Reunions Magazine Volume 21, Number 1. August/September/October 2010 (SOLD OUT)

Convention & Visitors Bureaus can help Reunion communication Planning for kids

VOL 21 NO 1 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010 Display until October 31, 2010.

$3/USA

in this issue DEPARTMENTS FRONT WORDS – 4

August/September/October 2010 Volume 21 • Number 1

ALUM & I – 6

PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF

Wither facebook?

Reunion theatre, reunion reading (The Reunion Diet and The Last Time I Saw You), Dolly Parton goes to her reunion, a reunion that turned into tornado cleanup and charitable reunions

Edith Wagner TRAVEL EDITOR

SCRAPBOOK – 8

ART DIRECTOR

A grownup sisterhood travels to the beach by Nancy Humphrey Case Operation Pedro Pan, kind advice, Teddy Bear reunion, help from pros, special landmarks, Branson,

BRANCH OFFICE – 12 Kissin’ cousins by Jackie Utley RTV never left, Jefferson’s family, Who Do You Think You Are?

MASTERPLAN – 16 Dixons dig Little Rock by Doris Dixon McCall Montagues enjoy Williamsburg by Curt Montague The one thing you can’t cange about your health could impact you the most

by Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel, MD

KIDSSTUFF – 18 Q? & A! planning for kids Cookie up a storm at your family reunion by Risa Goldberg Creating your own tradition: produce a children’s play by Felicity M. Pool Neal Family Young Achievers, music, beat boredom, kid concoctions, must sees for American kids

ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE – 24 Celebrate a Century of Cotten How to plan a baseball outing or how about a pub crawl?

Family reunion zip, marathon, bikes, a Halloween reunion and more

EVALUATION – 28 When your reunion is over, it’s still not over Summarize your reunion Cotten Family Reunion Evaluation

REUNION VENUES & FEATURES – 30 Another Orlando by Edith Wagner CVBs: your partners in reunion planning Setting the stage by Dean Miller Everyone wins when reunions come to town Reunion School: workshops, conferences and seminars Detroit seminar report CVB specials

RSVP – 36 RSVP: reunion communication Reunions: Hardwick, Neal, Rabb-Herron, Dinwiddie, Davis, Geddis, Gaddis, Gethers, Gettis, Gathers, Montague, 6911th ESS Metro Tango, Black Butterfly (Bruton – Bunn – Ford – James families), Neptune (New Jersey) High School, Curtis/Butler.

MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 40 The Alliance of Military Reunions Donaldson AFB

REUNION RESOURCES – 41 A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products.

ON THE COVER Luke Dixon, center, 97, surrounded by his immediate family, is the oldest living member of the Dixon Family Reunion. See page 16. Photo by Leta Dixon.

Jacky Runice Jennifer Rueth SALES

Marion Liston Senior Account Manager OPERATIONS MANAGER

Karla Lavin ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Andrew Russell Bordeaux Lauren Bordeaux Nicole Dettmering Ksioszk EDITORIAL INTERN

Matthew Ellis Wilson CONTRIBUTORS

Bambi Boykin • LaTanga Blackson Mary Brunson • Penelope Bunn Nancy Humphrey Case • Anne Chlovechok Charline Cornier-Pellorin George Davis • David Dinwiddie Diane Engleking • Risa Goldberg Rob Hard • Juanita Johnson Bill King II • Wayne E. Krause Doris Dixon McCall • Dean Miller Curt Montague • Carole Neal Joyce Neal • Felicity M. Pool • Sandy Smith Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel, MD Jackie Utley • Sasha Walters Joan Curtis Waters • J. Lynne Wilson-Jenkins 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: editor@reunionsmag.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. © 2010 REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC. A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

3

FRONT WORDS

Be in touch!

NEW SEASON

Mail to R EUNIONS MAGAZINE PO Box 11727 Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 For charge orders call 800-373-7933 or visit www.reunionsmag.com or fax it to 414-263-6331.

Or best of all, e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com.

his issue kicks off the 2011 reunion planning season, and we have included lots of info to get you started for your 2011 or 2012 or even 2013 reunion!

We have always urged you to use convention and visitors bureaus as strong supporters for your planning. Many CVBs have staffers who specialize in reunion or small group meeting planning, which is to your huge advantage because they can provide a plethora of help and information that make your job a whole lot easier. In this issue we feature CVBs and their services to underscore the importance of these agencies to you and your reunion.

If you’re a complete newbie, you’ve never had a reunion before, and are still wondering where to start, Dean Miller takes you through questions that should get you on the right track in no time. His advice: contact the CVB, of course.

CVBs can help whether it’s where you live or a reunion location where no reunion members live nearby. The CVB is your advocate to open many doors. Their only goal is the same as yours: a memorable reunion.

CVBs can help you produce a request for proposal (RFP) that will be circulated to their members for response. Also try our reverse auction site, reunionsmag.hotelplanner.com, on your own. In both cases you designate your needs, what you hope to pay and how many rooms you need. Both will bid for your reunion business, but the final decision is all yours.

Look closely at the reverse auction site for hotels that also offer free rooms for planners and a rebate after your reunion follows through.

T

BUT BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Wrap up your 2010 reunion with an objective evaluation.

See ideas and a sample form on page 28.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CLASS REUNIONS

Ray Py, Wauwatosa (Wisconsin) High School Class of 1954, is a huge cheerleader for his class, the school and its history. But little could he have known the significance of his work — a labor of love — organizing reunions. One classmate had had serious suicidal thoughts, which she 4 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

overcame after getting in touch with childhood friends. The ability to reconnect with her roots was wonderful for her.

According to another classmate it possibly saved her life, and reconnecting gave her more happiness than she had known in a long time.

Py also tells about an incident at their 25-year reunion, when a banquet staffer told him someone was at the door asking for him. He found a classmate who had been untraceable for every reunion.

The classmate was clean but dressed for the street and had been living at the nearby men’s shelter. He just wanted to take a look inside at the reunion. Instead, Py welcomed him to join Py’s table to enjoy the meal. He had a great time, but when people began circulating after the meal, he thanked Py and went back into the night. The class has had regular reunions, but never heard from the classmate again.

Py often wonders whether people ever recognize the power of reunions and old friends.

JUST A THOUGHT

Love this quote in the St. Louis Post Dispatch from Cyndi Clamp, owner of Varsity Reunions, a St. Louis, Missouri, class reunion planning business: “As a friend of mine in the business says, ‘You can’t give a hug through facebook.’”

STAY IN TOUCH

Now that Reunions magazine is quarterly again, there is a lot of time between issues. There are many ways you can access reunion planning info in between. First, our website (reunionsmag.com) where, if you’re just starting out, you’ll find lots of information and ideas to help you along.

Podcasts include lots of “just starting out” discussions and can be listened to on your computer or downloaded to listen to on the go. Then, there’s our monthly email newsletter of ideas, updates, suggestions and news; sign up at reunionsmag.com. Finally, for instant updates, join our facebook page, where we post good stuff as soon as we learn about it.

And remember to send your reunion report and pictures (for the magazine and the online gallery). We all look forward to meeting/learning more about your reunions. EW

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

5

ALUM & I

Wither facebook?

Reunion reading

T

T

anya Paperny, in Campus Progress at Columbia University, says facebook won’t kill the class reunion.

Facebook seems to make users crave real-life friendships rather than — as some think — eliminate the need for face-to-face reunions.

Facebook is blamed for everything from declining productivity to the end of street activism. Don’t believe the hype.

Facebook is not rendering alumni clubs and reunions useless.

Facebook makes the idea of a reunion more exciting, because you can skip the basic get-to-know-you questions.

Facebook leads to richer conversations because we already have background from people.

What’s more, facebook should be thanking the traditional institution of class reunions for boosting their numbers. Many alumni associations use facebook as both a fundraising tool and a place to market reunions. Planning events with a high overhead and large numbers of attendees is easier and less expensive to organize on facebook than through traditional snail mail marketing.

Reunion theatre

R

“

eunited We Fall” is a fast-paced comedy about a class reunion that has the cast laughing at their own pratfalls, jokes and mishaps. It was first performed in 1990 when the financial straits of Grand Forks, North Dakota’s Fire Hall Theater were so bad they needed to produce a non-royalty play.

Theater Manager Steve Saari wrote the script, and the show played for three weekends to full houses to put the theater back in the black that season.

Saari said he can’t remember why he wrote about a class reunion, but he knew it needed to be a fast-paced piece of fluff. Looking at it recently, he thought that with a few revisions it would make a good dinner theater show. The play has action, married couples, strange characters coming and going, misunderstandings, half-truths — in short, a real farce.

From the Bemidji Pioneer, Bemidji, Minnesota.

Join reunion chat @ http://forums.reunionsmag.com 6 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

wo recent books deserve your attention. One is fiction about a 40th class reunion. The other deals with a hard fact of reunion anticipation and dieting.

T

he Reunion Diet: Lose Weight and Look Great at Your Reunion and Beyond by Sandra J. Gordon and Lisa Dorfman For millions of us, reunions offer a wake-up call.

The Reunion Diet (Sunrise River Press, 39966 Grand Ave, North Branch MN 55056; 800-895-4585; sunriseriverpress.com; paperbound, 176 pages, $12.95) includes a last-minute diet plan for those who may be reading the book without much time remaining before their reunion.

Whether you’ve got 10, 20, 30 pounds or more to lose before your reunion, The Reunion Diet can help you look and feel great when mingling and reconnecting with those you may not have seen in decades.

“Writing a book about getting ready for your reunion seemed so shallow,” Dorfman said. But she tracked down about 200 people via facebook, and realized there are all types — class reunions, family reunions, even workplace reunions.

The authors present diet plans for the amount of time left before your reunion (one year, six months, and one month). There is a plan for everyone.

Dorfman came up with a slogan. “Life is a series of reunions,” she says. “We see people from our past every day.”

From a report by Nick Sortal in the Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

T

he Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg follows five characters’ experiences at a 40th high school class reunion and is rich with memories of the past and hopes for the future.

Dorothy Shauman, a recent divorcee, attends the reunion in hopes of reconnecting with her high school crush, Pete Decker; Mary Alice Mayhew, a plain Jane who revisits past hurts; nerdy veterinarian Lester Heseenpfeffer, a recent widower; and beautiful Candy Armstrong, who fights a silent, inner battle.

The reunion changes the lives of each character in some way.

“There’s something poignant about a high school reunion that is the last one, when you know it’s going to be the last time. It makes people be more open than they might be,” Berg explained.

From an article by Amy Gale Hansen in Pioneer Press Online, Chicago suburbs.

Dolly Parton goes home for her high school reunion

W

hen Dolly Parton graduated from Sevier County High School in East Tennessee 46 years ago, it was announced during the ceremony that her dream was to be a big country-western singer. Dolly’s classmates remember her as very popular, though some laughed at her announcement. They certainly weren’t laughing when the superstar recently attended her 46th high-school class reunion.

Even though Dolly’s classmates were in awe of her, nobody dreamed she would be the global icon she is today.

Says one classmate, “No one could imagine it would be like this. She hasn’t changed. She’s been Dolly ever since I’ve known her.”

As for Dolly, she was over the moon to be reunited with so many of her old class chums after so many years.

“I loved it!” Dolly enthuses. “Some people looked good ... some didn’t look so good.

I don’t know when we can do this again, but we’re going to try on our 50th [anniversary], ain’t we?” she told the crowd ... none of whom were laughing at anything but her famous sense of humor now.

Posted by Marianne Horner on The Boot music blog.

CHARITABLE REUNIONS

Alumni association raises $3,000

T

he Walpole (Massachusetts) High School Alumni Association hosts an annual dinner dance so alumni can reunite with older or younger friends they wouldn’t see if reunions were held separately.

The proceeds — over $3,000 raised from the raffles and ticket sales — benefits students. Since its inception, the Alumni Association has donated nearly $25,000 to WHS. Last year, they provided each freshman with a daily planner; because of their popularity and, if they can raise the funds, the association will give planners to all students. They also award a $1,000 scholarship each year to a graduating senior.

From the Walpole Times, Walpole, Massachusetts.

Class of 1984 donates to scholarship fund, Haitian relief efforts

T

he Middleboro (Massachusetts) High School Class of 1984 kept reunion costs low during these economically challenged times. Because of their frugal planning, there was money left over that, with the blessing of classmates, they donated to a local charity.

A $250 donation was made to the Travis Albert Circle of Friends Memorial Scholarship, honoring the son of a classmate (travisalbertmemorial.com). In the wake of the horrific earthquake in Haiti they donated another $250 to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Haiti.

From the Middleboro Gazette, Middleboro Massachusetts.

They came for a reunion, and stayed for the cleanup

A

lumni from the Wadena-Deer Creek (Minnesota) High School spent two years planning a reunion for anyone who ever attended the school. They sent out 7,000 invitations and expected nearly 2,000 people.

Organizers were registering some of the 1,500 people already at the reunion when a storm struck. Windows blew out, and the roof of the school blew away.

After the tornado struck, it became a different sort of reunion. Organizers and visiting alumni turned their attention to cleanup. They gathered informally to learn about volunteer opportunities or coordinate get-togethers.

One of the reunion organizers said her phones were ringing nonstop from alumni calling to find out how they could help.

After she called vendors to cancel services, she helped direct people to cleanup efforts.

“The reunion is a small part of it,” an organizer said. “It’s disappointing. I don’t know how else to say it.”

From a report by Ambar Espinoza on Minnesota Public Radio.

Are you on facebook?

I

f so, we encourage you to become a fan. We use facebook for announcements and reminders about contests, sweepstakes and events that might interest readers. A quarterly magazine does not lend itself to instant communication, so we use facebook and regular e-newsletters — which you can sign up for at reunionsmag.com.

PO BOX 335428 NORTH LAS VEGAS NV 89033 800-654-2776 • reunions.com narm@reunions.com A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

7

SCRAPBOOK

Operation Pedro Pan reunion

O FOR THIS ISSUE ONLY The list of workshops offered by convention and visitors bureaus are in a section about the work of CVBs. Look for it later in this issue. All events prefer or require advance reservations and are free or at nominal cost. For more information and new events added, visit reunionsmag.com, and click on workshops, conferences and seminars.

GREATER BOSTON-PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS

November 4-7, 2010 The Alliance of Military Reunions Contact Skip Sander, 412-367-1376; militaryreunions@aol.com; AllMilitaryReunions.org.

ESTES PARK, COLORADO

November 12-14, 2010 Family Reunion University YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center Contact Conference Office at 800-777-9622 WINTER PARK, COLORADO

October 22-24, 2010 Family Reunion University YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Contact Conference Office, 800-777-9622

Kind advice

I

n a speech, Bishop Yvette Flunder told a story about a family reunion. A homophobic grandson asked his grandmother to not invite a gay cousin to the reunion. The gay people, he felt, added an element that wasn’t welcome. His grandmother, the matriarch and host of this gathering said, “Let me tell you two things: This is not your party. And it ain’t your birthday. You don’t get to decide who’s included.”

The point is that Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people get to show up, they have a right to celebrate, they deserve to be proud.

Obviously. And they need to tell homophobic, small-minded, haters, “This is not your party.

And it ain’t your birthday.”

Gay or straight, I think it applies to just about anything negative one might encounter.

And I’ve managed to use it every day since.

Posted by Beth Spotswood on the San Francisco Chronicle Culture Blog.

8 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

peration Pedro Pan, led by the Roman Catholic Church with help from the US government and Cubans in Miami, helped more than 14,000 Cuban children escape the Castro regime from 1960 to 1962. Some lived with relatives. Many went to temporary camps, then orphanages or foster homes.

One mother, now 94 and living in Miami, said she sent her son to the US because, “It’s better for you to live in a country that is free.”

Five decades later, the children of Operation Pedro Pan are proud, successful Americans with a shared past.

Recently, some of the Cuban refugees had a reunion to remember where they came from and share where they’ve been since. The reunion commemorated the 50th anniversary of the freedom flights. Some had been looking for fellow immigrants for decades and found them only recently through a Miami Herald database.

From a story by Susan Jacobson in the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, Florida.

(Note: CNBC has been repeating a very interesting feature about this reunion.)

Special landmarks

H

ampton® Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark® is committed to restoring the roadside attractions long enjoyed by road tripping families. Find great kid-friendly road trip ideas and information related to hundreds of US landmarks at hamptonlandmarks.com. Recent refurbished locations include the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada; Eat-Rite Diner on Route 66 in St. Louis, Missouri; Belle of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky; USS Laffey Destroyer, Patriots Point in Charleston, South Carolina; and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.

Save-A-Landmark’s goal is to refurbish one landmark in all US states where Hampton Hotels are located and in those communities, people vote to choose where to go next.

Families gather for fun in Branson

S

hadrack Resort on Table Rock Lake, Cape Fair, Missouri, is just a few miles down the road from Branson. But don’t plan to visit the week after Father’s Day. It’s booked every year for the Allen Family Reunion.

“We take over the place for five days,” says Ginger Allen, Hamilton, Illinois. Each June, 60 to 70 relatives pack the cabins. The biggest lure is Branson, which Ginger believes is the perfect gathering spot for families.

“There’s something for everybody,” Ginger adds. “If you like theme parks, there’s Silver Dollar City and Whitewater. If you like entertainment, there’s the shows. There’s shopping.

The Allens spend every waking minute in Branson except for a big family cookout by the lake on Saturday night.”

At Silver Dollar City the emphasis is on about 100 craftsmen who demonstrate a wide variety of Ozark crafts. Traditions such as blacksmithing, glassblowing, basket-weaving and woodcarving entice kids and parents. Many of the craftspeople have worked there for decades.

Visit explorebranson.com.

From a story by Jay Jones in The Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Texas.

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

A grownup sisterhood travels to the beach

by Nancy Humphrey Case

I

t was an invitation like no other I’d whole three-hour ride. Only once ever received. One of my four during the week did an argument sisters would rent a house on threaten our fun. But Joyce, the Nantucket Island, and the five of us oldest, defused it before it amounted would spend a week there together to anything. Her mother-instinct also — without husbands, children or any came out in the way she made responsibilities. Against the dinner reservations, called taxis, backdrop of Nantucket’s beaches, and researched sightseeing cobblestone streets, historic opportunities. Judith gravitated mansions and shingled cottages, our toward Nantucket’s shops, always sisters-only reunion would be a returning with some garment that vacation to remember. expressed the adventurous flair with All but one sister accepted, and which she lives her life. Toward the anticipation ran high as a widow’s end of our stay as we walked along walk on the roof of a sea captain’s the gray, wave-beaten shore of an house. I joined Joyce and Mary Lou uncrowded beach, I noticed I was for the ferry ride, and we chatted away in the open, salt breezes until the big boat shuddered to a stop in view of Nantucket’s fishing shacks-turned-shops. Soon we were hugging Judith at the door of the rambling, antique house she’d rented. We flitted through it, each choosing one of its wallpapered bedrooms for privacy, coziness or charm.

That night we ate at the long antique table, surrounded by seafaring memorabilia, and told stories. My favorite was about a trip Joyce and Mary Lou took to Nantucket when they were teenagers. “Remember?” Joyce asked. “The Volkswagen broke down on the way, and we used most of our money getting it repaired.” “But we were determined not to go back!” Mary Lou added, beaming. They bought a bag of bread and Sisters (l to r) Mary Lou, Kathy (who missed the reunion), Joyce, Judith, and the author. a jar of peanut butter, and ate nothing else all weekend. “When we passed an ice cream stand, I pleaded for the only one with my feet in the foam. The others walked on dry an ice cream cone,” Mary Lou recalled, the drama of the sand nearby. It’s just like when we were young, I thought. I was moment still alive in her voice, “but Joyce was very disciplined always out in nature by myself. Although we all grew up under and said we couldn’t afford it.” the same roof, with the same parents, we were actually quite The week unrolled itself, leisurely, and as we sunned diverse. Yet here we were, rediscovering a bond that hadn’t ourselves at the beach, ate at restaurants, or just sat around the waned. In my girlhood I had taken it for granted, and later there kitchen table, we talked non-stop. We discussed politics, were, perhaps, too many others around for us to see our adult careers, developments in our children’s lives, our fifth sister sisterhood distinctly. But now it was just us, and our unique whom we missed, and memories of growing up. We didn’t agree union stood out like a shiny, pink shell in the empty, wet sand. on everything, and even our perceptions of our shared past A waitress at a beachside snack bar saw it shimmer in the sun. varied, but that only made for a lively, interesting exchange.

As we turned to leave, lobster rolls in hand, she wished us a “What’s your favorite way to relax?” Judith asked as we sat nice day. down for a game of bananagrams. “I take walks,” Joyce said. “I “We will!” Mary Lou effused. “We’re all sisters, you know, like to read,” Mary Lou said, “or go on a bike ride.” “That’s hard having a vacation together.” The young woman’s eyes widened to narrow down,” I said; “Read poetry, weed my flower gardens, and a big smile lit up her face. “Really?” she said, glancing at or walk or snowshoe in the woods. How about you, Jude?” “I try each of us. “That’s so cool!” on clothes,” she said. We all laughed out loud — Judith the It’s very cool, come to think of it. loudest — but then I realized that putting together outfits could actually be just as creative a pursuit as painting pictures.

About the author One day Mary Lou and I cruised scenic bike paths to the Nancy Humphrey Case is a freelance writer living in Hyde eastern tip of the island, where we pedaled slowly past Sconset’s Park, Vermont. She is a contributing writer for Vermont Magazine rose-covered cottages. On the return trip we got hopelessly lost, and a correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor. but Mary Lou kept her sunny disposition and energy for the A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

9

SCRAPBOOK

A picture perfect reunion treat

P

hoto Cookie Greetings® gourmet shortbreads are custom decorated for your reunion with a full color photo, design or theme and your words or dates. Your design or photo image is imprinted directly onto the specially prepared icing. Cookies are available as rectangles (2.5" x 3.25"’) and round (2.5" x 2.5") shapes. They are made inhouse from scratch with the finest ingredients and individually cello wrapped for freshness.

Photo Cookies are an extra-personalized touch to a reunion dinner, as favors, table centerpieces or given as a memento. They make a tasteful impression on your reunion members.

For family reunions you could use a photo commemorating founding family members, an anniversary picture, family crest, reunion destinations or current Reunion themes, designs or colors. For class or military reunions you could use the mascot, insignia, building picture, meaningful dates, flags, service branch seals or memorial photos.

Affordably priced, $2.10 to $2.69 each, depending upon quantity, includes free design, artwork and set-up charges.

Conact AD-fordable Imprints 888-602-9450 (toll free); sales@reunionthings.com; reunionthings.com.

T

he Artist Teddy Bear Exhibit at Heartland Museum is a tribute to the art of the Teddy bear, and showcases American and foreign bear artists and other “bearaphernalia.”

There is a Charity Artist Teddy Bear Auction, the Spectacular Artist Teddy Bear Display, and bear appraisals to help determine the value of collectibles (no charge for appraisals).

From a story by Les Houser in the The Clarion Wright County Monitor, Clarion, Iowa.

10 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

Help from pros

J

onathan Vatner writes Daily Hot Ideas and Frugal Planner’s Tip of the Week in M&C magazine. While

his material is directed to professional meeting planners, we find some gems for reunion planners, too.

DOWN FOR THE COUNT

COSTLY SURPRISES

atner and Patrick Sullivan, president of PRA Destination Management of New York, suggest that it’s easy to be unrealistic and assume you’ll have record-breaking attendance. But the thrifty planner always sets the meal count lower than she’s expecting.

Hotels and banquet facilities often charge a penalty fee for reducing the count at the last minute. They don’t charge to increase it, as long as the room you’ve reserved can handle the group. Consider underestimating your attendance by 10 percent.

V

H

STICKS AND STONES

THE THOUGHT COUNTS

F

I

loral arrangements are expensive. Pesticide-free and laborfriendly flowers are even pricier. Instead, arrange centerpieces out of raw or spray-painted naturally fallen branches. Add a few stones or candles. You’ll like the results. In fact, unscented candles, unlike flowers, aren’t likely to cause problems for people with allergies. Another idea is to use candles with fruit or vegetable arrangements — which can be “recycled” later into salads, or donated to a food pantry.

idden expenses add up. A meeting venue might quote you a fantastic price, but before you commit, ask about hidden expenses.

• Parking fees, especially in downtown areas • Gratuities, which can really add up • A/V fees. Some facilities charge you for bringing your own equipment and/or technician.

• Photocopies and faxes. Find a nearby copy center.

• Resort amenities. Properties sometimes tack on fees for fitness centers, pools, etc., whether you use them or not.

f your reunion invites outside speakers and VIPs, keep in mind that they have probably received more plaques, pens and other paraphernalia than they will ever want. Show your appreciation instead with these gift ideas.

• A contribution to their favorite charity, or membership to an organization that supports a cause they care about • A nicely packaged video of the presentation • An invitation to attend future reunions.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

11

BRANCH OFFICE

O

ctober is designated in many US states as “Family History Month,” and genealogists everywhere have adopted the month as their own. Whether you’re new to genealogy, or have devoted a lifetime to it, celebrate Family History Month with your family this October.

RTV never left

E

arlier this year, we received an email titled “A Fond Farewell from RootsTelevision.com (RTV).” Megan Smolenyak has valiantly maintained the genealogy website for three years, but was having to give it up.

When she started RTV, she did so, she said, because while there is a horse channel, a wine channel, a sailing channel, a poker channel, a guitar channel, and even a shipwreck channel, there was no channel serving the millions of people interested in genealogy and family history.

Following her farewell, Megan was inundated with emails, tweets and facebook postings and messages, so she decided to keep it going. Megan said she honestly had no clue how valued it was by the genealogy community. She agreed with many who pointed out that it serves a somewhat different purpose than the prime time programming that’s on TV. Few people realized that RTV is a one-person operation, and that it is not inexpensive to provide.

Many were under the impression that even if RTV closed, the video archive would remain. Hosting and streaming this wide array of videos is one of the most costly aspects.

Individuals, organizations and companies offered to explore the notion of adopting RTV. Most are willing to tolerate commercials to help preserve RTV. Consider uploading your own videos (podcasters welcome) through RootsTube (http://rootstelevision.com/submit_roots tube.php).

12 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

PART TWO

Family History 101

by Anne Chlovechok hen one thinks of simple pleasures, few things are simpler or more pleasing than spending time with family. As we grow up, we hear family stories which become precious, beloved treasures we’ll pass on to those who come after us on our family tree. But as the family tree grows ever taller with more and more branches, origins of those precious stories can be lost. Unless careful records are kept, storyteller’s names can be lost in a surprisingly short time. And since most such records are oral it only takes the loss of one or two elder relatives to break ties with the past, sometimes irretrievably.

The best way to keep your family history from being lost is to put it in writing. Debbie Blackstone, president, librarian and archivist of the Guernsey County Genealogical Society in Cambridge, Ohio, recommends talking with elder family members right away, before the opportunity to learn what you can about your family history, is lost.

“Interview family members,” she said.

“Use a tape recorder or video camera, take and carefully label pictures. Find out all you can about your ancestors. Get names, birth dates, death dates, marriage and divorce dates, religious ceremonies, schools attended, names of cousins, aunts and uncles — everything they remember. Use this information to track other family members.”

It’s fine to visit, write or call each elder separately, of course, but questioning people in a group sometimes creates a synergy that carries the conversation farther. The perfect place to get elder relatives involved in lively discussion is at a family reunion. Often you can just join a group of family elders, sit back, listen and learn. Take notes, even if you’re laughed at. If you’re on a mission to discover as much as you can about your ancestors, interject a few questions.

W

People love to be asked about themselves, and your aunts and uncles probably have some amusing stories to tell on each other.

Record it all. Later you’ll have to document everything with paperwork, but interviewing elder relatives is where you get names you’ll document later. Don’t forget to ask for spelling — it makes a difference! Was your grandfather John Mullen, John Mullin or John Mullens?

Maybe you’ll find out he was John O’Mullen or John Mullenski before Ellis Island got hold of him.

Send a letter to each relative you want to question prior to the reunion. Tell them what you’re up to and ask them to bring copies of family documents and photographs. You want everything you can get ... nothing is irrelevant. It’s doubtful they will bring treasures such as family bibles and heirlooms to a reunion, but if they do, and you’re near a copy store, make copies of everything.

Photograph heirlooms such as jewelry, quilts, clothing and old toys. Ask for copies of old family pictures. Even if they’re not sure who is in the photo, get a copy. You may be able to discover the identity of the photo subject through a genealogical web search.

Take pictures of everyone you interview. Take notes identifying Aunt Ethel as wearing a red pants suit with a black scarf, and Uncle Louis in a starspangled Speedo. When you develop the photos, write (in acid-free ink) who’s in them, and how they’re related to you.

At home, you’ll be ready to sort through the information. You’ll be immersed in the art and science of genealogy.

About the author Anne Chlovechok is a feature writer and reporter at the Daily & Sunday Jeffersonian in Cambridge, Ohio. She also writes regularly for Spectrum Publications, including Now & Then Magazine.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

13

BRANCH OFFICE

Who Do You Think You Are?

Kissin’ cousins

N

I

BC’s Who Do You Think You Are? is a unique reality show that digs deep into family roots of celebrities, helping them discover where they came from. The show takes viewers into the intimate and revealing lives of stars like Matthew Broderick, Lisa Kudrow (the producer), Spike Lee, Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields and Emmitt Smith. (Note: It has been replaying on CNBC.) Each episode tells the story of the nation’s struggles and the people who overcame hurdles so their families could live freely.

Former Dallas Cowboys player Emmitt Smith uncovered a few shocking secrets about his family heritage. He described a sense of the hurt and pain he felt when you start thinking about loved ones who were mistreated during the darkest times of American history. He was shocked when he uncovered some critical information in Mecklenburg County (Virginia) Deed Book Number 22, the same number he made famous in the NFL. He said the show generated conversation in his family about parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and the evolution of a family. It also gave his kids the chance to understand who their relatives were and try to stay in contact with them.

Story by Erin Demchak on Starpulse.com (blog).

Descendant working to unite Thomas Jefferson family

D

avid Works, a descendant of Thomas Jefferson, is working to bring together descendants of slaves and slaveholders.

He said a pivotal moment for his family came in 1999, when DNA testing proved Thomas Jefferson fathered children with his slave Sally Hemings. The family actually voted against recognizing them as descendants.

Works and his father disagreed with that and decided to meet with the Hemings. In 2003 they went to the Heming Family Reunion and it was fantastic, Works said. It inspired him to get in touch with all his cousins, black and white.

They started their own organization, Monticello Community, for anyone with a connection to the plantation.

Works joined 23 other descendants of slaves and slaveholders recently for a “Coming to the Table” seminar. It is based on Martin Luther King Jr’s I Have a Dream speech in which he said he imagined sons of slaves sitting down to the table of brotherhood with sons of slaveholders. They were trained in theory and practice of change and reconciliation.

They learned how to tell stories to draw others out to tell their story about how racism or slavery has affected them.

Participants were encouraged to take what they learned for healing. Works hopes that, over time, he will be able to help bridge the gap between his black and white cousins.

From a story by Rachel Welte on KXRM, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

by Jackie Utley

f you’ve been following the TV series Who Do You Think You Are?, you may have seen the Brooke Shields episode. She is told her family descends from the French king, Henry IV. Henry’s grandson, Louis XIV, is/was her first cousin.

Wait a minute! He lived from 1638 to 1715. How could he be a first cousin after all these years? The genealogist quickly said, “Many generations removed.”

Oh, and what does that mean?

Especially for those of us living in the South, “kissin’ cousins” is a familiar phrase. So is “second cousin.” “Kissin’ cousin” has no real basis in genealogy, but “second cousin” and “first cousin once removed” do.

But what exactly do they mean, and who exactly are they, and how the heck do you figure it out?

The best explanation I’ve seen involves a diagram of relationships.

Start with a common grandparent.

The common grandparent = X A grandchild = GC A great grandchild = GGC A great great grandchild = GGGC A great great great grand-child=GGGGC Now if we line these up: X GC GGC GGGC GGGGC How many “Gs” does a GC and another GC have in common? The answer is 1, so that they are first cousins.

How many “Gs” does a GGGC and another GGGC have in common? The answer is 3, so that makes them third cousins.

What about a GC and a GGC? They have one “G” in common, which makes them first cousins.

But, just as in math where you cross out the common numbers and still have a remainder, you must count the extra “Gs.” The number of extra “Gs” indicates how many times the cousins are removed. In this case the remainder is one, so the relationship is first cousin, once removed.

What about a GGGGC and a GGC? The number of common “Gs” is two, so second cousins. The remainder is two, so twice removed.

A GC and GGGGGGC? One common “G” so first cousins, five remaining “Gs” so five times removed.

Back to Brooke Shields and King Louis XIV. Even though over 400 years separated Louis XIV from Brooke Shields, they had a common ancestor, Louis XIV’s grandfather. King Henry IV. If you count the Gs, they truly are first cousins, many times removed.

That’s all there really is to cousins and being removed.

Now the mystery is gone. Back to “kissin!”

About the author Jackie Utley, Jackson, Tennessee, is a longtime and generous contributor to Reunions magazine. She plans the annual Utley Family Reunion and has shared many of her unique ideas.

14 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

15

MASTERPLAN

Dixons dig Little Rock

F

The Sunday evening banquet committee decorated the room in reunion colors, and provided each family member with a special printed program and goody bags containing mini-bags of personalized M&Ms, personalized ballpoint pens, flashlight key chains and other goodies. Children age four and under received soft, cushy and cuddly teddy bears to take home.

The banquet program included awards to the Matriarch and Patriarch, and a special trophy to the star chairperson.

Video from the first reunion (1989), converted Charles Brown (right) helps his cousin, to a DVD, was shown.

Harrison Harper (2 / ).

Afterward there was a truly fun-filled talent show followed by a DJ spinning CDs and the clan dancing the night away!

It had been about 20 years between family reunions, but they are certain they will never have a lapse like that again.

Submitted by Doris Dixon McCall, Redondo Beach, California.

Photos by Leta Dixon.

amily members arrived throughout Friday. The evening Meet and Greet was well organized and well attended. Snacks, sandwiches, hot wings, veggies and dip, chips, fruit and cold beverages were provided.

Attendees received bags that could be worn as backpacks in reunion colors personalized with the Dixon logo. Bags contained t-shirts, maps, the reunion agenda, directions, phone numbers, stickers and pins from the Little Rock Chamber Of Commerce, nametags and lanyards for each attendee.

They played ice-breaker games, and had a “hoot” of a time, laughing, getting to know one another, and meeting new additions to the family by birth or marriage.

On Saturday, they headed out to Allsopp Park for a picnic. They had the entire park, including a kids section with the slides and swings, a baseball field, a huge pavilion, restrooms stocked with essentials and lots of free parking. The picnic was provided by a local caterer who offered a reasonable price and there was enough food for people to eat several times.

Excess food and beverages were donated to a local shelter.

The evening found clusters of family groups catching up and getting better acquainted, playing games and watching TV. The 12th floor of the hotel had most of the suites. One entire wing was occupied by Luke Dixon (97) proudly modeling the Dixons: we owned that wing! reunion backpack.

1

2

Montagues enjoy Williamsburg

T

he Montague Family Association was incorporated in the State of Kansas as a non-profit corporation operating as an IRS 501(c)(3) corporation. Donations to the association are tax deductible. None of the three association directors — a president, vice-president and treasurer — receives compensation; they serve until the next family reunion, when a new board is elected to serve a five-year term until the next family reunion.

Association President Curt Montague, Hill City, Kansas, finds it astounding that so many family members find the reunion so compelling that they travel from Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and many other places to share their experience and knowledge with the US family. This year’s reunion was at Williamsburg, Virginia. The vote was for Jamestown, but there are no facilities at Jamestown and Williamsburg is just a stone’s throw away.

The Montague Family Reunion kicked off with a meet-andgreet at the Kings Arms Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, where they were treated to an authentic colonial meal served by people in character from the day.

Saturday, they enjoyed a catered lunch of local favorites at “Sandwich on the Rappahannock,” one of the oldest unrestored

16

R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

homes in America, built in 1752 as a customs house and later became a private residence. The home is owned by Robert Latanye Montague, who treated the family to a very detailed tour of the home and a local cemetery where many ancestors are buried. Many are descendants of Peter Montague, who arrived on these shores at Jamestown in October 1621.

Saturday evening was a reunion banquet at Williamsburg Lodge, where the meal was exceptional.

Sunday’s activities started with a family meeting at the 2007 Legacy Hall in Williamsburg New Town. The afternoon was filled with a speech by the outgoing president, and a detailed presentation of the life and times of Peter Montague by family historian, Robert V. Montague. Many family members stayed to take in tourist attractions and activities. Curt headed back to Kansas aboard his Harley Davidson motorcycle, totaling 3,450 miles for the reunion trip.

The Montagues have two facebook pages — The Montague Family Association and Montague Family (information about reunions) — and a webpage www.montaguefamilyassociation.com.

A website survey helps identify reunion activities members are interested in.

The one thing you can’t change about your health could impact you the most

by Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel, MD, Mayo Clinic

W

hen it comes to improving your health, there are lots of things you can change. You can eat healthier. You can exercise more. But there’s one thing you can’t change: your family health history.

For better or worse, a look at the past could reveal your future. If your parents or grandparents had certain types of cancer, high blood pressure or diabetes, for example, that puts you at a higher risk for the same. While you can’t alter your genetics, you can control your family’s health by understanding your history, sharing it with your doctor and using it to make informed decisions.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

When building a family health history for you and your children, the most important information is from biological relatives. Begin with your immediate family — your children and each child’s other biological parent. Once you’ve compiled their information, gather health histories from your siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

For all family members, record birth dates (your best guess, if unsure), specific conditions they’ve had and their ages when the conditions were diagnosed. For deceased biological relatives, include causes and ages at death. It is also helpful to include additional lifestyle notes, such as occupation, tobacco use, diet and exercise.

Heart conditions, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s are hereditary. However, you’ll want to look beyond the obvious to paint a full picture of your health and risks.

For example, note whether biological family members have had hearing or vision problems; some conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, are often hereditary. If you know that these types of conditions run in your family, have vision and hearing tests regularly when you’re younger so any possible degeneration can be addressed early.

GETTING STARTED

Reunions provide great opportunities to gather information from relatives. Before you begin, know that not everyone is comfortable discussing personal health information. Health is a private matter, and some family members might be reluctant to share information. Respect their wishes.

Before your reunion, send an email or short note that you want to gather information to create a family health history.

Members will not feel put on the spot and they’ll have time to think about information that would be valuable to share.

Explain the benefits: that the information can help your doctor identify risks for certain conditions, provide guidance to help you reduce the risks and watch for early warning signs.

Understanding the value of the information might motivate

family members to take similar steps to better control their health and wellness.

It might be useful to provide a list of simple questions, asking for names, dates of birth, conditions and ages at diagnosis.

Once you’ve created a questionnaire, you can either distribute it at the reunion or email it in advance. Set aside time during the reunion to share the information as a group.

You can serve as the group’s secretary as each family member shares information.

Alternatively, consider scheduling individual chats with family members who play key roles in their immediate family’s health. For example, your aunt might know most, or all, of the key health information for herself or your uncle and your cousins.

Email or phone conversations can also be effective in collecting the information you need to create a detailed family health history. Be sensitive to what form of communication is most appropriate to each person. Make it easy as possible for each person to contribute to this longitudinal view of your family’s health history.

ONCE YOU HAVE IT, USE IT.

Once you’ve collected the information, find an easy place to store it and keep it organized. One option is Mayo Clinic Health Manager, a free online tool that stores personal health information — including family health history, medications and conditions — for each family member. The application takes all your health information into consideration and delivers personalized guidance based on the expertise of Mayo Clinic physicians; for example, a recommendation to have a colonoscopy at an earlier age than doctors generally suggest, because your father had colon cancer.

With your family health history gathered and stored, it’s important to share it with people you trust. That could include siblings, older children, other relatives and, most important, health care providers. Knowing your family’s health history can open conversations about health between you and your doctor, help him or her better assess your risk for certain diseases, recommend specific screenings and lifestyle changes, and diagnose conditions more accurately.

To learn more about Mayo Clinic Health Manager, go to healthmanager.mayoclinic.com

About the author Dr. Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel is a practicing physician in Primary Care Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic and the medical director for Global Products and Services at Mayo Clinic.

She is the medical director for Mayo Clinic Health Manager.

CHECK IT OUT!

LOOKING FOR YOUR 2011 OR 2012 REUNION PLACE? Time to check out a reverse auction at reunionsmag.hotelplanner.com.

It's free and has bonuses for reunions who book!

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

17

KIDSSTUFF

Do kids look forward to your reunion?

A PODCAST AT REUNIONSMAG.COM ANSWERS!

Bambi Boykin, Stone Mountain, Georgia, helps plan the Brasman Sanders Family Reunion. She wrote that sometimes teens are involved in planning teen activities. Young children are not specifically involved, but they make sure activities include them.

She asked how to effectively engage more young people and young families.

How can they set costs to be more affordable for a family with children?

It seems so obvious, but apparently it isn’t: just ask kids to participate in planning. Ask what they want from the reunion, what they want to do at the reunion ... and listen to them whether they help with planning or not. Any program or activity planned, or at least requested, by kids will be far more interesting to them and is more likely to engage them.

Do kids look forward to your reunion?

Listen to the podcast that answers that question at reunionsmag.com.

If kids protest that they’ll know no one at the reunion, get them emailing or have a special letter/flier/newsletter that features kids. Once they’ve read about cousins they don’t see, or only rarely see, they’ll no longer be able to say they know no one there. Play up similar interests, and encourage emailing before and after reunions. Kids can take responsibility for staying in touch; they do it a lot more and are often a lot better at it than most adults anyway.

Now more than ever you’ll have to shop to keep costs down and affordable for young families. Plan fundraising activities that are fun and that will pry money loose from members who can afford to buy/participate/donate/contribute to the common good of the reunion, in case those members aren’t naturally generous or don’t offer to help pay.

Also check reunionsmag.com for free stuff and cost-cutting measures that will help reunions sustain themselves by being more creative generally. Tough times demand creative measures.

Many families have sliding scale fees to favor those less able to pay much for the reunion. Typically, that’s younger families and older folks on fixed incomes.

Q? A!

18

R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

Families plan for kids

C

harline Cormier-Pellerin, mother of four in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, offered these kid-friendly suggestions in Riverview This Week.

Stockpile a craft table with loads of supplies; coloring sheets, crayons, construction paper, stickers, glitter glue and more. A big favorite is foam crafts: an assortment of foam sheets, foam penguins and snowman stickers that can be dressed up with foam scarves, mittens and hat stickers.

Reunions are about re-connecting family and friends, and meeting and getting to know new ones. Don’t stay glued to people you already know; instead get up, seek out those you know less and get to know someone new.

What the children get out of family reunions is priceless: a feeling of belonging and unity, a history lesson and, with any luck, new friendships to last a lifetime.

Joyce Neal, Elkton, Maryland, reports that Thomas Family Reunion kids are not involved in planning, but they do have responsibilities at the reunion. They DJ music that they select. Neal feels the children need to be more involved. There are special activities for the children who also provide entertainment.

J. Lynne Wilson Jenkins, Simpsonville, South Carolina, of the Douglass-Blount Family Reunion asks the youth what types of activities they want. They’re working on getting kids involved in planning and actually “working” at the reunion.

Kids get to know one another in play at reunions. Zilke Krause Family Reunion plans play time.

Postcards that make your reunion point! save the date

Send Send save TIME IS the date RUNNING OUT when you’ve set it! when it is!

Custom Printing – $45 p/hundred; 50¢ each Fill-in cards $15 p/hundred; 20¢ each plus s/h 100-200 cards – $5, over 200 – $10 Send message, check & request to: REUNION POSTCARDS O PO Box 11727 O Milwaukee WI 53211-0727.

To charge, call 800-373-7933.

Cookie up a storm at your family reunion

by Risa Goldberg

Decorating pre-baked cookies takes much less time, preparation and cleanup. In addition, pre-baked cookies won’t crumble as easily as homemade ones, and might be simpler for the littlest ones to handle.

C

ookies and kids are a winning combination. Kids love to bake ’em, decorate ’em, and especially love to eat ’em. Here’s a simple, fun, sugar cookie activity to include at your next reunion; eat the finished creations, or take them home as favors.

DECORATING

This activity requires adult supervision because kids have a tendency to “dump on” the toppings!

When it comes to frostings and toppings, your purse is the limit and the choices are endless! You can buy

COOKIES FROM SCRATCH

If there are fewer than ten children and time is no problem, consider making cookies from scratch. This is Finished cookies to eat or take home as favors. an especially good project in bad weather when your reunion is indoors.

Use your favorite cookie recipe. upply plastic knives, spoons, small paintbrushes, and pastry Use your imagination and experiment with cookie tubes, plus napkins or paper towels, and wet wipes for cleanup. shapes and designs. Punch out a circle of dough, cut out Check wholesale party stores for decorating supplies, tablecloths big leaves, add a stem and you’ll have a family tree. and cookie cutters.

Flexible cloth pastry tubes or little plastic ones with disposable PREPARED DOUGH tips give children more control over their designs. Or spoon the Sugar cookie and chocolate chip “refrigerator” dough icing into little plastic baggies, cut off a corner, and squeeze it out. are available everywhere. Keep dough cool until ready to Basic frosting is two cups confectioner’s (powdered) sugar, ¼ cup use, slice off rounds and place on greased cookie sheets. butter, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Or make your favorite recipe at home ahead of time.

Divide dough into two or three balls and chill. Kids can cut out their shapes, bake and decorate. one-pound containers of frosting, marshmallow cremes and PRE-BAKED COOKIES decorating gels in the hottest neon colors.

Toppings can include sprinkles, mini-kisses, white or Bakeries and supermarkets sell large sugar and peanut chocolate chips, white or colored mini-marshmallows and mini butter cookies for about 70 cents each. In a pinch, use graham M&Ms, toffee or peanut butter chips, and flaked coconut; or try crackers or even cupcakes. seeds and nuts — sunflower and pumpkin, pecans, almond slivers, filberts, peanuts, and walnuts. Maraschino cherries, dried fruit, candy bars chunks and chocolate dessert decorations in alphabet and number shapes, lace filigrees, leaves and animals are also available. Or chop up lollipops and arrange the slivers on cookies before baking.

No matter which cookie method you choose, there’s plenty of opportunity for creativity and family fun. And as Laura Numeroff says in her book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, don’t forget the milk!

S

About the author

Mia Haddaway, (6, left) and Summer Haddaway (8), decorate cookies.

Risa Goldberg is a published children’s writer, specializing in poetry, song lyrics, picture books and cards. She’s Risa the Musical Clown with purple hair for birthday parties and special events, and is also a Professional Organizer and owner of Simply Marvelous Organizing (marvelousorganizing.com/) in San Diego, California.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

19

KIDSSTUFF CREATING YOUR OWN TRADITION:

producing a children’s play

by Felicity M. Pool

W

e have a reunion every July in our small New England village. A play has been written and produced for four generations, to celebrate Independence Day and the arrival of families for the summer. It’s a wonderful way to showcase our children. Preparation and rehearsals are fun and memories lasting. The play is 20 minutes long, with a cast of 15 to 20 children ages six through 14. We perform outdoors for an audience of about 200 parents, grandparents, children too young or old to be in the play, friends and neighbors.

You can adapt our methods for your reunion. We’ve even found ways to involve teenagers and children too young to act — important in a reunion situation.

The master tape or CD. Create a recording with poems or stories and music for the “script.” Your cast acts to the tape/CD — no speaking parts. The burden of memorizing lines and saying them correctly and loudly can threaten the fun. Using the recorded format makes the most of limited rehearsal time, ensures the audience can hear and gives performers scope for creativity.

Recruit a couple readers — alternating male and female voices sound wonderful.

If you’re using music or sound effects, work with readers to fit their voices and other sounds together in one recording session. Or you can lay down a voice

Jonathan Niles has a rapt audience for his stories.

track and blend in sound effects later.

We’ve done it both ways: the first requires a home-based techie (often one of our teenagers) and the latter an hour or two of professional studio time.

Special effects can be downloaded from the internet.

Writing the play. Creating the script is a wonderful way to capture oral history for a family reunion — record special stories told by the older generation. Or choose a theme and find poems or stories about it. The imagery of verse lends itself to acting, as does an edited-for-acting fable, biblical passage or family tale. In the final script, make notes for yourself about what the actors and actresses will be doing every moment.

For a twenty-minute play, we use approximately 10 to 12 pieces (fewer for a short production), a mix of poems and stories. We’ve (l to r) Louisa Bienstock, Elosie Catlin present their flowers. been assured by legal folk

20 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

that informal not-for-profit productions such as ours do not create copyright issues.

Planning the action. Each child must have something to do every moment he/she is on stage. Without constant action, cast members twirl hair, stand on one foot, scratch odd places or get absorbed in the drama, forgetting their own parts.

Our plays are done outdoors on a lawn approximately 20 x 20 feet with the audience arranged on two sides of the square. Pine trees and a lake form the “back-drop” on the other two sides, and a corner screened by bushes serves as entrance and exit. With large staples and a bit of white cloth, we mark the corners and stage center. Indoors, this could be done with masking tape. Using our format, you can put on a play pretty much wherever you like, indoors or out, since nothing we suggest requires a traditional theater set-up.

Casting the play. Parts must be equal and age-appropriate. We’ve found that six-year-olds are the youngest performers who can remember several parts, act them out, and enjoy doing so in front of an audience. Actors older than age 12 generally look too large in scenes with younger children. The exception is teenage dancers. We provide solos for any who have dance training (including break dancing) and we often incorporate someone’s recital piece.

Particularly for younger children, it’s a good idea to have an “extra” in each scene — that is, a pair for each part.

Working with a buddy gives a boost to shy performers.

Collect height and clothing size for each child so you can match body sizes in a scene. And later, when you get to costuming, you’ll need these measurements.

Props. Be lavish. We’ve used tin trumpets and plywood harps, a plastic tea set, cardboard hatchets, artificial flowers, tinfoil scepters and wands, a foam-core rowboat, teddy bears, a beribboned clothespole-maypole, tin buckets, waffle-paper suns and moons.

Craft stores can be an inspiration.

Teenagers, especially those with an

Beat boredom at kids.gov

K

Photos by Douglas Cook.

artistic bent, can be wonderfully helpful.

If a prop is made of paper, it’s a good idea to have two — one for rehearsal and another for the actual performance.

Children take good care of their props if they know each person is responsible for his or her own, and no one else may touch them.

Grey Atkinson and Teddy Oliver parade their patriotism.

Costumes. We dress everyone in a base outfit Rehearsals. Make rehearsals fun, — white t-shirt and navy or khaki shorts focused and short. For an occasion with a for boys, leotard and shorts or ballet shorter timetable, such as a reunion skirts for girls. Over and around these weekend, your play might be five or six underpinnings can go capes, vests, minutes long. With thorough preparation jackets, hats and headdresses, tunics, ahead of time, three rehearsals of an leggings, shawls or dresses. hour each should be enough.

Because no costume requires Our tradition is for cast members’ changing down to the skin, we simplify families to provide milk and cookies to our “backstage,” keeping it just where begin each rehearsal. Another tradition the cast enters and exits. Props and is to play several games of musical chairs costumes are laid out and parents or toward week’s end. We try to work older children help as dressers. through the play twice at each rehearsal.

Costume try-ons are fitted in during rehearsals. On the morning of the performance, we have a dress rehearsal.

Performance. Programs are nice to have, both as memorabilia and because the children and their families like to see cast members’ names in print. You can also include thanks to anyone who’s helped with the play. Teenagers can design and print programs. We invite actors’ and actresses’ younger siblings to be ushers and hand out programs at the performance.

Because our plays are on Independence Day, we end with the cast marching out behind the American flag while a chorus of parents sings “America the Beautiful.” It’s a celebration of our families, our country and our community.

Four generations have participated so far.

About the author

Megan Madden and Maggie Bland perform.

Felicity M. Pool has co-authored and produced the Independence Day play for several years. When her son was old enough to act, it was a joyful day!

Otherwise, she is an RN and teacher.

ids.gov provides a fun and educational outlet for hours of indoor amusement. Consider it your escape route when kids are inside and restless. Be warned: it may be hard to pry them away.

Kids.gov is the official US government kids’ site, with links to over 1,300 web sites. Children from kindergarten through 8th grade can play games, go back in history, sail the seven seas, and much more.

Kids.gov is easy to navigate, and is divided into Grades K-5 and 6-8. Kids quickly find information and activities geared to their grade level: lots of tips, facts, projects, games, and exercises.

There is always something new and exciting on kids.gov.

Kid concoctions from the kitchen cupboard

J

ohn and Danita Thomas’s mission is to address growing concern regarding the safety of storebought toys. They discovered ways for parents to make “safe” versions of popular toys using common kitchen ingredients. They have created over 1,000 safe, environmentally friendly recipes that duplicate top-selling toys like Moon Sand®, Silly Putty®, Shrinky Dinks®, Super Elastic Bubble Plastic®, Sidewalk Chalk and Chia Pets®. They recycle and use nothing more than common household ingredients. They say “almost all of our concoctions cost under $1 to make and many times exceed the quality of store bought items costing 20 times as much. Recipes are in The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions. Visit kidconnections.com.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

21

KIDSSTUFF

Young Family Achievers T

he Neal Family Reunion distributes a list of Young Achievers. The list includes recent graduates from high school, college, professional and graduate schools.

The family’s many achievements are worthy of everyone’s Bethany Allyce Blackson (William Neal Branch) 2007 - Graduate, Franklin Parish High School, Winnsboro, LA. 4.155 GPA. Currently attending Louisiana State University, majoring in English, and plans to go to law school.

Erica Bradley (Carey Neal Branch) 2000 - Graduate, Russellville High School, Russellville, AR. Everett (“Wade”) Brown (William Neal Branch) 2001 - Medical School graduate. Currently in practice, specializing in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Tallulah, LA. Natasha Caston (William Neal Branch) 2006 - Graduate, De Ridder High School, De Ridder, LA. Currently attending Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA. Mesa [Brown] Jefferson (William Neal Branch) 2006 - Graduate, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA. Currently employed as Assistant Attorney General, State of Louisiana Ivan Ludley (Philip Neal Branch) 2005 - Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering, Louisiana Tech University.

Andrew McCrimmon (Charlie Neal Branch) 2008 - Graduate, Stanislow University.

Stephon McCrimmon (Charlie Neal Branch) 2006 -Graduate, Gilroy High School, Gilroy, CA. Joy Moore (Carey Neal Branch) 2002 - Graduate, Neville High School, Monroe, LA. 2006 - Graduate, University of Louisiana at Monroe - Biology. 2008 Masters, Molecular Biology, Louisiana Tech University.

André Christopher Neal (Solomon Neal Branch) 2003 - Graduate, Deer Valley High School, Antioch, CA. Attended Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, CA. Currently serving in the United States Air Force and taking courses through the Air Force Community College.

Emmett J. Neal, Sr. (Jesse Neal Branch) 2000 - May 27, received Masters of Social Work, San Francisco State University. Presently employed as Professional Child Protective Services Worker for the City and County of San Francisco. 2003 - May 18, at the age of 27, elected Pastor of the historic Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, San Francisco, CA. Isaac Solomon Neal (Solomon Neal Branch) 2006 – Graduate, Overland High School, Aurora, CO. 3.0 GPA. Currently a freshman at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York. Class of 2010).

Lauren Esther Neal (Solomon Neal Branch) 2007 - Graduate, Overland High School, Aurora, CO. Advanced college prep courses. 4.0 GPA. Valedictorian.

Recipient, National Merit Foundation Scholarship. Accepted for early admission to Brown University, Providence, RI. Class of 2011.

pride and recognition, and inspire younger kids to emulate their cousins.

This would be an easy list for anyone to replicate and use to encourage kids of all ages. Thanks for Carole Neal for sharing.

Russell Neal, Jr. (Carey Neal Branch) 2001 - Graduate, Hope High School, Hope, AR. Ryan Christopher Neal (Carey Neal Branch) 2002 - Graduate, Hope High School, Hope, AR. 2008 - Graduate, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR. Tanisha Starr Neal (Charlie Neal Branch) 2008 - Graduate with honors, Wilcox High School. Award Recipient, R.L. Lewis Foundation.

Desha Nelson (Carey Neal Branch) 2008 - Graduate, Russellville High School, Russellville, AR. Currently a sophomore, Arkansas Tech University, Class of 2010.

Whitney Nelson (Carey Neal Branch) 2004 - Graduate, Russellville High School, Russellville, AR. 2008 - December graduate, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR. Merideth [Neal] Parrish (Carey Neal Branch) 2006 - Bachelor of Arts in communications theory and Human Relations Management, Park University, Kansas City, MO. Graduated Summa Cum Laude (4.0) academic status. 2008 Dual Masters of Public Affairs and Public management degree, Park University, Kansas City, MO. Summa Cum Laude (4.0) academic status.

Hasina Perkins (Charlie Neal Branch) 2004 - Graduate, The French Culinary Institute, New York, NY. Makailah Perkins (Charlie Neal Branch) 2007 - Masters in Education, University of Colorado, Denver, CO. Candace Pleasant (Charlie Neal Branch) 2005 - Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, University of Phoenix.

Elissa Pleasant (Charlie Neal Branch) 2005 - Bachelor of Science - Marketing, University of Phoenix.

Rashad Polk (Jesse Neal Branch) 2001 - Graduate, Walter Johnson High School. Attended Howard University, Washington, D.C. Currently attending Montgomery College (part time). 4.0 GPA last semester.

Shannon Allayne Prescott (William Neal Branch) 2008 - Graduate, Franklin Parish High School. FBLA Achievement Award. Plans to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge in the fall. Major: Social Work.

Vanessa Senatus (Jesse Neal Branch) 2008 - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Maryland at College Park, MD Alton Sumpter (Charlie Neal Branch) 2005 - Graduate, Live Oak High School, Morgan Hill, CA. Eddie Taylor (Charlie Neal Branch) 2005 - Bachelor of Arts - Humanities.

Valecita Taylor (Charlie Neal Branch). 2006 - Bachelor of Arts - Humanities Robin Wilson Tucker (Carey Neal Branch) 2006 - MBA, University of Phoenix.

To all of our Young Family Achievers, C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!

Sing! Sing! Sing!

C

hildren love music. They have lots more fun when they can be a part of it. Allow children to perform (dance and sing). It keeps them busy and entertains everyone else. Have plenty of space for the children to run and play. That’s how children socialize. Without the opportunity to run and play, most children get bored and they may miss a precious opportunity to get to know their cousins.

Kids play tag and hide-and-go-seek, and dance together with ease.

22 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

ACTIVITIES

Reunion activity suggestions

F

amily reunions certainly are not all about coordinating, proposals, contracts and other business.

They are about fun!

Reunion activities encourage family participation and promote sharing through communication.

They should provide every family member with entertainment and the opportunity for togetherness.

Activities that maintain old traditions or establish new ones can be found easily and revised to accommodate every member of your family, from the oldest and wisest, to the newest members.

From a Cotten Family Reunion newsletter Celebrate a Century of Cotten

S

aturday Night Family Sharing Time. Our focus this reunion in Celebrating a Century of Cotten family life encourages us to recognize the heritage and legacy that have been passed through the generations, and attempt to preserve them through storytelling and sharing events, and characteristics that have shaped us and made us who we are. Since many people do not care for microphones or impromptu public speaking, we will set up the stage as if it were a small group of family members sitting around after a holiday meal, just talking. The large group will be able to clearly see and hear (thanks to microphones), but the speakers will be in a comfortable family setting.

On evaluations year after year, this Saturday night family sharing time is always a highlight of our reunions. Based on our theme this year, think about what you would be willing to share based on the following.

1. Each branch should come with two stories (with two to three backup stories, depending on time) that relate an event or situation from their branch in the last 100 years. Funny, serious, well-known or never shared before — just select your best storytellers and have fun deciding what to share. If you need a hint, you probably would begin with “remember the time when …” This is also an opportunity to pass along stories about those who are no longer with us or only remembered as older and not known in their youth by those present. It provides a link to the past and a glimpse into a time before many were born, a time they somehow came out of.

2. What legacy do you want to leave your children? What have your parents taught you? What binds your family together?

3. Testimonies of prayers that were prayed generations or years ago and how they have been answered.

4. Bring a historical family item and tell its significance and what memories it recalls for you.

Old Sayings and Expressions. A fun idea from Barbara Wilson … to “celebrate our heritage”… to remember old sayings and expressions that are not commonly used anymore (at least by most people). We will have a list you can add to at the reunion, but start listening now for those words, phrases and expressions to add to our collection.

Shared by Sasha Walters, Albany, Texas.

24

R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

How about a pub crawl?

S

andra Smith writes about organizing the Gottung Reunion pub crawl. They hire a bus so no one has to drive.

Sandra sent postcards to seven bars/pubs that they would be coming. One reason to send “announcements” early is to request all kinds of little freebies/doodads. In the past they’ve gotten blinking Budweiser pins and glow sticks. It was a blast. She admits that last year her cards were sent out a little late, so only one pub gave freebies — six pub beer glasses. They were auctioned off!

Shared by Sandy Smith, West Des Moines, Iowa.

Family Reunion Zip

B

ob (81) and Laverne Christianson, Murrieta, California, organized a reunion outing on one of San Diego County’s newest aerial adventures. This began with a dream and a dare, as a way to lure their children and grandchildren from California, Colorado and Maryland.

The Flightline attraction is at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park in Escondido.

Their children’s doubts were the verbal equivalent of throwing down the gauntlet for Bob, who crafted an invitation by superimposing a photo of his wife’s face atop a model zipping down the Flightline ride. The experience transports riders over the Asian plains, Central Asia and East Africa field exhibits of the sprawling park.

It began with a 12-minute safari ride to the 900-foot elevation launch point.

Reaching speeds close to 50 mph, riders initially dangle about 130 feet above the ground. The height diminished as they neared the end of a ride that eventually drops about 420 feet in elevation.

The adventure includes a brief training flight and orientation, which takes about 90 minutes. Riders must be at least 10 years old, weigh between 75 and 250 pounds and sign a liability waiver.

From the Valley News, Fallbrook, California.

Ticket to Ride

C

onsider a bike excursion as a less expensive alternative to an afternoon at the golf course or the spa.

BikePlanners is a new website that lets users look at and reserve bikes from local shops in 144 cities throughout the US and Canada. The site offers route maps, too, and bike tours are available in some locations. rentabikenow.com From Meetings and Conventions Magazine.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

25

ACTIVITIES

Consider these ideas

T

hese suggestions for reunion activities are from the LivingstonDaily.com, in Michigan.

BABY PICTURE TRIVIA

Ask everyone to send baby pictures. Affix them to a giant poster. At the reunion guess who each person is. Person with most correct guesses wins a prize.

ORGANIZE A FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT

Everyone receives a sheet with questions, such as, “What was Grandma Mary’s maiden name?” People mingle and ask questions to complete the answers.

HIRE A CARICATURE ARTIST

An artist can sketch funny pictures of reunion members. Others enjoy watching the artist and gauging accuracy.

DESIGN A FAMILY MURAL

Bring a large roll of postal or other heavyweight paper, markers, paints and other creative items. Create a mural of a reunion theme or freestyle artwork.

PLAY SPORTS

Organize softball, volleyball, dodgeball, and basketball.

BUILD A SANDCASTLE

If the reunion is held at a beach or park with a lot of sand, create sandcastles.

TUG OF WAR

Bring a large nylon rope (25 feet long).

The winners get the flag to their side. To make it interesting (and messy), hold the tug of war over a puddle.

SLIDE SHOW

If you have access to electricity, organize a slide show about various family moments throughout the year. Scan in old photos and intersperse with newer, digital ones. Add pictures from this and future reunions and make the slide show a tradition. Kids love to look at their younger pictures!

USS Wainwright Captain Garette E. Lockee, USN (Ret), former Commanding Officer, Tennessee resident, tosses the first pitch at a Louisville Bats baseball game during his USS Wainwright reunion in Louisville, Kentucky. The USS Wainwright has served in World War I (DD-62), World War II (DD-419), Vietnam, Persian Gulf Wars (DLG-28/CG-28) and was decommissioned November 10, 1993. She was most decorated ship in the Atlantic Fleet at the time of her decommissioning and over 4000 men proudly served aboard the Wainwright during her service.

How to plan a baseball outing

A

ccording to Rob Hard, event planning guide on About.com, getting good seats for preferred games and dates is much easier and less expensive in February than in summer. That doesn’t mean there aren’t last minute tickets, but the real key is to plan early, particularly for large groups. Rob says most teams offer different types of group packages with seating and food options. Suites hold 12-22 guests and party suites hold 30-50. There are group seating options in the outfield, upper deck or bleacher sections and party areas such as party decks, tents and dining areas.

Contact group sales about tickets; note their phone number is different from individual ticket sales. Ask about parking options. Most teams can accommodate buses.

Group sales can refer you to the catering manager, if you want to order food. An experienced catering manager knows quantities to keep guests happy. Catering contracts must be submitted one week prior to game day to avoid paying concession stand rates. Arrive early on game day to meet with the catering staff assigned to your reunion.

If you’re not all arriving together, send tickets, driving directions and parking instructions ahead or leave tickets at “will call.”

Find more event planning information by Rob Hard at About.com.

Bond of Braine

B

oth widowed, Clinton and Rebel Braine married in 1970.

He came with three children; she brought four. The Braines became one big family. Their wall of photos includes pictures from family reunions, held every other year, from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts,

26 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

and Lake George, New York. Each reunion had a theme. One year everyone wore tie-dyed shirts; another, each family had its own colors; another was built around the summer Olympics.

From a story by Mark Hare in the Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, New York.

Runners use marathon to connect with family

T

hree generations of the extended Sapp-West family had 13 members participate in the News and Sentinel Half Marathon in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

They were awarded second place for Largest Special Interest Team in the race. For the third year in a row, Helen West, two-time breast cancer survivor, was given the first place trophy for her age group of 75 through 79.

People participate in the marathon for many reasons. The Sapp-West family uses it to connect with family members.

One said, “We use it as a family reunion. We have Christmas,

Thanksgiving and the race.”

While the Sapp children come home to run the race, their mother, Helen West, is their real reason for the reunion.

They have participated in the race since 1994 and only missed one year.

“We will do it next year,” the matriarch said. “It’s always a great time for me because my children are so scattered, and it allows us to come together in one house, even if it is just for a weekend.”

From a story by Jolene Craig in the Parkersburg News, Parkersburg, West Virginia.

52nd Davis and Howell reunion

T

he 52nd Davis and Howell Family Reunion was held in October in St. Pauls, North Carolina, where Bill Davis was honored with a special “This Is Your Life” roast.

The reunion theme was “Halloween,” with costumes and decorations. Guests entered through a Haunted House with witches, pirates, princesses, Darth

Vader, Scream!, a baby bumblebee, Dorothy, a demonic doctor, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio. Family fun included games, costume contests, a drawing of gifts for children and adults, Gospel singing and good food.

From a story in The St. Paul’s Review, Lumberton, North Carolina.

FREE Announce your reunion on www.reunionsmag.com.

Send reunion, name, date, location and contact info to editor@reunionsmag.com

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

27

EVALUATION

When your reunion is over, it’s still not over

W

ith reunion season 2010 almost over, evaluations, closing the books and collecting ideas are essential to complete your reunion.

Wrap-up is the last stage of your reunion. Write thank you notes. Ask for feedback. You always want new ideas for your next reunion.

Hometown newspapers often include reunion reports. If yours or those of family members include reports, send news releases about who received awards or special recognition during the reunion.

Everyone likes seeing their name in print.

A crucial final step to all reunions is an honest, objective evaluation. Be sensitive and alert during the reunion; evaluation results should confirm what you expect and observe.

Member and committee evaluations can be done at the reunion (far preferable), when ideas are fresh and likely more numerous, or by mail (which lacks the spontaneity of an on-the-spot response and has a much lower response rate).

While you’re still at your hotel, pay all your bills and return borrowed equipment. Before you leave the hotel, make sure everything is in order. It’s much easier to solve problems in person than by letter and phone calls.

Collect all the data and information you can about the number of rooms used by your group and the number of meals served to your group by the hotel’s restaurant, room service or catering. This information will demonstrate the business and economic value of your next reunion and will be invaluable when negotiations start for your next event. It is well worth the effort.

Tip hotel staff who deserve special consideration.

Make it a point to write a letter to the hotel’s general manager and recognize employees — by name — who did an outstanding job.

All the information you collect (positive and negative) will help you plan future reunions. Urge everyone to share their opinions and observations each chance you get. Make it clear that the voice of members is important.

Each reunion presents new challenges and successes. An evaluation prepares you with ideas and suggestions from members and your committee for the next reunion.

FROM REUNIONS MAGAZINE ONLINE FORUM FROM THE LEGETTE FAMILY

“I

t doesn’t matter how great your reunion is; there are always going to be family members who complain or have negative feedback. You can’t please everyone. Just go with the majority and those family members you know you can rely on.

”

28 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

Cotten Family Reunion evaluates

T

he following evaluation from the Cotten Family Reunion is a very efficient way to get answers that will help future planning.

Summarize your reunion

K

eith Allen, CMP, Irvine, California, in Meetings and Conventions Magazine suggests these steps to wrap up your reunion.

Before everyone leaves, meet with your committee and key hotel personnel. No reunion is perfect, yet no reunion fails to teach. Gather and offer feedback to those who helped. Build on what worked and learn from failure. What went smoothly? What didn’t? Asking these simple questions and archiving the answers can be invaluable. Share the results — testimonials from attendees. Be generous with hand-written thank-you notes.

See more

F

or much more about evaluating your reunion, see wrapping up your reunion online at reunionsmag.com. There is also a much more detailed sample evaluation there plus one just for your committee and a basic evaluation from Chicago Southland CVB.

REUNION VENUE

Another Orlando

by Edith Wagner, Reunions magazine editor

I

’ll bet most people think of only one place and one Mouse when they think of Orlando, which leaves a lot of other possibilities untouched. The Orlando area has many other activities and attractions equally worthy of your attention. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit Disney World to maybe see the amazing Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba, for example. But you can totally ignore that complex and be just as fulfilled by the other Orlando.

The Orlando area exists for visitors, so no matter where you wander you’ll find many choices of places to stay. And top among those places is Reunion® Resort — to which, despite our similar names, we are not “related,” though I’d accept if they wanted to adopt me.

As your headquarters in the Orlando area, Reunion® Resort offers amenities and diversions that could easily keep you right there your entire stay without needing to encounter any other Orlando.

you stay. Reunion® Resort Water Park includes a lazy river, twisting water slides, a boardwalk and an extensive kids’ area.

The resort’s largest neighborhood pool, Seven Eagles, serves as an activity hub. Seven Eagles also offers poolside dining, billiards, a game room and fitness center.

To round out your recreational choices, there are also a significant tennis complex, biking and hiking trails.

Kids Crew, for guests ages four to 10, meets in the Water Park area. Each day — Totally Awesome Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, etc. — an impressive number of activities are available for kids. From scavenger hunts and crafts to nature hikes and fun in the pool, your kids will love activities just for them. There are also full- and half-day camp offerings for fourto 10-year-olds. Dive-in movies play Saturdays at 8 PM. ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMENITIES

R

eunion® Resort offers condos, homes and villas, some with private pools. Book a two-bedroom villa that sleeps six, with living room/dining area, three bathrooms and kitchen.

Make your own breakfast in the fully equipped kitchen to save time and money. Or make light meals and snacks. The washerand-dryer is handy with kids. Grocery deliveries can be ordered prior to your arrival. The resort also offers fine-dining family restaurants.

Reunion® Resort lazy river.

If you are an astute reunion planner whose members feel golf is essential, you could not make a better choice. Reunion® Resort has 54 holes of golf on three premier courses, designed by Arnold Palmer (Legacy Course), Tom Watson (Independence Course) and Jack Nicklaus (Tradition Course). Whisper those names in your golfers’ ears and they’ll be ready for the reunion. Reunion® Resort recently partnered with GolfTripGenius.com to set up customized golf pairings, selection, scoring and concierge golf trip support to all guests for no extra charge.

But probably most unique for golfers is the Annika Academy. Annika Sorenstam chose Reunion® Resort for her teaching academy, where you can choose to work with her personal swing coach or trainer. Golfers of all skill levels can learn Annika’s holistic approach to golf.

RECREATION IS EXTENSIVE

W

ater and pools are often reunion imperatives. They keep kids happy for long periods and, in the case of Reunion® Resort, you’d likely never have time to swim in all nine pools. There is a pool nearby wherever

30

R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

HOW TO START YOUR REUNION AT REUNION® RESORT

Reunion® Resort sales staff stresses that their events are not “cookie-cutter.” They like to meet with you by phone or in person to learn what you are looking for and what is most important to you. Their team develops programs and events tailored specifically to your reunion. They have created events for reunions from luaus to special family-building activities. Resort recreational programs include family feud nights, scavenger hunts, build-abuddy, and boat regattas at the water park.

Class and family reunions typically request a meet-n-greet on arrival and at least one dinner/dance. Staff often arrange golf and spa activities or a parents’ night out. They also make off-property arrangements, though most reunions spend most of their time at the resort.

They encourage those interested in hosting a 7593 Gathering Drive reunion to visit, because once you see the Reunion FL 34747 property, you don’t want to leave.

Resort info: 407-662-1000 Group sales: 888-418-9614 Jessica Washer, Sales Manager, is your go-to www.reunionresort.com person at Reunion® Resort, 407-396-3279.

Dolphin dreams

Soaring on air

D

O

iscovery Cove (discoverycove.com) is an advance reservations-only, all-inclusive tropical park with extraordinary adventures and up-close encounters with exotic marine life and birds.

Georgia Croix observes, in the Miami Herald, that roller coasters are not missed in Discovery Cove, because swimming with a dolphin is the thrill ride. All ages enjoy the free-flight aviary, swimming with stingrays, a lazy river and pools.

The full-day experience allows swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with colorful fish and stingrays, and handfeeding exotic birds. Each guest is provided a swim vest or wetsuit, beach towel, and a water bag containing a snorkel, swim mask and dolphin-friendly sunscreen.

Dolphin dreams come true in Discovery Cove’s clear lagoons. My dolphin was Hutch, a fine kisser! He treated me to a swim holding his dorsal fin.

Discovery Cove’s entrance fee includes meals (breakfast and lunch), snacks and water, soda, and wine or beer throughout the day, free parking, a complimentary photo portrait, and a 14 consecutive-day pass of unlimited admission to either SeaWorld or Aquatica in Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

ne of the most spectacular things you can do in the Orlando area is a balloon excursion. Whether it’s a lifelong dream or one thing on someone’s bucket list, Orlando Balloon Rides (orlandoballoonrides.com) does the job. The ride is not inexpensive, but one kid under 10 can fly free with a paying adult. Ask about group rates.

Most flights are at sunrise and last about one hour, though the length depends on weather conditions and landing sites. You ascend anywhere from tree tops to several thousand feet, and once you’re airborne the pilot points out spectacular sights. After you land and the balloons are stored away, there is a champagne toast and all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. You will proudly display your Flight of Ascension certificate from the pilot.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

31

CVBS

Setting the stage

D

ean Miller, National Sales Manager at VisitFairfax in McLean, Virginia, sets the stage for how to choose your next reunion location, questions that need answering and initial contacts to start planning your next reunion.

My family has a reunion every two years.

This year it is in Colorado and we are looking for ideas for the next reunion. We are spread across the country and are looking for a central location.

It is getting more difficult to plan a reunion since the number of family members is growing and it is hard for one person to organize everything. We are from Minnesota, Michigan, California, Colorado, Virginia and Arizona.Any ideas would be appreciated.

Q?

The planner is actually asking two questions here, and we’ll address both.

These happy faces are from the 2009 Lake County, Illinois, Family Reunion Workshop and FAM Tour.

1) Where should we meet? 2) How does one Lake County CVB offers one of the most extensive and thorough workshops for family and military reunion person begin to organize the reunion? organizers. Look for the next workshop in spring 2011. Advance qualification and registration required.

The best location for any group to meet is determined by the size, needs and interests of the group. high. You may want to look at getting together at a location off Start by asking yourself the following questions. season; the hotel or local Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) can tell you when off season rates apply. You’ll stay in HOW EASY (OR DIFFICULT) WILL IT BE FOR PEOPLE TO GET the same hotel, but at much more attractive rates! Meals are THERE? How expensive will it be? Can most folks drive? If another big expense. Are there family-friendly restaurants in they have to fly, is there an airport nearby with ample flights the area? Does the hotel offer refrigerators in guest rooms and reasonable air fares? The less it costs to attend, the better where you can store simple staples (juice, milk, sodas, etc.)? Is your attendance will be. If folks are coming from both sides of breakfast included in the rates? All these things can help the country (as is the case for my family), a central location attendees control the cost of attending your reunion. such as Lake County, Illinois — in the Chicago area — may work well. St. Louis, Kansas City and Dallas are also good, for HOW EXPENSIVE ARE LOCAL ATTRACTIONS AND the same reason: no one has to fly all the way across the SIGHTSEEING? If the only attraction around is a theme park country to attend. and tickets are $75 per person, that’s a $450 expense for a family with four children! (And that’s before they buy the first WHAT TYPES OF THINGS DO YOU WANT TO SEE AND DO? hot dog!) Consider places with state or local parks, museums, You can get together with your relatives in any hotel ballroom art galleries, historic sites and other activities that are either anywhere. Likewise, you can have a picnic most anywhere. free or can be enjoyed at minimal cost.

You’ll want to select a location with interesting, memorable and fun activities, which is what makes the reunion special!

Again, the key to choosing the right location is matching the Do most of your folks like the beach? (Some do, some don’t!) location to your family in terms of travel distance and expense, Do they want to ride roller coasters? Visit a museum or a the availability of activities your family can enjoy together, and historic site that has meaning for your family? Ride a steam the expected costs everyone is willing to pay for lodging, meals train? Attend a concert or show? Go shopping or out to eat? and activities.

Play golf?

Now, how to narrow down a long list of possible locations to a select a few you can seriously consider? Many families vote WHAT AGES ARE THE MAJORITY OF YOUR ATTENDEES? Things that delight young children may bore teenagers and where to hold an upcoming reunion. That’s easy. vice-versa. Riding the Tilt-A-Whirl at the amusement park Call or email the CVB in each location you’re considering. may be great fun for the sixteen year-olds, but not for those The local CVB is your very best source of information about all over 40. If there are lots of young children, having ample the things you’ll need to consider when deciding where to meet: things for them to do is a must. Because if they’re bored and access, activities, lodging, restaurants, prices, best times to restless, they’ll certainly let their parents know! visit, and much more. And virtually every CVB in the country is eager to assist you free of charge!

HOW EXPENSIVE ARE LOCAL HOTELS? Staying at a four-star Reunions Magazine features a directory of cities/destinations resort is a wonderful experience, but is this what your family in every issue and online who are eager to host your reunion. members are looking for? What rates are they willing to pay?

At many beach resorts, summer is peak season, and rates are Start with this list.

A!

32

R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

ASK CVB REPRESENTATIVES YOU SPEAK WITH THESE QUESTIONS:

1. Why would my family have more fun if we get together in your city/destination than if we go somewhere else?

2. We’re looking for nice places to stay that can provide rooms for $___ in the month of ____. What are our options likely to be?

3. Why have other reunion groups met with you? What did they like best about your city? Was there anything they VisitPittsburgh is responsible for encouraging families to bring their reunions to the region. They welcomed the entire didn’t like?

Minerd-Miner family, whose roots are planted in Pittsburgh. It is estimated there are 50,000 Minerd-Miner cousins alive Once you’ve spoken to CVBs and today. All descend from German-speaking pioneers Jacob and Maria Minerd, Sr., who settled on the border of Fayette and received their information, narrow your Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, in 1791. search to a select few (say, three or four) destinations you’re seriously interested in and call the CVB again. Ask them to collect bids from their hotels that meet your needs. They’ll need to know the number of rooms you’ll need, NOW FOR THE SECOND QUESTION: HOW DOES ONE the number of days and the dates, and rates you’re willing to PERSON BEGIN TO ORGANIZE THE REUNION? The simple pay. Also, add the hotel features that are important to you: a answer is that one person should never try to organize a reunion pool, a ballroom for your banquet, a hospitality room, a alone. There should always be a committee to organize and restaurant, parking, and so on. execute the reunion. It The CVB will respond with bids doesn’t have to be a big From the Legette Family Reunion on our forum they receive from hotels that are committee, but there should (http://forums.reunionsmag.com). interested in hosting your reunion. always be more than one Most of the cities we went to we didn’t have family living They’ll review these with you. They’re person involved. there so the Visitors Bureau became my best friend. happy to arrange a visit to their city As we’ve discussed, CVB for you to see the hotels and the area’s attractions first-hand. representatives are your best (and most helpful) friends when Once you’ve selected the location for your reunion (both city you’re selecting a location, looking for lodging, etc. You and hotel), the CVB representative can provide handouts, maps definitely want them on your team! Beyond that, you’ll want to and discount coupons, information about obtaining services split up tasks of putting your reunion together so everyone on locally for sightseeing motorcoaches, picnic caterers, tickets to your committee can participate, and no one is overwhelmed! attractions, and all sorts of additional insight and Have one person be responsible for sending out reunion recommendations. The CVB staff is truly your very best friend in information, another for collecting deposits, a third for calling whatever city you gather! folks who haven’t responded, etc.

If family members have special talents, you’ll definitely want to call upon them.

For example, ask the family artist to design announcement flyers, and the family computer whiz to set up a reunion website or facebook page. You might be surprised how talented many teenagers are at this! If someone is an elementary school educator, s/he might be just the person to organize some games and activities for the younger family members.

In short, you don’t have to go it alone as a planner, nor should you!

Go, reunion team!

Killeen, Texas, where freedom grows, is a proud neighbor of Fort Hood, the largest military installation (340-square miles) in the free world! Killeen CVB offers points of interest on Fort Hood that include the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment, where visitors can view the training grounds, horse stables, saddle shop and more of the last horse-mounted cavalry in the US Army, the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

33

CVBS

All of these events are sponsored and presented by convention and visitors bureaus and take place on Saturdays unless noted. All prefer or require advance reservations and are free or at nominal cost. For more information and new events added, visit reunionsmag.com, and click on workshops, conferences and seminars.

ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

Call Alpharetta CVB, toll-free 877-202-5961, Carol Gryson, carol@awesomealpharetta.com ATHENS, GEORGIA

February 19, 2011 Contact Dean Miller at Visit Fairfax, 703-752-9509; dmiller@fxva.com.

Contact Amy Clark, 706-357-4433; aclark@visitathensga.com.

FLINT, MICHIGAN

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Contact Renee Cobb, Flint CVB, 888-230-2586; rcobb@flint.travel.

September 2011 Contact Angelique Alvarez, Atlanta CVB, 404-521-6572; atlantareunions.com/events.asp

GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

Contact Lindsay Burns, 864-953-2464; Lindsay.burns@cityofgreenwoodsc.com.

October 10, 2010 3rd annual CVB Reunion Planner Workshop, 1-800-458-8085

GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA

BRANSON, MISSOURI

August 16-19, 2010 Military Reunion Planners Conference hosted by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. Contact Branson/Lakes Area CVB, 800-214-3661; reunions@bransoncvb.com; www.ExploreBranson.com/MilitaryReunion.com CHICAGO SOUTHLAND, ILLINOIS

Contact Elizabeth Baun, 888-895-8233; Elizabeth@visitchicagosouthland.com; visitchicagosouthland.com COBB COUNTY, GEORGIA

Friday, October 8, 2010 ABCs of Planning a Family Reunion. Complimentary lunch, Family Reunion Planning Guide. Drawing for a digital camera. Reservations only, no walk-ins. Contact Linda Murphy, GCTS, Gwinnett CVB Education Specialist, 888494-6638; lmurphy@gcvb.org.

KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

Contact Sara Melendez-Davis at 800-831-1844, ext 42446; smelendez@floridakiss.com.

LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Contact Kimberly Ghys, Lake County CVB, 800-Lake-Now; lakecountyreunions.com.

September 25, 2010 Family reunion planning guide, tradeshow (hotels, attractions, etc.), complimentary lunch. Free to anyone planning a family reunion in Cobb County; seating limited to two guests per reunion. Contact Kathy Buske, Cobb County CVB, 678-303-2624; kbuske@cobbcvb.com

Contact Keri Willard, Louisville CVB, 502-560-1487; kwillard@gotolouisville.com.

DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA

October 9, 2010 Contact Sheila Tapia, 800-445-7412, x 8104, sheilat@meetminneapolis.com; www.minneapolis.org.

August 14, August 28, September 11, September 25, October 9, October 23, November 13, 2010.

Contact Carol Murray, DeKalb County CVB, 800-999-6055 DETROIT, MICHIGAN

September 18, 2010 Detroit Cobo Center. Planning a Successful Reunion in the “D”! Free planning kit and chance to win prizes. Registration required. Contact Nikki Donald, Detroit Metro CVB, 313202-1972; ndonald@visitdetroit.com; visitdetroit.com DOUGLASVILLE, GEORGIA

March 5, 2011 Douglasville Conference Center Annex. For info and to register, call Douglasville CVB, 678-715-6069.

34

R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA

Contact Cheryl Morales, 888-493-7386; cmorales@nngov.com.

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA

Contact Kevin Flowers, Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau, 800-551-8682; kflowers@sbctb.org YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN

Contact Mary Zurcchero, Ypsilanti CVB, 734-483-4444; mzucchero@ypsilanti.org.

Everyone wins when reunions come to town

C

VBs all over the country note that reunion business is growing. Some CVBs view that more aggressively than others and actively promote to reunions.

Use the knowledge that your business is valued when approaching a CVB for assistance.

The reason reunions are so valuable is because the amount spent on reunion activities, not including lodging and independent events, ranges from $50 per person for small reunions to as much as $400 for larger ones. The average cost is $100 per person. Reunion room nights and catered events help hotels during low traffic that usually occurs in summer and on weekends when business travel drops off.

Whether it’s a family, school, military or other kind of reunion, it has a tremendous positive impact because attendees bring “new” money into the local economy for hotel rooms, attractions, shopping, dining and many other activities.

The Greenville-Pitt County, North Carolina, CVB estimates that family and school reunions contribute about $2.5 million to the economy annually, a conservative estimate because it deals only with spending for lodging, meals and miscellaneous expenditures including shopping.

The 30th Hill family reunion of 100 members in Shreveport, Louisiana, meant an economic impact of at least $24,202.

The Shreveport-Bossier (Louisiana) Convention and Tourism Bureau, says they measure local economic impact of reunions by multiplying the number of members by $242.02, the estimated average cost of expenditures on hotel rooms, restaurants and other monies spent in the community. The estimated economic impact of all the reunions combined is about $2.1 million annually.

Most families hold their reunions during summer, but it’s during the July 4th weekend when the number peaks.

Michelle Bovian, reunion planning specialist at the Augusta (Georgia) CVB, reported on NBC 26 News that family reunions bring up to $100,000 to the local economy, with family members reserving hotels, buying souvenirs, and dining in restaurants.

Amy Clark, of the Athens (Georgia) CVB, in the Athens Banner-Herald, says family reunions are solid contributors to local economies because a family summit generally is a “must-do” event. “When people are making many other sacrifices, they won’t sacrifice time with family, which is why we consider it to be a good prospect for us.”

Seminar features family reunion planning

M

uhsin Muhammad I, and his wife, Mary, Detroit, Michigan, planned the Campbell Family Reunion. He says they got help with planning and logistics from the Detroit Metro CVB, which assists hundreds of family reunions each year with hotel, transportation, sightseeing and other critical hosting details. “We gave the CVB an outline of what we wanted to do and they put us in touch with a tour guide and gave us phone numbers for everything we needed,” Muhammad says. “I was skeptical about picking a bus company we could depend on, but that worked out beyond our expectations. We didn’t have to bother with cars and everything was perfectly timed.”

Muhammad recommends attending the CVB’s free planning seminar featuring hotels, attractions, restaurants and service providers. The CVB gave them a template and websites to assemble a family tree.

The Campbells enjoyed a grand banquet with entertainment. All the children, toddlers to teens, participated in a 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.

They paid their respects at an evening funeral service for Muhammad’s father, Willie Wesley Campbell, who died just before the reunion. As he stood over the coffin with three generations, Muhammad uttered these words to his deceased father: “I promised you, Dad, that you’d be at the reunion and since you couldn’t come with us, we brought the reunion to you.”

From a story by Susan Pollack on DetNews.com, Detroit, Michigan.

CVBs: your partners in planning

R

eunion planners find Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) most helpful in destinations where they’ve never held a reunion. It is, however, equally important that you contact the CVB where you live if you’re planning to hold your reunion locally. CVBs can serve as your local advocate. CVB staff can help secure price breaks on hotels, food and beverage, and/or supplier costs.

The most popular services used by planners include obtaining brochures and maps, facility information, site inspection assistance, help with requests for proposal (RFP) to solicit rooms and services, supplier coordination, and assistance with special events and promotion.

A reunion heads up

R

ockford (Illinois) Area CVB suggests you tour the reunion location to make sure the facilities are what you expect. And if you’re planning an outdoor event, have a back-up location.

More CVB specials

T

he Beaumont (Texas) CVB gives groups “something extra” – lagniappe. They have done special opening night events at Gator Country (from the reality TV show on CMT, Gator 911), dine-arounds, scavenger hunts, and other activities throughout the downtown museum district. Activities are based upon how many room nights your event brings in.

The Okema Valley Chamber in Ludlow, Vermont, Executive Director, Marji Graf, arranges and personally hops on bus tours to speak about and show the area, including cheese, beer and farm tours.

Florida’s Space Coast has a special VIP tour of the Kennedy Space Center (lunch with an astronaut) and a guided tour to the Canaveral Air Force Station for military reunions. They have a a private museum of old tanks and carts, uniforms and artillery from the Civil War to Desert Storm which is not open to the public, just for private showing for military groups.

The new Convention and Visitors Bureau of Dunwoody, Georgia (CVBD), provides sample itineraries for families and is home to Atlanta’s premier Perimeter Mall. Ask the CVB for discount coupons to the mall.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

35

RSVP

Registration incentives

E

veryone is looking for incentives to get reunion members to register and send in their fees. This is an example from the Black Butterfly Family Reunion, descendants of the Bruton – Bunn – Ford – James families.

First, they offered half-price fees for seniors over 85 and children over five, and children under five were free.

Then they offer an incentive for sending full payment immediately: Every adult registered, for $125, was entered in the BB Reunion Sweepstakes Drawing!

1st prize: $250 cash; 2nd prize: $100 cash; 3rd, 4th, and 5th prize: $50 cash.

Drawing was at the family picnic on Friday.

Shared by Penelope Bunn, New York, New York.

We Are One Family RABB-HERRON REUNION RUSTON/ATHENS, LOUISIANA

A

special appreciation ceremony will be held on Friday night for the three surviving Rabb siblings and any new babies to the family. Gifts welcome.

The theme for our reunion this year is “We Are One Family.” In keeping with that theme we have planned a special appreciation celebration for the surviving David Rabb siblings, Aunt Velma, Uncle Long and Uncle Nate. If you’d like to bring a token gift or monetary contribution please do so. We want to shower them with our love abundantly. We’d also like to welcome new family members, the newborns (I am aware of two). So, if you feel obliged, bring a baby shower gift. I am sure the young moms and dads will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

From the invitation letter to the Rabb-Herron Family Reunion from Juanita Johnson, Chairperson.

“heard it through the grapevine” I heard it from Angie, who heard it from Kirsten, who got it from Nancy, who got it from Dave, who got it from Ed. Who knows where Ed heard it.

Class reunion Saturday. Be there.

SOURCE UNKNOWN

36 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

The Hardwick Family Reunion invitation uses baby pictures to intrigue members. Submitted by Diane Engleking.

Y

ou can also listen to invitation ideas from podcasts at reunionsmag.com. They start with “Who do you invite to a reunion, anyway?” The second is “The opening letter,” in which we discuss why and how to begin contacting reunion members. Finally, in “The art of the loving invitation,” Leslie Lindeman offers ideas for getting busy family members to come to your reunion.

Looking for responses?

W

e recently encountered this in a Montague Family Reunion mailing.

We Montagues seem to have a procrastinator gene in us that makes us wait until the last possible minute to do anything. Resist the Urge! Write, call, or e-mail me as soon as possible with your

information at the addresses below. If you are financially fortunate, please send a tax-free donation made out to Montague Family Association, Inc. We would also welcome members or companies that would like to sponsor activities during the reunion.

Neal Family Reunion aims for The Big Easy

Gathering of the Clan

T

Place: Liberty Park Sedalia, Missouri Date: Saturday, August 2nd Time: 10 am - 5 pm, with dinner at about 12 noon p until about the 1960s, many of our (Dinwiddie) ancestors gathered annually in Sedalia, Morgan County Missouri, where our forefathers arrived about 1818 from Kentucky.

Let’s renew that annual gathering of the Clan, which will hopefully once again become an annual event.

I’ve been told that, in the past, each family brought a covered dish or two, of meat, vegetable, salad, bread or dessert for a potluck dinner. So if you would like to bring a couple dishes to share, along with place settings for your family and something to drink, we could have dinner around noon.

Note: Over 200 announcements have been mailed out to Dinwiddies known to me and those located in the State of Missouri.

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely, David Dinwiddie [contact information] If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

his is an example of the Neal Family Reunion using a recent triumph to frame their invitation letter, with a tie-in to the New Orleans Saints’ recent Super Bowl win, with the rallying cry of “Who Dat?”

U

Greetings Family!

“WHO DAT TALK’N ’BOUT COMING TO NEW ORLEANS?” “WHO DAT?” “WHO DAT?” Well, we surely hope DAT YOU ARE! Yes, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the place you will want to be during July 9-11, 2010.

New Orleans has gone through some DIFFICULT TIMES, TOUGH TIMES, TRYING TIMES and SOME DEVASTATING TIMES! But PRAISE GOD, it’s now experiencing a TIME OF RESTORATION! It’s been almost two years since our last reunion! It was graciously and impressively hosted by our “West Coast” family members. God truly smiled on us every day while we were there. He smiled on every event, every meal, every conversation, every smile, and every hug.

Since that time, some of our PRECIOUS loved ones are no longer with us.

Some have changed jobs or careers; some have been hospitalized; some are on military duty overseas. Also since that time, we have elected a NEW PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; we have had new engagements, new marriages, new births, new graduates, and many other new beginnings. Yes, like New Orleans, THE NEAL FAMILY is also experiencing a TIME OF RESTORATION! What better place to meet than in New Orleans, Louisiana — the “WHO DAT” NATION! It’s not because it’s the city of the 2010 Super Bowl Champions! It’s not because of the legendary Bourbon or Canal Streets! It’s not because of the re-established River-walk! It’s not because of its hot, delicious, mouth-watering beignets! Neither is it because of its magnificent, renovated, picturesque City Park! We hope you don’t think it’s because of its alluring casinos! And believe it or not, it’s not because of its scrumptious, lipsmacking, southern cuisine! Nevertheless, we DO admit, all of these attractions and more are great, and we consider them as “LAGNAPPE.” The truth, however, is that we are having our next Neal Family Reunion in New Orleans, Louisiana, so that we can see, love, embrace and fellowship once more with ALL OF OUR FAMILY Members! We are meeting in New Orleans so that we can examine and research the strong branches of our family tree, renew acquaintances, empower our youth, strengthen our young adults, and gain a wealth of knowledge from the present PATRIARCHS and MATRIARCHS of the FAMILY. So again, we ask the question, “WHO DAT TALK’N ’BOUT COMING TO NEW ORLEANS TO THE 2010 NEAL FAMILY REUNION?” We surely hope DAT “YOU” ARE! We want you to come EXPECTING that you will be RESTORED, EMPOWERED, and RENEWED! We want you to ANTICIPATE experiencing “southern hospitality” like never before. And last, but certainly not least, we want you to come KNOWING DAT it’s already BLESSED! We are excited and look forward to seeing you in July. So go ahead! Fill out DAT registration form and GET READY for another magnificent and momentous reunion!

Respectfully yours, 2010 Family Reunion Committee

REUNIONS WORKBOOK 10TH EDITION

ORDER NOW! 800-373-7933 or www.reunionsmag.com

Submitted by LaTanga Blackson, Winnsboro, Louisiana.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

37

RSVP

Geddis, Gaddis, Gethers, Gettis, Gathers Family Reunion 2010 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Dear Family Members and Friends: The Geddis, Gaddis, Gethers, Gettis, Gathers Committee of The Sumter, SC, Chapter will be hosting its 2010 reunion in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on July 15th-18th, 2010. We are looking forward to having all family members and friends in attendance.

The registration fee is $110.00 per person (13 years and over), $60.00 (children 4-12). There is no cost for children 3 years and under. The fee includes a “Meet and Greet” at Sea Mist Resort in the Magnolia Room, a day at Brookgreen Gardens (a picnic), a Family Banquet, and a Tee shirt.

We will be staying at the Sea Mist Ocean Front Resort, 1200 South Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, SC. The cost of a room is $144.00, $146.00, or $169.00 nightly. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-732-6478. Please state that you are reserving a room for the “Geddis Family Reunion” under group number 217756. Rooms are available on a first-come/first-served basis, so please reserve your rooms early, beginning on October 20, 2009. Reservations must be made by May 15, 2010, to guarantee availability and group rate. To make this one of the best reunions ever, we are encouraging you to let us know as soon as possible if you plan to attend. The success of our reunion is dependent upon our knowing the approximate number of individuals that we need to plan for. Please complete the enclosed registration form and indicate how many members of your family will be attending. Please return this form by October 20, 2009.

We are asking that payments are made in three installments to ensure that funds are available to cover all planned activities.

The installments are as follows: Payment #1-on or before October 31, 2009 Payment #2-on or before February 15, 2010 Payment #3-on or before April 16, 2010 Do not send cash. Make your check or money order payable to the Geddis Family Reunion and mail Sincerely, Sammie L. Gary, President

Submitted by Mary Brunson, Pemberton, New Jersey, Family Historian

DVD Cover 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 38

R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

G

eorge Davis, Mena, Arkansas, made and sent a DVD to his family to view before the reunion to show where they were going, what they were going to do when they got there and some education about Pearl Harbor and WWII history to help them appreciate what they would be seeing.

Survey your members

T

hese questions were sent to members of 6911th ESS Metro Tango, a US Airforce group stationed at Halm AB Germany, in anticipation of a recent reunion.

• Your name and years you were at Metro Tango.

• Your contact information, including street address and preferred e-mail.

• Your accommodation preference.

• Will you require a room?

• Would you prefer luxury or budget accommodation?

• Would you prefer joining a group reservation or making your own accommodations?

• Would you be interested in a group activity or local area tours?

• Any ideas, suggestions or other information we need to know to make this reunion a great success.

• The names and current e-mail addresses of anyone you feel would like to receive information on this reunion.

Responding to this e-mail is not a commitment.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Reunion cheerleader

J

oan Waters of Charlotte Hall, Maryland, instigator of the Curtis/Butler Family Reunion, is relentless with her snappy reminders. Rather than sharing her entire correspondence, I found some special cheerleading that could work for many other reunions. Her entire correspondence can be seen at reunionsmag.com; click on invitations.

REUNION FEVER ... Catch it!

I GOT THE FEVER! and it’s contagious ...

Can’t wait to see you ...

Family Hugs!

Are you counting the days ’til the Reunion, like me??? I know you are — I can feel it!

“It’s All Relative!”

A memorable Reunion is virtually IMPOSSIBLE without YOU ...

Do we have the best family or what?!?!?

Without a doubt, this will be another Fam-Fabulous Reunion ... Because you’ll be there!

Don’t forget to spread the word & excitement to everyone in your branch and feel free to invite your favorite peeps (guests).

Catch the CBFReunion Feeva!

Communication Neptune Style

B

ill King II, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, plans his Neptune (New Jersey) High School Class of 1972 reunion long-distance.

His goal for the 40th reunion in 2012 is to take the reservation process to the web, including the reservation form and payment. However, with 505 class members, and not everyone having internet access, he must make sure that he connects with non-wired classmates.

Realistically, communication is a combination of snail mail to classmates who do not have email and the internet for those who do. The “Save the Date” letter will be mailed only to non-wired classmates for postage savings.

They’ve been very successful with a newsletter called the “e-Blazer,” a nod to The Blazer, the Neptune High School student newspaper; King periodically emails news of interest to the class list, which numbers about 200. He feels that if information were simply posted, it would be missed by classmates who don’t regularly check the website for updates.

This way the news is delivered directly to them.

The countdown is really on ...

I’m counting on YOU... and you always come thru for every reunion! THANKS in advance for your commitment to make every CBF reunion more successful each time.

Remember ... Without U, there is no RE_NION! Relative Hugs,

List Your Reunion free!

Email (editor@reunionsmag.com) Contact name, address, phone, reunion name, date, and place. Check us out at www.reunionsmag.com A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

39

MILITARY REUNION NEWS

The Alliance of Military Reunions Their next Seminar and Town he Alliance of Military Hall Meeting will be in the Reunions provides military Greater Boston area in Rockland, reunion group leaders with the Massachusetts, November 4-7, most up-to-date information 2010. Staff teach new ways to available to assist with planning approach the reunion market. and organizing successful reunions Attendees participate in coaching and reunion associations. Their and networking and a "town mission is to be a valuable meeting" which provides an resource for those who organize, opportunity for an open exchange manage, host, and serve military of ideas among planners. For reunion groups from all services registration information, email and all eras. They provide MilitaryReunions@aol.com. members with information, Participants always return training, and personal networking Alliance instructional staff: Joyce Marshall, Skip Sander, Ron Cohen, home with new ideas and insight opportunities.

Brian Forrester, John Baker to improve their own reunions.

Alliance leaders are all Everyone enjoys the camaraderie and new friendships. veterans who have, themselves, planned and organized dozens The Alliance is a nonprofit organization of military reunion of their own reunions. They bring first-hand knowledge and groups and those who serve them. Think of it as a "brotherhood experience as well as many years experience in the hospitality of veterans" committed to constant improvement in reunions industry. Their proven success makes them well qualified to and reunion groups. assist your military reunion endeavors.

T

Members of the spring Alliance Seminar and Town Hall Meeting in Maine.

Donaldson reunion attracts overflow crowd

A

reunion for all those stationed or who worked at Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, South Carolina, sold out.

Planned for 200, 288 pilots, navigators, flight crew members and support personnel and spouses registered. The base, now known as the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC), closed 47 years ago when operations were moved to Savannah, Georgia.

Opened during World War II, the base was a training site for B-24 and B-25 aircraft bomber crews. In the early 1950s, the

40 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

base became an airlift center flying the C-124 Globemaster, the largest cargo plane in the Air Force at that time. Seven Globemaster squadrons, from the base flew missions worldwide earning it the title of Airlift Capital of the World.

Donaldson aircrews flew Cold War missions to every continent including the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Polar flights were accomplished before computers and satellite navigation systems.

From an article by Leslie Farmer in the Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina.

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 editor@reunionsmag.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.

DESTINATIONS & LOCATIONS ARKANSAS THE LODGE AT MOUNT MAGAZINE STATE PARK, ARKANSAS Reconnect with family or friends at this mountain resort lodge while you enjoy the view from Arkansas’s highpoint. Guest rooms and cabins. Conference and meeting rooms. Indoor pool, plenty of outdoor activities and nature programs. Make this reunion one to remember. Call 1-877-665-6343 for group rates or log on to MountMagazineStatePark.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

ARIZONA LEGACY GOLF RESORT 6808 South 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85042 Phone 602-305-6312, Fax 602-305-6301.

We are a perfect fit for any Reunion! Family reunions, class get-togethers, girls weekend, guys golf and military retreats. Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of activities for everyone; golf, spa services, sand volleyball, shuffleboard, or just relaxing poolside. Our Studio suites and one bedroom condos have plenty of space for family lodging and socializing; With either a kitchenette or full kitchen, our suites will make you and your guests feel at home and make any reunion a success. Email: Michelle Mombleau, mmombleau@shellvacationsllc.com; www.legacygolfresort.com.

CALIFORNIA HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE 4875 N Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92106; 619-2243621; 800-650-6660; fax 619-224-1787. 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@holinnbayside.com; www.holinnbayside.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE™ RESORT

CIRCLE F DUDE RANCH CAMP

Nestled in the mountains and minutes to Lake Tahoe, families can enjoy a multitude of activities including golf, biking, hiking, and skating as well as events, dining and shopping in the Village at Northstar. The resort offers a vast selection of lodging accommodations to make staying and playing at Northstar convenient for the whole family. All-inclusive family reunion packages are available making planning an easy, hassle-free process; rates start at $249 per person, per night and include lodging, food, and activities. Halfway (6 miles) between North Lake Tahoe & Truckee. 800-926-5096 reunions@northstarattahoe.com, www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

Located on 500 acres south of Orlando, Florida, Circle F offers reunions clean, rustic accommodations plus many activities, including swimming, sailing, canoeing, horseback riding, paintball, a softball field, soccer field, volleyball court, tennis courts, basketball court, rockwall climbing and ziplines, some of which have to be arranged in advance. It’s the perfect place for all your groups; 1-863-676-4113; www.circlefduderanchcamp.com

THE LAZY Z RESORT Located on 40 acres in California’s Gold Country. First class Cabins with Clubhouse meeting space, natural designed pool and outdoor hot tub. Our 12 Cabins sleep from two to six people. Perfect for Family Reunions, Business Retreats, Weddings and vacations too! We look forward to having you join us and share with you this very special place!

22732 Middle Camp Rd., Twain Harte, CA 95383, (800) 585-1238, LazyZ.com, info@LazyZ.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

COLORADO ESTES PARK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1200, Estes Park CO 80517. Estes Park may be the perfect setting for your reunion! Nestled in a valley surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park, fabulous scenery and recreation await you. Enjoy shopping, trout fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, golf, go karts, barbecues, hayrides, miniature golf, tram rides, scenic drives and hiking. Let our group specialist help you find lodging, meals and fun things for the whole family to enjoy!

800-44-ESTES; fax 970-577-1677; groupsales@estes.org; www.estesparkcvb.com/groups.cfm.

DELAWARE GREATER WILMINGTON CVB Nestled in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, along the I-95 corridor, Delaware’s Greater Wilmington and Brandywine Valley provides meeting/event planners and their attendees with an unparalleled variety of attractions to experience. Best of all, this is a tax-free destination with up to $20,000 in transportation assistance available!

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.

STAR ISLAND RESORT & CLUB 5000 Avenue of the Stars, Kissimmee FL 34746. Located just 4 miles to Disney, our Mediterranean styled Resort & Spa offers spacious mini suites, 1,2 & 3 bedroom Villas with kitchenette, full kitchens with all the comforts of home. Enjoy tennis, basketball, pools & putting green, Jet Ski & paddleboat rentals, children’s activities, BBQ grills, group meals & more. Group rates for 5 or more units. When making reservations use the code RM1.

800-513-2820, or reservations@star-island.com, www.star-island.com

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.FloridaysResortOrlando.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

VISIT TALLAHASSEE Situated in the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee draws families and friends to come together with natural fun – cycling, paddling and fishing – spacious parks, and a wide variety of cultural and historical sites. From securing accommodations and transportation to providing catering options and itinerary building, Visit Tallahassee proudly provides assistance to reunion planners. Contact Lorrie Allen at (800) 628-2866. www.VisitTallahassee.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

GEORGIA CROWNE PLAZA ATLANTA PERIMETER at RAVINIA 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346 Located in Central Perimeter area nestled on a 45 acre park, with waterfalls, terraced gardens, facilities for gatherings of 10 to 1,000. 495 guestrooms, 33 spacious suites. Featuring a three story greenhouse atrium lobby, fitness center, indoor pool with sundeck. Across from the Perimeter Mall. Free shuttle to area restaurants, parks and MARTA station for downtown attractions. Visit www.cpravinia.com or call 770-395-7700. Mention this listing for 10 % off reunion banquet pricing.

EMBASSY SUITES ATLANTA PERIMETER CENTER 1030 Crown Pointe Pkwy, Atlanta GA 30338.

770-394-5454.

All suite, upscale, renovated hotel located in beautiful Dunwoody, just steps away from Perimeter Mall, Perimeter Shoppes and more than 30 area restaurants/dining facilities. Hotel features complimentary amenities such as: cooked-to-order breakfast, Manager’s Reception, area shuttle, parking deck, indoor pool/sun deck, Precor fitness center and business center. Hotel offers an onsite restaurant with Starbucks café, meeting space and wireless internet throughout. Flat screen TV’s in all suites. Easy access to downtown via MARTA. Hilton Family Hotels. Book us at www.atlantaperimetercenter.embassysuites.com

ATLANTA MARRIOTT PERIMETER CENTER 246 Perimeter Center Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30346 The Hotel is located adjacent to Perimeter Mall and the Dunwoody MARTA station offering easy access to all city attractions. Amenities include onsite restaurant and lounge, room service, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, meeting and banquet space for up to 350 people and complimentary hotel shuttle within a 2 mile radius. Ask about our special reunions packages. Call 770 394-6500 or visit www.atlantamarriottperimeter.com

W ATLANTA PERIMETER 111 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta GA 30346 Find sanctuary in 121 deluxe guest rooms and 154 fantastic suites complete with the W Signature Bed, Bliss™ Sinkside Six amenities and balconies in all rooms. Suites feature a full kitchen. Free shuttle service within a 3-mile radius, which includes Perimeter Mall and MARTA stations. Banquet spaces with full catering available. For reservations, call 770-396-6800; fax 770-394-4805; GMWAtlantaPerimeter@whotels.com; www.whotels.com/atlantaperimeter.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

41

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES DOUGLASVILLE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU With a great location near Atlanta and over 1,800 hotel rooms why not choose Douglasville, Georgia! For details on complimentary services, including welcome bags and name badges, contact the Douglasville CVB today and let us help plan your next reunion. For more information call us at 1-800-661-0013 or email us at milesr@ci.douglasville.ga.us. www.visitdouglasville.com

CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU OF DUNWOODY, GA Just 10 minutes outside Atlanta in DeKalb County, Dunwoody is the best location for your next reunion.

Minutes away from Stone Mountain Park, Georgia Aquarium, the MLK Center and more! Home to five excellent hotels with tons of meeting space and all within walking distance to Perimeter Mall and shuttle services to MARTA! Call today to plan your reunion – 678-244-9800 or visit www.discoverdunwoody.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!

ILLINOIS 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.

MICHIGAN DETROIT METRO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Thinking of meeting in Detroit? We offer great services such as tracing your family history, securing permits for area parks, searching for hotel accommodations and much more. Detroit is home to great family fun attractions including The Henry Ford, America’s greatest history attraction, the Detroit Zoo, fine museums and numerous festivals and events. For More information contact the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau at reunions@visitdetroit.com or call 1-313-202-1985, www.visitdetroit.com.

MINNESOTA WORRY-FREE REUNIONS AT CRAGUN’S RESORT 11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd MN 56401: 800-CRAGUNS (272-4867). Since 1940 Cragun’s has taken pride in creating memorable reunions...here’s why: 1) trained coordinator will help plan it all, 2) arrival “Welcome” and registration areas with planned activity agendas, 3) activities including golf outings, lake cruises, picnics, fishing contests, horse drawn trolley rides and more, 4) indoor facilities to ensure you a “weather-proof” reunion, 5) private gathering areas, 6) special celebration meals, 7) professional group photos, 8) and best of all, enjoy a safe, secure friendly environment. Come to Cragun’s for your reunion. Named “One of MN’s ideal locations to hold a Reunion.” by AAA. Call for FREE Reunion Planning Packet or visit: www.craguns.com/157.

WHEN YOU’VE FINISHED USING THIS MAGAZINE, PLEASE RECYCLE IT. 42 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

MISSISSIPPI

ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT SPA RENO

ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT

3800 S Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502. Atlantis features Reno’s newest resort rooms complete with 42” Flatscreen TV’s. The all-new Spa Atlantis features unique treatments. Dine at eight award-winning restaurants, including the all-new Atlantis Steakhouse.

Atlantis boasts 50,000 SF of flexible new high-tech meeti ng space. Atlantis has everything you are looking for and more! Sales Department 800.994.5900; sales@atlantisCasino.com, AtlantisCasino.com.

THE B.B. KING MUSEUM & DELTA INTERPRETIVE CENTER 400 2nd St., Indianola, MS 38751. The Museum’s restored 1920’s cotton gin is perfect for reunions & includes a projection screen ideal for meetings. The all-Viking kitchen makes catering easy! Exhibits include rare artifacts, award-winning films, interactives, & a story that is unforgettable. Group rates available.

662-887-9539. www.bbkingmuseum.org.

MISSOURI THE BRANSON/LAKES AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Located in America’s heartland, Branson, Missouri is the perfect destination for your next reunion because we offer so many choices of live music shows and family entertainment, lodging, attractions, dining and more.

Remember, in Branson, our value is unrivaled, our scenery breathtaking and our authentic Ozarks hospitality inviting. Call us toll-free at 800-214-3661; 417-243-2117 or visit our website at ExploreBranson.com and request a Reunion Planner Sales kit. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

PULASKI COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU 137 St. Robert Blvd. St. Robert MO 65584.

Centrally located between Branson and St. Louis, Missouri on I-44. Enjoy the Museums at Fort Leonard Wood or family activities on the Gasconade and Big Piney Rivers. Trail of Tears, Historic Route 66, Fairs, Festivals, Antiques, and more. Over 1,500 sleeping rooms and 70 restaurants including the Cave Restaurant, dining in a real cave. Call toll-free 1-877-858-8687 or visit www.VisitPulaskiCounty.org for additional information. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

NEVADA GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO Located just minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip, directly across from The Rio and The Palms. This friendly resort personifies all that is best about Las Vegas and features 712 rooms and suites, 30,000 square feet of conference space, full-service casino, five restaurants, showroom/lounge, 70-lane bowling center, race/sports book, a poolside fitness center, and shuttle service to the heart of The Strip. 4000 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103; 702-251-3560; 800-331-5334 x 400; www.goldcoastcasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL 5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas NV 89122.

Sam’s Town boasts 646 elegantly appointed rooms and suites which surround the Mystic Fall Indoor Park. This popular hotel and casino has over 2,700 slot and video poker machines as well as 40 table games. In addition, Sam’s Town has 30,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple restaurants, food court, 18 movie theatres, RV Park, Bowling Center and much more!!! Sam’s Town offers a courtesy shuttle to the Strip and Downtown.

702-454-8120; www.samstownlv.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas NV 89145 Suncoast is an elegant gaming resort located on the picturesque western edge of the Las Vegas Valley. The stylish 400-room hotel is near three championship golf courses and has free shuttle bus service to and from McCarran International Airport. Among the Suncoast attractions are 25,000 square feet of convention space, nine restaurants, a 64-lane bowling center, a 16-screen movie complex, a pool and a 500-seat showroom.

702-636-7050; www.suncoastcasino.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

THE ORLEANS HOTEL AND CASINO Blends the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas with the festive flavor of New Orleans. The 88-acre full-service resort has 1,886 rooms and suites, 40,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, 12 exceptional restaurants and an oasis-like swimming pool. Attractions also include a spa and fitness center, a 70-lane bowling center, an 18-screen movie complex, a 900-seat showroom and 9,000-seat arena. 4500 W Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103; 702-365-7050; 888-365-7111 X 7050; www.orleanscasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

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 800-894-3588 or visit circusreno.com for more information. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

NEW YORK HOTELSCOUTER.COM Get Great Reunion Rates for Less... Instead of calling dozens of hotels, fill out one simple form on our website and we will have Group Friendly hotels in your desired city respond instantly with their best rates. No more wasted time playing phone tag. Group coordinators can get Free Rooms. Let us make your reunion planning simple! Get Started Now! Info: 443-416-3800; groups@HotelScouter.com; www.hotelscouter.com

ALBANY CLARION HOTEL 3 Watervliet Ave Extension, Albany NY 12206.

In the heart of New York’s Capital City stands the Clarion Hotel Albany, where comfort and convenience are paramount and the value can’t be beat. We offer a Full American Breakfast, an indoor pool, on-site restaurant, free WIFI and complimentary shuttle service. Reunions are offered special rates and complimentary hospitality suites. 518-438-8431; sales@ClarionHotelAlbany.com; www.ClarionHotelAlbany.com

BEST WESTERN ALBANY AIRPORT INN 200 Wolf Road, Albany NY 12205. Looking for a place to hold your reunion? Well, look no further! We can accommodate your reunion from family to military with very affordable prices. Our property has 153 rooms with an indoor heated pool, an onsite restaurant and lounge and 6000 sq ft of meeting space. We also have a complimentary full hot breakfast available every morning. 518-458-1000; sales@BWalbanyAirport.com; www.BWalbanyairport.com

THE BEST WESTERN SOVEREIGN HOTEL One of the top hosts of reunions in theCapital Region.

Restaurant on-site, along with indoor pool and sauna.

Shopping malls, golf and theaters near hotel. We also provide complimentary shuttle to area attractions. We have 192 newly renovated guest rooms, over 8,000 square feet of meeting space and much more! 518-4892981; reunions@SovereignHotels.com; www.SovereignHotels.com

LAKE GEORGE AREA in NY’s ADIRONDACKS 1340 State Route 9, Lake George NY 12845, 518-7616575; fax 518-761-6368 brandt@co.warren.ny.us; www.VisitLakeGeorge.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT

POWER BALLADZ New York City’s #1 Reunion Destination.

POWER BALLADZ is the new arena rock experience in the heart of Times Square where you and your classmates can celebrate the best music of the 70s, 80s, and 90s and unleash your inner rock stars. Part comedy, part game show, and 90 minutes of wicked rock! Come early for interactive games and rock trivia. After the show, your ticket grants you access to live-band karaoke! Amazing group rates & private event options!

Call 888-SEE-US-ROCK for more info or visit www.PowerBalladz.com.

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES NORTH CAROLINA

DAYS INN DONEGAL

SOUTH CAROLINA

WILMINGTON/CAPE FEAR COAST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The perfect Days for your reunion in the heart of the beautiful Laurel Highlands, conveniently located just off the PA Turnpike at exit 91. 51 lovely guestrooms, elegant outdoor pavilion seats 125, new banquet room seats 80, catering services, snack bar, arcade, outdoor pool and patio, volleyball and shuffleboard courts. Route 31 East, PO Box 184, Donegal PA 15628 Call Rose: 724-593-7536; daysinndonegal@yahoo.com; www.daysinndonegal.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

COMFORT SUITES – BLUFFTON/HILTON HEAD SC

Looking for an interesting destination? Then head to Wilmington & NC’s Cape Fear Coast. You can let us know what kind of adventure you have in mind, or we can suggest some themes that’ll please the most persnickety travelers. We’ll even create a customized itinerary matched to your exact specifications so that your guests will gladly follow you anywhere. Call 866-207-1969 or visit www.VisitNCVacations.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

23 Towne Drive, Bluffton SC 29910; 843-815-1700; fax 843-815-1701; cindy@beaconimg.com; www.hiltonheadcs.com.

HOLIDAY INN RIVERVIEW At 14 stories the HOLIDAY INN RIVERVIEW stands tall. This unique Charleston landmark offers guests 180 nicely appointed guest rooms and a full service restaurant with panoramic views of Historic Charleston and the Ashley River as well as complimentary shuttle service to the heart of the city for shopping and tours.

Enjoy easy planning with our experienced staff. Ask about special incentives for event planners. 301 Savannah Hwy, Charleston SC 29407. Contact Megan O’Hara Owen at 843-460-1440; fax 843-766-8355; mowen@hiriverview.com; http://www.hiriverview.com/

U.S.C.T. Grand Review Weekend Harrisburg, PA visitPA.com/GrandReview. During the Civil War, Pennsylvania proved to be a vital keystone for preserving the Union. This Fall we honor African American Patriots during the 2010 U.S.C.T. Grand Review commemoration.

Your journey begins at visitPA.com/GrandReview, where you can learn more about the Grand Review events and plan a roadtrip along Pennsylvania’s 17 Civil War Trails.

OHIO EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS 800-354-2657, www.ExperienceColumbus.com/reunions. Columbus is ranked one of the top value destinations in the country.

With four downtown entertainment districts, annual festivals, the #1 rated Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and an array of outdoor parks to choose from, you won’t want to have your family reunion anywhere else. Planning a reunion in Columbus is easy. And we’re here to help.

Plus, all of our services are free. We will assist you with finding hotels, local attractions and more. And when the time comes, we’ll provide you with Visitors Guides, Visitor Maps, plastic bags and pens. Contact Brian Cheek at 614-222-6136 or BCheek@ExperienceColumbus.com

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!

VALLEY FORGE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

PENNSYLVANIA

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 off-property 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.

COMFORT SUITES CARLISLE

RHODE ISLAND

10 South Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. Downtown location conveniently located between Gettysburg, Harrisburg & Hershey. One mile to US Army War College, Army Heritage & Education Center and walking distance to Dickinson College & PSU Dickinson School of Law. Banquet facilities for up to 325. Offering special rates / packages for family, class, military and other reunion groups. Visit our web-site at www.comfortsuitescarlisle.com or call our Sales Department at 1-800-704-1188.

THE BEST WESTERN THE MAINSTAY INN

TENNESSEE CHATTANOOGA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU We are ready to host your next family or military reunion.

Our Staff works closely with the hotels, attractions, tour companies and you to provide exactly what you need to have a great reunion. Contact Christina Petro at 800-964-8600 ext. 3017 or by e-mail at chrisp@chattanoogacvb.com for free help planning your next reunion! www.chattanoogafun.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

151 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport RI 02840; 401849-9880. Located 1/2 mi. from Newport Navy Base, Minutes from Historic Harbor, Newport Mansions and across from Newport Grand Casino. Full Service hotel with 200 guest rms, full service Restaurant, Lounge, Banquet and Meeting facilities. Comp. Hospitality Rm and Group Leader Room. themainstayinn@aol.com

MAKE YOUR REUNION SPARKLE

Consider giving REUNIONS MAGAZINE as a gift.

Add a note if you want us to send an acknowledgement or gift card in your name.

SUBSCRIBE TO REUNIONS MAGAZINE And receive a FREE Reunions Workbook

J New subscription J Renewal J Workbook print J Workbook CD Name

Reunion name/Organization

Address

City/State/Zip

Where did you find REUNIONS MAGAZINE?

REUNIONS MAGAZINE J $9.99/yr J $17.99/2 yrs J Check enclosed

J MasterCard

J Visa

WORKBOOK ONLY J $9.95 print J $9.95 CD

J American Expres

J Discover

Card Number

Exp. Date

Signature

Daytime Phone

Prices for US or Canadian addresses only. All others add $36 in US funds or drawn on a US bank.

Make checks payable and mail to: REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

43

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES CABINS IN THE SMOKIES

PARK CITY LODGING (formerly R&R Properties)

NEWPORT NEWS

Timber Tops offers luxury cabins and resort facilities to accommodate large groups. These incredible cabins can include big screen TV’s, game rooms with pool tables, hot tubs, gorgeous mountain views, and close proximity to all the fun attractions in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

1-800-266-1066; hcaldwell@timbertops.net; www.yoursmokymountainreunion.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

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.

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 888493-7386 or email her at cmorales@nngov.com to book your reunion. www.newport-news.org.

VERMONT KILLINGTON RESORT

TEXAS PLANO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano TX 75074.

Plano’s location, 20 miles from Dallas, gives us access to North Texas’ Biggest Playground. Accessible via D/FW Airport or Dallas Love Field, or major highways, Plano’s the Place! Love History, and things Typically Texas? And things not typically Texas? How ’bout sports, shopping, dining? You’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do here. 800-81PLANO: fax 972-424-0002; kays@plano.gov: www.planocvb. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

UTAH SUMMIT CHATEAU LODGE & YURTS BRIAN HEAD, UT 1990 Dry Lakes Rd. EXCLUSIVE MOUNTAIN RESORT REUNION open Summer and Winter. offering all types of reunions family, friends, class and military. Enjoy all kinds of Mt. activities: Mt. biking, hiking, climbing, fishing, atv, snowmobile x country skiing, snowshoeing and commercial kitchen and much more. On site amenities: Sauna, Jacuzzi hotel rooms with their own bathrooms, bunkhouse, 15 Yurts and Gym. Sleeps 100 people Over 2500 sq. ft of customizable meeting space.

Call for more information 888-613-2129 or matthew@familytimevacationrentals.com, http://summitchateaulodge.com

4763 Killington Road, Killington, Vt. 05751; 800-4320100; fax 802-422-6118; groupsales@killington.com; www.killington.com.

SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT At America’s Reunion Resort, you’ll experience Mountain Resort Living, award-winning children’s programs (6wks. - 17yrs.), family activities and entertainment, swimming, skiing, hiking, dining, shopping & more. Smugglers’ Notch Resort - the only resort in North America to guarantee Family Fun – Summer, Winter & Fall. For more information, call 1-800-521-0536. or visit www.smuggs.com/reunions.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

VIRGINIA

NORFOLK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU VisitNorfolk, 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 5,000 committable hotel rooms in various price ranges. Call 800-368-3097; dallen@norfolkcvb.com; www.visitnorfolktoday.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

WEST VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA TOURISM Brilliant minds have hosted meetings in Virginia since the first English settlers stepped foot on our shores.

Centuries later, the location remains as enticing as ever with its blend of sheer beauty, location, premier convention centers, available rooms, time-honored southern hospitality and cost-efficient value. In short, Virginia is the perfect destination for your reunion. Visit Virginia.org/meetings for more information, or contact Joni Johnson at 804-545-5544 or jjohnson@virginia.org for personal assistance. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

m o r e o n w w w. r e u n i o n s m a g . c o m

CANAAN VALLEY RESORT Davis, West Virginia. Four season resort featuring 250 comfortable lodge rooms, 23 secluded cabins/cottages and 34 campground sites. Seasonal activities include indoor/outdoor pools, golf, skiing, summer/winter tubing, hiking/biking trails, and more. Meeting rooms and banquet services available for your reunion needs. Karen Rhodes 304-866-4121 x2681 or rhodesk@canaanresort.com www.canaanresort.com

THE WOODS RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER PO Box 5 Mountain Lake Road, Hedgesville WV 25427; 304-754-7977 or 800-248-2222; fax 304-754-8146: Kathy@thewoods.com; www.TheWoods.com

Reader Service Card V21N1 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

To request information from our display advertisers, please check the box(es) and return to Reunions magazine, P.O. Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727.

J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J

ENTERTAINMENT

HOTELS, RESORTS, LODGES

Mount Magazine State Park Lodge . . . . . . . . . 5 Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside . . . . . . . . . . 10 Lazy Z Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Floridays Orlando Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC Circus Circus Hotel & Casino Reno . . . . . . . 13 Coast Casinos Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Days Inn Donegal PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Sea Mist Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Timber Tops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Smugglers’ Notch Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

J Powerballadz/ New York City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

ST

TOURISM & VISITORS BUREAUS

Name

DE FL GA MO MO NC NY PA TN TX VA VA

Greater Wilmington & Brandywine Valley . . . 13 Visit Tallahassee TDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gwinnett CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Branson Lakes Area Chamber/CVB . . . . . . IFC Pulaski County Tourism Bureau . . . . . . . . . . 25 Wilmington/Cape Fear CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Warren County Tourism/ Lake George . . . . . . 38 Pennsylvania Tourism Office (PA Tourism) . . 15 Chattanooga Area CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Plano CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Norfolk CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Virginia Division of Tourism. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

44 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

PG

PG

ST

AR CA CA FL NV NV PA SC TN VT

PG

PLANNERS

PG

J National Association of Reunion Managers (NARM) . . . 7 T-SHIRTS

PG

J customink.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Reunion name/Organization

Address

City/State/Zip

E-mail Address

Telephone

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES AIRPORT PARKING

CUSTOM COOKBOOKS

T-SHIRTS

Park Ride Fly USA

CUSTOM COOKBOOKS FOR FAMILIES

AD-fordable Imprints

is the fastest growing seller of offsite airport parking on the Web. All pre-paid parking reservations include complimentary shuttle service, luggage assistance, and $100,000 of Automatic Flight Insurance provided at no additional cost. Visit www.reunionsmag.com and click on Park Ride Fly for discount airport parking at more than 50 U.S. airports and start saving today!

Family cookbooks keep memories alive! Your entire cookbook order can be completed online: simply enter your recipes, invite others to enter their recipes, design your book and submit the order! Or, we’ll type your recipes for you. A great keepsake and fundraiser! G&R Publishing • Waverly, Iowa • www.gandrpublishing.com • 1-800-383-1679.

ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY TREE CHARTS

THE B.B. KING MUSEUM & DELTA INTERPRETIVE CENTER

YOUR FAMILY TREE CHARTED

… your ONLY source for PERSONALIZIED Imprinted reunion T-shirts/apparel. Custom 1 color imprint priced as low as $3.39 ea. FREE Screen, FREE set-up, FREE artwork charges. SAVE THE DATE MAGNETS personalized, full color imprint, Priced as LOW as.79¢ each, KOOZIE drink holders Priced as LOW as 49¢ ea. Also tote bags, mugs and many memento favors. QUALITY work, great friendly customer service. FREE SAMPLES CALL or email us today for your FREE sample kit AD-fordable Imprints Toll Free 1-888-602-9450, sales@reunionthings.com, www.reunionthings.com

400 2nd St., Indianola, MS 38751. The Museum’s restored 1920’s cotton gin is perfect for reunions & includes a projection screen ideal for meetings. The allViking kitchen makes catering easy! Exhibits include rare artifacts, award-winning films, interactives, & a story that is unforgettable. Group rates available.

662-887-9539. www.bbkingmuseum.org.

POWER BALLADZ New York City’s #1 Reunion Destination.

POWER BALLADZ is the new arena rock experience in the heart of Times Square where you and your classmates can celebrate the best music of the 70s, 80s, and 90s and unleash your inner rock stars. Part comedy, part game show, and 90 minutes of wicked rock! Come early for interactive games and rock trivia. After the show, your ticket grants you access to live-band karaoke! Amazing group rates & private event options!

Call 888-SEE-US-ROCK for more info or visit www.PowerBalladz.com.

Names of all Family Members are charted. Large Poster size for display. Smaller, framed size for gift. Plus… A Family Tree Book of individual Family Trees. Really Nice! Make charting your Family Tree part of the legacy you leave behind. www.FamilyTreesCharted.com; FamilyTrees@bellsouth.net. 404-768-5 698, JoAnn Ross.

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

REUNION RIBBONS

Design reunion shirts online – it’s fun and easy! Create your own design or have us create a design for you. From infant sizes to adult 6XL, you’ll find the perfect shirts for your reunion. FREE shipping, AFFORDABLE shirts, FREE expert-design help, and GUARANTEED delivery dates! Visit www.customink.com/reunionwbk or call 1-877-803-5885 today! Use voucher code RW210 to save $10 on your order of 6 or more shirts.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

REUNION MATE REUNION 2010? 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.

BOOKS & SOFTWARE

REUNION WEBSITE BUILDER

THE REUNION PLANNER

MYEVENT.COM

11661 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 306, Los Angeles CA 90049; 310-820-5554; fax 310-820-8341; lindah@reunionplanner.com; www.reunionplanner.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. No credit card required for the free trial! Only $9.95 / month. http://reunions.createswebsites.com. Any Questions 877-769-3836 or info@myevent.com.

Join reunion chat @ http://forums.reunionsmag.com

MAKE THE BEST REUNION T-SHIRTS!

Subscribe! Call 1-800-373-7933

PRODUCTS & SERVICES All of the following can be purchased at www.reunionsmag.com/shopping or by calling 1-800-373-7933, ext.4

BOOKS 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 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.

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.

The Pick A Party book set by Patty Sachs, party-planning expert Book #1: Pick a Party, The Big Book of Party Themes and Occasion 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.

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.

FOOD PREPARATION COOKING FOR LARGE GROUPS (CD) Over 1400 recipes. System requirements: Windows 98/NT 4.0/XP, Intel Pentium Processor or better, 32 MB RAM, 20 MB free hard disk space, CD-ROM drive, SVGA monitor, keyboard, web browser, Adobe Reader, Window-compatible pointing device. $49.95 plus $1.29 s/h. Purchase at www.reunionsmag.com/shopping or call 1-800-373-7933, ext. 4.

MAGAZINE Subscribe to Reunions magazine Ensure a full year of reunion planning advice plus workbook. Subscribe now. Send $9.99/yr or $17.99/2 yrs to Reunions Magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. To charge to credit card call 800-373-7933 or visit our website www.reunionsmag.com.

MUSIC 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.

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 – 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, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727; credit card charges call 1-800-373-7933 ext. 4, or order online; www.reunionsmag.com/shopping.

A U G U ST / S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2010 O R E U N I O N S

45

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

www.reunionsmag.com TM