Reunion Friendly News Summer 2012 by Paul Spiewak

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Bringing Reunions and Locations Together Since 1991 Published by THE Reunion Network, Inc.

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Volume XV • Summer, 2012

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Branson p. 12 Kissimmee p. 14 Columbus p. 16 Seattle p. 18

ers

Memb

Annual Directory pp. 19–38

Get

Closer

to Ships, History & the Great Outdoors

THIS & MORE! Plus Williamsburg & Virginia Beach.

Virginia 888.493.7386

World-class attractions, trendy restaurants, unique shopping opportunities and a wide range of lodging options are just a few of the many reasons to plan your next military reunion in Newport News! Explore our nation’s military heritage at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum and the Virginia War Museum. Step back in time with a visit to one of our historic homes. Pose for photos at our “Victory Arch,” a memorial with an eternal flame honoring all men and women of the Armed Forces. Bring your golf clubs and experience a 4-star “Golf Digest-rated” championship course that will challenge your skills, not your wallet. Spend a day in the great outdoors in our magnificent 8,000-acre park, the largest municipal park in Virginia, where you can go fishing, boating, hiking and biking. Shop till you drop at one of our unique locally owned stores or fabulous museum gift shops. Indulge in the best in Southern cuisine, including fresh seafood, at one of our many restaurants. A “must-see” is the Virginia Living Museum, where a single visit brings you in contact with more habitats, wildlife and plant species than would be encountered in a lifetime of outdoor adventures in Virginia!

newport-news.org And don’t miss The Mariners’ Museum, designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum. It includes the $30 million USS Monitor Center, home to artifacts like the Civil War Ironclad’s iconic gun turret. To assist in the planning process, we have a wide variety of tools to help you get started. We offer customized site inspections, complimentary attendance-building materials (postcards, coupon books, brochures, etc.) and expert assistance in planning off-site tours. During your registration, we can provide a travel counselor at your hospitality table to answer tourismrelated questions, to hand out welcome bags – each containing a visitor guide and a welcome letter from our mayor – and to provide professional assistance to ensure a successful reunion. Since the Revolutionary War, Newport News has sheltered soldiers and sailors and welcomed them home from war. Today, your group can experience that same hospitality. Call Barb Kleiss, Group Marketing Manager, at 888-493-7386 or 757-926-1442, or e-mail her at bkleiss@ nngov.com to request your copy of our Military Reunion Kit and our Group Planner guide. And don’t forget to visit www.newport-news.org for additional information about Newport News, Virginia!

Showboat Branson Belle

Branson Honors Veterans Every Day!

8th ANNUAL MILITARY REUNION PLANNERS CONFERENCE Tony Orlando

August 20-23, 2012 BRANSON, MISSOURI

Titanic Museum Attraction

The Duttons

Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall

IN BRANSON, YOUR MILITARY REUNION GROUPS WILL TAKE

FEATURING OVER 100 LIVE SHOWS • SILVER DOLLAR CITY • TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION • PRISTINE LAKES BRANSON LANDING • FISHING • BOATING • MUSEUMS • SPAS • GOLF • ZIPLINES OUTLET SHOPPING • DINING • RESORTS • HISTORIC DOWNTOWN • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

TO REQUEST YOUR 2012 REUNION PLANNER SALES KIT Contact: Kimberly Carr, Leisure Groups & Reunions Coordinator Branson/Lakes Area CVB • P.O. Box 1897 • Branson, MO 65615 • 800-214-3661 417-334-4084 • Fax 417-348-0649 • KCarr@BransonCVB.com • ExploreBranson.com

Reunion Friendly News

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Books by Paul J. Spiewak

The latest book on:

NEW!

Planning, Organizing, & Running Military Reunions! Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all fine book sellers at $99.95 Kindle Version $39.95 Order Direct from RFN & SAVE!

Planner Special Price: $59.95 CVB & Hotel Members: $69.95

All Others $79.95 The Day I Flew In My Car and Other True Stories Anecdotes by an Octogenarian

in this issue

Regular price $39.95 Now available to RFN members at $29.95

and other true stories

19–38

Annual Members Directory

plus shipping and handling By Paul Spiewak

44 ��Are Reunions Ordinary? 46 ��Summer is Officially Here!

YOU

Want To Be

in every issue

a Leader? by Paul J. Spiewak

5 ��Editorial: From the Situation Desk

6 �� Why the WorkFAM©?

ConFAM© / WorkFAM© Parade 9 �� Detroit, Michigan WeekEnder 10 �� Cape Cod/Hyannis, Massachussets 11 �� Daytona Beach, Florida

Traveling with RFN 12 ��Kissimmee, Florida 14 ��Columbus, Georgia 16 ��Branson, Missouri 18 ��Seattle, Washington Paul’s Opinion: Defeat 40 ��

42 ��Finance: Vow to Hire Heroes 50 ��Email & Letters

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A NEW, easy-to read, fast-paced guide for both Leaders and “want-to-be” Leaders.

SHIP TO:

Do You Want to be a Leader?

A philosophical analysis at the practical level of leadership and how to evaluate the effectiveness of any leader. In an “easy-to-read” fast-paced style; richly endowed with quotations and personal anecdotes. The book is based on the author’s 60 plus years as an employee, employer, consultant and entrepreneur in more than 19 different situations. Regular Price: $14.99 + s&h

Now available to RFN members at $12.95 postage paid!

Name Address

City State, ZIP

Books will be sent on receipt of check made payable to RFN, 2450 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 500, Hollywood, FL 33020. Reunion Friendly News

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By Zac Spiewak, Managing Editor, Reunion Friendly News

From

The Definitive Source Of Information For The Volunteer Reunion Planner

Situation Desk

Published by THE Reunion Network, Inc. DBA: Reunion Friendly Network 2450 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 500 Hollywood, Florida 33020

Do you perform better when you are challenged? I always have. Four years ago I took on the responsibilities of being the managing editor of Reunion Friendly News. At first it was a challenge just to get the magazine done. Then I embarked on my next challenge - to improve upon the format; to make it easier to read and to make the magazine overall more interesting and visually more appealing. I set these goals for myself. I feel like I’ve accomplished most of my goals with the past 12 issues. Some issues were better than others and I’ve deleted things that didn’t work and improved upon those things that did.

1-800-225-5044 • 954-922-8788 Fax: 954-922-8338 Website http://www.reunionfriendly.com President / Founder Paul J. Spiewak “The Reunion Guru” paul@reunionfriendly.com Executive Vice President Charlene Adamson charlene@reunionfriendly.com

However, I’ve never been quite satisfied with the Annual Directory issue. I felt that I was on the right track last year with our first complete Annual Member Directory in many years that could be pulled out of the issue and saved for the whole year. But unfortunately I think I missed the mark in readability. Please look at pages 19-38 and let me know if I’ve gotten any closer to the target.

Vice President – Finance Marc Spiewak marc@reunionfriendly.com Managing Editor Zachary M. Spiewak zac@reunionfriendly.com Manager of Membership Sales and Development Jane Martin jane@reunionfriendly.com

Our newest employee, Jessica has dipped her pen in the proverbial ink well and penned her first article, “Summer Is Officially Here,” for this issue. There is something for everyone in the article. We all hope you enjoy it.

Administrative Assistant Jessica Yalowiec jessica@reunionfriendly.com

The Fall issue is just around the corner. Be ready for the first look at the parade pages featuring the ConFAMs© of 2013.

Director of Communications Gale Helser

This is my favorite time of the year. I love the warm weather. So what are you doing indoors reading this copy? Get out doors and enjoy the summer.

Subscriptions for Reunion Friendly News are free of charge to qualified reunion planners. All others: $30.00 per year or $10.00 per issue. Go Green (Internet version) free of charge at http://www.reunionfriendly.com/news.html Reunion Friendly News (Reunion Friendly Network) is not responsible for opinions expressed in editorial material. The opinions are exclusively those of the authors and do not express the opinions of the Reunion Friendly Network, its staff, its members, its advertisers, or its readership. All editorial material is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The Reunion Friendly Network assumes no liability or responsibility for errors, mistakes, misprints, missing information, or content of advertising and advertorial copy. Reproduction of any portion of this publication is permitted for use in reunion group newsletters, providing attribution is given to the Reunion Friendly Network.

Reunion Friendly News

the

This issue brought to by the support of these organizations AZ CO IL LA MD MO MO MO OH

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Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Colorado Springs CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 DuPage CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Jefferson Parish CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Ocean City - Dunes Manor Hotel . . . . . . . . 52 Branson Lakes Area CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Greater St Charles CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Pulaski County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Dayton /Montgomery Cty CVB . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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OH SC SD TN UT VA VA VA WI

Greene County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Sea Mist Oceanfront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Rapid City CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Chattanooga CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Utah Valley Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Fairfax County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Newport CVB (Newport News Tourism) . . . 2 Norfolk CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Waukesha Pewaukee CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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Why the WorkFAM©? It’s a fair question, and the answer is that the biggest hurdle for almost all planners is the contract, or the lack of one. This subject is getting more and more involved, not only for military reunion planners, but meeting planners in general. Contracts for meetings are getting longer, too, with the average hotel meeting contract running well over fifty pages. On top of that, it has become more important that contracts for other services, such as those with bus companies, entertainers, and even caterers be more carefully scrutinized. The RFN WorkFAM© was designed to help planners with contracts and nothing else.

Contract Clauses

A contract is nothing more than a series of clauses, strung together with a place for each of the two parties to sign. The inclusion or exclusion of specific clauses is critical, not only for performance, but often more vitally in terms of the financial impact. Of all the regular contract clauses, the two that create the most difficulty are those that pertain to Termination and Cancellation. While it is surely true that those who sign contracts do not PLAN to end the contract before it is fulfilled, the fact is that circumstances do occur, with perhaps surprising frequency, that favor ending a contract rather than completing it. A contract can end, however, due to a wide variety of circumstances, and the circumstance that creates the need for one party or the other to end the contract without fulfilling its terms, has a major effect on the payments required. One of the major difficulties in differentiating between Cancellation Page 6

and Termination is that to the layman, the two terms are essentially the same. Legally, however, they are very distinct in meaning. Aggravating the situation is that many of those who prepare the contracts do not understand the difference.

Feedback

Most hotel personnel recognize the importance of dealing with a knowledgeable person, because it is easier.

In one situation a planner requested 100 rooms for 4 nights, and the hotel The Difference Let us make it very clear. The law, prepared a contract which stated 400 based on the Uniform Commercial room nights. The planner sent us an Code (UCC) automatically includes a email calling the hotel people “idiots” Termination clause in every contract. because he simply did not understand While the UCC is NOT in itself the industry language. law, every state has adopted that part of the code into its own body of Certified Planners legislation. The code is not fixed, and That’s why RFN started the Certified because of amendments there are a Military Reunion Program. There number of versions. Nevertheless the have only been three WorkFAMs© meaning of Termination as opposed to to date, but little by little the idea Cancellation is clear. Every contract is catching on. In this issue, and all written in any of the fifty states or subsequent Annual Directory Issues, in its possessions has a Termination the names of all RFN Certified Military Clause. Cancellation clauses, on the Reunion Planners will be published. other hand, are completely optional. This designation is a testament that the planner has attended both Even that is not enough of a distinction a ConFAM© and a WorkFAM©, and because “termination” refers to a further, has negotiated a satisfactory contract ending without a penalty on contract AFTER that time. either party. The term “cancellation,” on the other hand, always refers to Those who attended the Huntsville ending a contract with a penalty. WorkFAM© have the opportunity to become certified. As an additional aid, Due to ignorance (just not knowing) each planner receives a copy of the many planners sign contracts with book Ins & Outs of Military Reunion no cancellation clause at all, which, Contracts. This book, available ONLY as they learn at both ConFAMs© and to those attending a WorkFAM© WorkFAMs© Is not very smart. can use the very valuable “Contract Check List” included in the book. By At the WorkFAM© we carefully go over following this guide, a planner can the entire contract showing clause readily determine what has to be by clause, the pitfalls that can occur changed, added to, or deleted from, simply due to the lack of knowledge. any contract received BEFORE signing and exposing himself or his reunion In order to fully understand, however, group to unnecessary expenses and a planner must attend at least one liabilities, ConFAM© (in the past three years) Based on attendee remarks, the before attending a WorkFAM©. WorkFAM© is probable the best thing RFN has added recently. paul@reunionfriendly.com Reunion Friendly News

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A ConFAM© is an all-expense-paid multi-day event combining a Reunion Conference and a FAMiliarization tour of the area. Rooms (three [3] free room-nights only), meals, admission, local transportation, instruction and instructional materials are furnished — at no cost to you — by RFN, the local CVB host hotel, other participating hotels and local attractions. You only pay to get there and return, alcoholic beverages and personal ConFAM©/WorkFAM© Date purchases, including items A ConFAM© 2012 September 28–30 charged to your B ConFAM© 2012 October 22–25 hotel room. C

ConFAM©

2012 Nov 12–15

D E

Location Detroit, Michigan

Host Hotel

WeekEnder

Westin Southfield Detroit Hotel

Cape Cod / Hyannis, Massachusetts

Heritage House

Daytona Beach, Florida

Plaza Resort & Spa

2013

NEW PRICING Registration Fee: $199 for a planner with guest; $149 for a single person.

ConFAM©

2013 June 19–23

McLean, Virginia

Crowne Plaza Tyson’s Corner

ConFAM©

2013 August 7–11

Nashville, Tennessee

Holiday Inn Opryland Airport

To register:

1. Tear out this page from the magazine. 2. Complete both sides. 3. Mail with your check to RFN, 2450 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 500, Hollywood FL 33020

Incomplete applications will be rejected! Prices for all events have been increased by $50 and include a copy of RFN’s Military Reunion Handbook at a 50% discount from list price. If you already purchased the book, you may deduct $50. If you have already registered for a ConFAM© at the old rate, you can send us an additional $50 and have it delivered at the ConFAM©.

Yes! I want to go to:

_________________________________ Destination

Date Name

Cancellation Policy: Up to three weeks before the ConFAM© for a full refund, or up to two weeks before the event, you may transfer to another ConFAM© without charge. Less than two weeks before, no transfer or refund available.

Guest Name Address City, ST, ZIP Daytime Phone

Group/Unit Name

Emergency Contact

Emergency Phone

Number Expected at Next Reunion Including Guests

Do you or your guest have any disability or dietary need that requires special attention?

PLEASE NOTE

While every effort is made to accommodate physically disadvantaged persons, the FAM portion of each event includes frequent on and off bus stops, plus walking through attractions and hotels during site inspections. Reunion Friendly News

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Page 7

MY Reunion Requirements Your Name: Spouse Name: Home Phone: Cell

Work Phone:

____________________

E-Mail Address:

The exhibitors who have made it possible for us to have this conference want to help you plan your reunion. Please complete this form to help them assist you. Completing this does NOT put you under any obligation. It is for information purposes only. Your Unit/Group Name: Please Circle:

Branch of Service: Air Force Army Coast Guard Marines Navy

Unit Active During:

WWII

Korea

Vietnam

Desert Storm/Shield

Other:

Years from

Your Mail Address: City:

State:

When is your next UNBOOKED reunion year? Northeast

Mid-Atlantic

Southeast

Zip:

Circle regions you are thinking of:

Midwest North

Central

Southwest

West

Alternate Dates:

Preferred Dates: Expected # of Attendees (including wives & guests): Expected # rooms needed (peak night):

How many nights?

Where was your LAST reunion? How many attended?

When?

What Tours did you take?

Do you need a hospitality Room?

Meeting Room?

Does Your Group require any special facilities? If so, explain: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________ How Many Disabled Members Expected?

RR-1/20/12

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Reunion Friendly News

â&#x20AC;˘

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WeekEnder

Detroit, Michigan

September 28–30, 2012 TBA

Motown-Museum

Renaissance Center Henry Ford Museum

Comerica Park - Ford Field

Detroit Skyline at night

Detroit aerial view Reunion Friendly News

Car Hall of Fame •

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Cape Cod/Hyannis, Massachussets October 22–25, 2012 Heritage House Hyannis

Hyannis Harbor Lighthouse

Hyannis Yacht Club Sunset

JFK Statue - Kennedy Museum Hyannis Port Sagamore Bridge

Hyannis Port Cruise

Hyannis Harbor Page 10

Hyannis Harbor Reunion Friendly News

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Daytona Beach, Florida November 12–15, 2012 Plaza Resort & Spa

Daytona Beach - Known for the Speedway

Daytona Beach Pier Dunlawton Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens

Band Shell in the Park

Veteran’s Memorial

Sunrise at Daytona Beach Reunion Friendly News

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Traveling with RFN

Kissimmee, Florida Bowling Green

The “KISS” in Kissimmee is perfect! By Charlene Adamson Even during our site inspection last year Paul and I knew we were in a hospitable city that was “Military Friendly.” It did not take us long to make the decision to accept their offer to host an RFN ConFAM©. Sara Melendez of the CVB, Johnny Solano, DOS, and Janis Blair, Sales Manager teamed together to handle all of our needs and to create a good experience for planners and exhibitors. The cocktail reception at the hotel was casual, delicious, and fun as exhibitors met their counterparts and the planners. Conversation flowed all evening. Following the next day’s welcome ceremony and Johnny Solano’s singing of the National Anthem, we experienced a full day of seminars and market place. Dinner and entertainment were at the host hotel.

Museum of Military History had an excellent docent, and late afternoon gave us a good rest period for planners and RFN. Our evening that final night was the Arabian Nights Dinner/Show Entertainment. Front and center seating gave us a great view of the horses, the riders, and the entire performance. Completely different from the usual equestrian performance, the group enjoyed it thoroughly.

The following day we experienced the new format which was first used in Columbus, with scheduled one-on-one Wisely, the CVB planned a third site inspection at the appointments for exhibitors and planners. This format Radisson Westgate and the planners always appreciate seeing two hotels, as well as the host hotel. Kissimmee offers much more than anticipated with beauty, activity, excellent food and hospitality. Another treasure to put in your treasure chest of places to hold a reunion.

With hugs and kisses (it is KISSimmee) we departed the next morning and thank the entire city for their hard work, their activity, and their success!

is working well. An Italian buffet lunch at the host hotel was followed by a half-day FAM including the Warbird Adventures and Stallion 51. Dinner that evening was at the Boston Lobster Feast with all you can eat lobster, seafood, sushi, and prime rib. You ask why I have to work out especially hard during the ConFAM© season? The full FAM day included lunch at the Radisson ROC with a site inspection, an unplanned but most enjoyable tour of “Celebration,” which is a planned city of exquisite homes, shops, cafes and lake side relaxation. The visit to the Page 12

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12/8/11

10:05 AM

COUNTY

MilitaryReunion12-2011.pdf

M A G N I F I C E N T

M I L I T A R Y

R E U N I O N S

20 miles west of Chicago

Easy accessibility to O’Hare and Midway airports

Over 100 reunion-friendly hotels

World-class museums, dining and entertainment

CMY

Close to Great Lakes Naval Training Center and Cantigny’s First Division Military Museum

Contact 800-232-0502 or reunions@discoverdupage.com and ask about our Signature Services and Reunion Planner.

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREA U

www.discoverdupage.com

DuPage County: Commanding Military Reunions West of Chicago Expect nothing less than 4-star treatment when you reunite with your comrades-in-arms in DuPage County, Illinois. March back in time at famed military museums, billet in comfort at our hotels and resorts, and entertain the troops in style at world-class restaurants and attractions. Tour Cantigny Park, home of the late Col. Robert R. McCormick, and view the exquisite gardens and magnificent mansion that once belonged to this former publisher of the Chicago Tribune. See the First Division Museum and experience the amazingly realistic dioramas of the honoring Big Red One soldiers. In spring and summer, you may even be able to witness a Civil War reenactment. Take a motor coach to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center where you can tour this active base and enjoy lunch at the Officers Club with its magnificent views of Lake Michigan. Stop at the Memorial Water Wall, a veterans’ memorial at Soldier Field in Chicago, climb into a restored German U505 submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry, Reunion Friendly News

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and spend the afternoon having lunch and enjoying the view at Navy Pier, a former Navy training center that is now a hub of entertainment, activity and fun. Some other highlights of your trip to DuPage might include: • A tour of Lynfred Winery in Roselle where you can sample award-winning wines. • A ride on the Acorn Express to tour the Morton Arboretum with its breath-taking 1,700 acres of gardens and forests. • The ultimate shopping excursion at one of DuPage County’s many and varied retail destinations. With so much to see and do in DuPage County, you can count on a mission accomplished for a great military reunion. Find out how the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau can help make your reunion a major success with our long list of complimentary Signature Services. Contact Julie Scholle, CTIS, Senior Military Reunions Sales Manager, at 800.232.0502 or julie@discoverdupage.com. To learn more about DuPage County and see testimonials from past military reunions, visit DiscoverDuPage.com.

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Traveling with RFN

Columbus, Georgia Bowling Green

By Charlene Adamson It may be known as Columbus, Georgia however, RFN and the attendees at the March ConFAM© will always know the destination as SID’S PLACE! The event started on Tuesday evening with a reception hosted by RFN and the host hotel, Holiday Inn North. Both planners and exhibitors had a wonderful evening and promised each other to be up bright and early for the first day’s kick-off. Kudos to the hotel, the Chef and the staff who made the event perfect! Following the Wednesday seminars and market place the planners enjoyed dinner and entertainment at the Trade Center, beautiful décor surrounded us as “SID’S PLACE” with Sid Kaminsky himself the showman. Sid, you looked very dashing in your white dinner jacket and your radio show of WWII music. We had never seen this side of you! Dinner was magnificent and Steve and Debbie and their musicians performed all evening with duets, solos, and jazz.

Breakfast the following morning was at the Cunningham Center, a technological event center offering the best of meeting space. The next FAM event that day was the “piece de resistance” as we were the VIP guests at the Fort Benning Graduation with live ammunition, patriotic music, and handsome and beautiful service men and women off to serve our country. The guided tour of the National Infantry Museum where we were served lunch ended the FAM with a reception and an elegant dinner at The Holiday Inn North. If you have not considered Columbus for a reunion, do so! Just remember it is “SID’S PLACE” and his CVB, the hotel is the Holiday Inn North Hotel, and the attractions will create an unforgettable reunion!

Lunch on Thursday was at “Minnies” with all of the typical deep South dishes from Fried Chicken, pork chops, twelve Southern vegetables (thank you for the turnip greens and black eyed peas!). The afternoon was the Columbus Museum and the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus. After a dinner at Country’s Barbeque we arrived at the Springer Opera House and a delightful performance of Damn Yankees.

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Reunion Friendly News

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1-866-223-5961 | www historicstcharles.com Reunion Friendly News

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Traveling with RFN

Branson, BowlingMissouri Green

Branson, MO by Paul Spiewak

(one of Branson’s Best Restaurants), and a fine meal at Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano.

Still a Top Location

Despite the many rumors, Branson may be wounded in a few spots, but is still functioning as one of the best locations in the U.S.A. for a military reunion. Restaurants are open, theaters are open, the Branson Belle memorial service, meal-(lunch or dinner) and-a-show is still a terrific deal. Clay Cooper’s (one of the best shows in town) was undamaged despite the stores on either side taking a hit. Our event started with a fantastic reception, jointly sponsored by RFN & the Branson CVB at the host Camden House Hotel & conference Center. Many stars of the 80-100 shows in town were there to meet and greet. In addition to the two shows mentioned above, we were treated to “Joseph” at the magnificent Sight & Sound theater, a stellar performance of the Oak Ridge Boys (as good as ever), and a new “a capella” group The Cat’s Pajamas at the Moon River theatre after lunch at the Moon River Café. Other meals included the pre-show dinner at Clay Cooper’s theatre, a dinner at the American Steak & Chicken House

Page 16

Other events included several hours at the outstanding Branson Veterans Museum. The tornado damage there amounted to losing the plane on the pole in the parking lot. We also had time to visit the Stone Hill Winery for a tasting (the raspberry juice infused with sparkling wine was sensational). The Conference went well, and almost every planner applauded the new format – definitely a winner! Our special thanks go to Kimberly Carr of the Branson Lakes Area CVB, Cherie Chitwood and the Camden House Hotel for their warm welcome and ever-willing support throughout the event. Even though we’ve been to Branson before, we are always gratified at the warm welcome veterans receive, and the willingness of all the hard-working folks there (we could fill a column with the names), including entertainers, to make Branson an ideal place for a reunion.

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Meet in the Middle!

• Home to Fort Leonard Wood, the largest training installation in the country Centrally located in both the United States & in Missouri, We’re right along I44 between Springfield and St. Louis! • Guided driving tours of the fort & Rt. 66 • Daily direct flights to Fort Leonard Wood www.reunionsatftwood.org/TRN • State-of-the art military museums • Complimentary itinerary planning • Assistance obtaining bids for restaurants, hotels, meeting space & much more

Pulaski County Tourism Bureau - St. Robert, MO

877.858.8687

Home of Fort Leonard Wood

Home of Fort Leonard Wood, Pulaski County

Leonard Wood, step-on guided tours of Route 66

offers the perfect seeing for your next military

and tours of other museums throughout Pulaski

reunion. Originally this post was infantry, later

County.

becoming an nationally recognized Engineer

Pulaski County provides endless opportunities

training facility. Today, Fort Leonard Wood

for group day trips and is just a quick jaunt to

trains over 90,000 soldiers in basic training and Branson, Bass Pro Headquarters in Springfield, specialized courses. Training of other branches the St. James Winery Region, and shopping at of the military; Marines, Navy and Air Force also

the 100 store outlet at Lake of the Ozarks. Pulaski

occur. This makes Fort Leonard Wood an appealing

County also offers over 70 restaurants ranging from

choice for all types of military reunions.

American and ethnic options to lip-smacking BBQ,

Itineraries for military reunions range from

including national franchises to the unique dining

windshield tours of the Fort, group tours of the experiences of dining in a cave. Quality catering Museums of Fort Leonard Wood, specialized

services are available for banquets.

itineraries that provide behind the scene tours of the

Pulaski County is centrally within the United

latest training facilities and can be personalized to

States, making this location an excellent choice

focus on your division of the military. Reunions may for your reunion attendees to gather. Our location also choose to dine at one of the mess halls.

along I-44, between St. Louis and Springfield,

Reunion Planners can make the most of their Missouri, makes Pulaski County easily accessible groups stay with over 27 lodging options. Too

by vehicle and those that wish to fly may book

much to choose from? The Pulaski County Tourism flights through Cape Air, (associated with American Bureau offers complimentary reunion planning

Airlines), into the Waynesville-St Robert Regional

services. Bureau staff will help you obtain room,

Airport located on Fort Leonard

restaurant, group transportation, entertainment Wood. For more information call and catering bids. Itinerary planning is our specialty

8977-858-8687 or visit our website,

and we will help with coordinating tours of Fort

ReunionsAtFLW.org.

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Page 17

Traveling with RFN

Seattle, Washington Bowling Green

Friday the panel forum went well, as did the busy oneon-one scheduled appointments. A driving tour of Seattle that afternoon gave us a cross-section of the city. The step on guide was a terrific historian with a sense of A City with Class humor. Afterwards we still had the time for a nap before departing for a reception and dinner at The Red Lion. Once By Charlene Adamson again, while we feasted on culinary delights prepared The trip to Seattle started with a very early morning by the Chef, both he and the GM were ever-present. We flight on Frontier Airlines, on which I had never flown. were entertained, amazed, and filled with laughter at Jeff I was reminded of flying twenty-five years ago when Evans, a local magician. comfort, ease, and in-flight service were typical. Frontier offered that, including fewer fees, low-cost real food, and The final day was a full day of places to visit in Seattle; the Museum of Flight, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market surprisingly gracious flight attendants, along the water with artisans, foods, and the famous The Doubletree by Hilton Airport served as the host hotel Pike’s Fish Market. and it was impeccable in staffing, cleanliness, food, and service. How often do you see a General Manager and a Argosy Cruises took us on a fifty minute cruise to the Food & Beverage Director moving tables? The exhibitor/ Tillicum Village longhouse for dinner of steaming clams in planner cocktail party was a hit at Maxi’s in the Tower nectar, alder wood baked salmon and a local performance with excellent hors d’oeuvres, a view of the airplanes, fifty of costumed Native American Indians. A perfect ending to guests, and once again the hotel management and staff. a perfect trip! A “WOW” night! Gale Helser and I still made room for a RFN can highly recommend Seattle for a military reunion. fireside steak supper. It is a veteran friendly city of contrasts and beauty, with With all registered planners and exhibitors, RFN first-class attention to your needs. Meilee Anderson of experienced the Honor Guard and welcome by the GM. Seattle Southside, Bobbi Barkley of the Doubletree by We were off and running for the event. Exhibitors were Hilton Airport and all sponsors and co-sponsors created busily filling out their one-on-one appointments with the the ambiance that welcomed every planner, exhibitor, and planners for Friday’s newly added facet. While I do not RFN staff member. Seattle - a first class destination that typically highlight lunches, I was impressed that the hotel personifies hospitality! served a steak filet, chicken, and salmon as deli meats and homemade clam chowder. They even cut the breads in half as many just wanted soup and half a sandwich. At the Marriott that evening we were wined and dined and both the GM and the Chef were in the room moving from table to table welcoming everyone. A reception prior to dinner offered a host bar, Trays of hors d’oeuvres and a dinner of planked Northwest salmon, chicken with wild cherry chutney, pork tenderloin, crème brulee, beautiful sugar-free desserts and a display of a variety of fresh fruits with a chocolate fountain. Good thing I worked out in the gym two days this week! We were entertained by a jazz singer from the 40s era throughout the evening. Page 18

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Reunion Friendly Network

Annual Member Directory 2012–2013

Reunion Friendly News

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S u m m e r, 2 0 1 2

Page 19

CVBs Alabama–Michigan

CVBS

AL Birmingham

Greater Birmingham CVB

2200 9TH AVE N

35203

AL Huntsville

Huntsville/Madison County CVB

500 Church St Ste One

35801

AL Mobile

Mobile Bay CVB

1 South Water St

36602

AL Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission 1900 Jack Warner Parkway

35401

AZ Tucson

Metropolitan Tucson CVB

100 S Church Ave

85701

AZ Yuma

Yuma CVB

202 S 1st Avenue #202

85364

CA Burlingame

San Mateo County/ Silicon Valley CVB

111 Anza Blvd, #410

94010

CA Sacramento

Sacramento CVB

1608 I St

95814

CO Aurora

Visit Aurora

15151 E Alameda Pkwy Ste 5200

80012

CO Colorado Springs

Experience Colorado Springs CVB

515 S Cascade Avenue

80903

CO Pueblo

The Greater Pueblo COC

320 Central Main Street

81003

DE Dover

Kent County CVB

435 N DuPont Highway

19901

DE Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach COC

501 Rehoboth Ave/PO Box 216

19971

FL Auburndale

Central Florida VCB

2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road

33823

FL Cocoa

Space Coast Office of Tourism

430 Brevard Ave Ste 150

32922

FL Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Area CVB

126 E ORANGE AVE

32114

FL Jacksonville

Visit Jacksonville

208 W Laura Street Suite 102

32202

FL Kissimmee

Kissimmee CVB

1925 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy

34744

FL Panama City

Panama City Beach CVB

PO BOX 9473

32417

FL Pensacola

Pensacola Bay Area CVB

1401 E Gregory St

32502

FL St Augustine

St Augustine, Ponte Vedra & Beaches VCB 29 Old Mission Avenue

32084

GA Augusta

Augusta CVB

PO Box 1331

30903

GA Columbus

Columbus Georgia CVB

PO Box 2768

31901

IA Waterloo

Waterloo CVB

500 Jefferson Street

50701

Gurnee

Lake County CVB

5465 W Grand Ave Ste 100

60031

Lisle

Lisle CVB (Chicago Area)

4746 MAIN ST

60532

Moline

Quad Cities CVB

1601 River Dr Ste 110

61265

Oak Brook

DuPage CVB

915 Harger Rd #240

60523

Schaumburg

Woodfield Chicago NW Conv Bureau

1375 E Woodfield Rd Ste 120

60173

KS Salina

Visit Salina Area COC

120 W Ash St

67401

KS Topeka

Visit Topeka INC

1275 SW Topeka Blvd.

66612

KS Wichita

Go Wichita

515 S Main St Ste 115

67202

KY Bowling Green

Bowling Green CVB

352 Three Springs Rd

42104

KY Covington

Northern Kentucky CVB

50 E Rivercenter Blvd #200

41011

KY Lexington

Lexington CVB

301 E VINE ST

40507

LA Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Area CVB

359 Third Street

70801

LA Jefferson

Jefferson Parish CVB

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd, Suite 411

70123

MA Centerville

Cape Cod COC

5 Patti Page Way

02632

MD Baltimore

Maryland Office of Tourism Devel

401 E Pratt St 14th Fl

21202

MD Ocean City

Ocean City CVB/Dept of Tourism

4001 Coastal Hwy

21842

MI Detroit

Detroit Metro CVB

211 W FORT ST, #1000

48226

Page 20 2 Directory

p 55

Reunion Friendly News

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Cynthia McHeard

800-458-8085 www.birminghamal.org

cmcheard@birminghamal.com

Sharon Snell

800-843-0468 www.huntsville.org

ssnell@huntsville.org

Ron McConnell

251-208-2018 www.mobilebay.org

ron-mcconnell@mobile.org

Lynette Thomas-Rice

205-391-9200 www.visittuscaloosa.com

lynette@visittuscaloosa.com

RoxAnne Erickson

520-770-2120 www.visitTucson.org

rerickson@visittucson.org

Shannan Louser

800-293-0071 www.visityuma.com

shannan@visityuma.com

Edgar Delgado

650-348-7600 www.visitsanmateocounty.com

edgar@smccvb.com

Betsy Longmire

916-808-7275 www.sacramentocvb.org

blongmire@cityofsacramento.org

Kate Bleakley

303-326-8697 www.visitaurora.com

katebleakley@visitaurora.com

Cheryl Blanton-Chisholm 719-685-7638 www.visitcos.com

cherylBC@visitcos.com

Jeanne Santillanez

719-542-1100 www.puebloconventioncenter.com

jeanne_s@puebloconventioncenter.com

Kimberly Bailey-Thomas

800-233-5368 www.visitdover.com

kthomas@visitdover.com

Meghan McCalley

800-441-1329 www.beach-fun.com

meghan@beach-fun.com

Joni Allen

863-551-4708 www.visitcentralflorids.org

joni@visitcentralflorida.org

Bonnie King

321-433-4470 www.space-coast.com

bkingfilm@aol.com

Nina Crabtree

386-255-0415 www.daytonabeachcvb.org

ncrabtree@daytonabeach.com

Bob Meyer

904-421-9183 www.visitjacksonville.com

bmeyer@visitjacksonville.com

Jadine Shives

407-742-8255 www.meetinkissimmee.com

jshives@visitkissimmee.com

Ann Gager

850-233-5070 www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

agager@visitpanamacitybeach.com

Larry Orvis

850-434-1234 www.visitpensacola.com

lorvis@pensacolachamber.com

Jaya Larkin

904-209-4429 www.floridahistoriccoast.com

jlarkin@floridahistoriccoast.com

Michelle Bovian

706-823-6600 www.augustaga.org

mbovian@augustaga.org

Sid Kaminsky

706-317-2110 www.visitcolumbusga.org

skaminsky@visitcolumbusga.com

Lonnie Elmore

319-233-8350 www.travelwaterloo.com

lonnie@travelwaterloo.com

Kimberly Ghys

800-525-3669 www.lakecounty.org

kimberly@lakecounty.org

Jay Allen

800-733-9811 www.StayInLisle.com

allen@stayinlisle.com

Dan Gleason

309-277-0937 www.visitquadcities.com

dgleason@visitquadcities.com

Julie Scholle

630-575-8070 www.discoverdupage.com

julie@discoverdupage.com

Melinda Garritano

847-278-3446 www.chicagonorthwest.com

mgarritano@chicagonorthwest.com

JoAnn McClure

785-827-9301 www.visitsalina.org

jmcclure@salinakansas.org

Joe Lopez

785-234-1030 www.visittopeka.travel

joseph@visittopeka.com

Dan Schemm

316-660-6312 www.gowichita.com

dschemm@gowichita.com

Duncan Hines

270-782-0800 www.visitbgky.com

duncan@visitbgky.com

Barbara Dozier

800-447-8489 www.nkycvb.com

bdozier@nkycvb.com

Roseanne Mingo

800-848-1224 www.visitlex.com

rmingo@visitlex.com

Jennye Snider

225-382-3584 www.visitbatonrouge.com

jennye@visitbatonrouge.com

Magan Adams

504-731-7083 www.experiencejefferson.com

magan@experiencejefferson.com

Patti Lloyd

508-362-9351 www.capecodchamber.org

sales@capecodchamber.org

Rich Gilbert

877-209-5883 www.visitmaryland.org

rgilbert@visitmaryland.org

Norma Dobrowolski

410-289-2800 www.ococean.com

ndobrowolski@ococean.com

Xenia Castillo-Hunter

313-202-1978 www.visitdetroit.com

xhunter@visitdetroit.com

Reunion Friendly News

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Page 21 Directory 3

CVBs (continued) Michigan–Texas

MI Kalamazoo

Discover Kalamazoo CVB

141 E Michigan Ave Ste 100

49007

MI Lansing

Greater Lansing CVB

500 East Michigan Ave Suite 180

48912

MN Bloomington

Bloomington CVB

7900 International Dr STE 990

55425

MN Rochester

Rochester CVB

30 Civic Center Dr. SE 200

55904

Branson Lakes Area CVB

PO BOX 1897

65615

MO Branson

MO Independence

Independence Missouri Tourism Dept

111 E Maple/PO Box 1019

64051

MO Joplin

Joplin CVB

602 S Main St

64801

MO Maryland Heights

Maryland Heights CVB

PO Box 2125

63043

MO St Charles

St Charles CVB

230 S Main St

63301

MO St Robert

Pulaski County Tourism Bureau

137 St. Robert Blvd. Suite A

65584

MO Warrensburg

Greater Warrensburg Area COC & VC

100 South Holden Street

64093

NC Fayetteville

Fayetteville Area CVB

245 Person St

28301

NC Winston Salem

Visit Winston-Salem

200 Brookstown Avenue

27101

ND Fargo

Fargo-Moorhead CVB

2001 44th St SW

58103

NE Omaha

Omaha CVB

1001 Farnam St Ste 200

68102

NM Albuquerque

Albuquerque CVB

20 First Plaza NW Suite 601

87120

NY Buffalo

Buffalo Niagara CVB

617 Main St, #200

14203

NY Corning

Corning/Finger Lakes (Steuben Cty CVB) 1 W Market St Ste 301

14830

NY Niagara Falls

Niagara USA/Tourism & Conv Corp

10 Rainbow Blvd

14303

1221 Meadowbridge Dr. Ste A

45434

Dayton/Montgomery Cnty CVB

1 Chamber Plaza Suite A

45402

OH Toledo

Destination Toledo,Inc - CVB

401 Jefferson Ave

43604

OR Eugene

Eugene, Cascades & Coast CVA

PO Box 10286

97440

PA Carlisle

Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau

53 W. South Street, Ste 1

17013

PA Gettysburg

Gettysburg CVB

571 West Middle Street

17325

PA Harrisburg

Hershey Harrisburg Regional VB

17 South 2nd Street

17101

PA King of Prussia

Valley Forge CVB

1000 First Ave Ste 101

19406

PA Wilkes-Barre

Luzerne County CVB

56 Public Square

18701

PA York

York County CVB

155 West Market Street

17401

RI Providence

Providence Warwick CVB

144 Westminster Street

02903

SC Charleston

Charleston Area CVB

423 King St

29403

SD Rapid City

444 Mount Rushmore Rd N

57701

TN Chattanooga

736 Market Street 18th Floor

37402

TN Nashville

Nashville CVB

150 4th Avenue North Suite G-250

37219

TN Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge Dept of Tourism

PO Box 1390

37868

TX Amarillo

Amarillo CVB

PO Box 9480/1000 S Polk

79105

TX Beaumont

Beaumont CVB

505 Willow Street

77701

TX College Station

Bryan College Station CVB

715 University DR E

77840

TX El Paso

El Paso CVB

One Civic Center Plaza

79901

TX Fort Worth

Fort Worth CVB

111 West 4th Street Ste 200

76102

TX Galveston

Galveston Island CVB

PO Box 1080

77553

TX Huntsville

Huntsville CVB

1212 Avenue M

77340

TX Killeen

Killeen CVB-Civic & Conf Ctr

PO Box 1329 Young Dr

76540

TX Lubbock

Visit Lubbock CVB

1500 Broadway 6th FL

79401

OH Beavercreek OH Dayton

Page 22 4 Directory

p 41 Greene County CVB/near WPAFB p 39

p 45 Rapid City CVB p 47 Chattanooga Area CVB

Reunion Friendly News

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Jennifer Williamson

269-488-0057 www.discoverkalamazoo.com

jwilliamson@discoverkalamazoo.com

Heather C. Kim

517-377-1402 www.lansing.org

hkim@lansing.org

Lori Rebers

952-278-8513 www.bloomingtonmn.org

l.rebers@bloomingtonmn.org

Jay Gunnarson

507-424-0818 www.visitrochestermn.com

jgunnarson@rochestercvb.org

Kimberly Carr

417-243-2117 www.explorebranson.com

kcarr@bransoncvb.com

Amanda Wiltse

816-325-7108 www.visitindependence.com

awiltse@indepmo.org

Lenny Brubaker

417-625-4789 www.visitjoplinmo.com

lbrubake@joplinmo.org

Laura Brahan

314-738-2497 www.more2do.org

laura@mhcvb.com

Karen Fraser

800-366-2427 www.historicstcharles.com

kfraser@historicstcharles.com

Beth Wiles

573-336-6355 www.visitpulaskicounty.org

bethw@visitpulaskicounty.org

David Shook

660-747-3168 www.warrensburg.org

dshook@warrensburg.org

Myron Jones

800-255-8217 www.visitfayettevillenc.com

mjones@visitfayettevillenc.com

Dianne Brice

336-728-4216 www.visitwinstonsalem.com

dianne@visitwinstonsalem.com

Teri Onsgard

701-365-4560 www.fargomoorhead.org

teri@fargomoorehead.org

Bill Slovinski

866-937-6624 www.visitomaha.com

bslovinski@visitomaha.com

Serena Sullivan

505-222-4355 www.itsatrip.org

sullivan@itsatrip.org

Matt Carlucci

716-852-0511 www.visitbuffaloniagara.com

carlucci@buffalocvb.org

Danielle Roman

607-936-6544 www.corningfingerlakes.com

droman@corningfingerlakes.com

Reanna Darone

716-282-8992 www.niagara-usa.com

rdarone@niagara-usa.com

Lisa Willis

937-320-9865 www.greenecountyohio.org

lwillis@greenecountyohio.org

Anna Nash

937-226-8292 www.daytoncvb.com

anash@daytoncvb.net

Julie Bolfa

800-243-466

jbolfa@dotoledo.org

Juanita Metzler

541-743-8758 www.TravelLaneCounty.org

juanita@travellanecounty.org

Dawn M.S. Rickenbach

717-240-7191 www.visitcumberlandvalley.com

dawn@visitcumberlandvalley.com

Jenny McConnell

717-338-1053 www.gettysburg.travel

jenny@gettysburg.travel

Candice Fry

717-231-2988 www.herseyharrisburg.org

candice@hersheyharrisburg.org

Courtney Pozo

610-834-7971 www.valleyforge.org

pozo@valleyforge.org

Janet Allen Hall

570-819-1877 www.tournepa.com

tournepa@tournepa.com

Rachel Wolkiewicz

717-852-9675 www.yorkpa.org

rachel@yorkpa.org

Sheila Lindemann

401-456-0228 www.goprovidence.com

slindemann@pwcvb.com

John Michel McCants

843-805-3098 www.charlestoncvb.com

jmmccants@explorecharleston.com

Lisa Storms

605-718-8487 www.visitrapidcity.com

storms@visitrapidcity.com

Chris Petro

423-424-4417 www.chattanoogafun.com

chrisp@chattanoogacvb.com

Amy Starnes

615-259-4716 www.visitmusiccity.com

amy@visitmusiccity.com

Kay Poole

865-453-8574 www.pigeonforgemeeting.com

kpoole@mypigeonforge.com

Emilea white

806-342-2017 www.visitamarillotx.com

emilea@visitamarillotx.com

Rebecca Woodland

409-880-3749 www.beaumontcvb.com

rwoodland@ci.beaumont.tx.us

Amy Duffel

979-260-9898 www.bcscvb.org

amy@BCSCVB.org

Catherine Countiss

915-534-0695 www.visitelpaso.com

ccountiss@elpasocvb.com

Jeremy Montoya

817-698-7827 www.fortworth.com

jeremymontoya@forthworth.com

Sheri L. Teller

409-797-5150 www.galveston.com

steller@galvestoncvb.com

Kimm Thomas

936-291-9726 www.chamber.huntsville.tx.us

kthomas@huntsvilletx.gov

Connie Kuehl

254-501-3888 www.visitkilleen.com

info@killeentexas.gov

Jessica Mendoza

806-747-5232 www.visitlubbock.org

jessica@visitlubbock.org

Reunion Friendly News

www.dotoledo.org

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Page 23 Directory 5

CVBs (continued) Texas–Wisconsin

TX Plano

Plano CVB

PO BOX 860358

75086

TX San Angelo

San Angelo CVB

418 W Avenue B

76903

UT Ogden

Ogden Utah CVB

2438 Washington Blvd

84401

VA Arlington

Arlington CVS

1100 N Glebe Rd #1500

22201

VA Chesapeake

Chesapeake CVB

860 Greenbrier Circle, Suite 101

23320

VA McLean

Visit Fairfax

3702 Pender Drive, Ste 420

22030

p 51

VA Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partn.

706 Caroline St

22401

VA Hampton

Hampton CVB

1919 Commerce Drive Ste 290

23666

VA Leesburg

Visit Loudoun

112-G South Street SE

20175

VA Manassas

Discover Prince William & Manassas

10611 Balls Ford Road, Ste 110

20109

VA Newport News

VA Norfolk

p 2 Newport News T & D p 53

700 Town Ctr Dr Ste 320 Fountain Pl Two 23606

Visit Norfolk

232 E MAIN ST

23510

VA Richmond

Virginia Tourism Corporation

901 East Byrd Street

23219

VA Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach CVB

2101 Parks Ave, #500

23451

WA Seattle

Seattle Southside Visitor Info

3100 S. 176 Street

98188

WA Tacoma

Tacoma Regional CVB

1119 Pacific Ave, Ste 1400

98402

WA Vancouver

Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office

101 E 8th St Ste 240

98660

WI Appleton

Fox Cities of WI CVB

3433 W College Ave

54914

WI La Crosse

La Crosse Area CVB

410 Veterans Memorial Drive

54601

WI Milwaukee

Visit Milwaukee CVB

648 N Plankinton Ave Ste 425

53203

WI Waukesha

p 54 Waukesha & Pewaukee CVB

N 14 W23755 Stone Ridge Dr #225

53188

Destination Management Companies, Tour Operators, & Military Reunion Planners

FL Jacksonville

Active Escapes Jax/St Aug

1177 Garrison Drive

32092

MA Plymouth

Tour Trends

7R Oar & Line Rd

02360

MO Branson

Five Star Reunion & Tours

1440 State Hwy 248-457

65616

MO Branson West

Gatherings Plus

PO BOX 1023

65737

MO Hollister

Branson Gray Line

155 Industrial Park Drive

65616

SC Charleston

Charleston Convention & Group Services 1 Carriage Lane, Bld G

29407

TN Nashville

Gray Line of Tennessee

2416 Music Valley Drive Ste 102

37214

TN Nashville

Sharin- Nashville Tours

PO Box 140234

37214

VA Stephens City

Mid Atlantic Receptive Services

P.O. Box 1390

22655

Hotels

AL Mobile

Renaissance Riverview Plaza

64 South Water St

36602

AZ Phoenix

Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North 3838 E. Van Buren

85008

AZ Tucson

Holiday Inn Tucson Airport

4550 S Palo Verde Blvd

85714

AZ Tucson

Radisson Suites Tucson

6555 E Speedway Blvd

85710

CA Anaheim

Red Lion Hotel Anaheim

1850 South Harbor Blvd

92802

CA Buena Park

Holiday Inn Buena Park Hotel & Conf Ctr

7000 Beach Blvd

90620

CA Buena Park

Radisson Suites Hotel Buena Park

7762 Beach Blvd

90620

CA Eureka

Red Lion Hotel Eureka

1929 Fourth Street

95501

CA Fremont

Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley

46100 Landing Parkway

94538

Page 24 6 Directory

Reunion Friendly News

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Kay Summerville

800-817-5266 www.planocvb.com

kays@plano.gov

Pamela Miller

800-375-1206 www.sanangelo.org

pamela@sanangelo.org

Joni Wall

801-778-6253 www.visitogeen.com

joni@ogden.travel

Portia Conerly

703-228-0873 www.stayarlington.com

pconerly@arlingtonva.us

Susan Drewery

757-502-4898 www.visitchesapeake.com

sdrewery@cityofchesapeake.net

Dean Miller

703-790-0643 www.fxva.com

dmiller@fxva.com

Kimberly Herbert

540-372-1216 www.VisitFred.com

ksherbert@fredericksburgva.gov

Julie A. Williams

757-728-5318 www.visithampton.com

julie@hamptoncvb.com

Jennifer Ritter

703-771-7525 www.visitloudoun.org

ritter@visitloudoun.org

Mark Kowalewiski

800-432-1792 www.visitpwc.com

mark@visitpwc.com

Cheryl Morales

757-926-1440 www.newport-news.org

cmorales@nngov.com

Melissa Hopper

757-664-6620 www.visitnorfolktoday.com

mhopper@norfolkcvb.com

Joni Johnson

804-545-5544 www.virginia.org/meetings

jjohnson@virginia.org

Shevonne Morgan

800-700-7702 www.vbmeetings.com

smorgan@vbgov.com

Meilee Anderson

206-575-2691 www.seattlesouthside.com

meilee@seattlesouthside.com

Moira Hurley-Davin

253-284-3257 www.traveltacoma.com

moira@traveltacoma.com

Debbie Picard

360-750-1553 www.visitvancouverusa.com

dpicard@visitvancouverusa.com

Mae Ibe

920-734-3358 www.foxcities.org

mibe@foxcities.org

Clarissa Erickson

608-782-2220 www.exploreLacrosse.com

erickson@explorelacrosse.com

Brian Hutchings

800-231-0903 www.visitmilwaukee.org

bhutchings@milwaukee.org

Deana Birmingham

262-542-0330 www.visitwaukesha.org

deana@visitwaukesha.org

John Aguilera

904-230-8787 www.activeescape.com

john.aguilera@activeescape.com

Ed Sturrup

508-224-2288 www.tourtrends.com

tourtrendsed@hotmail.com

Karen Phillips

417-294-3096 ***

karen@fivestarreunions.net

Pam Brown

417-338-4048 www.bransonmilitaryreunions.com

pamb@bransonmilitaryreunions.com

Liz Stanley

417-335-4466 www.mobilebranson.com

liz@bransongrayline.com

Erin Mellen

800-553-2055 www.DestinationCharlestonSC

emellen@DestinationCharlestonSC

Rhonda Hawkinson

615-883-5555 www.graylinetn.com

rhawkinson@graylinetn.com

Sharon Cole

615-846-0867 www.sharinnashvilletours.com

sharcole@gmail.com

Jennifer Wood

800-769-5912 www.takeafuntrip.com

jennifer@takeafuntrip.com

Derrick Williams

251-415-3086 www.renaissancehotels.com/MOBRV

derrick.williams@renaissancemobile.com

Crystal Peters

602-293-0338 www.phoenixairportnorth.hdi.com

crystal.peters@hilton.com

Lauren Grimes

520-799-8624 www.holidayinnpaloverde.com

lauren.Grimes@jqh.com

Mindy Brugger

520-239-1107 www.radissontucson.com

mbrugger@rstucson.com

Yani Lopez

714-750-2801 www.anahaimredlion.com

yani.lopez@redlion.com

Dennis Fyda

714-690-4603 www.hibuenapark.com

dennis.fyda@hibuenapark.com

Dennis L. Banks III

714-739-5600 www.radisson.com/buenaparkca

dennis.banks@radisson.com

Lowell Maffia

707-445-0844 www.redlion.com/eureka

lowell.maffia@redlion.com

Adriana Mendez-Villamil

510-413-3700 www.marriottfremont.com

adriana.mendez@marriott.com

Reunion Friendly News

â&#x20AC;˘

S u m m e r, 2 0 1 2

Page 25 Directory 7

Hotels (continued) California窶的llinois

CA Rancho Cordova

Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cardova

11211 Point East Drive

95742

CA San Diego

Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside

4875 North Harbor Drive

92106

CA San Diego

The Handlery Hotel & Resort

950 Hotel Circle North

92108

CO Aurora

Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast

3200 South Parker Road

80014

CO Colorado Springs

The Academy Hotel

8110 N. Academy Blvd

80920

CO Denver

Red Lion Hotel Denver Central

4040 Quebec Street

80216

CT Groton

Groton Inn & Suites

P 0 Box 807

06340

CT New London

New London Plaza Hotel

35 Governor Winthrop Blvd

06320

CT Norwich

Holiday Inn Norwich

10 LAURA BLVD

06360

DC Washington

The Melrose Hotel

2430 Pennsylvania Ave N W

20037

FL Amelia Island

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

1997 S Fletcher Ave

32034

FL Cocoa Beach

Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach

3435 N Atlantic Ave

32931

FL Cocoa Beach

International Palms Resort

1300 N Atlantic Ave

32931

FL Daytona Beach

The Plaza Resort & Spa

600 North Atlantic Avenue

32118

FL Fort Myers

Crowne Plaza Fort Myers

13051 Bell Tower Dr

33907

FL Jacksonville

Crowne Plaza Airport

14670 Duval Road

32218

FL Jacksonville

Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront

1201 Riverplace Blvd

32207

FL Jacksonville

Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel

10605 Deerwood Park Blvd.

32256

FL Kissimmee

Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration

2900 Parkway Blvd

34747

FL Kissimmee

Ramada Gateway

7470 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy 34747

FL Orlando

Renaissance Orlando Hotel Airport

5445 Forbes Pl

32812

FL St Augustine

Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort

860 HWY A1A Beach Blvd

32080

FL St Petersburg

Hilton St Petersburg Bayfront

333 First Street South

33701

FL Tampa

Baymont Inn & Suites

3001 University Drive

33612

FL Tampa

Clarion Hotel & Conference Center

2701 E Fowler Ave

33612

FL Tampa

Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore

5303 W Kennedy Blvd

33609

FL Tampa

Doubletree Hotel Tampa Westshore

4500 W Cypress St

33607

FL Tampa

Mainsail Suites Hotel & Conference Ctr.

5108 Eisenhower Blvd

33634

GA Atlanta

Holiday Inn Perimeter

4386 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd

30341

GA Columbus

Holiday Inn North

2800 Manchester Expressway

31904

GA Peachtree City

Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center

2443 Highway 54 West

30269

GA Pooler

Holiday Inn Savannah/Airport Pooler

103 San Drive

31322

GA Savannah

Doubletree Hotel Historic Savannah

411 West Bay Street

31401

GA Savannah

Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown

5711 Abercorn St

31405

GA Savannah

Inn at Ellis Square

201 W Bay St

31401

IA Waterloo

Ramada Hotel & Convention Ctr

205 West 4th Street

50701

ID Boise

Red Lion Boise Downtowner

1800 Fairview Avenue

83702

ID Boise

The Boise Hotel & Conference Center

3300 Vista Ave

83705

ID Lewiston

Red Lion Hotel Lewiston

621 21st Street

83501

ID Pocatello

Red Lion Hotel Pocatello

1555 Pocatello Creek Road

83201

ID Post Falls

Red Lion Templin-s Hotel on the River

414 E. First Avenue

83854

ID Twin Falls

Red Lion Hotel Canyon Springs

1357 Blue Lakes Blvd. N

83301

Deerfield

Embassy Suites Chicago North Shore

1445 Lake Cook Rd

60015

Deerfield

Hyatt Deerfield

1750 Lake Cook Rd

60015

Page 26 8 Directory

Reunion Friendly News

窶｢

S u m m e r, 2 0 1 2

Stacy Reynolds

916-861-2204 www.sacramentomarriott.com

stacy.reynolds@marriottranchocordova.com

Jodie Langhammer

800-650-6660 www.holinnbayside.com

jodie@holinnbayside.com

Steve Larson

619-398-8335 www.handelry.com/sd

slarson@handlery.com

Pamela Feeley

303-695-1700 www.redlion.com/denverse

pamela.feeley@redlion.com

Suzy Esposito

719-278-7018 www.theacademyhotel.com

suzye@theacademyhotel.com

Todd West

303-321-6666 www.redlion.com/denvercentral

todd.west@hilton.com

Nancie Keenan

860-445-9784 www.grotoninn.com

nkeenan@grotoninn.com

Kelli Antoniac

860-443-7000 www.nlplaza.com

kellia@nlplaza.com

Katie Weber-Coleman

860-889-5201 www.holidaynorwichhotel.com

katie.weber@hershahotels.com

Ali Vellon

202-955-3836 www.melrosehoteldc.com

ali.vellon@melrosehoteldc.com

Marianna McIntyre

904-206-5600 www.ameliahotel.com

mmcintyre@ameliahotel.com

Ana Leonard

321-784-4800 www.courtyardcocoabeach.com

ana.leonard@courtyardcb.com

Colleen Mazzoni

321-783-2271 www.internationalpalms.com

cmazzoni@internationalpalms.com

Kathy Masterson

386-267-1606 www.plazaresortandspa.com

kmasterson@innercircledaytona.com

Stephanie Millican

239-210-2462 www.cpfortmyers.com

smillican@cooperhotels.com

Natalie Galmore

904-421-2031 www.cpjacksonvilleairport.com

ngalmore@mmihg.com

Brenda Campbell

904-396-8843 www.cpjacksonville.com

bcampbell@cpjacksonville.com

P. J. Bailey

904-380-4127 www.sheratonjacksonville.com

pj.bailey@sheratonjacksonville.com

***

407-997-7039 www.radissonorlandoresort.com

***

Janis Blair

407-997-6614 www.ramadagateway.com

blairj@ostarhotels.com

Stephen Russell

407-513-7226 www.renaissanceorlandoAP.com

stephen.russell@renaissancehotels.com

Felicia Fink

904-471-2555 www.holidayisleoceanfront.com

ffink@holidayisleoceanfront.com

Debbie Sanders

727-894-5000 www.stpetehilton.com

deborah.sanders@hilton.com

Jocie Rivera

813-971-8930 www.baymontinns.com

riveraj@gfhotels.com

Alison Fitzgerald

813-971-4710 www.clariontampa.com

afitzgerald@paramounthotelgroup.com

Sharon Haley

813-405-1180 www.cptampawestshore.com

sharon.haley@crowneplazatampa.com

Annabel Gabbert

813-998-2211 www.tampadoubletree.com

annabel.gabbert@hilton.com

Kelly Nixon

813-243-2635 www.mainsailtampa.com

knixon@mainsailhotels.com

Michael Vescio

770-296-6001 www.hiperimeter.com

mvescio@hiperimeter.com

Erica Newton

706-324-0231 www.holidayinn.com/columbus-north erica.newton@transinns.com

Eileen Lavoie

770-486-3317 www.wyndhampcc.com

elavoie@wyndham.com

Lauren Heldreth

912-330-5100 www.savannahholidayinn.com

lauren@savannahholidayinn.com

Gina Kreiss

912-790-4704 www.hilton.com/savannahga

gina_kreiss@hilton.com

Cathryn Bowyer

912-721-6014 www.savannahmidtown.stayhgi.com

cathryn.bowyer@hilton.com

Linda Bell

912-944-3286 www.innatellissquare.com

merle31410@aol.com

Sandy Thomas

319-236-9502 www.ramadawaterloo.com

sthomas@ramadawaterloo.com

John Beacham

208-344-7691 www.redlion.com/boisedowntowner

john.beacham@redlion.com

Curt Asmussen

208-914-3957 www.theboisehotel.com

casmussen@ardenthotels.com

Amanda Anderson

208-799-1000 www.redlionlewiston.com

aanderson@redlionlewiston.com

Dawn Williams

208-233-2200 www.redlion.com/pocatello

dawn.williams@redlion.com

Kelly Gwinn-Duby

208-773-1611 www.redlion.com/templins

kelly.gwinn@redlion.com

Denise Young

208-734-5000 www.redlion.com/canyonsprings

denise.young@redlion.com

Reyna Espinosa

847-945-4596 www.embassysuitesnorthshore.com

respinosa@destinationhotels.com

Paul Payawal

847-597-4521 www.deerfield.hyatt.com

paul.payawal@hyattdeerfield.com

Reunion Friendly News

â&#x20AC;˘

S u m m e r, 2 0 1 2

Page 27 Directory 9

Reunion Friendly Network’s Hall of

The officers and Board of Directors of RFN hereby declare and are now duly qualified for the award

Congratulations

This Year’s (20

Thomas & Susan Heiser

Larry Lewandowski

Richard Osentoski

John Stallings

What It Takes to Become an RFN Certified Planner 1. Attend a ConFAM© 2. Attend a WorkFAM© – no more than two years after attending the ConFAM© 3. Send a copy to RFN of a “satisfactory” Hotel Reunion Contract negotiated AFTER the WorkFAM©. Page 28

Reunion Friendly News

•

S u m m e r, 2 0 1 2

Certified Military Reunion Planners

that all of these Planners have met the requirements d of Certified Military Reunion Planners.

s to everyone!

012) inductees:

Stan & Carol Pollard Eugene & Katherine Petrowski

Last Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (2011) recipients:

Walter R e u Alexander nion Friendly

N e w sDon â&#x20AC;˘ Hempstead S u m m e r, 2 0 1 2

Lowell Woodworth

Page 29

Hotels (continued) Illinois–New York

Northbrook

Crowne Plaza Chicago-Northbrook

2875 N Milwaukee Avenue

60062

Northbrook

Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel

933 Skokie Blvd

60062

Oak Brook

Doubletree Chicago Oak Brook

1909 Spring Rd

60523

Rosemont

Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago O-Hare

10233 W Higgins Rd

60018

Wheeling

The Westin Chicago North Shore

601 N Milwaukee Ave

60090

Zion

Best Western Plus-Market Square

2723 Sheridan Road

60099

KS Lenexa

Crowne Plaza Kansas City - Overland Park 12601 West 95th Street

66215

KS Wichita

Marriott Wichita

9100 Corporate Hills Dr.

67207

KY Bowling Green

Holiday Inn University Plaza

1021 Wilkinson Trace

42103

LA Baton Rouge

Holiday Inn South Baton Rouge

9940 Airline Hwy

70816

LA Kenner

Days Inn Hotel New Orleans Airport

1021 Airline Hwy

70062

LA Metairie

Ramada Hotel Metairie

2713 N Causeway Blvd

70002

LA New Orleans

French Quarter Chateau LeMoyne

301 Dauphine Street

70112

MA Boston

Constitution Inn

150 3rd Ave Charlestown Navy

02129

MA Boston

Midtown Hotel

220 Huntington Ave

02115

MA Dedham

Hilton Boston Dedham

25 Allied Dr

02026

MA Salem

Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square West

01970

MD Gaithersburg

Hilton Wash DC North/Gaithersburg

620 Perry Pkwy

20877

MD Gaithersburg

Holiday Inn Gaithersburg

2 Montgomery Village Ave

20879

MD Ocean City

Dunes Manor Hotel

2800 Baltimore Ave

21842

ME S Portland

Best Western Merry Manor Inn

700 Main St

04106

ME Waterville

Best Western Plus Waterville

375 Main Street

04901

MN Rochester

Kahler Grand Hotel

20 2 Ave SW

55902

MO Branson

Camden Hotel

275 Tanger Blvd

65616

MO Branson

Grand Plaza Hotel

245 N Wildwood Dr

65616

MO Branson

Radisson Hotel Branson

120 S. Wildwood Drive

65616

MO Branson

Stone Castle Hotel & Conf Center

3050 Green Mountain Dr

65616

MO Branson

Welk Resort Branson

1984 Hwy 165

65616

MO St Robert

Baymont Inn & Suites

139 Carmel Valley Way

65584

MO St. Louis

Sheraton Westport Hotels

900 Westport Plaza Drive

63146

MT Helena

Red Lion Colonial Hotel

2301 Colonial Dr

59601

MT Kalispell

Red Lion Hotel Kalispell

20 North Main Street

59601

NJ Parsippany

Holiday Inn & Suites Parsippany

707 Route 46

07054

NM Albuquerque

MCM Elegante Hotel & Event Center

2020 Menaul Blvd NE

87107

NM Albuquerque

Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel

2910 Yale Blvd SE

87106

NV Las Vegas

Hampton Inn Tropicana

4975 S Dean Martin Drive

89118

NV Laughlin

Edgewater-Colorado Belle Casino Resorts 2020 South Casino Drive

89029

NV Reno

Hilton Garden Inn - Reno

9920 Double R Blvd

89521

NV Reno

Ramada Reno Hotel & Casino

1000 East 6th Street

89512

NV Reno

Sands Regency Casino Hotel

345 North Arlington Avenue

89501

NY Buffalo

Adam-s Mark Hotel Buffalo Niagara

120 Church St

14202

NY Buffalo

Millennium Airport Hotel Buffalo

2040 Walden Ave

14225

NY N. Syracuse

Ramada Syracuse

1305 Buckley Road

13212

NY Niagara Falls

Comfort Inn -The Pointe-

One Prospect Pointe

14303

Page 30 12 Directory

Reunion Friendly News

•

S u m m e r, 2 0 1 2

Michele Lee

847-493-6910 www.crowneplaza.com/northbrookchi mlee@bayshospitality.com

Renee Labay

847-897-5417 www.renaissancehotels.com/chinb

rlabay@renaissancechicagons.com

Ruby Lane-Hodges

630-472-6009 www.doubletreeoakbrook.com

ruby.lane-hodges@hilton.com

Maria Cesario

847-954-8620 www.holidayinn.com/rosemont

mcesario@fhginc.com

Jim Straus

847-777-6559 www.westin.com/chicagonorthshore.com jim.straus@westin.com

Julia Ramey

847-344-1204 www.marketsquarehotel.com

julia.ramey@marketsquarehotel.com

Jennifer Commuso

913-217-1006 www.cplenexa.com

jcommuso@mkccp.com

Becky Lehane

316-651-0333 www.marriott.com

becky.lehane@wichitamarriott.com

Jessica Waren

270-393-8667 www.hibowlinggreen.com

jessica.waren@jhq.com

Heather Day

225-924-7021 www.hibatonrougesouth.com

hdat@brsouth.com

Lisa Sweet

504-464-1644 www.daysinn.com/hotel/32484

dos@daysinnnoairport.com

Gina Abernathy

504-648-3821 www.ramadametairie.com

gabernathy@ramadametairie.com

Thu Tran

504-613-3210 www.hifrenchquarterhotel.com

thu.tran@ihg.com

Emily Goretsky

617-241-8400 www.constitutioninn.org

egoretsky@constitutioninn.org

Alan R Small

800-343-1177 www.midtownhotel.com

asmall@midtownhotel.com

Winnie Boussicaut

781-329-7900 www.bostondedham.hilton.com

w.boussicaut@hilton.com

Laurale Abraham

978-825-4345 www.hawthornehotel.com

labraham@hawthornehotel.com

Bernard Howe

301-591-9906 www.gaithersburg.hilton.com

bhowe@hiltongaithersburg.com

Debbie Reed

301-948-8900 www.higaithersburg.com

debbie.reed@bfsaulco.com

Lauren Prendergast

800-523-2888 http://www.ocean-city.com/dunesmanor.htm

Donald Haggett

207-774-6151 www.merrymanor inn.com

Karen Spaulding

207-873-0111 www.bestwestern.com/pluswatervillegrand

Chris Wagner

507-285-2740 www.kahler.com

chris.wagner@ihrco.com

Cherie Chitwood

800-335-2555 www.camdenhotelbranson.com

cherie@lodgingbranson.com

Darlene Burkhart

417-336-6646 www.bransongrandplaza.com

darlene@bransongrandplaza.com

Sarah Hord

417-690-4026 www.radisson.com/bransonmo

sarah.hord@radisson.com

Rachael James

417-335-4700 www.bransonstonecastlehotel.com

rachael@bransonstonecastle.com

Cherie Chitwood

417-243-1333 www.welkresort.com

cchitwood@welkgroup.com

Betsy Thomson

573-336-5050 www.baymontinns.com/hotel/17871

betsybaymont@yahoo.com

Nancy Masterson

314-212-2137 www.sheratonwestport.com

nancy.masterson@swthotels.com

Erin Schweitzer

406-443-2100 www.redlion.com/colonial

erin.schweitzer@redlion.com

CJ Getty

406-751-5050 www.redlion.com/kalispell

cj.getty@redlion.com

Samia Dumani

973-263-2000 www.parsippanyhi.com

samia@parsippanyhi.com

Kara St John

505-872-0412 www.mcmelegante.com

karastjohn@mcmelegante.com

Tisha Simms

505-244-8536 www.sheratonalbuquerqueairport.com tisha.simms@sheratonabqairport.com

Lorin Balaban

702-948-8114 www.hamptoninntropicana.com

lbalaban@hamptoninntropicana.com

Kathy Millar

702-807-4470 www.edgewater-casino.com

kmillar@cb-ew.com

Morgan Montemayor

775-412-4355 www.reno.stayhgi.com

morgan.montemayor@hilton.com

Larry Cardarelli

775-954-2521 www.ramadareno.com

larry.cardarelli@jqh.com

Janette Spradley

775-348-2242 www.sandsregency.com

jspradley@affinitygamingllc.com

Christa Beal

716-845-5100 www.adamsmark.com

cbeal@adamsmark.com

Edwin Shelp

800-323-3331 www.milleniumhotels.com

Eshelp@mill-usa.com

Judy Herzig

315-457-8670 www.ramadasyracuse.com

judy@ramadasyracuse.com

Tricia Mezhir

716-284-6835 www.comfortinnthepointe.com

tmezhir@comfortinnthepointe.com

Reunion Friendly News

â&#x20AC;˘

S u m m e r, 2 0 1 2

lauren@dunesmanor.com

dhaggett@merrymanorinn.com kspaulding@girihotels.com

Page 31 Directory 13

Hotels (continued) New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Texas

NY Niagara Falls

Sheraton at the Falls

300 Third St

14303

NY Salamanca

Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel

777 Seneca Allegany Blvd

14779

OH Dayton

Crowne Plaza Dayton

33 E Fifth St

45402

OH Fairborn

Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn

2800 Presidential Dr

45324

OH WPAFB

Hope Hotel & Richard C Holbrooke Conf Ct Bldg 823 Area A

45433

OK Norman

NCED Hotel

2801 East State Hwy 9

73071

OR Bend

Red Lion Hotel Bend

1415 N E Third St

97701

OR Medford

Red Lion Hotel Medford

200 N Riverside Ave

97501

OR Pendleton

Red Lion Hotel Pendleton

304 SE Nye Ave

97801

OR Portland

Red Lion on the River Jantzen Beach

909 N Hayden Island Dr

97217

PA Camp Hill

Radisson Hotel Harrisburg

1150 Camp Hill Bypass

17011

PA Frazer

Sheraton Great Valley Hotel

707 E. Lancaster Avenue

19355

PA Harrisburg

Holiday Inn Harrisburg East

4751 Lindle Road

17111

PA Harrisburg

Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel

4650 Lindle Rd

17111

PA Philadelphia

Crowne Plaza Main Line Philadelphia

4100 Presidential Blvd

19131

PA Philadelphia

Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia NE 9461 Roosevelt Blvd

19114

PA Philadelphia

Holiday Inn Historic District

19106

PA Pittsburgh

Doubletree by Hilton Pittsburg Green Tre 101 Doubletree Drive

15205

RI Warwick

Crowne Plaza Hotel

801 Greenwich Ave

02886

RI Warwick

Sheraton Providence Airport

1850 Post Road

02886

SC Charleston

Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview

301 Savannah Hwy

29407

SC Charleston

Town & Country Inn & Conference Center 2008 Savannah Hwy

29407

SC Myrtle Beach

Landmark Resort Hotel

1501 S OCEAN BLVD

29577

SC Myrtle Beach

p 43 Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort

1200 S OCEAN BLVD

29577

SC Myrtle Beach

Springmaid Beach Resort

3200 S Ocean Blvd

29577

SC North Charleston

Radisson Hotel Charleston Airport

5991 Rivers Ave

29406

SC North Charleston

Sheraton Charleston Airport Hotel

4770 GOER DR

29406

SD Rapid City

Grand Gateway Hotel

1721 Lacrosse Street

57701

TN Chattanooga

Chattanooga Choo Choo

1400 Market St

37402

TN Chattanooga

Country Inn & Suites/ I-24 West

3725 Modern Industries Parkway

37419

TN Clarksville

The Riverview Inn

50 College Street

37040

TN Gatlinburg

Greystone Lodge at the Aquarium

PO Box 408

37738

TN Gatlinburg

The Park Vista - Doubletree Hotel

705 Cherokee Orchard Rd

37738

TN Millington

Holiday Inn Express Millington

5090 Copper Creek Blvd.

38053

TN Nashville

Holiday Inn Express Airport Area

1111 Airport Center Dr

37214

TN Nashville

Holiday Inn Express Nashville Downtown 920 Broadway & 10th

37203

TN Nashville

Holiday Inn Opryland Airport

2200 Elm Hill Pike

37214

TN Nashville

Millennium Maxwell House Hotel

2025 Rosa L Parks Blvd

37228

TN Nashville

Sheraton Music City Hotel

777 McGavock Pike

37214

TN Pigeon Forge

Music Road Hotel

303 Henderson Chapel Road

37863

TX Austin

Crowne Plaza Austin

6121 North IH 35

78752

TX Austin

Holiday Inn Midtown Austin

6000 Middle Fiskville Road

78752

TX Forth Worth

Crowne Plaza Fort Worth South

100 Alta Mesa East Blvd

76134

TX Galveston

Holiday Inn Resort on the Beach

5002 Sea Wall Blvd

77551

14 Directory

400 Arch St

Monica Rapini

716-278-2622 www.sheraton.com/atthefalls

m.rapini@sheratonatthefalls.com

Holly Sickels

716-343-5729 www.senecaalleganycasino.com

hsickels@senecacasino.com

Kris Davis

937-229-9831 www.cpdayton.com

kdavis@cpdayton.com

Matt Pauley

937-431-4611 www.holiday-inn.com/fairbornoh

matthew.pauley@hidaytonfairborn.com

Matt LeValley

937-879-2696 www.hopehotel.com

matt.levalley@hopehotel.com

Candie Westbrook

405-366-4976 www.nced.com/cc

candie.westbrook@marriott.com

Suzanne Heise

541-382-7011 www.redlion.com/bendnorth

suzanne.heise@redlion.com

Margaret Knight

541-779-5811 www.redlion.com/medford

margaret.knight@redlion.com

Cheryl Rolstad

541-276-6111 www.redlion.com/pendleton

cheryl.rolstad@redlion.com

Michele Clifford

503-283-4466 www.redlion.com/jantzenbeach

mclifford@redlionontheriver.com

Lindsay Peters

717-433-9737 www.radisson.com/camphillpa

lpeters@radpenn.com

Kim Turnbaugh

610-280-2090 www.sheraton.com/GreatValley

kim.turnbaugh@ihrco.com

Brenda Ryneski

717-704-0722 www.hiharrisburg.com

bryneski@hiharrisburg.com

Megan Savannah

717-565-3340 www.sheratonharrisburghershey.com Megan.savannah@sheratonhershey.com

Ron Balle

215-477-0200 www.cpmainline.com

Chakira Chew

267-350-6016 www.fourpointsphiladelphianortheast.com

Mizetta Hopkins

267-765-3327 www.holidayinn.com/phlhistoric

Denise Verzi Goetz

412-920-8077 www.pittsburygreentree.doubletree.com denise.verzi@camhosp.com

Michelle Sartrys

401-732-6029 www.crowneplaza.com/warwick

Lisa Kasprzak

401-824-0670 www.sheraton.com/providenceairport lisa.kasprzak@sheratonprovidence.com

Rose Guinn

843-460-1441 www.hiriverview.com

rguinn@hiriverview.com

Stephen Clarke

843-329-3304 www.thetownandcountryinn.com

sclarke@palashospitality.com

Pat Emmons

843-448-9441 www.landmarkresort.com

pemmons@landmarkresort.com

Leanne McCulloch

843-282-5125 www.seamist.com

leanne@seamist.com

Sharon Kemerer

843-315-7173 www.springmaidbeach.com

skemerer@springmaidbeach.com

Stacie Lynam

843-744-2501 www.radisson.com/charlestonsc airport stacie.lynam@radisson.com

Lindsey Stedman

843-529-2312 www.sheraton.com/northcharleston

lstedman@sheratoncharleston.com

Bob Hodet

866-742-1300 www.grandgatewayhotel.com

bhodet@grandgatewayhotel.com

Tonya Steele

423-308-2406 www.choochoo.com

tonyas@choochoo.com

Christi Baggett

423-825-6100 www.countryinns.com/tiftoniatn

chbaggett@sandcompanies.com

Renee Bruens

931-552-3331 www.theriverviewinn.com

renee@theriverviewinn.com

Renee- Spurling

865-436-5621 www.greystonelodgetn.com

Greystonesales@aol.com

Angela Quigley

800-277-5622 www.parkvistagatlinburg.doubletree.com aquigley@parkvista.com

Miriam Drenning

901-872-3640 www.hiexpress.com/millingtontn

dos.pageproperties@ymail.com

Mari Anne Liporace

615-883-1366 www.hiexpress.com/bna-airport

marianne.liporace@oplhotels.com

Jennifer Jones

615-244-0379 www.hiexpresst.com

jjones@hiexndt.com

Sonya Slay

615-316-1062 www.hinashville.com

sonia.slay@ihg.com

Katie Goyette

615-313-1366 www.millenniumhotels.com/nashville kgoyette@mill-usa.com

Devin J. Murphy

615-231-1252 www.sheratonmusiccity.com

dmurphy@sheratonmusiccity.com

David Sorge

800-429-7700 www.musicroadhotel.com

dsorge@musicroadhotel.com

Sonia Moore

512-371-5243 www.crowneplaza.com/austincentral

smoore@cphaustin.com

Theresa Campos

512-206-3015 www.holidayinn.com/austinmidtown

dos@hiausmid.com

Tim Laska

817-759-4603 www.crowneplaza.com/fortworthsouth tim.laska@fortworthcp.com

Carly Rowland

409-740-5300 www.holidayinnresorts.com/galveston-bch

Reunion Friendly News

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ron.balle@cpphilawest.com cchew@fpphiladelphia.com

mizetta.hopkins@ihg.com book@providenceri.crowneplaza.com

crowland@ldry.com Page 33 Directory 15

Hotels (continued) Texas–Wisconsin

TX San Antonio

El Tropicano Hotel

110 Lexington Ave.

78205

TX San Antonio

Holiday Inn Airport

77 NE Loop 410

78216

TX San Antonio

Holiday Inn Downtown Market Square

318 W Durango Blvd

78204

TX San Antonio

Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk

217 N St Mary-s St

78205

UT Salt Lake City

Red Lion Hotel Salt Lake Downtown

161 West 600 S

84101

VA Alexandria

Hilton Alexandria Mark Ctr

5000 Seminary Road

22311

VA Arlington

Crowne Plaza Washington Natl Airport

1480 Crystal Drive

22202

VA Arlington

Crystal City Marriott/Regan Natl Airport

1999 Jefferson Davis Highway

22202

VA Arlington

Holiday Inn National Airport/Cry

2650 Jefferson Davis Hwy

22202

VA Ashburn

Embassy Suites Dulles North

44610 Waxpool Road

20147

VA Dulles

Holiday Inn Dulles Airport

45425 Holiday Drive

20166

VA Dumfries

Holiday Inn Dumfries Quantico Ctr

3901 Fettler Park Drive

22025

VA Fairfax

Mason Inn

4352 Mason Pond Drive

22030

VA Falls Church

The Westin TYSONS CORNER

7801 Leesburg Pike

22043

VA Hampton

Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel

700 Settlers Landing Road

23669

VA Herndon

Hilton Washington/Dulles

13869 Park Center Road

20171

VA Manassas

Comfort Suites Manassas

7350 Williamson Blvd

20109

VA McLean

Courtyard by Marriott-Tysons Corner

1960-A Chain Bridge Rd

22102

VA McLean

Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner

1960 Chain Bridge Rd

22102

VA Newport News

Marriott Newport News @ City Ctr

740 Town Center Dr

23606

VA Newport News

Point Plaza Suites & Conf Ctr

950 J. Clyde Morris Blvd

23601

VA Norfolk

Hilton Norfolk Airport

1500 N Military Hwy

23502

VA Norfolk

Holiday Inn Norfolk Airport

1570 N Military Hwy

23502

VA Reston

Sheraton Reston

11810 Sunrise Valley Dr

20191

VA Springfield

Hilton Hotel Springfield

6550 Loisdale Rd

22150

VA Virginia Beach

Best Western Plus Virginia Beach

2809 Atlantic Avenue

23451

VA Virginia Beach

Cavalier Hotel & Convention Center

4201 Atlantic Avenue

23451

VA Virginia Beach

Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach

4453 Bonney Road

23462

VA Virginia Beach

Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach

3900 Atlantic Avenue

23451

VA Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection

PO Box 1776

23187

WA Bellevue

Red Lion Hotel Bellevue

11211 Main Street

98004

WA Kelso

Red Lion Hotel Kelso/Longview

510 Kelso Drive

98626

WA Olympia

Red Lion Hotel Olympia

2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW

98502

WA Richland

Red Lion Richland Hanford House

802 George Washington Way

99352

WA Seatac

Seattle Airport Marriott

3201 S 176th St

98188

WA Seattle

Crowne Plaza Seattle Downtown

1113 Sixth Avenue

98101

WA Seattle

DoubleTree Suites-Hilton Seattle Arpt SC 16500 South Center Parkway

98188

WA Seattle

Doubletree by Hilton Seattle Airport

18740 International Blvd

98188

WA Spokane

Red Lion Hotel at the Park

W 303 North River Drive

99201

WA Vancouver

Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay

100 Columbia Street

98660

WI Appleton

Radisson Paper Valley Hotel

333 W College Ave

54911

WI Brookfield

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield

375 S Moorland Rd

53005

WI Green Bay

Radisson Hotel Green Bay

2040 Airport Dr

54313

WI Neenah

Best Western Bridgewood Resort Hotel

1000 Cameron Way

54956

Page 34 16 Directory

Reunion Friendly News

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Michael Rodriguez

210-277-4046 www.eltropicanohotel.com

mprodriguez@eltropicanohotel.com

Theresa Lucas

210-524-5932 www.holidayinn.com/sat-intlapt

theresa.lucas@hisaairport.com

Cris Osorio

210-200-9008 www.holiday-inn-san-antonio.pacificahost cosorio@pacificahost.com

Debbie Zaeske

210-272-1514 www.holidayinn/sat-riverwalk

debbie.zaeske@ihg.com

Jerry Mika

801-521-7373 www.redlion.com/saltlake

jerry.mika@redlion.com

Michael Sicheri

703-845-2645 www.alexandria.hilton.com

msicheri@hiltonalexandriamc.com

Sean Mansfield

703-842-1222 www.cpnationalairport.com

sean.mansfield@bfsaulco.com

Department Sales

703-413-5500 www.crystalcitymarriott.com

***

Sean Mansfield

703-842-1222 www.hinationalairport.com

sean.mansfield@bfsaul.com

Jolene Pardee

703-554-6051 www.dullesnorth.embassysuites.com

jolene.pardee@hilton.com

Lorrie Hooper

703-563-1502 www.hidullesairport.com

info.hiwashingtondulles@bfsaulco.com

Petra Carr

703-441-9001 www.ichotelsgroup.com

holidayinnsales7@qmail.com

Leslie Bauman

703-865-4623 www.acc-masoninnandconferencecenter.com

Sharon Sotsky

703-893-1340 www.westintysonscornerhotel.com

ssotsky@westintysonscorner.com

Jeffrey W. (Jeff) Fork

757-727-8916 www.hamptonmarinahotel.com

jeff.fork@cphamptonmarina.com

Leslie Bauman

703-834-1991 www.washingtondulleshilton.com

***

Deborah Nicolas

703-686-1100 www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-manassas nicolasd@gfhotels.com

Kathleen Porter

703-790-0207 www.marriott.com/wastn

kathleen.porter@bfsaulco.com

Maggie Drummond

703-738-3118 www.cptysonscorner.com

maggie.drummond@bfsaul.com

Karen Murrell

757-310-5008 www.marriott.com/phfoy

karen.murrell@crestlinehotels.com

Kelli Lantz

757-952-0116 www.pointplazasuites.com

kelli@beckcompanyhotels.com

Colleen Briley

757-466-8000 www.hilton.com

cbriley@norfolkhilton.com

Donna Faison

757-213-2231 www.hinorfolk.com

faisond@gfhotels.com

Bob Ciccone

703-262-5931 www.sheraton.com/reston

bciccone@sheratonreston.com

Faiqa Bhatti

703-971-8900 www.springfieldva.hilton.com

faiqa.bhatti@hilton.com

Rachel Hayes

757-428-5370 www.bestwesternoceanfront.com

rhayes@bestwesternoceanfront.com

Cindy Woolfolk

757-352-2764 www.cavalierhotel.com

cindyw@cavalierhotel.com

Jennifer Blair

757-213-4386 www.cpvabeach.com

jblair@cpvabeach.com

Amanda Mason

757-419-3665 www.vboceanfrontnorth.com

amanda.mason@crestlinehotels.com

Scott F. Coelln

800-822-9127 www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

scoelln@cwf.org

Andrea Sullivan

425-455-5240 www.redlion.com/bellevue

andrea.sullivan@redlion.com

Ginny Whiffen

360-636-4400 www.redlion.com/kelsolongview

ginny.whiffen@redlion.com

Ann Sweeney

360-943-4000 www.redlion.com/olympia

ann.sweeney@redlion.com

Genevieve Speegle

509-946-7611 www.redlion.com/richland

genevieve.speegle@redlion.com

Kris Lafata

206-241-2000 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/seawa kristina.lafata@marriott.com

Beth Harwood

206-676-3923 www.cphotelseattle.com

bharwood@cphotelseattle.com

Diane Witt

206-777-3389 www.seattle.doubletree.com

dianewitt@dtseattle.com

Bobbi Barkley

800-898-4068 www.seattleairport.doubletree.com

bobbi.barkley@hilton.com

Stephanie Stobie

509-326-8000 www.redlion.com/park

stephanie.stobie@redlion.com

Michele Dunn

360-694-8341 www.redlion.com/vancouver

michele.dunn@redlion.com

Nancy Hollis

920-733-8000 www.radissonpapervalley.com

nhollis@radissonpapervalley.com

Adam VanOuwerkerk

262-364-1010 www.sheraton.com/milwaukeebrookfield Adam.VanOuwerkerk@sheraton.com

Jennifer Simonar

920-494-7300 www.radisson.com/greenbaywi

Jennifer.Simonar@rhccgb.com

Joe Williamson

920-967-4950 www.bwneenah.com

jwilliamson@bwneenah.com

Reunion Friendly News

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bauman-leslie@aramark.com

Page 35 Directory 17

General Attractions Alaska–Washington

General Attractions

AK Wrangell

Nolan Center

PO BOX 1050

99929

DC Washington

Phillips Seafood Restaurants

900 Water St S.W.

20024

FL St Augustine

Ripley-s Believe It or Not Museum

19 San Marco Ave

32084

MO Branson

Branson Variety Theater

2701 West Hwy 76

65616

MO Branson

Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction

PO Box 6850

65615

MO Branson

Flash Photo Group Photography

3620 76 Country Blvd

65616

MO Branson

Jim Stafford Theatre

PO BOX 6366

65615

MO Branson

Mansion Entertainment & Media Ctr

189 Expressway Lane

65616

MO Branson

Showboat Branson Belle

399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy

65616

MO Branson

Sight and Sound Theatres

1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway 65616

MO Branson

The Starlite Theatre

3115 W. Hwy 76

65616

MO Branson

Titanic Museum Attraction

3235 W 76 Country Blvd

65616

MO St Louis

The Gateway Arch Riverfront

707 N First St

63102

NY Lockport

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises

210 Market St

14094

NY New York

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Pier 83 - West 42 Street

10036

SC Myrtle Beach

The Palace Theatre

1420 Celebrity Circle

29577

SC North Myrtle Beach

The Alabama Theatre

4750 Highway 17 S

29582

TN Nashville

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

222 5th Avenue South

37203

TN Nashville

Grand Ole Opry/Gaylord Attractions

2806 Opryland Drive

37214

WA Tacoma

Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino

2024 East 29th St

98404

Hotel Management Companies

MD Bethesda

B F Saul Company - Hotel Division

7501 Wisconsin Ave Ste 1500

20814

MN Rochester

Carlson Rezido Hotel Group

9002 11th Ave NE

55906

SC Greenville

JHM Management, Inc.

60 Pointe Circle

29615

WA Spokane

Red Lion Hotels Corporation

201 W North River Dr, Ste 100

99201

Reunion Promotions

(USA) FL Hollywood

Promotional Associates, Inc.

2330 Hollywood Blvd

33020

Military Oriented Attractions

IA Waterloo

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum 503 South St

50701

IN Evansville

USS LST Ship Memorial

840 LST Drive

47713

MO Branson

Veterans Memorial Museum

1250 W 76 Country Music Blvd

65616

VA Norfolk

Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin

1 Waterside Drive

23510

VA Triangle

National Museum of the Marine Corps

18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy

22172

WA Seattle

The Museum of Flight

9404 E Marginal Way S

98108

If you are not receiving RPM (Reunion P please send an e-mail to jessica@reunionfriend Page 36 18 Directory

Reunion Friendly News

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Terri Henson

907-874-3699 www.wrangellalaska.org

terri@wrangellalaska.org

Debra Morroni

202-488-8192 www.phillipsseafood.com

dmorroni@phillipsfoods.com

Kathi Ellison

904-824-1606 www.ripleys.com/staugustine

ellison@ripleys.com

Lisa Martin

888-462-7267 www.bransonvarietytheater.com

salesbvt@aol.com

Kamber Sperle

417-336-7974 www.branson.dixiestampede.com

kambers@dixiestampede.com

David Cain

417-334-0073 www.FlashPhotoBranson.com

dave@flashphotobranson.com

Tate Womack

800-677-8533 www.jimstafford.com

tate@jimstafford.com

Amy Leaming

417-239-3058 www.themansiontheatre.com

aleaming@themansiontheatre.com

Teina Woodburn

417-338-3911 www.silverdollarcity.com

twoodburn@silverdollarcity.com

Simi Telesco

717-687-4220 www.sight-sound.com

simi.telesco@sight-sound.com

Jill Pearce

417-335-6350 www.starlitetheatre.com

jpearce@starlitetheatre.com

Ruth Ann Crust

417-334-9500 www.titanicbranson.com

ruthann.crust@titanicattraction.com

Natasha McIntosh

314-923-3047 www.gatewayarch.com

nrmcintosh@gatewayarch.com

Mike Murphy

716-433-6155 www.lockportlocks.com

captainmike@lockportlocks.com

Meghan Lynch

212-630-8132 www.circleline42.com

mlynch@circleline42.com

Dawn Formo

843-626-8927 www.palacemb.com

dawn.f@palacemb.com

CMP, Kathy B Flowe

843-272-5758 www.alabama-theatre.com

kflowe@alabama-theatre.com

Suzanne Tolbert

615-416-2001 www.countrymusichalloffame.com

kwright@countrymusichalloffame.org

Joshua T. Mullins

615-882-5439 www.opry.com/groups

jmullins@gaylordentertainment.com

Doreen Vitek

253-441-3189 www.emeraldqueen.com

doreen.vitek@emeraldqueen.com

Joe Koch

240-793-3736 www.bfsaulhotels.com

joe.koch@bfsaulco.com

Janelle Smith

507-884-9610 www.carlsonrezidor.com

janelle.smith@carlsonrezidor.com

Ann Kies

864-528-5814 www.jhmhotels.com

akies@jhmhotels.com

Sharon Danitschek

509-777-6302 www.redlion.com

sharon.danitschek@redlion.com

Stephen C. Greenberger

954-295-5955 www.promos247.com

stephen@promos247.com

Cyd McHone

319-234-6357 www.gmdistrict.org

cyd.mchone@gmdistrict.org

Diane Masterson

812-454-3280 www.lstmemorial.org

masteqcd@aol.com

June Tillis

417-336-2300 www.veteransmemorialbranson.com

info@veteransmemorialbranson.com

Colby Peck

757-664-1021 www.nauticus.org

colby.peck@norfolk.gov

Sara O-Bryan

703-649-2365 www.marineheritage.org

obryan@marineheritage.org

Meagan McGuire

206-768-7104 www.museumoofflight.org

mmcguire@museumofflight.org

Planner Memos) every month by e-mail, dly.com with the subject “RPM” and your name. Reunion Friendly News

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Page 37 Directory 19

The American Military Reunion Foundation AMRF – A non-profit veterans’ organization

In Honor of the Reunion Friendly Network’s 20th Birthday

Offers Your Military Groups For A Limited Time Only Offer #1 Associate Membership Fee (Value $199.95) WAIVED if all you want is event insurance and/or your contracts to be reviewed by an attorney! Imagine! FOUR MILLION DOLLARS Extended Liability Coverage for your reunion At a bargain rate of $298 ($410 more for groups over 200) when you include your group under AMRF’s Umbrella Policy Host Liquor Liability is included • Off-Site events are included • Medical Payments included

But You Must Act Now – Before this offer expires!

Offer #2

Enjoy a Full Membership – $359.95  Use our Federal ID#  Free Bank Account  Status as a 501(c)(19) Veterans Non-Profit Organization with Charitable Contribution Status  Sales Tax Exemption for your Banquet in seven states  Non-Profit Mailing Permit to save you postage on newsletters  No Annual Tax Return needed to be prepared by your organization  Annual Profit & Loss Statement by a CPA  Access to Legal Review of Contracts at bargain rates

Don’t Delay! Contact Marc@reunionfriendly.com or call 954-678-4242 NOW

We like to say that every day is Veteran’s Day in DAYTON, Ohio, the Birthplace of Aviation and so much more! Dayton is an extremely popular military reunion destination and our community is thrilled and proud to host veterans. Dayton is home to the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum—the National Museum of the US Air Force. The museum is Ohio’s most visited, free tourist attraction with over 1.3 million annual visitors. Open seven days a week from 9am—5pm (and again, did we mention it is FREE?!) the National Museum is a guaranteed hit with military reunion groups from all branches of the service. In addition to three huge hangars with nearly 400 aircraft on display, a Presidential Plane annex, a missile gallery, a gift shop and an IMAX Theater, the museum features a lovely memorial garden and park which is perfect for military reunion ceremonies and dedications.

all the major carriers. Dayton boasts 70 hotels and nearly 7,000 hotel rooms, providing reunion planners with many options. Wonderful shopping, dining and sight-seeing choices abound. The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carillon Historical Park (60 acre site featuring 27 historic buildings telling Dayton’s history and the many inventions—the airplane, the electric car starter, the cash register and more---that have come out of Dayton), the Dayton Art Institute, the 2nd Street Market, and RiverScape are just a few of the worldclass attractions reunion groups enjoy.

The Dayton/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau is eager to work with you to make your event a smashing success! From reunion planning, to promotion, to implementation, the CVB staff is available (free of charge) to help save you time and money. Our professional staff has worked Dayton is affordable and accessible for your group. with hundreds of military reunion groups and we Located at the “Crossroads of America” (the would love to share our knowledge and experience intersection of I-70 E/W and I-75 N/S) over 50% with your special group. Please contact us today to of the US population is within a day’s drive. The receive a proposal on hosting your next reunion in Dayton International Airport offers service from Dayton! Reunion Friendly News

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Page 39

Paul’s Opinion

problems is to “sock it” to the rich, as if government was some kind of Robin Hood. Steal from the rich and give it to This article is a personal opinion, the poor! That is an attitude of defeat. and does not necessarily represent the It is the wrong road. If we continue views of The Reunion Friendly Network, down that road, it will be the end of its employees, customers, or reunion the greatest political organization that ever existed. planners. Meanwhile, we have a host of problems. There are millions of our youth in military service in countries around the globe. When they come home, there are no jobs available, because there are nearly 25 million people who need jobs. When they An editorial by Paul Spiewak come home, the resources available to them, and even promised to them, are often inadequate; and sometimes not Defeat My story is about one of the dozen even available at all. times I was in business and ended up with nothing. I never declared Those who depend on Social Security bankruptcy, but each time it was realize that the government, our government, we the people, have obvious that something had to give. contrived to deny them their expected Every day we see examples of those cost of living increases. who are defeated. They just give up. They come by your car at intersections Those at home, attending colleges with signs asking for a handout. In with the hope of not only bettering some cases they disguise the begging themselves, but also the world, are saddled with astronomical loans. We by asking for work. criminalize them for nonpayment, Each time I was faced with throwing because these loans stay with them in the towel, I managed to find a job even if they declare bankruptcy. or borrow some money to start over. Each time it got me started again, Attitude although several times it just put Once upon a time there were two me on the road to blowing it all yet fellows named Steve. They formed another time. But, it never stopped a little company called Apple with me. The good news is that I came money borrowed from an Intel out in fairly good shape. Everybody executive. The company had a modest who helped me was paid back. I was success, and threw out Steve Jobs, successful seven times, too. Seven out because the company wasn’t growing of nineteen is batting almost .370. Not fast enough. A few years later, it was such a bad average, is it? clear that the company was in trouble. Steve Jobs was called back to the Defeat, I am convinced, is a matter of company in 1997. Steve agreed and attitude. In the U.S. today, the powers then borrowed $150,000,000 from Bill in Washington, D.C. are arguing about Gates at Microsoft, a major competitor. raising taxes, and cutting spending. You have to admire his guts in getting This can only happen because there that loan. Steve did not stop there. He is a general attitude of defeat. We are started killing projects that weren’t going downhill because the policies producing results. He also started being adopted are based on the spending on ideas that worked. Apple, idea that the only way to solve our today, has more cash on hand than any Page 40

other company in the United States. If you want to buy a share of stock, it will cost you upwards of $575. Steve had the right idea! Let’s get the government out of those things that do not work! Let’s spend more on the things that do work. Let’s support small businesses because small businesses create jobs. Small businesses innovate. Small businesses are the source of new wealth creation. Let’s stop the subsidies to those who do not need it: the corporate farms, the oil companies, and most of all — the banks. If a bank can’t hack it when they can borrow money at zero interest and lend out at 6%, they do not deserve to exist. While we are at it, let’s let the interest rate float, so the true cost of capital will allow the market to allocate it in the most efficient way. There’s one more thing, too. Let’s get the government out of programs that do not work, like the “War on Drugs.” We should legalize drug marijuana and tax the devil out of it. Let’s get those who went to jail for smoking a few tokes back on the streets and into productive pursuits. Let’s get the government out of the stuff that violates the tenth amendment, like the Departments of Education, Energy, and Housing & Urban Development. While we’re at it, let’s get rid of all those alphabet agencies that are not contributing to a better life for Americans, too. We build schools in Afghanistan that get blown up. We build them again, and they get blown up again. Meanwhile, there are places right here in the United States that need new schools, and we do not blow them up. We need to change our attitude. We need to innovate. We need to get rolling again! We need to stop accepting defeat as a way of life. That’s the way it looks to me!

Reunion Friendly News

paul@reunionfriendly.com •

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Reunion Friendly News

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Page 41

CE AN FIN

“Hiring the Heroes”

VOW to Hire Heroes by Marc A Spiewak, CPA RFN VP Finance

Act of 2011

Labor Department statistics show that there are 3.4 million jobs available Improving (TAP) in this country now. However, Transition Assistance Program employers are having trouble filling Returning veterans try to return the jobs with workers that have the to the workforce without a basic proper skills and/or training. understanding of how to compete in the job market. This act makes TAP The statistics also show that there mandatory for most military service are almost 900,000 unemployed members transitioning to civilian U.S. veterans. In October 2011, the status. It provides upgrade career average unemployment rate for counseling options and job hunting veterans was 7.7% and 12.1% for skills, as well as ensuring that the veterans returning from Iraq and program is tailored to individuals. Afghanistan. This means that one in twelve of our nation’s heroes are unable to find a job to support their family, do not have an income that provides stability, and do not have work that provides them with the confidence and pride that is so critical to their transition home. The “VOW to Hire Heroes Act” is a comprehensive piece of legislation that designed specifically to assist in lowering the rate of unemployment among our nation’s veterans. It recognizes the need for a positive plan to reduce the unacceptably high rate of veterans’ unemployment.

Expanding Education & Training

The provision include nearly 100,000 unemployed veterans of past eras and wars with up to one year of additional Montgomery GI Bill benefits to qualify for jobs in high-demand sectors, from trucking to technology. It also provides disabled veterans who have exhausted their unemployment benefits up to one year of additional VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits. Page 42

a veteran with a service connected disability unemployed less than six months. There is one more credit of up to $2,400 for hiring a veteran who is a member of a family receiving assistance under a supplemental nutritional assistance program.

State Credits

There are a number of states that also have available credits and other benefits to employers that hire veterans. Also, remember that many states offer property tax reductions to veterans, some income tax reductions as well as sales tax exemptions for members of 501C (19) Veterans’ Organizations.

Homecoming

Hopefully a large number of returning veterans will make aware or remind employers of these Business Benefits Employers may be eligible for new incentives. Many businesses still a credit up to $9,600 for each are not familiar with the increase in “qualified” veteran they hire in funds available when they employ a 2012. (There are specific provisions veteran. The process of getting the for the classification of qualified). credits is not very difficult. Most The “Returning Heroes Tax Credit” good CPAs should be able to handle includes credits of up to $2,400 the paperwork. for hiring a veteran who has been unemployed for more than four This legislation allows employers weeks, and up to $5,600 for hiring a to reduce payroll costs while veteran who has been unemployed simultaneously contributing to for at least six months. The “Wounded the reintegration into the civilian Warriors Tax Credit” includes workforce. This is the epitome of a credits up to $9,600 for hiring a perfect win-win situation. veteran entitled to compensation for a service connected disability Marc is always open to comments, who has been unemployed for six questions and/or concerns. He can be months and up to $4,800 for hiring reached at: marc@reunionfriendly.com Reunion Friendly News

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It’s Reunions made easy at the Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort! Exceptional customer service and extraordinary packaging has placed this establishment well ahead of its competition in the Myrtle Beach area. Newly renovated Oceanfront one Oceanview rooms with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic await you at the Sea Mist Resort, Our 15 acre Oceanfront Resort provides on-site amenities that are unparalleled on the Grand Strand. The largest resort waterpark is the centerpiece of our water activities. On premises, our guests will ﬁnd 8 outdoor swimming pools, 2 indoor pools and 4 Jacuzzis, as well as a state-of-the-art ﬁtness center, gift shop, convenience store and miniature golf course for their enjoyment, Dine at Tena’s Restaurant for breakfast, relax on the beach, then try our newest addition; Three Steps Down Grille & Tavern, which offers exciting new menus to satisfy the most discriminating palates. Our freestanding Conference Center provides 17,000 square feet of meeting space compete with R e u n i o n F Rr i e n d l y n News

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full catering services. The private meeting rooms staffed by our Banquet and Catering professionals are designed to hold your group of 25 to 400 attendees. We can accommodate meetings of various sizes, seated dinners for 400 and receptions up to 500. Our Sales and Catering professionals will help you make your reunion extraordinary! Treat your group to the Sea Mist’s inclusive Reunion package. It includes: four nights lodging in our Oceanfront or Oceanview rooms, breakfast buffet each morning in Tena’s, a welcome reception, a farewell banquet in the Conference Center, a ticket to one of our award-winning theatres, commemorative T-shirt, and a hospitality suite so that you and your attendees can socialize at their leisure. Please contact our Reunion Specialist for additional information on our four-night or our three night package by calling 800-200-8687 or by visiting our website at www.seamist.com

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Are Reunions Ordinary? For more than twenty years now, RFN has devoted its efforts to helping military reunions. Like any business venture, we’ve always kept our eyes open for other opportunities. As such, we have explored the high school reunion market, the college reunion market, the religious meeting market, and even the family reunion market, but we keep coming back to the military reunion market as the best!

in an affair with the husband of Sandra Bullock.

The International Cake Exploration Societé Convention

Aptly abbreviated, ICES, more than 4,000 sugar artists, cake decorators and vendors from all over the world get together at their annual convention, where the festivities include browsing among hundreds of elaborately decorated display cakes. We’ve developed a format that The emphasis seems to be on wedding works for military reunions, and cakes, but the emphasis is on sugar even especially for those planning art. You missed this year’s convention reunions. Over the course of our which took place in March. You can involvement, we have run across become a member for only $60 and other types of meetings, often weird save a lot of dough on next year’s or bizarre. Here are a few: convention. This one obviously takes the cake! How sweet it is! The Xena Warrior Princess

Convention

These folks have been around for sixteen years. It meets every year in Los Angeles to celebrate this fantasy character who seeks redemption for past sins by fighting to help people. Does this obsolete the Marines?

The World Toilet Summit & Expo

The Scarefest Horror & Paranormal Convention

You can get in on this one if you hurry. It’s scheduled at the end of September for four days in Lexington, Ky. Full admission is $115, but some people just like to get their pants scared off! One of the features will be a display of “smudging tools,” designed to improve your ghost hunting skills. A full line of smudging materials will be available including, a Sage & Lavender Smudge Stick, and an Ancient Romas White Scared Sage Smudge Stick at only $4.50. Good chance to do your Xmas shopping early!

They’ve kept the lid on this one too long. Statistics show that nearly 40% of the world’s population still lacks the basic throne. In honor (?) of this situation, November 19 has been declared as World Toilet day by the World Toilet Organization. The WTO is a global non-profit organization with 151 member organizations in 53 countries. Annual Twins Days Festival Let’s flush out the opposition! This is appropriately located in Twinsburg, Ohio and is the largest gathering of twins in the world. Sexpo This one, created in Australia, bills It includes all “multiples” and is itself as a “Health, Sexuality, & Lifestyle celebrated in August. Open to the Expo. Its next event is a four-day eye public, the theme this year will be candy festival in Johannesburg, South “Super Heroes – Twin Power!” It seems Africa. The top billed “star” will be to be a family/fun gathering, typically Michelle “Bombshell” McGee; the with clowns, twin festival costumes, world’s most notorious mistress, who and even with a golf tournament. The gained notoriety for her involvement 5k Run & Fun Walk intends to raise Page 44

money for the Melanoma Research Foundation. Double with your twin - double fun!

Hot Dog Conventions

These are simply too numerous to go into detail Nearly every state has one, although in some cases it is just a hot dog eating contest. In some cases, hamburgers are included, but not for purists. This is honor of July, which is National Hot Dog month. The best know hot dog eating contest is by far the one sponsored by Nathan’s Famous of Coney Island, every year on July 4. More than 40,000 people attended last year. The contest has been run since 1915, and was televised on ESPN last year. ESPN has been covering the event since 2004. The ESPN audience has been estimated at just under two million watchers! The winner in 2011, a four-time defending champion, Joey Chestnut, beat his Japanese rival, by consuming the incredible amount of SIXTY-TWO, that’s right, 62 hot dogs and buns in only TEN MINUTES. In West Houston, Texas, they have their own version, with an entry fee of $25, for a first prize of $250. Profits go to the Lions. Last year’s winner was Robert Gutierrez who only managed to get down an even dozen HOBs (Hotdogs Over Buns) in the ten allowed minutes. Seems easier than downing the 72-ounce steak challenge in Denver! There are plenty more weird conventions and meetings around. The problem of course is that we really can’t define weird. It depends where you sit. Is a geek a geek to another geek? I think we’ll stick to military reunions. paul@reunionfriendly.com

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Rapid City, South Dakota, centrally located to Mount

During breaks, enjoy Native American heritage, free

Rushmore National Memorial, offers adventures and

attractions, wildlife parks, hiking trails, golf courses

amenities for your next meeting or convention. With

and variety of outdoor recreation located within

5,400 reasonably priced hotel rooms and facilities

minutes of most meeting properties. Downtown

for 10 to 10,000, Rapid City is where meetings

Rapid City, just steps from the civic center, is buzzing

become monumental adventures.

with new restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and attractions like Main Street Square.

Convention and hotel properties offer free on-site parking, free WiFi in hotel and meeting rooms, free

After your meeting, take a short drive to see

or discounted transportation service. Located in the

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse

center of the United States, Rapid City is serviced by

Memorial, Badlands National Park, two national

four major airlines with direct flights from Chicago,

caves, Custer State Park and more. Nothing inspires

Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Las Vegas,

great meetings like being surrounded by towering

Minneapolis/St. Paul, Phoenix/Mesa and Salt Lake

pine forests, abundant wildlife and the breathtaking

City.

scenery of Rapid City and the Black Hills.

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Summer Is Officially Here By Jessica Yalowiec

Summer is officially here and I don’t know about you but this is my favorite time of year. From the family BBQs to trips to the beach, everyone seems to be in such a good mood when the sun is shining! Not to mention Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Now when you think of gatherings with friends or family what’s the first thing that comes in mind? FOOD, so here at RFN we have put together a few of our favorite summer dishes we can’t live without:

a choice of mango/peach chutney or Dijon mustard with a kick. Ingredients:

1/2 cup milk 1 egg 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar Salt and pepper to taste 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips 1 cup vegetable oil

Directions

Combine all ingredients except chicken fingers, milk and egg. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then flour, coating completely. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat, NOT smoking. Cook in batches 4-5 minutes each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towel lined platter

use a fresh pineapple). If you buy a fresh pineapple, cut in half and roast in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees before cutting it up. This drives the sugar content up and makes the pineapple sweeter. Put in a sealed plastic container & cover with alcohol. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Serve with toothpicks for the pineapple, show people how to fold over the oranges in half and enjoy. Be careful, the fruit absorbs the alcohol very quickly and if you are in the sun it will have a strong effect.

Zachary Spiewak- Managing Editor My favorite is Hot Dogs

Mango/Peach Chutney

Paul Spiewak “The Reunion Guru” Strawberry Paradise Easy! Sugar free. Low carb. Ingredients

1 box sugar free Royal gelatin (Wal-Mart brand is OK, but do not use Jell-O brand – too rubbery.) 1 quart fresh strawberries 1 can extra Creamy Reddi-Whip

Directions

Wash strawberries, remove stems, and slice. Make gelatin using 10 oz hot water, stir well 1-1/2 minutes, and then add 14 oz cold water & sliced strawberries. Stir thoroughly for 1 minute. Refrigerate for approx 4-6 hours. Mix in bowl with 10-16 oz of Reddy-Whip (or other whipped cream)

1 mango chopped 1 fresh peach chopped Scallions chopped 4 tablespoons orange juice Mix well, process if you desire smooth chutney

Dijon with a Kick

1 cup Dijon mustard Dash Worchester sauce Tablespoon apricot marmalade 1 tsp grated horseradish Mix well

Marc Spiewak- V.P.Finance: Drunken Oranges

Ingredients

½ Dozen Juicy Oranges 1 Pineapple 1 cup Brandy (or Rum, or Cognac or any other semi-sweet alcohol that you have in your cabinet)

Directions

No, but these get their name because they are made with long thin strips of chicken. These are crispy, good picnic finger foods and are dipped in Page 46

Jane Martin- Membrship Sales Mgr Mango & Avocado Salsa

Ingredients

Serves 4-6

Charlene Adamson- Exec VPt Do Chickens have Fingers?

(Vienna all Beef [from Chicago] split and cooked on an open fire served with Kosciuszko (brown) mustard and cold sauerkraut. White corn on the cob roasted on an open fire goes great with the hotdogs, but so do roasted whole portabella mushrooms that have been marinated overnight in Wishbone Italian dressing.

Slice oranges 1/8 inches with the rind (use a slicing mandolin – the one you bought because it looked cool in a TV ad, but never used) Cut up pineapple in chunks (or buy it in a can already cut up if you are too lazy to

2 mangos (peeled, seeded, diced) 4 avocados (peeled, pitted, diced) 2 medium tomatoes – diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice ½ cup chopped red onion 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the mango, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro and garlic. Stir in the salt, lime juice, red onion and olive oil. To blend the flavor refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving with your Continues on page 48 favorite chips.

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Free Assistance with Your Reunion Planning Free Reunion Planner’s Guide Easily Accessible by Air or Auto Great Accommodations First-Class Attractions and Museums Rich Military History Free Downtown Electric Shuttle Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau 800-964-8600 ext. 3017 www.ChattanoogaMeetings.com “They (CVB staff) were outstanding. Keep doing what you do, it’s great. My crowd was overjoyed. Great city. Highly recommend. Once more thank you, please accept our collective appreciation for your part in making the 2011 Chattanooga reunion one of the ”Best Ever” by consensus of the attendees.” Ben Laurens, USS Mills DE/DER 383 - October 2011

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Continued from page 46

Jessica Yalowiec- Admin Asst Skinny Taco Dip

Ingredients

8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia cream cheese 8 oz reduced fat sour cream 16 oz jar mild salsa 1 packet taco seasoning 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded 2 large tomatoes, diced 1 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese 2.25 oz black olives

Directions

In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, salsa and taco seasoning and mix well with an electric mixer. Spread on the bottom of a large shallow glass dish. Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and black olives. Serve with baked tortilla chips

Gale Helser- Communication Specialist Heart Healthy Fish on a Plank

Ingredients

2 Small Fish, boned Olive oil Fresh Cracked black pepper Cayenne pepper Fresh herbs (Rosemary, marjoram, thyme)

Directions

Choose 2 thick non-resinous boards or split a log ( best when using apple,cherry,hi ckory,elm,oak,birch, or alder). Soak in water for at least 1 hour or as long as overnight. Build a fire in front of a rock or sand pile so that the heat reflects back towards the fish. Let the fire burn down to hot coals then pile the coals in front of the rock. Center the fish on the board skin side down drive a few nails into the filets to hold the fish in place. Brush the fish with oil and sprinkle with pepper, salt and herbs. Wrap the ends of the plank with foil to catch the drippings and to keep the boards clean. Stand the planks at an angle in front of the fire tail end down. Rotate the plank to assure even Page 48

Directions

cooking. Cook until the thickest part of the fillet easily flakes, about 20 minutes. You can also cook this way on a grill. Place 6-7 inches from heat and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the fillets flake. For added flavor drive nail through slices of fresh orange in direct contact with the fish, discard after cooking. For greater feeling of satisfaction catch your own fish, they always taste better.

Cut squash and zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Cut bell pepper into 1/2-inch-thick strips. Grill vegetables, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until tender. Toss hot vegetables with pesto. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Lisa Spiewak (Zac’s Wife) Cookie Cluster

Summer Sea Food by the “Reunion Guru”

Ingredients

12 oz. white chocolate wafers or chips 2 tb. Peanut butter 1-1/4 cup rice krispies cereal 1 cup Spanish peanuts 1 cup miniature marshmallow

Directions

Melt the white chocolate with the peanut butter in a microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and melted. Put cereal and peanuts in big bowl and mix together. Add melted white chocolate to cereal and mix well. Fold in marshmallows, and mix. Drop mixture by teaspoons onto wax paper (you can add colored sprinkles or colored sugar on top of cookies before cooling) Put in refrigerator for 10 minutes until hard. Store in refrigerator You can make ahead and freeze.

Matt Spiewak (Marc’s Son) Grilled Vegetables with Pesto

Ingredients

2 medium-size yellow squash 2 medium zucchini 1 medium-size red bell pepper 3 tablespoons refrigerated pesto Salt and pepper to taste

Fea Sood is quite popular in some areas, particularly in the summer. The kind of Fea Sood largely depends on the area of the country. For example, Saleye Sockmon is very popular in Alaska, but you really have to wait for the winter months to enjoy Crone Stabs in Miami. These, by the way, are absolutely delicious with Saustard Moss. Shried Fimp can be enjoyed in both Charlestown and the New Orleans area, but the best is really in New England, where you can enjoy an fash oldened Blam Cake. Nipple Ecked Ekswich Lams can be enjoyed by removing them from the shell, removing the black band around the neck, then dipping them first in Chow Clamder, and then in Belted Mutter. Some people prefer Garter Melter Bullic. Belted Mutter really makes them slide down easily. Don’t forget the Oyed Frysters either. The best ones come from the Carolinas. All-year round, in New York, you can get a tremendous variety of Fea Sood, including Loiled Bobster or Leamed Stobster, imported daily from Connachusetts or Massecticut. Yew Nork has the largest variety of Fickled Pish. This includes herrings – either in Crour Seam, or Sine Wauce. It depends on personal taste. You can also get Fite Wish, but the most famous is Cheam Creese and Saloked Smomon on a Bot Hagel. I don’t care that much for fish. I’d rather gave a Stied Frake – especially a Ib Rye. But, whatever your personal taste, Fea Sood can add zest to any meal, particularly when you finish with a Coff of Cuppee and a piece of Deese Chanish, or even perhaps a slice of Shortberry Strawcake.

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Allow us to present our colors.

America’s Freedom Festival

Patriotic celebrations, historical sites and picturesque scenery. And that’s only the beginning. Experience Utah Valley, complete with amazing meeting facilities, including the new Utah Valley Convention Center and the Provo Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.

MeetInUtahValley.com • 888-414-UTAH (8824)

Regardless of the time of year you decide to visit, there’s a surplus of activities for people of all ages and adventure types. With four beautiful and distinct seasons, a diverse history, breathtaking mountain scenery, unique attractions, group-friendly hotels and restaurants, Utah Valley is a perfect western destination to explore – and it’s all extremely affordable. For a reunion itinerary that’s sure to please, we suggest attending a festival or historical site. Camp Floyd and The Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum are Utah’s connection to the Civil War and Pony Express. Walk the same streets that Civil War generals did many years ago! America’s Freedom Festival at Provo is one of America’s biggest patriotic celebrations. This festival draws in thousands of spectators each year as people gather to honor the Nation’s birthday with a firework show prominently known as the Stadium of Fire. Don’t forget to experience the outdoor beauty while visiting Utah Valley. For a unique mountain experience, check out the paved Provo River Parkway trail that begins at the mouth of Provo Canyon and meanders by Bridal Veil Falls (a

Reunion Friendly News

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607-foot double cataract waterfall). Or, take a drive on one of Utah Valley’s famous scenic byways such as the Nebo Loop, for picturesque mountain scenes and fall foliage. Several meeting facilities are available as well. The new Utah Valley Convention Center in historic downtown Provo, opening this spring, is the perfect place to host your next reunion. Attendees will enjoy the majestic views of the towering mountains at this 52,000 square foot eco-friendly facility. The Provo Marriott Hotel and Conference Center adjacent to the Convention Center is an excellent option for lodging, meeting and banquet space with 21 meeting rooms to choose from. Treat your guests to catered events graciously handled with a superb level of service. Plan your visit with the Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. We help you find the attractions, accommodations and amenities to put your reunion package together. Take advantage of our complimentary group assistance so you can focus on making your event a success. Visit MeetInUtahValley.com or call 888-414-UTAH (8824).

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WHEN YOU SAY

UP WE SAY

HOW

HIGH?

Everything operates at a higher level in Colorado Springs. And we’re not simply talking about our 6,035-foot elevation. Reunions are just better here. Geologic wonders. Historic places. Unique treasures. Fun activities. All in view of Pikes Peak— America’s Mountain.

Let’s talk. We’ll help you find 6,035 reasons to get together. 800.888.4748 x138 | VisitCOS.com/reunions Page 50 CSCVB12 ReunionFriendly SUMMER 2.25X10_FNL.indd 5/10/12 1 9:11 AM

(Edited for clarity & brevity) I have followed your great advice for the past 9 years. As the events planner for our group I joined RFN in 2004 and have read and saved every issue of the Reunion Friendly News. I like to keep them handy so if I find myself searching for an answer to a question about contracts or what to expect from a hotel I’m working with, I just go to the magazines I have filed with post-it notes telling me the content of each magazine. You have been an inspiration to me and your hard work and dedication to the Military Reunion Planner is extraordinary. I have just attended my very first ConFAM© held in Seattle. Charlene and Gale were great. Even though I have learned so much from the articles in the magazine, I came away from the ConFAM© with a tremendous amount of new information that I can store in my tool box to help me do a better job of planning the perfect reunion for our group. I just received my copy of RPM today. Do I qualify for the free Military Reunion Hand Book? I would love to get a copy from you. If so I’d be grateful. David Swanson 299th Combat Engineers

Thanks for the kind words. I am surely glad that RFN has helped you. Regarding the book, the list price is $99 (Amazon gives you about $15 off but charges for shipping). Up to now, we have made it a practice to give a 40% discount to reunion planners who have registered with us. Last week, after some extended discussion, we decided (because business has been better than expected) that we would, starting with the Chattanooga ConFAM© in May, we would give a copy of the book FREE to the registering planners (not guests). This does not apply to prior ConFAMs©, nor does it apply to WorkFAMs© where we have been giving a copy of a different book: “Ins & Outs of Military Reunion Contracts.” Much of the

material in this book has been incorporated into the Handbook, but there is also a considerable body of other information. Copies of this second book (Ins & Outs) is NOT for sale, and is ONLY available to those attending a WorkFAM©. Additionally we have discovered two boxes of my earlier book “Reunions Step By Step.” We sold more than 6,000 copies for $29.95, and these last few copies are available at only $15 each. I hope this clarifies the situation.

The reunion planner for the USS Casimir Pulaski cancelled their reunion and the planner emailed me “that due to lack of participation, the economy and anti-patriotic activity on where we were going to hold it. The hotel wants to bill us $36,000 for a cancellation fee, per the contract I signed. Is there anything can you think of anything I can do that to avoid being sued $36,000? The answer I had for my friend was “No.” My recommendation was to un-cancel the reunion and take the room block penalty. I thought it was a poor location because not many of the potential attendees lived nearby. For my group reunion, I shifted venues for our 2010 reunion from XXXCity due to insanity in the contract. I asked to block 100 room nights and the contract arrived identifying 400 room nights. The contract also contained a $25,000 cancellation clause. I refused to sign the contracts and took our reunion elsewhere. This trend in expecting reunion planners to predict a year in advance what the participation will be and how the economy will turn is more than my crystal ball can handle. I have set our 2012 reunion and have my contracts in place. We are seeing a lower turnout than expected but, we have reduced the “room block” size in this contract so, expect to be in the black. At last year’s Submarine Veteran’s Convention (that’s bubbleheads from all boats), the size of the banquet was on par with our boat’s best reunion in 2008. Part of the economy problem is the hotels wanting more, more, more and giving less, less, less. It will come to

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Fairfax County … for Reunions

“Above and Beyond” the Ordinary! Why do hundreds of reunion groups decide to get together in Fairfax County, Virginia every year? It’s not simply the county’s location, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. There’s a lot more to it than that. “There are lots of wonderful reunion sites across the United States,” notes Dean Miller of Visit Fairfax, the county’s convention and visitors bureau, “but I can’t think of any place that publicly celebrates and embraces America’s veterans the way the Washington area and Fairfax County do.” The list of “must see” attractions located in and around Fairfax County and goes on and on … Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknowns, the World War II, Korean War, and Viet Nam War memorials, the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps memorials, the battlefields of Manassas and Antietam, and many, many more. Groups meeting in Fairfax County enjoy the best of both worlds. They have easy access to the monuments and museums of Washington, DC, along with the lower room rates and ample free parking typical of suburban locations. It really is all about service, Miller said. “At Visit Fairfax, our goal is to assist reunion planners in any way we can. Whether it’s finding great hotels at great rates, making introductions to staff personnel at our world-famous attractions, providing lists of transportation suppliers, or simply recommending restaurants for group dining, we are here to be of service to those who have served.” When asked about the many accolades that Visit Fairfax has received from planners, Miller recalled one group in particular. “We were working with an Air Force fighter squadron to help them have their reunion here. The planner was a retired major general. When we were finished, he said to us, ‘Thanks … you really went ‘above and beyond’ for us.’ Coming from a two-star general, that really meant something to us.”

When it comes to accessing the museums, monuments and memorials honoring America’s veterans, no destination in the country rivals Fairfax County, Virginia. Our proximity to Washington, DC makes it easy to organize trips and observances. Our wide range of hotel options let you accommodate any budget level. And with the many historical sites and entertainment opportunities right here in Fairfax County, you’ll find plenty of places to trade stories and reminisce right here. To learn more about all there is to see and do, simply visit FXVA.com

The United States Marine Corps Museum tells the story of the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Marine Corps. Visitors can experience boot camp, hit a beachhead in the Pacific, and land in a combat zone in Vietnam. Admission to the museum is free. Reunion Friendly News

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There is an old saying that has not changed that “everything is negotiable.” If you have a bad contract, do not sign it. Once you sign that contract, nothing else counts. For the record, there are more than 53,000 hotels in the U.S. Why not go to a place you are wanted? It is very obvious that neither you nor your friend understand industry practice and terminology, or basic contract law. We respectfully suggest that you hurry to an RFN ConFAM©, and then ASAP to a WorkFAM©.

O C E A N C I T Y, M A R Y L A N D

The perfect setting for your next Reunion!

Oceanfront at 28th Street ~ One Block from Boardwalk! ALL Guestrooms are Oceanfront with Private Balcony! Oceanfront Restaurant & Lounge ❖ Heated Pool & Jacuzzi Complimentary Morning Coffee and Afternoon Tea Complimentary Hospitality Suite ❖ Complimentary Meeting Space Full Service Catering ❖ Casino Ocean Downs nearby!

There are only a few of us from WWII. We would like to join another small group of men that served on APAs or AKAs during WWII. Last year was probably our last reunion. Thanks for any help. Francis St.Germain 781-396-7910 USS NEW KENT APA 217 fran10sons@verizon.net

Relax. Refresh. Renew!

DUNES MANOR HOTEL Call Group Sales

800-523-2888

We suggest you contact Frank directly.

dunesmanor.com

EMAIL Continued from page 50

pass where the reunion completely disappears. If this current trend continues, our reunions are going to come down to a banquet hall only. These hotels have to realize that they can’t continue to expect 1990 financial protection during a down economy. The reunion planners have to be willing to say NO to ridiculous contracts. There are other venues out there which would be willing to accept the business. In my opinion, there is a story in this. I feel that reunion planners need to consider this case AND that the hosting hotels need to consider their target audience. Tom Carr USS Nathanael Greene

You raise several issues, so let’s take them one at a time. 1) Once you sign a contract, you are bound by the clauses in that contract. That’s what a contract is — a legally enforceable agreement. Terms of the cancellation clause can and should be negotiated BEFORE signing the contract. You also should know that a contract that does not have a cancellation clause is even WORSE for the reunion planner. Cancellation clauses should be mutual, not only for your protection, but it tends to ease the penalties. 2) The nonsense you refer to is simply that you do not understand standard industry practice. If you request 100 rooms for four nights, the hotel will almost always automatically give you a contract for 400 “room nights.” A “room night” is one room for one night. By stating the number of room nights, it is more precise. It also resolves the problem of complex explanations when the number of rooms varies from night to night. 3) On the whole, participation may be down slightly due to the economy, but reunions are going stronger than ever. The fact is that if you select a hotel that is not an RFN Member, the odds are that they do not understand the needs of military reunions. As a result, you may encounter many difficulties in getting a reasonably priced contract. 4) Prices and conditions of the contract are a matter of negotiation. Page 52

I was receiving, enjoying and agreeing with your frequent essays which suddenly stopped. Am I still on your mailing list? If not, can I be reinstated and if so, any idea why your essays stopped coming? Rob Adams USS Holder DE401/DD/DDE 819

Thanks for writing. After 8 years of writing a weekly essay, and because of time pressure, I decided to call it quits on doing a weekly message. I am still writing a monthly RPM (Reunion Planner Memos) for RFN, and you are on that list. My contributions by speaking at ConFAMs© are diminishing. Candidly, I cannot stand for 45 minutes without suffering leg pains, so I use a barstool, and I take an hour break in between by alternating with another speaker — usually Charlene or Gale. Aside from that, RFN is continuing for the same reason it was started — to help veterans, because it is our way of thanking them for their service.

First, thanks for the always candid conversation. Second, I hope you can continue to contribute and not only train the new blood but more importantly impress upon them the importance of the Reunion Friendly Network. Sometimes companies get so big they lose their personality. You and your wife, bless her soul, spent a lot of time making one heck of a friendly, successful and personable reunion network. Your advice over the years has made the 33 annual reunions of the USS Holder very successful and the members grateful. Rob

Thanks. This is always nice to hear.

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We turn reunions into an art form.

With great attractions, live entertainment, dining and hotels all within easy walking distance, the Norfolk waterfront is the perfect destination for your next reunion. To plan your reunion, visit us online or contact Melissa Hopper, Associate Director of Tour & Travel.

Reunion Friendly News

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Conveniently located off of Interstate 94 in southeast Wisconsin, Waukesha & Pewaukee is a mere 25 minute commute from Milwaukee’s General International Airport and most popular local attractions. Within a 90 minute drive are The Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL and the EAA Air Venture Museum in Oshkosh, WI.

Tour “Days Gone By” at Old World Wisconsin – the country’s largest outdoor 19th century living history museum or take in the “City Sites” of the Great Lakes Naval Station & Museum – the Navy’s largest training facility and St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy – one of the leading schools of its kind in the nation. “Cheers” with old comrades during tours of Miller Brewery – frosty beer samples available and Pabst The Waukesha & Pewaukee Convention and Visitors Mansion – home of Frederick Pabst, world famous Bureau (WPCVB) is pleased to offer military reunion beer baron and more! planners the opportunity to become better acquainted with popular attractions, favorite restaurants, and The WPCVB also offers FREE services assisting first-class hotels on a site tour. Experience first hand planners with the organization of their reunions your accommodations and attraction selections for including, but not limited to: reunion planning, the group. program assistance, registration assistance and public relations. Offering 1,000 sleeping rooms and 100,000 square feet of meeting space, hotels selections include: full- Waukesha & Pewaukee’s small-town community service Milwaukee Marriott West and The Clarke appreciates the sacrifices and commitment of our Hotel, Country Springs Hotel Water Park Conference country’s military veterans. Visit and feel the Center, the northern lodge décor Comfort Suites, the embrace of friendly locals welcoming you with warm Frank Lloyd Wright inspired Radisson Milwaukee- smiles and mid-western hospitality! Pewaukee, Best Western Waukesha Grand and Super 8. All hotels offer ample FREE parking and are easily To book your next reunion or to inquire for more located off interstate 94. information contact Deana Birmingham-Heinisch at 800-366-8474 or log on to www.visitwaukesha.org. Page 54

Reunion Friendly News

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C o nvention

C o nven t i o n

& Vi s i t o r s

& Vi sitor s

B u r e au

Bureau

Enjoy historic districts, military memorials, first-class shopping & dining, outdoor markets & adventure. Jefferson, a new dimension to the New Orleans experience!

C o n v e n t i o n

V i s i t o r s

B u r e a u

To learn more, ask for our Group Tour Planner Guide. Call 504-731-7083 or TOLL FREE 1-877-572-7474.

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