Reunions Magazine Volume 30 Number 1 Virtual Edition March 2021

2021 Reunion

Lillie Richardson Thompson Descendants

Toomer Family 2020 Reunion Announcement

Celebrations!

Evans Family Zoom Reunion

Agee-Miller-Mayo-Dungy (AMMD) Family Reunion, Delaware 2019

Grant-Johnson Choir

Hopkins-Strain Family Reunion

Vol 30 No 1 Virtual Edition March 2021

V i F r e 10 vid e -P Fix ix es .co m

FRONT WORDS

HELLO!

T

Be in touch!

®

Mail to

Reunions magazine

(though actual “touch” was missing) and he print version of Reunions PO Box 11727 magazine has taken an 18-month celebrated themselves in intriguing ways.

Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 hiatus though the web version We intend these issues to be quarterly. never left and has grown with new You can expect to receive them the first of call 414-263-4567 information all the time. So, here we March, June, September and January. But, as visit www.reunionsmag.com are, back in magazine form virtually always, we need YOU to contribute content: e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com Selectin1 great or more Pick the best fix Save or easily fine-tune thanks partimages to Vivid-Pix, our celebrate your reunion, share it with other new partner, and Rick Voight, our new reunions as an example of how you publisher. The rest of the crew is in place with the same construct/plan it, how you stage it, how you afford it, why it is commitment to bringing you regular reunion news, ideas important and what others can learn from your experience. and inspiration.

You will notice that we have gone from just stories/reports Look for some pretty wonderful changes. Start with a and pictures to include the motion of video which enhance redesigned website and this virtual publication which, while the joy of the occasion or the moment. So we ask you now to including stories, reports and reunion planning ideas, now add both photos and videos to your submissions. Photos must includes reunion videos. Enjoy what you find in this issue and be high resolution (300 dpi or higher) and by submitting the as you do, please think about how you can contribute your original photo you can almost always be assured that will reunion to the collection. suffice. Condensing photos to email them is not a good idea Since the last print issue, there have been so very many for our use. For your videos, please send a .mp4, .mov, or . changes in our lives that what we once considered normal is wmv video file via www.wetransfer.com (a free transfer no longer. We have all been living through a time that will service that allows up to 2GB to be sent). We hope you will certainly be the subject of tales at future reunions: how did you find these enhanced stories and reports worth your time to live through quarantine of a pandemic? Who worked at home? reminisce and encouragement to plan your next, joyous Went to school at home? More importantly, who could not reunion gathering. Send your stories/reports/pictures/videos work from home but had to keep the country running oh, so, to editor@reunionsmag.com. These along with many years of very well. print issues of Reunions magazine on www.ISSUU.com/ We did a survey as soon as we realized that reunions would be enormously affected by what looked like massive changes in reunionsmag will continue to serve as background and planning ideas for your reunions. the travel and hospitality industries upon which reunions I must apologize, but sadly, I do not know to whom. heavily rely. Our immediate concern was how reunions would Recently, I acquired a new computer and as many of you have react but also how the industry would treat these mostly probably also experienced, not everything transferred from independent groups who had invested down payments to the old to the new machine. There are a number, though secure rooms, banquets, transportation and services. First did reunion planners understand the enormous import of the blessedly not too many, reunion stories I was working on/ situation? Did they either postpone or cancel their events with that did not transfer and that I do not remember who I planned for 2020? We were all learning together and realizing was working with. So, if you submitted something within the that something very significant was happening though, at first, last year, I acknowledged it (which I try to do right away with it was a mystery to fathom. Hospitality industry businesses, to everything I receive) and perhaps we even communicated their credit, were not penalizing reunion groups but were further but you have not heard from me, please contact me: holding deposits for a future date or refunding and hoping the rattle my cage: I am eager to catch up! reunions would chose to book another year. I must say I was Finally, the tough times all around will still continue for a relieved and pleased because my purpose in surveying was to while but, boy, have we endured well … masks, social build a case to defend reunions and I was prepared to go into a distancing, hand washing, and all. Vaccines are sure to save battle that never happened. us in the end, we must all just trust this solution to enter our So now to the future of reunions! Happy times we hope will new normal. Stay safe and sane and by all means, please, soon be here again and reunions will be able to pick up where please, please, patronize our sponsor/advertisers. Contact they left off. We see some reunions coming slowly back this them, listen to what they have to offer, seriously consider year but anticipate the boom will come in 2022. So how did their offers and above all thank them for being supporters of reunions deal with 2020? In this issue you’ll discover from reunions. We could not exist without them … or you! EW many reunions who never left off but rather turned to the magic of technology to stay in touch and celebrate midst the disruption of Covid19. Reunions did not want to break the chain, they found wonderfully creative ways to stay in touch

1 SELECT

2 PICK

3 SAVE

Before

After

Before

After

Give your pics (and documents) the 24 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

Fix!

in this special issue DEPARTMENTS FRONT WORDS – 4 REUNIONS FEATURE – 6 ZOOM REUNIONS Introduction Wagner Family Reunion by Darlene M. Smith, JD Good Family Reunion by Natania Branch Miles Evans Family Reunion by Valerie Rose Grant-Johnson Family Reunion by Melda Grant Toomer Family Reunion by Shamele Jordan Powell Moody Family Reunion by Allison Bell

ALUM & I – 14 East Rome (Georgia) High School’s ‘70s Decade Reunion by Pam Walker Beware of the ‘mysterious benefactor’

SCRAPBOOK – 16 Reunion School Invitations that work and no excuses …

Hospitality Answerman, Dean Miller Visit The National Museum of the United States Army

MASTERPLAN – 20 Williams-Grant-Stephens Family Reunion by Deborah Porter Frierson Family Reunion by Sharon Carr Richardson Cousins Reunion by Sharon Amos Bell-Ransom Family Reunion by Jacqueline Bell Pyatt Pehowski Family Reunion by June Czarnezki Fitzgerald, Glass, Henry, Terry Family Reunion by Cheryl Dixon Baez Family Reunion by Serafina Rosado Review: Black Family Reunions, Finding the Rest of Me by Dr. Ione D. Vargus Jernigan Family Reunion by Beverly Paige and Carlestle Colman Brown Family Reunion by Gertrude Roby Deshazor Deshazer Deshazier Deshazior (DDDD) Family Reunion by Glenda Deshazier-Nelson Donaldson Family Reunion by Sonja M. Stuckey Windham Family Reunion by Janice Maxine Jones Bunker Family Challenges by Gil Bunker Hopkins-Strain by Daryl Jean Hopkins Agee-Miller-Mayo-Dungy Family Reunion by Sonja Branch-Wilson Koslowitz Family Foundation by Joel Samberg

MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 44 Saigon MaC Reunion by Ross Nesberg USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711) Reunion by Robert J. Clark Reunion planning tips by Skip Sander Military Veterans’ Travel Guide – ideas, discounts and resources Looking for help to plan your reunion?

REUNION RESOURCES – 47 A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products ON THE COVER The future of reunions.

Reunion Celebrations March 2021 Volume 30 • Number 1 PUBLISHER Rick Voight EDITOR IN CHIEF Edith Wagner ART DIRECTOR Jennifer Rueth SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Roberta McLoud WEB WIZARDS Howard Ehrenberg Chris Thompson HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN Dean Miller CONTRIBUTORS Sharon Amos • Allison Bell Sonja Branch-Wilson • Gil Bunker Sharon Carr • Robert J. Clark Carlestle Coleman June Czarnezki • Glenda Deshazier-Nelson Cheryl Dixon • Melda Grant Daryl Jean Hopkins • Janice Maxine Jones Shamele Jordan • Natania Branch-Miles Ross Nesberg • Beverly Paige Deborah Porter • Jacqueline Bell Pyatt Serafina Rosado • Gertrude Roby Valerie Rose • Joel Samberg Skip Sander • Darlene M. Smith, JD Sonja M. Stuckey • Pam Walker

Reunions magazine, Inc. (ISSN #1046-5s235), is published 4 times per year. Send correspondence, queries, requests, submissions, advertising to Reunions magazine, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 or email editor@ reunionsmag.com.

Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this book except pages which encourage sharing. Please explain your intended use when requesting permission to reprint and guarantee tear sheets of reviews and reprints.

Reunions magazine, Inc., is not liable for information presented as facts in any of our advertising, byline stories or materials. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication. We take responsibility for submitted materials but unless accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope (SASE), submissions and photos will not be returned. All materials sent for publication become property of Reunions magazine, Inc. Advertising information contact Reunions magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 | 414-263-4567 editor@reunionsmag.com | www.reunionsmag.com. © 2021 Reunions magazine, Inc.

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 3

FRONT WORDS

Be in touch!

HELLO!

T

Mail to

Reunions magazine

(though actual “touch” was missing) and he print version of Reunions PO Box 11727 magazine has taken an 18-month celebrated themselves in intriguing ways.

Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 hiatus though the web version We intend these issues to be quarterly. never left and has grown with new You can expect to receive them the first of call 414-263-4567 information all the time. So, here we March, June, September and January. But, as visit www.reunionsmag.com are, back in magazine form virtually always, we need YOU to contribute content: e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com thanks in great part to Vivid-Pix, our celebrate your reunion, share it with other new partner, and Rick Voight, our new reunions as an example of how you publisher. The rest of the crew is in place with the same construct/plan it, how you stage it, how you afford it, why it is commitment to bringing you regular reunion news, ideas important and what others can learn from your experience. and inspiration.

You will notice that we have gone from just stories/reports Look for some pretty wonderful changes. Start with a and pictures to include the motion of video which enhance redesigned website and this virtual publication which, while the joy of the occasion or the moment. So we ask you now to including stories, reports and reunion planning ideas, now add both photos and videos to your submissions. Photos must includes reunion videos. Enjoy what you find in this issue and be high resolution (300 dpi or higher) and by submitting the as you do, please think about how you can contribute your original photo you can almost always be assured that will reunion to the collection. suffice. Condensing photos to email them is not a good idea Since the last print issue, there have been so very many for our use. For your videos, please send a .mp4, .mov, or . changes in our lives that what we once considered normal is wmv video file via www.wetransfer.com (a free transfer no longer. We have all been living through a time that will service that allows up to 2GB to be sent). We hope you will certainly be the subject of tales at future reunions: how did you find these enhanced stories and reports worth your time to live through quarantine of a pandemic? Who worked at home? reminisce and encouragement to plan your next, joyous Went to school at home? More importantly, who could not reunion gathering. Send your stories/reports/pictures/videos work from home but had to keep the country running oh, so, to editor@reunionsmag.com. These along with many years of very well. print issues of Reunions magazine on www.ISSUU.com/ We did a survey as soon as we realized that reunions would be enormously affected by what looked like massive changes in reunionsmag will continue to serve as background and planning ideas for your reunions. the travel and hospitality industries upon which reunions I must apologize, but sadly, I do not know to whom. heavily rely. Our immediate concern was how reunions would Recently, I acquired a new computer and as many of you have react but also how the industry would treat these mostly probably also experienced, not everything transferred from independent groups who had invested down payments to the old to the new machine. There are a number, though secure rooms, banquets, transportation and services. First did reunion planners understand the enormous import of the blessedly not too many, reunion stories I was working on/ situation? Did they either postpone or cancel their events with that did not transfer and that I do not remember who I planned for 2020? We were all learning together and realizing was working with. So, if you submitted something within the that something very significant was happening though, at first, last year, I acknowledged it (which I try to do right away with it was a mystery to fathom. Hospitality industry businesses, to everything I receive) and perhaps we even communicated their credit, were not penalizing reunion groups but were further but you have not heard from me, please contact me: holding deposits for a future date or refunding and hoping the rattle my cage: I am eager to catch up! reunions would chose to book another year. I must say I was Finally, the tough times all around will still continue for a relieved and pleased because my purpose in surveying was to while but, boy, have we endured well … masks, social build a case to defend reunions and I was prepared to go into a distancing, hand washing, and all. Vaccines are sure to save battle that never happened. us in the end, we must all just trust this solution to enter our So now to the future of reunions! Happy times we hope will new normal. Stay safe and sane and by all means, please, soon be here again and reunions will be able to pick up where please, please, patronize our sponsor/advertisers. Contact they left off. We see some reunions coming slowly back this them, listen to what they have to offer, seriously consider year but anticipate the boom will come in 2022. So how did their offers and above all thank them for being supporters of reunions deal with 2020? In this issue you’ll discover from reunions. We could not exist without them … or you! EW many reunions who never left off but rather turned to the magic of technology to stay in touch and celebrate midst the disruption of Covid19. Reunions did not want to break the chain, they found wonderfully creative ways to stay in touch

4 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

Learn a new way to have a reunion !

Learn reunion!!

Learn a a new way to have a reunion Zoom brings people together.

Zoom brings people together.

Zoom together.

The more the merrier!!

The more the merrier The merrier

Teaches literally and and emotionally. emotionally.

Teaches you you how how to to connect, connect, literally Teaches you how to connect, literally and Teaches you how to connect, literally and emotionally. emotionally.

Tutorial Videos by: Tutorial Videos by: Tutorial Videos by: Tutorial Videos Tutorial Videos by: by:

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reunions feature

W

e have chronicled reunions for over 30 years but never was there a year like 2020. In the early months of the year when the Novel Coronavirus was declared a pandemic it became clear that at least reunions planned early in 2020 would have to be rearranged. But as the year went on and states and areas were locked down and whole populations quarantined, sheltering in place, reunions became a victim, first postponed and then cancelled for the year. As this is being written, it is not yet clear what will happen to the reunion season in 2021 though slowly we are learning about reunions planning cautiously for this year and into 2022.

But resilience was the word for reunions as for much of life and activities which we would have normally enjoyed. Words like virtual, face-time and skype popped up along with ZOOM, all of which became solutions to what would otherwise have been massive, sad isolation for most of the population. Everyone was forced to adjust to a new normal of unknown duration, hidden behind face masks and shields to prevent spread of the deadly virus. Those of us fortunate enough to avoid the scourge adjusted with little complaint because the alternative was unthinkable. So many members of so many families lost so much that being isolated translated to safety and blessings as we waited for the protection of vaccines and the all-clear signal to resume whatever our next normal looks like.

The following are reports from reunions who did not give up their annual events but, instead, found new ways to celebrate, stay in touch and make the best of a truly bad situation. EW 6 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

T

member’s church via Facebook Live. If he Wagner Family Reunion, descendants of Martin and Betsy The Roots Be Holy So Are The Branches...

Wagner, has celebrated for 50 years. ROMANS 11:16 Reported by Darlene M. Smith, J.D, We had to postpone the 51st Somerset, New Jersey. reunion in 2020 scheduled in San Diego, California. We put our heads together and the committee decided to hold a virtual reunion. It started Friday with a Meet and Greet, and Words of Wisdom from our elders, and an Awards section. Saturday was the Virtual Cookout wearing family reunion t-shirt. There was a scavenger hunt during the cookout.

Family members searched for and showed various cookout related items on screen. It was very entertaining. Sunday we closed with a Church Service at a family

reunions feature

Family reunion takes social distancing to a whole new level

T

he Evans Family Reunion chose the city of Atlanta, Georgia, for the first time ever in 2020 to celebrate 52 consecutive years of family love and connection. The cancellation of the much-anticipated Atlanta event, due to the coronavirus world pandemic, disappointed many family members, but it also threatened the family’s longstanding run of 52 consecutive years. With the record in jeopardy, Reunion President, Tommy Evans, decided to take action. He utilized Zoom Meetings to keep the streak alive. Zoom Meetings is a popular cloudbased video conferencing application used primarily by businesses to host meetings with remote or international colleagues and clients. The basic version is completely free of charge, but an upgrade was warranted because more time was needed.

Every year, generations of Evans relatives travel from across the nation and sometimes internationally to connect in love and respect at what was the brainchild of the late Daisy Cockerham (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and her late brother Herman “Bo” Evans (Michigan City, Indiana). The annual event travels from state to state.

This 52nd year, family members chimed in from all across the nation.

“It’s history in the making,” said Tommy Evans of Memphis, Tennessee. “It broke my heart to think that this 52-year record was about to be broken. I just wasn’t having it.

My father, L.T. (Boot) Evans, always taught me to roll with the punches. He would have wanted me to find another way. And the Zoom technology was just the answer I needed.” Evans teamed up with his daughter, Kim Evans, to host a flawless Zoom reunion. After the buzzing and colorful meet and greet that kicked off the program, the father-daughter duo managed the agenda which included singing and presentations from Dr. Starlette Patterson-Biddle, Dr. Tamea Evans, and Rev. Kevin Long. Some family members even made pandemic t-shirts to wear for the event.

The reunion’s consecutive streak was almost

Evans Virtual Reunion T-shirt.

broken in 2014 when the Tunica, Mississippi, area had extensive flooding and there was talk of canceling the reunion.

But continuity prevailed as the family elected to move forward with its plans because the hotel where it was booked had minimal impact.

The Evans Family Reunion celebrates the 12 children of Clarence and Rosalee Evans. It draws approximately 150 members and has been held in Denver, Colorado, Dallas, Texas, Gulf Port, Mississippi, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Tunica vcjnhMississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee, among others. Tommy Evans is the national president. His father, L.T. (Boot) Evans, was one of the family’s celebrated 12 siblings. “We are excited to celebrate

Mother, Valerie Rose Redmond (center), surrounded by daughters Samantha (left) and Taylour (front).

our family’s 52nd anniversary,” said Evans when asked about the historic event. “It’s a true testament to our family ties. And I’m so happy that we were able to keep them again this year.”

Submitted by Valerie Rose Redmond, Eagan, Minnesota.

Evans Family Zoom Reunion

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 7

reunion feature

Grant-Johnson Family Reunion

I

n 1935, Henry Grant visited his son Ezra Belmont, North Carolina. They talked about relatives whom they’d not seen since many moved from Georgia to South Carolina in 1919. Ezra told his father he would organize a family reunion. Henry went home and told his brothers, Andy and Tommy Grant, about the idea and the three brothers agreed to organize the first Grant-Johnson Family Reunion in August 1935. It was at Andy’s home in Westminster, South Carolina, near the Tugaloo River. Relatives and friends were notified.

It was soon time to begin the work of sweeping the yards, scrubbing the wooden floors, making tables and benches under the oak trees, baking cakes and pies, gathering watermelons, cantaloupes and tomatoes, catching and frying chickens, along with other preparations. Lemonade was made by the men of the family, a tradition continued for many years.

The setting was a two-story frame white house with a long front porch, used for the platform. Relatives and friends gathered from far and near for the first reunion. Family and friends sat on homemade benches under big oak trees in front of the porch throughout the program which consisted of talks, songs and speeches. After the program, a delicious meal was served and great joy was expressed by hugging, kissing and shaking hands.

Grant-Johnson Choir 8 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

This was an enjoyable and wonderful fellowship for all.

Andy Grant was elected the first President and Olivia Grant the Secretary.

Later it was decided they needed a President and Secretary for Georgia and Isaac Johnson was elected President and Dorthula Simpson, Secretary. The second reunion was also head at the home of Andy and Zelia Knox Grant, the third. at the home of Isaac and Lucy Grant Johnson. Then, reunions rotated every year between, Seneca/Westminster, South Carolina, and Hartwell/ Lavonia, Georgia. In 1999 the reunion broke tradition and traveled to Columbus, Ohio, by invitation from descendants of Willie Grant. Family members enjoyed the road trip and were

reunion feature

Chef Phil cooking for the banquet.

motivated to travel to different states. The reunion has since traveled to Georgia, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and New Jersey. They look forward to many more reunion road trips.

The Grant-Johnson Family planned to celebrate their 85th reunion during July 2020 in Greenville, South Carolina. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, they hosted it virtually. Many family members were adamant that a pandemic would not prevent them from “convening.”

Lester Grant from Seneca, South Carolina, was disheartened that there may be no reunion. He asked his son Chris if a virtual reunion was possible, then he volunTOLD the rest of us to work with Chris and plan it! They thought it was going to be a very basic Zoom experience, but the weekend turned out to be an AWESOME experience of real time Zoom activities. They planned a series of pre-recorded and live events to occur throughout the weekend. The theme was, “Family: A Link to the Past, A Bridge to the Future - Moving Forward with 2020 Vision.”

Each family in each city gathered in their respective homes and thematically decorated and participated. The virtual reunion choir and Black Lives Matter presentations were phenomenal in that family members were featured from various parts of the country as one presentation.

Reported by Melda Grant, Trenton, New Jersey.

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 9

Photo Solutions for Family Reunions

Maureen Taylor Author • Keynote Speaker • Podcaster

“Nation’s Foremost Historical Photo Detective” —WSJ

Identify, Preserve, and Share Your Photos On-Demand Classes:

maureentaylor.com

reunion feature

Giles and Anne Powell Good Family Reunion

T

he Giles and Anne Powell Good family in Gastonia, North Carolina, celebrated a two-day virtual Zoom reunion.

It was three hours on Friday and three hours on Saturday.

There were about 20 people because not many have computers and one or two were on their cell phones. The Good family matriarch, Family Matriarch, Willie Mae Willie Mae Ward, 93, Gastonia, North Carolina, talks about Ward, 93, did a video of oral family history. history about one of the ancestors and oral family history video. It went very well.

Friday was supposed to be two hours but it went over with introductions and conversations with new family members.

We had a short agenda, gave out five scholarships for our high school and college graduations. As the Family Historian, I gave a brief talk on my family research, and we even had a short family meeting.

Shared by Nathania Branch-Miles, Hyattsville, Maryland

Giles and Anne Powell Good Family Reunion program

Celebrate your reunion!

Share it with the world!

See your reunion on these pages and on our website. If you are not your family or group scribe, find someone eager to write about your reunion and share it with us.

Consider students who could score a publishing credit!

We edit everything so perfection is not as important as the facts of your story. Be sure to send high resolution pictures and videos in these formats – .mp4, .mov, or . wmv via www.wetransfer.com (a free transfer service up to 2GB).

We do not have deadlines but use materials as they are received so the sooner you send your reunion story, the sooner you can expect to see it in Reunions magazine!

Send to editor@reunionsmag.com and thank you.

12 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

reunion feature

Powell Moody Family Reunion

K

“

eep it going! Even if it means 10 people meeting at a restaurant.“ That was the charge from our elders after the Powell Moody biennial family reunion gained momentum following its inception in 1974. “Remember who you are, keep track of one another and keep the tradition alive.”

Our 2018 Afrocentric themed reunion was a hit with 119 in attendance. High from the success of 2018, the 2020 reunion committee booked banquet and cookout venues and scheduled planning conference calls. Then COVID-19 happened and it was announced that the 2020 family reunion was cancelled and we wouldn’t see one another for another two years.

When July 2020 rolled around, we were reeling from the social distancing requirement that prevented us from gathering. How would we honor the charge from our elders to keep the tradition going?

Patricia Powell and Sybil Burroughs-Cornish began planning a Zoom virtual reunion for Labor Day weekend. Now it was “even if that means a laptop, tablet or cell phone.”

Shared by Allison Bell, Evans, Georgia.

Toomer 2020 Virtual Zoom Reunion

Toomer Family ZOOM reunion 2020 Virtual Reunion Announcement.

Time for the reunion! Program, activities, schedule and chat.

Time for the reunion including the Pandemic Game: “Who Is That Masked Toomer?”

Shared by Shamele C. Jordan who is the producer and host of Genealogy QuickStart on YouTube (www.youtube.com/c/GenealogyQuickStart?sub_confirmation=17). Look for the November 19, 2020 ession where she discusses their reunion planning with her cousin, Floyd M. Riley. It’s later in the session.

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 13

ALUM & I

East Rome (Georgia) High School’s ‘70s Decade Reunion

by Pam Walker

I

n May 2019, the 45th anniversary of the Class of 1974’s high school graduation was fast approaching. We planned “Reunion by the River” to celebrate. We reserved the pavilion at Heritage Park and organized a potluck picnic.

East Rome (Georgia) Junior High School

THE MORE THE MERRIER We knew with more people attending the reunion, there would be more money to fund everything. So we invited the classes from 1971 through 1977 to join us.

The only reunion expense was a $125 pavilion rental fee. We did not cater the picnic. Attendees brought everything; chairs, paper goods, coolers, ice, grills, drinks and food. That kept the cost down and there was plenty. Sixty people attended “Reunion By the River” and all seven classes were represented. Everyone had a great time!

THE ‘70S DECADE REUNION PICNIC PLANNING FOR 2020 Because “Reunion On the River” was such a success, we decided the next reunion

A SIGNIFICANT VENUE East Rome Junior High School, where we all went to school, is a historic

building which now houses a college with an event facility in the old gymnasium. The committee unanimously agreed the junior high would be perfect for this reunion and so we booked it.

should be a ‘70s decade reunion: 1970 through 1979 classes would be invited.

everything else was completely covered.

THE COMMITTEE

Our long awaited ‘70’s Decade Reunion was planned for May 2, 2020. However, due to COVID-19, it was postponed until May 1, 2021. Although understandably disappointed, everybody was supportive of the decision. The class captains sent a flyer, with the new dates and all the information about the weekend activities, to their classmates.

The Facebook page was updated accordingly.

The reunion planning committee was comprised of two class captains from each class. Not surprisingly, the class captains were the “movers and shakers” of each class. They all know how to get things done.

THE WORD GOT OUT

M

iss Frances Raines, 92, was our junior high school math teacher.

She lives in her own home and still drives her beloved VW. She absolutely cannot wait to see everybody. I went to visit her one afternoon and took a selfie of us and posted the picture on the Facebook event page. Over 100 people clicked like and it helped create enthusiasm for the reunion.

We started a reunion Facebook group.

Word got around about the ‘70s Decade Reunion and excitement was high. When the class of 1980 heard about the plans, they wanted to come. We agreed. One of our classmates donated a banner to decorate the pavilion. Pictured underneath “Welcome Gladiators!” was our school mascot, the gladiator, wearing his helmet, saber in his hand.

FINANCING THE REUNION To get started we asked classmates to donate $10. Although we are aware of Paypal, and similar ways to collect donations, we asked everybody to write a check and mail it to the treasurer. Checks came pouring in. Within a month, we had enough money to reserve and pay for the venue, the disc jockey, the bartender, and the picnic pavilion rental.

TICKETS FOR THE REUNION

Junior High School math teacher, Frances Raines, with Pam T. Walker (left) and, her husband, Stan Walker, both former students of Miss Raines.

14 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

To keep costs down, we decided not to cater the reunion. We would have heavy appetizers and asked everyone to eat dinner, Saturday evening before the reunion.

Tickets to the reunion were $40 per person.

The money paid for food and beverages, as

COVID-19 RUINED OUR PLANS

FINAL REUNION PLANS Weekend plans for the ‘70s Decade Reunion include a Friday night picnic, and a Saturday morning memorial service. The memorial service will be conducted by a minister, who is a 1972 graduate, at his historic church.

The ‘70s Decade Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the junior high we attended.

Dress is casual, and there will be a DJ, a photographer, an open bar (beer and wine only) and appetizers.

WELL WORTH WAITIN’ FOR Excitement for the reunion remains high. We are in Georgia and people are coming to our reunion from Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, California, and Wyoming. The committee, as well as all our classmates, adamantly believe East Rome High School’s ‘70s Decade Reunion will be well worth waiting for.

Reported by Pam T Walker, Kingston, Georgia.

ALUM & I

Beware of a ‘mysterious benefactor’ ...

C

“I’m pretty sure this page is a hoax,” she wrote. “When I questioned hris Schulz wrote a blog that he was excited to learn on the administration about it they deleted all the comments and photos Facebook that a 25-year reunion of his 1995 high school class … and wouldn’t tell me who they were or who the mystery benefactor was being planned in Whanganui, New Zealand. He wrote that he was who was funding the ball (funny that!).” didn’t give it a second thought because it sounded delightful. The Her questions remained unanswered. Schulz wondered who party was set for December 2021 and “a whole bunch of old would go to all this trouble? And why? No money had been school friends had already signed onto the page,” names of people requested. What was the point? A Google search soon revealed he hadn’t seen in years. He was excited to catch up with them. He that fake high school reunions are a Facebook scam. Here’s how sent the page to a few old friends who hadn’t seen it yet with a they work: scammers set up a fake Facebook link and said: “Ready for a road trip?” event page and start inviting former students to Since then, the page received regular updates, “I’m pretty sure this page is a join. They rely on the networking systems to posts of hilarious school photos, requests for the hoax. When I questioned the spread the word through former students, and event to be shared as widely as possible. Updates administration about it they the more people who join the page, the more were made. Dates were set. Nothing seemed amiss. deleted all the comments and legit it looks. Then, closer to the date, they’ll ask He said he didn’t question any of it because it photos … and wouldn’t tell me for money for tickets. It’s not a lot - usually just all sounded completely reasonable. But then, a who they were or who the $20 or $30. There’ll be a link to a Venmo or classmate started questioning the event. She mystery benefactor was who was Paypal account. If it works, the payoff isn’t huge. asked organizers why a venue hadn’t been funding the ball (funny that!).”

But if there were 200 people in your final year at booked. She had other questions like why was school, and 100 people pay up, that’s a pretty the event being paid for by a “mysterious – classmate questioned the event easy $2000. benefactor,” who had asked to remain private?

A single scammer could set up dozens of Who was this school reunion fairy Godfather? pages in a day. He’d never run out of schools to target. Schulz says Why was he doing this? What was in it for him? And where did he in his blog that the good news is that they’re going to organize the get those old school photos? She didn’t get a reply. But her post reunion themselves, without the help of a mystery benefactor. It touched a nerve. All of the pages’ posts were quickly deleted. might be on the same date, at the same time.

Photos were removed. The Facebook page was wiped clean.

NOTE: According to Google, these scams are real. Beware!

Then she posted a message to the group, and called it a scam.

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 15

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Most of these events are sponsored and presented by convention and visitors bureaus. Most are family reunion planning sessions, unless noted otherwise. Most take place on Saturdays, are free or at nominal cost. All prefer or require advance reservations. We add new events online as soon as we learn about them. Visit www.reunionsmag.com and click on Reunion Planning Workshops.

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA Fredericksburg Regional Reunion Workshop March 6, 2021 Due to Covid-19 guidelines, this will be a virtual event.

Contact Renee Dunn, 540-372-1216 rsdunn@fredericksburgva.gov | www.VisitFred.com www.visitfred.com/reunions FAMILY REUNION WORKSHOPS

BY DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA Virtual Presentations www.us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZUoce6rpjwjHt0kt-rvAzrJA0I Usk-W28W9 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Wednesday, June 9, 2021 Wednesday, October 13, 2021

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In-Person Presentations 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Eastern Time Saturday, March 20, 2021 Saturday, May 15, 2021 Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Saturday, September 18, 2021

as many funny ones that will tickle your members sense of humor.

Explore these and engage in the flattery of copying what others have successfully done before you!

Or, if you are just starting out and are announcing the date for your reunion, look at “save-the-date” cards we offer on Etsy that can be personalized for you to take to your local printer! See www.reunionsmag .com/reunion-invites/

REUNION EXPO 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Saturday, November 20, 2021 Register at www.discoverdekalb.com/meetings-groups/ Contact: Penny Moore, 770-492-5018 FREE VIRTUAL FAMILY REUNION PLANNING AND LEGACY BUILDING WORKSHOPS Attendees enjoy hearing from industry experts and participate in “live” question and answer. Limited virtual seats are available, to register, send an e-mail to webuildlegacy@gmail.com 12:00 Noon Eastern Time March 27, 2021 April 24, 2021 May 29, 2021 (Reunion School Part 1) June 26, 2021 (Reunion School Part 2) July 31, 2021 August 28, 2021 September 2, 2021 October 23, 2021 SAVE THE DATE Saturday, April 2, 2022 WeBuildLegacy Family Reunion Planners Conference and Expo Philadelphia, Pennsylvania www.webuildlegacy@gmail.com 16 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

Invitations that work!

ight now in the planning cycle for most reunions, your invitations and registrations should be going to your members. Need ideas? Need help coming up with what to say and how to say it? Look no farther than our website and Pinterest pages that are full of ideas used successfully by other reunions over many years. There are invitations and registrations that are serious and straight forward as well

.com

No excuses to return registrations!

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or years we heard people complain that they couldn’t pay reunion registration fees because they’d need to charge them rather than sending a check or cash. While that was true then, it’s not true now!!

Host your reunion website on myevent.com where you’ll be able to accept Visa & Mastercard to collect registration payments and donations.

Track registrations and ticket sales in real time. Receive your funds by direct deposit or check minus standard transaction fees. Sign up for free (7 day free trial) and start building your reunion site in minutes.

Toll free phone support, Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM EST 877-769-3836. Get 20% off with promo code ReunionsMagazine20.

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Hospitality Answerman

Q: A:

We’re trying to decide where we should hold our 2022 reunion, and someone said that that I should call the convention bureau for help. Are they really able to help us, or are they just going to give us a big “sales pitch” and tell us how wonderful their city is?

Many people only think to call the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to get maps, guidebooks, and discount coupons for the destination they’ll be visiting. And yes, CVBs do provide all those things and in many cases, for free! But that’s only one of the valuable services you can call on them for … here are five others that could be even more helpful for your group: First and foremost, they can help you decide where you should get together. You’ll need to match your reunion location to your group in terms of travel distances and times, the availability of activities your members are most likely to enjoy together, and anticipated costs for everyone’s lodging, meals, and activities.

ASK THE CVB REPRESENTATIVE THESE QUESTIONS: “Why would my reunion have more fun if we get together in your city / destination than if we go somewhere else?”

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

“Why have other reunion groups met with you? What did they like best about your area? Was there anything they didn’t like?”

“Are there any big events that will be taking place while we’re there? (For example, race weekends, county fairs or festivals, major sporting events, etc.) Will these push up the cost ofour hotel rooms, and, if so, should we look at getting together over different dates?”

Once you’ve spoken to a number of locations and received their information, narrow your search to a select few (say, three or four) destinations that you’re seriously interested in and call the CVB again. Ask them to collect bids from hotels that can meet your needs.

You’ll need to tell them the number of rooms you’re likely to need, the dates you’ll need them, and the rates you’re looking to pay. Include hotel features that are important to you – for example, a pool, a ballroom for your banquet, a hospitality room for your group, and so on.

The CVB will respond with bids they receive from hotels that are interested in hosting your reunion, and will review them with you. They’ll be happy to arrange a visit to their city so you can see the hotels and the area’s attractions first-hand.

Second, they can alert you to the best and “least-best” times of year to visit, as well as tell you when to get the best deals. They’ll know when larger “citywide” events are going on that you may wish to avoid. Sometimes, just by shifting the dates of your reunion forward or back by a week, you may be able to save tens, if not hundreds, of dollars a night on your hotel rooms.

Restaurants and other attractions will likewise be less-crowded and more enjoyable.

Third, they’ll help you find the hotel that’s best suited to your group, your budget, and your reunion. Looking for a hotel with a swimming pool that’s close to shopping, restaurants, and a water park? They’ll know which ones will fill the bill, and what sorts of rates the hotel is likely to offer you.

Fourth, a CVB will suggest fun activities, sights to see, and attractions that you might not even have been aware of. For example, here in Fairfax County, Virginia, we have a specially constructed playground that was designed for children with mobility issues. It’s called Clemyjontri Park, and it allows children who use wheelchairs, walkers, or braces to enjoy a playground experience. You won’t find it in most visitor guides, but if you have a child in your family who has special needs, we’ll recommend that you spend some time there.

And fifth, a CVB can help you find local service providers of all shapes and stripes. Want to rent costumes for your family’s talent show? We know where the costume rental shop is located. Need a wreath to take to Arlington National Cemetery to place on the grave of a loved one? We know which florists make them. Want to rent a video monitor to show old home movies of the family? We know who the local providers are. Why would you spend hours searching the Internet when you can just ask us?

And no, a CVB won’t try to “sell” you on their city if it isn’t going to work well for you and your group! A particular city or destination may have lots of wonderful attractions and things to do, but it may not be a good fit for your reunion, and the CVB representative will let you know this when you speak with them.

For example: n If you’ll have lots of children and teens attending, a destination with casino gambling may not be a good choice, as children and teenagers aren’t allowed in casinos in most states. n The hotels and restaurants in many downtown locations can – in many cases – be quite pricey. If the destination isn’t affordable to most everyone in your group, that will keep folks from attending. n If the city / destination is miles and miles away from most everyone in the group, then travel costs will likely be prohibitive.

The CVB representative truly is your best friend regardless of where your group is gathering. Give them a call and you’ll see how much help they can be!

About the Hospitality Answerman Dean Miller, national sales director for Visit Fairfax (www.fxva.com), the convention and visitors bureau in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a great friend of reunions. Contact him (dmiller@ fxva.com; 703-790-0643) when you are planning a reunion in the Washington, DC, area. Fairfax County is nearby, affordable, and conveniently located to all the area has to offer. Also see all of his Hospitality Answerman columns on www.reunionsmag.com

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What is your question for Dean Miller, Hospitality Answerman?

Send to editor@reunionsmag.com

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 17

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The National Museum of the United States Army

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he National Museum of the United States Army is an attraction for all reunions, not just military groups. There are many reasons family reunions should consider a visit because many adult members are Army veterans and kids will be fascinated by the history and the future featured among exhibits! The Museum celebrates and honors 245 years of regular, reserve and National Guard Army history and US soldiers past, present and future.

And, the museum recently finished in the “Top 10” of the “Best New Attraction” voting for USA Today. Another reason the Museum is ideal for reunions is because there is free entry, free parking, free public programs, free audio tour devices (visitors are encouraged to bring their own headphones).

While admission is FREE, timed-entry tickets are required. All tickets must be reserved in advance online. Limit of 5 tickets per individual request. Walk-up tickets are not available. Group tickets (6 or more) and group reservations are also available online.

While there are countless history exhibits of the US Army, there are also opportunities to

experience Army action, virtual reality and motion experiences. Check the calendar of events to explore free and paid offerings for visitors of all ages.

Army Action Center: Virtual Reality and motion theater experiences require paid tickets that can be purchased in advance online @ www.armyhistory.org/army-action-center/ or on site.

EXPERIENCES INCLUDE: Holdout! Bunker Defense uses state-of-the-art VR and 4D simulated rifle target practice, Tank Commander VR Transporter wearing head-mounted display while an elevated motion platform pitches and rolls to mimic movement in the virtual world, Army Action Pod is a futuristic movie experience that various movie features play throughout the day.

Wing Walker VR is adventures of an Air Show stuntwoman.

The Museum opened on Veterans Day 2020 but closed again in mid-December as the pandemic worsened. No word on a re-opening date yet. Updates will be posted on the museum’s Web site www.thenmusa.org.

The National Museum of the United States Army, 1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir VA 22060; 800-506-2672. For information about reunion resources and area attractions, contact Dean Miller at www.VisitFairfax, dmiller@fxva.com, 703-752-9505.

Looking for ways to pay for your reunion?

Consider these ideas!

Make a family cookbook!

Sell t-shirts!

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Make and auction a quilt! Hold a rummage sale!

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As reunions continued to grow, 2015 became a momentous year as over 200 members were present at the gathering in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Williams-Grant-Stephens Family Reunion

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he Williams-Grant-Stephens Family all began with Israel Williams who was born in Georgia in 1854. He was eight or nine years old when the slaves were freed and he migrated to Poplar Springs, Florida, with relatives and friends until he was a grown man. Israel Williams, the root of this family raised eight children: Elbert, Luis, Dodd, Emma, Indiana, Samuel, Mary & John Williams. A baby daughter died at an early age.

Israel Williams died April 6, 1935.

Elbert raised seven children, Emma raised four children, Indiana raised ten children and Samuel raised fifteen children. The Williams-Grant-Stephens Family continues to grow and fulfill Israel Williams’ goal: that we love each other and fellowship during good and bad times.

The Williams Grant Stephens (WGS) Family Reunion is a diverse family that has been meeting since summer 1982, originating in Poplar Springs, Florida. The family has grown over the years and with this evolution, members have migrated to places all over the country. From Hayward, California, to Miami, Florida, members have had the opportunity to coordinate reunions in their area or chose other locations.

The family reunion has grown to 300 strong. The last meeting was in 2019 in Orlando, Florida, the next will be in Charleston,

South Carolina. They meet every two years/biennially.

Since the start of their reunions in 1982, held during the third week of June, WGS family members have “showed up and showed out!” One of God’s many gifts is the honor of being surrounded by family, creating memories and a legacy for future generations. They realize that their history lies in their hands so they’ve begun preserving their stories as a way of maintaining their rich heritage.

In 2001, the reunion was named “The Israel Williams Family Reunion” and took place in Panama City, Florida. In Atlanta, Georgia, in 2003, a new name was conceived and remains today “The Williams Grant Stephens (WGS) Family Reunion.” The tradition was followed by the 2005 reunion held in Wilmington, North Carolina. However, in 2007 the WGS Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, reunion experienced a tremendous increase in the level of participation and enjoyment for the family. At the next gathering in Cleveland, Ohio in 2009, they welcomed and introduced a “New Generation” to the celebrations.

The WGS Executive Board encourages the family to keep God first and preserve their legacy. They ask members to please continue to support, attend, recruit family, and host future WGS Family Reunions.

Reported by Deborah Porter, Quincy, Florida.

In 2017, the WGS reunion utilized new technology, when Ancestry.com, enabled them to link five generations of family members from the past and present.

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Frierson Family Reunion

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he 35th Frierson Family Reunion was held in Baltimore, Maryland. On Friday, there was a reception at the host hotel at Best Western Plus and Conference Center. On Saturday, family members visited the city of Baltimore and the Inner Harbor. Saturday night, they had a Family Buffet style Banquet/Business Meeting at the host hotel, and Sunday morning they had a Family Sharing Service.

We choose our reunion locations at the family business meeting held during the reunion banquet. We ask for three or four location nominations from family members.

We require that the person that nominates a location, must be willing to serve as host for the reunion as well. The last reunion was in Shreveport, Louisiana. The recent reunion was in Baltimore, Maryland. The next reunion, in 2021, will be held in Columbus, Ohio.

Frierson Family Reunions are held semi-annually for three days (Friday – Sunday), the weekend after the 4th of July.

On average we have 40 to 60 attendees.

Once the location is determined, the reunion host along with the committee determine the reunion costs and each family member who attends pays a registration fee that will help cover the

35th Frierson Family Reunion Baltimore, MD July 12-14, 2019

Rooted and Grounded in Love!!

The Spirit of Our Togetherness Lives On and On…

cost. Family members are responsible for their hotel expenses. We reserve a host hotel at the location.

The Frierson Family Reunion Host and Committee maintain the budget and finances. We collect funds to help the high

school graduates who attend college with $500 for books, laptop, etc. We have a Frierson Family Board that consists of a President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Treasurer manages the finances for the Scholarship fund. The reunion organizer is chosen when the family vote on the location at the family meeting.

Since our senior family members are reaching the ages of 80+, we encourage younger generations to take the lead on hosting reunions. Activities include a memorial-service, business-meeting, entertainment, tours, games, and Family Talent and Sharing. Over the past few years we decided to have a Family Sharing Breakfast Service on Sunday morning rather than a traditional worship service.

Friday we have an icebreaker activity, play games, share photos and get reacquainted.

Family traditions include singing We Come This Far By Faith at every family banquet.

We give awards for the oldest and youngest member present, the family member with the most children present, the person or family that paid first and the family that traveled the farthest.

We have a family reunion Facebook page to keep members involved where they can share and keep the family updates on events, births, deaths, etc. To promote and publicize the reunion, we share the reunion information on the family Facebook page: Frierson Family Reunion.

We send announcements by mail, emails, and Save the Date announcements when we know the locations.

We do not have a lot of young children who attend the reunions. For kids who attend, we do provide age appropriate food choices, games, and activities for them to participate in.

Reported by Sharon Carr, Fairfield, Ohio, who has organized five Frierson Family Reunions.

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Richardson Cousins Reunion

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the descendants of Emma and Mollie. We laughed and hugged and shared stories and phone numbers and email addresses. The oldest cousin was 82-year old Ruby Doris White, daughter of Will and Mollie Richardson White.

Excitedly, we agreed that once was not enough. The next year would be even better. By 2015, we needed a larger venue, so Cane Creek was selected for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. There were more cousins in yellow shirts (Lillie) in 2014 and 2015. Then the blue shirts (Frances) inRobert and Polly Starnes Richardson creased their numbers. The red shirts (my family’s color) will never exceed the attendance of either Lillie or Frances because of the small numbers of children borne into the John Robert Richardson family.

Meanwhile in 2018, two of the descendants of Wesley attended and we secured photos from a great granddaughter. By the 2019 reunion, we had connected with the descendants of nine of Robert and Pollie’s children, with photos of eight of them. We also added a descendant of Amanda, Maurice Blakeney, who finally attended along with two family members.

In the last five years, we, the Richardson Cousins, have added quite a number of limbs to the family tree.

Shared by Sharon R. Amos, Lillie Richardson Thompson Descendants Buffalo, New York.

n 2013, Cousin Odessa died at age 98. The same year, a chance encounter with a previously unknown cousin, Debra Perry Sturdivant, rekindled our desire to know our people.

In June 2014, the first Richardson Cousins Reunion was held in Monroe, North Carolina. Cousins came from North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Many knew only one side — either the maternal or paternal — of their ancestors. This reunion shed light on the missing ancestors. Our second great grandparents, Robert and Pollie Starnes Richardson, had ten children. Listed in the 1880 Census for Chester-

field, South Carolina, are Amanda, Wes, Emmer, John, and Lillie. In the 1900 Census, Mollie, Rebeccah, Roland, James, and Girlie (Frances).

This gathering was an opportunity for descendants, to connect. We secured the Belk Tonawanda Park in Monroe at no cost and asked everyone to bring their own lunch since we didn’t have funds to feed what we hoped would be a large crowd. The three of us who were Ronnie McDonald, Mollie hosting, brought Richardson White Descendant enough food to share with additional family members.

The flyer that announced the event identified colors for each family group: John (red); Lillie (yellow); Frances (blue); Rebecca (orange); Henry Roland (white).

We had five colored folders and each had a photo of that ancestor. We still had no photos of James, Wesley, Amanda, Emma, or Mollie. By the end of the day, we had promises of photos from 22 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

Frances Richardson Lowery Descendants

John Robert Descendants

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Bell-Ransom Family Reunion

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he Bell-Ransom Family Reunion begins on Friday at the family home site in the Occoneechee Neck area of Jackson, North Carolina, and continues Saturday at Kirkwood Adams Community Center in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Many members grew up in the area and still live there. This is where the family is rooted. This was our 41st annual reunion at the BellRansom family home site with 125 in attendance.

A committee of cousins plans reunions. A registration fee is paid by each person attending. Children under age 6 are free. They publish a family newsletter with highlights of family news, birthdays, sick list, deaths, photographs from reunion, recipes, etc. They make poster board exhibits for the reunion and have a Facebook page. Then, they publish an article in the local newspaper after the reunion.

Friday fun fest for children and family fish fry on Friday open the reunion weekend.

The Friday fun fest of games and activities for cousins is designed to give children playtime in the large yard. Children participate in the reunion program as color guard for the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation. They are recognized for excellence with certificates and they participate in the fashion/ talent show. Reunions also include a memorial service, fashion/talent review and dance.

Shared by Jacqueline Bell Pyatt, Fort Washington, Maryland.

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The Pehowski Family at Collins Park Meeting Place

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n November 1936, Ted and Loretta Pehowski recited their vows at St. Adalbert’s church in Rosholt, Wisconsin. Who would have thought that 83 years later, their descendants would gather in a park not far away, to celebrate their lives and the fun-loving family they produced.

With great excitement, the family reunited recently for their first official family reunion since 2003. Sadly, since that time, the family matriarch, Loretta, had passed away.

Collins Park, three miles southwest of Rosholt, has been the park of choice for family get togethers since the 1940s. Several family members camped in the 21-acre park adjacent to Collins Lake. Camping was $24 a night with a season park manager living

(L to R ) Back Row: Elaine Egle and Cindy Wiza; Front Row: Patricia Wolfe and Stephen Pehowski, siblings whose parents, Ted and Loretta Pehowski, are in the photo on the table. The photo on the wall is of Ken Pehowski and Phyllis Burant, their deceased siblings.

Pehowski cousins

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Explore back issues for more reunion planning ideas!

Guess Who the Baby?

on site. Firewood and ice were available for purchase. Lodge rental was $100 a day for 13' x 35' plus 7' x 11' kitchen. Some younger family members had fun swimming at the 300 foot beach and playing at the horseshoe pits and on playground equipment.

Ted and Loretta would be proud with the games several grandchildren put together, including a Guess Who the Baby? game, a specially constructed family name word search and a trivia game with questions such as Who has webbed toes?, Who sang a solo during midnight mass? and Who ran out of gas on the Pennsylvania Turnpike? The last question was Who is the oldest great great grandchild? The last one was kind of a trick question. Ted and Loretta’s first great great grandchild Milo, was born only 3 days earlier! Many family members did not even know his name yet!

At 5:30 PM a catered chicken dinner was provided (each family member paid $5) and the rest of the food was potluck including desserts which featured Busia Loretta’s favorite torte. After dinner as the sun began to drop in the west, many had to hit the road.

Saying farewell was bittersweet. Thinking of the beautiful day and of those who had passed away. Everyone took a small pamphlet of Pehowski Humor and History to read on their ride home to cap the perfect day.

Shared by June Groshek Czarnezki, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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The Fitzgerald, Glass, Henry, Terry Family Reunion … still going strong after 72 years

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on’t get it twisted! Family is everything members, planning for our room. There was a lot to and knowing where one comes from annual reunion began in catch up on. Relatives can provide a better understanding of who October of the previous year. picked up prepaid we are. Originating from Pittsylvania Our reunion is held yearly registration packages and County, Virginia, our first Fitzgerald, Glass, during the 4th weekend in July t-shirt orders, ate wings Henry, Terry (FGHT) Family Reunion was and relatives in the New Jersey and pizza and participated held April 27, 1947 in Chester, Pennsylvaarea previously committed to in heritage conversation Rashema Smith and the nia. For 72 consecutive years, the serve as the 2019 Host City. lessons. They had discusoldest family member, FGHT family has organized They had the responsibility sions about the family tree Jerlene Fitzgerald who annual family reunions to for securing a hotel venue displayed on canvas, was 96 year old! recognize, celebrate, teach, and and to plan and coordinate played cards/board games, to learn and better understand all family festivities and activities for and/or took a swim in the hotel pool. our heritage. Amazingly, to this the entire reunion weekend.

During Saturday, the NJ Host Commitday our torch continues to This year’s reunion theme was tee planned the ultimate Generations burn ever so brightly.

“GENERATIONS CELEBRATION” Celebration at Liberty Lake Picnic, a venue Approximately 300 people that offers something for all ages…60 The youngest cousin and we rocked it! The reunion at the reunion, were in attendance when the activities started Friday evening scenic acres that included miniature golf, Devin Smith, Jr, FGHT family gathered in with a banging “Meet and Greet.” paddle boats, row boats, hiking trails, two months old.

Mount Laurel, New Jersey, for With the constant arrival of horseshoe pits, soccer, a swimming pool a jam-packed weekend of family, fun, and relatives from near and far came lots of with slides and a trampoline, basketball fellowship. With an agreed upon State endless mixing, mingling, and socializing courts, sand volleyball and plenty of pre-determined by FGHT General Body in the hotel lobby and the hotel hospitality FOOD, FOOD, and more FOOD! The family

Fitzgerald, Glass, Henry, Terry cousins dressed for Wakanda Unity affair.

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masterplan gathered briefly for our traditional family program in the park where family gifts were given for the first person to register, first family to arrive at the park, couple married the longest (57 years), person traveling the farthest (Colorado), newlyweds, birthday today, oldest member present (96 years), youngest member present (2 months), and the family with the most continual generations present (3 generations).

Totally exhausted after the day in the park, the family returned to the hotel to relax a short while and prepare for the Saturday Night Generations Celebration—Theme: Wakanda Unity Affair. All dressed in African garb, the young and older family members danced the night away in celebration of growth, unity, family, love, and peace. An interlude included door prizes, give-a-ways, and a short skit to recognize the significance of Generation millennials, Generation Z. Generation X, baby boomers, and the silent generation (World War II). Something new this year included the FGHT Business Manager and FGHT Vice President participating in an impromptu You-Tube podcast to share information regarding reunion management and organizational skill sets that have sustained our family reunions growth, participation, and longevity for 72 years.

On Sunday morning, we gathered for our traditional family program that included a speaker with a message of “Getting to Our Centennial,” a memorial period, special recognition and acknowledgment of family achievers and graduates, a “State of the Reunion” address by the FGHT Business Manager, a fundraiser raffle drawing, and remarks by the FGHT President. The reunion weekend dismissed with our unity family circle and closing prayer.

Three generations of the Dixon family (left to right) Shea, his father Johnny, his grandson Osei, wife Marie and grandson Omar.

The FGHT reunion is managed by the FGHT Executive Board (President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Business Manager, Historian, and Chaplain). In October and March, the FGHT Executive Board conducts general body business sessions for the purpose of planning and finalizing events for an upcoming reunion. FGHT reunion sites span the states of Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and New Jersey.

Reported by Cheryl Dixon, Accokeek, Maryland.

ANY-SIZED FAMILY. ANY-SIZED BUDGET. WE ACCOMMODATE BOTH. You have a big family. We have activities for everyone and every budget. From fine dining to family casual, from easy-going hotels to uptown luxury, we’ve got your budget covered. And with a world of fun for all ages and interests, Fairfax County is tailor-made for your reunion.

The new National Museum of the United States Army in Fairfax County is a great place for families. Current COVID-19 safety precautions established.

Let us help you plan your family’s reunion.

Go to FXVA.com or call 703-790-0643

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 29

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Baez Family Legacy

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ix generations descended from Eladia Marinez, the daughter of Tiburcia Baez and Leonicio Martinez. Eladia was a dedicated mother who helped support her family of eight children as a domestic worker. In 1963 she came to Brooklyn, New York, and lived her remaining years surrounded by the love of her family until 1988 when, at age 86, she passed away. Her family continues to commemorate her love by holding an annual reunion in her name. Reunion 2019 was in Buena Vista Lake Resort, Orlando, Florida, for the 31st annual Family Reunion.

Reunion Highlights - Friday there was a Meet and Greet, Bingo, and

Carissa Aslanis and Alex Gender Reveal Party

Baez women 30 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

entertainment. A Family Potluck Dinner/ Ceremony Saturday Evening was held in the Resort Meeting Hall. We had a delicious buffet followed by Special Tribute by the Vasquez siblings in honor of their beloved Mother Ramona – The Queen – who recently passed away.

Brigida Marin was crowned the new Queen of the Baez with an inspiring message delivered by the host Aida Vazquez. The crown represents that you in charge, you guide us with knowledge and never let us down. To our uncle, aunts or titi as we call them, we honor them all, on behalf of the “Vasquez Morales.”

Other activities included: Freddy and Styles Birthday Party, Carissa Aslanis and Alex Gender Reveal Party. We also had a raffle, dancing, more bingo and lots of picture and video, and much more fun!

Special thanks to the Vasquez group for organizing this memorable event, Kimberlee for designing our reunion t-shirt and Freddy for designing and making a beautiful banner. To all those who helped make this another successful family reunion.

On Sunday we hung around the pool followed by hugs, kisses and heartfelt

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Black Family Reunions, Finding the Rest of Me

by Dr. Ione D. Vargus

Baez kids

goodbyes. Praying for a safe trip back home.

What a blessing it is to see a gathering of generations of family members who come together in unity to honor the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future. It is reconnecting with relatives and friends for the purpose of fun food, fellowship, the strengthening of ties that bind us one to another.

On behalf of the Baez Family I would like to thank Reunions magazine for helping us tremendously with organizing reunion ideas and for posting our family reunion and pictures.

Reported by Serafina Rosado, Casselberry, Florida.

Hanging out by the pool

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his is a book filled with inspiration and wisdom for all reunion planners. Dr. Ione Vargus, founder of the Family Reunion Institute at Temple University in Philadelphia, traveled the country for many years visiting black family reunions to observe and experience how families met and celebrated. She interviewed family members for their impressions and practices. “Through activities at reunions,” she writes, “values are transmitted … recognition of family talents and role models … inspiration to engage in community concerns, advice on good parenting skills and the potential for positive character development occurs during the reunion.” Citing examples from the experience and reports of countless reunions, Dr. Vargus weaves tales of many practical reunion experiences that can be applied to your planning and your reunion. Dr. Vargus’s study and commitment to family reunions through the Family Reunion Institute and her many national family reunion conferences earned her the richly deserved title of Mother of Family Reunions. This is a book that every reunion planner should read and share with their committee members, friends and family as ideas for reunions now and in the future. EW (Xlibris, 2020, 205 pages, $31.99 hard cover, $17.99 soft cover, $3.99 e-book; www.xlibris.com/en/bookstore/ bookdetails/810743-black-family-reunions) 2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 31

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Jernigan Family Reunion … Love, Faith, and Unity

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he Jernigans meet every two years at a location voted on during the previous reunion. This year the descendants of the Jernigan brothers, Aran, Amos, Calvin, David, Daniel, and Iren from Panola County in East Texas, met in August in Webster, Texas. Communications and updates were sent to family members via USPS, email, CallBot, Eventbrite, and our Jernigan Family Reunion website and Facebook page. The reunion was planned and hosted by the Houston, Texas, family reunion committee that included: Lloyd Jernigan-2019 reunion president, Beverly Paige-2017 reunion president, and Thelma Johnson-reunion coordinator. The theme was Love, Faith, and Unity western style.

FRIDAY — “SHOWDOWN AT THE JERNIGAN CORRAL” The Jernigan descendants “SADDLED UP” in their western wear and arrived at the Holiday Inn Houston-Webster for the meet and greet from Alaska, California, Wisconsin, Virginia, Louisiana, and Texas. Family members mixed and mingled, showed off their moves in a line dance, and won door prizes. Later everyone CHOWED DOWN on a delicious three-meat “Trail Boss BBQ” plate catered by Pappas Bar-B-Q before posing for pictures taken by our personal photographer M “JL” Miles. The JERNIGANS GOT TALENT SHOW winners were: Bregeet Kennedy, Wynaya Kennedy, Penjalee Kennedy, Angela Kennedy, Elijah Harkins, and Kenya and Brooky Dargan.

They performed their own rendition of Lil Nas X “Old Town Road” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus with choreographer and props. Thanks to Yolanda Sloan Toliver, Reunion Recreation Coordinator, the hoedown continued with line dancing lead by Houston’s own Elusive Ladies Line Dancing instructors Martha Allison and Jackie Lilly. Thelma Jernigan Johnson and Kenneth Drayden “ROCKED THE HAPPY TRAIL “ to win first place for the Best Dressed Cowgirl and Cowboy. Each received an autographed copy of the newly released book,

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Sisters Lenora Jernigan and Margaret Jernigan Sattiewhite

Plantations, Protests, Pulpits-Lessons from the Phases of my Life, written by our very own family member, Reverend Harry Blake.

SATURDAY AM — “THE JERNIGANS WESTERN ROUND-UP” The Jernigans rounded-up dressed in their 2019 black and white reunion t-shirt for a private Sunrise Buffet Breakfast before attending a Genealogy Workshop presented by Franklin Smith from the Clayton Library Center of Genealogy Research in Houston, Texas. Mr. Smith is also the co-author of A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering Your African-American Ancestors-How to find and record your unique heritage. His classmate, Jerry Paige, the spouse of Reunion Co-Coordinator, Beverly S. Paige, invited him.

To be eligible for door prizes, each family member had to generate their own personal cowboy and cowgirl name (first, middle, last) for the drawings; see box. The Round-up concluded with a family photo. At midday, members had time on their own to relax, shop, sightsee, or visit area attractions and/or beaches.

COWBOY AND COWGIRLS NAMES To win door prizes, Jernigan Family members had to write their names using the Cowboy and Cowgirl lists. Examples: Robin Sally Clancy, Will Bill Black, Kneeslappin Betty Littlefoot, Roping Jane May, Bucking Jedediah Littlefoot, Lucky Annie Dooley, Wild Hector Holiday, Roping Hector Slaughter.

Some family members received the Genealogy Workshop presenter, Franklin Carter Smith’s book. **Editor’s note: Sure enough!

We googled it and there are cowboy and cowgirl name generators.**

Taylar Martin (left) and her aunt, Beverly Smith-Paige

Thelma Jernigan Johnson (left) and her mother, Diane Bolden Hodge

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Jernigan Family Reunion

SATURDAY PM — THE SUNDOWN WESTERN EXTRAVAGANZA/BANQUET The Jernigans dressed up in their black and white “Sunday Best” for the reunion banquet at the Aquarium Kemah Boardwalk in Kemah, Texas. The “GRUB” (menu) for the event was Sicilian Stuffed Chicken Breast stuffed with Mozzarella cheese, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Sautéed Vegetables, Cheesecake, Iced Tea, and coffee. The evening speaker was our very own awesome, articulate, and charismatic Claudia Jones Sylvester, who was introduced by her daughter Keisha Akindele. Bishop Lloyd Jernigan served as Master of Ceremonies.

Our very own children’s book writers, Cheryl Jernigan and DeAnn Duncan Lax, donated special door prizes.

Special Recognitions for our 2019 reunion First Time Attendees: Zoe Brown, Mary Jernigan, Rita Drayden, Brittany Drayden, Wynaya Kennedy, Penjalee Kennedy, Angela Kennedy, Elijah Harkins, Kenya and Brooky Dargan Most spirited: Elijah Harkins First to Register/First time Grandparent: Monica Blake Mickle Oldest Male in Attendance: John Jernigan Oldest Female in Attendance: Laverne Jones Youngest in Attendance: Adrian Jeremiah Largest Attendance of a single family: Willie Dunkins Traveled the Farthest: Mary Jernigan

SUNDAY AM — FAMILY WORSHIP The 2019 Jernigan Family Reunion culminated with a service at Forest Lawn Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where Reverend R. C. Bell is pastor.

The family was welcomed and recognized in the church bulletin. “The Lawn” is the church home of family member Rube Hardeman, who spoke on our behalf and presented our offering to the church.

Our personal photographer was present to capture memories for our commemorative Jernigan Family Reunion 2019 on DVD. The 2019 Jernigan Family Reunion was dedicated in loving memory of Verlee “Micki” Jernigan Jones and Norma Jernigan Blake.

The Jernigans will reconvene in The Big D - Dallas, Texas, in the summer of 2021.

Report submitted by Beverly Paige and Carlestle Coleman.

Angela Kennedy Willie Dunkins

Laverne Jones

Penjalee Kennedy

Mary Jernigan

Elijah Harkins

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 33

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Brown Family Reunion BROWN FAMILY MOTTO Like branches on a tree we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.

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ix living generations of the Browns met in Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, for a three-day family reunion. The oldest member was 95-year-old Lena Simmons from Greenville, South Carolina, and the youngest was one-year-old Shane Lee of Kansas City, Missouri. This was the first reunion they’d ever held in Kansas City and members came from Florida, Louisiana, Texas, California, Colorado and South Carolina. Out of town family began arriving on Thursday and were welcomed with a buffet of snacks Juanita Lewis, Jessie Lee Brown and Doris Manning seated in lobby of Negro League Baseball and finger foods in the hotel dining area. and Jazz Museums in Kansas City, Missouri.

Friday morning many gathered at Kansas City, Missouri’s historic 18th and Vine District for a guided, narrated tour of the Negro League Baseball and American Jazz Museums. The baseball museum contains rich history of African American baseball with life-sized bronze sculptures of Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell and Josh Gibson positioned on a mock baseball diamond.

The American Jazz Museum showcases sights and sounds of Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and others through interactive exhibitions. art and photography. A good time was had by all.

Friday evening the family enjoyed a meal and fellowship at the Kansas City, Missouri, Masonic Temple where the banquet speaker was a family minister, Luther Eatman. He spoke on our theme “The Branches of our Heritage Continue to Grow.” He left us with the reminder that parents cannot always impose their ideas and expectations on their children. Parents should lead by example and pray their children will make good and healthy life choices. Legacy awards were given to honor family members who have passed on – J. B. Military Legacy, Pastor Luther Eatman, Bridge Rose’s Heart of Gold Legacy, George’s Leadership Legacy, Pauline’s Kitchen Legacy, Jason Epps Athletic Legacy and the Legacy of Excellence award. of Hope The picnic on Saturday was held at the Wyandotte County Park in Bonner Community Church, Kansas Springs, Kansas. The family enjoyed food, games and taking scenic pictures City, Kansas. amid the cool breeze of the shelter house. A drawing was held for two baskets: a barbecue basket filled with some of Kansas City’s great sauces and a spice basket filled with cooking spices.

Members attended church on Sunday and enjoyed fish and spaghetti in the church dining room after the service. The last members departed on Monday morning. The next reunion is planned for Las Vegas, NV in two years.

Reported by Gertrude Roby, Brown Family Reunion inset with oldest Lena Simmons (96, left) Kansas City, Kansas. and youngest Shane Lee (1, right).

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BROWN FAMILY LEGACY AWARDS

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n 2017 the host family in Texas gave birth to the idea of legacy awards in memory of those who had passed away but whose legacy was remembered and exemplified by family members now following in their footsteps.

• Th e (name of deceased) Bravery

Award - to (name of nominee) for exemplary courage while serving in the United States Armed Services or state or city civil services.

• Th e (name of deceased) Heart of

Gold Award - to (name of nominee) for having a caring heart and giving tirelessly for the well-being of others.

• The (name of deceased) Leadership Award - to (name of nominee) for portraying excellence whether in leadership and conversation or word and song.

• Th e (name of deceased) Kitchen

Award - to (name of nominee) for knowing their way around the kitchen and “how to put their foot in it” with delectable entrees and delightful pastries.

• Th e (name of deceased) Outstand-

ing Athlete Award - to (name of nominee) for those with endowment and dedication, whose talents are crafted and remarkable and who illustrate good sportsmanship both on and off the court or field.

• Th e (name of the deceased) Legacy of Excellence Award - to young adults who respect the family name, honor the history and who can be trusted to carry on the family legacy with dignity.

Nominations were submitted in advance to allow time for each person’s award to be printed for presentation at the dinner.

Photos from My Tees Photos, Kansas City, Kansas, and James Leonard Sibley. Montgomery, Texas

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Deshazor Deshazer Deshazier Deshazior (DDDD) Family Reunion

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he 21st Biennial DDDD family reunion was held in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Crowne Plaza Memphis East Hotel. They had a Masquerade Ball and Awards Banquet where they honored and paid tribute to the oldest family member, Alzrio McDonald, who at 96 years old gets around well. They awarded family members who traveled farthest, “had the most spirit,” was most helpful and made the most family connections over the weekend. They gave out Extinguished Flames to

two members who lost their husbands during the year. They offered a little bit of something for everyone ... from eight month old Rian to 96 year old Alzrio … who both participated in the Masquerade Ball and the family heritage meeting and the picnic. They played games on cousins night, ate delicious food at the welcoming reception and took family photos after breakfast.

Reported by Glenda Deshazier-Nelson, Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

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Donaldson Family Reunion

Donaldson Family Reunion

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he Donaldson Family has been having reunions biannually since 1981. Reunions are four days starting on Thursday and ending on Sunday after a Sunday worship service.

Between 65 and 100 attend each reunion. The 2019 Donaldson Family Reunion was in Detroit, Michigan.

If we start planning early with fundraisers, bowling parties, skating parties, yard/garage sales. If we get a later start each family on the host committee pays monthly dues and donates a particular amount to offset the costs of the reunion. We also create a registration fee for each attending family to cover cost of food, transportation and amenities like guided tours, catering, supplies and other fees.

Activities include a picnic, meet and greet, talent show, nighttime games at the hotel, prayer breakfast, fish fry, card games of bid whist and spades, pool/splash party at the hotel. Our first night is a theme-based meet and greet with karaoke, skits, poetry readings, words from the family elders, funny stories etc.

Minister Elnora Sled presenting the welcome address and opening prayer.

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This year our family reunion theme was “It’s A LOVE THING.” We focused on repairing breaches in family relationships and healing generation gaps. We also encouraged the family to cherish our family elders while they are still with us. We want to stop the practice of only gathering the family when there is tragedy or when someone expires. We gifted our elders with Family Heirloom Bibles so they can record their history in their own way and hand down that piece of history to their living children. We put together a digital presentation of all our family members who have passed on to honor their lives in memory and we had a candlelight vigil for family members who had passed on since the last family reunion.

We followed the vigil with a guided tour at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Members were greatly impacted by this experience. Phone calls and accolades after the reunion poured in and family stated that they were appreciative of that life changing experience.

We also provided a tour at the Motown Museum for those who were interested. We concluded our family reunion activities with a non-traditional Sunday morning worship and workshop provided by a younger family member. The topic was how to recognize and release the barriers that can keep you from being able to love done in a question and answer format that was different from the traditional sermon delivery older family was accustomed to. Most family members were open and responsive and appreciated having an active part to play in the service. As the organizer I wanted to bridge the generation gap in our family by incorporating new experiences and encouraging elders to be more open to change and innovation. We also provided the family with a booklet of updated history and a list of all first-and-second generation children and their offspring. We also began building out our family tree on www.Ancestry.com and were able to locate new family members in several states.

Saxophonist, Tyberius Livingston, entertaining at the for meet and greet.

Colleen Donaldson presenting Evie Mitchell reading a Heirloom Bibles to family Elders. poem at the meet and greet.

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At Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

We choose the next location through a voting process after the family picnic or after the final family activity. We usually try to rotate the city/location to disperse the work and expense involved with setting up the reunion. The reunion location changes every two to three years from state to state. Our next reunion is being planned as a family cruise to an island resort for 2021.

We are in the process of transitioning our young people to handling the reunion ...this is why they have opted for a cruise in 2021 because they want to do something different that does not involve the normal work intensive responsibilities of the host committee.

We have an active family Facebook page, we create family history souvenir booklets, and a family member who submits a newsletter every family reunion.

Reported by Sonja M Stuckey, Detroit, Michigan.

Donald and Devin Stuckey and Patrick and Lisa Sled doing karaoke version of Gladys Knight and the Pips song “Midnight Train to Georgia” at meet and greet.

Candlelight remembrance for family members who have passed.

Georgia Donaldson in a Praise Dance at Sunday Morning Service.

Valerie Powe making Sunday Service Presentation about LOVE.

William Donaldson, Evie Mitchell, Dorothy King, Etta Ruth Rials, and Elnora Sled with picture of parents, Barbara and Sam Donaldson.

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Windham Family Reunion Memorial Walk

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e usually start our Windham Family Reunion on Friday by doing a Memorial Stroll. We visit grave sites of our love ones. We share a memory about each of them and place flowers on their graves.

Because of the pandemic, our scheduled 2020 reunion was cancelled. Instead, I used this video as a way to keep some normalcy to our lives in spite of the circumstances.

The video was very emotional for us because my uncle’s wife passed in January and my mother passed February 1, on the morning of my aunt’s funeral. My mom was the family eldest member and the family matriarch.

Shared by Janice Maxine Jones, Carrollton, Alabama.

Bunker Family Challenges

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he following was found in the Bunker Family Reunion Bunker Banner newsletter. This is in the August 2020 edition, thus references to challenges of living with and surviving the Covid 19 pandemic. We found the challenges appropriate for consideration by many reunions including recruitment for help with the reunion and the newsletter! And perhaps you’ll find some challenges appropriate for your reunion planning.

Reprinted with permission from editor, Gil Bunker.

PRESIDENTS DIALOGUE The new fiscal year began on June 17th (Bunker Hill Day) and with it a plan of challenges for the future. Will the Bunker Family Association survive the next epoch or as Gen. MacArthur once said, just fade away.

Now is the time to confront our purpose “…to collect, compile and publish genealogical data and information relating or of interest…” with these:

CHALLENGES a CHALLENGE to bond a CHALLENGE stay safe a CHALLENGE to network a CHALLENGE to make contacts a CHALLENGE for social distance a CHALLENGE to wear your mask a CHALLENGE to increase donations a CHALLENGE to increase volunteers a CHALLENGE to increase our membership a CHALLENGE to alleviate officers’ overload a CHALLENGE to increase the military database a CHALLENGE to increase the genealogy database a CHALLENGE to increase writers to the Bunker Banner

Taste of reunions!

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ho doesn’t look forward to the wide array of wonderful smells and tastes of reunion potlucks, picnics and banquets? Do these pictures remind you of wonderful memories and make your mouth water? Add these to why you can’t wait for your next reunion!

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Hopkins-Strain Family Reunion

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couldn’t have asked for a better reception rving, Texas, Mayor Rick Stopfer issued and stay. an official proclamation declaring July Although the family founders were all 25-27, 2019 as “Hopkins-Strain Family born in Texas, a series of unforeseen Reunion Weekend.” The family felt blessed circumstances occurred around the early to be able to celebrate their 16th 1920s prompting the eventual migration family reunion in the for the majority to Gibson Station, same state in which Oklahoma. They later relocated to Tulsa, their 19 founding Oklahoma, where they established “new” patriarchs and roots. During this period in our nation’s matriarchs had roots history there was much turmoil and dating back to the life-altering conflict, but they persevered, 1860s. They’re all thrived and prospered. There were family gone now, but their Hopkins-Strain Family spirit was most reunions in Alsuma and Tulsa, even before Tree they were known as such. During the definitely felt that gatherings faith, laughter, food, music and weekend as they joined together once again love abounded. for their ritual biennial gathering.

Daryl Jean Hopkins says, “I guess you Years ago they decided to adopt Psalms can say our family enjoyed a ‘full circle’ 133:1 as their official Hopkins-Strain Family experience in Irving, Texas. God is good, Reunion Verse: Behold, how good and how faithful and just; and He graced our family pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Irving, Texas, Mayoral Proclamation in Texas recently with a weekend of love unity. (KJV) In July they did just that, and and unity. We couldn’t have asked for more.” what a fantastic time it was. The staff at the La Quinta Resorts and Lovingly submitted by Daryl Jean Hopkins, Los Angeles, California.

Hotels in Irving rolled out the proverbial “red carpet,” and they

TRIBUTE TO LLOYD QUINN

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oday is Lloyd Quinn’s birthday and he is the reason we celebrate Hopkins-Strain Family Reunions. It was at Lloyd’s gravesite in 1986 that Willie L. “Chopsie” Batson and Charles “Jimmy” Terrell proclaimed the need to assemble en masse at events other than funerals. In less than three or four months we held our first family reunion in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We just celebrated reunion #16 in Irving, Texas, and it’s all because of Lloyd. Lloyd was the son of George and Mattie Quinn, the husband of Mary Quinn (who celebrated her birthday yesterday), the brother of Lula Quinn-Griffin, and the father of Juliet, Vera, Diane, Leonardo and Runundo Quinn. Thank you, Lloyd for all the golden memories. Your passing left a deep void in the hearts, minds and souls of many of us. Rest in Peace.

Lloyd Quinn

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DNA Connection leads to Reunion at Reunion

by Sonja Branch-Wilson “

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have a family, I have a family.” For 30 years Barry Johnson has been searching for clues to help him solve a mystery he has often wondered about his family. Later in life, he learned that the mother he knew was not his birthmother. The story began to unfold that his birthmother left him with a friend and neighbor soon after being discharged from the hospital, never to be seen again. The neighbor became the only Mom he ever knew and while he adored her and appreciated her sacrifice, the sting of abandonment by his mother left Barry with a void of knowing his biological family. It hung over him like a rain cloud. Many years later, he decided to take a DNA test. What did he have to lose, he just wanted answers. His results came and, of course, there were matches but he had no idea where to begin.

So he didn’t. However, one of his matches noticed his results instantly because there were 1, 2, 3…8, 9,…14, 15…wait, 18 other family members that Barry matched. “Who is this person?” she wondered. “I’ve got to get in contact with him.” She messaged him through Ancestry to make contact, hoping he would respond. It took a few weeks before Barry read the lengthy message that his unknown, newfound cousin sent. He admits his nerves completely took over when he saw there was a message. He did not know whether to open the message or leave it unread. He decided to open it. Barry describes, “When I read what seemed to be

2021 AMMD Reunion Committee

a two-page message, I began to cry. I could not believe what I was reading. Barry responded to the email and the next message that his DNA-connected cousin wrote simply read, “Call me. Here is my number.”

The initial conversation between Barry and his newfound cousin was emotional, exciting, and enlightening. They spoke for hours, even patching in his cousin’s mother, on the phone.

This added to the excitement and led to a full praise for the brick wall breakthrough. While we were still uncertain of just how Barry was connected, without question with all of those DNA matches, we knew that he’s family … undoubtedly.

Fast forward to 2019 … the cousins have now been in contact for a year and this just happened to be family reunion year. Barry planned to attend, but the closer August came, the more nervous Barry became. He shared that he wanted to meet his family, but he also did not want to feel rejected; a deep-rooted feeling he had been all too familiar with for too many years of his life.

On August 16, 2019 Barry traveled from North Carolina to Delaware to meet his biological family; a family he had longed to find for over 30 years. He describes the journey as a pure joyousness but he was also experiencing periods of anxiety. When he arrived at the host hotel, he contacted his cousin. She gave him the time they would link up to walk to the family

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masterplan Meet-and-Greet together. The clock struck 6:00 PM and she walked to his room to greet Barry and his wife. As they were walking down the dimly lit hallway she noticed Barry’s tall, slim stature taking short steps while rubbing his hands together like he was an athlete preparing for game day. “Ding!” signaled the sound of the elevator opening doors; there were three floors between Barry and the rest of his newfound family. In the elevator, Barry admitted, again this time slightly tearyeyed, that he could not believe he was here and that he was really nervous and feared being rejected. The cousins held hands while his wife rubbed his back, both touches were to reassure him that everything would be okay.

(L to R) Barry Johnson, Basym Hasan, Sonja Branch-Wilson, Muriel Miller Branch

As the trio entered the room, family was already there chatting, hugging, laughing.

Barry’s cousin said, “I told you this is how we roll, no need to be nervous.” She led Barry and his wife to a table where they would all sit together. After a few other preliminary announcements, the time came for family introductions. Cousin looked at Barry and Barry looked at cousin.

She whispered, “You want me to help you?” He responded with a teary-eyed nod.

Cousin went over to his seat and stood behind him, touching his shoulders for comfort. She began the introduction, reminding the family of the background story about how they met and then turned the floor over to Barry. He gave a brief follow up to the introduction and said he was happy to be at the reunion and was looking forward to getting to know everyone and to hopefully learn exactly how he is connected. The family gave a hearty welcome to Barry and his wife.

For the past four reunions, Saturday mornings are the time when family delves into family history to teach or re-teach the

Barry speaking at the reunion.

attendees about the rich heritage of the Agee-Miller-Mayo-Dungy family. On Day 2, Barry was opening up more, you could see the relaxation beginning to change his tense demeanor. During the breaks cousin introduced him to more family members who were just arriving, finding cousins with common connectors to Barry such as military, Dallas Cowboys, fraternity, first time attendees, and especially to those who cousin believed were on his direct line.

During one of the workshop sessions we were taking a closer look at pictures and what they “tell us.” When the picture of who we believed to be Barry’s father appeared, we shared that Cousin Squeaky (James E. Miller from New York) was his father due to analyzing the relation in the DNA matches. Cousin Sylvia slipped out of the session to make a phone call. When she reappeared, she asked if she could interrupt for a moment because she had important information. She excitedly started yelling from the rear of the large room, “I’m on the phone with Andrea (her older sister) and YES, YES … she has confirmed that Uncle Squeaky is Barry’s father! Uncle Squeaky IS Barry’s father!”

This meant that the messenger, Sylvia, and her siblings were Barry’s 1st cousins. The quiet room erupted into thunderous

clapping and shouts of joy. Weak with sobs, Barry leaned against his chair to brace himself. Family wept with him. The family that Barry thought would reject him ran over and embraced him as he was overcome with emotion; another clear sign that he is ours. While the men in our family are strong in statue, virtue, and spirit they are also tender men who feel and love deeply. Barry still choked up, managed to vocalize, “I have a family, I have a family.”

During the evening family photo preparation, now very comfortable and elated, Barry asked if he could say a few words. His heartfelt expressions were, “Cousin and her mother said you’re family and cousin called or text every other day, they never turned their backs on me, and today….today… I received confirmation on who my father was. Family, I embrace you all and I am glad and proud that you all embrace me.”

I am Cousin, She is me … and Barry is family.

Submitted by Sonja Branch-Wilson, Henrico, Virginia.

Photo credit: Eric Hicks, Jr. of br-productions

Barry’s father, James Squeaky Miller (middle)

This article is dedicated to our ancestors who continue to speak to and guide us in our quest to connect and bridge the generational divide. Also, to Andrea HendersonYusif who gave her 1st cousin the greatest gift he could ask for, confirmation of his connection to his biological family. Sadly, Andrea (Ann) contracted and would eventually succumbed to the Covid-19 virus in April 2020. Ann, we forever thank you for “your reunion parting gift.” While she will not physically be with us for Reunion 2021, her legacy of connecting Barry to his family lives on. Eight months before her death, she gave life to a searching soul.

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 41

masterplan

Koslowitz Family Foundation

I

have a dilemma. The Koslowitz Family Foundation - which we called the family circle - assumes that it is in charge of my body’s ultimate fate.

Call me crazy, but I want to be in charge of my body’s ultimate fate.

I’ve attended many funerals over the years and formulated strong personal feelings about what happens to us after we’re gone and I think I may actually want to be cremated. But that’s something the Koslowitz Family Foundation never wants to hear.

Like most family circles of its kind, mine spent much of its time and resources helping members when loved ones passed away. It reserves land at a cemetery in central New Jersey and has always helped with arrangements and finances.

That’s why I have a dilemma. I don’t know if I want to be buried, and even if I decide to, I wouldn’t want to be buried in New Jersey.

It gives me no pleasure to shake that venerable Foundation down to its very foundation, as I know I do whenever I complain about its attentiveness to funerals and cemeteries. After all, I still respect that ragtag band of distant relatives comprised of first, second and third cousins, and plenty of great uncles and great aunts.

We’ve had some great times. How can I ever forget the reunion we had several years ago at a place called the Stevensville Hotel high up in the Catskill Mountains? My grandmother won an award as the oldest relative there. Not everyone gets to win awards like that. I was a young reporter at the time and interviewed people for an

article. That proved to me that sometimes you have to work hard at being objective in order to see through the personality traits you grew up hearing about from other relatives who weren’t so objective.

Anyway, that’s just one of countless lovely memories from all the picnics, parties, luncheons and dinners that my Family Circle sponsored throughout my childhood.

Endless food. Lots of A Koslowitz Family Circle meeting, circa 1972. The man in the unintentional humor from center is Louis Kavkewitz, the first of his family to arrive in the US older relatives whose from Poland in about 1910.

Yiddish-inflected whining “Joely, sing If I Were a Rich Man again,” sounded more like comedy routines than urged Aunt Bertha at almost every Family whining. Plenty of ego-boosting attention Circle event. “Sing Where is Love like you from great aunts who thought I was so cute did last time, Joely,” pleaded Aunt Betty. and talented. Ahh - the good old days.

(It’s important to note that out of the mouths of all my mother’s aunts, Joely was three syllables long.) “Oh, Joely, please tell that joke again about the dog and the postage stamp,” insisted Aunt Yetta. To listen to them you’d think I’d have had my own variety show to rival Dean Martin and Red Skelton.

“You’re in a play at school?” Aunt Rose would ask. “Good. But don’t grow up to be an actor. You know what I call them?

Yaakters. Not actors. Yaakters. So promise

Joel Samberg at age eight performing at a family circle meeting.

A Koslowitz Family Circle meeting, circa 1978. Author Joel Samberg is in the center.

42 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com

by Joel Samberg

The organizer of the reunion weekend in 1989 put together a booklet all about the individual families that made up the larger group. These photos from the booklet show my maternal grandmother’s family.

extending four or five city blocks, families extend for miles, sometimes even states or continents. Also, the assimilation is complete; we no longer need family circles to help us get along in the New World. It’s not so new to us. Some of us in the third generation are simply more free thinking, more impatient to move on, more pressured for time. Even more irreverent.

There are those who think my irreverence makes me a bad Jew. I wholeheartedly disagree. A bad Koslowitz, perhaps, but never a bad Jew. After all, doesn’t God love free thought, debate, new ideas? I’ve got plenty of those.

But what’s even better is that I have the fondest memories of and greatest respect for something that was very important to a lot of good people from the old days — people without whom I wouldn’t even be here. Those memories will never go away. That respect will never die.

About the author

The large Kavfewitz contingent of the Koslowitz Family Foundation--about eight years before I was born (circa 1949). That’s Uncle Louis top left, without whom there probably would not have been a family circle.

me you won’t become a yaakter, because you’re too good and too nice for that.” It’s 50 years later and I still don’t know what a yaakter is.

There was always much music and joking and complaining and gossiping—and yes, cemetery committee meetings. I guess that’s when my aversion to the topic first began. There were too many other things to enjoy in life.

Why interrupt it with arguments about perpetual care?

The Koslowitz Family Circle has been around for more than 90 years. I happen to be the grandson of one of the founding members, son of a former president, and brotherin-law of a recent cemetery chairman. Speaking out against funerals and cemeteries, in a way, made me the black sheep of the family. By itself, that’s not such a bad thing. I have to do something different for the sake of individuality. After all, I’m now a novelist and playwright. In fact, my new novel, Blowin’ in the Wind, which takes place in the 1960s, has an extended scene early on that takes place at a hotel in the Catskill Mountains at which the (fictional) Lebitz Family Foundation holds a reunion. The main character, a boy named Daniel, struggles with a changing world and shifting priorities, but does not have the best time during that particular summer vacation. He does end up with many fond memories he knows he’ll use in some way as time goes by.

Daniel doesn’t speak out in Blowin’ in the Wind about what’s on his mind the way I do in real life. He just lets fate take control which eventually leads him to a dramatic encounter with Bob Dylan in Greenwich Village.

My own opinions, I’m sad to say, have gotten decidedly stronger as the Family Circle has gotten inevitably older. In fact, I struggle now with whether or not there’s even a need for a Family Circle anymore. The extended families on which such foundations were built no longer play the same roles they did a half century ago. Today, instead of

Joel Samberg, Avon, Connecticut, is a novelist, journalist, playwright, and corporate communications consultant. His new novel, Blowin’ in the Wind, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online booksellers.

Fifty years later, Joel Samberg is pleased to have a professional head-shot.

The Koslowitz Family Foundation was part of a larger family group called the Szklaniewicz family. In 1989 hundreds of members gathered in the Catskill Mountains for a weekend reunion. Here’s a promotional poster from the hotel.

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 43

e military reunion news

Saigon MaC reunion in Branson

Saigon MaC Reunion group just outside the Veterans Memorial Museum on the Branson Strip at “Storming the Beach,” a sculpture commemorating the Western Allies during World War II launching the largest amphibious invasion in history, on the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. The statue was sculpted from real life pictures that represent soldiers from each state. Fred Hoppe Jr sculpted this in honor of his dad, a World War II veteran and soldier depicted at the front of the statue, who survived two beach landings.

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he Saigon MaC is predominantly Marines who served as Marine Security Guards (MSGs) at the American Embassy in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. MSGs are an integral part of our overseas diplomatic missions and provide a critical element of security in carrying forward US Foreign Policy. Reunions celebrate the long association of the Marine Corps with the Department of State.

Membership includes civilians with the US Mission in Saigon as well as diplomatic, foreign assistance and informational personnel, from other branches of the military. In fact, any persons in any way affiliated with our Embassy and related US Government operations in Saigon are welcome to attend reunions.

There are members who served as far back as the 1950s and continuing to the fall of Saigon and the end of the war. In fact, one member (unable to attend this reunion) was the last Marine on the last evacuation helicopter off the roof of the embassy, literally the last official American out of Vietnam at the end of the war. This reunion included 25 former Marine Security Guards, six from the Foreign Service/State Department and three US Navy. Spouses and guests made a total of 60 in all.

Without question the highlight of the Branson reunion was the day spent at the College of the Ozarks. The quality of program put together by Mollie Crawford and her staff was exceptional and inspira-

44 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com

tional - from the initial campus tour through lunch, a visit to the Ralph Foster Museum and closing out with ice cream.

Many in our group have vowed to return, just for the ice-cream. Feedback was positive for every element of the tour.

Likewise the Veteran’s Memorial Museum was sobering and appreciated by all. Our bus tour of Branson and surrounding area was a useful orientation and allowed us to do what we do best--just sit and relax.

On their own time, reunion members spread out and attended numerous shows.

Over the course of our four-day reunion, well over half attended the dinner show on

the Showboat Branson Belle.

The help and support we received from Julie Peters, Leisure Group Sales Manager at Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB, during the planning stage was critical and the single most important element in bringing this reunion to fruition. She laid the foundation for our advance team and truly made it possible for us to have a productive planning visit. Overall, the reunion was a wonderful event and I greatly appreciate your assistance in making that happen.

Reported by Ross Nesberg, Eugene, Oregon.

Storming the Beach

military reunion news e

USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711) Reunion

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he 14th Greene Association Reunion was held at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Mobile, Alabama, five days in September 2019. On Monday 21 shipmates and 16 guests met in the Hospitality Room for registration. Raffle items for the final evening banquet were displayed and guests provided hometown treats for all to savor.

The next morning after breakfast the group toured the USS Alabama Memorial Park and held a Memorial Service for deceased shipmates on board the USS Alabama (BB-60). After

Tour of battleship USS Alabama (BB-60) at USS Alabama Memorial Park, Mobile, Alabama.

lunch in the ship’s wardroom many toured the USS Drum (SS-228).

Wednesday everyone enjoyed a tour of historic Mobile with lunch at a local restaurant. The highlight of the tour was a visit to Richards DAR House Museum built in 1860. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The hotel Hospitality Room was open once again for an evening of shipmate social activities.

The Association’s Business was held Thursday morning where it was decided that the next Reunion would be on a cruise in the fall of 2020.The formal banquet was a Mobile Mardi Gras theme in the hotel Ball Room. The guest banquet speaker was LCDR Richard Mahone, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Limited Duty Officer. Farewells, hugs and handshakes were in order on Friday as all departed until next year.

Reported by Robert J. Clark, Louisville, Kentucky.

USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711) Memorial Service for deceased shipmates.

Reunion planning tips The following are reunion planning suggestions/cautions from Skip Sander, long time planner of the USS Rankin Association reunion.

TAX EXEMPT STATUS The USS Rankin Association has let our 501(c)(3) status lapse. It was more trouble than it was worth. Applying for it took time and money. Only a few, if any, members used it to get tax exemptions for their donations. Filing the annual renewal form (or whatever it was) was easily overlooked.

Our best tax deal came from being a Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation. That led to us being aware that, as a Veterans

Organization, we are exempt by law from paying Pennsylvania Sales Tax. In most years, we save over $200 by using that exemption. Once you set it up with suppliers, using it is painless. Other veterans groups should check with their states, regardless of their incorporation status.

CHOOSING A REUNION DESTINATION As a military reunion, we make it clear that I, and only I, after consulting with other members, make the decision about

where to hold the reunions. We learned, painfully, that if you ask ten veterans where to hold the next reunion, you will get fifteen different answers. If you try to determine it by voting, you get a lot of votes from people who don’t know much about the destinations they are voting on. When these people were in the military, the commander didn’t ask them what liberty ports to visit. It’s no different with us.

Shared by Louis Skip Sander, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 45

e military reunion news

Military veterans’ travel guide – ideas, discounts and resources Photo by Bumble Dee/Shutterstock

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ilitary members or veterans — present or past — look forward to travel and vacations. Take advantage of the numerous vacation deals available, especially for military veterans. Most airlines, hotels, resorts, cruises, and car rental agencies have some sort of military discount. Military Veterans’ Travel Guide helps service members and veterans readily access all available travel discounts and incentives.

w w w. m i l l i o n m i l e s e c r et s . c o m

Looking for help to plan your reunion?

B

rian Forrester and John Baker are seasoned reunion planners who have been managing successful military reunions for years. Seeing veterans reunited is what drives their passion.

They’ve spoken all over the country about the best ways to plan military reunions and attended dozens of conferences, led educational workshops and are continuously visiting reunion destinations to keep up to date.

The advantages of using military reunion specialists are many.

They know the ins and outs of site inspections at prospective hotels and who offer the best value for your attendees. By using their services, you can enjoy the reunion instead of working it. They recognize that it’s your reunion and you’re in charge. They offer

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suggestions and ideas to make it more enjoyable and memorable and program it around your wants and desires.

Imagine these chores done for you! They can assist in selecting a reunion location and arrange site visits. They will negotiate the best hotel rates and service, negotiate complimentary rooms for the group’s leader and complimentary hospitality room and banquet space. They can arrange banquets, bands, DJs, or other entertainment, military-themed, and historic tours and activities.

Plus, they will be on hand throughout your reunion, if needed.

Contact Brian Forrester (480-332-7294) and John Baker (620-399-3999) at Holiday Cruises and Tours of Scottsdale or visit holidaycruisesandtoursaz.com for flawless service or.

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e military reunion news Welcome to Reunion Resources!

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

Reunions magazine will not be held liable for information presented as facts in these ads.

FLORIDA

FLORIDA PARADISE VILLAS Kissimmee and Orlando, FL 866-939-7376 reservations@floridaparadisevillas.com www.floridaparadisevillas.com Attention groups!! Sleep 8-30 per vacation rental in the Orlando area! We offer condos, townhomes or pool homes in resort settings with water parks and more! Homes include full kitchen, additional bathrooms, 3-14+ bedrooms, game rooms, movie theaters and much more. Similar to the cost of one room, from $900/5 nights.

ILLINOIS

CHICAGO MARRIOTT NAPERVILLE 1801 N Naper Blvd Naperville IL 60563 630-505-4900 www.ChicagoMarriottNaperville.com Modern hotel off Interstate 88 near downtown Naperville, voted one of America’s Coolest Suburbs.

Hotel features an indoor, heated pool, 24/7 fitness center, Smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and 21 event spaces including 2 Ballrooms. Walk to popular nearby restaurants like Maggiano’s or Cooper’s Hawk Winery as well as local attractions like iFly indoor skydiving.

MARYLAND

US NAVAL ACADEMY ARMEL-LEFTWICH VISITOR’S CENTER USNA TOURS 52 King George Street, Annapolis MD 21402 410-293-8687 | fax 410-293-3365 tourinfo@usna.edu www.usnabsd.com/for-visitors Experience U.S. Naval Academy: take historical USNA tours that bring U.S. Naval Academy’s most important stories to life: highlights and information about admissions and the midshipmen experience in our most popular tour, include Bancroft Hall (Midshipmen dormitory), Memorial Hall, Statue of Tecumseh, Herndon Monument (famous for Herndon Climb), Main Chapel and Crypt of John Paul Jones, Noon Meal Formation (Fall and Spring), Lejeune Hall (site of Division I Swimming and Diving). Groups of 10 or more, check group guided walking Navy tours.

MINNESOTA

DISCOVER AUSTIN MINNESOTA 301 North Main Street Suite 101, Austin, MN 55912 We take the “Minnesota Nice” reputation for customer service seriously and are eager to help you plan your next reunion. We offer FREE planning services and FREE welcome bags for all participates.

Experience unique attractions like The SPAM®

REUNION RESOURCES Museum~ Hormel Historic Home ~ Rydjor Bike~ Jay C Hormel Nature Center~ Austin ArtWorks Center~ and MORE!!! Enjoy over 60 delightful dining options. Relax and rejuvenate with nearly 400 hotel rooms. There are so many reasons for all seasons to Discover Austin, MN! 507-437-4563 | visitor@AustinMN.com www.AustinMN.com CRAGUN’S RESORT WORRY-FREE REUNIONS AT CRAGUN’S RESORT 11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd MN 56401 (833) 604-0206 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/ family-reunions/?NCK =8336040206

MISSOURI

EXPLORE BRANSON in Southwest Missouri surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.

Call the Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau to assist you in locating lodging for your next reunion in this ideal destination at the center of America’s heartland! Family values and budgets are honored!

Branson’s breathtaking scenery, genuine patriotism, live music shows, exciting attractions for all ages, and authentic southern hospitality create memories worth re-living! Whether your reunion is family, military, or graduating class, request Welcome Bags and the Branson Reunion Planner Kit: Lenni Neimeyer, CTIS, CSTP | 417-243-2105 Email: lneimeyer@bransoncvb.com www.ExploreBranson.com/groups VISITCAPE CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO on I-55 between St. Louis & Memphis. Perched on the Western banks of the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is a small city with a big heart and something for everyone, from families to history buffs, outdoor adventurer and everyone in between. Consider us the prime location for your reunion.

Call VisitCape at 1.800.777.0068 or visit us online at www.VisitCape.com.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 19.

EXPLORE HOCKING HILLS 13178 State Route 664 S. Logan, OH 43138 The Hocking Hills are Ohio’s natural crown jewels and the perfect location for reunions. The region is a mecca for nature based recreation. World class hiking, eco-adventure tours and more than 50 ziplines. Luxury lodges provide private resort amenities for groups of three to thirty. Located just 50 miles southeast of Columbus. Contact Karen Raymore, kraymore@explorehockinghills.com 740-385-2750 | fax 740-385-1146 www.ExploreHockingHills.com

VIRGINIA

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA 3702 Pender Drive, Suite 420, Fairfax VA 22030 Enjoy everything that Northern Virginia has to offer.

From the monuments and memorials of nearby Washington, DC to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Fairfax County is the ideal location for your military or family reunion. The spectacular new National Museum of the United States Army opens mid-year 2021.

Call Visit Fairfax at 703-752-9509, and Dean Miller, our reunion specialist, will go to work for you! dmiller@fxva.com | www.fxva.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 29.

FREDERICKSBURG TOURISM VISIT FRED The Fredericksburg Region is known for its Colonial and Civil War History, arts community and year-round group-friendly offerings.

Just 50 miles south of WDC, the Fredericksburg Region boasts an award winning distillery, wineries and breweries, outdoor adventures, parks and more.

Make memories with your family, classmates, and military buddies in the Fredericksburg Region.

To book your reunion, contact Victoria Matthews: (540) 372-1216 | 1-800-260-3646 vamatthews@fredericksburgva.gov www.VisitFred.com

WYOMING

DUDE RANCHERS’ ASSOCIATION 1122 12th Street, Cody WY 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 307-587-2339 | info@duderanch.org www.duderanch.org SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 15.

OHIO

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS Columbus is full of unforgettable experiences, distinct neighborhoods and one-of-a-kind tours.

As a leader in experiential tourism, Columbus knows that getting groups in the middle of the action and behind the scenes is important. We put your wellbeing first with the Live Forward Safety Pledge. Whether you’re planning a group activity or giving individuals time to explore on their own, Columbus’ neighborhoods welcome groups in their own special way.

Contact the Tourism Sales team at 1-800-354-2657 tours@ExperienceColumbus.com www.ExperienceColumbus.com/reunions 2021 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 47