Reunions Magazine Volume 25, Number 2. November/December/January 2015 (SOLD OUT)

STAGE YOUR NEXT REUNION IN BRANSON

When you’re thinking of your next location, think Branson. Great outdoors.

World-class shows. Unique hotels and resorts. The country’s friendliest hosts.

With good, clean fun for miles, it’s all smiles. To learn more about group travel to Branson, contact Julie Peters at JPeters@BransonCVB.com.

800-214-3661 ExploreBranson.com/groups

in this issue Departments front Words – 4 ALUM & I – 7 Coming Home to Dover, Facebook-inspired class reunion High school reunion survival tips Charitable reunions

BRANCH OFFICE – 8 Seeger descendants reunite after nearly 30 years by Geneen D. Massey Talk turkey about family medical history Are you related to A.J. Jacobs?

Hickman-Brown Family Reunion

Scrapbook – 14 Reunion School Hospitality Answerman by Dean Miller

Masterplan – 18 Good news! Families actually do want to spend time together!

Fairley-Foskey Family Reunion by Sandra Lyons Survey results guide unforgettable reunions by Linda Leier Thomason Ennis Family Reunion by Baxter Ennis Harrison Family Reunion by Barbara Wellons Nomadic family reunion by Gaytheia Hopgood Gelsthorpe-Waring Family Reunion by Eula Forsythe Another successful Saffore-Scyffore Family Reunion by Niko M. Cook Palmer/Weaver Family Reunion by Willie Mae Crosby Nelson Family Reunion by Sabrina Nelson Wallace & Hunt-Rogers Family Reunion by Tawanda Agee Texas Hill Country perfect for family reunions

REUNION VENUES & FEATURES – 26 FUNDRAISING How other reunions do fundraising Welch, Ocean Springs High School, Miner, Thompsin Campbell Osgo, Shields, Francois FUNDRAISING QUILTS The Quilter’s Catalog by Meg Cox Quilts from many reunions Utley, Gaul, Flo-Line, Chaloner, Peaks-Staunton, Detwiler FUNDRAISING COOKBOOKS Cookbooks from many reunions Shillig, Miljour Larson Korpi, Popp, Muench Kin, Ruppe, Meeks, Neal, Matthiesen

Ranch reunions – 33 Goosewing Ranch, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, C Lazy U Ranch, Bar W Guest Ranch, Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch

Military Reunion News – 36 4/503rd Bn Reunion by Peyton Ligon Bay Area Civilian Ex-POWS (BACEPOW) Reunion USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711) Reunion by Robert J. Clark Newport News grows as a military reunion destination Branson Rose Petal Ceremony

Reunion Resources – 40 A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products On the cover This issue is the second of our 25th volume. Part two of our history starts on page 5.

November/December/January 2015 Volume 25 • Number 2 Publisher / Editor in Chief Edith Wagner Travel Editor Jacky Runice Art Director Jennifer Rueth Senior sales account manager Marion Liston Operations Manager Karla Lavin Web Wizard Josh Evert Special Projects Kirsten Holmes Casey O’Brien Administrative Staff Nicole Dettmering Ksioszk hospitality answer man Dean Miller Contributors Stephanie Abrams • Tawanda Agee Robert J. Clark • Niko M. Cook Meg Cox • Willie Mae Crosby • Toija L. Cross Vikki & Kristin Day • Nancy Popp Dalpiaz Baxter Ennis • Mary Thiele Fobian Eula Forysthe • Anjanette Gaane Warren Stevie Galloway • Sybel Higgins Gaytheia Hopgood • Dr. Emma B. Johnson Rebecca Kellogg • Peyton Ligon Sandra Detwiler Lusch Richard H. Lusch • Sandra Lyons Geneen D. Massey • Fernon and Robert Meeks Micki Morenci • Sabrina Nelson Linda Leier Thomason • Mary Alice Welch Barbara Wellons R eunions magazine , I nc . (ISSN #1046-5 s 235), is published 4 times per year. Send correspondence, queries, submissions, subscriptions, advertising to R eunions magazine, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this book except pages which encourage sharing.

Please explain your intended use when requesting permission to reprint. Email: editor@reunionsmag.com or fax 414263-6331. Tear sheets of reviews and reprints required. Reunions magazine, Inc., will not be liable for information presented as facts contained in any of our advertising, byline stories or materials. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication. We solicit participation and take responsibility for submitted materials. Unless accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope (SASE), submissions and photos will not be returned. All materials sent for purposes of publication become property of Reunions magazine, Inc. Subscriptions: US and Canada $9.99/yr, $17.99/2 yrs. All other addresses, call for rates. Back issues available for $3 each plus postage. Payment must accompany requests for subscriptions, back issues or other items for sale. Advertising rate information available from Reunions magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727; 414-263-4567; fax 414-263-6331 | e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com reunionsmag.com. © 2015 Reunions Magazine, Inc. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 3

Front Words

Be in touch!

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Mail to

Reunions magazine

n this second issue of our 25th volume, proofreading apparently improved because PO Box 11727 we are introducing a project for a later we were apologizing less for errors. But …

Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 issue: Reunions Hall of Fame. Over not so fast! Because we just blundered call 414-263-4567 the past 24+ years, we have featured badly. visit www.reunionsmag.com literally thousands of reunions, and will In the last issue, we mis-identified this fax 414-263-6331 release a list of all those reunions as we cover picture. It is of the Madrid-Torrejon close our 25th volume. If your reunion has American High School Association reunion, e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com ever appeared in Reunions magazine, on but not in Fairfax County, Virginia, as we our lists of upcoming reunions and stated. It was their Reunions Picture Gallery, you will be 2008 reunion in added automatically to the list.

Sacramento, If your reunion has never appeared in Reunions magazine California. A second picture was of or our online lists, the best way to be added now is to send the group at a recent reunion in the information about your upcoming reunion or a picture for Fairfax County. We also failed to your gallery and it will be added automatically to the Reunions properly acknowledge the Hall of Fame. Send reunion name, date, place and contact photographer of the more recent info or picture to editor@reunionsmag.com. reunion, Chris Paulis, CP Photography.

What’s in this issue?

This issue has many varied reunions which we hope will inspire you and give you new ideas for your own reunion planning. A focus of this issue is fundraising – including quilts and cookbooks, which are projects that require extra time to produce. Also featured are ranches that host reunions; these are ideal for intimate, immediate family reunions. It is suggested you start your search for a ranch by defining your riding style – horses that is! We hope this issue will spur your reunion planning. And remember to check out upcoming reunion planning workshops all over the country, on page 14 in this issue.

What’s not in this issue … because it’s on the web?

We hope you will use our website for all aspects of your reunion planning. It can help you find a locale for your reunion and plan what to do while you’re there. Revisit reunionsma.com often and, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, ask editor@reunionsmag.com Mea culpa

Here’s something we haven’t had to do for a long time. As the magazine grew and matured, our fact-checking and

Applause! Applause!

After a recent “performance” (others call it a speech) about reunion planning, a young woman came up to me to thank me for an article by Micki Morenci about her Haitian family reunion. The woman said she’s been trying to plan a reunion and confirmed that Micki’s story provided solutions.

I must admit, I’ve used the story as an example myself and, in fact, have repeated it in this issue on page 26 in the context of fundraising for your reunion.

More of our 24+ year history follows. But first, this issue takes us into 2015, and we wish all our readers a blessed holiday season and a happy, prosperous and reunion-filled new year. EW This is the second issue of our 25th volume

Cotinuing the history of Reunions magazine, I’d like to recall some of the many reunions who have shared their stories. It became clear pretty quickly that the magazine would be reader-driven and that material we shared would have to be shared with us first.

None of this ever could have happened without the commitment of many people to their reunion groups, and

Parade of Covers: volumes 7 & 8

Volume 7

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Volume 8

Setting resolutions for 2015?

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dd some reunion resolutions! their generosity to us. family reunions that were great Resolutions typically are made at As we began to learn the role that examples of where we wanted to go the new year, but starting a reunion is reunions play in the hospitality with our ideas. Among those a new endeavor which deserves resolutions industry (convention and visitors reunions was the Seidemann Family any time. bureaus, hotels, resorts, cruise Reunion, who have, by now, been 1. R esolve that you will give yourself lines), it became very clear they meeting for over 85 years and are plenty of time to organize your reunion. would be our supporting partners, still going strong. The reunion was 2. R esolve that you will NOT organize the allies, supporters, sponsors and founded by the late Ray Seidemann, reunion alone. ultimately advertisers in the who lived to age 102 and loved 3. Resolve that you’ll get all the additional magazine and on our website. every minute of every reunion he organizing help you possibly can.

But more important for the sake of hosted. The Seidemanns meet in 4. R esolve that you’ll establish a budget the body and soul of the magazine, Newburg, Wisconsin, conveniently and stick to it. the willingness of reunions to share located so we can attend each year.

5. R esolve that you will plan enough with us their stories, ideas and They have many unique activities activities to keep everyone happy. pictures has always been overwhelmand qualities that I have been privy You can also listen to a (dated) podcast ing. We would not be, nor could we to and participated in and love to (reunionsmag.com) that explains be, the resource we have become share with readers. The Seidemanns all the resolutions. without the help of so many people. celebrate a long, rich American In the early days, the idea of history but they also revere and Happy New Year reunions as a subject for a magazine celebrate their German roots. I’ve to you and your reunion! was intriguing enough to get the been attending this reunion so long attention of writers at many that I’ve been designated a “cousin,” newspapers, other magazines and electronic media. It was and I have seen a whole generation grow up at these annual because of this uniqueness that we really got a lot of fests. attention, even in our infancy when we were still deciding Also at the same time, Tom Ninkovich published his what and who we would become. We tried hard not to let it Reunion Handbook that focused on details of class reunion go to our heads when writers from The New York Times, planning, LtCol Bill Masciangelo, USMC (Ret), was Washington Post and Chicago Tribune came calling and recruiting military reunions for the Sheraton hotel chain and wrote long stories about reunions. Local and regional papers setting up planning workshops for military planners, LtCol quickly caught on and for many summers at the beginning, Richard S. Johnson, USA (Ret), was working on his book we could count on lots of stories appearing all summer long.

How to Locate Anyone Who Is or Has Been in the Military, Summers were our time to shine, as well as the time of year and Gil Gilstrap was publishing his Military Reunion News. that our reader/subscriber numbers swelled as people These four men generously shared what they knew about learned about the magazine. Submissions grew rapidly and reunions in general, and class and military reunions in so, over time, we have always had plenty of material and the particular. Early on, they wrote columns and articles for the luxury of being able to present the best stories containing magazine and, eventually we all met at planning workshops the best ideas that others were willing to share. and conferences, even though we could not have been In our first four issues way back in 1990 and 1991, Jean scattered further from one another; Ninkovich in California, Timpel wrote a series about family reunion planning that got Masciangelo in Maryland, Johnson and Gilstrap in Texas, us in touch with our first list of long-time, well established and Reunions magazine in Wisconsin. It was also before continued on page 6 Parade of Covers: volumes 9 & 10

Volume 9

Volume 10

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 5

Front Words

continued from page 5

email and the internet, so we were burning up phone lines mostly and they supported our mission and we theirs.

At about the same time, Ione Vargus, PhD, had just founded The Family Reunion Institute at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was starting the Institute’s Family Reunion Conferences. The conferences were an obvious natural for us to be involved in and, more important, to help promote to generate an audience from around the country. While early Family Reunion Institute conferences were in Philadelphia, they eventually ventured out to Baltimore, Maryland, and Atlanta, Georgia, where I had the opportunity to meet and get to know many more reunions. By then, I had added the Dugger Family Reunion, the Toomer, Bullock, Burnette, Neal, Banks/Hill/Outlaw, Kennedy family reunions and so many more.

Over time, family reunions became my particular interest, in part because they come in so many variations that there is always something new to discover. Family reunions are almost always the focus of women planners – which, obviously, I can relate to a bit better, but when men plan family reunions, they are a breed unto themselves and always obsessive about their responsibility. In fact, in the mid- and late-1990s we participated in two extensive, random studies about who reunion planners were and how they viewed their reunions. By that time we had a good idea about our readers and their reunion propensities, so it was nice to have scientification confirmation of our observations.

The studies were with Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Department of East Stroudsburg (PA) University, and Larry Basirico, PhD, sociology professor at Elon University, Elon, North Carolina. The demographic findings of both were consistent. Over three quarters (76-78%) of respondents were women who ranged in age from 28 to 80. Three quarters were married, 7% were widowed. Over 32% organized each of their reunions; 22%+ rotated the leadership role; over 14% had a new volunteer for each reunion and over 12% of all reunions were organized by the person who thought up the idea. The race

of respondents reflected numbers in the general population: 73% white, 24% African American, and 4% other races.

The outcome of the two studies was remarkably similar.

How often they held reunions: once a year or more (47%), every few years (28%), every 5 to 10 years (9%), every 10 years or more (15%) Some facts about the respondents’ most recent reunions: • How many people attended: less than 30 (14%), 31 to 50 people (26%), 51 to 100 (40%), over 100 (21%) • Who attended: family of origin only (5%), family of origin plus their siblings’ married families (17%), extended family (family of origin, siblings’ families, grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins) (77%) • Length of time since previous reunion: less than a year (14%), around a year (41%), a few years (23%), 5 to 10 years (9%), more than 10 years (13%) • Where the reunion was held: home of a family member (18%), hotel (23%), park (20%), resort (5%), beach (3%), mountains (3%), camping (2%), various other places – (town hall, country club, church, church camp, catering hall recreation center, community center, a ranch, a cruise) (26%) • How long the reunion lasted: a few hours (7%), half to a full day (34%), 2 to 3 days (48%), 4 to 7 days (10%), more than 7 days (1%) • Main purpose: to celebrate a recurring family event such as a birthday or anniversary (3%), to celebrate a holiday (4%), to pay tribute to a unique family event such as a graduation, wedding, funeral (4%), to get reacquainted with one another (45%), to celebrate family roots and traditions (39%) • How much planning took place before the reunion: a great deal (34%), a moderate amount (34%), very little (32%) • How structured and organized (in terms of planned activities) the reunion was: a great deal of structure and organization (28%), some (51%), practically none (21%) So that’s family reunions by the numbers. The questions of structure and organization continue to fuel what we seek to include in these pages, about which more in our next (Spring) issue. EW … to be continued …

Add your reunion to our picture gallery by emailing your photo to reunionsmag@gmail.com Add your reunion to our list of upcoming reunions by emailing editor@reunionsmag.com

Parade of Covers: volumes 11 & 12

Volume 11

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Volume 12

Charitable reunions

Alum alum & I

Reunion fundraiser concert for classmate

Baby-Boomers Reunions raise $70,000

he Paul G. Blazer High School, Ashland, Kentucky, Class of 1991 had a concert fundraiser reunion for a classmate who suffered a stroke, and whose family needs help with medical bills. Ashland native and Nashville performing artist Michael Moore and his band, Southern Push, knew the classmate and provided entertainment for the reunion/benefit. Moore said he was happy to agree to the show because he also enjoys performing at home. “I want everybody to catch up and talk with people they haven’t seen in a while. I want the focus to be on raising funds.”

From an article by Lee Ward in The Independent, Ashland, Kentucky

n the six years that the Chippewa Falls (Wisconsin) Baby Boomers have raised funds for Chi-Hi and McDonell High Schools, about $70,000 has been raised.

The semi-annual Baby-Boomers Reunion raised scholarship funds, and booster clubs have earned around $20,000 working at reunions, vending food, snacks, soft drinks and bottled water, beer, and wine coolers.

An entry fee of $10 and adult drink profits entirely fund scholarships. Rock and Roll music was played and all paid attendees were auto-included in a raffle for nice prizes.

All 50s, 60s and 70s graduates, spouses, guests, friends and acquaintances join the fun. Visit Chippewafallsbabyboomers.org.

From an article in the Chippewa Herald, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

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Reunion helps refurbish school track

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est Side High School, Gary, Indiana, Cougars are track and field state champions. The inaugural Cougar Run was sponsored by the Cougar Class of 1990 to honor classmates who have died. Part of the proceeds went toward refurbishing a portion of the track.

And based on their enthusiasm, the fund will continue to grow for years to come.

According to principal Terrance Little of West Side STEM Academy, “We need to keep these connections going.

The students need to understand what and who came out of West Side, so we want alumni from all classes to do something: mentoring, study groups after school, maybe even a GED program.”

From a story by Michelle L. Quinn in the Post-Tribune, Gary, Indiana

Coming Home to Dover

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embers of the Dover (Delaware) High School Alumni Association planned an all-class reunion for everyone who attended between 1928 and 2014. It was a Coming Home so former students could tour the high school before it is demolished.

Friday events included a golf outing, several multi-class reunions and a teacher and staff reunion. Musicians who attended Dover High School played music from the ’50s through the present.

Main events at the high school were a 5K run, last women’s and men’s basketball games, I’m Getting Too Old For This Kickball, an athletes’ reunion, alumni art and photography show, era fashion show and an alumni picnic.

Saturday evening was The Last Dance at the high school, with music by bands with ties to the school. Five era-specific dance halls with era-specific music played in each hall. Attendees were encouraged to dress in the fashion of their high school years.

The weekend wound down with an interdenominational worship service, followed by a memorial reading to honor and remember those who have passed away. Doves were released.

An official Passing of the Torch ceremony started from two locations: Central Middle School (one-time site of Dover High School), and William Henry Middle School (site of the all-black William Henry High School, which closed in 1966).

Susan (Hurley) Brand, the oldest graduate to participate, began the walk from Central. Alumni literally passed on the torch to incoming freshmen.

One organizer said, “When we started this, we didn’t realize how much the community wanted and really needed this.”

From several articles by Eleanor La Prade on Delaware.newszap.com

High school reunion survival tips

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drienne Laursen, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, shares tips for surviving 10- and 20-year class reunions.

• Anxiety is NORMAL! Everyone in the room is feeling some kind of anxiety or fear about what people think of them. These are normal concerns.

• Increase your confidence ahead of time.

- Figure out what you’ll wear ahead of time, something that makes you feel really good about yourself.

- If you’re not feeling as successful as your classmates, focus on your accomplishments.

- Find out who’s attending to avoid potential minefields.

- Prepare answers you’re comfortable with in case you are in a conversation you’d rather not be having.

• Limit your alcohol! People get stupid when they’re drunk, and high school reunions are notorious for this.

Always walk away with your head held high, and no morning-after walk of shame!

• Set expectations with your partner. Whether or not you choose to bring your significant other or spouse, set expectations. Reunions can trigger jealousy that might otherwise not be an issue.

• Have fun!

From a FOX 9 News report, Minneapolis, Minnesota NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 7

Branch Office

Descendants of Seegers reunite after nearly 30 years

Host your special reunion at the Holiday Inn Bayside overlooking beautiful San Diego Bay. • Selected as “One of the Top 10 great places to hold a Reunion,” as seen in USA Today, June 2010 • Beautiful and spacious guest rooms • Tropical courtyard with heated pool, spa, shuffleboard, billiards • Family style restaurant and cocktail lounge • Non-smoking and disabled access rooms • 9-hole putting course, exercise room • Free parking and airport transfers • Kids eat and stay free program

Special Reunion Features • Complimentary one-night stay for reunion planner with site inspection • Complimentary hospitality suite • Complimentary Welcome Amenity • Senior discounts in our restaurant • Special reunion rates

he Seeger Family Reunion York, and then Tyrone, Pennsylwas in New Castle, vania. Seeger antecedents set Pennsylvania. Presentations sail for the US in the midby genealogist Margie Bridges 1800s. The family learned and organizer Geneen Massey their early ancestors were prompted participant Marta mostly farmers and weavers.

Seeger Barber to say, “They When they arrived at the helped to remind us how we reunion, members were given a are all connected after such a basic family tree and family long break between reunions.” trivia game to build backThe reunion afforded the first ground knowledge. Current opportunity for many to meet and ancient family history was Genealogist and historian Marjorie face-to-face. featured in a Family Jeopardy Pollock Bridges, descendant of In 1967, Nancy Seeger Hale John Martin Seeger, discussing game. Geneen Massey used a organized the first Seeger PowerPoint template to produce family history.

Family Reunion at Reservoir the game and rented a 60-inch Park in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, where most screen. Teams were based on the color of of her ancestors were raised. Around the participants’ name badge lanyards to same time, Margie Pollack Bridges, a ensure diversity of knowledge.

California native, began a Seeger line Old home video and pictures were set to genealogy project, which would span her music and played between formal presenlifetime. Even after Seeger reunions ended tations. Some people watched as they in the 1980s, Margie Bridges stayed in socialized, or simply enjoyed the music, contact with relatives as she continued her mostly organized according to the decade research. She used her findings to describe in which the music was released. the path Seeger antecedents took from Reported by Geneen D Massey, Wurttemberg, Germany, to Port Jervis, New Hyattsville, Maryland.

Credit photographer Tiffany Wolfe.

San Diego’s Reunion Specialists

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4875 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92106 619.224.3621 • 800.650.6660 • Fax: 619.224.3629 Email: Jodie@holinnbayside.com • holinnbayside.com B a rt e l l H o t e l s … S a n D i e g o ’ s Unforgettable Locations

Seeger Family Reunion

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Fire Pits (828) 772-5454 ● TheCampNC.com 8 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 9

Branch Office

ANY-SIZED FAMILY. ANY-SIZED BUDGET. WE ACCOMMODATE BOTH. You have a big family. We have something 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.

Let us help you plan your family’s reunion.

Visit FXVA.com or call 703-790-0643

Talk turkey about family medical history

Knowing the health history of every generation can save your life

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n 2004, the US Surgeon General declared Thanksgiving “National Family History Day.” We know our parents, grandparents and extended family stories – when they came to America, where they lived, their education, military service and how they met their spouses.

But do you know your blood relatives’ medical history?

Thanksgiving is a good time to collect data about the causes of death of your family over the generations.

What we don’t know can hurt us

Create a family tree of illness, online or with pen and paper.

Evidence shows that family history (information that costs nothing) is as strong a predictor about what conditions you might develop as expensive modern screening techniques. A recent Cleveland Clinic study found that a complete family history more successfully predicted patients’ risks of developing breast, prostate and colorectal cancers than high-tech genomic screening. Evaluation of family health history is the gold standard in personal disease risk assessment. Research revealed that only about 30% of primary care physicians ask patients for any family history information, often because of the time required to do a thorough job.

Thanksgiving plan: assemble your family medical history

Ask relatives – those who are coming to Thanksgiving dinner and those who won’t be joining you – to prepare notes in advance about themselves, their parents, siblings and grandparents. After clearing the table, exchange notes, fill in gaps, correct errors.

Designate someone to enter the data in the Surgeon General’s free and secure online tool, My Family Health Portrait. The National Institutes of Health defines a reliable family history as a record with information three generations deep. You can enter health histories for yourself, your parents, siblings, children, maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Mark a pull-down list of conditions (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and high blood pressure), and relative’s age at diagnosis and, if applicable, at death.

Share the outcome with your family and urge everyone to take the information to their doctors.

From an article by Gary Drevitch on PBS Next Avenue’s Caregiving and Health & Well-Being channels.

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reunions feel more natural in southwest florida. surround yourself with the things that matter most.

F ind your island and find a reunion location everyone agrees on. Find nothing brings family

together like the promise of white-sand beaches, warm Gulf water and endless sunshine.

When you’re here, find it easy to catch up and stay caught. Visit FortMyers-Sanibel.com to find your island today, or call 888-231-6939 for a free Lonely Planet guidebook.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 11

Branch Office

Are you related to A.J. Jacobs?

Jacobs will host the biggest family reunion ever, and you’re invited.

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n 1970, my father started our yearly week-long Peters Family Reunions. Each year, we’d gather at a lake on the east coast for a week of catching up, food, water sports, more food, and just plain FUN. There are 7 billion – yes, billion – people on our planet and Jacobs says we are all related, albeit distantly.

It all began after best-selling author Jacobs received an email from a fan in Israel who informed Jacobs that he was a distant cousin of his wife, and was related to notables like Karl Marx and 80,000 more.

The revelation sparked Jacobs’ fascination with genealogy, and prompted him to start playing the connections game. So far, he has mapped out his family tree to include up to 77 million distant relatives.

The list includes a host of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Daniel Radcliffe, former President George H.W. Bush, even Abe Lincoln, Albert Einstein and more. Ironically, he’s related to the king of the connections

game, Kevin Bacon. Bacon is Jacobs’ first cousin’s twice removed’s wife’s niece’s husband’s first cousin once removed’s niece’s husband.

Are you part of Jacobs’ family?

Jacobs has teamed up with MyHeritage, Geni.com, and WikiTree, collaborative family tree websites, to power the reunion.

Put in the names of your relatives and the tool will search to see whether your relatives match with any of Jacobs’ relatives. Or you can email your ancestors’ information to info@worldfamily.us.

Visit Globalfamilyreunion.com to learn more and find out how to join the family.

Jacobs needs at least 4,514 relatives to attend the family reunion to beat the current record and score a spot in the Guinness World Records for largest family reunion.

Save the date for June 6, 2015, at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, New York.

From a story on ABC News by Sarah Haines

Hickman-Brown Family Reunion

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he Hickman-Brown Family held its recent reunion in Detroit, Michigan.

The beauty of family reunions is not only the time you spend with family from across the country, but the additional ancestry history that’s shared. We have been blessed to be able to find Brown family history back to 1830. Our cousin Sheila Whitmore, Las Vegas, Nevada, provided an old family photo from 1902, which shows our Great-Great-Great Grandmother Charlott (no “e”) Brown and Great-Great Grandmother Mollie Brown. Charlott Brown was born as a slave in Mississippi in 1830 (slavery ended in 1865). In the photo, left, Charlott is the elderly lady in the front. Right next to her, holding the little baby, is Mollie Brown, who is Indian. The baby is Sheila Whitmore’s father, Hosie Brown. Shared by Warren Stevie Galloway, Grosse Point Woods, Michigan.

Hickman-Brown Family Reunnion

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ABOVE ATLANTA | BEYOND MEMORABLE It’s a feeling of excitement that lasts long after the last family member leaves. It’s a new discovery among countless attractions that deepen the bond you share. It’s a moment when you realize, times like these are all that really matter. It’s Dunwoody. Just 10 miles above Atlanta, Dunwoody is far beyond memorable.

E-mail SarahS@CVBDunwoody.com to start planning your reunion and visit CVBDunwoody.com for more information.

ABOVE + BEYOND NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 13

Scrapbook Most of these events are sponsored and presented by convention and visitors bureaus. Most take place on Saturdays unless noted and, for the most part, are for people planning reunions in their area. All prefer or require advance reservations and are free or at nominal cost. For information about new events – added online, as soon as we learn about them – visit reunionsmag.com and click on workshops, conferences and seminars.

Alliance of Military Reunions

Dekalb County, Georgia

Contact Skip Sander, 412-367-1376 | MilitaryReunions@aol.com AllMilitaryReunions.org

November 15, 2014 Contact Penny Moore, penny@dcvb.org | 770-492-5018 atlantasdekalb.com

Albany, Georgia

Contact J.D. Sumner, 229 317-4760 | jdsumner@albanyga.com Alpharetta, Georgia

Contact Layne Mitchell, 678-297-2811 layne@Awesomealpharetta.com Athens, Georgia

Contact Athens CVB, 706-357-4430.

Detroit, Michigan

Fall 2015 Contact DMCVB, 313-202-1985 | www.meetdetroit.com/reunions Douglasville, Georgia

Contact Kimberly Bridges, 678-449-3172 bridgesk@douglasvillega.gov | www.visitdouglasville.com Dunwoody, Georgia

Visit www.atlanta.net/reunions/

November 8, 2014 Contact Sarah Steadman, 678-244-9804 | sarahs@cvbdunwoody.com

Augusta, Georgia

Estes Park, Colorado, YMCA of the Rockies

Atlanta, Georgia

Contact “Cousin” Michelle, 1-800-726-0243, 706-823-6600; mbovian@augustaga.org Baltimore, Maryland

410-244-8861 | baltimore.org/reunion Greater Birmingham, Alabama

Contact Tara Walton, CTIS, 205-458-8000, ext 206 twalton@birminghamal.org Branson, Missouri

Military Reunion Planners Conference Aug 3-6, 2015 Contact Julie Peters, 417-334-4084 | jpeters@bransoncvb.com www.explorebranson.com/groups/reunions Cabarrus County, North Carolina

Contact Carrie Hendrickson, 704-456-7969 Carrie@visitcabarrus.com | visitcabarrus.com Chesapeake, Virginia

November 7-9, 2014 Family Reunion University Contact Family Reservationists, 888-613-9622 familyreservations@ymcarockies.org | ymcarockies.org Fairfax County, Virginia

February 14, 2015 Speaker: Edith Wagner, Reunions magazine editor Contact Dean Miller, 703-752-9509 | dmiller@fxva.com www.fxva.com Flint, Michigan

Contact Courtney Irish, 810-232-8902 | cirish@visitflint.org Fredericksburg, Virginia

Contact: Kimberly Herbert, 800-260-3646 ksherbert@fredericksburgva.gov Grand Rapids, Michigan

Heidi Schmitt, 800-678-9859 ext 3557 hschmitt@experiencegr.com

Contact C. Jeff Bunn, 888-889-5551 | jbunn@cityofchesapeake.net

Greenwood, South Carolina

Chicago Southland, Illinois

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

Contact Kristy Stevens, 708-895-8299 | Kristy@ VisitChicagoSouthland.com

Gwinnett County, Georgia

Contact Melissa Legaux, 800-451-3480 | mlegaux@travelcobb.org

April 2015 Contact Cricket Elliott-Leeper, Gwinnett CVB, 770-814-6049 cricket@exploregwinnett.org

Columbus, Ohio

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Cobb County, Georgia

October 3, 2015 Roger Dudley, 614-222-6136 experiencecolumbus.com/tours-reunions 14 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

Contact Jennifer Williamson, 269-488-0057 jwilliimason@discoverkalamazoo.com or Contact Lisa Kukulski, 269-488-0056 | lkukulski@discoverkalamazoo.com

Kissimmee, Florida

Military Reunion FAM April 21-25, 2015, Tuesday-Friday October 24, 2015 Speaker: Edith Wagner, Reunions magazine editor Contact Jadeine Shives, 407-742-8255 jshives@experiencekissimmee.com

Prince George’s County, Maryland

Prince George’s Community College, Laurel Contact Mary Jane Shearer, 301-322-0797, shearemj@pgcc.edu REUNION FRIENDLY NETWORK

Military Reunion Planners

Lee County CVB, Florida

Seattle, Washington | April 12-17, 2015 Portland, Oregon | April 19-24, 2015 Nashville, Tennessee | May 2-7, 2015 Prince George’s County, Maryland | Sept 2015 Chattanooga, Tennessee | Oct 18-23, 2015

Louisville, Kentucky

Contact Sharon Danitschek, 425-501-1430 sharon@reunionfriendly.com | www.reunionfriendly.com

Lake County, Illinois

Contact Kimberly Ghys, 800-Lake-Now | lakecountyreunions.com Contact Candice Cocco, 239-338-3500 | CCocco@leegov.com November 8, 2014, February 21, May 16, August 15, November 14, 2015 Contact Darlene Starks, 502-379-6110 | dstarks@gotolouisville.com

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Macon-Bibb County, Georgia

Sandy Springs, Georgia

August 15, 2015 Contact Robin North, 478-743-1074 ext. 114 | rnorth@maconga.org Memphis, Tennessee

Contact Lisa Catron, 901-543-5337 | lisacatron@memphistravel.com Minneapolis, Minnesota

Contact Casey Kluver, 612-767-8106 caseyk@meetminneapolis.com Newport News, Virginia

May 30, 2015 Speaker: Edith Wagner, Reunions magazine editor Contact Andrea Moran, 757-886-7777 | amoran@nnva.gov Peachtree City, Georgia

Contact 678-216-0282 | visitpeachtreecity.com Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Family Reunion and Travel Expo IN Birmingham, Alabama

Contact Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism, Joy McNealy or Kay Poole, 800-251-9100 | www.pigeonforgereunion.com

Visit www.visityorkcounty.com/ Contact Will Carlson, 770-206-1445 will.carlson@sandyspringsga.org Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana

Contact Kevin Flowers, 800-551-8682 | kflowers@sbctb.org YMRC — Your Military Reunion Connection

Military Reunion Planners Conferences begin on varied days Virginia Beach, Virginia | November 2-5, 2014 Charleston, South Carolina | November 9-12, 2014 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | February 8-13, 2015 Columbus, Georgia | March 3-7, 2015 Reno, Nevada | March 17-20, 2015 Birmingham, Alabama | April 10-13, 2015 Portland, Maine | May 15-18, 2015 Portland, Oregon | August 2-5, 2015 DC area – Manassas Virginia | November 1-4, 2015 Contact Ymrcusa@gmail.com | yourmilitaryreunions.com

Experience Kissimmee Reunion Planning Workshop at Medieval Times in Kissimmee, Florida!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 15

Scrapbook

Hospitality Answerman

Q: A:

I’ve read your articles in the magazine and have seen you say in several that when we’re ready to plan our reunion, the first call we make should be to the convention bureau in the city where we’re thinking of meeting.

We’re ready to start working on a 2016 reunion, but what will they ask me when I call? Will I have to pay or sign a contract? We’re not a big group … will they even be interested in talking to us?

The answer is Yes! The convention bureau will most definitely be interested in talking with you! Their primary mission is to help groups just like yours hold better organized and more successful reunions in their destination. They exist to be of service to you, and to help your family members have an enjoyable reunion.

If they’ve done their job well, by the time your reunion wraps up, you’ll all be talking about how soon you can come back. Even if you’re a smaller group, they want to talk with you!

The other answer is No! The convention bureau won’t ask you to sign a contract, nor will they charge for their time or services.

You will have to sign a contract with the hotel or resort you select, and with any caterers or tour companies you decide to employ.

But even here, the convention bureau can help you navigate the contracting process and provide useful tips and advice.

Finding the convention bureau where you’re thinking of meeting is easy … go online and search for “(Name of city) Convention and Visitors Bureau.” Likewise, you may wish to consider one of many destinations that advertise in Reunions magazine. These are cities and destinations that have shown a particular desire to serve your family and your reunion!

Before you pick up the phone to call, you’ll want to jot down some of the information that the CVB representative is likely to request when you chat. They’ll likely ask you: n What time of the year are expecting to hold your reunion? For how many days? n How large is your group? n If you’ve gotten together before, where did you meet and how many people attended? n What activities are most important to you and your family members? Sightseeing at historical attractions? Going to the beach? Shopping? Riding roller coasters? n What type of accommodations are you looking for? A fourdiamond hotel or a campground? A chain hotel – with suites – that caters to families, or a one-of-a-kind boutique property? n How much are you expecting to pay for your rooms? n What sort of restaurants appeal to everyone in your group? n Will your attendees be flying to the destination? Driving?

Taking the train? Does anyone live locally? A destination that is “too far away” from many of your attendees or one that is “too expensive to reach” [i.e., folks must fly to get there and the

airfares are expensive because of distance and/or limited service] will negatively impact attendance.

Based on your answers to these questions, the CVB representative will suggest options for your next steps, including securing a hotel, obtaining proposals from vendors and planning activities.

If you’re just starting to plan your reunion, you may wish to collect information from two or three potential destinations, and compare what each has to offer. While you’ll never please everyone in your group, you’ll want to select the city and activities that will appeal to the most people.

If you expect to have lots of young children or teenagers attend, you’ll want to make sure that the destination has age-appropriate things for them to see and do. Some examples of things to consider: n Waterparks and mini-golf are great activities for teens; conversely, many teens will likely be bored touring historic sites, battlefields, and art galleries. n Destinations with casino gambling may not be the best choice if you’ll have lots of youngsters in attendance. Children under 21 aren’t allowed in most casinos, and many of the shows and other entertainment options are for adults. n While younger, hardier members of your family may wish to sleep in bunk beds in a rustic lodge in the woods, the older members may prefer a hotel with softer mattresses, and nice restaurants nearby.

In the end, the city or destination you select will play a large role in how many people choose to attend the reunion, and how good a time they’ll have. If it’s a destination that’s relatively easy to get to, has plenty of activities that your relatives will want to do, and can offer you accommodations, dining and activities that fit your group’s budget, you’ll have a successful, well-attended reunion!

About the Hospitality Answerman

Dean Miller, national sales director for VisitFairfax (fxva.com), the convention and visitors bureau in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a great friend of reunions and is one of the very people he is writing about. Call him 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.

Contact Dean at 703-790-0643; dmiller@fxva.com.

New Wall of Honor brings together old Milwaukee Brewers

T

he Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor was unveiled at Miller Park in a celebration of 45 years of Brewers history. Each of the 58 honorees has a plaque on the wall, with his photo and brief synopsis of his playing career.

Teammates from the 1970s, 80s and 90s renewed their ties and wore replicas of their old jerseys. Honorees later were introduced before a 16 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

game with the Cincinnati Reds. This was thought to be the biggest collection of former Brewers players at an event in the club’s history.

Honorees represent about 7% of more than 800 players and managers who have worn a Brewers uniform.

From a story by Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 17 IT’S GOOD TO CONNECTED ı OrleansCasino.com SM

Masterplan

GOOD NEWS!

Families actually do want to spend time together!

H

omeAway, the world’s leading online marketplace for vacation rentals, released its first “HomeAway Family Reunion Survey.”

More than 2,000 Americans shared how they plan and prepare for family reunions, as well as favorite activities while traveling with extended family. The results reveal that family reunions are alive and well: 63% of respondents had been to a family reunion, including 29% who had attended one within the previous two years.

These are insights from the nearly two-thirds of respondents who have attended a family reunion.

Families crave time together — without cell phones

It is not surprising that the most cherished memory is “spending time together” (81%). They also want relatives to put the cell phone down and grab a cookbook instead.

The next most cherished reunion memories are “group meals” (60%), while more than half of respondents (51%) say that “cooking great food” is the best way to impress family at a reunion.

The top way to offend family members is by “drinking too much” (28%), followed closely by “paying too much attention to your phone or tablet” (26%) and “being a cheapskate” (15%).

Families plan six months to one year ahead

Planning a family reunion and choosing the location takes time. More than half (55%) begin planning their reunion trip six months to one year in advance.

Results show the average family reunion trip lasts five days and is made up of eight adults and four children.

Reunion-goers cite “space to gather as a family” (54%), “separate bedrooms so everyone can have their own space” (38%), and a “kitchen for preparing and eating meals together” (33%) as the best amenities for bringing the family together. Vacation homes (33%) lead all choices as the ideal accommodation for a family reunion.

“Vacation rentals offer unbeatable savings for family reunions compared to booking multiple hotel rooms, eating at restaurants and renting spaces for meals and gatherings,” said Brian Sharples, HomeAway CEO. “Whether it’s cooking and sharing a favorite family recipe, playing in the swimming pool or yard, or late night conversations, vacation rentals give families the space to spend quality time and make lasting memories together.”

For more details or to find your perfect family reunion rental, visit HomeAway.com.

The Fairley-Foskey Family Reunion cruising to the Bahamas

The purple shirts were in memory of our sister Ella.

W

The chocolate shirts were in memory of our brother Willie.

e wore different shirts each day. wore their color shirts from a previous reunion. time aboard Royal Caribbean’s We recently lost two siblings, so we Both were there in spirit. We had a wonderful Enchantment of the Seas.

Shared by Sandra Lyons, Philadelphia, Mississippi

RECONNECT, REUNITE AND RECREATE. Smugglers’ has hosted thousands of family gatherings since our beginning in 1956. We have the experience in helping families plan all the details to ensure a successful and fun reunion.

We understand the level of detail that can go into planning a reunion. So Smugglers’ is ready to help with all your planning and travel needs. Just give us a call and we’ll do the rest!

18 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

What does an armadillo feel like?

Where does fun run in the family?

Finding something for everyone isn’t easy. But with can’t-miss festivals, nationally ranked attractions and unbeatable shopping, Columbus is full of things your whole group will love. Find out more about this affordable, easy-to-get-to destination at experiencecolumbus.com/reunions or by calling 800-354-2657.

Where do family reunions become family events?

SM

Masterplan

Survey results guide unforgettable reunions

by Linda Leier Thomason

P

lanning a reunion of any type is much like running a business: the most successful ones understand what their customers want, deliver outstanding customer service, and exceed expectations. So, before you reserve the location and send out invitations, step back a minute and ask yourself if you really know what your reunion attendees want from the experience.

Avoid making assumptions. Ask guests about their preferences with a survey. Doing so builds trust in reunion planners. Let’s face it: attending reunions is an investment of time and money, and attendees want to know they are using both wisely when they decide to come.

Keep the survey short. Ask the right questions. Give attendees a

chance to add suggestions and ideas so they feel like they played a part in planning. Following these steps likely will inspire most, if not all, your attendees to return a completed survey.

Set a short deadline to email their surveys back (3 to 5 days).

Send a friendly reminder a couple days before the deadline to encourage responses.

Write an introductory paragraph. Keep the survey simple by putting questions in the body of the email so attendees only have to answer and then hit reply. Remember not everyone knows how to work with email attachments.

Consider asking these questions, substituting answers that fit your reunion specifics or choices.

Level of interest: (MARK 1 ONLY)

Rank lodging preference with 1 best, 4 least

___None (Please email this back now.)

____My own hotel room

___It depends on cost

____Share a hotel room

___It depends on location ___It depends on date ___I’m there – it doesn’t matter when, where or how much!

The ideal month to ensure I can attend is: (Rank in order: 1 is best 4 least) _____June – beginning the second week in June _____July – over July 4th holiday _____August – before August 15th _____September – after Labor Day _____Other:________________________________________________ I prefer the reunion be held (choose 1 only) _____Come in on a Friday and leave on a Sunday _____Come in on a Monday and leave on a Wednesday

____State park cabin-shared bedrooms & bathrooms ____A large rental home with modern furnishings ____Other:________________________________________________ Rank location preference with 1 best; 4 least [List 4 cities or other locations you are considering and a space for other] ____Other: (Only rank 4)____________________________________ Rank programming preferences, with 1 best, 4 least _____Theatre _____Sightseeing _____Self-Improvement

_____Come in on a Wednesday and leave on a Friday

_____Music

_____Other: ________________________________________________

_____Other: (Only rank 4)____________________________________

Comments/suggestions for organizers to consider:

rooms) and a campground onsite. It was a perfect fit for this reunion group, but one that was not even considered before the surveys were emailed and read. Before sending the survey, I also had assumed that the attendees would want scheduled entertainment options. I was wrong. Instead, they preferred onsite group activity that encouraged sharing and reconnecting with one another and our shared family traditions.

So, take it from someone who was proved wrong. Ask before you plan. Seriously consider suggestions and responses, and plan an unforgettable reunion enjoyed by all.

Add up the results for each question and pay close attention to the comments. Answers to the first question will let you know not only their level of interest but also barriers that may exist for some wishing to attend. As I read the cousin surveys, a number had the courage to admit that finances prevented them from attending. So, in my case, I confidentially asked some of the older cousins if they would be willing to help out, and they gladly did.

One year in advance, I wrote and emailed a survey to 33 female first cousins, asking about their interest in having a first-ever reunion. Only three did not respond.

The Reis Girls Weekend was held in Gary, South Dakota, in July at the former state School for the Blind, which has been renovated and renamed Buffalo Ridge Resort. The location fit all the cousins’ expressed survey preferences. Buffalo Ridge Resort has both a historic hotel (with a restaurant, bar and meeting 20 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

About the author

Linda Leier Thomason is a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, freelance writer with a background in event planning, including facilitating and moderating women’s retreats and producing wonderful weddings in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Reis Girls who responded to the survey on the facing page. They are shown with quilt designed and made by Mary Huber Deringer.

Ennis Family Reunion

T

he Ennis reunion is one of the largest and longest-running family reunions in North Carolina.

Ennis family members and friends gathered recently for the 93rd annual Ennis Family Reunion at the Benson, North Carolina, American Legion Building for a covered dish lunch.

Genealogical studies show the Ennis family has close ties to many local families, including the Sorrell, Ryals, Stewart, Strickland, Hodges, Neighbors, Turlington and Williams families.

The Ennis Reunion is held every year on the third Sunday in

July. Attendees are encouraged to bring memorabilia, old family photos, pictures of past reunions, newspaper clippings and genealogical information.

At the nearby Coats Museum, several exhibits include Ennis artifacts and more than 20 Ennis genealogy notebooks. The museum solicits additional vintage family photos, artifacts, or stories from family members.

Reported by Baxter Ennis, Chesapeake, Virginia

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 21

Masterplan

Harrison Family Reunion

Gelsthorpe-Waring Family Reunion

T

he Harrison Family Reunion was started in 1914 and is held annually on the second Saturday in August. We are already planning our Centennial reunion in 2016. Our count is based on the number of meetings, not years. Two reunions were missed during World War II. The reunion location was moved from relatives’ homes as it grew and is now held in Lancaster County Park, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Our location is an enclosed building in the park, with amenities that fit our needs (kitchen, grills, indoor bathrooms, lots of space for kids to play). We start at 11AM and typically end by 6PM. Business meetings are run according to Roberts Rules of Order. Elected officers comprise the Executive Committee (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary) and are responsible for organizing reunions. Minutes are recorded and read at all reunions. We’re looking at potentially creating a book of minutes for the Centennial reunion in 2016. Extraordinary expenses are voted on during the business meeting.

The reunion is financed by dues and raffles. We have produced a cookbook and a game patterned after Monopoly to share family history. Children’s activities, Line Dancing and Zumba are included in reunion activities. We are trying to develop creative ways to engage the younger generation to prepare them for reunion leadership. The family communicates on facebook and a website.

Reported by Barbara Wellons, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Gelsthorpe-Waring family rafting trip!

A

t 50 years of age, I had not met most of my first cousins. Those I had known at an early age had scattered to the winds. In 1994 I connected with a cousin in the Army who had done a lot of research on my dad’s family. There is a family bond that is beyond words. We decided to plan a reunion and it worked!

My dad was 96 years old, so we had the first one close to him in Texas. He loved it!

Now every two years we meet in different

locations. For the first reunion I put together a history of our family with everyone’s help, then a cookbook. Seven states were represented at the most recent reunion in Idaho. In two years we will meet in Las Vegas, Nevada. People who have family close by often take it for granted. I wouldn’t trade getting together with family for anything in the world.

Reported by Eula Forsythe, Luftkin, Texas.

Nomadic Family Reunion

T

he McNeills have been meeting intermittently for over 60 years in Dunn, North Carolina. We are a “nomadic” family. For 28 years this event has been held in a different city each year, including Dunn.

Families in each city are hosts. We now have families from ten states and are actively looking for other branches of this large family.

This year we are shaking things up by introducing technology, more emphasis on family history and a new itinerary, thanks to McNeill family members in Georgia.

They are committed to bringing this family into the 21st century.

Reported by Gaytheia Hopgood, Atlanta, Georgia 22 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

Gelsthorpe-Waring Family Reunion

Another successful Saffore-Scyffore Family Reunion

I

ttry not to be biased, but my family is a great portrait of survival and courage. My maternal grandmother, Othella Scyffore, founder of the family reunion, grew up not knowing her parents or any family members. She was left with a child care provider and her mother never returned to pick her up. She was an amazing woman who suffered great trials and tribulations due to a lack of family connection and support.

She married my grandfather, and they had ten children. Her first real connection with family was her own children. Hers is a story of courage and devotion in pursuit of a strong, healthy family.

There was significant separation between some segments of the family for many years. The separation was so deep, my mom and her siblings were not able to locate family members. Three elder family members launched a multi-year search and reunited with family in 1995. It has been a blessing to be reunited with family. Our connection and fellowship has changed lives, and bridged divides. We are connected by God’s amazing grace.

Reunion highlights are scheduled for the entire family, except the optional golf-for-all-ages event, which had high participation.

(My youngest son, soon to be eight, has been golfing for five years.) We are going to add a Silent Auction to raise more funds for the education and scholarship fund.

Reunion highlights

Many activities are not really captured in written highlights, but are key to our fellowship. These are a few.

• We pray before each day’s activities and meals.

• We have an award ceremony, sometimes informal, sometimes very formal.

• We honor our active and inactive US Military personnel, many of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

• We celebrate marriages and new births.

• We acknowledge the memory of all family members who have passed away.

• We honor and award all high school and college graduates.

• We highlight family members’ entrepreneurial efforts.

• We present the reunion place of worship with a plaque and written resolution.

• We prepare and give out amazing welcome bags and gifts. We really put a lot of care and love into the process. I typically start two months before the reunion with bag assembly. It’s one of my

favorite things to do, in preparation for the reunion. People are so happy when they open their bags. The highlight of Friday night is to see what’s in everyone’s bag.

• We recognize “Honorary Family Members” – elder individuals who have been instrumental in providing support and encouragement for the family throughout the years. We have awarded the honor to 12 people so far.

• The mayor of every city where we meet provides an official welcome letter, which is printed and displayed in our program book.

We also have received letters from Congressional Representatives.

• We celebrate family successes! One family member was drafted by the NFL last year, and we celebrated and honored him at the reunion.

• We provide books and other activities for school-age family members.

Reported by Niko M. Cook, Zion, Illinois.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 23

Masterplan

Palmer/Weaver Family Reunion

T

Photos by Dennis Griffin

he recent Palmer/Weaver Family Reunion was held in Tempe, Arizona, with 120 members attending.

Day One started with a Meet and Greet.

Everyone greeted family matriarch Viola K. Demery (92 years young) with smiles and hellos. T-shirts, tote bags (activity information), a kid cactus coloring sheet (contest), raffles, and good food rounded out Day One. Day Two was Fun Day at Big Surf Waterpark. Everyone was having so much fun staying cool at the water slide, wave Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment. and kiddie pools, reinforcements were sent to remind them there was food. The menu waiting for the early afternoon banquet. toys were a big hit. of hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, and ice Special guests were The Buffalo Soldiers of Nine Scholarships were given to four cream was a welcome treat. the Arizona Territory, Ladies and high school and five college students.

Despite the Arizona heat, Gentleman of the Regiment. The Scholarships ensure our young people will everyone was having a great Buffalo Soldiers presentation was an continue the pursuit of education to time. Later in the evening, historic account of their origins and succeed in life. The winner of the Palmer/ family members wore reunion was very inspiring. Family members Weaver Scholarship Quilt was Faith t-shirts to see how many family learned true history, not some Palmer from Columbia, South Carolina. members were represented and glossed-over version in today’s Reported by Willie Mae Crosby, be named “The Best Team.” history books. Our Family Feud Phoenix, Arizona, who thanks the Reunion The morning of Day Three game was so engaging that everyone Committee for their dedication in making was designated for breakfast and wanted to play. Raffle prizes of The Palmer/Weaver Family Matriarch church. However, everyone was quilts, gifts cards, baskets, and kids’ Reunion 2014 a very special one.

Viola K. Demery

Palmer/Weaver Family Reunion

Nelson Family Reunion

D

Photo by Shannon Calhoun

24 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

escendants of John and Carla (Butler) Nelson celebrated a recent reunion at Rudd Park in Cañon City, Colorado. Members came from North Carolina, Utah, Wyoming, California, Oklahoma and New Mexico. They enjoyed a picnic meal and a family book made by Larry Nelson.

Submitted by Sabrina Nelson, Lander, Wyoming

Wallace & Hunt-Rogers Family Reunion

O

ur 8th annual Wallace & Hunt-Rogers Family Reunion was held in Northern Virginia. On Friday we enjoyed a BBQ (catered by Famous Dave’s) at the Veterans Memorial Park in Woodbridge, Virginia. There was something to do for everyone, young and old. The party continued at the hospitality room at the

Elderly members were found to be more mobile on the dance floor doing the Cupid Shuffle, than we thought!

Hilton Hotel in Springfield, Virginia, where the family had a special room block for attendees.

On Saturday, we attended a formal dinner and dance in the hotel ballroom. Many elderly members were found to be more mobile on the dance floor than we thought! Memorabilia tables displayed family trees, old family documents, and photos. The family enjoyed special guest Doo Wop singers, Acapella Soul.

Each family member left with a custom- designed wine glass as a memento of our very special occasion, and a renewed sense of who we are and where we come from.

During a Fairfax County (Virginia) Family Reunion Workshop, Dean Miller of Visit Fairfax, told the story about a conversation he had with the legendary blues singer BB King who said he would give all his riches for one picture of his mother. I took that to heart when planning our reunion and ensured there were photographers and a videographer to capture our special moments. I performed extensive family history research and was able to impress even the eldest family members with history that had never been heard.

From a report by Tawanda Agee, Lorton, Virginia

Texas Hill Country perfect for family reunions

T

here’s no place like home – but when you’re away from home there’s no place like Hill Country Cottage and RV Resort, nestled in New Braunfels, Texas, central to water recreation activities, live music and entertainment. New Braunfels is home to Schlitterbahn Water Park, voted the world’s best, and several popular rivers and lakes. It is the perfect location for family reunions.

The Hutchinson Family Reunion stayed at Hill Country this summer.

Known for its scenic views and relaxing atmosphere, it’s a great place to kick back with loved ones and celebrate time together.

Hutchinson reunion planners Gary and Linda Baker chose Hill Country because of sightseeing options and plenty of entertainment.

They report that the Hill Country Resort staff was very accommodating – and it’s true. They help in any way they can.

Hutchinson family members commented on what they loved most about Hill Country. “The meeting/rec room was perfect for reunions.

When you host a family as large as our 60 members, and you have to cook and entertain … this facility was perfect!” say Mike and Missy, Gary and Linda’s brother and sister-in-law.

Family member Janet Wiley says, “The swimming pool was a great place to take a break and cool off. Much nicer than a hotel pool.” Hill Country is a great alternative to staying in a hotel for family reunions. They offer cost-efficient lodging and stellar facilities and amenities.

“Being with family and relaxing within easy travel to Guadalupe River for tubing, San Antonio and the Riverwalk, and Gruene, Texas… so much fun, so close,” says brother Rodney Hutchinson.

Visit http://hillcountryrvresortnb.com/

There was plenty of room for all the Hutchinson Family Reunion activities.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 25

Fundraising

How other reunions do fundraising

M

ary Alice Welch, Euless, Texas, reports many fundraisers at the Welch Family Reunion. Approximately 50 to 75 attend each year. They raffle about five nice items, and have a Wheel of Fortune, a 50/50 drawing, and washer and horseshoe tournaments.

A Cake Walk prior to lunch on Saturday cost $1 per try.

Members pay $1 per spin on a Homemade Frame to win a 50-cent item. A portion of the winnings from a Texas Hold ’Em poker game late on Saturday night goes into the reunion fund.

The family votes on who will host the reunion for the following year and they take care of the money which is in the $1,000 to $1,500 range. The money pays for the meeting room or hall, and at least two to four of the meals. They video-record throughout the entire reunion and sell copies.

✶✶✶✶✶✶✶ Sybel Higgins, Monroe, Michigan, reports that the Thompsin Campbell Osgo Family Reunion has “lots of fundraisers.” They have live and silent auctions for nice donated or handmade items and heirlooms, 50/50 raffles; pie auctions, sales of Memory DVDs of past reunions, and family photos.

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✶✶✶✶✶✶✶ Micki Morenci, St. Petersburg, Florida, described how she dealt with financing the Francois Family Reunion. Money was a big factor, she wrote. Some members are wealthier than others, ranging from medical doctors to janitors and everything in between. Some members were going through foreclosures, some had been unemployed for long periods, and some had more kids than others.

My fundraising strategy was for affluent families to donate to a general reunion fund for a “drawing” to financially sponsor struggling families. Not surprisingly, the wealthy families were very generous. We always help each other. I made a list of members I knew were having financial hardships. A committee of three elders picked the families who needed financial assistance most. Haitians are very proud people. They do not like hand-outs, but they will accept a prize they thought they won.

I did not announce the winners. I notified them that they had won a free spot at the reunion. No one at the reunion knew who was sponsored or who paid their own way.

Members could also pay small installments for 18 months. The attendance fee was $250 per person, with a smaller fee for children five and younger. The fee covered two nights and three days, including room and board. The hotel provided breakfast and dinner. I asked everyone to bring healthy snacks for lunch, and to bake their family’s favorite pastry with recipes to share.

According to a report by Christina Garcia on WLOX in Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula, Mississippi, the Ocean Springs (Mississippi) Greyhounds are planning their first-ever mega reunion June 19-21, 2015. A reunion organizer said a mega reunion includes everybody, and that Ocean Springs graduates all share a strong bond.

The four-day celebration isn’t going to be cheap, so fundraising efforts have started. For the first event to raise money, alumni held a shrimp boil, preparing 400 pounds of shrimp, with potatoes and corn on the cob. ✶✶✶✶✶✶✶ A story in the Highlands Today section of Tampa Tribune, Tampa, Florida, announced that Joyce Miner’s family would raise money for their next reunion by holding an auction. Each family attending was asked to bring something to be auctioned. It stirred bidding rivalries over worthless items and generated more than enough funds for the next reunion. It also birthed a tradition as strong as the reunion itself. Over the years they auctioned hand-crafted items and things of sentimental value such as an old flat iron Grandma used during all the years the siblings were growing up; a picture of Trail’s End Farm painted by Aunt Anna; a beautiful wood walking cane carved by a cousin; and a quilt pieced by the aunts from fabrics collected by every one of the eleven clans (it generated the greatest bidding war ever, but all in good fun).

✶✶✶✶✶✶✶ Stephanie Abrams reported that the Shields Family Reunion held a flower bulb sale for their fundraiser. They took orders online and face-to-face. “It worked out great!” Now they are doing an online store, which they hope will entice family members.

They’ll promote it for holiday shopping.

Francois Family Reunion

26 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

Fundraiser Ideas

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he Quilter’s Catalog by Meg Cox is the must-have book for quilters. Meg Cox is a powerhouse in the quilting world, and if quilts interest you in more than a reunion way, check her out! You’ll also want to get her free e-newsletter “Quilt Journalist Tells All!” – her thoughts on trends, books, tools, new fabrics and more. To subscribe, send her an e-mail at meg@megcox.com. Check out her website and blog at www.megcox.com.

One of many possible ideas for a reunion quilt is a signature quilt, Cox says. But Amelia Truax (4) writing on a quilt square at the Utley Family Reunion. there is always a dilemma about whether to collect signatures before the quilt is sewn, or after. She says she is a big believer in BEFORE, because it is too heartbreaking to have people make splotches or spill drinks or misspell something on the sewn quilt. If they write on a square and mess up, they can just do it over! No sweat. She also suggests this blog post that includes good advice about how to set it up, what sorts of fabric markers to use, etc: http://tinyurl.com/qyryje2.

Gaul Family Reunion quilts

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at Wimmer Gaul came up with an idea to make a family quilt for one of the first reunions. Her thought was that it would become a traveling quilt.

Each family member could display the quilt in their home for a period of time, and then send it on to the next family member.

As family reunions came and went, the number of quilts grew. Then, it was decided that hosts of previous reunions would choose and keep one of the quilts. Then, the host of the next reunion would pick a theme for their reunion and the quilt would include the theme. After the reunion, the quilt would become theirs. There was one stipulation that each quilt would be brought to future reunions so they could be displayed. Each family member who wanted to help make the quilt, would design their square with the current theme in mind, and then send it to Pat and it would be included in the quilt.

Shared by Robert Gaul, Sioux City, Iowa.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Antique show Art show (kids and/or adults) Auction Bake sale Book fair Bottle/can drive Bowl-a-thon Cake walk Calendar sales Candy sale Car wash Chicken barbecue Chicken spot Circus/carnival Coin toss Flower bulb sales Gift baskets/raffle Ice cream social Mailing appeals Memorial donation/bequest Pancake breakfast Penny collection Raffle/lottery Spaghetti dinner Silent auction Tag sales Theme parties

MyEvent.com offers online fundraising

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yEvent.com is the place for online fundraising. And they offer a complimentary fundraising web page. Reunions can accept donations online and sell tickets without a merchant account.

MyEvent.com’s popular basic no-cost fundraising packages allows anyone to start raising money in under a minute with no out-of-pocket expense. No lengthy sign-ups, no complicated verification, no multiple accounts and log-ins. The set-up is under one minute and payments can be accepted online right away.

MyEvent’s “one-stop shop” eliminates the need for PayPal or any merchant account. MyEvent fees, deducted from ticket sales and donations processed through myevent.com, are competitive with those of other online fundraising services.

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Fundraising A Stitch in Time:

The Making of a Family Heirloom Quilt

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his is a manual that has great detail about the process of involving family in making a family quilt, as well as possible by-products to be made from it, such as stationery. It was written by the late Opalene Mitchell, who gave the Family Reunion Institute permission to replicate it. Her family’s quilts and by-products swelled the Flo-Line Family scholarship fund.

The price of the manual is $14.95. Please e-mail ivargus@ temple.edu prior to sending a check. Indicate what you want to buy. She will return your message and discuss availability.

Make a quilt at your reunion

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escendants of John and Matilde Chaloner gathered at Camp Condor, a children’s camp in Frazier Park, California, to celebrate their third family reunion.

In the Craft Lodge, each family designed their own quilt piece to fit their own personalities. The families had fun decorating their craft felt quilt piece with ribbons, fabric paint, beads, glitter, or whatever was available. Reunion quilt pieces were bound together, creating a colorful quilt. The quilt made during the last reunion was displayed in the Mess Hall for all to admire. Family members admired their earlier handiwork.

At grandmother Carrie Chaloner Gaane’s recent 100th birthday party, guests signed on fabric/felt for a future quilt.

Pictures transferred from the photo booth also will also be transferred to fabric.

From a report by Anjanette Gaane, West Covina, California

Peaks-Staunton Family quilt

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he theme of the Peaks-Staunton Family Reunion at Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark, Ohio, was “We’re Not Just Family … We’re History.” The idea behind their reunion quilt was to preserve family reunion history using t-shirts from their family reunions from 1980 to the present. Designer Mattie Grooms suggested adding family members’ pictures. The pictures they used are of family members who have passed away and who were instrumental in keeping the families together through reunions. Also included was a picture of the oldest living family member, Ruth Bentley Staunton, who was 101.

“The quilt is our history,” says Toija L. Cross, “and, therefore, priceless.” It will be displayed at all future family reunions.

The quilt’s top layer was designed and sewed by Mattie Grooms; the quilting was done by Liz Foster, and the embroidery by Mary Wisbith. Although the quilt was not for sale, many family members wanted to buy or have it duplicated.

Detwiler Ohio Star quilt

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his quilt was made to commemorate the 100th reunion of the descendants of Henry and Catherine Latshaw Detwiler, at the Detwiler Homestead in Cedar Hollow, Pennsylvania.

The appliquéd tree in the center represents Henry and Catherine Latshaw Detwiler’s family tree. The 12 quilt blocks surrounding the center represent their 12 children. Each family member at the 100th reunion signed in the block of his/her ancestral branch.

The quilt pattern is Ohio Star, first published in Godey’s Lady’s Book in 1862. This quilt was designed, pieced and hand-quilted

by Martha Detwiler Weed. It is the property of the Detwiler Reunion.

Each year a family member’s name is selected in a random drawing and the quilt is displayed in that member’s home for the following year.

Shared by Sandra Detwiler Lusch One square showing signatures of the descendants of and Richard H. Lusch that ancestor who attended the 100th reunion.

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Building a reunion cookbook

by Rebecca Kellogg

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he Shillig family has a rich culinary history. The family held a reunion to celebrate their grandfather’s 80th birthday and decided to mark the milestone by creating a heritage cookbook.

“By way of recipes, our family is not lacking,” said Shillig family member Shay Morris. “Cooking runs in the family. My late grandmother’s family owned and ran a grocery and bakery business. Some of their 100+-year-old recipes are still in use by our family today.

Grandpa is a superb cook. He has been

each contributor to add dimension,” Vanek said. “Be sure to include an index, and name the person who contributed the recipe.”

Extras such as family vignettes give additional heirloom value to a recipe book.

When Janet and Alan Clark assembled the Ruppe family recipe book they added pinches of family flair. Alan Clark was fond of numbers and lists. They included a list of the Ruppe family parents, children, and grandchildren with birth dates.

“Following each recipe there is a heart and then six little smiley faces and then another heart – representing the six children of the original family,” Janet Clark said.

On the first page of the Shillig cookbook, the family placed a 1920s print advertisement for the family grocery and bakery:

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Shay Morris

cooking for years as a hobby and as a career, owning his own Mexican restaurant.”

The time had come to create a formal family cookbook. Recipes were old and new; everyone was invited to contribute.

The Shilligs gathered many of their family favorites and had the book copied and bound at a local print shop. Each family contributed money toward printing costs and received a copy.

“What a joy to have some of the best family recipes in a book so I don’t have to rummage around for the age-stained recipe card for Grandma Audrey’s Carrot Loaf Cake, which is over 100 years old,” said Morris.

The dividers of the Shillig cookbook are a reflection of the family heritage and interests: Breads, Mexican Foods, Passover Dishes, Breakfast, Main & Side Dishes, Treats, Pies & Cakes, Soups, Salads, and Miscellaneous.

You don’t have to have a history of professional cooking to compile your family’s favorite recipes.

Mona Vanek and her cousin, Bonnie, compiled The Muench Kin Cookbook, named for the maternal grandparents of all the cousins who contributed.

Solicit a short family vignette from

“Why stay at home and worry your head About good pies, cookies, or bread VANCE’S BAKERY for you will make All these things, also your cake.

Vance Brothers Grocery and Bakers

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“It’s a great bridge to my ancestors and their love of cooking,” said Morris. “I knew I got my cooking talents from somewhere!”

Morris found that building the recipe book was a great family project. “Having a family recipe book is a great way to get family members to participate in some part of family reunion planning,” she said.

Most of the recipes in the book were from living family members.

Family members were asked to contribute recipes for favorite dishes.

Family cookbook editor Sarah Howe allowed family members about a threemonth window to submit recipes.

“Everybody seemed really eager to submit recipes and everybody was more than thrilled with the results,” said Morris.

“Some people even bought a couple of copies to give to the other side of their family.”

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ccording to the personal pages of the Miljour Larson Korpi Family Reunion Cookbook, they have been meeting for 75 years.

It all started on July 4, 1940, when George and Alvina Miljour, John and Sanna Larson, and John and Olga Korpi gathered for a picnic.

Sanna Larson and John Korpi were siblings and all three couples were related through their married children. Thirtyeight family members and friends played horseshoes, swam, and shared stories and salads that day. What they didn’t know then was that their growing families would continue the tradition every single year.

Seventy-five years later, in 2014, there are roughly 741 family members and counting.

This year the family made a cookbook.

The personal pages include reunion history and photographs of the original picnic that started the family’s reunion tradition.

Family reunion cookbooks hold treasured recipes of loved ones. With the decline in teaching cursive writing, preserving handwritten recipes in a cookbook will remove the guess work.

Some families even choose to place a few select scanned recipe cards in their books to preserve loved ones’ handwriting.

The family used G&R Publishing to assemble the book.

About the author

Rebecca Kellogg is a freelance writer based in California. She loves family reunions of all sizes. Follow her on Twitter at @rebeccakellogg.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 29

Fundraising

Cookbooks

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ary Thiele Fobian, Pacific Grove, California, former Reunions magazine editor and enthusiastic cook, notes that some people simply are not cooks and don’t want to be, so prodding some family members for recipes will not be fruitful and may even offend them. An alternative is to ask those who

don’t want to contribute a recipe to perhaps tell about one of their favorite dishes that mom or grandma made, or what kind of birthday cake they asked for as a kid, or another memory that’s related to family food (the time Mom put a roast in the oven before church on Sunday, then got a flat tire on the way home and was hours

late getting back … to a black brick of beef), and include that story in the cookbook. Other alternative contributions could be photographs (old or new) or even hand-drawn illustrations of family members cooking or seated around the dining table or gathered at a picnic/reunion.

Grandma Popp’s treasures live

by Nancy Popp Dalpiaz

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here was nothing better than going to Grandma Popp’s house, knowing she was cooking and baking all of your favorites. The only problem was that her cooking and baking were finished by the time I’d arrive. For decades after she passed away, I longed for my favorites: a chili-like sauce over American fried potatoes, her lemon meringue pie and her famous Blitz Torte. I tried to duplicate the chili potato dish and never came close.

Somehow, someday, I wanted to enjoy this dish again.

Then fate intervened and my family started planning a reunion. I realized this was the perfect opportunity to get my hands on not only my favorite meals, but

all the other “lost treasures.” I volunteered to put together a cookbook of the families’ favorite recipes from Grandma Popp.

Planning with reunion coordinators via email made this project so easy. Once the family received the request for recipes and old photos of Grandma’s cooking or of the family eating, my inbox was bombarded with a treasure trove from my cousins, aunts and uncles.

The real treasures arrived by snail mail: original handwritten recipes complete with stains! These treasures were scanned and used in the cookbook as-is. Not only did this save me time (as I had no reason to type these recipes) but, more important, I had my Grandmother back in my kitchen.

Popp Family Reunion cookbook, Recipes from the Kitchen of Grandma Myrtle Hahnenberg Popp Original handwritten recipes, complete with stains, were scanned and included as-is in the cookbook.

Date Bread recipe in Grandma Popp’s handwriting.

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Like any great cook and baker, my Grandmother changed her recipes over time. Her older children had different versions of recipes than the younger children had. We included all versions in the cookbook.

Once I had produced a really rough draft of the cookbook, I sent the recipes and photos off to family proofreaders.

Great teamwork and coordinating our collective talents made the cookbook a success. My copy has started showing the stains of my cooking and baking.

Grandma’s cookies, pies and meals now fill her great- and great-great- grandchildren’s bellies with every visit, and the treasure trove she left continues on.

Reported by Nancy Popp Dalpiaz, Mercer,Wisconsin

Meeks Family Cookbook

Editor’s note: The following is a letter sent to Meeks Family Reunion members about making a cookbook followed by a copy of the submission form.

To: John & Mary Meeks Family Cookbook

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e love to eat, don’t we? And every great meal starts with a recipe that is a small piece of our family history. Almost every one of us has a treasured recipe, beloved as much for memories of family get-togethers or a special family member, as it is for its taste. I know you have many such recipes, handed down through generations, taught to children, or squirreled away on index cards or scraps of paper.

A family recipe book is a wonderful way to combine favorite family dishes with memories of treasured family members and precious memories.

Please email, if possible, or mail one or

more of your “specialties” by (deadline date). We encourage submission of recipes that have been passed down from earlier generations, along with a story or photo of the family member best known for the recipe. Please include memories of times spent cooking and/or eating together, as well as photos of holiday and other family get-togethers. Help us create a family heirloom that can be passed down for generations. Those who contribute will receive a free email copy. Hard copies will be available for sale at the reunion.

Please mail or email to: Thank you in advance for your participation, Fernon and Robert Meeks

John & Mary Meeks Family Cookbook Submission Form

Name of recipe:_________________________________________________________ Name of person contributing recipe: _________________________________________ Name of person who originated the recipe (if different from the submitter): ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ History of the recipe (Where did it come from and why is it special?) : ______________ _____________________________________________________________________ Ingredients and quantities needed, in the order in which they appear in the directions: _____________________________________________________________________ Cooking directions: ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Prep and cooking time:___________________________________________________ Number of people recipe serves:____________________________________________ Any special cooking tips or advice:__________________________________________ Brief explanation or story behind the photo being submitted along with the recipe. _____________________________________________________________________

Holidays are a great time to start a family cookbook

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illiam Rice, founder and copublisher of the Great Family Cookbook Project says, “What better way to celebrate our family food traditions than to preserve them for future generations in a family cookbook.”

Tips to make your family’s personalized cookbook a success: Start early. Getting everyone on board as soon as possible will get your cookbook off to a fast start.

Invite everyone to participate, not just family cooks. Everyone has at least one recipe they can contribute. Use email to invite and stay in touch with contributors.

Show what others have submitted to encourage additional recipes.

Set a deadline. Set a deadline of one or two months for all your recipes to be submitted. Most people need a hard deadline. If you don’t have enough recipes at the deadline, you can always extend it.

Keep in touch. Send regular updates, and include who is participating and who is not. Set a goal to have every family member contribute at least one recipe so they all can be listed as contributors.

Family cookbooks are an important way to preserve mealtime traditions for future generations. With the passing of our loved ones comes the loss of treasured food traditions. A family cookbook ensures that recipes from one generation can be passed on to the next as a treasured family heirloom.

Once the recipes are preserved online, they can be shared by email, printed individually or included in a printed cookbook.

Visit familycookbookproject.com.

History is served

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ecipes and memories come together in family cookbooks.

A family cookbook is where all the special recipes and memories are found. It is a treasured link to the past. Books are compiled to preserve the family’s culinary history.

Recipes are often an eclectic mix mirroring the family’s ethnic background.

It includes humorous stories and cooking catastrophes to keep everyone entertained.

Some families use special computer programs; others simply copy originals and place them in three-ring binders and

include photos, stories and original artwork.

The Carson family book includes a six-generations-old vinegar taffy recipe, a sheep camp recipe for ice cream made with snow, unusual home remedies, and a midwife’s mixture for avoiding pregnancy.

The Nodzu family compiled their family cookbook because the oldest generation was getting up there in age and the family believed the recipes should be in writing before it was too late. There are a few recipes the Japanese-American family especially wanted to get recorded, including Chinese chicken salad and

beef- and pork-filled won tons.

Everyone from seasoned cooks to amateurs submitted recipes. A family member who owns a printing company printed the books; a cousin who works for an office supply company supplied the three-ring binders (so recipes can be added); an artist cousin produced the cover; and a technical writer did all the formatting and editing. They included stories to go along with the recipes.

From an article by Kathy Stephenso in The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City, Utah NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 31

Fundraising

Cookbook review

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had the opportunity to see the Bernard & Elizabeth Matthiesen Family Cookbook. One of their descendants, a friend of mine, contributed recipes to the new cookbook. As genealogists, we often see relatives’ eyes glaze over as we recite family history in excruciating detail. The Matthiesen family has presented the family history along with many family recipes in a format that is likely to be treasured and often opened.

Bernard and Elizabeth Matthiesen settled in Runnels County, Texas, where they had 11 children. Everything is big in Texas. The Matthiesen family is known as one of the largest families in Texas with the most living cousins. The cookbook begins with a brief family history and a collection of family pictures, including the original farm homestead.

A family cookbook is appropriate for the Matthiesen family because the extended family gathered after church on Sundays for a large outdoor meal that continued all afternoon. The cookbook is organized in food categories, and each chapter begins with the wedding picture of one of the nine surviving children (two died as infants).

I found several recipes particularly interesting, such as Grandma’s sugar cookies, that had been handed down for several generations, and each generation made subtle changes. We often find a similar pattern in family history. Each generation may slightly embellish the family story so that, in three or four generations, the story is similar but no longer the same.

From a column in NGS Up-front

by Jan Alpert Web page: reunionsmag.com Call: 414.263.4567 Fax: 414.263.6331 e-mail: editor@reunionsmag.com Write: PO Box 11727 Milwaukee, WI 53211-0727

Sign up for Reunions E-newsletter @ reunionsmag.com 32 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

“A Family DAT Prays Together and Cooks Together, Stays Together!”

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e have had several members wanting the answers to some of the following questions: WHO DAT made DAT chicken, rice and gravy? What did Aunt Fannie put in DAT “Pound Cake?” How did she cook those peas? How did Aunt Melissa cook those “greens” and Dat “Jelly Cake?” Did Aunt Dear put “cheese in her grits?”

What did Aunt Ludie put in DAT “cornbread?” Did Madear (Aunt Alice) “soak” her “fruit cake” in DAT pure rum?

What about Aunt Penny? Did she make her biscuits from scratch? What did Aunt Eliza and Aunt Arzella put in their prize-winning “dressing?”

For years, several family members have requested a Neal Family Cookbook.

Not everyone knows what a “pinch” is or what “a handful” means. Some of us do not know how to make biscuits from “scratch” or “whip up” a “jelly cake.”

So in all fairness, we are asking that

those of you who DO have the “secret” ingredients of “special” recipes from our extraordinary parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, to PLEASE SHARE. We also want you to include YOUR very own special recipes.

PLEASE DO NOT assume “new cooks” know common sense information about ANYTHING! As you know, we are never to ASSUME! For example, if it calls for “greasing” the cake pans before pouring the batter, PLEASE SAY SO!!!! If the recipe calls for “mixing” dry ingredients before adding liquids, PLEASE put it in writing! If the recipe calls for “plain flour” and not “self-rising,” please jot it down.

It gives Kristin and me “great pleasure” to gather this information for our Neal Family Reunion “Who Dat” Cookbook.

Respectfully yours, Vikki & Kristin Day William H. Neal, Sr., Branch

Ranches

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he Dude Ranchers’ Association was formed in 1926 to preserve a special way of life and the wonderful environment in which dude ranching takes place. Visit their extensive web site that features over 100 dude ranches. They suggest you decide first what type of riding you prefer and search for a dude ranch on that basis.

Do you want a working ranch? A dude ranch where horses are central or a resort dude ranch where horseback riding is featured. See it all at duderanch.org.

Goosewing Ranch

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ll 20 members of the O’Leary/Breuil Family Reunion, ages 7 to 86, found plenty of reasons to be happy at Goosewing Ranch in Jackson, Wyoming. We were looking for a relaxed place where everything was taken care of … no shopping, cooking, cleaning or group planning. Someplace that would please all ages – wanting something for everybody and not necessarily all together all the time. Goosewing Ranch fit the bill perfectly.

They wrote that they enjoyed the lovely setting, the enthusiastic and friendly staff, the tractable horses, the comfortable cabins ...

And the scenic and sometimes wild rides on All Terrain Vehicles, made available to each cabin, were a hit with the teenagers and useful for the elderly. Goosewing is small enough to not be a large “machine” and they are very good at personalized attention without much pressure to do a lot (one signs up for as much riding as one wants, deciding on a daily basis).

In planning for the family reunion, they did lots of research (ranches, ships, barges, castles...) and Goosewing was an

excellent choice. The manager helped with logistics of getting everyone out to the ranch and made sure they were set up excellently once they got there.

Visit http://goosewingranch.com.

A hayride at Goosewing Ranch.

Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch

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The Gross Family Reunion at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch.

he Gross Family Reunion of 13 guests really stands out. A friend of theirs who visits often referred them to Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. Based on the friend’s reviews, they spent a week with their family from age 7 to their late 60s. One family even flew in from the UK! Sylvan Dale is in Loveland, Colorado, a prime reunion spot because of its location and its atmosphere. Parents don’t have to worry about their children’s whereabouts when they’re at morning kids’ programs where they’re being watched by counselors. There are activities to fit all ages! Sylvan Dale’s motto is “lots to do, no pressure to do it.” They have a wonderful herd of well trained, ranch raised Quarter horses to suit all riding abilities.

And if you don’t care to ride, they offer plenty of non-riding activities, hiking trails, fishing, and an outdoor heated swimming pool.

Visit www.sylvandale.com.

C Lazy U

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he C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, has been fortunate enough to host the very large Ragland Family Reunion from Cincinnati, Ohio, for the past two years. In fact, they’ve promised to make 2015 their third year at the ranch in one of its best seasons: the month of July. The 26 Ragland family members all live in the same town where they run their well-known family operated international glue company. Despite living within minutes of one another, and spending each day working at their company together, they still choose to come together for some well-earned family time at the C Lazy U Ranch. We are proud to call the Ragland family a part of our C Lazy U family and look forward to their return in 2015!

Visit http://www.clazyu.com.

Ragland grandparents and parents enjoy some private adult time while the kids are with their children’s program counselors.

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BAR W GUEST RANCH Whitefish, MT

866-828-2900 www.thebarw.com

Join the Bar W for a dude ranch vacation enjoyed by all ages. Experience relaxing hospitality in the heart of Glacier Country while creating family memories to last a lifetime.

LAZYRANCH U RANCH GROS VENTRECRIVER Granby, CO

970-887-3344 www.clazyu.com

Popular for year-round reunions of all sizes, Colorado’s C Lazy U features luxurious accommodations, exciting activities and decadent dining, all included in the price of a guest’s stay.

TRAIL GUEST RANCH GROSGERONIMO VENTRE RIVER RANCH Winston, NM

575-772-5157 www.geronimoranch.com

Have the ranch to yourselves for your small reunion!

Horseback riding in the breathtaking Gila National Forest! Geronimo/Apache Country. Relaxed, warm hospitality, delicious meals and well trained horses.

GREENHORN CREEK GUEST RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Quincy, CA

“Your California dude ranch resort Since 1962.”

Offering all inclusive vacations that combine the simplicity of ranch life, great horseback riding programs, wonderful food, exciting 800-334-6939 www.greenhornranch.com activities and much more!

RED REFLET GROS VENTRE RIVERGUEST RANCHRANCH Ten Sleep, WY

866-766-2340 www.red-reflet-ranch.net

A luxury, working cattle Ranch on 27,000 scenic acres. Indoor arena, 100 miles of trails, cattle work on horseback, zip lines, ATV tours, abundant wild life, cowboy water park, gym, pool and tennis.

ECHO VALLEY RANCH & SPA GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Jesmond Clinton, British Columbia

800-253-8831 www.evranch.com

BLACKTAIL RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Wolf Creek, MT

866-235-4330 www.blacktailranch.com

Blacktail Ranch is the perfect place for a family reunion. Plan a day full of adventure and excitement or relax on your deck. There is something for everyone and no better place to reconnect with your loved ones.

GOOSEWING RANCH Jackson, WY

888-733-5251 www.goosewingranch.com

Goosewing Ranch combines the lifestyle of ranching in Wyoming with many modern refinements. This historic ranch offers a variety of family activities and adventures for everyone.

MEDICINE BOW LODGE & GUEST RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Saratoga, WY

800-409-5439 www.medicinebowlodge.net

The Medicine Bow Lodge has a warm family feel and is the ideal setting for family reunions, where families experience all that this mountain range of Wyoming has to offer.

ELK MOUNTAIN RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Buena Vista, CO

800-432-8812 www.elkmtn.com

866-399-2339 • www.duderanch.org 34 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

Celebrate your family reunion at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, and make memories that span generations. From yoga in the morning to s’mores around the campfire at night. It’s the perfect place!

Wonderful, remote, small, family-oriented guest ranch.

Weekly package includes horseback riding through unspoiled wilderness, overnight pack trip, thrilling whitewater raft trip, trapshooting and much more.

Ranches TANQUE VERDE RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Tucson, AZ

Named best dude ranch in Arizona— plush accommodations and unparalleled amenities surrounded by the Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National 800-234-3833 www.tanqueverderanch.com Park.

WAUNITA HOTRANCH SRINGS RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER

Bar W

T

he Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish, Montana, hosts numerous multi-generational stays. Most notably, we hosted the McClellan Family Reunion to celebrate the 80th birthdays of their Grandma and Grandpa. The family was from all over the US and England and this was the first time in many years they had been in the same place at the same time. The family ranging from six to 80 years old enjoyed a variety of activities. Younger children were kept busy at the summer kids program while older kids experienced exciting trail rides and horsemanship lessons. The ranch hosted a surprise birthday party where each member shared a special token of

Gunnison, CO

970-641-1266 www.waunita.com

Over 50 years we have been providing families with an authentic western experience. Three generations of our family welcome you to beautiful scenery, great food, fantastic riding and memories of a lifetime.

WHITE STALLION RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Tucson, AZ

888-977-2624 www.whitestallion.com

Immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere of the Southwest. You will experience the aura of a real Western ranch combined with present-day comforts and conveniences.

SYLVANRIVER DALE GUEST GROS VENTRE RANCHRANCH Loveland, CO

877-667-3999 www.sylvandale.com

Western reunions year round! Authentic Colorado ranch in the Rocky Mountain foothills, just 1-hour from Denver.

River-side accommodations, wholesome meals and activities for all ages!

866-399-2339 • www.duderanch.org

McClellan family roasting marshmallows at Bar W Ranch.

appreciation including treasures flown overseas, a personal duet, and poems written about this special gathering. The McClellan family of 16 was able to share an extraordinary experience in a place they felt like at home. They bonded during square dancing, wagon ride dinners, skeet shooting, campfires, and quiet that surrounds the ranch. Stories were shared and memories were made!

Visit http://www.thebarw.com These testimonials about Bar W on TripAdvisor are from the Plotz Family Reunion Our three-generation family of 11 just spent a week at the Bar W and loved everything about it . Horseback riding was the main attraction. Both experienced and inexperienced riders made great progress in our skills and pleasure of riding. Trail rides through the high timber were especially beautiful. The Guest Rodeo on the last day was a delight. We learned to herd steers, to rope, to compete in a barrel race. The wranglers were kind, skilled and a lot of fun. There were lots of other activities; swimming, boating, mountain biking, square dancing, a rodeo, white water rafting, a beautifully supervised program for small children. There are also many comfortable spaces inside and outside the lodge where we could relax, read, talk. Food is served family style and is family friendly – bountiful home cooking with flexible accommodation for our vegetarians. Most of all, the Bar W reminded us how friendly, personal and flexible a small family business can be. All the children requested that we come again next summer.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 35

Ranches

Geronimo Trail

G

eronimo Trail Guest Ranch in Winston, New Mexico, recently hosted two family reunions that were some of the most fun and memorable weeks of our entire season! Each reunion had the entire ranch to themselves with the undivided attention from the staff. Geronimo Trail is a small ranch with four cabins and a maximum capacity of 16. The families rode horses on beautiful trails, hiked to historic and scenic places, had campfires with s’mores, played indoor and outdoor games and enjoyed a couple picnic days with lunch on the trail, swimming in the creek and more exploring!

The Soll Family Reunion wrote this on tripadviser.com. We Love Geronimo Trails!

This is a wonderful place for a fun family get-away smack dab in the middle of 3.3 million acres of the Gila National Forest.

Geronimo Trails is surrounded by gorgeous wilderness with winding canyons, trickling rivers, and plenty of wildlife.

Cabins are comfortable and clean – cool on warm days and fireplaces for cold evenings. Two of the four cabins have porch swings that make for a nice gathering place. The ranch is eco-friendly and creates

The Peterka Family Reunion hiked to stone shelters built about 100 years ago by Basque sheepherders. They also visited other favorite places, including the spectacular Taylor Creek Canyon and an area called the “Dwelling Canyon” that ranges to 1,000 years ago! You can see pictographs (paintings on rock walls), ruins of cliff dwellings and even find pottery shards the Mimbres people left behind in 750-11

its own solar power.

The horses are beautiful, healthy, well trained and a pleasure to ride. There are also darling miniature horses and donkeys who love attention.

The amazing comfort food has a gourmet twist, served after a hearty ring of the triangle and a “come and get it!”

The ranch owners are fun to get to know and are knowledgeable about the animals

and rich area history and landmarks. They are always concerned with safety. They’re very involved in your experience at the ranch, joining in on campfire sing-alongs and playing games after dinner. And, they seem concerned with making sure you have a fully entertaining experience while you’re at the ranch. We love Geronimo Trails and hope to return again soon!

Visit www.geronimoranch.com.

e military reunion news

4/503rd Bn Reunion

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he 4th Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, hosted a cocktail party for 98 former Sky Soldiers, spouses, family, friends, and guests. The party was in conjunction with the 173rd Airborne Brigade (SEP), 51st Annual Reunion, which was attended by over 500 former Sky Soldiers, families and guests.

Bob Allen, Dog Company, was Master of Ceremonies at the Cocktail Party and recognized distinguished guests. Christine Crabtree Stegeman, a Gold Star Honoree, was attending for the first time, in remembrance of her father, Captain Mike Crabtree, killed in Vietnam in 1967. Susan Lawrence, widow of Matt Lawrence, Company B, who died in 2012, also was recognized. Each of these ladies was presented with a bouquet of red roses. A special video commemorating Sky Soldiers’ service in Vietnam concluded the presentations.

The 4th Battalion Sky Soldier attendees enjoyed meeting with other Sky Soldiers at events conducted by the 173rd Airborne Bde Reunion Committee, headed by the Ft Bragg 173rd Abn Bde Association Chapter.

36 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

Attendees took a guided tour of Fort Bragg, including numerous changes that have taken place since many of them were assigned there in the 1970s. The group spent several hours at the Ft Bragg Museum.

Saturday evening, over 500 Sky Soldiers and guests attended an informal Reunion Dinner hosted by the Ft. Bragg Association Chapter.

Reported by Peyton Ligon, Hoover, Alabama

Military Reunion News e

Bay Area Civilian Ex-POWS (BACEPOW) Reunion

N

orfolk, Virginia, recently welcomed the BACEPOW (Bay Area Civilian Ex-POWS) Reunion. The weekend was an overarching success, with nearly 200 people in attendance. The reunion was hosted by MacArthur Memorial, a museum and research center dedicated to preserving and presenting the life story of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur.

Norfolk also was chosen for the reunion because that weekend

A performance at the Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk, Virginia.

it was the site of the nationally-renowned Virginia International Tattoo, an annual inspiring program of military and pipe bands, singers and dancers. It included a special dedication to the veterans of the Vietnam War. Over the reunion weekend, attendees were treated to presentations, panels and guest speakers. Topics included the liberation of camps, wartime history, the attack and liberation of Los Baños, the movie Victims of Circumstance and the international premier of the documentary Corregidor: The Road Back. A highlight was a special panel including George Fisher and Tom Dugan from the 44th Tank Battalion and Frank Mendez of the 1st Cavalry. One of the most interesting talks was by John Lukacs, who showed a DVD based on his book Escape from Davao, about Bataan Death March survivor William Dyess and his companions’ escape from the penal colony on Mindanao to join the guerillas. When he returned to the US in 1943, he provided the first information the Army received about the Death March.

He was told not to give information to anyone outside of official sources. He broke protocol and talked to a reporter, which is how the American people first learned about this Japanese atrocity.

The memorable weekend ended with a beautiful evening program and banquet at the waterfront Town Point Club in downtown Norfolk. The consensus was, “It was probably the best reunion we have ever had.”

Contact Melissa Hopper, Associate Director of Tour & Travel for VisitNorfolk; mhopper@visitnorfolktoday.com. Visit visitnorfolktoday.com

DISTINCTLY NORFOLK.

DYNAMIC CITY. DIVERSE ATTRACTIONS.

Museums, dining, maritime history, waterfront cruises and shopping make Norfolk a distinct destination offering a variety of itineraries for your group to enjoy. With so much to see and do, the possibilities are endless. To learn more, visit us online or contact Melissa Hopper, Associate Director of Tour & Travel.

Planning a tour is easy at visitnorfolktoday.com/reunions.

1-800-368-3097

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 37

e Military Reunion News

Newport News grows as a military reunion destination

T

he rich military heritage of Newport News and Coastal Virginia always has been a draw for military reunion planners.

The city’s recent military reunion familiarization (FAM) tour welcomed 13 Air Force, Army and Navy planners from throughout the US. In fact, interest was so high that a waiting list was created after capacity was reached.

The FAM was “very well planned,” according to Philip and Helen Perry of the US Air Force 1st Radio Squadron Mobile.

“We will return with our group.”

James and Christina Horn of USS Haynsworth (DD700) said the FAM gave them an opportunity to meet other planners “and learn from their vast experiences.”

In his evaluation of the FAM tour,

Skip Sander with the USS Rankin Association said, “This destination is an undiscovered gem.”

FAM tours are customized for specific groups – in this case, military reunion planners. Newport News FAM tours create awareness and excitement for experiences available to groups. They offer planners guided tours of attractions, hotel site visits, meals at group-friendly restaurants, and the opportunity to attend local events.

On the latest FAM tour, planners were treated to a four-night stay in Newport News and Hampton, discovering how these two neighboring cities can meet their needs for a fun and successful reunion.

The highlight was a front-row seat to the christening of USS Gerald R. Ford, a

Veterans Day Ceremony at the Victory Arch in Newport News, Virginia

once-in-a-lifetime, historical event. The US Navy’s newest aircraft carrier was built at Newport News Shipbuilding.

During their four-day stay in the two cities, attendees visited The Mariners’ Museum, the US Army Transportation Museum and the Virginia War Museum, and attended a special Veterans Day Ceremony at the Victory Arch, all in Newport News. Hampton’s tours included Fort Monroe, the Casemate Museum, the Hampton History Museum and the Virginia Air & Space Center.

“We will try to bring DESA-ODC here in 2015,” said Walter Alexander with the Destroyers Escort Sailors Association – Old Dominion Chapter.

Cheryl Morales, Marketing Manager with the Newport News Tourism Development Office, said Newport News is an ideal location for military reunions because the city is “steeped in military history.”

Anthony Flynn with the USS Aucilla (AO-56) Association agreed. He noted that the destination is an “extremely interesting area with huge amounts of historical ‘Americana’ information to enjoy.”

To receive a Military Reunion Kit and learn more about booking a FAM tour in Newport News, contact Cheryl Morales at 757-926-1428; cmorales@nnva.gov.

Or visit newport-news.org

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

T

T

he Branson Veterans Task Force Women Veterans Committee hosts an annual Rose Petal Ceremony and Tribute to Women Veterans in November. The event honors women’s contributions to the US Armed Forces. During the ceremony, guests drop rose petals into a pool of water in memory of women veterans they have known or respected.

Here 102-year-old Emma Pogue, who attends every year, drops rose petals with her daughter.

From the Branson Bugle and Branson Veterans Task Force 38 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

he USS Eugene A. Greene Reunion was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, hosted by Glenn and Laverne Herman.

The Gold Coast was outstanding and exceeded our expectations. The breakfast was exceptional, and Some shipmates played Cribbage on the service to the “Strip” very reliable. We had a one of the beautiful cribbage boards created by Rick Roy in the likeness of USS Eugene A. Greene. great Reunion!

Photo credit: Rick Roy Fifty-five persons attended, including 27 former USS Eugene A. Greene shipmates. We enjoyed a sightseeing tour of the Las Vegas Strip, including the “Fremont Experience,” a laser light show. We also enjoyed the beautiful lights and fountains that only Las Vegas can offer. Wednesday was a free day, and many visited Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon National Park.

Thursday started with the business meeting. The next Reunion will be hosted by Jack and Linda Plasterer near Buffalo, New York, in September 2015. They will explore combining our reunion with that of another ship to share expenses. Association dues will remain $20. Members voted to make two $500 donations, one to the US Navy Memorial Association and one to Tin Can Sailors.

The Thursday evening banquet began with a hospitality hour. Hosts Glenn and Laverne Herman were presented a plaque of USS Eugene A. Greene and a cribbage board. Bob Clark entertained with great tunes on the piano. The banquet concluded with an opportunity raffle, with many lucky winners.

Reported by Robert J. Clark, Louisville, Kentucky

The GOLD COAST and SAM’S TOWN are all set to welcome your military, family or alumni reunion members. Here are some Impressive reasons to hold your reunion with one of us:

military reunion news e

• One complimentary room per 35 utilized room nights, upgraded to a one-bedroom Executive Suite • Five Free Room Upgrades • 5% off catered lunch or dinner • 15% off in-house a/v rental, excluding labor • Group welcome on our marque • Catering gratuity only 18%—lowest in Las Vegas • Shuttle to the Strip • Complimentary 24x24 dance floor for dinner and banquet • Complimentary podium, wired microphone and riser • For Military Reunions, a $2.00 per room night rebate to the War Memorial of your choice on behalf of reunion group and the Hotel For more information, please contact Group Sales at Gold Coast 800-331-5334 or 702-251-3560 e-mail: gcsales@boydgaming.com Sam’s Town Las Vegas 800-897-8696 or 702-454-8122 e-mail: stlvsales@boydgaming.com Offer based on minimum of 35 rooms and 50 attendees, for new Groups only. This offer is available through December 23, 2016 based on availability of seasonal room rates.

Available Restaurants

SM

FLAMINGO & VALLEY VIEW ı GoldCoastCasino.com

FLAMINGO & BOULDER HWY ı SamsTownLV.com

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES

Welcome to Reunion Resources!

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

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

We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication.

SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH

2939 N County Road 31D, Loveland, CO 80538-9763.

1-877-667-3999 | ranch@sylvandale.com www.sylvandale.com | SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

COLORADO VACATION DIRECTORY

Make your search for the perfect family reunion destination easier! FREE FAMILY REUNION DESTINATION LOCATION SERVICE: www.TheCVD.com/groupsreunions/GRSearch.html and click on “EMAIL US your Request for Group Vacations in Colorado.” We will then send your requirements to Cabins, Vacation Homes, Lodges, Motels, Condos, B&Bs, and Campgrounds that can accommodate your desires; each one will email you directly with additional information. OR download our FREE Colorado Vacation Directory to compare reunion locations, which includes Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do. www.TheCVD.com/OrderForm.html

CANADA

FLORIDA

PO Box 916, Jesmond Clinton, British Columbia V0K 1K0 1-800-253-8831 | info@evranch.com www.evranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

2201 Second St., Suite 600, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Share a tradition of timeless beauty and endless opportunity for togetherness. Whether on the pristine sands of beautiful beaches, on the glistening waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or in countless charming towns, your family comes together when you get away here.

To begin planning your reunion, visit FortMyers-Sanibel. com for more information. TELEPHONE: 239-338-3500 U.S. & Canada: 800-237-6444 www.fortmyers-sanibel.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

ECHO VALLEY RANCH & SPA

ARIZONA

TANQUE VERDE GUEST RANCH

14301 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85748.

1-800-234-3833 dude@tvgr.com | www.tanqueverderanch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

WHITE STALLION RANCH

9251 W Twin Peaks Road, Tucson, AZ 85743.

1-888-977-2624 info@whitestallion.com | www.whitestallion.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CALIFORNIA

VISIT OCEANSIDE CVB

928 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054 A classic SoCal beach town, Oceanside is a familyfriendly community featuring 3.5 miles of sandy beaches, California’s longest wooden pier, a Cape Cod-style harbor village, historic Mission San Luis Rey, museums and unlimited outdoor activities. Oceanside is conveniently located between Los Angeles and San Diego, bordering Camp Pendleton. For easy reunion planning contact Dana Higgins at dana@visitoceanside.org or toll-free at (844) 269-6551. | www.visitoceanside.org

GREENHORN CREEK GUEST RANCH

2116 Greenhorn Ranch Rd, Quincy, CA 95971.

1-800-334-6939 ride@greenhornranch.com | www.greenhornranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE

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

COLORADO ELK MOUNTAIN RANCH

PO Box 910, Buena Vista, CO 81211. 800-432-8812 info@elkmtn.com | www.elkmtn.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

C LAZY U RANCH

PO Box 379 Granby, CO 80446 | 970-887-3344 ranchassocleads@clazyu.com | www.clazyu.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

WAUNITA HOT SPRINGS RANCH

8007 County Road 887, Gunnison CO 81230.

1-970-641-1266 | info@waunita.com | www.waunita. com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! 40 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL

PALM HOTEL AND VILLAS

Palms and Villa’s- 3100 Parkway Blvd., Kissimmee, Florida 34747 Ideally situated off Interstate 4, 5 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, our condominium-style hotel puts you within close proximity to all the Kissimmee/ Orlando area action! Our 1 and 2 bedroom units come with living room , kitchen and sleeps between 6-10 persons. We are a Good Neighbor Disney property located 1.5 miles from Disney World. We offer shuttle service to the parks, Free hot breakfast buffet , free WIFI, activities on site include basketball courts, pool, game room, fitness center and bbq grilling areas. Special group rates, comp room for the organizer and welcome reception. Please contact 407-396-2229 ext 2205 or e-mail palmshotelandvillas@gmail.com to check rates and availability. www.palmshotelandvillas.com

GEORGIA ATLANTA AIRPORT MARRIOTT

4711 Best Road, Atlanta GA 30337 You enjoy the family. We’ll do the rest. Getting together for your next family reunion is more convenient than ever at Atlanta Airport Marriott®. Take advantage of our Stay and Play package, it’s everything you need to plan an unforgettable reunion and it’s all included in one perfect destination.

404-209-6818 | fax 404-209-6838 | e-mail aaryn. willis@marriott.com | http://atlantaairportmarriott.com

ATLANTA MARRIOTT PERIMETER CENTER

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

ATLANTA PERIMETER HOTEL & SUITES

111 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta GA 30346 Find sanctuary in 121 deluxe guest rooms and 154 fantastic suites complete with the W Signature Bed, Bliss™ Sinkside Six amenities and balconies in all rooms. Suites feature a full kitchen. Free shuttle service within a 3-mile radius, which includes Perimeter Mall

and MARTA stations. Banquet spaces with full catering available. For reservations, call 770-396-6800 fax 770-394-4805 GMWAtlantaPerimeter@whotels.com www.whotels.com/atlantaperimeter SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CROWNE PLAZA ATLANTA PERIMETER at RAVINIA

4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346 Located in Central Perimeter area nestled on a 45 acre park, with waterfalls, terraced gardens, facilities for gatherings of 10 to 1,000. 495 guestrooms, 33 spacious suites. Featuring a three-story greenhouse atrium lobby, fitness center, indoor pool with sundeck.

Across from the Perimeter Mall. Free shuttle to area restaurants, parks and MARTA station for downtown attractions. Visit www.cpravinia.com | call 770-395-7700.

Mention this listing for 10 % off reunion banquet pricing. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

EMBASSY SUITES ATLANTA PERIMETER CENTER

1030 Crown Pointe Pkwy, Atlanta GA 30338 770-394-5454. All suite, upscale, renovated hotel located in beautiful Dunwoody, just steps away from Perimeter Mall, Perimeter Shoppes and more than 30 area restaurants/dining facilities. Hotel features complimentary amenities such as: cooked-to-order breakfast, Manager’s Reception, area shuttle, parking deck, indoor pool/sun deck, Precor fitness center and business center. Hotel offers an onsite restaurant with Starbucks cafe, meeting space and wireless internet throughout. Flat screen TV’s in all suites. Easy access to downtown via MARTA. Hilton Family Hotels. Book us at www.atlantaperimetercenter.embassysuites.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

STAYBRIDGE SUITES PERIMETER CENTER EAST

4601 Ridgeview Road, Atlanta-Dunwoody GA 30338 Staybridge Suites is an All-Suite Hotel and offers a premier location in the Dunwoody – Perimeter Area within walking distance to some of the best restaurants and shops Atlanta has to offer. Minutes away from attractions like Stone Mountain, Six Flags, Zoo Atlanta, Hartsfield Airport and the Georgia Dome. Fantastic amenities like Free Full Breakfast, Free Shuttle within a 3-Mile Radius, Free Internet, Free On-Site Fitness Center and Guest Laundry! 678-320-0111 | Fax: 678-320-0250 Reservations: dos.atlpr@wm.staybridge.com www.staybridge.com/atlanta-pr SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

ATLANTA AIRPORT MARRIOTT

4711 Best Road, Atlanta GA 30337 You enjoy the family. We’ll do the rest.

Getting together for your next family reunion is more convenient than ever at Atlanta Airport Marriott®. Take advantage of our Stay and Play package, it’s everything you need to plan an unforgettable reunion and it’s all included in one perfect destination. 404-209-6818 fax 404-209-6838 | e-mail aaryn.willis@marriott.com http://atlantaairportmarriott.com

ATLANTA MARRIOTT PERIMETER CENTER

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

CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU OF DUNWOODY, GA

Just 10 minutes outside Atlanta in DeKalb County, Dunwoody is the best location for your next reunion.

Minutes away from Stone Mountain Park, Georgia Aquarium, the MLK Center and more! Home to five excellent hotels with tons of meeting space and all within walking distance to Perimeter Mall and shuttle services to MARTA! Call today to plan your reunion: 678-244-9800 | visit www.cvbdunwoody.com/ SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES ILLINOIS

Plan an unforgettable reunion in Lake County, Illinois – We’ll work together to help you plan an

event that lets you explore all the excitement of Lake County. From entertaining attractions like Six Flags to our convenient, centralized location close to Chicago, there are so many reasons to choose Lake County for family friendly fun. For free Reunion Planning Assistance call or email us with your reunion planning questions.

800-LAKE-NOW | tourism@lakecounty.org www.lakecounty.org SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MARYLAND

INNS OF DISTINCTION Perfect Reunions.

Perfect Locations – Pennsylvania and Maryland Whether you’re planning a Family, Military or Class Reunion, gather your friends and come stay with us!

Our collection of Historic Hotels, inns and unique properties are perfect for your next Reunion. And, many include free breakfast & WIFI, complimentary hospitality suites and a host of items you will appreciate! Plus, you will love our prime locations; they’re easy to get to, priced right and offer plenty of fun attractions nearby.

Maryland Reunions: innsofdistinction.com/reunions Pennsylvania Reunions: innsofdistinction.com/reunions Or if you prefer, call Randy at 610-357-2221

MINNESOTA

WORRY-FREE REUNIONS AT CRAGUN’S RESORT

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

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL

is the perfect location for your next reunion. Meet Minneapolis represents the entire MSP metro area with over 17,000 hotel rooms. Use our FREE service and hotels will compete against each other for your business. We also provide your group with FREE welcome bags, visitor guides, maps, along with tour ideas, group friendly restaurant suggestions, and sample itineraries. Let us help you plan your next reunion to Minneapolis Saint Paul. 612-767-8106 caseyk@minneapolis.org | www.minneapolis.org

The Kahler Hospitality Group

provides heartfelt service, in the heart to downtown Rochester whether it’s for a one night stay or a week-long conference. With over 50,000 square feet of indoor meeting space ideally located in downtown Rochester as well as full catering options we can make your vision a reality. With a wide range of amenities and easy access to local attractions like the Veterans Memorial, outdoor activities and much more, the Kahler Hospitality Group has what you need to make your reunion memorable. Call 1.800.533.1655 to book today!

20 SW Second Avenue, Rochester, MN 55902 www.kahler.com | 1.800.533.1655 mseppmann@kahlerhospitalitygroup.com

MISSOURI THE BRANSON/LAKES AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Located in America’s heartland, Branson, Missouri is the perfect destination for your next reunion because we offer so many choices of live music shows and family entertainment, lodging, attractions, dining and more. Remember, in Branson, our value is unrivaled, our scenery breathtaking and our authentic Ozarks hospitality inviting. Call us toll-free at 800-214-3661 417-243-2117 | visit our website at ExploreBranson. com and request a Reunion Planner Sales kit.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MONTANA

NORTH CAROLINA

2875 Hwy 93 West, Whitefish, MT 59937. 1-866828-2900 | info@thebarw.com | www.thebarw.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

2420 Middlefork Rd., Hendersonville NC 28792 828-772-5454 | info@TheCampNC.com www.TheCampNC.com The Camp is the ultimate destination for family reunions and multi-family getaways. Private and gated estate on a 150-acre property near Asheville, North Carolina. Four separate homes sleep up to 62. Rustic Bunk- House sleeps an additional 60. Plasma TVs and wifi. Heated Pool, Heated Water Slide, Hot Tub. Social Hall, Dining Hall Commercial kitchen. Game Room and Arcade. Indoor/Outdoor Basketball, Exercise Room, Tennis court, Athletic Field, Fishing Pond, and multiple Fire Pits. Pet-friendly, open year-round SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

BAR W GUEST RANCH

BLACKTAIL RANCH

4440 South Fork Trail, Wolf Creek, MT 59648.

1-866-235-4330 | blacktailranch@gmail.com www.blacktailranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

NEVADA

GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO is conveniently situated on the edge of America’s most exciting boulevard, Las Vegas Strip. Just across the street from the Rio and the Palms, and one-half mile from Chinatown, our proximity to Interstate 15 makes Gold Coast an ideal destination for reunions looking for a premium location at a value conscience price. This friendly resort personifies all that is best about Las Vegas and features 712 rooms and suites, 30,000 square feet of conference space, full-service casino, Bingo Parlor, six restaurants, showroom/lounge, 70-lane bowling center, race/sports book, a poolside fitness center, and shuttle service to the heart of The Strip. 4000 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103 702-251-3560 | 800-331-5334 x 400 www.goldcoastcasino.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL

5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas NV 89122. Sam’s Town boasts 645 elegantly appointed rooms and suites which surround the Mystic Fall Indoor Park. This popular hotel and casino has over 2,300 slot and video poker machines as well as 40 table games. In addition, Sam’s Town has 30,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple restaurants, food court, 18 movie theatres, RV Park, Bowling Center and much more!!! Sam’s Town offers a courtesy shuttle to the Strip and Downtown. 702-454-8120 www.samstownlv.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO

9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas NV 89145 Suncoast is an elegant gaming resort located on the picturesque western edge of the Las Vegas Valley. The stylish 427-room hotel is near three championship golf courses and has scheduled shuttle bus service to and from McCarran International Airport. Among the Suncoast attractions are 25,000 square feet of convention space, nine restaurants, a 64-lane bowling center, a 16-screen movie complex, a pool and a 500-seat showroom. 702-636-7050 www.suncoastcasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

THE ORLEANS HOTEL AND CASINO

blends the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas with the festive flavor of New Orleans. The 88-acre full-service resort has 1,886 rooms and suites, 40,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, 12 exceptional restaurants and an oasis-like swimming pool.

Attractions also include a spa and fitness center, a 70-lane bowling center, an 18-screen movie complex, a 900-seat showroom and 9,000-seat arena.

4500 W Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103 702-365-7050 | 888-365-7111 X 7050 www.orleanscasino.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT SPA RENO

3800 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502 Have your reunion in Four Diamond luxury. Atlantis showcases 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, perfect for reunions large or small. Stay in Reno’s only Concierge Hotel Tower. Discover eight award-winning restaurants from gourmet to buffet. Enjoy an action-packed casino floor with the newest and hottest slots, table games, Race & Sports Book, Keno and poker. Experience exquisite treatments at Spa Atlantis, voted top ten in the world as SpaFinder’s Readers’ Choice award recipient for Best Casino Spa. Atlantis is the home of Reno reunions.

Sales Department 800.994.5900 sales@AtlantisCasino.com | AtlantisCasino.com/reunions

NEW MEXICO GERONIMO TRAIL GUEST RANCH

1 Wall Lake Rd., Winston, NM 87943. 1-575-772-5157 info@geronimoranch.com | www.geronimoranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

THE CAMP

OHIO

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS

800-354-2657 www.ExperienceColumbus.com/reunions Columbus is ranked one of the top value destinations in the country. With four downtown entertainment districts, annual festivals, the #1 rated Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and an array of outdoor parks to choose from, you won’t want to have your family reunion anywhere else. Planning a reunion in Columbus is easy. And we’re here to help. Plus, all of our services are free. We will assist you with finding hotels, local attractions and more. And when the time comes, we’ll provide you with Visitors Guides, Visitor Maps, plastic bags and pens. Contact Kari Kauffman 614-222-6136 KKauffman@ExperienceColumbus.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

Oregon

BANDON BEACH VACATION RENTALS

4 vacation homes on one property. Located on Scenic Beach Loop. Sleeps 1-31. For groups larger than 31, we also manage other properties in Bandon. Great for family reunions or group retreats. Located across the street from the Pacific Ocean, on 2 acres of land. Lots of grass area to meet and play. Each home has a full kitchen, washer/dryer and BBQ. Come to Bandon to play golf, charter fish, go crabbing, shopping, dining or just to play on the beach. 888-441-8030 info@bandonbeachrentals.com www.bandonbeachrentals.com

PENNSYLVANIA

INNS OF DISTINCTION Perfect Reunions.

Perfect Locations – Pennsylvania and Maryland Whether you’re planning a Family, Military or Class Reunion, gather your friends and come stay with us!

Our collection of Historic Hotels, inns and unique properties are perfect for your next Reunion. And, many include free breakfast & WIFI, complimentary hospitality suites and a host of items you will appreciate! Plus, you will love our prime locations; they’re easy to get to, priced right and offer plenty of fun attractions nearby.

Maryland Reunions: innsofdistinction.com/reunions Pennsylvania Reunions: innsofdistinction.com/reunions Or if you prefer, call Randy at 610-357-2221

SOUTH CAROLINA

SEA MIST OCEANFRONT RESORT- MYRTLE BEACH SC

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

TENNESSEE

CHATTANOOGA AREA CVB

We are ready to host your next family or military reunion. Our Staff works closely with the hotels, attractions, tour companies and you to provide exactly what you need to have a great reunion. Contact Christina Petro at 800-964-8600 ext. 3017 email at chrisp@chattanoogacvb.com to begin planning your next reunion! www.ChattanoogaMeetings.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 v Reunions 41

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES VERMONT

WYOMING

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

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

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 866-399-2339 or e-mail colleen@duderanch.org | www.duderanch.org SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT

60th

VIRGINIA

Wedding Anniversary

Robert and Nancy VanSkiver 1951 - 2011

CHESAPEAKE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

419-738-6711

1224 Progressive Drive Chesapeake, VA 23320 Can you hear it? That voice inside, beckoning you to get together. Reconnect with friends, families and memories. The refuge, the waterways, the beach – so close you can enjoy them all. For more information on planning a family or military reunion in Chesapeake, VA, call 888-889-5551 or visit www.visitchesapeake.com

VISIT FAIRFAX / FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA.

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY COTTAGE & RV RESORT

131 Rueckle Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 Come and enjoy all the amenities our resort has to offer. You will enjoy our outdoor pool, 2 indoor heated pools and hot tubs, pool and ping pong tables, horseshoes, outdoor playground, and Game Zone. All RV sites are full hook-up and we have over 80 cottages for rent. With the convenient location to the local attractions, you will want to book your next family reunion at the resort. We are only a short drive to San Antonio and Austin. **Reunions staying Sunday - Thursday nights can stay any two nights Sunday - Thursday and get the third night free!

Michelle Guajardo, michelle@resortnb.com 830-625-1919 | www.hillcountryrvresortnb.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

PEARLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

11200 Broadway, Suite 1390, Pearland TX 77584 Pearland - A Perfect Pick to stay and meet in the Gulf Coast of Texas. Pearland, ten miles from downtown Houston and Hobby Airport, offers eleven hotels with 859 rooms and 15,000+ square feet of meeting space.

Perfect for a family, military or class reunion, or group meeting. We offer planning assistance, referral services, itineraries and hotel contracting. 713-436-5595 fax 713-436-5017 | visitpearland.com. Contact Kim Sinistore ksinistore@ci.pearland.tx.us

Please patronize our advertisers.

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 Estate & Gardens, Fairfax County is an ideal location for your military or family reunion. Call 703-790-0643 or visit www.fxva.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

NEWPORT NEWS

Looking for the perfect place to “drop anchor” during your reunion in Virginia? Look no further than Newport News! Minutes from Williamsburg and a short drive to Virginia Beach, Newport News provides the perfect location and services to make your reunion a success, whether you’re getting together with old classmates, shipmates or relatives. We offer the best value and plenty to see and do. Let Newport News make your next reunion a memorable one!

Call our Visitor Center at 888-493-7386 or email amoran@nnva.gov to book your reunion today. www.newport-news.org

VISIT NORFOLK

232 East Main Street, Norfolk VA 23510 Norfolk’s beautifully revitalized waterfront, rich military heritage, walkable downtown and Coastal Virginia location make it the ideal destination for your next reunion. Home to such attractions as the Battleship Wisconsin, MacArthur Memorial, Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the world’s largest naval base. See why American Heritage named Norfolk “A Great American Place.” Offering over 5,000 committable hotel rooms in various price ranges. Call 800-368-3097 dallen@visitnorfolktoday.com www.visitnorfolktoday.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

PRODUCTS & SERVICES All of these products can be purchased through Reunions magazine. Please call 414-263-4567.

BOOKS

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

The Miles of Smiles: 101 Great Car Games & Activities, by travel writer Carole Terwilliger Meyers. May be the ultimate solution for back seat squabbling” on the way to your reunion. Keep kids entertained all the way there. $8.95 + s/h.

THE FAMILY REUNION SURVIVAL GUIDE: How to Avoid Problems With Your Family Without Avoiding Your Family by Laurence A. Basirico. (2003, Identity Publishing, $11.95). A book about relationships at family reunions and how to enjoy them. Based on original research. 2106 Coy St., Burlington, NC. (336) 584-1442.

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

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

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

42 Reunions v reunionsmag.com

THE DUDE RANCHERS’ ASSOCIATION

GOOSEWING RANCH

PO Box 4084, Jackson, WY 83001. 1-888-733-5251 info@goosewingranch.com | www.goosewingranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

MEDICINE BOW LODGE & GUEST RANCH

HC 63 Box 8A, Saratoga, WY 82331.

1-800-409-5439 | lodge@medbowlodge.com www.medicinebowlodge.net SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

RED REFLET GUEST RANCH

10 Lodge Road, Ten Sleep, WY 82442.

1-866-766-2340 | inquiries@red-reflet-ranch.net www.red-reflet-ranch.net SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

COOKBOOK THE GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY REUNION COOKBOOK

by Lori Nawynk, www.familius.com

CRUISES

Personal cruise planning services

Brian Forrester, is a Cruise Group Specialist and is eager to help make your reunion memorable. Contact Brian at Holiday Cruises and Tours, 480-998-1112 or 800-998-1228 or brian@hcttravel.com. Brian will ask questions to understand your needs and present what works best for your reunion. He can get the best deals and knows how to make your reunion cruise a success. He will work with you to organize deposits, payment plans, announcements, and special arrangements. Relax! He will handle all the details.

SPECIAL EVENTS

GLOBAL FAMILY REUNION – June 6, 2015

At The New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, New York City, Queens Reuniting the 70 million cousins of A.J. Jacobs. Learn all about it at www.globalfamilyreunion.com $20 donation to Alzheimer’s charities.

T-SHIRTS CUSTOMINK

Create amazing reunion shirts online in our fun & easy Design Lab! Choose from name-brand apparel and 60,000+ images, or upload your own art. No hidden charges or set-up fees. Guaranteed delivery dates. FREE shipping and FREE design help 7 days a week. Call us toll-free at 877-803-5887. We love to talk tees! Or visit us online at customink.com/reunion.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

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

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

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

FOOD PREPARATION

How Many?! How Much!?, A Step-by-Step guide to cooking for a large group, by Jennifer Cole. This book will help you with menu planning, recipe costing, recruiting helpers, budgeting. Spiral bound, 73 pp.$19.95 plus $4.95 s/h.

MAGAZINE

Subscribe to Reunions magazine Ensure a full year of reunion planning advice plus workbook. Subscribe now.

Send $9.99/yr or $17.99/2 yrs to Reunions Magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. To charge to credit card call 414-263-4567.

MUSIC

The Malone Family Choir: A Family Reunion is an original gospel CD opening with a song you’ll want to play to say Welcome to Our Family Reunion! at your family reunion. CD $15 or tape $10 + s/h.

Let’s plan a

reunion to remember in Lake County, Illinois Hi, I’m Kimberly. I’m Lake County’s reunion specialist and I’m ready to help you create an unforgettable event. Let’s work together to customize an itinerary to maximize all the excitement of our central location. Just 30 minutes north of Chicago, take advantage of attractions like Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor. We also offer 60 hotels, three resorts, more than 75 lakes and beaches, and beautiful spaces perfect for picnics. Choose Lake County for family friendly fun.

I’m ready to help. Email me at kimberly@lakecounty.org or visit LakeCountyReunions.com.

1-800-LAKE-NOW

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

www.reunionsmag.com TM