellent hotels with tons of meeting space and all within
walking distance to Perimeter Mall and shuttle services to
MARTA! Call today to plan your reunion – 678-244-9800
or visit www.discoverdunwoody.com! SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
COMFORT SUITE HISTORIC DISTRICT
630 West Bay Street, Savannah GA 31401; 912-629-2001;
fax 912-629-2002; [email protected];
meetsavannah.com/promo9. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
ILLINOIS
RECONNECT IN LAKE COUNTY
Located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Lake
County’s natural spaces and fun places are the perfect
place for your next reunion. Our world-class attractions
and more than 60 lodging properties, including three
resorts, will make your next reunion a resounding success.
For free Reunion Planning Assistance call or email us with
your reunion planning questions to
[email protected]; www.lakecounty.org. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
IOWA
WATERLOO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
500 Jefferson Street, Waterloo, IA 50701. New Sullivan
Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, Historic Veterans
Memorial, Isle Casino & Hotel Waterloo. Meeting facilities
to 2,000 people. Family attractions – Lost Island Water
Park, Phelps Youth Pavilion, and Bluedorn Science
Imaginarium. 800-728-8431; fax 319-233-2733;
[email protected]; www.TravelWaterloo.com.
MARYLAND
SHERATON BALTIMORE NORTH
903 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204; 410-3217400;fax 410-823-9042. Close to Towson University and
Goucher College, minutes from Downtown Baltimore. Rain
903 Restaurant and Lounge, Indoor Pool and 24 hour
fitness area. 22,000 sq ft off flexible meeting space.
Contact sales at [email protected] or visit
www.sheraton.com/baltimore.
MICHIGAN
THE BENZIE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
Located along Michigan’s northwest coast of the Lower
Peninsula, the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore Park and serenely positioned on Lake
Michigan’s astounding shoreline, Benzie County is an
optimal location for your reunion, wedding, meeting or
gathering. Facilities to fit nearly every need from world
class resorts to private homes and cottages on our pristine
lakes and rivers. www.visitbenzie.com or call 800-882-5801
DETROIT METRO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Thinking of meeting in Detroit? We offer great services
such as tracing your family history, securing permits for
area parks, searching for hotel accommodations and much
more. Detroit is home to great family fun attractions
including The Henry Ford, America’s greatest history
attraction, the Detroit Zoo, fine museums and numerous
festivals and events. For More information contact the
Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau at
[email protected] or call 1-313-202-1985,
www.visitdetroit.com.
MINNESOTA
WORRY-FREE REUNIONS AT CRAGUN’S RESORT
11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd MN 56401: 800-CRAGUNS
(272-4867). Since 1940 Cragun’s has taken pride in
creating memorable reunions...here’s why: 1) trained
coordinator will help plan it all, 2) arrival “Welcome” and
registration areas with planned activity agendas, 3)
activities including golf outings, lake cruises, picnics,
fishing contests, horse drawn trolley rides and more, 4)
indoor facilities to ensure you a “weather-proof” reunion,
5) private gathering areas, 6) special celebration meals, 7)
professional group photos, 8) and best of all, enjoy a safe,
secure friendly environment. Come to Cragun’s for your
reunion. Named “One of MN’s ideal locations to hold a
Reunion.” by AAA. Call for FREE Reunion Planning
Packet or visit: www.craguns.com/157.
MISSISSIPPI
ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT
The B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center
400 2nd St., Indianola, MS 38751. The Museum’s restored
1920’s cotton gin is perfect for reunions & includes a
projection screen ideal for meetings. The all-Viking
kitchen makes catering easy! Exhibits include rare
artifacts, award-winning films, interactives, & a story that
is unforgettable. Group rates available. 662-887-9539.
www.bbkingmuseum.org.
MISSOURI
PULASKI COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU
137 St. Robert Blvd. St. Robert MO 65584. Centrally
located between Branson and St. Louis, Missouri on I-44.
Enjoy the Museums at Fort Leonard Wood or family
activities on the Gasconade and Big Piney Rivers. Trail of
Tears, Historic Route 66, Fairs, Festivals, Antiques, and
more. Over 1,500 sleeping rooms and 70 restaurants
including the Cave Restaurant, dining in a real cave. Call
toll-free 1-877-858-8687 or visit
www.ReunionsAtFtWood.org for additional information.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2011 O R E U N I O N S 49
NEVADA
GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO
Located just minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip, directly
across from The Rio and The Palms. This friendly resort
personifies all that is best about Las Vegas and features
712 rooms and suites, 30,000 square feet of conference
space, full-service casino, five restaurants,
showroom/lounge, 70-lane bowling center, race/sports
book, a poolside fitness center, and shuttle service to the
heart of The Strip. 4000 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV
89103; 702-251-3560; 800-331-5334 x 400;
www.goldcoastcasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL
5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas NV 89122. Sam’s Town
boasts 646 elegantly appointed rooms and suites which
surround the Mystic Fall Indoor Park. This popular hotel
and casino has over 2,700 slot and video poker machines
as well as 40 table games. In addition, Sam’s Town has
30,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple restaurants,
food court, 18 movie theatres, RV Park, Bowling Center
and much more!!! Sam’s Town offers a courtesy shuttle to
the Strip and Downtown. 702-454-8120;
www.samstownlv.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO
9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas NV 89145. Suncoast is an
elegant gaming resort located on the picturesque western
edge of the Las Vegas Valley. The stylish 400-room hotel is
near three championship golf courses and has free shuttle
bus service to and from McCarran International Airport.
Among the Suncoast attractions are 25,000 square feet of
convention space, nine restaurants, a 64-lane bowling
center, a 16-screen movie complex, a pool and a 500-seat
showroom. 702-636-7050; www.suncoastcasino.com. SEE
OUR DISPLAY AD!
THE ORLEANS HOTEL AND CASINO
blends the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas with the
festive flavor of New Orleans. The 88-acre full-service
resort has 1,886 rooms and suites, 40,000 square feet of
meeting and exhibit space, 12 exceptional restaurants and
an oasis-like swimming pool. Attractions also include a spa
and fitness center, a 70-lane bowling center, an 18-screen
movie complex, a 900-seat showroom and 9,000-seat
arena. 4500 W Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103;
702-365-7050; 888-365-7111 X 7050;
www.orleanscasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT SPA RENO
3800 S Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502. Voted Reno’s
“Best Hotel” our recent $100 million dollar expansion
takes northern Nevada to a whole new level. From our allnew Spa Atlantis to our eight award-winning restaurants –
Atlantis has it all! Winner of the Hospy Award for “Best
Ballroom & Convention Space Design,” Atlantis boasts
50,000 SF of flexible new high-tech meeting space
catering to reunions from 1,500 to 15. Let our experienced
team plan your next event! 800-994-5900; fax 775-8251170, www.AtlantisCasino.com.
CIRCUS CIRCUS HOTEL & CASINO RENO
500 N. Sierra St. Reno NV 89503 Whether business or
pleasure brings you to us, Circus Circus Reno offers over
1,500 rooms, six sensational restaurants, a unique Midway
of Fun, an expansive casino floor with all the latest gaming
action, and state-of-the-art convention facilities. Free
airport shuttle and parking available. Call 800-894-3588
or visit circusreno.com for more information. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
GRAND SIERRA RESORT AND CASINO
is just five short minutes from the Reno/Tahoe
International Airport and just 45 minutes from majestic
Lake Tahoe. With 2,000 rooms and suites, a full service
casino, 10 distinct restaurants, an 1,800-seat theater with
headlining entertainment, branded retail shops, a cinema,
a 50-lane championship bowling center, outdoor thrill
rides, aqua golf driving range, and Fun Quest Family Fun
Center, you’ll never run out of fun and exciting things to
do. 2500 E. Second St., Reno, NV, 89595 – 866.473.6672
– www.grandsierraresort.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
NEW JERSEY
MURRAY GROVE RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER
The perfect place to get back to the simple things in
life for your Family Reunion!
Murray Grove is a private non-profit organization in Ocean
County, NJ. A purposely simple, relaxing oasis on 20 acres
located 90 minutes from both Philadelphia and NYC, 60
minutes from Atlantic City, 25 miles from beautiful
beaches. Ideal for Family Reunions, open year round, with
comfortable and affordable accommodations for as many as
50 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com
50, meeting space, large kitchen, dining room, living room
with fireplace, labyrinth, fire pit, playground, athletic fields,
outdoor pool. Visit murraygrove.org or call 609-693-5558.
NORTH CAROLINA
RUMBLING BALD RESORT
“Remember When” starts at Rumbling Bald Resort on
Lake Lure. Host your reunion at a picturesque Blue Ridge
Mountain resort in Lake Lure, NC. At Rumbling Bald
Resort you will find a variety of affordable lodging options
along with activities for your entire family. Play golf, visit
the spa, enjoy swimming pools, lighted tennis courts,
recreational activities, boat rentals and narrated lake
cruises. Make your reservations now and the memories are
yours to keep. 112 Mountains Blvd. Lake Lure, NC 28746;
877-628-6730; fax: 828-625-9229;
[email protected];
www.RumblingBald.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
HAMPTON INN NEW BERN
200 Hotel Drive, New Bern NC 28562. Your family is our
family! The Hampton Inn New Bern offers complimentary
“On the House” hot breakfast, free high-speed wireless
internet, 32" flat screen TVs, microwaves and refrigerators
in every room and a fitness room. We also have a great
outdoor pool with a hot tub! Call/email for information:
(252) 637-2111 / [email protected] or visit our
website at www.newbern.hamptoninn.com
WILMINGTON/CAPE FEAR COAST CONVENTION &
VISITORS BUREAU
Looking for an interesting destination? Then head to
Wilmington & NC’s Cape Fear Coast. You can let us know
what kind of adventure you have in mind, or we can
suggest some themes that’ll please the most persnickety
travelers. We’ll even create a customized itinerary matched
to your exact specifications so that your guests will gladly
follow you anywhere. Call 866-207-1969 or visit
www.VisitNCVacations.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
NORTH DAKOTA
BISMARCK-MANDAN, NORTH DAKOTA. BETTER THAN
EVER.
Tucked in the scenic Missouri River Valley, BismarckMandan will set the stage for a most memorable reunion.
As one of the most affordable, cleanest and safest
destinations in the country, your family will thank you
when you bring them along on this memorable trip.
discoverbismarckmandan.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
SOUTH CAROLINA
SEA MIST OCEANFRONT RESORT – MYRTLE BEACH SC
1200 South Ocean Blvd., 29577. REUNIONS MADE
EASY! Specializing in reunions from military to family at
the most affordable rates in Myrtle Beach. Sea Mist’s
premier oceanfront location is near shopping, theaters and
golf courses. Over 600 of our 800 units have been
completely remodeled, restaurants, miniature golf, 10
pools, Jacuzzis, fitness room, 17,000-sq.ft. of versatile
meeting space and much more! 800-200-8687;
[email protected]; www.seamist.com. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
TENNESSEE
CHATTANOOGA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
We are ready to host your next family or military reunion.
Our Staff works closely with the hotels, attractions, tour
companies and you to provide exactly what you need to
have a great reunion. Contact Christina Petro at 800-9648600 ext. 3017 or by e-mail at [email protected]
for free help planning your next reunion!
www.chattanoogafun.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
CABINS IN THE SMOKIES
Timber Tops offers luxury cabins and resort facilities to
accommodate large groups. These incredible cabins can
include big screen TV’s, game rooms with pool tables, hot
tubs, gorgeous mountain views, and close proximity to all
the fun attractions in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN and
the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
1-800-266-1066; [email protected];
www.yoursmokymountainreunion.com. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE
We’re a gold mine for reunions. Need attractions? Try
Dollywood, Titanic Pigeon Forge, Zorb and the actionpacked Parkway. Want nature? Great Smoky Mountains
National Park is next-door. Want entertainment? More than
a dozen theaters await you. Hungry? We’ll feed you well.
Details: 1-800-285-7557 or visit pigeonforgereunion.com.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
TEXAS
PLANO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano TX 75074
Plano’s location, 20 miles from Dallas, gives us access to
North Texas’ Biggest Playground. Accessible via D/FW
Airport or Dallas Love Field, or major highways, Plano’s
the Place! Love History, and things Typically Texas? And
things not typically Texas? How ’bout sports, shopping,
dining? You’ll run out of time before you run out of things
to do here. 800-81PLANO: fax 972-424-0002;
[email protected]: www.planocvb. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
INN ON THE RIVERWALK
We’ve hosted dozens of happy reunions. Whether family,
high school or ladies get-togethers, our 13 river view rooms
will create an intimate and memorable experience. The Inn
on the Riverwalk is an award winning bed and breakfast
situated on the banks of the famous Riverwalk downtown
San Antonio, Texas. 10% discount when you reserve 5
rooms or more. 129 Woodward, San Antonio TX 78204,
210-225-6333, fax: 210-271-3992,
[email protected],
Innontheriverwalksa.com
UTAH
PARK CITY LODGING
(formerly R&R Properties) is located in the beautiful
mountains of Park City, Utah. Enjoy properties throughout
Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons resort areas. We
can provide many ideal accommodations for reunions,
retreats and weddings. Call 800-348-6759;
www.ParkCityLodging.com. Let our knowledgeable staff
assist you in creating a memorable mountain experience.
VERMONT
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT
At America’s Reunion Resort, you’ll experience Mountain
Resort Living, award-winning children’s programs (6wks. 17yrs.), family activities and entertainment, swimming,
skiing, hiking, dining, shopping & more. Smugglers’ Notch
Resort – the only resort in North America to guarantee
Family Fun - Summer, Winter & Fall. For more
information, call 1-800-521-0536. or visit
www.smuggs.com/reunions. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
VIRGINIA
CHESAPEAKE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
860 Greenbrier Circle, Suite 101 Chesapeake, VA 23320.
Can you hear it? That voice inside, beckoning you to get
together. Reconnect with friends, families and memories.
The refuge, the waterways, the beach – so close you can
enjoy them all. For more information on planning a family
or military reunion in Chesapeake, VA, call 888.889.5551
or go to www.visitchesapeake.com.
VISIT FAIRFAX / FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA.
Enjoy everything that Northern Virginia has to offer. From
the monuments and memorials of nearby Washington, DC
to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven
F. Udvar-Hazy Center to George Washington’s Mount
Vernon Estate & Gardens, Fairfax County is an ideal
location for your military or family reunion. Call us at
703-790-0643 or visit our website today at www.fxva.com.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
VisitNorfolk
232 East Main Street, Norfolk VA 23510. Norfolk’s
beautifully revitalized waterfront, rich military heritage,
walkable downtown and central Mid Atlantic location
make it the ideal destination for your next reunion. Home
to such attractions as the Battleship Wisconsin, MacArthur
Memorial, Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the world’s
largest naval base. See why American Heritage named
Norfolk “A Great American Place.” Offering over 5,000
committable hotel rooms in various price ranges. Call 800368-3097; [email protected];
www.visitnorfolktoday.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
CROWNE PLAZA RICHMOND WEST
Our premiere location includes 282 guest rooms and over
10,000 square feet of banquet space for large or small
reunions. Perfectly set between downtown Richmond and
the city’s west end, we are less than 10 minutes to
Richmond’s science and historic museums, fashionable
shopping centers, renowned outdoor gardens and
downtown nightlife. Our features include a full service
restaurant, indoor pool and complimentary parking. Visit
us at crowneplaza.com/richmondva or call 804-285-9951.
Subscribe! Call 1-800-373-7933
51
REUNION PLANNERS
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REUNION MANAGERS
(NARM)
PO Box 335428; North Las Vegas NV 89033
[email protected]; www.reunions.com.
All of the following can be purchased at
www.reunionsmag.com/shopping or by calling
1-800-373-7933, ext.4
BOOKS
Family Reunion by Mary Quattlebaum, Illustrated by
Andrea Shine. Thoughtful and fun, this book gives
glimpses of family togetherness and tradition through
various poetic forms, including free verse, a sonnet,
haiku, a ballad and more. $16 + s/h.
THE FAMILY REUNION SURVIVAL GUIDE:
How to Avoid Problems With Your Family
Without Avoiding Your Family by Laurence A.
Basirico. (2003, Identity Publishing, $11.95). A book
about relationships at family reunions and how to enjoy
them. Based on original research. 2106 Coy St.,
Burlington, NC. (336) 584-1442.
Secrets of Successful Family Reunions by Robert
W. Wolfe a.k.a. Uncle Bob A how-to-book for successful
family reunions. Whether simple or elaborate it helps
those who wish to pass their values to the next
generation. 2008. $16.99 + s/h.
Treasure and Scavenger Hunts (3rd ed.) How to
Plan, Create, and Give Them by Gordon Burgett
Communications Unlimited, 2007, 134 pp. $15.95 +
s/h or $12.95 digital.
Your Living Family Tree: Keeping your family
together forever through print, photos, sound
and video by Gordon Burgett Communications
Unlimited, 2008, 174 pp. $17.95 + s/h or $15.95 digital.
The Pick A Party book set by Patty Sachs, partyplanning expert
Book #1: Pick a Party, The Big Book of Party
Themes and Occasion 100 theme party plans for
holidays, milestone occasions and special events.
Book #2 Pick-A-Party Cookbook Includes menus,
recipes and table decoration ideas for the 100 theme
parties in Book #1. Regularly $20 for the set, only
$16.00 + $2 s/h) for Reunions magazine readers.
The Miles of Smiles: 101 Great Car Games &
Activities by travel writer Carole Terwilliger Meyers
“May be the ultimate solution for back seat
squabbling” on the way to your reunion. Keep kids
entertained all the way there. $8.95 + s/h.
FOOD PREPARATION
COOKING FOR LARGE GROUPS (CD)
Over 1400 recipes. System requirements: Windows
98/NT 4.0/XP, Intel Pentium Processor or better, 32
MB RAM, 20 MB free hard disk space, CD-ROM drive,
SVGA monitor, keyboard, web browser, Adobe Reader,
Window-compatible pointing device. $49.95 plus $1.29
s/h. Purchase at www.reunionsmag.com/shopping or
call 1-800-373-7933, ext. 4.
MAGAZINE
Subscribe to Reunions magazine
Ensure a full year of reunion planning advice plus
workbook. Subscribe now. Send $9.99/yr or $17.99/2
yrs to Reunions Magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727,
Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. To charge to credit card
call 800-373-7933 or visit our website
www.reunionsmag.com.
MUSIC
The Malone Family Choir: A Family Reunion is
an original gospel CD opening with a song you'll want
to play to say Welcome to Our Family Reunion! at
your family reunion. CD $15 or tape $10 + s/h.
POSTCARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Notify your reunion members to SAVE THE DATE
(bright red, they’ll not miss it!) and when you need
reminders, send postcards that say TIME IS RUNNING
OUT
Fill-in cards – $15 p/100 postcards or 20¢ each – you
fill in the date and reunion name; or
Custom printed cards – $45 p/100 postcards or 50¢ each.
Send info to be printed: for SAVE THE DATE! (name,
date, & place of reunion, contact info).
For TIME IS RUNNING OUT (name & date of reunion &
RSVP date) + fax number
or email address to get your approval before we print.
Send to Reunions magazine, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee
WI 53211-0727; credit card charges call
1-800-373-7933 ext. 4, or order online;
www.reunionsmag.com/shopping.
52
REUNION PHOTO COOKIES
STAFFORD, VIRGINIA
Reunions are about reconnecting people and places. Are
you connected to Aquia Landing? 10,000 slaves escaped
thru Stafford, Va., many by Aquia – a railroad terminus and
steamship port. Known connections include Solomon
Northup, William & Ellen Craft, Henry “Box” Brown &
John Washington. Find your connection. Reunite at this
“Gateway to Freedom”: Stafford, Va.
www.TrailToFreedom.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
WEST VIRGINIA
THE WOODS RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER
PO Box 5 Mountain Lake Road, Hedgesville WV 25427;
304-754-7977 or 800-248-2222; fax 304-754-8146:
[email protected]; www.TheWoods.com
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
AIRPORT PARKING
Park Ride Fly USA is the fastest growing seller of offsite
airport parking on the Web. All pre-paid parking
reservations include complimentary shuttle service,
luggage assistance, and $100,000 of Automatic Flight
Insurance provided at no additional cost. Visit
www.reunionsmag.com and click on Park Ride Fly for
discount airport parking at more than 50 U.S. airports and
start saving today!
The Photo Cookies Greetings® are gourmet shortbreads
made in-house from scratch using only the finest
ingredients and individually cello wrapped for freshness.
Photo Cookies Greetings® are custom decorated utilizing
your design or photo image and imprinted directly onto the
cookie itself. Totally edible! Photo Cookies are available in
2 shapes, Very affordably priced, free design, artwork &
set-up charges included, depending on the quantity and
desired shape, Photo Cookies prices range from $2.10 to
$2.69 each. For FREE product information, please contact
AD-fordable Imprints www.reunionthings.com , 888-6029450 Toll FREE or email at [email protected]
REUNION WEBISTE BUILDER
MYEVENT.COM
Create your own reunion website with no skills. It’s fast and
easy to use. Your reunion website has great features and
planning tools. It will make planning much easier and
everyone will love it! Features: Online registration, rsvp,
ticket payment, message boards, family tree, guest book,
quiz, poll, stories, photo albums, no ads, travel information,
more. 7 day free trial. No credit card required for the free
trial! Only $9.95 / month.
http://reunions.createswebsites.com. Any Questions – 877769-3836 or [email protected].
CRUISES
CELEBRATION RIVER CRUISES
The Celebration Belle, an 800 passenger riverboat, located
in the Quad Cities, is the largest non-gaming riverboat on
the Upper Mississippi River. We offer a wide variety of
cruises ranging from 1-hour narrated sightseeing cruise to
a daylong cruise. The Celebration Belle is known for our
live entertainment, our hospitality, and our food, which
prepared fresh onboard, not catered! The Quad Cities is a
great destination for your reunions. Go to
celebrationbelle.com or call (800) 297-0034 for more
information.
COOKBOOKS
CUSTOM COOKBOOKS FOR FAMILIES
Family cookbooks keep memories alive! Your entire
cookbook order can be completed online: simply enter your
recipes, invite others to enter their recipes, design your book
and submit the order! Or, we’ll type your recipes for you. A
great keepsake and fundraiser! G&R Publishing • Waverly,
Iowa • www.gandrpublishing.com • 1-800-383-1679.
FAMILY TREE CHARTS
YOUR FAMILY TREE CHARTED.
Names of all Family Members are charted. Large Poster
size for display. Smaller, framed size for gift. Plus. . A
Family Tree Book of individual Family Trees. Really Nice!
Make charting your Family Tree part of the legacy you
leave behind. www.FamilyTreesCharted.com;
[email protected]. 404-768-5 698, JoAnn Ross.
T-SHIRTS
AD-fordable Imprints…your ONLY source for
PERSONALIZIED Imprinted reunion T-shirts/apparel.
Custom 1 color imprint priced as low as $3.39 ea.
FREE Screen, FREE set-up, FREE artwork charges.
SAVE THE DATE MAGNETS personalized, full color
imprint, Priced as LOW as.79¢ each, KOOZIE drink
holders Priced as LOW as 49¢ ea. Also tote bags, mugs
and many memento favors. QUALITY work, great friendly
customer service. FREE SAMPLES CALL or email us
today for your FREE sample kit.
AD-fordable Imprints Toll Free 1-888-602-9450,
[email protected], www.reunionthings.com
MAKE THE BEST REUNION T-SHIRTS!
Design reunion shirts online – it’s fun and easy! Create
your own design or have us create a design for you. From
infant sizes to adult 6XL, you’ll find the perfect shirts for
your reunion. FREE shipping, AFFORDABLE shirts,
FREE expert-design help, and GUARANTEED delivery
dates! Visit www.customink.com/reunionwbk or call 1-877803-5885 today! Use voucher code RW210 to save $10 on
your order of 6 or more shirts. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
VACATION HOMES
Interested in Vacation Ownership?
Vacation ownership is a terrific way to ensure that you set
aside time each year to enjoy with family and friends. It’s
also a convenient way to prepay for a lifetime of great
vacation accommodations at today’s rates. And with brand
names like Marriott revolutionizing the industry, the
quality, flexibility and value afforded by timeshare
ownership has never been better. If you are considering
investing in a timeshare or would like to rent a villa to get a
feel for ownership, be sure to check out the online resale
market where you can often find terrific deals directly from
current vacation owners. Visit SellMytimeshareNow.com
53
P.O. Box 11727 O Milwaukee WI 53211-0727
www.reunionsmag.com
TM

Music Saving money Reunion banquets Military lunch reunions

Transcription

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