2018 Reunion
Evans Family Reunion
Hunter-Arnold Family Reunion
Thayer Family Reunion
C e l e b ra t i o n s !
Marine Helicopter Squadron HMM 165
USS Eugene A. Greene DD/DDR-711
Chandler Family Thanksgiving Reunion
Vol 28 no 2 $3/USA
BRANSON
HONORS VETERANS EVERY DAY.
V E T E R A N S D AY PA R A D E
14th Annual Military Reunion Planners Conference May 14-17, 2019 For the MRPC Application or a Reunion Planner Sales Kit: Julie Peters, CTIS, CEP at JPeters@BransonCVB.com
417-243-2117
in this special issue DEPARTMENTS FRONT WORDS – 4 ALUM & I – 5
Reunion Celebrations September 2018 Volume 28 • Number 2 PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF Edith Wagner
Collage of class reunion promotions by Lynn McCurdy Robinson Reunion offers chance to reflect by Norman Voell
ART DIRECTOR Jennifer Rueth
BRANCH OFFICE – 8
SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Roberta McLoud
Let’s stop trashing family photos by Maureen Taylor What if my relative’s DNA results are in another company’s database? Have you ever heard of Gertie’s Babies? by Melinda Dunlap Saving your stories: how history is in your hands by Hayley Irvin What family history software do you suggest? answered by Nathania A. Branch Miles Searching for biological relatives: from DNA test to reunion
REUNION SCHOOL – 12 MASTERPLAN – 14 Tillman/Williams Family Reunion by Mrs. Hazel S. King Massey Family Reunion by Cassandra Duncan Chers Cousins/Dear Cousins/Lieber Vetter by Arliss Treybig and Remi Rodier Evans Family Reunion by Valerie R. Redmond 100th Geiger Family Reunion by Dave Neimeyer Chandler Family Thanksgiving Reunion by Kym Chandler and Vyllorya Evans Williams-Dubose Family Reunion by Brenda Carter Memorable Moments become Precious Memories by Georgia Burnette Kings, Highly Favored by Barbara McHenry Ransom Family Reunion by Nate Worthy Ya, sure, you betcha!* by Marilyn Thayer Fairley-Foskey Family Reunion by Sandra Lyon Elmore Family Reunion by Sharon Davis Seidemanns celebrate their 85th reunion Newton Family Reunion by Pam Fontenot Hunter-Arnold Family Reunion by Mona R. Johnson and Tuanda Edwards Branch Family Reunion Cruise by Nathania A. Branch Miles Parker-Dickerson Family Reunion Blitz by Nat Dickerson
REUNION FEATURES – 32 The convention and visitors bureau is your best reunion friend Before calling a CVB — What to expect from the CVB Hospitality Answerman by Dean Miller Reunions: Parker-Hughes, Scott-Houser, Lewis, Jette, Massey, BBC, McCrary Grove
MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 37 Marine Helicopter Squadron HMM 165 Vets reunite half century later by Daniel Quinn Coming soon! Coming soon! National Museum of the US Army John Baker, Attaboy! USS Eugene A. Greene DD/DDR-711 Reunion by Robert J. Clark & Tom Weir USS John Young welcomes special guests from Michael Trotta
REUNION RESOURCES – 40 A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products ON THE COVER Many reunion celebrations!
OPERATIONS MANAGER Karla Lavin WEB WIZARD Sarah Christiaansen HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN Dean Miller CONTRIBUTORS Eddie and Jacklyn Bradford Georgia Burnette • Mamie Burton Brenda Carter • Kym Chandler Robert J. Clark • Marie Daniely • Sharon Davis Nat Dickerson • Cassandra Massey Duncan Melinda Dunlap • Tuanda Edwards • Vyllorya Evans Pam Fontenot • Nina Humes • Hayley Irvin Andre Jette • Mona R. Johnson • Hazel S. King Sandra Lyon • Kristin McGuire • Barbara McHenry Rafi Mendelsohn• Nathania A. Branch Miles Cynthia Mims • Dave Neimeyer Daniel Quinn • Valerie R. Redmond Lynn McCurdy Robinson • Remi Rodier Maureen Taylor • Marilyn Thayer • Arliss Treybig Michael Trotta • Norman Voell Tom Weir • Nate Worthy Reunions magazine, Inc. (ISSN #1046-5s235), is published 2 times per year. Send correspondence, queries, requests, submissions, advertising to Reunions magazine, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 or email editor@reunionsmag.com. Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this book except pages which encourage sharing. Please explain your intended use when requesting permission to reprint and guarantee tear sheets of reviews and reprints. Reunions magazine, Inc., is not liable for information presented as facts in any of our advertising, byline stories or materials. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication. We take responsibility for submitted materials but unless accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope (SASE), submissions and photos will not be returned. All materials sent for publication become property of Reunions magazine, Inc. Individual copies $3 each, Reunion Planners Notebook $5 both plus postage. “Backward Subscriptions” are 6 back issues (last 6 or any 6 of your choice) $12 including shipping. Payment must accompany requests. See reunionsmag.com for free offers. Advertising information contact Reunions magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727; 414-263-4567; editor@reunionsmag.com | www.reunionsmag.com. © 2018 Reunions magazine, Inc. 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 3
FRONT WORDS
Be in touch!
I
Mail to
don’t know whether to be melancholy at the end of the 2018 summer reunion season or excited for the beginning of the 2019 reunion planning season. I think I’ll take being excited!
Reunions magazine
MONTHLY NEWS
Now that we’re only printing twice a year, you should subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter. Signup on call 414-263-4567 reunionsmag. com. What’s news? visit www.reunionsmag.com reunion giveaways and contests, e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com reunion planning workshops, special SEVERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR THE offers just for reunion planners, media UPCOMING PLANNING SEASON alerts, freebies, lots and lots of freebies. Of course, we Reunion Planners Notebook is as hope you’ll also take advantage of all our online relevant for beginning reunion resources and updates as you plan your next reunion. planners as it is for seasoned planners looking for fresh ideas. It’s LOOKING FOR A HOTEL? not a do-it-all-at-once tool but Test our reverse auction site where you list your rather a return-to-it-when-youdesires and hotels bid on your reunion. You will get a need-it tool. Order the print version good “lay of the land” where you want to hold your on Etsy or follow it online at reunion. Take a look; reunionsmag.hotelplanner.com. ISSUU/reunionsmag, where you can link directly to If you choose to use this route, ask about free rooms and online notebook references. Need survey questionnaires? rebates after your reunion. Direct link! Need fundraising ideas? Direct link! Need ideas for activities and games? Direct link! Notebook IN THIS ISSUE forms free (reunionsmag. com) or computer fillable forms This time we feature two intriguing stories; one about on Etsy. See a short Notebook video on reunionsmag.com. an adoptee meeting her birth family at their reunion
PO Box 11727 Milwaukee WI 53211-0727
VOL 26 NO 2 $5/USA
Reunion Planners Notebook
Reunion C
2017 Reunion Celebrations!
elebr
ations!
2018 Reuni
Arce Family Reunion Newton Family
Reunion
on Ce
and a Vietnamese family joining their Navy rescuers at their reunion.
l e b ra t i o n s !
Riley Family Reunion Fuller Family Reunion Haggerty Family
Reunion
Seoul High School
Morse High School
Class of 1966
35th Anniversary
Walthall-Gregory-Berger
of The Wall
VOL 27 NO 2 $3/USA Sowell Family Reunion
VOL 27 NO 1 $3/USA
Four D Family Reunion Branson Military
Planning Fair
VOL 28 NO 1 $3/USA
While on Etsy, check out our Save-the-Date cards and fliers you’ll want to be sending as soon as you settle on your next reunion date. Also look for a contest to win the Save-the-Date card design of your choice; giveaways in reunionsmag.com and on facebook. This summer we offered back/remainder issues of Reunions magazine FREE for the cost of packing and shipping. If your reunion has ever been featured in the magazine and you want copies, call now! Or you wish to share Reunions magazines in your welcome/goodie bags, call now! We will continue this offer until the supply (going all the way back 28 years) is gone. Many issues have already “sold out.” So you might not want to wait until your next reunion to order copies! Contact Karla @ klavin@reunionsmag.com or 414-263-4567.
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FINALLY …
Family Olympic
We get messages that, while necessary, make us sad. Michael Rissien, Las Vegas, Nevada, of the 1874th Aviation Engineer Battalion, wrote that their World War II unit had voted to no longer hold reunions because the veterans are too old and can no longer travel. James M. Ferraton Menegos, McDonough, Georgia, wrote that poor health would prevent him from going to any more reunions of his Class of 1959 at McKeesport (Pennsylvania) High School. But while we lose some readers, ever more are joining our lists and we welcome you one and all. A very happy end of summer, all of fall and end of year holidays ahead. EW
alum & I
Collage of class reunion promotions
L
ynn McCurdy Robinson, Hemet, California, planned the 50-year reunion for the Mar Vista High School, Class of 1967. An article about that event and its planning was featured in our March 2018 issue. A year before the reunion, Lynn created a Facebook group page. She used software to morph faces and other images familiar to classmates. She posted lots of notices, particularly during the last week before the reunion. Lynn wrote: These are just a few of the photos I used to keep the reunion fresh in the minds of the class. We had our own Facebook page and I changed the funny photos each week, sometimes twice. When the reunion was a week away, I improvised and used surf photos since we are a beach* school. I used Photo Lab Pro to create the wonkey photos, and Photo Studio for the text and effects. MSWord would work, too, but one has to be sure the text fits the templates for Photo Lab Pro. Any others I did, were from my imagination, sense of humor and photos I found on Bing Images which were copyright free. *Note: Mar Vista is in Imperial Beach, California, so the beach always plays prominently! Shared by Lynn McCurdy Robinson 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 5
alum & I
A look back …. way, way back Reunion offers chance to reflect Mary Patricia Voell shared this 1985 article in the Catholic Herald, written by her father, Norman Voell. Keep in mind that this reminiscence was written 33 years ago, before the internet and email and a rushed life style Mr.Voell might have found disconcerting. September 14, 1985 | Fond du Lac High (Wisconsin) School, Class of 1925 60th Reunion Have you been to the grocery store lately? If you have you will notice that Coca Cola tried to change its long time formula for success. They failed and had to bring back the old flavor and they now call it the Classic. Each one of us here, I am sure, at times has tried to change his or her formula for success. I think that everyone at one time or another has found the old or traditional formula for life to be the best. The fact that we have survived to attend a 60th Reunion makes us each in our own way a classic. Just how classic we will now measure. CATHOLIC HERALD ARTICLE | OCTOBER 17, 1985 BY NORMAN VOELL I was brought face to face with 60 years of change when my wife, Donna, and I traveled to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to celebrate my 60th high school reunion. It has not been easy growing old I realize when I think about all that has happened in my lifetime. Yet I marvel at the 60 years of life’s experiences which transform those decades since graduation into fleeting moments. High School graduation picture of Seated at a table in Fond du Lac’s Colony Norman Francis Voell. Restaurant, I nervously hoped the reunion I had helped organize would progress as planned. As I grew impatient waiting for dessert to be served, it struck me that I had not been so concerned about following schedules back in the ’40s. Those early years after graduation were slower, quieter times, when a hand-in-hand stroll to Lakeside Park where we sat at the band shell and listened to Irving Berlin music was the highlight of the weekend. Times have changed and today I seem to be caught up in a faster pace of life which includes instant replay and the Big Mac hamburger, Xerox machines and the 55 mile an hour speed limit.
1920s image in the original publication of this story.
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Norman Francis Voell and Donna Luella taken in 1981.
Gazing around the dining room during the reunion of the Class of 1925, I saw so many near-octogenarians. I wonder what they remember from those high school years. Fond du Lac High School reminds me of memorizing the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, poems and stories. What memories we had! I recall practicing Palmer handwriting with the loops and curls, the pulls and pushes. As I looked around at those who had returned to their Alma Mater, I noticed Carl Schultz was absent. I’m told he died this past year. In 1925, how many expected to live to be nearly 80? We never dreamt of the many changes in medical technology that have improved our health and kept us going longer than any generation in history. It is a blessing and a curse to be growing old amidst the heart machines and pacemakers, respirators and transplants. Still seated in the dining room pondering these 60 years, I felt Donna’s presence, a presence of security and love. With four children to take care of, World War II was a difficult period. Donna worked third shift and would come home to the children and chores as I left to put in my workday. I can remember the overwhelming sense of togetherness, of patriotism we felt during those years. For some reason, the battle across the seas really gave folks here an opportunity to rally around the flag. US involvement in the Korean and Vietnamese wars has certainly changed our perspective. Sharing a meal with 42 former classmates and their spouses led me to reminisce about family meals. In some ways I’m thankful that Donna and I raised our children before the onslaught of fast foods. I don’t know how they would have turned out had we not eaten and prayed together before sharing kitchen chores. Today, Donna and I are blessed with an incredible loving and caring family of eight children and 23 grandchildren. It wasn’t that long ago that washing dishes was a community event in our household. Dishwashing produced more than dishpan hands – it was a time for laughter and joking, storytelling and counseling. Cousins, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters grew to love and care about one another around the kitchen sink. Everyday life in those days meant walks down city streets, chats with the ice man, the sight of coal wagons and the sawdust floor of the neighborhood meat market. Neighbors and parish members shared their lives with each other and created a sense of community. 1925 wasn’t so long ago. In fact, at times, it seems like just a moment away.
CLOSE FRIENDS SHARED STORIES IT’S ALL HERE I hadn’t seen my military buddies in years. Then Gary called and said we’re all getting together…in Plano. Perfect. It’s close to Dallas, but just far enough away. We checked out the flight museum when we got there. It brought back lots of memories…and plenty of old stories. We had an amazing steak dinner and really got to catch up. These are special guys. I’m glad we found a special place to get together. Plano really does have it all. visitplano.com
TEXAS
familyfuture A LINK TO THE PAST A BRIDGE TO OUR
Family reunions? Think Chattanooga. Chattanooga is a family reunion destination everyone can agree on. The Scenic City offers first-class attractions, affordable accommodations and top regional restaurants - not to mention a central location in the Southeast. Our CVB reunion specialist can provide complimentary assistance, including detailed guidelines for reunion planning. For more information, contact Dawn Gilbert at 800/964-8600 x 3057 or email her at dawng@chattanoogacvb.com
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branch office
Let’s stop trashing family photos by Maureen Taylor
A
A CULTURE OF DISPOSABILITY few weeks ago, my daughter went on a photo hunting expedition with me. An attendee at a recent event told me she Rhode Island is full of tiny antique shops had about 1,500 images. She didn’t know tucked into old buildings. On this particular who they were and didn’t know what to do. A afternoon we were in an old mill that woman on the other side of the room raised wandered over the landscape. The smell of her hand. mold was in the air. I’d found good things “I know what you can do.” She glanced at here before. I went one way. My daughter, the woman who owned piles of pictures. the other. “Scan them and throw out all the originals. After a bit, I found her in front of a You’ll have the pictures but not the mess. bookcase filled with boxes of discarded You’ll have the scans in case you can snapshots. She held out a 1960s black and identify them later.” white photo to show me. It was of a mother I saw and heard several people murmur in and an infant sitting in a kitchen. There was agreement. “No. NO!” is what I was no name on the back. thinking. That one comment could destroy a “How could someone get rid of a baby whole trove of family pictures. picture?” She asked in amazement with I replied. “While it’s important to scan tears in her eyes. Maureen Taylor and her daughter your pictures as a preservation method, it’s “How indeed?” I sighed. also important to find them a new home.” The fact is pictures are discarded every day. Old and new There was silence in the room and no nods of acknowledgement. ones. Tossed out in the trash. For genealogists, it’s a hard truth to After the program I asked the first woman to contact me before accept. Those photos might be of someone’s great grandparents, she threw the pictures out. I gave her my card. I know I’ll never even your own. hear from her, but it was worth trying.
What if my relative’s DNA results are in another company’s database?
W
e wondered whether the proliferation of DNA testing companies dilutes the potential for locating family. With so many companies offering DNA tests, what are the chances that you and your unknown relatives are submitting DNA to the same company? And now, with yet another company (National Geographic) in the game, doesn’t that further reduce the possibility of making matches? Can the results be matched from one company to another? Are all companies eventually going to integrate results from the other companies, to promote matches? We asked Rafi Mendelsohn, Director of PR & Social Media at MyHeritage.com. This was his response:
If you already have DNA results with another company (such as Ancestry or 23AndMe), upload your data to MyHeritage.com to participate in their free initiative to search for matches. Visit myheritage. com/ dna/upload and follow the instructions. Also upload your DNA results to GEDMatch, yourdnaguide .com/upload-to-gedmatch/ for another pool. 8 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
UNWANTED IMAGES In that old Christmas movie about Rudolph, there is the island of misfit toys. At the end they find homes. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were a place for unwanted images? Imagine a place where they could stay until descendants of the people in the pictures found them. It’s a dream. No such physical place exists. There are wonderful reunion sites like DeadFred.com. Thousands of people look there every week for missing family photos. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO
• Buy a photo that has a name on the back. Research the person and find a descendant using genealogical databases. I call it taking an Orphan Photo Adventure. • Contact a local historical society to ask if they want an image of someone who once lived in their town. A captioned or identified picture will add to their collection. Send me a copy of the picture and tell me what happens to the picture and the person/place you’ve contacted. Let’s stop this culture of disposability regarding old pictures. The scan-and-toss method destroys the original and all the information that goes with it. PHOTO MYSTERY CONSULTATION Do you have a photo and wish you knew more about its history? A piece of family history that has lost its story along the way to landing in your hands? Would you like Maureen to audit the story that you think you know for your photo? Book a Consultation to unravel the story of your photographs. Contact Maureen Taylor, Photodetective, PO Box 2505, Providence RI 02906; photodetective@maureentaylor.com; https://maureentaylor.com.
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branch office
Have you ever heard of Gertie’s Babies?
E
very June we have a Dunlap Family Reunion in Marble, Pennsylvania, at my father’s farm. My father has seven siblings. The Dunlaps celebrate each other and the newest family members at the reunion for the first time. Last year I commented to my aunt that I was going to make sure that more people attended the next reunion. She told me, “Good luck.” As things turned out, we did have some new attendees this year, and special reasons to celebrate! My father’s “new” first cousin, Bonnie Gower, came to the Dunlap Family Reunion this year for the first time. Bonnie recently discovered us — her biological Dunlap family. She is one of Gertie’s Babies (gertiesbabies.com). A long time ago in Montana, a doctor and his wife placed babies in illegal adoptions and performed abortions. Bonnie was purchased for $500. She was raised in Montana and has since found half-siblings and other family members. We are all so overjoyed and couldn’t wait to meet Bonnie and her husband. We are so happy for Bonnie! This
was a big celebration this year. Another happy event was that my Uncle Freemont’s great-granddaughter surprised him, traveling from Washington State to the reunion. I ordered 80 t-shirts (no cost to anyone) and nominated myself Activity Director. I had gifts for everyone, t-shirts, and a raffle. We played “Minute to Win It” games and had lots of food, games, gifts and fun!!! I love my Dunlap family!!!! Shared by Melinda Dunlap St. Augustine, Florida
Ken Dunlap and his newly found half sister, Bonnie Gower.
Bonnie Gower’s new Dunlap family.
Saving your stories: how history is in your hands
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very family has a legacy: those stories that get passed down from generation to generation about amazing great-aunts, immigration, old family recipes, unbelievable feats, treasured heirlooms, and more. History is written in these stories, and culture is created. It’s important to realize that saving these stories is the hallmark to writing and preserving your family history. One of the downsides of oral traditions is that the original message can be distorted or changed over the years, and eventually lost all together. First-hand story-telling and photos are the most accurate way to capture the truth – not only for gathering facts, but also for seeing history through the eyes of the people who lived it. And it’s important to start as soon as possible. If you’ve ever worked on a family history project, you understand the sad feeling of encountering a fantastic old photo that’s discolored, bent, or falling apart, and the urge to preserve it before it’s lost forever. My family and I made a decision this year to become the authors of our own legacy after discovering how much has already been lost.
My grandfather became interested in genealogy when he retired. As he traced our lineage back throughout the years, he came to a dead end. One of our ancestors had changed his name and moved so many times his history just disappeared. It wasn’t just his history, though. Now it belongs to us, too, and there’s an entire part of our story we’ll never know, simply because it wasn’t preserved. Now, together, we are writing down our stories and saving our photos so we can pass down our accurate history for generations to come. I love knowing that we are documenting our actions, and that my life will be remembered accurately, as will my tribe’s. It’s been said that history is written by the victors, but this isn’t true – history is written by those who feel compelled to write it down. Preserving your family’s stories is the best way to write and pass on its history, as accurately as possible, in the words of the people who lived it. Start saving your stories now. History is in your hands. Shared by Hayley Irvin, Oklahoma City, OK, Community Success Manager at Weeva.com, a story collection and keepsake book-making site. 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 9
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What family history software do you suggest?
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ean Miller, National Sales Manager at Visit Fairfax (Virginia), received a question about good software programs he’d recommend to purchase or download for creating a family tree and fleshing out family history. Dean turned to genealogist Nathania A. Branch Miles and asked for her recommendations. Nathania’s response: I was introduced to Familytreemaker© (FTM) when I first started entering my family information in 1995 with Blue Banner, then Broderbund and eventually through the Learning Tree, Mattel and finally Mackiev. FTM is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, which was a plus. I fell in love with it at once because it is very user-friendly and I could share it with relatives across the country. I found the system affordable and loved the ancestral, descendant, and pedigree charts, reports and family trees it printed out. You can incorporate family photos and write a family history book. Some of my fellow genealogists were using “My Brother’s Keeper,” a free program from Familysearch.org, and others were using Legacy and myHeritage. At that time, Legacy and FTM were the most popular, plus you could download data files in GEDCOM format to share. Rootsmagic© is the new kid on the block, designed as genealogy and family history software and comes with its own Family Personal Historian, Family Atlas and Family Reunion Organizer programs. Rootsmagic is now offering a basic free trial copy of Version 7 without all the bells and whistles and is compatible with built-in tools that allow users to connect and download directly into Ancestry.com. It’s color-coded, has videos and how-to guides, plus it works with a great range of operating systems including every version of Windows since Windows 2000 and XP.
The aforementioned family history/genealogy systems offer some online technical support to deal with computer glitches and errors. They are all designed to help organize your family history from the beginning to the end of your information, and you can always update or correct if you discover an error. What I really loved about the FTM system was that it was always affordable and the upgrades were easy. A couple years ago FTM was purchased by Software MacKiev. The core functionality and user interface of Family Tree Maker 2017 have changed little since 2010. Software MacKiev touted four major improvements: 1 F amilySearch integration provides potential matches to the FamilySearch.org Family Tree, but not to their vast record collections. 2 F amilySync is a replacement for Ancestry.com’s TreeSync feature; FTM provides potential matches to family trees, indexes, and records at Ancestry.com. 3 C olor Coding 4 Photo Darkroom. Thanks to longtime genealogist, Nathania A. Branch Miles, Hyattsville, Maryland. She is Recording Secretary of the African American Genealogical and Historical Society, Inc., Prince George’s County, MD, Chapter. She is also the provider of reunion planning wisdom at workshops in Prince George’s County Memorial Library System and at Prince George’s Community College, Maryland.
Searching for biological relatives: from DNA test to reunion
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e’ve reprinted this MyHeritage.com blog in its entirety with permission because we think this is important information for adoptees and others searching for biological family. You can find the entire blog (and it is long and thorough) on https://bit.ly/2upT2JW. This is a guest post by Richard Weiss, Executive Vice President and Director of Programs at DNAAdoption, who found his birthmother through a traditional search and found his birthfather through a DNA search. He is an experienced genetic genealogist and adoption Search Angel. Richard is also on the advisory board for the MyHeritage pro bono project DNA Quest. Adoptees or birth family members start by taking a MyHeritage DNA test. The process is then divided into three phases. Phase 1: T aking the test and awaiting the results. Phase 2: Understanding the results. Phase 3: C ontacting relatives and organizing a reunion. There are tips and resources to help guide you through the process and steps you can take to increase the probability of success. Go to https://bit.ly/2upT2JW.
IT WAS A NATIONAL MOVEMENT. NOW IT’S A NATIONAL MONUMENT. The Civil Rights Movement that helped galvanize the nation is now being recognized on a national level. But the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail does more than just acknowledge where we’ve been. It offers visitors a chance to celebrate where we’re going. Book your next tour in a place rich with history. Book your next tour in Birmingham.
inbirmingham.com | # INB irmingham | 800 - 458 - 8085
Most of these events are sponsored and presented by convention and visitors bureaus. Most take place on Saturdays, are free or at nominal cost, All prefer or require advance reservations. We add new events online as soon as we learn about them. Visit reunionsmag.com and click on Reunion Workshops and Conferences.
ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA October 20, 2018 Contact 678-297-2811 | www.awesomealpharetta.com
HOUSTON, TEXAS Contact Neidra Billings | 713-853-8321 | NBillings@visithouston.com www.visithoustontexas.com/reunions/
ATLANTA PERIMETER NORTH FAMILY REUNION WORKSHOP Sponsored by Visit Sandy Springs, Dunwoody CVB and Cobb Travel & Tourism Contact Amy Metzler | 770-206-1552 visitsandysprings.org/perimeter-north-family-reunion-workshop/
KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN Contact Jennifer Williamson | 269-488-0057 jwilliamason@discoverkalamazoo.com
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA Contact “Cousin” Michelle | 706-823-6600 | Michelle@VisitAugusta.com BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 2019 Reunion Expo | 410-244-8861 GREATER BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA September 29, 2018 | 2018 Reunion Planning Expo Contact Tara Walton, CTIS | 800-458-8085 or 205-458-8000, ext. 206 twalton@inbirmingham.com | inbirmingham.com BRANSON, MISSOURI May 14-17, 2019 14th Annual Military Reunion Planners Conference Contact Julie Peters | 417-243-2117 | jpeters@bransoncvb.com www.explorebranson.com/groups/reunions CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Contact John Poole | John.Poole@VisitCabarrus.com | visitcabarrus.com CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA Contact C. Jeff Bunn | 757-382-1352 | jbunn@cityofchesapeake.net CLAYTON COUNTY, GEORGIA Contact Tangie Carter | 678-610-4242 | tangie@atlantastruesouth.com www.atlantastruesouth.com COLUMBUS, OHIO Contact Kelli Poteet | experiencecolumbus.com/tours-reunions DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA September 15, November 17, 2018 Contact Penny Moore, Group Services Manager | 770-492-5018 discoverdekalb.com/reunions DETROIT, MICHIGAN September 29, 2018 Contact Lynette Richardson | 313-202-1985 | reunions@visitdetroit.com visitdetroit.com/family-reunions/ FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA February 16, 2019 | 11th Annual Family Reunion workshop Contact Dean Miller | 703-752-9509 | dmiller@fxva.com | www.fxva.com FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA Contact Victoria Matthews | 800-260-3646 | 540-372-1216 vamatthews@fredericksburgva.gov | www.VisitFred.com GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA September 29, 2018 Contact Maurice Odoms, Reunion Market Specialist | 770-814-6059 maurice@exploregwinnett.org | atlantareunion.com 12 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA September 29, 2018 | Family Reunion Workshop April 29-May 2, 2019 | YMRC Military Reunion FAM Contact Jadeine Shives | 407-569-4855 | jshives@experiencekissimmee.com Reunionsinkissimmee.com LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS Contact Kimberly Ghys | 800-Lake-Now (800-525-3669) Kimberly@lakecounty.org | Lakecountyreunions.com MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Contact Holly Townsend | 901-543-5320 hollytownsend@memphistravel.com NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA October 13, 2018 Contact Andrea Moran | 888-493-7386 | amoran@nnva.gov www.newport-news.org/ PEACHTREE CITY, GEORGIA Contact Eric Matos | 678-216-0282 | visitpeachtreecity.com SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA Contact Erica Telsee | 800-551-8682 | etelsee@sbctb.org THE MILITARY REUNION NETWORK Regional Roundtables/ConFAMs/ Educational Summit BILLINGS, MONTANA | September 19-23, 2018 MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, A MRN Partner Event | June 20-22, 2019 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | June 22-25, 2019 Contact Sharon Danitschek | 425-501-1430 sharon@militaryreunionnetwork.com | militaryreunionnetwork.com/ VIRTUAL FAMILY Reunion Planning Workshops October 27, December 8, 2018 Contact Niko Cook | webuildlegacy@gmail.com YMRC – YOUR MILITARY REUNION CONNECTION Military Reunion Workshop & Marketplace Events VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA | October 28-31, 2018 MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA | February 17-21, 2019 BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA | March 3-6, 2019 BRANSON, MISSOURI | April 7-11, 2019 KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA | April 29-May 2, 2019 PROVIDENCE/WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND | July 28-August 1, 2019 ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO | October 13-16, 2019 Contact Debbie Stewart | Ymrcusa@gmail.com | yourmilitaryreunions.com www.facebook.com/militaryreunions
Getting together is better in Lake County Illinois
Home to some of the Midwest’s most beautiful landscapes and just 30 minutes north of Chicago, Lake County is reunion-perfect. You’ll find world-class attractions such as Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor, more than 75 lakes and beaches, wonderful dining and entertainment, and exceptional indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for your big event. Choose from 60 hotels and three resorts—including Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, with its family-friendly 80,000-sq. ft. indoor water park. Let Lake County make your next reunion unforgettable. Before you plan your reunion, contact Kimberly Ghys, Senior Account Executive, at Kimberly@LakeCounty.org or find more information at VisitLakeCounty.org.
Lake County
Chicago
Lake Michigan
Milwaukee
masterplan
Tillman/Williams Family Reunion
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he Tillman/Williams Family Reunion holds three-day reunions every two years. The most recent reunion was held, and the next will be held, in Bainbridge, Georgia. We have chosen in recent years to
host our reunions in a more central location where most of us were born and raised. Reunion locations have changed approximately four times since the reunion’s inception in 1983.
Tillman/Williams Family Reunion
We ask for volunteers at the end of the Saturday evening family banquet to plan the next reunion. The reunion committee approves, and the secretary/treasurer maintains a budget and finances. Each member pays a set reunion fee and we sell family memory booklets. Members stay involved by phone and emails. The reunion is promoted and publicized by letter, email, phone and newspaper announcements. Our reunion traditions include a meet and greet, fish fry/get acquainted, games, family banquet, speakers, family history, honoring our oldest member and introducing the youngest member, giving a gift to the one who traveled farthest, presenting a scholarship donation to graduating seniors, and lighting a candle in remembrance of those who passed away since the last reunion. Reported by Mrs. Hazel S. King Colquitt, Georgia
Massey Family Reunion
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was working on putting a family tree online for my Dad, using MyHeritage to create a tree and genealogy book that makes for great keepsakes. He mentioned wishing a reunion could happen and I offered to help him put together the Massey Family Reunion. The birthplace of our relatives is a small empty town called Gordon, Georgia. My Dad wanted to keep Massey Family Reunion
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the reunion close to the family origin so he chose Macon, Georgia. This was our very first reunion and we hope that reunions will be held bi-annually going forward. This was one weekend for about 150, paid for with registration fees and donations. I kept a very detailed record online and in a binder to document the planning process to pass down to the
next organizer. We planned entertainment, a business meeting, awards, recognition of oldest living descendants and a generational shout out. Kids performed in a talent show. We have a reunion facebook page and stay in touch by mail, phone calls, email and social media. Shared by Cassandra Massey Duncan Burtonsville, Maryland
masterplan CHERS COUSINS / DEAR COUSINS / LIEBER VETTER
Burtschell/Burttschell Family International n 1974 Michel Rodier and his wife, Noelle, hosted a reunion of his mother’s Burtschell family at their home in Avon, Fontainebleau, France. The purpose of this first reunion was to help his mother stay in contact with her family. In 2017 Michel and Noelle’s son Remi Rodier and his wife, Valerie, hosted a reunion at their home in the Bonneville, Charente, region of France. However, during the intervening 43 years, family contacts expanded well beyond the boundaries of the original area. Through family research, travel and use of technology, the original Burtschell reunion is now the Burtschell/Burttschell Family International Reunion with branches in Germany, France and the US. The 2017 reunion marks the twentieth anniversary of the international connection. By 1997 at a reunion in Lille, France – after six reunions under the leadership of Michel – Remi and cousins assumed the roles of organizers. For the first time, German cousins joined
Texas Burtschells in France
their French cousins. The Texas cousins could not attend but sent greetings and gifts. The French branch discovered their ancestor, Etienne (Stephan) Burtschell, had actually emigrated from Germany in 1823 to find work. As the youngest of three surviving brothers from the village of Büdesheim by Bingen on the Rhine, he looked to the Alsace area of France, married, and remained. Older brother Lucas with wife and ten children arrived in Texas and settled in Colorado County in 1846. Brother Franz Joseph remained in Germany, although a son, Francis R., immigrated to the US in 1846. He gradually moved from New York to Crescent City, California. George, another son of Franz
Photo credit: Ralph Burtschell (German branch).
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Burtschell Family Reunion at the restored distillery where many reunion activities took place.
Joseph, remained in Germany and is the ancestor of the German branch. During the 20 years of the international gatherings, two reunions have been held in Germany, three in Texas, and four in France. The latest family celebration included 29 Texans, 14 Germans, and 44 French, representing four generations of the extended family. The organizers promoted the Cognac/ Pineau area and its products. Some of the visitors traveled to Bordeaux for an interactive wine tour across the world and across the ages, cultures, and civilizations. La Cite du Vin – The City of Wine – opened in 2016 in an amazing architectural structure. Pre-reunion activities included a tour of the 12th century Cathedral of St. Peter in Angouleme, where the host couple, Remi and Valerie, were married. Tours continued in the city of Cognac and the Martell facility, established in 1715. Visitors had a chance to do some tasting. Part of the group took a detour to Saintes to view a Gallo-Roman amphitheater from the first century AD. The rest traveled closer to the reunion site to see the Gallo-Roman theater Les Bouchauds – also from the first century AD. Family members then gathered at the reunion site, a restored 17th century cognac distillery. It has been remodeled for family use. Everyone took advantage of time to relax, enjoy refreshments, and meet and
greet cousins. In the evening they also celebrated a 50th wedding anniversary. Several families continued visiting and exploring the history of the area surrounding the Chateau de Gourville, which dates from the 1400s. It belonged to the family of the host’s mother, Noelle Rodier. It is now privately owned and is operated as a B&B and a place for group gatherings. Some cousins stayed there. The reunion day began with Mass in the Chapel of St. Clement. The chapel from the 1600s still has remnants of early frescos. It was originally part of the family property but became district property after the 1789 revolution. The newly ordained presiding priest, Fr. Alban Rodier, is a cousin from Luxemburg. A brief history of the international reunion was included at the close of Mass. After Mass, family gathered for refreshments and visiting. Tasting continued with the local Pineau des Charentes. A bottle of Cognac XO was shared and appreciated after coffee at the end of the meal. Younger family members went swimming in a pool added in the renovation. After a day of visiting and sharing, the host led a walking history and sightseeing tour along farm roads through vineyards, fields of sunflowers, and the cemetery from the 1800s. The original cemetery had surrounded the chapel. The Texas branch extended an invitation to Texas in 2019. Report assembled and shared by Arliss Treybig, El Campo, Texas, representing the family’s Texas branch, and Remi Rodier, Bondues, France, representing the family’s French branch. 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 15
masterplan
Make Family Reunion magic in Kissimmee
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amily time in the sunshine – plus world-renowned theme parks, outdoor adventures, and one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment. With plenty of fun for vacationers of all ages, Kissimmee is the perfect location for families of every size to come together and celebrate. This sunny destination offers an assortment of memorable group activities. Conveniently situated in Central Florida, Kissimmee provides easy access to world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando
Go-carts are at Fun-Spot America-Kissimmee.
Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, as well as unique attractions like Fun Spot AmericaKissimmee and The Holy Land Experience. As the Gateway to the Everglades, this location also features exciting outdoor experiences and family-friendly thrills, including zipline excursions, kayaking, horseback riding, and animal encounters, all offered at the many outdoor adventure parks in the area. You can even meet a sloth or zoom across the water in an airboat at Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park! Kissimmee offers a variety of accommodation options to best fit your group, as well as your budget. Choose from over 45,000 accommodations, including 22,000 vacation homes, all featuring a wide selection of amenities and services such as hospitality rooms, banquet spaces, and outdoor barbecue areas. Dining in group style is a specialty at this family-focused location, with a wide selection of fine dining, local eateries, and dinner theaters from which to choose. Enjoy a regal dining experience at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, sing along at House of Blues Gospel Brunch, feast on a pirate ship at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure,
Enjoying the sloth at Wild Florida.
or taste your way around Disney Springs. Located just 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport and just an hour and a half from the east and west coasts of Florida, Kissimmee is the perfect location for your next family reunion. And with free planning assistance, plus free reunion t-shirts, Experience Kissimmee can make your dream reunion a reality!
Evans Family Reunion vans Family Reunion celebrated 50 consecutive years of love in Bloomington, Minnesota, over Memorial Day Weekend. Every year, generations of relatives travel from across the nation (and sometimes internationally) to connect in love and respect at the gathering, which was originally the brainchild of the late Daisy Cockerham (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and her late brother, Herman “Bo” Evans (Michigan City, Indiana). Evans Family Reunion The annual event travels from state to state. This year marks its 50th Anniversary with the theme “Seasons of Love.” thought they were from Prince’s family and gave them special About 150 Evans family treatment, like skipping ahead in line for rides. For more, see members celebrated the 12 http://evansfamilyreunion2018.com/The Minnesota Crew children of Clarence and Shared by Valerie R. Redmond, Eagan, Minnesota. Rosalee Evans. Tommy Evans, the national president, said that this is a true testament to our family ties. It was a fantastic weekend! There were a few Sisters Gertrude “Sue” Spivey and Lucille “Cille” hiccups, but it was 98% Jackson with her granddaughter, Crystal Jackson everything that I hoped it reading dedication litany. would be. It was beautiful. Everyone LOVED the t-shirts, especially the Prince t-shirt. Many people at the mall complimented the t-shirts and even asked whether Prince was in the family. People outside the family The Minnesota Crew, co-headed by Arron D. Carter and Valerie R. Redmond, sing a flash mob asked if they could buy t-shirts. Family members said that people version of “Seasons of Love” from Rent to kick off Sunday’s spirit-filled awards program. 16 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
Photo credit: Mark Bitner of Bitner Media
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2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 17
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100th Geiger Family Reunion
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n August, descendants of Jacob and Catharine provided a Citation from the Pennsylvania House of Geiger met at Egypt Memorial Park, Egypt, Representatives commemorating the 100th Pennsylvania, for their 100th reunion. The first reunion. Of course, a group photo was taken, reunion was held on the first Saturday in as well as photos of reunion officers, and August 1914. A gap of several years during many individual family photos. World War II accounted for the delayed The reunion program followed to a date for the 100th reunion. large degree the general format set down Planning for the 100th reunion began in the first reunion. A business meeting several years earlier, with questionnaires began with the singing of the Geiger distributed to members who attended Hymn, created in 1924 to the tune of annual reunions. Where to hold the “Rock of Ages.” Committee reports were reunion? Sit-down catered dinner or read, new officers were elected, and a potluck? What sort of entertainment? What decision was made where to hold the next sort of mementoes? Over time, the reunion reunion. After the meeting adjourned, committee winnowed down choices. there were games and prizes, face painting, Egypt Memorial Park was familiar to the musical entertainment from family members committee, since many Geiger reunions were held and outsiders and, of course, the traditional there over the years. It had indoor and outdoor “cake walk,” in which the person standing on a Geiger 100th reunion commemorative plate covered areas in case of inclement weather and particular number when the music stops wins it was also large enough to hold the expected his/her choice of a cake or other dessert. Prizes 150 or so attendees. For mementoes, the committee decided on t-shirts and a commemorative plate. The plate was nearly identical to one distributed at the 50th reunion, with a change of dates and in a different color. T-shirts had pocket lettering on the front saying “Jacob Geiger Descendants 100th reunion 2017” and a picture of the family homestead on the back. Members could also order polo or sweatshirts, in a variety of colors. A large banner was ordered, reading “Geiger Family Reunion – Descendants of Jacob and Catharine Geiger – Celebrated 100 years 1914 – 2017”. The wording prompted a were provided for the youngest child, oldest call from the banner maker, to ensure man, oldest woman, person traveling they had not miscopied the dates. Each farthest to the reunion, most recently person at the reunion was invited to sign married and longest married couples. There the back of the banner. was a silent auction for baskets prepared Every family received a free CD and donated by members. With the evening containing the latest update of family coming on, Gary Day provided the history (more than 1,000 pages), copies of benediction for the cafeteria-style meal of the 1918, 1967, and 1992 family chicken, ham, potatoes, corn, green beans, histories, scans of 94 of the 100 reunion coleslaw, and other accompaniments. programs (including a copy of the program After the meal, families slowly gathered from the 1914 reunion), and scans of a up their children and belongings and Geiger homestead cake host of other photos, newspaper clippings, headed home, looking forward to next Bible entries, declarations, tributes, citations, probate files, and August and, as a line from the Geiger hymn goes, “the reunion, other items. Every attendee also received a certificate of every year, of the Geigers far and near.” attendance at the 100th reunion. Pennsylvania State Reported by Dave Neimeyer Representative Gary Day, whose wife is a Geiger descendant, Fogelsville, Pennsylvania
100th Geiger Family Reunion
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masterplan
Chandler Family Thanksgiving Reunion
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raditionally, the Chandler Family Reunion was held during Fourth of July weekend. In 1978, when Alex and Mary Della Chandler celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, the reunion was during Thanksgiving weekend. Changing the date allowed the celebration to be even more special. We came together to celebrate their union, to experience fellowship with those linked to that union, and to remember sacrifices and triumphs over the course of half a century. To top it all off, Charles Kuralt from CBS featured the celebration on his show, and that further memorialized the event. The weekend of November 23, 1978, was the kind of event that keeps families together. Fast-forward 39 years to Thanksgiving weekend 2017 and another extraordinary family reunion. Joan and Donald Chandler were gracious hosts who arranged for the perfect venue, as well as food, drinks and fun. We flew, drove and caravanned to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to a four-story cabin, complete with elevator, that allowed us all to stay under one roof. Each floor had its own accoutrements: a “games” floor for the children, a theatre floor where we Chandler Christmas watched football games and ornament movies, a “grown and sexy” floor complete with hot tub and wet bar, and the kitchen floor with non-stop, delicious food and drink. The house was filled to the brim day and night. James Paul’s and Arvesta’s and Donald’s families were wellrepresented. Bessie’s, Gloria’s, Princella’s, Fortson’s, Luther’s and Herman’s families all checked in to let us know they were with us in spirit. Vyllorya and Paul Evans represented the Fortson side of our family, and a host of “honorary” family members rounded out the celebration. Each family received a lovely ceramic
Chandler Thanksgiving Reunion
Christmas ornament commemorating the holidays as well as one that honored Alex and Mary Della Chandler. There wasn’t much reason to leave the cabin but some of us managed to “shop ‘til we dropped” and some checked out Dollywood and the casino scene. The family viewed the newly released “Rosenwald” film that chronicles the life of Julius Rosenwald, part-owner of Sears Roebuck who, inspired by Booker T. Washington, started “Rosenwald Schools” to further educational opportunities for African Americans. Princella started her teaching career in one of these schools in Monroe County, Mississippi, and some family members attended Rosenwald schools. It was hard to say goodbye on Sunday afternoon. It was evident that this reunion further strengthened the bonds of our family, and it was a great and humbling start to the holiday season. It reminds us why family is important and why, above all else, we should be good to each other. Reported by Kym Chandler, Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Vyllorya Evans, Washington, DC.
Williams-Dubose Family Reunion
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e thought we could get more family members to attend the Williams-Dubose Family Reunion if we held it in or near Orlando, with all the attractions – Disney, Universal Studios, and so on. Usually 50+ attend. We ask for a volunteer at either the beginning or end of each reunion to head up the next event, and the family member who volunteers to sponsor the next reunion also determines the location. Reunions are held every two years, usually in July, and last for three to four days. The chairperson and committee members establish, approve and maintain the budget and finances. Our standard has been to fund reunions with Reunion Registration Fees. We tried a candy fundraiser and barely broke even. We have underestimated the
reunion costs and are thinking about seeking corporate sponsorship to cushion the costs. Freebies to fill our goody bags would also cut our costs. The costs for t-shirts, goodie bags, and planned activities are included in our registration fees. We are thinking about selling caps and mugs as a fundraising project. Our contact list, passed on to the next Family Reunion Chair, is used for sending updates and information about what is being planned. We also stay connected on Facebook. At the reunion, we have a Meet and Greet, and hold a Banquet; depending on the location, we also enjoy the beach, barbeques, lunch cruises, entertainment, tours, etc. Shared by Brenda Carter Douglasville, Georgia 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 19
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Memorable Moments become Precious Memories
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eorgia Burnette, Niagara Falls, New York, Burnette Family Reunion Historian wrote these memories of past reunions.
Dear Family, The past holiday season was one of great reflection for me, and from those memories are these experiences. Over the years I’ve noticed that a reunion may sometimes capture a special time, an activity, a feeling, or all those elements which come together, resulting in something different. I call that difference a Memorable Moment. These are four such instances when I felt something “different.” Be on the lookout for Memorable Moments. It may linger on to become a Precious Memory. REUNION 2005 IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN It was our last day, with brunch followed by Sunday Worship Services taken to a higher level by Chaplain Patty Burnette-Jones, also our reunion host. Kenneth and Marcole Bailey set the tone of that “down home meeting” with inspiring and heartfelt testimonials to their faith, while young minister-in-training Christopher Lawson, Patty Burnette-Jones’s Chaplain son, sang spirituals to lift body and soul. Patty Burnette-Jones The highlight of the morning, however, followed the sermon by Anton Kelly, who directed us to form small, spontaneous prayer groups throughout the large room. We were asked to silently identify a wish, and as we held hands and bowed our heads, group leaders began to softly pray aloud. The quiet murmur of those simultaneous voices produced heightened moments of togetherness and camaraderie, infusing the room with a strong energizing force! That Memorable Moment has for me become a Precious Memory. It was a fitting end to one of our very best reunions
on-target, and one of her very, very best. And then, another of those unique happenings occurred; we unconsciously sorted ourselves into “generational groups” quietly engaging in conversation, and one could sense an unusual feeling of togetherness permeating the room. The soft murmur of voices infused our surroundings with a quiet, comforting vitality. That thoughtful interlude was followed by a flurry of picturetaking, hugs, kisses and heartfelt goodbyes that put this reunion into the history books of the Burnett(e) Family. REUNION 2017 IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
Family gathered Friday evening for a cookout at the home of our new president, the first event of a three-day gathering. The weather was just great – warm and bright, with soft breezes and low humidity. While enjoying dinner in Patrick and Cheryl’s spacious yard, I noticed many new young faces that had joined the older family reunion group. It was time the youngsters took over, and we old timers were happy that they did so. While our overall numbers were down, everyone was pleased to see young family members who had not attended a Burnett(e) reunion over the past 20 years. Following drinks and a great meal, our hosts acknowledged my husband Luther’s 90th birthday as well as our 50th wedding anniversary with a gorgeous, tasty cake. Then family took pictures or settled into groups to catch up on happenings since we’d last met two years earlier.
REUNION 2007 IN THE WINDY CITY
Our Burnett(e) reunions are usually three-day weekend events, beginning with a Thursday evening Meet and Greet. Friday is either a Family or Fun Day, depending upon scheduled activities to a museum, a city tour or a special place in the area. On this day, however, we began with a visit to the gravesite of Myrtle Burnette Bailey to say: “We remember you and love you.” On this warm, bright morning family members from across the country boarded the bus for Burr Oak Cemetery, located just outside Chicago in Alsip, Illinois. At the gravesite, we shared songs and prayers led by Chaplain Patty Burnette-Jones as flowers were placed on Myrtle’s grave. Then her daughter and niece quietly set aloft brightly colored balloons into the brilliant morning sunshine. The Absolute Quiet, the sparkling sunshine, the balloons aloft, and family all fused into a special, heartfelt, emotional moment! REUNION 2015 IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
We gathered together to ask the Lord’s blessings for our family, One More Time. Sunday morning found us readying ourselves for the trip home. Our brunch was followed by a short but very relevant worship service conducted by Patty Burnette-Jones. Her sermon was timely, 22 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
Dusk fell and groups shifted, when I moved into a far corner to relax. While bedtime for me is usually “after dinner,” tonight I was wide-awake and chose to remain when Luther left for the hotel. As torches illuminated sections of the yard, for the next hour or more quiet conversations, soft laughter, and a feeling of closeness produced an aura of familiarity, harmony, and serenity. It was another of those Memorable Moments that would become for me, a Precious Memory! Everyone, be on the lookout for moments, words or deeds that impact you in a spontaneous, electrical manner. Something is “happening,” and you need to pay attention! Each reunion is different; it may be years or never again that such feelings re-occur, but I count my blessings, pleased and grateful that I experienced those described above.
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“Kings, Highly Favored: A Past to Remember, a Present to Celebrate, a Future to Generate”
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or convenience and variety, we have hosted event, the King Banquet, we Edmund/Polly King our reunions in several locations – Houston, Descendants honored our elders and Family Gems, past Texas; Oakland, California; New Orleans and and present. At this event, family members Monroe, Louisiana; and most recently, Biloxi/ age 75 or older were recognized and given Gulfport, Mississippi – with beaches, casinos, special gifts and Dr. William S. King, the shopping, music, and many other (free) last living relative with the King name, was SUCCES S NOTES 4 Commit activities. Our reunions have become the recognized. tee person s co nti committed summer vacation for most of the family Also, the inaugural “Tut Award” was to their ass nue to be igned resp ties for eve members. initiated. It is named for a progressive family o nsibilints/activitie s, etc. 4G enerous p The first evening of the recent three-day member, the late Harriet “Tut” Taylor-Young, ersonal do nations fro members weekend, we began with the Meet and who was recognized as a King Legacy for m family 4 F undrais Greet Hors d’Oeuvres Gathering, giving her strong family advocacy and sacrifices for ers a have been nd raffles prior to reu family an opportunity to acquaint/ the good of others in the family. successful nions 4 S ilent Au reacquaint and enjoy each other in lively From all indications, all 79 Edmund/Polly ctions are very succe 4D conversation. King descendants in attendance enjoyed an oor-Prizes, ssful generally d In banquet rooms we carried out our exciting time. We will have a “passing of the members, onated by have been family outstandin traditional events such as a Memorial gavel” to a new chairperson in 2019, with a 4 P urchase g d/donated gifts for ch Luncheon, where we acknowledged our return to Northeast Louisiana, where our to flourish ildren conti nue recently departed relatives and reunions began more than 50 years ago. acknowledged our cancer survivor Reported by Barbara McHenry family members. At our culminating Monroe, Louisiana
Helen Raines-Austin and Dawn Moon exploring a family tree, created by Dr. James McHenry.
A group of married couples participate in “The Truly Wed Game,” a parody on The Newlywed Game.
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he Ransom Family Reunion has been meeting for 40 years, The most recent in Detroit, Michigan. We had a ball at Belle Isle Park for our cookout and a Friday night fish fry and meet and greet. Topped off by our Banquet at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History. From Nate Worthy Concord, North Carolina 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 23
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Ya, sure, you betcha!*
The Thayers had a great time in Minnesota!
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on’tcha know,* the National Thayer Families Reunion was a meet-mix-and-mingle of more than 90 family members from across the land – from New Hampshire to California, Florida to Texas to Washington State and in-between. The gathering focused on the genealogy and history of Thayers who migrated from their original homesteads in Braintree, Massachusetts, as far as the wilds of Minnesota. Because almost ALL Thayers are descended from three Thayer boys from Thornbury, England, who made the trek to the New World in 1637, they are all “somehow cousins.” Hosted by local Minnesotans, the event had a colorful sparkle and flair that embraced the love of family at the crux of the group’s mission: “the quest for our heritage.” Minnesota-themed presentations, family stories, local tours, games, giveaways, and get-togethers were the focus of the four-day weekend, which was With a plethora of activities to choose from in the MinneapolisSt. Paul area, attendance over the five-day period ranged from 20-93, depending on interest and availability! This group was excited to learn about the history of flour (Gold Medal and Pillsbury) at the Minnesota Museum!
National Thayer Families Reunion planning committee: (l to r) Tamara Thayer, Donna Jean Wykoff, Melissa Waalen, Edna Thayer, Marilyn Thayer, Mary Krenik, Nancy Thayer; missing: Craig Odanovich.
Four Seasons of Reunion Fun in the Mountains of Western Maryland
Escape to the Deep Creek area for your next reunion. With year round attractions including our mountain lakes, hiking, small towns, history and art as well as Maryland’s only downhill ski resort, we offer something for every reunion. Let us help provide resources to plan your reunion and make it an annual tradition!
Great meeting spot within close proximity to major mid-Atlantic cities!
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highlighted by the appearance of skeleton whisperer Patricia Thayer Muno, the Thayer Families Association genealogist and family historian. She has been researching, compiling, and publishing 11 volumes of the Thayer Comprehensive Genealogy over 45 years! Folks gathered at breakfast each morning to start their choice of the day’s activities (tours? Mississippi cruise? Mall of America? relax at the pool and hot tub?), and again at the evening reception to re-cap the day, gab, and play games. Sunday was officially THAYER DAY all day, and family members assembled to share their love of family stories, learn more about Minnesota and the Thayer Families Association, and to share meals together. The 2018 theme, “From Braintree to Pine Trees,” will extend to the 2020 National Thayer Families Reunion in Portland, Oregon, to honor Brig. Gen. James Burdette Thayer, one of the founders of the Thayer Families Association. The General served on active duty during World War II and, following the war, in the United States Army Reserve. He was Oregon’s civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army and then re-activated as commander of the Oregon State Defense Force. Today, the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe is named in his honor. He is also the father of Tommy Thayer of the rock band KISS. Reported instantly after the reunion by Marilyn Thayer, Mexico, New York. [*= expressions commonly associated with Minnesota]
masterplan
Fairley-Foskey Family Reunion
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he two-day Fairley-Foskey Family Reunion was held in Benndale, Mississippi, at the family’s birthplace. Family traveled from North Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, California, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi. Our meet and greet on Friday evening was a huge crawfish boil. Family and friends gathered around laughing, talking and getting to know one another. A thunderstorm came up; whereas others might leave and go back to a dry place, this crew stuck it out. Our Saturday BBQ at George Martin City Park was rerouted due to more bad weather. The picnic was moved to where our Masquerade Ball was going to be held that evening. We just lined tables around the outer room and continued with the BBQ. Saturday evening was our Masquerade Ball at Fountainbleu Community Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Family and friends came dressed in gowns, tuxedos, and masks. We started the evening with karaoke, singing We are Family. We had plenty of fun, food, dancing and reconnecting with family. Music was provided by Shannon and Samuel Lockhart from Lockhart Entertainment, a family supporter. Our next reunion will be in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Reported by Sandra Lyon A delicious way to Meet and Greet at the Philadelphia, Mississippi Fairley-Foskey Family Reunion crawfish boil.
Fairley-Foskey Family Reunion Masquerade Ball
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njoying a quiet reunion moment at the 67th annual Seideman Family Reunion in Newburg, Wisconsin, in 2000, are Wayne Seidemann and his granddaughter Abigail Rose Bingen, who celebrated her first birthday as a cover girl!
Once again, Wayne Seidemann “holds” his granddaughter, Abigail, 15 years later.
Elmore Family Reunion
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e have family in North and South Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, Utah, California and Hawaii. We meet in a different state each year. This allows some not to travel all the time and others to experience other lifestyles and cultures. The last reunion was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the next will be held in Columbus, Ohio, during the Jazz
and Rib Fest to interest more young folks. We have a reunion committee. Someone from the next destination volunteers to host the reunion. We promote the reunion through a special group on Facebook, and we send a monthly newsletter. We always have a memorial service. We display photos from previous reunions, and some from our family histories. We always
have dinner together and church before we leave on Sunday. We are beginning to include children in the planning. We ask for their ideas and hope to start involving them so it will be an easy transition for them. We are starting to implement leadership succession now. Reported by Sharon Davis Canal Winchester, Ohio 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 25
masterplan
Seidemanns celebrate their 85th reunion
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ach five years, the Seidemann Family Reunion rolls two very long semi-truck trailer beds and a hay wagon in front of their 60 ft. X 126 ft. pole building, then stacks benches and chairs, and – eventually – 328 people line up for a “family portrait.” This year, as members crawled, climbed, or jumped onto the unusual risers, each person was handed a paper plate with a number on it. They were asked to write their names on the backs of the plates; then the photographer (standing on top of a large truck) took one photograph with everyone holding numbered plates in front of their faces. Then the plates were stowed and the portrait pictures were taken.
Numbers will identify the faces behind the plate.
85th Descendants of Friedrich and Rosine Seidemann Family Reunion in Newburg, Wisconsin, celebrated 155 years in the USA. (The Seidemanns immigrated to America in 1853 and settled on the farm to the west of this farm. In 1856, Traugott, their oldest son bought this farm.) NOTE: There is a video on reunionsmag.com in Family Reunion Activities of the Seidemanns lining up at the 80th reunion for their portrait.
Newton Family Reunion
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he Newton Family Reunion is mostly a team effort. July marked our 90th consecutive year. We break the ice by just moving around and talking! Reunions are held twice each year. Easter is cemetery cleanup and renovations. Kids help with renovations, and clean up and wash dishes after meals. And the other annual event is held in July. The Newton Family Reunion meets at the West Bethlehem Church, Quicksand Cemetery. We have our own grounds with the church, cemetery, pavilions, kitchen, bathhouse, camping and swimming in the creek. There is
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lots of eating. We have a fantastic BBQ pit where the guys cook our lunch. Photo memory books shared and there’s an apron exchange among the girls/women. Games for kids and adults include looking for Old Man Blue in the cemetery, and Snipe Hunting! Called The Baby From The Moon. Need her to return! Some attendees stay for four or five days. Young ones sleep in the church. We stay in touch via a newsletter once a year and through Facebook, and reunions are promoted in the local newspapers. Reported by Pam Fontenot Ville Platte, Louisana
FIND YO U R Y E ST E R DAY TO DAY With diverse multicultural jewels throughout Little Havana, Little Haiti, Historic Overtown and more, Miami lets you find your roots and reunite with your past. Reconnect today in Greater Miami and the Beaches. Visit MulticulturalMiami.com to see our special Plan Your Reunion page!
What else will you find? Start your discovery at MiamiandBeaches.com Š Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — The Official Destination Sales & Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and the Beaches. // CS 02739
2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 27
masterplan
Hunter-Arnold Family Reunion
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he Hunter-Arnold Family Reunion picked back up in 2015, in Middletown, Ohio, but we had only one day of activities. Our next reunion in 2017 was a weekend full of activities in Atlanta, Georgia; for this reunion we turned to Reunions magazine as a guide in our planning. Our theme was “Having Fun and Making Memories!” Reunion activities included a Family Game Night at Embassy Suites Atlanta-Perimeter Hotel Georgian Room: board games, card tournaments, electronic games, face painting, food, music, and much more fun! A Family Cookout on Saturday afternoon at Brookrun Park Pavilion in Dunwoody, Georgia, was catered by Atlanta’s David Vaughn’s Catering. Family members enjoyed activities at the park. We also had a Game Truck, where children could play games inside of an air-conditioned truck. Due to the wet ground from a rainy morning, they weren’t able to play laser tag, but instead stayed inside of the Game Truck for additional hours. The kids did not complain! A Family Banquet Saturday night was held in the hotel’s Carter Ballroom. We had a buffet, an awards ceremony, and dancing. We also received a ceremonial document from Kasim Reed, Mayor of Atlanta. On Sunday, we ate breakfast together and then were on our own to enjoy the many attractions in Atlanta. For our next reunion we plan to take a family cruise to the Bahamas! Reported by Mona R. Johnson and Tuanda Edwards, both of Marietta, Georgia.
We honored our eldest family member, 100-year-old Dora Lee Arnold Nowells, who was turning 101 in August. We are blessed to still have Dora Lee with us and we look forward to showering her with continuous love. Dora led us in prayer, and we honored her at the banquet with trophies, flowers, a plaque, and other gifts. With Dora Lee is our youngest family member, Camryn Murray.
“
First, we want to thank Reunions magazine for all of the assistance. Thanks to your publication, we were able to get some ideas that helped simplify our planning process. I can definitely speak for my family when I say it has helped us tremendously!
”
The family tree included pictures of our family members who attended the family weekend. There was no specific order. We placed the pictures on all the branches, where space was available. We printed pictures and placed them on a plastic tree created by the committee chair and communications director. We also had a memorial table display of photos of deceased family members. Each photo was attached to a balloon that family members released after the dance.
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Hunter-Arnold Family Reunion cookout at Brookrun Park Pavilion in Dunwoody, Georgia.
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Branch Family cruise
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ranch Family Reunion aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Bliss out of Seattle for a 7-day cruise to Alaska and Canada. This was a small family reunion of direct descendants of Nathaniel and Annabelle (Gomez) Branch. There were 6 children but only 4 are living. We enjoyed great entertainment, food and activities. We came from New York, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Alaska, and North Carolina to meet in Seattle. We had such a good time we may do another in 2020 to Cuba – if they are allowing Americans in at that time. Shared by Nathania A. Branch-Miles, Hyattsville, Maryland.
Branch Family Reunion aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Bliss.
And last but, by no means, least!
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his report arrived on the eve of this page going into production and just two days after the reunion ended. I do believe this makes my point that reunions make the adrenaline flow! I would normally edit this and, in fact, file it for the next issue but this is just too enthusiastic to push off. Unedited and hot off the press: I love Nat’s passion! The Parker-Dickersons just met in the Houston, Texas, area. EW
This blessed Parker-Dickerson Family Reunion was climaxed by a wonderful planned tour of NASA. All persons in attendance, were thoroughly pleased with what they saw, felt, heard, ate, and participated in, had nothing but good things to say about this incredible Fourth Annual Parker-Dickerson Family Reunion Day celebration.
We are all now looking forward for next years Family Reunion Day, to compare and say how “Great Thou Art” for these families to come together in “Unity.” Until the next Family Reunion Day, Exalted by Nat Dickerson. Thanks to Terri L. Davis.
PARKER-DICKERSON FAMILY REUNION BLITZ This year’s Parker-Dickerson Family Reunion Day Celebration was off the chain, for it was planned and carried out to the max. The auspicious Hospitality Evening planned and hosted by Sid and Cheryl Dickerson set the tone for this Fourth Annual Parker- Dickerson Family Reunion Day celebration. Everything else flowed like clock work, with the memorable Praise Dance by Amarchi Dickerson aroused the audience to its highest degree of adoration, followed by an awesome Magical performance by Ray Fears. 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 29
Contact us for the family adventure of a lifetime. Solvang, CA
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Known for its year-round reunions catering to large and small families. The ranch provides luxurious accommodations, limitless activities, gourmet dining an amazing children’s program.
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The True Family invites you to the ranch that is their home. Enjoy riding, hiking, swimming, climbing, and sharing plenty of quality time, at a carefree reunion full of love & laughter.
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COLORADO TRAILS RANCH
Durango, CO Fun, adventure, & breathtaking scenery await you. Horseback riding, fly-fishing, rafting, shooting sports, hiking & children’s program. Make this vacation one you’ll always remember.
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Granby, CO
1-970-887-3344 www.clazyu.com Buena Vista, CO
1-800-432-8812 www.elkmtn.com
SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH Loveland, CO Sylvan Dale Ranch - on the edge of the wild. Protected lands, ranch raised Quarter Horses, kids program, and more! Family owned since 1946.
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Somes Bar, CA California’s original “saddle and paddle” dude ranch. Horseback trail rides, rafting, arena challenges, shooting sports & fishing. Experience the adventure & legendary hospitality.
1-800-552-6284 www.marblemountainranch.com
BAR W RANCH
Whitefish, MT An authentic Western vacation for all ages. Experience Montana at its finest with friendly staff, scrumptious food, diverse horseback riding, and wonderful accommodations.
1-866-828-2900 www.thebarw.com
ELKHORN RANCH
HORSESHOE CANYON RANCH
EATONS’ RANCH
Individually tailored horseback riding in beautiful mountain and desert country. Enjoy sunshine and curious Sonoran Desert vegetation and birding. Family hospitality.
The perfect family destination. Our wide range of activities will appeal to every age group. Horseback riding, rock climbing, and ziplining.
1-520-822-1040 www.elkhornranch.com
1-800-480-9635 www.horseshoecanyon duderanch.com
For over 138 years, Eatons’ Ranch has offered our guests a western experience and shared with them a way of life. We invite you to join us this Fall.
RAWAH RANCH
STAGECOACH TRAILS RANCH
KAY EL BAR RANCH
Come home to Rawah. Explore scenic Colorado wilderness on horseback, fish pristine private waters, and savor western-inspired comfort gourmet cuisine.
“All-inclusive reunions. Rent a whole ranch to yourself. Experience the Wild West in the heart of cowboy country! Only two hours from Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
A historic dude ranch located in the Old West town of Wickenburg, AZ. A desert oasis ranch where warm hospitality has been a tradition since 1926.
Tucson, AZ
Glendevey, CO
1-800-820-3152 www.rawahranch.com
Jasper, AR
Yucca, AZ
1-928-727-8270 www.stgr.com
Wolf, WY
1-800-210-1049 www.eatonsranch.com Wickenburg, AZ
1-928-684-7593 www.kayelbar.com
2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 31
convention & visitors bureaus
The convention and visitors bureau is your best reunion friend
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common mistake reunion planners make is not reaching out to the CVB early in the planning process. As soon as you learn you’ll be responsible for the next reunion, contact the CVB in the city where your reunion will be held. Call far enough in advance to take full advantage of everything the CVB has to offer. Convention and visitor bureaus go to great lengths to attract reunions and ensure your success. Destinations that cater to the BEFORE CALLING A CVB If you provide facts in advance, the CVB will know the value of your reunion. Answer these questions to estimate the value of your reunion. ___ How many people need rooms? ___ How many nights will they need rooms? ___ What kind of rooms? ___ How many suites? ___ Handicapped rooms? ___ How many meals will your members eat in the hotel? ___ Will you have a banquet? ___ How many drinks will your members purchase? The CVB creates a Request for Proposal (RFP) and sends it to hotels. They can also arrange site inspections of selected hotels.
needs of reunions experience significant positive impact on their local economy. Destinations that lead in reunion travel are generally easily reachable locations, and have an abundance of family-friendly attractions and family-friendly hotels. Reunion-friendly hotels are rate-conscious, affordable and include valuable amenities like free breakfast. Some provide free welcome reception area or hospitality room.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CVB An advantage to reunions is that many CVBs have designated at least one sales person to small meetings. What this means is that reunions do not share the time of a sales person who is also responsible for a meeting of 5,000 people. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that if a sales person is working on a meeting for thousands, a smaller meeting is going to take a back seat … waaaay back. By concentrating on smaller meetings, the salesperson also is familiar with all the services and facilities that best accommodate reunions. Take advantage of the special expertise that a reunion or small meeting specialist can provide. Most can help get rates, availability and even some special deals and other services to make your planning much easier. Many can provide maps, name badges, group rates, discount tickets and/or coupons, and reduced admissions; they also can give you referrals to tour guides, photographers, caterers, local transportation, disk jockeys, speakers or an honor guard. Many CVBs offer reunion planning workshops which will boost your skills and knowledge. Most are free to persons planning reunions in their area but require advance registration. We always include a list in the Reunion School section of these magazines and, more importantly, there is a constantly updated list on reunionsmag. com. Take advantage of these fun events where you will meet, interact with and share ideas with other planners.
What is your CVB experience? Who have you worked with? Who do you recommend? How did the CVB help you plan your reunion? Share your experiences. Send to editor@reunionsmag.com. PARKER-HUGHES FAMILY REUNION Cynthia Mims, Rosharon, Texas, wrote this post-reunion praise for the help she received from the Pearland (Texas) Convention and Visitors Bureau. I appreciated all the assistance I received from the Pearland Convention and Visitors Bureau. You were a tremendous help during the planning and execution stages of our Parker-
Lillie Parker (90+) with son Rev. Sam Parker and daughter-in-law Joyce.
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Hughes Family Reunion. Pearland was an ideal location with a variety of shopping and entertainment venues. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, had an indoor “picnic” at the Westside Event Center (BBQ catered by Big Horn Barbecue), church service at Word of Restoration International Church in Rosharon, Texas, and finished with lunch at Islamorada Fish Company (Bass Pro Shop).”
Family member James Howard Smith, Jr (2nd from left) and his band “Le Delegation” provided entertainment.
convention & visitors bureaus SCOTT-HOUSER FAMILY REUNION Mamie Burton hosts the Scott-Houser Family Reunion in her hometown, Detroit, Michigan. She also uses the services of her hometown CVB! She wrote: I would like to brag about the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB). I always utilize the DMCVB when we host our reunion in Detroit. They make it easy to get planning assistance. They host a family reunion workshop in fall each year. I register the Scott-Houser Family at
the workshop and the bureau does the legwork; they email hotel and other leads (e.g., tours, etc.). I review hotel leads and narrow down to the best three that suit our needs. Once the hotel contract is signed, the CVB provides goody bags for family members. They also give incentive prizes. We won a gift card that we used for miscellaneous expenses. No assistance is too little or too large. I appreciate the DMCVB and they make planning a family reunion much easier. Detroit CVB goody bag contents and a proclamation celebrating the Scott-Houser Family Reunion signed by Mayor Michael E. Duggan.
Scott-Houser Family Reunion ed par pre B. r e n V ban own C tom rst Cus Hage by
LEWIS FAMILY REUNION
Marie Daniely, Oxon Hill, Maryland, sent a salute to Visit Hagerstown – Washington County (Maryland) Convention and Visitors Bureau. My first impression of Director of Sales, Audrey Vargason, was wow! She was upbeat and full of information. After I shared my Lewis Family Reunion committee’s vision, Audrey mailed a sample welcome packet for my review. She provided Shelton Branch of the Lewis Family.
a list of area hotels and prepared the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and introduced me to the sales representative at the hotel we chose. Later, Audrey’s team stuffed our reunion gift bags and designed a 2x10’ complimentary custom welcome banner with our family reunion message and theme and the CVB’s logo. When I arrived at the Visitors Center to pick up the gift bags and banner, the volunteers welcomed me to look around and see if there was anything else I might like to add to the gift bags (maps, booklets, special interest brochures, etc.). They made suggestions and commented on my choices. The “Visit Hagerstown” team contributed to the success of our reunion. Family members were impressed with the banner and loved the gift bags. I salute Ms. Vargason and her team for their professionalism and dedication to outstanding customer service. continued on page 34 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 33
convention & visitors bureaus continued from page 33 JETTE COUSIN REUNION
Andre Jette, Enosburg Falls, Vermont, wrote to Julie Peters at Branson (Missouri) Convention and Visitors Bureau after a successful Jette Cousin Reunion: . I had never organized a reunion of this size. Julie Peters was my first contact in planning this event. By providing over a dozen names of hotels that host reunions, I was able to find the right accommodations. We chose the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center. Tiffanie Rokacki (Stone Castle contact person) set everything up beautifully. Julie mailed a “vacation guide” to everyone, as well as the recommendation of Main Street Landing for our Dinner Cruise. Carrie Green at Main Street Landing was great to work with. She posted a sign outside the dock that said “Welcome Jette Cousins,” a nice touch that everyone appreciated. Last but not least, Tonya Lay at Branson Ticket and Travel was extremely helpful in show selections. She gave us
Jette Cousin Reunion
“Group Prices” that were better than the listed prices. We attended six shows. They were all entertaining, but Haygoods and Magnificent Seven were our favorites. Tanya even arranged for our group to be recognized at intermission during the Haygoods, and we let the crowd know we were there. Also, we received a complimentary DVD of the show. All in all, by the photos taken and comments from everyone, the reunion was a huge success. Thank you for your guidance in planning this event. Contact Julie Peters for all your family & military reunion needs. 417-243-2117, ExploreBranson.com
MASSEY FAMILY REUNION
Cassandra Massey Duncan, coordinator of the Massey Family Reunion, reached out to VisitMacon in Macon, Georgia. The Convention Services Coordinator, Vickia Johnson, reached back and sent a list of hotel room rates and a list of attractions from their website visitmacon.org. My dad picked up Macon visitor guides. Vickia was prompt and answered
any questions I had. Overall, they were responsive, they provided answers to our questions, and they even followed up during our reunion. The only downside is they don’t offer visitor bags with area coupons/discounts, visitor guides, postcards or other city goodies like many cities offer.
THE BBC FAMILY REUNION
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lanning a family reunion is not a simple task. There are a lot of moving parts. The planner has to project how many family members will attend, in order to determine individual registration fees and the activities that can be arranged. Therefore, help from the local Convention and Visitors Bureau is extremely important. In 2016, the BBC (Bradford Brewer Chennault) Family Reunion Committee began to plan the family reunion for 2017. After careful consideration, they selected Springfield, Virginia, as the reunion site. Planners Eddie and Jacklyn Bradford wrote: The planning committee lived in Atlanta, Georgia, and no one had ever been to Springfield, Virginia, so you can imagine
At the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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the challenges the committee faced. With no one on the ground in Springfield, the first calls were to hotels in the area. The next calls were to Visit Fairfax (Virginia). After speaking with VisitFairfax’s Dean Miller, things really began to come together. With his knowledge of Fairfax County and surrounding areas, he answered all our questions about facilities we could use and service providers we could contact. After choosing the Hilton Springfield, we focused on reunion activities. We chose Lake Accotink Park for the Friday picnic. It was an excellent location that provided additional family activities, and the McLaren Sargent Shelter provided ample room for the family. We also needed a caterer for the picnic and chose one with the help of Dean Miller. Then we focused on the Saturday main event, a family trip to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Dean referred several companies to provide transportation to and from the Museum. VisitFairfax provided a gift bag for each family that included information and gifts. The information was very helpful to members who wanted to venture out on their own. We added a few additional gifts and passed the bags out during reunion registration. With help from Dean Miller at Visit Fairfax, and the hotel management, we had a wonderful time in Springfield, Virginia, and look forward to another visit.
convention & visitors bureaus
McCrary Grove Family Reunion
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he McCrary Grove Family Reunion was held in Long Beach California. More than 250 attended from all over the country. The host hotel was the Long Beach Hyatt Regency, and the banquet was held at the convention center. Kristin McGuire wrote: Long Beach Area CVB helped us out and were amazing. We could not have done it without them. They have a program where they partner with local attractions and eateries, called the Show Your Badge. We printed lanyard badges for all our members that got them free admission to the Queen Mary ship, 75% discount at the aquarium and discounts at local restaurants. They provided items for our goody bags – a “What to do in Long Beach” brochure, notepads – and created a custom website for us. Friday morning, we welcomed family with a pancake breakfast at the Long Beach Rainbow Lagoon. Our Banquet was Friday evening at the Convention Center. We honored the eldest from
Goodie bag from Long Beach CVB
Local transportation
each family, Shelvie Mae Cartwright (94) for the McCrary Family and Berniece Guyton (85) for the Grove Family. The reunion pays for hotel accommodations for the elders to make it easier for them to attend. We also enjoyed live music, a photo booth, glow-in-thedark game tables for the kids, and tons of laughter. On Saturday, we enjoyed our family picnic at Shoreline Aquatic Park. We were transported by the Big Red Bus Company of Long Beach, a double-decker bus that drove along the seashore. It was great. Saturday evening we purchased group tickets from Laugh Factory of Long Beach and enjoyed a family comedy show. They gave us VIP seating and a shout out at the start of the show. Sunday we had a family worship service led by family member, Dr. Stanley K. McCrary, Steens, Mississippi. We ended the event at the home of my brother, Rex A. Richardson, Jr., Vice Mayor of the City of Long Beach, for an authentic taco night!
Picnic at Shoreline Aquatic Park
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convention & visitors bureaus hospitality answerman:
5 great things a CVB can do for your reunion
San Diego’s Reunion Specialists 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 • Beautiful and spacious guest rooms • Tropical courtyard with heated pool, spa, shuffleboard • Family style restaurant and cocktail lounge • Non-smoking and disabled access rooms • 9-hole putting course, exercise room • Free airport transfers • Parking fee waived • Kids eat and stay free program
Special Reunion Features • Complimentary one-night stay for reunion planner with site inspection • Complimentary hospitality suite • Senior discounts in our restaurant • Special reunion rates
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 …Sa n Di e g o ’s U n f o r g e t t a b l e L o c a ti o ns
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Q:
The biggest problem our family reunion is having is acquiring meeting space in the hotel for the family to gather for our welcome reception, dinner, and business meeting. The hotels we’ve contacted thus far want an exorbitant amount to use their meeting space, even though we’re reserving 50+ rooms. One hotel wanted $750 to rent a meeting room for two hours on Sunday morning, just so we could gather, say our farewells, and discuss the following year’s reunion. Is there anything we can do about this?
A:
Yes … your first step should be to contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in the location(s) where you’re thinking of getting together. Discuss your requirements in detail with the CVB. Let them know that you strongly prefer to not have to pay to use any of the meeting and function space you’ll need for your reunion. They will communicate this to the hotels when they ask them to bid to host your reunion. Keep in mind that all the following will help reduce the price of your meeting space, ideally down to zero: The larger your room block, the more likely the hotel will offer to provide your complimentary meeting space. The more you are spending on catering with the hotel, the less likely they will need to charge you for meeting space. If you’re already holding a dinner in the hotel, consider adding a breakfast or a welcome reception as well. n A sk the CVB when the “less busy” times of the year are in that destination. What weeks of the month / days of the week are least busy. If possible, hold your reunion over these less busy times, when hotels in the area may be able to offer you meeting space for free in exchange for securing your room block. n E ven small changes can result in big savings. For example, can you have your banquet Sunday, rather than Saturday? Sunday is typically the least busy night of the week in many hotels. Hotels frequently offer meeting space for free and/or reduce the price of your dinner if you help them fill an otherwise empty meeting room on a Sunday night. n This also applies to many major holidays … many hotels will offer discounted pricing over the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving weekend, and the Christmas holiday periods. Be sure to ask if these dates qualify for special pricing.
n
ather than rent a meeting room just to R hold a two-hour business meeting, arrange to hold your meeting in your hospitality suite. This eliminates the need for a second room, and the hotel should be able to pass the savings along to you.
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on’t be afraid to negotiate! If the hotel D says that there will be a $1,000 meeting room rental charge and a $3,000 food and beverage minimum spend, ask if they can waive the meeting space rental charge in exchange for a $3,500 food and beverage minimum spend. It never hurts to ask!
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hen negotiating, know the value of W your business. Be prepared to show the hotel how much you spent at your previous reunion, how many attended, how many rooms you utilized, etc. This establishes you as a serious customer.
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nd finally, be prepared to walk away A and pick another hotel, if the price isn’t to your liking or exceeds your budget. Let the CVB know – up front – what you’re able to spend, and they will assist you in finding the properties that meet your needs – and your budget! Hope you have a great reunion!
About the Hospitality Answerman Dean Miller, national sales director for Visit Fairfax (fxva.com), the convention and visitors bureau in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a great friend of reunions. Contact him (703-790-0643; dmiller@fxva.com) when you are planning a reunion in the Washington, DC, area. Fairfax County is nearby, affordable, and conveniently located to all the area has to offer. Also see all of his Hospitality Answerman columns on reunionsmag.com
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Marine Helicopter Squadron HMM 165 Vets reunite half century later
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oung kids out to explore the world, and ultimately save it if it came to that.” Then, 41 years later and about 9,500 miles from where they last saw each other, five former US Marines reunited recently in Branson, Missouri. Len Sherard, at age 62, was the youngest of the quintet who served together in the South Pacific in the mid-70s, and had the shortest trip – a 3-1/2 hour drive from Overland Park, Kansas. Dan Wolf rode his Harley Davidson from Kingston, Michigan – nine hours on the midwest’s hottest day of the year, while Sal Bellino flew in from Briarcliff, New York. Bud Turner, reliant on a cane after being hit by a car left him paralyzed on his left side, came from San Marcos, Texas. And Joe Costa, who visits his Tulsa, Oklahoma, VA Medical Center to care for his hearing loss. Back in the day, they were helicopter electronics technicians attached to Marine Helicopter Squadron HMM 165 in the Philippines, on a one-year NATO joint-force peacekeeping cruise with the Australians and British. Bellino stored his Marine photos in a plastic bin while others’ Kodachromes fell victim to moves over the years. One shot of Bellino and Turner on the Red China border prompted Sal to tell him a story about being on shore patrol in Hong Kong on New Year’s Day in 1976. Bud replied: “I remember, I was the other guy with you.” While the Vets reminisced, locals offered respect to their visitors by wearing Marine tee shirts or hats, an emotional outpouring Bellino called, “amazing, grounding, humbling.” “We were at a burger place, and this young waitress came over and said, “I want to thank you for your service,’” Bellino says. “Then the manager came over and talked with us – people were genuinely interested, they really cared.” Genuinely, and as much as the reunited Marines cared about each other. “I just had to say good-bye to friends I haven’t seen in 45 years. One of the hardest things I’ve had to do in recent memory,”
Coming soon!
Sherard Tweeted leaving Branson. “There was a little talk about our personal lives and then we were right back there, a bunch of young kids out to explore the world, and ultimately save it if it came to that. These are the guys that had each other’s back each and every minute of each and every day. A bond like that, where we were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, is amazing, and not to be taken lightly.” Bellino said simply, “We all joined the ship and left at different times – in the blink of an eye, someone was gone, all off in different directions – so this was the first time we got to say good-bye to each other.” It was Wolf’s idea for the reunion, using Facebook and togetherweserved.com/ to contact the former Marines. The plan is to do it again in two years, with the marching orders for each to bring along another Marine. Shared by Daniel Quinn, Avon, Connecticut, a friend of Sal Bellino.
Left to Right: Len Sherard, Dan Wolf, Bud Turner, Joe Costa, Sal Bellino.
ATTABOY! The following is a kudo from Tony West for the USS Decatur Association. Subject: Well Done, John Baker... ravo Zulu to John Baker. He fronted the Alaskan reunion cruise for our USS Decatur Association. He continuously stepped up for us and went over and above many times. Every time we had a problem, John responded to it and rectified all situations. He lined up all the “puzzle pieces” and brought them all to convergence, creating a very positive experience for all my sailors. John is personable and charismatic. He is a perfect fit to interact with Navy groups. Pelle Fredriksson, Captain of the Norwegian Jewel, was made an honorary association member. He spent a lot of time with us answering questions. That event was a great experience for all my sailors and should be standard operating procedure for all Navy reunion cruises. Thanks, Tony West, USS Decatur Association Contact John Baker at Holiday Cruises and Tours at john@hcttravel.com. John Baker
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National Museum of the United States Army
onstruction is underway for the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It will celebrate over 240 years of Army history and honor our nation’s soldiers – past, present and future – who served or serve in the regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. The museum is a joint effort between the US Army and The Army Historical Foundation. It will celebrate Army history and traditions and provide educational experiences for visitors. An opening date has not been set, but is estimated to happen in late 2019. Meanwhile, Dean Miller at Visit Fairfax (dmiller@fxva.com) encourages you to plan reunions to visit the new facility!
2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 37
e military reunion news
USS Eugene A. Greene DD/DDR-711 Reunion “Friends come and go, but shipmates are forever.”
USS Eugene A. Greene DD/DDR-711 Reunion
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urricanes Harvey, Jose, and Maria spun clear of Charleston, South Carolina, and spared the USS Eugene A. Greene Association Reunion. Charleston was chosen for the Navy Destroyer reunion because of its Naval and military history. Charleston was also our ship’s 50th anniversary reunion city in 1995. Reunions are typically held Monday through Friday, every two years, in a different city. The reunion began on Monday with registration at the Doubletree Hotel in North Charleston. Sixty-four crewmembers and guests attended. Hosts were Tom and Linda Weir. The hotel provided a hospitality room where attendees renewed old friendships. Memorabilia – cruise books, pictures and newspaper articles – brought back many memories. On Tuesday a bus tour of Patriots Point and lunch on board USS Yorktown was followed by a tour of the submarine H.L. Hunley. A second tour was provided for those who wanted to visit Magnolia Plantation. The evening was completed with Mysteries of the Mind, a magic show by Professor Tom Phoolery. After Wednesday’s complete tour of Charleston, everyone enjoyed an afternoon of “free time,” visiting historic Charleston’s homes, churches and markets. The USS Eugene A. Greene Association business meeting was held on Thursday morning, and it was decided unanimously that the next reunion should be held in Mobile, Alabama. Donations were approved in the amounts of $200 to Tin Can Sailors, and $200 to the US Navy Memorial.
After a social hour and rousing sing-along, the group moved to the dining room for the evening banquet. The evening USS Greene banquet was a South Carolina Low Country Buffet. Retired Senior Chief John Branning, Superintendent of Ships Buffalo Naval Station, was a guest speaker. He spoke about “passing on” the heritage and legacy of US Naval Service to the next generation. Captain Arthur (Bill) Pattee, USN Ret., Commanding Officer April 1971 to August 1972, distributed his printed account of the transfer of USS Eugene A. Greene to the Spanish Armada. Dean Nimocks, EMC, USN Ret, representing Goose Creek Tin Can Sailors, introduced guest speaker, Captain Patrick Keaveny, USN Ret., Charleston Council Navy League. He spoke about the future Naval and Coast Guard involvement and strategic importance of Charleston, South Carolina. The banquet concluded with an opportunity raffle. Officers of our ship’s reunion association finance the reunion. Initial upfront expenses are paid by reunion association member dues. The increasing age of shipmates has mostly determined when new leadership is needed. Some children have come to reunions for additional information their fathers might never have shared. We encourage open discussions about time on board the ship and at daily reunion tours and activities. Memorabilia items, raffle items, pictures, other things of interest and, of course, sea stories are brought to share for discussion. From reports by Robert J. Clark, Louisville, Kentucky, and Tom Weir, Seneca, South Carolina.
Folded Flag Foundation awards scholarships
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he Folded Flag Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to honoring the legacy of our fallen heroes by helping their families with financial support for education. 38 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
The Folded Flag Foundation awards educational grants to scholarship recipients that help families across the US with funding for K-12, private school tuition, college expenses and trade school education.
Visit www.FoldedFlagFoundation.org.
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USS John Young welcomes special guests
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hipmates from USS John Young recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning in Mobile, Alabama. Planner Michael Trotta located a family of Vietnamese refugees who were rescued by the ship in 1981 and invited them to the reunion. We’re going to let the special guests tell their reunion stories! Thao Nguyen spoke at the reunion dinner, and Jackie OrbonNguyen told her story later on Facebook. Thao Nguyen spoke at the reunion When I was 17 months old, my family Kiet Nguyen Thanh Ha Shaw escaped Vietnam on a small fishing boat in hopes of a new life. After we had been attacked by pirates and left stranded in the South China
Sea, a US Navy ship, USS John Young, rescued us. I never imagined meeting my rescuers again until a year ago, when seaman Michael Trotta found me online and invited me to the 40th anniversary reunion. I was reunited with the sailors who rescued us 37 years ago. It was surreal to hear them say, “I was the one who saw your boat on radar,” and “I was the one who drove the whaleboat out to you.” They showed me photos and shared their memories of us, the “boat people.” They recalled making showers for us out of tubing and giving us their own clothes. Being at the reunion was one of the best days of my life. I got to thank the seamen in person and tell them what they did
mattered and that they were an answer to prayer. In return, they told me I was part of their crew and family. A sailor looked at me and said, “You’re home.” Thank you, seamen Ernie Reichert, David Stewart, James A. Rotert, Daniel Jordan, Tim Powers, Marc Cohen, Ralph Van Winkle, Steve Greer, Mark Taylor, Carl Oshiro. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
Jackie Orbon-Nguyen told her story on Facebook Today, a week after attending the USS John Young DD-973 Reunion, I want to tell how our family and the ship connected. On a calm day, April 16, 1981, the powerful US Navy destroyer rescued our boat from the Pacific Ocean. Our boat was full to the rim with people. Our journey leaving Vietnam was short but not less scary. I’m pretty sure my fellow Vietnamese Refugee boat people would be able to beat my story any day with more horrified details. I was on the boat with four of my siblings (two brothers, two sisters), my cousin and my uncle. The ship was between our boat and a Thai pirate boat when the ship saw our boat. We were so lucky to be picked up by the ship and taken care by the crew before we were dropped off at Singapore Refugee camp. I often thought about the ship and the sailors I met. I wondered if I’d ever meet them again. And here I was attending a DD-973 Reunion and met quite a few of the sailors who were on the Maiden Voyage that rescued us. And this was a destiny for me to meet Ernie Reichert, who gave my brother the “famous”
John Young t-shirt and gave me a beautiful letter. I met Mark Taylor who came to the camp and gave me his address. I met Charlie, Jim R., Marc, Tim, Steve, Dave, Ralph, Mike, Art, Jim M., Shawn and many more sailors who served on the ship from 1978 to until the day she was decommissioned. I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet you to tell you my sea stories from my perspective. I am grateful for your service. I’m grateful for the chance to shake your hands and say “thank you.” I truly believe in paying forward, and what you all had done 37 years ago were so kind and generous. These actions were all part of your duties, but they were not lacking kindness, nor lacking human connection. Thanks, Mike & Rachel, to organize the event so that I had an opportunity to spend three wonderful days to know the sailors who helped us, share a few meals, listen to ship stories and make a few more friends in life. This reunion will be on my mind like that orange soda on the ship! May the Destroyer rest in peace under 2000 feet of water and may the crew live on with its proud sea stories and let’s keep the connections that you have made. Thank you. Shared by Michael Trotta, Holiday, Florida.
(l to r) Jackie Orbon-Nguyen, Ernest “Chip” Reichert and Julie Nguyen.
Bill and Thanh Ha Shaw, their son, Trevor, Kim Nguyen, Thao Nguyen , Bill Nguyen and Tristan Shaw.
2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 39
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 at any time you find any info that is inaccurate or e-mail or web links do not work, notify us immediately at editor@reunionsmag.com; PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. And by all means, feel free to comment and/or suggest changes and additions you’d like to see in this section. Reunions magazine will not be held liable for information presented as facts in these ads. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication.
ALABAMA GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2200 Ninth Ave. North, Birmingham AL 35203 Birmingham is becoming one of the most celebrated reunion cities in the southeast. The success of your reunion depends on its early groundwork. The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to help. For more information regarding reunion services, please contact the Convention Bureau at 205-458-8000 | 800-458-8085 fax 205-458-8086 | www.inbirmingham.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 11.
Diego Bayside across from San Diego Bay. Experienced staff will assist you to create a very special event. Complimentary hospitality suite. Special reunion rates. Beautiful guest rooms, heated pool, spa, shuffleboard, ping-pong, exercise room, family restaurant (kids 19 + under stay free, up to 4 kids 12 + under per dining adult eat free). Free: airport shuttle, Happy Hour appetizers (Mon-Fri), Keurig coffee makers, refrigerators, hair dryers. Parking fee may be reduced/waived. Contact jodie@holinnbayside. com | www.holinnbayside.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 36.
PALM MOUNTAIN RESORT & SPA 155 South Belardo, Palm Springs CA 92262 760-449-5013 | palmmountainresort.com THE ALISAL GUEST RANCH 1054 Alisal Road, Solvang CA 93463 877-648-7097 | reservations@alisal.com www.alisal.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 30. MARBLE MOUNTAIN RANCH 92520 Hwy 96, Somes Bar CA 95568 800-552-6284 guestranch@marblemountainranch.com www.marblemountainranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 31.
COLORADO
HORSESHOE CANYON RANCH HC 70 Box 261 Jasper AR 72641 800-480-9635 | info@gohcr.com www.horseshoecanyonduderanch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 31.
RAINBOW TROUT GUEST RANCH 1484 Forest Service Rd 250, Antonito CO 81120 800-633-3397 | info@rainbowtroutranch.com www.rainbowtroutranch.com ELK MOUNTAIN RANCH PO Box 910, Buena Vista CO 81211 800-432-8812 | info@elkmtn.com www.elkmtn.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 30. COLORADO TRAILS RANCH 12161 Country Rd 240, Durango, CO 81301 1-800-323-3833 | info@coloradotrails.com www.coloradotrails.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 30. C LAZY U RANCH PO Box 379 Granby CO 80446 970-887-3344 | info@clazyu.com www.clazyu.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 30. DROWSY WATER RANCH PO BOX 147, Granby CO 80446 | 800-845-2292 info@drowsywater.com | www.drowsywater.com SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH 2939 N County Road 31D, Loveland CO 80538 970-667-3915 | ranch@sylvandale.com www.sylvandale.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 30.
CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA
GREENHORN CREEK GUEST RANCH 2116 Greenhorn Ranch Rd, Quincy CA 95971 800-334-6939 | ride@greenhornranch.com www.greenhornranch.com HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE 4875 N Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92106 619-224-3621; 800-650-6660; fax 619-224-1787 Host your reunion at beautiful Holiday Inn San
EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE 215 Celebration Place, Suite 200, Kissimmee, FL 34747 Kissimmee, Florida, the gateway to fun and next to Orlando is your gateway to the perfect location for your next reunion. We offer planning assistance to reunions of all sizes and budgets. Let us help you make planning your next reunion
ARIZONA ELKHORN RANCH 27000 W. Elkhorn Ranch Road, Tucson AZ 85736 520-822-1040 | office@elkhornranch.com elkhornranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 31. WHITE STALLION RANCH 9251 W Twin Peaks Road, Tucson AZ 85743 888-977-2624 | info@whitestallion.com www.whitestallion.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 30. KAY EL BAR GUEST RANCH 37411 S Kay el Bar Road, Wickenburg, AZ 85390 928-684-7593 | info@kayelbar.com www.kayelbar.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 31. STAGECOACH TRAILS GUEST RANCH 19985 S Doc Holliday Rd., Yucca AZ 86438 866-444-4471 | vacation@stgr.com www.stagecoachtrailsranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 31.
ARKANSAS
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easy. Plus … we’ll provide your reunion T-shirts free! For details see ReunionsInKissimmee.com or call our reunions specialist at 407-569-4855 email JShives@ExperienceKissimmee.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 17.
GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 701 Brickell Ave, Suite 2700, Miami, FL 33131 305.539.3000 | 800.933.8448 www.miamiandbeaches.com | Pam Payano ppayano@gmcvb.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 27.
GEORGIA VISIT SANDY SPRINGS 5920 Roswell Rd., Suite A-118, Sandy Springs GA 30328 866-511-7742 | hospitality@sandyspringsga.org www.visitsandysprings.org Conveniently located minutes from Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Georgia has 20 hotels and more than 50,000 square feet of meeting space. Contact us today to start planning your reunion in Sandy Springs!
ILLINOIS Plan an unforgettable reunion in LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS – We’ll work together to help you plan a family experience 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 kimberly@lakecounty.org LakeCountyReunions.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 13.
LOUISIANA ATTRACTION Make your family or military reunion a unique and memorable occasion at THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM! Ranked the #1 attraction in New Orleans, this remarkable venue is an incomparable experience for all generations. Customize your reunion with a guided group tour, live BB’s Stage Door Canteen lunch or dinner show, and more! The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans LA 70130 group.sales@nationalww2museum.org 877-813-3329 x222 nationalww2museum.org/groups
MARYLAND UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center 52 King George Street, Annapolis MD 21402 410-293-8687 | fax 410-293-3365 tourinfo@usna.edu www.usnabsd.com/for-visitors/ THE DEEP CREEK EXPERIENCE Find the perfect reunion destination tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains of western Maryland. The Deep Creek area is a four-season destination with a bevy of outdoor adventure year round. Explore our cool mountain waters, whether it be on Deep Creek Lake, our rivers or waterfalls. Your group will love our location, central to several major cities (3 hours from Baltimore & D.C., 2 hours from Pittsburgh and
REUNION RESOURCES four hours from Cleveland and Columbus). 15 Visitors Center Drive, Mc Henry MD 21541, 301-387-5238 | fax 301-334-8073 jen@garrettchamber.com | deepcreekreunions. com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 24.
BAR W GUEST RANCH 2875 Hwy 93 West, Whitefish MT 59937 866-828-2900 | info@thebarw.com www.thebarw.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 31.
MINNESOTA
NEVADA
WORRY-FREE REUNIONS AT CRAGUN’S RESORT 11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd MN 56401 (833) 604-0206 Since 1940 Cragun’s has taken pride in creating memorable reunions...here’s why: 1) trained coordinator will help plan it all, 2) arrival “Welcome” and registration areas with planned activity agendas, 3) activities including golf outings, lake cruises, picnics, fishing contests, horse drawn trolley rides and more, 4) indoor facilities to ensure you a “weather-proof” reunion, 5) private gathering areas, 6) special celebration meals, 7) professional group photos, 8) and best of all, enjoy a safe, secure friendly environment. Come to Cragun’s for your reunion. Named “One of MN’s ideal locations to hold a Reunion.” by AAA. Call for FREE Reunion Planning Packet or visit: https://www.craguns. com/family-reunions/?NCK=8336040206
EASTSIDE CANNERY CASINO HOTEL 5255 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas NV 89122 702-856-5300 | www.eastsidecannery.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 20 & 21. GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO 4000 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas NV 89103 702-251-3560 | 800-331-5334 x 400 www.goldcoastcasino.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 20 & 21. SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL 5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas NV 89122 702-454-8122 | 800-897-8696 www.samstownlv.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 20 & 21. SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas NV 89145 702-636-7050 | 866-816-7111 www.suncoastcasino.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 20 & 21. THE ORLEANS HOTEL & CASINO 4500 W Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas NV 89103 702-365-7050 | 800-835-2300 www.orleanscasino.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 20 & 21. CANNERY CASINO HOTEL 2121 East Craig Road, Las Vegas, NV 89030 866-999-4899 | fax 702-507-5778 www.cannerycasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 20 & 21. ALIANTE CASINO + HOTEL + SPA 7300 Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas, NV 89084 877-477-7627 | www.aliantegaming.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 20 & 21.
MISSOURI BRANSON YELLOW ROSE INN AND SUITES 3140 Falls Parkway, Branson MO 65616 The award winning Branson Yellow Rose Inn & Suites features 103 beautiful, soundproof ultra clean & very comfortable Guest Rooms & Suites. Enjoy the quiet and beautiful views of the Ozark hills from your room, our gazebos, or the outdoor pool. Free hot deluxe breakfast included. Elevator on site. 417-334-1717 | gm.yellowrose@gmail.com bransonyellowroseinnandsuites.com http://bransonyellowroseinnandsuites.com/ EXPLORE BRANSON in Southwest Missouri, surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Call the Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau to assist you in locating lodging for your next reunion in this ideal destination at the center of America’s heartland! Family values and budgets are honored! Branson’s breathtaking scenery, genuine patriotism, live music shows, exciting attractions for all ages, and authentic southern hospitality create memories worth re-living! Whether your reunion is family, military, or graduating class, request Welcome Bags and the Branson Reunion Planner Kit: Julie Peters, CTIS, CEP | 417-243-2117 Email: jpeters@bransoncvb.com Visit: www. ExploreBranson.com/groups SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON THE INSIDE FRONT COVER.
MONTANA Minutes from YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA, offers both exhilarating adventures and a variety of comfortable accommodations – making it the idea place for your next reunion. Contact Info: 303 Canyon St. Suite C, West Yellowstone, MT 59758 406-640-0069, kcoffintbid@gmail.com https://yellowstonedestination.com/meet-in-west/
NORTH CAROLINA CABARRUS COUNTY, NC Located just outside of Charlotte, NC, we are “Where Racing Lives!” - Shift your reunion into high gear with over 30 hotels to choose from. Enjoy: Shopping, Arts & Culture, Race Shops, Restaurants, Historic Sites, Museums and of course Charlotte Motor Speedway. Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau 10099 Weddington Road, Suite 102, Concord NC 28027 800.848.3740 | www.visitcabarrus.com HALIFAX COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 260 Premier Blvd., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 800-522-4282 | info@visithalifax.com www.visithalifax.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON THE INSIDE BACK COVER. WILMINGTON N.C. AND ISLAND BEACHES Wilmington, N.C., and its three island beaches offer a vibrant variety of experiences from the river to the sea, from its walkable River District anchored by a scenic Riverwalk with more than 200 restaurants, shops and attractions, to a vintage beachside boardwalk and Ocean Front Park. Get together and see where the water takes
you in N.C.’s most accessible coastal destination. For group itineraries & events: NCCoastalMeetingsReunions.com | 800-650-9064
TENNESSEE CHATTANOOGA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU We are ready to host your next family or military reunion. Our staff works closely with the hotels, attractions, tour companies and you to provide exactly what you need to have a great reunion. Contact Dawn Gilbert at 800-964-8600 ext. 3057 or by e-mail at dawng@chattanoogacvb.com to begin planning your next reunion! www.chattanoogafun.com/meetings/ SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 7. GRAND OLE OPRY 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214 Contact Attraction Sales | 615-871-5403 www.opry.com | www.opryevents.com Have a reunion with the show that made Country Music Famous!
TEXAS PEARLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 11200 Broadway Street #1390, Pearland TX 77584 Contact Megan Flowers, 281-997-5970 pearlandcvb@pearlandtx.gov www.visitpearland.com/reunions PLANO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Located just minutes from Dallas, Plano is the perfect place to stay. You will find unique and entertaining attractions, a multitude of restaurants for every taste and style, and all the shopping you could ever want, as well as a variety of hotel and lodging offerings. Let Blaire at the Plano Convention and Visitors Bureau assist you in all your travel planning needs. bzahn@plano.gov 800-81-PLANO | visitplano.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 7.
VIRGINIA BEST WESTERN INN FAIRFAX 3535 Chainbridge Road, Fairfax VA 22030 | 703-591-5500 703-591-7483 | bwfairfax@juno.com www.bestwestern.com/fairfax. FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA 3702 Pender Drive, Suite 420, Fairfax VA 22030 Enjoy everything that Northern Virginia has to offer. From the monuments and memorials of nearby Washington, DC to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Fairfax County is the ideal location for your military or family reunion. Call Visit Fairfax at 703-752-9509, and Dean Miller, our reunion specialist, will go to work for you! dmiller@fxva.com | fxva.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON THE BACK COVER. NEWPORT NEWS Get closer to ships, history and the great outdoors with one central destination: Newport News, Virginia. Get all this, plus Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, too! Whether getting together with old classmates, shipmates or relatives, Newport News provides the perfect location and services to make your reunion a success. We offer the best value and plenty to 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 41
REUNION RESOURCES see and do. Let Newport News make your next reunion a memorable one. Call Andrea Moran at 888-493-7386 or e-mail her at amoran@nnva.gov to book your reunion today! www.newport-news.org STAFFORD COUNTY DEPT OF TOURSIM Military Reunions are easier in Stafford/Quantico VA! Our lodging choices, complete with hospitality rooms, are as close as 10 minutes from MCB Quantico. Washington DC lies only 35 miles north. Enjoy 100+ restaurants, including the famed Globe & Laurel, championship golf, civil war military museums, natural preserves, historic sites and spouse-friendly activities. Custom tours available. Plan now to see the “Final Phase” of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Contact Lisa Logan, 540-658-4580 tourism@staffordcountyva.gov www.tourstaffordva.com
WASHINGTON SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE REGIONAL TOURISM AUTHORITY The ideal location for your Pacific Northwest reunion, Seattle Southside offers convenient access to Sea-Tac Intl. Airport, a short Link Light Rail ride to downtown Seattle, and more affordable hotel rates to make your event a success. Seattle Southside is home to the world-renowned Museum of Flight, the largest private air and space museum in the world, and Westfield Southcenter, the largest shopping center in the Pacific Northwest, in addition to iFLY Indoor Skydiving, SyKart go-cart racing, and the Highline Botanical Gardens. You can also visit the sites in downtown
Seattle, including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, with ease on the Light Link Rail. Contact staff today for itinerary planning, complimentary area guides and maps, photo library, and requests for proposal coordination for transportation, accommodations and attractions. Contact: Meagan McGuire 206-686-7261 meagan@seattlesouthside.com www.reuniteinseattlesouthside.com TRAVEL TACOMA + PIERCE COUNTY 1516 Commerce St. Tacoma WA 98402 Our region serves up an array of activities and meeting spaces for your guests. The area can accommodate meetings and budgets of all sizes with more than 5,700 hotel rooms including boutique, limited and full-service hotels and plenty of meeting + exhibit space. When in downtown Tacoma, stroll across the Bridge of Glass displaying artist Dale Chihuly’s work. Visit world-class history and art museums, take a glass blowing class at a local hot shop and see collector vehicles at the largest automotive museum in North America: LeMay—America’s Car Museum. In the evenings, check out the self-guided craft beer crawl or stroll along Tacoma’s waterfront, enjoying regional cuisine. Contact: Rena Yadrick | 253-830-6799 rena@traveltacoma.com | traveltacoma.com
WYOMING PARADISE GUEST RANCH PO Box 790 Buffalo WY 82834 307-684-7876 | FUN@paradiseranch.com www.paradiseranch.com
DISPLAY ADVERTISER INDEX CA Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside
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NV Boyd Gaming Casinos
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Dude Ranchers’ Association
VOL 26 NO 2 $5/USA
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Reunion Planners Notebook
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUS ST Advertiser
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AL Birmingham CVB
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FL Experience Kissimmee
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FL Miami (Greater) CVB
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IL
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Lake County CVB IL
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MD Deep Creek Experience/ 24 Garrett County Chamber of Commerce MO Branson CVB
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NC Halifax County CVB
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TN Chattanooga CVB
7
TX Plano CVB
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VA Fairfax CVB / Visit Fairfax/ FXVA 42 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
OBC
DUDE RANCHERS’ ASSOCIATION 1122 12th Street, Cody WY 82414 Helping people find quality Dude and Guest Ranch vacations since 1926. Let us help you find the perfect all-inclusive location for your next reunion. Call 866-399-2339 e-mail colleen@duderanch.org www.duderanch.org SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 30 & 31. LAZY L & B RANCH 1072 East Fork Road, Dubois WY 82513 800-453-9488 | ranch@lazylb.com www.lazylb.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 30. GOOSEWING RANCH PO Box 4084, Jackson WY 83001 888-733-5251 | info@goosewingranch.com www.goosewingranch.com RAWAH RANCH 11447 N County Road 103, Jelm WY 82063 800-510-7071 | info@rawahranch.com www.rawahranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 31. THE HIDEOUT LODGE & GUEST RANCH PO Box 165, Shell WY 82441 800-354-8637 | info@thehideout.com www.thehideout.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 30. EATONS’ RANCH 270 Eatons Ranch Road, Wolf WY 82844 1-800-210-1049 | info@eatonsranch.com www.eatonsranch.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 31.
BACK ISSUES REUNIONS MAGAZINE
CREATE A REUNION WEBSITE AND SO MUCH MORE
ORDER NOW FOR WELCOME/ GOODIE BAGS There are still back/remainder issues of Reunions magazine available FREE for the cost of packing and shipping. If your reunion has been featured and you want copies, call now! We will continue this offer until our supply (going back 28 years) is gone. Many issues have “sold out” so order now, don’t wait until your next reunion! Contact Karla @ 414-263-4567 or klavin@reunionsmag.com.
It’s fast and easy to use. Your reunion website has great features and planning tools including online registration, rsvp, ticket payment, fundraising, message boards, family tree, guest book, photo albums, and the best customer service with unlimited support. No credit card required for the free trial! If you choose to purchase services, enter coupon code ReunionsMagazine20 for a 20% discount. Any Questions - 877-769-3836.
CREATE A FAMILY REUNION YEARBOOK FAMILY REUNION YEARBOOKS THROUGH WEEVA. COM allow you to preserve your family history, effortlessly. Invite your family to add their stories and photos, and store them all in one place for free. Each year, when you’re ready, hit publish and they create a stunning keepsake family reunion book. These books are passed down for generations. Start now at Weeva.com.
LOOKING FOR A HOTEL? Let reunionsmag.hotelplanner.com help you
find hotels for your reunion. We’ll assign you a local planner in your destination. This planner will assist in negotiating meeting space, food and hotel room rate terms for your family reunion. They can also advise on what hotels have the best proximity to activities and dining. Get competing bids from reunion friendly hotels. Their services are free! Visit https://reunionsmag.hotelplanner.com/
LOOKING FOR A REUNION? Upcoming family, class and military reunions edited daily online @ reunionsmag.com. Add yours. Someone may be looking! https:// reunionsmag.com/add-upcoming-reunion/
R EU N I T E in Halifax County, NC
Let us make planning your next family reunion as EASY as Grandma’s apple pie! Conveniently located on Interstate 95 midway between New York and Florida. The Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to help make your family reunion memorable by offering... · complimentary welcome reception with cookies & lemonade · assistance with hotel arrangements, including group discounts · trip planning & tailored itineraries for your family · resources for venues, meals & catering, banners, photographers, videographers, tent & chair rental etc.
“Thank you for all of your assistance with making this year’s reunion particularly special.” ~ Powell Moody Family Reunion ~
NORTH CAROLINA
Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau 260 Premier Blvd | Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
(800) 522-4282 visithalifax.com 2018 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 43
P.O. Box 11727 v Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 R EU N ION CELEB R ATIONS!
