Fundraising T-shirts Quilts Cookbooks

Transcription

Fundraising
T-shirts
Quilts
Cookbooks
VOL 18 NO 1
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Display until October 31, 2007.
$3/USA
2
R E U N I O N S ❖ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
in this issue
DEPARTMENTS
FRONT WORDS – 4
ALUM & I – 7
A great night by Jim Sullivan
Reunion search for roots by Doris Norrito Albuquerque
News from class reunions in South Carolina, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Missouri,
New Jersey, Washington, California, Ontario
SCRAPBOOK – 14
Surcharges and hidden fees, new search capabilities
Special places for reunion visits in New Jersey, Kentucky, New York, Virginia,
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Missouri
BRANCH OFFICE – 20
Reunion magic by Maureen Taylor
Centennial reunion, African American history in Montana,
Ancestry.com limits free access, Flushing Remonstrance signators
MASTERPLAN – 23
Mini reunion keeps connections by Maria Moore
Groshek gathering in Galloway by June Groshek Czarnezki
Thinking ahead from Phyllis Naumann
Review: Forty Acres by Phyllis R. Dixon
Podcasts add to reunion fare
FUNDRAISING – 28
In four parts: lots of ideas, t-shirts, quilts and cookbooks
Personalize a family reunion with custom t-shirts,
credentials and bottled water by Jamila Robinson
Spicing up your family cookbook by Christine Whittaker Sofge
Highlights: Lots of t-shirts, Harmelink Centennial quilt, Mason Family Cookbook
REUNION VENUES & PLACES – 39
Affordable and amazing Bay Area reunion by Jacky Runice
FRIENDS – 45
A great reunion place with old friends by Margaret Malsam
Circle of friends reunion by Sheila Hight
ETHNIC REUNIONS – 47
Whatever became of St. Patrick? by Richard W. O’Donnell
30 Harmelinks visit Netherlands from Vernon Harmelink
Review: Slovak Pittsburgh by Lisa A. Alzo
Tips from travel pros
Reports for Reunions: Gallegos/Trevino, Burt(t)schell, Harbour Island in the Bahamas,
Veloso, Maniquis/z/kis, Chilocco Indian School, Doherty
Announcement: Reunion 2008 in Dominica
MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 55
REUNION RESOURCES – 58
A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products.
ON THE COVER
Goodwill ambassadors for the USS Alabama. See page 56.
September/October 2007
Volume 18 • Number 1
PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF
Edith Wagner
TRAVEL EDITOR
Jacky Runice
ART DIRECTOR
Jennifer Rueth
SALES
Marion Liston Senior Account Manager
Beth Gay Account Manager
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Karla Lavin
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Jean Salzer
Andrew Bordeaux
STUDENT INTERN
Audrey Buswell
CONTRIBUTORS
Doris Norrito Albuquerque
Patricia Bolt • Rick Branch
Jewel Coleman • Sheila Cooley
Meg Cox • June Groshek Czarnezki
Kevin Donohue
Wilma Stover Douglas
Vernon Harmelink
Veronica Haynes
Sheila Hight • Carol Idalski
Margaret Malsam • Maria Moore
Laura Morgan
Sunny McClellan Morton
Denise Murphy • Steven Napper
Phyllis Naumann
Richard W. O’Donnell
Jamila Robinson • Paula Sheagley
Shirley Smith • Christine Whittaker Sofge
Jim Sullivan • Maureen Taylor
Arliss Treybig • Jackie Utley
Sasha Walters
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© 2007 REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 ❖ R E U N I O N S
3
FRONT WORDS
T
his issue kicks off the 2008
reunion season …
Be in touch!
Mail to
REUNIONS MAGAZINE
PO Box 11727
Milwaukee WI 53211-0727
For charge orders
call 800-373-7933 or
visit www.reunionsmag.com
or fax it to 414-263-6331.
Or best of all, e-mail
[email protected].
though some readers, we realize, have not
concluded their 2007 season. September is
always a new beginning with school
starting and everyone back on their real
life schedules. It is also an important time
in the lives of people who are planning
reunions for 2008. Now is the time to be
laying some important groundwork such as
exploring destinations and searching for a
venue (hotel, resort, ranch, cruise, etc.).
This is also an important time to be
collecting volunteers to help with details now and later.
WHILE IT’S STILL FRESH:
TELL US ABOUT YOUR 2007 REUNION
Celebrate your reunion by sharing the story or aspects
of your reunion activities from planning through reunion
day. As you know, our material is submitted by readers
… you. We welcome, read and consider everything for
publication. Our favorite way to receive material is
email; preferably as Microsoft Word attachments. If an
outline would help you to write, go to
www.reunionsmag.com and click on “Help us write
Reunions magazine.” Well-focused pictures are also
encouraged. Where do you think we get our covers?
We work four to six months ahead of the issue you’re
reading or the season you’re in. So think ahead if you’re
appealing to a particular season. For example, Christmas
material should be here now and summer articles by
winter. Pictures can be sent as prints or as email
attachments in pdf or jpg formats at 300 dpi or higher.
CHECK CONTESTS AND SWEEPSTAKES
We update these as we find/receive them, with rarely
enough time to include in an issue so you’ll have to
check them online regularly. For example, Prince
George’s County, Maryland, Family Reunion
Sweepstakes winner receives a package valued at
$21,500! Worth consideration! And the deadline is not
until November 30, 2007. Go to contests and
sweepstakes at www.reunionsmag.com.
PATRONIZE OUR PARTNERS, PLEASE!
Reunions magazine and www.reunionsmag.com
partner with many businesses eager to help you make
your reunion the best ever. Convention and visitors
bureaus (learn more about them from podcasts), hotels,
resorts and ranches, cruises as well as services and
vendors such as t-shirt and souvenir makers and many
others. They partner with us because they understand
your needs and dedicate themselves to helping you
organize your reunion event.
See Reunion Resources at the end of this issue or go
to Reunions Resources at www.reunionsmag.com, where
you can click directly to their web sites, call, email and
get them involved helping right now! And, be sure to tell
them you discovered them in Reunions magazine.
4
INVITATIONS ONLINE
Reunions invite! is a new feature at
www.reunionsmag.com. This display of
reunion invitations is not meant to invite but
to suggest invitation ideas to others. Email
them to [email protected] or if you are
sending your invitation by mail, please send
it flat and enclose a note that it’s for
Reunions invite!.
AND WHEN IT’S ALL OVER
You’ll want to know how everyone felt
about your reunion. Those kudos, hugs and
plaudits are so heartwarming, but you may
also want to collect evaluations to help you plan your next
reunion. Unfortunately, negative comments will not be hard to
come by– it’s human nature. Take them as constructive
criticism. Take them as an opportunity to recruit volunteers.
Urge the critics to join the committee to help plan the next
reunion OR to take over OR improve what they found lacking.
You’ll capture more and fresher comments, if you solicit
them at the reunion. You can have a short discussion as part
of your business meeting or a wrap-up program at Sunday
brunch, where people shout out their feelings. If evaluation is
done on paper, try to collect them at the reunion because
getting them back later in the mail sharply reduces response.
For a sample evaluation form, go to www.reunionsmag.com,
click on Reunion Articles, then on family reunions and
finally, on wrapping up your reunion. Or go to the google box
on the homepage, click to search the site and enter “wrapping
up your reunion.” And in the spirit of evaluation, what are
your suggestions and how did your evaluation go?
DON’T FORGET ALL OUR FREEBIES EITHER!
Podcasts at www.reunionsmag.com about
setting your reunion date, encouraging kids to look forward to
your reunion, how convention and visitors bureaus help
reunions and ideas for reunion goody bags, awards and prizes
and how to set your reunion timetable.
FREE REUNION TIMETABLE: Check out Reunions Workbook or
you can print this timetable free from www.reunionsmag.com:
click on “getting started,” then “choosing a date.”
FREE FUNDRAISING HELPERS: Check contests and sweepstakes
at www.reunionsmag.com. Last year a Reunions newsletter
reader won the American Airlines Family Reunion
Sweepstakes.
FREE PICTURE GALLERY ONLINE: Join the reunion crowd! Send
a picture of your reunion to [email protected] or mail to
Reunions magazine, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211.
FREE REUNION LISTINGS ONLINE: List your upcoming reunion
at www.reunionsmag.com. Send reunion name, date, place and
contact information to [email protected].
FREE REUNION CHATTER: Join the forum anytime, 24/7:
http://forums.reunionsmag.com.
FREE MONTHLY EMAIL NEWSLETTER: Send your email address
and request the newsletter to [email protected].
FREE REUNION EVALUATION FORM: Learn more at
www.reunionsmag.com, “wrapping up your reunion.”
EW
FREE PODCASTS:
ALUM & I
Reunion search for roots
by Doris Norrito Albuquerque
BACKGROUND
R
eunion West began in the east, on
Long Island, New York’s, “Far East.”
After graduation in 195l, some Baldwin
High School classmates went off to
college, but most went to work; girls
married young, raised families and stayed.
A few, like class explorer Bill Goodwin,
ventured away and settled in places most
in the class could only imagine. Bill
moved to Montana, where snowy peaks
and crisp air were in sharp contrast to
sultry flatland towns like Baldwin that
dotted the south shore of Long Island.
Almost five decades later, Bill invited
classmates to Montana for the first class
reunion away. “East goes West” was
T
his was one reunion we couldn’t
miss. Sure it would be great to
see classmates again after so
many years; but a reunion in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, was almost
providential. We had to go. Albuquerque
is my husband’s family name and Reunion
West II was a chance to find out more
about the city that bears his name. Often
trips to the Land of Enchantment had
been pushed aside in favor of family visits
to Brazil, where Paulo was born. Reunion
West II was a siren song, a calling to
discover part of the country we hadn’t
seen while finding roots to the old world.
published in Reunions magazine in
Spring 1996. High attendance and the
success of Reunion West I in Montana
encouraged another reunion away
from home.
Three years ago, Bill moved from
Montana to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
With a southwestern reunion in mind,
he began exploring the dry desert
region of his new home state. New
friends and good community rapport
helped direct the southwestern
experience for Reunion West II. Bill
found the best places to stay, eat and
shop in and around Albuquerque. He
mapped out side trips and set up
Baldwin (New York) High School
Class of ‘51 explorer Bill Goodwin lost
no time investigating Albuquerque after
his move from Montana. With an eye on
Reunion West II, he lined up activities to
engage everyone’s interest and
accommodate their activity levels.
“Getting us all together was most
important,” said Bill.
For the Albuquerques, it was that and
more.
Present and past histories were
interwoven. Classmates with whom I had
shared a lifetime, mingled with dreams of
a colonial past and wonder about the first
Paulo Albuquerque with city history.
tours. After a year of preparation,
Reunion West II became the reality
that brought “Easterners” to the West
for its second reunion away from
home. With Bill as a personal guide,
what could make for a better way to
feel at home away from home?
NOTE: Baldwin High grads from all
classes still gather at Jones Beach for
an annual beach party reunion that
captures memories of swimming in the
cool Atlantic by day and being warmed
by shore bonfires (no longer legal)
under the stars at night.
Duke of Albuquerque.
Tracing roots began well before the
September trip. Hours with email and
phone calls to Brazil dead-ended. Paulo’s
father came from Portugal, married a
Brazilian woman and had ten children.
A call to the genealogy society in
Albuquerque surprised me. No
Albuquerque was listed. In fact, I would
later learn, the Duke of Albuquerque, for
whom the city was named, never set foot
there. Curiosity heightened. How did the
“Duke City” come by our name? Maybe
the answers were there.
“Just let’s go and enjoy,” Paulo said.
We suspended Albuquerque queries.
When we made reservations for the trip,
this was the conversation.
“Name?”
“Albuquerque.”
“Yes, got the city but what’s your
name?”
Repeat: “Albuquerque.”
Surprise, interest and friendly
questioning invariably followed; no one let
us forget. At least there were no requests
for spelling, though later we learned that
even the spelling had been changed.
The dry desert and mountains of the
great southwest were a new and welcome
change from our sultry east coast
shoreline and far different from the
beaches of Rio de Janeiro where Paulo
grew up. Rekindling memories with
classmates – swimming, fishing and
boating in the cool Atlantic – were all
the “roots” I needed.
continued
7
ALUM & I
Reunion search for roots
continued
Baldwin High School, Class of ’51 classmates get into the western theme.
For Paulo, the Hotel Albuquerque was
the only place to stay. The SpanishNative Indian décor and the wide
tile-lined entrances with large urns of
fresh flowers set a mood for discovering
“his” city.
For five days Hotel Albuquerque was
home base for evening dinners that
followed day trips to historic Old Town,
to Santa Fe and atop Sandia Peak for a
spectacular view of the city. It was also a
message center and meeting base for side
trip departures.
Our first get-together at the rustic Los
Amigos Roundup broke the ice. Alumni
and friends talked, danced, ate barbeque
and experienced southwestern entertainment by the Watermelon Mountain Jug
Band and the Aztec Fire Dancers.
Entertainment with local flair accompanied the lively buzz of conversations
about where to go and what to see.
Next morning we strolled to historic Old
Town‚ ten minutes away. Across from the
18th Century San Feliipe de Neri Church,
a tree-lined plaza centers shops, museums
and eateries. Credit cards got a double
take and friendly kidding when I introduced
PO BOX 59713 • RENTON WA 98058-2713
800-654-2776 • http://reunions.com
[email protected]
8
Paulo as “The Duke of Albuquerque.”
Research of the city’s name – our
name – soon took a back seat to a scenic
drive to Santa Fe, the sunset funicular
ride to Sandia Peak, a tour of a Native
American nation, and a drive along the
Turquoise trail. No one we spoke to knew
any one else named Albuquerque.
At the Albuquerque Museum, we learned
the reason. In 1706, the city began as a small
unstructured settlement. Francisco Cuervo y
Valdes, then provisional governor of this new
territory, wrote King Philip V of Spain and,
most important, wrote the viceroy of New
Spain (stationed in Mexico), describing the
settlement in glowing terms in the hope of
gaining favor by establishing a town. Cuervo
reported there were indeed 30 families, an
urban center and a governing body. And
knowing that the viceroy was “The Duke of
Alburquerque,” a walled town in Spain, he
flattered him by proposing the settlement
be named “villa of Alburquerque.” (not a
mistake: the original spelling had an
extra “r”).
Formal investigation in 1712 found
requirements for the villa were not as
reported. There was no church, no plaza
and no government buildings. But by
then, Albuquerque had grown and the
charter was not revoked.
After four days of southwest immersion,
Reunion West II met at Hotel Albuquerque
to say adios. “Til we meet again,” the
theme for our last dinner together, led
the way for planning the next reunion.
“Spain!” I shouted.
“No, the years are catching up; maybe
a gentle cruise,” someone said.
“Make it soon,” another shouted.
All agreed.
About the author
Doris Norrito Albuquerque is a news
correspondent and features writer for
Tampa Bay Newspapers weekly
publications, WMNF community radio
news broadcaster and freelance
magazine writer.
Bill Goodwin, Paulo Albuquerque and Collier Carnienke at Reunion West II.
ALUM & I
A great night
by Jim Sullivan
alf a century ago, when I graduated from the 12th grade in
1956, I never thought so much time could go by so fast.
And I had no desire to get together again, at least not
voluntarily, with all those jocks, jerks, nerds and
unsophisticated hicks. The same goes for the guys.
Over the last five decades, however, I’ve come to think
differently about my classmates. In fact, I’ve come to love them as
family. The probable reason is onset of incurable nostalgia which
led me to attend and emcee our gatherings every five years.
Our 50th was truly to be a special happening, so I began
preparing the program long in advance. I developed a theme
and prepared humorous remarks (the most amusing I’ve ever
written). I got the theme concept from the fact that our
generation had no popular nickname. We were born before the
baby boomers. Reflecting back, I remembered that all the good
things in life then – like ice cream cones, Cokes, candy bars
and gum – cost only five cents. So I dubbed us the “Nickel
Generation.”
Weeks later, program ready, the missus and I traveled to the
reunion site, a large hall just outside Port Huron, Michigan.
The décor was super and the tables for eight were elegant.
Well, I may be overstating it. But the room was well-lit and
each table had a white linen covering. Moreover, the eating
utensils were metal, not plastic.
Thank goodness for nametags, which were hard to read
thanks to our aging eyesight. You had to look extremely close at
the person’s face to make out who you were seeing. Even then,
you couldn’t be sure.
Each classmate was handed a new golden dollar coin to
signify the event. Couples moseyed to the cash bar where the
majority bought caffeine-free diet soda. The hard drinkers
opted for just the diet stuff.
A classmate gave the blessing and we were underway. The
buffet food was excellent, and with the chicken and/or roast
beef entrees came music. What a nice touch. Admittedly, it
was a little loud, but we could still shout to those sitting next to
or across from us. I heard over half of what was said to me.
After the dessert cake, I started the program, which was
when we discovered the music couldn’t be turned down or off.
It continued blasting. We soon learned our party room was next
to a wedding reception with a live dance band. Doors were
shut, but it didn’t help.
H
I moved to the very center of the room, making it theater-inthe-round. Turning frequently, I shouted. Still, no one heard
me. Not a soul heard the names of departed classmates, nobody
heard the governor’s or other politicians’ congratulatory letters
and, worst of all, my humorous remarks couldn’t be heard. At
least, no one laughed.
When each classmate stood to tell (brag would be more
accurate) about grand- and great-grandchildren and what was
going on in his/her life, no one could hear. Finally, in competition
with Barry Manilow’s Mandy from next door, I led our crowd in a
couple rousing choruses of a song from our era, Goodnight, Irene.
We didn’t drown out the reception music, but we did mute it
somewhat with our bellowing. Fitting justice, we thought.
After the formal part of our gathering, we gadded about,
talking with one bunch of classmates and another. It was
magical. Somehow we managed to do this until after midnight,
which was the latest most of us had stayed up since our last
child got hitched. Conversations were lively, funny, sad and
surprising. I discovered once again, because classmates were
letting their hair down, that the years have been great
equalizers. We’ve all had interesting lives filled with happiness
and sorrow. No one has escaped.
During these poignant moments, I chose to do something
I’ve wanted to do for a long time before any more of us went to
our graves. I told the two female classmates that I had had mad
crushes on them in high school – separately, of course. I
further stated that the sight of each back then had taken my
breath away. Frankly, I didn’t know how they’d take the
information, but I think they were flattered. I even kissed both
of them, on the cheek, of course. And no, it wasn’t what I had
imagined in my youth. It was more like kissing your sister. But
so what? I knew my revelations went over all right when even
the missus didn’t slap me.
The evening ended with a lot of happy, nostalgic, old-timers
all ready for their own beds.
Make sure you go to your class reunion. It’s a wonderful
experience, even if you can’t hear what’s being said.
About the author
Jim Sullivan lives and writes in South Bend, Indiana. He
has been published in Grit, Satire, Midwest Book Review,
Cooking Light and previously in Reunions Magazine.
Mr. Olin’s Opus
A
merica’s early public school integration recalls disturbing
images. In Manning, South Carolina, however, when Manning
Training School merged with Manning High School in 1970, the
transition – thanks to the faculty – was smooth, peaceful and positive.
“I believed a reunion would be a symbol of how the races can
come together for a common purpose,” said Susan Hovermale,
Class of 1973, who organized the event. “Black, white, poor, rich
… we worked together as a unit.”
Band director George Olin was the honoree at a reunion
sponsored by former students from 1968 to 1985. No band reunion
would be complete without music, so alumni brushed the dust off
10
their instruments and joined current band members from
Manning High School to play the school fight song.
“Mr. Olin was like a father to me,” said one grad. “He was
my hero and an incredible inspiration. Without him, I would
have dropped out, but he motivated me to do a good job.”
“It’s just unbelievable. My ‘kids’ are all grown up,” Olin
said. “I’m so proud of you and the directions your lives have
taken. I shouldn’t be surprised by your accomplishments
because you’ve worked so hard.”
From a report by Brian Jarvis in the
Manning Times, Manning, South Carolina.
ALUM & I
Correspondence is key
K
evin Donohue is chairman and creator of very clever communication for his
Brandywine High School (Wilmington, Delaware) Class of 1967.
“We have also been sending out direct mail contact information requests as well
as reunion reminders about every four weeks. Many are posted on the class website
at www.kevin67.com. We have been at this for the last four years, Kevin reports.
“Response rates are doing well. The head count for a 40th reunion six months
before the reunion is 200 people (37%) attending out of 547 total graduates.”
Donohue keeps a good database for communicating with classmates.
Marketing the 40th reunion revolves around the class website, e-mail and direct
mail. “All three revolve around one another and make reference to one another
for additional information. It’s a good synergy,” says Donohue.
n eple of a
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far, so
“Reunions are a labor of love – they
have to be as no one gets paid! We
want to maximize our 40th for all
involved,” Donohue concluded.
12
13
ALUM & I
Bonds of Friendship
M
POTOSI, MISSOURI
YMCA Trout Lodge
September 7-9
Branch of the YMCA of Greater
St. Louis, Missouri, offers a Family
Reunion Workshop for anyone
contemplating this facility for their
next reunion. Contact Kate Evans
at 573-438-2154, x233;
www.troutlodge.org.
DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA
Bring Your Family Home to
DeKalb!
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
September 15
DeKalb County CVB Office, Tucker
www.dcvb.org/reunionservices.htm
October 20
Holiday Inn Decatur
November 10
Hilton Garden Stonecrest
Contact DeKalb County CVB at
800-999-6055 or 770-492-5000
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
September 29
DoubleTree Park Place Hotel,
St. Louis Park
Free planning reunion seminar.
Contact Lori Kearney at
612-767-8114. Space is limited.
www.minneapolis.org/reunions.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
September 30
Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference
Center
Contact Sales Manager, Small
Meetings, Atlanta CVB, 233
Peachtree Street, NE, Ste 100,
Atlanta, GA 30303; 404-521-6640;
www.atlanta.net.
ore than 300 people gathered in
Friendship, Tennessee, recently for a
dual celebration: the dedication of a mural
at Friendship Elementary and a special
class reunion. The mural was dedicated to
the memory of the late Fern Thompson
Welch, a retired Friendship educator who
started teaching in the 1920s.
Marian Heathcott and her sister, Peggy
Williamson, commissioned artist Jenna
Cagle to paint the town’s history on the wall
of the elementary school cafeteria. The
mural, created in three sections, covers the
1900s to the present and depicts
everything from the town’s well-known
crops to school buildings. In the middle of
the mural, a handshake symbolized the
town’s founding, “on a handshake.”
The school also celebrated the 25th
anniversary reunion of the 1982 boys
basketball state champion team from
Friendship High School. Players came
from out of state and all over Tennessee
to attend. Their win in 1982 was huge.
The entire town, estimated today to be
around 600, attended the winning game.
Reunion organizers sold DVDs of the
1982 winning game. Proceeds from the
sale will go toward funding a park.
From a story by Wendy Isom in the
Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee.
Class of 1948 hopes to top $50,000
in scholarships
T
he Joplin, Missouri, High School
Class of 1948 has raised money for
scholarships for future graduates. This
year, the group will approach $50,000 in
its fund-raising campaign. They have
been giving $1,000 scholarships for more
than a decade.
The idea for scholarships surfaced at
a reunion. One classmate who lives in
Houston, Texas, helped set up the notfor-profit 501(c)(3), JHS Class of ’48
Scholarship Fund. Only class of ’48
members are solicited for donations.
According to one classmate, if there is
any regret, it’s that the need is greater
than the class has been able to satisfy.
The Joplin High School Class of 1948
accepts donations to its scholarship
fund. Send to James Porter, treasurer,
JHS Class of ’48 Scholarship Fund, 3668
Kingswood Drive, Springfield MO 64809.
From a story by Andy Ostmeyer in the
Joplin Globe, Joplin, Missouri.
Man bikes over 3,000 miles to reunion
I
n 1980 Merle Knotts was diagnosed
with Multiple Sclerosis. At first, he
couldn’t walk and couldn’t move one of
his arms. Instead of sitting back, the 68year-old Knotts climbed Mount
Kilimanjaro, and wore out two pairs of
boots walking Kennesaw Mountain. Now,
his biggest adventure: biking to his 50th
high school reunion – 3,300 miles away!
Merle’s wife of 45-years, Jan, couldn’t
let him do it alone. They hit the road
May 19, traveling 40 to 50 miles a day to
arrive in Oak Harbor, Washington,
August 3. Along the way, they kept an
on-line diary and raised money for
Multiple Sclerosis.
Back in 1957, Merle Knott says he
was a chubby trombone player. He will
attend his 50th reunion a much different
man. A man with a mission.
From a story on WXIA-TV,
Atlanta, Georgia
Committee meets
WEB PAGE: www.reunionsmag.com
CALL: 414.263.4567
FAX: 414.263.6331
E-MAIL: [email protected]
WRITE: PO Box 11727
Milwaukee, WI 53211-0727
14
W
riting in the Joplin (Missouri)
Globe, Stephanie Davis Goad
describes a meeting with her high school
girlfriends, making plans for the 20th
high school reunion. They were looking
through old pictures and memorabilia to
include in a slide show set to music, to
play at the reunion and send home with
everyone on CD. They’ve had great
laughs looking through “our dorky
yearbook pictures, our school newspaper
and our old student ID cards.”
Their class president set up a website
so everyone could upload their bios and
RSVP to the reunion, “so it’s been a lot
of fun getting the skinny on what each
classmate is doing.”
Sequoia girls choir planning
100th reunion
S
equoia High School Treble Clef, a high
school girls’ vocal ensemble, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary Reunion,
sponsored by the Sequoia High School
Alumni Association, on September 22,
2007 on the school’s campus at 1201
Brewster Ave., Redwood City, California.
Contact Jay Selby, 682 Emerald Hill Rd,
Redwood City CA 94061; 650-366-9831;
[email protected].
From the San Mateo County Times,
San Mateo, California.
Technology helps
marching band reunion
N
ew technology is helping an old
organization get the word out about
its upcoming 50th anniversary
celebration. Contacting former members
is a larger challenge because a lot of old
records were destroyed in a flood.
Penny Breen, of the Seaforth (Ontario)
and District All-Girls Marching Band,
says the popular online social
networking site Facebook helped their
publicity campaign. The band has its
own Facebook group, which allows them
to post photos and talk to each other
online. There are 106 members of the
Facebook group, some current band
members, some past members.
Fittingly, the band was in action at the
reunion with a parade of past and present
members. Members were welcome to
play, but were also welcome to just blend
in without playing.
From a story by Aaron Jacklin
in The Huron Expositor,
Huron, Ontario, Canada.
GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA
ABCs of Planning a Family
Reunion
October 12 – 10 AM to 1 PM
Atlanta Marriott Norcross,
475 Technology Pkwy, Norcross
Complimentary lunch, Family
Reunion Planning Guide.
Reservations only (no walk-ins
accepted)
Contact Linda Busby, GCTS,
Gwinnett CVB Education Specialist,
770-814-6056; [email protected].
ESTES PARK, COLORADO
October 26-28
YMCA of the Rockies,
Estes Park Center
Family Reunion University
Contact Conference Office at
800-777-9622.
WINTER PARK, COLORADO
Bill Gates gets his degree
B
ill Gates, considered a member of
Harvard’s Class of 1977, which
celebrates its 30th reunion this year,
received an honorary degree when he
delivered Harvard’s 356th
commencement address. Gates first went
to Harvard in 1973 but left in 1975 to
devote his time to developing MicroSoft,
which he founded that year with
childhood friend, Paul Allen. The Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation is a major
donor to Harvard.
From NewsFactor Network,
Woodland Hills, California.
November 9-11
YMCA of the Rockies,
Snow Mountain Ranch
Family Reunion University
Contact Conference Office at
800-777-9622.
17th National Family Reunion
Conference
Contact Dr. Ione Vargus,
215-204-8703; [email protected].
Kindergarten Klub
E
ight women who were classmates of
Dover (New Jersey) High School’s class
of 1956 had been together since kindergarten. After high school graduation,
they drifted apart, pursued college and
careers or embarked on the family track.
After the 45th year reunion, however, the
group felt they needed to give their longlasting friendship a more formal identity.
Their first memories of being together go
back to the time when they were in Mrs.
Petty’s kindergarten class in the Academy
Street School in Dover. They decided to
call themselves the Kindergarten Klub and
meet regularly, rotating at members’ homes
for brunch and lively talk.
They made bright blue sweatshirts
with “Kindergarten Klub” embroidered
in multi-colored thread on the front for
their class’s 50th year reunion.
From a story by Sangita Srinivasa at
Dailyrecord.com, Parsippany, New Jersey.
Send your reunion workshop
information to [email protected].
Listings are free as a service
to our readers.
Postcards that make your reunion point!
Send
save
save
the
the date
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 postage: 100-200 cards – $4.60, over 200 – $8.95
Send message, check & request to:
REUNION POSTCARDS ❖ PO Box 11727 ❖ Milwaukee WI 53211-0727.
To charge, call 800-373-7933.
15
SCRAPBOOK
Beware of surcharges
and hidden fees
Reunion.com
Partners with Wink
W
R
e learned from Robin Cypriano for ETURBO NEWS
Global Travel Industry News that the practice by some
hotels and resorts of adding surcharges and fees at check-out
time has come under scrutiny. Experts say the hospitality
industry started adding surcharges and charging fees to
recoup losses suffered after 9/11. They have since recovered
which begs the question: Why is it continuing to charge fees
and surcharges that only become apparent at check-out
time? For most travelers, check out is not the time to
dispute surprise fees and surcharges.
You should know what they are paying for. These are some of
the surcharges and fees you may be faced with at check out time.
guaranteed date fees (for groups)
early check in fee
in-room safe surcharge
early check out fee
room set/re-set charges
shuttle service fee
internet service
baggage-holding fee
phone service
housekeeping fee
fax service
mini bar deposit
business center
mini bar restocking fee
ice & bottled water charges fitness room
golf club transfer fee
room service surcharge
resort amenity fees
room service delivery fee
pet fees
bartender charge
tourism promotion fees
meet/eat fees
energy surcharge
room block fees
cancellation fees
Hotel surcharges and fees have become so ubiquitous that
it is now a focal point in travel advertisements. Some hotels
and resorts point out on their websites that they do not
charge “hidden fees or costs.” You may want to add to your
list of questions when exploring places for your reunion
whether or not you should expect any of these fees.
eunion.com has announced a strategic partnership with
Wink, the largest people search engine for online profiles.
Reunion.com members will have access to Wink People
Search, including more than 175 million personal profiles
across social networks and online communities.
Using Wink, people can search for old friends, relatives,
colleagues and classmates. By searching across multiple social
networks and other online communities, you have one place to
find people and stay connected. More than just a name search,
Wink People Search also provides several ways to search for
people by location, interests, age, school, occupation and more.
Precious Moments
Family Reunion
T
he Precious Moments Family Reunion will be in Carthage,
Missouri, October 4-6, 2007. The reunion program will
include seminars, entertainment, chapel
tours, shopping and much, much more!
This 50’s themed family reunion event
even has a detailed point system that
goes towards prizes. The first points
are earned by initially registering at the
reunion – 10 points, and if you are
attending for the first time or bring a
friend who is attending for the first
time you receive – 30 points! Points
are then gathered throughout the day
by doing a variety of activities and before you
leave the reunion, you can pick up a prize at the shop.
Contact 800-543-7975, x3021; www.preciousmoments.com.
Subscribe! Call 1-800-373-7933
Ringing the Belles
T
he Nashville Scrapper Belles were a
high-kicking and cheering squad for the
Nashville (Arkansas) football team from
1957 to 1961. Some said the Belles,
dressed in short shorts or skirts adorned
some times with sequins, but always topped
with a cowboy hat, were controversial.
At least 78 Belles from the five
seasons of the existence of the cheer
group are expected in Nashville for a
50-year anniversary October 6, 2007.
The reunion is organized by Ollie Harper
Godwin, captain of the Belles from
1958-61. Former Belles planted a tree in
the Nashville City Park in honor of their
former sponsor and coach, Mrs. Frances
Evelyn Bradley.
Godwin is looking for names and
calling girls across the country. She has
researched and tried to make contact
with 91 former Belles. Godwin and
others are working on a Scrapper Belles
scrapbook, CDs filled with songs the
group performed to, a DVD of a Belles
performance and the group has even
commissioned a doll maker to design a
Scrapper Belles doll that will be
auctioned during the reunion.
From a story by Brandon Marcello in
The Nashville News, Nashville, Arkansas.
m o r e o n w w w. r e u n i o n s m a g . c o m
16
SCRAPBOOK
S P EC I A L P L AC ES F O R R E U N I O N V I S I TS
Philadelphia Visit New Jersey’s Liberty State Park
State Park in Jersey City, New
Liberty Science Center is a new
Multicultural Liberty
Jersey, is the second-most visited
educational travel destination designed
park in the nation and as large as
with a wholly new approach to teaching
Affairs guide state
Manhattan’s Central Park. There is easy
science and technology. The largest
P
hiladelphia
Multicultural Affairs
guide demonstrates that the
City of Brotherly Love is an
ethnic/minority friendly
city. With its African
American, Native American, Asian and
Hispanic influences, not to mention a
supreme location of two hours from New
York and three hours from Washington DC,
it is an ideal place for family reunions. The
guide names and locates, with a map
provided in the pamphlet, hundreds of
museums to visit, music to listen to, food to
eat, and monuments like the Underground
Railroad to discover. Call 800-CALL-PHL
or visit www.philadelphiamac.org.
parking, shorter lines for ferries to the
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, plenty
of picnic and playground facilities and
the newly renovated Liberty Science
Center (www.lsc.org).
exhibition, Skyscraper: Achievement and
Impact, offers lessons in engineering,
geology, chemistry, physics and
psychology demonstrating how and why
science is relevant to people’s lives.
Culturally diverse Louisville
T
he 86-page 2007-2008 Multicultural Visitor Guide by the Louisville,
Kentucky, Convention & Visitors Bureau lists annual multicultural
events, noted minority Louisvillians, information about Louisville’s
diverse communities (African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian and
Southeast Asian, Jewish, European, Middle Eastern, African and
international students), neighborhoods and historic and international
places of worship.
The Vendor Directory portion of the Guide is designed to
promote minority procurement. Call 1-888-LOUISVILLE
(1-888-568-4784) or download a copy at www.gotolouisville.com.
Baltimore Family
Reunion Guide
Westchester County Planner
T
T
he waterside Baltimore gives visitors
and reunion goers a
world of activities and
sites to see while
visiting this unique
place. The guide
gives hundreds of
unique venues,
accommodation
options, great
places to eat,
cultural
institutions,
African American
Heritage and cultural centers,
religious venues and tours. This guide
also promotes the Area Convention and
Visitors Association’s help for reunion
planners specifically.
Contact 800-343-3468. grouptours@
baltimore.org or visit www.baltimore.org.
he 2007 Westchester Way
Planner is for anyone
planning a reunion in
Westchester County, New York’s
Golden Apple destination.
Westchester, just minutes
north of New York City, is the
gateway to the historic
Hudson River Valley.
The Planner contains
detailed information about
the county’s hotels,
conference centers, and the Westchester
County Center. “Unique Spaces and
Newport News caters to reunions
CONNECT DIRECT TO
REUNION PLACES !
Reunion Resources at
www.reunionsmag.com
18
Places” describes nontraditional locations that
create a special
atmosphere for reunions,
such as historic sites,
mansions, theaters, parks,
colleges, restaurants and
catering facilities. A new
section lists venues which
provide team-building
activities such as cooking
classes and competitions, rockclimbing, and wine-making.
Visit westchestertourism.com.
T
he wealth of Newport News, Virginia, military heritage
enriches the city’s Military Reunion Familiarization (FAM)
Tour. The city recently introduced its heritage to several military
reunion planners. The tour hosted by Newport News Marriott
Hotel, made stops at The Mariners’ Museum, the US Army
Transportation Museum, the Virginia War Museum, the Victory
Arch and Northrop Grumman Newport News. Also, Newport
News Tourism Development Office (NNTDO) offers groups a
free “Passport to Savings” coupon book to help save at all the
extra activities. “Passport to Savings” includes money off
discounts, buy-one-get-one and coupons for free admissions,
free food and even free merchandise. Visit www.newport-news.org.
19
BRANCH OFFICE
Reunion magic
lanning a reunion is a LOT of
work. No one who’s ever been
involved in handling all the
details from “that’s a great
idea” to the last day of the family
gathering can dispute that statement.
You don’t have to hire an expensive
event planner to coordinate everything;
other options are available.
Start by using the resources available
on the Reunions magazine website
www.reunionsmag.com. I usually think
in terms of family reunions, but a quick
check of this site makes me realize that
schools, organizations and military
groups hold gatherings, as well. It
doesn’t matter what type of reunion
you’re planning; you’ll find exactly what
you need by browsing this site. Consider
it a one-stop shop for reunion materials.
The printed magazine has great articles,
and the online resources can tide you
over between issues.
P
Getting Started contains
everything you need to
know about picking a
Getting
location, sending out the
Started
invites and setting the date.
There’s even advice for getting the whole
group involved, turning them into
volunteers by delegating tasks.
by Maureen Taylor
Click on a state name and find out
what’s available in your family
hometown. There are even some
international listings for those looking
for an adventurous reunion. Want to
order special items to present to
attendees? Look no further than this
page. Once again the topic listing
enables you to see vendors and products
without having to search the internet for
what you need.
Subscribe and Shop lets
you keep your Reunions
subscription up-to-date
Subscribe and offers books, CDs and
& Shop
software to assist with your
planning. I personally like the title of
Laurence A. Basirico’s book, The
Family Reunion Survival Guide: How to
Avoid Problems with Your Family
Without Avoiding Your Family (order it
on reunionsmag.com). A whole year of
planning can strain even the most
amicable relationships.
Reunion
Articles
Reunion Articles isn’t what
you think. Check out the
latest news for contests and
news stories related to
reunions.
Future and Past Reunions
is a wonderful web
feature. Submit photos of
Future & Past your reunion to post them
Reunions
on this website, or use
this space to broadcast that you’re
having a reunion.
Reunion
Resources
Reunion Resources has state
resources (convention and
visitors bureaus, hotels,
resorts, all kinds of spaces)
arranged alphabetically.
I’ve saved the best for last – the
Reunions magazine website home page.
Newly launched this year, the Forum is
a wonderful place to share planning
experiences and pick up practical tips
ranging from the general to specific
problems such as designing a reunion
website. It’s easy to join in the
discussion. Pick a screen name and
register or browse the postings as a guest.
There is lots more to come in the near
future. Listen to one of editor Edith
Wagner’s podcasts and hear the voice of
reason. She’ll tell you everything you
need to know without spending a dollar.
You can download the file as an MP3,
transfer it to your iTunes folder, and sign
up to receive new announcements via
RSS feed; or, if all this technical stuff
doesn’t appeal, click on the pdf button to
read a transcript of the recording.
The newest kid on the information
highway is TV and video production.
Roots Television www.rootstelevision.com/
currently has twenty channels of family
history programming. The family reunion
segments are from the PBS Ancestor
series, but watch this space for future
updates. In the next few months,
Reunions magazine will have a few
productions on reunionsmag.com for
readers to watch. You might soon be able
to post your reunion videos online (like
the popular YouTube.com) as well as
your photos.
About the author
Maureen Taylor
attends her husband’s
family reunion every
other year as a
participant, not a
planner. You can read
Maureen’s blog at
www.photodetective.com.
w w w. r e u n i o n s m a g . c o m
TM
Reunion planning starts here.
20
Getting
Started
Reunion
Articles
Reunion
Resources
Subscribe
& Shop
Future & Past
Reunions
How To
Advertise
Web
Reunions
Looking for Flushing
Remonstrance signators
n 1657, the men who signed the Flushing Remonstrance, and John Bowne, risked
their lives and their livelihoods by challenging Peter Stuyvesant, the director
general of the Dutch colony, New Netherland. Their heroic stand is widely
acknowledged as having contributed to the principles codified more than a century
later, in 1791, in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, which guarantees
religious and political freedom to all citizens.
In honor of the 350th anniversary of the Flushing Remonstrance, the Bowne House
Historical Society (www.bownehouse.org) is seeking descendants of the men who
signed the Flushing Remonstrance. The signers were:
I
Nicolas Blackford
George Clere
Elias Doughtie
Edward Farrington
Tobias Feake
Antonie Feild
Robert Field, Sr.
Robert Field, Jr.
John Foard
Edward Griffine
Edward Hart
Nathaniel Hefferd
Benjamin Hubbard
John Mastine
Michael Milner
William Noble
Nick Colas Parsell
William Pidgion
Henry Semtell
Richard Stocton
John Store
Edward Tarne
William Thorne, Sr.
William Thorne, Jr.
John Townesend
Henry Townsend
Nathaniel Tue
Micah Tue
Phillip Udall
George Wright
Descendants should send their information to Flushing Remonstrance c/o Bowne
House Historical Society, 37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing, New York, 11354 or by email
to [email protected]. Please include mailing address, email address, and
phone number, along with the name of the signer, and the line of descent.
The Committee is also interested in finding descendants of Peter Stuyvesant and
his sheriff, Resolved Waldron; contact Gloria Waldron Hukle, [email protected].
LIST YOUR REUNION FREE!
Email ([email protected]) Contact name, address, phone, reunion name,
date, and place. Check us out at www.reunionsmag.com
21
BRANCH OFFICE
Climbing the
family tree earlier
ccording to an article by Angela
A
Saurine in the Dover, New Hampshire,
Community News, genealogists say young
people are researching their family trees
in record numbers. The trend has been
attributed to reality television, the
internet and greater opportunity to travel
to places where ancestors lived.
On Britain’s TV show, Who Do You
Think You Are?, celebrities trace their
family tree with the help of a professional
genealogist. Ancestry.com.au managing
director Josh Hanna said 38 per cent of
people using the website were in the 15to 24-year-old age bracket. “The number
of users aged 35 is growing significantly,
which really challenges the stereotype
that family history research is a hobby
practiced by retirees,” he said.
Ancestry.com
limits free access
or many years, Ancestry.com
F
provided free access to patrons of
Family History Centers.
In April Ancestry discontinued free
access to the full Ancestry.com service,
though free access continues to the
following databases:
1. Index and images for the 1880, 1900
and 1920 US censuses
2. Full name indices for the British 18411891 censuses (England and Wales)
3. World War I draft cards indices and
miscellaneous other databases
The Family History Library,
FamilySearch.org, will add many new
databases. Volunteers are indexing the
1900 US census and other projects. Other
censuses and vital record collections will
be indexed as soon as the 1900 US
census project is complete. More
volunteers are needed.
Centennial reunion
ibrary of Congress ethnographers
L
documented the Roberts, Borders,
Mauney, Howell, Briggs and Related
Families Reunion at its century mark
100th reunion in Charlotte and Shelby,
North Carolina. Five hundred family
members attended four days of reunion
events, conducted interviews, and
gathered photographic, audio and video
documentation for the permanent
collections of the Archive of Folk Culture.
The Library of Congress team learned
that this family has a better sense of its
history than most families do. Roberts,
Borders and Mauney members know the
names of their great-great-great-greatgrandmother and six great-great-greatgreat aunts – the sort of deep genealogical
knowledge very few people possess.
Melvin L. Watt, a member of the
extended family, represents North
Carolina’s 12th district in Congress and
is Chair of the Congressional Black
Caucus. Congressman Watt said, “I
started going to family reunions when I
was one, or probably even younger than
that. Every reunion there is a reading of
the oral history.”
The dominant account among most
family members traces the primary
branches of the family to “seven sisters,”
all daughters of a single matriarch whose
slave name was Sylvia or Silvy Fulenwider
and whose married name was Roberts. The
family’s history is one of hard work, faith
and success. Their motto reflects this:
“We’ve Come This Far by Faith.”
Roberts, Borders, Mauney, Howell,
Briggs and Related Families Reunion
Journal, a souvenir book distributed at
the reunion, is a rich source of
information, containing transcriptions of
Wesley Mauney’s PenPicture and John
Wesley Roberts’s life history, memories,
photographs, and information about the
family. Also distributed at the reunion
were an exhibit catalog for a family art
exhibit at the reunion, a directory for
contacting family members, a program
for a prayer service with several family
biographies, and a book of poetry by
family members.
Information from this reunion will be
available in the Folklife Center Reading
Room at the Library of Congress, American
Folklife Center, 101 Independence
Avenue, SE, Washington DC 20540-4610.
From an article in Folklife Center News
by Stephen Winick, a member of the
Library of Congress Team.
Uncovering black history in Montana
frican Americans were among many
A
ethnic groups who shaped Montana
in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
There were large pockets of African
Americans in Great Falls, Miles City and
Butte. Many African Americans came to
Montana looking for good jobs, and to
escape post-Civil War violence. Some
came with the fur trade, or to work as
woodcutters for steamboats traveling to
Fort Benton. Later, the railroad drew
African Americans, often as porters or
clerks. Many came with the military.
The Montana Historical Society asked
the State Legislature to approve a grant
to preserve and document Montana’s
African-American heritage before
precious information slips away in fading
memories and musty attics.
So far they’ve documented 2,810
people. When the database is online,
families will be able to learn about
ancestors’ Montana years with a simple
Google search.
From an article by Karen Ogden in the
Tribune Enterprise, Great Falls, Montana.
For a family history exhibit
Found in the Cotten Family Reunion newsletter, Celebrate a Century of Cotten.
ring your family history items (labeled with your name) to
display for all to enjoy and learn about the heritage of the
B
Cottens! Artifacts, articles, newspaper clippings, pictures,
maps, books, journals, genealogy, quilts, clothing, hats, etc.
Bring copies or pictures if you can’t bring the original. Also,
22
clear sheet protectors will be provided for documents. A
Family Inventory will be made to list each item, its current
owner and a historical description for future generations.
Shared by Sasha Walters, Albany, New York.
MASTERPLAN
Mini reunion keeps connections
O
ur Moore luncheons are miniature versions of our
Moore, Richard Oliver Moore, Ollie, attended and
family reunions! They are so much fun and
celebrated his 93rd birthday last month! He is a
everyone gets to catch up on family happenings.
very sweet man and has told me so much family
Here’s how it works. Every third Wednesday
history and stories of Maryland. Moores come
(except December), the Moores of Maryland get
from a long line of tobacco farmers in Prince
together in Waldorf for lunch; 20-45 attend. This
Georges County. Faye Cross Moore creates a
is where we did the planning and information
newsletter each month to update us about
gathering for the 2006 Moore Reunion.
family happenings, good tidings, prayers and
This tradition began about 10 years ago.
minutes from the previous luncheon.
The Moore family is very large; there are many
Moore cousins drive quite a distance each
cousins. They wanted to see each other more
month to attend from North Carolina, Virginia,
often than at funerals. So luncheons began!
Delaware and all over Maryland. The
Ollie Moors, the oldest attending,
Many generations of family members, in-laws and
greetings,
stories, smiles and laughter make the
at one of the Moore luncheons
friends attend each month. I love hearing stories
drive worth it every time!
in Waldorf Maryland.
and meeting family members. Our oldest living
Reported by Maria Moore, Fredericksburg, Virginia.
A Moore lunch bunch.
Family honors mom’s memory
E
lizabeth Knels struggled to raise a
family by herself after her
husband’s early death. Knels, who died
in 1969, would have been 100 years
old this year. To honor her memory,
family and friends decided to donate
enough money to help build a Habitat
for Humanity house. Ground was
recently broken for the house that will
bear her name.
Several of Elizabeth Knels’ family
members, including her daughter Betty
Miller, attended the groundbreaking.
Miller’s husband, Johnny, has been a
Habitat volunteer since he retired. In
2001, Miller and her sisters, Joan Bell,
Sidney, Montana, and Vera Rediger,
Albuquerque, New Mexico, conceived
of the idea of sponsoring a Habitat
house in their mother’s name.
“It’s very exciting to think about how
God has blessed our family to be able to
contribute the money,” Miller said after
the ceremony. “And the meeting to do
the building is the capstone, to give a
family a home to live in.”
The family plans to be involved in all
phases of construction, and will dedicate
the first week in July to working on the
house as a family reunion project. Miller
said she expects family to come from
Minnesota, New Mexico and California,
as well as other parts of Montana.
The “Elizabeth House,” at 36
Washington St. in Billings, Montana, will
be built for Joe and Lexis Alvarado and
their children, Jared and Annzleigh
Guitierrez and Ambriella Alvarado.
From a story by Susan Olp in
The Billings Gazette, Billings, Montana.
Plan a tribute
while there’s time
I
n an article about his family in the
Minneapolis Star Tribune, Gregory A.
Patterson suggested you consider a
tribute. “The best thing I did was to
suggest a tribute to my grandmother. She
was our matriarch, an unwavering
supporter of all her grandchildren. She
was then 91, with health starting to fail.
Other family members took my initial
idea a step further. We had everyone
write a favorite story about time spent
with her. My sister-in-law put all the
stories in an album with pictures. Then
we set aside time to thank my
grandmother and tell her how much we
loved her. That was the last reunion she
attended before passing away.”
23
MASTERPLAN
Groshek
Galloway
G AT H E R I N G I N
by June Groshek Czarnezki
W
hen Regina Stroik married Ray Groshek in
1933 at the tender age of 17, could she have
imagined being the matriarch of a family of
12 children, 53 grandchildren and 66 (and
counting) great-grandchildren?
Grosheks lived the American dream. They struggled as
newlyweds, clearing trees and rocks from their farm, money so
scarce that they had to borrow clothes to have a photograph
taken. But over the years, through hard work and persistence, the
farm grew to over 200 acres and they harvested its bounty.
So it was with great joy when the Grosheks gathered in
Galloway, Wisconsin, to celebrate Regina’s 90th year. People
traveled from Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, California, Georgia,
and all over Wisconsin.
Gently rolling hills and potato farms were the perfect
backdrop to the celebration at the community center, not far
from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where Regina and Ray
married and cemetery where Ray, two sons and one grandson
are buried.
The day broke sunny and humid, with only a smattering of
inconsequential rain showers to punctuate the day; but many
hoped for more precipitation “to help the farmers” during a
very dry summer.
One of Regina’s daughters wheeled her into the hall. She
looked radiant. The next few hours, she
spent greeting and kissing her
descendants in the cool shade of the
building. The hall, set with twenty round
tables seating ten people each, wasn’t
overwhelming. It was easy to find a stray
toddler or gather people for a quick photo.
A long table at one end of the room
served as a portrait gallery, some in
frames and others in tidy albums. A
granddaughter initiated a scrapbook,
asking family members to bring 12 inch
by 12 inch sheets, highlighting each
family group.
Another granddaughter compiled a
collection of stories entitled If the Barn
Could Talk. Several years worth of
submissions (humorous and sad) recalled
memories of life on the farm written by
family members, including Regina.
Regina had written a story about how she,
as a young girl, earned money to buy her
first brand new winter coat. Guests loved
the book. One book was made for each of
the twelve family groups.
Regina surrounded by her 10 surviving children. Back row (l to r) Raymond, Ralph, Ronald, Joe, Dennis, Fred, George and
Clifford, Front row (l to r) Joyce, Regina and Natalie.
24
Food was catered locally. Each person over 20 was
charged $17.50 to cover costs. There were chicken,
hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, beans, coleslaw,
relishes and a variety of desserts. A daughter-in-law baked
and decorated a beautiful personalized birthday cake.
As it neared 4:30 PM, communication via walkie-talkie
from the hall kitchen announced, “Come and get it!” and
the word flew liked wildfire through the hungry crowd.
After dinner, there was a party-in-a-party, a family
tradition called, “chickfest.” Once a summer, Regina’s
granddaughters plan a visit to celebrate their
grandmother’s birthday and to celebrate any gal cousin
who turned 40 that year. There are so many
granddaughters that at least one turns forty each year.
Because of the gathering in Galloway, the gals decided to
combine the two events. The lucky chickfest recipient
receives an “old stuffed buzzard” which laughs
A penny scramble involves burying coins in the sand for a melee of kiddies to uncover. To avoid age
insidiously when shaken, proclaiming that they too are
disparity, one session was for those under age five and a second for ages six to nine.
now part of the over-the-hill club.
As
the sun began to set, some family members departed to
On the grounds outside, an impromptu baseball game
attend
evening mass at St. Joseph’s and visit the graves of
formed that was well-attended by fans in the covered
family
members. Another group headed to nearby Elderon Park
bleachers. There were volleyball and basketball games and a
to
see
the
newly erected stone and bronze memorial to Regina’s
playground for the little ones. Near the playground, in a
late
son,
Mark
Groshek, an avid baseball player and diligent
covered picnic area, face painting was offered.
groundskeeper
of the baseball diamond there. Mark’s passing
A penny scramble was prepared in the sand of the volleyball
was
felt
strongly
in this community.
court. Once the scramble was done, a piñata hanging in a
nearby tree was bombarded and soon bags of pennies
intermingled with candy.
Regina’s eldest son, the family genealogist, had exciting
news, too. He recently had discovered another branch to the
family tree. Thanks to the internet and the fall of the Iron
Curtain in Poland, he was able to uncover microfilm from an
old church ledger, discovering the family’s 7th generation
grandfather. His name was Balthasar and he died on November
17, 1847, in Klukowo, Poland. To genealogy buffs, this was a
priceless discovery.
A flurry of clicking digital cameras and whirring shutters worthy of any Hollywood celebrity
broke the air. The center of attention was not a gilded rock star, but a sweet white-haired
woman wearing a corsage and beaming with pride.
A flyer including a “word search” was handed out to
departing guests to occupy the drive home. Designed on the
computer by one of the grandchildren, the word search
included the names of Regina, Ray and their twelve children.
About the author
June Groshek Czarnezki is a freelance writer living in South
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, two sons and a
goldfish named Phil. She has had articles published in the
Milwaukee/Journal Sentinel, Generations Magazine and has
recently sold to Highlights for Children.
Regina Groshek Czarnezki’s 90th birthday smile!
25
MASTERPLAN
Review
Podcasts add to reunion fare
Forty Acres by Phyllis R. Dixon
(2004, 372 pages plus discussion
questions, paperbound; New Generation
Press, Memphis TN).
family reunion is supposed to be a
time of fellowship and fun, but this
year the Washington family must discuss
what should happen to the hard-earned
family farm in
Dwight County,
Arkansas. None of
the seven children
agree, and therein
lies the story of the
gathering. As in
many families, one
son has stayed and
helped on the farm
while the others
found their lives
elsewhere,
including daughter Carolyn, an attorney,
who is asked to help put her parents’
estate in order. This is a fun read that
includes many points shared by other
families as they struggle to make
decisions … but who are also happy to
be together again. EW
L
A
ooking for new ways to find reunion
planning information? Now you can
listen to podcasts about reunion planning
on your iPod or mp3 player while you’re
driving or walking or just looking for a way
to absorb information without reading.
These are short sessions that address very
specific reunion planning details. We
started with ideas that answered questions
we hear often. And so far, there is no
priority of what we will do. If you have
suggestions, feel free to share them. Now,
you can listen to the subjects listed below.
If you have something in particular you’d
like to hear a podcast about, email your
idea or question to [email protected].
Same goes for sharing stories we can use
in the magazine and in podcasts. Hope you
find this new medium for learning about
reunions fun. EW
Involving
Everyone
Q.
How can I encourage certain family
members who might feel like
“outsiders” (for example, singles,
relatives without kids, widows) to attend?
Involve them in planning the
reunion from the start. Working on
committees can break the ice and
strengthen bonds before the reunion
begins. At the reunion, help them get
involved in activities that suit them
(e.g., special talents such as music or
crafts, keeping track of family history,
entertaining young children, etc.).
A.
From “Reunion Organizer 101”
in Better Homes and Gardens.
Wrap up your summer reunion
U
sing an evaluation form to get reactions to your reunion
can generate lots of information, feelings, suggestions and
often lots of kudos and praise for what you’ve done for your
26
reunion. Ideas for evaluation and a sample form are online at
http://www.reunionsmag.com/reunionarticles/wrapping_up_your
_reunion.html or send a stamped, self addressed #10 envelope
to Reunions magazine, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211.
Thinking ahead
N
ext year the Seideman Family Reunion will celebrate its 75th reunion. To evaluate
their reunion and to make the 75th an outstanding and memorable event, organizer
Phyllis Naumann handed out this simple (5/12'' x 8''), two-sided questionnaire to
solicit ideas and get everyone volunteering in all aspects of the reunion.
Encouraging interchange
Found in the Cotten Family Reunion newsletter, Celebrate a Century of Cotten
new idea from Summer Terry: Ask adults to bring a current business card to
display on a board at the reunion so adults can connect on business and interest opportunities. In addition, ask kids (and adults, if they want to participate) to
design and bring along a “business card” that lists current interests, abilities, etc.
Use your imagination! These cards can be archived so that at later reunions they
can be reviewed to see how the children’s interests changed over the years.
A
CALL: 414.263.4567
FAX: 414.263.6331
WRITE: PO Box 11727
27
FUNDRAISING
Good ideas from
Better Homes
& Gardens
I
n its Reunion Organizer 101 series,
Better Homes & Gardens suggests
these fundraising ideas.
1. Hold a 50/50 raffle. The winner
takes half the proceeds and the
reunion takes the other half.
2. Sell or raffle goods and services
(e.g., homemade crafts, baked goods,
jams and preserves, or a free dental
visit with cousin Mark, a massage by
Aunt Marge, babysitting, etc.).
3. Sell t-shirts, hats and other keepsakes.
4. Auction off a family quilt. Each
member prepares one square with a
design significant to his/her family.
5. Create a family cookbook, memory
book, book of family genealogy or
oral history tape.
St. Louis family
reunion raises
$100,000
T
he Dolan family of St. Louis raised
$100,000 during a family reunion
and donated it to the not-for-profit
ACCESS Academies, to support the
organization’s work helping lower-income
St. Louis students access high quality
education in values-based schools.
“Our goal is to strengthen inner-city,
values-based schools and ultimately,
strengthen their neighborhoods,” said John
Vatterott, Sr. “We believe that middle
school is the key to a child’s success in
education. Our future depends on giving
children access to schools that empower
them to complete high school and college.”
Vatterott and James P. Holloran, cousins
whose mothers were Dolans, spearheaded
the fundraising effort at a weekend-long
family reunion of nearly 300 people at
Cedar Creek Conference Center in New
Haven, Missouri. The donation was made in
honor of Charles and Helen Dolan, second
cousins in New York, and in memory of their
grandparents John C. and Winifred Dolan.
Cedar Creek Conference Center,
owned by John Vatterott, Sr., and his
wife, Joan, was originally a Vatterott
family country getaway. The property
accommodates up to 86 overnight guests.
Visit www.cedarcreekcenter.com.
28
Reunion fundraising evolves
I
n the beginning, the Riser siblings
shared reunion expenses equally. Then
one year Frank brought a wooden shelf
he’d made to sell as a fundraiser.
Gradually fundraising ideas were added,
until the reunion became self-supporting.
Frank’s wife Drema makes a beautiful
quilt to raffle each year. Last year 350
balloons were sold. They contained
numbers corresponding to a list of prizes,
including $100 cash. They also guessed
at how many pieces of candy were in a
large jar to win Wal-Mart gift certificates.
Sunny McClellan Morton, Euclid, Ohio,
reported her favorite traditions.
“We buy chances to win prizes
donated by reunion attendees. Last year
my eye was on the handmade Raggedy
Ann and Andy dolls and a turkey roaster.
I didn’t win them but came home with
lots of toys and Avon products.” All this
fund-raising more than pays for the barn
and reunion expenses. Fundraisers also
get people talking and laughing.
Wilma Stover Douglas, Jonesboro,
Arkansas, reports that Stover Family
Reunion members are asked to bring a
potluck dish and a handmade item to
auction. Money raised by the auction
goes to a college scholarship fund
divided among all the family’s college
students. Every little bit helps. In 2006
they raised over $1400.
Carol Idalski, Charlotte, Michigan,
reported that Sandy Montague, Grand
Blanc, Michigan, made a family quilt with
photos of Rose and Frank Darga, their
marriage certificate and old photos and
wedding photos of their sons and daughters.
The quilt was raffled off and won by Wally
Wesolowski, whose mother, Gladys, is the
oldest living grandchild of Rose and Frank
Darga. Proceeds from a 50/50 drawing were
used to purchase cemetery markers for
stones that had been damaged or misplaced
in a family cemetery.
Idalski also bought a family genealogy
book created using Family Tree Maker
software and titled Ancestors and
Descendents of Rose and Frank Darga. “I
typed in all the information – when
people married, children’s names and
birth dates, and other information – and
then the software compiles an ancestor
chart and/or a report of the oldest family
member and their descendants. I went to
each table and checked with the family
members whether my information was
correct and made changes. I took prepaid
orders for the books, changed the
information, and sent out more than
forty-five 100-page books.”
“Fundraising has been our biggest
success,” wrote Patricia Bolt,
Communications Director, Ferguson
Family Circle, Bushkill, Pennsylvania.
“Over the years we have had evening
cruises and bus trips to Atlantic City to
raise money for the organization. However,
last year we tried something new: selling
holiday cards, calendars, ethnic prints and
all occasion cards. We made about $500 in
four weeks. As we became familiar with
the ease of the process, more comfortable
with asking others to buy products and
more aware of how fundraising can help
the entire family, sales increased. This
year we made more than $1,000. We are
also planning to have a silent auction at
the next reunion.
Bolt points out that the direction of
family leadership is to encourage
everyone to think about collective work
and responsibility – helping family
members to recognize that small efforts on
the part of many people have significant
effects on outcome. The family’s motto is:
A dream is just a wish if you are not
working toward making it come true.
“We hope to have fundraising be the
vehicle to ultimately pay for everyone at
a reunion, and to provide scholarships
for our young adults and emergency help
for members in need.”
Found in the Cotten Family Reunion
newsletter, Celebrate a Century of Cotten.
S
ILENT AUCTION. A big success last
time, raising $234.50! We bring
quality items, handmade or purchased
gift certificates, crafts, toys, gifts of any
size and list the estimated value of
each item. Minimum bids will be
specified. The Silent Auction will
begin at 6:00 PM Friday and end at
6:00 PM Saturday. Items may be added
during the auction.
T-SHIRTS
PERSONALIZE A FAMILY REUNION WITH
custom t-shirts, credentials and bottled water
by Jamila Robinson
F
amily reunions are a great way to bond with
relatives. To that end, we have some easy
souvenir projects to help make your next family
gathering extra special.
The projects all begin with a
t-shirt design, which sets a
theme for the reunion. With
slight changes to one
design, you can customize
all kinds of items.
You don’t need to be a
graphics whiz to do these
projects. You’ll need just
your home computer, a
digital camera and a
little imagination.
DESIGN ADVICE:
1. KEEP IT SIMPLE. T-shirts should have large type
with straightforward designs so that they are easy to
read. Keep phrases to just a few words.
2. LOGOS FOR ALL SIZES. John
Anton of the online company
Designashirt.com
(www.designashirt.com) says
“keep in mind that a logo for the
toddlers and triple-X Uncle Joe
won’t fit on the same shirt.” He
suggests using only a small front
logo for kiddie shirts.
T-SHIRT TIPS:
On average, 150 family
reunion shirts cost about $6 to
COOL T-SHIRTS
$7 each, depending on the color
Knowing that you’ve
of the shirt, number of ink colors
likely had to wear an electric
used and shipping. In most cases,
orange family reunion t-shirt,
you will need to give the printer at least
we’d like to offer some ideas for
two weeks to complete the job.
some t-shirts that family
1. USE A QUALITY SHIRT. Nancy
members will love and want to
Trammell of Grand Slam Promotions
From the 2006 Jones-Williams-Scotts & Quinn Family
wear again. Thanks to
in Kirkwood (www.grndslam.com)
Reunion in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Shared by Shirley Smith.
technology, printers can take a
suggests using a 6.1-ounce cotton
Photo Credit: Pat Robinson.
digital file and print it onto
shirt because “it is very durable and
shirts. That opens up lots of
won’t have any shrinkage.”
possibilities for creativity. Here are just a few ideas:
2. USE COLOR WISELY. Printing costs for t-shirts go up
when multiple colors are used. To keep costs down,
CITYSCAPE: Skylines make cool shirts because they are easy
Trammell says to purchase “a bright shirt in red or
to print. Use a recognizable landmark such as the World’s Fair
blue or green, and limit ink colors to one or two.”
Pavilion or the Arch, in St. Louis, Missouri.
3. CONSIDER GIRL T-SHIRTS. If you are expecting a lot
FAMILY PHOTOS: If you have an old picture of your greatof adolescent girls, Trammell says to consider putting
great-great-great-great-grandparents, simply scan it in and
your design on girl-cut t-shirts. “Just be aware that
design your t-shirt around it. Design tip: If Grandpa won’t let
they run small, and a little tight,” she said.
you part with cherished photography, use your digital camera
4. DEADLINE: If you get into a bind, Designashirt.com
to make a copy.
can have shirts printed and delivered in as little a
ACROSS THE NATION: Family members come from across the
three days.
country. Print a US map on white paper and secure it to a piece
FAMILY CREDENTIALS
of cardboard. Stick push pins in all the cities where relatives
Note: the author uses the word credential for name tags.
live. Use a different color to define where the reunion meeting
There is something about a credential that makes people
place is, then scan it or shoot with a digital camera. Upgrade:
feel important. The same can be said for remembering a name,
Use a bunch of toy cars and planes to show where people are
which is hard to do at a reunion. This project lets you do both.
arriving from.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Card stock, inkjet printer, scissors, hole
NAME GAME: Use the names of all the reunion participants,
punch, lanyards.
separated by dots. There’s no need to alphabetize as relatives
After printing the cards, you can take them to a printing
will have fun searching for their names. Keep a permanent
center such as Kinko’s to have them laminated. To save time and
marker handy so that family members can mark their names
cash, five credentials can be made from each sheet of cardstock.
when they find them.
continued
SIGNATURE: Have each family member sign a shirt for $1. The
cash collected can be seed money for the next family gathering.
Present the next committee member with the shirt.
29
FUNDRAISING
PERSONALIZE A FAMILY REUNION WITH
custom t-shirts, credentials and bottled water continued
DIRECTIONS:
1. DESIGN YOUR CREDENTIAL.
You can modify the t-shirt design
by making the reunion name
smaller and matching a border to
the shirt color. Copy five versions
of the design onto the page. Use
guidelines to leave about 1/2-inch
of space between each version.
This will make the cutting you will
do later easier. Remember to leave
room at the top for the lanyard.
2. ADD THE NAMES. You can type
the name of each relative, or you
can use a word-processing
program to do a mail merge of
your list of participants.
Remember to check spellings
and make type large so
names can be read from a few
feet away.
Tony Branch enjoying a Branch Outlaw Family Reunion in
Snow Hill, North Carolina with friend, Jacqueline Spruill.
Shared by Rick Branch.
3. PRINT ONTO CARDSTOCK,
then cut into individual
cards. For precise cuts, have
the printing center do the
work for you. Kinko’s charges
$1 per cut.
4. LAMINATE. You can save on
production costs by
laminating your cards by the
foot. Leave enough space
between the cards so that the
edges can seal. Now cut into
credentials.
5. PUNCH a hole in the top and
hook in the lanyard.
Tip: Large quantities of lanyards
– which also can be customized
– can be purchased at deep
discounts on the web. Kenny
Products (www.kennyproducts.com)
offers 150 nylon lanyards with a
swivel hook for 36 cents each,
plus shipping (800-3315818). Buy small quantities
of lanyards, at a local office
supply store.
COLLECTORS’ PINS
This digital process will allow
your t-shirt design to be screened
onto a lapel pin. There is no need to
simplify your logo because the image
will be recreated onto the pin.
DESIGN ADVICE: Start a new family
tradition by using your logo and
the date. Each year, relatives can
add a new pin to their credentials.
MORE INFO: Grand Slam Promotions
can create several kinds of lapel pins
and buttons in different sizes
(www.grndslam.com).
OTHER ADVICE:
Cooley ♥ Shelton ♥ Chiles Family Reunion. Shared by Sheila Cooley.
From the 2006 Napper Family Reunion in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Shared by Steven Napper.
BOTTLED WATER
Custom labeling can make
something as ubiquitous as
bottled water into a souvenir.
Folsom Distributing in St. Louis
30
and Wood River – which delivers
custom-labeled bottled water to small
businesses – can take any completed
piece of artwork and add it to bottles of
Mountain Valley Spring Water. All you
have to do is send the company a jpeg or
pdf, and in about two weeks, Folsom will
ship your cases of customized bottled
water. At $20 per case, custom-labeled
bottled water starts at about 80 cents per
16.9-ounce bottle.
DESIGN ADVICE: Reduce your t-shirt
design to 5 inches by 2 1/2. Center
the logo so that it will be in the front
of the bottle. Your design will need to
leave about one inch for the nutrition
information. If you have a brief
family story that is passed down,
add it to the label.
MORE INFO: Call or e-mail Scott
Addison at Folsom Distributing.
314-355-0555 or 618-254-0427 or
[email protected].
SHOP AROUND. Many promotional
items such as lanyards, t-shirts and
pins can be purchased at deep
discounts from online retailers,
but you will have to factor in
shipping charges. Other things
are more affordable by
shopping locally.
Reprinted with permission
from Jamila Robinson,
Home and Crafts Editor,
originally published in the
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
St. Louis, Missouri.
Companies deck out families with
custom-designed reunion gear
Found at
the forum
color and material. There are standard
themes, like a tree with the family’s
name around it, the place and the date of
the reunion. That’s the route most people
go, because it’s less expensive than
having an artist create a design. If a
reunion brings an idea, the artist can
create it. We’ll show them a proof, and
we can change it if they’re not satisfied.
Darker shirts are pricier than white
and lighter colors. The number of inks
used, the type of material (cotton blend
or 100% cotton) and shirt sizes are also
factors. Prices depend on quantity and
what they want printed. They either print
front and back, or on just one side,
depending on how much money they
want to spend.
One family even did t-shirts for each
of the dogs.
From a story by Jeannine F. Hunter
and Suzanne Normand Blackwood in
The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee.
T
-shirts, caps, visors, banners, coffee
mugs – all are part of the “business”
of family reunions. For the Perez family,
who own L&P Silk Screen Company in
Nashville, Tennessee, about 20 percent
of their business is for reunions.
T-shirts, caps, handbags and other
textile printing for family reunions are
common requests, which increase
between Fourth of July and Labor Day,
said Gina Perez. “Orders range from 10
pieces to 100; 100 is a big order for tshirts for reunions. Fourth of July is the
busiest weekend for family reunions, and
the weekend before is usually when we
are bombarded.” Turnaround time is
usually seven to 10 days.
Normally, someone who is helping
plan the reunion gives more lead time,
and repeat customers call at least two
months in advance – for example, in
April for an event in July.
Costs vary, depending upon design,
Mayor is t-shirt man
S
arasota, Florida’s Mayor Fredd “Glossie” Atkins presided over the Campbell Family
Reunion, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
T-shirts are a tradition. The mayor’s wife, Shelia Atkins, explained that each of the
16 family branches got a different-colored shirt. Mayor Atkins said he’s had a hand in
designing a few shirts over the years. “I’m the t-shirt man,” he said.
R
eunions magazine’s forum (http://
forums.reunionsmag.com), that is.
The winner was used on t-shirts.
Demur, forum screen name of Denise
Murphy, wrote about her Murphy Family
Reunion t-shirts. “I asked a company to
come up with three designs. I told him
what I wanted in the designs and he
worked with the ideas. They came up
with some great ideas, which I sent to
family members for a vote. The t-shirts
looked great, were very well made with a
great low price for everyone. The other
two designs that were not used on t-shirts
were used for an address book and
information packet that were passed out.”
T-shirts on the spot
G
raystone Graphics/Reunion Gear opened a retail store in Nixa, Missouri, to make personalized-to-order merchandise showroom with a Personalized While You Wait service
according to Brad Simpson, General Manager.
You can shop, order and receive personalized apparel and gifts in one stop. A
production viewing area allows you to watch your products being printed. There is a
complete library of ready-to-personalize designs available.
Graystone Graphics has provided screen printed apparel and accessories to schools
and organizations, nationwide and abroad, since 1982. Visit www.reuniongear.com.
The second place winner was used for the
family directory.
CANYON OF THE EAGLES LODGE & NATURE PARK
940 ACRES OF SCENIC TEXAS HILL COUNTRY ON LAKE BUCHANAN
The destination for a family outing or reunion of a lifetime, corporate group meetings and retreats.
64 ROOM LODGE • CAMP AND RV SITES • CONFERENCE CENTER & DINING FACILITIES
Packages include: lodging, fine hill country cuisine (breakfast, lunch and dinner), 14 miles of nature trails, hiking, swimming,
fishing, birding, hayride, live music, campfires & s’mores, astronomical observatory. Additional activities include: Vanishing Texas
River Cruise, kayaking, canoeing on Lake Buchanan.
“Where the road ends, adventure begins.”
website www.canyonoftheeagles.com; email [email protected]; 16942 Ranch Road 2341, Burnet TX 78611; 800-977-0081
31
FUNDRAISING
Rabb-Herron reunion takes t-shirts seriously
L
aura Morgan, Chicago, Illinois, wrote
about the Rabb-Herron reunion tshirts. “Regarding the t-shirts, the brown
color worn by Tom Rabb’s descendants
(our paternal great-grandfather) and his
siblings was for the root of our family tree
or the foundation. Other colors worn by
David Rabb’s descendants (our
grandfather and son of Tom Rabb)
represent the many flowers or limbs the
tree produced. On each t-shirt, a red
banner indicates that we share the same
blood and a banner reads ‘We Are One
Family.’ One advantage to wearing the
different t-shirts, it helped each family
keep track of their children.”
One year the younger Rabbs could
have the number of their favorite
football, basketball or baseball player
placed on their t-shirts.
“I made t-shirts to market businesses
owned by family members for entrepreneurs. Our plan was to auction the
t-shirts, but we ended up raffling them
instead. Some of the business owners
refused to give up their t-shirts for the
raffle so they paid for them instead. They
are now keepsake items.”
Reported by Laura Morgan,
Chicago, Illinois, Rabb-Herron Reunion.
Rabb-Herron Family Reunion, 2006, Athens/Ruston Louisiana.
The Yordy family t-shirt celebrated a family tradition of turkey farming. The front of the t-shirt had a large turkey design with the
name and date of the reunion and the back of the shirt was inscribed with the scripture “God gives us richly all things to enjoy”
(I Timothy 6:17). Shared by Jewell Coleman.
32
QUILTS
Quilts are gifts from the heart
From a reunion newsletter
ersuade various branches of the
family to decorate quilt squares
before the reunion. A crafty family
member then can stitch the squares
together to make a family quilt.
Auction the quilt to raise money for
the next reunion or award it to a
deserving family member, such as
the oldest attending, the one who
traveled the farthest or the couple
married the longest.
Quilts are a popular activity/fundraiser
at reunions, reports Meg Cox, Princeton,
New Jersey. Families who conduct
reunions usually feel strongly about
honoring the family matriarch. “My late
mother taught me to quilt, and that
passion has become a bigger and bigger
part of my life,” Cox said.
The “virtual memory quilt” on the
Alliance for American Quilts website
honors quilt mentors, people who taught
others to quilt or turned them on to
quilts. There are two quilts, at different
price levels. On the Star quilt, each
person’s face is put inside a star on the
quilt. You are sent to another screen to
see a photo and read a tribute to that
person. There are different price levels:
from several hundred up to $1000. A
second quilt, Chinese coins, gives you a
rectangle to thank the person in words
for $100. Both are perpetual, as long as
the organization exists. You also get a
beautiful paper certificate.
To learn more about the “virtual memory
quilt,” go to www.centerforthequilt.org,
then click on the Memory Quilt logo on
the left hand side.
P
McNeill family quilts at reunion
D
escendants of Willie Bee and Maggie
Fairley McNeill of Maxton, North
Carolina, focused on quilting for their
43rd Reunion hosted by Dorothy Jemison
of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The family
completed a full size quilt.
Each family was sent a square to
complete, send or bring to the reunion,
where everyone sat and stitched them
together by hand. As they worked, many
recalled childhood memories of threading
needles, putting cotton on the lining,
putting up the frame and doing other
things to help work on the quilt. One even
recalled taking the cotton seeds out of the
cotton, while another recalled buying bags
of cotton to put in the quilt. The younger
children were excited to see the quilting
handwork. Younger family members helped
thread needles or quilt rows.
Everyone in attendance stitched a
square that represented their families.
Aside from the quilting project, special
games and puzzles about the family
history were played.
From a story by Lilly E. McNeill Dumas
Wells in The Wilmington Journal,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
Patriotism runs
deep for quilter
T
hirty-four family members of
Credella Shriver’s family have
served or are serving in the military.
She made a quilt she entered in
competition at the Dover, Ohio,
Tuscarawas County Fair, featuring
names of several generations of
servicemen and women.
Shriver made the quilt to honor her
father, Eugene Clark, an Army
infantryman who served in France and
Germany during World War I. It took
about a year and was presented at the
34th Clark Family Reunion with all 34
names and pictures in an
accompanying frame.
The red, white and blue work was
hand-pieced and machine-quilted and
features a white star with each family
member’s name and military branch,
as well as four blank stars for possible
future service persons. Each corner
also features an emblem of the Army,
Air Force, Navy and Marines. Family
members have been in each of those
branches, beginning with her father’s
time in World War I and following
through “about every conflict since.”
Some family members are active, some
retired, including three women and two
sets of twins.
From a story by Noah Blundo in the
New Philadelphia Times Reporter,
New Philadelphia, Ohio.
Harmelink Family Reunion Centennial Quilt
B
etty Harmelink Dorsman, Mesa, Arizona,
dreamt of an historical family reunion quilt
and did it with her cousin Joan A. Harmelink
Goetsch, in Iowa and her daughter Carol
Dorsman Petty in Montana. The result is this
lovely quilt with Harmelink barn (built in 1873)
still standing in Gelderland, Netherlands. Other
symbols on the quilt include Blest Be the Tie that
Binds, their family theme song sewn into the four
white triangles about the diamond-shaped center,
100 color squares surrounding the song represent
the 100 or so people who loyally attend the
reunion. The dairy scene represents Wisconsin
and Iowa farms the family established but not all
Harmelinks were farmers as represented by the
stars for the other professions and military they
followed. The quilt was raffled at the 2002
Harmelink Centennial Family Reunion.
33
FUNDRAISING
Plate Full of
Memories
E
very family has treasured recipes,
loved not just for their taste of the
past but because of warm memories they
bring to mind of family gatherings,
reunions, holidays and long gone
grandparents. Old family recipes,
handed down through generations from
mother to daughter, written on scraps of
paper, backs of envelopes, recipe index
cards or in the margins of old cookbooks,
languish between the pages of cookbooks
and in the bottom of kitchen drawers’
across America. Some of these meals are
still served for special family events but
many haven’t been enjoyed in years. Now
it’s relatively easy to put those recipes
into a memory cookbook.
Our Family Cookbook
J
ackie Utley, Jackson, Tennessee, reported that the Utley Family Reunion cookbook
project exceeded her expectations! Months before the deadline she had over 225
recipes. She feared she’d have to ask the more prolific contributors which recipes of
theirs she might remove because those 225+ recipes were contributed by a small number
of enthusiastic cooks. Jackie included this order form in regular family newsletters.
Personal historian, Hella Buchheim’s
expertise in legacy preservation has
produced a coaching guide called Plate
Full of Memories to help you create a
family cookbook. These cookbooks
become family heirlooms while preserving
family recipes and stories.
“One of my saddest regrets is the loss
of family recipes. I blame it on language
because my grandmother never learned
English or most of her recipes were never
written down. The inability to create these
foods compelled me to create a way to
create a family cookbook,” said Buchheim.
Plate Full of Memories is a user
friendly CD that will lead you through the
step-by-step process and make it not only
possible, but easy and fun for anyone to
create a memory cookbook. Charts allow
you to follow your progress and it works
with Microsoft Word; $19.95 +s/h. Order
at www.platefullofmemories.com or call
612-203-2103.
34
Postcards that make your reunion point!
save
the
date
Send
Send
save
TIME IS
the date RUNNING OUT
when you’ve set it!
when it is!
Custom Printing – $45 p/hundred; 50¢ each Fill-in cards $15 p/hundred; 20¢ each
plus postage: 100-200 cards – $4.60, over 200 – $8.95
Send message, check & request to:
REUNION POSTCARDS ❖ PO Box 11727 ❖ Milwaukee WI 53211-0727.
To charge, call 800-373-7933.
COOKBOOKS
Spicing up your family cookbook
by Christine Whittaker Sofge
“
C
ool! Did you know we had ancestors
fighting on BOTH SIDES in the Civil
War?” This comment was overheard at our
recent family reunion during a discussion
of the new family cookbook. Yes,
cookbook! We spiced it up by adding a
pinch of family history and a dab of family
legend, turning our cookbook from “one
for the family cooks” to a “bestseller” at
our reunion! In fact, we had to contract for
an unanticipated second printing!
A family recipe book can be a delightful
project and a lucrative fund-raiser for your
reunion. But sales are limited to family
cooks and a few others who want a
keepsake of the reunion. With a little extra
effort, you can give your family cookbook
broader appeal, increasing sales and
creating a family treasure.
WHERE DO I GET FAMILY HISTORY
INFORMATION?
With the popularity of family history
as a hobby these days, nearly every
family can claim at least one genealogist.
The official documents, photos, family
trees and stories in the files of your
genealogist can be one of your greatest
sources of information. If you have time
and the inclination, an immense amount
of genealogy data can also be found on
the internet. Wading through the volume
to find what’s relevant, though, can be
time-consuming.
Great information can be gleaned from
discussions with older relatives. Personal
interviews usually work best for getting
family stories (remember your tape
recorder!), although telephone calls and
letters work well, too. One of the best
strategies for gathering family stories is to
provide a memory cue – such as a
photograph or a bit of a family story
you’ve heard – then let your relative
reminisce. Focusing on single events or
locations can yield especially rich
memories: weddings, graduations, the old
homestead, family “traditions,” especially
holiday traditions such as greasing the
trolley tracks at Halloween (one of my
great-grandfather’s favorite stunts!).
And remember that everyone in your
family has information about genealogy
and family stories, even when they don’t
realize it! Since you will be asking them
to send in recipes anyway, an additional
request for an interesting family story or
photo can turn up surprising tidbits.
The outcome of
Christine Whittaker
Sofge’s SOFGE Family
Roots, Ramblings
and Recipes.
©CW Sofge, 2007
WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD GO
INTO THE FAMILY HISTORY?
There are several good ways to
approach this. In our book, we
focused on the first three American
generations of our family and included
a brief description of our European roots,
short biographical accounts of Civil War
service, accomplishments of musicians
in the family, family legends of royal
connections, and a delightful anecdote
submitted by a family member about a
rafting trip down the Mississippi River.
We illustrated family history with simple
descendant charts, photos, music
composed by ancestors, obituaries, and
copies of official documents such as
naturalization papers and patents
granted. Other ideas for illustrations
could include military awards, maps, and
stories or poems by family members.
Another branch of our family developed
a wonderful family history section for their
cookbook. They focused on the lives of the
immigrant ancestor couple and included
reminiscences from many family members
about those ancestors and stories about the
“old days.” They filled several pages with
funny, often touching and beautiful
anecdotes. The book was a splendid tribute
to the ancestral couple and a delightful
glimpse into family life. This format works
especially well for families who have little
collected genealogical data.
How you put together your family
history will depend on information you
have available or can easily obtain and
what you believe will delight and
entertain your family.
HOW DO I PUT IT ALL TOGETHER?
Natural organization will develop by
choosing a focus or theme for your family
history. The usual problem is too much
information, rather than too little.
Whatever theme you choose, keep text
light and lively. Admittedly, this can be
difficult when reporting genealogical
pedigree information. We included
pedigree information in our cookbook,
but tried to keep the dry genealogical
text as short as possible and spice it up
wherever we could. For example, an
ancestor’s German marriage certificate
from 1786 noted that the bride was not a
virgin, and, in fact, their first child was
born two months later. The groom’s
occupation was noted as soldier. In the
midst of reporting family data, we
speculated about whether this local girl
was swept away by the dashing figure of
a uniformed soldier!
In general, when we had to choose
between conveying information and
entertainment value we leaned toward
continued
35
FUNDRAISING
Finally,
a cookbook
Our dear friend, Paula Sheagley,
Cañon City, Colorado, wrote about
assembling her Mason family
cookbook, which was a
long time coming.
❖
I
think everyone had forgotten they
contributed to the cookbook several
years ago, as I put it aside for so long.
In fact it was so long ago, I was just
learning to “turn on” a computer. Used
to scare me to death to input the info. I
was afraid it would blow up. If I were to
completely start out fresh today, it
would be in a much “fancier” format
and more professional. But when I
started working on that quick reunion
last summer, I thought I’d better drag
that box out again and finish it. I knew
how much my mother at 89 would love
it. Now she keeps it by her favorite
chair and reads and re-reads it often. It
has brought her so much joy. It makes
my heart sing with happiness that the
family has enjoyed it even more than I
expected. They’re always writing how
much they enjoy it and trying this and
that recipe. The latest was a note from
my sister that she makes my favorite
banana nut (easy!) bread recipe now,
and it is her favorite!
I laid a cookbook in each family’s
lodging room as a little welcoming
present when they arrived. My brothers
and sisters took books for their children
and families who were unable to attend.
I also gave cookbooks with homemade
banana nut bread (yes, made from the
recipe in the book) to my co-workers
and friends for Christmas. I plan on
making an addendum within the next
year or so. Makes for a great record of
family history! And yes, we MASONS
do love to cook and eat!
Spicing up your family cookbook
the funny, odd or exciting bits we
collected. This was appreciated by
relatives. If nothing else, it made for
some hilarious dinner conversation!
Remember, this is not a scholarly report;
its purpose is to add charm (and sales) to
your cookbook.
WHAT ABOUT FORMAT AND LAYOUT?
If you are using one of the popular
cookbook publishers, you may be limited
to several pages for family history. These
can be used effectively to produce a
captivating introduction to your family
and its history. If you need more space,
most cookbook publishers allow you to
purchase extra pages at very little cost. If
your family history section is done well,
this investment will easily pay for itself
in additional sales.
If you are self-publishing, there are
no restrictions for how you incorporate
family history data. Self-publishing is
not necessarily less expensive or better
than using a cookbook publisher. It is
considerably more work! We decided to
self-publish for several reasons. First, I
am one of the family genealogists and I
knew this might be the only family
history many would ever see. I wanted to
make sure that all the genealogy data
was well-documented, referenced and
indexed. Therefore, the family history
was referenced by endnote numbers, the
endnotes section included annotated
references, and the entire book was
indexed. The cookbook publishers were
not set up to easily accommodate these
special requests, and these were
important issues to me, so I convinced
my partners to look into self-publishing.
Our second reason for self-publishing
was that it gave us absolute control over
(and, of course, responsibility for) every
facet of the book. This gave us the luxury
of going beyond having family history
appear only in the beginning of our book.
We decided to include a family history
story and a page of illustrations at the
beginning of each chapter. Selfpublishing also allowed us to feature a
single recipe on each page, which was
continued
nice for the contributors. We used clipart, jokes and cute or funny quotations as
fillers for those pages with short recipes.
Playing with the layout was fun, but it
was also time-consuming and the tasks
could be overwhelming if you don’t have
sufficient help (or time).
If you do not have strong feelings about
these or other issues that would exclude
use of the cookbook publishers, they are
well worth checking out. They will assist
you in every phase of your cookbook, from
recipe collection to final product. And the
end result is a professional-looking book
geared toward your family and its history.
WHAT DO I GET OUT OF IT?
Putting the cookbook together was a
joy. The process of soliciting recipes and
stories engaged family members from all
branches and even inspired ten members
of a distant branch of the family to travel
from Mississippi to Florida for the
reunion – a first for our family!
The addition of the family history
helped make the book truly special.
Even our family minister pulled a story
from the cookbook during our Sunday
morning reunion worship service. He had
purchased the book Saturday and read
parts of it before bed in his hotel room.
Since the reunion, family members have
been in contact asking for more
information, and as the cookbooks are
shared around the country, additional
orders are coming in.
Adding the family history was a little
extra work. Was it worth it? Without a
doubt!
About the author
Christine Whittaker
Sofge lives in Ohio
with her husband and
two children. She has
researched her family
history for several
years and has
authored and selfpublished the book,
SOFGE Family Roots, Ramblings and
Recipes (Kith’n’Kin Publishing, 2001).
Share your fundraising ideas!
T
hese fundraising activities are used by many reunions to
help defray some of their costs. We encourage you to send
your fundraising ideas and stories ([email protected] or
Reunions magazine, PO 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211).
36
MORE TO COME
In the next issue, we will continue to discuss the business of
reunions, including those that have fees and solicit donations.
We will also tackle the idea of incorporating your reunion.
37
Oakland
Where your reunion is
the center of ever ything.
Cool restaurants,
great hotels, attractions,
entertainment and 3 major
league sports teams.
oaklandcvb.com
463 Eleventh Street
Oakland, Ca. 94607
(510) 839-9000
38
VENUES & PLACES
Affordable & amazing
BAY AREA REUNIONS
A
sk anyone who had to live
in the shadow of a
fashionable, popular and
attractive sibling, friend
or (good lord!) parent, and
you’ll quickly understand
how humbling a fate that can be. On the
other hand, some folks find their resolve
and become determined to make their
own way and name despite the
comparisons that will be a constant
companion. Michael Douglas surpassed
dad Kirk in awards and allocades; Janet
Jackson had people saying, “Michael
who?” and Warren Beatty and Shirley
MacLaine are so successful and
individually talented that many don’t
realize they’re even related. So it is with
Oakland, California, just across the bay
from flamboyant San Francisco.
Both cities share some of the same
genes – pleasant winters and cool summers, charming hillside neighborhoods,
interesting architecture and a picturesque waterfront among their mutual
attractions. But Oakland can boast some
notable distinctions. It is the only city in
California with three professional sports
teams – the Oakland Raiders, the
Oakland Athletics and the Golden State
Warriors. The internationally acclaimed
Oakland Museum is the only attraction
entirely devoted to the natural sciences,
history and art of California. Oakland is
the most ethnically diverse city in the US
with at least 100 languages and dialects
spoken. Most importantly, you can enjoy
by Jacky Runice
a fantastic Bay area reunion at a substantially lower cost in Oakland.
“Oaktown,” its informal nickname, is
the hometown of musicians M.C.
Hammer, Green Day and En Vogue.
Oakland, the other city by the Bay, boasts
one of the largest visual and performing
arts communities on the West Coast from
acclaimed symphonic and ballet
companies to museums and galleries. See
wonderful architectural treasures from
the early to mid 20th century in the
Broadway Historic District as well as
bold examples of modernism downtown.
With a Mediterranean mix of weather,
you can visit year round expecting
comfortable 50’s and 60’s in winter and
spring and ideal 70’s throughout summer
and fall. Since there are more parks and
open space per capita here than any
other city in the Bay Area, a reunion
picnic is a no brainer. And then, there
are the friendly people.
“Locals are very proud of their city
and enjoy sharing it with out of town
visitors,” beamed Manette Belliveau,
Executive Director of the Oakland
Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB),
“and the people are extremely friendly
and helpful to visitors.” In fact,
Belliveau’s top three reasons for you to
consider Oakland for your next reunion
are “location, people and price!”
continued
Members of the USS LST901 were happy they chose Oakland, California, for their reunion.
39
VENUES & PLACES
Affordable & amazing
BAY AREA REUNIONS
continued
“Oakland is not as well known as
our sister city of San Francisco,
however, we share the same assets at
a lower price,” she explained.
“Oakland is one of the most culturally
diverse cities in the country, which
attracts people from all over the world.
Oakland has a very large faith
community, which also centers around
family. We have a new cathedral under
construction that is sure to draw more
visitors.” Don’t get her started on the
multitude of activities groups can take
in. “Some of the popular activities
include dinner and shopping at Jack
London Square, waterfront activities,
bay cruises, wine tasting, East Bay
Regional Parks, the Oakland Zoo,
Chabot Space & Science Center,
Children’s Fairyland, professional
sports, concerts and events at the
McAfee Coliseum and Arena. A short
drive away visitors can enjoy a day in
San Francisco, wine tasting in Napa or
a night at the Casino,” Belliveau
explained.
With a population of about
400,000 (seventh largest city in
California), Oakland is no Mayberry,
so the CVB is there to help you work
out the details. “The OCVB offers a
number of services for planning
reunions,” she began, “goodies like
maps, guides, pens, name badges,
assistance with offsite functions and
events, help with securing hotels,
dining and even park areas.”
The OCVB has a unique Hometown
Host program that helps Oakland
residents plan a reunion, meeting or
The Howell Family Reunion enjoyed Oakland, California.
40
even a wedding (www.hometownhost. oaklandcvb.com). Reunions
get incentive rewards as a “thank you” for helping bring tourism
travel to Oakland. Among the rewards for qualifying groups are a
free group photo, public recognition, name badges, postcards,
Oakland pens and more. Sonia Brown used Hometown Host to
organize the McClain Family Reunion and the Veazie Family Reunion
got off without a hitch as well. Organizer Monique Brown needed to
wrap her mind around getting 100 people lodging and activities for
the weekend. “She (Belliveau) got me a lot of info about historical
tours of the area, pamphlets for our family members about where to
shop and what to see. She helped out a lot.” Other reunions held
during the recent summer months included the DangerfieldThompson Family Reunion while crew and families of the USS
Nehenta Bay, CVE74/USS Shamrock Bay CVE 84 Reunion look
forward to an October, 2007 Oakland meet-up.
The OCVB website is very informative and provides a number of
recommendations as well as announcements for new events and
specials. Houses of worship were recently added to the site
(www.oaklandcvb.com). One of the programs offered is a drawing for
two free tickets on Southwest Airlines to groups who book ten or more
rooms in Oakland between May 1 and October 1, 2007. The OCVB
understands that the needs of reunions are sometimes unique and they
need to offer activities and lodging to meet everyone’s budget. Oakland
has five star accommodations as well as many budget hotels,
restaurants and attractions that most families prefer.
Oakland is a popular reunion choice hosting hundreds each
year. June through August are very busy when kids are out of
school. “Oakland is a popular site for family, military and faith
based reunions,” Belliveau said. “Family reunions are a popular
activity for the African American community, which encompasses
about 50 percent of all our family reunions.”
The Oakland International Airport is served by 12 major
domestic and international airlines and getting around within
the town and to neighboring communities is easy by train,
automobile, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), bus and ferry. If a
west coast reunion, that’s simultaneously affordable and
amazing, sounds good to you - take a look at this little sister who
grew up to be a remarkable lady in her own right. Go to
www.oaklandcvb.com.
About the author
Journalist Jacky Runice pens the “Family
Travel” column for Chicago’s Daily Herald,
as well as feature stories for Dining Out
Magazine. A former Chicago radio talk show
host, she is the mother of three adventurers
who love travel as much as she does.
Gondoliers glide across Lake Merritt
in beautiful Oakland, California.
Photo: Barry Muniz
41
42
43
44
FRIENDS
A great reunion place with old friends
by Margaret Malsam
W
e love the music and fun of
Branson, Missouri, any time, but
fall is our favorite time, when autumn
leaves turn golden. Last October we
reunioned with long-time college friends
in Branson, and found this popular
tourist town to be better than ever!
Over 40 years ago we lived next door
as young married couples attending
Oklahoma State University. The years
flew by as we settled in different cities
and raised our families. We kept in
touch with Christmas letters, but we
wanted to reconnect and we were happy
we chose Branson.
We live in Denver, Colorado, and they
live in Cincinnati, Ohio, so we met at the
Springfield, Missouri, airport, where we
rented a car and drove to Branson.
Before starting our trip, we booked the
Shoji Tabuchi show online and made
lunch/show reservations on a two-hour
cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle, a
turn-of-the century-style paddlewheeler.
The full-course lunch was one of the best
and most relaxed meals we had. Both
shows provided first class family
entertainment, and we even got first row
seats at the Tabuchi Theater when we
checked in with our prepaid voucher.
When asked how this happened, the
clerk said, “You got lucky – someone just
cancelled.” The result: we got Tabuchi’s
autograph and had our picture taken with
him at intermission.
We allowed one full day to see Silver
Dollar City, but we could have spent
more time visiting with the friendly
craftspeople during their annual fall craft
festival. We were all born and raised in
small Oklahoma towns, so it felt good to
relive the old days at Silver Dollar City’s
family pioneer village theme park. We
especially enjoyed the lively musical
shows presented by authentic country
folk who performed enthusiastically. We
rate Silver Dollar City with its variety of
skilled artisans, musical entertainment
and rides as a “must see” in Branson.
It was hard to choose from over 100
shows and many attractions during our
four days in Branson.
One of the attractions we especially
enjoyed was the Ralph Foster Museum on
the campus of the School of the Ozarks, a
The author, Margaret Malsam with Branson entertainer,
Shoji Tabuchi.
unique college that requires all students
to work 20 hours a week on the grounds
and in the buildings. We spent several
hours touring this museum, which houses
nearly a million objects relating to
ancient and modern Ozark history. Our
friends were especially intrigued with
their antique doll collection. We could sit
in the original truck featured in the
Beverly Hillbillies TV series and pay to
have our picture taken.
For lodging, we picked the Westgate
Branson Woods resort in a scenic wooded
area. We stayed in a two-bedroom, twobath cabin with a screened porch,
kitchen and living room where we could
sit and reminisce.
We found this corner of the Ozarks,
with all its natural beauty, historic and
musical attractions, the ideal place for a
reunion with long-time friends. Contact
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of
Commerce and CVB, 800-214-3661;
www.explorebranson.com.
Reported by Margaret Malsam,
Westminster, Colorado.
45
FRIENDS
Circle of friends reunion
by Sheila Hight
“
I
f you guys want to have a reunion,
you can use our house in Montrose,
Colorado.”
Elizabeth’s words sent emails
flurrying around the world. “You’re on
the A-list. Come to a reunion.”
Eight months later, Elizabeth and Jim,
their daughter Becca, and son-in-law
Chuck, found themselves assailed by
twenty-two people from Canada,
England, New Zealand and the US. For
three days, this group – who shared a
common faith and had once shared a
common working environment – laughed,
cooked together, played tourist,
reminisced and rekindled friendships.
The ten years that had passed since most
had seen each other dissolved as soon as
familiar eyes met, and squeals of delight
and hugs were exchanged.
How’d we do it? Through good old
technology: email and the internet. Jim
and Elizabeth posted the Montrose,
Colorado, internet site to give us a taste
of life near the Rockies. From England
and New Zealand, airlines and flight
schedules were selected, and from the
US and Canada, rental cars, hotels and
Map Blast directions were obtained.
“What do you want at this reunion?”
an email queried.
“Good food, lots of laughter and drinks.”
Everyone was in unison.
“What shall we do for meals?” JoAnn
and Sheila wondered, wanting to cook
really good food, but also wanting to be
mindful of budgetary constraints. “How
much money should we ask each one to
put in? Can we cook for that many people
and still enjoy ourselves?”
For eight months questions and menu
ideas flew through cyberspace. A
rudimentary menu and price per person
was set. Emails informed all. Elizabeth
and Becca volunteered to set out
breakfast foods so we could fend for
ourselves. JoAnn and Sheila would cook,
along with the help of the men, who
would barbeque two meals. Hoping the
grill would provide the men a chance to
46
bond, Russ, Bill and Jim were recruited.
Bill and Russ volunteered to be drink
chefs. Everyone pitched in on prep and
clean up.
“When do you arrive and leave?” All
information was sent to Elizabeth and
Jim, who were amiable chauffeurs,
getting everyone where they needed to go
at the right time, thanks to Elizabeth’s
precision calendar.
“What about sleeping arrangements
and bathroom space?”
At bedtime, Carol (who set up her bed
under the dining room table) and Nancy
(who slept in the living room) inflated
their air mattresses while pajama-clad
friends watched, cheering them on,
talking late into the night.
“Don’t even think you can get in that
shower before me,” Mary said to Nancy,
her former roommate, as Nancy slipped
past her bedroom door. “I have dibs on it.”
Mornings found Ruth and Anne, the
British contingent, staring into a pot of
boiling water, willing it to turn into tea,
while a jet-lagged Sheila just stood in the
kitchen and stared. “Good Morning!”
sang out bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Geri and Russ, and JoAnn and Bill
chirped as they arrived from Becca’s
house. Cindy Lou, the Miller’s miniature
daschund, raced mad circles around the
living and dining room, streaking into
the kitchen barking as if she hadn’t
already seen these people. Dana, the
quietest of the group, joined in with good
humor and great movie reviews. With
raucous hilarity, never-before-confessed
admissions were captured on tape while
we sat around the dining and kitchen
tables. Caught for posterity was Mary’s
first French manicure.
At the end of our time together, we
agreed that JoAnn would set up an ecommunity site where we could all post
pictures and feelings about this reunion.
We all decided to have another in three
years.
Let the planning begin!
About the author
Sheila Hight is a psychotherapist and
writer. An American, she lives in New
Zealand with her Kiwi husband, two cats,
a Golden Laborador named Blake, and a
very naughty former New Zealand biosecurity Beagle named Cody.
NOTE: This circle of friends worked for a
non profit called Mercy Ships which
provides medical and practical care to
people in developing nations
ETHNIC
Photos by Pat and Valerie Johnson
Burt(t)schell Family International Reunion 2007
T
he Lucas Burttschell family of Texas
hosted the 2007 reunion in April at
the St. Roch Catholic Church hall in
Mentz, Colorado County. Members of the
German, French and US branches from
Virginia, New Mexico, New York,
Louisiana and Utah joined the Texas
branch for a day of visiting and sharing
family history.
Lucas and Maria Elizabeth Laux
Burttschell and their ten children
immigrated to Texas in 1846 from
Büdesheim by Bingen on the Rhine,
Germany. They settled first in the
Frelsburg area and later in the Mentz
community with other families from
Büdesheim. The French branch
descends from Lucas’s brother Stephen,
who had emigrated to France in 1823.
Other family members evidently
Some of the Burtschells touring German settlements in Texas. The author Arliss Treybig is front and center in the denim shirt.
Ten year old German cousin, Dominik Burtschell, from Krefeld, Germany, meets his first longhorn with Crockett and Dorothy
Leyendecker, who raise Longhorn cattle and have a small winery in the Columbus-Mentz area in Texas. They are described
as gracious hosts to the German visitors.
remained in Germany, except for Francis
R., Lucas’s nephew, who settled in
Crescent City, California.
Michel Rodier organized the first
reunion in France in 1974. Later, a
second French branch was discovered
and included. By 1997 the German,
Texan and west coast branches were
discovered in genealogical research. The
2000 reunion in Bingen and Büdesheim,
Germany, included all four branches.
The family met in Mentz, Texas, in 2002
and Cernay, France, in 2005.
Lucas and Maria, many of their
children, and large numbers of
descendants are buried in the Mentz
cemetery. Family members visited
graves, many for the first time. Activities
included family history displays, a silent
auction and a raffle.
The day concluded with a Mass for
living and deceased members of the
family. Flowers in memory of family
members decorated Mary’s altar.
Remembered especially were Claude
Burtschell, the oldest member of the
French branch, and Margaret Burtschell,
the oldest member of the German
branch, both of whom died in 2006, and
Ed Willrodt of the Texas branch, who
died in February 2007.
Prior to the reunion, members of the
French, German, and west coast
branches joined several Texans for a tour
of nearby German settlements. They
visited the farmhouse of the descendant
of another Büdesheim family for a look at
his longhorn cattle. The German flag was
raised for the German visitors.
The 2009 Burt(t)schell Family
Reunion will return to Marly sur Arrox,
in France.
Reported by Arliss Treybig,
El Campo, Texas.
47
ETHNIC
Whatever became of St.Patrick?
by Richard W. O’Donnell
A
ll things considered, we
had a grand old time on
our family trip to Ireland.
Our sons and daughters, their spouses
and all of the grandchildren were on
hand. In all, there were 22 members of
the clan on the trip.
We rented a big old house at the end
of a rugged dirt trail in Glengarriff, a
quiet village tucked away in the
southwest corner of Ireland, and we all
had quite a family reunion.
The Blarney Stone was kissed and step
dancers shook the floors. We heard a fair
share of Irish tenors and sampled stout at
the pubs. In moderation, of course.
And there were those narrow roads
that kept getting tighter, when they
should have been trying to get wider.
Somehow we survived, even though
everybody was traveling on the wrong
side of the road.
We didn’t see any leprechauns. Or
pots of gold. However, we had our credit
cards, and everybody went on a shopping
spree, buying Irish crystal, Claddagh
rings, Irish wool jackets and sweaters and
countless other things. That pot certainly
would have come in handy when the bills
arrived.
Our Irish trip was a rip-roaring
success and we all returned home with a
trace of a brogue. Also a lot of bills. So
be it. We spent a pile of punts.
However, there are two disappointments.
First off, since I am a great walker, I
48
wandered the countryside taking in the
greenest of green scenery. It engulfed you,
and, quite frankly, I was overwhelmed.
Though I searched long and hard, nowhere
did I find a shamrock. Nary a trace of one.
There were green plants and bushes and
the trees were loaded with green. Plenty
blades of grass, too. And the weeds were
even magnificent.
Where did all the shamrocks go? Were
they growing somewhere else? It was
summer in Glengarriff, a delightful time
of year. Do the shamrocks go into
hibernation in Glengarriff when the sun
peeks out, as the rain clouds fade away
and a gentle wind graces the land? Is
such a thing possible? Who knows? What
is known is that I never came across a
shamrock during my woodland romps.
St. Patrick also proved to be a bit of a
disappointment. Not the great man
himself, but the obvious lack of his
presence in the land where he became a
legend. My plan was to buy seven St.
Patrick medallions for the grandchildren.
I planned to have their names and the
trip date inscribed on the reverse side of
the medals. My thought was the gift
would serve as a reminder of a
memorable trip they made when they
were young.
First we tried Bantry, the nearest
town. And then Kinsale, Macroom and
Dunmanway. No St. Patrick medallions
were available in the religious shops or
church stores we visited.
As time went by, family members on side
trips were alerted to be on the lookout for St.
Patrick memorabilia wherever they traveled.
My oldest daughter, Mary Anna, and her
husband Scott, while on a trip to Dublin,
failed to find the medallions I wanted.
Time went by, and in a hurry too, as it
often does when you are on a trip and
enjoying yourself. My wife Barbara and I
were in Killarney, mostly because she loved
the stores there. I checked a religious store
near a place called the Blarney Woolen
Mills where my wife was shopping.
“St. Patrick medallions?” said the clerk,
who had more of an English accent than a
brogue. “No, we don’t have any St. Patrick
medallions. Used to have some St. Patrick
statues but they have been gone for years.”
As I was headed out the door, he halted
me. “Try up at the Cathedral,” he
suggested. “Five minute walk. They have a
little store out back. They may have St.
Patrick there.”
By then my wife had joined me and
we headed for the Cathedral.
A young lady was on duty
behind the counter
reading a scholarly tome,
when we arrived. “St.
Patrick,” she said,
checking the inventory
mentally. “Sorry, we
haven’t a thing.” Then her
face lightened up. “Wait a
minute,” she said. “Some of those pins
may still be here.”
She scurried around the small store,
checking out cardboard boxes on the various
tables. Finally she found the right one.
“Here it is,” she said, fingering her way
through a swarm of religious medals, pins
and prayer cards. One by one, she
removed cards with small St. Patrick pins
on them. They were made of brass, I think.
“How many grandchildren?” she
inquired.
“Seven,” I responded.
“Seven,” she echoed, and did some
more digging. One by one, she found the
precious pins. “You’re lucky,” she said.
“All we have is seven St. Patrick pins.”
I bought them. They each cost less
than a dollar American. I think they were
the only thing in Ireland our family
purchased that cost less than a dollar.
Still, I was disappointed. Those
medallions had been at the top of my
shopping list.
Later that day, I gathered the
grandchildren around and pinned
them. “Keep these pins,” I told
them. “You don’t have to
wear them every day, but
years from now they will
remind you of the trip we
all made to Ireland.”
Our grandchildren
accepted the humble St.
Patrick pins with grace and
gratitude. The younger ones may
have even thought they were made of
pure gold.
Then we all celebrated our final night
in Ireland by holding a farewell party at
the big old house we rented. Our guest of
honor was our next door neighbor,
Maureen O’Hara, probably Ireland’s most
popular actress. She spends her summers
in Glengarriff.
I footed the bill for our final salute to
Ireland. Why not? I had saved a penny or
two on those medallions. I could afford it.
Host your special reunion at the
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• Beautiful and spacious guest rooms
• Tropical courtyard with heated pool, spa,
shuffleboard, billiards
• Family style restaurant and cocktail lounge
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• 9-hole putting course, exercise room
• Free parking and airport transfers
Special Reunion Features
• Complimentary one-night stay for reunion
planner with site inspection
• Complimentary hospitality suite
• Welcome letter and box of chocolates in
each room
• Senior discounts in our restaurant
• Special reunion rates
About the author
Richard W. O’Donnell was a writer for
the Boston Globe. His work has appeared
in Smithsonian, American History, Family
Digest and many other publications.
4875 North Harbor Drive • San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 224-3621 • Fax: (619) 224-3629
(800) 650-6660
www.holinnbayside.com • email: [email protected]
49
ETHNIC
10 tips from
travel pros
T
our directors have seen it all. They know
mistakes travelers make, and tricks to
save time and effort. Since they handle
travel details on the ground – transportation,
hotel check-ins and sightseeing – they
know the best ways to experience and enjoy
a new town or country.
1 Don’t be a tourist.
Mingle with locals. Learn a few key
words or phrases in the local
language and be a courteous guest.
2 Study up.
Before leaving, read books or
research background about major
sights, weather and local culture.
Read local authors.
3 Use a digital camera.
Email pictures home or create an
electronic journal with notes for
each image.
4 Meet new friends and keep in touch.
One of the best ways to preserve
travel memories is to stay in touch
with friends you meet.
5 Be open-minded and flexible.
Be open to new experiences and
changes from your itinerary. Embrace
cultural differences. Unforgettable
experiences come when you relax
and try a new way of doing things.
6 Take only the basics each day.
Keep only essentials on you, like
pocket money and a camera.
Never take valuables; leave them
in a hotel safe.
7 Bring cash or a credit card.
Traveler’s checks are always safe, but
nothing beats the convenience of
cash or a credit card when traveling.
8 Pack lighter than you think.
Don’t bring too many clothes, or
appliances that are easily obtained
at a hotel. Extra supplies can always
be purchased during your trip.
Pack an adapter, if needed, as
well as prescriptions.
9 Get in shape.
Practice daily strolls before
departure so you can walk up to two
miles easily in one stretch.
0 Take the trip best suited for you.
Decide if you are looking for
adventure or something relaxed. You’ll
be happiest if you match your needs to
the trip.
These tips from Grand European Tours;
visit www.getours.com.
30 Harmelinks visit Netherlands
T
hirty members of the Harmelink family from all
over the US visited all twelve Dutch provinces,
focusing on the Achterhoek (back corner) of
Gelderland, where Harmelinks received their name
in 1664.
Several members extended their tour to visit
Ravensbruck, Germany, the only major
concentration camp for women established by the
Nazis during World War II. After Germany, they
visited Normandy in France and toured Omaha
and Utah Beaches,
remembered for the thousands
of Allied military troops who
invaded and gave their lives.
Reported by Vernon Harmelink,
Rock Valley, Iowa, and
Phoenix, Arizona.
Dordrecht’s Great Church, chartered in 1220, was the setting of the
Synod of Dordt in 1618-1619, in which the hardline Calvinists rejected
the more moderate tenets of the Remonstrants. The Harmelink family
held a worship service in the Great Church on a Sunday in Sept. 2005.
Officiating and preaching the sermon was the Rev. Mr. Herman Harmelink III
of Poughkeepsie, NY.
These are Harmelink relatives who have Harmelink genes, no spouse/inlaws included.
Photos by Rick & Gail Harmelink of Inwood, Iowa, and Michael, Louise and Sarah Hooyer of Anchorage, Alaska.
50
Chilocco Indian School reunion
Veloso clan
national reunion
their traditional lifestyle. They were taught
eginning in 1892, many Native
American children were subjected to skills, reading, writing, math, art and
English.
transformation from reservation life at
On September 9, 2006, Chilocco Indian
distant off-reservation boarding schools.
Agriculture School was listed in the
More than 100,000 Native American
National Register of Historic Places. Five
children attended 500 boarding schools
after Richard Henry Pratt established the American Indian tribes – Otoe-Missouria,
Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania in Tonkawa, Kaw Nation, Ponca Nation and
1879. Boarding schools were established the Pawnee Tribe – plan to renovate and
refurbish a historic Indian school into a
far from reservations so students would
living history museum.
have no contact with family or friends.
Former Chilocco Indian School students
Indian boarding schools were
established during the late 19th and early keep the connection at yearly reunions,
20th century. For many, boarding schools usually in Oklahoma City or Tulsa,
Oklahoma, but this year in Albuquerque,
using Euro-American standards
represented the first contact many Native New Mexico. Activities included a Golf
Clinic & Tournament, Santa Fe tour,
American children had with the outside
white world. They had white teachers and reception/social hours, a Veterans’
Breakfast, honoring the Golden Class of
missionaries who hoped to “civilize”
1957, Hall of Fame Induction and dancing.
them. Children could not speak in their
From an article by Tom Mark, Navajo,
native languages or call each other by
Class of 1966 in Native Times.
native names, and were forced to leave
B
T
he Veloso Clan reunions have met since
1983. Over the years, they’ve discovered
many similar habits, affiliations and hobbies.
Examples are that (1) many Veloso clan
members are artistically or musically inclined,
(2) politics is in the blood, and (3) a charismatic
personality is another common factor.
At a recent reunion, the Philippine
Department of Tourism Secretary and governor
attended functions. Cultural presentations from
each lineage or province were encouraged.
Fundraising dance contests included the
“Curacha.” Side-trips to Tacloban were
encouraged so attendees could get to know their
roots and history.
Clan members who were not able to attend
were encouraged to send personal video
greetings, photos/digital files of previous
reunions, family pictures (with captions), and
videotapes or wave files of their own Veloso
family reunions for clan archives.
From Global Nation,
Manila, Philippines.
NOTE: For additional information about Indian boarding schools, there is a very,
moving exhibit at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Visit www.heard.org.
Harbour Island reunion
M
embers of 18 families with roots in
Harbour Island in the Bahamas (3 1/2
miles long and 1 1⁄2 miles wide) recently
enjoyed their 30th annual reunion in
Miami, Florida, complete with a junkanoo
band, a banquet and remarks from
Bahama’s Consul General, Alma Adams.
The five-day celebration included
worship services at Historic Saint Agnes
Episcopal Church in Overtown, pastored
by a member of the Harbour Island
group, a picnic at Oleta River State Park
on Biscayne Bay in North Miami,
banquets and fashion shows.
The families represented are Albury,
Barry, Bethel, Cash, Curry, Cleare, Grant,
Higgs, Johnson, Fisher, Major, Roberts,
Saunders, Sawyer, Stirrup, Sweeting,
Walker and Percentie. In 30 years, reunions
have taken place in Fort Lauderdale,
Nassau, New York and Canada.
The reunion group has donated a set
of encyclopedias to the Harbour Island
All Age School in memory of Thomasena
Lindsey, windows to St. John’s Episcopal
Church in memory of family members
and victims of Harbour Island Hurricane
Andrew, and scholarships to help
students in the group. The Harbour
Island Family Reunion was incorporated
in 1993.
From a story in the
Miami Herald, Miami, Florida.
Biennial Maniquis/z/kis Family Reunion
T
he 3rd Biennial Maniquis/z/kis
Family Reunion in Glendale,
California, included a barbecue, fun and
games, contests and “get-to-know” each
other activities. A dinner-dance was the
evening event.
The immigrant ancestor, Don Carlos
Agustin Maniquiz, came from Spain
during the Christianization of the
Philippines after Magellan’s discovery of
the Philippines. There are 10
generations since Don Carlos, and many
of the 6th through 10th generations live
in the US and Canada.
The first USA Reunion of the
Maniquis/z/kis Family was held on
Memorial Day weekend 2003 in San Jose,
California, where 150+ family members
and friends attended. The Alejandro clan
hosted the event.
The second reunion was held July 4th
weekend 2004 at Balboa Park in San
Diego, California, hosted by the Dionisio
clan. Almost 200 family members and
guests attended. It was decided to make
the reunion a biennial event.
The 2006 reunion in Glendale,
California, was hosted by the Santiago
clan. Relatives came from all over the US,
Canada, England, New Zealand, Australia
and the Philippines. The Maniquis/z/kis
Family in the Philippines also holds their
annual reunion in one of the local resorts or
a family estate. About 300-400 family
members attend the Philippine reunion.
Contact Geraldine Yumping, 818-6366534, [email protected];
Hill Maniquis, [email protected];
Oliver Maniquis, 818-502-5023,
[email protected].
From Asianjournal.com,
Los Angeles, California.
51
ETHNIC
Reunion 2008
launched in
Dominica
N
ovember 3, 2008, will mark thirty
years since Dominica attained
political independence from Great
Britain. Reunion 2008 is anticipated as a
Renaissance Year for Dominica, promoted
as a time for introspection, assessment
and rebirth.
Activities for Reunion year 2008, from
January to December, will focus on the
following areas and themes: Education;
Environment, Botanic Gardens, National
Monuments, Festivals/Expositions,
Science and Technology, WellnessCelebrating longevity, Diaspora, sports
and games, among others.
Caribbean Net News –
Georgetown, Cayman Islands
Review
Slovak Pittsburgh by Lisa A. Alzo (Images
of America Series, 128 pages, softcover,
$19.99. Arcadia Publishing, 888-3132665; www.arcadiapublishing.com).
onoring your ethnicity and celebrating where your family came from is
one of life’s greatest gifts. Liza Alzo celebrates her Slovakian heritage in this
lovely collection of
her Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania,
extended ethnic
family’s life. The
book focuses on the
daily lives of immigrants such as
family, religion,
work, celebrations and service
illustrated in
pictures from
individuals and
organizations. There are short
introductions to many aspects of life followed by well-captioned pictures of
Lisa’s family, friends and Slovak neighbors growing up. The Ithica, New York,
resident and renowned genealogist is
also a well-documented reunion organizer. Many of her joyful and creative family
celebrations have been featured in this
magazine. Bravo, Lisa! EW
H
52
Nuestra Familia
I
am a sixth-generation Texan on one
side of my family, which makes my
daughters seventh-generation Texans,
which says a lot. We Texans are very
proud of that status and you don’t meet
very many seventh-generation Texans. In
addition, our family’s general attitude is
very inclusive by culture. We are
Hispanics. And so the name of my
family’s reunion is Nuestra Familia,
which in English would be called “Our
Family.” But, to tell the truth, you lose a
great deal in the translation. When we
say “our family,” great emphasis is put
on inclusivity and possession. We all
make up our family. Hence our family’s
tagline/slogan, in Spanish, “Pasado,
ahora, y antes: Porque de tal razon
vivimos, y sobrevivimos – Siempre
Reunidos!” English translation: “Past,
present and future: For this reason we
live and survive – always to reunite!”
As you can probably tell, great pride is
put into our modest little organization, but
it’s done with immense love and caring.
Reported by Veronica Haynes,
Gallegos/Trevino Family Reunion,
Rosansky, Texas.
NOTE: This reunion picture is also in Reunions Picture Gallery online at
www.reunionsmag.com Is yours?
400th Doherty anniversary reunion
C
ahir Rua O’ Dochartaigh – the last
Irish-based O Dochartaigh clan
chieftain – fell at the hands of the
English forces in 1608.
A massive gathering of ancestors who
use various spellings of the traditional
Irish O Dochartaigh name will be held
from July 1 to July 10, 2008. Buncrana,
ancestral home of the clan – where The
Keep is all that remains of the castle
built by the O Dochartaighs in 1430 –
will be the center for festivities.
There will be tours and attractions,
according to Eva Doherty Gremmert, 2008
Reunion Coordinator, on the official reunion
website, www.odochartaighreunion.com,
which will carry information, schedules
and registration.
Events planned to commemorate the
anniversary of Cahir Rua’s death include
genealogy workshops, pub crawls and a
Mayor’s reception in Derry City, as well
as the feasting and drink of a medieval
banquet.
In 2005, 437 people attended the
reunion from ten countries and 39
American states.
From the Derry Journal, Derry, Ireland
REUNION PRODUCTS
BACK ISSUES, REPRINTS, WORKBOOK & POSTCARDS
order form over
BACK ISSUES
Vol 1 No 1
Family, town and military reunions,
adoptee search.
Vol 1 No 2
Families, reunion places, fundraising.
Vol 1 No 3
Reuniting the Relatives, memory
books, interviewing, cemetery
memorials.
Vol 1 No 4
Ranches, Desert Storm reunion,
camping.
Vol 2 No 1
Commemorations, college memory
book, how reunions change people.
Vol 2 No 2
Family associations, 30th HS
reunion.
Vol 2 No 3
Ethnic origins, fundraising, Vietnam
reunion.
Vol 2 No 4
Cookbook, food/beverage tips, cruises.
Vol 3 No 1
CVBs, evaluations, China Beach
reunion.
Vol 3 No 2
Cookbooks, family heritage, history
travel, African American family
reunions.
Vol 3 No 3
Kids’ activities, storytelling, communicating.
Vol 3 No 4
Century reunion, recipes, interviewing.
Vol 4 No 1
Ancestry, riverboat reunions, videotaping.
Vol 4 No 2
D-Day re-enactment, WWII battlefield tours, honoring ancestors,
reunion prizes.
Vol 4 No 3
African American reunions, D-Day
reunions, memorial services.
Vol 4 No 4
Recipes, fundraising, WWII reunion
tips.
Vol 5 No 1
Fundraising, love letters, diaries,
Italian ancestry, WWII flight nurses.
Vol 5 No 2
Wild West reunion, WWII remembered.
Vol 5 No 3
Flyers & newsletters, welcoming 1st
timers.
Vol 5 No 4
Writing family history, kid’s stuff, flyers and newsletters, recipes.
Vol 6 No 1
Family history, kudos & citations.
Vol 6 No 2
Fundraising, finding reunion site,
registration.
Vol 6 No 3
50th HS, reunion with Dutch “savior.”
Vol 6 No 4
Kids stuff, cemeteries, communications.
Vol 7 No 1
Golf, delegating, reunion glossary,
CVBs.
Vol 7 No 2
Ethnic reunions, memory books,
t-shirts.
Vol 7 No 3
Dr. Ruth talks, ice breakers,
invitations.
Vol 7 No 4
Rainy day activities, memory books,
quantity cooking.
Vol 8 No 1
Found: everyone! Getting started.
Vol 8 No 2
Storytelling, web pages, mystery photos, day camp for kids.
Vol 8 No 3
Databases, subpoena invitation.
Vol 8 No 4
Christmas in July, health histories.
Vol 9 No 1
Class search, fundraising,
newsletters.
Vol 9 No 2
Goody bags, cruises, mystery
photos, CVBs.
Vol 9 No 3
Souvenirs & games, questionnaire,
gaming.
Vol 9 No 4
Heritage Haunt, drama, survey,
scholarships, food.
Vol 10 No 1
Bylaws & philanthropy, schedule and
registration form.
Vol 10 No 2
Kids, diaries & journals, ethnicity.
Vol 10 No 3
Oral histories, ranches, theme ideas.
Vol 11 No 1
CVBs help, golf, camping, books.
Vol 11 No 2
Ethnicity, family history test, legends & myths.
Vol 11 No 3
Games, teenagers will talk.
Vol 11 No 4
Icebreakers, games, memoirs, catering, fundraising.
Vol 12 No 1
Communication, games, banquets,
fundraising.
Vol 12 No 2
20th HS reunion, CVBs, adventure
reunions, cruising.
Vol 12 No 3
Reunion survey, kids stuff, newsletters.
Vol 14 No 5
Games, visit cemeteries, many
family reunions, national WWII
reunion.
Vol 14 No 6
Food, ethnic reunions, school
history.
Vol 15 No 1
Snow foolin’ winter reunions,
newsletters inform, evaluating
keeps it fresh.
Vol 15 No 2
Great communication, fundraising
successes, cruising reunions.
Vol 15 No 3
Themes, goodies, favors & prizes,
house histories.
Vol 15 No 5
Tuskegee Airmen, Valley Forge,
family medical history.
Vol 15 No 6
Quilts, cruises, camping.
Vol 12 No 4
Camping, ethnicity, catering,
cemeteries.
Vol 16 No 1
Down on the farm, WWII 60th
anniversary reunions, attractions.
Vol 13 No 1
Fundraising, golf, all inclusives.
Vol 16 No 2
Fundraising ideas, Tracking the
wild class-mate, Co-workers
reunite.
Vol 13 No 2
Ranches, themes, invitations, get
kids involved.
Vol 13 No 3
Heritage tours and homecomings,
patriotic themes, celebrate teachers.
Vol 13 No 4
Internet genealogy, military
reunions, ethnic reunions.
Vol 13 No 5
CVBs help, plantation and
neighborhood reunions, music.
Vol 13 No 6
Camping, family associations,
treasures.
Vol 14 No 1
Awards, create a reunion dvd,
ethnic celebrations.
Vol 14 No 2
Fundraising: raffles, cookbooks,
plan a military reunion, travel
agents.
Vol 14 No 3
Memorials, workbook.
Vol 14 No 4
Family tree celebrities, take a bus,
lady veterans, chef does his class
reunion.
Vol 16 No 3
Icebreakers, games and ethnic
reunions.
Vol 16 No 4
Gulf Coast open for reunions,
feeding reunions, military diary.
Vol 16 No 5
Reunion rodeo and ranches,
Reunion communications,
Registration and schedules.
Vol 16 No 6
Family reunions, video histories,
scrapbooking for kids.
Vol 17 No 1
Fundraising, family health,
cookbooks.
Vol 17 No 2
Genealogy at reunions, RSVP,
where to have reunions.
Vol 17 No 4
National Family Reunion
Conference Program.
Vol 17 No 5
Kiddsstuff, food, games &
activities.
Vol 17 No 6
DNA links, down on the farm,
camping.
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53
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54
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MILITARY REUNION NEWS E
Gathering of Mustangs & Legends –
The Final Round Up
‘Honor Tour’
takes vets to DC
A
R
onetime event honoring the heroes
who flew the legendary P-51
“Mustangs” will be at Rickenbacker
International Airport in Columbus, Ohio,
September 27-30, 2007. An estimated
100 Mustang aircraft will be on display
and some 51 heroes who flew the Mustang
will be honored, including members of the
WW II Flying Aces, Tuskegee Airmen,
Women Air Service Pilots and others.
The weekend will include a worldclass air show, featuring the P-51 with
special invited aircraft: P-40, P-63, P47, P-38, ME-109, FW-190 and Spitfire,
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, The Red
Barons, AeroShell Team and other top
civilian air and military show performers.
Attractions and military appearances will
honor the 60th Anniversary of the US Air
Force. Visit www.GML2007.com.
ob Callahan of Marble Hill,
Missouri, got the idea for the Honor
Tour when he realized many World War
II vets were unable to see the World War
II Memorial. The tour is all-expensespaid for Southeast Missouri veterans to
visit the Memorial in Washington.
Callahan secured a donation of 30
round-trip tickets from Southwest
Airlines and bus accommodations from
Three Rivers Travel.
Callahan, a third-generation military
man retired from the Air Force, said
getting veterans to the memorial is one of
the most rewarding things he’s ever been
a part of. Callahan’s goal is to ensure all
veterans who go on the trip do so for free.
Contact Callahan at 573-718-1076.
From a story by T.J. Greaney
in the Southeast Missourian,
Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Great service
W
P-51 Mustangs: the final roundup.
PT boat officers last reunion
P
eter Tare, Inc., an organization for
former officers of PT boats took one
last sail down memory lane. The group
began meeting in 1947 and has better than
$25,000 in assets according to William
Paynter. Originally the plan was to turn the
assets over to the sole survivor, but as
years passed, that seemed impractical.
They plan to turn it over to the P.T. Boats,
Inc., which has restored and displays a
pair of PT boats at Battleship Cove in Fall
River, Massachusetts.
Somewhere between 60,000 and
66,000 men served on the boats, 331
were killed in action and of 531 PTs in
US Navy service, 69 were lost.
During 60 reunions, the stories have
flown, battles fought again and memories
trotted out to thrill a willing audience.
Former PT officers show the wear and
tear of age. Their hair is gone or white,
hearing aids fill many ears. They use
canes to get around and even then they
frequently miss parts of conversation.
Visit www.petertare.org/menu.htm,
www.ptboats.org/07-0-05-museum.html
and www.ddaymuseum.org/.
On KATC, Lafayette, Louisiana
Time to list your 2007
(and later) reunions now to appear at
www.reunionsmag.com. Include the reunion name,
date and place and contact info.
Email to [email protected].
e are on the mailing list of the
52nd Fighter Group and American
Beagle Squadron reunion. They recently
sent a letter announcing new ownership
and a name change for the hotel where
they will be staying. That seems basically unremarkable since the address
probably stays the same but the reservation number changed necessitating a
mailing. The former Ramada in Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, is now a Quality Inn &
Suites. An extra mailing might have broken the bank but the hotel paid for the it
to make sure all members were aware of
the change. A very good service!
Reunion timetable?
www.reunionsmag.com
Click on Getting started,
then on Choosing a date.
Podcasts on reunion
planning topics.
Listen online –
www.reunionsmag.com.
55
E MILITARY REUNION NEWS
St. Simons Island Crewmates chosen for
‘Coasties’ reunion Battleship Memorial Park
F
ormer US Coast Guard personnel who
served on St. Simons Island, Georgia,
are invited to a special reunion
November 9-11, 2007, sponsored by the
Coastal Georgia Historical Society
(www.saintsimonslighthouse.org). The
event is open to all Coast Guard
personnel, regular and reserves, who
were associated with Station
St. Simons from 1937 and 1995.
Most activities will be based at the
Maritime Museum at the Historic Coast
Guard Station and will include tours of
Station St. Simons, restored and opened
as a museum in 2006; a banquet and
worship service.
The Coastal Georgia Historical
Society is especially interested in
personal stories, photographs and other
memorabilia. To share them, contact
Michelle Collins, reunion coordinator, at
912-638-5481 or 912-628-4666.
S
ix young women were selected as goodwill ambassadors by the USS ALABAMA
Battleship Commission for Battleship Memorial Park and the State of Alabama.
Each Crewmate receives a $1,000 scholarship to the college of her choice.
WW II vets give
HHAFFA funds
All hands on deck!
T
F
he Hoosier Hills (Indiana) Armed
Forces Families Association was able
to start the Emergency Leave Grant
Project because of the donation from the
138th Tank Battalion, an Indiana
National Guard unit. The group decided
to give their remaining funds to help
support area service people.
Time was catching up with members
according to treasurer, Paul Miller.
“Ten years ago we had 400 dues-paying
members, but at the last meeting we
only had 11.”
“The decision was made to give the
money to HHAFFA because of the much
needed services they provide for our area
military personnel,” World War II
veteran Miller said.
The Red Cross sends a message to the
military service member in the case of a
family emergency. The service member,
however, must pay for transportation
home. It’s just another way the community
shows we appreciate the service and
sacrifices of our military people.
From an article by Pete Schreiner in the
Times-Mail, Bedford, Indiana.
SUBSCRIBE! CALL 1-800-373-7933
56
ormer crewmen of the Battleship USS
ALABAMA (BB-60) met in Mobile for
their annual reunion. About 35 former
crewmen with wives, children, and even
grandchildren here were in attendance.
Since 1970, all but two annual
reunions have been in Mobile.
Membership is waning due to old age,
since the vast majority are over 80.
Although old age is creeping up on its
members, they still maintain a strong
spirit. “Most of our guys will tell you we
can still take her out to sea,” former
Crewmen’s Association Director John R.
Brown of Keller, Texas, said.
However, the Association is still
robust, and members number about 400.
6,322 men served aboard the battleship
during its active service from 1942 until
decommissioning in 1947.
Marines hold joint reunion
B
ecause there are so few WW-II
veterans remaining in the VMF125/VMF-155 and VMA-124 Marine
Corps squadrons, they decided to open the
reunion to any Marine Corps personnel of
squadrons that operated the F4U Corsair
in WW-II or the Korean War.
VMF-124 was formed in September
1942 at Camp Kearney, California, and
became the first Marine Corps F4U
Corsair squadron to operate the F4U
against the Japanese in 1943 at
Guadalcanal. Later 124 became the first
Marine Corps squadron to operate from
an aircraft carrier and the first F4U
squadron to operate from a carrier in
combat operations.
VMF/VMO-155: VMF-155 was
activated on October 1, 1942 at Camp
Kearney, California, originally
designated VMO-155, for much of World
War II. The squadron flew a variety of
aircraft including the F4F-3P Wildcat,
specially designated for photo
reconnaissance. The squadron was
deactivated in 1945, shortly after the
cessation of hostilities with Japan.
Contact Colonel David A. Hallin,
USMCR (Retired), 936 East Riverwalk
Dr, Memphis TN 38120-2600.
Celebrate women veterans
A
lmost 15,000 Connecticut women
served in the US Military and qualify
as veterans. The Connecticut General
Assembly authorized the new Connecticut
Wartime Service Medal last year to honor
Connecticut’s veterans who served in time
of war. To date, more than 7,500 medals
have been pinned on hometown veterans.
To find out if you are eligible for this
award, contact Chuck at 866-928-8387
or visit the Veterans Affair Web site at
www.ct.gov/ctva.
From the Windsor Journal,
Windsor, Connecticut.
Something good in the air in Aliceville
C
amp Aliceville, Alabama, was one of
the largest prisoner of war camps in
the US from 1943 through 1945. Most
Americans are unaware that about
450,000 German POWs spent time in our
country during World War II, including
6,000 at Aliceville.
The Camp Aliceville reunion is a
gathering of former German POWs,
former American MPEGs (Military Police
Escort Guards), former civilian camp
employees and Aliceville residents, with
their families. Through the years, they
have established relationships have
fostered memories of good will and
respect now being passed down to second
and third generations on both sides.
During the war, many Aliceville
residents worked with POWs at a sawmill,
in the cotton fields and in surrounding
pulpwood forests. After the war ended,
some stayed in touch and when they
learned of conditions in defeated postwar
Germany, they sent packages of food to
the POWs and their families.
The numbers of World War II
participants who are able to return for
reunions is dwindling now, but their
families continue to gather. This is
something good gleaned from the evil of
war. It has grown in the hearts of those
who lived it, and it is my hope that it will
continue to grow in the hearts of those
who hear about it.
From a story by Ruth Beaumont Cook
author of Guests Behind the Barbed Wire,
Crane Hill Publishers, in the Anniston
Star, Anniston, Alabama.
Red Tail Project honors
Tuskegee Airmen
T
he Red Tail Project is restoring a rare
World War II P-51C Mustang and
developing a traveling museum to help
promote understanding of the Tuskegee
Airmen’s perseverance against discrimination at home and against the Luftwaffe
in Europe. The Tuskegee Airmen were a
World War II fighter group composed of
African-American pilots and support per-
sonnel who fought discrimination and
prejudice in order to serve their country.
Their remarkable story of vision, hope,
hard work and discipline proved that
individuals can accomplish the remarkable, regardless of the obstacles, and
remains as relevant today as it did 60
years ago. Contact Red Tail Project, 182
W. Division St., River Falls WI 54022.
CALL: 414.263.4567
FAX: 414.263.6331
WRITE: PO Box 11727
57
CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES
Welcome to Reunion Resources!
How to use REUNION RESOURCES
Reunion resources is divided into sections. Reunion
friendly places include destinations (convention, visitor
and tourism bureaus) and locations (hotels, resorts,
ranches, condominiums, bed & breakfasts, inns,
dormitories, camps). They are listed alphabetically by state
and city. The sections which follow list books and
publishing, cruises, fundraising and mementos, invitations,
photography, preserving reunions, postcards, and other
products and services.
Many resources include e-mail and web page addresses.
Start on our web page www.reunions mag.com and in just
one click, go directly to other resource pages – a wonderful
way to visit, get more details and in some cases even
place orders.
We encourage you to tell the listings you contact that
you learned about them from REUNIONS MAGAZINE. And if
at any time you find any info that is inaccurate or e-mail or
web links do not work, notify us immediately at
[email protected]; PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI
53211-0727. And by all means, feel free to comment
and/or suggest changes and additions you’d like to see in
this section.
REUNIONS MAGAZINE will not be held liable for information
presented as facts in these ads. We reserve the right to
edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication.
DESTINATIONS & LOCATIONS
ARIZONA
Best Western DOBSON RANCH INN 1666 S Dobson Road,
Mesa AZ 85202. Central location, complimentary full hot breakfast
buffet, full service catering, ample indoor/outdoor function space
and consistent affordability make the Dobson Ranch Inn an ideal
hotel for reunions. Our 213 guest rooms are situated on 10 acres
of beautifully landscaped courtyards. Hotel amenities include
large heated pool, two spas, exercise room, free high-speed
Internet access and Dale Andersons “The Other Place” restaurant.
800 528-1356; 480 831-7000; [email protected];
www.DobsonRanchInn.com.
TEMPE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Affordable, easy
to get to and with an array of attractive amenities. Tempe is the
ideal destination for more successful meetings. With amazing indoor
and outdoor meeting places, a progressive urban atmosphere,
eclectic downtown Mill Avenue District and endless outdoor
activity – all just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Airport – Tempe is engaging, enlightening and able to suit almost
any group. Toll free 866-914-0685; www.MeetinTempe.com. SEE
OUR DISPLAY AD!
ARKANSAS
BEAUTIFUL BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS! Home of Wal-Mart,
the 1875 Peel Mansion, over 100 restaurants, and 21 hotels. Let
us help you plan a perfect reunion in the booming northwest
corner of Arkansas! We can create daily itineraries, assist in booking lodging, and help make restaurant reservations. For more information, call or logon: 1-800-410-2535 or www.bentonville.org.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
BEL’ARCO RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER over
looking Bull Shoals Lake, # 2 Crestline Road. 25 Acres, 53 hotel
rooms, some with kitchens, two condos, restaurant, 8000 sq ft
meeting space (6 break out rooms), pool, game room, marina next
door, 3 golf courses within 20 mile, White River Trout fishing.
Catering to corp. meetings, church retreats, family reunions.
www.belarco.com. 1-866-235-2726.
HOSTING REUNIONS SINCE 1908! Fort Smith, Arkansas
In 1908 the retired United States Marshals and Deputies who
served under “Hanging” Judge Isaac C. Parker during the taming
of the western frontier held their last reunion in Fort Smith, and
the city has been hosting reunions ever since. Fort Smith is also the
future home of the U.S. Marshal Museum. Fort Smith Convention
& Visitors Bureau. 800-637-1477 or www.fortsmith.org. SEE
OUR DISPLAY AD!
shows, water fun, quaint villages, relaxing spas and more. Send
for your free Group Tour and Meeting Planners Directory. Call
800-872-1259. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! www.arkansasgrouptravel
.com.
THE LODGE AT MOUNT MAGAZINE STATE PARK,
ARKANSAS Reconnect with family or friends at this mountain
resort lodge while you enjoy the view from Arkansas's highpoint.
Guest rooms and cabins. Conference and meeting rooms. Indoor
pool, plenty of outdoor activities and nature programs. Make this
reunion one to remember. Call 1-877-665-6343 for group rates or
log on to MountMagazineStatePark.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
CALIFORNIA
BUENA PARK CONVENTION & VISITORS OFFICE 6601
Beach Blvd. Suite 200, Buena Park CA 90621-2904. Come see
why we are the ideal spot for reunions and family vacations. We
are home to five major tourist attractions including Knott’s Berry
Farm and only ten minutes away from Disneyland. Accommodations, restaurants and shopping are all within a mile! Beaches
and mountains close by. Call 800-541-3953 for a free Travel
Planner, or fax 714-562-3569. [email protected]; www.
visitbuenapark.com.
AYRES HOTEL HAWTHORNE/MANHATTAN BEACH / LAX
4400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne CA 90250; 310-220-6444; fax
310-220-6461; www.ayresmanhattanbeach.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
THE LAUREL MILL LODGE PO Box 368, Los Gatos CA 95031;
408-353-5851; [email protected]; www.laurelmilllodge
.com.
SUNNY, SAN DIEGO REUNIONS AT COMFORT INN &
SUITES ZOO / SEAWORLD AREA You can’t get more convenient,
comfortable or affordable than the Comfort Inn & Suites
Zoo/SeaWorld. Featuring 200 rooms including kids suites with
bunk beds and separate parents room and 2-bedroom suites
accommodating six people, this hotel is just minutes from San
Diego’s top attractions and offers a pool & complimentary hot
breakfast buffet daily. Call 800-665-0305; visit comfortinnzoo.com.
OAKLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 463 11th
Street Oakland CA 94607; 510-839-9000. Oakland is California’s
best-kept secret. Just minutes to San Francisco by rapid transit,
ferry, bus or car. Breathtaking waterfront views. Unique, affordable
venues for reunions of all sizes. World-class jazz, restaurants and
major-league sports. Call or email today for your FREE Visitors
Guide. Oaklandcvb.com; [email protected]. SEE OUR DISPLAY
AD!
HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE 4875 N Harbor Drive, San
Diego CA 92106; 619-224-3621; 800-650-6660; fax 619-2241787. Host your reunion at the beautiful Holiday Inn San Diego
Bayside across from San Diego Bay. Our experienced staff will
assist you in creating a very special event. Complimentary hosp
suite and special reunion rates. Beautiful guest rooms, heated
pool, spa, shuffleboard, ping-pong and billiards, exercise room,
family restaurant and cocktail lounge, free pkg, in-room movies,
coffee makers, refrigerators, hair dryers. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
[email protected]; www.holinnbayside.com.
NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOETM RESORT offers a great place to
sleep, eat, play and relax in a beautiful mountain setting with a
wide variety of accommodations and activities such as golf,
swimming and tennis in the summer and snow sports activities
in the winter. It’s no wonder Northstar was voted as a top 10
reunion destination by Family Travel Forum. A personal event
planner is provided to help plan your unforgettable reunion.
Highway 267 & Northstar Dr., Truckee, CA 96160, 800-9265096, [email protected], www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.
COLORADO BED & BREAKFAST
EASTHOLME IN THE ROCKIES BED & BREAKFAST 4445
Hagerman Avenue, Cascade CO 80809. Elegant 1885 Victorian
Inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located just
minutes from Colorado Springs at the foothill of Pikes Peak.
Lodging accommodations for 26 people. Reunion packages
include lodging and full gourmet breakfast. Meal plans for lunch
& dinner available. Abundance of local attractions, restaurants &
activities for the family. Perfect Colorado destination getaway.
800-672-9901; [email protected]; www.eastholme.com.
COLORADO
BRECKENRIDGE is a world away from everyday! Vibrant history,
natural beauty, and adventures for all ages make for an ideal locale,
especially in our mild mountain summers. Our full-service reservation
center also books activities, lift tickets, golf, and transportation.
Let our reunion expert help create the Colorado getaway you’ve
ARKANSAS With great facilities and activities for all, Arkansas
always imagined! Breckenridge Lodging & Hospitality P.O. Box
is a natural for your next reunion. Hold yours on a houseboat, at a
8329, 535 S. Park Avenue, Breckenridge CO 80424; 888-483scenic resort, in a peaceful state park, in a music show theatre, or
6140; fax 970-453-5165; [email protected];
scores of other places. Enjoy shopping, dining, galleries, antiquing,
www.breckresortsgroups.com.
58 R E U N I O N S ❖ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
ESTES PARK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box
1200, Estes Park CO 80517. Estes Park may be the perfect setting for
your reunion! Nestled in a valley surrounded by Rocky Mountain
National Park, fabulous scenery and recreation await you. Enjoy
shopping, trout fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, golf, go
karts, barbecues, hayrides, miniature golf, tram rides, scenic
drives and hiking. Let our group specialist help you find lodging,
meals and fun things for the whole family to enjoy! 800-44-ESTES;
fax 970-577-1677; [email protected]; www.estesparkcvb.com/
groups.cfm
COLORADO ROCKIES – BEST WESTERN LAKE DILLON
LODGE – located 70 miles west of Denver, within 11 miles of
Keystone, Copper Mtn, & Breckenridge Resorts. Full-service
hotel includes banquet & catering facilities, volleyball and
horseshoe pits, indoor pool & Jacuzzi, great family rates, and
O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar. Year round recreation for everyone.
Visit us at www.lakedillonlodge.com, 800-727-0607, 970-6685094, [email protected], 1202 N. Summit Blvd. Frisco,
CO 80443.
LUXURY GATED ESTATE IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
Reconnect, Relax and Rejuvenate at the Bella Vista Estate.
Located just 7 miles outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado your
family will have access to all this resort town has to offer: Skiing,
Snowmobiling, Sleigh Rides, Strawberry Park Hot Springs,
Horseback Riding, Whitewater Rafting, Hiking Trails, Mountain
Biking, Alpine Slide and much, much more. Sleeping up to 26 in
pure comfort, the Bella Vista has panoramic views of Lake
Catamount, the Yampa River Valley and the Continental Divide.
Onsite property managers provide vacation planning, concierge,
maintenance, housekeeping and shuttle services. Other amenities
include: in-ground pool, indoor hot tub, pool table, pinball, arcade
games, outdoor fire pit, tennis court, basketball, satellite big
screen TV and built in bar. Visit our website: www.steamboat1.com
for a full property description, floor plan, virtual tour and image
gallery, or call 970-879-4449 to reserve your dates today.
VACATIONS INC, WINTER PARK COLORADO! PO Box 3095,
Winter Park CO 80482. Rocky Mountain Reunion Specialists!
Just 67 miles from Denver and close to the Rocky Mtn Nat’l Park,
Vacations Inc offers affordable downtown Winter Park lodging,
onsite amenities and family activity planning. We offer studios,
condos, pools and hot-tubs. Play golf and tennis, or go rafting,
fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and ballooning – all in
our back yard! Vacations Inc. – Certifiable Family Fun! 800-2898541; fax 970-726-8004; [email protected]; www.vacations
inc.com.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
HYATT REGENCY WASHINGTON ON CAPITOL HILL Located
in the heart of Capitol Hill, within walking distance of the U.S.
Capitol, Smithsonian Museums, the National Mall and Amtrak’s
Union Station. Featuring 834 spacious modern guest rooms,
including 32 suites, a full-service restaurant, lounge, coffee bar,
41,000 square feet of meeting space, 24-hour Business Center,
and Health Club with indoor pool. 400 New Jersey Avenue,
NW, Washington DC 20001. 202-737-1234; fax 202-719-8419;
[email protected]; www.hyattregencywashington.com.
FLORIDA
NICK’S FISHMARKET OF HAWAII located in Boca Raton is
one of South Florida’s most beautiful restaurants & is the ultimate
setting for reunion’s social events and dinners. Facilities include
the Lanai Deck, a smoker-friendly outside area featuring an
authentic Tiki Bar, the dramatic Pineapple Bar inside plus two
private dining rooms. Restaurant is also available for buy-outs.
Live entertainment on weekends and is available for booking
other nights. 150 E. Palmetto Park Rd., #175, Boca Raton, FL
33432. 561.393.9815; fax 561.393.9870; [email protected];
www.nicksboca.com.
COUNTRY INN & SUITES OF CAPE CANAVERAL 9009
Astronaut Blvd. Cape Canaveral FL 32920. “Closest Hotel to the
Port!” 2000 sq. ft. of meeting space. 151 Spacious Guest Rooms,
including garden tubs, Children suites & Jacuzzi Suites. Free
local calls, free high speed internet, Arcade, Fitness Center,
48,000 gallon salt water/mineral pool, Jacuzzi w/waterfall &
Children’s pool with large waterfall. FREE Upscale Continental
Breakfast! Park & Cruise Package with FREE parking & FREE
SHUTTLE!! Come see the difference of staying at the Country Inn
& Suites of Cape Canaveral. 321-784-8500; fax 321-784-8500;
[email protected]; www.Countryinns.com/capecanaveralfl.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
RADISSON RESORT AT THE PORT 8701 Astronaut Blvd.,
Cape Canaveral FL 32920. The Radisson is located just one mile
South of Port Canaveral with free parking and Shuttle to the Port.
Choose from a variety of accommodations: Sleep number beds,
two-room whirl pool suites and standard rooms available. Enjoy
Flamingo’s Restaurant and Starbucks Coffee. Also, just minutes
to the Port, Kennedy Space Center, Orlando airport, and Orlando
attractions. 321-784-0000; 800-333-3333; www.radisson.com/
capecanaveralfl. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
RESIDENCE INN CAPE CANAVERAL COCOA BEACH 8959
Astronaut Blvd. Cape Canaveral FL 32920. Enjoy our warm and
friendly home-like atmosphere in spacious suites, with fully
equipped kitchens and appliances. Open April 2006 this impressive
Key West style hotel offers; Heated Pool, Spa, Lounge, Complimentary Full American Breakfast Buffet, Complimentary Weekday
Social Hour (Mon-Thu)., Complimentary High Speed Internet Access.
www.marriott.com/mlbri; 321-323-1100. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
BEST WESTERN COCOA BEACH 5600 N. Atlantic Avenue,
Cocoa Beach FL 32931. Anything you want for your ocean retreat:
from Standard Courtyard rooms to private balconies. Enjoy the
Durango Steakhouse & Lounge, Poolside Veranda Bar, and just a
short walk to Cocoa Beach Pier entertainment. 800-962-0028;
321-783-7621; www.bestwesterncocoabeach.com. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
COMFORT INN & SUITES RESORT & CONFERENCE
CENTER 3901 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. Our
five acre tropical beachside resort in the heart of Cocoa Beach is
just 300 feet to the beach, near Ron Jon’s & restaurants. Choose
from Ocean & Courtyard view suites, standard rooms and
efficiency rooms. Lush courtyard surrounds heated pool, whirlpool, snack bar, outdoor grills & Lagoon Lounge. 321-783-2221;
800-247-2221; www.comfortinncocoabeach.com. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT COCOA BEACH 3435 N. Atlantic
Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. Make this your most
memorable stay ever! Sun, Sand, Surf, and Cruise, plus free high
speed Internet access, restaurant, lounge, Whirlpool rooms, tworoom suites, private balconies, refrigerators, fitness center,
heated pool, laundry facilities, and more... 321-784-4800;
www.courtyardcocoabeach.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
DOUBLETREE OCEANFRONT HOTEL 2080 North Atlantic
Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. This newly renovated oceanfront hotel is located in beautiful Cocoa Beach. All rooms have
private balconies, free high speed Internet, refrigerators and
microwaves. The Double Tree is also equipped with over 10,000
sq. ft. of meeting space. 321-783-9222; 800-55-Beach; www.
cocoabeachdoubletree.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
HILTON COCOA BEACH OCEANFRONT 1550 N Atlantic
Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. Take pleasure in the area’s largest
ocean front pool deck; direct ocean front location on 300 feet of
sandy beach. Enjoy the heated pool, Tiki bar, two restaurants, and
lounge. This full service hotel has a new large exercise room,
high speed Internet, and many more amenities. 800-526-2609;
www.hiltoncocoabeach.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
HOLIDAY INN COCOA BEACH HOTEL & RESORT OCEANFRONT 1300 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. An
oceanfront, full service resort, our hotel has a wide selection of
accommodations. From standard guest rooms to suites; or
upgrade to two-level lofts and villas, you’re sure to enjoy your
stay with us. Olympic size heated pool, tennis, volleyball courts,
and more...1-800-20-Oasis; www.hicentralflorida.com. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
HAMPTON INN COCOA BEACH 3425 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa
Beach FL 32931. Guests enjoy direct beach access, breathtaking
ocean views, sandy beaches, cruises, historic villages, out of this
world space experiences, the World Famous Surf Shop and free
high speed Internet. Rooms also include continental breakfast,
private balconies, refrigerators, and microwaves; 877-49-Beach;
www.hamptoninncocoabeach.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
EMERALD COAST CVB, INC. DESTIN – FT. WALTON BEACH
FL 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway, Ft. Walton Beach FL 32548;
850-651-7647; fax 850-651-7130; [email protected];
www.destin-fwb.com.
VACATION POOL HOMES & RESORT CONDOS NEAR
DISNEY. The largest selection of vacation rentals in the Orlando
area. 2 to 6 bedrooms fully furnished and equipped for less than
the cost of a hotel room. Let Advantage Vacation Homes assist
with your next Orlando family reunion with all the comfort,
privacy, and more open spaces for new memories to cherish for a
life time. call 1-866-216-5094 or visit www.AdvantageVacation
Homes.com.
KISSIMMEE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1925
East Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee FL 34744. In Kissimmee
reunions are our specialty. We offer planning assistance to reunions
of all sizes and budgets. Let us help you make planning your next
reunion easy. Call for information regarding Kissimmee’s meeting
venues and services. 407-944-2484; fax 407-847-4114; meet@
floridakiss.com; www.floridakiss.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
ORLANDO VACATION HOMES & CONDOS FOR FAMILY
REUNIONS! VillaDirect directly manages and rents the newest
pool homes, townhouses and condominiums in the Disney area.
Choose from over 500 fabulous vacation homes, designed for
family comfort – with spacious rooms, luxurious furnishings,
private pools and game rooms for family entertainment. All our
homes located near Disney and other major attractions. Toll free
– 1-877-259-9908. Website: www.villadirect.com.
COMFORT SUITES ORLANDO 9350 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando
FL 32819 Relax in the luxury of newly furnished accommodations. We have all the amenities for your convenience to make
your stay more enjoyable. Our tropically landscaped courtyard
with heated pool; kiddie pool; Jacuzzi; playground, Tiki Bar and
Grill. Hotel is 2 miles to Universal Orlando and 2.5 miles to Sea
World, 6 miles to Walt Disney. Orlando Convention Center is 2.5
miles. The Florida Mall is 5 miles from hotel. 407-351-5050; fax
407-363-7953; [email protected]; www.comfortsuites
orlando.com
FLORIDAYS RESORT ORLANDO 12550 Floridays Resort Drive
at International Drive South, Orlando FL 32821. Located just two
miles south of SeaWorld on International Drive, offers spacious
two-and-three bedroom Grand Suites, with room for everyone.
The free shuttle to the attractions and the I-Drive trolley makes it
easy to get around town. With two heated swimming pools, game
room, fitness center, and poolside bar and grille, you’ll want to
spend quality family time right here at the resort. 321-329-4022;
fax 321-329-4001; [email protected]; www.floridays
resortorlando.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
WORLDQUEST RESORT 8849 WorldQuest Blvd. Orlando FL
32821. Come Discover More WorldQuest in Orlando. Two and three
bedroom suites, 1,400 sq ft of living space, master bath w/jetted
tub, full kitchens, washer/dryer, private screened in balconies that
overlook our beautiful pool. Complimentary continental breakfast, sunset social, sweet dreams, 24 hr market, fitness center and
security gate. Come Discover More at WorldQuest. 407-387-3800:
fax 407-387-3810; [email protected]; www.world
questorlando.com.
GEORGIA ATTRACTIONS
Luther King, Jr. Home, the new Aquarium and Stone Mountain
Park! Call Cricket Elliott toll-free at 1-888-494-6638, ext 6049;
direct at 770-814-6049 or by email at [email protected] to plan
your next Atlanta-based reunion today! www.gcvb.org. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
HAWAII
MEET IN PARADISE! Share old memories & create new ones
in comfort and spacious luxury at a large private home (with 3
suites on 3 levels) in Kauai’s exclusive Princeville resort. Easy
access to beaches, golf, tennis, hiking, kayaking, shops. Relax at
home over ping-pong, a jigsaw puzzle, or a gourmet meal! House
sleeps 6-9. We can also arrange additional accommodations
nearby. Toll free 866/624-4800, www.kuhinakoa.com.
ILLINOIS
CHICAGO MARRIOTT SUITES DEERFIELD Two Parkway
North, Deerfield, Ill 60015. 248 all-suite hotel off of Tri-State
Tollway. High-speed Internet access. Indoor & Outdoor pool,
healthclub, whirlpool and sauna. Complimentary parking. Basil’s
Kitchen & Bar on site for Mediterranean cuisine. Convenient to
downtown Chicago, Six Flags, golf, shopping, Botanic Gardens
and other area attractions. (847) 405-9666; www.marriottsuites
deerfield.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & SUITES CHICAGO NORTHWEST
– ELGIN Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at 495 Airport Rd, Elgin,
Illinois 60123 is a full service hotel for your reunion needs. 3
miles from Hemmens Cultural Center, Grand Victoria Casino &
16 miles from Woodfield Mall. 243 rooms with 63 suites & 7,500
sq. ft. of meeting space with onsite catering. There is an indoor
pool, fitness center, game room & Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern.
847-488-9000; Fax 847-488-9800; www.holidayinn.com/elginil.
IOWA
GREATER DES MOINES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
400 Locust Street, Ste 265, Des Moines IA 50309; 800-451-2625;
515-286-4960; fax 515-244-9757; [email protected];
www.SeeDesMoines.com.
KENTUCKY
ELIZABETHTOWN / FT. KNOX From military reunions to family
reunions, Elizabethtown is the place to share memories & make
new memories, too! Freeman Lake Park; the Patton Museum;
antique & boutique shopping; the Coca-Cola Museum; historic
sites. Intersection of I-65 and the Bluegrass Parkway.
Elizabethtown Tourism & Convention Bureau, 800-437-0092;
www.TourEtown.com
LOUISIANA
GEORGIA AQUARIUM 255 Baker Street, Atlanta Georgia 30313.
The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest with more than 8
million gallons of water and more than 100,000 animals including
whale sharks, the world’s largest fish species. Host your reunion
event in the Ocean’s Ballroom, the city’s newest and most unique
environment for special events with catering provided by
Wolfgang Puck Catering. Group ticketing is available for groups
of 25 people or more. For more information contact Paul Selby at
404-581-4451 or log on to georgiaaquarium.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY
AD!
GEORGIA
ATLANTA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 233 Peachtree
Street, Suite 100, Atlanta GA 30303. World-class restaurants,
festive nightlife, six major league sports teams and top attractions
help make Atlanta the entertainment center of the South. Add
92,000 hotel rooms in every price range and the city’s accessibility
via Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and Atlanta is the
perfect destination for family reunions. Contact the Atlanta CVB
for reunion services, www.atlanta.net or 800.ATLANTA. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
DOUBLETREE HOTEL ATLANTA NORTHWEST – MARIETTA
2055 South Park Place, Atlanta GA 30339. Located off I-75 north
of downtown Atlanta, close to all area attractions, shopping &
restaurants. Our oversized rooms feature signature Sweet Dream
bedding and Chaise lounge, Coffee Makers, Full Sized Ironing
Boards and Irons, Data Ports & Wireless Access in Rooms.
Indoor and Outdoor Pools. Hotel has free parking, fitness center,
restaurant & coffee bar on site. 770-272-9441; fax 678-252-5907;
[email protected]; www.atlantamarietta.doubletree.com.
GWINNETT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (ATLANTA)
Minutes from Atlanta, the GCVB provides a FREE Reunion
Planner, group welcome bags with gift; and free lodging
assistance! Gwinnett has 97 group-friendly hotels with 25 of
Atlanta’s best parks, and easy I-85 access to Six Flags, Dr. Martin
NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2020
St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans LA 70130; phone 504-5665011; fax 504-566-5002. Let us assist with your family reunion
planning by helping you select a date with the best hotel rates and
providing you with banquet, picnic and sightseeing information.
Our services are free. Please contact Leslie Straughan at 800748-8695 x5018 or [email protected] and be sure
to ask for the Family Reunion Planner. www.neworleanscvb.com.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
EXPERIENCE JEFFERSON, THE GATEWAY TO NEW
ORLEANS! With plenty of easy access hotels, world-class
dining, terrific shopping, swamp adventures, first-class fishing,
meeting spaces, and more, this is the place for your reunion
rendezvous! Contact the Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau
at 504-731-7083, 1-877-572-7474 (toll free), or log on to our
website, www.neworleansgateway.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
MAINE
SAMOSET RESORT on 230 oceanside acres, in Rockport, ME,
offers AAA four diamond service and quality and features 18-hole
championship golf, newly remodeled guestrooms, meeting
space, dining, health club, indoor pool and outdoor pools, hot
tubs, tennis courts. With the ideal setting and amenities for
relaxation, Samoset is the perfect reunion setting for all ages. 220
Warrenton Street, Rockport ME 04856. 877-237-3610; fax 207594-0048; www.samosetresort.com.
MASSACHUSETTS
GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY CONVENTION & VISITORS
BUREAU 9 Central Street, Suite 210, Lowell MA 01852. 8002159805; fax 978-4594595. Just a half-hour from Boston the Greater
Merrimack Valley is rich in history and natural beauty. The region
offers the unbeatable combination of lower costs, first-class
facilities, easy accessibility, and our commitment to give your
reunion all the attention it deserves! www.merrimackvalley.org
59
MICHIGAN
DETROIT METRO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Thinking of meeting in Detroit? We offer great services such as
tracing your family history, securing permits for area parks,
searching for hotel accommodations and much more. Detroit is
home to great family fun attractions including The Henry Ford,
America’s greatest history attraction, the Detroit Zoo, fine
museums and numerous festivals and events. 1-800-CALL-DTW
(225-5389), www.visitdetroit.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
KALAMAZOO COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
346 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo MI 49007. Discover
Hospitality. With a diverse and rich community culture,
Kalamazoo is an ideal destination for reunions, offering more
than 2,600 affordable hotel rooms, and one of a kind attractions.
As well as recreation, dining and shopping for every preference
and budget. A short drive or 30 minute plane ride from either
Chicago or Detroit, we invite you to Discover Kalamazoo. Easy to
get to. Hard to leave. 800-530-9192; fax 269-343-0430;
[email protected]; www.discoverkalamazoo.com.
KEWADIN CASINOS Plan your next reunion at Kewadin
Casinos. Choose from 320 deluxe accommodations on-site in
Sault Ste. Marie. Enjoy Vegas-style gaming action, including
keno, bingo, blackjack, roulette poker and craps. Join our
Northern Rewards Club. Use your card when you play and rack
up points for cash, coupons and comps. And after the gaming,
visit the incredible local sites, such as Tahquamenon Falls State
park or Mackinac Island. For information call 1-800-KEWADIN or
book online at www.kewadin.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
BAROTHY LODGE 7478 Barothy Road, PO Box 69, Walhalla MI
49458; 231-898-2340; fax 231-898-3106; barothylodge@carr
inter.net; www.barothylodge.com
MINNESOTA
WORRY-FREE REUNIONS AT CRAGUN’S RESORT 11000
Craguns Dr, Brainerd MN 56401: 800-CRAGUNS (272-4867).
Since 1940 Cragun’s has taken pride in creating memorable
reunions...here’s why: 1) trained coordinator will help plan it all,
2) arrival “Welcome” and registration areas with planned activity
agendas, 3) activities including golf outings, lake cruises,
picnics, fishing contests, horse drawn trolley rides and more,
4) indoor facilities to ensure you a “weather-proof” reunion,
5) private gathering areas, 6) special celebration meals,
7) professional group photos, 8) and best of all, enjoy a safe,
secure friendly environment. Come to Cragun’s for your reunion.
Named “One of MN’s ideal locations to hold a Reunion.” by AAA.
Call for FREE Reunion Planning Packet or visit: www.craguns
.com/157.
MEET MINNEAPOLISTM the Official Convention & Visitors
Association can help plan your reunion in the Minneapolis/St.
Paul area. We’ll take a one-stop-shop approach to your family, class
or military reunion. Let us secure bids for hotel accommodations,
suggest banquet facilities, provide info on city tours and transportation and help secure special discounts at area attractions.
Best of all – it’s all free! 800-445-7412 ext. 8114; lorik@meet
minneapolis..com; www.minneapolisreunions.org.
MISSOURI
THE BRANSON/LAKES AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS
BUREAU Located in America’s heartland, Branson, Missouri is
the perfect destination for your next reunion because we offer so
many choices of entertainment, lodging, attractions, dining and
more. Remember, in Branson, our value is unrivaled, our scenery
breathtaking and our time-honored Ozarks hospitality inviting.
Call us toll free at 800-636-8573 or visit our website at
explorebranson.com and request a 2007 Reunion Planner Sales
kit. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
TROUT LODGE is located in Potosi, Missouri, just 90 minutes
south of St. Louis, and offers guest rooms, loft suites & cabins,
with activities including archery, arts & crafts, kids club, pontoon
tours, Cowboy Campfires, climbing towers, hayrides, 18-hole golf
course, caving and much more! Rates include lodging, meals &
most activities. 573-438-2154; www.troutlodge.org. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
NEVADA
DESERT ROSE RESORT 5051 Duke Ellington Way, Las Vegas
NV, 89119; Phone 800-811-2450, Fax 702-597-3345; Spacious
renovated one and two bedroom suites with full kitchen separate
living room, dining room and a relaxing balcony. Each room is
modern and beautifully decorated; Property features continental
breakfast each morning; location is just minutes from the famous
Las Vegas Strip, McCarran Airport. Resort consists of 284 suites
in addition to newly refurbished pool and Jacuzzi with BBQ
facilities and shaded seating; Banquet space available for special
events. This property makes for a perfect reunion of any kind. Email:
Sarah-Marie Vergara, Sales Manager [email protected];
www.desertroseresort.com
IMPERIAL PALACE HOTEL & CASINO 3535 Las Vegas Blvd
South, Las Vegas NV 89109; 702-794-3286; fax 702-794-3368.
Center “Strip” location and moderate prices make staying at the
Imperial Palace Las Vegas memorable! Everything for a reunionvacation is here, free covered parking, value-priced menus,
“Legends in Concert,” The Auto Collections, on-site medical
clinic, beauty salon and “The Spa,” friendly staff and more.
Imperial Players receive free rooms, comps and merchandise.
[email protected]; www.imperialpalace.com. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
MESQUITE, NEVADA Situated just one hour north of Las Vegas,
Mesquite is the perfect alternative for value-minded reunions of
all sizes. Mesquite is Nevada’s gateway to Utah’s national parks.
Awesome adventure awaits your group in majestic Mesquite. For
assistance with your group of ten or more rooms, contact Gina
Mann, Sales Executive at [email protected], or via phone at
702-892-7625; www.VisitMesquite.com.
CIRCUS CIRCUS HOTEL & CASINO – RENO 500 N. Sierra
Street, Reno NV 89503; 800-894-3588; www.circusreno.com.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
NEW JERSEY
WYNDHAM GARDEN MT. OLIVE AT INTERNATIONAL
CENTER 1000 International Drive North, Mount Olive NJ 07828.
The Wyndham Garden Hotel Mt. Olive boasts the finest catering
staff and banquet facility in all of Northwest New Jersey. With an
ideal location in the International Trade Center, we also feature
special group rates, a charming outdoor garden, a lobby lounge
with martini bar and easy access from Routes 80, 46 and 206.
Plan your ideal event with us and let us play host by making
arrangements by visiting www.wyndham.com or calling 973448-1100. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
NEW YORK
LAKE GEORGE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“The Queen of the American Lakes” – 32 miles of crystal clear
water ready for fun, relaxation, exploration and building memories.
“Surrounded by picturesque mountains, Lake George is a family
destination paradise with Adirondack flare. 4 hrs from NYC and
Boston, less than 3 hrs from Montreal via interstates. 1 hr from
Albany International Airport. FREE VACATION GUIDE. Luisa
Sherman at 518-668-5755 or 1-800-705-0059. reunions@Lake
GeorgeChamber.com, www.LakeGeorgeChamber.com.
SURFSIDE ON THE LAKE The Surfside Resort offers 144 clean,
comfortable, well kept rooms. We are located in the heart of Lake
George Village, with a large beach and boardwalk deck pool, a
water view dining room and are surrounded with historic sites
and exciting activities. A great place for Reunions, Weddings and
Tours. We offer many customized packages to suit your every
need. 400 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845; 518-668-4224;
fax 518-668-3202; website www.surfsideonthelake.com; e-mail:
[email protected].
WESTCHESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF TOURISM 222
Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, www.westchestertourism
.com; north of New York City and gateway to Hudson River
Valley, is the perfect place to reunite. Choices include; cocktails
in a castle, meet in a mansion, barbeque on a beach, gather on a
golf course or frolic at Playland Amusement Park. Call 914.
995.8502, fax 914.995.8505 or email [email protected]
for your free planning guide.
OHIO
HORIZON CASINO RESORT LAKE TAHOE is located on the
beautiful South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy golf, skiing, or the
BERTRAM INN & CONFERENCE CENTER 600 North Aurora
beach, each located just minutes away. 539 deluxe rooms
Road, Aurora OH 44202. Located minutes from Geauga Lake in
including luxury suites offer spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and
the historic Western Reserve. Offering 225 deluxe guestrooms &
the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Three restaurants allow you to
suites, heated outdoor pool, fitness & game room, banquet facilities,
choose from buffet to gourmet. Enjoy 24 hour gaming, cabaret
casual & fine dining restaurants onsite. Area activities include
shows, free live music & dancing, arcade, and an 8-plex movie
spa, golf, fly-fishing, shopping, museums, horseback riding,
theater. Horizon Casino Resort Lake Tahoe, 50 Highway 50, PO
canoeing & amusement parks. Local & airport shuttles. Virtual
Box C, Lake Tahoe NV 89449; Ruby Turner, Director of Sales,
tour at www.thebertraminn.com. For reunion packages contact
866.478.8463 or 775.588.6211; fax: 775.588.7761; sales@
Amy Feller at 330-995-7628.
horizoncasino.com; www.horizoncasino.com.
60 R E U N I O N S ❖ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
OKLAHOMA
BARTLESVILLE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
201 SW Keeler, Bartlesville OK 74005; 800-364-8708; nhulse@
bartlesville.com; www.bartlesville.com.
PENNSYLVANIA
GETTYSBURG CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU For
144 years people from around the world have made Gettysburg,
PA their destination to regroup, reconnect, and remember the
Nation’s history. The scenic views, outdoor activities, affordable
accommodations, and friendly small-town people bring guests
back each year. Why not let Gettysburg show you an historical
good time – come to Gettysburg for your next reunion, where
history lives and the fun never ends! PO Box 4117, Gettysburg
PA 17325; 717-334-6274; fax: 717-334-1166; sfox@gettysburg
.travel; www.gettysburg.travel.
LEOLA VILLAGE INN & SUITES 38 Deborah Drive, Leola PA
17540; 717-656-7002; fax 717-656-7648; [email protected];
www.leolavillage.com.
PHILADELPHIA MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS CONGRESS
1700 Market Street, Suite 3000, Philadelphia PA 19103; 215636-3300; fax 215-636-3327; www.philadelphiamac.org. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
VisitPittsburgh 425 Sixth Avenue, 30th. Floor, Pittsburgh PA
15219; www.visitpittsburgh.com; 412-281-7711; 800-359-0758;
fax 412-644-5512. For Reunion information, contact Barb Hollie,
[email protected].
SOUTH CAROLINA ATTRACTIONS
RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM Myrtle Beach SC, staffs experienced
special event managers who are fully qualified to tailor extraordinary events for any group. Our catering team will create
magnificent menus for any occasion including: Breakfasts,
gourmet dinners, themed events, incredible family reunions
& receptions. Please contact us at 1-800-724-8888 ext. 269 or at
www.ripleysaquarium.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
SOUTH CAROLINA
At 14 stories the HOLIDAY INN RIVERVIEW stands tall. This
unique Charleston landmark offers guests 180 nicely appointed
guest rooms and a full service restaurant with panoramic views of
Historic Charleston and the Ashley River as well as complimentary shuttle service to the heart of the city for shopping and
tours. Enjoy easy planning with our experienced staff. Ask about
special incentives for event planners. 301 Savannah Hwy,
Charleston SC 29407. Contact Megan O’Hara Owen at 843-4601440; fax 843-766-8355; [email protected]; www.holiday
inn.wm/chs-riverview.com.
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND RESORT & BREATHE SPA provides a
safe atmosphere for a reunion your family won’t soon forget. With
Inn rooms, cottages & private homes, 36-holes of golf, trails to
explore by bike & full equestrian center, we easily accommodate
groups of all sizes. Located between Hilton Head Island &
Savannah. www.daufuskieislandresort.com/reunions. 800-960-9089.
SEA MIST OCEANFRONT RESORT – MYRTLE BEACH SC
1200 South Ocean Blvd., 29577. REUNIONS MADE EASY!
Specializing in reunions from military to family at the most
affordable rates in Myrtle Beach. Sea Mist’s premier oceanfront
location is near shopping, theaters and golf courses. Over 600 of
our 800 units have been completely remodeled, restaurants,
miniature golf, 10 pools, Jacuzzis, fitness room, 17,000-sq.ft. of
versatile meeting space and much more! 800-200-8687;
[email protected]; www.seamist.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY
AD!
SOUTH DAKOTA
RAPID CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Nestled
at the base of the legendary Black Hills, Rapid City lies at the
heart of the American experience, just minutes from the highest
concentration of public parks, monuments and memorials in the
world. Explore the South Dakota Air and Space Museum and
Ellsworth Air Force Base, then cap it all off with exciting tours and
fine dining before winding down in luxurious and affordable
accommodations. Visit www.visitrapidcity.com or call 800.487.
3223. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
TENNESSEE
CHATTANOOGA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
We are ready to host your next family or military reunion. Our
Staff works closely with the hotels, attractions, tour companies
and you to provide exactly what you need to have a great reunion.
Contact Christina Petro at 800-964-8600 ext. 3017 or by e-mail
at [email protected] for free help planning your next
reunion! www.chattanoogafun.com.
CRUISES
KINGSPORT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 151 East
Main Street, Kingsport TN 37662; 800-743-5282; 423-3928819; fax 423-392-8803. Come to Kingsport, Tennessee and
discover America’s First Frontier! Marvel at the scenic beauty...
hear the music and stories...sample the mountain fare. Kingsport
– your perfect vacation destination. [email protected]; www.kcvb.org.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
CRUISE PLANNERS – WE HAVE THE BEST PRICES
AFLOAT! Best rates on all cruise lines. For more information and
free brochure, Contact Your Vacation and Reunion Specialists:
1-888-707-SAIL (7245). www.cruiseandtravelassociates.net. SEE
OUR DISPLAY AD!
GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER
NASHVILLE 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville TN 37214; 615889-1000; www.gaylordhotels.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
YOUR FAMILY TREE CHARTED Poster Size for reunions/get
togethers. Really Nice! Mrs. Ross; 3700 Sulene Drive, College
Park GA 30349; 404-768-5698, [email protected].
TEXAS
MAGAZINE
CANYON OF THE EAGLES LODGE AND NATURE PARK
16942 Ranch Road 2341, Burnet TX 78611; 830-980-4014; fax
830-980-4013; COE 800-977-0081; annette@canyonoftheeagles
.com; www.canyonoftheeagles.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
SAN ANTONIO HOLIDAY INN HOTELS 1-888-MEETING;
www.sanantoniohotels.holiday-inn.com.
Subscribe to Reunions magazine
Ensure a full year of reunion planning advice plus workbook.
Subscribe now. Send $9.99/yr or $17.99/ 2 yrs to Reunions
Magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. To
charge to credit card call 800-373-7933 or visit our website
www.reunionsmag.com.
UTAH
MEMENTOS
ACCLAIMED LODGING (managed by R & R Properties), is
located in the beautiful mountain setting of Park City, Utah. Enjoy
select properties throughout Park City, Deer Valley and The
Canyons resort areas, many providing ideal accommodations for
reunions, retreats and weddings. Call 800-348-6759. Let our
knowledgeable staff assist you in creating an experience you will
never forget. www.parkcitylodging.com.
INNOVATIVE SPECIALTY GIFTS, LTD. Is a full service
promotional marketing company. We help our clients promote
their products and services with thousands of promotional items.
Tee shirts and promotional items are a fun inexpensive way to get
the word out about your event, fundraiser or business. We are
your one stop source for all your family reunion gear. We can
provide you with caps, tees, visors, save the dates, chairs,
cameras and fun giveaways and keepsakes for your family
reunion. You can use one of our family reunion stock designs or
we can do a custom design for you. Contact us today to help with
all your family reunion needs. 770-369-3729; customerservice@
ourfamilyreunionstuff.com; www.ourfamilyreunionstuff.com.
VERMONT
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT At America’s Reunion Resort,
you’ll experience Mountain Resort Living, award-winning children’s
programs (6wks. - 17yrs.), family activities and entertainment,
swimming, skiing, hiking, dining, shopping & more. Smugglers’
Notch Resort – the only resort in North America to guarantee
Family Fun – Summer, Winter & Fall. For more information, call
1-800-521-0536. or visit www.smuggs.com/reunions. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
VIRGINIA
NORFOLK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 232 East
Main Street, Norfolk VA 23510. Norfolk’s beautifully revitalized
waterfront, rich military heritage, walkable downtown and central
Mid Atlantic location make it the ideal destination for your next
reunion. Home to such attractions as the Battleship Wisconsin,
MacArthur Memorial, Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the
world’s largest naval base. See why American Heritage named
Norfolk “A Great American Place.” Offering over 2,000 committable
hotel rooms in various price ranges. Call 800-368-3097; dallen@
norfolkcvb.com; www.norfolkcvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
BADGES & BUTTONS
ReunionBadges.com offers reunion attendees a fun way to
recognize old classmates – through a picture of who they used to
be. We’ll take your old yearbook photos and create professional
quality name tags that attendees will cherish for years. Custom
neck lanyards and other accessories are also available. Visit
www.reunionbadges.com or call us toll free at 800.729.3722.
NAMETAG (PHOTO BUTTON) Using the alumni’ photo we
create a custom labeled button incorporating your school name,
colors, and reunion year. Attachment options and accessories are
available. We offer personalized service and quick turnaround. A
Special promotion is underway for 2007 40th year reunions. Visit
us at www.TheButtonFactory.com/Reunions.htm
COOKBOOKS
FUNDCRAFT PUBLISHING & COOKBOOKS.COM A Reunion
Cookbook is a lasting keepsake that brings your family together,
across the miles, through good food, good times & good
memories. Call for a FREE “Recipes for Success” cookbook kit &
a FREE Reunion Guidebook. It’s so EASY! Fundcraft customer
service specialists are here to help! Great Gift, Great Keepsake,
Great Way to Fund a Reunion. Call 1-800-853-1364 xt.253, P.O.
Box 340, Collierville, TN 38027, www.cookbooks.com
PLATE FULL OF MEMORIES...is a coaching guide for family
memory cookbooks. Perfect for reunions, family get togethers or
designing family keepsakes. It’s fun and easy to use. This CD is
only $19.95 (plus $2.50 s/h). It puts you in control with no limits
on stories, photos or recipes. The PLATEFULL OF MEMORIES CD
contains templates and sample materials to put it all together.
Open, customize materials for your family and you are on your
way! For information contact us at 612-203-2103; info@plate
fullofmemories.com or www.platefullofmemories.com.
FAMILY TREE CHARTS
REUNION ’08? Colorful, embossed custom ribbons (in your
words) add a “touch of class” to your event & name badges. Ideal
bookmark – keepsake that says “you were here.” Created
expressly for class, family and military reunions. Class Ribbons
available in school colors. For sample ribbon and idea brochure:
REUNION MATE 800-208-6804, or FAX 419-738-8463, or
[email protected]
PHOTO ART SERVICES
PHOTO RESTORATION AND COMPOSITES 632 Pacific
Avenue, New Orleans LA 70114 (by appt.) 504-309-9554;
fax 504-309-9554; [email protected]; www.
imaginationStudio.com.
POSTCARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
POSTCARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Notify your reunion members to SAVE THE DATE (bright red,
they’ll not miss it!) and when you need reminders, send postcards
that say TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
Fill-in cards – $15 p/100 postcards (plus priority mail S&H) or
20 cents for blank cards – you fill in the information and address; or
Personalized cards – $45 p/100 postcards (plus priority mail
S&H) or 50¢ each.
Send info to be printed: for SAVE THE DATE! (name, date, &
place of reunion, contact info).
For TIME IS RUNNING OUT (name & date of reunion & RSVP
date) + fax number or email address to get your approval before
we print. Send to Reunions magazine, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee
WI 53211-0727; credit card charges call 1-800-373-7933 or
order online; www.reunionsmag.com/shopping.
Contact Alex Romagnolo at [email protected] or call 888543-7223 ext 3998 today! Hints on how to increase Online
Registration: www.active.com/myevent/helpfulhints.cfm.
REUNION RIBBONS
REUNION ’08? Colorful, embossed custom ribbons (in your
words) add a “touch of class” to your event & name badges. Ideal
bookmark – keepsake that says “you were here.” Created
expressly for class, family and military reunions. Class Ribbons
available in school colors. For sample ribbon and idea brochure:
REUNION MATE 800-208-6804, or FAX 419-738-8463, or
[email protected]
REUNIONS WEBSITE BUILDER
MYEVENT.COM Create your own reunion website with no
skills. It’s fast and easy to use. Your reunion website has great
features and planning tools. It will make planning much easier
and everyone will love it! Features: Online registration, rsvp,
ticket payment, message boards, family tree, guest book, quiz,
poll, stories, photo albums, no ads, travel information, more. 7 day
free trial. Only $9.95 / month. www.myevent.com. Any Questions
– 877-769-3836 or [email protected].
T-SHIRTS
Apparel by TshirtsOnYou.com 4662 Ashton Road, Sarasota,
FL 34233; 941-924-4945; [email protected]; www.
TshirtsOnYou.com.
INNOVATIVE SPECIALTY GIFTS, LTD. Is a full service promotional marketing company. We help our clients promote their
products and services with thousands of promotional items. Tee
shirts and promotional items are a fun inexpensive way to get the
word out about your event, fundraiser or business. We are your
one stop source for all your family reunion gear. We can provide
you with caps, tees, visors, save the dates, chairs, cameras and
fun giveaways and keepsakes for your family reunion. You can
use one of our family reunion stock designs or we can do a custom design for you. Contact us today to help with all your family
reunion needs. 770-369-3729; customerservice@ourfamilyreunion
stuff.com; www.ourfamilyreunionstuff.com.
JONESWEAR FAMILY REUNION APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES STARTING AT $3.99. T-shirts, Pullovers, Keychains,
Hats, Assortment of Bags MUCH MUCH MORE! Give us a call
for more info @ 404-681-0908. JONESWEAR 131-E Walker Street,
Atlanta GA 30313. FAX (404) 681-0607; [email protected];
www.joneswear.net
REUNION GEAR America’s #1 source for reunion apparel and
gifts. See our large collection of full color designs; simply add your
name and event info. Choose from t-shirts, apparel, and keepsakes.
Reunion Kits start at only $5.00 with a minimum of just 12. Or
send us your own art, we provide free art services with orders of
36+. 1-800-451-1611 www.reuniongear.com.
TRAVEL AGENT
GROUP TRAVEL NETWORK Personal travel industry relationships are the backbone of our company. Not only do we have
contracts with each of the attractions, restaurants and hotels that
you will be using during your trip, we also have the personal
relationships with their staff to ensure that the prices and service
you receive are second to none. (866) 563-3703 / www.grouptravel
network.com.
PRESERVING REUNIONS
JUST SPECIAL PHOTOS preserve special photos on CD or
DVD. Customized Presentations set to music. Preserving your
special photos is our specialty. Unique fundraiser with 60%
return. See Demo at www.justspecialphotos.com. Just Special
Photos, 3430 E Jefferson, Ave 641, Detroit MI 48207. SEE OUR
DISPLAY AD!
REUNIONS MANAGERS
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REUNION MANAGERS
(NARM) PO BOX 59713, Renton WA 98058-2713. 800-6542776; [email protected]; www.reunions.com.
REUNION REGISTRATION
Register and charge reunion fees online at www.active
reunions.com
☛ Get your reunion form up and running in minutes, at NO
COST TO YOU
☛ Streamline your registration and ticket sales
☛ Boost attendee registrations through fast, secure online
registration, 24/7
☛ Fundraise and sell memorabilia
61
P.O. Box 11727 ❖ Milwaukee WI 53211-0727

Fundraising T-shirts Quilts Cookbooks

Transcription

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