masterplan
Vary Family Reunion
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e’ll be trying to cover all the bases for the 100th Vary Family Reunion! The first in 1918 was in the Upstate New York region where the family settled, a tradition carried on annually. The site has changed over time, but always along the NY Route 12 corridor. Reunions are promoted by newsletter, email, Facebook, word-of-mouth, and an announcement in the local newspaper a few weeks before the reunion. A yearly newsletter and invitation are sent by post and/or email and posted on the Vary Family Facebook page. There are also periodic email notifications of deaths in the family. Everyone is so excited about being together again that they all get involved upon arrival. Newcomers are welcomed immediately and invited to share their contact and genealogy information with the historian to see where they “fit” in the family! The reunion is supported by contributions
The oldest member: Irene Vary Manzer, 100 years old! Irene was at the first Vary Family Reunion in 1918 and plans to attend the 100th next year! Standing behind her (L to R) are Helen and Brian Vary of South Perth, Western Australia (who showed up “to meet their Vary cousins in America!” And they were not disappointed!) and Irene’s daughters, Sally Manzer Roseboom and Ruth Manzer Zubrzycki.
from individuals plus an annual auction and donations in memory of family members who have died. We have a treasurer, but the expenditures are approved by the president and the reunion body. Reunion activities include a Cemetery Association meeting, social hour, review of family archives (photos, genealogy, memorabilia, historical records), recognition of the oldest man, oldest woman and youngest child present; recognition of person/s who traveled farthest, M&M guessing game and potluck picnic meal. The business meeting agenda includes an address by our chaplain; the historian’s report of births, deaths, marriages, graduations, significant anniversaries, military service, and major events; a themed auction; and sometimes an organized activity for the children. Reported by Joanne Vary Schwandes, Silver Spring, Maryland
The 98th Vary Family Reunion in Carthage, Jefferson County, New York.
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ere at Reunions magazine we often get questions from planners. We suspect that our readers, as always, have excellent ideas for addressing thorny issues and intimidating obstacles, so please share your experience: What are your reactions, answers and suggestions? Send your responses to editor@reunionsmag.com.
Q?
Joanne Vary Schwandes said: Our biggest challenge is doing most of the planning and preparation remotely, as we are mostly scattered up and down the US East Coast. We are looking for creative ways to involve the children in preparing for our 100th reunion in 2018 — focusing on family trees, interviews with their oldest family members, and recording memoirs. REUNION CELEBRATIONS SEPTEMBER 2017 v REUNIONS 23