Reunions Magazine Volume 18, Number 3. February/March/April 2008 (SOLD OUT)

Music â?– Invitations Alumni A ssociation Success Display until March 31, 2008.

VOL 18 NO 3 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2008 $3/USA

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in this issue DEPARTMENTS FRONT WORDS – 4

February/March 2008 Volume 18 • Number 3

PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF

ALUM & I – 8

Edith Wagner

Silverton success by Judy Nunn A guest’s delight by Teresa Verde Reunions of rival schools, reunion memorials

TRAVEL EDITOR

SCRAPBOOK – 14

ART DIRECTOR

Jacky Runice

Reunion School: places to learn about planning a reunion Park Ride Fly, Louisville podcasts, Ohio resources, twister visits reunions

Jennifer Rueth

BRANCH OFFICE – 16

Marion Liston Senior Account Manager

Reliving the Revolutionary Way by Maureen Taylor Ever wonder about your ancestor’s migration path? by Mary Thiele Fobian Lincoln bicentennial presenters, Canadian open records, Samis of Canada, Pickering buial plot, and President Madison slave descendants

MASTERPLAN – 20 Alapa Ohana remembers their Iosepa pioneers by Linette Alapa Hunter Who are the Zschoches? Shockeys? by Warren Zschoche All things Touchon by Larry Touchon Florida reunion a winner by Barbara Hollinger Williams Vacation home reunions of Guerins, Calverts, Robinsons and Prestons Our legacy continues by Mona L. Muhammad

REUNION VENUES & PLACES – 32 Nashville, a reunion kind of town by Edith Wagner

REUNION TUNES – 38 Music’s place at these reunions: Goetze, Branch/Outlaw, USS Eugene A. Greene, Jones-Williams-Scott-Quinn, Banks Hill Outlaw, reunions of choirs and bands who sing again, and dubbing music to reunion videos

SALES

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Karla Lavin ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Jean Salzer Andrew Bordeaux CONTRIBUTORS

Rick Branch • Robert J. Clark Mary Thiele Fobian • Arlene Goetze Gordon Govier • Colin D. Heaton Linette Alapa Hunter Thelma Harper Jones Anne-Marie Lewis • Leslie Lindeman Mona L. Muhammad • Judy Nunn Gene Pettit • Crystal Pickett Maureen Taylor • Larry Touchon Teresa Verde • Joan C. Waters Barbara Hollinger Williams Warren Zschoche

RSVP – 42 Getting them there … cleverly The art of the loving invitation or how to get busy family members to come to a family reunion by Leslie Lindeman Save the date uniquely by Crystal Pickett Getting them to respond and other suggestions from these reunions Govier, Banks Hill Outlaw, Curtis Butler, and Pettit

MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 47 USS Eugene A. Greene reunion by Robert J. Clark Magnificent 4th Marine reunion by Colin D. Heaton and Anne-Marie Lewis Military Reunion Planning Tour

REUNION RESOURCES – 49 A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products.

ON THE COVER The Robinson Family rejoices at their New Smyrna Beach, Florida, reunion.

See page 27.

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

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FRONT WORDS

Be in touch!

THOUGHTFUL COMMENTS

Mail to R EUNIONS MAGAZINE and entice kids to your reunion are among Marguerite Stanley, Port Huron, PO Box 11727 the topics. Lots more on the way but if Michigan, wrote a letter to the Port Huron Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 there’s something you really want Times Herald about her family reunion. In included, you’ll have to tell us it, she said “I realize that ours was just one For charge orders (reunions@execpc.com). of many reunions this summer, but it isn't call 800-373-7933 or Send reunion pictures (300 dpi or visit www.reunionsmag.com anything to take for granted. A family is higher) for Reunions Picture Gallery to such a wonderful gift, whether it's large or or fax it to 414-263-6331. klavin@execpc.com. Join the forum small, even if you don't always see eye to Or best of all, e-mail (http://forums.reunionsmag.com) where eye with other members.” reunions@execpc.com. you’ll find even more ideas to help plan Meanwhile Carole Neal, Castro Valley, your reunion. Since the web is becoming California, planning the Neal Family Reunion so much a part of our lives, we hope reunionsmag.com will says “getting feedback lifts my spirits and makes me all become an essential part of your reunion planning life. the more determined to do everything possible to make this Add it to your favorites. Then, visit often. upcoming reunion truly special. Communications have worked to generate more interest among some who didn’t PATRONIZE OUR REUNION PARTNERS indicate early on that they would attend. I suspect now Join our web partners who can provide you more that interest is building, we will have a really good turnout.” specific reunion services. Groople is now a preferred COME! TO SPECIAL WORKSHOPS supplier for Reunions magazine. Groople has booked thousands of reunions and understands your challenges The 2nd Annual Military Reunion Planners and needs and provides several important advantages for Familiarization Tour (FAM) of Newport News, Virginia, Reunions magazine readers. You can search for hotels will be March 14-16, 2008. Tour will provide an overview appropriate for reunions, book air and car and have a reunion of the city and complimentary accommodations are at the web page on GroopVine. Groople can accommodate special Newport News Marriott at City Center Hotel and needs for all ages and help you find the right travel Conference Center. Receive Group Planner and Resource solution for your reunion. Go to www.reunionsmag.com, Guide and many other invaluable tools for planning a click on the Groople link to get started. reunion in Newport News. Contact Cheryl Morales, A reverse auction from hotels can be found at 888-493-7386; cmorales@nngov.com. reunionsmag.hotelplanner.com, save on airport parking at The Vacation Home Expo, April 11-13, 2008, www.parkrideflyusa.com/reunions-magazine/ or set up your will be at The Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. reunion web site at myevent.com.

It is a reunion planner’s unique opportunity to meet representatives from quality vacation rental resorts and FAMILIES CELEBRATED companies. There will be SHOW ONLY deals and We’ve learned a TV production company is looking (now) discounts you can apply toward your next reunion or for reunions to visit next summer for a series to hopefully start vacation, workshops, trip giveaways and prizes. $10 for in fall 2008. If you are interested in being considered, adults; children under 18 free! Call 877-604-2867 or send lots of detail about your reunion; include stories from email info@vacationhomeexpo.com. or about your reunion that will intrigue producers. They Family reunion organizers thinking about Chicago’s are looking for reunions with histories as well as brand North suburbs should be at Lake County’s Family spanking new reunions. Send to reunions@execpc.com Reunion Workshop Experience April 24-28, 2008. (which we prefer) or Reunions magazine, PO Box 11727, Illinois Beach Resort & Conference Center will be Milwaukee WI 53211. headquarters for a three-day family reunion workshop and site visits. Contact Kimberly Ghys at 800-Lake-Now; SUMMER’S JUST AROUND THE CORNER Kimberly@lakecounty.org; lakecounty.org.

This is the time of year when some of your biggest JOIN WEB ACTIVITY

Visit www.reunionsmag.com often, we’re making changes and adding material that will make it worth your while.

New podcasts about reunion leadership and committees and about reunion places as well as how to fill goody bags 4

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reunion decisions must be made and we hope we’re providing the information, suggestions, motivation and inspiration you need and find useful. If not, please tell us at reunions@execpc.com. EW

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ALUM & I

A very special college reunion

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veryone at a recent reunion began their life in America at Rogers State University (RSU) in Claremore, Oklahoma.

After leaving war-ravaged Vietnam, they ended up at a camp at Fort Chaffey, Arkansas. Determined to help some of the refugees, RSU administrators selected 25 from the camp and gave them scholarships.

Many administrators also attended the reunion. “We grew to love them, and wanted to do everything we could to help them become men and women who would go out into the world and become very successful,” says RSU’s Dr. Danette Boyle.

Many of the former refugees became very successful. They have spread across the country as doctors, engineers, business owners and pharmacists.

Twenty-three of the 25 original refugees attended the reunion.

Reported by Chris Wright for KOTV, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Silverton success

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offers them for the auction. In 2006 we he purpose of the Silverton (Oregon) raised $5,500 and in 2007 surpassed our High School Alumni goal at $7,800.

Association (SHSAA) is It all started in 1993 when the to create a scholarship Silverton High School Class of ’63 could fund large enough to offer every The newsletter is created in PageMaker and graduating SHS posted on the website in pdf format, so anyone can read it online or print it out. senior a scholarship Click on the button “Alumni newsletter” to further his or her at www.shsfoxes.com. education. It need not be a state not find a reasonable use for college or university, but may be a trade approximately $900 left over from their school including beauty school, barber 30th reunion. After discussion of possible college, pet grooming, or whatever alternatives, they decided a scholarship interests that senior. We publish a would be appropriate. Then they decided

Trio classes of 1966, ’67 and ’68 reunion

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fter 12 months of planning, the joint reunion of Shelbyville (Indiana) High School graduates from 1966, 1967 and 1968 was held. Before the evening gathering, SHS alumni jogged their memories through several tours.

Attendees learned about the many improvements at Shelbyville High School, revisited basketball games, proms and May Festivals at the gym, or visited the Strand Theatre and Grover Museum.

People liked the joint reunion of three graduating classes because there are always people you want to see from the classes before and after yours.

From a story by Steve Talbert in the Shelbyville News, Shelbyville, Indiana.

PO BOX 59713 • RENTON WA 98058-2713 800-654-2776 • http://reunions.com narm@reunions.com 8

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Auction room set up for bidders to make selections. Photo credits Marcella Gentry

newsletter twice a year to promote scholarship donations and keep alumni informed of upcoming class reunions.

We hold an annual all-class party and Silent Auction at the Oregon Garden for anyone who ever attended Silverton High and their friends.

During the evening, a buffet dinner is served. Tickets are sold for a 50-50 raffle where the winner splits the “pot” with the Alumni Association.

Silverton merchants, businesses, residents and alumni donate items for the auction. Bid sheets are prepared with pictures of the items so when the item is claimed at the end of the evening, there are no questions. Our former principal builds furniture, mostly tables of various sizes, and

The auction consists of many items donated by local merchants, residents, alumni, and businesses. Some businesses (like the funeral home and real estate brokers) make cash donations in lieu of an auction item.

Three of us go door to door in Silverton, asking for donations. We split the list so we don’t duplicate. Nearly everyone we ask has something to donate.

We hesitated on three new businesses that had just started this summer, but introduced ourselves and explained about the silent auction. We let them know we understood if they wanted to skip this year, but all three wanted to support us!

Two donated auction items, and the third made a cash donation.

City rivals join for reunion

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Each item has a bid sheet.

that, instead of one blast to one student, it could be “seed” money to establish a continuing scholarship program.

Mason Branstetter, a member of the reunion committee, met with Directors of the Silver Fox Foundation to ask if they’d provide temporary legal shelter while the Alumni Association was organized. They agreed; however, during the next several years, little was accomplished toward the creation of the SHSAA until Mason was joined by others in 1996. The financial report was $2,033.75. New business was to award the first scholarship of $100. A goal of reaching $100,000 in an

Our first major contributor was Verl Cochran, an ever-present Fox fan at every home and away game for many years. As owner of the school bus lines and other positions of responsibility, he was always there to lend a helping hand.

His was the first significant donation, which pushed the investment account to five figures.

We have accumulated an amazing investment principal of $265,000. On one occasion, we received a “window” envelope that appeared to be a solicitation to another fundraising effort.

Imagine our surprise at a check for $50,000 from a 1949 Silverton High alum.

Because ours is a federally recognized 501(c )(3) not-for-profit corporation, donors get tax credit. For every $100 donors send, they get approximately $40 tax credit. The $40 figure is computed from 31% federal and 9% State of Oregon income tax bracket donor.

Furniture for auction by former principal, Murl Anderson.

This is first and investment account was established and foremost an organization of people. it was established that scholarships Money is important and scholarships are would only come from the interest earned the main reason for the organization’s on invested principal. existence, but following very closely is Now, 10 years later, over 1,000 alumni the principle of alumni relationships. are either paid full members or have at Without the unselfish support of all who some time paid their $5 annual dues. help with class reunions and many The association grows exponentially. We extremely loyal and dedicated stalwarts have a databank of over 14,000 alumni of the SHSAA, we would simply wither from SHS starting with the first 3-year up and blow away. graduation class of 1908.

Reported by Judy Nunn, Salem, Oregon.

imi Georgalos rounded up classmates from Salinas (California) High School’s classes of 1976 and 1977, along with classes from Palma and Notre Dame Catholic high schools, for a 30-year reunion. They decided to include other classes because they went to grade school together.

Georgalos and her committee planned the reunion for more than a year. It featured a no-host cocktail hour, gourmet buffet, chocolate fountain and DJ. From a story by Janice Austin in The Salinas Californian Salinas, California.

Haltom, Richland put aside rivalry for a joint reunion

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altom and Richland (Texas) high schools have a history of football rivalry, beginning in 1963; however, graduates of the two schools remained good friends. They had a joint reunion for classes 1962 through 1966. More than 100 attended the welcome social on Friday and 40 signed up for Saturday’s golf outing. Closing the reunion was a dinner/dance Saturday.

Visit www.geocities.com/rhhs_reunion/ or call Clayton Cummings, 817-281-8431.

From a story by Pat Nimmo Riddle in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas.

Marblehead Museum 50th reunions

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he Marblehead (Massachusetts) Museum & Historical Society makes its Lee Mansion and garden available, free of charge, to Marblehead High School 50th-reunion classes. Visit www.marbleheadmuseum.org Marblehead Reporter, Marblehead, Massachusetts.

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ALUM & I

A guest’s delight

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hey were truly a great group, a special class. Just as he always said. Never in so many words. He just spoke of them so often. The endless stories all made sense to me now.

Pio, the interesting man of Filipino descent. Ron who has played with our city’s symphony for over 45 years. Dick, part of a famous singing quartet, who went on to become a local TV personality. Paul, practicing cutting-edge dentistry. Patti, a successful businesswoman ahead of her time. Judy, the accomplished geneticist. Roger, a renowned artist. Ed, a presidential appointee. Several university professors and renowned businessmen. And on and on. Now I understand!

I knew this high school was an unusual smorgasbord of ethnicity, economics and religion back in the 1950s. Racially diverse before there was any issue about such things – African Americans, Japanese, Chinese, Filipinos, Caucasians, Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, low-income, middle-class and upperincome all in the mix. Garfield High School in Seattle is on the cusp of a very well-to-do area and a lower income district. As a neighborhood school in the 1950s, it was a very diverse and interesting educational setting.

As the spouse of an alumnus, I felt I was gracious to attend my partner’s 50th high school reunion. I was happy to join my loved one down memory lane. I walked into this event with an open mind; I walked out a richer person. I became a part of my husband’s past and gained clarity that 50 years ago this

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by Teresa Verde ensemble was indeed one gifted group of students. I was enriched by the warmth, camaraderie and uniqueness of this special group. I realized that these people – even if my husband doesn’t see them for 20, 30, even 50 years – are extended family. It meant a lot to both of us. It brought us closer.

For me there was a healing that slowly sunk in days later.

I’d gained a piece of what I’d missed in my own high school experience. I felt invisible inside the walls of my own high school. My husband’s reunion brought me in, even as a guest. It gave me camaraderie, community and belonging to something meaningful. Through proximity to a class that comes along only once in awhile, the kind I would have loved for myself, I gained a gift to be a part of it now.

The double venue was a real stroke of genius. The organizing committee had the brilliant idea of putting on two events back to back. The Mixer was casual, at someone’s lovely home, short and less expensive. A fuzzy warm venue to break the 50-year ice. An opportunity to reconnect, or in the case of spouses, a chance to meet the array of personalities in a relaxed setting.

It was followed the next night by The Gala, a more formal, expensive, dress-up event, at the local country club. It lasted until nearly midnight, with a full-course dinner and live music from the current nationally-acclaimed Garfield High School Jazz Band. The two nights afforded a greater opportunity to connect, to reunite and to forge lasting relationships again. Phone

Class reunion memorials

Q? A!

A meet and greet started the Garfield Class reunion.

numbers and emails were exchanged mostly on the second night.

I went to the second event to freely circulate among those I’d met the previous evening and did not need to be glued to my partner’s side.

It was a weekend-long affair, with a golf tournament and baseball game thrown in. When you spend this much time with a group, you bond, really bond.

I urge partners to partake of your loved one’s reunions. It’s only once every 10, 20, even 50 years. Dive in

with an open mind and experience your spouse’s life even more fully.

Although you go for your partner, you may be surprised that there’s something there for you as well.

About the author Teresa Verde is a published writer, public speaker and laughter coach.

She writes a local monthly column on Positive Aging and leads programs on The Healing Power of Laughter. She resides in the beautiful Northwest.

Carol Bonnett, who is planning her 45th high school reunion, wrote to ask what to say and do for classmates who have died.

We recalled what others have done.

Include deceased in your directory or program. If you’re doing bios of everyone, ask the deceased classmates’ children or classmates to write bios. If you are using photos of classmates, use photos of the deceased as well.

At the reunion, set aside a table for a memorial to your deceased classmates.

Decorate with a tablecloth, candles and flowers. You could have a nicely presented list, pictures, brief description, if you want to do the extra work. Or ask classmates to write remembrances.

During your reunion program, read names of deceased with appropriate intro and benediction. Or if it’s not a huge attendance, ask classmates to remember the deceased.

Members of Billings, Montana, West High School and Senior High School classes of 1967 made sure the people who weren’t at their 40-year reunion wouldn’t be forgotten, according to a story by Keriann Lynch in the Billings Gazette. They had a memorial bench engraved then dedicated it to deceased classmates, and had it placed in Swords Park on the Rims overlooking downtown Billings. The bench is made of river rock and engraved with “It’s not the length of life, but the depth of life.”

A memorial service on Sunday of the reunion marked the official dedication of the bench.

Reunion organizer Carol Daniel said, “It’s nice for us to remember our classmates, some of whom died during the Vietnam War, and for their families to know we care.”

One-dollar raffle tickets were sold during the reunion to pay for the bench.

Raffle items donated by class members included homemade pies, gift baskets, wine, gift certificates and artwork.

WEB PAGE: www.reunionsmag.com CALL: 414.263.4567 FAX: 414.263.6331 E-MAIL: reunions@execpc.com

Honoring classmates who have passed away.

WRITE: PO Box 11727 Milwaukee, WI 53211-0727 F EB R UARY/MARCH 2008 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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SCRAPBOOK

Park Ride Fly US sells offsite airport parking

G All take place in 2008 and on Saturdays, unless otherwise noted.

Friday, January 25 place TBA Friday, April 25 place TBA ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

Plan the ultimate family reunion in awesome Alpharetta To reserve your spot in an upcoming workshop, call Alpharetta CVB, 678-297-2811.

February 16 • Hampton Inn Stone Mountain March 15 • Holiday Inn Atlanta Northeast April 19 • Atlanta Marriott Century Center May 17 • Holiday Inn Select Perimeter SUMMER SERIES

June 21, July 19, August 16 Dekalb CVB Conference Room September 13 • Courtyard Executive Park October 18 • Hampton Inn Northlake November 15 • Crowne Plaza Ravinia LUNCH AND LEARN

Thursdays, April 24 & September 25 Dekalb CVB Conference Room DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA

Bring Your Family Home to DeKalb!

WORKSHOPS 9:00 AM-12:00 PM LUNCH AND LEARN 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Contact DeKalb County CVB at 800-999-6055 or 770-492-5000 Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March16 NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA

Military Reunion Planners Familiarization Tour (FAM) Tours provide an overview of the city. Complimentary accommodations at the Newport News Marriott at City Center Hotel and Conference Center, 69-page Newport News coupon book and 120-page Group Planner and Resource Guide. Contact Cheryl Morales, 888-493-7386; cmorales@nngov.com.

Thursday, April 24 to Saturday, April 26 LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Chicago’s North Suburbs Family Reunion Workshop Experience.

Complimentary accommodations at Illinois Beach Resort & Conference Center.

Join a 3-day family reunion workshop and site visits in Lake County, Illinois. Contact Kimberly Ghys, 800-Lake-Now; Kimberly@lakecounty.org; www.lakecounty.org

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et the convenience of a guaranteed, discounted parking reservation next time you fly. You are emailed a “parking voucher” which is fully prepaid. Simply turn in the voucher to the cashier when exiting the parking facility.

The voucher summarizes your parking stay, the cost and has a map and directions to the parking facility. There is a toll-free help desk phone number and the parking facility’s phone number plus a “cancellation in full policy” with complete refunds. Each traveler is automatically covered for $100,000 travel accident insurance at no additional cost and loyalty “perks” include free parking points.

Visit www.reunionsmag.com, click on Save on Airport Parking.

Looking at Louisville?

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ubscribe free to Lookin’ at Louisville, a new podcast series from the Louisville, Kentucky, Convention and Visitors Bureau. This monthly broadcast will showcase Louisville’s art, culture, dining, and attractions scene for locals and visitors. Go to www.gotolouisville.com and click on the Lookin’ at Louisville player.

Check out Louisville Icons, a fun and first-hand glimpse at some of the city’s most unique attractions, such as Louisville Slugger Field, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Muhammad Ali Center and the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Consider a Buckeye reunion

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hio Division of Travel and Tourism’s Family Reunions and Gatherings focuses on overnight accommodations, attractions and experiences for family members of all ages to enjoy a reunion weekend together. Highlights include theme parks, water parks, zoos and aquariums, camping, RVing, golf getaways, spa escapes, city culture, history and music festivals. Their Multicultural Excursions highlights Ohio’s variety of multicultural travel experiences and opportunities including arts and culture, music, festivals and events, restaurants, sporting events, nightlife and more.

Visit www.DiscoverOhio.com or 1-800-BUCKEYE.

Twister wreaks havoc on family reunion

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other Nature was an unexpected and unwelcome guest at the Trenholm Family Reunion in Cape Spear, New Brunswick, Canada. A violent thunder and lightning storm, with pelting rain and hailstones, spawned a twister, which raged through the area and caused havoc in the reunion’s campsite.

“Some of our family saw the twister coming and it went through the vent in the roof of the big tent; it just twirled the top of that big, old army tent. All of a sudden there was a whooshing sound and then the thing just left,” one family member said, adding that the storm lasted about 15 minutes.

She explained that many of the 50 to 60 people were in the tent preparing and eating supper when the wind increased with the fast approach of the thunderstorm.

Two inside tent poles came down at an angle. Fortunately they hadn’t put up the tent’s fourth side panel so it was easy for people to get out.

It was the 20th anniversary of the Trenholm reunion, with people from all over the region and as far away as Missouri. They wanted to do something special to mark the anniversary, but a twister wasn’t what they had in mind.

From a story by Joan LeBlanc in the Sackville Tribune Post, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.

Islanders preserve their heritage

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ing Island, Alaska, residents abandoned their Bering Sea village after the school closed in 1959. Some said the Bureau of Indian Affairs shut it down because the village was so remote and the school too expensive to operate. Others blamed teachers who were afraid a boulder perched above the village would topple over and crash into homes.

A reunion at Storck Park in Anchorage drew more than 200 people, most descendants of former King Island residents, Inupiat Natives. Most had never been to the village known for its stiltsupported homes clinging to cliffs (no longer habitable).

It was a typical reunion in many ways. Smoke from grills poured from an outdoor pavilion, and kids tossed footballs and frisbees on the park’s mountain-backed fields. But alongside hot dogs and potato salad, people heaped plates with whale blubber, dried pike and berry-filled Eskimo ice cream made from shortening.

Members of the King Island Dancers, formed in the 1970s to retain traditional songs, wore feather headdresses and swayed to the rhythm of walrus-skin drums.

Becky Amarok, who helped organize the reunion with others, said she’s afraid the island’s descendants are losing the old culture as elders who once lived there pass away and people stop speaking the language. The gathering offers hope that family ties will at least remain strong, Amarok said, tiny ulu earrings swinging from her ears.

From a story by Alex deMarken in the Anchorage Daily News, Anchorage, Alazka.

April, July and October 2008 GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA

ABCs of Planning a Family Reunion 10 AM to 1 PM, complimentary lunch, Family Reunion Planning Guide. Reservations only, no walk-ins accepted. Contact Linda Busby, GCTS, Gwinnett CVB Education Specialist, 770-814-6056; lbusby@gcvb.org October 2008 ESTES PARK, COLORADO

Family Reunion University YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center Contact Conference Office at 800-777-9622 November 2008 WINTER PARK, COLORADO

Family Reunion University YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Contact Conference Office at 800-777-9622 Autumn 2008 POTOSI, MISSOURI

YMCA Trout Lodge Branch of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, Missouri, offers a Family Reunion Workshop for anyone contemplating this facility for their next reunion. Contact Kate Evans at 573-438-2154, x233; www.troutlodge.org Autumn 2008 KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

CVB Reunion Familiarization Tour Military, family, class and retiree association reunion planners are invited. Accommodations, meals, seminars, mini-trade show, site inspections and transportation complimentary for the first attendee. Additional attendees may be charged a fee. Places are limited, first come/ first served. Contact Sara Melendez-Davis at 800-831-1844 ext. 42446; smelendez@floridakiss.com.

Call for dates MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Free reunion planning seminar. Contact Lori Kearney at 612-767-8114. www.minneapolis.org/reunions Space is limited.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Contact Nina House, Small Meetings, Atlanta CVB, 233 Peachtree Street, NE, Ste 100, Atlanta, GA 30303; 404-521-6640; nhouse@atlanta.net; www.atlanta.net 2009

17th National Family Reunion Conference Contact Dr. Ione Vargus, 215-204-8703; ivargus@temple.edu.

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BRANCH OFFICE

Reliving the Revolutionary War

by Maureen Taylor ’m on a bit of a personal mission with President Andrew Jackson served in the LET’S NOT LEAVE OUT THE WOMEN: this column. For the past five years I’ve American Revolution as a thirteen-yearbeen collecting photographs of America’s ❖ WIVES AND WIDOWS: As surprising as it old. Credit: Library of Congress.

Revolutionary War generation. You can may seem, the last surviving widow of a help! Does your collection include mid-19th Revolutionary soldier died in 1906! Esther century photographs that portray older men and Sumner married Noah Damon when she was women? My colleague, David Lambert (of the 21 and he was 75. Finding pictures of wives New England Historic Genealogical Society), and widows means looking at pictures taken and I are trying to locate photos for a book to be anywhere from 1840 to the early 1900s. The published by the Kent State University Press. birth dates of these women range from the Early in the process we decided to expand our 1760s into the early 1800s, depending on search from just images of soldiers to include a their age when they married the veteran. broader view of Revolutionary times. We Ideally we’d like to include pictures of men wondered what would happen if we told the story and women from each of the original thirteen colonies, officers and enlisted men, as well as of the American Revolution through pictures of the brave women who kept the home front a variety of its participants: veterans, loyalists functioning in their husbands’ absence. and wives. Could we, through photographic and documentary evidence, recreate the United States’ TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS Revolutionary War generation – those men and women bound Since our search covers a long period of time, we’re looking for together by living during Revolutionary times? a variety of photographs from the earliest daguerreotypes to paper If an image in your photo collection fits our criteria, it photos. The picture of Damon dates from the late 19th century. might qualify for further investigation and inclusion in our These descriptions will help you identify the type of picture in book about the Revolutionary War generation. Contributors your collection. will be given full credit, as well as any additional information ❖ DAGUERREOTYPES (1839 to 1860s): The first photographs, discovered during research. We begin by verifying that an daguerreotypes have reflective surfaces; you must hold the image depicts an individual with links to our project criteria, photos at an angle to see their images. Daguerreotypes are often then document each one by examining details in the pictures found in cases. and citing supplementary evidence such as pension files, ❖ AMBROTYPES (invented in 1854): Often placed in cases because personal papers, local histories, newspapers and personal of their fragility, these glass images are backed with dark material. reminiscences. ❖ TINTYPES OR FERROTYPES (invented in 1856): This third type To learn more about this project, visit my blog at of cased image is produced on thin sheets of iron. www.lastmuster.blogspot.com, where I periodically post ❖ Cartes de visite (CDVs) (introduced in 1854): Inspired by 19tharticles from old newspapers that list these patriotic veterans. century visiting cards, these small paper prints usually Your ancestor might appear on our want list of pictures. measured 2x4 inches.

If you have an image to contribute to the project, please email THE SUBJECTS me details about the person and the image using the subject line: ❖ PATRIOTS, SOLDIERS AND LOYALIST ADULTS: We’ve Revolutionary War Generation. identified over a thousand men who lived after 1839 into the age of photography. Now the hunt is on for their photos. OUR SUBMISSION GUIDELINES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Basically we’re looking for pictures of men who were born ❖ 300 dpi tiff color images scanned at 100% scale (too large to in the 1760s and early 1770s. Believe it or not, many of email, once I receive your email I’ll send mailing instructions). them are immortalized in pictures. Anyone who was a ❖ Send images for consideration to mtaylor@taylorandstrong.com or young adult during the American Revolution would have upload them to www.photodetective.com/upload.htm. been at least 80 years old by the advent of photography.

This book is nearly done so if you have an image that meets our Several veterans appeared in Reverend Elias Hillard’s Last criteria please submit images no later than March 15, 2008. You Men of the Revolution in the 1860s, but thousands of men can help us make this book representative of applied for pensions after the War. Hillard sought out the the Revolutionary War generation by spreading last men and compiled their stories in his book. There the word. I’d love to hear from you! were only seven left by the time he began his project. He described his task as a preservation effort: “Our own are About the author the last eyes that will look on men who looked on Maureen Taylor is the Photo Detective. A Washington; our ears the last that will hear the living recent profile in the Wall Street Journal profiled voices of those who heard his words. Henceforth the her work identifying family photographs. Go to American Revolution will be known among men by the www.photodetective.com to “Watch and Listen” silent record of history alone.” how she solves cases.

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Ever wonder about your ancestor’s migration path?

Pioneers and Old Settlers reunion

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use the “Build Your Route” capability at mapquest.com to create maps illustrating ancestors’ migration across/around the US.

THE URL IS:

www.mapquest.com/maps-directions/main.adp?cid=1_tryitnow_home_text

For example, my great-grandfather Carl THIELE immigrated through Ellis Island, so in the first “Build Your Route” template, I entered New York, New York. In the next template I entered St. Louis, Missouri, where Carl was a merchant before 1880. Next I entered Waterville, Kansas; then Oelwein, Iowa; and finally St. Cloud, Minnesota.

The resulting map features a purple line extending from each geographical point to the next, which gives a rough idea of the route Carl traveled between his immigration in 1876 and his final home in St. Cloud.

When the final map is displayed, you can customize and save the image.

1. Press the “PRINT SCREEN” key on your keyboard.

2. In your graphics application (mine is Paint Shop Pro), hold down the CTRL key and press V to paste the image into the application.

3. Crop the map as desired.

Note that this final map includes only the portion of the country through which the individual traveled. At the mapquest display, it’s also possible to “zoom out” so the map image displays the entire US. From Mary Thiele Fobian, Genealogical & Historical Research, Pacific Grove, California.

“Zoomout” image of Carl Thiele’s migration.

he 115th Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion in Cleburne, Texas, begins with a parade of floats, cars, bands, tractors and pets, followed by activities including baby and fiddle contests.

Wando H. Scarberry, the president of the Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion, said, “My motto is for people to come back and renew old acquaintances each year but also make new ones.”

There is a queen contest (prize is a $700 scholarship), a baby contest (winner receives a $50 savings bond and trophy), gospel groups, a concert featuring oldies, ’50s rock ’n’ roll and blues and a fiddle contest.

From a story by Monica Green in the Cleburne Times-Review, Cleburne, Texas.

Benjamin’s Tribe

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enealogists Nancy Rondeau and Carolyn Spicer were each trying to piece together their family lineage. When they met through a website, they realized they were related. Both are the descendants of Freeman Benjamin White, one of the last elders of the Canterbury Shaker Village.

Rondeau and Spicer combined their efforts to trace each branch of their family. Then they worked on a reunion for a year.

The weekend included a family “memory night” tour of the Shaker Village. Friday night, members collected name tags on their way into the Epsom Fire and Rescue station, mingled with relatives, and studied the more than 30-feet-long White family tree.

From a story by Kate Davidson in the Concord Monitor, Concord, New Hampshire.

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BRANCH OFFICE

Lincoln presenters Canadian provinces open birth records are able to place a “no contact” veto on British Columbia, Alberta in demand their file. and Newfoundland in Canada Ontario, opened long ago sealed adoption records – something Scotland has done since the 1930s and England since the mid-1970s.

Blowing the dust off the files, as Ontario implements the last phase of the Adoption Information Disclosure Act, adult adoptees and birth parents are able to apply to see adoption orders and original birth records.

Adult adoptees and birth parents who do not want the past to catch up to them,

Wendy Rowney, a member of the Coalition for Open Adoption Records, says, “No one is saying this new (Ontario) law will lead to thousands of new relationships and families. But what I hear constantly from people is that they are not sorry they looked. Just finding the information brings a sense of completion.”

From an article by Thane Burnette in the London Free Press, Canada.

Samis family celebrates 200 years in Canada

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n the land of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, the lanky, bearded man is king, or at least very much in demand, as the bicentennial of the 16th president’s birth approaches.

Cliff Howard of Frankfort, Kentucky, tall and trim at 77, is busy fulfilling requests for appearances as the Kentucky-born Lincoln. Dressed in the stovepipe hat and black suit Lincoln favored, and with his gray beard died black, Howard bears a striking resemblance to the great emancipator.

Howard also has an advantage over many other Lincoln presenters: his wife, Joan, interprets Lincoln’s Kentucky-born controversial and sometimes misrepresented wife, Mary Todd. Joan designs and sews her own costumes for her interpretations. Contact Howards at 502-223-9970; cjhow5@yahoo.com. The kickoff of the bicentennial at the Abraham Lincoln National Historic Site near Hodgenville will be February 12, 2008 From the Kentucky Department of Tourism

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enealogical computer records show 5,228 entries for the surname Samis.

Descendants of Ebenezer and Sarah Samis and their five sons celebrated the 200th anniversary of their ancestors’ immigration to Canada.

The reunion was billed as “a wonderful chance to make connections with your ancestry and meet unknown cousins.”

Prolific families, many with eight or more children, means an age spread within each generation resulting in brothers or sisters being the same age as their nieces and nephews.

At Glendalen farm, the house built by Ebenezer and Sarah’s son Israel for his brother Michael (after the war of 1812-14)

still stands. It has been extended and modified, but the bones are still apparent.

The property, now owned as a second home, was offered to the family for reunion use.

The full weekend of events included historical reenactments, historical and interactive displays, a commemorative plaque and tree planting, catered dinner and evening bonfire on Saturday.

Contact Don and Betty Samis, Hwy. 2, Courtice ON, Canada, L1E 2M5; 905436-2372; donbetty.samis@sympatico.ca.

From a story by Mandy Martin in the Northumberland Today, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada.

Descendants claim burial site

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n 1872, when Plum Creek (later Lexington), Nebraska, was being established, an English immigrant and his teenage son arrived to stake their fortune in the new town and the young state of Nebraska. Their stay ended in the tragic death of the son; a grieving Edward Pickering bought a burial lot, buried his son Frederick, and returned to England, never to return.

Descendants of James and Harriet Pickering, the first Pickering’s nephew, gathered for their annual reunion.

Descendant Edie Zetterman of Lexington, discovered the Pickering son was in the first purchased burial plot in Evergreen Cemetery. She also learned that when Edward bought the plot, he bought the entire lot with room for 16 graves. Those gravesites had been unclaimed by anyone

and there was no headstone on the lot.

By the 2006 reunion the family was determined to mark the grave appropriately.

Another Pickering descendant offered a headstone from her husband’s grave as she had replaced it with a larger one.

Those at the reunion and those who heard of the project, collected enough money to have the headstone engraved and set at Evergreen.

While the gravestone engraving was completed before Frederick’s name was known, family members note there is room to add his name later. In the meantime the inscription tells the saga of many newcomers who died here and may or may never be identified.

From a story by Barb Bierman Batie in the Lexington Clipper Herald, Lexington, Nebraska.

Slave descendants of President Madison hold reunion

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ore than 100 descendants of African Americans enslaved at President James Madison’s Montpelier plantation, New Orange, Virginia, attended a three-day reunion and spent time learning new techniques for tracing their roots through genealogical research, oral histories and DNA samples.

The goal of the reunion was for descendants to see and learn about the place where their ancestors lived, worked and were buried, and to recognize, commemorate and honor contributions of the enslaved community at Montpelier.

Historian Dr. John Hope Franklin and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Roger Wilkins spoke. The Montpelier Foundation plans to use research gathered at the reunion to accurately and authentically inform the public of the history of the African American community at Montpelier and the role they played in the founding of our nation.

Reunion Committee chair, Rebecca Gilmore Coleman, great-granddaughter of a slave emancipated from Montpelier, donated her ancestor’s cabin and small farm to the foundation that runs the historic site. George Gilmore was born a slave at Montpelier around 1810. He built the cabin in 1872, after his emancipation.

According to Montpelier’s website, “the Gilmore Cabin and Farm is believed to be the first freedman’s site in the nation to be preserved and opened to the public to interpret the transition from slavery to freedom for African Americans in this country.”

The reunion was sponsored by the James Madison Montpelier Foundation and the Orange County (Virginia) African American Historical Society (OCAAHS).

From stories by Ofield Dukes in Louisiana Weekly, New Orleans, Louisiana, and by Rob Hedelt in the Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Planting the family tree

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ew Yorker Dr. Adam Smith, 31, has been compiling a family tree, which includes more than 2,300 descendants of a single Hungarian ancestor, Leib Oberlander, born near Drohobych, Galicia, who later settled in a small town, Chinadievo, near Mukachevo (the old Hungarian name is Munkacs, pronounced Munkatch in Yiddish).

Smith has traveled the world meeting relatives in the US, Israel, France, Hungary and Ukraine, conducted archival research in Europe and attempted to account for the family’s Shoah (Holocaust) victims and survivors.

Two years ago, says Smith, “I had about 1,400 names on the family tree, and I thought I was almost done!” He thought it would be a shame if he didn’t compile everything into a book, because “if I don’t do it, I’m sure no one else will.”

Overall, Smith has found the family to be extremely warm. He believes, “If I had all of these people together, there were enough commonalities that people would be able to connect well with one another.” He began planning the family reunion for the summer of 2006 but the Lebanon war postponed it.

Recently, family from the US, Germany, France and Hungary joined the Israeli relatives, 150 in all. “It obviously had to be in Israel,” he says, as numerically, about half the family lives in Israel. “It is symbolic to have everyone together in our homeland.”

As a side activity, and because there was a great deal of gratitude for what he had accomplished, Smith decided to invite people to donate funds to the JNF/KKL to plant trees in the family’s honor. “We’ve raised more than $11,000,” he says.

The tree planting got everyone into the act. Some Israelis found this a novel, firsttime experience. More than 100 people spread out, stripping plastic bags from seedlings, planting them and carrying heavy water buckets to water them.

After dinner, Smith presented an Oberlander history show with maps and photographs, saying, “I’ve discovered all of you … every single one of you is wonderful.” Today, with 2,300 names, the printout fills 150 pages. Smith has tracked descendants of five of Leib’s six children – three sons and two daughters – all born in the 1830s.

From an article by Schelly Talalay Dardashti in the Jerusalem Post, Israel.

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 WHEN YOU’VE FINISHED USING THIS MAGAZINE, PLEASE RECYCLE IT. F EB R UARY/MARCH 2008 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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Alapa Ohana remembers their Iosepa pioneers

by Linette Alapa Hunter

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special tenth family reunion was held by the descendants Later in the evening, a of Oliwa and Emily Makakao Alapa in 2007. In 1889 Oliwa fantastic, plentiful and delicious Alapa and his oldest son, Harvey, traveled from Hawaii to luau was enjoyed. Favorite island Tooele County, Utah, to help establish the first non-European foods were available, even kalua settlement of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in pork and poi! It was fun to see the Utah. About 50 Polynesian pioneers, mostly from Hawaii, went young men who live in Utah to begin a community in the Utah desert, which was a far cry prepare the imu (underground from their tropical island homes. They lived there for 28 years oven) to cook the pork. Before the in what became known as Iosepa. They made their desert home sun went down, great-grandson bloom, then, when asked to return to Hawaii to help build a Keith Ava took pictures of the temple in Laie Oahu, the faithful Polynesians returned home. family. It was amazing to see the Nearly 90 years after the last Alapa relatives left Iosepa, numbers of descendants from about 100 relatives from Hawaii, California, Oregon, Oliwa’s five children who lived in Wyoming, as well as Utah, met in Utah to celebrate their Iosepa, and this wasn’t even half family’s journey to Iosepa. The gathering was hosted by of the known descendants. A George Kaaihue (a great-grandson of Oliwa Alapa) and his traditional element of all luaus is Arts and crafts provided reunion activities family, with help from relatives who live in Utah. They hosted and also a souvenir of the reunion. entertainment. Each family was three days of fun activities. asked to prepare for a talent show, The first day was a meet-and-greet which was delightful! We had solo numbers in Orem, Utah, where we received from promising American Idols to family the schedule of activities, enjoyed a kupuna (elders) to group dances. An ancient delicious meal, and spent the hula was done by great-great-grandson Henny evening visiting. Family members Wasson, accompanied by his aunt Vermine brought posters of their individual Haws. It was pleasing to see the younger ones family’s pictures to share. Old who could do traditional Polynesian dances. photographs of family in Iosepa were Another great-great-grandson, Kapono Alapa, highlighted, with a brief history of produced a special skit about family heroes. He each member. The second edition of used his nieces and nephews to relay the Alapa Ohana (family) Genealogy message that family members need to take care books of six generations of Oliwa’s of family. It was a comical skit. There was so family were shared; the book is in a much talent to enjoy.

Everyone signed the quilt that sold at auction for $200. binder and includes a blank family One of the highlights was when Brooke Haws group sheet, which makes it easy for and his son Quinn presented a special to’ere family members to copy and update. Pictures and stories of (drum) they made to Oliwa’s oldest great-grandson, Charles family kupuna (elders) made for interesting discussion Mahoe Kaaukai. throughout the reunion.

An auction was held after the talent show. Family members The next day a great breakfast started the day, which was brought an array of goodies from Hawaii, handmade arts and filled with a variety of activities. Several family members crafts, to be auctioned. Great-granddaughter Vermine Haws traveled to Salt Lake City to visit Temple Square and attend a made a quilt that all of the families signed for the auction; it temple session. They returned to Provo for an afternoon of brought $200. The winner of the quilt was another greatgames and swimming at a local park. The committee had lots of grandson, Harvey Alapa, who in turn gave it to the reunion games for kids and adults. It was enjoyable to see that some of chair, George Kaaihue, a touching show of aloha for his the old timers could still swing a bat with the younger ones. A family’s hard work organizing the family reunion. Great-greatdelicious barbecue meal fed the multitude through the evening. granddaughter Liora Fanene brought paddles and plaques The final day was spent in Iosepa. The Iosepa Historical Society bearing her beautiful Polynesian burnings, which were very allowed use of their pavilion for the day’s activities. It was very popular. One of the paddles brought in over $200. Auctioneer special for those who had never been to Iosepa before to see where great-granddaughter Dawn Wasson did a magnificent job of family members lived and where some are buried. It was touching “milking” money from the family! The auction raised over to imagine what life must have been like for our ancestors who $1000 for the 2009 reunion in Hawaii. After the auction the lived in what seemed like a harsh environment compared to family danced to the music of a DJ. beautiful Hawaii. Oliwa’s great-great-grandsons Brooke and A touching sight was at the end of the reunion: when older Joel Haws provided several art and crafts activities for cousins went around hugging and kissing family, the little ones everyone. We worked on wooden fish hooks, (gourd drums) ipu, followed suit without even being told to do so – truly a sign that or to’ere drums. Almost every family member took home our Alapa reunions will continue for generations to come. something that they worked on that day.

About the author The great-grandchildren of Oliwa and Emily formed a panel Linette Alapa Hunter, Monmouth, Oregon, is a retired and shared their memories of stories about Iosepa. Younger educator who has helped plan several family as well as class family members asked questions about their ancestors. It became reunions. She was born and reared in Laie, Hawaii. very emotional at times because we understood how much our ancestors must have gone through living in Iosepa, Utah.

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Who are the Zschoches?

Shockeys?

by Warren Zschoche

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ussell Shockey and Warren Zschoche are brothers. Both started out with the old German name of Zschoche (traced back to 1540).There is a statue in Peoria, Illinois, dedicated to a Zschokke, a poet. There is a street named Zschoche in Valparaiso, Indiana. There is a major boulevard in Frankfurt, Germany, with the name.

The name gets slaughtered every day by strangers.

As soon as a telemarketer stumbles over the name, we hang up. It is pronounced “Shocky.” That’s why Russell changed the spelling right out of college.

The two brothers and their wives and seven children and grandchildren stayed in close touch despite living hundreds of miles apart. Russell graduated from Valparaiso Law School in 1954 and spent his entire career in banking near Chicago.

Warren spent most of his career employed by the Boy Scouts of America in Michigan.

Peter Shockey, son of Russell, is a deer hunter. He hunts in northern Wisconsin. He and his buddies often stayed near Phelps, Wisconsin, at the Hazen Inn. “Perfect for a family reunion” he reasoned.

Hazen Inn overlooks Long Lake and consists of a huge log building built in 1901. The lodge sleeps 35 with an additional cabin – just right for a family reunion every year since 1997, for four days in October at leaf-changing time or during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The owners of Hazen Inn serve a scrumptious breakfast every morning, and then turn the entire kitchen facilities over to our family for the other meals.

We often work around a theme: Hawaii, Over the Hill

Even at reunions there’s a kids’ table!

birthdays, Memories, All Kids Day, etc. The younger children have always organized skits to entertain the adults. With a great pool of family talent, we have no trouble organizing pingpong or pool tournaments, card games and fun skits. Outdoor activities include hikes, fishing and campfires.

If a person wants a more sedate activity, there are always puzzles to put together, or books to select from the many volumes on the shelves. The well-tuned piano can be heard occasionally, played by a family member, and usually joined by sing-a-longs.

Just a quarter of a mile from the lodge is a small wooden chapel deep in the woods. It was built by an Episcopal Bishop in memory of his son killed in World War I. It seats about 40 people. It has an old pump organ and kerosene lanterns. Every year, with permission, we hold a Sunday church service in that chapel; Russell and Warren and their wives renewed their vows for their 50th anniversaries in the chapel.

Before we head home at the end of the four-day reunion, we assign one family to organize for the next year: collect the money, suggest a theme, determine meals, etc.

About the author

Zschoche/Shockeys assemble at Phelps, Wisconsin, annually.

Warren Zschoche is a freelance writer who lives in SauteeNachoochee, Georgia, with his wife, Kathryn.

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All things Touchon F MASTERPLAN

orty-three cousins came from all over the US and one from Switzerland to Las Vegas, New Mexico, for the Touchon Cousins Reunion.

The uniqueness of this gathering was “The Family Tree” developed by Robert Touchon and his Aunt Louise. The first entry was dated 1486. Every decade was recorded and there were no gaps in the chain of records. Robert Touchon lives in Switzerland, where the Touchon Family Tree was developed in the 150-mile radius of Montreux. Research began in Neuchatel, Switzerland, where all past family papers were preserved.

There was a tour of two home ranches where our grandparents lived in 1914. The adobe buildings and ranch houses were still standing and in use. It was amazing that these mud bricks were still in place as they were nearly 100 years ago, when our Touchon Cousins Reunion at Las Vegas, New Mexico.

grandfather made the adobe bricks and built the buildings.

The Touchon Crest, cast into a gold ring, was presented. The Swiss Touchon 21jewel Gold Watch, hand-cast and handfitted into the gold case, was presented.

The Touchon variety of carrot Touchon family tree starting in 1486 made by Robert Touchon, Montreax, Switzerland. developed in France was discussed. A cousin offered to send Compiling this family tree took 10 me seeds to plant in my garden in years. An important branch was from the Amarillo, Texas.

19th century in Houston, Texas, where For an icebreaker each person got a Charles Maximilian Touchon immigrated form that listed different families and a in 1892 from Switzerland. Many pictures line to name the person you met in that and poster boards showed each branch’s family. When the forms were filled out tree, and their homes.

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and everyone had gotten acquainted, a drawing was held and prizes given to ones who met the most cousins.

Grandmother Touchon’s dollies were given to each family as a keepsake.

The oldest female cousin was 83 years old. The oldest male cousin was 79 years old.

Disposable cameras were collected and a CD made for each family member.

Nametags were attached to a string and depicted a pine tree with each person’s name on the tree.

The Plaza Hotel provided meals. The theme was a Mexican Fiesta. Everyone enjoyed the Mexican cuisine and the flour tortillas and salsa were excellent and HOT. The next “Touchon Cousins Reunion” will be held in Prescott, Arizona, in June 2009.

Reported by Larry Touchon, Amarillo, Texas.

esa Elliott wrote that Lori Kearney and the Meet Minneapolis (CVB) staff were of great assistance as they celebrated 70 years of reunions. This was the first time Elliotts were the host family for the Copeland-Wyatt Family Reunion. The CVB really helped to keep us organized and on schedule with the reunion itinerary, not to mention all of the Minneapolis/St. Paul happenings to introduce to our family, Elliot added.

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MASTERPLAN

Florida reunion a winner T

he Williams, Sanders, Johnson, Keith, and Kimbrough Family Reunion was held on the Emerald Coast in beautiful Destin, Florida. Walter and Barbara Williams (left) of Niceville, Florida, were hosts.

The Williams family is a career military family who started out at Eglin Air Force Base 33 years ago and has lived all over the world. They returned in 1991 with three daughters and have called Niceville home ever since. Many of their family had never been to Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Barbara reported that Sherry Rushing and her staff at the Emerald Coast Visitors Center were very helpful with reunion planning. They were a wealth of information in planning and scheduling events. Holiday Inn sales staff assisted with events and plans and is not only kidfriendly but has something for every age group. Kids activities included a game room, two pools and free videos. An indoor patio area was nice for just sitting and visiting.

The reunion started with a meet and greet on the 9th floor with a gulf view. We served finger food and played a game. We passed a roll of toilet paper around the room and asked everyone to take as many pieces as they wanted. When everyone had paper they were told to tell something the family didn’t know about them for each sheet of paper they had. Barbara told how stressed she was from planning this reunion. Many told tales of old and new and shared things we really did not know about them.

The Visitors Center provided bags filled with local information and coupons. For prizes Barbara prepared buckets filled with goodies for the children to take to the beach. Teens received tote bags full of goodies. The adults who told the best

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stories received beach bags and beach hats. There was also a cake with a picture of Barbara and Walter Williams for their 33rd wedding anniversary. Many family members attended the wedding 33 years ago.

Saturday was a day of fishing from Okaloosa Island Pier, shopping at the outlets or Destin Commons, swimming at the hotel or in the Gulf of Mexico, or sightseeing. Many were in awe of the emerald green water and white sand on the beach.

The weather was marvelous the whole weekend, not a cloud was in the sky and they swam and swam.

Saturday night began with cocktails and pictures before the

Young folks taught the Cupid Shuffle.

banquet and dance. For a small fee, a local photographer provided a disk for each family member containing over 200 reunion photos.

The program began promptly at 6 PM. The theme was tropical, and the three Williams daughters presented each

Spiritual dance presentation at the Saturday program.

family member with leis as they entered the ballroom. The oldest, Angela, welcomed the family to the dinner dance.

Walter “Wil” was Master of Ceremonies and opened with a prayer. A representative from each family lit candles to remember those who had gone on to be with the Lord.

A door prize to the first person to register was a framed family picture and poem about family. It pays to be first and on time. Next a gift was given to the person who sent the most incomplete registration form, which was a small piece of paper with only t-shirt sizes on it with a money order, but she beat the deadline. Family roll call by the Williams’ youngest daughter, Andrea, asked a representative of each family to stand and introduce their table. Andrea read a letter from President George W. and First Lady Laura Bush wishing them a wonderful, happy family reunion.

During dinner a video was shown of the first time the families met in 1994 in Marion Junction, Alabama. It was moving and touching seeing many of the people who have died. Joe Williams, a retired greyhound bus driver, told stories he swore were true.

Derek Cox – who’s stationed at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma – presented a slide show of past family reunions with the music of Family Reunion by the O’Jays and We Are Family by Sister Sledge. So many pictures were of members who are gone or could not attend. Derek also designed the reunion t-shirts. He has so much talent, and he really puts his heart into all he does – even his Air Force career, his aunt reported.

Alicia Williams Cox and her daughter Alexis (age 9) presented a spiritual dance.

Prizes were given to every adult: Andrea McCrear traveled farthest (from Germany), and Mrs. Realia King Williams, Mobile, Alabama, was the oldest (82). Aunt Sara, 104, Tuskegee, Alabama, the oldest family member, couldn’t come so they sent her a t-shirt.

Aunt Dorothy Williams McCrear, Birmingham, Alabama, was the speaker and she spoke about how important family is. She didn’t speak long; she was to the point.

When the dance floor was open, the electric slide and cha cha slide were on.

The young folks taught how to do the cupid shuffle.

Sunday morning they met in the ballroom for church service. Uncle Joe and Uncle Johnny, both deacons in their church, opened with a scripture, prayer and song. Barbara Williams sang a solo and Wil, who pastored for 12 years, gave words of encouragement.

The 2009 Williams, Sanders, Johnson, Keith, and Kimbrough Family Reunion will be in Cleveland, Ohio.

Reported by Barbara Hollinger Williams, Niceville, Florida.

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MASTERPLAN This is the travel industry’s first and only consumer travel show that focuses on condominiums, villas and vacation homes for reunions. Vacation rentals are becoming an accommodation of choice for reunions.

Just read the stories in this issue and judge for yourself.

The Vacation Home Expo is a reunion planners unique opportunity to meet representatives from quality vacation rental resorts and companies …

THE COBB GALLERIA CENTRE from within an easy drive in the Southeast to exotic international destinations.

Atlanta, Georgia There will be SHOW ONLY deals and discounts you can APRIL 11-13, 2008 apply toward your next reunion or vacation, helpful $10 for adults; travel workshops, plus you can enter to win trip children under 18 free! giveaways and prizes. A Culinary Stage will offer delicious food samplings and wine tasting.

Vacation home rated perfect

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he Preston family (16 members) came together from California, Nevada, New York and Florida for a week-long stay in a seven-bedroom VillaDirect vacation home (www.villadirect.com) just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort.

Lots to enjoy about a hot tub and indoor swimming pool at VillaDirect vacation home.

Call 877-604-2867 info@vacationhomeexpo.com.

Guerins hit the beach

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ccording to reunion planner Michelle Guerin, the family has been hosting reunions for 30 years, and selected Diamond Head Beach Resort (www.diamondheadfl.com) because of its beachfront location on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel on southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. The family grew up in a small beach town in New York and those scattered across the US miss the beach. Diamond Head offered a scenic beach setting, and amenities and budget to meet the

Crystal Preston, Mastic, New York, said, “The house was absolutely fabulous! We walked in and couldn't believe our eyes. Beautifully furnished and equipped. We ate out a couple times but grilled just about everyday. The kids loved that we were close to Disney and the other theme parks but they were more interested in the screened-in pool out back. We’d go to parks and in a couple of hours they’d ask, ‘When are we going home?’ They saw the house as home. There were seven bedrooms, six bathrooms and amenities.

“My 64-year-old father (who is a pastor, by the way) couldn’t stay out of the game room playing pool with his 18year-old grandson. The Media Room was ‘off the hook’ as my kids would say.”

VillaDirect offers a seven-bedroom home with private pool, game room and home theater, for about $3,000 a week during peak summer season (less off-season). Even if guests could find enough hotel rooms for this many people the cost would be much more.

Beach buckets at the ready for fun at the Guerin Family Reunion.

family’s needs. They liked the adjoining lanais which overlook the Gulf of Mexico. They used three adjoining rooms and their lanais for a hospitality suite throughout the event, which gave the more than 100 who attended the four-day function a central place to meet.

Michelle said the Diamond Head staff made planning her reunion easy. They suggested a two-hour children’s event for one of the evening banquet functions so parents were free to enjoy themselves while hotel staff hosted the children in its activity room for games and arts and crafts projects. Both groups “had a ball,” according to Michelle.

One highlight was a gathering in the hospitality suite one evening during a thunderstorm over the Gulf; Michelle said it looked as if she had ordered a light display!

The Preston’s stayed just minutes from Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

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Calverts dive into WaterColor Inn and Resort big 15-pound shrimp boil atty Calvert, a well-traveled travel consultant from Tennessee, to celebrate seven chose the WaterColor Inn and Resort in northwest Florida as birthdays; WaterColor the location for her 30th family reunion and 50th wedding staff helped with the party anniversary. Patty was very familiar with many of Florida’s resorts, planning, grocery but felt WaterColor was ideal because it was easy to get to, shopping, serving and offered beautiful accommodations and was full of appeal for all clean-up. generations. Thirty-two family members and friends, ranging in WaterColor’s event age from six months to 92 attended the week-long reunion. coordinator helped plan a Patty and her husband Dennis rented three homes at party at nearby Santa Rosa WaterColor Resort. Friends and family enjoyed time at the Beach Club. She found a Beach Club’s family pool and adults-only pool. The group also bakery that could make a took full advantage of the resort’s complimentary bicycles, kayaks and canoes.

“Everyone had bikes and rode all over the property and between houses.

Families with little ones had carts on the back of their bikes so they could enjoy riding, too” says Patty. “The park and wetland areas were beautiful to ride through.”

They also enjoyed the resort’s excellent tennis center and nearby Camp Creek Golf Course while the kids had a great time at Camp WaterColor, the resort’s clubhouse just for kids.

Enjoying the reunion are (l to r) the Gilberts, Stephen, Baby Simon, Ray, Polly, Joanne Marshall Gilbert and Peter.

One evening there was a

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Patty and Dennis Calvert and their 50th anniversary sand castle cake.

sandcastle-shaped cake, and located a videographer for the 50th anniversary celebration/family talent show. Everyone in the family prepared a “talent” for the big show, plus tributes to Dennis and Patty.

Trish and Carl Ring prepared a slideshow starring “Boat Monkey,” their stuffed mascot who travels all over the world with them. The slideshow had Boat Monkey enjoying the reunion.

Robinsons land at New Smyrna Beach

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he New Smyrna Beach Visitors Center welcomed the Robinson Family Reunion of almost 70 members. The group appreciated time spent with one

another at the beach and by the pool at the condo. Lucille Robinson of Concord, Ohio, mother to 12 – four girls and eight boys – enjoyed the company of her 29

grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren! Their stay at the Win-San Club was ideal.

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MASTERPLAN

Our legacy continues I

by Mona L. Muhammad

n 1983 at a dinner following an uncle’s family members break out in song – funeral, my mother Clearetta, cousin karaoke style (and some of them can sing, Etta, cousin Helen and my grandmother, too). A fashion show complete with a Flora, talked about having a family wedding dress finale is put on by family reunion. Each was matriarch of her own members from their personal wardrobes family, but none knew exactly how to plan or designs. And we receive t-shirts. for a family reunion. Cousin Etta said it The principal joy comes at being able couldn’t be any harder than feeding all to commune with family we’ve not seen these folks … and it would be good to since the last reunion. To actually be come together under an umbrella of joy able to hug a special cousin or listen to a versus sorrow when someone dies. With smiling aunt tell you just how good you’re those words cousin Etta Mae Farley gave looking might be a fairytale, but we need The wedding of Xavier and Zenith Frazier was a highlight of the birth to and became founder of the all the encouragement we can get.

Fountain, Rainey-Douglas Family Reunion. Xavier is a direct Fountain, Rainey-Douglas Family Reunion.

Saturday is our main program. We descendant of James Fountain.

The first reunion was in Cherryville, distribute booklets which include North Carolina, in 1985. I remember wondering why in the family history, recent graduates, weddings, anniversaries and world my mother was so excited about seeing a bunch of folks deaths since the last reunion. We start the day with a one-hour she barely knew. I was younger then and I’m the first to say I meet and greet to help latecomers get in their hugs and kisses. didn’t have a clue where this was heading. About 75 showed up We try to keep the official agenda to one hour. Our program and the menu was a fish fry and usually consists of a welcome from pot luck dinner. My mother gave the reunion host or hostess, opening a speech about our history and prayer, a 10-minute talk on a cousin Etta encouraged us to get subject such as health issues or the up and mingle. I remember importance of education. We also watching with amazement all feature dramatic readings, solos, these people who somehow were comedians and an open microphone remotely connected to me. with two minute limits.

These folks were exhilarated by On Sunday there is usually a the very company of each other church service at the host or and it was contagious. It was the hostess’s home church, while others most superb infection I’ve ever encountered: the love of family. begin the journey back home refreshed by the spirit of I’ve since graduated to become secretary for the Fountain, communing with those of the same roots.

Rainey-Douglas reunion, my mother is president and our Our 2007 reunion was in Charlotte, North Carolina. The cousin Helen is our trusted treasurer. We three make the core turnout was awesome, over 250, some for the very first time. decisions, but bounce ideas off a few others to make sure we’re The location was beautiful, the weather cooperated and the on the right track. family looked delightful in their lilac t-shirts. There were door Family reunions have become a three-day event. At a meet and prizes for the youngest and oldest. We watched a video of key greet on Friday we enjoy music supplied by a disc jockey, and moments from previous reunions, and ended the day with a cross-country cha-cha slide (a line dance where everyone adds their own variation or flavor). Also, the food was great! The entertainment was, as my niece would say, “off the chain” and we had our first wedding performed at the family reunion. You can’t ask for better.

Cousin Etta Mae and grandmother Flora have passed away, and the entire family understands we forever owe them a debt of gratitude.

Our fore parents were proud people who pulled themselves up from slavery and laid the basis for continued growth, thus our theme was created: “Our Legacy Continues.” I personally feel connected in a remarkable way to those who came before me. I honor their memory by assisting the coming together of their descendants and each year I’m blessed to witness the Fountain, Rainey-Douglas Reunion, I The Fountain, Rainey-Douglas family whisper to them a quiet and heart-felt “Thank you.” looked delightful in their lilac t-shirts.

Reported by Mona L. Muhammad, Chicago, Illinois.

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“ ” These folks were exhilarated by the very company of each other and it was contagious. It was the most superb infection I ’ve ever encountered: the love of family.

Lilly Reunion off and running

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lat Top was alive and kicking as several hundred people gathered for dinner and live music to kick off the annual Lilly Reunion. Some came hundreds of miles, while others came down from the nearby hilltop. Lillys, distant cousins of Lillys, friends of Lillys and friends of distant cousins of Lillys attended the reunion by the thousands, just as they have since the first reunion in 1930.

“As far as we know, it is the largest family reunion in the United States,” said Darrell Lilly, president of the Lilly Reunion Association.

It takes more than 70 volunteers, working almost year-round, to plan and organize the event. Loretta Lilly worked with a crew of volunteers in the pavilion kitchen, baking dinner rolls at 9 AM and had 500 of the filling treats ready by the time the first plate was served. “It is a lot of work, but as you can see, everybody really enjoys it,” she said.

John Lilly, whose uncle and father were instrumental in building up the reunion, explained the importance of the function. “Some people have lived here all their lives, and they have fond memories of the Lilly Reunion,” John Lilly said. “Years ago, there were only three big things for people to do: church, the State Fair and the Lilly Reunion.”

The Acord Family Bluegrass Band played during and after the meal, followed by the Cuz’n Night talent show, which featured young and old musical performers who sang country, gospel and bluegrass.

Saturday’s activities included a flag presentation by the Shady Spring Volunteer Fire Department, an opening prayer and a rendition of God Bless America.

Antique tractors were on display and participated in parades Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday’s schedule started with an opening ceremony, gospel performance and church service. Awards were presented in the afternoon to the youngest and oldest attendees, the person who traveled the farthest, the one who attended the most reunions and the couple who has been married longest.

This year’s new things included more activities for kids, a gladiator joust, toadjumping contest, rain forest obstacle course, giant slide, egg toss and an appearance by a clown. It’s so the kids have a good time and will want to come back.

The Lilly name goes back over 100 years and the reunions feature genealogy booths.

From stories by Andrea Meador and Bill Billeter in the Beckley Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia.

Keen reunion

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n announcement in the Salem Times Commoner in Salem, Illinois, told about the Keen Family Reunion for descendants of Ashford, John Sumptor, James and William Keen. A dinner was followed by an auction and the Fender Benders performing with games after the band.

There were lots of things they wanted participants to bring: Lawn chairs to sit on, a covered dish for dinner, cameras to take pictures, old family pictures/photos to share, family memorabilia to recall the old days, three new recipes to add to a cookbook so they can get it printed to sell, donated items for the auction and genealogy information (such as obituaries, birth notices, wedding notices, news articles, etc.). Contact Debora Ayers, Box 102, Wayne City IL 62895; 618-214-6305; or Carolyn Keen, RR 1, Keenes IL 62851; 618-895-2949.

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REUNION VENUES

Nashville: a reunion kind of town

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by Edith Wagner

workings through open doors and windows.

A major new exhibition, Family Tradition: The Hank Williams Legacy, will explore the connections between country music’s most iconic figure and his creative heirs. The Family Tradition story will take visitors on a voyage to the spiritual and emotional core of the Williams family.

Just around the corner from the immense and impressive Country Music Museum is the decidedly smaller and more intimate Musicians Hall of Fame (musicianshalloffame.com), devoted to the often anonymous backup singers and studio musicians who make recordings work.

The museum is the labor of love of Joe Chambers AMERICAN HISTORY who, if you can get him to tell you the stories, Anyone interested in American history will presents an intriguing look at aspects of music have a field day in the Nashville area. Visiting that many people never think about. Videotaped historic houses has many educational advantages interviews by musicians and their artifacts are for all ages. You’ll quickly come to appreciate the arranged according to the city in which they luxury of comforts we enjoy in our lives today. were working. This is a new facility and President Andrew Jackson (who preferred to be Chambers has many ideas for how it will grow. called General) left a rich legacy at The Hermitage Any evening you can enjoy live music, (thehermitage.com). This National Historic ranging from rock and roll and country to blues Landmark features the Hermitage mansion, tombs and jazz at venues such as Exit/In, Mercy of Andrew and Rachel Jackson and Rachel’s garLounge, Station Inn, Douglas Corner or the Dave McArdle amazingly re-enacts den. If you are really lucky, your guide might be Bluebird Café, all in downtown Nashville.

President Andrew Jackson at The General Jackson himself, with stories and answers Catch a star-studded performance of the world’s Hermitage. to queries that will entertain and fascinate. Dave longest running radio performance of Grand Ole McArdle of Old Hickory, Tennessee, reenacts the president so Opry (opry.com). This is a Mecca for true fans and, if you’re lucky well that everyone he encounters is astounded. like I was, you too might see Dolly Parton. The show is fast-moving, Nearby Travellers Rest, home of Memphis founder John toe-tapping entertainment.

Overton, is the oldest home tour (c. 1799) open to the public in NASHVILLE CLASSICS Nashville and depicts more than 1,000 years of Tennessee Nashville is called Music City, and you hear that so often you history. Also tour Belle Meade Plantation, “Queen of the start to think that’s its real name. It is a name Nashville comes by Tennessee Plantations,” an 1853 Greek Revival mansion and honestly because country may reign but the classics in Nashville farm that was home to English Derby winner Iroquois and are alive, well and ready to be enjoyed. The new and amazingly renowned as a thoroughbred stud farm (Seabiscuit, War innovative Schermerhorn Symphony Hall is awesome. There are Admiral and Smarty Jones all trace their lineage here). And 50-minute building tours, free of charge, by knowledgeable Belmont Mansion, built by Adelicia Acklen, one of America’s volunteer docents. For groups of 15 or more, call the wealthiest and one of Tennessee’s most colorful women of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center Tour Hotline, 615-687-6580.

19th century, is an 1850s home featuring original and period Visit nashvillesymphony.org. furnishings, art work and statues.

You’ll want to visit the Frist Center for the Visual Arts AMERICAN COUNTRY (www.fristcenter.org), one of the city’s new jewels. It is in a In the interest of fairness, you should know I am not a music recently remodeled Great Depression era post office building aficionado and when I visited Nashville I knew Country Music Hall of Fame only that Nashville is the center of country music. My introduction was very enlightening, and I respect country’s importance to American music. The premiere place of pilgrimage for all country fans is the Country Music Museum and Hall of Fame (countrymusichalloffame.com), a very interesting place where you can quickly learn about the subject in many fun ways. This museum encourages you to immerse yourself in history, glitz, glamour and a cacophony of sounds. A fascinating aspect of the museum is that, even though you cannot access them, you can see the archives and back-of-the-house ashville, Tennessee, is the destination of many country music fans’ pilgrimages, but it is so much more, offering lots for people with varied interests.

Nashville recently celebrated 200 years, and its music, attractions, food and festivals are more unique and alive than ever. This “Athens of the South” (home to the world’s only full-size replica of the Parthenon) is a diverse city widely renowned as the home of country music, but also embraces gritty blues, rock & roll, jazz and classical music. Scores of songwriters are no strangers to Nashville’s countless music venues.

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erected during an era of public works that resulted in such monumental buildings. Its new iteration incorporates all the special art deco features of its original. Tour the museum, then enjoy Friday Night Artini at the Frist with cocktails and live music in the opulent Art Deco main lobby. Kids can enjoy Art Quest’s great hands-on activities Friday evenings or any time.

AMERICAN WHISKEY

I am a great fan of “back of the house” tours, I love to see how things are made. So I was eager to tour the Jack Daniels Distillery (jackdaniels.com) in Lynchburg, Tennessee, which may not be everyone’s idea of a destination, but for many it is a must. It is home to the world famous charcoalmellowed whiskey since 1866. It is an hour and a half drive (without traffic congestion) through wonderfully scenic small towns and byways, over rolling hills, past whitefenced horse farms to a special hollow in a very small burg. The popular tours are free but unlike many industrial tours, there is no sampling in dry Moore County, Tennessee. The winding roads back to the city would require designated drivers for sure. But the drive and the tour should definitely find a place on reunion programs for members who are interested.

Start your Nashville reunion planning at www.visitmusiccity.com or call 800-657-6910.

plates and homemade potato chips, one of my personal favorites.

The Loveless Motel and Cafe (lovelesscafe.com) is a Nashville eating landmark. Locals gladly drive 15 miles southwest of downtown (8400 Highway 100) to this popular breakfast destination starring country ham with red-eyed gravy and made-from-scratch biscuits. For reservations for groups of 12 or more call 615-646-9700.

Visit Nashville Farmer’s Market (nashvillefarmersmarket.org), an indoor and outdoor public market featuring locally grown produce, ethnic food, restaurants, specialty items and live music ranging from bluegrass to jazz and country.

FOR THE KIDS

Visit the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, featuring land and aquatic animals and the nation’s largest community-built playground park. Also visit the Adventure Science Center, an interactive, educational children’s facility with a 40-foot Sudekum Planetarium and an “Adventure Tower” that features 2,800 square feet of hands-on learning.

Murphy family enjoys Nashville reunion.

Denise Murphy, Antioch, Tennessee, worked with the Nashville CVB and reported they The Civil Rights Oral History Collection is “had a ton of things for us, most of an ongoing project of interviews conducted it was free. The few things I by library staff and volunteers with people purchased cost very little and our who were involved in the Nashville and goodie bags were great; we had so national movement. For info or to contribute, many things in there. We had candy contact Andrea Blackman, 615-862-5804, made here in Nashville and other x6093; Andrea.Blackman@nashville.gov; food goodies, family t-shirts, library.nashville.org. updated family directories, an item AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY my aunt painted for each family Nashville’s rich African American culture includes churches, with the family name, dates and location and she wrapped each schools, historic sites and historically black colleges. Fisk, in a small decorative bag, plus maps, brochures, schedule and Tennessee State University (TSU) and Meherry Medical School things for the little kids to do. Everyone loved them but now I all call Nashville home. must come up with something different for the 2008 reunion.”

Jefferson Street was the center of all African American The CVB “was great. I gave them the dates, approximate activity and it is the goal of the Jefferson Street Redevelopnumber and price range for hotels. They emailed hotels to ment District’s cheerleader and director, Sharon Hurt, to contact me if they were in my price range and if they had anchor the rebirth of the area with the African American everything we needed. It worked out nicely. I also got letters Museum of Music, Arts and Culture to open in 2010. Hurt has from the Governor of Tennessee and the Mayor of Nashville high hopes of resurrecting the formerly vibrant neighborhood. welcoming the family.”

Lunch counter sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement are the focus of Nashville Public Library’s Civil Rights Room. I About the author imagine a very interesting reunion activity of members of the Edith Wagner is editor of Reunions magazine.

Civil Rights generation visiting the Civil Rights Room with a group of younger members to spark discussions and history The Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) telling. The intimate setting in the round, surrounded by black offers Total Access ($45), a discounted multi-attraction and white photos of the time, tell the story while nearby black ticket to your choice of four of 14 Nashville attractions and white television images will enhance the appeal for plus free admission to The Parthenon in Centennial Park. younger members.

Laurel Bennett (laurel@visitmusiccity.com), the reunion contact at the Nashville CVB, suggests it’s often better for A COUPLE FOOD SUGGESTIONS reunions to look at group rates for attractions.

Barbecue reigns in Nashville, and you’ll want to lunch at Swett’s or Jack’s Bar-B-Que. Trendy Ombi has a great variety of small F EB R UARY/MARCH 2008 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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MUSIC

music

REUNION

Choir reunion oys, now men in their 40s and 50s, who sang in the Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda (1968-72) or Shaarei Shomayim (1972-92) synagogue choirs, held a reunion to honor their director Cantor Harold Klein for his contributions to their personal growth and development.

One of the organizers said, “We want to reach as many former choir members as possible to thank Cantor Klein for his dedication to each of his choir boys.” This sentiment was expressed by the many men who wanted to publicly thank Klein. One gentleman, who sang with the cantor for 18 years, said the chazzan had a magical aura about him that attracted kids like the Pied Piper. When told of a reunion, Klein, who had a stroke four years ago, was eager to see what his boys made of themselves. Visit www.prozad.com/kleinchoirreunion/index.php.

From a story by Cynthia Gasner in the Canadian Jewish News, North York, Ontario, Canada.

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any reunions have a disk jockey (either hired or member of the group) provide music for a dance or sometimes as background during a meet and greet or reception.

Here Jones-Williams-Scott-Quinn Family Reunion members talk with the DJ about his music selections.

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The music lives on axahachie, Texas, alumnus Bill Estes talked for years about getting together for a jam session with some of the musicians he went to school with. But before jam sessions could be organized, Estes got cancer and passed away.

At his funeral, the other musicians discussed Bill’s idea.

They opened the jam to the public after deciding not to get together and just play for themselves. The Optimist Building– where they used to play and where dances were held – was available and the annual jam began.

The annual WaxaJam gives everyone the chance to reminisce, keep up the music and stay in touch, and keeps getting bigger every year. The event has brought old friendships back to life.

For information call Jean Taylor at 214-680-1591.

From a story by Jonathan Blundell in the Waxahachie Daily Light, Waxahachie, Texas.

W ranch/Outlaw Family Reunion had three genres of musical entertainment for its Spring has Sprung fundraiser at Easter.

They had gospel (Gospel Messenger), jazz and a DJ with danceable music. Kel Isler of Empire Gospel Jazz Ensemble is a 17-year-old who not only excels academically as a senior at Kinston (North Carolina) High School, but is also the protégé of his musical father, Tony Isler.

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Thunderbirds relive their rock and roll glory orty years ago, the Thunderbirds spent two years roaming the farmlands of Iowa, delighting Midwestern youths who crowded into barns, ballrooms and high school gymnasiums to see them play. Then came the Vietnam War and draft orders silenced their music.

In November 2004, while clearing some clutter in his home, one member came across an old Thunderbirds record. Just for fun, he looked up the band on the internet and discovered a copy of the record had just sold on eBay for $750.

Carl Adams tracked down his former bandmates. Music had been replaced by families. But in the interim, collectors clamored for copies of the Thunderbirds’ lone recording. Hey

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Little Girl, the single from the record, made its way onto playlists around the world. Some collectors had recently voted the record among the best and most collectible 45s of the 1960s.

Three of five band members reunited recently in Iowa. They bought vintage equipment, a new trailer and hired a new drummer and second guitarist. They played as part of a ceremony that enshrined the Thunderbirds in the Iowa Rock and Roll Association Hall of Fame. The reunited Thunderbirds recorded a CD and have begun playing in their old haunts.

From a story by Chad Schuster in the Bainbridge Island Review, Bainbridge, Washington.

dd to your reunion music collection with a copy of The Malone Family Choir: A Family Reunion, an original gospel CD opening with a song you’ll want to play to say Welcome to Our Family Reunion!

Available at www.reunionsmag.com, click on subscribe and shop and scroll down; $15 + shipping.

Photo by Edith Wagner

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Hear a bit of this song online.

Go to www.reunionsmag.com, click on podcasts and then on either goodie bags, Reunion places or who?

Strike up the band! embers of any of Englewood (Colorado) High School (EHS) Marching Band from the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s were invited to “the first, last, and only Pirate band reunion,” a threeday affair.

Longtime band director Dr. J.L. Gerardi planned the reunion. There was a golf tournament, cocktail party, and alumni visited the high school to see changes and rehearse some of the band’s old music. Alumni played at the Englewood Civic Center Amphitheater, then enjoyed a tour of Invesco Field at Mile High, followed by a banquet in the Club Level Room.

YourHub.com – Denver, Colorado.

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moja Dono, Unity Talking Drum, a group of djembe percussionists, provided a joyous welcome to the Banks Hill Outlaw Family Reunion in Washington DC. Umoja means unity and Dono means talking drum. The group is part Washington’s Unity Fellowship Church music ministry, (l to r) Elbert Barnes, Marti Miller, Denise Peearson-Fields and Amari Pearson-Fields.

They also performed a Libation ritual, which begins after asking permission to proceed from the eldest person. The tradition is to pour libation in remembrance of ancestors on all special occasions. Water holds the essence of life and is placed in a communal cup and poured in the direction of the four winds: north, south, east, and west.

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LIBATION (TAMBIKO) STATEMENT:

For The Motherland cradle of civilization.

For the ancestors and their indomitable spirit (Invite family members to speak the names of their ancestors and heroes of the African Diaspora ) For the elders from whom we can learn much.

For our youth who represent the promise for tomorrow.

For our people the original people.

For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.

Contact Umoja Dono, PO Box 15777, Washington DC 20003; 202-716-3339; nm_miller@comcast.net.

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MUSIC

REUNION

music Photo by Edith Wagner

CONTINUED

Dubbing music to reunion videos e’ve received wonderful videos and DVDs from reunions that demonstrate excellent editing of both images and audio. However, the use of copyrighted music raises the question about what is legal to use with or without permission.

We turned to Samantha Butterworth at rootstelevision.com (Roots TV) for answers about the use of music for videos or DVDs. She says Roots TV is very careful about licensing rights for music, especially with the rash of lawsuits against sites such as YouTube, etc. She suggests that if you have software such as Adobe Premier or Final Cut, it isn’t difficult to dub new music over the existing video.

There is a fair amount of public domain music out there, from Sousa marches, old waltzes, ragtime, etc. Sites such as www.archive.org let you download and use many of their open source files for free. You can also Google “royalty-free music” to find several sites that offer royalty-free music for a small fee.

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f your reunion takes you to the YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch or anywhere nearby in Colorado, you may want to think about engaging Washboard Annie, a local entertainer who can regale your group with your choice of musical genres. To increase participation she brings an impressive collection of percussion instruments and encourages dancing. But far more important, Annie is a great storyteller about an adventurous life in the West and she comes with her faithful and talented sidekick, Dingo Dog. Contact Annie Oium, PO Box 1984, Granby CO 80446; 970-531-8509; datbarn4fun@yahoo.com.

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ampfires are for roasting marshmallows, spinning yarns and singing campfire songs. Here the Goetze Family reunion enjoys firesongs at Laurel Mill Lodge in Los Gatos, California.

From Arlene Goetze, Sunnyvale, California.

Sing-A-Long is held at the USS Eugene A. Greene Reunion during cocktail hour before the official banquet and helps to “break the ice.”

Singers (l to r) Mike Rivera, Mike Vaughn, Carol Sullivan, Mardy Sinclair, Ann Bonsey.

Bob Clark is on piano.

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A CAUTIONARY NOTE:

When reunion organizer Bob Clark asked the reunion hotel to provide a house piano, it was hard to believe that they did not have a piano or digital piano onsite. Clark was referred to a rental agency but discovered a rental piano for the hour and half cost $400. Reunion members from California brought a digital piano in their camper. Clark says it worked for the evening despite the missing 22 keys.

Choir holds reunion he Mountain Anthems, an a cappella choir ministry of Mountain View Mennonite Church, had a special reunion that featured a recording session with current and former members.

Menno Beachy, 79, who directed for the mass choir recording, directed the choir for decades. Except for a break

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Enid Legionettes hold reunions nid (Oklahoma) Legionettes Drum and Bugle Corps were an all-girl, 75- to 100-member group of Enid High School students. They wore dark blue military-style tunics, dark blue military-style caps and very modest knee-length pleated gold and dark blue skirts. This was not your run-of-the-mill drum and bugle corps. This was a spit-and-polish outfit. They had rules – strict rules.

The corps was formed by the American Legion in 1937 to give underprivileged teenage girls a chance to learn music. It blossomed into an elite marching and playing unit until about 1970 when it was disbanded.

The Legionettes did not accept just anyone. Girls had to apply. It was an honor to be a member of the Legionettes. They had to know music or be willing to learn, be able to march and maintain high moral standards. During the school year they practiced several hours every Saturday and in summer they practiced and toured the US, winning honors in competition.

All-girl drum and bugle corps were uncommon, so they attracted a lot of attention wherever they went. They were probably Enid’s best ambassadors – ever.

The Legionettes held a reunion in Enid last summer at the same time as six Enid High School classes and the 114th anniversary of the race for land in the Cherokee Outlet.

From the Enid News & Eagle, Enid, Oklahoma.

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for lunch, the mass choir recorded 19 selections from 9 AM to just after 5 PM. They have produced 20 recordings over the decades.

On Sunday, alumni were invited to sing with current members in four groups spanning four decades.

From a story by Pete Macint in Newszap, Maryland.

The Lads 60s band plays at class reunion esidents of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, in the 1960s recall the music of The Lads, who performed locally from 1966 to 1968. Band members lived in the same part of town, were the same age and organized after one got an electric guitar.

They had supportive parents who allowed the band to rehearse in their homes, sold tickets at the door and frequently drove the group to gigs. Despite their success, however, as they got drivers licenses and girlfriends, they lost interest in the band.

Several members of The Lads reunited during a recent class reunion. With just a few hours of rehearsal, the group – using ’60s-era equipment – sounded as good as ever. Two of their signature songs, Louie, Louie and Gloria, were included in the music lineup.

The reunion performance featured, on drums, the son of one of the members. Members’ kids and grandkids attended and “couldn’t believe” what grandpa was doing.

From a story by Nancy Busiahn in the Cannon Falls Beacon, Cannon Falls, Minnesota.

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The art of the loving invitation

or how to get busy family members to come to a family reunion

by Leslie Lindeman

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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 WHEN YOU’VE FINISHED USING THIS MAGAZINE, PLEASE RECYCLE IT. 42

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f you’re organizing a family reunion for 150 relatives, you can’t worry about a few of them not showing up. But if your family is smaller, a dozen or so, the absence of even one member leaves a gaping hole in the team picture.

If you’re planning for just a handful of families, anything less than 100 percent attendance means your get-together won’t rise to the level of “reunion.”

The author’s 2007 Lindeman Family Reunion in Palm Beach, Florida.

Rather, it will be remembered for who wasn’t there. want to be in on the deliberations.

So how do you get all these people – Presenting them with a fait-accompli – your siblings, parents, nieces and nephews here’s where we’re going, here are the – to the same place at the same time? dates – is likely to be met with reluctance, They can’t take time off from work. They perhaps even ire, even if your intentions can’t afford it. Their kids are scheduled to are purely good. If you try to begin the the hilt. The skiers don’t want to go to the conversation from a neutral standpoint, if beach. The surfers don’t want to go to the your agenda is fixed (although hidden), mountains. Persuading them seems like a you’re in for trouble. They may do dumb daunting task, and it might be. things from time to time, but your relaIf your family is reasonably intact and tives are not dummies, and they can tell you still have sentiments for one another, where you’re coming from. then you have an ace in the hole … a 3 Offer a menu. card you can use to build a winning hand.

A menu means choice and Americans Beneath our worries, concerns, excuses love choice. As the coordinator of the and considerations, we all really do want conversation, you’ll have to keep the to get together. We want to share meals, process of elimination moving along so enjoy each other’s children, hear the old things don’t disintegrate into a neverstories, look into each other’s eyes, go to ending discussion. It may seem like the sleep under the same roof and remember menu approach will be a longer, more why we love each other so much. If that’s frustrating route, but the seemingly more where you want to end up, then, this is direct “one offer, take it or leave it” road where you must begin. too often heads off a cliff.

These nine tips will – we hope! – keep 4 Consider – Ask – Listen wind in your sails as you make the journey.

This approach works best for small 1 No matter how much they protest, reunions. whine and complain, they really do want The important thing as you kick off to get together. the conversation is to let each family 2 Let go of your expectations. member know you’ve thought about You may encounter a family member them. You’ve considered their likes and who is utterly compliant, completely gratedislikes because you care about them ful you’re taking the organizational lead and you want them to feel wanted, to be and just wants to know when and where to excited about showing up and to have a show up and how big a check to write. good time. When people feel considered, What’s more likely, however, is that the pull is almost irresistible. family members will not be jumping to But you’re not clairvoyant and though attend your reunion. They may not want you know these people well, misunderto actively plan the event, but they will

standings happen. To be sure you are thinking accurately about what they’d like in a family reunion, ask them. For instance, if Barb and Ron are the mountain biking family, let them know that one of the campgrounds you talked to rents bikes and has great trails. The lake has a sandy beach, important because their daughter Ashley loves to swim. But a lot of the food will probably be grilled.

Is Jill the teenager still eating vegetarian, or would she enjoy grilled salmon?

What else would you guys like in a campground?

The next step is to listen. Your initiative will create interest, probably enthusiasm, and also, excuses. A better word for excuses is, “considerations.” It’s human nature to resist leaping up, screaming “Hallelujah! Here’s my money! Count me in!” The sales process – and don’t delude yourself, the role of reunion coordinator is a sales position – is uncomfortable at times for most people. Move forward deliberately so people don’t feel pushed, and do significantly more listening than talking.

By listening you’ll discover the ingredients that are missing for each family member.

5 Let them handle their own considerations.

Don’t abandon them with their misgivings. Let them know you’ll work to alleviate their concerns. But know too that when people are in touch with something they want – and hopefully you’ve stoked their desire – they are usually able to remove whatever obstacles are in their way. Therefore, don’t be surprised to hear statements like, “It’s a little bit more than we were thinking of spending, but I think we can find a way to make it work.”

6 Start early and go easy on the “pressure throttle.”

Yes, the process can be like herding cats and it may take months, perhaps a year, depending on how many nuclear families you’re working with and how complicated the logistics. Where children are involved, know that summer schedules tend to firm up in February. In-laws, families, dream trips, sports and other extra-curricular pursuits, all compete for precious holiday break time, so get going with your conversation far in advance.

You can keep the pressure light by making preliminary agreements well in advance. Ask everyone to agree on a deadline of Martin Luther King Day to decide which summer week will be set aside for the reunion. Then set a deadline of St. Patrick’s Day for an agreement

(with deposits) on whether you’ll go to the lake house or the mountain lodge.

7 Be relentless.

If you are relentless, yet kind, eventually, your persistence will be seen for what it is – hard work born of a true spirit. People know that it’s tough to be the one making the next phone call, and the next, and the next, in pursuit of getting everyone together. If you’re willing to do it relentlessly for no reason other than the good of all, it will dawn on them that you’re not going to stop and that what they really want, in their own heart of hearts, is to find a way to join you.

8 I am so very, very sorry.

Coordinating a family reunion is not easy and from a very legitimate point of view, it should be. In a slightly better world, we would all grow up in big houses with wraparound porches in safe, tree-covered neighborhoods full of kids and nearby parks to which everyone would ride their bicycles and the streets would be full of happy dogs and people who know each other’s names. And we would return to these homes for decades for family get-togethers several times a year and the back doors would be open and the coffee would be on the stove and you’d never know which happy relative would walk in next.

But that’s not the world we live in.

It’s a struggle to create reunions that work, just as it is to lose weight, stop smoking, manage a career you love, maintain a healthy marriage and raise strong, smart, happy kids. Good things take work.

9 It’s worth it.

Paraphrasing one popular poet, “Nothing feels better than blood on blood.”

Phone calls, e-mails, IMs, videoconferencing – these are the modern tools we use to get us through our modern absences.

But sooner or later there is no substitute for standing close enough to feel a child’s breath, hear familiar voices in the next room, see young children climbing into old laps. In these moments, anticipated and planned for and especially the ones that fall wordlessly from heaven, we rediscover the beauty of one another and the love that has sustained us from the beginning.

About the author Leslie Lindeman is an advertisingmarketing-public relations writer who has helped organize many family reunions. He has two children and lives in Pasadena, California.

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Banks Hill Outlaw 2007 program

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ostcard Pettit p

back.

Austin Walker Pettit at Clear Creek, Texas Pettit postcard front.

Curtis Butler 2007 flier.

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e really liked the use of letters in the Govier Family Reunion letterhead.

Reunion organizer Gordon Govier reported that the letters are a feature of the photo website Flickr. He tried it out and when it came time to send out the news release, he just used a screen shot to save it as a graphic element that he plugged into the release. Essentially the program finds

these letters in photos that people have uploaded to Flickr.

The website metaatem.net/words/ gives you a code you insert into a website to make a title. To make a graphic file you need graphic editing software, such as Adobe Elements, to capture the image and then edit it. It’s not only cute, but it’s fun to play with, according to Govier. We agree!

Save the date uniquely

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List Your Reunion free!

Email (reunions@execpc.com) Contact name, address, phone, reunion name, date, and place.

Check us out at www.reunionsmag.com WHEN YOU’VE FINISHED USING THIS MAGAZINE, PLEASE RECYCLE IT. 46

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y family has had over 15 reunions and we are always looking for ways to improve our gathering. Early notification is a major ingredient for a good turnout.

I have found that business card-size magnets announcing the reunion date, fee and contact info (name, phone and email) along with the first flyer ensures that the vital info stays in sight on the refrigerator door. All future flyers and newsletters can be held up by the magnet. It also makes a good reunion souvenir.

Magnets are so easy to make: I bought packets online of 100 adhesive magnets for $5.95 (www.HouseofMagnets.com). I then created a simple reunion announcement. I opened a business card template

in my MS Word application and cut and pasted the announcement on the sheet.

I printed out the sheets, cut them out and put them on the magnets. A one-sheet flyer was enclosed with the magnet, and the weight was less than one ounce to mail out!

From Crystal Pickett, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Getting people to RSVP

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t is notoriously difficult to get an accurate head count for events. Here are some tips to make RSVPs roll in!

• Reward guests who RSVP. Give the first RSVPs a prize or have a special gift at check-in for people who RSVPed.

• Give people more than one chance to RSVP. Send a “save the date” card that encourages early RSVPs, an invitation with RSVP information and a final “don’t miss” event card right before the deadline.

MILITARY REUNION NEWS E

Magnificent 4th Marine reunion

by Colin D. Heaton and Anne-Marie Lewis

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he 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment – nicknamed “the Magnificent Bastards” – held its 19th annual reunion in North Charleston, South Carolina. Membership in the Association is open to present or past members of the Regiment and its attached units, wives, widows/widowers, sons, daughters and parents. Honorary members are occasionally added.

Many of the men, now older and not as flexible as in their youth, still smiled broadly as they embraced others with whom they shared so much in Vietnam.

Despite varying degrees of health and regardless of previous ranks held, officers and enlisted men made the most of their time together, sharing memories. They are a family, a true Band of Brothers.

The reunion included a trip to Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, where the “old timers” viewed a graduating class of new Marines. They also visited the Drill Instructor School, where Commanding General, Brigadier General Lefebvre, USMC, gave a presentation about the new Marine Corps, recruit training and current activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. Drill instructor training was followed by a visit to the Post Exchange.

They enjoyed a typical Marine Corps meal at the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion dining facility. At a memorial service in the base chapel, a roll of honor was called, remembering those who died for their country. Echoes of the Marine Hymn, sung in remembrance, was followed by the list of fallen friends and comrades. Men called the names of those who passed away, gone but never forgotten.

Presentations by Brigadier General William Weise USMC (retired) and Major General James E. Livingston, USMC (Retired), included the artist’s design of the new 2/4 Memorial, honoring the unit’s history, those who served and those who gave their lives in conflict. The design features carved renditions of uniformed Marines from every conflict in which the unit was engaged since World War I. The 2/4 Memorial also honors US Navy Hospital Corpsmen who risked their lives saving Marines, and Navy chaplains who risked their lives accompanying Marines, providing comfort and last rites.

They also addressed issues about the Veterans Administration and health care.

President Jack Petrowsky, Brigadier General William Weise, USMC (Retired), Major General James E. Livingston, USMC (Retired), Brigadier General Lefebvre, USMC, with presentation signed by all living Medal of Honor recipients.

Open forum discussions and group input assisted many in gathering information about their rights and benefits.

At a formal banquet Saturday evening, the Marine Corps jazz band entertained.

Auctions and raffles were held to raise funds for the 2/4 memorial. Current Marine drill instructors Sergeant McDade, USMC, Captain Brock, USMC, and Gunnery Sergeant Goodnight, were honored by 2/4. McDade received the Navy Cross for conspicuous gallantry in Iraq in 2004, saving the lives of fellow Marines during the fighting in Fallujah.

Also honored were three former US Army soldiers who supported 2/4 during the greatest battle in their history.

Former Warrant Officer Ken Johnson was a UH-1 helicopter pilot who flew through enemy and friendly fire without orders to save Marines. Helicopter crew chief Sam Davis and door gunner Wally Nunn also were honored. The reunion also honored wives who served, supported and continue to support their Marine husbands and 2/4.

The veterans remembered their history, their fallen friends, and those who had passed recently. They know the legacy they leave will be carried on by Marines in the current war on terror. 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines set the standard

for loyalty to the nation. They also set the standard to which all service members should aspire, and carved a legendary place in history.

Donations for the unit memorial and general inquiries may be made to James E. “Doc” Swann, 620 Admiral Dr, Apt. 341, Annapolis MD 21401; Smithandjones1@aol.com. Or visit www.2ndbn4thmarines.com.

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E MILITARY REUNION NEWS

USS Eugene A. Greene lands in DC

After dedication of the USS Eugene A. Greene Commemorative Plaque at the United States Navy Memorial, a wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at the Lone Sailor Statue.

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inety-seven crewmembers and guests celebrated their time on board USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR711) in Washington, DC. Hosts were Glenn and Laverne Herman with Jack and Linda Plasterer.

The Crowne Plaza provided a large hospitality registration room, where old friendships were renewed and everyone enjoyed snacks crewmembers brought from their areas of the country. Bob Clark, Ship’s Historian, provided memorabilia, including old Navy pictures and cruise books.

On Thursday a “Welcome To

Washington” tour featured a stop at the Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam Memorials.

After dedication of the USS Eugene A. Greene Commemorative Plaque at the United States Navy Memorial, a wreathlaying ceremony was conducted at the Lone Sailor Statue. Lunch was at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center. Highlights of Friday night’s tour were the World War II Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

The ship’s business meeting early Saturday included the decision to raise dues from $15 to $20, produce a Greene

Complimentary Military Reunion Planners tour

Traveling Wall at reunion

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egister now for the 2nd annual Military Reunion Planners Familiarization Tour (FAM) of Newport News, Virginia, March 14-16, 2008.

Tour includes an overview of the area military history and city’s history, amenities, services and attractions to enhance any military reunion.

Complimentary accommodations at the Newport News Marriott at City Center Hotel and Conference Center, Newport News coupon book and 120-page Group Planner and Resource Guide.

Contact Cheryl Morales, 888-4937386; cmorales@nngov.com.

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raveling Wall, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, visited the eighth annual Northeast USA Vietnam Veterans Association’s reunion.

The names of 58,249 US troops killed or missing in Vietnam are inscribed on panels on the V-shaped Traveling Wall monument, which is about half the size of “The Healing Wall” in Washington.

Gold Star mothers and fathers, brothers, sisters, spouses and friends of the 17 soldiers, Marines and Air Force personnel from Greene County, New York, killed in the war were guests of honor during a ceremony commemorating those killed.

An objective of the reunion is to provide a weekend for old friends to come together and for new friends to meet. Veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were also saluted during the

Association patch, and make a donation to Tin Can Sailors.

Admiral T. Joseph Lopez, USN (Retired), was guest speaker at the reunion banquet. He spoke about his early tour and his tour as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense.

The old adage held true: “Friends come and go, but shipmates are forever.”

The next USS Eugene A. Greene reunion will be in San Antonio, Texas on September 16-19, 2009.

Reported by Robert J. Clark, Louisville, Kentucky.

ceremony and welcomed to camp with the Vietnam veterans.

Association secretary John Kellegher urged veterans to bring families, friends, tents, campers, vans, or just sleeping bags. Motels and other lodging were also available. Association and other volunteers served hamburgers and hot dogs throughout the weekend. Free pastry for breakfast and coffee roundthe-clock were offered. A band and other music were performed around a nightly bonfire.

Donations helped to defray expenses.

The reunion is mainly funded by gifts and donations from private individuals, veteran organizations, civic groups, local businesses, and proceeds from the sale of t-shirts, mugs and other items. Visit www.nevietvets.us.

From a report by Terry Brown in the Albany Times Union, Albany, New York.

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES

Welcome to Reunion Resources!

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

Many resources include e-mail and web page addresses.

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

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

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

DESTINATIONS & LOCATIONS CARIBBEAN ISLANDS VILLA FLOR DE CABRERA Cabrera, Dominican Republic.

Relax in lavish style in our ultra-luxury beachfront vacation villa destination. Ten (10) generous bedroom suites, beachfront, tennis court, pool and fully staffed incl. gourmet chef. Only 7 miles from the Playa Grande Golf Course and several other local beaches. 90 min. from Puerto Plata. ph: +1.809.589.7065 web: www.flordecabrera.com or rentals@northcoastmanagement.com GOLDEN DOLPHIN VILLA Cabrera, Dominican Republic. Enjoy a magnificent private estate and luxury vacation villa for all your vacation needs. Nine (9) gorgeous bedroom suites, ocean views, tennis court, pool, stables, full staff. Only 7 miles from the Playa Grande Golf Course and several other local beaches. 90 min. from Puerto Plata. ph: +1.809.589.7065 www.goldendolphinvilla.com or rentals@northcoastmanagement.com VILLA CASTELLAMONTE Cabrera, Dominican Republic. Enjoy an eight (8) bedroom private luxury vacation villa for an exceptional and unique vacation experience in the Caribbean. This is a perfect reunion destination with spacious bedroom suites, individually designed interiors, semi-private beach, massive private pool, game/media room, wine cellar and a fully dedicated staff.

Only 7 miles from the Playa Grande Golf Course and several other local beaches. 90 min. from the Puerto Plata airport. ph: +1.809.

589.7065 web: www.villa-castellamonte.com or rentals@north coastmanagement.com

U.S. DESTINATIONS NATIONAL At today’s HOWARD JOHNSON®, you will find just what you need for your reunion. Starting with our Best Rate Guarantee, complimentary high-speed Internet, newspaper, Rise & Dine® Breakfast and TripRewards points, you always get the comfort you expect at a rate that’s always thoughtfully priced. So are you ready to go HoJo? We thought so! Too book a reservation visit HOJO.com or call 1.800.I.GO.HOJO®.

ALABAMA THE MOBILE BAY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU Located on the beautiful Alabama coast, Mobile is the ideal location for your family or military reunion. Our historic downtown offers a superb selection of attractions and restaurants within easy walking distance of several affordable hotels. The nearby USS ALABAMA Battleship Park is perfect for a military reunion ceremony with memorials honoring World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans. Call 800-566-2453 x 4 or visit www.mobilebay .org to obtain your free 2008 Reunion Planner. We host many reunions and will be honored to host your event.

ARIZONA ARIZONA FAMILY REUNIONS Gather your loved ones for a weekend catch-up, relaxing vacation or one grand celebration.

Use our guide to help you plan a family reunion in Arizona. www.arizonafamilyreunions.com Best Western DOBSON RANCH INN 1666 S Dobson Road, Mesa AZ 85202. Central location, complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, full service catering, ample indoor/outdoor function space and consistent affordability make the Dobson Ranch Inn an ideal hotel for reunions. Our 213 guest rooms are situated on 10 acres of beautifully landscaped courtyards. Hotel amenities include large heated pool, two spas, exercise room, free high-speed Internet access and Dale Andersons “The Other Place” restaurant.

800 528-1356; 480 831-7000; mmccaffrey@dobsonranchinn .com; www.DobsonRanchInn.com.

MESA ARIZONA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 120 North Center, Mesa AZ 85201. (800) 283-6372. Minutes from Phoenix and Scottsdale, miles from ordinary... Enjoy first class hotels, dinner theaters, desert jeep tours, golf, & more! The Mesa CVB has experience in planning great reunions and is here to assist you with finding a hotel that meets YOUR needs! Call today for your free destination-planning guide! janet@VisitMesa.com; www.visitmesa.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! TEMPE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Affordable, easy to get to and with an array of attractive amenities. Tempe is the ideal destination for more successful meetings. With amazing indoor and outdoor meeting places, a progressive urban atmosphere, eclectic downtown Mill Avenue District and endless outdoor activity – all just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – Tempe is engaging, enlightening and able to suit almost any group. Toll free 866-914-0685; www.MeetinTempe.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

ARKANSAS BEL’ARCO RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER over looking Bull Shoals Lake, # 2 Crestline Road. 25 Acres, 53 hotel rooms, some with kitchens, two condos, restaurant, 8000 sq ft meeting space (6 break out rooms), pool, game room, marina next door, 3 golf courses within 20 mile, White River Trout fishing.

Catering to corp. meetings, church retreats, family reunions. www.belarco.com. 1-866-235-2726.

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! ONTARIO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 2000 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764; (909) 937-3000. In the center of Southern California positioned between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, Ontario has over 30 brand name hotels and 2,500 rooms within walking distance of the convention center.

LA/Ontario International Airport offers more than 250 daily flights on most major airlines. Under an hour from Ontario are mountain ski resorts, fresh-water fishing lakes, Pacific beaches, wineries, day spas, desert cities, world-class golfing, Disneyland and Hollywood; truly making Ontario the center of it all! www.ontariocc.com; info@ontariocvb.com.

HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE 4875 N Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92106; 619-224-3621; 800-650-6660; fax 619224-1787. Host your reunion at the beautiful Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside across from San Diego Bay. Our experienced staff will assist you in creating a very special event. Complimentary hosp suite and special reunion rates. Beautiful guest rooms, heated pool, spa, shuffleboard, ping-pong and billiards, exercise room, family restaurant and cocktail lounge, free pkg, in-room movies, coffee makers, refrigerators, hair dryers. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! dos@holinnbayside.com; www.holinnbayside.com.

ALISAL GUEST RANCH & RESORT Is a 10,000 acre fullservice resort and working cattle ranch located just outside the Danish village of Solvang, approximately two hours north of Los Angeles & 40 minutes north of Santa Barbara. 73 cottages with woodburning fireplace, two 18-hole golf courses, seven tennis courts, private lake for fishing and boating, horseback riding on over 50-miles of trails, swimming pool, petting zoo, extensive children’s activities and meeting facilities for up to 150 people.

1054 Alisal Road, Solvang CA 93463. 805-688-6411; fax 805688-2510; reservations@alisal.com; www.alisal.com.

ARKANSAS With great facilities and activities for all, Arkansas is a natural for your next reunion. Hold yours on a houseboat, at a scenic resort, in a peaceful state park, in a music show theatre, or scores of other places. Enjoy shopping, dining, galleries, antiquing, shows, water fun, quaint villages, relaxing spas and more. Send for your free Group Tour and Meeting Planners Directory. Call 800872-1259. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! www.arkansasgrouptravel .com.

NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE™ RESORT offers a great place to sleep, eat, play and relax in a beautiful mountain setting with a wide variety of accommodations and activities such as golf, swimming and tennis in the summer and snow sports activities in the winter. It’s no wonder Northstar was voted as a top 10 reunion destination by Family Travel Forum. A personal event planner is provided to help plan your unforgettable reunion.

Highway 267 & Northstar Dr., Truckee, CA 96160, 800-9265096, northstar@boothcreek.com, www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

CALIFORNIA FAMILY REUNIONS Gather your loved ones for a weekend catch-up, relaxing vacation or one big celebration.

Use our guide to help you plan a family reunion in California. www.californiafamilyreunions.com

BED & BREAKFAST EASTHOLME IN THE ROCKIES BED & BREAKFAST 4445 Hagerman Avenue, Cascade CO 80809. Elegant 1885 Victorian Inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located just minutes from Colorado Springs at the foothill of Pikes Peak.

Lodging accommodations for 26 people. Reunion packages include lodging and full gourmet breakfast. Meal plans for lunch & dinner available. Abundance of local attractions, restaurants & activities for the family. Perfect Colorado destination getaway.

800-672-9901; info@eastholme.com; www.eastholme.com.

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.visit buenapark.com.

ANAHEIM MARRIOTT SUITES 12015 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840. A luxurious, all-suites hotel located 5 minutes from Disneyland and Angel’s stadium. Double suites sleep six.

Starbucks in the lobby. Full-service restaurant with breakfast buffet and made-to-order omelets. (714) 750-1000; 1-800-8311000; www.marriott.com/snaas. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! FAIRMONT NEWPORT BEACH DELUXE FOUR DIAMOND HOTEL FREE shuttle to John Wayne Airport, Fashion Island Mall, South Coast Plaza & Balboa Island. Guest rooms feature high-definition flat panel TV, DVD/CD player, complimentary safe, mini-bar and coffee maker. Hotel provides 22,000 square feet of meeting space, bambú Restaurant and Lounge with live music, Willow Stream Spa, complimentary 24-hour fitness center, heated outdoor pool & Jacuzzi. For group rates contact Nancy Ruffner at 949-955-5632 or email nancy.ruffner@fair mont.com. 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92660. www.fairmont.com/newportbeach/

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CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES COLORADO FAMILY REUNIONS Gather your loved ones for a weekend catch-up, relaxing vacation or one big celebration.

Use our guide to help you plan a family reunion in Colorado. www.familyreunionscolorado.com INDIAN MEADOWS MOUNTAIN RETREAT Located up the Cache La Poudre Canyon 31 miles from Ft. Collins Colorado.

Our modern rooms can accommodate up to 45 people and still room for tents. The main lodge has a great space for gathering, use of the commercial kitchen, with seating in Tea Room and fireplace for a cool night. There is game room with pool table and lots of fun for kids. Volleyball, basketball and horseshoes, the old fashion fun family time. With a 7 acre island to explore and tubing on our river. Come and join us in 2008. Season runs June through October. www.indianmeadows.com or call us here at 1-970-881-2000 or TOLL-FREE 1-877-459-2316.

BRECKENRIDGE has something for every visitor and every visit! Vibrant history, natural beauty, and adventures for all ages make for an ideal locale, especially in our mild mountain summers.

Our full-service reservation center also books activities, lift tickets, golf, and transportation. Let our reunion expert help create the Colorado getaway you’ve always imagined! Breckenridge Lodging & Hospitality P.O. Box 8329, 535 S. Park Avenue, Breckenridge CO 80424; 888-483-6140; fax 970-453-5165; brecklodginggroups@vailresorts.com; www.breckresortsgroups .com.

ESTES PARK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1200, Estes Park CO 80517. Estes Park may be the perfect setting for your reunion! Nestled in a valley surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park, fabulous scenery and recreation await you. Enjoy shopping, trout fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, golf, go karts, barbecues, hayrides, miniature golf, tram rides, scenic drives and hiking. Let our group specialist help you find lodging, meals and fun things for the whole family to enjoy! 80044-ESTES; fax 970-577-1677; groupsales@estes.org; www.estes parkcvb.com/groups.cfm COLORADO ROCKIES – BEST WESTERN LAKE DILLON LODGE – located 70 miles west of Denver, within 11 miles of Keystone, Copper Mtn, & Breckenridge Resorts. Full-service hotel includes banquet & catering facilities, volleyball and horseshoe pits, indoor pool & Jacuzzi, great family rates, and O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar. Year round recreation for everyone.

Visit us at www.lakedillonlodge.com, 800-727-0607, 970-6685094, sales@lakedillonlodge.com, 1202 N. Summit Blvd. Frisco, CO 80443.

LUXURY GATED ESTATE IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS Reconnect, Relax and Rejuvenate at the Bella Vista Estate. Located just 7 miles outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado your family will have access to all this resort town has to offer: Skiing, Snowmobiling, Sleigh Rides, Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Horseback Riding, Whitewater Rafting, Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking, Alpine Slide and much, much more. Sleeping up to 26 in pure comfort, the Bella Vista has panoramic views of Lake Catamount, the Yampa River Valley and the Continental Divide. Onsite property managers provide vacation planning, concierge, maintenance, housekeeping and shuttle services. Other amenities include: inground pool, indoor hot tub, pool table, pinball, arcade games, outdoor fire pit, tennis court, basketball, satellite big screen TV and built in bar. Visit our website: www.steamboat1.com for a full property description, floor plan, virtual tour and image gallery, or call 970-879-4449 to reserve your dates today.

TRAVEL DIRECTORY COLORADO VACATION DIRECTORY Make your search for the perfect family reunion destination easier! FREE FAMILY REUNION DESTINATION LOCATION SERVICE: www.The CVD.com/groups and click on “EMAIL US your Request for Group Accommodations.” We will then send your requirements to Cabins, Vacation Homes, Lodges, Motels, Condo’s, B&B’s, Campgrounds that can accommodate your desires and they will email you directly with additional information. OR order our free Colorado Vacation Directory for a printed copy to compare reunion locations includes Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do. 888-222-4641.

CONNECTICUT HOLIDAY INN NORTH HAVEN 201 Washington Avenue, North Haven CT 06473. Providing you with all the comforts & conveniences of home! We want to help you make it the best reunion yet! Hotel offers indoor pool, outside deck & courtyard area, Harry’s Sports Grill, serving breakfast, lunch & dinner, banquet space, fitness center, free parking & hotel shuttle. Guest 50 R E U N I O N S ❖ www.reunionsmag.com

Rooms are equipped with irons & ironing boards, hairdryers, Pay-per view movies, coffee makers & free high speed internet.

Quick drive to CT shoreline, Warton Brook Park, shopping, theaters & much more. 203-239-6700; fax 203-234-1701; info@hinorthhaven.com; www.holidayinn.com/northhavenct.

Lake Bryan. We have pools for all ages, fitness rooms, nature trails and watersports available from our dock. Enjoy the fireworks every night from the top observation landings! Guests can walk to adjacent restaurants and supermarket. Information 407-3872910: www.blueheronbeachresort.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

DELAWARE

COMFORT SUITES ORLANDO 9350 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando FL 32819 Relax in the luxury of newly furnished accommodations. We have all the amenities for your convenience to make your stay more enjoyable. Our tropically landscaped courtyard with heated pool; kiddie pool; Jacuzzi; playground, Tiki Bar and Grill. Hotel is 2 miles to Universal Orlando and 2.5 miles to Sea World, 6 miles to Walt Disney. Orlando Convention Center is 2.5 miles. The Florida Mall is 5 miles from hotel. 407-3515050; fax 407-363-7953; comfort.orlandto@ahmco.net; www. comfortsuitesorlando.com

SHERATON DOVER HOTEL 1570 North Dupont Hwy, Dover DE 19901. An extensive renovation in 2006 provides a grand setting for your memorable gatherings. Enlarged rooms and extraordinary meeting facilities, enhanced by remodeled lobby and atrium areas, make the Sheraton Dover Hotel the perfect location for every event, from small family get togethers to large military reunions. Call us at 302-678-8500, ext 4293. www. sheratondover.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HYATT REGENCY WASHINGTON ON CAPITOL HILL Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian Museums, the National Mall and Amtrak’s Union Station. Featuring 834 spacious modern guest rooms, including 32 suites, a full-service restaurant, lounge, coffee bar, 41,000 square feet of meeting space, 24-hour Business Center, and Health Club with indoor pool. 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20001. 202-737-1234; fax 202-7198419; saleswasrw@hyatt.com; www.hyattregencywashington.com.

FLORIDA ROYAL MANSIONS RESORT 8600 Ridgewood Avenue, Cape Canaveral FL 32920; 321-784-8484; fax 321-799-2907; apark@cwhotels.com; www.royalmansions.com CLEARWATER AND ITS ISLAND BEACHES a premier reunion destination, offers world-class beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, dolphin and marine encounters, dining cruises, theater, historical sites, nature preserves, arts, museums, shopping, theme parks and more. Let our staff help you plan your perfect reunion. Call Ebe at 888-425-3279 or visit www.onedayisneverenough.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! EMERALD COAST CVB, INC. DESTIN – FT. WALTON BEACH FL 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway, Ft. Walton Beach FL 32548; 850-651-7647; fax 850-651-7130.

QUALTIY INN & SUITES One of Gulf Breeze Florida’s best hotels! This 167 room hotel offers an immaculate view of Pensacola Bay from its luxurious suites & pool front rooms. Quality Inn & Suites also offers large meeting & banquet facilities for planned functions. Whether you are vacationing in the area, or are looking for a great hotel to stop for the night, your Hostess, Jana Brewer & her fine staff await your visit, where sunsets are complimentary. 51 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze (Pensacola) FL 32561:850-932-2214; www.choicehotels.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.

ORLANDO VACATION HOMES & CONDOS FOR FAMILY REUNIONS! VillaDirect directly manages and rents the newest pool homes, townhouses and condominiums in the Disney area.

Choose from over 500 fabulous vacation homes, designed for family comfort – with spacious rooms, luxurious furnishings, private pools and game rooms for family entertainment. All our homes located near Disney and other major attractions. Toll free 1-877-259-9908. Website: www.villadirect.com SEMINOLE COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 1230 Douglas Avenue, Suite 116, Longwood, FL 32779. Just a stone’s throw away from all the major attractions of Central Florida, and within a 15-minute drive from its more expensive neighbor Orlando, Seminole County is the perfect destination for reunions. With flexible accommodations, dining, shopping, golf and recreation options, Seminole County’s charming villages and natural beauty will make your reunion one to remember. Call 800-800-7832 or visit www.visitseminole.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! THE BLUE HERON BEACH RESORT 13428 Blue Heron Beach Drive Orlando FL 32821. The Family Suite can sleep six and the Deluxe or Sunrise Suites sleep eight. Every unit has a full kitchen, dining room, living room with a sofa sleeper, bunk beds, a second full bath, washer and dryer and a balcony that overlooks

FLORIDAYS RESORT ORLANDO 12550 Floridays Resort Drive at International Drive South, Orlando FL 32821. Located just two miles south of SeaWorld on International Drive, offers spacious two-and-three bedroom Grand Suites, with room for everyone. The free shuttle to the attractions and the I-Drive trolley makes it easy to get around town. With two heated swimming pools, game room, fitness center, and poolside bar and grille, you’ll want to spend quality family time right here at the resort.

321-329-4022; fax 321-329-4001; mlund@floridaysorlando.com; www.floridaysresortorlando.com.

PANAMA CITY BEACH FLORIDA 1500 condos and hotel rooms, 40,000+ square feet of indoor conference space and the areas best collection of outdoor beachfront and bay front pavilions. All units include FREE daily maid service. Book your next reunion with Royal American Hospitality. 800-224-GULF, www.getawaytothegulf.com.

EDGEWATER RESORT & GOLF RESORT 11212 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach FL 32407. Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort offers beautiful white sand beaches, the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, 36 holes of golf, tennis, spa, nearby amusement parks, eco tours and much more! Offering special group rates and spacious suites so reunion goers have room to relax together.

Call 800-331-6338; www.edgewaterbeachresort.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! MAJESTIC BEACH RESORT 10901 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach FL32407. Majestic Beach Resort offers beautiful white sand beaches, the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, 27 holes of golf, spa, nearby attractions, eco tours and adventure, recreation and more. Offering special group rates and spacious suites so reunion goers have room to relax together. Call 800-3316338; www.majesticbeachresortt.com. SEE OUR DISPALY AD! COMFORT SUITES WORLD GOLF VILLAGE 475 COMMERCE LAKE DR, ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA 32095; 877-940-9501; Adjacent to World Golf Village, visitors have convenient access to area courses, the IMAX Theater, and the World Golf Hall of Fame.

All 162 luxurious suites come equipped with desks, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee-makers, two telephones, and high-speed Internet access. A heated indoor pool, exercise facility, outdoor pool, whirlpool, and sundeck round out the hotel’s recreational facilities. Enjoy an upscale continental breakfast and drinks at the popular Mulligan Pub in the evening. Group discounts available. www.cswgv.com or comfortsuites@bellsouth.net. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! VACATION HOMES DISNEY / UNVERSAL STUDIOS AREA “PRIVATE POOL” HOMES “WE DO REUNIONS” Offering over 250 “private pool” homes all 7-12 minutes to Disney. Homes4uu has successfully handled many reunions during our 10 years in the Disney area. All homes are kept CLOSE TOGETHER!! The cost savings is huge vs staying in area hotels. Fully furnished “executive level” homes ranging from 2-7 bedrooms sleeping 616 people. Considering the Disney area for your next reunion? www.disneyareahomes.com / Toll Free: 888 746-5446 AWARD VACATION HOMES 1536 Sunrise Plaza Drive, Suite 100, Clermont FL 34714. Over 150 new luxury vacation homes just minutes to Disney. Offering 3 to 6 bedroom private pool homes many with spas, game rooms, lake views, multiple master suites and many character themed kids rooms. All homes are fully furnished and equipped for a guest every need. Stay in the comfort of home for less than the cost of a hotel room. Every home is featured on our website at www.awardpoolhomes.com.

Call for more details; 352-243-8669; fax 352-241-0960; info@awardpoolhomes.com

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES GEORGIA

MAINE

ATLANTA’S COBB COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Home to Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flag’s White Water and just 10 minutes northwest of downtown Atlanta, and the NEW Georgia Aquarium and World of Coke. Cobb County boasts easy interstate access, free parking, a multitude of restaurants, attractions, shopping, golf and parks. For FREE assistance with planning your reunion, contact the Cobb County CVB at 1-800-451-3480 or visit us at www.cobbcvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MEDOMAK CAMP FOR FAMILIES AND RETREAT CENTER Take the whole family to camp! On a 1000 acre lake, swim, sail, scull, kayak, fish. Tennis, basketball, archery & arts! Golf nearby.

Campfires, s’mores & star-gazing. Healthy, hearty meals, lobster bakes, vegetarian friendly. Cabins sleep up to 6. All inclusive.

Come to Family Camp & let us do the planning or rent our Retreat Center & plan it yourself. 178 Liberty Road Washington, Maine 04574 Contact us at: toll free 866-633-6625 or family@ medomakcamp.com Visit: www.medomakcamp.com

HILTON ATLANTA AIRPORT 1031 Virginia Avenue, Atlanta GA 30354. 404-559-6831; fax 404-767-0844; travell_williams@ hilton.com; www.atlantaairport.hilton.com.

SAMOSET RESORT on 230 oceanside acres, in Rockport, ME, offers AAA four diamond service and quality and features 18-hole championship golf, newly remodeled guestrooms, meeting space, dining, health club, indoor pool and outdoor pools, hot tubs, tennis courts. With the ideal setting and amenities for relaxation, Samoset is the perfect reunion setting for all ages. 220 Warrenton Street, Rockport ME 04856. 877-237-3610; fax 207-594-0048; www.samosetresort.com.

GWINNETT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (ATLANTA) Minutes from Atlanta, the GCVB provides a FREE Reunion Planner, group welcome bags with gift; and free lodging assistance!

Gwinnett has 97 group-friendly hotels with 33 of Atlanta’s best parks, and easy I-85 access to Six Flags, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Home, the new Aquarium and Stone Mountain Park! Call Cricket Elliott toll-free at 1-888-494-6638, ext 6049; direct at 770-814-6049 or by email at celliott@gcvb.org to plan your next Atlanta-based reunion today! www.gcvb.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! JEKYLL OCEANFRONT CLARION RESORT & SPA 975 North Beachview Drive; Jekyll Island GA 31527; 912-635-2531; fax 912-635-9072: linda.amazon@jekyllinn.com; www.jekyllinn.com

IDAHO Boise offers the culture and entertainment of a large urban area in a place that feels a little like everyone’s hometown. Festivals, whitewater rafting, golf, riverfront bike trails, snow skiing, unique and historic attractions like the Warhawk Air Museum, a vibrant downtown, shopping, fine dining and performing arts will ensure a reunion jam-packed with memorable experiences. BOISE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 2106, Boise ID 83701; Lisa Edens; 800-635-5240; 208-344-7777; fax 208-3446236; ledens@boisecvb.org; www.boise.org. BOISE...Feel It!

ILLINOIS LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS Chicago’s North Suburbs Family Reunion Workshop Experience Late Spring 2008. Join us for a 3 day family reunion workshop and site visits in Lake County, Illinois, home to Six Flags Great America and KeyLime Cove Water Paradise & Meeting Resort opening in March, 2008. For information, contact Kimberly Ghys at 800-Lake-Now; Kimberly@ lakecounty.org. More details to come at lakecounty.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! RECONNECT IN LAKE COUNTY Lake County’s natural spaces and fun places are the perfect place for your next reunion. Our world-class 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.

MARYLAND WELCOME TO THE BWI AIRPORT COMFORT INN & SLEEP INN SUITES, a pet friendly hotel & conference center with over 330 spacious guest rooms and suites. Offering a 24 hour FREE BWI Airport Shuttle, FREE Hot Breakfast and FREE wireless High speed internet. We also have over 8,000 sq feet of conference and banquet space. Baltimore Light Rail is adjacent to the hotel. We offer over 20 restaurants and shops within walking distance. Full Service restaurant onsite. 6921 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Baltimore MD 21225. Contact: Tammera M. Bolsch, Tele 443457-1212; Fax 410-355-2854; TBOLSCH@ruchienterprises.com; www.ruchienterprises.com.

BURKSHIRE MARRIOTT CONFERENCE HOTEL 10 West Burke Avenue, Towson MD 21204. Convenient to the Baltimore Inner Harbor, Amtrak at Penn Station, BWI airport, and accessible from I-95. The hotel offers 11,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space including 17 meetings rooms, breakout rooms, a newly renovated restaurant and lounge, and the Stoneleigh room that can seat up to 200. This Baltimore MD hotel is a favorite for business, weekend getaways, and family leisure travel. Visit Burkshire Marriott.com and let us customize your reunion package; 410324-8100. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MASSACHUSETTS GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 9 Central Street, Suite 210, Lowell MA 01852. 800215-9805; fax 978-4594595. Just a half-hour from Boston the Greater Merrimack Valley is rich in history and natural beauty.

The region offers the unbeatable combination of lower costs, first-class facilities, easy accessibility, and our commitment to give your reunion all the attention it deserves! www.merrimack valley.org

GREATER DES MOINES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 400 Locust Street, Ste 265, Des Moines IA 50309; 800-451-2625; 515-286-4960; fax 515-244-9757; info@des moinescvb.com; www.SeeDesMoines.com.

CAPE COD BEACH COTTAGES N. TRURO, MA Kalmar Village, 674 Shore Rd., N. Truro, MA … various size cottages and efficiency rooms are available in a superb seaside village setting across from the National Seashore sand dunes on the Truro / Provincetown line. Grand lawn areas, spacious sandy beach, and swimming pool allow for endless relaxation and recreation on the premises. Ideal for single families or gatherings. Kitchen units, cookout areas. Linens, daily maid service, cable, WiFi & more. 508-487-0585. Email: get-together@kalmarvillage.com; www. kalmarvillage.com

LOUISIANA

MICHIGAN

EXPERIENCE JEFFERSON, THE GATEWAY TO NEW ORLEANS! With plenty of easy access hotels, world-class dining, terrific shopping, swamp adventures, first-class fishing, meeting spaces, and more, this is the place for your reunion rendezvous! Contact the Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau at 504-731-7083, 1-877-572-7474 (toll free), or log on to our website, www.neworleansgateway.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

BAROTHY LODGE 7478 Barothy Road, PO Box 69, Walhalla MI 49458; 231-898-2340; fax 231-898-3106; barothylodge@ carrinter.net; www.barothylodge.com

IOWA

NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2020 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans LA 70130; phone 504-5665011; fax 504-566-5002. Let us assist with your family reunion planning by helping you select a date with the best hotel rates and providing you with banquet, picnic and sightseeing information.

Our services are free. Please contact Leslie Straughan at 800748-8695 x 5018 or lstraughan@neworleanscvb.com and be sure to ask for the Family Reunion Planner. www.neworleans cvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

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

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

MEET MINNEAPOLIS the Official 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; lorik@meetminneapolis.com; www.minneapolisreunions.org.

MISSISSIPPI TUPELO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU P.O. Drawer 47, Tupelo MS 38802; 800-533-0611; fax 662-841-6558; kpenny@tupelo.net; www.tupelo.net. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MISSOURI MISSOURI FAMILY REUNIONS Gather your loved ones for a weekend catch-up, relaxing vacation or one big celebration. Use our guide to help you plan a family reunion in Missouri. www.missourifamilyreunions.com THE BRANSON/LAKES AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Located in America’s heartland, Branson, Missouri is the perfect destination for your next reunion because we offer so many choices of entertainment, lodging, attractions, dining and more. Remember, in Branson, our value is unrivaled, our scenery breathtaking and our time-honored Ozarks hospitality inviting.

Call us toll free at 800-636-8573 or visit our website at explorebranson.com and request a 2007 Reunion Planner Sales kit. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! THOUSAND HILLS GOLF RESORT 245 S Wildwood Drive, Branson MO 65616. Choose a secluded cabin setting, lake view or golf front condominium for your next reunion. All are privately owned have individually customized interiors, spacious living and dining rooms with fully equipped kitchen, patios, high-speed internet, and each bedroom has its own bath. Amenities include pools, hot tubs, tennis & sports court, playground & exercise facility. Creative catered events from continental to elegant are available in three banquet rooms. Conveniently located in the heart of Branson minutes from shopping, dining, shows, attractions, parks and three lakes. Wanda Nicol wnicol@thousandhills.com; 866-761-4483; fax 417-336-4724; www.thousandhills.com.

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. 573-438-2154; www.troutlodge.org.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 3315 E Battlefield, Springfield MO 65804; 417-8815300; fax 417-881-7201. Springfield Missouri, “Host of Ozarks Adventures.” Explore the rolling hills of the Ozarks-enjoy an adventure in Springfield, Missouri. Located in the heart of America and just minutes from Branson. Home to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World-Missouri’s #1 attraction. Springfield offers many unique restaurants and major league shopping including antique shops and flea markets. It’s a great place for your next reunion.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! www.springfieldmo.org.

MONTANA 320 GUEST RANCH located in the heart of Yellowstone Country, 12 miles south of Big Sky, has a variety of accommodations – cabins, chalets, 3-bedroom homes – all with the comforts of home including fireplaces and kitchens. The ranch can accommodate up to 200 people. 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.320 ranch.com.

NEVADA NEVADA FAMILY REUNIONS Gather your loved ones for a weekend catch-up, relaxing vacation or one grand celebration.

Use our guide to help you plan a family reunion in Nevada. www.desertfamilyreunions.com HORIZON CASINO RESORT LAKE TAHOE is located on the beautiful South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy golf, skiing, or the beach, each located just minutes away. 539 deluxe rooms including luxury suites offer spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Three restaurants allow you to choose from buffet to gourmet. Enjoy 24 hour gaming, cabaret shows, free live music & dancing, arcade, and an 8-plex movie theater. Horizon Casino Resort Lake Tahoe, 50 Highway 50, PO F EB R UARY/MARCH 2008 ❖ R E U N I O N S

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CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES Box C, Lake Tahoe NV 89449; Ruby Turner, Director of Sales, 866.478.8463 or 775.588.6211; fax: 775.588.7761; sales@ horizoncasino.com; www.horizoncasino.com.

DESERT ROSE RESORT 5051 Duke Ellington Way, Las Vegas NV, 89119; Phone 800-811-2450, Fax 702-597-3345; Spacious renovated one and two bedroom suites with full kitchen separate living room, dining room and a relaxing balcony. Each room is modern and beautifully decorated; Property features continental breakfast each morning; location is just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip, McCarran Airport. Resort consists of 284 suites in addition to newly refurbished pool and Jacuzzi with BBQ facilities and shaded seating; Banquet space available for special events. This property makes for a perfect reunion of any kind.

Email: Sarah-Marie Vergara, Sales Manager svergara@shell vacationsllc.com; www.desertroseresort.com GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO 4000 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas NV 89103. Located just west of the Las Vegas Strip, the Gold Coast features luxury accommodations and 24-hour gaming excitement. Casino attractions include a 720-seat bingo parlor, a race and sports book and a poker room. Guests enjoy 711 beautifully-furnished rooms and suites and 30,000 square feet of meeting space. Amenities also include six restaurants, a showroom, swimming pool, health spa and 70-lane bowling center.

702-251-3560; 800-331-5334 x 400; www.goldcoastcasino.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! MESQUITE, NEVADA Situated just one hour north of Las Vegas, Mesquite is the perfect alternative for value-minded reunions of all sizes. Mesquite is Nevada’s gateway to Utah’s national parks.

Awesome adventure awaits your group in majestic Mesquite. For assistance with your group of ten or more rooms, contact Gina Mann, Sales Executive at gmann@lvcva.com, or via phone at 702-892-7625; www.VisitMesquite.com.

SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL 5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas NV 89122. At Sam’s Town, 650 rooms and suites surround the world-famous Mystic Falls Indoor Park and Atrium. The popular hotel and gambling hall has 30,000 square feet of meeting space, ten restaurants and a spacious entertainment center. Visitors also flock to Sam’s Town to enjoy its 18-screen movie complex, 56-lane bowling center and 500-space RV Park.

A western-themed casino is one of Las Vegas’ most appealing attractions. 702-454-8120; www.samstownlv.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas NV 89145. Suncoast is an elegant gaming resort located on the picturesque western edge of the Las Vegas Valley. The stylish 400-room hotel is near three championship golf courses and has free shuttle bus service to and from McCarran International Airport. Among the Suncoast attractions are 25,000 square feet of convention space, nine restaurants, a 64-lane bowling center, a 16-screen movie complex, a pool and a 500-seat showroom.

702-636-7050; www.suncoastcasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! THE ORLEANS HOTEL AND CASINO blends the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas with the festive flavor of New Orleans.

The 88-acre full-service resort has 1,800 rooms and suites, 40,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, 12 exceptional restaurants and an oasis-like swimming pool. Attractions also include a spa and fitness center, a 70-lane bowling center, an 18screen movie complex, a 900-seat showroom and 9,000-seat arena. 4500 W Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103; 702-3657050; 888-365-7111 X 7050; www.orleanscasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! CIRCUS CIRCUS HOTEL & CASINO RENO 500 N. Sierra St. Reno NV 89503 Whether business or pleasure brings you to us, Circus Circus Reno offers over 1,500 rooms, six sensational restaurants, a unique Midway of Fun, an expansive casino floor with all the latest gaming action, and state-of-the-art convention facilities. Free airport shuttle and parking available. Call 800-8943588 or visit circusreno.com for more information. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

NEW YORK QUEEN OF THE AMERICAN LAKES Lake George, NY: 32 miles of crystal clear water ready for fun, relaxation, exploration and building memories. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, Lake George is a family destination paradise with Adirondack flare. 4 hrs from NYC and Boston, less than 3 hrs from Montreal via interstates. 1 hr from Albany International Airport. FREE VACATION GUIDE. Luisa Sherman at 518-668-5755 or 1-800-705-0059. reunions@LakeGeorgeChamber.com, www.LakeGeorgeChamber .com.

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF TOURISM 222 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, www.westchestertourism .com; north of New York City and gateway to Hudson River Valley, is the perfect place to reunite. Choices include; cocktails in a castle, meet in a mansion, barbeque on a beach, gather on a golf course or frolic at Playland Amusement Park. Call 914.995.

8502, fax 914.995.8505 or email kab6@westchestergov.com for your free planning guide.

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, fly-fishing, 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.

HOLIDAY INN AKRON – HUDSON 240 E. Hines Hill Road, Hudson OH 44236. The Holiday Inn Akron Hudson, nestled in the back yard of Ohio’s only National Park and perfectly located in between Cleveland and Akron. Offering 239 comfortable rooms and banquet space accommodating up to 300 people, deluxe sized indoor pool with game room, sauna, whirlpool and fitness center, Cruisers Nightclub & Hudson Room Restaurant. Retreat packages available, call 330-653-9191, ask for our sales department. www.holiday-inn.com/akron-hudson.com.

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA FAMILY REUNIONS Gather your loved ones for a weekend catch-up, relaxing vacation or one big celebration. Use our guide to help you plan a family reunion in Oklahoma. www.oklahomafamilyreunions.com

PENNSYLVANIA CUMBERLAND VALLEY VISITORS BUREAU Join all of the others who find Cumberland County a great place for a reunion.

The PA Turnpike (Rt. 76), I-81, I-83, and US Rt. 15 make it easy to get here; 65 motels, B&Bs, and several camping grounds make it easy to stay here, and more than 250 restaurants will satisfy everyone’s appetite. Shopping, art galleries, historic towns, museums, golf courses, state parks, fly fishing and more guarantee that you’ll have a great reunion. For information check out the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau web site at www.visitcumberlandvalley.com Toll free number 1-888-5135130 SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! GETTYSBURG CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU For 144 years people from around the world have made Gettysburg, PA their destination to regroup, reconnect, and remember the Nation’s history. The scenic views, outdoor activities, affordable accommodations, and friendly small-town people bring guests back each year. Why not let Gettysburg show you an historical good time - come to Gettysburg for your next reunion, where history lives and the fun never ends! PO Box 4117, Gettysburg PA 17325; 717-334-6274; fax: 717-334-1166; sfox@gettysburg. travel; www.gettysburg.travel.

HAMPTON INN CENTER CITY PHILADELPHIA The Hampton Inn offering 250 guest rooms, Complimentary Breakfast, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Concierge and about 4,000 square feet of meeting space, is the perfect place for your family to gather. Our hotel is located within walking distance of Philadelphia's most popular attractions. Contact Kerry Fledderman for special FAMILY REUNION RATES! 267-765-1104; Kerry.Fledderman@hershahotels.com PHILADELPHIA MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS CONGRESS 1700 Market Street, Suite 3000, Philadelphia PA 19103; 215636-3300; fax 215-636-3327; www.philadelphiamac.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! THE INN AT POCONO MANOR Is a 3000 acre resort with 250 beautiful guestrooms nestled at 1800 feet atop the Pocono Mountains, a perfect reunion getaway! The Inn features; fine dining, panoramic mountain views, 36 holes championship golf, full service spa, indoor/outdoor pools, fly fishing, clay shooting, ATV Tours, hiking, indoor tennis, playgrounds & horseback riding.

On site winter activities include; dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross country skiing and more. Groups of 10 or more rooms contact our Sales Dept and refer to code RM0708 for special rates/packages. PO Box 95, Pocono Manor, PA 18349.

800-233-8150; fax 570-839-0708; www.info@poconomanor.com; www.poconomanor.com

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

Enjoy easy planning with our experienced staff. Ask about special incentives for event planners. 301 Savannah Hwy, Charleston SC 29407. Contact Megan O’Hara Owen at 843-460-1440; fax 843766-8355; mowen@hiriverview.com; www.holidayinn.wm/chsriverview.com.

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND RESORT & BREATHE SPA provides a safe atmosphere for a reunion your family won’t soon forget. With Inn rooms, cottages & private homes, 36-holes of golf, trails to explore by bike & full equestrian center, we easily accommodate groups of all sizes. Located between Hilton Head Island & Savannah. www.daufuskieislandresort.com/reunions. 800-960-9089.

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

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

3223. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

TENNESSEE COPPERHILL COUNTRY CABINS 496 Deal Road, Copperhill, TN 37317. 423-496-5225. 4 rustic cabins on 8 mtn acres where TN, GA and NC meet. Perfect reunion spot for families looking for central location. 1 hour to Chattanooga, 2 to Atlanta. Minutes to Ocoee River Rafting, Horseback Riding, Hiking, Biking in Cherokee Natl Forest, antiques shopping, scenic train. Cabins sleep 30, more lodging nearby. Meeting room, fish pond, horseshoes, volleyball, bonfire pit on site. info@copperhillcabins.com; www.copperhillcabins.com

TEXAS TEXAS FAMILY REUNIONS Gather your loved ones for a weekend catch-up, relaxing vacation or one grand celebration. Use our guide to help you plan a family reunion in Texas. www.texasfamilyreunions.com SAN ANTONIO HOLIDAY INN HOTELS 1-888-MEETING; www.sanantoniohotels.holiday-inn.com.

KILLEEN CIVIC AND CONFERENCE CENTER AND CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 3601 South W.S. Young Drive, Killeen TX 76542; 254-501-3888; info@killeen-cvb.com; www.killeen-cvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! LAKE CONROE KOA 19785 Hwy. 105 West, Montgomery TX 77356; 800-562-9750; fax 936-582-1218; rvresort@consolidated .net; www.koa.com.

UTAH THE RED MOOSE LODGE 2547 N. Valley Junction Dr. Eden, Utah 84310; 877-745-0333 Reminiscent of a grand 1930’s style vintage ski lodge, makes the perfect mountain getaway for reunions, weddings, business conferences and retreats. Paradise in Every Season nestled between two ski resorts, Powder Mountain and Snowbasin, Pineview Lake and a Championship Golf Course; golfing, skiing, boating, fishing, hiking and biking are just a few of the area activities. res@destinationeden.com; www.Destination Eden.com PARK CITY, UTAH – A MOUNTAIN RANGE OF POSSIBILITIES Located just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City, Utah is a prime setting for your next reunion. Park City truly has something to suit every group’s needs, with numerous lodging options, over 100 restaurants and bars and activities to entertain any age. Call 800-453-1360 for further details. Or visit www.parkcityinfo.com/reunions to download your FREE Group & Event Planner. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES ACCLAIMED LODGING (managed by R & R Properties), is located in the beautiful mountain setting of Park City, Utah. Enjoy select properties throughout Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons resort areas, many providing ideal accommodations for reunions, retreats and weddings. Call 800-348-6759. Let our knowledgeable staff assist you in creating an experience you will never forget. www.parkcitylodging.com.

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 HAMPTON ROADS CONVENTION CENTER 800-487-8778; www.hamptoncvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! NEWPORT NEWS is minutes to Williamsburg and a short to Virginia Beach. Here you can discover the ocean, ships, history and the great outdoors from one central destination. Whether getting together with old classmates, shipmates or “familymates”, Newport News provides the perfect location and services to make your reunion a success! From our convenient location, outstanding services and support, the best value and plenty to see and do, Newport News will make your next reunion a memorable one.

Call Cheryl Morales at 888-493-7386 or email her at cmorales@ nngov.com to book your reunion. www.newport-news.org.

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

WYOMING

COOKBOOKS FUNDCRAFT PUBLISHING & COOKBOOKS.COM A Reunion Cookbook is a lasting keepsake that brings your family together, across the miles, through good food, good times & good memories. Call for a FREE “Recipes for Success” cookbook kit & a FREE Reunion Guidebook. It’s so EASY! Fundcraft customer service specialists are here to help! Great Gift, Great Keepsake, Great Way to Fund a Reunion. Call 1-800-853-1364 xt.253, P.O. Box 340, Collierville, TN 38027, www.cookbooks.com PLATE FULL OF MEMORIES...is a coaching guide for family memory cookbooks. It’s fun and easy to use. Perfect for reunions, family get togethers or designing family keepsakes. It puts you in control with no limits on the number of stories, photos or recipes. The PLATEFULL OF MEMORIES CD contains templates and sample materials to put it all together. Open the cd, customize materials for your family and you are on your way! For more information visit our website at www.platefullofmemories.com or contact us by phone at 612-203-2103

CRUISES CRUISE PLANNERS – WE HAVE THE BEST PRICES AFLOAT! Best rates on all cruise lines. For more information and free brochure, Contact Your Vacation and Reunion Specialists: 1-888-707-SAIL (7245). www.cruiseandtravelassociates.net. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

EVENT PLANNERS NEW JERSEY/NEW YORK SUMMER REUNION VENUES: Looking for a beautiful picnic site? Searching for an experienced company to help coordinate the details? Call MBS CATERSERVE, INC at 888-636-6662. The locations are exclusive, amenityfilled, child friendly, and polished. Hotels, major highways, and airports throughout the geographic area. Please visit our website at mbscaterserve.com.

MEMENTOS REUNION ‘08? Colorful, embossed custom ribbons (in your words) add a “touch of class” to your event & name badges. Ideal bookmark-keepsake that says “you were here”. Created expressly for class, family and military reunions. Class Ribbons available in school colors. For sample ribbon and idea brochure: REUNION MATE 800-208-6804, or FAX 419-738-8463, or donklock@bright.net

MAGAZINE

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 email info@duderanch.org; www.duderanch.org.

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.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

POSTCARDS

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

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 (plus priority mail S&H) or 20 cents for blank cards – you fill in the information and address; or Personalized cards – $45 p/100 postcards (plus priority mail S&H) or 50¢ each.

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

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

BADGES & BUTTONS Badgeaminit.com is your source for buttons. For over 37 years, we have led the industry in the development of faster, better, easier, button-making machines and parts to be used at home, at school or at the office. Shop Badge-A-Minit for FREE Shipping, FREE Lifetime Guarantee & FREE Tech Support. Visit www.badgeaminit.com or call 800-223-4103. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! NAMETAG (PHOTO BUTTON) Using the alumni’ photo we create a custom labeled button incorporating your school name, colors, and reunion year. Attachment options and accessories are available. We offer personalized service and quick turnaround.

Visit us at www.TheButtonFactory.com/Reunions.htm ReunionBadges.com offers reunion attendees a fun way to recognize old classmates – through a picture of who they used to be. We’ll take your old yearbook photos and create professional quality name tags that attendees will cherish for years. Custom neck lanyards and other accessories are also available. Visit www.reunionbadges.com or call us toll free at 800.729.3722.

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

PRESERVING REUNIONS JUST SPECIAL PHOTOS preserve special photos on CD or DVD. Customized Presentations set to music. Preserving your special photos is our specialty. Unique fundraiser with 60% return.

See Demo at www. ustspecialphotos.com. Just Special Photos, 3430 E Jefferson, Ave 641, Detroit MI 48207. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! MAKE A REUNION MEMORY BOOK We know how important your upcoming reunion is and School Annual wants to help you preserve these memories. Why not create your very own memory book! Our unique online page creation allows a multiple user interface. School Annual has the tools to make a fast, fun and easy way for your group to celebrate and share their story. Start building a new tradition; contact me for information and ideas to create your personal Reunion Memory Book. School Annual

Publishing Company, 500 Science Park Road; Suite B, State College, Pa. 16803; 800-436-6030; fax 800-436-6048; parris. smith@schoolannual.com; www.schoolannual.com

REUNION MANAGERS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REUNION MANAGERS (NARM) PO BOX 59713, Renton WA 98058-2713. 800-6542776; info@reunions.com; www.reunions.com.

REUNION REGISTRATION Register and charge reunion fees online at www.active communities.com/en/reunions ☛ Get your reunion form up and running in minutes. ☛ Streamline your registration and ticket sales process. ☛ Complete set-up process in minutes at no extra cost to you. ☛ Take advantage of complete reporting and management tools. ☛ Sell key merchandise during registration to maximize each transaction.

Contact Karen Lane, 206.661.9553; Toll Free: 877.996.2267 x 527. email: reunions@active.com.

REUNIONS RIBBONS REUNION ‘08? Colorful, embossed custom ribbons (in your words) add a “touch of class” to your event & name badges. Ideal bookmark-keepsake that says “you were here”. Created expressly for class, family and military reunions. Class Ribbons available in school colors. For sample ribbon and idea brochure: REUNION MATE 800-208-6804, or FAX 419-738-8463, or donklock@bright.net

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, family tree, guest book, quiz, poll, stories, photo albums, no ads, travel information, more. 7 day free trial. Only $9.95 / month. www.myevent.com. Any Questions - 877-769-3836 or info@myevent.com.

T-SHIRTS America’s #1 source for reunion apparel and gifts. www.reunion gear.com Personalize full-color family reunion & event designs. Order your favorite designs from our large collection of family theme designs imprinted on t-shirts, apparel, and keepsakes. Reunion Kits start at $5.00 with a minimum of just 12.

Send us your original art or idea, custom art services available.

Order 36+ items, receive art services free. Call REUNION GEAR toll-free: 1-800-451-1611

TRAVEL AGENT GROUP TRAVEL NETWORK Personal travel industry relationships are the backbone of our company. Not only do we have contracts with each of the attractions, restaurants and hotels that you will be using during your trip, we also have the personal relationships with their staff to ensure that the prices and service you receive are second to none. (866) 563-3703 / www.group travelnetwork.com.

TRAVEL DIRECTORY COLORADO VACATION DIRECTORY Make your search for the perfect family reunion destination easier! FREE FAMILY REUNION DESTINATION LOCATION SERVICE: www.TheCVD.com/ groups and click on “EMAIL US your Request for Group Accommodations." We will then send your requirements to Cabins, Vacation Homes, Lodges, Motels, Condo’s, B&B’s, Campgrounds that can accommodate your desires and they will email you directly with additional information. OR order our free Colorado Vacation Directory for a printed copy to compare reunion locations includes Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do. 888-222-4641.

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

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