Reunions Magazine Volume 19, Number 4. May/June/July 2009 (SOLD OUT)

Decoration Day Games ... games ... games Family Reunion University

VOL 19 NO 4 MAY/JUNE/JULY 2009 Display until July 31, 2009.

$3/USA

in this issue DEPARTMENTS

May/June/July 2009 Volume 19 • Number 4 PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF

FRONT WORDS – 4 ALUM & I – 6 New Jersey class Southern reunion by Nancy Myers College Reunion: Stage One by Jennifer Rogers

Edith Wagner TRAVEL EDITOR

Jacky Runice ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Rueth

SCRAPBOOK – 8

SALES

Reunion School

Marion Liston Senior Account Manager

Adams Street friends from the 1940s by Georgia Burnette

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Memorial Day flag etiquette, sparkler safety, emergency resources kit,

Karla Lavin

Colorado Vacation Directory, a Great Place on a Great Lake, clown reunion

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

BRANCH OFFICE – 16 Decoration Day by Catherine P. Businelle

Andrew Russell Bordeaux Nicole Dettmering Ksioszk CONTRIBUTORS

MASTERPLAN – 18 Ten lessons learned in planning an out-of-town reunion by Valerie Porter The Hassingers go to Family Reunion University by Lauri J. Hassinger Hernandez family celebrates by Caroline Carrie Cordero Reunion in the eye of tropical storm by Tiffany Hamm-Mobley These Outlaws are law abiding by Cynthia Outlaw 100th birthday anniversaries cause for celebration by Marvin E. Ellis Passing the baton … from Ethel to Sally by Sam Webber Over 70 years and still going strong by Renea Winchester Exotic good for reunions too

REUNION FEATURE – 30 GAMES The board game, Family Reunion Game Neal Family Trivia by Carole Neal

Lisa Alzo • Tisha Amerson Deb Bowen • Gen Brechtel Georgia Burnette • Catherine P. Businelle Karin Cameron • Caroline Carrie Cordero Sandra Davis • Marvin E. Ellis Marilyn Creason-Gobble Tiffany Hamm-Mobley • Mary Garavaglia Lauri J. Hassinger • Francia Malone Carllene Marek • Alice R. Marks Lovine Moss • Nancy Myers Carole Neal • Joyce Neal Kaye Olson • Cynthia Outlaw Martha Payne • Anne Petrous Valerie Porter • Jennifer Rogers Sharon Rogers • Melanie Thomas Sam Webber • Renea Winchester Judi Duncan Yantiss

Try a treasure hunt by Karin Cameron Lots of games reunions play

HARD TIMES – 36 Reunions survive hard times

MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 38 Second generation secures military legacies by Kaye Olson Show your support on Memorial Day, Sullivan Brothers Museum, Airforce 29th Bomb Group

REUNION RESOURCES – 42 A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products

ON THE COVER Hassinger Family Reunion at the YMCA of the Rockies included (left to right) Andy Link, Melissa Weatland, Brett and Mallory Retzloff. See page 18.

REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC. (ISSN #1046-5s235), is published 4 times per year. Send correspondence, queries, submissions, subscriptions, advertising to REUNIONS MAGAZINE, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this book except pages which encourage sharing.

Please explain your intended use when requesting permission to reprint. Email: reunions@execpc.com or fax 414263-6331. Tear sheets of reviews and reprints required.

REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC., will not be liable for information presented as facts contained in any of our advertising, byline stories or materials. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication. We solicit participation and take responsibility for submitted materials.

Unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), submissions and photos will not be returned. All materials sent for purposes of publication become property of REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC. Subscriptions: US and Canada $9.99/yr, $17.99/2 yrs. Foreign orders add $36 for subscriptions. All foreign payment in US funds or drawn on a US bank. Back issues available for $3 each plus postage.

Payment must accompany requests for subscriptions, back issues or other items for sale. Advertising rate information available from REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727; 414-263-4567; fax 414-2636331; e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com; reunionsmag.com. © 2009 REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC. M AY / J U N E / J U LY 20 0 9 O R E U N I O N S

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FRONT WORDS

Be in touch!

Mail to R EUNIONS MAGAZINE uring a time of little to smile about, STAY IN TOUCH PO Box 11727 this gave us cause to not only smile Now more than ever you’ll want to stay Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 but to laugh! The CBF Family in touch with us as you plan your reunion.

Reunion will be on the White House For charge orders One easy way is to sign up for our monthly, Lawn … Glen and Gloria White’s house call 800-373-7933 or and sometimes oftener, eblasts of info. visit www.reunionsmag.com lawn, that is, in Charlotte Hall, Maryland.

From now through summer, each eblast will But we truly are smiling about some contain live links right to the info on our or fax it to 414-263-6331. things. Traffic is up on our web site. Many web page that can help with your planning Or best of all, e-mail and organizing tasks. Examples are last reunion hosts tell us their contacts are editor@reunionsmag.com. minute ideas for games and ice breakers also up, which supports the idea that and samples of testimonials and tributes … people stay close and connected during the things you need as you panic remembering one last tough times. detail. reunionsmag.com has all the details covered and you How are you surviving these times? How can we help? are urged to go there often as you countdown to your big To start we’re sharing questions, answers and ideas from reunion days. Send your request to editor@reunionsmag.com. some reunions in Surviving Hard Times on page 38. Add Another way to get quick news is to become a fan of your tales to ours, it can only help the cause of reunion Reunions magazine on facebook.com. See you there! survival, which, believe me, is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Help us convince others that reunions display a WORKBOOK CHOICES special survival strength during hard times.

Reunions Workbook is available in its venerable printed And don’t forget we are eager to help wherever we can. version but we also now offer the Workbook on a CD. The Our freebie page online at reunionsmag.com gets richer advantage to the CD is that if you are working with a each day. Please share your discoveries with other committee, you can print pages in anticipation of meetings reunions. Send them to editor@reunionsmag.com. or work assignments or for checklists for committee members. You can order online or call 800-373-7933, x4.

PLANNING WORKSHOPS ARE POPULAR I’ve recently spoken at very well attended reunion YOUR REUNION OUGHTA BE IN PICTURES planning workshops in Fairfax, Virginia, and Lake County, Add your reunion picture to Reunions Picture Gallery.

Illinois, and want to thank the respective convention and Requirements at reunionsmag.com and it’s free. We look visitors bureaus and our readers and others who attended. I forward to seeing you soon. really enjoy meeting all of you and talking about reunions.

I’ve been invited back to Fairfax for next year but you’ll DON’T FORGET TO SEND YOUR REUNION have to contact Dean Miller, 703-790-0643, for details.

ANNOUNCEMENT And for information about lots more workshops, go to Listings online are free and include reunion name, date, reunionsmag.com. We add them as we learn about them. place and contact info. Send to editor@reunionsmag.com.

We’ll notify you when the listing is up.

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A REUNION TO GIVE BACK

New Orleans Marriott’s Build & Bond package (10 rooms or more) might interest your group.

Special rates while volunteering to help New Orleans rebuild include is a coordinator resource kit with information about the project and discounts and freebies to aid your decision. Build & Bond also lists volunteer organizations needing help. The offer will extend through 2010. Call 504553-5526 or email melissa.thiele@marriott.com.

Lake County, Illinois, Convention and Visitors Bureau 2009 reunion planning workshop attendees.

A good time was had by all.

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As this reunion season begins, we wish you successful 2009 reunions that will be remembered long after the last hug and farewell. EW

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ALUM & I

In front of the Forsyth House waiting for the trolley.

New Jersey class enjoys “Southern” Reunion

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ast year eight classmates from Middletown Township (New Jersey) High School (MTHS) Class of 1960 and their spouses/guests met for the weekend in St. Simons Island, Georgia, for a “Southern” reunion. (Quite a few of us live in the South.) We had such a great time, we had a second annual “Southern” reunion in Savannah, Georgia. We rented the Forsyth House, with nine bedrooms.

Eleven classmates with their guests joined us. Friday night we stayed at “home” for dinner and relaxed in the

enclosed outdoor patio. Saturday we enjoyed a continental breakfast, then a trolley picked us up to start our two-day off/on narrated trolley tour of Savannah.

Saturday night we had dinner at “home” and then headed to the Savannah Theater to see the musical Return to the 50s.

Sunday was one more day of sightseeing, with lunch at Paula Deen’s Lady & Sons restaurant. Sunday evening included a trip to River Street for Irish music at Kevin Barry’s.

Reported by Nancy Myers.

Lauderdale, Mississippi

On the Savannah trolley tour.

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College Reunion: Stage One

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ince graduating from the University of Nevada-Reno twelve years ago, I keep in regular touch with two people who attended college with me. And I send emails and Christmas cards to another ten. I never considered I’d lose touch once we moved away. So, as happens to many people, time went by and I lost contact with people I considered friends.

The idea of a reunion came when I asked myself, “What happened to my old college friends?” I intend to find out by organizing a reunion.

As a reporter, you must find out who, what, where, when, and why to get to the heart of the story. Most perplexing is who to invite. Organizing a reunion based on graduation year would be easiest but that narrows the scope. There are so many people I associated with in college who did not graduate in the same year. I could also invite people I knew from my sorority, Pi Beta Phi. But I wouldn’t want to narrow it to just the four years I was a member.

I decided to create a reunion of people who attended the University of NevadaReno during the 1990s and were members of Pi Beta Phi. But I want to be inclusive, to allow other members of the Greek system to participate. The reunion I am planning doesn’t have an easy definition like “Class of 1996” or “Rogers Family Reunion.”

The reunion is called “UNR 90s in 09 Pi Phi’s and Friends” – a little clunky, but I think it should be inclusive.

The reunion will be during Homecoming Football weekend in October.

Fond memories of tailgaters, cheering on our team, and meeting at the Little Wal after the game might inspire some to join their old friends, which takes care of where and when.

There are a few obstacles. I do not live

by Jennifer Rogers

where the reunion will take place. However, a few others who live in Reno are interested in planning with me. One of my initial goals is to form a committee of four or five to work on different aspects of the reunion.

Another obstacle is finding participants.

I asked the small group I keep in touch with to get the word around to people they keep in contact with. Next, I joined Facebook and reconnected with people I wanted to invite. I set up a website that was free to open on Yahoo. I can send mass emails, post pictures and the greatest feature is polling. I can ask what members want to do at the reunion. I asked if they would like to tailgate before the game, have a family day, have a night-time activity. This way I can plan activities I know will be most popular.

The final obstacle is financial. Because the economy has many people strapped, it must be a low-cost reunion that relies on the resources within the group. Using the internet to contact and inform people is my first low-cost strategy. We have secured a restaurant where we can meet, and a fee band. My plan is to keep the cost low so it won’t be a burden on me or anyone who helps plan it.

Finally, here is the why. I believe that it is particularly important to keep in touch with people now more than ever. In tough economic times, an old friend can provide an ear to lend, job contacts, or even just someone to laugh with about your old hairstyles. That is one of the many reasons I decided to embark on this adventure of organizing a reunion.

About the author Jennifer Rogers is a stay-at-home mom and writer who recently moved away from her hometown of Reno, Nevada to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

PO BOX 335428 NORTH LAS VEGAS NV 89033 800-654-2776 • reunions.com narm@reunions.com

Reunion timetable? www.reunionsmag.com Click on Getting started, then on Choosing a date.

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SCRAPBOOK

Class clowns reunite

Adams Street friends from the 1940s

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lown College was formed by Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1968 and ran for 30 years (27 in Venice, Florida, and three in Baraboo, Wisconsin). The tuition-free school (“boot camp for clowns”) was created when Ringling Brothers realized their clowns were getting older and if something wasn’t done, the art of circus clowning would soon die. Competition was stiff and graduating did not ensure a clowning job with the show.

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riends who lived between the William and Howard blocks of Adams Street in the 1940s met at the home of Georgia Mackie Burnette in Wheatfield, New York, to celebrate 67 years of friendship.

This was their second gathering; the first in 1997 was held at Georgia’s home in Amherst, New York. Since that time, however, eleven of the group have died.

It was a smaller party, but sentiments were high as these friends from years

Buddy (aka Forestine Rose) is a popular festival clown in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Classes ran for 10 weeks, six days a week, from 8 AM to 10 PM. They learned pie-throwing, pyrotechnics, stilt-walking, and how to sew clown underwear. They created their own makeup, sewed their own costumes and prepared themselves for “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

An alumni variety show was open to the public as a fundraiser for the Circus World Museum in Baraboo. Slaps, falls and split takes abounded as emcee Coney Island Chris kept the show rolling with his sideshow skills done in clown style. Getting a lip caught in a rat trap, eating a light bulb and trying to hammer a bolt up your nose all sound horrible, but when done by a clown college graduate they become hilarious.

From a personal reminiscence by Kobie Show in the Dunn County News, Menomonie, Wisconsin.

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past met to celebrate their adolescent years on Adams Street. They were pleased to savor wonderful friendships and replenish memories. However, all agreed they missed their friends who had passed, as well as the few who were not able to join them. Photographs by Princess Photography and caricatures

by Alex Thom will forever retain the memories of this reunion.

Shared by Georgia Burnette, Wheatfield, New York.

Colorado vacation directory

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lanning a reunion in Colorado? Use coloradodirectory.com website, a one-stop shop for anyone planning a Colorado reunion.

Click on the “Groups and Reunions” icon to find hundreds of listings for group-friendly places to stay and fun things to do throughout the state.

Reunion planners can check availability, contact advertisers and, in some cases, book using the Colorado Vacation Directory’s site. There’s also a reunion planning guide and a reunions mailing list, which sends planners packets full of brochures, coupons and special offers.

LIST YOUR REUNION FREE! Email (editor@reunionsmag.com) Contact name, address, phone, reunion name, date, and place. Check us out at www.reunionsmag.com

SCRAPBOOK

Seminar aimed at planning family reunions Most of these events are sponsored and presented by convention and visitors bureaus and take place on Saturdays unless noted. All prefer or require advance reservation, are free or at nominal cost. For more information visit reunionsmag.com.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

May 16, 2009 August 15, 2009 November 14, 2009 From Our Family to Yours Contact Keri Willard, kwillard@gotolouisville.com or 502-560-1487.

DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA

May 16, 2009 • Hyatt Place Stonecrest, Lithonia May 30, 2009 • Atlanta Marriott Century Ctr, Atlanta June 13, 2009 • Doubletree Hotel N Druid Hills, Atlanta June 27, 2009 • Wesley Chapel Library, Decatur July 18, 2009 • Holiday Inn Atlanta Tucker, Atlanta August 15, 2009 • Holiday Inn Atlanta Northeast, Doraville September 19, 2009 • Hampton Inn Stone Mountain, Stone Mountain October 10, 2009 • Comfort Suites Northlake, Tucker October 17, 2009 • Holiday Inn Express N Decatur November 7, 2009 • Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta East Stonecrest, Lithonia November 21, 2009 • Holiday Inn Select Perimeter, Atlanta Bring Your Family Home to DeKalb! Contact Carol Murray, 800999-6055 or 770-492-5000 GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA

Friday, July 10, 2009 • The Lodge at Simpsonwood, Norcross Friday, October 9, 2009 • Jillian’s at Discover Mills, Lawrenceville ABCs of Planning a Family Reunion. Contact Linda Busby, Gwinnett CVB Education Specialist, 888-494-6638; lbusby@gcvb.org BRANSON, MISSOURI

August 17-20, 2009 Military Reunion Planners Conference Contact Debbie Chesnokov, PO Box 1897, Branson MO 65616; 800-214-3661; dchesnokov@bransoncvb.com; ExploreBranson.com/MilitaryReunion.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN

October 17, 2009 Contact Nikki Donald at 313-202-1972; ndonald@visitdetroit.com.

Register online at visitdetroit.com or 313-202-1985.

KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

Autumn 2009 CVB Reunion Familiarization Tour Contact Sara Melendez-Davis at 800-831-1844, ext 42446; smelendez@floridakiss.com.

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etroiters Muhsin and Mary Muhammad I planned a reunion of the Campbell family with planning and logistics help from the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. The CVB assists about 350 family reunions annually with hotel, transportation, sightseeing and other critical hosting details.

“They made it very easy for us,” says Muhammad. “One of the things they gave us was a template and some websites to put together a family tree. By the time everyone got to Detroit, we had a directory so everyone knew who was who.”

Muhammad recommends attending the free planning seminar. “We gave bureau representatives an outline of what we wanted and they put us in touch with a tour guide and phone numbers for everything we needed,” he says.

The Campbell clan enjoyed entertainment that included a comedian and African, ballroom and hip hop dancers, and a demonstration by Muhammad’s friends on the US Double Dutch Championship Jump Team. Children, from toddlers to teens, participated in a youth track meet on the hotel’s eighth-floor track.

The family toured the Motown Historical Museum, Belle Isle, the Heidelberg art project and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

From an article by Susan R. Pollack on DetNews.com, Detroit, Michigan.

National Fireworks Council urges caution with sparklers

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he National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, hoping that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced.

Sparklers should ALWAYS be used under close adult supervision.

Always remain standing while using sparklers.

Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.

Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.

Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.

Drop spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water because wire and sticks remain hot long after the flame goes out.

Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person.

Always stand at least six feet from another person while using sparklers.

Never throw sparklers.

Show children how to hold sparklers away from their bodies, at arm’s length.

Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

Newport News customizes meetings

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he Newport News, Virginia, Tourism Development Office (NNTDO) Convention Services Program offers complimentary services to reunions visiting their city.

Services include welcome bags, name badges, promotional materials and a coupon book with discounts and freebies for city restaurants, services, attractions and amenities.

NNTDO may also offer a staffed welcome table during registration with travel counselors who can offer suggestions and advice about local attractions, amenities, services and directions, or simply answer questions.

A personal welcome and greeting from city leaders and tourism professionals and a Group Planner with information about amenities, history, local maps, and suggested itineraries are also available.

Contact Cheryl Morales, Newport News Tourism Development Office, 700 Town Center Drive Suite 320, Newport News, VA 23606; 888-493-7386 (toll free); cmorales@nngov.com.

Memorial Day flag etiquette

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ccording to US Flag Code, on Memorial Day the flag should be hoisted to the top of a flagpole for an instant, then lowered to half-staff until noon, before being returned to the top of the staff for the rest of the day. Those without a vertical flagpole may affix a black mourning bow instead of lowering the flag.

AmericanFlags.com President/CEO Jeffrey Reynolds said, “Memorial Day is a time for us to honor and give thanks to the brave men and women of our armed forces who continue to risk their lives to ensure the peace and prosperity of their fellow Americans.”

Visit http://americanflags.com

Most of these events are sponsored and presented by convention and visitors bureaus and take place on Saturdays unless noted. All prefer or require advance reservation, are free or at nominal cost. For more information visit reunionsmag.com.

WINTER PARK, COLORADO

October 23-25, 2009 Family Reunion University • YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch Contact Conference Office at 800-777-9622 ESTES PARK, COLORADO

November 13-15, 2009 Family Reunion University • YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center Contact Conference Office at 800-777-9622 FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

February 20, 2010 Contact Dean Miller, VisitFairfax, 703-752-9509.

CALL FOR DATES MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Meet Minneapolis. Contact Sheila Nickelson, 800-445-7412; www.minneapolis.org/reunions. Space is limited.

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA

Contact Suzanne Manfredi, 629 Spring St, Shreveport LA 71101; 318-222-9391; smanfredi@sbctb.org.

ATLANTA’S COBB COUNTY

Reservations required. Contact Kathy Buske at 678-303-2624; kbuske@cobbcvb.com.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Contact Nina House, Small Meetings, 233 Peachtree Street, NE, Ste. 100, Atlanta, GA 30303; 404-521-6640; nhouse@atlanta.net; atlantareunions.com.

NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA

Make an emergency resources kit

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here are many instances throughout your reunion when you might wish you’d thought of some small item. To avoid wishing, pack an emergency resources kit. Include a stapler and staples, tape, a pencil sharpener, Post-it notes, scissors, pens, rubber bands, poster adhesive, a power strip, cough drops, Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, laundry stain remover, Listerine Breath Strips. And absolutely include a first aid kit.

Military Reunion Planner Familiarization (FAM) Tour.

Complimentary accommodations. Contact Cheryl Morales at 888-493-7386; cmorales@nngov.com.

LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Three-day workshop; educational sessions, exhibition from local hotels and venues, tours and idea sharing. Contact Kimberly Ghys 800-Lake-Now; www.lakecountyreunions.com.

FLINT, MICHIGAN

Contact Renee Cobb, 316 Water St, Flint MI 48502; 888-2302586; rcobb@flint.travel.

ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

Contact Carol Gryson, toll-free 877-202-5961, carol@awesomealpharetta.com.

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SCRAPBOOK

MILWAUKEE: a great place on a Great Lake has exactly what your reunion will need in Milwaukee. Your site visit will be made easier if you can already answer the following questions.

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obert L. Moore, Convention Services Manager at VISITMilwaukee, suggests these steps for getting started on your reunion in Wisconsin’s largest city. It’s a good idea to have answers to the following questions in mind when you initially contact Moore • Will you need 10 or more guest rooms for a minimum of one night in Milwaukee?

• Are you interested in receiving rate information from hotels?

• Do you have specific dates for the event, or are your dates flexible?

• Will you require meeting space?

• Are you considering supplying your own food and/or beverages at the hotel?

VISITMilwaukee can offer assistance in getting bids from hotels that meet your group’s criteria. Once the information you’ve gathered leads you to consider a reunion in Milwaukee, plan a visit to see for yourself. A site visit (or inspection) will help you determine whether a hotel

• • • • • • •

• What are your housing requirements?

• What are your room block requirements?

What is the breakdown of single vs. double occupancy needs?

How many suites will you need?

Do you require smoking or nonsmoking rooms?

Do you have planned meal functions?

How will you handle registration?

What is your reunion history?

Any other special service requirements?

Contact Moore at 800-231-0903, x4246; rmoore@milwaukee.org, to learn about many fun and family-friendly ideas to keep your group entertained and active during the reunion. Or visit VISITMilwaukee.org

McNair•Brazil•Scott Family Reunion at their Milwaukee reunion. Photo credit: Patrick Robinson.

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BRANCH OFFICE

Decoration Day

by Catherine P. Businelle responsibility to take care ow many people at your last family reunion of those buried among family.

Dr. Kevin Klein, Chairman of the were dead? In my mother’s family, a reunion at the cemetery is a beautiful part of our Department of History and Social Science at heritage. Every second Sunday in August, those Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, says this still living of my grandfather’s seven brothers, tradition is strong in the South because of a solid five sisters, and their families gather for the history of personal family involvement in the Black Oak Cemetery Decoration. rituals surrounding death.

It isn’t called the Skelton Family Reunion “Southerners bury their dead (no cremation) in because ours is one of several families who marked graves and family plots. [They] resisted gather to honor loved ones at the graveyard. the ‘professionalization’ of burial rites…. The Families have known each other since they hands-on requirement of decoration day ties attended school as barefoot youngsters and now strongly to this sense of family obligation.” have great-grandchildren in school together.

Decoration days were started to keep up the Decoration starts early in the day with a graveyard and memorialize loved ones. Most special church service. Then the ladies fill people with family buried at Black Oak Arthur and Peggy Skelton makeshift tables with casseroles, deviled eggs Cemetery, for example, lived within walking and homemade pies while the men talk crops and cattle. distance, as did Grandpa Skelton’s family.

When the meal is finished and leftovers packed away, As years, then decades, passed, many moved to the city. generations of family trickle into the cemetery.

Black Oak Decoration Church members sing hymns while Skeltons, became an opportunity for Bradleys, Dockerys, and other families place family and friends to flower arrangements on stones that bear their catch up. Klein says names. “since many of these Annual churchyard decoration days weren’t backwoods or valley invented at Black Oak, though. They take place congregations were little more than an extended in many rural Southern communities. My family (and the ‘church Grandpa, Arthur Skelton, says the tradition goes cemetery’ really just an so far back no one is sure when it started. extended family plot), HISTORY AND BACKGROUND decoration day did take Black Oak Cemetery, a site on the National on something of a family Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1843. reunion quality with a Weather and time have worn away inscriptions on ‘dinner on the grounds’ as Family members during hymn singing. some of the graves without record or memory of a standard component.” those buried beneath them.

VALUABLE LESSONS Anonymous graves receive flowers each year, as testament to how strong the custom is and how deeply felt the sense of Over the years, decoration days became a great way to tell family stories to a new generation. While placing flower wreaths on well-tended burial sites, Peggy Skelton, my Grandma, tells familiar tales about “your Greatuncle Keith” or “your mom’s stillborn brother, Arthur, Jr.” The tradition is more than a history lesson, though. In today’s mobile society, many children live far from the graveyards where relatives rest. These decoration days give parents a chance to model care and respect for departed loved ones.

One of the most valuable benefits of the yearly custom is that familiarity makes the idea of death less terrifying. It transforms burial from a hiding in the earth to the addition of one more story to the family narrative.

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Skelton family at Black Oak Cemetary.

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Four of 12 Skelton siblings (left to right), Lawrence, Arthur, Pierson, and Quentin.

My sister, Anitra Van Prooyen, has attended Black Oak Decoration many times and says she wouldn’t want to be buried anywhere else. “After so many years of visiting Black Oak, the idea of a public graveyard feels impersonal. I feel like I would be anonymous there. In my mind, being buried in a public graveyard would be like having strangers at my funeral.”

New generations of grandparents are making Black Oak their final resting place and their stories are being shared with new generations. My heart is warmed by the idea that my own daughter might someday watch over my grave there.

if she knows a story about Aunt Viola that you hadn’t heard.

THE FLOWERS AND THE KIDS

Decorating the graves with flowers is a good way to feel you’re doing something for loved ones. The blooms don’t have to be fancy or expensive; they’re a way to show respect and love.

One idea is to ask relatives to bring a flower for each story they tell and let the storyteller open his or her tale by laying the flower on the grave.

Also find ways to entertain the kids. One enjoyable activity is making grave rubbings.

Provide large sheets of HOW YOUR FAMILY paper and a black or CAN DO IT dark-colored crayon.

If, while reading Arthur Skelton and a niece Terri Bjork.

Placing the sheet over a this, you wished your tombstone’s inscription, own family shared this rich tradition, rub the crayon across it to make an why not start your own? Planning a impression of the words and dates. cemetery reunion is relatively simple.

It’s important for rambunctious little First decide whether to make your ones to be respectful of others in the time at the graveyard part of a larger cemetery or even attending a burial. reunion or to make decorating graves and Specify that children must be supervised eating a meal the purpose of the day. by an adult at all times. This will also Ask relatives to write stories about ensure safety. family buried in the graveyard. Ask for ideas ahead of time to avoid finding out About the author at the last minute that everyone thought When not relaxing in graveyards or others would bring something. enjoying family reunions, Catherine P. Don’t be surprised if one planned Businelle works on her future book anecdote results in a whole string of tales describing a variety of childbirth methods or if five cousins have details to add and and locations using both objective end up telling the story together. That information and first-person birth stories to adds fun to the experience. show how those approaches play out in These family tales have a wonderful real life. Learn more at unifying effect. It won’t matter that www.catherinebusinelle.com. you’ve never met Cousin Mary’s daughter M AY / J U N E / J U LY 20 0 9 O R E U N I O N S

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The Hassingers go to Family Reunion University

by Lauri J. Hassinger he Anton and Gertrude Hassinger family has been celebrating reunions for 50 years. I was asked to join the 50th anniversary planning committee, and it didn’t take long to decide we needed to return to our first reunion place: Estes Park, Colorado. But none of us lived there, so how could we get this organized?

I had heard about the YMCA of the Rockies and decided it was worth a look. A quick search on the internet brought me to their Family Reunion University (FRU) offering. It was just what we needed – an inexpensive trip to the YMCA to check it out and learn about planning this very important reunion.

Family Reunion University (FRU) offers two days of meals and workshops about planning a reunion and two nights of Showing off their hula hoop expertise are Mike Hellman, Jo Anne Hudson. accommodations. In 2008, the cost was $70 per person. I suggested it to my east and west coast counterparts, and When the reunion was finally upon us, we decided to come a coerced my sister to join the committee as a fellow mid-states day early to make sure we had everything ready. We were so representative. Everyone was onboard with the idea. organized it didn’t take long, but this way we were assured we Although much of the program is geared toward their site, were ready. there is much to learn about planning a reunion in general. We The YMCA offered a conference room that gave us a spent Friday night with a class, getting caught up and gathering place throughout the reunion. We set up information adjusting to the altitude. Saturday brought us a full day of tables and listed daily events on chalk boards. We had reunion planning activities and information. We met other reunion Visit workshops page on a place to store snacks and beverages, and a place just to talk. We were pleased with our 20-somethings planners, played games, joined in activities reunionsmag.com for turnout, and they had a place to congregate in the and listened to speakers share their ideas. details about Family evenings to play cards and games. Their bonding Saturday evening we sat down together Reunion University. experience was one of the true take-aways from reunion. and decided to use our newfound knowledge They forged new friendships, and exchanged email, cell and and began our first planning session. I took notes as we planned.

Facebook addresses.

We took an inventory of the family and guessed at who would The great part about the YMCA is that just being there attend. We brainstormed about activities and a draft itinerary. offers so many things to do. There is someone to help We divided what needed to be done. determine appropriate hiking trails, a craft center, horseshoes, mini-golf, swimming, and the list goes on.

The YMCA meal plan means no meal planning or cooking for reunion-goers. As with most groups, we found a place in the dining room and congregated in that same area for the duration. The final night was a traditional YMCA barbecue.

The food was great.

At our traditional business meeting we determined who would take on the family newsletter and host the 2010 reunion.

Two of the 20-somethings volunteered to host the next reunion, which showed us that reunions will continue for a long time.

I learned a lot being part of the planning committee and had great fun. I had a chance to spend time with my cousins, got a mini-vacation while attending FRU, and was part of planning a Proud Family Reunion University grads (l to r) Tim Beall, Lauri Hassinger, Carol Beall, successful reunion. When I returned home and looked through Mary Retzlaff, Jo Anne Hudson. the original project plan we had developed at FRU, I was amazed. We were so close on the attendees, the activities we For our reunion, we planned for Activities that would include outlined were right-on, and everyone took care of their chosen all that Estes Park has to offer: a Thursday meet and greet, an responsibilities. I feel our success can be attributed to FRU evening fire-ring, bike riding, hiking, white water rafting, and all of us being together to do that initial planning. Email horseback riding, shopping and scenic drives, along with a and phone calls just don’t have the same results. In my mind, group picture to commemorate the event; we also needed to that time together and the classes were the contributing factor include a hoola hoop contest, because in 1958 hoola hoops had to a successful reunion. hit California and our west coast relatives had introduced the rest of us to this exciting new fad. We decided to have a session About the author about genealogy, genealogy charts, memory boards of pictures, a Lauri Hassinger lives and writes in Rochester, Minnesota. reunion memories booklet, water bottles and reunion t-shirts.

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Postcards that make your reunion point!

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Send e v save sa e the th e date t when you’ve set it! da Send

TIME IS RUNNING OUT when it is!

Custom Printing $45 p/hundred; 50¢ each, Fill-in cards $15 p/hundred; 20¢ each; plus s/h: 100-200 cards – $5, over 200 – $10.

Send message, check and request to: REUNION POSTCARDS PO Box 11727 O Milwaukee WI 53211-0727

To charge, call 800-373-7933.

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his is an “Ubuntu Circle” at the Duncan Yantiss Clan Gathering in Northern Michigan. Ubuntu is a Zulu word, loosely translated as “humanity,” describing the ubuntu philosophy: “A person is a person only through other people.”

Shared by Judi Duncan Yantiss, Royal Oak, Michigan.

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Hernandez family celebrates was a full-time student at the time I got the bright idea to plan a family reunion. I have to say it was no picnic. However, Reunions magazine really helped with a lot of the planning and encouragement not to worry about the small things. My testimonial to others would be: Don’t let your family members bother you. You CAN NOT please everyone and you should not have to. If you’re ever in doubt, go with what you want, not what others want.

And last, HAVE FUN!!!!

I

Anita Cordero and Pedro Hernandez, daughter and father.

The Hernandez Family- Charlie, Amanda, Jacob, Sandra, & Armando.

shirt or shorts. We handed out leis to everyone, and had coconut cups to drink out of. Some of our decorations were recycled: palm clippings had been collected and dried for 3 months, then stapled to my porch for that extra island touch. I bought inexpensive leis from Oriental Trading. Adults played musical chairs and had a blast! Others were outside roasting marshmallows around a fire pit. Everyone had a good time and danced the night away.

I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s faces and meeting new family members.

The ironic thing about the reunion is that most of my family members had not seen each other in years. Then one

The first day of my family reunion I had to take a final exam at 6 PM and the Meet-nGreet started at 7 PM. It was a little crazy, but I managed to get there on time and greet my family, many of whom I knew but some I’d never seen before.

It was great. One hundred people attended!

For the following day I had planned a luau, and it went smoothly. It rained early in the Bottom row Megan (3), Miles (4), Samara (4), Julissa (3). Back row Kylee (4), Alyssa (8), day but by the time of the luau Asia (9), Kenny (5). the skies were clear. El Paso, Texas, weather is not really reliable, so we were sweating it just of our cousins passed away a bit. The dress code was to come in luau attire – a Hawaiian suddenly the December following our reunion.

Everyone was in shock but glad to have seen him at our first-ever family reunion.

About the author When she planned her family’s reunion, Caroline Carrie Cordero was a fullMother and daughter Anita and Carrie time student at the University Cordero (Reunion Planner). of Texas @ El Paso. She was a senior taking 15 hours. She graduated in 2008 and works at the El Paso County Courthouse with family law judges dealing with divorce and child support cases.

Ernie Aguirre, Ed Hernandez, Guy Hernandez, and Dora Aguirre.

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Ten lessons learned in planning an out-of-town reunion

by Valerie Porter

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y elderly mom wanted to visit family members scattered around the country. Some she hadn’t seen in 10 or 15 years. We live in California, but our relatives are in the Midwest and the East.

Mom’s physical abilities have declined and we couldn’t travel extensively.

Mom’s second wish was to celebrate her upcoming 95th birthday with a trip to Las Vegas, as we’d done countless times before. That was just a six-hour drive away.

The author, Valerie Porter, with her mom, the honoree, Agnes Porter.

Why not ask the relatives to join us in Las Vegas? My thought was to invite everyone – about 25 – and maybe three or four would join us. But I quickly realized I was planning a family reunion, because the response was almost unanimous. And I can say proudly it was even better than I’d hoped. Along the way, I learned ten lessons that, in my opinion, contributed to a successful out-of-town family gathering.

01) I learned IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO BEGIN PREPARATIONS. The idea for our four-day reunion occurred five months beforehand. I thought it was too early to contact family, thinking they wouldn’t be able to commit to something so far in advance. But it became apparent that for some, I’d contacted them just in the nick of time. One couple had almost decided on plans for a special wedding anniversary when my invitation arrived; they leapt at the opportunity.

Two cousins who planned vacation time around the event had to notify their employers in advance.

Plenty of lead time is also necessary because dealing with hotels and restaurants can be very time-consuming. It took until the week before the event to finalize arrangements for Mom’s birthday dinner, the focal point of the get-together.

01) Also, even in the era of the internet, correspondence can take a lot of time. I had email addresses for a couple relatives, but for most I wrote letters, which slowed the process. I included my phone number and email address, so responses came back quickly. But 97-year-old Aunt Mildred doesn’t have email and it was several weeks before her shakily handwritten reply came through the mail that she’d attend.

02) EARLY CONTACT WITH HOTELS GIVES YOU MORE LEVERAGE IN NEGOTIATING PRICES. The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas is a popular destination and is often booked in advance, but they also receive many last-minute reservations.

02)

They knew I had months to make a decision, so I didn’t

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appear desperate to commit to the first price offered. Since I needed at least 10 rooms, I requested a group rate. They have a policy of referring anyone with such a request to group sales. But that department sent me a contract to sign promising that I’d be personally responsible for paying for all 10 rooms, whether they were used or not.

02) The group sales department normally caters to business conventions and companies pay for a designated number of rooms. Individuals are held equally accountable since the contracts are standard forms. But I pled my case to the sales department. “My mom’s turning 95. Suppose she’s hospitalized and we have to cancel?” “These are my relatives – they have good intentions of attending but it’s not part of their job requirement, so it’s possible they may have to cancel. We’re a family, not a corporation.” And most important, “Our event is five months away. I haven’t heard from everyone yet, so how can I promise to pay you for rooms without knowing how many will attend?”

02) It worked. I received the same group rate I’d have received with a contract, but was able to go through the reservation desk – no contract required. And the rate was less than I’d originally been quoted. Why? Because I didn’t hesitate to ask, “Is that the best you can do?”

03) CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION WISELY. I’m convinced that our choice of Las Vegas played a key role in enticing some relatives to attend. Re-connecting with family is the first goal of a reunion, but it doesn’t hurt to throw in an exciting location. Some of my cousins admitted they’d always wanted to visit Las Vegas but put it off for financial or scheduling reasons. The reunion gave them the excuse they needed to stop procrastinating and just go.

03)

For us, Las Vegas worked for another reason. Flights in and out of the city are plentiful and easy for everyone to arrange. It also has ample resources for shuttle transfers and taxis, making arrival and departure easier.

04) WHENEVER POSSIBLE, CHOOSE A LOCATION YOU’RE FAMILIAR WITH, not only the city but even the hotel itself. I know about Las Vegas because I’ve visited frequently. My knowledge of the hotel gave me confidence that I was inviting relatives to a place they’d enjoy. I knew the rooms, where restaurants are located, points of interest nearby. It was fun to play travel agent, so prior to the event, I sent out a list of things to do and see. They really appreciated it. Since our reunion was spread over four days, there was plenty of time for them to go off alone or in small groups to explore my suggestions.

05) GEAR IT AROUND A SPECIAL OCCASION. True, the enjoyment of seeing everyone should be special enough, but it didn’t hurt to center our reunion around Mom’s 95th birthday. Who can say no to celebrating a birthday, anniversary or graduation?

06) PLAN FOR THE OLDEST AND YOUNGEST IN YOUR GROUP and the rest will fall into place. Our reunion spanned three generations, not terribly unusual for family get-togethers, but ours was somewhat atypical in that no young children were involved. Our ages ranged from early 30s to 90s.

Because of Mom’s and Aunt Mildred’s ages, it got me thinking: Will the activities be calm enough to accommodate the eldest members? I made sure Mom and Aunt Mildred had time for naps between family time. They didn’t miss out on anything and they felt rested when they rejoined everyone.

07) HAVE A BACKUP PLAN IN PLACE. Because of Mom’s age, I recognized the possibility that she might become ill – too ill to make the trip. Any number of unforeseen problems could keep a key person, including the guest of honor, from attending. I panicked at first, feeling responsible for relatives losing money on airfare or other expenses. Then I reasoned that if bad came to worse, we keep the overall plan in place, and just modify them if necessary. We would still have the dinner, but I’d bring a photo of Mom and say a few words to honor her. The reunion would still take place – with plenty of opportunities to meet for breakfast, lunch, dinner and sightseeing. I’d make a quick trip to Las

Bernadine Bierle (left), her daughter Liz and sister Carol Houser.

Vegas and welcome everyone – because, after all, I’d brought them all together and couldn’t just abandon them by not putting in an appearance.

07)

On a sad note, one of Mom’s sisters, whom we’d hoped would attend, passed away suddenly midway through preparations. Should we cancel the event? By then the feeling was that it was all the more important for everyone to gather. The aunt who passed had planned the last family reunion years before, so I decided to dedicate the event to her and do my best to make her proud.

08) COMPILE A CELL PHONE LIST. As the reunion drew closer, two relatives suggested that we distribute a cell phone list by email before the event. This made communication faster and simpler.

97-year-old Aunt Mildred High and 95-year-old birthday girl, Agnes Porter.

09) ARRANGE A MEET AND GREET the first night. This lesson is from hindsight, as it’s one thing I didn’t do but wish I had.

It hadn’t occurred to me to do so, since we all know one another. Soon enough, people started getting together in small groups, depending on their interests. But I should have gotten everyone together sooner by having a casual group gathering right away.

10) FOLLOW UP was my motto when we returned home. Since I’d started the whole project, I wanted to give it a happy ending, as well. I sent a thank you email to everyone within days of returning home. I thanked them not only for Mom’s birthday presents but also for participating in the reunion. I attached two or three photos I’d taken with each email, as a souvenir. It took a little extra bit of time to do this but I felt everyone deserved it. I also suggested we all stay in touch now that we’d bonded again.

I received nothing but positive input and thanks in return. The most encouraging responses were from those who began talking about the next reunion. Odds are that I won’t be planning it.

But if I do, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that will make the next time even better than this time.

About the author Valerie Porter is a Southern California-based writer who specializes in celebrity profiles, unusual travel and spiritual topics..

A happy birthday reunion dinner group.

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100th birthday anniversaries cause for celebration or over a year, my siblings, some cousins and I planned our Torres, Planchat and Allied Family Reunion to commemorate our late parents’ centennial natal anniversaries. I am planning committee chairman. This has been a marvelous experience for our family, especially the delicious dinners after each planning committee meeting.

Meetings and cooperative assignments

F We are dedicated to serving your next Reunion with the utmost service you deserve!

brought us closer, kept us in touch and established bonds among cousins. We contacted and communicated with a branch of cousins on my mother’s paternal side for the very first time. They lived in Tampa and were so elated we found them. They all came to the reunion.

Our reunion theme was Spreading Roots: from Cuba and the Bahamas to Florida.

The following are excerpts from Marvin Ellis’s Family Reunion banquet welcome to commemorate the 100th birthdays of Bruce Leroy Torres and Caridad Planchat Torres.

Finally, to honor the centennial anniversaries, Ellis presented $800 to the Church of the Incarnation Parish Hall/Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Bruce Leroy Torres and Caridad Planchat Torres.

Near the Belleville Lake with entrance to lower Huron Metro Park in the beautiful city of Belleville, Michigan.

Conveniently located off I-94 Service Dr. and Belleville Rd. 46194 N. 1-94 Service Dr. Belleville MI 48111

734-857-6200 Or visit us at

hiexpress.com/bellevillemi to see all we have to offer!

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This reunion is a very historic event in the history of our family. Love of family and friends is the legacy that Daddy and Mama left us to continue after them so that it would continue for the generations that follow after us.

Allow me to give a short history of the genesis of this weekend’s event. In 2005, we had our first family reunion in Key West, Florida, dedicated to the memory of our paternal grandmother, Beatrice Louise Tate. There were 100 family members who attended this very successful event. The following November on Thanksgiving Day, our maternal family sponsored the reunion of the Ruiz-Camacho-Ellis-Donathan branches of our family. The question was asked, “Who will host the next reunion?”

The children of Bruce and Caridad Torres volunteered to sponsor the next reunion to be dedicated to their memory in observance of their 100th birthdays, which would have been in 2008.

We are certain that future generations of our family will continue this established tradition of family reunions to foster our love, bonding, affirmation and uplifting of our family.

Reported by Marvin E. Ellis, Miami, Florida.

Reunion in the eye of tropical storm, Fay he first Webster Family Reunion was set in Destin, Florida. As they say, “Excitement was in the air,” but so was tropical storm Fay; she had come to south Florida and decided to hang out for three days, soaking and flooding.

Only five of us live in Florida, so 80 other family members had to travel from Tennessee, Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Maryland, New Jersey, and Missouri. We started to get phone calls and emails: “How’s the weather?” “Is the hurricane coming your way?” We did our best to reassure everyone that if we got anything

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from Fay, it would be rain, and we would not have them travel here to be put in harm’s way.

Our reunion began on Thursday, with beautiful sunny weather. As family arrived, we registered them and they gave them welcome packs including a list of area activities.

About 40 people arrived the first day.

We set up a hospitality room where we could meet, greet, relax, and enjoy food and beverages while we waited for more family. On Friday, our free day, 40 more people arrived. This was the first visit to Florida for many, while some had been to Florida but not to this area. Nearly everyone was eager to see the beautiful white beaches of Destin. Others spent

Our welcome pack included flyers for a dolphin cruise, the track (bumper cars, etc), Big Kahunas Water Park, beach safety and the Silver Sands outlet mall directory, plus an area visitors’ map, postcard of the beach, and a SEE coupon book and vacation guide from the Emerald Coast Visitors Bureau.

Websters at their Florida reunion.

their day shopping, sightseeing and doing children’s activities. Saturday was cloudy, but it only rained early in morning so the day was free for more activities.

We were still unsure what Fay was going to do, but we were certain she would not ruin our family time together.

Fay did bring some winds Saturday evening, just in time for our banquet. We had a beautiful banquet area set up. We enjoyed food, memories shared by family, accomplishments and acknowledgements, and our family history. Everyone enjoyed their time in Florida. Our theme of “One Bond, One Love, One Family” was a great way to celebrate and show appreciation for one another. Our next reunion will be in Baltimore, Maryland in 2010. We can’t wait!!!

Reported by Tiffany Hamm-Mobley, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Your reunion quilt could appear in a book … here’s how ournalist and traditions expert Meg Cox, author of The Book of New Family Traditions and The Quilter’s Catalog: A Comprehensive Resource Guide, is writing a book about quilts made for and with loved ones for special occasions. Naturally, this includes reunion quilts.

Meg is interested in learning about how, when and why your reunion quilt was made as well as seeing photos of

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your quilt. She is looking for how-tos like the techniques and patterns you used, and whether people signed or wrote on the fabric. But she also wants to learn what the quilt meant to your tribe, and what happened to the heirloom quilt after it was completed: who gets to keep it?

Contact Meg through her website, www.megcox.com, or write to her at Meg Cox, 301 N. Harrison St, #399, Princeton, NJ, 08540.

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Exotic good for reunions too amaica Villas by Linda Smith offer very exotic reunion locations that are dream destinations for many families.

There are many locations and accommodations to choose from, and many families go back repeatedly. For planning purposes, there is a budgeting section on the jamaicavillas.com web page, where you can make your plans for a reunion in paradise!

Jeff Conroy wrote right after they returned from another marvelous week at Greatview. He expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation for the way the staff made their stay in Jamaica first class. Conroys brought three generations of family to Greatview for three years.

Even though each age group has its own special needs, the staff has been more than accommodating. A five-year-old son could not get enough of O’Neill, the gardener. The two of them spent so much time together as they trekked out for their daily fishing expeditions. Conroy’s parents, approaching 70, had their own needs that Aaron, Everton and Delores always met. The “middle aged” folk,

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Greatview is a well-appointed six bedrooms villa, complemented by inside and outside dining areas, a snug television den and an air-conditioned gym complete with TV and fitness videos. A supplemental generator ensures that Greatview is never without electricity and air conditioning.

Conroy wrote, could not be happier than when they see grandparents and their grandkids having such a great special time. He said they think of the staff as their Jamaican family.

While David Magrone of Scarsdale, New York, wrote that their vacation at Jamaica Villas Longview was a great time for the entire family with amazing memories and fun for three generations.

The Magrones enjoyed the Villa and

These Outlaws are law abiding he Outlaw/Outler Family Reunion are descendants of William (1844) and Julia Hicks Outlaw, and Mashack (1849) and Amanda Fenn Outlaw from Wrightsville, Georgia.

Initially, the Outlaws and Outlers held separate reunions.

In 1991 the two sides came together for their first joint family reunion. Through research, I learned that William Outlaw and Mashack Outlaw were brothers who were born, grew up, married and raised their families in Wrightsville, Johnson County, Georgia. William (Bill) had 17 children and Mashack

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hospitality of the entire staff. He congratulated the organization as amazing and that they appreciated great service. The family was already looking forward to returning next year for their third year in a row. He particularly appreciated the moon rising over Montego Bay that he called “magical!!”

Contact Villas by Linda Smith, 301229-4300; linda@jamaicavillas.com; www.jamaicavillas.com

by Cynthia Outlaw

(Shack) had 11 children. The families settled around Johnson, Emanuel, Troup and Wilkerson counties in Georgia.

There are several stories of how the Shack family changed its last name to Outler. Today, some family members use Outlaw while others use Outler.

We have two chapters. Anderson Outler is president of the GA, SC, FL, TN Chapter, and Robert Jenkins is president of the NJ, NY, PA Chapter. The former is working hard to finalize plans for another grand reunion in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The weekend begins with a “Get Acquainted” on Friday, with games and dinner. Saturday morning and early afternoon are set aside for shopping and outings to amusement parks. Saturday evening is our family and friends banquet.

Deceased family members are honored and special recognition is given to others young and old. Scholarships are presented to college-bound family members. On Sunday morning, we close with a prayer breakfast and then final goodbyes.

The NJ, NY, PA Chapter hosts an annual free family picnic in Woodbridge, New Jersey, on the Sunday before Labor Day, where 200 to 300 family and friends gather for a day of good food and fun. The chapter also has several fundraisers during the year, one of which is our holiday party.

About the author

The Outlaw/Outler reunion planning committee.

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Cynthia Outlaw is the family historian. She says she’s truly grateful to see how the family reunion has grown from a one-day picnic in the park to a full-scale weekend of exciting events and fellowship.

GAMES

Family Reunion (board) Game very family has a history and every family has its stories. If not passed on, these tales may be forgotten or lost. Family Reunion Game is ideal for reunions to learn family stories and heritage. The Family Reunion Game company collects your family stories, anecdotes and photos and makes a game for you to participate in your family’s legacy.

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Family Reunion Game customizes questions to capture your history, stories and experiences. It is engaging and captivating, with stories of interest to those playing. Questions posed are about you, your family and your family’s history and stories. Playing the game involves family members sharing and telling family heritage. Children listen to these family stories, learn about their legacy and participate in telling their own stories and experiences.

You supply information in a questionnaire that composes personalized questions. The more family members who provide information, the more

comprehensive and inclusive the game. If you don’t have specific historical family facts, you supply more stories. If you want your game filled with silly, fun stories or more history and genealogy, that can be done. Once complete, the Family Reunion Game becomes a family heirloom and keepsake for generations to come!

Spaces on the game board allow for change every time the game is played. As you create more memories and/or add new members, new information or pictures can be created into new “memory cards” for your existing game.

Family Reunion Game can be played with up to 10 players or 10 teams age eight and above.

Each game comes with a custom 20 x 20'' game board featuring approximately 25-40 family photos (which you provide), 80 personalized “memory cards” (with your history, stories, trivia facts and family photos); 20 custom “Family

Heirloom” game cards (identified by you), 20 “Quick Wit” game cards and more.

The winner is the first person or team to attend all three family (game) reunions, collect 20 “memories,” acquire two family heirlooms, return to “start” and answer one last “Memory Card” question correctly. “Memory Keeper” pads are provided to keep track of memory points, heirlooms and reunions attended. The creators of Family Reunion Game believe everybody wins simply by reminiscing in, enjoying and sharing stories!

For information and to order, visit https://familyreuniongame.com.

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Passing the baton …from Ethel to Sally

by Sam Webber

Ethel Lindauer and daughter Sally Webber.

hen Ethel Llewellyn Brasington Lindauer began planning her first family reunion in the late 1970s, there was no outline for her to follow. So she did what she’d always done her entire life: she created it from scratch.

Her family meant the most to Ethel, and being with them was her greatest desire. She was not one for activities with strangers, although she attended nursing school reunions. She wanted an event where her family – spread over the entire US by marriage, jobs and school – could get together once a year. This was her goal and she set about doing it.

In today’s world, all you have to do is get on the internet, and through various emails or chat rooms or even a Google/Yahoo search, you can find just about anyone you want. But this was back in the 1970s, and none of these things existed, which meant Ethel had to do everything … by hand.

Ethel, a prolific letter writer, kept up with what was going on in the lives of many of her family. Not only did she keep in touch with her own family and those of her four sisters, even second, third and fourth cousins were contacted regularly by mail.

Her old address book was bursting with information.

Addresses were scratched out and new ones scribbled in some unused corner. Some entries had been inked out many times. New pages were made up of whatever paper she had at the time, spaces filled in with new names or changed facts. That wellworn book was Ethel’s pulse on her world. It was the core of how she stayed in contact with everyone.

When it came time for the reunion, Ethel sent a special letter to inform her kin when and where it would be held.

The format was rather simple. Friday night, everyone arrived. They set up tents, got hotel rooms or stayed with

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family members. Because participants showed up at various times, they all met at a central location and spent time reminiscing.

After Saturday breakfast, the family spent their time together and talked. The mainstay of the reunion was just being together. Activities culminated in the annual family water fight. As the day went on, everyone did their own thing until dinner, prepared and served by a host of relatives. The evening was generally spent in family chatter.

Sunday morning started early with a large breakfast, after which the camp or

were not really able to help, which sometimes led to hard feelings, but the reunion was a yearly occurrence and something everyone could rely on. Ethel was always in charge and that was just how it was.

That was until 1997, Ethel’s last reunion. In August, she passed away and the annual event fell to her daughter, Sally Webber. It was a new day for passing the baton, and a new set of procedures and participation would come into play.

The computer was anathema to Ethel.

She really didn’t want to learn how to use

Ethel Lindauer’s pride and joy.

park area would be cleaned up and by noon everyone was gone.

Ethel was not one to delegate. Since she was the one who wrote the letters, she was also the one who organized the reunion. And since she was the one who created how it would be run, she was sometimes a little testy when she was offered help.

Because she kept such tight control, those who really wanted to assist would be given simple tasks. They found they

a computer and could not see its value.

But Sally put records from her mother’s overflowing address book into an active database which could be updated without much effort. The reunion letter, which had always been handwritten, was now an RSVP announcement showing the time and location of the family reunion.

Another thing which changed was participation by others. Whereas Ethel kept everything to herself, her daughter welcomed help. One person would be in

Over 70 years and still going strong

by Renea Winchester

charge of the invitation – designing it and making sure that it was done properly. Another took over activities, while someone else was in charge of making sure the area was cleaned up on Sunday. This was all done under the watchful eye of Sally, who made sure that all parts were put together and ran smoothly. It made the reunion more of a “family” event, if only in the participation of others to bring it about.

Without the strong leadership of Ethel, the Lindauer – Brasington Family Reunion perhaps would have failed in its infancy. But because of her determination and desire to bring her family together, the reunion she started will celebrate its 30th anniversary in July 2009 (in Utah rather than in its original state of California). This is a big change for the entire family, because now they will be meeting more near the center of the country rather than on the west coast.

It was through Ethel’s sheer determination and unwavering focus that her family reunion was able to grow to become the event it is. Now her children are in charge and it is up to them to continue what she started. In time, the baton will once again be passed on to her grandchildren and those descendents who come after.

This was her gift to her loved ones: an annual get-together to greet new members, reminisce about old times and enjoy just being part of their own family. This is Ethel’s legacy.

About the author Sam Webber is the grandson of Ethel and son of Sally, and says he has been involved in creating a database of all family members and planning some of the events throughout the years. “We have had many challenges in getting the reunion going, but it has been a success, besides being long-lasting.”

Winchesters at annual Smoky Mountains decoration day.

ince 1935 families who have relatives buried in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have joined for a different kind of reunion – a remembrance, if you will, of life as it used to be before residents were forced to leave.

Families of the Styles, Wiggins, Laney and Cline families, among others, gather in the National Park and pay their respects by decorating the graves of family members most never had the privilege of meeting. While the rest of the country observes Memorial Day with a family barbeque or lake trip, my family observes “decoration day.”

All are welcome, related or not, as long as they follow three simple rules: be respectful of the earth, be on time, and bring enough food to share.

At promptly 11:00 AM we pile into pickup trucks and travel into the lush back woods of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a once a year opportunity. Miss this particular Sunday and you’ll have to wait until next year. Be prepared to walk uphill, seemingly both ways, before you reach your destination.

Comfortable shoes and bug spray are also great ideas.

There are no nametags or matching tshirts for our reunion. Here you’ll find baseball caps, Redman chewing tobacco, and a lifelong tradition that is fiercely honored.

Time is limited as we sprinkle live flowers over the graves of relatives who lived in this pristine part of the country.

As the children scatter petals, adults who have been coming here since they

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were toddlers swap stories and secretly long to return to a time when peace and quiet was the norm. In a blink it is time to leave this place of beauty and return to our hectic lives.

This year, I want to break with tradition. After 73 years of decoration days, technology will enter our sacred gathering. I am encouraging everyone to bring pictures of their family members to share. This year – after we decorate the graves, and before Pat’s famous coconut cake is gone – I will scan pictures (old and new), tattered newspaper articles and pages from family bibles. Anything that matters is worthy of being remembered.

This year I’ll do my best to identify those nameless faces we know are somehow related. I’ll try to weave us tighter together, because with the passing of time we lose our elders and with them precious memories. By next year, I hope a picture book will be available, maybe with stories.

I do this not for my sake, but for the next generation. For those who might not understand the sacrifice park families made. So my children and their children might continue our family tradition and love the land and their heritage as much as my grandparents, and their grandparents before, did.

About the author Renea Winchester is a writer who splits her time between Western North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. Her work received the Appalachian Writers Association Award, and has appeared in Gardening How-To, and A Cup of Comfort Series.

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GAMES

Neal Family Trivia

Try a treasure hunt

by Karin Cameron

arole Neal wrote that she believes there should be one or more griots in each generation so that the family story continues to live. You may recall having heard the word griot (pronounced “greeoh”) used when Alex Haley told the story of his family in the epic novel and TV program, Roots. Historically, Africans and those of African descent have relied more on oral history than written history. That makes the work of the griots all the more important. We hope our Neal Family history will continue to be passed down, generation to generation. We do have a story to tell – one that can be an inspiration to the younger family members.

And the way Carole Neal shared her family history was with a trivia game.

Honoring the theme of the Neal Family Reunion – Honoring and Preserving the Neal Family Legacy – Carole included a family history trivia quiz in pre-reunion newsletters. Only questions were included in early newsletters, then answers appeared in her newsletter just before the reunion.

You can see the Neal Family Trivia Quiz in the Family History and Geneaology section on reunionsmag.com, as an excellent example that you may wish to copy.

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aybe your relatives are thinking that the upcoming reunion doesn’t have much going for it. “Same old, same old,” they say.

Think about creating a treasure hunt as a way to add fun to your reunion. You could have a treasure hunt for adults and a separate one for children, or combine them. You can set up an elaborate or simple treasure hunt at home, in a park or any place where the reunion is held.

First ask family members questions.

Then turn the responses into a way to unveil the clues. How can you stump your family?

adults may not like to do. How about hiding a clue in a bowl of soggy bread?

Or blindfold a participant who has to retrieve a clue – protected in a Ziploc bag – from a bowl of Jello (add olives or grapes for higher gross factor). Or set up a 15- to 20-piece puzzle, with a clue written on the back; participants must piece together the upside-down puzzle in order to read the clue before moving on to the next.

Children and adults can learn something new about a relative or make a new favorite family member. A treasure hunt is a learning opportunity to get

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Many more examples of reunion games and ice breakers online at reunionsmag.com.

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The author’s mother’s side of the family, the Eppinga Family Reunion, who enjoy her treasure hunts.

Or, if you want to keep the treasure hunt a secret before the reunion, use clues from a line of a movie or from family history, or simply solve a riddle.

For younger children at the reunion it can be as simple as clues found at one toy directing them to the next toy.

Next you need a map. This is where you must be creative. Think of all the hiding places where the hunt will be.

You can go all-out making an elaborate map, or keep it simple.

Set up teams as an opportunity to pair kids with adults or relatives with new members of the family. Adults will love the thrill of something different at a reunion and new bonds will be made.

Your treasure hunt may also include challenges or tasks to complete, such as ring toss or balancing a book on their head. Think about all the ways you can make the treasure hunt a challenge. It can last one hour or one day, depending on the difficulty of the clues.

When setting up the discoveries or clues think of all the things kids or

everyone’s brains going and spark conversation.

The main treasure doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive. You can even ask relatives to bring treasures or send money to help cover costs. What about family reunion t-shirts as the treasure? You could have special desserts, a photo album to store future year’s reunion pictures in, or an updated homemade family history book as treasure gifts.

You’ll know you’ve been successful if you’re asked for an encore in the future.

And, as always, remember to take lots of pictures.

About the author Karin Cameron has grown up with a bundle of summer time family reunions, all of which provided memories of laughable distinction and heartfelt smiles, not to mention a few horseshoe competitions and too many adults acting like children. She lives in Arizona with her husband.

WEB PAGE: reunionsmag.com CALL: 414.263.4567 FAX: 414.263.6331 E-MAIL: editor@reunionsmag.com WRITE: PO Box 11727 Milwaukee, WI 53211-0727 32

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GAMES

Lots of games reunions play artha Payne, Owensboro, Kentucky, who is reunion hostess with her brother Tim, wrote about the Meny Family Reunion. Games include horseshoes, washers, baseball, volleyball or any activity the host/ hostess decides.

We make our own piñatas and fill them with everything.

Our egg toss is with raw eggs.

In Bedsheet Volleyball, teams of about seven each hold a side of a sheet and use it to send the ball back and forth. A side scores a point when the other side loses the ball off the sheet. The catch is that the ball is a water balloon and oh, what fun you can have, says Martha.

Three-legged races require two people and one necktie.

Two people stand side by side and tie their inside legs together, then race. Racing this way requires great coordination.

For Reindeer Races, sleds are made of cardboard boxes with rope attached. Adults are reindeer and pull sleds with the young children in the box. This was hilarious, Payne wrote. We always bring extra clothes, for we never know what may happen.

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This team activity for all ages makes everyone work together to get the tent balloon from flat on the ground to full blown, then back down again.

Bed sheet volleyball is for two teams of 6 to 8 individuals each. Using water balloons adds to the fun. Limit this game to adults because little kids can get knocked down accidentally.

arilyn Creason-Gobble wrote in the Poulter Family Newsletter in anticipation of one reunion: We do have the traditional Egg Toss game planned for the Family Reunion. We few, we happy few, who may remember the reunion in the ’80s at Aunt Marcene’s house when we played this game, know it is a lot of fun.

We had planned outdoor games for the last reunion but the weather did not cooperate.

If the weather is nice, we plan croquet and horseshoes.

Tim Poulter MCs a game called white

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Allen Poulter Jr. being presented a letter from the White House by Kathy Poulter Gobble.

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For one activity, Meny family members make piñatas for three age groups. Then, they take turns destroying their products.

elephant planned for indoors. Everyone who wants to participate brings a white elephant that will fit in a brown paper grocery sack. What is a white elephant?

You may know this game as Chinese Christmas. What you bring is something from home you don’t want anymore. Or if you want to keep everything you own, it is something purchased for no more than $5.00. Or if you are really desperate to play and don’t want to run to the local Piggly-Wiggly for a pack of potato chips, you can put $5.00 in a bag. But it is lots more fun if it is a genuine white elephant.

are prizes for ones coming farthest, the oldest of Irish decent, the team stuffing the most inflated balloons into a pair of pantyhose worn by a man. There are slipper kicking contests, piñatas, ball throwing, foot races and, more recently, soccer or other sports.

One year they even had a yodeling contest.

Here’s a game you prepare one year ahead. It’s called “Identify the picture.” Take torso shots of men to post at next year’s reunion. Identification may not be easy since some will lose or gain weight. oyce Neal, Elkton, Maryland, says at the Thomas Family Reunion they play a game where you must learn one significant fact about each family member over the weekend.

The person with the most signatures and facts wins a prize. he Sylvester Family Reunion has contests for decorating alternatives to the traditional t-shirts. They have decorated shorts, neck ties, hats, hotel room doors as well as the family tshirts. According to Deb Bowen, Burlington, Iowa, they are all hilarious. Entries are judged and prizes awarded in age groups.

They have a trivia game played like Jeopardy with three teams competing; each team includes someone from each generation to make it as fair as possible.

They have a “hang-out” room with tables full of cards, small games, snacks, etc., so people can just hang out with cousins and play or talk together between scheduled events.

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Brittany Bergquist (15) playing cards with her first cousin, Benjamin Leonard (20), at the Sylvester Family Reunion.

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lice R. Marks, Colorado Springs, Colorado, writes, “I set up board games and a jig-saw puzzle in the party room.” She and her husband, Murray, put their spare change and a few bills into a glass jar and sealed it up. Everybody had fun guessing the amount of money. The little kids guessed outrageous amounts, which added to the fun. Then, on Sunday morning they awarded the jar to their grandson Matthew, who had guessed a number closest to the actual total.

Decorating is a Sylvester family tradition. One year men decorated shorts and They copied nearly 100 old and another year everyone decorated neckties. new pictures from albums and taped them to large cardboard sheets displayed on easels.

Everybody loved finding their own pictures and identifying others.

After dinner, pictures were free for the taking and there were none left. en Brechtel, Huachuca City, Arizona, has hosted McFarland Family Reunions. At first, children played on playgrounds and there was horseshoe pitching for adults and foot racing for children. There

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riendly games, competition and tournaments are common to all reunions. During the years when there are Summer Olympics, many reunions do a

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series of competitions with medals, ribbons and bragging rights as the payoff. Here the Malone Family Reunion enjoys some competitive volleyball.

ctivities that involve family members of all ages are enjoyed each year at the ALAFFFA (Abbott, Lizanov, Alzo, Figlar, Figlar, Figlar, Augenstein) reunion. This “Cornhole” bean-bag toss game board, designed by ALAFFFA-ite Soon Pak, is a family favorite.

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HARD TIMES

How some reunions are thriving and saving

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e have been asking readers for ideas for reunions to survive hard economic times and how they save money and still have a fun time. We identified reunions, which, responding to a survey, indicated they spend less than $1000 on their reunions, and specifically asked them to share the ways they save and in some cases they also share how they raise money for their reunions.

Overall they are seeking value for your reunion buck. No need to sacrifice the “bang” to spare the budget. Creativity helps you wow the crowd whether you spend a lot or a lot less.

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isha Amerson of Gray, Georgia, says the Sullivan Family orders barbecue and asks everyone to bring desserts.

There are no decorations because the reunion is outside.

Amerson has a pool where they cool off and kids create their own games. She calls it just a laid back, relaxing day to spend talking about old times and MEMORIES! The Sullivans don’t set a fee but ask for contributions, so if someone can’t afford to attend because of a fee, others donate more. That way everyone attends. “We always come out even,” she says. She buys plates/plasticware/napkins/cups in bulk to have enough for two years or so.

Sullivan Family Reunion.

Sullivans have also done a spaghetti dinner where they prepared the spaghetti themselves and ordered Olive Garden salad with their dressing.

It was the best dinner yet, Amerson reported. It was cheap and wonderful. Lots of compliments. Spaghetti goes a long way!

Lovine Moss of Rock Hill, South Carolina, says the Moss Family Reunion keeps costs down by holding family yard sales and auctions and creating a family cookbook that generated a lot of money. Everyone brings well filled baskets of food which are set out on two to three eight-foot tables and another two tables loaded with desserts. “One thing about our family,” says Moss, “we love to cook. One cousin makes biscuits for the whole crowd. Her husband is the official tea maker who makes at least 10 gallons of tea.”

They take up donations each year to offset the cost of the building and paper products. They, too, buy paper products in bulk. Last year they raffled a handmade quilt. One year they took an old photo of their grandparents and their seven boys, had it framed and auctioned it. Everyone wanted that picture.

Members also bring goodie baskets for door prizes.

One cousin works at a candy packaging business and they’ve gotten candy with their name and date of the reunion on the wrapper. Another cousin owns a screen printing shop where they’ve ordered t-shirts, ball caps and tote bags to sell.

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For the past several years people have donated stuffed animals so each child gets a stuffed toy to take home. This seems to go over big with the small kids.

Sharon Rogers of Eagle River, Wisconsin, says the Hatton/Quinn Family Reunion has an auction every year.

Everyone makes a handmade item or purchases something neat to auction off. Sharon bought items from an Irish store and “made a killing on them.” Their reunions are every three years, which gives them plenty of time to pick up bargains to use for the next gathering. Then they all chip in and bring something for the picnic; however, their kitty pays for meat they grill at the park. The meat money comes out of an account from the previous reunion. They are always looking for deals on decorations, prizes, printing paper for the invites, etc.

Anne Petrous of New Baltimore, Michigan, describes her Harder Family Reunion as pretty simple, but everyone has a good time. They must, because they come back every year, Anne adds. One family member is an AMVET, so they get a nice discount on using AMVET hall – inside and out – with a covered pavilion ($150 for the day). A huge grill is used to barbeque chicken and cook burgers and hot dogs. Everyone brings a side dish or dessert to share. And, they collect recipes for a family cookbook. They are working on their second cookbook. Most of the supplies and prizes are purchased at the Dollar Store.

During the “family meeting” they add up all the costs, including postage, and everyone donates to cover the costs. It averages out to $5 for “singles” and $15 for “families.”

One person is in charge of games, and last year, there were also games for the adults. The hall has a small swing set for the kids to play on, and a horse shoe pit.

The Harders display their family tree, drawn on the back of a table cloth over 50 years ago. Anne says, “I also display our

Moss Family Reunion.

Kilpatrick Family Reunion.

linage, which has been traced back to the late 1500s.” No, she was not the one who was able to trace the info back that far, but, she has added to it. She has put the info online and others are starting to add more. Last year, she started a Yahoo Group for family to stay in touch.

Anne says that reunions don’t have to be expensive.

“Actually, if ours was, we would not be having them. We all ‘chip in’. Our family has had a yearly reunion for over 60 years!

It also helps to have the reunion on the same day every year!”

Mary Garavaglia of Sterling Heights, Michigan, reports that the Kilpatrick Family Reunion meets every two years in North Carolina and last time used an air-conditioned Boys and Girls Club dining hall where the cost is very reasonable. There was a lake for paddle boating and other things to do although hot weather kept most inside visiting with family.

Finding different places gets harder and harder each year since some places aren’t around anymore and others have raised their prices so there’s a lot of checking at least a year in advance. They start hunting early to find a good place and a good price.

They pass the hat and take up a collection to pay any bills and to have money set aside for the next reunion. It’s nice to know there’s money in the till and what we have to work with, says Garavaglia.

Their food is all homemade. Most everyone brings a dish and others buy food, like roast chicken or deli food. It’s also a good time to pass around family recipes. There’s always one dish everyone ooohhhss and aaahhhs over.

All printed matter was done by family members and the reunion paid the cost of ink and paper.

Sandra Davis of Round Rock, Texas, says the EcholsHenderson Family Reunion is a small group but they have two and a half days of fun. They are campers and stay at Texas State Parks. Some have RVs, some tents and some rent shelters. They max out the person-per-campsite and bring their own food to cook. They play bingo each year to pay for next years prizes and, in general, watch their pennies.

According to Melanie Thomas of Witchita, Kansas, the Thomas Family Reunion goes to the same park in Liberal, Missouri, where they all grew up and a lot of cousins still live.

Each year they barbeque and make food to bring. They share

stories and pictures. Most are elderly so do few activities but are thinking of things to entice and encourage younger members to come. They hope for a bigger turn out each year, which is why they keep it inexpensive.

Lisa Alzo of Ithaca, New York, hasn’t seen any real negative effects on the ALAFFA reunion. She says they’ve been pretty frugal over the past few years and don’t have unnecessary expenses. This year they are changing things a bit to give the two main organizers a break because they always handle the cooking and preparation. The ALAFFAs plan to have one big catered meal (two hot dishes, cold cuts and salads) in the middle of the afternoon instead of lunch and dinner. Family members bring cookies or snacks like fruit/veggies and dips, etc. Their activities are low-cost because one cousin, who is a teacher, is quite creative. The biggest expense is the venue, which they reserve a year in advance and requires an alcohol permit to serve beer.

Echols-Henderson Family Reunion.

Finally, we found some ways to save money in an issue of Meetings and Conventions Magazine. They suggest serving substantial hors d’oeuvres instead of a plated meal. Or you can shrink portions – and the size of dishes, cups and glasses – to limit consumption. Costs can also be cut by reducing an event’s duration: shave half a day off a multi-day program, eliminating the cost of a final dinner, another night in the hotel and breakfast.

Keep an eye on destinations that offer good deals as visitor numbers dwindle. Avoid downtown hotels. Book in suburbs or cities near major airports Be flexible with dates. Date flexibility is probably the best leverage planners can have when negotiating with hotels; book your event in “shoulder” or off-seasons, or less popular days of the week. Best times vary by location.

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MILITARY REUNION NEWS

Second generation secures military legacies

by Kaye Olson

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ver the past decade, WWII veterans have struggled with decisions about the viability of their associations. More and more members are ill, debilitated and incapable of participating in national or state events. For those still mourning buddies left behind in the European and Pacific Theaters, reality has hit that their current comrades are quickly slipping away.

A domino effect exists. Decreasing memberships are dissolving state chapters, and reunions face a shift in attendees. Veteran numbers are down, widows have increased and attendance by other family members is climbing.

Action was taken to ensure the Army’s 9th Infantry Division WWII division could continue to be honored in history. The veterans faced their mortality head on, placing the legacy of their division above burying their heads in the sand. The tides had turned.

Veterans of the 9th Infantry Division recognized drastic changes were needed in their association. Illnesses, deaths, lack of energy and diminishing membership plagued the group.

Timing was right to reach out. For years, veterans expressed the need to have their children more involved. Likewise, sons, daughters and other relatives observed the changing veterans and their need for help.

A second generation group formed with love, respect and admiration. The younger men and women took action to further honor their long-standing heroes with assistance.

SEEK FORMAL RECOGNITION

For smooth functioning, it’s key for an auxiliary to receive official recognition. Sons & Daughters Auxiliary of the 9th Infantry Division Association received formal approval from the association’s Board of Governors in 2005.

BUILD TRUST TO EASE TRANSITION

Trust is the result of good communication, timing and rewarding relationships. Particularly with military groups, following the veterans’ lead eases transitions. Keeping a balance while transferring responsibilities and control is key.

Communication between the veterans and the auxiliary is essential. Decades of assistance from family members to the veterans of the 9th Infantry Division helped the transition go smoothly.

BRAINSTORM AND ORGANIZE

Sympathy card created by the Sons & Daughters of the 9th Infantry Division Association which is sent to family members upon a loss of a father, uncle or grandfather.

Following WWII, when the 9th Infantry Division Association was formed, some veterans brought their children to annual reunions. For over 64 years, these sons and daughters formed an incredible bond. A formal organization of the second generation seemed natural. Many helped their parents get to reunions and assisted with reunion activities as volunteers.

Forming a new group within a military association requires cautious development. Criteria might include: • Wait for an invitation.

• Seek formal recognition.

• Build trust to ease transition.

• Brainstorm and organize.

• Create new ideas.

• Plan for the future.

WAIT FOR AN INVITATION

The need triggers the request for help. Some veterans find new energy and involvement of the younger generation exciting, while others are reticent to relinquish control. Some association members push quickly with new ideas, yet others slow the process. Thus, a balance of caution, care and communication yields results.

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Brainstorming yields decisions about membership criteria, fees, by-laws, officers, responsibilities and activities. Discuss boundaries. For instance, how quickly to act? When to become involved? How much to do? What are the lines of communication? What activities to join in on and which to do independently?

With the Sons & Daughters Auxiliary, any descendent of a WWII 9th Infantry Division Association member can join the organization. Children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren all participate. Several whose father, uncle or grandfather was killed in action or died since, also joined the group. The auxiliary is diverse and inclusive.

By-laws were written, membership cards designed and three co-officers were chosen (due to growth, another co-officer has been added). Currently, the auxiliary has co-presidents, cosecretaries and co-treasurers, which works well. The second generation group meets during national reunions. The organization assists and supports veterans with many activities and, in some cases, manages events independently.

CREATE NEW IDEAS

Even though the auxiliary answers to the veterans, maintaining creativity is important and many exciting ideas have evolved. Co-officers felt it important that members blend business and fun at reunions. Younger members photograph each veteran with his family as they arrived for the reunion.

Several designed and produced a sympathy card to express support when a father, uncle or grandfather of a member passed; the front of the card displayed an American flag and

an Octofoil, the insignia of the 9th services and provide upkeep to the 9th Infantry Division; the inside shared a Infantry Division memorial. touching verse.

Although children of the veterans One member modernized always helped with reunions, the communications. The association’s associates of the Sons & Daughters have newsletter, The Octofoil, was digitized, accelerated support, money and manpower. saving production time and money. Now Since the group’s inception, they assist everyone can choose to receive their with pre-reunion registration, schedule and newsletter online, which cut costs further. work the reception area, print name tags In addition, the mailing list has been and absorb the cost, set up display tables, streamlined and quarterly issues are arrange for wheelchairs and obtain donated mailed via first class for faster delivery. gifts for prizes. With enthusiasm, they also These outcomes have saved the set up and run raffles and conduct silent association hundreds of dollars each year. auctions, hand out contributed prizes and The editor of The Octofoil created a help with the final banquet. quarterly newsletter for the Sons & Other activities keep auxiliary members Daughters Auxiliary appropriately named busy. Fundraisers are key, such as selling Author Kaye Olson studies her Uncle, S/Sgt. Louie Annear’s the Ocotofoil Legacy. Most second t-shirts and holding raffles or auctions.

Normandy Campaign. generation participants receive the They contribute annually to the newsletter online to save costs. He also established a digital association’s treasury. At national reunions, they eagerly listen archive as a memorial to 9th Infantry Division veterans. to WWII stories, walk through the 9th Infantry Division Photos, documents and other historical items are now a campaigns with veterans and record reminiscences of war resource online for present and future generations of the experiences. veterans’ descendants and war historians. The eight WWII Another member of the Sons and Daughters established the campaigns courageously fought by these men are etched in Octofoil.org website, dedicated to the WWII veterans of the 9th history forever.

Infantry Division.

Since the end of WWII, 9th Infantry Division veterans PLAN FOR THE FUTURE gathered in Worcester, Massachusetts, every October for a Over time, second generation groups will face more memorial service. For many decades, Rev. Edward T. Connors, decisions.

After our WWII veterans are gone, how will our who had accompanied the veterans throughout WWII, goals and mission be altered? What activities will we keep? delivered the memorial service while hundreds of veterans Which involvements will cease? Will there still be reunions? participated. Even since Connors’ death, the memorial service Does technology hold the connections? Many answers await. continues. In October 2008, only two veterans were able to At recent reunions, the 9th Infantry Division veterans relax, attend, but they were surrounded by members of the Sons & enjoy and – most important – reconnect with comrades.

Daughters. The younger generation hopes to organize future They’ve earned a rest. The veterans hold the deepest gratitude for the Sons & Daughters’ efforts.

For WWII veterans, then the Korean and Vietnam heroes, second generation groups will excel in keeping alive the mission, objectives, campaigns and history.

Younger generation contributions are boundless. These groups hold the key to providing support, assistance, financial help and the ultimate tribute of maintaining legacies for courageous warriors who gave their all to keep our country free.

About the author Kaye Olson, DeWitt, Michigan, is a National and State member of the WWII 9th Infantry Division Association. She is a charter member of the Sons & Daughters Auxiliary and a proud niece of WWII S/Sgt. Lewis (Louie) Annear, K.I.A. 7-11-44 in France. Kaye has authored two books and writes for national professional journals, newsletters and magazines.

Co-officers, William Sauers, Claire Irwin, Mary Cooper and John Sabato lead the Sons & Daughters’ Auxiliary of the Ninth Infantry Division Association.

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MILITARY REUNION NEWS

Resting place for air crew’s legacy

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum

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etween March and August of 1945, Joe Chovelak and 10 other members of the Nathan Crew in the 314th Wing of the US Air Force’s 29th Bomb Group flew 35 night fire bombing missions over Japan.

These were experiences that the crew wouldn’t recount together for 40 years.

The 29th Bomb Group didn’t hold its first reunion until 1985, and that reunion provided Chovelak with 23 years worth of work to keep him busy. Veterans made the rounds at that initial reunion and realized that, while they remembered the crew members’ names and even knew what had become of some, they knew very little of men who served elsewhere in the group. Even worse, many knew nothing about the 21 crews whose planes were lost in action, Chovelak said.

Chovelak became the 29th Bomb Group’s historian, a position he still holds today.

At 83 years old, though, he has set out to find permanent homes for his vast collection of materials pertaining to the 29th Bomber Group.

At the Group’s reunion in Washington, DC, last year, Chovelak and those who have helped him over the years met with Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) at the Library of Congress, and presented a copy of the files of all 2,500 men who served in the 29th Bomb Group.

“Many of these people will never know this,” he said. “Their families won’t know, either, but all of their names are there for posterity.” He hopes to donate the rest of his collection to the US Air Force Museum at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

From a story by Tim Waldorf in the Naperville Sun, Naperville, Illinois.

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he Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum is a new addition to the Grout Museum of History & Science that opened recently in Waterloo, Iowa. Waterloo’s five Sullivan brothers all perished when the USS Juneau sank in battle during World War II. Exhibits include a tank, a fighter plane, the interior of a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, the front of a Korean war-era jet fighter, and a WWII Pacific theater exhibit, plus generations of memories from the Civil War to the present.

Interactive exhibits include exploring the

Show your support on Memorial Day

V With more and more veterans dying daily, their stories are being lost. Listen to our podcast at reunionsmag.com about how to encourage your veterans to tell their stories.

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inside of a tank to donning military gear of soldiers from various eras. A reconstructed bow of the USS Juneau is viewable. The museum is a research archive of Iowans’ role in US wars since the Civil War. Group tour opportunities are available and offer a unique insight into the lives and legacies of veterans.

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, 503 South Street, Waterloo, Iowa, 50701. 319-234-6357; www.groutmuseumdistrict.org.

etFriends.com reunites and honors US military veterans, and is the most visited site of its kind. Its services and features show support on Memorial Day and all year long.

• Search for veterans, active military, family and friends through a database of over 768,000 members, with 10,000 to 15,000 new members joining per month.

• Families can submit photos and biographical information about their loved ones to The Casualty Memorial. Visitors can pay their respects to fallen soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

• View thousands of military photos (past and present) submitted in honor of the many brave men and women who have served our nation.

• Search a Veterans Business Directory of veteran-owned/operated businesses across the US. • Obtain your own or a family member’s Military Records/Medals.

Visit vetfriends.com for more information.

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES

Welcome to Reunion Resources!

How to use REUNION RESOURCES Reunion resources is divided into sections. Reunion friendly places include destinations (convention, visitor and tourism bureaus) and locations (hotels, resorts, ranches, condominiums, bed & breakfasts, inns, dormitories, camps). They are listed alphabetically by state and city. The sections which follow list books and publishing, cruises, fundraising and mementos, invitations, photography, preserving reunions, postcards, and other products and services.

Many resources include e-mail and web page addresses.

Start on our web page www.reunions mag.com and in just one click, go directly to other resource pages – a wonderful way to visit, get more details and in some cases even place orders.

We encourage you to tell the listings you contact that you learned about them from REUNIONS MAGAZINE. And if at any time you find any info that is inaccurate or e-mail or web links do not work, notify us immediately at reunions@execpc.com; PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. And by all means, feel free to comment and/or suggest changes and additions you’d like to see in this section.

REUNIONS MAGAZINE will not be held liable for information presented as facts in these ads. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication.

US DESTINATIONS NATIONAL FOREVER RESORTS offers vacations for a lifetime with 46 destinations to choose from and enjoy. From wilderness lodging in Northern AZ to our smooth-water raft trip from the base of Hoover Dam…from touring the famed Southfork Ranch to awe inspiring views of the Rockies. Not to mention, 12 houseboat marinas including Lake Powell. Come see why we are the ideal spot for reunions. 480-998-7199 x 7114; fax 480-998-9965; mkien@ForeverResorts.com; www.ForeverResorts.com.

ALABAMA MOBILE BAY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 1 South Water Street, Mobile AL 36602. Rely on us to make planning your reunion easy and affordable with these services: Direct contact with hotels to obtain rates and banquet pricing, a single proposal packet detailing military sites, attractions, dining and transportation, follow-up to answer all your special needs, sightseeing service to coordinate your leisure activities. Call 800-566-2453 ext 4 for a free Planning Guide. E-mail to ronmcconnell@mobile.org. Visit us at www.mobilebay.org.

ARIZONA RADISSON SUITES HOTEL TUCSON AIRPORT 7051 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85756. We are Reunion Specialists! Our spacious suites with full amenities, lush courtyards with fountains, pool and whirlpool spa will make your group feel right at home!

We have great on-site dining and beautiful banquet facilities for groups large & small. A full American breakfast buffet, evening reception & internet access are included in the rate! Call 520225-0800 for information or email: habbott@viharas.com. www. radisson.com/tucsonaz

ARKANSAS HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, ARKANSAS America's First Resort. Planning a reunion in Hot Springs offers you one destination with a million possibilities. Enjoy art galleries, museums and architecture, our relaxing spas, theme parks, rivers and lakes, music and magic shows, thoroughbred racing, a botanical garden and more. Come indulge yourself in our hospitality.

800-922-6478. or www.hotsprings.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! SPRINGDALE ARKANSAS Centrally located Springdale offers endless possibilities for great reunions. Surrounded by great attractions, including the Jones Center for Families offering endless activities. Minor league baseball, Northwest Arkansas Naturals, museums, art galleries, and water sports and much, much more. 800-972-7261; www.springdale.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CALIFORNIA BALBOA INN "The Resort" and Banquet facility is located on the beach offering 45 rooms and ocean view suites with balconies and state of the art amenities. Located at 105 Main Street, Newport Beach CA 92661. 949-675-3412; Toll Free: 877BALBOA9; fax 949-673-4587; www.balboainn.com; info@balboainn.com

Campgrounds that can accommodate your desires; each one will email you directly with additional information. OR download our free Colorado Vacation Directory to compare reunion locations, which includes Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do. www.

TheCVD.com/OrderForm.html COLORADO VACATION RENTALS

BUENA PARK CONVENTION & VISITORS OFFICE 6601 Beach Blvd. Suite 200, Buena Park CA 90621-2904. Come see why we are the ideal spot for reunions and family vacations. We are home to five major tourist attractions including Knott's Berry Farm and only ten minutes away from Disneyland. Accommodations, restaurants and shopping are all within a mile! Beaches and mountains close by. Call 800-541-3953 for a free Travel Planner, or fax 714-562-3569. tourbp@buenapark.com; www. visitbuenapark.com.

BRECKENRIDGE is the perfect destination for any reunion.

Vibrant history, natural beauty, and adventures for all ages make for an ideal locale, especially with our mild summer mountain weather. Our full-service reservation center also books: activities, lift tickets, golf and transportation. Let our reunion expert help create the Colorado getaway you've always imagined! Brecken-ridge Hospitality P.O. Box 8329, 535 S. Park Avenue, Breckenridge CO 80424; 888-483-6142; fax 970-453-5165; brecklodging groups@ vailresorts.com; www.BreckenridgeHospitality.com.

YOSEMITE PINES RV RESORT & FAMILY LODGING 20450 Old Highway 120, Groveland, CA 95321 (209) 962-7690 We offer some of the best lodging near Yosemite National Park with an assortment of cabins in a variety of sizes and price points.

Our Luxury Cabins offer plenty of space with a large double loft and room for eight people, while our Premium Loft Cabins offer a large single loft and room for six people. Spaces to accommodate all types of RVs and group tent sites. The whole family will enjoy our pool area, our gold mine tour and our games area complete with sand volleyball court, tetherball and horseshoes. www.yosemitepinesrv.com.

DELAWARE

HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE 4875 N Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92106; 619-224-3621; 800-650-6660; fax 619224-1787. Host your reunion at the beautiful Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside across from San Diego Bay. Our experienced staff will assist you in creating a very special event. Complimentary hosp suite and special reunion rates. Beautiful guest rooms, heated pool, spa, shuffleboard, ping-pong and billiards, exercise room, family restaurant and cocktail lounge, free pkg, in-room movies, coffee makers, refrigerators, hair dryers; dos@holinnbay side.com; www.holinnbayside.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE™ RESORT offers a great place to sleep, eat, play and relax in a beautiful mountain setting with a wide variety of accommodations and activities such as golf, swimming and tennis in the summer and snow sports activities in the winter. It's no wonder Northstar was voted as a top 10 reunion destination by Family Travel Forum. A personal event planner is provided to help plan your unforgettable reunion.

Highway 267 & Northstar Dr., Truckee, CA 96160, 800-926-5096, northstar@boothcreek.com, www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

VACAVILLE CONFERENCE & VISITORS BUREAU 1671 E. Monte Vista Avenue, Suite 112, Vacaville CA 95688. Discover the hidden the hidden gem of Vacaville, California. We’re only a short drive from the Golden Gates of San Francisco, the Wine Country in Napa and Sonoma, our historic Capitol in Sacramento and the spectacular Sierra mountain range in Lake Tahoe. For more information please contact us at info@vacavillenow.com or 888-822-2132; visitvacaville.com.

COLORADO GOLD POINT RESORT BRECKENRIDGE CO 80424; 866664-9793. Incredible views inspire incredible memories. Gold Point Resort provides the perfect backdrop for bringing your family together. Located above beautiful Breckenridge, Gold Point offers scenery that is second to none and residences that are as expansive as the vistas. Rafting, fishing, horseback riding, alpine slide and numerous dining options are all close by. Call today to learn how to save 40%, source code REUNN. www.goldpoint.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! ESTES PARK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1200, Estes Park CO 80517. Estes Park may be the perfect setting for your reunion! Nestled in a valley surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park, fabulous scenery and recreation await you. Enjoy shopping, trout fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, golf, go karts, barbecues, hayrides, miniature golf, tram rides, scenic drives and hiking. Let our group specialist help you find lodging, meals and fun things for the whole family to enjoy! 80044-ESTES; fax 970-577-1677; groupsales@estes.org; www. estesparkcvb.com/groups.cfm.

COLORADO TRAVEL DIRECTORY COLORADO VACATION DIRECTORY Make your search for the perfect family reunion destination easier! FREE FAMILY REUNION DESTINATION LOCATION SERVICE: www.TheCVD.com/ groups and click on "EMAIL US your Request for Group Accommodations." We will then send your requirements to Cabins, Vacation Homes, Lodges, Motels, Condo's, B&B's, and

GREATER WILMINGTON CVB Nestled in the heart of the MidAtlantic, along the I-95 corridor, Delaware’s Greater Wilmington and Brandywine Valley offers meeting/event planners and their attendees’, unparalleled variety to experience…tax-free! Easily accessible by I-95, Amtrak (80 trains daily) and Philadelphia International (20 minutes), Greater Wilmington offers more than 6,000 guest rooms and the ability to accommodate 1,600 attendees.

To unlock all that this tax-free destination has to offer, the Greater Wilmington, DE-CVB holds the key. Please explore us at VisitWilmingtonDE.com or call 800-489-6664. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

FLORIDA EMERALD COAST CVB, INC. DESTIN-FT. WALTON BEACH FL Emerald Coast CVB, Inc. Destin-Fort Walton Beach – Okaloosa Island a reunion planner’s paradise with 24 miles of sugar white beaches and emerald green waters, 16,000 first-rate accommodations, 400 events & festivals, water sports, superb coastal cuisine, championship golfing, Air Force Armament Museum, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, art galleries, nature trails and the largest fishing fleet in Florida. Emerald Coast Conference Center offers 35,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and gourmet catering. Let us make your reunion planning easy! Contact Sherry Rushing, CTIS, srushing@co.okaloosa.fl.us, 1-800-322-3319; www.destin-fwb.com .

FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS…Stay In Hotels! There's only one choice to host your family reunion and that's to stay in a Florida Leisure Vacation Home. Hotels can be expensive particularly when you need multiple rooms to house everyone.

Florida Leisure has an expansive range of 3 to 7 bedroom vacation homes available and many of them are located close together so housing large parties is no problem. Our homes all have a full kitchen, living area, laundry, multiple TV's, private swimming pool and best of all our homes are really close to Walt Disney World and the other area attractions. Call 1-866-6786088 or email Reservations@FloridaLeisure.com or visit www.

FloridaLeisure.com SEMINOLE COUNTY CVB Only 15-minutes yet worlds away from Orlando, Seminole County offers great accommodations and dining – nestled among charming historical villages, surrounded by the beauty of natural Florida, peaceful rivers, fishing, boating, hiking and more. Combining a convenient location and lower average rates, Seminole County is ideal for reunions. Visit www.AFreeNight.com or call 800-800-7832 or 407-665-2900. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! FLORIDAYS RESORT ORLANDO 12562 International Drive, Orlando FL 32821. Located just two miles from SeaWorld and Disney on International Drive, offers spacious two-and-three bedroom Grand Suites, with room for everyone. The free shuttle to the attractions and the I-Drive trolley makes it easy to get around town. With two heated swimming pools, game room, fitness center, and poolside bar and grille, you'll want to spend quality family time right here at the resort. 321-329-4024; fax 321-329-4001; mwinter@floridaysorlando.com; www.Floridays ResortOrlando.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! THE ORLANDO MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN is located in the center of Orlando's business and entertainment district and across from the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, Amway Arena and minutes from major attractions, shopping, entertainment and restaurants. Choose from 290 gracious guestrooms including eight parlor suites, 2 concierge and 2 executive levels providing high-speed Internet access. The Orlando Marriott Downtown has 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and a high-tech business center. We invite you to call us at 1-800-574-3160, fax 407-839-6109, www.orlandomarriott.com, SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! Check out our “Reunion to remember” package.

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CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES THE POINT ORLANDO RESORT 7389 Universal Blvd, Orlando FL 32819. Orlando’s newest, all-suite boutique hotel is one block from International Dr., and one mile from Universal Studios. Walk to Wet ‘n Wild or take the I-Ride Trolley to shops, restaurants and amusements. We offer an outdoor heated pool, banquet rooms and fitness center. Junior Suites sleep 4 and twobedroom suites sleep up to 8. 407-956-2056; www.thepointorlando.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! WET 'N WILD – ORLANDO 6200 International Dr. Orlando, FL 32819. 407-351-1800 Toll Free: 800-992-9453; www.wetnwild orlando.com; info@wetnwildorf.com. Make your reunion a splashing success! Come join us at Wet 'n Wild to celebrate your unforgettable Family Reunion. We offer a variety of group discounts for groups of 15 or more. Various food and beverage options can be added for the complete package. With more multipassenger tube rides than any other waterpark in Orlando! Open year-round with pools heated seasonally, Wet 'n Wild is the perfect place for the entire family to relax, have fun, and soak up the warm Florida sun!

COMFORT SUITES – WORLD GOLF VILLAGE 475 COMMERCE LAKE DR, ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA 32095; 877940-9501; Adjacent to World Golf Village, visitors have convenient access to area courses, the IMAX Theater, and the World Golf Hall of Fame. All 162 luxurious suites come equipped with desks, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee-makers, two telephones, and high-speed Internet access. A heated indoor pool, exercise facility, outdoor pool, whirlpool, and sundeck round out the hotel's recreational facilities. Enjoy an upscale continental breakfast and drinks at the popular Mulligan Pub in the evening. Group discounts available. www.cswgv.com or comfortsuites@bellsouth.net. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! QUORUM HOTEL TAMPA 700 N. Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609. Summer 09' Weekend Group rates starting from $69 with breakfast! Perfect location for Busch Gardens and pristine beaches. Restaurants and shopping within walking distance.

You'll love our free massage, and complimentary drink. Ask about our reunion planning gift. Call Becca Zarcone 813-2883611 or bzarcone@quorumtampa.com. Visit our website at www.QuorumTampa.com.

PALM BEACH COUNTY offers a diverse collection of reunion friendly hotels, boutique properties, legendary resorts and unique offsite venues for meetings. Qualifying groups reserving space now through September 30 may be eligible for a special master account rebate. To find out more information, call the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800.554.7256 or visit palmbeachfl.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

GEORGIA DOUBLETREE HOTEL ATLANTA NORTHWEST-MARIETTA 2055 South Park Place, Atlanta GA 30339. Located off I-75 north of downtown Atlanta in Marietta, close to all area attractions, shopping & restaurants. Our oversized rooms feature signature Sweet Dream bedding and Chaise lounge, Coffee Makers, Full Sized Ironing Boards and Irons, Flat Screen TV, Data Ports & Wireless Access in Rooms. Indoor and Outdoor Pools. Hotel has free parking, fitness center, restaurant & coffee bar on site. 770272-9441; fax 678-252-5907; lori@resourcehospitality.com; www.atlantamarietta.doubletree.com.

DOLCE ATLANTA – PEACHTREE offers 40 beautifully landscaped acres located only 25 miles South of Atlanta. With 233 guestrooms, tantalizing food and on site activities that include swimming, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, basketball, biking and access to 90 miles of walking paths throughout the city, there are endless options for enjoyment. Nearby shopping, golf, summer concerts and easy access to downtown Atlanta ensures something for everyone. 770-487-2666; www.dolceatlanta-peachtree-hotel.com.

GWINNETT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (ATLANTA) Minutes from Atlanta, the GCVB provides a FREE Reunion Planner, group welcome bags with gift; and free lodging assistance! Gwinnett has 97 group-friendly hotels with 33 of Atlanta's best parks, and easy I-85 access to Six Flags, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Home, the new Aquarium and Stone Mountain Park! Call Cricket Elliott toll-free at 1-888-494-6638, ext 6049; direct at 770-814-6049 or by email at celliott@gcvb.org to plan your next Atlanta-based reunion today! www.gcvb.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! JEKYLL OCEANFRONT RESORT 975 North Beachview Drive; Jekyll Island GA 31527; 912-635-2531; fax 912-635-9072: linda.amazon@jekyllinn.com; www.jekyllinn.com 42

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SAVANNAH GETAWAYS 509 E. McDonough Street, Savannah GA 31401; 866-690-2074; info@savannahgetaways.net; www. savannahgetaways.net

IDAHO BOISE offers the culture and entertainment of a large urban area in a place that feels a little like everyone's hometown. Festivals, whitewater rafting, golf, riverfront bike trails, snow skiing, unique and historic attractions like the Warhawk Air Museum, a vibrant downtown, shopping, fine dining and performing arts will ensure a reunion jam-packed with memorable experiences.

BOISE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 2106, Boise ID 83701; Lisa Edens; 800-635-5240; 208-344-7777; fax 208-344-6236; ledens@boisecvb.org; www.boise.org.

ILLINOIS ILLINOIS BUREAU OF TOURISM Come discover the “Soul of Illinois,” where you can see, hear and touch the African-American experience. Visit our many family-friendly water parks or trace our state’s rich cultural legacy at one of our many heritage walks and museums. Check into a luxury hotel in Chicago or a cozy bed and breakfast in Galena. Host a family reunion in one our scenic state parks. Visit SoulfulIllinois.com or call 1.800.2CONNECT for your free Official African-American Travel Guide. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! RECONNECT IN LAKE COUNTY halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Lake County's natural spaces and fun places are the perfect place for your next reunion. Our world-class attractions and more than 60 lodging properties, including three resorts, will make your next reunion a resounding success. For free Reunion Planning Assistance call or email us with your reunion planning questions to tourism@lakecounty.org; www. lakecounty.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! CHICAGO SOUTHLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Discover the unexpected in Chicago Southland, the ideal location for your next family reunion! The Chicago Southland offers an array of family-friendly accommodations, attractions and outdoor recreation venues. Parking is FREE. We offer FREE convention services including bags, coupon books, maps and more! Visit our website www.VisitChicagoSouthland.com or call 888-8953211. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

INDIANA FORT WAYNE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1021 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne IN 46802; 260-424-3700; visitorinfo@visitfortwayne.com; www.visitfortwayne.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MICHIGAN HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES/BELLEVILLE is located off of I-94 Service Dr. and Belleville Rd. in the beautiful city of Belleville, Michigan near the Belleville Lake with entrance to Lower Huron Metro Park. We are dedicated to serving your next reunion with the utmost service you deserve. 46194 N. I-94 Service Dr., Belleville, MI. 48111, 734-857-6200. Check us out at www.hiexpress.com/bellevillemi and see what all we have to offer. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! GREEKTOWN CASINO – HOTEL is the best venue for your group. The hotel offers theme buffets, 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, rates based on double occupancy, and is located in the heart of Detroit's Greektown entertainment district. More than 26 restaurants within walking distance, over 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming space and great entertainment. There is also a people mover stop located in Greektown Casino. 1200 Saint Antoine, Detroit MI 48226; 877-GCH-5554; www.greektowncasino.com.

DETROIT METRO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Thinking of meeting in Detroit? We offer great services such as tracing your family history, securing permits for area parks, searching for hotel accommodations and much more. Detroit is home to great family fun attractions including The Henry Ford, America’s greatest history attraction, the Detroit Zoo, fine museums and numerous festivals and events. 1-800-CALL-DTW (225-5389), www.visitdetroit.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MINNESOTA WORRY-FREE REUNIONS AT CRAGUN’S RESORT 11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd MN 56401: 800-CRAGUNS (272-4867).

Since 1940 Cragun’s has taken pride in creating memorable reunions ... here’s why: 1) trained coordinator will help plan it all, 2) arrival “Welcome” and registration areas with planned activity agendas, 3) activities including golf outings, lake cruises, picnics, fishing contests, horse drawn trolley rides and more, 4) indoor facilities to ensure you a “weather-proof” reunion, 5) private gathering areas, 6) special celebration meals, 7) professional

group photos, 8) and best of all, enjoy a safe, secure friendly environment. Come to Cragun’s for your reunion. Named “One of MN’s ideal locations to hold a Reunion.” by AAA. Call for FREE Reunion Planning Packet or visit: www.craguns.com/157.

MISSISSIPPI TUPELO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU Tour a classic car museum filled with over 100 antique and classic cars, go wild at an exotic animal park, experience Elvis Presley at his birthplace and museum, shop at one of the state’s largest malls and revel in our many exciting year-round events. Tupelo… the Place to Go! 800.533.0611 or www.tupelo.net. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MISSOURI THE BRANSON/LAKES AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Located in America's heartland, Branson, Missouri is the perfect destination for your next reunion because we offer so many choices of entertainment, lodging, attractions, dining and more. Remember, in Branson, our value is unrivaled, our scenery breathtaking and our time-honored Ozarks hospitality inviting.

Call us toll free at 800-636-8573 or visit our website at explorebranson.com and request a 2007 Reunion Planner Sales kit. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! INDEPENDENCE, MO TOURISM DEPT. 111 E. Maple, Independence, MO 64050; 866-657-MEET. Let Independence welcome your reunion group, all at a great value and in a convenient location. Enjoy nationally recognized heritage and cultural attractions, one-of-a-kind restaurants, great shopping, outdoor activities, a variety of accommodations and more. Add in a trip to nearby Kansas City or an afternoon of professional football or baseball. We provide itinerary planning, discounts and other assistance. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! www.Independence Meetings.com.

MONTANA MONTANA'S FLATHEAD VALLEY is the gateway to Glacier National Park and home to Flathead Lake and Big Mountain Ski Resort with an abundance of recreation and cultural treasures.

Discover picturesque towns, championship golf, museums, galleries, shopping, fine cuisine and true western hospitality. Flathead CVB, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT 59901; 800-543-3105; fax 406-257-2500; fcvb@fcvb.org; www.montanasflatheadvalley.com.

NEVADA MARDI GRAS HOTEL & CASINO 3500 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV. Conveniently located just off the Strip and a 3 minute walk to the Monorail. Spacious oversized guestrooms each 400 sqft w/ mini-frig. Fun, affordable restaurant/bar open 24 hours.

Have your banquet in our 4000 sqft of flexible event space. Enjoy all the fun and excitement of Las Vegas without the high price tag.

Create a lasting memory for all with the personal attention you will receive from our friendly staff. Call today for great group rates! 702-731-2020 x 743; www.mardigrasinn.com.

DESERT ROSE RESORT 5051 Duke Ellington Way, Las Vegas NV, 89119; Phone 888-732-8099, Fax 702-597-3345; Spacious renovated condo-style suites with full kitchen, separate living room, dining room and relaxing balcony. Each room is modern and beautifully decorated; Property features continental breakfast each morning; location is just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip, McCarran Airport. Resort consists of 284 suites in addition to newly refurbished pool and Jacuzzi with BBQ facilities and shaded seating; Banquet space available for special events.

This property makes for a perfect reunion of any kind. E-mail: Sarah-Marie Vergara, Sales Manager svergara@shellvacations llc.com;www.desertroseresort.com.

ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT SPA RENO 3800 S Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502. Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is the destination property for adventure with exciting gaming in an exotic oasis, just minutes from Lake Tahoe. With 1,000 spacious and beautifully appointed rooms, full-service European Spa & Salon – guests truly experience paradise. Our premier chefs delight your senses at any one of the eight exceptional restaurants. Complimentary airport shuttle, acres of free parking and valet available.

775-824-4400; fax 775-825-1170; www.atlantiscasino.com.

CIRCUS CIRCUS HOTEL & CASINO RENO 500 N. Sierra St. Reno NV 89503 Whether business or pleasure brings you to us, Circus Circus Reno offers over 1,500 rooms, six sensational restaurants, a unique Midway of Fun, an expansive casino floor with all the latest gaming action, and state-of-the-art convention facilities. Free airport shuttle and parking available. Call 800894-3588 or visit circusreno.com for more information. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES NEW HAMPSHIRE NASHUA RADISSON 11 Tara Blvd, Nashua, NH 03062; 603888-9970. Have your reunion at the largest castle hotel in Boston’s north neighbor-Nashua! Attractions include Canobie Lake Park, indoor skydiving, skiing, Anheuser Busch Brewery, & tax free shopping! Newly renovated, 326 guestrooms, indoor/outdoor pool, restaurant, free parking & health club. www.radisson.com/ nashuanh. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

NORTH CAROLINA LAKE LURE & THE BLUE RIDGE FOOTHILLS Family, girlfriends, military buddies, golfing, relaxing … whatever your reason for getting together, you'll find the perfect setting here. Cruise on beautiful Lake Lure, shop, go to a spa, dine, hike, bike … do it all – or do nothing at all, and enjoy your gathering with family and friends. Choose from sumptuous accommodations in an historic hotel, cabin on the lake or other unique accommodations. We are surrounded by major highways, have three major airports within an hour, and are only thirty minutes from Asheville NC. Please visit us at reunionsyourway.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

OHIO BERTRAM HOTEL& CONFERENCE CENTER 600 North Aurora Road, Aurora OH 44202. Located minutes from Wildwater Kingdom in the historic Western Reserve. Offering 224 deluxe guestrooms, suites & hospitality rooms, heated outdoor pool, two fitness, two business centers & game room, banquet facilities, casual & fine dining restaurants onsite. Area activities include spa, golf, fly-fishing, shopping, museums, horseback riding, canoeing & amusement parks. Local & airport shuttles. Virtual tour at www.thebertraminn.com. For reunion packages contact Liz Palchick at 330-995-7624.

LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS 4424 Milan Road, Suita A, Sandusky OH 44870; 800-255-3743; fax 419-625-5009; www.shoresandislands.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! OHIO ATTRACTIONS NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati OH 45202, is the nation's newest monument to freedom, spotlighting courageous acts from the Underground Railroad and beyond. Interactive and engaging, it has 5 galleries, 1 theater, a dialogue area, and research and education areas complete with a family search center to trace your heritage. Group tours and facility rental available. 877-6484838 or www.freedomcenter.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

OREGON LOON LAKE LODGE & RV RESORT 9011 Loon Lake Road, Reedsport, OR 97467 (541)-599-2244 Reserve Cabins or the Lakefront Home with fully furnished kitchens, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, for your next Family Reunion. Spaces to accommodate all types of RVs and group tent sites. There is plenty of open water for fishing, kayaking, WaveRunner riding, water skiing, or just relaxing on a leisurely pontoon boat ride. Restaurant and general store on property and catering available. Some of the smoothest water skiing in Oregon is right here at Loon Lake! www.loonlake rv.com.

PENNSYLVANIA WOODLOCH RESORT & MEETING FACILITY Nestled in the pristine forests of the Pocono Mountains Lake Region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Woodloch Resort is the ideal destination for family vacations, reunions, weddings and corporate retreats!

Featuring a private lake and miles of beautiful scenery, this 250 acre resort is located only two and a half hours from New York City and is the perfect combination of old world charm, gracious hospitality, and modern resort conveniences. We invite you to visit our website at: www.woodloch.com or call 1800-572-6658 for further information and reservations.

VALLEY FORGE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 1000 First Avenue, Suite 101, King of Prussia PA 19406. DO WHAT WASHINGTON DID. SET UP CAMP IN HISTORIC VALLEY FORGE FOR YOUR NEXT REUNION! Quality hotels, unique offproperty meeting sites, world class shopping and fine dining.

Thirty minutes from Philadelphia. Surrounded by great regional attractions. Get a free Valley Forge Meeting Planners Guide.

Contact Courtney Pozo: 610-834-7971,or pozo@valleyforge.org or visit www.valleyforge.org.

SOUTH CAROLINA OCEAN RESORTS – NORTH MYRTLE BEACH and MYRTLE BEACH, SC. BEST DEALS FOR REUNIONS! For 25 years, Ocean Resorts has been providing a variety of vacation properties perfect for your reunion needs! Located in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach and Shore Drive area of Myrtle Beach. Oceanfront and oceanview condos are available from 2 to

4 bedrooms with a variety of amenities. Call for the best group rates: 800.334.5015. StayOceanResorts.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! SEA MIST OCEANFRONT RESORT – MYRTLE BEACH SC 1200 South Ocean Blvd., 29577. REUNIONS MADE EASY! Specializing in reunions from military to family at the most affordable rates in Myrtle Beach. Sea Mist's premier oceanfront location is near shopping, theaters and golf courses. Over 600 of our 800 units have been completely remodeled, restaurants, miniature golf, 10 pools, Jacuzzis, fitness room, 17,000-sq.ft. of versatile meeting space and much more! 800-200-8687; groupsales@seamist.com; www.seamist.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

SOUTH DAKOTA RAPID CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Nestled at the base of the legendary Black Hills, Rapid City lies at the heart of the American experience, just minutes from the highest concentration of public parks, monuments and memorials in the world. Explore the South Dakota Air and Space Museum and Ellsworth Air Force Base, then cap it all off with exciting tours and fine dining before winding down in luxurious and affordable accommodations. Visit www.visitrapidcity.com or call 800.487.

3223. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

TEXAS KILLEEN CIVIC AND CONFERENCE CENTER AND CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 3601 South W.S. Young Drive, Killeen TX 76542; Visit Killeen and Central Texas' newest state-of-the-art Civic & Conference Center, and Regional Airport. Over 2000 hotel rooms, unique attractions and tours, of the world's largest military installation, Fort Hood. “Where Freedom Grows!” 254-501-3888 or www.killeen-cvb.com.

LEWISVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 606 W. Main Street, Lewisville TX 75057; 800-657-9571; fax 972-2193719; pcox@cityoflewisville.com; www.visitlewisville.com Bring your reunion to Lewisville TX, a small town within an urban metropolis. Groups choose Lewisville because of our location, hotel variety, mall shopping, restaurants, golf & Lewisville Lake.

Enjoy bass fishing, bird watching, catamaran sailing, water parks & historic Old Town, all conveniently located 10 minutes from DFW International Airport.

BLUEBONNET EVENT CENTER Adjacent to Lake Conroe KOA. 35 fully furnished 1& 2 bedroom cottages. Great Family Reunion Package – free hospitality room with kitchen if family rents 10 or more cottages for 2 night minimum. Campfires, indoor pool/hot tub, 6 acre fishing lake, playground, tennis court, shuffleboard, horse shoes, paddle boats for rent – 1 1/2 miles from Lake Conroe. 19785 Hwy. 105 West, Montgomery TX 77356; 936-582-5100; fax 936-582-1218; bluebonnetevents@ consolidated.net; www.bluebonneteventcenter.com.

UTAH PARK CITY LODGING (formerly R&R Properties) is located in the beautiful mountains of Park City, Utah. Enjoy properties throughout Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons resort areas.

We can provide many ideal accommodations for reunions, retreats and weddings. Call 800-348-6759; www.ParkCityLodging.com.

Let our knowledgeable staff assist you in creating a memorable mountain experience.

VERMONT SMUGGLERS' NOTCH RESORT At America's Reunion Resort, you'll experience Mountain Resort Living, award-winning children's programs (6wks. - 17yrs.), family activities and entertainment, swimming, skiing, hiking, dining, shopping & more.

Smugglers' Notch Resort – the only resort in North America to guarantee Family Fun – Summer, Winter & Fall. For more information, call 1-800-521-0536. or visit www.smuggs.com/reunions.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

VIRGINIA FREEDOM CENTER, LOUDON COUNTY 13951 Freedom Center Lane, Leesburg VA 20176. We have 100 beautiful wooded acres for your next reunion, birthday, anniversary or picnic.

Delicious catered meals; stocked 2 acre lake; sports and hiking areas. Visit www.freedomcenter.us or call 703-777-3505 for a tour. E-mail info@freedomcenter.us or fax 703-777-5077.

VISIT FAIRFAX / FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA Enjoy everything the National Capital Region has to offer. From the monuments and memorials of Washington DC to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. UdvarHazy Center to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Fairfax County is an ideal location for your military or family reunion. Call us at 703-790-0643 or visit our website today at www.fxva.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

WEB PAGE: reunionsmag.com CALL: 414.263.4567 FAX: 414.263.6331 E-MAIL: editor@reunionsmag.com WRITE: PO Box 11727 Milwaukee, WI 53211-0727 M AY / J U N E / J U LY 20 0 9 O R E U N I O N S

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CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES NEWPORT NEWS Close encounters with the ocean, ships, history and the great outdoors in one central destination. All this, plus Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. Whether getting together with old classmates, shipmates or "familymates", Newport News provides the perfect location and services to make your reunion a success! Outstanding services and support, the best value and plenty to see and do, Newport News will make your next reunion a memorable one. Call Cheryl Morales at 888-493-7386 or email her at cmorales@nngov.com to book your reunion. www.newportnews.org.

NORFOLK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 232 East Main Street, Norfolk VA 23510. Norfolk's beautifully revitalized waterfront, rich military heritage, walkable downtown and central Mid Atlantic location make it the ideal destination for your next reunion. Home to such attractions as the Battleship Wisconsin, MacArthur Memorial, Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the world's largest naval base. See why American Heritage named Norfolk "A Great American Place." Offering over 2,000 committable hotel rooms in various price ranges. Call 800-368-3097; dallen@ norfolkcvb.com; www.norfolkcvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

WEST VIRGINIA

MUSIC CD OR TAPE

REUNION PLANNERS

THE MALONE FAMILY CHOIR: A FAMILY REUNION is an original gospel CD opening with a song you'll want to play to say Welcome to Our Family Reunion! at your family reunion. CD $15 or tape $10 + s/h.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REUNION MANAGERS (NARM) PO Box 335428; North Las Vegas NV 89033 narm@reunions.com; www.reunions.com.

POSTCARD ANNOUNCEMENTS Notify your reunion members to SAVE THE DATE (bright red, they'll not miss it!) and when you need reminders, send postcards that say TIME IS RUNNING OUT. Fill-in cards – $15 p/100 postcards or 20¢ each + s/h — you fill in the date and reunion name; or Custom printed cards - $45 p/100 postcards or 50¢ each.

Send info to be printed: for SAVE THE DATE! (name, date, & place of reunion, contact info).

For TIME IS RUNNING OUT (name & date of reunion & RSVP date) + fax number or email address to get your approval before we print. Send to Reunions Magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727; credit card charges call 1-800-373-7933, ext. 4 or order online; www.reunionsmag.com/shopping.

THE WOODS RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER is located in the Northern Shenandoah Valley & offers lodge rooms, cabins, villas & private rentals. 36 holes of golf, 3 pools, basketball, racquetball, tennis, softball, playground, exercise room, & the Sleepy Creek Spa. Conference & dining facilities. 1694 The Woods Rd., Hedgesville WV 25427; 800-248-2222; fax 304754-8146. Kathy@TheWoods.com; www.TheWoods.com

All pre-paid parking reservations include complimentary shuttle service, luggage assistance, and $100,000 of Automatic Flight Insurance provided at no additional cost. Visit reunionsmag.com and click on PARK RIDE FLY for discount airport parking at more than 50 U.S. airports and start saving today!

WISCONSIN

BADGES AND BUTTONS

TUNDRA LODGE RESORT, WATERPARK & CONFERENCE CENTER 865 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay WI 54304; Contact Julie Tennessen at 920-496-2227; jtennessen@tundralodge.com or contact Michelle Johnson at 920-491-5761; mjohnson@ tundralodge.com; www.tundralodge.com.

NAMETAG (PHOTO BUTTON) Using the alumni' photo we create a custom button with your school name, colors, and reunion year. Attachment options and accessories are available.

We offer personalized service and quick turnaround. Visit us at www.TheButtonFactory.com/Reunions.htm

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

BOOKS & SOFTWARE

All of the following can be purchased at www.reunionsmag.com/ shopping or call 1-800-373-7933, ext. 4.

THE REUNION PLANNER 11661 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 306, Los Angeles CA 90049; 310-820-5554; fax 310-820-8341; lindah@reunionplanner.com; www.reunionplanner.com.

BOOKS THE FAMILY REUNION SURVIVAL GUIDE: How to Avoid Problems With Your Family Without Avoiding Your Family by Laurence A. Basirico. (2003, Identity Publishing, $11.95). A book about relationships at family reunions and how to enjoy them. Based on original research.

2106 Coy St., Burlington, NC. (336) 584-1442.

Secrets of Successful Family Reunions, by Robert W. Wolfe a.k.a. Uncle Bob A how-to-book for successful family reunions. Whether simple or elaborate it helps those who wish to pass their values to the next generation. 2008. $16.99 + s/h.

The Pick A Party book set, by Patty Sachs, party-planning expert.

Book #1: Pick a Party, The Big Book of Party Themes and Occasions, 100 theme party plans for holidays, milestone occasions and special events.

Book #2 Pick-A-Party Cookbook, Includes menus, recipes and table decoration ideas for the 100 theme parties in Book #1. Regularly $20 for the set, only $16.00 + $2 s/h) for Reunions magazine readers.

Family Reunion, by Mary Quattlebaum, Illustrated by Andrea Shine. Thoughtful and fun, this book gives glimpses of family togetherness and tradition through various poetic forms, including free verse, a sonnet, haiku, a ballad and more. $16 + s/h.

The Miles of Smiles: 101 Great Car Games & Activities, by travel writer Carole Terwilliger Meyers. "May be the ultimate solution for back seat squabbling" on the way to your reunion.

Keep kids entertained all the way there. $8.95 + s/h.

Treasure and Scavenger Hunts (3rd ed.) How to Plan, Create, and Give Them, by Gordon Burgett Communications Unlimited, 2007, 134 pp. $15.95 + s/h or $12.95 digital.

Your Living Family Tree: Keeping your family together forever through print, photos, sound and video, by Gordon Burgett Communications Unlimited, 2008, 174 pp. $17.95 + s/h or $15.95 digital.

WHEN YOU’VE FINISHED USING THIS MAGAZINE, PLEASE RECYCLE IT. 44

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AIRPORT PARKING

COOKBOOKS The Cookbook People Family Reunion Cookbook Software Write, organize and print a family reunion cookbook from your own computer with Matilda's Fantastic Cookbook Software.

There are no extra charges or contracts. 27 templates give you a variety of cookbook designs you can print with your home printer. www.cookbookpeople.com.

GAMES FAMILY REUNION GAME is a personalized family game that takes your unique family history, stories and trivial facts and preserves this information in a fun, interactive, custom-made board game. In addition, each game comes with a game board made exclusively for you with your individual family photos.

This game is ideal for reunions and get-togethers and for preserving your family's heritage and unique stories. Document your legacy at familyreuniongame.com. Contact Jenny Jordan at: jordans@familyreuniongame.com.

Seeking ideas to build enthusiasm before your reunion? Create an online matching game of Then and Now photographs and challenge everyone to pair them up. We help you digitize old photographs inexpensively and invite everyone to contribute current pictures.

10% discount coupon: RM1. Can you recognize everyone at www.YouHaveNotChangedOneBit.com?

NAMETAGS/ MEMENTOS REUNION NAME TAGS Full color photo quality nametags for your family, military or school reunion. Thermal imaged on credit card size vinyl badges with lanyards or gator clips that stay on, without damaging clothing. Affordable, durable, unique. Call or e-mail for free samples. Reunion Name Tags. 775-686-0441; yournametags@wildblue.net or www.reunionnametags.com.

MAKE A REUNION MEMORY BOOK We know how important your upcoming reunion is and School Annual wants to help you preserve these memories. Why not create your very own memory book! Our unique online page creation allows a multiple user interface. School Annual has the tools to make a fast, fun and easy way for your group to celebrate and share their story. Start building a new tradition; contact us for information and ideas to create your personal Reunion Memory Book. School Annual Publishing Company, 500 Science Park Road; Suite B, State College, PA 16803; 800-436-6030; fax 800-436-6048; yearbook @schoolannual.com; www.schoolannual.com.

IN CHARGE OF PLANNING YOUR CLASS BASH? AT CLASSMATES.COM, you'll have access to time-saving toolsand the world's largest alumni database-to make your job easier.

Contact your entire graduating class with one message. Create surveys to find out what your attendees want to eat, see, and do.

And when details (inevitably) change, post event updates on the fly. Plan at www.classmates.com/reunion and reunite relaxed.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

REUNION RIBBONS REUNION ‘09? Colorful, embossed custom ribbons (in your words) add a “touch of class” to your event & name badges. Ideal bookmark-keepsake that says “you were there”. Created expressly for class, family and military reunions. Class Ribbons available in school colors. For sample ribbon and idea brochure: REUNION MATE 800-208-6804 or www.ribbons4reunions.com

REUNION WEBISTE BUILDER & REGISTRATION MYEVENT.COM Create your own reunion website with no skills. It's fast and easy to use. Your reunion website has great features and planning tools. It will make planning much easier and everyone will love it! Features: Online registration, rsvp, ticket payment, message boards, family tree, guest book, quiz, poll, stories, photo albums, no ads, travel information, more. 7 day free trial. Only $9.95 / month. www.myevent.com. Any Questions - 877-769-3836 or info@myevent.com.

REUNION SOCIAL NETWORKING & TRAVEL PLANNING Groople, the leading online group travel planning and booking site, is now a preferred supplier for Reunions magazine. The partnership will provide several advantages for the Reunions magazine customers including the ability to have their own reunion web page on Groople's newest social networking site, GroopVine. Other advantages include the ability to easily search for hotels that are most appropriate for reunions, get rates instantly for up 9 rooms and rates within 24 hours for more than 10 rooms, and book air and car for your reunion. Groople has booked thousands of reunions and understands the challenges and needs of the reunion organizers. Groople can accommodate special needs of all ages and help the organizer find the right travel solution. Find us at www.reunionsmag.com.

T-SHIRTS **FAMILY REUNION T-SHIRTS by Cacprintwear.com** Experience the advantage of buying manufacturer direct. Our designs make the difference, our graphic art's staff will help you customize a special design with all your reunion details free of charge. Free banner or cookbook offer, free shipping and friendly customer service. Don't buy until you get our price! Call toll free 1-866-661-4348 AMERICA’S #1 SOURCE FOR REUNION APPAREL AND GIFTS T-shirts, Totes, Keepsakes & Gifts Easy-To-Order.

Fun-To-Wear. Fast-Turn-Around. Beautiful and colorful reunion designs as featured on Good Morning America, personalized for your event! Browse our huge selection of quality apparel and exciting new products. Shop our Reunion Kits for great package pricing and low minimums! REUNION GEAR 1-800-451-1611 www.reuniongear.com CUSTOM SCREEN PRINTING AND EMBROIDERY. Customize T-shirts and many other items for your event. Use one of our fully customizable screen print templates or a stock embroidery design and there is NO set-up charge! Quick, friendly service. A portion of every sale goes to benefit children’s charities. Contact us for a no obligation quote. www.CustomizationHQ.com; store@ customizationhq.com or 240-398-3526.

OURFAMILYREUNIONSTUFF.COM Your one-stop source for Reunion Tees & More!2774 N Cobb Parkway, Suite 109-339, Kennesaw GA 30152, 678-261-8870; fax: 678-306-0659; falisha@ourfamilyreunionstuff.com; www.OurFamilyReunionStuff .com CREATE YOUR OWN FAMILY REUNION T-SHIRT STORE at Store4Reunions.com. Design and set prices for your own family's products. Sell regular screen-printed t-shirts, special photo tees, embroidered polos, coffee mugs, and buttons. Call 800-575-2595 for FREE planner or email info@store4reunions.com for reunion planning spreadsheet templates.

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P.O. Box 11727 O Milwaukee WI 53211-0727

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