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in this issue DEPARTMENTS

June/July 2006 Volume 16 • Number 6

FRONT WORDS – 6 ALUM&I – 8

PUBLISHER

Super Bowl reunions by Connie Auran Thoughts from a reunion by Mary Lou Williams Class reunion media alert Ellen’s 30th class reunion 50th reunion celebration by Arliss Treybig Q? and A! spouses … or not?

Jeffrey P. Wallman EDITOR IN CHIEF

Edith Wagner TRAVEL EDITOR

Jacky Runice ART DIRECTOR

SCRAPBOOK – 16

Jennifer Rueth

Speedway tours, Lieberman campaign workers reunion, booking trends, precious moments, help find dad, Lady Bombers reunion, Korean Reunion Project, Reunion school, Annapolis tours, Site Inspection Handbook

Marion Liston Senior Account Manager Sandy Lewis Account Manager

BRANCH OFFICE – 19 Keeping kids busy by Maureen Taylor Recording family stories on video by Cathy Weselby Intergenerational Elderhostel by Peggy Gleich America’s Anniversary weekend, British Cousins, Fandex® africa

MASTERPLAN – 23 A reunion by any other name by Georgia Burnette Change is not always good by Terry Nelson Brown Family Ties by Roxie Branch Dannahower Family celebrates 10 years by Sue Dannahower Dutch Ancestry celebrated Lewis and Clark expedition by Marianne Mersereau Stories of America by Joan Fitting Scott Transforming an already established reunion, or How to be an in-law without feeling like an out-law by Colleen Greene Juneteenth Day, Q?&A! Clark descendents meet We Are Family: orphanage reunion by JoAnn Stringer

VENUES & FEATURES – 38 Rooted in history by Jacky Runice Cabin Fervor by Jacky Runice Amelia on the Atlantic by Edith Wagner

MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 52 New in Honolulu, Stars and Stripes, Vet finding, War brides, Veterans history project, Civil War photos

REUNION RESOURCES – 54 A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products.

ABOUT THE COVER

Kids love the Atlantic beach at Amelia Island Plantation reunions in Florida.

SALES

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Karla Lavin ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Jean Salzer CONTRIBUTORS

Connie Auran • Roxie Branch Georgia Burnette • Sue Dannahower Peggy Gleich • Colleen Greene Marianne Mersereau • Terry Nelson Joan Fitting Scott • JoAnn Stringer Maureen Taylor • Arliss Treybig Jackie Utley • Cathy Weselby Mary Lou Williams

REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC. (ISSN #1046-5s235), is published bi-monthly. Send correspondence, queries, submissions, subscriptions, advertising to REUNIONS MAGAZINE, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this book except pages which encourage sharing. Please explain your intended use when requesting permission to reprint. Email: reunions@execpc.com or fax 414-263-6331.

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 reunions@execpc.com; www.reunionsmag.com. © 2006 REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC.

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FRONT WORDS

‘tis the season

SUMMER REUNION TALK

We get requests for interview contacts year-round but mostly t’s the season … reunion season is here again and that in summer – when we need to know about as many reunions as means lots of work and lots of fun for millions. Consider we can, to satisfy the requests. We are asked for referrals of Jeff Daniel’s words about a year ago in the St. Louis Post reunions for interviews. It could be a national or local Dispatch, “While Memorial Day may signal the start of flipnewspaper or magazine or national or local TV or radio show.

To make referrals, we need lots of detail, lots of stories. flop and sunglasses season, the holiday also jump-starts the TV producers need to visualize what your reunion looks like high season for family reunions.” and what will appeal to viewers: colorful settings, happy It is reunion time and we couldn’t be happier. Of course, people enjoying and interacting, laughing kids engaged in the fact that it’s summer and warm and sunnier than usual games and fun, and endless stories about ancestors and also helps but we look forward to hearing your reunion family history. stories and seeing your reunion pictures. During the days At the very least we need stories to tell and weeks left leading up to your about your reunion, when and where it will be reunion, at your reunion and after, think held (hard to send a reporter or TV crew about sharing your stories with Reunions without an address), how many you expect, magazine. Ask people taking pictures at Mail to how long you’ve been meeting and how to get your reunion to look for ones that help REUNIONS MAGAZINE in touch with you. Also crucial is contact tell your reunion story. To help you think PO Box 11727 information just before and during the about what to report, we are planning Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 reunion. It is not uncommon for a newspaper features about fundraising (how about For charge orders reporter or TV producer to call Friday pictures from your auction?), family call 800-373-7933 or afternoon or Saturday morning for a weekend history activities (how about pictures of visit www.reunionsmag.com contact. Will we know how to reach you? kids doing gravestone rubbings? Or of Even after all this, we may never get a call your family history display or family or fax it to 414-263-6331. for what we know about your reunion. Last tree?), quilts (you know we want to see Or best of all, e-mail year producers wanted reunions where some great pictures of your quilts and stories reunions@execpc.com. members would meet for the first time, or behind them), kids activities (there are where someone was going to be surprised. lots and lots of pictures there!), food Most are for reunions in one place on one (what special foods are featured at your reunion and why?) weekend and we cannot give you a clue. We too are often and much more. In fact, why don’t you make suggestions? surprised! On the other hand, the stories and information we We accept material from any source, but prefer email receive often are perfect for this magazine, so the time you submissions as Microsoft Word attachments. If an outline spend telling your story is not completely lost. would help you to write, go to www.reunionsmag.com and If there is enough advance notice, we include media click on “Help us write Reunions magazine.” Pictures can requests online and in our email newsletter. Visit be sent as prints or as email attachments in pdf or jpg www.reunionsmag.com. click on media alerts. formats at 300 dpi or higher)

I

Be in touch!

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COME ONE, COME ALL!

LIST YOUR REUNION FREE

If you missed the 15th National Family Reunion Conference in Pittsburgh, begin planning now to be at the 16th in Philadelphia next March, This is the place to be inspired by the successes and triumphs of other family reunions. There are so many ideas flying around that you can practically grab them from the air. Questions, answers, reports, stories, ideas, inspiration are all around you all the time. On the bus to the airport I talked with several women who attended their first conference and they were already looking forward to next year’s conference.

I regularly lead a “speak out” to ask reunion questions and share answers in a general session. It’s a group of beginners and many levels of experience and lots of enthusiastic and creative responses. These are always lively discussions which I look forward to. I’d just been asked the rather universal question about how to deal with relatives who don’t pay so I posed the question to the group. The answer was absolutely inspired and appears in this issue on page 29!

We will include 2007 conference information in issues and at www.reunionsmag.com as we learn the details. I look forward to seeing you there next March.

No charge, no cost, just send the info and the world will know you’re planning a reunion. Email your reunion name, date, place and contact information to reunions@execpc.com. It will be posted in Upcoming Reunions at www.reunionsmag.com. There are lists for family, class, military and other reunions.

R E U N I O N S ❖ JUNE/JULY 2006

WANT MORE REUNION IDEAS BETWEEN ISSUES?

Sign up for our free monthly email newsletter. Email (reunions@execpc.com) your name and address as it appears on the label of this magazine and your email address.

JOIN THE PARTNERSHIP

We are partners with our advertisers to help you produce a memorable reunion and we hope you will make both of us a part of your reunion planning. Take advantage of the eagerness of our advertisers and vendors and contact them during your reunion planning. Be sure to tell them you discovered them in Reunions magazine.

We wish you a successful reunion season and look forward to your reports. EW

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Private Club Luxuries • Cashless and tipless resort • Complimentary high speed internet, in-room safe and daily newspaper • Resort-wide transportation service • Personalized concierge check-in

For more information, call 888-418-9614 or E-mail: groupsales@reunionresort.com or visit us at www.reunionresort.com 1000 Reunion Way, Reunion, FL 34747

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ALUM & I

Super Bowl reunions

by Connie Auran

W

e are a group of fun-loving senior citizens who graduated from North Dakota’s Rolla High School in the 1940s and 50s. We gather for threeday Super Bowl parties every year.

We started in California, but continue in Fayetteville, Arkansas, because I (the hostess) moved. Some of us have been together since kindergarten.

The idea for a three-day Super Bowl party occurred to me when I became a widow. I was married for 42 years, and after my husband’s death I could not decide what I wanted to do when I grew up. I was afraid my friends would abandon me because I was single, so I entertained at the drop of a hat. It worked.

Someone always owed me.

Rolla had a population of 1,000. Several high school friends were living in Arizona. I found another I had not seen for 25 years in San Diego.

I called her. She mentioned a friend who was

living in San Francisco. I started calling everyone and to my surprise not only were they all very enthusiastic about a party but everyone mentioned another name they thought I should call. I called people in Minnesota, Montana, Texas and, of course, North Dakota.

Rolla High School reunion revelers in their theme costumes.

Where to draw the line suddenly became an issue. My class of 1949 had only 27 graduates so I knew we couldn’t restrict it to just our class. I decided if you graduated from Rolla High School you could come to the party. I added Iowa, Florida, Washington and New Mexico. My invitation list started out with about fifteen couples. Much to my surprise 75% replied yes.

This started in 1996. I have had the party every year since and it keeps surprising me.

I’ve received several letters and phone calls from Rolla graduates wanting to know what to do to get an invitation. We have had as many as 40, but numbers change because of our age; unfortunately we lose a couple of people every year. Most participants come back once they’ve attended one party.

We have a different theme each year.

We’ve had a Mexican Hat Dance, Country Western, The French Connection, 1949 Rolla High School Prom (complete with the original menu and prom dresses), Mardi Gras, The Academy Awards, Arkansas Hillbillies, and New York, New York. Every year we have our own (over 60) Broadway Wannabees.

Everyone flies in on Friday, checks into their hotels, and the party starts at my home that night with cocktails and dinner and homegrown talent or a high school pep rally. continued 8

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ALUM & I

Super Bowl reunions

continued

For Saturday, I prepare a list of local fun places and activities or they can just sleep in.

Saturday night is the big night, combining professional and homegrown talent. We have had everything from comedian Anita Maltin from England to Jed Clampit (Mr. Arkansas).

Sunday finds everyone back here for brunch. Then it’s game time and a chili supper.

The guests usually fly out on Monday, but many come early and stay late. The group gets larger every year and younger people are coming. We plan to continue till we are too old or too pooped to party!

About the author Connie Auran, Fayetteville, Arkansas, grew up in a small North Dakota town and worked her way to a BS degree at the University of North Dakota, where she was elected Homecoming Queen. Her late husband was a returned Korean Veteran who lost a leg in the conflict.

They had three sons and lived most of their lives in Denver, Colorado.

Ideas for Super Bowl reunion parties - I have found entertainment in many places. I watch the local paper for who is appearing where, and go to see them. Many times an expensive local entertainer will do a reasonable private gig if they can work it into their schedule before or after an appearance. I found Jed Clampit at a popular college hangout and he came to my house for an hour show for one-third what he usually charges. Just be brave and ask!

I have used great entertainment from local schools. They have small groups that they will send out for just a donation to the department.

I have also found great dance teams from local dance studios at a reasonable price. We found Lola and John – husband and wife team – at a luncheon and they came for six years in a row and always were costumed to fit the theme.

They sang and kept the show together.

CENTERPIECES - We had a dining room table that seats 12, a kitchen table that seats 10 and card tables set up around the other rooms. Easy, inexpensive ideas come from magazines and creative friends. For the western theme, artificial sunflowers filled empty ENTERTAINMENT

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bean cans on each table. Mexican night was bright with colored flowers, mariachi shakers, Mexican pitchers, etc. French night featured a large container filled with loaves of French bread at the main table, French pottery, French travel posters, a book about how to speak French, black berets, etc. For Mardi Gras I used a large Ella Fitzgerald cookie jar I had. Look around your house and you will spot things: pictures on the wall or even pretty sheets that can be floated over a medium-sized box.

Look at all your trays, knick knacks on the book shelves. For the prom I found some pretty dancing couples in a magazine, enlarged them at Kinkos and copied them on very heavy paper.

Then I cut them out and glued copies back-to-back and put them on all the tables. A little confetti and ribbon and voila!

DECORATIONS - Check your attic, thrift stores, catalogs (such as Oriental Trading Company, Shindigz and Stumps). We have painted on walls and windows (easy to repaint after the party).

MENUS VARIED WITH THEME.

- Most of the ideas have come from the participants and magazines such as Reunions. We plan the theme one year ahead so everyone has time to submit ideas and work on their act or skit. We usually have professional entertainment one night and our homegrown talent the other night. Sunday is “game day” and while the men watch the game the women usually catch up on gossip.

SUMMARY

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ALUM & I

Thoughts from a reunion

M

ary Lou Williams, Montevallo, Alabama, wrote, “Our reunion was so good and I have thought about its significance so many times that I couldn’t resist writing down how I felt.” She is writing about her Boaz High School in the small, north Alabama town of Boaz. ❖ Our 40th class reunion was the best party.

Attendance was good. We made a spectacle of ourselves at the Friday night ballgame. We got reacquainted with friends and got to know each other’s spouses at an after-the-game party at a classmate’s home. On Saturday we toured our high school, went to lunch and finished the night with a dinner and dance at the local junior college cafeteria.

By some folks’ standards our reunion was low budget and low key, but for us it was definitely a hit. We had money left over to make a gift to the high school science department and library, so we considered our efforts worth the time and felt like we made a good investment in each other and our hometown.

The Class of 1965 was delighted to have as our guests one of our 6th grade teachers, our home economics teacher, and our girls’ phys ed teacher. They looked great and remembered us!

But for me, the best part of the reunion has been the relationships that continued after the weekend we spent together. Certainly the years since we graduated have changed us. Some changes seem a little unkind when we look in the mirror! But in the ways that really matter, our changes make me proud to be a member of our class.

We have learned from experience.

Travel, work, education, family, tragedy and adventure have taken us in many directions. Some have literally seen the world, while others remain close to home. Our lives today are different, but we value differences so much more than we did in high school.

Since the reunion we have been in touch. Email is the best tool for keeping our friendships in place. Our class president has been especially good about sending notes, so we stay connected. In the last few months illness hit a couple of us hard. I know the encouragement from old friends has strengthened these class members more than others realize. I love the people in my high school class in ways I never dreamed I would. I still say, “We’re the greatest class alive, senior class of ’65!”

Postcards that make your reunion point! save the date

Send save the date when you’ve set it!

Send TIME IS RUNNING OUT when it is!

Custom Printing – $45 p/hundred; 50¢ each, Blank cards $15 p/hundred; 20¢ each; minimum 10.

Send message, check & request to: REUNION POSTCARDS ❖ PO Box 11727 ❖ Milwaukee WI 53211-0727.

To charge, call 800-373-7933.

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C

lass reunions always interest local media. We found this Media Alert from Warren (Ohio) Western Reserve High School Class of 1985 20th Year Reunion quite complete and to the point.

Clear answers to the who, what, when and where questions, plus contact information, are all you need to get an editor’s attention.

Alumni reconnect through web site

A

lumni of Gateway High School in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, might be many miles apart, but are never more than a mouse click away. Gateway launched www.gatewaygators.net, the Gateway Gators alumni web site.

Shane Rolin, of Amixa web design, developed the site as a community service project at no cost to the school district. “We feel it is important to utilize our skills and experience to give back to the community.”

The site provides class directories for registered alumni and an interactive alumni map. Each time users log on, they can see new members since their last visit. The site features a memorial page and links to the Gateway school store and to alumni who have been in the news. Class reunion postings and contact information are also available.

From an article by Nicole Madgar in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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ALUM & I

Ellen’s 30th class reunion

50th reunion celebration

M

embers of Atlanta (Texas) High School’s class of 1976 wouldn’t have missed their reunion for the world. That’s because their most famous classmate, Ellen DeGeneres, invited them to celebrate the occasion on her television show.

Atlanta is a town of about 5,000, 60 miles northwest of Shreveport, Louisiana. DeGeneres attended high school there her junior and senior years after moving from New Orleans.

The studio was filled with photos of what classmates looked like in 1976, and classmates wore “then” photos of themselves around their necks.

Recent clips of Atlanta and photos of DeGeneres and friends hanging out as teenagers were shown intermittently throughout the show.

Classmates who attended the reunion said the experience remains surreal. There was little time for sight-seeing, but there was much time for catching up with classmates during brief periods of downtime and after the show’s taping, when the class was treated to a catered party including foods with a Texas flare, like barbecue and cole slaw.

From a story by Becky Bell in the Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana, Texas.

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El Campo (Texas) High School, Class of 1958.

T

he El Campo (Texas) High School (ECHS) Class of 1953, last to graduate from the old Northside campus, celebrated its 50th anniversary with 38 members, 8 former classmates, one teacher and guests. Besides the El Campo area and other towns in Texas, California, Wyoming, Kentucky and Florida were represented.

Some attended the Friday morning pep rally at the school, and were introduced there. A larger group attended the football game, while others gathered for dinner in a local restaurant.

On Saturday morning some toured the remodeled campus, where they recalled specific classrooms and teachers. For their Saturday evening party, arrangements of red, white and gold centered the tables and were later given as door prizes. Many class members celebrated their golden anniversary by wearing gold. The Gold awards presented included Most Spirited, Most Sophisticated, Most Glitzy and Golden Guy. Commemorative booklets included a copy of the 1953 graduation program and the class history written in 1953.

An area was set aside for class and school history displays, which triggered many memories. Class members signed a photo display, which was placed in the library’s history room. They also signed commemorative booklets for classmates who were unable to attend due to illness or distance.

Individuals donated a variety of items for a silent auction to benefit a scholarship fund in the name of the class.

Following the meal, a brief program included music and recognition of class members whose grandchildren continue ECHS traditions.

Reported by Arliss Treybig, El Campo, Texas.

Spouses? or not?

When planning a 20-year high school reunion, we are considering whether to go with spouses or no spouses, do you have an opinion on this?

That’s a great question and one that changes as reunions get older: 10th year you want to show off your spouse, by the 60th you’re joined at the hip so for the 10th and 60th spouses are essential. But 20-year, who knows?

Perhaps it’s more fun going solo, which is often fine with the spouse who may not want to go anyway.

My own reunion and my sister’s a couple years later have been having Friday night gatherings that are for classmates. Some spouses who are really close to class members come along. But spouses who know no one in the class should be spared one uncomfortable party.

I think the question can be answered from the point of view of the classmate, who is eager to see former friends, and the spouse, who knows no one and does not look forward to being ill at ease. The classmate is either reconnecting with old friends or duty bound to hang on to and introduce the spouse over and over again. Spouses not related to the class are all in the same uncomfortable position. They can form a cadre of uncomfortable others so if one of them is a cheerleader, they can soon bond, if only for a couple of hours … every five or 10 years. They may, as often happens at military reunions, form their own group who look forward to seeing one another at the next reunion.

Note: these are only opinions: there are no rules! EW We also asked expert members of the National Association of Reunion Managers (NARM) what their experience is.

Many people have different feelings about bringing a guest or spouse to their reunion, wrote Joyce Capolino of The Best Reunions in Tequesta, Florida. To make everyone happy, we always invite all alumni with a guest and it is their decision if they would like to bring a guest or spouse. Some alumni will not attend without their spouse; many people do not like to travel or attend functions alone. We let it be the individual’s decision and the more the merrier.

Typically, whether a reunion event is “Classmates Only” or not is specified on the invitation. The popular way to hold a reunion is to have a Friday evening

Q? A!

classmates-only event, and a Saturday event with spouse/significant others, and then sometimes a family picnic on Sunday, wrote NARM’s Administrative Assistant, Renee Mead, Renton, Washington.

Byron Davidson of 1st Class Reunions, Loganville, Georgia, said his experience has been that if a class is close and has had reunions, spouses have formed at least a casual relationship with other alumni and spouses. So by all means invite spouses but have some activity or recognition involving them. For example, use the DJ to get the spouses dancing together, then possibly line dances (Electric Slide, etc.), as long as there is something for them to do. Also, there’s a practical aspect to having spouses there.

Alumni may “party to excess,” so when it comes to leaving, the spouse is a designated driver.

Gayle Rapoport, Reunion Organizers of Minnesota, Minneapolis, agreed that some people may choose not to bring their spouse or significant other, but there are those who do not go anywhere alone.

Carolyn Moore of the late Reunion

Planners of Texas, asked whether our reader/questioner is trying to increase the divorce rate for their class. “Without spouses, you will lose about half the class attendance.”

Greg Hollander, Class Encounters, Sacramento, California, suggests that, on average, about 50% of classmates bring their spouse or a guest to their reunion.

T. Stevens, Reunions to Remember in Manhasset, New York, says to definitely include spouses, as long as they are willing to come!

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SCRAPBOOK

Speedway grounds tour

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

June 25, 2006 Westin Peachtree Plaza - 1:00 PM September 24, 2006 Holiday Inn Airport North - 1:00 PM Contact Lydia Douglas, Sales Manager, Small Meetings, Atlanta CVB, 233 Peachtree Street, NE, Ste 100, Atlanta, GA 30303; 404-521-6640; ldouglas@atlanta.net; www.atlanta.net.

DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA

2006 SUMMER SERIES at DeKalb CVB June 10 and June 24, July 8 and July 22, August 12 and August 26 September 16, 2006 Best Western Perimeter North Inn October 21, 2006 Embassy Suites Perimeter November 18, 2006 Marriott Evergreen Conference Resort Bring Your Family Home to DeKalb!

Call to make a reservation, and your reunion planning is already underway.

Contact DeKalb County CVB at 800999-6055 or 770-492-5000.

GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA

ABCs of Planning a Family Reunion July 28, 2006, 10 AM-1 PM followed by a tour of Hampton Inn Sugarloaf Jillian’s 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville GA 30043 Complimentary lunch, prize drawing and giveaways, Family Reunion Planning Guide Contact Linda Busby, GCTS, Gwinnett CVB Education Specialist, 770-814-6056; lbusby@gcvb.org.

BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA

October 14, 2006 at the Water Park of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.

More details at minneapolis.org/reunions/ or 800-445-7412.

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Up close and personal … touring the Indianpolis Motor Speedway.

T

he Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum Grounds Tour is a fantastic opportunity to entertain reunion guests with a 90-minute behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Speedway’s infrastructure and history.

Normally accessible only to officials, drivers and teams during events, tours include the timing-and-scoring suite in the Bombardier Pagoda, the Media Center, Victory Podium, Gasoline Alley garage area and the world-famous “Yard of Bricks,” the Hall of Fame Museum and a ride around the famed 2.5-mile IMS oval in one of the Museum’s tour buses.

Special arrangements can be made for groups of 20 persons or more on dates other than those scheduled for Grounds Tours. Contact the Hall of Fame Museum, 317-4926747 or www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

Lieberman campaign workers enjoy reunion

F

ormer staffers of US Senator Joe Lieberman’s 2004 Presidential campaign returned to New Hampshire for a reunion two years after the primary. One said working on the campaign in New Hampshire was a great experience. They became like family as they worked 70 to 90 hours a week together. When the Lieberman campaign began, none of the staffers knew each other, but close friendships formed.

At its peak, between 80 and 100 people worked on Lieberman’s New Hampshire staff.

Lieberman, who concentrated on New Hampshire, dropped out of the Presidential campaign a few days after his fifth-place finish in the primary, and campaign workers scattered across the country. Friendships made along the New Hampshire campaign trail are said to be long-lived, absolutely, lifelong friends.

From a story by Pat Grossmith in The Union Leader, Manchester, New Hampshire.

Son needs help finding dad

A

young man who is desperately trying to trace his father appealed to the Evening News in Norwich, England, for help. Anthony Yallop has just one photo of his father, Wayne Powell, who left his mother when Anthony was just three months old. Yallop, 21, is determined to find his father, who was a US servicemen stationed in East Anglia in the 1980s. He knows his father was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, was a sergeant stationed for seven years at

RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk in the 1980s, and he would be between 45 and 55 years old. He was also stationed at Holloman AFB, New Mexico.

If you can help, contact Evening News reporter David Bale at (01603) 772427, david.bale2@archant.co.uk or email Yallop at wallybazoon@hotmail.co.uk.

From a story by David Bale in the Norwich Evening News, Norwich, England, UK.

Annapolis tours

T

he Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, offers public walking tours that cover the history and traditions of the Naval Academy, as well as information about the life of midshipmen and future officers who attend the Academy. Major attractions on the tour are Bancroft Hall, second largest student dormitory in the world; the Chapel, cathedral of the US Navy; and the crypt of John Paul Jones,

famous Revolutionary War naval hero.

Tours include a historical tour, African American Heritage Tour or Military Reunion Tour. Ladies’ groups can enjoy a special Tour & Tea at the US Naval Academy. Youth groups may choose an educational tour (4th-12th grades) or Navy Way boot camp (1st -5th grades).

Contact the Visitor Center at 410-2636933 or visit www.navyonline.com.

POTOSI, MISSOURI

YMCA Trout Lodge October 7-8, 2006 Branch of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, Missouri, offers a Family Reunion Workshop on October 7-8, 2006, for anyone contemplating this facility for their next reunion. The weekend includes tours on foot, pontoon and hay wagon. $50 per person (limit 4 per room) includes one night’s lodging, three meals, activities and meetings. Meet Edith Wagner, Editor of Reunions magazine.

Contact Jen Clink at 314-241-YMCA (9622). www.troutlodge.org .

WINTER PARK, COLORADO

On tour at the US Naval Academy with Jack Flaniagan (second left) as guide.

Online booking trends up

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he number of Americans using the Internet appears to have reached a plateau, but the number who plan and book trips online is climbing rapidly, according to a report by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA).

More than 64 million Americans bought

or reserved an airline ticket, hotel room, rental car or package tour online in 2005. And the study shows that women now outnumber men online to plan and book leisure trips.

From Travel Takes, a newsletter from The Fontayne Group.

Lady Bombers reunion

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ll of us have moments in our lives that are completely unforgettable.

For members of the 1986 Mountain Home (Arkansas) Lady Bomber basketball team, capturing the Class AAA State Championship left an indelible mark on the memory of each member.

Recently, they commemorated the 20th anniversary of their championship with their head coach, Janet Wood.

Though many had not seen teammates

since high school graduation, the magnitude of the accomplishment gives the squad an unbreakable bond regardless of time or distance between them. A lot of hard work and dedication made them state champions. They enjoyed the travel back to a moment in time for a celebration of the championship they’ll never forget.

From a story by Gene McCoy in the Baxter Bulletin, Baxter, Arkansas.

YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch October 27-29, 2006 FAMILY REUNION UNIVERSITY Contact Conference Office at 970-887-2152 x4127 ESTES PARK, COLORADO

YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center November 10-12, 2006 FAMILY REUNION UNIVERSITY Contact Conference Office at 970-586-3341, x1021.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

16th National Family Reunion Conference March 2007 Contact Sylvia Ford-George, Portfolio Associates, Inc., 215-627-3660; sfordgeorge@portfolioassociates.net.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

17th National Family Reunion Conference March 2008 Contact Sylvia Ford-George, Portfolio Associates, Inc., 215-627-3660; sfordgeorge@portfolioassociates.net.

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SCRAPBOOK

Ride into history

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iverWay 2006, September 14-18, in the Quad Cities is a five-day salute to the 150th anniversary of the first railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi River in 1856. It is bringing back the historic Milwaukee #261 steam engine train for public trips, and Celebration Belle riverboat cruises will showcase the river.

This bridge connected Rock Island, Illinois, to Davenport, Iowa, but, more importantly, it effectively joined the country, east with west.

Visit www.visitquad cities.com and click on the RiverWay hot button or call 800-747-7800.

Quad Cities on the Mississippi River is made up of the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline and East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, a two-hour drive from Des Moines and Chicago.

Korean Reunion Project aimed at Americans

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ive decades after war left the Korean peninsula divided, many Koreans do not know whether family members in the North survived or perished. The uncertainty particularly affects Korean Americans, who are largely excluded from programs to find lost relations.

The Eugene Bell Foundation, Washington, DC, and Seoul, South Korea, which supports tuberculosis clinics in North Korea, is collecting family information from Korean Americans who belong to separated families; this information might lead to family reunions.

“These people are in their 70s and 80s, and there are fewer of them every year.

Many don’t speak English well and don’t understand the system. They need our help if they will ever see their relatives again,” said Alice Jean Suh, head of the foundation’s campaign.

More than two million ethnic Koreans live or work in the US. About 10% of the population of South Korea is believed to have family members in the North, but the percentage is thought to be higher among Korean Americans because many of those displaced during World War II or the 1950-

1953 Korean War came to the US. “This is a very painful and emotional issue for us,” said Cha-hee Lee Stanfield, a 65-year-old librarian in Chicago who is working on the reunion project through the Korean-American Coalition of the Midwest.

She has been trying for decades to meet a brother she has not seen since her family was separated near the Chinese-North Korean border at the end of World War II. “There is no way to communicate.”

From articles by Barbara Demick in the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California.

Precious Moments Family Reunion

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he 2006 Precious Moments Family Reunion will be September 28-30, 2006, in Carthage, Missouri. The theme will be “Let The Star In You Shine Through,” with an Academy Awards atmosphere.

Guests are invited to submit original videos

or movies pertaining to a Precious Moments storyline of their own creation. Winners will be recognized at an awards night. Contact 800-543-7975, ext. 3021; leave your complete name and mailing address or visit http://precious moments.com/park/events.

Site Inspection Handbook

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Please patronize our advertisers.

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R E U N I O N S ❖ JUNE/JULY 2006

he Site Inspection Handbook by the Newport News Tourism Development Office (NNTDO) is a “must-have” for reunion planners to successfully complete a thorough and comprehensive site inspection experience. The handbook takes planners through the step-by-step process of evaluating hotels and accommodations and includes checklists to help gather information. It includes a sample Request for Proposal (RFP) and can be applied to any facility, anywhere.

Cheryl Morales, Group Marketing Manager with the NNTDO, suggests using this handbook to look like a pro and avoid costly mistakes. Contact 888-493-7386 and ask for Cheryl Morales or call her direct line: 757-9261428; cmorales@nngov.com.

BRANCH OFFICE

Keeping kids busy ost children love stickers, glue, paper and scissors.

Those ingredients add up to a way to preserve their memories of your family reunion. Put together a scrapbook kit for the kids at your next event. It’s easier than you think.

M

INK AND PENS

by Maureen Taylor

CAMERAS

Nineteenth-century scrapbooks rarely featured photographs, but that’s not true today. Hand out one-time use film or digital cameras (one per kid) and give each a photo assignment sheet. This will prevent them from shooting everything in sight in five minutes. Ask them to take pictures of: ✔ Their favorite relative ✔ A special activity ✔ The oldest member of the reunion ✔ The youngest member of the reunion ✔ Then ask for suggestions about what to add to this list.

If an adult helps them with digital cameras with a memory card, you’ll be able to print pictures at the reunion using a portable photo studio like Epson’s Picture Mate. It accepts various types of picture storage devices and the deluxe model allows you to do some editing before printing. It takes just a few seconds to produce a print. Epson’s inks and papers last for generations.

PAPER

Buy an assortment of acid/lignin-free plain, colored and patterned paper in many sizes during sales at your local art supply or scrapbook store.

Purchase in bulk and save money.

You can never have too much paper. It’s amazing how much can be used and discarded in a single afternoon. Leftover pieces can be salvaged for another time.

STICKERS AND ADHESIVES

If you buy stickers, make sure that they are acid/lignin-free, and that the adhesive is appropriate for longterm storage.

You can also let kids design stickers using a Xyron machine (www.xyron.com). It’s simple to operate and safe for kids to use. Draw a design on a small sheet of paper. Place it into the machine, turn the knob and, as it passes through the rollers, a layer of adhesive is applied to the back. Xyron machines range in price and some models are expensive. Wait until they go on sale to purchase one.

Most of their products meet preservation standards. Their website also contains project ideas.

SCISSORS AND MORE

As any scrapbook enthusiast knows, stickers, stamps and other embellishments can be expensive, but with a few cutting tools-paper punches, scissors and paper trimmers-kids can decorate their pages creatively. Buy a variety of stencil kits or trace cookie cutter shapes. Scrapbook stores usually sell inexpensive scissors with patterned edges.

Purchase a variety of designs when they go on sale. Scissor maker Fiskars features scrapbook and paper crafting ideas using scissors and punches on their website www.fiskars.com.

Any ink-whether it’s in a stamp pad or in a pen-needs to be fadeproof, waterproof and quick drying. EK Success (www.eksuccess.com) offers the Zig memory system of pens and pencils that fit those criteria. They are available at scrapbook stores, art supply and even some office supply stores. Ink pads for rubber stamping or for thumbprint drawings in a variety of colors can keep kids occupied for a long time.

THE STICKY STUFF

Putting all these pages together requires an adhesive that is neither rubber- nor latex-based.

Rubber and latex tend to deteriorate over time. Instead, look for glue sticks and liquid adhesive labeled as being safe for pictures. However, don’t put glue all over the back of your images. You could ruin them. Use pre-gummed photo corners sold in packets at photo stores, art supply outlets and scrapbook shops, to place your photo on a page.

CREATIVE INSPIRATION

It doesn’t take a lot of expensive stickers to decorate a scrapbook.

Children can draw borders, trace stencils or have fun lettering with colored pencils. Some of my children’s favorite books are: • Letter Art: Based on Alphabet Designs

by Becky Higgins by Becky Higgins (American Girl Library, 2001 $7.95).

• Kid’s Book of Creative Lettering by Lindsay Ostrom and Vicky Breslin (Cut-It-Up, 2001 $8.50).

• Scrapbook Lettering: 50 Classic and Creative Alphabets from the Nation’s Top Scrapbook Lettering Artists by Memory Makers (Memory Makers, 2003 $19.99).

• Any book by Ed Emberley. He shows kids how to create shapes using ordinary pencil moves and their very own thumbprints.

Kids can trace the alphabets in these books or have fun creating their own lettering styles. continued JUNE/JULY 2006 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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BRANCH OFFICE

Keeping kids busy continued

SHOW OFF THEIR WORK

After the kids have finished their pages, create a reunion gallery. Use a binder and page protectors labeled polypropylene or non-PVC (poly vinylchloride) to protect the pages. Nineteenth-century kids and adults created their own scrapbooks using heavy board or fabric covers and stitching the pages together.

All the items suggested in this article should fit into one old rolling suitcase (except for the portable photo printer, which has its own handle). Think of this case as a portable art studio and let kids decorate the outside. You’ll be able to use the leftover supplies next year.

Getting kids involved in saving memories of your next reunion will give you a different perspective. You’ll want to preserve these scrapbooks for future years, so use products considered longlasting. Creating Keepsakes, the scrapbook magazine, has a panel of experts who decide which products meet conservation standards. Look for their CKOK symbol of approval or consult the list at www.creatingkeepsakes.com.

The kids will be having so much fun that adults will want to join in! Soon scrapbooking in your pajamas will become a regular reunion event.

About the author Maureen Taylor is the author of Scrapbooking Your Family History (Family Tree Books, 2003). Visit her on the web at www.photodetective.com.

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Searching for British Cousins

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ritish Cousins, an e-book by Karen Bali, is an invaluable resource for anyone with British Ancestry.

Descendants of your ancestor’s family who remained in Britain may well be living there today. This book tells you, step-by-step, how to find them from your computer. No need to travel or hire a researcher.

British Cousins includes links to dozens of UK websites and describes records and resources in detail.

WHAT IS DESCENDANT SEARCHING?

British Cousins describes how to conduct a search for living relatives in

Britain. Relatively new, descendantsearching is becoming a popular way to research your family and connect with close and distant relatives. Researchers can lead you to living, breathing relatives who share your genetic heritage – members of your extended world family.

There is advice about how to approach your relatives once they have been located and guidance about exchanging information and keeping in touch.

Go to http://british-cousins.research bureau.co.uk/about_british_cousins.htm.

America’s Anniversary weekend

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weekend of pageantry and festivities commemorating the anniversary of the landing of the colonists at Jamestown will be held May 11-13, 2007. Over 150 communities are participating in the America’s 400th Anniversary program, with many interesting activities planned throughout Virginia during the 18-month long celebration. The President and British Royals are expected to enjoy America’s Anniversary Weekend. For info visit www.americas400thanniversary.com.

W

orkman Publishing’s new Fandex® africa ($9.95) is an excellent educational tool.

Just unfold Fandex® africa’s brilliant, diecut cards to take a journey through history and time, country by country. It’s an accessible mini-encyclopedia for students, travelers, political junkies and readers intrigued by history and culture. Each card is topped with a distinctive photo or illustration indicative of each country, and the lower part of the card contains a concise yet comprehensive history. Included are vital stats about capital cities, currencies, flags, and languages.

Recording family stories on video

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had lunch the other day with my friend, Susan. As we caught each other up, she told me something surprising. When she was visiting her family recently, she learned that her grandfather was not her biological grandfather. Her grandmother dated another man who fled as soon as he learned she was pregnant. Susan’s grandfather, who secretly pined for her grandmother, offered his hand in marriage to save her reputation. Susan was dumbfounded when she heard this story.

Do you know everything you’d like to know about your family? It usually doesn’t happen until you take the time to ask and listen. And while you’re listening, why not record these stories for other family members? As women delay childbirth until their late 30s and early 40s, many grandchildren will never have a chance to know their grandparents. Taking the time to ask and record the answers benefits the whole family.

Ideally, you’d like to have a broadcast quality video of your mom, but unlike Barbara Walters, few of us have a whole television crew at our disposal. We’ll discuss how you can get an acceptable recording while focusing on the interview.

Don’t let anxiety about video technology stop you from recording stories.

GETTING READY

When you’re interviewing an elderly person, choose a time of day when s/he is most alert and has the highest energy level. Memory recall is linked to mood. If you’re in a happy mood, you’re likely to remember happy memories. Conversely, if you’re feeling sad, you’re likely to concentrate on sad memories. The more relaxed your subject, the easier memories will flow, so make the experience as pleasant as possible. While you look through photo albums together, play music that was popular when your subject was dating.

You may encounter some initial resistance about being recorded on camera. One way to dispel fears is to tell them they can edit the tape before it’s shared with anyone. You may also hear, “But my life isn’t anything special.”

Reassure them others are interested in hearing their story. No matter how ordinary they think their life is, it’s extraordinary to their descendents. If you

by Cathy Weselby

encounter further resistance, ask how much they would have loved to have a recording of their mom or dad now. If the camcorder causes stage fright, suggest an audio recording instead. Later you can use the tape as a voice over for home movies and photos on video.

Choose a comfortable sofa or chair, preferably in an evenly lit, bright room.

As you select the location, avoid large picture windows, bright spot lamps and reflective surfaces such as glass picture frames on walls. If the scene looks busy, remove some of the clutter. You might want to do a little art direction by adding a plant or picture, but don’t go overboard.

The interview subject should avoid wearing solid black or solid red clothing or close-knit patterns (such as a herringbone). Muted and pastel colors look best on camera.

Tips for a Smooth Shoot 1. Schedule the interview when your subject is most alert.

2. Set the camcorder on a tripod and avoid zooming.

3. Use an external microphone to improve audio quality.

4. Anticipate and prevent distractions.

5. Make a test recording before starting the interview.

6. Remain relaxed and focused on listening.

7. Label your tapes.

LIGHTS, CAMERA …

Now let’s focus on the technical aspects of your recording. Fasten the camcorder on a tripod and position it at eye level. As you look through the viewfinder at your subject, move the tripod up or down so the subject’s eyes appear 1/3 from the top of the viewfinder. Once you have your camcorder positioned, keep it still and while videotaping, avoid excessive zooming. If you need to add more light and your camcorder does not have a builtin light, add a low-wattage mini-lamp that mounts on top of your camcorder. The cost is around $100 to $150 for a mini-lamp.

An inexpensive remedy is to use a single 200-watt photo floodlight and clip it onto a doorframe or bookshelf, slightly to the side of the camera. If your subject is

wearing eyeglasses, alter the light until reflections in the lenses disappears.

Improve your audio quality by adding an external microphone instead of relying on the one in your camcorder. Your best choices are a shotgun microphone, which mounts on the top of your camcorder, or a lapel microphone, which clips onto the interview subject’s shirt.

Anticipate and eliminate distractions by unplugging phones, putting the dog outside and hanging a sign on the door that reads “Taping in progress.” Play it safe, make a test recording before you start the interview to make sure everything is in working order. … ACTION!

Your role as interviewer is to draw stories out and guide your subject’s storytelling. You are not the star. It’s your job to make them comfortable and able to open up. Begin with a light-hearted topic to get the interviewee warmed up. Ask open-ended questions or ones that elicit more than yes or no answers. If you don’t get a response to your question, rephrase it slightly and see what happens. Probe to get more details. Ask something like, “What happened next?” or “Why do you look sad in that picture?” Let natural curiosity guide you.

Remember, it’s not your story. Your primary job is to listen, and listening well takes effort. Listening means giving your undivided attention, as well as noticing what s/he is not saying through non-verbal cues. If your interview subject appears tired, take a break.

IT’S A WRAP

As soon as you finish recording, label tapes and remove plastic tabs to prevent accidental over-recording. You may find after you’ve recorded the interview, your once camera-shy subject will begin to remember even more stories. Memory works like that. Just smile and set another date to continue.

About the author Cathy Weselby is a video biographer in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a member of the Association of Personal Historians and can be contacted at cathy@yourlifevideo.com.

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BRANCH OFFICE

Intergenerational Elderhostel hat better way for grandparents and grandchildren to reunite than at camp at an Intergenerational Elderhostel? Grandparents and their grandchildren engage in activities designed to get to know one another better and share and make new memories. They enjoy a weeklong camping adventure, learn new skills, swim, and help with farm chores including care of kittens and rabbits.

by Peggy Gleich They may experience their first “birding” trip, campfire and hayride. Spinning yarn, weaving, rope-making, bread-making, corn grinding, candle-making, family history and genealogy, and roasting marshmallows were just a few of the experiences they had a chance to try. Sometimes it’s hard to know who’s having more fun, the oldsters or the youngsters!

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Tie this to your Memory Jar. Recipe for my life history Working together labeling hands and dating “specimens.”

ombine a generous slice of your life history, C a dash of nostalgia, several cups of facts and feelings, and deliciously interesting questions.

I taught genealogy Draw one slip of paper. Take a few minutes to and “family tales” at enjoy the memories. Paste or write the question an Elderhostel on Lake at the top of a blank page. Fill in your answer.

Geneva near Williams Don’t worry about your handwriting or spelling – Bay, Wisconsin, and just tell your story. This product was prepared to talked about sharing preserve your life as a message. Enjoy the memories. I also scrumptious homemade memories that celebrate discussed writing something very important –YOU! memories, as it is so important to leave something for future generations.

A portion of our time was spent identifying photographs and understanding their importance. We made three smaller projects: a pencil holder, door hanger and a photo memory page (which included journaling).

My main project was to have the children take home a “Memory Jar” full of questions and memory joggers or “triggers,” to give to an older person to help write parts of their past. The Memory Jars contained over 100 questions to be Working on Memory Jars (cutting up questions and adding “memory triggers:” asked throughout a person’s lifetime. I found many on the internet and have ribbons, marbles, teabags, dried flowers, military medals, tie tacks, etc.) added many more through the years. Then “memory triggers” are added: yarn, an old piece of jewelry, a SAMPLE MEMORY JAR QUESTIONS tea bag, button, dried flower, penny, golf tee, old key, photo, old letter, piece of lace, military medals, or What was your first paying job? What What was your best Christmas anything you can think of to help trigger memories did you do? Do you remember how present as a kid? As an adult? for the person you’re giving it to. Tie a “recipe” to the much you were paid?

What was your favorite radio top of the jar with raffia, yarn or jute.

What is your favorite fruit? program? Any now?

Visit www.elderhostel.org/about.

What was your favorite TV For whom were you named? program? Any now?

About the author What did you enjoy most about being Peggy Gleich, Janesville, Wisconsin, has been a parent?

What memories does the smell doing genealogical research since 1985, and has a of baking bread bring back to Any humorous experiences on the job, great interest in cemeteries and in helping you? Favorite baking smell? school or home? What were they? encourage people to obtain their family medical What was your favorite snack?

What fads existed when you were history. She is president of the British Interest Group What was your favorite hobby? young? of Wisconsin and Illinois (BIGWILL), Volunteer Did you ever ride a train? Sleep in the What are your best talents?

Coordinator of the Chicagoland Genealogical sleeper car?

Dine in the dining car?

Consortium for the 2006 National Genealogical Do you remember the first Society (NGS) Conference in Chicago, past president family reunion? Where was it What was the most vivid historical of the Walworth County (WI) Genealogical Society, held? Any others special? Who moment in your lifetime and why do Vice President of the Green County (WI) attended? you remember it?

Genealogical Society, and member of many national, What is your favorite childhood state and local organizations. She has three kids, 2001, Peggy Rockwell Gleich © January memory? Now? five grandchildren and assorted grand-dogs.

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MASTERPLAN

A reunion by any other name …

by Georgia Burnette

Webster’s definition(s) of reunion: A reuniting of persons after separation …

To bring together again …

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his is a story of three families, and perhaps of many others who gather each year to celebrate the birthday of a loved one. In this case, it is about a father and two mothers.

Frank Wood is a lively 80-year-old minister who has yet to understand and internalize the true meaning of retirement. Louise Carter is deceased.

And Cynthia Burnett-Roberts is a long-time resident of an Arkansas nursing home.

With reverence and respect, each family gathers to pay homage to their parent and to acknowledge values so lovingly passed on to them.

Reverend Frank Wood celebrates 80 years.

A program had not been planned, but Rev. Wood took charge, thanked the gathering for their attendance and asked that everyone 80 years old and above please come forward. He placed handmade medallions around their necks to distinguish them from the “youngsters” and shared a humorous story about growing old and the annoyance of forgetfulness. Family introductions followed, specifically two older brothers from Pennsylvania and California, and children and grandchildren from California, Colorado and Maui, Hawaii. In closing, Rev. Wood thanked everyone for becoming an important part of his life, and urged them to “Have more pie.”

FATHER AND MINISTER FROM NEW YORK

“Once a minister, forever busy,” best describes my dad, says cardiac rehabilitation nurse, Janet Kala, Lockport, New York. “He’s been retired for 15 years, yet he’s everywhere, all the time!”

They were successful, however, in slowing him down long enough to celebrate a belated 80th birthday at the Cattaraugus United Methodist Church. Janet sighed as she recalled, “We had hoped to celebrate his May birthday in July, along with my daughter Amy’s wedding, but not everyone was able to attend. So we set Labor Day weekend.” Thus, despite school commitments and busy careers, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, two elderly brothers, friends and parishioners (old and new) gathered from across the country and Hawaii to pay tribute to Frank Wood.

Reverend Wood was aware of the open house being held to celebrate his belated birthday, but he wasn’t privy to the fact that former parishioners from all the churches he’d headed were also invited. “We truly wanted it to be a day of remembrance for him,” said Janet.

The Ladies Guild created a festive atmosphere, decorating the church parlor with balloons and colored tablecloths. The Open House menu was short and sweet – very sweet, in fact, because Rev. Wood’s very favorite food is pie, so there were 20+ pies on the menu, with ice-cream and punch. A mixed fruit pie, the pastor’s extra-special favorite, held center stage.

About 90 people attended. Janet smiled and said, “My dad was so pleased that all our family was able to celebrate with him, but the appearance of the many parishioners from near and far and many years ago was very gratifying. It was an affair to remember!”

Cynthia Burnett-Roberts with her daughters at her 93rd party.

ARKANSAS MOM

It all began 38 years ago, when Cynthia Broadway BurnettRoberts was 55 years old, and residing in Garrett Grove, a community in Moro, Arkansas. According to daughter Edna Smith of Copperas Cove, Texas, “We all said, ‘Let’s give Mom a trip.’ I think we were offering her a vacation from Arkansas because she didn’t get away from home that often.”

The children call it “My Mother’s Birthday Party,” but it is really the Burnett-Roberts Family Reunion. It is the time each year when her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, cousins, other family members and friends gather to say, “Happy birthday, and we love you!” continued JUNE/JULY 2006 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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MASTERPLAN

A reunion by any other name … continued The early celebrations were held in Chicago, Illinois, where most of the children had established homes. However, when their mother became too ill to travel, annual gatherings moved to areas near their hometown of Brinkley, Arkansas.

Relatives begin to arrive on Friday; most are booked into the same hotel.

The birthday party is usually scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Fargo, Arkansas. About 100 relatives and friends pay tribute to the guest of honor. This year family also learned her true age: Cynthia was celebrating her 93rd birthday, not her 90th!

Cynthia had been quite ill, and was not able to join them in Fargo. But they gathered at the ClaCliff Nursing Home to honor her with songs, prayers, flowers, gifts, cards and accolades for being a great mom. It was a well-earned recognition of lifetime contributions to her family.

The program changes each year to embrace various talents in the family.

Daughter Bettye Strong is usually the MC, and this year, great-granddaughter Janea Canselor performed a graceful praise dance to honor her elder. Greatgreat granddaughter Chakia Jackson recited a poem, and son Curtis sang his mother’s favorite song, I Won’t Complain.

A display of family photographs prepared by granddaughter Renita Hightower will

The Carter family enjoying their reunion celebration.

become a valuable and historic artifact for the family historian.

Following the closing prayer, everyone enjoyed a sumptuous southern buffet prepared by grandson Eddie Burnett, Chef Extraordinaire. Eddie keeps everyone smiling, happy and on the road to obesity with his signature corn bread dressing, ribs, fresh fish, and baked and fried chicken, while wife Jacqueline’s banana pudding took first prize in the dessert category.

TORONTO MOM

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R E U N I O N S ❖ JUNE/JULY 2006

Kathleen Louise Braithwaite Carter was born in April 1898 at Pilgrim Land, Christ Church, Barbados, British West Indies. In 1920 she married John William Carter, also a native of Barbados, in Toronto, Canada. The couple had 14 children.

According to daughter Edith Johnson, Buffalo, New York, “My mother really loved parties, and birthdays were always celebrated in our family. Mother’s birthday became a special event sometime during the 1940s as the children grew older. She insisted that we never hold a celebration before the actual birth date. Mother was adamant that one must reach that specific day before it could be honored.

During the 1950s, the party was held at the Carter home, with the girls preparing their signature dishes for all to share. Later, gatherings moved to favorite

restaurants throughout the city. Daughter Doris Brook of Toronto became chief party planner, and happily continues in that role today.

Louise Carter died in 1991, at age 93, but the family honors her memory each year. The party is the time to see all the family, because most hold their own gatherings at Christmas. There’s evidence the next generation is taking a leadership role regarding family unity.

They’ve suggested a 2006 summer cookout in the park, with everyone bringing their special dishes. It appears the April Birthday Party has spawned an additional occasion to strengthen and reinforce family ties. It’s a time when everyone comes together to celebrate the gift of a large, loving family.

About the author Georgia Burnette, Amherst, New York, has written many articles for Reunions magazine. She is a regular speaker at the National Family Reunion Conference about family associations and family health issues.

Georgia has been the planner of the Burnett(e) Family Reunion and is editor of the impressive family newsletter, Burnett(e) Bugler.

Change is not always good

by Terry Nelson

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summer picnic in an area with lots of room for the children to play and elders to visit is great for family reunions.

But changing the structure or format is likely to alienate some family members.

Our Nelson Family Reunion met at the same location on the third Sunday in July every year. Invitations were not sent because, by some primordial instinct, everyone showed up – no small feat when annual attendance was well over 100 people. Those who came early got the coffee going and there were tubs full of ice, sodas and more ice cream than you can possibly imagine.

Everything was laid back and relaxed.

Adults mingled, visiting and talking with uncles or cousins, then drifting off to visit someone else. Kids explored in the woods or swam in the river.

Without anything being said, it was time for the big meal and about an hour later everyone knew it was time for the big softball game. The day unfolded with relaxed ease, as everyone knew the rhythms and nuances from a time-honored tradition.

One year it all changed when a new person in charge thought a more structured reunion would be a better idea. He sent a schedule, an itinerary that listed events and what time they would begin. It said what time to show up, how long for morning coffee, how long to visit, how many children’s games would be played, what the games were and when they would end. The dinner was specified, as was the softball game.

This proved troublesome for those who liked the laissez-faire approach to reunions and were taken aback by the military precision forced on them without input or discussion. It was not a decision of a family; it was an edict by an emperor.

The result is that many family members stopped going. They missed the old way. The attrition clearly indicated that not all change is for the better.

There are so many personality types in a family, it is likely that not all will be satisfied no matter what kind of reunion you have. An effort should be made to be inclusive. Let people get involved as

Reunions are theme of Juneteenth event

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uneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freeing enslaved African-Americans reached Galveston, Texas. Word of mouth spread slowly throughout the Deep South and the freedom date simply became known as Juneteenth.

These celebrations occur across the

country and often welcome family reunions celebrating at the same time.

These community events often include genealogy study and exhibits, talent shows, Hula Hoop competitions, African dancers, stilt walkers, brass bands and domestic and African craft vendors.

Photo credit: Northcott Neighborhood House, Milwaukee WI.

they wish to contribute and be appreciative of everyone’s efforts.

Most important, while it is a good idea to periodically evaluate your reunion, make sure everyone has a say so there can be a consensus about how the reunion should be handled. It can only strengthen the family, ensuring family members will not be alienated.

You can be as organized as you want; just make sure there is good communication with family members.

If everyone is to have a good time and feel they are part of the family, ask what they would like to do, what they could bring, to make each member feel involved. Just make sure everyone isn’t bringing potato salad.

It’s also a good idea to check with family members a week or so after the event, to find out how they felt things went. What did they like? What didn’t they like? Any ideas for next year?

No matter what decisions are made about the reunion, no one person need carry the burden. Work toward consensus and have plenty of ice cream.

About the author Terry Nelson graduated from Western Washington State University with a degree in English literature and writes film reviews for The Chronicle in Centralia, Washington.

Annual Juneteenth Day celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Brown Family Ties I

n the beginning, “getting together” meant seeing loved ones at home-goings (funerals).

Then there was consensus to start having family reunions to celebrate accomplishments and enjoy each other’s company “just because.” The first Brown Family Reunion was held in Mobile, Alabama, in 1993, and it’s been going and growing strong ever since.

Sharing family history was the primary focus for the 2005 Brown Family Reunion in Charlotte, North Carolina. When one does not know from whence he comes, how can he communicate his journey? It was the perfect occasion to expose relatives to facts about their ancestors. It also meant learning more about kin through good food, fun games and blessed fellowship.

When family members entered the clubhouse, the first station they encountered was a computer set-up. Cousin Tchelinda Andrews (Washington), Humble, Texas, was assigned the task of interviewing family members and inputting data. With that information, she and her mother created a family reunion timeline booklet.

Keeping with the theme “Brown Family Ties,” a Brown family Bingo was made as an ice breaker. Each person was given a Brown card with a task or question in each square. The first five persons to have their card signed by other members to create a Brown Bingo was the winner. To sign the card, you had to know the answer or do the action. You could not sign your own card and only two signatures of the same person per card.

It was a GREAT success!

With the aroma of Crocker (fish) frying and spaghetti/garlic bread filling the room, it was time to bless the food and break bread. Laughter, story telling (lots) and games (Spades, Dominoes, and Scattegories) made way into the main forum of the evening.

T-shirts, tote bags and mouse pads were provided by family entrepreneur Charles Brewer’s Black Lamb Enterprise. (We support the businesses of family members by buying their products or services.) Gift bags were filled with booklets, bookmarks, city maps, a souvenir cup, pin and pencils.

Rainy conditions on the day of the scheduled picnic, however, had its silver lining, forcing members to interact with each other. An auction was used as a fund start up for our 2007 reunion.

Members brought items they thought would raise an eyebrow for bidding.

Believe it or not, a miniature stuffed

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purple dinosaur went for $20. The bid for ancestor/previous reunion photos was a high hitter (raised over $250).

Another fundraiser was collecting coins. The person who brought the greatest amount in coins received the prize of the same amount reduced from her portion of family dues; Rose Washington won with $31.10.

A signature/photo quilt will be used to preserve memories of those at the reunion. Fabric pieces were distributed to each family to get original autographs. It will be presented at the next reunion.

Videos were also a source of fundraising. It took about one year to create a family reunion time-line video. It included an introduction to the “Queen City” (Charlotte, North Carolina) and a tribute to those passed. It was an entertaining way of reminiscing through music and pictures.

The beauty of our family was shown in a fashion show and the creative side displayed in a talent show. Talent included original poetry, songs, stepping, and a fast recital of the Peter Piper tongue twister. Talent show participants ranged from three to 65 years old. Talents were at an all-time high.

The icing on the cake was at Sunday service at University Park Baptist Church. From beginning to end, the service was empowering. After the spiritual message, everyone gathered at the Branch home to enjoy fellowship and to eat before leaving for home.

The next Brown Family Reunion will be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, July 28-30, 2007, hosted by first-timers to the Brown reunion, Brenda and Sam Jones.

All in all – it was BROWNTASTIC! Reported by Roxie Branch, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Dannahower Family Reunion celebrates 10 years O

Hit the sand on horses.

ur 10th reunion brought us to the Outer Banks of North Carolina from California, Colorado, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Florida to enjoy a week of fun in the sun.

Twenty family members attended, ranging in age from six months to 79 years old. We welcomed two new members: Miah Jade Dannahower, my granddaughter, and Victor Barchers, my daughter Kristen’s fiancé.

We rented a 10-bedroom house on the beach in Avon. Accommodations included a pool, two hot tubs, elevator, gourmet kitchen, private baths in all rooms and vast scenic decks.

Baby Miah Jade at her first Dannahower Family Reunion.

We enjoyed activities like horseback riding on the beach, parasailing and trips to the Wright Brothers National Memorial and North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. We wrapped up the week by celebrating Dr. and Mrs. Dannahower’s 55th wedding anniversary with gifts, cake and a PowerPoint presentation glorifying our 10 years of reunions.

Next year we will go to Isle of Palm on the beach just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

Reported by Sue Dannahower, Fort Pierce, Florida.

Dannahowers build a sand castle.

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Dutch Ancestry celebrated Lewis and Clark expedition

by Marianne Mersereau

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he National Association of the Van Valkenburg Family, Inc. (NAVVF), retraced the steps of Lewis and Clark at its 34th annual reunion in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2004 and at the 35th gathering in Portland, Oregon, in 2005. When the family convened in St. Louis, city tours included information about the famous journey of Lewis and Clark that began there in 1804. The following year, the family learned even more about the adventures of these two explorers and their companions during tours of Portland and the Columbia River Gorge, first glimpsed by Lewis and Clark two hundred years earlier. The Van Valkenburg family members enjoying each others company.

Portland reunion brought the St. Louis reunion “full circle.”

Everyone received a Vango card with the letters V-AFounded in 1970, the NAVVF N-G-O at the top and a clue in each square. They had boasts about 600 members who are to collect signatures of persons who matched the clues. descendents of Lambert and Annetie For example, one clue was “Purple Heart Veteran,” so Van Valkenburg, who came to New the object was to find the family member who fit this Amsterdam in the 1640s from description and get his signature on the card. Everyone Valkenburg, Netherlands. The completing a card received a Dutch-themed treat. They organization meets annually around were surprised and frequently amused by many the US during the first weekend revelations from the game.

(Wednesday to Sunday) of August.

One of the major goals of the NAVVF is to introduce Reunion sites are chosen by a children to their heritage and to pass the stewardship of committee and held alternately in the reunions to the younger generation, so every attempt is East, West, Midwest and South. made to involve them in reunion activities. At the 2005 Regional members host each reunion, Reunion, they played an active role by joining tours, so the actual city is chosen by serving as hospitality suite hosts, decorating the suite, volunteer hosts who book hotels and Van Valkenberg family tree display. doing crafts, and leading grace at meals and invocation arrange tours of local sites. and pledge prior to the business meeting. A special A registration fee covers some evening outing was planned for the children, and the Junior reunion costs; individuals pay for their own travel, lodging, Choir rehearsed and performed a song during the Saturday meals and tours. Most hotels and tour guides offer group evening banquet. One of the teenagers even volunteered to be discounts. The reunion includes a group lunch on Saturday and the Junior Member Activity Coordinator for the 2006 Reunion! a banquet with entertainment Saturday evening.

The NAVVF publishes a quarterly newsletter mailed to At the Portland reunion attendees enjoyed a display of the members across the US, Canada and abroad. This is the family tree in the hospitality suite. As members registered, each primary tool for advertising reunions, along with the website. A was asked to place a leaf sticker bearing his/her name on the group photo is taken each year immediately following the correct branch of the tree-constructed of real twigs! There are reunion lunch. Reunion memories are shared through displays eight known branches and one labeled “unknown” for those of photos and scrapbooks in the hospitality suite during each whose linkage has not been accurately traced. A genealogy reunion. Merchandise containing the Van Valkenburg Family workshop is held Saturday morning at each reunion.

Crest is sold at each reunion and in the newsletter.

The NAVVF is governed by a Board of Directors that At the conclusion of the Annual Meeting of the 35th approves and maintains the budget and finances and handles reunion, 84-year-old Robert Van Valkenburg, a founding business matters. The Annual Business Meeting is held Saturday member, brought tears to everyone’s eyes when he thanked afternoon, and the Executive Board meets twice during the those in attendance for carrying on the tradition of the reunion weekend. During the Portland Reunion, two members donated and expressed his amazement that the tradition has endured seed money to establish the Lambert and Annetie Van and flourished for so long.

Valkenburg Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to a The 2006 NAVVF Reunion will be August 2-6 in Albany, member for post-secondary education. The bulk of the NAVVF New York. budget is earmarked for publication of the complete genealogy of the Van Valkenburg Family in America; hardbound copies of About the author Volumes I and II are in print. The Greene County, New York, Marianne Mersereau is a poet and writer living in the Historical Society’s Vedder Memorial Library in Coxsackie Pacific Northwest. Her work has been published in The Seattle serves as the official repository for Van Valkenburg and related Times, The Episcopal Voice and several literary journals. She is surname genealogical materials. Sandra Van Valkenburg of also a frequent contributor to the National Association of the Provo, Utah, is the family’s professional genealogist.

Van Valkenburg Family newsletter and serves as Board During the Portland reunion, members became better Secretary for the organization. acquainted through an adaptation of Bingo, called Vango.

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Clark descendants meet on historic trail

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escendants of Captain William Clark gathered in Missoula, Montana, for their own corps of discovery to coincide with Corps of Discovery bicentennial events happening around Montana.

Relatives of the famous explorer became reacquainted with the amazing expedition-and with one anotherduring a family reunion. MaryAnn Wingenbach, Missoula, a descendant of Jonathan Clark, William’s eldest brother, hosted the get-together, which included nine first cousins, all related to William Clark and his nine siblings.

“We used all this hoopla as an excuse to get together, and Missoula was the closest point on the trail,” said William Clark Pearce. The family visited Travelers’ Rest State Park at Lolo, where Clark camped in 1805.

The event was also an opportunity to see the Travelers’ Rest Corps of Discovery re-enactors in action.

From an article by Betsy Cohen in The Missoulian, Missoula, Montana.

Red, White & Blue

Family reunion dilemma Addie Clyburn, Rock Hill, South Carolina, of the Feely Family Reunion asks, “How do you deal with non-paying relatives who show up, and the person in charge at the door lets them enter anyway?”

Your question is not a new one.

And my guess is, in most families, everybody knows exactly who is going to try to get by without paying.

My first ideas are for those who have no trouble paying but still try to get in. Peer pressure is a good start, while shaming is probably not a bad idea, if you think either of those would work. Public embarrassment and humiliation might also be considered but I suggest all of these in the most lighthearted way possible.

But, by all means, give yourselves permission to confront the offender(s) because in the end it is unfair to everyone at your reunion. In other words, someone is being unfair to the whole family. And what is the likelihood the offender(s) need some gentle family pressure to play fair? After all, who more than family is eager for everyone to succeed and do so honestly?

For those who might have some difficulty paying for the event, that’s a different story. Senior family members on fixed incomes and young families who are always strapped for money should pay less or perhaps in some cases be given a pass: special/honored guests of the reunion. Designating special circumstances and helping to pay certain individuals’ reunion fees can be one goal of fundraising. That also gives family members who have more adequate means the chance to throw extra money in the pot as a freewill offering, or to bid high on auction items knowing the money goes to the reunion.

Q? A!

relatives. Last year at the Burnett(e) Family Reunion, a “newly found relative” asked for and received information at the last minute. Saturday afternoon she visited with her mother at the hotel and asked to attend the banquet that evening. Then at the last minute she decided not to attend and refused to pay for the dinner. Next morning, she and four others attended our morning worship service and, bold as brass, helped themselves to the buffet with Cheshire cat grins on their faces! The reason given for not stopping them was “to avoid a scene.”

At our next reunion, we will take one or all of the following actions: Issue tickets for all meals, to be presented when entering the room, stamp the back of each hand with ink that glows under ultra-violet light, and assign a family member at the head of the buffet table in case additional intervention is required.

We raised this question during a Speak Out at the 15th National Family Reunion Conference in Pittsburgh and it, predictably, generated very lively discussion. Not surprisingly, many reunions reported

similar problems. Solutions are what we were looking for and one rose to the top as the best: wrist bands that must be cut off to be removed – so they don’t get passed from one person to another. The most economical seem to be bands made of tyvek, a material that looks and feels like paper but cannot be torn: it must be cut off! They are inexpensive, if they’re not custom printed. They come in many colors

OTHER IDEAS

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lenn Rainey receives the Most Patriotic Appearance award from Utley Family Reunion coordinator Jackie Utley at the Utley Family Reunion in Jackson, Tennessee. The reunion theme was “Red, White and Blue in 2002” and everyone was asked to dress in patriotic colors.

Announce ahead of your reunion that you cannot enter without a ticket (ribbon/ badge/nametag/bracelet/t-shirt). Make a statement in all your registration and information materials that no one will be allowed in without payment. Then, mean it.

Designate someone to count the number of plates used, if it’s a buffet, or the number at a sit-down dinner and you’ll know right away there are too many.

The person in charge at the door must be sworn to fairness and not let laggards in.

Georgia Burnette offered her thoughts and sage advice for dealing with cheeky

and some with designs such as American flags, smiley faces, stripes and many more.

For information, visit ReunionShirtsRUs.com or call 800-901-2679.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

There are many ways to deal with this and we’d like to know what you’ve done, how you’ve handled rude relatives who think they’re getting away with something. Send your suggestions to reunions@execpc.com.

JUNE/JULY 2006 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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MASTERPLAN

Stories of America

by Joan Fitting Scott

A

song kept going through my head that weekend – the one by Simon and Garfunkel about the people who have gone to look for America. It has a wistful quality. It expresses so much about how we find ourselves as we discover our land. They’ve all gone looking for America. We were doing that.

Jim and Eileen Gebel must have been stunned when they looked up from their evening chores and saw five carloads of Coogans pull into their gravel drive.

Farmers near Elma, Iowa, the Gebels were good sports, allowing us to visit their lush 16-acre property. It is the site of the Coogan family farm started when Elizabeth Lynch and Terrence Coogan moved to Iowa from Pennsylvania in 1879. The original house is gone now, torn down.

Fifty of Elizabeth and Terrence’s descendants visited America’s heartland to celebrate our heritage and learn about each other and the family that spawned us. We came from Washington, DC, and Washington State, California, Texas, Georgia, Oregon, Illinois and Minnesota.

Patty Coogan looking for links to the family.

The matriarch and patriarch of the Coogan clan left Ireland in 1846. The Potato Famine and Penal Laws made life there untenable. Now, a short 150 years later, I marveled at what people can accomplish if they have enough to eat and the unfettered chance to make something of themselves. I met astrophysicists, retired Foreign Service officers, screenplay writers, teachers, tutors, 30

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Enjoying a picnic are (l to r) Trevor Scott, Lenora Coogan Fitting, Stephanie Scott, Peter Coogan, Joan Fitting Scott, AJ James.

attorneys for large corporations. The promise of America allowed this to happen. How far we had come from the couple who signed their wills with an “X.” We spent the first day getting to know our relatives and enjoyed the first of our automobile caravans. Some journeys were hilarious as we got lost together and made group U-turns, correcting our mistakes.

In search of forebears, we traveled to nearby cemeteries. We found the tombstone of Mary Coogan, the wife of Terrence’s brother. Mary left County Mayo at age sixteen and settled in Iowa, bouncing along with the family as they lived first in New York and then in Pennsylvania. She died of diabetes in 1893 when gangrene claimed her foot. Tough duty.

Our first official Coogan function was a party at the motel. The next day we celebrated again at a family picnic. Then we went to a Catholic mass in the town of Lourdes. Catholic mass in rural Iowa is a tender part of Americana. You don’t see this every day. Old farmers in red suspenders, their tired wives with frizzy hair, dowager’s humps and simple attire.

Little girls trying hard to sit still and be good. We planned to caravan to the site of the family farm after mass.

When my grandmother moved to Washington State after her Iowa youth she cried. Her husband, a tailor, made jackets for lumberjacks, and as the new wife looked out the window of her modest little house she saw tree stumps. She missed the cornfields of Iowa. I never understood her sense of loss until now.

After all, Washington is so beautiful.

Now I saw that Iowa is, too.

All sky. Puffy clouds hung as though suspended by the most delicate filaments.

When enough assembled, usually by late afternoon, a rainstorm cooled us off as we made rubbings of old tombstones. Soft rolling fields stretched in all directions.

The wind blew through cornfields outside the motel. It made a wonderful sound, the sound of countryside. To hear next to nothing – how wonderful in this noisecluttered world. I loved Iowa.

We took photos, one of the clan together and then separate photos of each branch. We traded old stories and heard new ones, bonded. We exchanged addresses, bug spray, film. Here we were.

We’d starved in Ireland, crossed the cold Atlantic, busted rocks in New York, plied the canals in Pennsylvania, turned the land in Iowa. We were America. You come from nothing, you make something.

We lived just one of a million amazing family stories. Stories of heartbreak, guts, hard work, kinship. Stories of America.

About the author Joan Fitting Scott is an award-winning freelance writer. She has written for office.com and goworldtravel.com and her own travel column at wineandcuisine.org.

Her work has appeared in Today’s Dallas Woman, Distinctive Lifestyles, Sister Cities International, Where, Key, The Fort Worth Business Press, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Greensboro News and Record and Senior News.

Transforming an already established reunion, or How to be an in-law without feeling like an out-law W

TIPS TO TRANSFORM hen my husband and I A REUNION married, we faithfully

by Colleen Greene attended his family reunion every 1. Define the area of need. If summer. We had no excuse not to; it was in you see an element of your reunion that the same town. As years passed, it got more difficult to get the seems out of kilter or undeveloped, pin-point the nature of the kids excited about going because there were fewer young problem. You may have spent a few years feeling the families with children. discomfort of something being not quite what it could be. It The Carlson Family Reunion was established in the early may be something that seems small and annoying like a small 1940s. Families picnicked in the shade at the city park while pebble in your shoe until you sit down and look at each children romped and played on swings, teeter-totters and element of the event. jungle gyms. Decades later, the reunion moved to the new air2. Don’t complain. Get busy. Rather than boycotting the conditioned community center. Then the group shuffled to a reunion, or worse yet, grumbling and making everyone else miserable, work out an action plan. Commit to spending time and effort redeveloping areas you hope to improve. Use all available resources, such as the internet, books and magazines dedicated specifically to the subject of reunion planning.

Editor’s Note: This magazine and www.reunionsmag.com are places to start.

3. Find an ally, someone else in the family who shares your vision. If there is no committee already assigned to the area you plan to address, find at least one other person interested in giving creative input and time. This lightens the load and is good moral support.

4. Appreciate what family members are already doing.

If the family has been meeting regularly for years, there is someone behind the scenes planning and phone calling and reserving.

Compliment those who contribute time and effort to compile genealogy records, compose and mail newsletters, for example.

5. Express concern for the future of the reunion. Let Carlson kids show off their reunion projects. them know you care. While all agree we want grandmas, grandpas and great-aunts and uncles to attend, acknowledge it church fellowship area which featured a large kitchen and is also vital to the continuation of reunions to make young sufficient space with tables and chairs – an ideal setting. families feel welcome and valued. Members who have traced The original reunion tradition regressed into an annual family family roots from the past may find it now necessary to pay meeting featuring lunch and ice cream. Adults enjoyed the attention to young families of the future. potluck and conversation followed by official family business: 6. Offer to build on already established activities. treasurer’s report, whether or not to take up a collection, and Unless your suggestions are met with unanimous approval, where to meet the next year. By mid-afternoon old and new don’t change rituals that everyone is comfortable with. Some business was officially discussed, voted on and approved. will be excited about a few new activities, but many may not With all the highlights of the year completed, everyone welcome the idea of change. When it comes to the current packed up their food baskets and families and went their schedule, add, but don’t subtract. separate ways. I collected my children and casserole dishes but 7. Don’t obligate already busy and overwhelmed felt something was missing. This reunion was an adult event family members. Form a committee of people willing to children were forced to endure. I wanted to replace the word perform all tasks necessary. Make requests for additional endure with enjoy. Children weren’t included in conversations involvement – simply that, requests, without obligation. and weren’t getting to know adult relatives. I wondered if there 8. Communicate with committee leaders early and was a way for everyone to feel comfortable and included. well. That also means listen. Tell others your suggestions and Because I was an in-law, I felt I was an intruder and not get approval in advance. If your projects require purchases for allowed to voice suggestions. I was afraid my ideas for change which you expect to be reimbursed, seek approval before would be misconstrued as criticism, when in reality, nothing making purchases. Requests and correspondence in a could be further from the truth. This branch of the Carlson family newsletter must reach the committee before the deadline. tree was a beautiful off-shoot, which had produced good “fruit.”

Gradually, through painful trial and error, I found the following continued tips helpful in breathing new life into the annual gathering.

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MASTERPLAN

Transforming an already established reunion, or How to be an in-law without feeling like an out-law Last year when one young relative Start small and build gradually.

9. accepted a prize, a sponge-type baseball, I was There are little things that make a big difference continued rewarded with a big toothy Carlson grin. That smile was without upsetting anyone. Young people usually love thanks enough and assured me that it really didn’t matter that I change and surprises, especially when focused on them. don’t have Carlson blood running through my veins. I am family.

When you add new games, prizes and a children’s menu, I like to think that all reunions, like families, are works in progress, the enthusiasm will have a ripple effect on their parents. growing, changing and getting better with each passing year.

10. Be willing to work within the parameter already established. Don’t get distracted or discouraged by the About the author Smiths, who just returned from their big reunion at sea or the Colleen Greene, Genesco, Illinois, enjoys freelance Johnsons who rented cabins in the mountains. At least until writing, gardening and quilting. Her articles have appeared others have time to adapt, leave the place, time basic menu in The Cambridge Chronicle and Quilt Magazine. She has a and eating arrangement as is. There will always be time for a novel in progress. cruise in the future.

New reunion destination in Michigan

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or generations, families have been drawn to the historic Gun Lake area for family reunions. And the new Bay Pointe Inn & Restaurant has brought classic resorting back to West Michigan.

The Costa Family from Lansing, Michigan, wrote, “With four children it is hard to find an elegant and family-friendly place all rolled into one. We have never experienced such amazing, friendly, caring and helpful staff. We look forward to making this our home away from home when we come to visit family in the area.”

Located in the heart of the Yankee Springs State Recreation Area – known for year-around activities – Bay Pointe Inn is within a short drive of nearly a dozen attractions and historic sites, including Gilmore Car Museum, Bowen’s Mills and Charlton Park. Five golf courses are also nearby, for those looking for a drive of a different kind.

“Bay Pointe Inn is centrally located between Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing and the lakeshore, making it an ideal setting, geographically, for families looking to get together,” said Mike Powers, resort owner. “We’re sitting on 250 feet of private beach and a 10-slip marina. We feature an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness area. And, we show complimentary

movies nightly in our meeting room, complete with popcorn.”

“Our family (19 plus two on the way) spent a wonderful weekend here,” says the Telman-Garcia family from Kentwood and Kalamazoo, Michigan. “The service was great and the facility is beautiful – can’t wait to do this again.”

Spectacular grounds offer a panoramic view of Gun Lake, with its 30 miles of shoreline and island views. Adirondack chairs adorn the sweeping lawns and intimate sitting areas, surrounded by an abundance of perennials, flowering trees and rose gardens.

The Bay Pointe restaurant is open for lunch seasonally and dinner most evenings, providing extraordinary casual dining with exceptional service, an impressive wine list, martini bar and summertime dining and entertainment on the lakeside terrace. An outstanding Sunday and holiday brunch is served.

The chef prepares the area’s finest cuisine using only the freshest ingredients available. The menu changes seasonally, providing a tantalizing selection of delectable dishes; specialties include seafood, steaks, pasta and daily chef’s specials.

Contact Bay Pointe Inn & Restaurant, 11456 Marsh Road, Shelbyville, Michigan 49344; 888-GUN-LAKE (888-486-5253); www.baypointeinn.com.

CANYON OF THE EAGLES LODGE & NATURE PARK 940 ACRES OF SCENIC TEXAS HILL COUNTRY ON LAKE BUCHANAN The destination for a family outing or reunion of a lifetime, corporate group meetings and retreats.

64 ROOM LODGE • CAMP AND RV SITES • CONFERENCE CENTER & DINING FACILITIES

Packages include: lodging, fine hill country cuisine (breakfast, lunch and dinner), 14 miles of nature trails, hiking, swimming, fishing, birding, hayride, live music, campfires & s’mores, astronomical observatory. Additional activities include: Vanishing Texas River Cruise, kayaking, canoeing on Lake Buchanan.

“Where the road ends, adventure begins.”

website www.canyonoftheeagles.com; email Annette@canyonoftheeagles.com; 16942 Ranch Road 2341, Burnet TX 78611; 800-977-0081 32

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WE ARE FAMILY:

orphanage reunion fosters friendships and roots

by JoAnn Stringer his summer, my Chicago or Cincinnati. Cincinnati was daughters and I attended a good choice because Valerie lived two family reunions. Not there and was willing to find a hotel the usual kind, with and restaurant and coordinate the aunts and uncles and weekend. Gayle and I formed the rest cousins, but family of the on-line “virtual” planning nevertheless. My daughters both were committee. We started a small Yahoo adopted from China, and have a group for discussing and making wonderful network of sisters all over decisions, and used the database and the world, the Jinjiang Jubliee. file features for keeping lists and files.

In June, my 5-year-old, Rachel, My responsibilities focused mainly and I attended the first-ever Jinjiang on graphics. I created a logo and Jubilee, a gathering of 14 families website, and took care of registrations. who had adopted from Jinjiang Child The registration form was a downloadWelfare Institute in Fujian Province, able PDF. Since it was a small group, I China. Since Rachel came home from modified the logo and made t-shirt China with us at age 3, I have been in iron-ons that I printed from my inkjet touch through Yahoo groups with other printer. T-shirts went on sale just in Budding artists color a mural at the Jinjiang Jubilee. The finished mural families who adopted from Jinjiang. It’s time, so we were able to make was sent to the staff at the orphanage. been an especially important connection children’s shirts for about $3 each.

Nothing elaborate: just meet someplace because our family traveled alone to adopt Any reunion needs a budget. We centrally located, at a hotel with a pool, Rachel and she has no “Jinjiang sisters” charged $10 per adult and $7 per child pizza, some crafts – and, of course, a who share her story. for the Friday night activity. That banquet where our daughters could dress Many of the other Jinjiang children covered pizza, drinks, t-shirts for each in their best Chinese silk dresses and be were older or special needs adoptions, so child, four crafts and activities, and photographed together. their journeys have been solo but nametag buttons for each participant. On We took a poll using Yahoo Groups’ parallel. I asked others in the Yahoo Saturday morning we headed for the poll feature and narrowed it down to group if they wanted to get together.

Cincinnati Zoo, and by afternoon we were happy to spend time in the pool.

We asked everyone to pay for the banquet in advance. We had a private room at the restaurant, with plenty of buffet-style food. Families introduced and told about themselves. We had families from England, Canada, Alabama, New Jersey, Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illnois and Missouri, and Rachel and I flew in from Texas.

It was a wonderful weekend, full of hugs between the Jinjiang sisters and their families. Another family is already planning the next reunion.

T

About the author

A group of beautiful Jinjiang sisters (and a few siblings, too) gathered at the Cincinnati Zoo at the first Jinjiang Jublilee.

JoAnn Stringer and her husband have two daughters adopted from China.

JoAnn is very active in online groups that promote friendship and bonding between the families who have adopted from the same orphanages. She is also on the board of her local Families with Children from China.

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WE’RE MAKING

RECORDS. WE’RE BREAKING RECORDS.

JOHN SMOLTZ AND HANK AARON

Photo courtesy © Ernest Washington 2005

DALLAS AUSTIN

More Hits.

More Home Runs.

Every day something opens in Atlanta. Across the city, ears open to the beats of Atlanta’s many talented music makers. The Atlanta Braves open the record books with their 14 straight division titles and Hank Aaron’s still unbroken record of 755 home runs. Every day, the hearts and arms of Atlanta open to embrace the world. Atlanta has always been open to people and ideas, so whether you live, work, play or visit here, a world of opportunity is open to you every day in Atlanta. In the ATL, every day is an opening day.

ATLopen.com

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‘Friendship reunion’ still going strong

I

t wasn’t a family reunion; they called it a “friendship reunion.” Fifty years ago, five young couples from McRae, Georgia, forged friendships. They were all members of McRae United Methodist Church. They started a supper club.

They played bridge. Six of their children were born in 1955. They looked after each other’s needs. They embraced life together. Although they weren’t kin, they were just like family.

So, after time marched on and geography separated them, they began planning reunions, with kids and grandkids.

Recently the 11th annual Friendship Reunion met, with four generations of the five families. Funerals. Babies. Marriages.

Divorces. Pageants. Recitals. Ballgames.

Birthday parties. And reunions.

What started as a small scrapbook has become a large scrapbook, filled with photographs and memories. The weekend is filled with fishing, golf, hiking, knitting and just sitting around and giggling. And don’t forget hugging.

There’s always a special dinner Saturday night when they break bread and swap stories, and the children take their traditional swings at a piñata. These “friends” will make toasts, laugh, cry and then talk about how much fun they’re going to have next year.

From a story by Ed Grisamore in the Macon Telegraph, Macon, Georgia.

Group renews long-ago friendships

A

lmost fifty people who were born in Jamaica and moved to New York as young people met during the ’70s and became a circle of close friends. Then everyone went to college and got into their own careers and moved all over the country. Most did not see each other for 30 or more years.

A phone call in December between some of the old friends got the ball rolling for a rollicking reunion party that brought together the group, some accompanied by children and grandchildren. They celebrated with home-cooked Jamaicanstyle food – jerk chicken, fried fish and

cow’s feet, soda, ginger beer and tropical rum punch. Tunes by Bob Marley and other reggae legends were spun ’70s-style, on a turntable. They looked at pictures taken in 1974 at a wedding where all the guys had Afros and platform shoes.

For these friends, the years had just melted away. Many traveled long distances and committed to stay in touch. One said those attending enjoyed each other’s company so much they decided they would try to get together every year now. “All of us are non-relatives, but we feel we’re family.”

From a story by Marcia Freidenreich at Sun-Sentinel.com, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Regular reunions keep friends connected

O

n the last Friday of every month, Carolyn Gabbert eats lunch with as many as 19 women who attended Henry Clay High School in the early 1940s.

She says, “By maintaining these friendships as the years go on, they are all the more valuable.”

Every six weeks, Gail Bridwell lunches with friends she taught with for 27 years at Lexington, Kentucky’s, Southern Middle School.

And this spring and fall, as they have every year since 1980, Roger Stapleton, Frankfort, Kentucky, and classmates at the University of Kentucky will rent cabins on Norris Lake in Tennessee.

“When you get aligned with good friends, it grounds you. It reaffirms that

you don’t get so caught up in your own lives that you can’t reconnect.”

Less formal than a planned reunion or alumni meeting, these regularly scheduled gatherings take place as a way of maintaining friendships over several decades.

According to Charlotte Lankard, an Oklahoma-based marriage and family therapist, such gatherings are becoming more common as people with busy lifestyles are forced to work harder at socializing outside their families.

“We have to make more of an effort. People who have these longtime relationships are physically and emotionally healthier as they go through life experiences,” Lankard said.

From an article by Valarie Honeycutt Spears on Kentucky.com, Lexington, Kentucky.

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

Subscribe! Call 1-800-373-7933 JUNE/JULY 2006 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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37

Rooted in history VENUES & PLACES

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by Jacky Runice

ho needs TV? Tell me your family doesn’t have Desperate Housewives who are in need of Extreme Makeovers, or that your old Army unit isn’t filled with Survivors, a Commander in Chief and genuine American Idols? The personalities in your family are infinitely more interesting than any screen version, but it takes some time and effort to get to know them and their history; this is one of the roles of reunions.

Why not reunite your troops in the place that makes American history itself come alive with passion, emotion and excitement? Make a date with Colonial Williamsburg, a place that traces its roots back nearly 400 years and takes your reunion to the past with all the comforts of the 21st century.

In the 18th century, the Liberty Pole, featured a bag of feathers on one arm (left) and a barrel of tar in the other You can practically see George Washington, (being held), deterred colonists from expressing loyalty to the Crown.

Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry strolling the streets of the beautifully restored 18th-century capital of You might want to explore Colonial Williamsburg’s new, Virginia. The 301-acre town features over 500 restored and interactive two-day experience, “Revolutionary City – From reconstructed buildings: homes, taverns, shops, hospital, Subjects to Citizens,” launched in March 2006. The new church, the Magazine and the Governor’s Palace among them. program connects visitors emotionally to the period leading up Colonial Williamsburg is a living history location, so events to and during the American Revolution. The program begins on happen all around town. For example, go to the Courthouse and the first day by depicting the collapse of British rule. You may you may participate as a plaintiff, defendant, juror or audience witness a disagreement between a loyalist mother and her in a mock trial based upon cases taken from historical records. patriot daughter, or speak with slaves about their continued Next to the Courthouse, on Duke of Gloucester Street, pop into bondage while their masters seek freedom from the royal Chowning’s Tavern, an authentic 18th-century rum and ale government. Day two spans July 1776 to September 1781, house serving light fare (a righteous turkey leg or old-fashioned beginning with the Declaration of Independence and including Brunswick stew), local ales and wines, rums, and Colonial the British Occupation of the city. Join in protests about the Williamsburg’s own draft root beer and refreshing ginger ale. In high price of goods or march alongside General Washington as the evening, you’ll experience how Americans were entertained he prepares to leave for Yorktown. pre-TV and assorted electronics. Balladeers encourage guests Located 150 miles south of Washington, DC, Colonial to join in period sing-alongs, and costumed servers play Williamsburg hosts roughly 40 reunions every year according popular games of the day. Outdoors, kids can try their hands at to Scott Coelln, Senior Conference Sales Manager. “Reunions rolling hoops, walking on stilts or a game of ninepins. Take in find that it’s a good idea to lodge onsite. You’re within walking an evening program such as Papa Said, Mama Said in which distance to the Historic Area, where there are family activities.

18th-century free and enslaved African Virginians reflect on There’s a free shuttle through the Historic Area to Busch lessons learned through stories told by their elders.

Gardens, Water Country, Jamestown and Yorktown,’ he noted.

To get a sense of the laborious aspects of 18th century life, Shoppers flock to Merchant Square and area outlet malls and walk through fields and pastures planted with corn, wheat, there’s great golf at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, too. tobacco and other field crops at Great Hopes Plantation.

Coelln reminds us that families can trace their genealogy and Wherever you wander, expect to come face-to-face with that Jamestown’s 400th anniversary will be celebrated in 2007. tradespeople, members of royalty, wealthy plantation owners, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation adds to a reunion menu slaves, red coats, the militia, farmers and colonial children. by reserving special group tavern dinners, outdoor barbecues Feel free to engage a working carpenter in a discussion about and picnics, providing a hospitality room and special tours of period house construction or ask about remedies in the the Historic Area or behind-the-scenes tours. apothecary. Listen closely for the whispers of revolution. continued

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shouldn’t a convention center actually be in the center of something?

At one end, Hampton Roads has its fabled resort beaches. At the other, unparalleled history in Williamsburg and Jamestown. Now a spectacular 344,000 square-foot convention center has emerged in the center of it all. The Hampton Roads Convention Center has state of the art meeting space for up to 14,000 delegates, and amenities galore, including a108,000 square-foot exhibit area, a 28,000 square-foot ballroom and a Cyber Café and Business Center in the main atrium.You’re centrally located, so after the meeting’s over you can hit those beaches, take in that history or just a stroll’s distance away, enjoy specialty shopping, themed restaurants and after-hours entertainment. For a virtual tour CD and booking information, call 1-800-487-8778 or visit hamptoncvb.com.

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Rooted in history VENUES & PLACES

continued

yearly; it’s a pretty standard format with a welcome reception, meetings related to the area and various interests, and a banquet,” Wiggins explained. “But this one will be packed with 2007 Jamestown anniversary activities, too.” The 200300 Fulghums will join world dignitaries such as President Bush and Queen Elizabeth of England to mark the 1607-2007 anniversary.

You need not have family ties to Colonial Williamsburg, however, in order to have an impressive reunion there. “Colonial Williamsburg is the best place in the country to have a reunion,” exclaimed Wiggins. “You get so much help from the conference planning service; they help you plan everything. There’s a good transit bus system that goes through Virginia’s Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown), and just a huge amount to do when you make Colonial Williamsburg your hub. Park your car and don’t go back to it until you’re ready to leave. From a Guests who visit Tarpley’s Store can sample what residents living in the colonial capital would have had available. planning standpoint, it’s great to have an expert Inventory includes toys, dolls, clothing and the finest ladies’ hats. helping you along the way.”

Another family member, Robert Fulghum, The Williamsburg Lodge, updated and renovated in 2006, is noted author of the best seller All I Really Need to Know I just one lodging option. There’s a brand new conference center, Learned in Kindergarten is equally smitten with the Historic advanced audio/visual resources and high-speed internet Area. “Colonial Williamsburg properties are an excellent connectivity throughout, including guest rooms and suites. setting for reunions,” he wrote. “The staff does a first class job Have a special meal in the new restaurant with a display in making meetings go smoothly. My immediate family’s visits kitchen or stroll to nine nearby restaurants, including four to Colonial Williamsburg always have been highly successful historic dining taverns. Adjacent to a new spa and the and very enjoyable. Yes, Colonial Williamsburg would be an renowned Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, 45 holes of excellent place for your family’s next reunion, large or small. championship golf designed by course architect legends Robert Almost any theme for your family reunion will fit in well with Trent Jones, Sr., and Rees Jones, the Lodge is also steps from the history of the area.” the 26 Shops of Colonial Williamsburg and 40 boutiques of Explore www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com or call 800-822Merchants Square.

9127 for help with lodging and meeting space, suggested The Fulghum Family Reunion will be staying primarily at itineraries, transportation, banquets and dining and more. the Williamsburg Woodlands and a few rooms at Governor’s Inn for their May 2007 meeting. With several thousand members around the world, the family has historic ties to the area: ancestors settled in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, and there’s a link to historic St. Luke’s Church, the oldest existing church of English foundation in the nation and a National Shrine, built in the 1600s.

According to the family’s website, Michael Fulgham, son of Captain Anthony Fulgham, sold the land to the church vestry on 6 September, 1683, and the family placed a memorial stone in St. Luke’s church yard.

Betty Wiggins was a natural choice to facilitate the reunion that will coincide and be coordinated with the Jamestown 2007 Commemoration activities. The Fulgham-Fulghum Family is an official Virginia Community. Wiggins, who lives in Williamsburg and whose daughter grew up on the streets of the Historic Area, watching carriages Colonial Williamsburg has re-created the colonial workplace in an effort to portray everyday living for many of the carry colonial citizens, worked for Colonial city’s residents. Guests view demonstrations of early technology and its relevance to 21st-century guests. This is Williamsburg for 37 years. “The Fulghums meet the Geddy House which was residence, workshop and shop for silversmith James Geddy Jr.

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When you gather in Kissimmee, the results are always remarkable, affordable, and most importantly, memorable. Learn all the advantages of staying next to Orlando’s famed attractions at FloridaKiss.com or 800.831.1844, ext 484.

Cabin Fervor even years ago we turned our backs on being urban pioneers and moved from Chicago to the country. Our rural landscape has transformed from rolling hills and rich farmland to Hooters, traffic congestion and a new subdivision of the month.

Where do you go to get away from the perpetual hum of traffic and polluted air and back to the sounds of nature and clear night skies? A new kind of cabin fever is intoxicating reunion groups around the country. We yearn to get into the cabin, linger there and leave behind the frenzy of the typical American neighborhood.

Whether a conglomeration of oneroom rustics to upscale glass aeries, a cabin-centered reunion is a seductive surrender to the country and wilderness living, if even for a few days. Beautiful settings, simple shelters and warm family feelings are waiting for you bumpkins-to-be.

S

by Jacky Runice recreate the event of their engagement,” he explained. “A family story was how my father had ‘pinned’ my Mom (given her his treasured Theta Chi fraternity pin which, at the time, was usually a prelude to marriage) in a non-running 1939 Studebaker parked outside the fraternity house. Then the fraternity sang barbershop quartet style to the newly committed couple.” Cliff Snyder surprised his parents at the reunion with a barbershop quartet that drove up in a 1941 Studebaker and presented “the pin” to John to give his girl Celia, roughly 50 years after the original event. The quartet sang for the couple, the family and a gathering crowd of onlookers.

To plan your mountain cabin meeting, take a look at www.ymcarockies.org or ring up 800-777-9622 for reunion availability information.

STONE MOUNTAIN LODGE & CABINS

Nestled on 45 private acres with mountain and valley views, Stone Mountain Lodge & Cabins is a YMCA OF THE ROCKIES comfortable, low-key Colorado mountain Majestic views of mountains and elk at YMCA of the Rockies.

Get a heaping helping of hospitality property that caters to family reunions. A at YMCA of the Rockies, which hosts short drive from Boulder, Denver and more than 800 family gatherings every year. According to Holly Estes Park, Stone Mountain invites you to gather under the tent at Collingwood, Associate Director of Public Relations, the variety the pool or the sheltered group area by the pond. Choose from of lodging and cabin options offers all family members an cabins that range in size from studios that sleep two to combined affordable way to be together. “With all the activities offered, many of which are free, every family can find plenty to do, from planned group activities to impromptu field games,” she noted.

“Favorite family reunion activities include swimming, doing crafts in the craft shop, volleyball, horseshoes, BBQ-ing, horseback riding, roller skating, ice skating, roasting marshmallows, hiking and, of course, ‘front porch time,’ which involves taking in the scenery, breathing fresh mountain air and relaxing together.”

The Y offers a special program called “Family Reunion University,” a fun weekend experience that teaches planners how to throw a successful reunion that family members of all ages will remember with affection. It’s offered every fall for those who are planning a reunion at the Y (or elsewhere) and Stone Mountain Lodge & Cabins. need some assistance. You’ll stay in one of the many lodges units that sleep up to 10. There are also motel rooms and several that serve reunion parties, meet staff and tour the grounds. Just RV sites. In fact, since SML can host between 38 and 76 people, $50 plus tax for each participant includes two nights lodging, consider renting the whole property if your reunion’s size is right. five meals and many helpful activities.

You can barbecue, plan a potluck, enjoy a night out at a nearby John and Celia Snyder wanted to get the clan together and Lyons restaurant or have a catered event onsite. Gorgeous areas used the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary to rally the only 10 minutes away offer free hiking trails, and you can fish troops. They attended Family Reunion University to make a right across the road in the St. Vrain River. In Lyons, enjoy better blueprint for the reunion and settled upon a week in weekly summer concerts in the park and square dancing on August for the group of 20 to stay in the YMCA of the Rockies’ summer weekends. Owners Peter and Mindy Makuta report that Alpen Inn. Little did they know that their son, Cliff Snyder, would of the dozen or so reunions SML hosts yearly, most are families, have a wonderful surprise up his sleeve. “I had the idea to 42

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VENUES & PLACES

Cabin Fervor

continued

but they’ve also had friends, sports teams, church activities is enormous: archery, basketball, and other groups. “We are in the mountains, yet volleyball, ride a bike or steer a boat, explore a only at 5400’ elevation (same as Boulder), and cave, challenge yourself on the climbing wall or Lyons – two miles away – is a great small town ropes course, zip down a 250-foot cable, fish, play with restaurants, shops, parks and old fashioned mini-golf, or swim. And one of Missouri’s best golf ice cream,” she noted. “We have room to roam: 45 courses is right on-site. Every Wednesday night acres, duck pond, half-mile private trail, bunnies, during summer expect fireworks, ice cream and deer, eagles and other critters. Our great staff live entertainment. When it’s time for a day trip, always bends over backwards to help guests – choose from Mark Twain National Forest, Bonne from fetching fans and irons to giving out home Terre Lead Mine Tours, Washington State Park phone numbers making group organizers feel Indian Petroglyphs, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State connected when there’s no staff on premises.” It’s Park, Sayersbrook Bison Ranch and more, within not unusual for SML staff to receive reunion tan easy drive. shirts, a signed ball from a winning team and Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood hosted over thank you cards from guests. The property is pet90 family reunions in 2005, the Yoder family of friendly, with three cabins and all lodge rooms Topeka, Kansas, and the Bokorney family from welcoming well-behaved dogs and cats.

Oklahoma among them. “Our facility is such a Katherine Hussey’s group, the Kaliher family-friendly place, we take care of cooking Family, chose the Lyons area for its great and cleaning so you can explore the grounds, weather and the fact that there was so much to participate in activities, or just relax on the Many activities are available at the see and do on day trips. “We preferred a small back deck with a good book,” beamed Jennifer Trout Lodge & Camp. town setting to simplify driving and traffic Clink, Director of Hospitality. “Where else can issues, and we wanted to be within two hours of Denver you ride a horse, climb a 50’ tower, shoot an arrow, play tennis International Airport. And the scenery around there is superb,” and learn to sail, all before lunch?” Be sure to ask about the she noted. “Stone Mountain was perfect for us. We have our special payment plan that helps the family reunion planner reunion every four years and try to meet somewhere where organize with ease. See what you’re in store for at everyone can do sight-seeing and where they’ve not been www.ymcaoftheozarks.org or call 888-386-9622. before. Stone Mountain has cabins, motel rooms and a BIG CABINS campground – all of which we wanted – plus it was close to Although the Colorado mountains are a glorious backdrop to Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder, so a a cabin reunion, there are plenty of other scenic spots to hold broad range of interests were satisfied. There were restaurants your next gathering. In Tennessee, Big Cabins not only is in Lyons, we had kitchens or kitchenettes in our cabins and located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park (the most motel rooms, and grills were available so we could cook or go visited national park in the country), but the property is within out. We did a lot of both,” the Tennessee resident explained. a one-day drive for two-thirds of the continental US! It’s no “The staff could not have been more accommodating, keeping wonder Big Cabins hosts over 100 reunions every year. The in e-mail touch throughout our planning (as I recall, we started national park welcomes 10 to 13 million visitors each year, but about 18 months ahead) and keeping tabs on us, meeting our your group will feel totally secluded at Big Cabins, yet well needs throughout the week.” The 35 or so family members taken care of. “A combination of southern hospitality and an traveled from Seoul, Korea, Washington DC, New Jersey, array of activities that appeal to all ages make the area a Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois natural choice for all visitors,” explained Cindy Ogle, Director and Tennessee. From toddlers to grand-parents, they took in of Sales and Marketing for Big Cabins. “Our cabins offer more horseback riding, mountain drives and hikes, excursions to luxury and amenities than hotels in an intimate, private Boulder and Red Feather Lakes and shopping in Estes Park and setting. This allows members of our reunions to spend time Lyons. We typically met back at the Lodge in the pool area for with each other in a casual and relaxed atmosphere,” she evenings together. added. The staff assists in all phases of planning a successful Stone Mountain Lodge & Cabins offers a 10% discount to reunion beginning with zeroing in on the ideal cabin to fit the groups who reserve three or more units, and they feature special specific needs of your group and then offering assistance with deals online. See for yourself by visiting www.stonemountain everything from activities such as golf or white water rafting to lodge.com or call 800-282-5612. recommending a great site for a family picnic to full service TROUT LODGE & CAMP LAKEWOOD catering and order and delivery of Honeybaked Hams.

Just 90 minutes south of St. Louis, Trout Lodge and Camp No doubt about it – these are gorgeous and large cabins, Lakewood offers an outstanding value for reunions – an allsome with as many as 12 bedrooms. Last year, Ben and Shirley inclusive travel package of lodging, meals and on site activities.

LeMaster of Louisville, Kentucky, along with 34 members of Choose from two-bedroom private family cabins along the lake or their family (ranging in age from six months to 80 years) stayed in the woods, or oversized guest rooms and two-story loft suites in in a Big Cabin for two nights. “Our grandchildren are all grown Trout Lodge. Enjoy homemade vittles, fresh bakery goods, heartup, getting married and having children, so it’s hard to get healthy selections and even vegetarian choices at Trout Lodge. everyone together at one time,” said Mrs. LeMaster, adding You won’t have trouble working off the calories, as the list of that an eight-bedroom Big Cabin worked out well. “We ate in 44

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and visited area attractions, but what was golf on the 18-hole championship course; swim nice is for the 12-year-old boys who could go in the outdoor or indoor pools; fish in the many outside and play ball and run in the creek. streams on and off the property; or visit nearby There is plenty for everyone to do.” The Thomas, West Virginia, offering unique arts and group plans a larger family gathering in a crafts.” Hosting more than 20 reunions yearly, bigger cabin this year. the resort will set up dinners under the tent on The father-son owners of Big Cabins, Rod the back lawn, golf tournaments, hayrides and and Matt Thompson, know that the size and any other activities that suit your group’s fancy. quality of cabins set them apart from all the Hank and Deana Miller put a lot of work into others. But they also offer full-service the Gearhart family reunion that met at Canaan catering, too. “A family can enjoy a wonderful, Valley last summer. The family has a rotation relaxed meal without having to drive schedule: every two years they meet for a week, anywhere, and without someone in the family and on the “off” year they meet for a weekend. It having to cook,” said Matt Thompson. If the was Deana’s turn last year, and since her parents family wants to cook, you’ll have everything were originally from West Virginia, the area had you need in the spacious kitchen with statean emotional pull for them. Her grandfather was a of-the-art appliances. Big Cabins staff can coal miner and in the mid to late1950s, the family arrange activities such as aquarium trips for migrated around the country. Hank and Deana kids and parents, tee-times for golfers, visited a couple of resorts in the area and settled mountain hikes or trips to outlet malls. Of upon Canaan Valley because the facilities met Eurobungy at Canaan Valley Resort seems course, you can visit with each other on the their needs, staff were willing to work with them, perfect for the rambunctious. massive deck hot tub or cheer your team and it’s a downright beautiful area. “We rented all playing on the big screen TV with satellite but one of the cabins,” Deana said. service or play pool, foosball or air hockey.

“There were about 90 people, aged Angie Garrison of Mountain City, Georgia, from infants to their 80s. We rotated and 30 of her family members made an making dinner, so you’d have to annual visit to the Gatlinburg area and stayed cook really big one night and then at a Big Cabin for a December weekend. “It’s you don’t have to worry about it for when we take time from our hectic schedules the rest of the week.” to be together and take advantage of the The Gearharts have some hard area’s outdoor activities,” she said, adding and fast traditions when they meet. that the group starts with her grandmother “We always have a church service, and goes down to great-great-grandchildren. a tea party (an aunt brings her best “Our cabin was wonderful, with plenty of tea set), the boys have a tailgate room for all of us. Kids loved the upstairs party and play a lot of games, and game room and adults enjoyed the hot tub.” there’s always a family softball GeoCaching is a kind of treasure hunt at Canaan Valley Resort.

Garrison said her family liked being able to game, golf tournament and picnic. cook meals at the cabin because, “If we go out, we either eat at Last year we had a wedding. A cousin was engaged and they different restaurants or we don’t get to sit together, which decided to get married at Blackwater Falls and have a little defeats the purpose of family reunions,” she added. “The Big reception,” she explained. “The people at Canaan Valley were Cabin folks really took care of our needs well.” Call 866-305wonderful and worked with us on everything. The cabins were 8739 or visit www.BigCabins.com. close so kids could walk from cabin to cabin, and some cabins were large enough for multiple families. Everyone accommoCANAAN VALLEY RESORT dated us incredibly.”

If you’re looking for the perfect place to slow down and When it’s your turn, choose from two- to four-bedroom reconnect, Canaan Valley Resort is it. You’ll know you’re near cottages with full kitchens and fireplaces, to deluxe fourwhen you hit the two-lane road on your way to Davis, West bedroom cottages with extra amenities like dishwasher and Virginia. “The winding road, laden with amazing panoramic microwave, cable TV and telephones. Saunter over to mountain views, almost forces you to slow down and take in www.canaanresort.com or call 800-622-4121. your surroundings,” explained spokesperson Bryan Brown.

Canaan Valley is the highest mountain valley east of the Rocky About the author Mountains; the valley floor sits at 3,100 feet, while the top of Journalist Jacky Runice pens the the surrounding mountains reach 4,200 feet, and the valley “Family Travel” column for Chicago’s Daily itself is about three miles wide by eleven miles long and Herald, as well as hotel/spa and restaurant contains thousands of acres of woodland. “Folks can do as reviews for AOL. She is a member of the much or as little as they like,” he continued. “Families can Midwest Travel Writers Association and bike or hike on miles of trails; enjoy games on the recreation mother of three young adventurers who love field or play on the playground; try GeoCaching or the climbing travel as much as she does. wall and something called ‘Eurobungy;’ ride the ski lift; play JUNE/JULY 2006 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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Oakland Where your reunion is the center of ever ything.

Cool restaurants, great hotels, attractions, entertainment and 3 major league sports teams.

oaklandcvb.com 463 Eleventh Street Oakland, Ca. 94607 (510) 839-9000

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Shop online for your reunion.

Books! Music! Software!

@ www.reunionsmag.com Click on Subscribe & Shop.

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VENUES & PLACES

Amelia

ON THE

Atlantic

by Edith Wagner

A

melia Island is off the northeastern tip of Florida, bordering Georgia and twenty minutes from Jacksonville. It has excellent beach resorts and interesting day trips, nature walks, boat tours, a beautifully restored Victorian town, historic fort and horses to ride on the beach.

Among many options, Amelia Island Plantation is a haven for reunions on 1350 acres surrounded by beach on one side and marshlands on the other. The Plantation has seven miles of nature trails, including boardwalks that extend right into the marsh. A nature center offers nature tours, play areas, bike rentals, kids’ camps and daily poolside activities for families.

Gentle lagoons form the lifeguarded beach at low tide, perfect for toddlers. Everyone loves shelling and looking for an abundance of black fossilized shark teeth from creatures that lived millions of years ago. Sea turtles lay eggs in summer on a protected beach, dolphins and manatees swim nearby and Right whales calve in December and January.

Guests stay at the Amelia Inn & Beach Club or in villas scattered among the huge Spanish moss-hung oaks. The guest rooms at the Inn have private balconies overlooking the beach. But who wants to stay indoors at this exciting location, anyway?

This resort has excellent activities for all ages. There’s something for every golfer, tennis player, nature lover, antique hunter, horseback rider, beach comber, history buff, fishing fanatic, kayaker, bird watcher or horseback, Segway or bicycle rider.

Amelia Island Plantation is noted for its environmentally conscious development and is a sanctuary for native wildlife and tropical flora. Staff naturalists offer an impressive activity calendar including family bonfires, story time, shell and shark tooth hunts and nature crafts, to name a few. The resort teems with an abundance of birds, wildlife and dynamic flora and fauna. Search for over 175 species of birds with an illustrated brochure provided by the nature center. The Plantation’s fascinating terrain ranges from ancient Timucuan Indian burial grounds to a sunken forest to a salt marsh preserve with sand dunes. Many nature tours and programs are available.

The Plantation’s three golf courses border the ocean, marshes and woods, and include seven seaside holes. PGA professionals offer personalized instruction and clinics to golfers of every skill level. Kids 15 and under play free with parents.

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The Bausch & Lomb Tennis Championships are played at the five-star Racquet Park, which features 23 Har-Tru courts and three courts lighted for night tennis, and is recognized as one of the Top 50 American Tennis Resorts by Tennis Magazine.

KIDS CAMP AMELIA

The Plantation offers endless supervised entertainment and tailored programs for kids. It is staffed by trained counselors and college interns specializing in recreation supervision and activity planning. Kids Camp offers half- and full-day programs for ages three to 10. Kids do arts and crafts, play games, go to the beach and swim in the pool. Also for this age group, Just For Kids offers evening theme parties so parents can have a night out (or in).

Beach games are favorites for young guests at Kids Camp Amelia..

Youth programs include crabbing, golf, tennis, fishing, obstacle courses, nature activities and daily poolside games. The hard-toplease teen (11 to 14 and 15 to 19 years) programs include culinary and beauty classes, jet ski excursions, DJ dance-a-thons, kayaking, bonfires, sport clinics and deep sea fishing.

Also poolside is the daily Amelia at Play, complimentary fun and wacky family activities, such as feather race and egg relays. Prices are per kid; parents may be free because they have to stay with kids, and kids 10 and over can come alone.

Spas are becoming ubiquitous and they’re hard to pass up.

Taking advantage of the Spa at Amelia Island Plantation should

These little Amelia Island Plantation students look forward to the Bausch & Lomb Tennis Championships in a few years.

The Plantation can arrange for local fishing, charters and sailing trips for full- or half-day excursions. On-property lagoons are stocked with bass, bream and striped bass.

Paddleboats, powered carts and kayaking are other ways to explore the resort.

And finally, when you’ve hungry – which is inevitable after all that activity – Amelia Island Plantation is ready, from sunKaren Mason, CEO of The Travel Concern, organizes this group of lady golfers who enjoyed their 2005 golf reunion at Amelia Island Plantation.

be on the agenda of everyone who really needs to relax. There are countless treatments and 25 treatment rooms each with a view of calming lagoons or moss-draped oaks and an ambiance that will stay with you long after. Watsu is their own signature treatment done in water for rejuvenation and wellness.

A fitness center is complete for any workout needs and best of all (at least I think so) is their lovely lap pool, perfect for getting your energy up. But the lap pool (indoor) is only one of 23 pools and the nearby beach for water lovers.

There’s much ground to cover at Amelia Island Plantation.

Convenient shuttle busses circle constantly and can whisk you to anywhere in moments and always with some special information or a history lesson from well-informed drivers. But what really attracted me to Amelia Island Plantation was that they offer Segways as a mode of transportation. A lesson and practice precedes the ride because Segways require balance we’re not used to for going and stopping. We took a fascinating nature tour on the Segway that went through residential, marshy, woodsy and beach areas, zipping right by golfers at a seaside hole. Best of all you can hire a naturalist who will point out all the fascinating wonders along the way. Bicycles and golf carts are also available to get around.

up in the Sunrise Café to the gourmet fare at the Ocean Grill.

Casual dining is available at several locales convenient to Plantation-wide activities such as the Beach Club Grill by the pool and Marche Burette in The Spa & Shops, where the sandwiches are wonderful. The burgers at Falcon’s Nest are a destination. Try them with fried green beans. No dieting here.

Several other eateries will also get your attention.

HISTORIC AMELIA ISLAND

Fernandina Beach, Amelia’s only city, is an architecturally rich 1880s fishing village and a showplace of stately Victorian homes, shops, galleries and museums. The quaint downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Antique Market boasts two locations with regular European shipments. The Amelia Island Museum of History is Florida’s only oral history museum, where docents narrate the island’s amazing history under eight flags. The museum also offers guided walking tours of the historic district.

The golden age of the island was from 1870 to 1910, when many wealthy Americans made Fernandina their home and built elegant Victorian-style homes. The boom was due to shipping because many New Yorkers could come down by steamboat to enjoy the warm climate and elegant hotels.

In 1890, Standard Oil co-founder Henry Flagler opened the railroads, which detoured tourist traffic to St. Augustine and places farther south. Soon American and immigrant fishermen saw the potential in the area for the shrimping industry.

Now, over one hundred years later, it is easy to see the reunion potential of Amelia Island, Florida.

Visit www.aipfl.com, or call 800-874-6878.

About the author Segways are both fun to learn and a unique mode of travel at Amelia Island Plantation.

Edith Wagner is editor of Reunions magazine.

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Host your special reunion at the Holiday Inn Bayside overlooking beautiful San Diego Bay. Our experienced staff will assist you in planning the perfect event.

• Beautiful and spacious guest rooms • Tropical courtyard with heated pool, spa, shuffleboard, billiards • Family style restaurant and cocktail lounge • Non-smoking and disabled rooms • 9-hole putting course, exercise room • Free parking and airport transfers

Special Reunion Features • Complimentary one-night stay for reunion planner with site inspection • Complimentary hospitality suite • Welcome letter and box of chocolates in each room • Senior discounts in our restaurant • Special reunion rates

4875 North Harbor Drive • San Diego, CA 92106 (619) 224-3621 • Fax: (619) 224-3629 (800) 650-6660 www.holinnbayside.com • email: dos@holinnbayside.com

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RaNsome Retreat Beautiful 250 acre private Chesapeake Bay waterfront estate ideal for your Reunion!

Located on Maryland’s Eastern shore, less than a 3 hour drive from Baltimore, D.C. or Philly. Offers on-site accommodations for 30+ & up to 100 with nearby housing for additional private parties.

Activities: Private Beach, Boating, Crab/Fish, Cycling, Sightseeing, Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, Hiking, Bird Watching, Kayaking & Canoeing. In-House: Ping Pong & Pool Tables, Hot Tub & Heated Pool. Tennis & Shopping (St. Michael’s), Golf & Health Spa – Hyatt Regency.

A Variety of Reunion Dining Options Nearby! visit www.chesapeakeretreats.com email info@chesapeakeretreats.com call 888 726-7863 or 888 726-7662 JUNE/JULY 2006 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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E MILITARY REUNION NEWS

Star and Stripes reunion

New in Honolulu

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isitors to the USS Missouri will soon have an additional attraction to look forward to. The Pacific Aviation Museum – Pearl Harbor (PAM) is building a world class US Military Aviation museum on Ford Island, the site of our nation’s first aviation battlefield and witness to the attacks of December 7, 1941. The museum, to open December 7, 2006, will encompass three hangars and the control tower built in 1938.

Visitors to the Pacific Aviation Museum will stand at the epicenter of the attack. The bullet holes are still visible in the hangar glass, the strafe marks still on the ground, the bomb crater still evident from the moment that Pearl Harbor was first attacked. From this vantage point you’ll be able to visualize the entire attack as it unfolded in all directions around you.

Contact Kathryn (KT) Budde-Jones, Pacific Aviation Museum – Pearl Harbor, 90 Nakolo Place, Suite 25, Honolulu HI 96819; 808-836-7747; www.pacificaviationmuseum.org.

0 Minutes commentator Andy Rooney, the most famous former Stars and Stripes correspondent, will be the keynote speaker at the newspaper’s upcoming reunion in Sikeston, Missouri. Union soldiers published the first edition of Stars and Stripes in 1861 in Bloomfield, Missouri. Today, it is printed in Europe and the Middle East.

Festivities will be held from October 14 to 16, 2006 at the newspaper’s museum and library in Bloomfield. A variety of activities, including Civil War re-enactments and musical entertainment, will take place during the reunion.

The Stars and Stripes Museum and Library will unveil two exhibits. One of World War II photographs by former Stars and Stripes photographer Phil Stern. The other is the Rooney-Kiley Exhibit, featuring photographs of Andy Rooney and Charles Kiley as correspondents covering WWII for the European Stars and Stripes.

The public is invited to the activities at the Stars and Stripes Museum and Library. Contact the Museum at 573568-2055.

From an article by Jennifer Freeze in the Southeast Missourian, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

REUNIONS WORKBOOK 8TH EDITION

ORDER NOW! 800-373-7933 ext. 199 or www.reunionsmag.com

Original control tower on Ford Island build in 1938 reopening in December 2006.

Vet finding

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ww.VetFriends.com has created an easy-to-use online website for more than 616,000 veterans, active military, friends and family. Visitors search a vast database to contact old friends, set up reunions, chat online with other veterans, post photos and obtain information; ie: how to receive medals and military records. www.VetFriends.com, LLC is a website designed to help veterans, active military, family and friends reunite. Valuable information, resources and features are available to all users. Thousands, spanning from WWII thru to Operation Desert Storm and the present, have reconnected through www.VetFriends.com.

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E MILITARY REUNION NEWS

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES

Welcome to Reunion Resources!

War brides commemorate 60-year anniversary of sailing to Canada

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ore than 43,000 war brides and 21,000 children ventured across the Atlantic between 1942 and 1948 to settle in cities across Canada. The 60year anniversary of the first all war bride sailing on Feb. 9, 1946 was celebrated recently in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The event marked the arrival of the Mauretainia II, which carried 943 servicemen's dependents and signalled the start of an unprecedented immigrant wave. Nearly one in 30 Canadians can claim a war bride in their family tree.

The majority was British with others from Holland, Belgium, France, Germany and Italy.

The transition was difficult for many of the women, Most arrived knowing no one and having little experience caring for themselves or young children. Most stuck it out and maintained ties to other war brides in various groups across Canada.

From an article by Alison Auld on Canada.com – Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Veterans History Project comes alive

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ollections from interviews and materials donated by veterans and civilians are beginning to appear on the web at the Library of Congress site www.loc.gov/warstories. Stories are under the headings of Courage, Patriotism and Community from among

7,000 collections that the project has received to date. As people realize how unique their own stories are, more and more are sharing them. Contact Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington DC 20540.

Civil War photographs wanted!

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f you have a photo of an ancestor who fought on either side in the war between the states, it is of interest to the US Army Military History Department. Please send a good copy of a photo, with information about the person’s state of residence, regiment and company, to the Army Department.

They will acknowledge your photo and

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it will be catalogued and filed. You can also request a search for pictures of ancestors you don’t have. There is no charge for this service. Contact the US Army Military History Institute, The Army Heritage Education Center, 950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle PA 17013; www.carlisle.army.mi/.

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

Many resources include e-mail and web page addresses.

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

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

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

INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS CANADA WHEELS INN is a full-service hotel resort with 350 rooms, banquet facilities, and the home of Wild Zone Adventures … “Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park.” The hotel also features 4 eateries, a central atrium with an indoor/outdoor pool, twin 100’ waterslides, as well as a spa and fitness centre, and a 24 lane, 10-pin bowling centre. 1-800265-5257; groupsales@wheelsinn.com; www.wheelsinn.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CARIBBEAN ISLANDS BOLONGO BAY BEACH RESORT, ST. THOMAS, USVI for smallsized groups seeking a casual, tropical setting. 65 beachfront rooms.

2 restaurants/bars. All inclusive option and custom-designed programs. Outdoor pavilion for themed events. Karaoke, BBQ parties & cocktail cruises. Free non-motorized watersports, beach volleyball, and much more. 1-800-524-4746. E-mail: info@bolongobay.com; www.bolongobay.com.

MEXICO THE HILTON LOS CABOS BEACH & GOLF RESORT greets you from the moment you arrive with amazing service and tranquil luxury and with amazing beaches golf and spa, reunion attendees will relax and rejuvenate. Reunions receive the utmost care at our resort with coordinators to help you make your event one people will be talking about for generations. Carretera Transpeninsular, Km.19.5, San Jose del Cabo Mexico 23447; (011-52-624) 145-6514; fax (011-52-624) 144-0628.

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES US DESTINATIONS ARIZONA DOBSON RANCH INN 1666 S Dobson Road, Mesa AZ 85202. Central location, complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, full service catering, ample function space and consistent afford-ability make the Dobson Ranch Inn an ideal hotel for reunions. Our 213 guest rooms are situated on 10 acres of beautifully land-scaped courtyards. Hotel amenities include large heated pool, two spas, exercise room, and Dale Andersons “The Other Place” restaurant. 800 528-1356; 480 8317000; cbarron@dobsonranch inn.com; www.DobsonRanchInn.com.

HOMEWOOD SUITES PHOENIX 2536 W. Beryl Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85021 Central to all there is to see and do in Phoenix, the Homewood Suites Phoenix-Metro Center is convenient to shopping and entertainment, including the Glendale Arena. The hotel has 126 apartment-style suites, high-speed wireless internet access and swimming pool. Amenities include complimentary buffet breakfast, an evening Welcome Home reception Mon - Thurs, Cardio Center and complimentary grocery shopping service. 602-674-8900; fax 602674-8901; homewood.phoenix@ ahmco.net; www.phoenixmetrocenter .home woodsuites .com.

RESIDENCE PHOENIX 8242 N. Black Canyon Fwy. Phoenix AZ 85051 The Residence Inn Phoenix is an all suite hotel with 168 home-style suites. We are located minutes away from the Phoenix Skyway Airport, America West Arena and the Peoria Sports Complex.

All suites feature fully-equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, sofa sleepers and work centers. Amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, pool, a sports court, barbecue area, children's playground and fitness room. 602-864-1900; fax 602-995-8251; residence. phoenix@ahmco .net; www.marriott.com/PHXRI DAYS INN FASHION SQUARE MALL 4710 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale AZ 85250. The Days Inn @ Fashion Sq. Mall Scottsdale AZ. is the perfect place for reunions of all kinds. Set on five acres of manicured grounds the 167 oversized rooms all have views of the courtyards. The location is superb, in the heart of Scottsdale, next to Fashion Sq Mall, Days Inn is within walking distance to Old Town Scottsdale, where everything started, the Arts District and our famous dining and entertainment area. Special rates for reunions. 480-9475411; fax 480-946-1324; www.scottsdaledaysinn.com.

EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL – TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Newly renovated 204 two-room suites, wet bar, refrigerator, microwave oven, coffeemaker, swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness room, sauna and over 13,000 square feet of meeting space. Complimentary, full cooked to order breakfast and Manager's Reception daily.

Address: 7051 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson AZ 85706; 520-573-0700 or Nationwide call 1-800-EMBASSY; Fax 520-573-0875. Margaret.

Zepeda@ihrco .com; www.tucsonairport.embassysuites.com.

PLACER VALLEY is California’s newest getaway, just minutes away from the state’s capital. Its brand-name shopping, family-friendly hotels and restaurants, Las Vegas-style casino, great golf, recreation facilities and attractions make it an ideal destination for reunions. For more information and ideas for planning your reunion there, go to Placer Valley Tourism’s official website at www.placertourism.com/ reunions or call 1-800-773-0522.

RADISSON HOTEL SACRAMENTO 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento CA 95815. Just 5 minutes from the state capital & historic old Sacramento. 307 spacious guest rooms. Fitness facility, lakeside pool and spa, to casual dining at Basil’s By the Lake. Cocktails at Crocodiles. Meeting space from 10 to 2,000 with 50,000 square feet of flexible meeting space complete with theatrical stage and Sacramento’s largest ballroom. (916) 922-2020; 1-800-333-3333; www.radisson.com/sacramentoca. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE 4875 N Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92106; 619-224-3621; 800-650-6660; fax 619-224-1787.

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. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! dos@holinnbayside.com; www. holinnbayside.com.

MARRIOTT SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN'S WHARF 1250 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133; 415-447-7515; Located in the heart of San Francisco’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf, the recently renovated Marriott is the perfect place for your reunion. 285 rooms/7,000 sq. ft. that will accommodate up to 250. Just two blocks to the center of Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill, Pier 39, and within walking distance to all the restaurants and nightlife of the North Beach district. www.marriottfishermans wharf.com.

FOREST SUITES RESORT LAKE TAHOE 1 Lake Parkway, South Lake Tahoe CA 96150. Located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Village and walking distance to restaurants, activities, beaches and casinos. One and Two Bedroom Suites with full kitchen, living and dining areas. Two outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, plus private beach access. Very reunion friendly with meeting space and catering available. Contact us for special group rates! 866-438-1144; sales@forestsuites.com; www.forestsuites.com.

TRINITY LAKE RESORTS & MARINAS and PINEWOOD COVE RESORT Enjoy breathtaking views of the Trinity Alps! 12 comfortably furnished cabins, BBQ & picnic tables, and RV & Tent Camp Sites

nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. A seasonal full service restaurant & lounge overlooking the lake, and small boat & houseboat rentals are also available. Call to reserve your reunion today: 530-286-2225 for Trinity Lake Resorts or 530-286-2201 for Pinewood Cove Resort. A Forever Resort. www.TrinityLakeResort.com or www.PinewoodCove.com.

NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE offers a great place to sleep, eat, play and relax in a beautiful mountain setting with a wide variety of accommodations and activities such as golf, swimming and tennis in the summer and snow sports activities in the winter. It's no wonder Northstar was voted as a top 10 reunion destination by Family Travel Forum.

A personal event planner is provided to help plan your unforgettable reunion. Highway 267 & Northstar Dr., Truckee CA 96160, 800-9265096, northstar@boothcreek.com; www.NorthstarAtTahoe.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, www.LazyZ.com, info@LazyZ.com.

VALLEJO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 495 Mare Island Way, Vallejo CA 94590; 800-482-5535 or 707-642-3653; fax 707644-2206. Affordable, accessible and perfect for your next reunion!

Offer your attendees wine tours in Napa, day trips to San Francisco (just 50 minutes by ferry), tours of historic Mare Island Naval Shipyard, world-class golf, shopping and Six Flags Marine World all from one convenient, central location. Contact Carrie, our Reunion Specialist. www.visitvallejo.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

COLORADO PINNACLE PLACE Looking for the perfect place for your family reunion? Come to the Rocky Mountains and enjoy Colorado's yearround playground. Our luxury vacation home is ideal for groups of 14 - 22 and has lots of amenities. For larger groups ask about additional condos. For more information contact Carolyn O'Neill at 1-888-8253442, www.pinnacleplace.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! SHERATON COLORADO SPRINGS 2886 S. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906; 719-576-5900; Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, just minutes from Pikes Peak, The Royal Gorge and the Garden of the Gods. Our rooms offer breathtaking views of the mountains, gardens, or poolside courtyard from your very own balcony or patio. Tons of luxury amenities and activities for all ages.

The perfect setting for your reunion needs. 500 rooms/43,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. www. sheratoncoloradosprings.com

ARKANSAS HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, ARKANSAS America's First Resort. Planning a reunion in Hot Springs offers you one destination with a million possibilities. Enjoy art galleries, museums and architecture, our relaxing spas, theme parks, rivers and lakes, music and magic shows, thoroughbred racing, a botanical garden and more. Come indulge yourself in our hospitality. 800-922-6478. or www.hotsprings.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! NORTH LITTLE ROCK VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 5511, North Little Rock AR 72119. www.northlittlerock.org. The North Little Rock Visitors Bureau provides assistance to help organize and coordinate successful reunions and meetings. Our attractions – the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum (featuring the USS Razorback), Arkansas Queen Riverboat, Old Mill, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame have something to please all ages. Call Shannon Harris at 501-7581424 or 800-643-4690 to hear about the great facilities and special opportunities available to groups. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CALIFORNIA BUENA PARK CONVENTION & VISITORS OFFICE 6601 Beach Blvd. Suite 200, Buena Park CA 90621-2904. Come see why we are the ideal spot for reunions and family vacations. We are home to five major tourist attractions including Knott's Berry Farm and only ten minutes away from Disneyland. Accommodations, restaurants and shopping are all within a mile! Beaches and mountains close by.

Call 800-541-3953 for a free Travel Planner, or fax 714-562-3569. tourbp@buenapark .com; www. visitbuenapark.com.

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON – LAX 9750 Airport Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045; 310-649-7005; fax 310-649-7065. Close to all attractions – just two miles from beaches. 573 rooms/junior suites.

Award-winning restaurant, gourmet International Beer Bar. Over-sized heated outdoor pool. 24 hr fitness center. 16500 sf of function space for up to 1400-all on one floor. Ballroom opens to pool area. Contact rbustamante@four pointslax.com or visit fourpointslax.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! THE LAUREL MILL LODGE PO Box 368, Los Gatos CA 95031; 408353-5851; esther@laurelmilllodge.com; www.laurelmilllodge.com.

OAKLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 463 11th Street Oakland CA 94607; 510-839-9000. Oakland is California's best-kept secret. Just minutes to San Francisco by rapid transit, ferry, bus or car. Breathtaking waterfront views. Unique, affordable venues for reunions of all sizes. World-class jazz, restaurants and major-league sports. Call or email today for your FREE Visitors Guide. Oaklandcvb.com; info@Oaklandcvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!.

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CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES SOPHIA RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER P.O. Box 1620 Dolores, CO 81323; 970.882.4920;.fax 866.548.7437; ruth@sophia retreatcenter.org, www.sophiatretreatcenter.org DENVER, THE MILE HIGH CITY Planning a reunion? You’re in luck.

Because there is something about Denver that brings people together.

After all, it's where the mountains meet the city. We offer free travel planning assistance – from accommodations and special event locations to transportation and dining options. Come discover how we can help make your reunion a memorable one. www.DENVER.ORG or call 800.880.9095. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! ESTES PARK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1200, Estes Park CO 80517. Estes Park may be the perfect setting for your reunion! Nestled in a valley surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park, fabulous scenery and recreation await you. Enjoy shopping, trout fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, golf, go karts, barbecues, hayrides, miniature golf, tram rides, scenic drives and hiking. Let our group specialist help you find lodging, meals and fun things for the whole family to enjoy! 970-577-9900; fax 970-5771677; groupsales@estes.org; www.estes parkcvb.com.

HOLIDAY INN FRISCO 1129 Summit Blvd. Frisco CO 80443; 800782-7669; fax 970-668-0958; dosfri@lodgian.com; www.holiday-inn .com/summitcounty.

STONE MOUNTAIN LODGE AND CABINS 18055 N St. Vrain Drive, Lyons CO 80540 (2 miles west of Lyons on Hwy 36). Mountain setting convenient to both Estes Park & Boulder. Lyons is a picturesque small town without the bustle. Our 45 scenic acres offers Room to Roam or Relax with duck pond, pool, hiking. Outdoor group areas near pool and pond. Affordable lodging includes cabins, rooms and campsites to fit everyone‚s needs. Dogs OK. Call for special group discount!

800-282-5612; info@stonemountainlodge.com; www.stonemountain lodge.com.

VACATIONS INC, WINTER PARK COLORADO! PO Box 3095, Winter Park CO 80482. Rocky Mountain Reunion Specialists! Just 67 miles from Denver and close to the Rocky Mtn Nat’l Park, Vacations Inc offers affordable downtown Winter Park lodging, onsite amenities and family activity planning. We offer studios, condos, pools and hottubs. Play golf and tennis, or go rafting, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and ballooning – all in our back yard! Vacations Inc – Certifiable Family Fun! 800-289-8541; fax 970-726-8004; res@vacationsinc.com; www.vacationsinc.com.

CONNECTICUT SUNRISE RESORT PO Box 415, Moodus CT 06469. 400 acre summer resort in rural Moodus, CT. Rates include great food, swimming, tennis, live music, softball, volleyball, mountain bikes, canoes, planned activities, mini-resort and discounts for kids. Mid-way between NYC and Boston – 160 sleeping rms, meeting spaces, planning assistance on request. Call 800-225-9033 today! SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! Suntimes@connix.com; www. sunriseresort.com.

HILTON GARDEN INN/HARTFORD NORTH-WINDSOR, CT 555 Corporate Drive, Windsor CT 06095 The Hilton Garden Inn is located just 5 miles from Bradley International Airport. Area attractions include: Six Flags New England, New England Air Museum, and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Each room includes 2 phones each with 2 lines, voicemail, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, iron and ironing board. 25'' Television with remote, Free HBO, On Command Pay Per View movies and Sony Playstation. 860-688-6400; fax 860688-5700; hilton.windsor@ahmco.net; www.hgiwindsor.com

FLORIDA RADISSON RESORT AT THE PORT 8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral FL 32920. The Radisson is located just one mile South of Port Canaveral with free parking and Shuttle to the Port. Choose from a variety of accommodations: Sleep number beds, two-room whirl pool suites and standard rooms available. Enjoy Flamingo’s Restaurant and Starbucks Coffee. Also, just minutes to the Port, Kennedy Space Center, Orlando airport, and Orlando attractions. 321-784-0000; 800-333-3333; www.radisson.com/capecanaveralfl. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! BEST WESTERN COCOA BEACH 5600 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. Anything you want for your ocean retreat: from Standard Courtyard rooms to private balconies. Enjoy the Durango Steakhouse & Lounge, Poolside Veranda Bar, and just a short walk to Cocoa Beach Pier entertainment. 800-962-0028; 321-783-7621; www.bestwesterncocoabeach.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! COMFORT INN & SUITES RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER 3901 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. Our five acre tropical beachside resort in the heart of Cocoa Beach is just 300 feet to the beach, near Ron Jon's & restaurants. Choose from Ocean & Courtyard view suites, standard rooms and efficiency rooms. Lush courtyard surrounds heated pool, whirlpool, snack bar, outdoor grills & Lagoon Lounge. 321-783-2221; 800-247-2221; www.comfortinn cocoabeach.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT COCOA BEACH 3435 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. Make this your most memorable stay ever! Sun, Sand, Surf, and Cruise, plus free high speed Internet access, restaurant, lounge, Whirlpool rooms, two-room suites, private balconies, refrigerators, fitness center, heated pool, laundry facilities, and more… 321-784-4800; www.courtyardcocoabeach.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

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R E U N I O N S ❖ JUNE/JULY 2006

DOUBLETREE OCEANFRONT HOTEL 2080 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. This newly renovated ocean-front hotel is located in beautiful Cocoa Beach. All rooms have private balconies, free high speed Internet, refrigerators and microwaves. The Double Tree is also equipped with over 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. 321783-9222; 800-55-Beach; www.cocoabeachdoubletree.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

near the Walt Disney World. 2 to 6 bedrooms, with multiple baths, living room, dining room, full kitchen, Laundromats, and much more for less than the cost of many area hotel rooms. For your next Family Reunion, let ResortQuest Orlando help you plan your gathering with all the comfort, privacy and more open spaces for new memories to cherish for a life time. 1-866-216-5094; www.resortquestorlando.com.

HILTON COCOA BEACH OCEANFRONT 1550 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. Take pleasure in the area's largest ocean front pool deck; direct ocean front location on 300 feet of sandy beach.

Enjoy the heated pool, Tiki bar, two restaurants, and lounge. This full service hotel has a new large exercise room, high speed Internet, and many more amenities. 800-526-2609; www.hiltoncocoabeach.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

GROSVENOR RESORT 1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena, Vista FL 32830; www.grosvenorresort.com; The Grosvenor Resort is the gateway to your authentic Disney®reunion! As an official Walt Disney Resort®, we are located just steps away from Downtown Disney®, Pleasure Island®, Disney’s premier nighttime complex, Planet Hollywood and Disney’s West Side. We look forward to pampering you with all of the wonderful things the Grosvenor Resort has to offer you and your reunion! For information call 800-522-3272.

HOLIDAY INN COCOA BEACH HOTEL & RESORT OCEAN-FRONT 1300 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. An oceanfront, full service resort, our hotel has a wide selection of accommodations.

From standard guest rooms to suites; or upgrade to two-level lofts and villas, you're sure to enjoy your stay with us. Olympic size heated pool, tennis, volleyball courts, and more…1-800-20-Oasis; www. hicentralflorida.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

WYNDHAM PALACE RESORT & SPA in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT 1900 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista FL 32830. An official hotel of Walt Disney World with compli-mentary transportation to all four Disney Theme Parks and just a short walk from the shops, restaurants and entertainment of Downtown Disney.

For more information call 407-827-2727 or visit www.wyndhampalace resort.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

HAMPTON INN COCOA BEACH 3425 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931. Guests enjoy direct beach access, breathtaking ocean views, sandy beaches, cruises, historic villages, out of this world space experiences, the World Famous Surf Shop and free high speed Internet. Rooms also include continental breakfast, private balconies, refrigerators, and microwaves; 877-49-Beach; www.hamptoninncocoa beach.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

HOMEWOOD SUITES LAKE MARY 755 Currency Circle, Lake Mary FL 32746 The Homewood Suites, Lake Mary, Florida is conveniently located minutes from downtown Orlando. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, one and two bedroom suites with complimentary wireless high-speed internet access, complimentary in-room movie channel, swimming pool and an exercise room. Other area attractions include the Central Florida Zoo, St. John's River, Sandford Riverwalk and Dale Aquatic Center. 407-805-9111; fax 407-805-0236; home wood.lakemary@ahmco.net; www.lakemary.homewoodsuites.com

BAHAMA BAY RESORT & SPA Orlando Florida's newest Reunion Hotspot featuring 2-3 bedroom all villa suites at hotel prices. We specialize in making your next reunion spacious and affordable with a flair of Caribbean Style. Bahama Bay villas feature full kitchens, master suites, private balconies and washer &dryer. Minutes from Disney World and offer your reunion the relaxation, excitement, and affordable home away from home setting you expect, with all the amenities of a full service resort! Call for our latest Reunion promotions. 400 Grand Bahama Bay Blvd. Davenport FL 33897; 800-345-0356 ext. 120; fax 954-481-1661; sales@bahamabay.com; www.bahamabay.com.

LA PLAYA RESORT & SUITES 2500 North Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach FL 32118. The La Playa Resort provides delightful Daytona accommodations at an affordable price. Upon arrival, you'll be swept away to a tropically decorated room – complete with a microwave, refrigerator, and private balcony. Soft ocean breezes will draw you outside to the large oceanfront pool deck with whirlpools, tiki bar, and shuffleboard. 800-874-6996; fax 386-677-0982; bsmith@oceans resorts.com; www.staydaytona .com.

Simple Pleasures ... Simpler Times ...We Remember ... Explore your memory. Was it the smell of the salt air? The feeling of the soft sand on your toes? A strawberry ice cream cone? Seeing your first dolphin? Having your dad's full attention? A towel hug from your mom? Give your family the memory you most cherish. Everything is here waiting – incredible sand, warm waters, tropical drinks, fresh grilled seafood, kid's activities, live entertainment and someone to make your reunion happen. OUTRIGGER BEACH RESORT Ft Myers Beach. 800-211-8441; www.reunionflorida.com.

EMERALD COAST CVB, INC. DESTIN - FT. WALTON BEACH, FL 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach FL 32548; 850-6517647; fax 850-651-7130; srushing@co.oklaloosa.fl.us; www.destin- fwb .com.

THE CROWNE PLAZA JACKSONVILLE RIVERFRONT provides an unforgettable stay. Overlooking the south bank of the St. John's River, we feature 292 luxury guestrooms including 30 Junior Suites, all with beautiful balcony views. We offer 12,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, a fitness center, gift shop, business center, outdoor riverside pool, two bars and two restaurants, including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Whatever the reason for your visit, the Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront is the perfect destination. 1201 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville FL 32207; 904-398-8800; fax 904-398-9170; ngalmore@cpjacksonville.com; www.cpjacksonville.com HAMPTON INN PONTE VEDRA 1220 Marsh Landing Pkwy, Jacksonville Beach FL 32250 The Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Ponte Vedra Beach is located just one half mile from Jacksonville Beach and four miles from TPC Jacksonville Golf Course...all from a convenient location off I-95. Our hotel is also near Jacksonville's Boardwalk and the Jacksonville Zoo. We feature 118 rooms, including Jacuzzi suites, express checkout, a continental breakfast and an outdoor pool. 904280-9101; fax 904-280-5903; hampton.pontevedra@ahmco.net; www.hamptonpontevedra.com KISSIMMEE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1925 East Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee FL 34744. In Kissimmee reunions are our specialty. We offer planning assistance to reunions of all sizes and budgets. Let us help you make planning your next reunion easy.

Call for information regarding Kissimmee’s meeting venues and services. 407-944-2484; fax 407-847-4114; meet@floridakiss.com; www.floridakiss.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! RESORTQUEST ORLANDO VACATION RENTAL Give Your Family Tree More Room To Grow. Choose from the largest selection of vacation homes with private pool and luxury resort condominiums

SEMINOLE COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1230 Douglas Avenue # 116, Longwood FL 32779; 800-800-7832; fax 407-665-2920; www.visitseminole.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! COMFORT SUITES ORLANDO 9350 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando FL 32819 At Comfort Suites Orlando, you will relax in the luxury of tastefully furnished accommodations complete with all of the creature comforts expected of a top-notch hotel. We have all the amenities for your relaxation and convenience to make your stay more enjoyable.

Enjoy our tropically landscaped courtyard complete with a heated pool, a kiddie pool and a Jacuzzi, a playground and a Poolside Bar & Grille, serving food and beverages daily. The hotel is 1 mile from Universal Studios, 1.5 miles from Sea World, 6 miles to Disney World, 2.5 miles from the Orlando Convention Center and 4 miles to Beltz Outlet Shopping Mall. 407-351-5050; fax 407-363-7953; comfort.orlandto@ahmco.net; www.comfortsuitesorlando.com UNIVERSAL ORLANDO 1000 Universal Studios Plaza (Exchange Drive), Orlando FL 32809; 407-224-7065; fax 407-224-7150; amy.tine@universalorlando.com; www.universalorlando.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! PENSACOLA CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAU 1401 East Gregory Street, Pensacola FL 32502. Pensacola, Florida is the perfect location for your group's next reunion. Whether it's a family reunion, a military reunion, or a get-together with friends, Pensacola's mild climate, stunning beaches, and divine coastal cuisine provide the perfect setting for an exciting and memorable reunion. 800-4741234; fax 850-432-8211; lorvis@visitpensacola.com; www.visit pensacola.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! REUNION RESORT & CLUB OF ORLANDO 1000 Reunion Way, Reunion FL 34747. For vacationers seeking more than a 400 square foot hotel room, Reunion Resort & Club of Orlando offers spacious one-bedroom suites as well as three, four, and five-bedroom villas and homes. Complimenting our two signature golf courses, you’ll find a large pool, Jacuzzis, fitness center, and clubhouse with fullservice bar and grille. Reunion Resort is conveniently located off Interstate-4 just ten minutes from Disney World. 888-418-9614 (toll free phone #); fax 407-396-4773; groupsales@reunionresort.com; www.reunionresort.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! ONE SEAGROVE PLACE – THE #1 PLACE AT BEACH 4100 East Scenic Hwy 30-A, Seagrove Beach FL 32459; 850-231-5032; fax 850-231-5543. Awake to the sounds of surf! Your family getaway!

Gulf front, 2 BR/2B fully equipped luxury condos with heated pool, sauna and lighted tennis courts. Enjoy spectacular, sugar white beaches, exciting dining and nearby golf. Between Panama City and Destin, near Seaside. 800-368-9100; debbie@oneseagroveplace.com; www.oneseagroveplace.com.

TAMPA MARRIOTT WESTSHORE 310 well-appointed rooms.

Health club, whirlpool, game room and Tampa’s largest indoor/ outdoor pool. Westshore Grill and Champions Sports Bar. Newly renovated meeting space. Pool deck is ideal for tropical cocktail parties.

Convenient location, deluxe accommodations, versatile function space and first-class service. 1001 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607; 813.287.2555; fax 813.287.0561; www.marriott.com/TPAWE. FLORIDA'S SPACE COAST Orlando's Closest Beaches, 72 miles of them. The Ultimate Florida! Attractions, including Kennedy Space Center, shopping, dining, accommodations and recreation on land or sea. All so affordable for groups from 30 to 300. Reunite on the Space Coast and create a memorable experience you'll cherish forever. Call 800-93-OCEAN or visit www.space-coast.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES GEORGIA HOMEWOOD SUITES ALPHARETTA 10775 Davis Drive, AtlantaAlpharetta GA 30004 Homewood Suites Atlanta/Alpharetta is an all suite hotel which is conveniently located just off of GA 400 Exit 8 and Mansell Road in Alpharetta. Each suite has a fully-equipped kitchen, a console TV in the living room and one more per bedroom and sleeper sofas. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a guest laundry facility, an on-site cardio exercise, and high speed wireless internet access throughout the hotel. 770-998-1622; fax 770-998-7834; homewood.alpharetta@ahmco.net; www.atlantahoteldirect.com/Home woodAlpharetta.

ATLANTA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 233 Peachtree Street, Suite 100, Atlanta GA 30303. World-class restaurants, festive nightlife, six major league sports teams and top attractions help make Atlanta the entertainment center of the South. Add 92,000 hotel rooms in every price range and the city’s accessibility via Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and Atlanta is the perfect destination for family reunions. Contact the Atlanta CVB for reunion services, www.atlanta.net or 800.ATLANTA. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

pools plus bike rentals on site. Catering is available with meeting space that can accommodate 150 guests. Golf packages are also available. Visit website: www.daysinnjekyll.com; send email: mgdaysinn@bellsouth.net.

VILLAS BY THE SEA RESORT CONDOMINIUM HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 1175 North Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island GA 31527; 800-841-6262; fax 912-635-2569. An enchanting oceanside Resort on Georgia's beautifully serene Jekyll Island. 160 one, two and three bedroom spacious villa/condos, each uniquely decorated & cradled by lush landscaping with towering windswept live oaks.

Rustic boardwalks lead to unspoiled & uncrowded beaches. Large outdoor pool, full service restaurant & lounge. getinfo@jekyllisland ga.com; www.jekyllislandga.com.

CALLAWAY GARDENS RESORT offers exciting activities and seasonal events for all ages, plus exceptional accommodations and cuisine. Golf, tennis, butterfly center, biking, fishing and much more!

Ask about our remarkable reunion packages when you call. U.S. Highway 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822; 800-543-7121; sales@callaway gardens.com; www.callawaygardens.com.

THE GEORGIA TECH HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER offers a superlative Reunion experience in the heart of Midtown's Technology Square! Enjoy deluxe accommodations, personalized service, and easy access to Atlanta's historic & entertainment venues. Walking distance to upscale & fast food restaurants; Indoor Pool & Fitness Center; Free Shuttle to MARTA; urban-contemporary décor; 252 guest rooms; state of the art meeting & banquet space. www.gatechhotel .com; To reserve your Reunion Package – Ingrid.abrams@gatechhotel .com; 404-838-2128.

DEKALB CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU There’s no better place for your next reunion than Atlanta’s DeKalb County, the most culturally diverse county in the Southeast. You’ll find the best accommodations with convenience to The King Center, Sweet Auburn District, Stone Mountain Park, New Birth Cathedral and much more.

Contact DCVB at 1-866-633-5252 ext. 1059 or visit us atwww.atlantas dekalb.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

GWINNETT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (ATLANTA) Minutes from Atlanta, the GCVB provides a FREE Reunion Planner, group welcome bags with gift; and free lodging assistance! Gwinnett has 97 group-friendly hotels with 25 of Atlanta's best parks, and easy I-85 access to Six Flags, Dr. Martin 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! SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CHICAGO MARRIOTT HOTELS http://marriott.com/vsstart/mktcmp/ ecmkt-wrs_reunions magazine_rmlp-chi-paid_x/vsend/city/chicagohotels.

HAMPTON INN PERIMETER 769 Hammond Drive The Hampton Inn Atlanta/Perimeter Center is located in the Perimeter Mall area north of downtown Atlanta. We are .5 miles from MARTA and offer convenient access to 285, GA 400, shopping, Buckhead and downtown. We are 7 miles from Lenox Square Mall and Buckhead. We feature an outdoor pool, exercise gym and meeting facilities. Enjoy free local calls, cable TV and a free breakfast bar. 404-303-0014; fax 404-303-1707; hampton.perimeter@ahmco.net; www.atlantahoteldirect.com/Hampton Perimeter HAMPTON INN & SUITES GWINNETT 1725 Pineland Drive, Atlanta – Duluth GA 30096 The Hampton Inn and Suites Atlanta/Gwinnett offers the premier location in North Atlanta! Our hotel is approximately 25-30 miles from Lake Lanier Islands, Hartsfield Airport, Zoo Atlanta, Fulton County Stadium and the Georgia Dome. And, we are only about 10 miles from Stone Mountain and the Atlanta Falcon's Training Camp. Our clean, spacious and comfortable rooms provide an inviting atmosphere, join us! 770-931-9800; fax 770-935-8146; hampton.gwinnett@ahmco.net; www.atlantahoteldirect.com/Hampton Duluth BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA LODGE 7bed/4.5 bath, 2 kitchens, pool, creek, games, toys, DSL, cable, pool table; 954-593-4574; yklimov@ aol.com; www.bluemountaincreek.com HILTON ATLANTA NORTHEAST 5993 Peachtree Blvd., Norcross, GA 30092. Premier full service hotel with 272 guest rooms and 38 suites. Central location with easy access to all major highways. 272 guest rooms, 38 suites & executive concierge level floor. Wellequipped fitness facility/sauna and indoor and outdoor pools. Casual Mediterranean dining at Basil’s Kitchen & cocktails at Basil’s Bar. 770447-4747; www.atlantanortheast.hilton.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! HILTON GARDEN INN WINDWARD 4025 Windward Plaza, Atlanta-Alpharetta GA 30005 The hotel offers easy access to Georgia 400 and is 35 miles from Hartsfield International Airport. Antique shopping and North Point Mall are nearby. Special amenities include high speed internet access, in-room microwave/refrigerator/coffee maker, On-Command video, USA Today each weekday morning, indoor pool & fitness center. Complimentary shuttle service is available within a 7 mile radius. 770-360-7766; fax 770-753-4570; hilton.alpharetta@ ahmco.net; www.atlantahoteldirect.com/HGI_Alpharetta HAMPTON INN BRUNSWICK 230 Warren Mason Blvd. Brunswick GA 31520 The Hampton Inn Brunswick hotel is located in the historic port city of Brunswick, Georgia, the gateway to Sea Island, Jekyll Island and St. Simon's Island. With easy access off I-95, you'll find the hotel is the perfect stopover spot with many restaurants within walking distance. Our Hampton Inn Brunswick Georgia hotel features an outdoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast daily from 6AM to 10AM and high-speed internet. 912-261-0002; fax 912-265-5599; hampton.brunswick@ahmco.net; www.hampton-inn.com/hi/brunswick DAYS INN & SUITES OCEANSIDE RESORT 60 S. Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island GA 31527; Toll free: 888-635-3003; phone: 912635-9800; fax: 912-635-2280. An award winning oceanside hotel on Georgia’s Jewel – Jekyll Island. 124 rooms, including 84 standard guestrooms and 40 one bedroom suites. All rooms are furnished with micro-fridge units, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards. 2 outdoor

ILLINOIS

HOTEL INDIGO CHICAGO GOLD COAST 1244 North Dearborn Parkway, Chicago, Illinois 60610; 312-787-4980; Located in one of Chicago's oldest and most historical neighborhoods. Steps from downtown, Chicago's Magnificent Mile and Oak Street's Boutique Row. Hotel Indigo Chicago offers the perfect blend of modern contemporary living and the best of traditional hospitality. The perfect place to gather for your reunion in style. www.chicagogoldcoast.hotel indigo.com HILTON GARDEN INN EVANSTON 1818 Maple Street, Evanston IL 60201 The Hilton Garden Inn Evanston provides lodging in Chicago's North Shore district adjacent to Northwestern University. Scenic Lake Michigan parks and beaches are only a short walk away. The commuter rail link to downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport is only one block away. The hotel features The American Grill Restaurant, evening room service, indoor pool, fitness center and meeting space. 847-475-6400; fax 847-475-6460; hilton.evanston@ ahmco.net; www.hgievanston.com RECONNECT IN LAKE COUNTY Lake County's natural spaces and fun places are the perfect place for your next reunion. Our worldclass attractions and more than 50 lodging properties will make your next reunion a resounding success. For free Reunion Planning Assistance call 1-800-Lake-Now or email us with your reunion planning questions to tourism@lakecounty.org; www.lakecounty.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

IOWA GREATER DES MOINES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 400 Locust Street, Ste 265, Des Moines IA 50309; 800-451-2625; fax 515-244-9757; vcomegys@desmoinescvb.com; www.seedesmoines .com.

MAINE SAMOSET RESORT 220 Warrenton Street, Rockport ME 04856; 877-237-3610; fax 207-594-0048; info@samoset.com; www.samoset resort.com.

THE MAINE HOUSES PO Box 1138 Yarmouth ME 04096; 207-8469131; fax 207-846-9154; info@themainehouses.com; www.themaine houses.com.

MARYLAND HOLIDAY INN ABERDEEN – CHESAPEAKE HOUSE 1007 Beards Hill Road, Aberdeen MD 21001; 410-272-8100; fax 410-2721714; www.holiday-inn.com/aberdeenmd.

HAMPTON INN & SUITES BALTIMORE INNER HARBOR 131 East Redwood Street, Baltimore MD 21202 The Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor is an upscale hotel offering the ultimate in modern amenities, comfort and service in the heart of Baltimore's Financial District. This hotel features 116 spacious rooms with microwaves, refrigerators and over 1,500 square feet of meeting space. Rooms are standard with a coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and complimentary in-room movie channel. 410-539-7888; fax 410-539-7405; hampton.baltimore@ahmco.net; www.baltimore innerharborsuites.hamptoninn.com HOLIDAY INN INNER HARBOR (Dwtn) 301 W. Lombard, Baltimore MD 21201; 410-685-3500; fax 410-727-6169; www.holiday-inn.com/ bal-downtown. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! HOLIDAY INN FT. DETRICK 999 W. Patrick Street, Frederick MD 21701; 301-662-5141; fax 301-663-5290; www.holiday-inn.com/ federickmd. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

HOLIDAY INN BWI INTL AIRPORT 890 Elkridge Landing Road, Baltimore MD 21090; 410-859-8400; fax 410-859-8060; www .holiday-inn.com/bal-intlapt. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! WISP RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER in Deep Creek Lake, MD, offers stunning mountain, golf and lake views and features a newly remodeled hotel, meeting space, dining, fitness center, indoor pool, tennis courts and 30% more skiing terrain. With the ideal combination of year-round recreation, amenities and relaxation, Wisp is the perfect reunion setting for all ages. 290 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry MD 21541. 800-462-9477; fax 301-542-0041; lratliff@skiwisp.com; www.wispresort.com.

RANSOME CHESAPEAKE RETREATS Eastern Shore MD Beautiful 250 acre Chesapeake waterfront estate – under 3 HR to Balt/Wash/ Phila, sleeps 30+ (up to100 nearby) activities: private beach, boating, crab/fish/shop, wildlife tours, cycling, hiking, birdwatch, kayak/canoe, heated pool, tennis/golf/spa and a variety of local dining options. www.chesapeakeretreats.com, email: Marie & Percy Ransome: info@ chesapeakeretreats.com or call 888-726-7863 or 888-726-7662. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! HOLIDAY INN SELECT BALTIMORE NORTH 2004 Greenspring Drive, Timonium MD 21093; 410-252-7373; fax 410-560-3168 "Select" Holiday Inn known for hosting fabulous Reunions. Convenient location north of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Easy access Light Rail transportation to Baltimore and BWI airport. Special reunion rates, discounted menus, complimentary Hospitality Room and planners room are included in our Reunion package. Sunny Atrium Lobby with pool, game area, billiards, fitness room and full serve restaurant & bar. E-Mail: bschofield@hotel-ballt.com; www.hotel-ballt.com.

HOLIDAY INN BALTIMORE – TOWSON 1100 Cromwell Bridge Road, Towson MD 21286; 410-823-4410; 410-296-6618; www. holiday-inn.com/towsonmd. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MASSACHUSETTS HAMPTON INN WEST SPRINGFIELD 1011 Riverdale Street, West Springfield MA 01089 The Hampton Inn West Springfield hotel has 126 newly renovated rooms serving a breakfast buffet featuring hot items each morning. The hotel is an ideal vacation spot with Six Flags New England, Basketball Hall of Fame and the Eastern States Exposition all making their home in this cozy corner of New England.

The Hampton offers a coffee service, free local calls, free high speed wireless internet and an outdoor pool. 413-732-1300; fax 413-7329883; hampton.wspringfield@ahmco.net; www.hamptonspringfield.com

MICHIGAN COURTYARD ANN ARBOR 3205 Boardwalk Street, Ann Arbor MI 48108 The hotel is located 3 miles from the University of Michigan Colleges & the University of Michigan Hospitals & Medical Centers.

The hotel has newly renovated guest rooms, free wireless high speed internet access, complimentary weekday newspaper, and in-room coffee. Start your morning with a reasonably priced healthy breakfast buffet and then take advantage of our swimming pool, whirlpool and exercise room. 734-995-5900; fax 734-995-2937; courtyard.annarbor @ahmco.net; www.marriott.com/ARBCH FAIRFIELD INN ANN ARBOR 3285 Booardwalk Street, Ann Arbor MI 48108 With all guest rooms renovated and a 'lobby and public space renovation' wrapping up in April of 2006, this is the place to stay! We offer 24-hour coffee & tea service, in room coffee, hair dryers, same day dry cleaning service, 24-hour fax and copy service.

While staying you may also enjoy our complimentary deluxe continental and indoor heated pool. 734-995-5200; fax 734-9955394; fairfield.annarbor@ahmco.net; www.marriott.com/ARBFI BEST WESTERN SCENIC HILL RESORT 1400 US 31 Highway, PO Box 407, Beulah MI 49617; 800-439-7080; fax 231-882-4927.

THE HOMESTEAD Wood Ridge Road, Glen Arbor MI 49636 America's Freshwater Resort. Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan amidst the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Four small hotels, condominiums, vacation homes, restaurants, and shops. On site recreation includes: golf, tennis, kayaking, biking, swimming, sailboats and skiing. 231-334-5000, fax 231-334-5246. info@the homesteadresort.com, www.thehomesteadresort.com.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 346 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo MI 49007. Discover Hospitality.

With a diverse and rich community culture, Kalamazoo is an ideal destination for reunions, offering more than 2,600 affordable hotel rooms, and one of a kind attractions. As well as recreation, dining and shopping for every preference and budget. A short drive or 30 minute plane ride from either Chicago or Detroit, we invite you to Discover Kalamazoo.

Easy to get to. Hard to leave. 800-530-9192; fax 269-343-0430; smonroe@kalamazoochamber.com; www.discoverkalamazoo.com KEWADIN CASINOS Plan your next reunion at Kewadin Casinos.

Choose from 320 deluxe accommodations on-site in Sault Ste. Marie.

Enjoy Vegas-style gaming action, including keno, bingo, blackjack, roulette poker and craps. Join our Northern Rewards Club. Use your card when you play and rack up points for cash, coupons and comps. And after the gaming, visit the incredible local sites, such as Tahquamenon Falls State park or Mackinac Island. For information call 1-800-KEWADIN or book online at www.kewadin.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

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CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES BAY POINTE INN & RESTAURANT 11456 Marsh Road, Shelbyville MI 49344. Rated one of MI’s Top Resorts, Bay Pointe features elegant accommodations, exceptional service & extraordinary dining on Gun Lake. The Inn offers 38 beautiful guestrooms, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness area, nightly movies w/popcorn & a private conference room.

Located conveniently in the heart of Southwest MI where local attractions include: Yankee Springs State Park, Gilmore Car Museum, golf & shopping. 269-672-8111; fax 269-672-5970; info@baypointe.com; www.baypointeinn.com.

HOLIDAY INN TINTON FALLS 700 Hope Road, Tinton Falls NJ 07724 We are conveniently located off the Garden State Parkway exit 105.

Local attractions include Monmouth Mall, the beautiful Jersey Shore, PNC Bank Arts Center, Six Flags Great Adventure and Monmouth University. Amenities include an outdoor pool, gameroom, 24hr fitness room, gift shop and Morgan's restaurant. We now feature free high speed wireless access throughout the entire hotel. 732-544-9300; fax 732-544-0570; holiday.tintonfalls@ahmco.net; www.hitintonfalls.com

MINNESOTA

HILTON GARDEN INN ALBANY 800 Albany Shaker Road, Albany NY 12211 The Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport hotel is next to Shaker Ridge Country Club and across the street from the Albany International Airport. We offer complimentary airport shuttle service. Our amenities include: high speed internet access, in-room microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker, "On-Command video/TV video, an indoor swimming pool and fitness center! The Saratoga Racetrack is just 24 miles north. 518-464-6666; fax 518-464-9400; hilton.albany@ahmco .net; www.hgialbany.com

HOMEWOOD SUITES DURHAM 3600 Mount Moriah Road, Durham NC 27707 This Homewood Suites is conveniently located near Duke University-Medical Center, UNC Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle Park. A complimentary breakfast is offered each day along with our manager's reception Monday-Thursday. Suites feature enough space for work or entertaining, including a fully equipped kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, coffee-maker, microwave and an iron and ironing board. 919-401-0610; fax 919-401-2441; homewood.durham @ahmco.net; www.raleighhotelsdirect.com/HomewoodDurham

LAGUARDIA AIRPORT MARRIOTT HOTEL 102-05 Ditmars Boulevard, East Elmhurst, NY 11369. (t) 718-565-8900. (f) 718-8990764. (e) Katherine.casado@marriott.com, www.laguardiamarriott.com.

A full service hotel featuring 438 Guestrooms, 3 Suites, over 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting & banquet space, full service restaurant & bar, room service, indoor pool, sauna, fitness center and gift shop.

Ample parking on site, complimentary airport shuttle, only 8 miles from mid-town Manhattan.

COMFORT INN FAYETTEVILLE 1922 Skibo Road, Fayetteville NC 28314 This Fayetteville hotel is convenient to Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville State University, Methodist College and Fayetteville Technical Community College. Fayetteville Regional Airport / Grannis Field is only six miles away. There are several restaurants and cocktail lounges in the surrounding area. Visitors will enjoy browsing a wide variety of specialty shops at Cross Creek Mall and Windsor Mall.

910-867-1777; fax 910-867-0325; comfort.fayetteville@ahmco.net; www.choicehotels.com/hotel/nc448

THE GREATER MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION & VISITORS ASSOCIATION can help plan your reunion in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. We'll take a one-stop-shop approach to your family, class or military reunion. Let us secure bids for hotel accommodations, suggest banquet facilities, provide info on city tours and transportation and help secure special discounts at area attractions. Best of all – it's all free! 800-445-7412 ext. 8114; patic@minneapolis.org; www.minneapolis.org/reunions.

RADISSON HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER 3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth MN 55441. 763-559-6600; (fax) 763-559-7516; sales@rhccmeetings.com; www.rhccmeetings.com.

MISSOURI COURTYARD KANSAS CITY 4600 JC Nichols Parkway, Kansas City MO 64112 This beautiful Courtyard by Marriott property has a grand opening date of April 2006! The Courtyard provides spacious guest rooms, wireless internet, two phones with data ports, in-room coffee and refrigerator. Top Attractions include Arrowhead Stadium, Kauffman Stadium, Barlte Hall Convention Center, St. Luke's Hospital and the Country Club Plaza. The hotel is minutes from the Kansas City International Airport. 816-285-9755; fax 816-448-3101; courtyard. kansascity@ahmco.net; www.marriott.com/MCICP TROUT LODGE is located in Potosi, Missouri, just 90 minutes south of St. Louis, and offers guest rooms, loft suites & cabins, with activities including archery, arts & crafts, kids club, pontoon tours, Cowboy Campfires, climbing towers, hayrides, 18-hole golf course, caving and much more! Rates include lodging, meals & most activities. 573438-2154; www.troutlodge.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! ST. LOUIS CONVENTION & VISITORS COMMISSION One Metropolitan Square, Suite 1100, St. Louis MO 63102; 800-916-9314.

Explore St. Louis with your reunion group and discover hundreds of great family, sports and cultural attractions, a thousand one-of-a-kind restaurants and an exciting nightlife and music scene. The Gateway City also boasts a central location, a range of plentiful accommodations and numerous free world-class attractions. Call today for a free Reunion Planner Kit and see why St. Louis is the best reunion destination in the Midwest. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD. www.explore stlouis.com.

MONTANA 320 GUEST RANCH located in the heart of Gallatin Valley, near Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park, has a variety of accommodations – cabins, chalets, 3-bedroom homes with all the comforts of home including fireplaces and kitchens. Activities on the ranch: fly fishing, BBQs, bonfires, horse trail rides, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and snow shoeing. World class alpine and x-country skiing nearby. 205 Buffalo Horn Creek, M/M 36 on Hwy 191, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 (800) 243-0320, info@320ranch.com; www.320ranch.com.

NEVADA HAWTHORNE SUITES AT DESERT ROSE RESORT 5051 Duke Ellington Way, Las Vegas NV 89119. Phone: 800-519-2979; Fax 702519. Spacious all suite property; Each room is beautifully decorated; Property features a hot breakfast each morning and Managers Cocktail Reception Mon-Thurs.; location is just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip, McCarran Airport, and just off I-15; Resort consists of 284 suites in addition to newly refurbished pool and Jacuzzi with BBQ facilities and shaded seating: This property makes for a perfect reunion of any kind. E-mail: salesmanager@desertrose resort.com; www.desertroseresort.com.

IMPERIAL PALACE HOTEL & CASINO 3535 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas NV 89109; 702-794-3286; fax 702-794-3368. Center "Strip" location and moderate prices make staying at the Imperial Palace Las Vegas memorable! Everything for a reunion-vacation is here, free, covered parking, value-priced menus, "Legends in Concert", The Auto Collections, on-site medical clinic, beauty salon and "The Spa", friendly staff and more. Imperial Players receive free rooms, comps and merchandise. ip@imperialpalace.com; www.imperial palace.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! CIRCUS CIRCUS HOTEL & CASINO – RENO 500 N. Sierra Street, Reno NV 89503; 800-894-3588; www.circusreno.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

NEW JERSEY HOLIDAY INN SECAUCUS 300 Plaza Drive, Secaucus NJ 07094 The Holiday Inn Hotel Harmon Meadows is just 4 miles from Times Square and 2 miles from Giants Stadium nestled within a beautiful courtyard mall with full service restaurants, movie theatres, Fitness Center and many shops. Comfortable transportation to New York is just outside the front door. Holiday Inn Secaucus features a cocktail lounge, florist, gift shop, newsstand and a beautiful new restaurant Bistro 300. 201-348-2000; fax 201-348-6035; holiday.secaucus@ ahmco.net; www.hisecaucus.com

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NEW YORK

HAMPTON INN WHITE PLAINS 200 Tarrytown Road, Rt. 119, Elmsford NY 10523 Hampton Inn White Plains – Tarrytown Hotel is located in the heart of West Chester County, NY. The hotel is convenient to 287, 87, Saw Mill River Parkway, Tappan Zee Bridge, and Sleepy Hollow. Our hotel is located within minutes of SUNY Purchase, PACE University, Manhattanville College and Manhattan College. This hotel has free parking, exercise facility, outdoor pool, high speed internet and meeting room. 914-592-5680; fax 914-592-6727; hampton.white plains@ahmco.net; www.hamptonwhiteplains.com HAMPTON INN CARY 201 Ashville NC 27511 Our hotel features 129 rooms, an outdoor pool, free access to a local gym and meeting facilities. Our rooms are standard with a coffee maker, iron and ironing board, data port, and free in-room movie channel. Enjoy free local calls, free breakfast bar, free coffee and tea in the lobby 24 hours a day and an outdoor pool. Area attractions include Alltel Pavillion, KoKo Booth Amphitheatre and Devil's Ridge Golf Course. 919-859-5559; fax 919-859-0682; hampton.cary@ahmco.net; www.raleighhotels direct.com HamptonCary

NORTH CAROLINA HOMEWOOD SUITES CARY 100 MacAlyson Court, Cary NC 27511 The Homewood Suites Cary, North Carolina is nestled in a beautiful wooded lot. This hotel features an exercise facility, outdoor pool and a basketball court. Suites feature enough space for work or entertaining, including a fully equipped kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, coffeemaker, microwave and an iron and ironing board. Local attractions include Alltel Pavilion, KoKo Booth Amphitheatre and NC State University. 919-467-4444; fax 919-467-3074; homewood.cary@ahmco .net; www.raleighhotelsdirect.com/HomewoodCary COURTYARD CHAPEL HILL 100 Marriott Way, Chapel Hill NC 27517 The Courtyard Chapel Hill hotel provides exactly what you need: spacious guest rooms; a hot breakfast buffet; free high-speed wireless.

This Courtyard by Marriott is the perfect place to call home when visiting the Chapel Hill area! This hotel provides its guest with free parking, an indoor pool and whirlpool, a healthy breakfast with hot items cooked to order, their very own Courtyard Café and Fitness Center. 919-883-0700; fax 919-883-0701: courtyard.chapelhill@ ahmco.net; www.courtyardchapelhill.com HAMPTON INN CHARLOTTE 8419 North Tryon Street, Charlotte NC 28262 The Hampton Inn Charlotte – University Place is located in the university area – seven miles from the Uptown Area and four miles from Lowes Motor Speedway. While visiting Charlotte you may want to shop at Concord Mills, visit the racing shops, tour the University of NC at Charlotte or experience Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. We welcome you to our newly renovated hotel where you'll enjoy our beautiful rooms and outdoor pool! 704-548-0905; fax 704-548-0971; hampton.charlotte@ahmco.net; www.hamptoncharlotte.com THE HOLIDAY INN CHARLOTTE CENTER CITY is located in the heart of Charlotte’s Business District, a short walk form dozens of restaurants, entertainment, retail shops and attractions. Our awardwinning restaurant, Caffe Siena, features sumptuous Mediterranean specialties in a setting reminiscent of Europe’s finest sidewalk cafes!

Our Rooftop Rotunda offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and features an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and jogging track. 230 North College Street, Charlotte NC 28202; 704-335-5400; fax 704-334-9589; nugentk@gfhotels.com; www.hicharlotte.com.

COMFORT INN DURHAM 3508 Mount Moriah Road, Durham NC 27707 The hotel is centrally located between Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Streets at SouthPoint and Research Triangle Park are just minutes from this Durham hotel and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 16 miles away. This hotel provides guests with many full-service amenities such as a free deluxe continental breakfast buffet, fitness center and outdoor pool.

919-490-4949; fax 919-419-0535; comfort.durham@ahmco.net; www.choicehotels.com/hotel/nc132

HAMPTON INN DURHAM 1816 Hillandale Road, Durham NC 27705 The Hampton Inn Durham hotel is located just off NC Interstate 85, near Duke University, Wallace Stadium and UNC Chapel Hill.

Other local attractions include the Streets at Southpoint, Northgate Mall and the Eno River State Park. Complimentary amenities include our “On the House” hot breakfast, outdoor pool, weekday shuttle to nearby medical facilities, microwaves and refrigerators and wireless high-speed internet. 919-471-6100; fax 919-479-7026; hampton. durham@ahmco.net; www.raleighhotelsdirect.com/HamptonDurham

HAMPTON INN JACKSONVILLE 474 Western Blvd. Jacksonville NC 28546 The Hampton Inn Jacksonville is located 5 miles from Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville Mall, Camp Gieger and Camp Johnson.

While visiting the area, take in a relaxing game of golf, swim with loggerhead turtles, go scuba diving or sailing – you could even catch a race at the Coastal Plains Raceway. This Hampton Inn features 122 rooms, all with complimentary high-speed wireless internet access and a beautiful outdoor pool. 910-347-6500; fax 910-347-6858; hampton.jacksonville@ahmco.net; www.hampton-inn.com/hi/ncjacksonville HILTON GARDEN INN RDU AIRPORT 1500 RDU Center Drive, Morrisville NC 27506 Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport hotel is just half a mile from Raleigh-Durham International Airport in a quiet, wooded setting near Research Triangle Park. When guests are ready relaxation or some fun the indoor pool and fitness center are available. North Carolina State University and the RBC Center are both a short drive away. Restaurants – shopping – and nightlife are all nearby. 919-840-8088; fax 919-840-8048; hilton.raleigh@ahmco.net; www.raleighhotelsdirect.com/HGI_RDU HAMPTON INN RALEIGH 6209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh NC 27612 The Hampton Inn Raleigh-Crabtree is located near the Beltline and I-40, one mile from Crabtree Valley Mall. Our hotel offers 141 spacious rooms, 10 deluxe dual whirlpool suites, a swimming pool, sauna, workout room and two boardrooms. The hotel is 10 minutes from downtown Raleigh and 15 minutes from RDU Intl Airport. Area attractions include NC State University, Pullen Park and the RBC Center. 919-782-1112; fax 919-782-9119. hampton.crabtree@ahmco .net; www.raleighhotelsdirect.com/HamptonCrabtree HOMEWOOD CRABTREE 5400 Homewood Banks Drive, Raleigh NC 27612 This beautiful Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh and walking distance to Crabtree Valley Mall. This all-suite property offers complimentary Suite Start Breakfast each morning, Welcome Home Reception Monday through Thursday, on-site fitness center, complimentary wire-less high speed internet and many more luxurious amenities.

919-785-1131; fax 919-781-3119; homewood.crabtree@ahmco.net; www.raleighhotelsdirect.com/HomewoodCrabtree COURTYARD WILMINGTON 151 Van Campen Road, Wilmington NC 28403 Known for its southern charm and beautiful beaches, Wilmington is the place to visit. Located just 5 miles from Historic Downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, the Courtyard is the place to stay. During your stay visit NC Aquarium, USS North Carolina Battleship, Orton Plantation or Fort Fisher. Wilmington also offers great golf, shopping and a civil war site. 910-395-8224; fax 910-452-5569; courtyard.wilmington@ahmco.net; www.marriott.com/ ILMCY

OHIO BERTRAM INN & CONFERENCE CENTER 600 North Aurora Road, Aurora OH 44202. Located minutes from Geauga Lake in the historic Western Reserve. Offering 225 deluxe guestrooms & suites, heated outdoor pool, fitness & game room, banquet facilities, casual & fine dining restaurants onsite. Area activities include spa, golf, flyfishing, shopping, museums, horseback riding, canoeing & amusement parks. Local & airport shuttles. Virtual tour at www.thebertraminn .com. For reunion packages contact Amy Feller at 330-995-7628.

HOWARD JOHNSON INN CINCINNATI EAST 5410 Ridge Avenue, Cincinnati OH 45213; 513-631-8500; fax 513-631-9293; www.hojoinncincinnati.com; hojoeast@brilyn.com.

HOLIDAY INN HUDSON 240 E. Hines Hill Road, Hudson OH 44236: 330-653-9191; fax 330-656-0048; dsankoe@hi-hudson.com; www. holiday-inn.com/akron-hudson.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES OREGON YACHATS INN 331 South Coast Highway 101, Yachats OR 97498.

The Yachats Inn is your next best reunion spot on the beautiful Oregon coast! The gem of the coast. We cater to your groups needs.

We offer a charming teahouse that accommodates 60 people inside for a sit-down dinner. Full large kitchen for more than one cook, large working area, dishwasher, etc. a cooks dream! Our accommodations are wonderful for all ages. We have an indoor hot tub and a large pool all overlooking the ocean. With its own deck to watch the sunset or spot whales leaping from the water. 888-270-3456; 541-547-3456: fax 541-547-4331; geninfo@yachatsinn.com; www.yachatsinn.com.

PENNSYLVANIA BUTLER COUNTY TOURISM & CONVENTION BUREAU 3008 Unionville Road, Cranberry Township PA 16066. Butler County, PA offers you beautiful settings from charming towns to the great outdoors. You can fish, boat, golf, shop, explore our history and enjoy our events. We invite you and your guests to take advantage of our relaxing accommodations including hotels, B&B's and campgrounds.

Contact Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau today to start planning a Reunion that everyone will remember. 866-856-8444 www.visitbutlercounty.com.

HILTON VALLEY FORGE 251 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia PA 19406. Reunion Friendly Hotel offering spacious Guest Rooms and Hospitality Rooms, Indoor/outdoor Swimming Pool, 2 restaurants and Complimentary Shuttle Service within a 3 mile radius to over 30 restaurants, The King of Prussia Mall, and Valley Forge National Park.

Easily accessible to the PA Turnpike, Route 76 and 202 and only 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia. Contact us for our “SPECIAL REUNION RATE.” 610-337-1200; fax 610-337-1959; hank_mcpart land@hilton.com; www.valleyforgehilton.com.

MARRIOTT HOTELS OF PHILADELPHIA multiple locations in Center City Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia region; 215832-3059; cindy.hamilton@marriott.com; www.staymarriott.com/philly reunions.

PHILADELPHIA MARRIOTT HOTELS http://marriott.com/vsstart/ mktcmp/ecmkt-wrs_reunions magazine_rmlp-phi-paid_x/vsend/city/ philadelphia-hotels PHILADELPHIA MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS CONGRESS 1700 Market Street, Suite 3000, Philadelphia PA 19103; 215-636-3300; fax 215-636-3327; www.philadelphiamac.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! > READY> SET> COME HOME! Pennsylvania – your premiere homecoming and family reunion destination. Seven regions waiting to welcome you. See our ad on page 5. VisitPA.com/Reunions; 1-800-VISITPA. VALLEY FORGE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 600 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting PA 19462. DO WHAT WASHINGTON DID, SET UP CAMP HERE IN VALLEY FORGE FOR YOUR REUNIONS: Quality hotels & unique off-property sites. 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia and easily accessible to great regional attractions, shopping, fine dining and exciting nightlife. For a free copy of our Valley Forge Meeting Planner's Guide call Courtney at 610-834-7971, e-mail to babcock@valleyforge.org or visit website www.valleyforge.org.

POCONO MOUNTAINS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1004 Main Street, Stroudsburg PA 18360. If you‘re looking to hold a reunion in a place that is only 90 minutes from NYC and 2 hours from Philadelphia, has scenic beauty, a variety of exciting attractions, outdoor recreation, ski areas, golf, quaint towns, great shopping, a wide variety of places to stay, and fine dining, the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern PA has it all. For help planning your reunion, and a Free Travel Guide and Map, call us today at 1-800-722-9199, e-mail groupsandmeetings@poconos.org, or visit www.800poconos.com.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA – GATEWAY TO THE POCONOS Discover majestic mountains, scenic drives, exciting live harness racing, challenging golf at reasonable rates, AHL hockey, AAA baseball, Coal Mine Tour, Steamtown National Historic Site and more. Call for a FREE helpful reunion planning kit. 1-888-905-2872 or visit www.tournepa .com.

SOUTH CAROLINA COMFORT INN CHARLESTON 144 Bee St. Charleston SC 29401.

Overlooking the beautiful Ashley River, the Comfort Inn Charleston is just a few blocks from Charleston's world-famous historic district.

This Charleston hotel is within one mile of the Medical University of South Carolina and Folly Beach. This hotel provides guests with many full-service amenities and features, including free coffee, free continental breakfast and free weekday newspaper. 843-577-2224; fax 843577-9001; comfort.charleston@ahmco.net; www.comfortinncharleston .com QUALITY SUITES CONVENTION CENTER, CHARLESTON 5225 N. Arco Lane, North Charleston SC 29418 Located minutes from historic downtown Charleston, beautiful plantations and many beaches, the Quality Suites Charleston is three miles from the Charleston International Airport. This hotel is walking distance from the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex and near area attractions such as Charleston Southern University, Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, Folly Beach and the Citadel. 843-747-7300, fax 843-747-6324; quality.charleston@ahmco.net; www.qualitysuites charleston.com/

COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia SC 29201. 800-264-4884; 803-545-0000; fax 803-799-6529; www.columbiacvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! SEA MIST OCEANFRONT RESORT – MYRTLE BEACH SC 1200 South Ocean Blvd., 29577. REUNIONS MADE EASY! Specializing in reunions from military to family at the most affordable rates in Myrtle Beach. Sea Mist's premier oceanfront location is near shopping, theaters and golf courses. Over 600 of our 800 units have been completely remodeled, restaurants, miniature golf, 10 pools, Jacuzzis, fitness room, 17,000-sq.ft. of versatile meeting space and much more! 800200-8687; groupsales@seamist.com; www.seamist.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

SOUTH DAKOTA PALMER GULCH/MT.RUSHMORE KOA 12620 Hwy 244, PO Box 295 Hill City, SD 57745; 605-574-2525; fax 605-574-2574. Beautiful Black Hills resort located on scenic byway between Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Features diverse lodging options plus a 600 site KOA campground. Main lodge consists of 62 rooms including suites. Rustic mountain cabins with fireplaces, kamping kabins and 3-4 bedroom, deluxe full-service executive lodges. Spacious indoor and outdoor reunion gathering areas. Restaurant, lounge and catering service. Horseback riding, two pools, hot tubs, sauna, waterslide, mini-golf. Car rentals and tour service. Shuttles to Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse night lightings. www.palmergulch.com; email: info@palmergulch.com.

TENNESSEE CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO – HOLIDAY INN 1400 Market Street, Chattanooga TN 37402. Themed around Chattanooga's Terminal Station, this unique vacation complex offers 363 rooms, including 48 rooms on authentic railcars and 11 suites. Antique fountains, hundreds of roses & lilies, and unique gift shops await the Choo Choo visitor.

Two outdoor pools & one indoor pool, tennis courts, 5 restaurants, over 40,000 sq. ft. of function space and complimentary airport shuttle and parking – all at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn. 423-2665000; fax 423-267-4998. annies@choochoo.com; www.choochoo.com.

KINGSPORT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 151 East Main Street, Kingsport TN 37662; 800-743-5282; 423-392-8819; fax 423-392-8803. Come to Kingsport, Tennessee and discover America's First Frontier! Marvel at the scenic beauty...hear the music and stories ... sample the mountain fare. Kingsport – your perfect vacation destination. rcole@kcvb.org; www.kcvb.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! EMBASSY SUITES NASHVILLE AT VANDERBILT 1811 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Beautiful Garden Atrium, 208 Spacious, Tworoom suites with sleeper sofa, refrigerator and microwave. Includes Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, nightly Manager's Reception (2-hour hosted bar with snacks). Complimentary 2 mile radius shuttle. (Based on Availability). Convenient to Downtown! Meeting Space: Over 2,600 square feet, Largest meeting room capacity is 120 people. Ask about Hilton HHonors Points & Miles! Reunion group rates Call Danielle Ferris at 615-277-4966 or e-mail danielle.ferris@ hilton.com.

GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER NASHVILLE 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville TN 37214; 615-8891000; toll free 888-976-2000. 2,881 guest rooms, 600,000 square feet of meeting space, 9 acres under glass atrium gardens, 7 minutes from Nashville International Airport. Gaylord Opryland is an entertainment resort that includes the Grand Ole Opry, the General Jackson Showboat, the Music City Queen Riverboat, Springhouse Links, the Ryman Auditorium, the Wildhorse Saloon, Radisson Hotel at Opryland and Opry Mills. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! Information and reservations can be found at www.gaylordhotels.com.

BIG CABINS OF EAST TN We offer luxurious 1 to 12 bedroom cabin rental, which can accommodate groups with up to 300 guests.

Our properties offer a variety of breathtaking views and are convenient to the area attractions of Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg. Come experience the allure of the Smoky Mountains. Call today! 1- 866305-8739 or www.bigcabins.com/rm. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

TEXAS FLYING L GUEST RANCH a Hill Country Resort and Conference Center, 173 S. Wharton’s Dock Rd, Bandera, Texas 78003. 800-2925134. 43 Spacious Texas sized Suites and a Bunkhouse. The package includes: lodging, fine hill country cuisine (breakfast and dinner), horse back riding, supervised children’s activities program, nightly western entertainment, campfires & s’mores, haywagon rides, and use of Ranch amenities. “Whoever says you can’t have it all has never been to the Flying L Guest Ranch”! Golf, tennis, swimming and fishing are available. www.flyingl.com; sales@flyingl.com.

CANYON OF THE EAGLES LODGE AND NATURE PARK 16942 Ranch Road 2341, Burnet TX 78611; 830-980-4014; fax 830-9804013; COE 800-977-0081; annette@canyonoftheeagles.com; www. canyonoftheeagles.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT BLACKSTONE 601 Main Street, Fort Worth TX 76102. Located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, the historic Courtyard by Marriott Blackstone is within walking distance of shopping, entertainment, and over 30 restaurants and bars. The hotel boasts an outdoor heated pool, indoor whirlpool, and onsite workout facility. Come enjoy our recently renovated guest rooms with new plush bedding package. 817-885-8700; 817-885-8303; www. marriott.com/dfwms.

THE FREDERICKSBURG CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU 302 East Austin, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. In Fredericksburg, your reunion will be remembered long after it's over. Discover small town charm mixed with German heritage and Texan hospitality. Whether it's college friends, military buddies or Oma's family, plan today for a tomorrow filled with memories of yesterday. Call toll free 1-866-9973600 for information or visit www.fredericksburg-texas.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! COURTYARD HOUSTON 2504 North Loop West, Houston TX 77092 Five miles from the Galleria and just seven miles from downtown, the hotel has easy access to North Loop 610, Hwy 290 and I-10. The hotel provides spacious guest rooms, featuring a com-fortable sitting area, large work desk, wireless high speed internet, and in-room coffee maker. Area attractions include the Houston Zoo, the Sam Houston Raceway Park, the Museum of History and the Museum of Natural Science. 713-688-7711; fax 713-688-3561; courtyard.houston@ ahmco.net; www.marriott.com/HOUCY HOMEWOOD SUITES PLANO/RICHARDSON 2601 E. George Bush Highway, Plano TX 75074; 972-881-3339; fax 972-881-0444; athompson@magnolialodging.com; www.planorichardson.homewood suites.com.

SAN ANTONIO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Come and experience the Spanish ambiance and history that make San Antonio a unique reunion destination. Call on us to help support you, and receive a comprehensive group planning guide. Member NTA, ABA and OMCA. San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau PO Box 2277, San Antonio, TX 78298. 800-447-3372, ext. 6783; www.sanantonio visit.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

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

VIRGINIA HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ABINGDON 940 E. Main Street, Abingdon VA 24210 The Holiday Inn Express Abingdon Hotel is located 1.5 miles from Historic downtown Abingdon, home of the world famous Barter Theatre. Downtown is packed with specialty shops, begins the Virginia Creeper Trail and Bristol Motor Speedway is only 25 miles south of the hotel. The hotel features large, spacious rooms, high-speed wireless internet, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor pool. 276676-2829; fax 276-676-2605; holiday.abingdon@ahmco.net; www. hiexpress.com/abingdonva ARLINGTON CONVENTION & VISITORS SERVICE 1100 N Glebe Road, Suite 1500, Arlington VA 22201. Margaret Sanders at 703-2280872 or 800-296-7996; www.stayarlington.com.

EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL DULLES – NORTH 44610 Waxpool Road, Ashburn VA 20147; 703-554-6059; fax 703-723-3811.

CHESAPEAKE CONVENTIONS & TOURISM 3815 Bainbridge Blvd. Chesapeake VA 23324; 888-889-5551; fax 757-502-4883; kmurden@visitchesapeake.com; www.visitchesapeake.com.

CROWNE PLAZA DULLES AIRPORT 2200 Centreville Road, Herndon VA 20170; 703-674-0452; fax 703-471-8284; melissa.geter @cwhotels.com; www.cpdulles.com.

NEWPORT NEWS Discover the Ocean, the Ships, the Wars and the History of America minutes from Williamsburg and a short drive to Virginia Beach. Fresh seafood, USS Monitor relics, historic homes and plantations, wildlife, golf and shopping. www.newport-news.org; 1-888-493-7386. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! RADFORD UNIVERSITY Radford, VA. RU’s beautiful campus and impressive retreat center offer the perfect blend of serenity, quality service, and excellent facilities. Enjoy the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and the rich heritage of Appalachia. Located in “the heart” of the New River Valley, it’s the ideal destination for your next reunion. Call 540-831-5800; tridpath@radford.edu; www.radford.edu/~conf-serv.

COURTYARD ROANOKE 3301 Ordway Drive, Roanoke VA 24017 Expect the best when you stay at the Roanoke Airport Courtyard. The Courtyard Café serves breakfast 7 days a week and dinner Monday through Thursday. The hotel has an indoor pool & hot tub, a fitness center and offers complimentary USA Today and Wall Street Journal, Monday through Friday. Area attractions include Valley View Mall, Mill Mountain Park and the Historic Downtown Roanoke Museums.

540-563-5002; fax 540-563-2177; courtyard.roanoke@ahmco.net; www.marriott.com/ROACY

WASHINGTON SHERATON BELLEVUE SEATTLE EAST HOTEL 100 112th Avenue NE, Bellevue, Washington 98004; 425-455-3330; Located minutes from downtown Seattle. Have your reunion in the finest luxury hotel in the Bellevue Washington area. Steps from the Bellevue Square shopping center and several famous Washington state wineries and microbreweries. Sheraton Bellevue is a full-service hotel with 179 rooms/8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. www.sheratonbellevue.com SEATTLE MARRIOTT HOTELS http://marriott.com/vsstart/mktcmp/ ecmkt-wrs_reunions magazine_rmlp-sea-paid_x/vsend/city/seattlehotels JUNE/JULY 2006 ❖ R E U N I O N S 59

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES WISCONSIN BIRCHWOOD LODGE 337 Highway 57, P.O. Box 646, Sister Bay WI 54234; 866-854-7195; fax 920-854-9385; info@birchwoodlodge.com; www.birchwoodlodge.com.

WYOMING THE DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 2307, Cody, Wyoming 82414. Helping people find quality Dude and Guest Ranch vacations since 1926. Let us help you find the perfect all inclusive location for your next reunion call 866-399-2339 or e-mail info@ duderanch.org; www.duderanch.org.

HUNTER PEAK RANCH your reunion's destination for mountain recreation. Located on Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy, just outside Yellowstone Park, we offer the perfect mix of accommodations, dining flexibility, and activities. Contact: Shelley Cary. 307-587-3711 P.O. Box 1731 Cody WY 82414; www.hunterpeakranch.com. Email: shelley@hunterpeakranch.com.

BADGES & BUTTONS NAMETAG (PHOTO BUTTON) with alumni' yearbook photos can be the hit of your reunion. Choose from several distinctive layouts customized with school name, colors and years, Various attachment options are available. A fun souvenir all will enjoy. We offer personalized service and quick turnaround. For more information and examples please visit us at www.TheButtonFactory.com/Reunions.htm.

BOOKS THE FAMILY REUNION SOURCEBOOK by Edith Wagner (1999, Lowell House, Los Angeles, $16.95). Available in book stores or add $2 s/h from Reunions Magazine, PO Box 1727, Milwaukee WI 532110727 or charge at 800-373-7933.

GIFT OF HERITAGE The Gift of Heritage product line includes exciting family history resources. They consist of ideas for enhancing a family reunion or gathering, scrapbooking, games to encourage sharing memories with family members, genealogical research resources for most ethnic origins, how to create a family newsletter, design and publish your own family Web site. Interview extended-family members with suggested questions to ask, preserve the past, shoot family videos, write your life story. Create a family documentary and computer and Internet guides plus much, much more! Receive free 10 Tips To Preserve Your Family History And Memories. Call 800-2248511. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! www.giftofheritage.com.

EUROPEAN OPERATOR ANCESTRAL ROOTS TRAVEL LTD Specialist European tour operator offering ancestral tours and reunions. The focus is on personalised itineraries which bring your own families past to life. Rediscover the churches where your family worshipped, visit the houses they knew,

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and see the landscapes they would have seen. Visit www.Ancestral RootsTravel.com or email info@AncestralRootsTravel.com to discuss your plans.

and Internet guides plus much, much more! Receive free 10 Tips To Preserve Your Family History And Memories. Call 800-224-8511.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! www.giftofheritage.com.

FAMILY TREE CHARTS

TIME CAPSULES FOR REUNIONS 12258 Kirkdale Drive, Saratoga CA 95070; 408-252-7447; fax 408-252-8599; Mallory58@aol.com; www.word-art.com/timecapsule.

YOUR FAMILY TREE CHARTED Poster Size for reunions/get togethers. Really Nice! Mrs. Ross; 3700 Sulene Drive, College Park GA 30349; 404-768-5698.

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.

MEMENTOES & SOUVENIRS DIGITAL MAGIC 6390 Windharp Way, Columbia MD 21045. Photos printed on-site. Take your memories home with you the same day.

410-290-9838; email: digitalmagic2@comcast.net.

MR. ICE BUCKET 87 Jersey Avenue, New Brunswick NJ 08901; 888-423-2825; FAX 732-846-3383; www.mistericebucket.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

POSTCARDS 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 cents for blank cards – you fill in the information and address; or Personalized cards – $35 p/100 postcards or 37¢ 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 532110727; credit card charges call 1-800-373-7933 or order online; www.reunionsmag.com/shopping.

PRESERVING REUNIONS GIFT OF HERITAGE The Gift of Heritage product line includes exciting family history resources. They consist of ideas for enhancing a family reunion or gathering, scrapbooking, games to encourage sharing memories with family members, genealogical research resources for most ethnic origins, how to create a family newsletter, design and publish your own family Web site. Interview extended-family members with suggested questions to ask, preserve the past, shoot family videos, write your life story. Create a family documentary and computer

REUNION MANAGERS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REUNION MANAGERS (NARM) PO Box 23211, Tampa FL 33623; 800-654-2776; info@reunions.com; www.reunions.com.

REUNION PLANNING CLASSMATES.COM – THE #1 REUNION PLANNING SITE When you plan your reunion with us, you'll have access to the world's largest alumni database, plus you'll find the latest tools to make a hard job a little easier. Contact your class with one message, post updates as you plan, send invitations and reminders, and create fun surveys to find out what people want from the big event. Get started now at www.classmates.com.

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

T-SHIRTS REUNION SHIRTS 800-901-2679; corygraphx@aol.com, www.

ReunionShirtsRUs.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! REUNION GEAR America’s #1 source for reunion apparel and gifts.

See our large collection of full color designs; simply add your name and event info. Choose from t-shirts, apparel, and keepsakes. Reunion Kits start at only $5.00 with a minimum of just 12. Or send us your own art, we provide free art services with orders of 36+. 1-800-4511611 www.reuniongear.com.

FAMILY REUNION T-SHIRTS Always FREE shipping and setups from GetYourShirts.com! We can ship to you or to your reunion destination. See over 40 unique family reunion designs which are customized with your family name, event details, and custom art at no extra charge. High quality screen printing means the design on your family reunion t-shirts will not fade in the wash! Call 1-800-851-4020 today; questions@getyourshirts.com; www.getyourshirts.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

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