2016 Reunion Celebrations!

Transcription

2016 Reunion C
e l e b ra t i o n s !
Vol 26 no 1
$3/USA
BRANSON
HONORS VETERANS
EVERY DAY.
V E T E R A N S D AY PA R A D E
12TH Annual
Military Reunion Planners Conference
August 8-11, 2016
For the MRPC Application or a Reunion Planner Sales Kit:
Julie Peters, CTIS, CEP at [email protected]
417-243-2117
in this special issue
Departments
front Words – 4
ALUM & I – 6
Together We Stand Strong by Calvin A. (Juice) Clark
Steilacoom’s class celebrates 50 – two years early by Nancy Covert
Thomas Jefferson High School 50th Class Reunion by Gloria Jadot
Kankakee High School, Class of 1965 by Janice Shenk
East Orange, New Jersey, High School, Class of 1995 by Pamela Ball-Gilbert
Woodlawn High School Mega Bash by Sherrie Dale
University of Buffalo’s Nursing Class of 1955 by Georgia Burnette
* High school reunion was eagerly anticipated by Nancy Davidoff Kelton
* Charitable class reunions
* Big Sandy Class of ‘65 50th graduation anniversary by Ginger Jordan
* Disconnect to reconnect @ Maine Huts & Trails
* Franklin (Louisiana) Senior High School by Dwana Calhoun
BRANCH OFFICE – 14
Sheldon Family Association by Jeanne A Jeffries
Family heritage activities
James Family Reunions by Howard James
Benrud Family Reunion by Marie Martin and Iris Othrow
REUNION SCHOOL – 18
Masterplan – 20
An 8 anniversary reunion by Cyndi Speltz Gipp
Wood Family Reunion by June Wood
Will the Schmidt Family Reunion be next? by Josiah Schmidt
Keep calm and plan on! by Francis D. Talton
10 reasons to host a dude ranch reunion
First cousins only by Cathi (Muldowney) Venis
Irvin Family Reunion by Tawana Battle
Reconciliation of the Hatfields and McCoys by Ron McCoy
Clark/Fancher Family Reunion
Sangster Family Reunion by Glenda Bardsley
Celebrating Our Past, Present and Future Generations by Phyllis Moore
Burnette Family Reunion by Georgia Burnette
Adams Family Reunion by Christopher & Sharon Adams
Cruising toward a 60th anniversary by Wendy Howarter
Building Bridges – Connecting Generations
by Frederick Michael Gillyard and his Bettie Gillyard Griggs
Hopkins-Strain Family Reunion by Daryl Hopkins
All White Fairley-Foskey Family Reunion by Sandra Lyons
Radcliff Family Reunion by Richetta Andino
Jenkins-Scott Family Reunion by Sondra Y. Jenkins
O’Malleys and Historic Dodgertown
Moran Family Reunion by Jo Ann Adiele
Hamilton Hill Taylor Family Reunion by LaTanya Joseph
Liske Family Reunions by Janice Wade
* Still Family Reunion by Reggie Still Sr.
* Green(e) Family Reunification reunion by Reverend Mike Greene
* Wheaton-Dukes Family Reunion by Terry Bunch
* 50th Hightower-Bush-Little Family Reunion by Denise Brown-Sampson
* Slave descendants meet at Sweet Briar College
* Cargill, Caldwell, Harris, Williams Family Reunion by Lydia Williams
Military Reunion News – 45
4th Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment Reunion by Peyton Ligon
USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711) Reunion by Robert J. Clark
317th Troop Carrier Airlift Veterans Reunion by Jim Timmons
Reunion Resources – 48
A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products
* continuations in downloadable pdf @ reunionsmag.com.
2016 Reunion Celebrations!
Volume 26 • Number 1
Publisher / Editor in Chief
Edith Wagner
Art Director
Jennifer Rueth
Senior sales account manager
Marion Liston
sales Staff
Nicole Dettmering Ksioszk
Operations Manager
Karla Lavin
Web Wizard
Josh Evert
hospitality answer man
Dean Miller
Contributors
Christopher and Sharon Adams • JoAnn Adiele
Richetta Andino • Pamela Ball-Gilbert
Glenda Bardsley • Tawana Battle
Denise Brown-Sampson • Terry Bunch
Georgia Burnette • Dwana Calhoun
Calvin A. (Juice) Clark • Robert J. Clark
Nancy Covert • Sherrie Dale
Matthew Deighton • Frederick Michael Gillyard
Cyndi Speltz Gipp • Reverend Mike Greene
Bettie Gillyard Griggs • Daryl Hopkins
Wendy Howarter • Gloria Jadot
Howard James • Jeanne A. Jeffries
Sondra Y. Jenkins • Ginger Jordan
LaTanya Joseph • Nancy Davidoff Kelton
Peyton Ligon • Sandra Lyons
Marie Martin • Ron McCoy • Phyllis Moore
Iris Othrow • Josiah Schmidt
Janice Shenk • Reggie Still Sr.
Francis D. Talton • Jim Timmons
Cathi (Muldowney) Venis • Janice Wade
Lydia Williams • June Wood
R eunions magazine , I nc . (ISSN #1046-5 s 235), is
published 2 times per year. Send correspondence, queries,
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© 2016 Reunions magazine, Inc.
2016 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v Reunions 3
front words
Welcome to Reunion Celebrations!
their hands, which is why we decided upon occasional
special issues. In fact we plan another special issue in
his special issue highlights reunion celebrations. Big
September, hoping advertisers support the idea. On the
reunions, small reunions, families, classes, military
subject of support, we hope you will contact advertisers on
and some whose history propels their reunions. How
these pages and those you encounter on our
all of them celebrate. There are many
website. They, like you, have but one goal:
more than the usual number of reunions and
successful and memorable reunions.
our concentration is on their celebrations.
Mail
to
You’ll find many ideas worth considering for
If you are a beginner …
Reunions magazine
your own reunion that we hope will
PO Box 11727
We welcome you to reunion planning
encourage your reunion planning.
Milwaukee WI 53211-0727
and hope the information you’re looking for
Something new!
and questions you’re wanting answered will
call 414-263-4567
all be on our web pages and in these issues.
This print version is continued online.
visit www.reunionsmag.com
You may want to attend a workshop, or
We had many more celebrations we wanted
fax 414-263-6331
download a timetable, or look for a
to share, so a downloadable pdf version of
e-mail [email protected]
destination and venue for your reunion,
this print magazine and the continuation can
they’re all on reunionsmag.com. Visit early
be found on reunionsmag.com! Just look for
and visit often!
this Reunion Celebrations! cover and
enjoy even more reunion celebrations.
Is your reunion on reunionSmag.com?
For about eight months we’ve concentrated on building our
Visit Reunions Hall of Fame! If your reunion is listed,
web presence with additions to all our social media, our web,
please send a picture and contact info so others can find you!
Facebook and Pinterest pages. Since all of them focus
Add your upcoming reunion to our list and your reunion
entirely on various aspects of reunion planning, we urge you
picture to our gallery. Submit reunion videos to share; see
to migrate in that direction for countless more reunion
reunion videos already online! Sign up for monthly reunion
planning ideas. The ideas are tried and true examples of real
news, if you don’t already receive it and enter giveaways
life reunion celebrations!
and contests.
Since all our material is from reunion planners or people
Help our next edition.
who serve reunions, their only focus is reunion planning. As
always we encourage you to share your reunion planning and
The next print edition will concentrate on reunion
celebrating stories and support our sponsors.
planning ideas, the work you need to do to have reunion
celebrations! We collect examples from stories you submit.
Our emphasis on the web and social media is, like most
We need stories and reports about your reunion planning.
other publishers, because the cost for print has risen and
And pictures! We’ll need (high resolution) pictures of
support/advertising has not, so we must reach our audience
committees in action, meet & greets, celebrations, banquets,
of reunion planners in new ways. We are gratified by the
worship, activities, games, mounds of luscious potluck picnic
thousands of visits our pages draw each month and we
foods and lots more. You know: reunions!
encourage you to visit even more. Since many of those are
return visits, we must be sharing information that helps you
We will be thinking about you during spring and summer
plan your reunion. If not, please speak up!
reunions and hoping you’ll want to further celebrate your
reunion by sharing your reunion stories and pictures.
We truly enjoy producing print versions of Reunions
magazine! Many people still want to hold the magazine in
Happy 2016 reunion season! EW
T
4 Reunions v reunionsmag.com
Be in touch!
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alum & I
Together We Stand Strong
I
graduated from Clarksdale (Mississippi)
High School (CHS) with the Class of
1980. At that time, our class was 42% white
and 58% black. Our proms and reunions
were held separately, as were all the
preceding classes once CHS was integrated.
When the time came for our 10-year class
reunion, Reverend Norman Van Collins, a
black minister, now Dr. Collins, called and
asked me to present the idea of having the
reunion together to white committee
members. He wanted to get past the racial
divide and did not want the reunion to
continue being segregated as it had been
in the past. After all, we went to school,
studied, and spent time together, so
friendships and memories were made.
I presented the idea to our committee.
It was rejected. I was disappointed, but I
did not speak up to say how wrong I
believed the segregated reunions were. Not
speaking up has always weighed heavily
on my heart.
I joined Facebook this year along with
many classmates from both races. I didn’t
know it, but black 1980 graduates have
been reuniting for years. I joined them and
have worked hard to rectify the mistake I
made as a young man. As I worked with
others to organize the upcoming reunion, I
was overwhelmed by the love and
forgiveness I felt from my black
classmates. I appreciated how excited they
were for me to help get both races together
for a reunion, and I was grateful to them
From left Robert Bubble Agostinelli,
Clarksdale Mayor Bill Luckett, Calvin Juice Clark.
for giving me an opportunity to do what I
was afraid to do 25 years ago.
I began telling every white classmate I
could find about having a reunion together.
To my surprise, they were excited about a
non-segregated reunion and wanted to be a
part of it. If we want change in Clarksdale,
it begins with us, and it must begin in our
hearts. As members of the Class of 1980,
we are all coming together to start making
a change. We want to set an example for
our children, for future classes, and for our
community. We want to let others see we
care for each other, forgive each other,
accept and love one another. The time has
come to move forward.
One of my classmates told me, “When I
saw your message about bringing both
sides together, it brought tears to my eyes.
With everyone’s effort and, of course, God’s
help, it will work. It’s destiny.” Dr. Collins
said, “Please know no apologies are
needed. I have come to understand that all
things happen in God’s own time. I’m just
thankful that you, others, and I have
matured in our thinking about so many of
life’s issues due to our experiences. The
best we can do is let the past be the past
and focus on our future.”
Our reunion was open to any Clarksdale
High School 1980 graduate. We wanted
this reunion to be the beginning for a
change in Clarksdale – proof we care about
each other and want to close this racial
divide. The theme of our reunion was
“Together We Stand Strong.” How fitting!
Reported by Calvin A. (Juice) Clark,
San Antonio, Texas.
Calvin A. (Juice) Clark made videos
from this reunion and graciously
allowed us to post them on our
website. Pictures are from their Meet &
Greet, banquet, cookout and memorial.
Most are on class reunion pages but
some are scattered throughout the
site. Search for Clarksdale High School.
Postcards that make your
reunion point!
Send
save
the date
when you’ve set it!
Send
TIME IS
RUNNING OuT
when it is!
Custom Printing – $45 p/hundred; 50¢ each
Fill-in cards $15 p/hundred; 20¢ each
plus shipping & handling
Send message, check & request to:
Reunion postcards
PO Box 11727 v Milwaukee WI 53211-0727
To charge, call 414.263.4567
Clarkdales High School, Class of 1980
alum & I
Steilacoom’s Class of 1967
celebrates its 50th – two years early
T
here’s something special about being a
The view was still a clear shot at Puget Sound
Steilacoom student – especially being from
and the cloud-cloaked Olympic Mounthe first district in Pierce County, Washington
tains.
– from a town that was the first one incorpoGrads dined at the TopSide’s Quarterrated in the State.
deck and concluded the weekend with
26 stairs – that’s how many steps reach from
breakfast Sunday at the Bair Bistro,
the first to the second floor at what was
Steilacoom’s historic 1895 general store.
originally called “Steilacoom School;” 52
The weekend reconnection was fabulous
stairs, if you count both sides.
and plans for the actual “50th” in 2017 are
Graduates of Steilacoom’s Class of 1967
underway. The gathering likely will include
held a pre-milestone reunion in their old
a visit to the “new” Pioneer School at
school building in August 2015 and retraced
DuPont, Washington. The original school
their way over those same stairs – up to the
bell, now green with decades of patina, that
The official graduation program.
new conference room.
once hung in the tower of the 1892 building
Sure, the weekend “pre-reunion” was two
now hangs outside the new school’s front entry.
years ahead of its official 50th anniversary – but that’s okay. From
Reported by Nancy Covert, Lakewood, Washington.
Friday to Sunday, a third of the 1967 eighth grade grads enjoyed
a reunion in the “Town on the Sound” where they’d attended
kindergarten through 8th grade.
The official graduation for the class was held, according to
Marlene Korsmo’s colorful graduation program, in the school’s
gymnasium. That program featured “1967 Steilacoom Graduation,
June 8, 6:30 p.m.” in red lettering against a yellow background.
The school mascot was a Pirate.
This year’s pre-50th event began at a classmate’s home. The
gathering included a return to Steilacoom School, where there
was a short program about Pierce County’s first school district’s
history begun in 1854. The session in the recently remodeled
building, now housing the District Administration Offices, offered
an opportunity to peek into former classrooms, see a collection of
historic photos displayed throughout the building and reminisce
about teachers, classes and activities, such as the 6th grade camp
held at Camp Seymour.
“When we were in the 4th grade, we planted cedar trees
around town” one pointed out. “They’re huge now!”
The gathering featured a yellow school bus tour that included
a stop at the site of the district’s first school, a log cabin near
Pioneer Orchard Park. Before the tour, “grads” posed on the
school’s front stairs at the spot where class photos were taken.
Steilacoom’s Class of 1967, pre-milestone reunion
Thomas Jefferson High School 50th Class Reunion
T
homas Jefferson High School’s Class of
1985 meets every five years. They’ve
had the same chairperson since the fifth
reunion, however, she passed away recently
so they elected a new Chairman. Up until
now the “MC” was also a classmate but he’s
battling cancer for the second time. A
classmate who is a DJ planned activities to
have fun ... especially being the 50th reunion.
They send save the date postcards ...
invitations ... but now are really pushing
email. In the past members were contacted
primarily by mail BUT now they are getting
emails. This communication is instantaneous and I can “talk” to individual
classmates to get the enthusiasm going,
says Gloria Jadot. She also says it might be
fun to start a facebook “page” with only
classmates as “friends.”
They charge across the board costs for
dinner and miscellaneous expenses.
There was a special part to the program
for a classmate who quit after 11th grade to
join the military. He was KIA in Vietnam
(the only classmate killed in Vietnam). The
committee got approval to award his sister
an honorary diploma. Local TV stations
and Pittsburgh Post Gazette were there for
the presentation by the Superintendent of
the West Jefferson Hills School District.
The class president, Dave Mrochek, had
suggested this honor and he worked
diligently to get the approvals. However, a
few months before the reunion Dave was
diagnosed with brain cancer and passed
away just days before the reunion. They
also did a reading of all of our classmates
who have passed over the years. Nevertheless, the reunion went great, yes there was
a bit of a somber part to the evening but
then fun ensued, our DJ was great and
dancing was pretty heavy duty ... all was
perfect.
Reported by Gloria Jadot, New
Kensington, Pennsylvania.
Kankakee High School, Class of 1965 Reunion
Kankakee High School, Class of 1965
T
he Kankakee (Illinois) High School,
Class of 1965 had a three-day reunion.
150 people attended a Friday night mixer
with appetizers at the local boat club.
Saturday night dinner and dance were
at the local country club. Kind of posh, so
we got dressed up. Buffet dinner, DJ, photo
booth and a group picture went over very
well. Cost was $45 per person and included
a program book of names and contact
information of all who could be found.
Sunday was a BBQ style picnic at a
classmate’s hunting lodge seven miles from
town. Over 100 attended. Very casual. We
supplied pulled pork sandwiches, Italian
beef and several sides.
We allowed $15 per person from the
Saturday night ticket sales to cover food
costs for Friday and Sunday so we
didn’t have to charge extra.
The group picture was a wash.
They cost us $15 and we charged
$15 and we sold over 70. The
photo booth cost $400 for two
hours with an attendant. Pictures
were available free online. Each
person got two slides of their
picture in the photo booth.
We had enough money to cover all the
printing and mailings of save-the-date post
cards, invitations, and pictures and
envelopes for those who could not attend.
And I still have money left over to start the
next reunion. That is why I always handle
the money for reunions! I have been saving
little sums from the very first one, but I
still have more left over than when I
started. We have a lot of talent on the
committee and some costs were donated.
From a report by Janice Shenk,
Kankakee, Illinois.
Note:
These invitations
can also be
seen on our web
page in the
collection of
invitations called
Reunions invite!
alum & I
A successful 20-year high school reunion!
P
amela Ball-Gilbert lives in Deltona,
Florida, and is planner of her Little-Rice
Family Reunion and her East Orange, New
Jersey, High School, Class of 1995 reunion.
She wrote, “My class reunion went off without
a hitch and even though I worked a little
more than I expected, I had a great time!
We celebrated Halloween weekend.
Friday night there was a banquet. Saturday
morning a tailgate party preceded a
football game between our new East Orange
Campus High and West Orange High School.
Sunday’s Final Fellowship was held at Pleasant
Grove MB Church in Newark, New Jersey.
Two after parties extended the celebrations!
Panther Pride t-shirts
East Orange, New Jersey, High School, Class of 1995
Woodlawn High School Mega Bash Reunion
S
herrie Dale, Center Point,
Alabama, graduated from
Woodlawn High School in
Birmingham, Alabama, in
1980. For six years she’s been
planning a reunion called
Woodlawn High School Mega
Bash Reunion. It started out
being classes before and after
hers. Now six years later she’s
gathered classes from 1975 to
1990 for the next Mega Bash
Reunion. Mega Bash Reunion
members gathered at Dear ‘Ole
Woodlawn High for a walk
through with some of the
coaches and teachers.
Dale says she loves planning
Mega Bash Reunions and what
she loves even better is when
she’s able “to connect old
friends together again.”
Woodlawn High School Mega Bash Reunion, Birmingham, Alabama
alum & I
60th nursing school reunion!
M
embers of the Baccalaureate Nursing
Class of 1955 met at Russell’s Steak
House to celebrate the 60th anniversary of
our graduation from the University of Buffalo’s
School of Nursing (now, SUNY @ Buffalo).
Classmates unable to join were sorely
missed, but photographs and notes were sent.
A gift to the Dean’s Fund was forwarded earlier
to mark this milestone in our lives.
“We called ourselves ‘The U.B. Basics’
since we were the second class of the generic
nursing program begun in 1950. Veola Knowles
Hawkes (deceased) and Georgia Mackie
Burnette were the first African American
students accepted into the generic program.”
Buffalo classmates began monthly
luncheon meetings 30+ years ago that
continue today. The class celebrated their
40th anniversary with a cruise to the Bahamas
and a delightful week in Savannah, Georgia, to
commemorate the 50th.
We were pleased to toast another class
reunion, and reminisce about our times
together as young student nurses.
Reported by Georgia Burnette,
Wheatfield, New York.
Members of the University of Buffalo, Baccalaureate Nursing Class of 1955 at their 60th reunion; left to right, Joan Mangano,
Beverly Loree, Shirley Lewitzsky, Lillian Pawlik, Dean of the School, Marsha Lewis, Betty Kiscunas, Doris Burnett,
Georgia Burnette, Eleanor Guyette; seated, Florence Patterson.
There’s something familiar about
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With over 5,100 hotel rooms, you have
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We have a bustling nightlife, a fabulous
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THE MINUTE YOU ARRIVE,
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People Connect Here.
1-800-81-plano • visitplano.com
facebook.com/visitplano
16-PNO-0136 Reunions Magazine.indd 1
familyfuture
1/21/16 4:32 PM
A LINK TO THE PAST
A BRIDGE TO OUR
Family reunions? Think Chattanooga.
Chattanooga is a family reunion destination everyone can agree on. The Scenic City offers
first-class attractions, affordable accommodations and top regional restaurants - not to mention
a central location in the Southeast. Our CVB reunion specialist can provide complimentary
assistance, including detailed guidelines for reunion planning. Contact Christina Petro at the
Chattanooga CVB, 423-424-4417 or [email protected]
branch office
A
Rise of the ‘Kinkeepers’
family’s historian digs into genealogical research and
shares it with her clan. These historians are “kinkeepers,”
who play an important role in preserving history and passing it
along to new generations.
Family reunion time is a kinkeepers’ opportunity for
sharing and collecting family history, whether writing stories
told by grandparents or passing around a faded photo of a
cousin who fought in World War I.
Kinkeepers say the Internet has given their research a
big boost, but sometimes the missing pieces of the puzzle
are still found in shoeboxes in dusty attics or in metal filing
cabinets at county courthouses. Some people even do
research in countries where the family has roots.
From an article by Michael O’Conner in the
Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, Nebraska.
Sheldon Family Association
F
or over 100 years members of the Sheldon Family Association
have met annually in locations across the US. The recent
meeting was in Sacramento, California, for descendants of early
New England Sheldon Men: Godfrey, Isaac, John, John, and Richard who arrived in New England in the 1600s. In 1850 H.O. Sheldon collected the names of descendants and their relationships in
a series of newsletters that led to a database, which now numbers
over 100,000 names. Reunions are scheduled in the northeast,
mid country and west.
At each Reunion, members have access to the database to find
connections. Each two-day event includes a visit to a local Sheldon
site. In Sacramento, a trip to the Elk Grove House and Stage Stop
Museum was with a docent who is a Sheldon descendant. The
story of Jared Sheldon, an early settler, was featured and the
group visited his grave.
Members were encouraged to make short talks of 10 minutes
about various topics. Many signed up. Some members displayed
posters about Sheldon forebears. Dinner speakers included a
member who volunteers for the National Historic Trails
Interpretive Center of Casper, Wyoming, who presented “Trail to
California 1850” and another member presented Stories of
Sheldon Settlers.
New this year was “choose your own adventure and share a
ride.” There was a long list of Sacramento area activities from
Sutter’s Fort to a railroad museum and Genealogy Hunting at the
California Archives.
Submitted by Jeanne A Jeffries,
Walpole, New Hampshire.
Quanah Parker historical marker dedicated
C
omanche descendants gathered for their annual family reunion
near Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, Texas, during the
dedication of the Quanah Parker arrow marker.
About 45 descendants of Quanah – the last Comanche chief
– were there for the unveiling of the monument dedicated to their
heritage. The monument read, “The Comanches called Palo Duro
Canyon Prairie Dog – Sanctuary.
Quanah was known for roaming the Texas Panhandle and South
Plains and fighting commercial buffalo hunters and other settlers.
Joe Ed Coffman, Quanah’s adopted great-grandson portrayed Quanah
during the ceremony and said it is important for everyone to come
together and to make people aware of Native American history
because there is so much history that shouldn’t get lost in time.
Brian Davis, Quanah’s great-great-grandson and president of
the family reunion committee, said during their yearly reunions,
they always have a good time enjoying one another’s company.
From a story by Vanessa Garcia on
Amarillo.com, Amarillo, Texas.
Strengthen your family’s heritage!
H
ere are some fun heritage things to do at your
family reunion.
Personalized card deck
Does your family like to play cards?
Create a custom deck with pictures of
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
Choose from templates like Rook, Old
Maid, Go Fish, Face Cards.
Family Land
Just like Candy Land, but with your family name and activities
you enjoy doing together. It will keep the kids entertained for hours!
Family cookbook
Have family members share favorite recipes and pictures for a
family cookbook. Take it to the reunion and if family members want
copies, take orders. Or have family members bring pictures and
recipes to the reunion. Then make the cookbook later.
Bingo
Create Bingo cards with pictures of grandparents and
other relatives. This is a great way for kids to learn the
names of their great grandparents.
Special Memories Box
Keep your favorite cards, notes, letters and pictures all
in a special place. Buy or make a special box.
Scanning
If you have a scanner, members can bring pictures of
great grandma, great grandpa, etc. Don’t let pictures out
their sight. Scan pictures at the reunion and then everyone
gets a copy of everyone’s pictures. It’s a win, win!
James Family Reunion
I
have been responsible for eight or ten James Family Reunions
over the years.
My immediate family (five brothers, spouses, children, aunt and
uncles) got together nearly every summer at our mother’s retirement
home in North Carolina. I always felt there were more family
members, though almost nothing was known about earlier generations.
When my mother passed on, we all attended a memorial service
for her in Iowa City, Iowa, where she was born. While there we
went with my uncle to Sheraton, Iowa, where he was born. There
at the genealogy room at the public library we discovered that
many family members had come to Iowa from Zanesville, Ohio.
A few months later I ran a classified ad in the newspaper
announcing we were holding a James Family Reunion in Zanesville.
More than 30 curious people with the James surname responded.
Local James family members took over and we became their guests,
meeting in a church built by a family member. Two or three
branches of our family had not been together in 150 years. Yet,
when we met, it was as if we were one family with much in common.
We decided to meet again the following summer in a
Philadelphia suburb where our first American ancestor purchased
land in 1682. I arranged for a group rate at a local motel and
established several family- related activities. We visited a family
member who was a professor at a major university. He lived on
640 acres or one square mile of the original family property
purchased from William Penn. We visited a Quaker meetinghouse
for a discussion of our ancestors’ religion, among other things.
We then met regularly in places with family ties. During the
intervening years I created a “James family history” dating back
to the 1600s in Tixal, Staffordshire, England.
Shared by Howard James, Norway, Maine.
branch office
Benrud Family Reunion
A
t this Benrud Family Reunion they honored Ole
Attendance has been as high as 425. The “Benrud
Kristian, one of Peder and Anne Soffie’s sons,
Reader*” is sent annually to the ancestors of Peder
who passed away at age 22, leaving no descendants.
and Anna Soffie Benrud, who came from Norway in
On Sunday they saw his restored gravestone and new
1875 with their children Olava, Carl and Ole
additional marker at North Coon Prairie Church, in
Kristian to join their children Maren, Lena and
Newry, Wisconsin, where they held a church service
Anton who had come earlier. The reunions are a way
and dinner.
to maintain contact with this extended family, learn
The reunion which has occurred every five years
about common culture and celebrate family heritage.
A Family Reunion like no other!
Our logo above, reflected
since 1950 was in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The reunion
Visit Benrud Family on Facebook.
the theme of this reunion
maintains contact and records for over 800 families.
Reported by Marie Martin and Iris Othrow,
“Honoring Our Roots.”
It is coordinated by an elected board of directors.
Mc Farland, Wisconsin.
Three hundred and nineteen cousins attended the first reunion.
*See a copy of the “Benrud Reader” on reunionsmag.com.
You’re invited to
join your Benrud Family Reunion for the
Family Heritage
Air Conditioned Bus
Tour and Lunch
Saturday, August 1st @ 10:45 AM
Days Hotel
Edith Benrud Roberts at the graves of her great-great-grandparents and her grandchildren
Genevieve (13) and Nathan Goldberg (9) and Connor (13) Roberts at the graves of
their great-great-great-grandparents.
Adults $20. Children ten and under $10.
Children who do not need their own seat
and share an adult’s lunch are FREE.
See farms where Olava and Joseph Lee,
Lena and Lars Anderson lived. Time will be spent in
Norskedalen visiting Benrud Little White Chapel and
enjoying a box lunch and the surroundings. Then on to
Skogdalen Lutheran Church and cemetery and a drive
by the Christian and Minnie Benrud farm. Driving north
from Newry on County PC, passing by farms of
Maren and Carl Olson, Carl and Gena Benrud,
Anton and Maria Benrud. Immanuel Lutheran Church
and Moen Cemetery are the sites for the next stop
On our way back to LaCrosse, we plan to stop at
Portland Lutheran Church and cemetery.
Join Our Family!
Entrance to Norskedalen is extra though Norskedalen
members are admitted free. We encourage you to
bring children to learn about their history.
Current and past generations!
CLASS, FAMILY OR
MILITARY REUNIONS!
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options, bar packages and incentives in
all price ranges, plus great group rates!
• Fun gaming floor.
• Spacious guest rooms.
• Luxury movie theatre.
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• Sports and center floor casino bars.
• Pool, jacuzzi and fitness center.
• Live entertainment Fridays and Saturdays.
In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, you’ll find
a city surrounded by the natural beauty of the
Ozarks, offering access to the best the area
has to offer. You’ll also find this city offers its
own sporting events, family entertainment
and diverse cuisine. The city is Springdale,
and we’re making it happen.
Visit ExploreSpringdale.com for more info
702.507.5810
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©2015 Cannery Casino Resorts, LLC. All rights reserved.
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2121 E Craig Road, North Las Vegas, NV, 89030
702.507.5700 • CanneryCasino.com
Most of these events are sponsored and presented by convention and visitors
bureaus. Most take place on Saturdays and are for people planning reunions in
their area. All prefer or require advance reservations and most are free or at
nominal cost. New events are added online, as soon as we learn about them.
Visit reunionsmag.com, click on workshops, conferences and seminars.
Alliance of Military Reunions
Cobb County, Georgia
Contact Skip Sander, 412-367-1376 | [email protected]
AllMilitaryReunions.org
Contact Dianne Lovett, 678-303-2635 | [email protected]
Albany, Georgia
October 1, 2016
Roger Dudley, 614-222-6136
experiencecolumbus.com/tours-reunions
Contact Jenny Collins, 229 317-4760 | [email protected]
Alpharetta, Georgia
April 16, August 6, October 1, 2016
Contact Anna, 678-297-2811 | [email protected]
Athens, Georgia
Contact Athens CVB, 706-357-4430.
Atlanta, Georgia
404-521-6647 | atlanta.net/reunions
Augusta, Georgia
Contact “Cousin” Michelle, 800-726-0243 | 706-823-6600
[email protected]
Baltimore, Maryland
410-244-8861
Greater Birmingham, Alabama
Contact Tara Walton, CTIS, 205-458-8000, ext 206
[email protected]
Branson, Missouri
12th Annual Military Reunion Planners Conference
Aug 8-11, 2016
Contact Julie Peters, 417-334-4084 | [email protected]
explorebranson.com/groups/military-reunion-planner-conference
Columbus, Ohio
Dekalb County, Georgia
February 20, 2016, Family Reunion Workshop
February 27, 2016 (Black Family Reunion Expo)
Contact Penny Moore, [email protected] | 770-492-5018
atlantasdekalb.com
Detroit, Michigan
Contact DMCVB, 313-202-1985 | [email protected]
meetdetroit.com/reunions
Douglasville, Georgia
March 19, 2016
Contact Kristen Tate, 678-449-3172 | [email protected]
Dunwoody, Georgia
Contact Sarah Steadman, 678-244-9804
[email protected] | www.cvbdunwoody.com/
Durham, North Carolina
February 20, 2016
Contact Lauren Peoples, 919-680-8305
[email protected]
Fairfax County, Virginia
Contact Carrie Hendrickson, 704-456-7969
[email protected] | visitcabarrus.com
February 13, 2016
Speaker: Edith Wagner, Reunions magazine editor
Contact Dean Miller, 703-752-9509 | [email protected]
fxva.com
Chesapeake, Virginia
Flint, Michigan
Cabarrus County, North Carolina
Contact C. Jeff Bunn, 757-382-1352
[email protected]
Contact Courtney Irish, 810-600-1456
[email protected]
Chicago Northwest, Schaumburg, Illinois
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Contact Melinda Garritano, 847-278-3445
[email protected]
Chicago Southland, Illinois
Contact Kristy Stevens, 708-895-8299
[email protected]
Clayton County, Georgia
April 2, 2016
Contact Tangie Carter, 678-610-4242
register atatlantastruesouth.com
March 5, 2016
Contact: Kimberly Herbert, 800-260-3646
[email protected] | VisitFred.com
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Heidi Schmitt, 800-678-9859 ext 3557
[email protected]
Greenwood, South Carolina
Contact Lindsay Burns, 864-953-2464
[email protected]
Gwinnett County, Georgia
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Contact Maurice Odoms, Family Reunion Expert, 770-814-6059
[email protected]
Visit visityorkcounty.com/
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Contact Will Carlson, 770-206-1445
[email protected]
Contact Jennifer Williamson, 269-488-0057
[email protected]
Sandy Springs, Georgia
Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana
Kissimmee, Florida
October 22, 2016
Speaker: Edith Wagner, Reunions magazine editor
Contact Jadeine Shives, 407-569-4855
[email protected] | Reunionsinkissimmee.com
Lake County, Illinois
Contact Kimberly Ghys, 800-Lake-Now
[email protected] | lakecountyreunions.com
Louisville, Kentucky
February 27, 2016
Contact Dallas Henson, 502-560-1487
[email protected]
Macon-Bibb County, Georgia
Contact 478-743-1074 | [email protected]
Memphis, Tennessee
Contact Cassandra Taylor, 901-543-5320
[email protected]
Newport News, Virginia
Contact Andrea Moran, 888-493-7386 | [email protected]
newport-news.org/
Peachtree City, Georgia
Contact 678-216-0282 | visitpeachtreecity.com
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Family Reunion and Travel Expo held in Decatur,
Georgia
April 9, 2016
Contact Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism, Joy McNealy or
Kay Poole, 800-251-9100 | www.mypigeonforge.com
Prince George’s County, Maryland
Prince George’s Community College, Laurel
Contact Mary Jane Shearer, 301-322-0797 | [email protected]
Contact Kevin Flowers, 800-551-8682 | [email protected]
REUNION FRIENDLY NETWORK (military)
Regional Roundtables, Educational Summit, ConFAM
(Conferences begin on varied days)
Long Beach, California, Regional Roundtable
March 14-17, 2016
Kissimmee, Florida, Regional Roundtable/ConFAM
April 10-15, 2016
Boise, Idaho, Regional Roundtable, May 23-27, 2016
Louisville, Kentucky, Educational Summit
June 26-28, 2016
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Regional Roundtable
September 24-28, 2016
Colorado Springs, Colorado, ConFAM
October 17-20, 2016
Waterloo, Iowa, Regional Roundtable
O
ctober 24-27. 2016
Contact, Sharon Danitschek, 425-501-1430
[email protected] | www.reunionfriendly.com
Virtual Family Reunion Planning Workshops
February 20, March 19, April 23, May 14, June 18,
July 23, August 20, September 17, 2016
Contact Niko Cook, [email protected]
YMRC – YOUR MILITARY REUNION CONNECTION
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, February 7-12, 2016
Branson, Missouri, April 24-29, 2016
Shreveport, Louisiana, May 5-8. 2016
New Orleans, Louisiana, July 12-16, 2016
Nashville, Tennessee, August 9-12, 2016
Reno, Nevada, August 23-26, 2016
Jacksonville, Florida, November 2-6, 2016
Newport News, Virginia, November 9-12, 2016
Contact [email protected] | yourmilitaryreunions.com
2015 Fredericksburg, Virginia
masterplan
An 8 anniversary reunion
T
he Speltz family likes to get together in a big way. When my
husband and I started planning our 40th wedding anniversary
we wanted to include my siblings who were celebrating milestone
anniversaries as well. The 1st Annual Speltz-Aversary was held
Memorial Day weekend in Winona, Minnesota. Plans were made,
hotels reserved, t-shirts designed, cupcakes and pink roses
ordered. A renewal of vows for all the couples was officiated by
Deacon Lyle Johnson with sister Renee Speltz reading from
1 Corinthians.
Our living Family Tree – all siblings
Renewal of vows
Children of Francis and Shirley Speltz who participated: Cyndi
and Dean Gipp celebrating 40 years, Becky and Todd Olson and
Nancy and Dean MacKenzie 39 years, Tim and Linda Speltz 38
years, Barb and Denny Gustin 35 years, Amy and Lyle Johnson
24 years, Bill and Sherri Speltz 1 year. Granddaughter Julia Gipp
and her husband Andrew Galvan also celebrated their 10th
wedding anniversary.
A whole lot of togetherness. Even though both of my parents
have passed away, we all knew they were smiling down on us. As
my father, Francis Speltz, said on our wedding day, “The first
hundred years are the worst!” We all are well on our way!
Reported by Cyndi Speltz Gipp, Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Siblings and spouses, back of shirts
I
have loved Reunions magazine for many years and refer to
it often, because I love family life. This summer we
organized a one-week reunion/vacation in Florida. Our busy
family of 18 adults and children extends from coast to coast.
We began planning in January by sending emails to everyone
to save the dates and plan ahead. We rented a lovely home in
the Kissimmee area for one week. There were opportunities
for lots of activities such as swimming, golf, Disney World,
games, you name it, and lots of one-to-one personal
connections. We made menu plans, shopped for groceries,
and cooked most meals together. We had one special evening
celebration at a beautiful hotel restaurant. We searched the
internet for a photographer who could handle a group and
the one we found could not have been better. The memories
are irreplaceable in our minds, our hearts, and our photos.
Thank you, Reunions magazine, for your years of reunioning.
Shared by June Wood, Roseville, California.
REUNIONS IN
9700 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819
Famously situated in the heart of International Drive
across from Pointe Orlando, Rosen Plaza is minutes from
world-renowned attractions and endless shopping, dining,
and entertainment, and is only 15 minutes from Orlando
International Airport. Add in luxurious renovated guestrooms
and suites, free Wi-Fi, no resort fee, RFID locks, and 7 incredible
on-site restaurants and entertainment venues including Zayde’s
Kosher Kitchen, ’39 Poolside Bar & Grill and the cutting-edge
Club 39 for an unbeatable Orlando stay. Come enjoy the
energy, excitement and passion for community, service and an
incredible guest experience that makes Rosen Plaza the perfect
setting for your next reunion.
Visit RosenPlaza.com or call 407.996.9700 for more info.
masterplan
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Will the Schmidt
Family Reunion be next?
M
y branch of the Schmidt family last
Schmidt family has been in
e-newsletter and are promoting and
reunited on a cruise to Alaska in
close contact with the
publicizing the reunion on
2010. Each branch of our Schmidt family
Guinness World Record
facebook, a website, social
has held its own intermittent reunions. Our Association for the last year
media, letters, newspaper ads,
first all-inclusive family reunion will be at
and are jumping through all
church bulletin
the Clay County (Iowa) Fairgrounds,
the complicated hoops
announcements, texting, and
approximate location is in the center of the (there is a long, rigorous
word-of-mouth.
US in Spencer, Iowa, July 30-31, 2016.
verification process that
There will be ice-breaking
Hans Heinrich and Barbara (Rimbach)
has to happen) necessary
games, sports tournaments
Schmidt were the patriarch and matriarch
to legitimately break the
(pitting family branches against
Schmidt Family Reunion
in the late 1600s and early 1700s in
4,514 attendance record and
each other), presentations and
logo chosen in a contest.
Machtlos, Germany. In the 1800s some of
be recognized by Guinness.
speakers, live music, tours to
their descendants immigrated to Iowa and
Josiah’s dad, Kent Schmidt,
ancestral farms and landmarks,
settled, among other places, in West Bend,
came up with the idea for holding an
carnival rides and games. Volunteers are
Iowa. The family gradually branched into
all-inclusive Schmidt Family Reunion for
organizing group games, planning meetthe Schafers, Krugs, Banwarts, Anlikers,
all of the branches, most of which had lost
and-greets, having a talent show, and will
Jergenses, Raubs, Lindemanns, Van Lohs,
contact over the past century.
be giving attendees literature that shows
and more.
This is the first family reunion Josiah
how they are related to everyone else.
Josiah Schmidt became interested in
has organized, although he has experience
Beyond that Josiah envisions German music,
researching Schmidt roots when he was in
organizing political events and is the
plenty of food and field trips to the Grotto
high school. He didn’t know Ancestry.com
fundraising director for a non-profit in
of the Redemption in West Bend and other
existed. His grandmother helped him and
Emmetsburg, Iowa.
local roadside gems. There will also be
he continued researching his ancestry until
The reunion budget is maintained by a
games and activities specifically for
the hobby became a professional career.
Family Reunion Committee Board of
children, as well as educational family
By about 2013, Josiah had traced so many
Directors and books are kept by a
history materials and books aimed
branches of American Schmidts from the
treasurer. Josiah’s estimated budget for the
specifically at young audiences.
same common ancestor in Germany that
Schmidt reunion is $100,000; he opened a
They are looking for ways to get the
there were enough to break the French
bank account and will bring his
Millennial generation (20s-30s) interested
Porteau-Boileve Family’s Guinness World
fundraising skills to bear on his relatives.
and attending. Activities and attractions at
Record, if they will all be reunited.
The Guinness attempt alone will cost the
the reunion need to be able to make
Relatives will need to be herded into the
Schmidts about $2,000 and entails copious younger relatives feel a cross country trek
fairgrounds grandstand
record-keeping. Families will
will be worth the time and cost.
(seats 6,500), show
purchase tickets for each
No doubt reaching northwest Iowa will
identification and remain
attendee, but they can decide
be easier for the Schmidts now than in
there together for at least
how much they want to pay for
1883, when early family members sailed
10 minutes. The event
the ticket, which allows
from Antwerp, Belgium. Halfway across
needs to be recorded with
wealthier, more philanthropic
the Atlantic Ocean they endured a vicious
timestamped HD video
members to contribute greater
storm that nearly swamped them. The ship
and approved by an
amounts, while financiallylimped into the Philadelphia harbor so low
We just learned the
independent auditing firm.
struggling family members can to the water that passengers on deck could
Steeves Family is also
Guinness guidelines
afford to come. Due to the
nearly reach out and dip in a hand.
pursuing a
require that all attendees
enormous size of the gathering,
Reported by Josiah Schmidt,
Guinness World Record
be descendants of a
they will also seek local
Emmetsburg, Iowa,
single, identified, common
business sponsorships, to help
with some information from
at their 250th reunion
ancestor, and that their
cover costs in exchange for
an article by Kyle Munson
this year in Hillsborough,
lineage to that ancestor be
publicity.
in the Des Moines Register,
New Brunswick, Canada.
fully documented. The
They have a subscription
Des Moines, Iowa.
Keep calm and plan on!
E
very year for the past 30+ years my dad’s
family, the Malones from Crawford,
Mississippi, have held a family reunion in
different states with about 300 in
attendance. My mom’s side, the Roberts
family from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, seemed
to meet only for funerals. The sudden
passing of two favorite cousins in 2011 and
2013, really got me thinking. We’ve talked
about a reunion since the passing of my
mom in 2003 but nothing ever came of it.
The Roberts family isn’t a huge bunch but
I felt compelled to take action and not
allow another funeral to be the next time
we get together!
In 2014, after a 30 year hiatus, the
Roberts Family Reunion, a one-day event
at a park, was well on its way. I decided to
do t-shirts to honor where our history
began “from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to
Flint, Michigan.” I also added a memorial
table for deceased loved ones.
Once plans were underway, each family
was asked to bring a dish or drinks. We
had a great time with 50 in attendance. It
doesn’t take a big group to have fun! We
had such a good time,
that before the reunion
ended, we were making
plans for the next
family reunion.
It’s funny how time
flies when planning a
reunion. With one
successful reunion
under our belt, one
year later we held the
2nd Annual Roberts
Family Reunion. We
My Aunt Loretha Roberts
followed a similar
as “ Sojurner Truth.”
Francis Talton has spoken at Family Reunion Conferences in Flint, Michigan.
Her suggestions are on our web page @ bit.ly/how2plan
format to the first one and booked the
same park which had plenty of activities
from a playscape for the kids and teens,
and adult basketball courts, tennis,
fishing and, of course, soul dancing
(hustling).
This year, I did a family history with
the help of Familysearch.org. I was able
to gather marriage licenses, military
registration cards and US Census info
dating back to the 1800s free of charge!
I also created a photo collage of family
pictures spanning a 30-year period, which
everyone really enjoyed.
Talent was the final element for our
second reunion. Aunt Loretha Roberts did an
awesome “Sojouner Truth” skit. No one saw
that coming! How perfect for an AfricanAmerican family reunion and perfect for our
theme “Honoring Our Heritage.” Another
year and another successful reunion. Before
you know it another year will be here!
Reported by Francis D. Talton,
Flint, Michigan.
Roberts Family Reunion Memorial Table. Author’s Maternal Great Grandmother Caroline Tate’s photo is in the middle.
Photo collage is family pictures spanning 30-years.
Roberts Family Reunion
GROS
VENTRE
RIVERRANCH
RANCH
COLORADO
TRAILS
GROS
VENTRE
RIVERRANCH
RANCH
SYLVAN
DALE GUEST
W
Durango, CO
www.coloradotrails.com
GROS VENTRE
TANQUE
VERDE RIVER
GUESTRANCH
RANCH
hen it comes to planning a
reunion, there’s a lot to consider.
A gathering at a dude ranch
guarantees the experience will be remembered
fondly for years to come. Located in some of
the most scenic, pristine areas of the Western
U.S. and Canada, dude and guest ranches
have been treating guests to their special
brand of Western hospitality for decades.
Why host your next reunion at a dude ranch;
personalized attention, get back to nature, just
the right size, proximity to national parks,
versatility, opportunities for learning, state of
the art amenities, all-inclusive and memories
to last a lifetime!
Loveland, CO
www.sylvandale.com
GROSLAZY
VENTRE
RANCH
L & BRIVER
RANCH
Tuscon, AZ
www.tvgr.com
307-587-2339
www.duderanch.org
Doubois, WY
www.lazylb.com
GROS
VENTRE
RIVER
RANCH
BAR
W GUEST
RANCH
GROS
RIVER RANCH
ECHOVENTRE
VALLEY RANCH
& SPA
CHEROKEE
RANCH
GROS
VENTREPARK
RIVER
RANCH
Whiteﬁsh, MT
www.thebarw.com
Jesmond Clinton, BC
www.evranch.com
Livermore, CO
www.cherokeeparkranch.com
GROS VENTRE
RANCH
C LAZY URIVER
RANCH
WAUNITA HOT SPRINGS RANCH
HIDEOUT
LODGE
GROSTHE
VENTRE
RIVER
RANCH
& GUEST RANCH
Grandy CO
www.clazyu.com
Gunnison, CO
www.waunita.com
Shell, WY
www.thehideout.com
A Dude Ranch Vacation is all about YOU, the guest. All member ranches of The Dude Ranchers’ Association
are committed to making sure your family will have the vacation of a life time.
So book your next Western Vacation at one of these amazing DRA approved Dude Ranches!
GROS
VENTRE
RIVER RANCH
RANCH
MARBLE
MOUNTAIN
ELKHORN RANCH
GROS
RIVER
RANCH
VEEVENTRE
BAR GUEST
RANCH
Somes Bar, CO
www.marblemountainranch.com
Gallatin Gareway, MT
www.elkhornranchmontana.com
Laramie, WY
www.veebar.com
GREENHORN
CREEK
GROS
VENTRE RIVER
RANCH
GUEST RANCH
GROS
RIVER
RANCH
ELKVENTRE
MOUNTAIN
RANCH
GOOSEWING RANCH
Quincy, CA
www.greenhornranch.com
Buena Vista, CO
www.elkmtn.com
Jackson, WY
www.goosewingranch.com
GROS
VENTRE
RIVER
RANCH
WHITE
STALLION
RANCH
GROS
VENTRE
RIVER
RANCH
FLYING
E DUDE
RANCH
GROS VENTRE
LATIGO RIVER
RANCHRANCH
Tucson, AZ
www.whitestallion.com
Wickenburg, AZ
www.flyingeranch.com
Kremmling, CO
www.latigotrails.com
masterplan
10 reasons to host a dude ranch reunion
W
hen it comes to planning a reunion, there’s a lot to
consider. Gathering at a dude ranch guarantees the
experience will be remembered fondly for years. Located
in some of the most scenic, pristine areas of the Western US and
Canada, dude and guest ranches have been treating guests to
their special brand of Western hospitality for decades.
These are reasons to host your next reunion at a dude ranch.
Personalized Attention – Dedicated and knowledgeable
staff at dude ranches are there to make sure your stay goes off
without a hitch. A recent family reunion guest who visited Lazy
L and B Ranch in Wyoming said, “The owners themselves were
very involved in the entire ranch experience, even joining in on
campfire sing-alongs and after-dinner games.”
Get Back to Nature – Most dude ranches are off the beaten
path, which makes reconnecting with loved ones and unplugging
from daily life easy. Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is located more
than 20 miles down a gravel road in the pristine wilderness of the
Cariboo Mountains in beautiful British Columbia. At Latigo
Ranch in Colorado you’ll enjoy the quiet and seclusion of a place
that is also readily accessible. Find a slower pace in a hectic
world without cars or the sound of traffic. Where some ranches
are just off the highway, Latigo’s nearest neighbor is miles away.
Just the Right Size – Most dude ranches are perfect for
reunions: not so big you get lost in a sea of people, but not so
small you feel cramped. Thanks to morning kids’ programs at
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch and Cherokee Park Ranch in
Colorado, parents don’t have to worry about their children’s
whereabouts. The close proximity of cabins, dining room and other
facilities makes it easy for parents to keep an eye on children,
and means the property is more navigable for older guests.
Reunions at Vee Bar Ranch
The Flying E Dude Ranch in Arizona is a working cattle ranch
Something for All Ages – You’d be hard-pressed to find a
better destination than a dude ranch for multi-generational
groups. Goosewing Ranch recently hosted a reunion for 20
guests, ranging in age from seven to 86. Everyone found plenty of
activities to keep them occupied, including horseback riding,
target shooting, hiking, mountain biking, UTV riding and just
enjoying the scenic beauty of the Wyoming wilderness. The
Flying E Dude Ranch in Arizona is a working cattle ranch and
the ideal place to take a step back in time. Enjoy delicious home
cooked meals, great horses and lots of sunshine.
Proximity to National Parks – Many dude ranches are
located near some of the country’s most popular national parks.
White Stallion Ranch borders Arizona’s Saguaro National Park,
while The Hideout Lodge and Resort is only miles outside
the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Vee Bar Ranch
is located in the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming;
while a day trip to Glacier National Park is highly recommended
from Bar W Guest Ranch in Montana. High in the Colorado
Rockies, Waunita Hot Springs Ranch is surrounded by
Gunnison National Forest.
Versatility – Dude ranches offer many things to do for all
activity levels, abilities and interests. Guests can choose from
riding, marksmanship tournaments, hayrides, archery, whitewater
rafting, fishing, overnight camping trips, trapshooting and more at
Elk Mountain Ranch and Colorado Trails Ranch.
Opportunities for Learning – Dude ranches have a rich and
fascinating history. Blacktail Ranch in Montana is home to an
archeological site with an extensive cave system dating back to
the last Ice Age, as well as a Sun Wheel, Medicine Wheel and
numerous tipi rings from more recent Native Americans. A
favorite place at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch is known as the
“Dwelling Canyon.” Its history goes back to AD 750 and 1150
when the Mibres people inhabited the area. Today, visitors can
see picotographs and ruins of cliff dwellings.
State of the Art Amenities – Reunions can be sure their
stay will be top notch on all fronts at a dude ranch. Guests at
Tanque Verde Ranch enjoy culinary adventures ranging from
Southwestern, local and gourmet flavors, to breakfast horseback
rides and BBQ cookouts. Lodging is specifically designed for
large groups or multiple families, and on-site amenities include a
swimming pool, hiking and biking trails, tennis and basketball
courts, and a nature center.
ANY-SIZED FAMILY.
ANY-SIZED BUDGET.
WE ACCOMMODATE BOTH.
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andevery
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and interests,
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your reunion.
reunion.
Cherokee art on a trail ride
All-Inclusive – At a dude ranch, everything is included in the
rate, so you know exactly what you’re going to pay up front. At
Greenhorn Guest Ranch and Marble Mountain Ranch in
California, group packages are tailored to fit your group’s
individual needs, size, and requested amenities or activities.
Rates are also available with rider or non-rider price options.
Guests who opt for the “Super Inclusive” rates at Red Reflet
Ranch in Wyoming will enjoy all activities, lessons, guided
hikes, use of ATVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes and all beverages
for one all-inclusive price.
Memories to Last a Lifetime – C Lazy U Ranch in
Colorado is gearing up to host a large family reunion for the third
consecutive year. The family of 26 all live in the same town in
Ohio, where they run a family business. Each year, they get
together and enjoy some well-deserved family bonding time at C
Lazy U. One recent visitor to Elkhorn Ranch in Montana simply
said of her family reunion, “The week ended up being the best
family vacation every single one of us had ever taken.”
For information about planning your reunion at a dude or guest
ranch, visit the Dude Ranchers’ Association, DudeRanch.org or
call 866-399-2339.
Let us
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Smithsonian
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Hayride at Sylan Dale Ranch
masterplan
First cousins only
T
his year marks the 20th consecutive annual Muldowney
Cousin Reunion. Instead of all generations at our reunions,
just first cousins get together. We are the 15 grandchildren of
Catherine Stephens and Pat “Red” Muldowney from five different
branches. We are roughly divided into two groups, the “elders”
are Baby Boomers and the “youngsters” Generation X.
Our first reunion was in 1989, before we were married or had
children. It was a lot of fun but we never got around to arranging
another until 1996. We wanted space to talk to each other about
our lives and our shared experiences. The most important element
is laughter … or maybe it’s liquor. My cousins are some of the
funniest people I know. The jokes at our reunions are constant.
We’ve developed special traditions over the years. We play a
game, give out prizes and everyone is a winner. We’ve had trivia
contests, numbers games, a Day at the Races, Wheel of Fortune
and a custom Monopoly game. Prizes have been t-shirts, magnets,
key chains and bracelets. One year, near Halloween, we had a
costume party where everyone was encouraged to dress as their
favorite Muldowney. The creativity that went into those costumes
was hilarious.
Our family’s roots are in Brooklyn, New York, and many of us
still live in New York State, where most of the reunions have
taken place. But we have had destination reunions. For Y2K, we
traveled to our Matriarch cousin’s home in San Francisco. For the
centennial of our grandmother’s birth, we celebrated at her
birthplace in Ireland. Two aunts came along and were finally able
to see the county their parents called home. Our last reunion was
in Chicago. We have been to Pennsylvania and Massachusetts
and once had an underground reunion at Penn Station in
Manhattan. We’ve had group outings to Alcatraz off San
Francisco, Faneuil Hall in Boston and a rooftop near Wrigley
Field in Chicago. At the end of each reunion, a cousin “calls it”
to be the host of the next year’s gathering.
Of course, we love all our relatives. We see them at parties,
weddings and, sadly, at funerals. We just need our “cousin time” to
experience the healing power of the Muldowney Cousins. For our
destination reunions, significant others and children often travel
to the host city. After we have our official reunion, the other family
members join us for sightseeing or to share a meal or cocktail.
We held our 20th annual reunion the weekend before Veterans
Day. To honor our veterans, we collected items we donated to a
Muldowney cousins as presidents!
Muldowney cousins not as presidents.
Veterans hospital. Giving back will hopefully be a new tradition.
If the idea of a family reunion is too daunting for you, I suggest
you try having a cousin reunion. A good time would be around
July 24th, National Cousins Day.
Reported by Cathi (Muldowney) Venis,
Flushing, Queens, New York.
Family reunions: by the numbers
63 percent:
Americans say they’ve attended a family reunion
5 days:
Average length of a reunion trip
8 adults, 4 kids:
Average size of family gathering
28 percent:
Reunion-goers who say “drinking too much” is the
top way to offend family members. In second place:
“paying too much attention to your phone.”
Irvin Family Reunion, Lexington, Kentucky.
Shared by Tawana Battle, Twinsburg, Ohio,
Source: HomeAway Family Reunion Survey, 2014
Reconciliation of the Hatfields and McCoys
H
atfields & McCoys REUNION by Ron
McCoy is “one man’s journey to discover
his family heritage in the shadow of
America’s most famous feud.”
The Hatfield and McCoy feud is a wellknown American story. The tale is a cautionary parable of two strong-willed families of
rustic nobility, locked in the throes of mortal
combat. It is the stuff of legend.
Although most people understand the
connotations of the phrase “Hatfields and
McCoys,” few know anything about the feud or the families or
that the feud really happened. Some think the Hatfields and
McCoys are still quarreling or have maintained some unresolved
grudge. REUNION is the story of the families beginning in 2000
with the Reunion of the Millennium, through the signing of the
official TRUCE in 2003. And it is about the lives of Hatfield and
McCoy descendants who gather once a year to remember their
past and celebrate their families.
Author Ron McCoy, Durham, North Carolina, said this is the
story his grandfather heard from his grandmother and wanted Ron
to remember and to tell his children. The story introduced him to
generations whose choices, decisions and actions, both good and
bad, directly affected and shaped the lives of future generations.
Ron McCoy is the great-great-great-grandson of Randolph
McCoy, patriarch at the time of the feud. McCoy’s odyssey of
discovering his family heritage was the catalyst that lead to the
internationally recognized Hatfield-McCoy Reunion. He was
co-writer of the truce and helped introduce a multitude to their
ancestry. Visit HatfieldsAndMcCoys-REUNION.com
REUNION by Ron McCoy. (2015, Ferguson Creek Publishing,
paperback, 240 pages); HatfieldMcCoy; REUNIONbook@gmail.
com; 919-609-8185.
Note: an autographed copy of Hatfields & McCoys by Ron McCoy
will be a summer giveaway on reunionsmag.com. Enter for your
chance to win!
T
he Clark/Fancher Family Reunion gathers from across the US
and overseas. Family roots go back to the 1950s and 60s in
Southern Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee. The families
have gathered every two years since 2000. Reunion locations
have varied, mostly in Mississippi but they’ve started meeting in
Texas, mostly Dallas, where the younger generation migrated.
The reunion starts with a meet and greet, members register, get
name tags, and talk about what has happen in their lives the past
two years. Each family member pays h/her own way and they all
pay a small reunion fee for the cookout and banquet.
We are a very close family that, through life’s changes, could
not get together as we once had. So I started a family website.
Members keep in touch without seeing each other face-to-face. It
is wildly successful and I was appointed webmaster. We have a
Facebook group so everyone has a place for communication and
to display loved ones’ photos. This is also a way for everyone to
have input and approval for anything we “talk” about. We can also
ask for everyone’s, including the kids, opinions about everything.
At the end of the banquet, someone is named to plan the next
reunion. We have a family business meeting to elect a board of
directors, representing each of the descendant children, and then
plan the reunion with assistance from the board. Finally, we pray
for the families and depart for home.
Reported by Calvin A. Clark,
DO-01 USAF AFMC 711 HPW/OMS,
San Antonio, Texas.
masterplan
Sangster Family Reunion
T
he Sangster Family Reunion was a
birthday wish of Grandpa Robert
Sangster, my dad, who had turned 80.
After listening to his friend and fishing
buddy, Jim Ames, talk about a family
reunion of all his children and grandchildren, Grandpa decided he wanted a
reunion to honor his 80th birthday.
Stevensville, Montana, is where
Grandpa and Grandma raised their
children. A few miles out of Stevensville
is The Springs, a reception/retreat lodge.
The owner had decided not to rent it out
anymore, however, he consented to letting
Dad rent it July 4th weekend. So the word
went out to his children, who in turn
notified their children. Calendars were
circled and plans set in motion.
Grandma and Grandpa have a posterity
of 93 children, grandchildren, and great
grandchildren with five more expecting!
Grandpa has been an integral part of most of the grandkid’s
lives. He hired them to work cows, pick rocks, build and paint
fence and rake leaves. As they grew up, he and Grandma were at
their weddings and special occasions. Grandpa is also known for
his freely given, pointed advice, sometimes not wanted, but often
appreciated.
84 kids and grandkids descended on Stevensville from
Connecticut, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Utah, and
Idaho. The Springs has only seven bedrooms, so family members
living in or near Stevensville housed
others. Everyone gathered at The
Springs at noon. Meals were divided
between families and activities were
planned.
On the night of July 3rd, after
spending the day at Como Lake water
skiing, canoeing, guppy catching,
visiting and eating, each of the eight
children introduced their family
members. There were color coded
t-shirts to connect families.
The Fourth of July started with
lunch and group pictures. Pictures
were not an easy feat with 84 of us!
Aunt Sherri met the challenge and
even took pictures of individual
families. Volleyball, fishing, and
games took the rest of the day. After
dinner we gathered at Uncle Adam’s to
eat watermelon while the kids played
games, made huge bubbles, and jumped on the trampoline.
Near dusk we gathered on the front lawn and played a bingo
game filled with pictures of Grandpa growing up. As he told the
story behind each picture we searched for the picture on our
individual boards and covered it with M&Ms candies. Next came
fireworks complete with patriotic music, all narrated by Uncle
Sam, himself (Uncle Eric).
Saturday, after lunch, we watched a 1930 Betty Davis movie
called The Old Maid where Grandpa had appeared briefly as a
small child. When the scene came where Grandpa appeared,
there was a standing ovation!
Three days went by too fast as kids met cousins they’d never
seen, siblings reminisced, and we all ate and ate good food.
Reported by Glenda Bardsley, Stevensville, Montana,
daughter of Robert Sangster and shared by her son-in-law,
Matthew Deighton, Pleasant Grove, Utah,
who is Public Relations Manager at Ancestry.com.
B I N G O
Note:
A detailed list of Grandpa’s “Speaking Sangster” will be added online at
reunionsmag.com in “Toasts, Speeches and Dedications,” because we
know these are the foundation of good family stories. Compare them
to your Grandpa’s favorite sayings!
Sangster Family Reunion
PLANNING A REUNION?
TheRE
ARE
Kim Ghys
Senior Account Executive
[email protected]
5
Things Everyone
should consider
A great location like Lake County, Illinois should
be at the top of your list. Conveniently located just
30 minutes north of Chicago, Lake County offers
Six Flags Great America amusement
park, more than 75 lakes and beaches,
plus beautiful gathering spaces perfect
for your big event. We also offer
60 hotels and three resorts. Choose
Lake County for family friendly fun.
1-800-LAKE-NOW
Watch Kim’s Video. Kim has years of experience planning
hundreds of reunions. Before you plan yours, visit
LakeCountyReunions.com to get Kim’s advice for making
your reunion unforgettable.
masterplan
Celebrating Our Past, Present and Future Generations
P
hyllis Moore wrote, “We are excited and thrilled to announce our
Lynch & Williams Family Reunion in Suffolk, Virginia. It has been
many years since the family has come together for a joyful occasion.”
Our family roots are in North Carolina. Each family member is a
part of the family puzzle! We planned a Meet and Greet, registration
and t-shirt pick up on Friday with a Virginia style menu and outdoor
activities at a nearby park. Saturday included swimming, shopping,
golf, tennis or a tour of downtown Suffolk. There was a Casual
Celebration Dinner in the afternoon with table games, recognitions
and much more. Sunday breakfast was followed by fellowship at
church. A Busch Gardens Williamsburg visit was planned in the
evening. Fun filled – action packed -peace loving -creating fabulous
memories – remembering when... family reunion!
Reported by Phyllis Moore, Suffolk, Virginia.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 16, 2014
I am pleased to send greetings as you gather for your family reunion.
Families are the foundation from which we grow, and they form the
bedrock of our Nation’s communities. Celebrating with us in our
greatest moments and guiding us through uncertain times, families
help us live out our lives with happiness and purpose.
As you reflect on your history and look toward the future, may you
preserve important traditions and create new memories together. And
may the love that binds you drive you forward in all you do.
On this special occassion, I wish your family all the best for the
years ahead.
Phyllis Moore working on gifts including nautical
jewelry, plaques with sayings, garden ideas, and more.
Greetings from President Barack Obama
Lynch & Williams Family Reunion
Editor’s note: Georgia Burnette was the genealogist and organizer of the Burnette Family Reunion for many years. As a
friend, and as she gets older, she confided that she was concerned about family reunions continuing. This report by Georgia
reflects her obvious delight that younger family members are stepping up! EW
Reunion 2015 – Louisville, Kentucky
W
e gathered together to ask the Lord’s blessings on our family, One More Time.
We thank our Reunion Coordinator, Princette Burnette, for putting together a truly great gathering of the clan.
Assisting her were Barbara Jean Hall and Michele Belton, both of Buffalo, New York, and Marnina Burnette of Lorain, Ohio.
We were blessed with a comfortable hotel, great weather and good food which all made for a memorable reunion.
Thursday’s Meet and Greet gave travellers time to relax, enjoy
hearty snacks, refreshing drinks, and catch up on the latest family
news. We were most fortunate to have the Hospitality Room
available for the entire three days, thanks to the generosity of
Princette’s Mother, Ms. Princella Townsend. This gift permitted
family to gather at any time throughout the reunion to strengthen
family ties. It was one of the unique happenings of this gathering.
Friday we were up for breakfast, then downtown to the
Muhammad Ali Center, a fabulous museum with many interactive
opportunities for learning. Dinner was on our own, then back to the
hotel for more family time in that wonderful Hospitality Room.
Saturday morning is always set aside for a business meeting;
The Fabulous Four: Princette Burnette, Michele Belton
the session devoted to discussions about our future as a family and
Barbara Jean Hall and Marnina Burnette
an Association. With outgoing President James Burnett officiating,
bylaws were reviewed, new officers elected, and decisions made about the locations of our next two gatherings; 2017 in
Columbus, Ohio, and 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Saturday evening began early with an outdoor family photo shoot, followed by a tasty buffet supper. The evening’s
Banquet Program was in the very capable hands of Our Reunion Coordinator and Mistress of Ceremonies, Princette
Burnette who expertly moved each event along keeping us on time and on schedule.
Our Candlelight Ceremony, is always an important part of the evening and was coordinated this year for the first time by
Sumayyah Hakkim.
Following a heartfelt Thank You to Martiarch, Barbara Jean Hall for her ten years of service as Candlelight Coordinator,
Sumayyah invited family members to light candles for loved ones who have passed.
“The Old order Changeth, Yielding Place to New.” as outgoing President, James Burnett introduced and welcomed our
new President, Patrick Burnett of Columbus, Ohio. I know we all look forward to new thinking, new programs and a great
reunion in 2017. Hail to Our Chief!
Evaluations were completed and collected; the results to be shared at a later date. The remainder of the evening was for
catch-up conversations with far-a-way relatives or interacting with new family members. Old timers went to bed while
younger family enjoyed that fabulous hospitality room still available to us.
Sunday morning found us readying ourselves for the trip back home.
Brunch was followed by a short but very relevant worship service, conducted by Patty Burnette-Jones. Her sermon was
timely, on-target, and one of her very, very best.
And then, another of those unique happenings occurred; there wasn’t the usual rush to leave for home. As family
unconsciously sorted themselves into “generational” groups quietly engaging in conversation, one could sense an unusual
feeling of togetherness permeating the room. The soft murmur of voices produced “heightened moments of togetherness and
camaraderie, infusing our surroundings with a strong energizing force.” It – Was – Great!
That thoughtful interlude was followed by a flurry of picture-taking, hugs, kisses and heartfelt goodbyes to put this
reunion into the history books.
We hope you enjoyed it.
Editor’s note: Then, after Georgia Burnette shared her report with the family, she got this from a relative.
Please join us in 2017
Hi Georgia,
What a wonderful account of such a loving gathering! Your picturesque depiction of the event put all of us right there as
if we had all attended. Thank you for taking the time to share a glimpse of the special moments that occurred. While it will
never happen quite like that again, the future holds even greater blessings and even more very special memories with
family and friends.
There’s Nothing like love, family and friends.
Best wishes and many kind regards,
Lydia Mims
masterplan
Adams Family Reunion
T
he Adams family has been gathering every two years, since
their first reunion in 1972 in Coffeeville, Mississippi. Family
reunions include having fun in exciting cities, such as Las Vegas,
St. Paul, Sacramento, Charlotte, Petersburg, St. Louis and
Syracuse. The goal is to make these gatherings a special time and
a joyous, memorable experience for everyone who attends!
In Memphis, Tennessee, this year, we had a turnout of 115
from eleven states. The theme was “Our Family is Your Family,
We are all One Family.”
During the three-day weekend, they celebrated one another
and a spirit of unity, love and fellowship as a family. It was a time
of remembering, rejoicing, but more importantly, reuniting!
Each day began with prayer before activities and meals. They
feasted on fried catfish, barbecue chicken, collard greens,
corn-on-the-cob, hamburgers,
lasagna, spaghetti, peach cobbler,
marble cake and more!
On Friday, we wore our
favorite soul rhythm and blues
outfits to win prizes for the best
dressed. Children and teens
played a family get-acquainted
game to win lots of fun awards
and gift cards. On Saturday, the
females wore orange and males
wore green reunion t-shirts.
Activities included bingo,
paintball, an animated chicken
Adams Family Vintage Photo Collage
show, hayrides, train rides,
feeding farm animals, kids played on giant slides and kiddie zip
lines. On Sunday, the family presented the youngest (age 3) to the
eldest (age 89) with gifts. They lit a candle for the 18 loved ones
who had passed away from 2011 to 2015 – they will always be in
our hearts.
Everyone has a family and every family has a story. Our family
put together an Adams Family Heritage Book from 1855 – 2015;
606 pages, seven generations, 801 names, 1,021 pictures and
documents. It helps identify ourselves by sharing who our
ancestors were, where they came from and how they lived.
Learning history is knowing our family’s worth and passing the
information from generation to generation.
A beautiful Adams family quilt was created of t-shirts from
A beautiful Adams family quilt was created of t-shirts from 1972 to 2013. This quilt represents
unity, self-esteem, history, and preserves family traditions.
1972 to 2013 and displayed. This quilt represents unity, selfesteem, history, and preserves family traditions. It’s our Adams
family heirloom that we will treasure for a lifetime!
A one of a kind, vintage photo collage of Presley Adams and
his 14 children was presented at the reunion. Their names are
displayed on the back of the photo. This reunion brought family
members together with LOVE, as bridges were built,
accomplishments celebrated, new memories created and
ancestors remembered!
We look forward to the next
Adams Family Reunion in New
Orleans, Louisiana. May God
bless and keep you, until we
meet again. Lots of love!
Christopher & Sharon Adams
Adams Family Reunion
Story by Christopher and
Sharon Adams, Grandson
and Granddaughter in-law
of Presley Adams,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Cruising toward a 60th anniversary
How one family found a unique way to celebrate their history
S
ixty years ago, when Dean and Linda
Howarter exchanged wedding vows in a
rural Kansas town, they certainly couldn’t
have known how they would be celebrating
their 60th anniversary. Since that day they
raised four children, moved to Monticello,
Illinois, and expanded their family to
include three daughters-in-law and six
grandchildren.
In June, thirteen Howarters boarded
Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the
Seas for a week long cruise to celebrate the
momentous occasion. Being one of the
in-laws – we refer to ourselves as “outlaws” – I was thrilled to be part of this
special family reunion on the tranquil seas
of the Western Caribbean.
The day before the cruise, the family
gathered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from
airports in Illinois, Missouri, Indiana,
Tennessee and Colombia, South America.
After weather-related delays in Atlanta, we
were all finally at our hotel just before
midnight. The next morning, a shuttle
service brought us to the port and boarding
was a breeze.
We had opted for early dinner seating,
so we gathered in the main dining room at
6 PM and found our assigned tables. We
were seated at adjoining tables, and we
changed dinner companions each night so
everyone had the chance to share a meal
with the entire family. This caused some
confusion for our waiters, who were
wonderfully patient and each dinner went
smoothly.
During one of the formal nights,
grandparents dined with their grandkids,
and on the last night at sea, the original
four children shared dinner with their
parents. Staff learned all our names and
preferences quickly, and we shared many
laughs with them. At one island visit we
received balloon hats at a local watering
hole. Our waiters graciously wore them
through the entire meal and even during
the second seating.
Our ports of call included Royal
Caribbean’s private island, Labadee, just
off Haiti’s shore; Falmouth, Jamaica;
Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel,
Mexico. To experience the ports of call, we
went in different directions each day but
some of the best family experiences
occurred on board. On our last day at sea,
we were treated to a private galley tour
with the ship’s food and beverage director.
It was amazing to see how they prepare
and serve thousands of meals every day in
such a short time.
Entertainment on the ship included
singers and dancers, comedians, a
ventriloquist, a Bon Jovi tribute band, an
ice skating show, a piano bar, numerous
trivia games, a belly flop contest, pool-side
movies, and many other family-friendly
activities. There’s nothing quite like a
family sing-along with music ranging from
Howarter Family Reunion on the high seas.
Dean and Linda Howarter celebrating their
60th wedding anniversary.
the 1950s to the 2000s.
The week sailed by much too quickly
and we all parted ways after celebrating
Independence Day onboard.
Taking a cruise for a family milestone
like an anniversary or birthday is a
wonderful idea. With three generations
sailing together, there was something for
everyone to enjoy. We shared many
wonderful experiences and made memories
that will last a lifetime.
About the author
Wendy Howarter is a travel writer living
in Medalli´n, Columbia, South America.
Subscribe! Call 1-414-263-4567
masterplan
Building Bridges – Connecting Generations
T
he sixth Gillyard Johnson Mahoney
(GJM) Family Reunion, in Shreveport,
Louisiana, was all about involving youth
and young adults in reunion planning and
execution. Two young adults served on the
planning team and were active participants
during meetings and decision-making.
The first reunion day was a Day of
Service. Family members spent a minimum
of two hours volunteering in the community.
A group of family members served lunch at
the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission,
where staff were surprised to learn about
our family reunion Day of Service.
Day two included our Family Health
Fair, which emphasized “Let’s Move.” Our
Opening Ceremony included father and
son pairings carrying our Family Banner,
the Family Bible and the Christian Flag.
The planning team used The View talk
show format to present attendees with
“Swag” bags filled with the
routines, playing the acoustic
team’s Favorite Things.
guitar, singing and dancing.
They discussed Family
All agreed that youth
Hot Topics, presented the
participation was the highlight
Health Fair Coordinator
of the reunion. Two of our
for a Let’s Move demonyouth also authored “We Are
stration, did a cooking
Family,” a youth family history
demonstration of Tea
journal. Our youth shined like
Cakes and ended with a
stars and we thank God for
Family Fashion Show.
them, and for the many ways
Day three was the
that they shine among us.
picnic/games day and our
On Day four, we
Dinner Banquet Program.
worshipped together at church
During the banquet, Guest
which included a memoriam to
Songstress Sandra
family members who had
Peterson sang The Greatest
passed away since our last
During the banquet, a Plaque of
Love before the youth took
reunion. As a family, we
Appreciation was presented to Bettie
to the stage for the Youth
donated $1,410 to the church.
Griggs, the reunion founder and family
historian, and my aunt.
Spoken Word and
During the four days
Expression Festival. Youth performances
together, it was apparent that we, as a
included a spiritual oration, gymnastic
family, believe as Will Allen Dromgoole
states in his poem, The Bridge Builder,
“There follows after me today, a youth,
whose feet must pass this way. This chasm
that has been as naught to me, to that
fair-haired youth may a pitfall be. He, too,
must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend,
I am building this bridge for him.”
Visit gillyard-johnson-mahoney.com for
more information.
Reported by Frederick Michael Gillyard,
Inglewood, California, and his aunt Bettie
Gillyard Griggs, Compton, California, who
mentored him during planning and
organizing the reunion.
Receiving Certificates of Appreciation for participation in “Youth Spoken Word and Expression Festival” are (left to right) Arya Lyles (6),
Jaila Oati (7), Reina Gillyard (11), De’Monica Dumas (11), Denisha Hayden (16). Inger Daniels is at the podium.
Gillyard Johnson Mahoney (GJM) Family Reunion
ALLEN RAWLS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MOTOWN MUSEUM
DISCOVER DETROIT’S AMAZING LITTLE HOUSE
OF MUSICAL INFLUENCE AND MORE AT EVERY TURN.
Detroit’s influence stands as strong as the sounds of the Motown Museum, which preserves the
birthplace of a musical legacy that moved the world, and there are many more stories throughout
The D. History and its makers are showcased at The Henry Ford. Culture and contributions are celebrated
at the Arab American National Museum. From the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
to Greektown, Mexicantown and Corktown, you’ll find worldwide wonders waiting around every corner.
Discover Detroit, America’s great comeback city. View Allen’s whole stor y at visitdetroit.com/allen.
AMERICA’S GREAT COMEBACK CITY.
masterplan
Hopkins-Strain Family Reunion
I
Ancestry.com, 14 resided at 533 N. Elgin Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
At different points in time the elders directed our footsteps
and made sure that, with God’s guidance, we travelled the
proverbial “straight and narrow.” They were the village of elders
who disarmed our pranks with their stern stares and allayed our
fears with their comforting smiles and hugs. We paid tribute to all
of them this year in an impressive memorial candle-lighting
ceremony during our formal banquet the last night of our reunion.
The reunion began Thursday evening with traditional “meet
and greet” festivities. Friday morning we traveled to Guasti Park
in nearby Rancho Cucamonga for a picnic. Guasti is a regional
park that hosts fishing lakes, a water slide and a safe play area for
children. That evening we returned to the hotel to enjoy a night of
games and indoor recreational activities. There were no events
scheduled for Saturday until we convened for our family group
photo prior to a formal banquet. Who could have guessed that so
many senior family members knew how to “Nae Nae” at the
dance that followed?
Some attended the reunion looking for hope, reconciliation
and healing. Others came to renew familial ties that bind us
T
Note about prizes for game winners
he Hopkins-Strain Reunion gave gift cards to winners of
the cards (Spades), Domino and children’s video games
contests. Winners of Dominos got Dominos Pizza gift cards.
For video game winners, I purchased gift cards for Game
Stop. I couldn’t think of a gift card that was exclusive for
the winners of the “Spades” contest, so I gave them Visa gift
cards. I did think about Home Depot gift cards, but decided
against that notion. I don’t think our younger family
members even know what a farm tool looks like.
Submitted by Daryl Hopkins, Los Angeles, California.
Photo credit David Newman
n July, members observed
the 14th Hopkins-Strain
Family Reunion in stunning
Ontario, California. The
Double Tree Hotel (by
Hilton) served as our host
hotel and accommodated us
royally. A major factor that
influenced our decision to
reside there was its listing in
the Reunions magazine and
the professionalism of the
hotel’s Sales Manager, Teresa
Lozada. The Double Tree
provides free shuttle service
to the airport and Ontario
Aaron Burns (11), left, and
Mills Mall.
Jaelyn Rodriguez (9) are reading
Two sets of parents who
the Hopkins-Strain family history..
together were the impetus of
the Hopkins-Strain Family were Isom and Mary Hopkins, and
Elijah and Battie Strain. When the Strain parents died, their
children were taken in by Isom and Mary. Mary was Elijah’s
sister. We always light a candle at our reunion banquet in their
honor/memory.
We rotate our reunion sites among several cities that have
enough members to prepare for a large gathering. We’ve enjoyed
family reunions in Los Angeles, San Jose, Tulsa, Austin, Dallas,
Phoenix and Jacksonville. This year, family traveled from as far
as Tennessee and Minnesota to celebrate births and successes,
collectively mourn recent losses, and to look forward to
anticipated milestones in each other’s lives.
During the mid 1950s, gatherings were in either Tulsa or
Alsuma, Oklahoma, where most of our 19 patriarchs and matriarchs
resided. At one point, verified in the 1940 US Census on
Hopkins-Strain Family Reunion
Note about reunion photographer
O
Pledge of Alligence. The flag bearer is
five-year-old Dominique Rodriguez.
together and reaffirm the greatest institution God created –
family. That weekend we all reclaimed love, peace and harmony,
in Ontario, California, at our 14th Hopkins-Strain Family Reunion.
ne of the things that was most amazing about our reunion
was that we found a photographer who charged us a very
nominal fee. I provided him with email addresses I had for
130 family members of over 300 family names on my reunion
contact list. Not everyone has an email address. The photographer emailed all 130 family members copies of all the
photos he took at the banquet – more than 450 pictures. Our
family members didn’t have to pay for these photos. All they
had to do was download them to their computers. As my daddy
would say, “You couldn’t beat that with an egg beater.” By
the way, I’m collecting “old sayings.” I’m going to include in
the book I’m working on about the history of our family.
DYNAMIC CITY. DIVERSE ATTRACTIONS.
Museums, dining, maritime history, waterfront
cruises and shopping make Norfolk a distinct
destination offering a variety of itineraries for
your group to enjoy. With so much to see and do,
the possibilities are endless. To learn more, visit
us online or contact Melissa Hopper, Associate
Director of Tour & Travel.
Planning a tour is easy at
visitnorfolktoday.com/reunions.
1-800-368-3097
masterplan
All White Fairley-Foskey Family Reunion
T
he 6th annual Fairley-Foskey Family
Reunion was held in Dunwoody,
Georgia, at the Marriott Perimeter Center
where we got a great group room rate. They
have shuttle service to the mall or any
restaurant within a two mile radius. They
drop off and pick up at no charge. The staff
was gracious and helpful. Katena Posey,
our event planner, was a very nice and
helpful young lady. I told her what I
wanted and she took care of everything;
our hospitality room even had a
refrigerator to keep beverages cool.
We held our ALL WHITE
BANQUET in the Hotel Pavilion. I
would definitely recommend this hotel
since it was Reunions magazine
helping me find this great place. From
this day forward I will be getting all
hotels and different places to hold our
reunion from this great magazine. It
has made my job as chairman easier
to plan for my family.
We chose the theme “I was there”
because we were remembering two
siblings we lost recently. On Saturday
we wore their last colors in their
memory. The ladies wore purple and
the men wore chocolate. We lit a
candle in their memory. A praise
dance called “Take Me to the King”
was performed in their honor.
We spend three days together; meet and
greet Friday evening, shopping Saturday
and a banquet that night. Kids wanted to
play in the pool the whole time. Most went
home Sunday but a few stayed and visited
the MLK Historical Site, checked out Stone
Mountain and ate dinner at Maggiano’s.
When we decided to have a reunion, we
needed to decide on having it every two
years or every year. Eleven of us were
Ladies wore purple and men wore chocolate in memory of siblings who passed away since the last reunion.
Fairley-Foskey ALL WHITE BANQUET
raised separately, so we decided to meet
every year to make up for missing time
together. I’m so grateful we decided to get
together every year. It’s a lot of work doing
every year but I enjoy seeing and being
with my family. Previous reunions have
been in North Carolina, Goldsboro, Wilmington and cruising to the Bahamas. Next
year will be in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Reported by Sandra Lyons,
Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Radcliff Family Reunion
E
veryone is so looking forward to seeing each other. A
three-day Radcliff Family Reunion has been held every two
years beginning about 40 years ago. During the last reunion
event; family members volunteer to host the next reunion in
their home city. Then, organizing is a team effort led by the
oldest or most willing family members. The final decision is
confirmed by a show of hands or cheers of all present. Hosting
team members maintain the budget and finances. The reunion is
financed by dues for each attending family member.
The location changes every two years but returns to the
original family home location in Meridian, Mississippi, about
every fourth reunion. Our great-grandfather purchased and left
240 acres of land there which is collectively owned by each
family member. It symbolically holds us together as family now.
The older generations have passed it down to the next generation members who show interest.
We share family photos of past reunions, have a dance
contest and games. We have a kids talent show and games. For
the next reunion, kids activities will include a movie night
(parents night out), kids fishing trip and possibly a professional
African folklore storyteller.
Activities include meet and greet, fish fry Friday, cook out in
the park Saturday, semi-formal dance with kids talent show,
genealogy and memorial by Elders, church on Sunday and final
Farewell Banquet.
Shared by Richetta Andino, Kissimmee, Florida.
W
e are the Jenkins-Scott Family Reunion in Richmond,
Virginia. This picture is from our wonderful weekend of
events.
Shared by Sondra Y. Jenkins, Rockaway Beach, New York.
Clinseq®: A Genetics Research Study
Study Number: 07-HG-0002
What is the main purpose of this study?
The main goal of ClinSeq® is to learn how to do genome sequencing in a clinical research setting.
Genome sequencing is a research test that allows us to analyze many genes from a person.
By doing this test, we may find changes in a gene that cause or contribute to disease.
Can I participate?
If you are African American, African or Afro-Caribbean…
If you are between 45 and 65 years old…
Have NOT smoked regularly in the past year…
And live in the metropolitan Washington, DC or Baltimore areas…
…You may be eligible to participate in the study.
Participation in ClinSeq® will involve an initial visit to the National Institutes of Health in
Bethesda, Maryland. During this visit, you will learn more about the study and sign a
consent form if you decide to participate.
Participants receive a series of free tests and evaluations including:
• Blood tests (cholesterol, diabetes)
• Urine tests
• Blood pressure measurements
• Echocardiogram
• EKG
• CAT scan (coronary artery)
What are the possible benefits of joining the study?
You can learn more about the study by
reading the information on the following
website:
http://www.genome.gov/ClinSeq
You may also call the ClinSeq® outreach
coordinator at (301) 402-0020.
• Free clinical testing, such as testing for cholesterol and diabetes
• Free CAT scan to detect coronary artery disease
• Finding gene change(s) that are important to your health and/or the health of your relatives
Participants are compensated.
ClinSeq® is a collaborative NIH study supported by the National Human Genome Research Institute, the NIH Intramural Sequencing Center,
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the NIH Clinical Research Center.
masterplan
O’Malleys and Historic Dodgertown
T
he fourth generation of the O’Malley family celebrated a
Thanksgiving holiday reunion at world-famous Historic
Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida, a year-round training and
conference center, where the they stayed for three nights.
Established in 1948, Historic Dodgertown was the Spring
Training home of the Brooklyn Dodgers and their 26 affiliated
minor league teams. At that time, Walter O’Malley was Vice
President and part-owner of the Dodgers, who were searching for
a location that was self-contained and a safe haven for Jackie
Robinson and other African-American players to train, stay and
play. Six Dodger teams that trained there would win a World
Championship.
The recent reunion included Peter O’Malley, President of the
Los Angeles Dodgers from 1970-1998 and his sister, Terry
O’Malley Seidler, their children and grandchildren. Peter and
Terry’s parents, Walter and Kay O’Malley were involved with
Historic Dodgertown from its beginning. When Walter became
Dodger President in 1950, he began to enhance Dodgertown,
formerly a US Naval Air Station during World War II.
Peter O’Malley said, “My sister Terry and I wanted to introduce our grandchildren to this very special place and community.”
Fun family activities and a variety of sports were planned on
the beautiful 80 acres with its 10½ playing fields, 7 of which are
lighted, including Holman Stadium (privately built by Walter
O’Malley and used for Dodger games from 1953-2008); use of all
recreational and fitness facilities including tennis, basketball and
volleyball courts, competition-size swimming pool and weight
training room; the Jackie Robinson Room for gatherings, as well
the dining room and Stadium Club Lounge. Many family members
also enjoyed local airboat adventures.
A year earlier, O’Malleys held a fun reunion for members of
his University of Pennsylvania Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and
their spouses at Historic Dodgertown.
Visit www.historicdodgertown.com and www.walteromalley.com
O’Malley Family Reunion
Moran Family Reunion
T
he Moran Family Reunion has met
every year for over 35 years. There is
one major reunion every summer and a mini
one on St Patrick’s weekend. We don’t need
to break the ice! We hug and get on with it!
Location has always changed but this
year we decided to have it at the same park
every year on the same date forever! Now it
will be at Camp Moran on Orcas Island,
Washington. Normally reunions are three
days but the next one will be four days.
We need a place where we can eat, play,
dance. and drink, play games and bond as
a family! We choose state parks that have
educational camps. Activities include
horseshoes, washer tournaments, Olympics
for kids – that are quite silly but they have
fun winning prizes – Texas Hold ‘Em
tournaments. And the best food out there!
We have three committees that rotate
every three years. The next planner
volunteers at end of reunion. Kids are
encouraged to help, but they haven’t been
involved in planning, yet! Good idea we
will institute this next one! We call Passing
the Torch “generation in training.”
We have a facebook page and stay in
touch by email and calls
Shared by Jo Ann Adiele,
Shoreline, Washington.
Hamilton Hill Taylor Family Reunion
L
aTanya Joseph, Mulberry, Florida, is hosting her next family
reunion in “beautiful” Kissimmee, Florida. She wrote, “We
have been holding family reunions every other year since 1986
and I am honored to be bringing the reunion to Florida for the
first time ever. This is the first family reunion I have ever planned
and I want my family to have a “phenomenal experience” that
they enjoy no matter what generation they’re in. I also want them
to realize that while Orlando is the home of Disney, there is SO
much more here to see and do because people in Florida know
how to throw a party!”
Each member pays a proportionate cost based on a total
overall budget for food/activities/transportation/lodging/etc. Any
left over money is passed to the next host committee. Reunion
committees are made up of family members who want to help out
and live in the local vicinity of where the upcoming reunion will
be held. We put various family members in charge of certain
aspects of the reunion and invite them to get their “leg” of the
family to pitch in to help with their task/project.
At the reunion, they will take bids for whoever wants to host
the next reunion in their home location. However, every other
reunion (which is every 4th year) the reunion goes back to the
home site in Greensboro, Alabama ... where it all started.
They honor those who have passed away since the last reunion.
They also honor the oldest and youngest attendees and those who
traveled farthest.
They have a family contact roster and utilize phone calls,
emails, mail and social media. They mail two or three
newsletters/information packets throughout the two year planning
period. They send periodic updates through the family facebook
page and call those who do not have facebook.
Instead of the usual meet & greet, LaTanya is thinking of
doing a photo scavenger hunt. There will be a “casino night
party” and a banquet.
They usually have a talent show and try to get kids involved
based on their talents, even if that involves planning or speaking
or helping to prepare for the event.
LaTanya says … I am the first in my generation who has
stepped up to accept the torch passed to me by the previous
generation. The previous committee members have been a great
source of guidance and encouragement. My goal is not only to rise
to the occasion, but I want us to “show up and show out!!” on this
reunion so that other members of my generation will continue
coming and will want to carry on the legacy for their kids and
grandkids.
A reunion location
plus a vacation,
any time of year
With welcoming weather year-round and plenty go do, Wilmington
is more than a great spot for reunions – it’s a destination. You’ll find
venues ranging from historic homes or a riverboat to event spaces
set along our scenic riverfront, while beaches beckon nearby.
Book off-season for the best savings, and see where the water takes you.
NCCoastalMeetingsReunions.com | 800.650.9064
masterplan
Liske Family Reunion
E
very two years we get together for the
Liske Family Reunion. Reunion duties
are passed down from family to family. It
started years ago with aunts/uncles hosting
in their home towns and now we, the next
generations, are taking our turns. The
“elders” did it for years and we decided
about 10 years ago that it was time for the
torch to be passed to the next generation.
My mom has nine siblings and each of
her siblings’ children have taken a turn
starting with the oldest planning first.
When it’s your family’s turn to host, you
decide on the location which changes
every two years. The last three were in the
Quad Cities in Iowa, Louisville, Kentucky,
and Atlanta, Georgia. The next is in
Branson, Missouri.
The host family determines costs for
food/activities/shirts and members are
assessed a fee. The host family gets the
hotel and each family pays for their own
room. We started auctions years ago to
help make down payments.
At dinners you are not allowed to sit
with someone in your own family. We can
tell if you sit with your own family because
each family has color-coded t-shirts!
We have had family competition where
everyone is mixed up and we play games
where you have to get to know your
cousins/aunts/uncles. We ALWAYS have a
Nebraska vs Iowa competition (usually
tug-of-war). We have a lot of family
competitions that involve the younger
ones. We have stations – art/crafts/bubbles
– set up for really young ones. The
mid-teens/teenagers like games like
Minute To Win It or scavenger hunts.
Activities depend on where we are. In
Kentucky (our last reunion) we visited the
Churchill Downs, Home of the Kentucky
Derby, and had a golf competition. In
Nine Liske siblings, left to right, Patti Gibbs, Kathy O’Brien, Jackie Waugh, Johnnie Liske, Mary Ann Caveye, Joan Stone,
Donna Fest, Betty Hoogerwerf and Jerry Liske.
Atlanta – we went to Stone Mountain.
We always acknowledge the people who
have died.
We take a group picture on Saturday and
it is a challenge to get 300-400 people to
try to sit with their families for the picture.
But with everyone in their colored shirts,
the picture looks really cool.
On Friday there is an activity planned
(golf/swimming/park) for those who arrive
early. Friday night is a very informal meet
and greet. We play cards, drink a few and
catch up on what everyone is doing.
Saturday everyone is on their own until
about 2 PM. Lunch is served and we begin
games, which last a couple hours. We
always have Mass. Then dinner is served.
2012 Liske Family Reunion
We have had a few different activities after
dinner. Some more formal with a DJ and
dancing or, if we had dinner in a park, we
would go to a night show.
Saturday the host talks about any
competition stories/golf stories/prizes and
passes the torch to the next family. Hosting
is given to the next oldest child in the family
whose turn it is. The “notebook” of expenses
and any additional information that we
found useful – is passed on to the next
family in charge during our closing ceremony.
Sunday we have a quick breakfast and
say our goodbyes.
From a report by Janice Wade,
Gretna, Nebraska, who attends and plans
the Caveye and Liske Family Reunions.
military reunion news e
4th Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment Reunion
Group Photo at American Legion Post 161in Rushville, Nebraska.
T
he 4th Battalion, 503rd Parachute
Infantry Regiment, held a reunion at
the Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel in Pine
Ridge, South Dakota, 56 former Sky
Soldiers, spouses, family, friends, and
guests attended. The Reunion was a huge
success. Everyone who attended was able
to visit all of the many attractions in the
area, including Mount Rushmore, the
Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial, the
Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota Reservation, the
Badlands of South Dakota, Deadwood and
the Woolly Mammoth archeological dig site
at Hot Springs. And they did not miss
seeing many who attended the 75th Biker
Rally at Sturgis and surrounding areas.
The highlight of the reunion
was a traditional dinner and
Reunion Program on Thursday.
Following the Opening Prayer by
4/503rd Battalion Chaplain Jack
Torp, LTC (Ret), several
distinguished guests were
recognized. Evening entertainment
was provided by Bill Brewster, C Co,
on “Cowboy Poetry and Humor.” In
closing, we observed a moment of silence
in remembrance of our fallen comrades,
followed by the Closing Prayer.
Friday afternoon, everyone attended the
annual Oglala Lakota Pow Wow held on
the Pine Ridge Reservation. Later that
evening, everyone participated
in a Veterans Dance.
Friday evening we drove to
Rushville, Nebraska, where we
enjoyed a superb prime rib
dinner at the American Legion
Post 161. After remarks
including more “cowboy poetry”
by Bill Brewster, we managed to
take a very good group picture, which
we hope will make the cover of Reunions
magazine!
The next 4/503rd Bn Reunion will be in
Columbus, Georgia.
Submitted by Peyton Ligon,
Hoover, Alabama.
Families keep Tuskegee memories alive
M
ost of Nebraska’s Tuskegee Airmen have passed into history, but some family members
gathered to make sure the airmen’s memory remains alive. Tuskegee Airmen were
trained by the Army as pilots and crew members during an era when segregation and
harassment of African Americans was prevalent. Many were highly decorated for their
accomplishments during the war.
Members of the Alfonza W. Davis Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen invited relatives of the
African-American air crews from World War II to get together in Omaha. Their goal is to find
family members to preserve and perpetuate the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
From an article by Steve Liewer in the
Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, Nebraska.
2016 REUNION CELEBRATIONS SPECIAL ISSUE! v Reunions 45
e military reunion news
USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711) Reunion
SS Greene Association Reunion began on a September
Monday at the Millennium Hotel Buffalo in Buffalo, New
York. Forty-seven crewmembers and guests attended. Hosts were
Jack and Linda Plasterer.
A large hospitality space encouraged everyone to renew old
friendships and enjoy snacks provided by attendees. Memorabilia
from cruise books, pictures and newspaper articles were
available to enjoy.
On Tuesday there was a bus tour of Buffalo and the Buffalo
and Erie County Naval & Military Park. A self-guided tour of
USS The Sullivans (DD-537), USS Little Rock (CLG-4) and the
submarine USS Croaker (SSK-246) highlighted the day. After
lunch the group toured Buffalo City Fire Department’s, Edward
M. Cotter, the oldest working fireboat.
Wednesday, they visited Niagara Falls which included a ride
on the boat, “Maid of The Mist,” and the view from New York
State Observation Tower. After a buffet lunch they cruised the
Erie Canal passing through the Lockport Locks. Some of the
Greene’s crew have been through the Panama Canal, the Suez
Canal and now part of the Erie Canal.
Everyone enjoyed a rousing sing-a-long.
Photos by Tom Weir.
U
USS Eugene A. Greene reunion group after riding on the Maid of the Mist to Niagara Falls.
At the ship’s business meeting on Thursday, $200 was
approved to be donated to Tin Can Sailors and $100 for upkeep of
Edward M. Cotter fireboat. A vote to hold the next Greene Reunion
in Charleston, South Carolina, in September 2017 was approved
with Tom and Linda Weir hosting.
After a social hour and rousing sing-a-long the group moved to
the dining room for the evening banquet. Retired Senior Chief
John Branning, Superintendent of Ships Buffalo Naval Station,
was guest speaker. He spoke about “passing on” the heritage and
legacy of US Naval Service to the next generation.
The banquet concluded with an opportunity raffle.
“Friends come and go, but shipmates are
forever” … The Greene Reunion concluded
Friday morning with all looking forward to the
2017 Reunion.
Submitted by Robert J. Clark,
Robert Clark
Louisville, Kentucky.
317th Troop Carrier Airlift Veterans Reunion
O
ur Savannah, Georgia, reunion was a huge success. We had a
larger than expected turnout and exceeded our room block.
Fortunately, we were able to secure additional rooms, which is not easy
during tourist season. We had a capacity banquet crowd, the Low
Country Boil was really delicious, and entertainment was above par,
with great singing and music by recording artist, Bobby Ryder.
Everyone had a great time.
An aircrew from the 317th Airlift Group’s 39th Squadron based at
Dyess Air Force Base in Texas also attended. Capt. Crowley gave an
excellent presentation about the group’s airlift mission to Afghanistan.
A GoPro video taken from the cockpit of their new C-130J aircraft
made us feel like we were right there.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum was
near our hotel and the museum staff provided a guided tour. The
museum grounds include memorials to aircrews who served with the
8th Air Force in Europe during WWII. They also have a chapel
modeled after those in England. The chapel is used for many weddings;
in fact, there was one the day of our tour. If ever you are passing
though Savannah on Interstate 95, take the time to visit this museum.
Reported by Jim Timmons, Pasadena, Maryland.
VetFriends.com helps veterans reconnect
S
pecial bonds are formed between
military personnel withstand the test of
time because of the unique and often
difficult circumstances under which they
were formed. Founded by a US military
veteran, VetFriends.com is the largest
website reuniting US veterans. The
mission of the site is to reconnect and
support veterans and military personnel.
Visit VetFriends.com. Search over
1,800,000 members to make contact;
search over 10,000 military units; how to
obtain military records and medals;
veteran job boards; message boards;
upload photos; military jokes; search, post
reunions, military pride merchandise and
more. Create a profile free at vetfriends.
com/new_member/index.cfm.
“Big Red One”
V
eterans of the Army’s renowned 1st Infantry Division, the “Big Red
One,” will hold their 98th annual reunion in Atlanta, Georgia, June
8-12, 2016. Over 600 Big Red One members attended the 97th annual
reunion in Lombard, Illinois. The reunion is conducted by the Society of
the First Infantry Division headquartered in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
The 1st Infantry Division is the Army’s oldest and arguably most famous
division. It served with great distinction in World Wars I and II, Vietnam, and
Desert Strom as well as in Germany and the US during the Cold War. Elements
of the 1st Infantry Division have participated extensively in Operation Iraqi Freedom in
Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The 1st Infantry Division has also
trained thousands of Military Transition Team members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Everyone who ever served in the First Infantry Division or any unit attached to it is
invited to attend the reunion. Visit www.1stID.org.
From here, your family can
enjoy Atlanta’s attractions
or just each other.
San Diego’s
Reunion Specialists
Host your special reunion at the Holiday Inn Bayside
overlooking beautiful San Diego Bay.
• Selected as “One of the Top 10 great places to
hold a Reunion,” as seen in USA Today, June 2010
• Beautiful and spacious guest rooms
• Tropical courtyard with heated pool, spa,
shuffleboard, billiards
• Family style restaurant and cocktail lounge
• Non-smoking and disabled access rooms
• 9-hole putting course, exercise room
• Free parking and airport transfers
• Kids eat and stay free program
Special Reunion Features
• Complimentary one-night stay for reunion planner
with site inspection
• Complimentary hospitality suite
• Complimentary Welcome Amenity
• Senior discounts in our restaurant
• Special reunion rates
4875 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
619.224.3621 • 800.650.6660 • Fax: 619.224.3629
Email: [email protected] • holinnbayside.com
B artell Hotels…San D iego’s
U n forgettable Lo cat ion s
© 2016 Sandy Springs Hospitality and Tourism. All Rights reserved.
When your family reunion is in Sandy Springs, you’re minutes from
downtown Atlanta and near 950 acres of natural areas. With plenty of
choices for group dining, easy parking and countless activity options,
it’s everything a group needs, and everything each person wants.
Email [email protected] to start planning your
Everything You Love
reunion today. VisitSandySprings.org
About Greater Atlanta
Web page: reunionsmag.com
Call: 414.263.4567
Fax: 414.263.6331
e-mail: [email protected]
write: PO Box 11727
Milwaukee, WI 53211-0727
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.
CANADA
ECHO VALLEY RANCH & SPA
PO Box 916, Jesmond Clinton BC V0K 1K0
250-459-2386 | [email protected]
www.evranch.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
ARIZONA
BEST WESTERN PLUS TEMPE BY THE MALL
MARBLE MOUNTAIN RANCH
92520 Hwy 96, Somes Bar CA 95568
530-469-3322
[email protected]
www.marbelmountainranch.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
COLORADO
ELK MOUNTAIN RANCH
PO Box 910, Buena Vista CO 81211
719-539-4430 | [email protected] | www.elkmtn.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
COLORADO TRAILS RANCH
12161 Country Rd 240, Durango CO 81301
www.coloradotrails.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
C LAZY U RANCH
PO Box 379 Granby CO 80446
970-887-3344 | [email protected] | www.clazyu.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
WESTERN RIVIERA LAKESIDE LODGING & EVENTS
419 Garfield Street, Grand Lake CO 80477
www.westernriv.com
Erva Nykiforuk | Director of Sales
5300 S Priest Drive, Tempe AZ 85283
480-820-7500 X 2175 | fax: 480-820-9826
[email protected]
www.bestwesterntempe.com
WAUNITA HOT SPRINGS RANCH
TANQUE VERDE GUEST RANCH
PO Box 237, Kremmling CO 80459
www.latigotrails.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
14301 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson AZ 85748
www.tanqueverderanch.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
WHITE STALLION RANCH
9251 W Twin Peaks Road, Tucson AZ 85743
www.whitestallion.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
ARKANSAS
8007 County Road 887, Gunnison CO 81230
www.waunita.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
LATIGO RANCH
CHEROKEE PARK RANCH
436 Cherokee Hills Drive, Livermore CO 80536
www.cherokeeparkranch.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH
reunion and is surrounded by great attractions
including Arvest Ballpark, home of the Northwest
Arkansas Naturals, Double-A affiliate of the Kansas
City Royals. You’ll also find museums, art galleries, a
water park and variety of family-friendly activities to be
enjoyed at the Jones Center for families.
1-800-972-7261 | springdale.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
2939 N County Road 31D, Loveland CO 80538
www.sylvandale.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES has two Colorado resort
destinations – Estes Park and Winter Park- where your
family can reconnect, relax and enjoy group activities.
A variety of affordable lodging is available, from
individual lodge rooms to a 16-bedroom cabin.
Activities include zip line, horseback riding and guided
hikes. 800-777-9622 | www.ymcarockies.org
CALIFORNIA
DELAWARE
SPRINGDALE offers endless possibilities for your
VISIT OCEANSIDE CVB
928 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
A classic SoCal beach town, Oceanside is a familyfriendly community featuring 3.5 miles of sandy
beaches, California’s longest wooden pier, a Cape
Cod-style harbor village, historic Mission San Luis Rey,
museums and unlimited outdoor activities. Oceanside
is conveniently located between Los Angeles and San
Diego, bordering Camp Pendleton.
For easy reunion planning contact Dana Higgins at
[email protected] | or toll-free at
(844) 269-6551 | www.visitoceanside.org
GREENHORN CREEK GUEST RANCH
2116 Greenhorn Ranch Rd, Quincy CA 95971
530-283-0930| [email protected]
www.greenhornranch.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE
4875 N Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92106
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 hospitality 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. 619-224-3621 | 800-650-6660
fax 619-224-1787 | [email protected]
www.holinnbayside.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
DAYS INN Newark/Wilmington
900 Churchman’s Road, Newark, DE 19713
Contact Donna Lauria, 302-368-2400
Fax: 302-731-8620 | [email protected]
www.daysinn.com
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
See GENETIC RESEARCH for study in your area.
FLORIDA
BEST WESTERN COCOA BEACH HOTEL & SUITES
5600 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931
Experience Cocoa Beach for your next reunion! The
Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites is the
closest oceanfront hotel to Port Canaveral and is
located at the Cocoa Beach Pier! Featuring 229
standard guestrooms, one bedroom suites and ocean
tower rooms, two pools, BBQ Grills, 3 meeting rooms
that can accommodate from 10-80 ppl and two
restaurants on property. A perfect beach location for
your next reunion! 321-783-7621 | fax 321-799-8640
[email protected]
www.bestwestern.com
THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL
2201 Second St., Suite 600, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Share a tradition of timeless beauty and endless
opportunity for togetherness. Whether on the pristine
sands of beautiful beaches, on the glistening waters
of the Gulf of Mexico, or in countless charming towns,
your family comes together when you get away here.
To begin planning your reunion, visit FortMyersSanibel.com for more information.
TELEPHONE: 239-338-3500 | U.S. & Canada:
800-237-6444 | www.fortmyers-sanibel.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
DESTIN - FT WALTON BEACH FL - OKALOOSA
ISLAND
1540 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Ft. Walton Beach, FL
32458
Let’s go Emerald Coasting! Have your next reunion in
the Heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Emerald
Coasting is sugar-white sand beaches, great golf and
fishing. It’s fresh seafood and rich military history. Find
out why we’re “one of Florida’s favorite meeting
venues.” 850-651-7647 | MyEmeraldCoastEvents.com.
CROWNE PLAZA HOLLYWOOD BEACH
4000 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood FL 33019
www.cphollywoodbeach.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE
215 Celebration Blvd., Kissimmee FL 34747
Kissimmee, Florida, the gateway to fun and next to
Orlando is your gateway to the perfect location for
your next reunion. We offer planning assistance to
reunions of all sizes and budgets. Let us help you
make planning your next reunion easy. Plus… we’ll
provide your reunion T-shirts free! For details see
ReunionsInKissimmee.com or call our reunions
specialist at 407-569-4855
email [email protected]
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
PARK INN by RADISSON RESORT & CONFERENCE
CENTER
3011 Maingate Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Contact Valerie Gallo, [email protected]
407-997-2156 | fax: 407-396-1171
www.piresortorlando.com/family-reunions.htm
STAR ISLAND RESORT
5000 Avenue of the Stars, Kissimmee FL 34746
Located just 4 miles to Walt Disney Theme Parks. Our
gated all suite resort & spa offers spacious mini suites,
1 & 3 bedroom Villas with full kitchens and mini
kitchens that can accommodate up to 8 guests. Enjoy
tennis, basketball, pools, putting green, mini golf,
paddle boats, putting green, pool bars, beach
volleyball, game room, fitness center, children’s
activities, BBQ grills and much more! Indoor &
outdoor function space available to rent. Free reunion
tee shirts through our partners at Experience
Kissimmee. Group rates for 8 or more units. For
group quote call 800-789-0715 or email jmoquin@
star-island.com. Visit our web site at www.star-island.
com. We look forward to hosting your reunion!
ROSEN PLAZA/ORLANDO
9700 International Drive, Orlando FL 32819
Located on International Drive across from Pointe
Orlando and minutes from world-renowned
attractions, shopping and dining, and only 15 minutes
from Orlando International Airport. Offering specialized
reunion menus, 800 luxurious guestrooms, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, no resort fee, 7 restaurants
and lounges from bountiful buffets to fine dining to a
state-of-the-art nightclub. More than 60,000 sq. ft. of
meeting/event space. 407.996.9700 | RosenPlaza.com
[email protected] | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
THE RESORT AND CLUB AT LITTLE HARBOR
611 Destiny Dr. Ruskin FL 33570
Your Caribbean-style island resort on Tampa Bay
awaits you! Experience a tropical getaway with
features such as water view rooms, restaurant, lounge,
tiki bar, beach, deep water marina and so much more.
Nestled between Tampa and Sarasota, we feature a
wide range of suites all perfect for your reunion. Contact
Mai Perez, [email protected]
813.922.6000 | www.staylittleharbor.com
HYATT PLACE SARASOTA
950 University Parkway, Sarasota FL 34234
Contact Dana Scott, 941-554-5803
fax 941-952-5679 | [email protected]
www.sarasotabradenton.place.hyatt.com
Planning a reunion? Consider the THUNDERBIRD
BEACH RESORT for your gathering. Directly on the
white sand beaches of Treasure Island, the
Thunderbird Beach Resort’s staff is renowned for extra
friendly customer service that treats your family like
our family. Enjoy rooms, efficiencies and suites in a
tropical courtyard setting with 2 pools, hot tub, Tiki bar
and restaurant. Private functions, from casual to
formal will be unforgettable when hosted in the
Sunset Room overlooking the courtyard. Catering by
Feola’s Italian Restorante will be the star of your
event! Contact one of our Group Specialists for
personal service planning your Reunion.
1-800-FOR-BIRD (367-2473) | 727-367-1961
Thunderbirdflorida.com
GEORGIA
HILTON ATLANTA MARIETTA HOTEL & CONFERENCE
CENTER
500 Powder Springs Street, Marietta GA 30064
The Hilton Marietta offers your group 138 double/
double rooms. We are located near parks, White
Water, Six Flags, Main Event and Dave and Busters.
Resort style accommodations for your reunion, rates
from $109 with breakfast included.
Georgette Lake, 770-427-2500 I
Direct: 678-819-3134 I fax: 770-429-9577
c: 678-390-5253 | [email protected]
atlantamarietta.hilton.com | facebook.com/hiltonmarietta
twitter.com/hiltonmarietta
RENAISSANCE ATLANTA MIDTOWN
866 W. Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta GA 30308
678-412-2362 | fax 678-412-2401
[email protected]
www.renaissanceatlantamidtown.com
SANDY SPRINGS HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM
Located minutes from downtown Atlanta, Sandy
Springs is the perfect location for your next family
reunion. Sandy Springs Hospitality and Tourism
provides event planning assistance, customized
itineraries, complimentary gift bags and more. Call
770-206-1445 or email will.carlson@sandyspringsga.
org to start planning today. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
HOTEL TYBEE
1401 Strand Ave, Tybee Island GA 31328
David Thomas, 912-786-7777 | fax: 912-786-7080
[email protected] |
hoteltybee.com/weddings-reunions-and-groups.aspx
ILLINOIS
Plan an unforgettable reunion in Lake County,
Illinois – We’ll work together to help you plan an
event that lets you explore all the excitement of Lake
County. From entertaining attractions like Six Flags to
our convenient, centralized location close to Chicago,
there are so many reasons to choose Lake County for
family friendly fun. For free Reunion Planning
Assistance call or email us with your reunion planning
questions. 800-LAKE-NOW | [email protected]
LakeCountyReunions.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
MARYLAND
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY Armel-Leftwich
Visitor Center
52 King George Street, Annapolis MD 21402
410-293-8687 | fax 410-293-3365
[email protected] | www.navyonline.com
DC, Maryland & Virginia
MICHIGAN
NEVADA
DETROIT METRO CVB
Host your family reunion in Detroit, America’s great
comeback city. The Detroit Metro Convention &
Visitors Bureau can assist you in planning to create
itineraries, find accommodations, recommend
activities and more. Detroit has many family
attractions like The Henry Ford, Detroit Zoo, SEALIFE
Michigan Aquarium, museums, festivals and outdoor
spaces. For more information, visit http://www.
meetdetroit.com/reunions or call 313-202-1985.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO offers the magic of
Las Vegas with a different view; full service, off-strip
hotel/casino, 30,000 sq. ft. meeting/banquet space,
seven restaurants, bowling, bingo, keno lounge and
exercise facility. Special offers available for reunions.
Superb service, appealing prices. Stay where, “It’s
good to B-Connected.”
4000 W Flamingo Road, Las Vegas NV 89103
702-251-3560 | fax 702-367-8419
[email protected]
www.goldcoastcasino.com
MINNESOTA
SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO
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/family-reunions/
MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL is the perfect destination
for your next reunion. Meet Minneapolis represents
the entire MSP metro area. Use our FREE planning
service to connect with hotels metro wide. We also
provide your group with FREE welcome bags. Let us
help you plan your next successful reunion in
Minneapolis!
www.minneapolis.org
MISSOURI
THE BRANSON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
awaits to assist you in finding your lodging for your
next reunion in America’s heartland! Branson,
Missouri, the ideal destination, offers live music shows
and attractions where family values and budgets are
honored! Branson’s breathtaking scenery and
authentic Ozarks hospitality warms you any time of
year! Call us toll-free at 800-214-3661 or visit our
website at ExploreBranson.com and request a
Reunion Planner Sales kit. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
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 427-room hotel is near three championship
golf courses and has scheduled 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!
CANNERY CASINO HOTEL
2121 East Craig Road, Las Vegas, NV 89030
702-507-5810 | fax 702-507-5778.
Conveniently located in North Las Vegas near I-15,
Nellis Air Force Base and the Las Vegas Motor
Speedway, Cannery Casino Hotel is a spacious casino,
seven restaurants, three bars, luxury movie theater, a
half-acre pool with Jacuzzi and fitness room.
Everything for a reunion-vacation is here, including
free parking to our guests. Check us out at
www.cannerycasino.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT SPA RENO
MONTANA
3800 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502
Have your reunion in Four Diamond luxury. Atlantis
showcases 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space,
perfect for reunions large or small. Stay in Reno’s only
Concierge Hotel Tower. Discover eight award-winning
restaurants from gourmet to buffet. Enjoy an
action-packed casino floor with the newest and
hottest slots, table games, Race & Sports Book, Keno
and poker. Experience exquisite treatments at Spa
Atlantis, voted top ten in the world as SpaFinder’s
Readers’ Choice award recipient for Best Casino Spa.
Atlantis is the home of Reno reunions.
Sales Department 800.994.5900
[email protected] | AtlantisCasino.com/reunions
ELKHORN RANCH
NORTH CAROLINA
BRANSON YELLOW ROSE INN AND SUITES
3140 Falls Parkway, Branson MO
The award winning Branson Yellow Rose Inn & Suites
features 103 beautiful, soundproof ultra clean & very
comfortable Guest Rooms & Suites. Enjoy the quiet
and beautiful views of the Ozark hills from your room,
our gazebos, or the outdoor pool. Free hot deluxe
breakfast included. Elevator on site.
bransonyelloroseinnandsuites.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
33133 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway MT 59730
www.elkhornranchmontana.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
BAR W GUEST RANCH
2875 Hwy 93 West, Whitefish MT 59937
www.thebarw.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
FLYING E RANCH - MT
2801 W. Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg MT 85390
www.flyingeranch.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
WILMINGTON AND BEACHES
Wilmington, N.C., and three island beaches offer
extraordinary experiences from the river to the sea.
From the historic river district anchored by a scenic
Riverwalk and 200+ shops, cafes and vibrant nightlife
to a new Ocean Front Park and beachside boardwalks.
Get together in NC’s most accessible coastal
destination. For group itineraries & events:
NCCoastalMeetingsReunions.com
800-650-9064, ext. 113
Please patronize our advertisers.
OHIO
TEXAS
DC, Maryland & Virginia
HOCKING HILLS TOURISM ASSOCIATION
PLANO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
13178 State Route 664 S, Logan, Ohio 43138
The Hocking Hills are Ohio’s natural crown jewels and
the perfect location for reunions. The region is a mecca
for nature based recreation. World class hiking,
eco-adventure tours and more than 50 ziplines. Luxury
lodges provide private resort amenities for groups of
three to thirty. Located just 50 miles southeast of
Columbus. 740-385-2750 | fax 740-385-1146
http://ExploreHockingHills.com | Contact:
Karen Raymore [email protected]
PENNSYLVANIA
THE INN AT POCONO MANOR
One Manor Drive, Pocono Manor PA 18349
Set amidst 3,000 acres of stunning scenery, The Inn
at Pocono Manor is an ideal retreat for family reunions.
Amenities include: 242 guest rooms and suites,
complimentary WiFi, restaurants, movie theater, game
room and arcade, library, riding stable, golf, fishing,
shooting, archery, hiking and more, based on the
changing seasons. 570-243-401 | fax 570-839-0807
[email protected] | www.poconomanor.com
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 800-964-8600 ext. 3017
email at [email protected] to begin
planning your next reunion!
www.ChattanoogaMeetings.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
DISPLAY ADVERTISER INDEX
NAMEPAGE
Branson Lakes Area Chamber/ CVB. . . . . . . IFC
Branson Yellow Rose Inn & Suites. . . . . . . . OBC
Cannery Casino Resorts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chattanooga CVB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach. . . . . . . . . . 21
Detroit Metro CVB DMCVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
The Dude Ranchers‚Association. . . . . . . . . 24-25
Fredericksburg Area Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside. . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Lake County CVB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Lee County CVB/Beaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Norfolk CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Plano CVB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Rosen Plaza/ Hotels & Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism. . . . . . . . 47
Springdale A&P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Suncoast Hotel & Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Orleans Hotel & Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Visit Fairfax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Wilmington and Beaches CVB NC. . . . . . . . . 43
Customink T-shirts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
National Institute of Health/. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Genetic Research
Located just minutes from Dallas, Plano is the perfect
place to stay. You will find unique and entertaining
attractions, a multitude of restaurants for every taste
and style, and all the shopping you could ever want,
as well as a variety of hotel and lodging offerings. Let
Kay at the Plano Convention and Visitors Bureau
assist you in all your travel planning needs.
[email protected] | 800-81-PLANO | visitplano.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
WYOMING
LAZY L & B RANCH
1072 East Fork Road, Dubois WY 82513
307-455-2839 | [email protected] | www.lazylb.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
GOOSEWING RANCH
VIRGINIA
PO Box 4084, Jackson WY 83001
307-733-5251 | Â [email protected]
www.goosewingranch.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
RESIDENCE INN ARLINGTON PENTAGON CITY
VEE BAR GUEST RANCH
550 Army Navy Drive, Arlington VA 22202
703-413-6630 | fax 703-418-1751
[email protected]
www.ResidenceInnPentagonCity.com
38 Vee Bar Ranch Road, Laramie WY 82070
www.veebar.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
CHESAPEAKE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
PO Box 206, Shell WY 82441
www.thehideout.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
1224 Progressive Drive 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
FAIRFAX COUNTY
3702 Pender Drive, Suite 420, Fairfax, VA 22030
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 the ideal location for your
military or family reunion. Call Visit Fairfax at
703-752-9509, and Dean Miller, our reunion
specialist, will go to work for you! [email protected].
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
FREDERICKSBURG
TIMELESS. That’s the perfect description of the
Fredericksburg region. Visitors to the area encounter
the richness of the American experience, and walk in
the footsteps of presidents and generals. They feel
the joy of discovery in the Fredericksburg area’s
unique present and entertaining past, in its historical
attractions and battlefields, shops, galleries, beautiful
wineries and chef owned restaurants. To book your
reunion, please contact Kim Herbert, Conference
Sales and Services Specialist at 540-372-1216 or
www.VisitFred.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
NEWPORT NEWS – Looking for the perfect place to
“drop anchor” during your reunion in Virginia? Look
no further than Newport News! Minutes from
Williamsburg and a short drive to Virginia Beach,
Newport News provides the perfect location and
services to make your reunion a success, whether
you’re getting together with old classmates, shipmates
or relatives. We offer the best value and plenty to see
and do. Let Newport News make your next reunion a
memorable one! Call our Visitor Center at 888-4937386 or email [email protected] to book your
reunion today. www.newport-news.org
VISIT NORFOLK
232 East Main Street, Norfolk VA 23510. Norfolk’s
beautifully revitalized waterfront, rich military heritage,
and walkable downtown make it the ideal destination
for your next reunion. Norfolk is home to the
nationally-renowned Chrysler Museum of Art & Glass
Studio, Battleship Wisconsin, MacArthur Memorial,
Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the world’s
largest naval base. The City offers thousands of hotel
rooms in various price ranges. Call 800-368-3097 |
[email protected] | www.visitnorfolktoday.
com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
THE HIDEOUT LODGE & GUEST RANCH
DUDE RANCHES
DUDE RANCHERS’ ASSOCIATION
1122 12th. Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414
Helping people find quality Dude and Guest Ranch
vacations since 1926. Let us help you find the perfect
all inclusive location for your next reunion call
866-399-2339 or e-mail [email protected]
www.duderanch.org | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
CRUISEs
Expedia CruiseShipCenters Leesburg
866-595-3667
[email protected]
www.kittsonmunzell.cruiseshipcenters.com
www.reunionvideo.waterwaytravel.com
facebook.com/ExpediaCruiseShipCentersLeesburg
HOLIDAY CRUISEs and tours
Brian Forrester, is a Cruise Group Specialist and is
eager to help make your reunion memorable.
Contact Brian at 480-998-1112 | [email protected].
He will ask questions to understand your needs and
present what works best for your reunion. He can get
the best deals and knows how to make your reunion
cruise a success. Brian will work with you to organize
deposits, payment plans, announcements, and special
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class reunions
continued
alum & I
Note: This is the second of two op-eds by Nancy Davidoff Kelton from The Buffalo News, Buffalo, New York.
The first, in anticipation of the reunion, was published in our Volume 25, Number 4, Summer 2015.
High school reunion was eagerly anticipated by Nancy Davidoff Kelton
I
returned to Buffalo, New York, to attend
my 50th Bennett High School reunion
with a) more enthusiasm than I had as a
student; b) my husband, Jonathan; c) a
little black dress; and d) a bigger little
black dress in case I couldn’t fit into c.
Here are things I wish to share.
• I wore the bigger little black dress. No
one knew. Until now.
• The footlong hot dog at Ted’s, our first
Buffalo stop, tasted as good as I remembered it.
• I recognized most of my classmates
when I saw them at the School 66 (North
Park Academy) tour Saturday afternoon,
remembered the poem from my fourth-grade
safety play when I played a rusty nail and
recited it to the group in the auditorium,
which looked exactly the same.
• After driving along Hertel Avenue and
by the houses of my friends and relatives
on Colvin, Jewett, Starin, Parkside and
Woodbridge, I rang the bell of my childhood
home on North Drive. The owners invited
us in. The bay windows, fireplace and my
little bedroom at the top of the stairs were
the same as when I lived there. Homey.
Cozy. I felt my parents’ spirits everywhere.
• Jonathan was impressed with Buffalo’s
residential areas and architecture.
• Our second Ted’s footlongs were as
good as the first.
• Driving by Kleinhans Music Hall and
thinking about the Van Cliburn, Glenn
Gould and Leonard Pennario piano
concerts I attended with my mother, I felt
her presence even more.
• Inez, my first best friend, greeted me
at the reunion dinner with so much love and
so many hugs. Some things never change.
• Others do. I didn’t recognize the
stores at the University Plaza or on Hertel
and Delaware.
• My classmates look great. Without
reading name tags, which I couldn’t
anyway without glasses, we recognized
each other.
• I know myself better now than I had in
high school.
• I was not a cheerleader then.
• I would not qualify now.
• I would not qualify as one of the good
dancers, either.
• Al, who helped me pass French, kept
it a secret that I didn’t have an ear for
languages.
• Don, my first boyfriend, is just as
good-looking and more talkative now.
• I must have been part of the reason he
kept so quiet back then.
• Miss Gerase, our history teacher,
attended the reunion. I had the opportunity
to tell her that she and the psychology
class she also taught changed my life. It
was my favorite class at Bennett. I majored
in psychology.
• Fast dancing with the girls is still tons
of fun.
• Roast beef on weck and chocolate
frozen custard at Anderson’s for lunch – and
dinner – on Sunday did not disappoint.
• In between, we visited my parents’
friend at the Park Lane apartments and
then drove to Niagara Falls. The falls still
wowed me. The ride seemed shorter than it
did when I went as a child with my parents.
• The Park Lane, where I got married
the first time, is gone. Millard Fillmore
Hospital is half gone.
• Eating egg sandwiches at Wegmans
and walking up and down the aisles before
driving home brought back memories of
shopping with my father and could not
have been a better send-off.
• My husband said that Wegmans, Ted’s
and Anderson’s, but mostly my classmates,
are warm and welcoming. True. The
Bennett reunion beat going to high school.
I had a blast in my bigger little black dress.
About the author
Nancy Davidoff Kelton
is author of six books and
hundreds of essays in The
New York Times, The
Boston Globe, The Buffalo
News, Redbook, and
Parents, among numerous
other newspapers and
magazines. Her memoir will be published
in the spring of 2016 by Passager Books,
affiliated with the University of Baltimore.
Bennett High School, Class of 1965.
alum & I
continued
Charitable reunions
Class of ‘60 gives back
M
arysville, Kansas, High School’s
Class of 1960 met its fundraising
goal set at the class’ 25th class reunion
in 1985. Money was raised at food
stands, recycling, donations and
memorials. The class raised $105,031,
set aside as principal with only the
interest available for purchases.
The intent is to enrich the classroom experience for all
students. To obtain an item, a teacher makes a request to the
Endowment Fund Board. S/he explains the need and attests
that the district is unable to provide for the items. Through
2014, the class had given more than $59,000 to Marysville
schools for purchases from $100 to $1,000. The donations
have significantly improved the education experiences of
MHS students.
From a story by JoAnn Shum in
The Marysville Advocate, Marysville, Kansas.
Class of 1965 sets
50th reunion giving record
class reunions
Class of ‘65 gives
Clemson $1.2 million
F
ifty years after they received their diplomas, nearly 100 Class of
1965 Clemson University alumni presented the school $1,227,872
to help future students.
The group gathered near the Class of 1965
sidewalk – a shady path under lush oak trees of
Fort Hill – to celebrate their Golden Tiger
Reunion and present the check to President
James P. Clements.
The Class of 1965 Scholarship
Endowment was established in 1989. They
were one of the first to establish a
scholarship in conjunction with their 25th
reunion. Class members’ goal was to endow at
least $25,000 by their 25th reunion and they far
exceeded that goal with $43,000. The endowment has grown and
regularly provides support for Clemson students.
Classmates said Clemson did not just teach us how to make a
living, it prepared us to make a life. In gratitude for that and our
golden anniversary we wanted to make a lasting impression of our own
for future Clemson students. Including the endowment, the class has
given a total of $15,122,050 to Clemson initiatives.
From an article by Ken Scar in the
Clemson Newsstand, Clemson, South Carolina.
W
hen the time came to plan its
50th reunion and the
commemorative class gift, the
Committee for William & Mary’s
Class of 1965 Reunion had its sights
set on breaking the record for the
largest 50th reunion gift in the
university’s history.
They soared past an original
fundraising goal of $13.5 million and a
stretch goal of $15 million to raise a grand total of $20.6
million for their alma mater. The previous record was set by
the Class of 1962, which raised more than $13 million for its
50th Reunion.
The reunion gift included contributions from 52 percent
of all alumni from the Class of 1965 and 60 percent of those
who graduated.
During the luncheon where the class gift total was
announced, William & Mary President, Taylor Reveley – an
honorary member of the Class of 1965 – praised the class for
its dedication to the university through the decades.
“Fiftieth reunions are joyous occasions, not just for the
classmates but also for the alma mater,” he said. “Reunions
remind us that people are at the heart of the university, and
those people who remain connected to William & Mary
across the years, throughout a lifetime, are precious beyond
measure.”
More than $1.1 million of the reunion gift total is
designated for the class project – the expansion of William &
Mary’s Alumni House.
From a story by University Advancement staff in
William and Mary News, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Conard High School’s
Class of ‘74 collection honors
deceased classmates
D
uring planning, West Hartford, Connecticut’s Conard High School,
Class of 1974 Reunion Committee members learned a number of
their classmates had died. They wanted to recognize the classmates
so, along with reunion invitations, they sent a request for donations in
their honor. Funds will help graduating
students, in need, pay for caps, gowns,
yearbooks, and similar expenses. The effort,
which is continuing, raised $1,500.
Tracy Root Class of ’74, issued a Facebook
and email challenge. He had donated $100 and
he would donate an additional $100 and, if 29
other classmates donated $100, he would
double the donation. The “Challenge” reached
$4,700.
The challenge has been issued to all Conard graduates to “Pay It
Forward” to make sure that every senior enjoys the hoopla at the end
of their public school years.
From the West Hartford News, Middleton, Connecticut.
class reunions
Reunion raises
cash for audio book
continued
alum & I
Big Sandy Class of ‘65
50th graduation anniversary
S
tudents from the Brechin High School
Class of 1977 in Scotland raised money
for a children’s talking book and a local
worthy cause.
Plans had been to hold the reunion at a
large venue, with hope of over 100 people
attending. However, when
they realized the number
wasn’t going to be
reached, they opted to use
the reunion for a
fundraising effort.
Moving to a smaller
venue meant fewer
expenditures. They thought
about refunding some of the ticket price but
that got complicated so they decided to raise
money for a charity. They agreed upon the
Royal National Institute of Blind People as
their charity because a school friend was
registered blind shortly after leaving high
school. The group chose The Dreamsnatcher
by Abi Elphinstone for the audio book.
They raised money to make the children’s
talking book, which costs £500, with a
JustGiving page, as well as a raffle at the
reunion to go with money already raised.
The total raised came to £880, so they
also made a donation of £380 to the
Dalhousie Day Care Centre.
From an article in the Brechin Advertiser,
Brechin, Scotland, UK.
Iona alumni raise
over $1.2M
T
he Big Sandy High School, Class of 1965 reunion was at Lake Livingston State
Park, Livingston, Texas, with an air conditioned enclosed pavilion on the water.
There were 13th year and 25th year reunions. Now they plan to have one every
two years “as we are getting rather old!” The next one will be in 2017.
After each reunion they put out a report with reunion details and updates on
class members and teachers.
They notify a year ahead and then six months, three months and six weeks
before they send notices/reminders. Decisions are made by a majority of the
committee who donate time and money.
For such a small group it has been easy. This year one of the spouses is
emceeing. Members help with set up, photos, cooking and cleanup. There is a
Memory table, games with prize certificates. “But mostly we just visit.’
Ginger’s planning concerns, matched many other planners, is that there are
the same few alumni who never attend and they live in area.
Reported by Ginger Jordan,
Livingston, Texas.
N
ew Rochelle, New York, Iona College
alumni and friends raised more than $1.2
million to celebrate Iona’s 75th anniversary at
a two-day annual reunion weekend.
Weekend highlights included a Golden
Gaels luncheon for alumni who graduated
50-plus years ago, a presentation of the Iona
Forever campaign, heritage trail tours of
campus, a barbecue and reunion Mass. The
weekend concluded with the annual Reunion
Gala at Beckwith Pointe on New Rochelle’s
Sound Shore.
From a report by Robert Berczuk in
The Daily Voice, White Plains, New York.
alum & I
continued
class reunions
Disconnect to reconnect
H
osting a reunion with Maine Huts &
Trails in Kingfield, Maine, seemed
like a no-brainer for alumni of Holderness
School, an independent boarding and day
school, grades 9-12, in the heart of New
Hampshire lakes and mountains.
Holderness alumni are avid outdoors
people and are looking for experiential
moments. Disposable time and family time
are luxury commodities these days and this
Maine Huts & Trails experience was a
perfect opportunity to host an event that
was active and engaging. Family members
were included in a way they may not at
most school reunions.
What makes an alumni outing with
Maine Huts & Trails so enticing is that
participants can choose how they want to
get to the hut. While most of our group
took to the trails on snowshoes, a
good number showed up by
Nordic skiing. We chose the
Stratton Brook Hut for our first
adventure because it was easy to
reach by a challenging route for
the more experienced in the art of
Nordic skiing or winter hiking.
The trip was promoted as a
take-off from an experience all
Holderness students have during
their junior year – Outback, a
10-day winter camping
experience with three days of solo
camping. It is a transformative experience
for students. Many alumni mention
Outback as one of their best experiences at
school. Our theme was “Outback 2.0. You
survived your original Outback, now head
Relaxing at Maine Huts & Trails Stratton Brook Hut.
back into the woods with Holderness, but
this time there will be a hot shower,
gourmet food (and beer) and a warm cabin
to rest your head.”
We had more than 20 alumni (from four
decades, 60s-90s) and family members
take part in the adventure in February.
Staff was so welcoming and easy going, it
felt like a homecoming when we arrived.
The food was out of this world. We played
a Holderness trivia game and Holderness
trinkets were awarded. There was
conversation about each individual’s
original Outback experience. The sunset
was spectacular and most of us were up
with the sun the following morning when
staff had coffee ready before the sun
peeked over the mountaintop.
We have re-booked the Stratton Brook
Hut for next February. We are adding a few
guided hikes along more difficult routes. It
will be another great adventure!
Franklin Senior High School, Class of 1985
D
wana Calhoun, Covington, Georgia, is Franklin (Louisiana)
Senior High School Reunion Committee Chairperson. She
shared 30-year class reunion photos from the Class of 1985. It
was attended by a former Vice-Principal, teachers and the Mayor.
Visit franklinhornets1985.myevent.com
family reunions
continued
S
till Family Reunions are on every second Sunday in August.
Come rain or shine. This was the 145th consecutive Still Family
Reunion. They started at Dr. James Still’s house in Medford, New
masterplan
Jersey, and for the last 40+ years are held in the back yard of
Reggie Still Sr. More pictures at www.stillfamily.net/still
Shared by Reggie Still, Sr, Lawnside, New Jersey.
Green(e) Family Reunification reunion
Greetings Cousins!
As you know, the Green(e) Family Reunification reunion will be held in
Columbia, South Carolina, in June. This promises to be a momentous and
historic gathering as it will be the first time in 90 years all the descendants
of Isaac Green gather. We are expecting nearly 100 cousins, most of whom
have never met.
The timing of this reunion is remarkable for many reasons. First, the
reunion starts on Thursday, the 175th anniversary of the birth of our
common ancester, Isaac Green.
Friday is Juneteenth. A history tour will be available for those interested.
Then, Friday night we come together for a Green(e) Family Dinner & Banquet.
Saturday, we’ll gather at Sesquicentennial State Park for the Green(e)
Family Reunification Reunion Cook Out. We will be occupying the largest
picnic pad in the park located directly on Sesqicentennial Lake. Nonmotorized fishing boats, canoes and/or kayaks, pedal boats and stand up
paddleboards (SUPs) are available for a fee. A sand volleyball court,
softball field, dog park and playgrounds are all in the park.
On Sunday, we will worship at Stover Chapel AME Church. Exactly 90
years ago to the day, Isaac’s 2nd son, Jesse Green, delivered the message at
this church after returning to Columbia for the first time in 35 years. His
brother, Isaiah Green, also returned after a 37 year absence.
Prior to worship services we will conduct a Civil War veteran memorial
headstone dedication ceremony at Stover Chapel Cemetery. We hope to
have a military honor guard for the occasion. We have decided against
requiring a reunion fee in order to make it possible for more to attend this
historic reunion. Thus, the financial burden for our activities are currently
being absorbed by the event coordinators. Contributions to help with the
cost of food for the dinner and the cook out are welcome.
For questions please contact Cousin Mike Greene, et cetera.
Wheaton-Dukes
Family Reunion
I
n an effort to gather my family, I came up
with the idea of us getting together for a
“family reunion” July 4th weekend. It had
been more than 30 years since my family
had come together to enjoy each other’s
company. In my opinion, that was far too
long. I planned the entire reunion solo
(whew!). My best friend stepped in and
helped where needed during the reunion,
and it was a success. It was great to see
everyone! My family was so excited that
they “suggested” that we have a reunion
every year. So now, I am planning our next
family reunion which will be held Labor
Day Weekend. It’s always a good feeling to
get together with family. I look forward to
seeing everyone this year, especially since
reunion attendance is growing.
Thank you for creating this forum for
people (such as myself). I have been able
to find ideas that will help create a lifetime
of memories for my family.
Shared by Terry Bunch,
Riverdale, Georgia.
Sign up for Reunions
E-newsletter @
reunionsmag.com
Shared by Reverend Mike Greene, Portland, Maine.
masterplan
continued
family reunions
50th Hightower-Bush-Little Family Reunion
T
he Hightower-Bush-Little Family Reunion celebrated their
50th family reunion on Long Island, New York. They rotate
every year for a July weekend between New York, Florida, South
Carolina, North Carolina, and Washington DC.
If for some reason a group cannot host a reunion, the board
will host it somewhere else. It’s only happened once. Each
reunion group gets $5,000 to start and will give that same amount
to the group for the next reunion. If we run short on money, the
general board will let everyone know at our meeting the Sunday
at our annual meeting. Captains and general board hold office for
four years then we get new officers.
We start sending information two weeks before Thanksgiving
so when family is eating together, they can talk about going to the
reunion. We let them know before they leave one reunion where
the next will be, then keep posting on facebook.
The last reunion was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The next
will be in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Reunion traditions include a family photo at every reunion,
release balloons in memory, a memorial during the banquet where
three elders speak about the family. They also crown the oldest
male/female and have gifts for the youngest.
Denise Brown-Samson says, “I keep track of everyone by
email and mail. We encourage everyone to join our two facebook
pages, Hightower Bush Little Reunion and Hightower Reunion.
Members email to update their info.
“We start training the young people at age 12. They attend
every meeting in their state. They even go to the hotel and watch
the process of what to do.”
Friday they enjoy a meet and greet with light refreshments/
snacks.
Saturday is an all-day picnic with games for the kids.
Sunday starts at church with family ministers. There is a
banquet later.
In-between there is – something new for older members – a
history meeting, to go over DNA and family history. Later they’ll
include the younger generation.
From a report by Denise Brown-Samson
Randallstown, Maryland.
Slave descendants meet at Sweet Briar College
S
weet Briar College in Amherst County,
Virginia, is a private women’s college
that was also home to a population of
enslaved blacks. Among that group were a
married couple, James and Lavinia Fletcher,
born in 1835 and owned by Elijah Fletcher.
When Elijah Fletcher died in 1858, Lavinia
and one of the couple’s sons, Nelson, were
given to Elijah’s daughter, Indiana. Later,
Indiana Fletcher Williams was the founder
of Sweet Briar College.
College administrators, citing financial
difficulties, announced in March 2015 the
school would close. But the Fletcher Family
Reunion was scheduled to be there in
summer. The extended Fletcher family has
come together in numerous reunions
through the years, but 2008 was the first
year a reunion was held at Sweet Briar
College. The campus hosted another
Fletcher reunion in 2010.
“This morning marks a new era for our
Fletcher family, and it’s because our history
is so entwined with the history of Sweet
Briar College,” said reunion chairwoman
Annette Anderson.
Without the work of the Fletcher descendants’ ancestors, Sweet Briar plantation
would not have been able to operate.
Without the success of the plantation, “there
would have been no Sweet Briar College.”
Growing up, Maryland resident Bethany
Pace often heard statements about a
connection to Sweet Briar College. “Once
we got here in 2008, it lit a fire under all of
us to know more about what was happening
at Sweet Briar – what had happened in
Sweet Briar,” Anderson said. Anderson
spoke of the similarities in family lore
expressed by different branches of the family.
Grayson Sandidge traveled from
Pittsburgh to attend this year’s reunion.
“We talk so much about what we’ve given
to this country,” Sandidge said. “I look
down here and say, ‘We gave this school.”
Being on the same ground of her
ancestors, Sheila Fletcher of Yorktown,
Virginia, spoke of a feeling of pride. “I’m a
strong person because I know where I came
from. I think it makes me a better person. I
don’t have to guess my history, I know my
history, and I get to be around my history.”
Note: Students, parents, alumnae and
others resisted Sweet Briar closing and
raised millions of dollars to keep the
school open, securing a new board of
directors and college president.
From a story by Sherese Gore
in the News & Advance,
Lynchburg, Virginia.
Cargill, Caldwell, Harris, Williams Family Reunion
T
he Cargill, Caldwell, Harris, Williams Family Reunion originated
with my father and his nine siblings. There are four branches
of the family over six generations. The fifth generation is now
hosting reunions. The last reunion was in Montgomery, Alabama,
and the next will be in Chicago, Illinois. We will be hosting our
25th biannual family reunion over six generations from many states.
The location of the family reunion is voted upon by families
during the business meeting. Nominations are made for various
locations and host/hostess within that state. Once the state is
selected by vote, the host/hostess takes charge. The host and
committee establish, approve and maintain the budget and
finances. I am the treasurer and have the major responsibility to
over-see the finances.
We use a family website, emails, blog, phone calls, conference
calls and US mail to stay in touch. We send all kinds of correspondence with follow ups, save-the-date, emails, postcards, letters
and telephone calls. We include a participation/ activity sign up
form along with the registration form to get everyone involved.
We have an agenda and schedule for three days of activities.
Hospitality night on Thursday; golf, tour, banquet on Friday;
picnic and business meeting on Saturday; church and departures
on Sunday. There is also a talent show, tours, and mall visits. There
is a barrage of activities for kids; swimming, sports, board games,
crafts, water balloon toss and a dance off. Fundraisers, raffles,
donations, and members are responsible for their lodging cost.
Reported by Lydia Williams, Frankfort, Illinois.
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2016 Reunion Celebrations!

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