Reunions Magazine Volume 32 Number 2 Virtual Edition June 2023

McCullah-Wasson Family Reunion

Neal Family Reunion AKA cousins

in this special issue

DEPARTMENTS

FRONT WORDS – 4

ALUM & I – 6

Class Reunions are Murder by Libby Klein

Nothing and Nobody by Sarah Layden

5 things to do one month before your high school reunion by Cyndi Clamp

Fun conversation starter for your high school reunion by Cyndi Clamp

BRANCH OFFICE – 8

Quote from Reunion planner and genealogist, Carole Neal

Incorporate family history into your reunion

SCRAPBOOK – 11

Reunion School

Quote from Reunion planner and genealogist, Carole Neal

National Family Reunion Institute: tax exempt! by Suzanne Vargus Holloman

AI and the future of reunions by Josiah Schmidt

How will we ever pull this together? by Katherine Schmidt Patrick

International African American Museum

Help yourself to reunion giveaways!

Tips for a successful road trip to your reunion

Consider attending an ethnic festival

Welcome bags

MASTERPLAN – 18

Reunion love is in the air! by Carole Neal

McCullah-Wasson Family Reunion by Caleb Carter

1891: A legacy begins, a tradition continues by Phyllis Keown Winton

Reunion thoughts by Paula Sheagley

Javernic Family Reunion by Ellen Javernick

Get’em talking: Conversation starters for your family reunion by Lisa A. Alzo, MFA

FEATURES – 30

Guinness World (Reunion) Records Reunion food

Hospitality Answerman by Dean Miller

MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 41

Missing Man Tables from Fayetteville CVB

The Highground Veterans Park

USS John Young reunion, New Navy Museum planned, The American Battle Monuments

PRESERVING MEMORIES – 43

VIVID-PIX®

REUNION RESOURCES – 48

A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products.

ON THE COVER

McCullah-Wasson Family Reunion, Neal Family Reunion AKA cousins, Javermick Family Reunion, (Mc)KHTB Family Reunion

Reunion Celebrations v June 2023

Volume 32 v Number 2

PUBLISHER

Rick Voight

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Edith Wagner editor@reunionsmag.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Mary Catherine Stern

ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Rueth

SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER

Roberta McLoud roberta@reunionsmag.com

WEB WIZARDS

Mickel Arce • Howard Ehrenberg • Chris Thompson

HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN

Dean Miller

CONTRIBUTORS

Lisa A. Alzo, MFA • Caleb Carter Cyndi Clamp • Suzanne Vargus Holloman

Ellen Javernick • Carole Neal

Katherine Schmidt Patrick

Josiah Schmidt • Paula Sheagley

Phyllis Keown Winton

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

Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this book except pages which encourage sharing. Please explain your intended use when requesting permission to reprint 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 self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), submissions and photos will not be returned. All materials sent for publication become property of Reunions magazine, Inc. Advertising information contact Reunions magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 | 414-467-8104 roberta@reunionsmag.com | www.reunionsmag.com © 2023 Reunions magazine, Inc.

Reunion season 2023 is officially here. Memorial Day is generally acknowledged as the start of reunion season. Now through Labor Day is officially family and class reunion season while military reunions proliferate right after Labor Day through early November. In fact, we’re seeing many more upcoming reunions listed and hope if you’ve not already listed yours, that you’ll do it right now. Here’s a convenient link to make that happen: www.reunionsmag.com/add-upcoming-reunion/ In this issue

You’ll find many ideas for your reunion in this issue. For your class reunion there are suggestions for things to do a month before the event and a conversation starter at the reunion. You’ll find ideas for ways to incorporate family history into your reunion program and a quick review of attempts by reunions to top the Guinness World Record for largest reunion. It seems the 4,514 member Porteau-Boileve Family Reunion in France will hold on to the title! Then, there’s lots of help planning for that all important reunion favorite: food. It includes explanations of free forms you can use to guide planning various food events. Of course, there are very interesting family reunion reports. And we hope YOU or some member of your reunion group will be inspired to add your reunion report, pictures and/or video to a feature. Send to editor@reunionsmag.com

Add your reunion!

If you’ve thought about contributing a report or story about your family, class, military or other reunion, now’s the time to do it! We eagerly await news of your reunion, its activities, programs, surprises and plans. If you have questions, contact me and I’ll answer and encourage you to celebrate your reunion in the pages of Reunions magazine! Send your questions and report to editor@reunionsmag.com. And don’t forget to include pictures and/or videos. Pictures and videos must be yours to use and you authorize us to use. Send high resolution pictures (250KB or higher, if digital, and 300 dpi, if scanned). Please send videos as an .mp4, .mov, or .wmv video file via www.wetransfer.com (a free transfer service that allows up to 2GB to be sent).

Support

our supporters!

We have a very impressive longevity situation in this issue’s family reunions. The McCullah-Wasson Family (page 21) reports about their 133-year reunions while the (Mc)KHTB (McKeown/ Keown-Hubbard-Tolbert-Brown-Bush) Family (page 25) report 132 annual reunions. And I thought my (adopted) Seidemann Family Reunion celebrating 90 this year is pretty spectacular. Well, it is, of course, but others, obviously, started much earlier!

Looking to the reunion future, Josiah Schmidt, Hans Schmidt Family Reunion planner, provides the first in a series of articles about how AI (page 13), that mysterious thing we’ve all been hearing about can benefit reunions and reunion planning. I’ll admit that as editor, I continue to be mystified but am glad Josiah is on board to help with ways to help your reunion!

We could not provide this issue, our newsletters, nor all the material on the web, without our advertisers. They are eager to help you achieve a successful reunion. Many advertisers have special staff to cater to your reunion needs. See ads, explore listings at the end of this issue and visit their web sites for lots more information. Read about them … then, patronize these reunion friendly businesses who look forward to serving you.

We are optimistic that this will be a grand reunion season. We look forward to learning about your reunion, sharing ideas that celebrate your reunion and inspire others to reunion success. EW

Grandma Millie Mason surrounded by her grandchildren all grown now, who will be at the Mason Cousins Reunion later this year (see page 27).

Lake County, Illinois is reunion-perfec t.

It’s time to reconnect – in-person – with the ones you love. Lake County is just north of Chicago and delivers the perfect backdrop to get together with your family again. Experience world-class attractions like Six Flags Great America, Hurricane Harbor Great Wolf Lodge. Enjoy beautiful landscapes with 75 lakes and beaches. Explore Forest Preserves, including Independence Grove, which provides ideal picnic locations with lots of activities to enjoy. There’s also wonderful dining, entertainment, hotels and resorts for your big event. In Lake County, Illinois, your reunion will be truly unforgettable.

Contact reunion expert, Kimberly Ghys, Kimberly@LakeCounty.org to start your planning!

Class

Reunions are Murder by Libby Klein (2018, 397 pages, paperback, Kensington Publishing Corp)

This is a quick fun read with lots to relate to for anyone considering a class reunion. Poppy McAllister learns about the 25-year class reunion while still in mourning for her recently deceased husband. Her best high school friend urges her to make the trip to New Jersey, but she intends to stay only a couple days before returning to her Virginia home.

The usual cast of high school characters are at the reunion and play their parts well. The cheerleaders, jocks and cliques all assemble until there is an unfortunate rumble ending in Poppy discovering the dead body of her high school nemesis next to her old school locker. Another classmate is a police officer and arrests her assuming Poppy is the perpetrator. The classmate treats it as an open and shut case and warns Poppy to not play detective which, of course, is where the action actually begins. Suspects, of course, are all classmates about whom we learn as Poppy continues the search to prove her innocence.

There are many distractions and characters as Poppy proceeds to do her undercover sleuthing. She is staying with an eccentric elderly aunt whom social services is trying to get to sell her house and move to assisted living. There is an old boyfriend who shows interest while an attractive café owner also gets Poppy’s attention. The clique of girlfriends is around whenever Poppy needs aid, comfort or cover. The police officer often catches Poppy in action and intensifies her warnings and threats of arrest and incarceration. There is a consistent humor in Poppy’s internal musings as well as in conversations with Aunt Ginny and her cat, Figero.

As often happens in mysteries, the end is a complete surprise that makes perfect sense and Poppy is exonerated. Class Reunions Are Murder is entertaining, humorous, and captivating! EW

Nothing and Nobody from Imagine Your Life Like This, a collection of short stories by Sarah Layden (2023, 152 pages, paperback, $18.95, University of Wisconsin Press)

Nothing and Nobody is about a recently divorced couple who were classmates in high school and are facing their 15-year reunion. Nancy was class president, thus she is tasked with reunion planning. She has assigned Billy, her ex, to organize a picture display for the event which he is less than enthusiastic about or engaged in. But in searching for pictures, he is reminded of a brief encounter in high school with Cecelia whom he was attracted to. While Nancy kept asking if Billy was bringing a date to the reunion, he was hoping Cecelia would be there and he had set aside pictures particularly of her. Since high school, Cecelia had come out and was hoping to not have to reveal her sexual preference at the reunion. It never came up and Billy destroyed a picture of Cecelia when he saw her. His photo display was simply photos spread out on a table indicative of his enthusiasm for the task. This is a very short story which may actually generate memories for some readers!

5 things to do one month before your high school reunion

Decide what to wear.

Whatever the dress code, it is most important to be comfortable in your own personal style. If you’re more confident in a pantsuit than a cocktail dress, wear it. No one will remember what you wore, only what a great time they had. Confidence is the best accessory.

Think about what stories to share at the reunion.

Stories about your triumphs, adventures, transformations, or struggles are real and engaging. You’ll be respected more for what

stories you shared than what things you boasted about that night. Of course, bring pictures of your kids.

Make plans for a pre-reunion lunch.

Enjoy your best high school friends with a pre-reunion get together. That way you’ll have more time to mingle with other classmates at the reunion. Reunion night goes by quickly and there will be many classmates you’ll want to see.

Take some time to look through your yearbook or scrapbook.

You may not remember names, but you’ll

recognize the faces. You’ll also be surprised at the stories you remember as you flip through the pages.

Don’t buy into reunion stereotypes. Realize that regardless of what life was like in high school, it has been years since graduation. A lot has changed and who you were then isn’t who you are now. The same is true for everyone else. Classmates are generally interested in you, and are looking forward to seeing you at the reunion. If you don’t feel as if you’ve done anything impressive, so what? Other classmates haven’t either.

Fun conversation starter for your high school reunion

Try this fun idea for your high school reunion. As a reunion icebreaker, post this question for your classmates to answer: Before our next reunion, I want to…

How interesting to find out what your classmates want to accomplish in their lifetimes. Take pictures of the responses to share on Facebook or your website after the reunion. Save copies to include 5 or 10 years later at your next reunion event.

These are a few ways you can create a question and answer board: @ Hang poster board around the room with the question and space for the answers. Make sure classmates add their names.

@ Use large flip chart pads and pre-write the question on multiple pages. As paper fills up with answers, take off the top sheet and tape it to the wall. By the end of the evening, you’ve added to your reunion decorations with personal responses from your classmates.

@ Or you can collect answers before the reunion. Ask the question on the reunion registration form and/or on Facebook. Use the responses as part of a slide show, or print out and place on cocktail tables around the room. This would be a great conversation starter during the evening.

Shared by Cyndi Clamp, Varsity Reunion Services, cyndi@varsityreunions.com

Pompano Beach, Florida, Senior High School, home of the Golden Tornadoes, Class of 1964, 50th reunion in Deerfield Beach, Florida

Quitman County Industrial High School Class of 1966 –50th Anniversary Celebration, 2016 in Marks, MS

Texas High School Class of 1994 20-Year Reunion, Texarkana, Texas

Jackson High School Class of 1990 20th Reunion

Lowell High School, San Francisco, California, 50th Reunion

Christian County High School, Hopkinsville KY, Class of 1975, 45th reunion

Incorporate family history into your reunion

Considerincorporating the relevant themes of family history and genealogy into your next reunion program. Genealogy is something that should be part of every family reunion, even if it’s just a little corner of it. Incorporating family history helps members know who they are and how all the people are related.

People are curious. Presenting family history can be fun and exciting to reunion attendees. It can be exciting for the family genealogist or historian to share all those fascinating findings about your common history.

This list of ideas may give you a place to start to incorporate family history and genealogy into your reunion program. { Choose a reunion date that coincides with a milestone birthday.

Ancestors’ birthdays, anniversaries or Grandma’s 90th can be a wonderful opportunity to explore the life of someone who has a long history. Surprise Grandma! Explore the stories of her life, engaging all her progeny in research and presentations. Include lists of what life was like all those many years ago including prices of common items: houses, cars, groceries.

{ Choose a significant reunion site. Choose a place where an ancestor was born, where the old farm, homestead or ranch is or once stood, or even a town that was settled by your ancestors. Take a field trip or a tour and tell stories about the places. Include stops at churches and cemeteries as well. If it’s a place where no current member lives, engage a genealogist, historian or local presenter from the area to join and tell the stories about the history of the area when your ancestors lived there.

If none of these locations is near your reunion site, consider a trip to a historical museum, battlefield, or re-enactment event that relates to the history of your family.

{ Base the reunion around a culture. Many families are a mix of cultures. Pick a prominent culture or offer to honor a different culture at each reunion. Plan decorations, activities and entertainment around that culture. Have members ready to talk and tell stories about the history and culture. Highlight foods that are prominent from those regions or countries. Provide recipe cards to share as a reunion souvenir.

The Newhagen Family Reunion celebrated Mimi Newhagen’s 90th birthday at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona.

Seidemann family farm has been the site of 90 annual reunions and growing!

Arce Family Reunion Puerto Rican entertainment.

{ Make displays

Display current photos, a large family tree, a timeline or a pedigree chart. From the family’s common ancestor, create charts for every branch of the family. The more visual you make genealogy, the more interesting it is. Memorabilia, artifacts and pictures will also intrigue members. Make and stash a family time capsule or perhaps one each year to open ceremoniously 10 or 25 years later. Decide and announce ahead of time what will go into the capsule so members can bring their donations.

{ Play games that have been passed down through the family. Urge grandparents to share the games they played as kids until dark before the advent of television. Duck, Duck, Goose; Kick the Can; Red Light, Green Light; Captain, May I?; Red Rover; Scavenger hunts; Who’s telling the truth? Or plan a scavenger hunt. These are all described in the summer issue of Reunions magazine (v31n2) on ISSUU.com/reunionsmag

{ Set aside story time.

Tell stories of ancestors. Celebrate the spirit of family history. Read diaries and letters about their daily and extraordinary lives. Ask older family members to tell stories from their past, their childhoods, young adulthood, early marriage and family years. This is a perfect opportunity to employ the technical skills of younger members. Record the stories. Video tape or make movies of the stories and promise to share them at a later reunion when the tellers are no longer there to share the stories themselves. Establish a family repository of written and electronic histories for all to reminisce and share.

Seidemann Family tree made of 3x5” cards with notes, origin pictures left, maps right.

Arrowhead collection from Seidemann Family Reunion.

Evans Family Reunion display .

ALAFFFA Scavenger hunt.

ThisScrapbook section of Reunions magazine is intended to contain a potpourri of information we find and collect that we feel might be useful to reunion planners. Reunion School, a list of in-person and online workshops, has long been a part of this section, as has Hospitality Answerman by Dean Miller found on page 39. Other items we find or are submitted for consideration. We invite you to submit things you have found useful as you plan your reunion for us to share with other planners. We will always credit the sender unless you ask us not to. Please include your name, the name of your reunion, the city and state where you live and how we can contact you in case we have questions.

We hope reunion planning workshops will come back soon in many places. Many have been held as conference calls and zoom meetings since 2020 and that may continue. This list is provided as a service to reunion planners. Basic listings are free to workshop hosts.

Reunion planning workshops are exciting opportunities for planners to learn how to organize reunions. These workshops are ideal for beginners and a resource for experienced reunion planners looking for fresh, new ideas. Most are one-day events and are free though they require pre-registration.

Scheduled events are listed in chronological order on the web page for those who have set dates. Then, there is a list of organizations who have provided workshops in the past but have not set new dates. You should contact them to ask about plans for their next workshop. Other good sources for workshops are genealogy societies and their conferences. Check program plans and if you belong to a society, ask the program chairperson to arrange a reunion planning workshop or program. We add new workshops to the web as soon as we learn about them and announce them in our two monthly newsletters.

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The following list is for family reunion workshops, unless designated otherwise.

June 23-26, 2023

MILITARY REUNION NETWORK (MRN)

EDUCATIONAL SUMMIT NIAGARA FALLS NY

Contact: The Military Reunion Network 2801 Bickford Ave Suite 103-172 Snohomish, WA 98290; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com/

July 8, 2023 11:00 AM CST

VIRTUAL REUNION WORKSHOP IS SCHEDULED FOR 60 MINUTES. WeBuildLegacy. Please register at webuildlegacy@gmail.com

October 14, 2023 10:00 AM

ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA, CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Contact: 678-297-2811; www.awesomealpharetta.com

October 28, 2023 12:00 PM ET

NATIONAL FAMILY REUNION INSTITUTE

REUNION PLANNERS WORKSHOP

This free virtual workshop covers topics of interest to reunion planners. Register: admin@familyreunioninstitute.net; www.familyreunioninstitute.net

Quote from Reunion planner and genealogist, Carole Neal

I continue to work on my genealogy/family history research, of course. I have connected with a number of DNA Relatives/ DNA Matches from my DNA testing with 23andMe and AncestryDNA on both the maternal and paternal sides of my family. Whenever I spend time on tasks and activities that pertain to genealogy and reunion planning, it really lifts my spirits and brings me a lot of contentment and peace.

National Family Reunion Institute: tax exempt! Continues

free virtual workshops

Suzanne Vargus Holloman, Co-Director of the Family Reunion Institute (FRI) has announced the organization’s name change to the National Family Reunion Institute (NFRI). The new name indicates NFRI’s scope, reach, and status as an independent body. The organization was founded by Dr. Ione Vargus while she was Dean of Temple University’s School of Social Work.

NFRI is now tax exempt and all donations are tax deductible. Individuals and organizations wishing to support the Institute’s programs that build on the strength of families, using reunions as the tool, can make donations directly on its website, www.familyreunioninstitute.net

Dr. Vargus, founder of NFRI, has been dubbed the “Mother of Family Reunions.” Starting in 1990, she developed and organized conferences throughout the nation to help family reunion planners plan effective reunions. Conferences included speakers from diverse backgrounds with varied areas of expertise, ranging from genealogy to quilt-making, as well as specific tips and templates for successful reunions that are “much more than a picnic.”

NFRI has hosted six virtual workshops for new and seasoned family reunion planners since 2021. Topics have included fundraising; overcoming obstacles such as getting young people involved; and how to make reunions memorable. 2023 workshops included one about reunion costs in February. NFRI experts

broke down cost factors and options for one-, two-, and 3–4-day reunions, as well as weeklong, destination and cruise reunions. Factors and options included menu, food cost, location/venue, lodging, itinerary/ entertainment, time of year and cost per attendee for each kind of reunion. Budget saving tips and caveats, such as avoid hurricane season if booking a cruise, were included. Edith Wagner, editor of Reunions magazine, made a detailed presentation of a Family Reunion Budget Template, which has proven to be a huge help to family reunion planners.

In April, NFRI presented a workshop about a variety of topics which included “Location, Location, Location” for virtual and hybrid (virtual/zoom) reunions as well as destination reunions. Presentations on “Getting Family Involved in Planning and Attending the Reunion” with specific segments for all ages, from seniors to youth, followed. Registrants, along with NFRI’s panel of experts, also shared and received tried-and-tested tips on multigenerational reunion fun. The next virtual workshop is planned for October 28, 2023.

Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) offer sponsored workshops so they can be totally free to planners who register. Reunion planners are encouraged to go to www.familyreunioninstitute.net to sign up for the mailing list to ensure they get workshop details and have access to pre- and

post-workshop materials. Workshops include presentations, participant polling, discussion, and door prizes.

The following are comments from workshop attendees.

h As someone who has organized more than 30 family reunions, I found today’s workshop insightful, informative, and useful.

h I got some great information that I can use right away!

h You answered questions I didn’t know I had.

h Great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. … very informative.

h Great presentations … great resource.

h This was soooooooooo very helpful for a newbie like me.

h This is my first FRI workshop. I plan to attend others in the future.

NFRI’s founder, Dr. Ione Vargus, believes “It’s not only important that people participate in workshop(s), but that they leave with tangible help and ideas for their next reunion.”

Co-Director Suzanne Vargus-Holloman agrees and says, “One of the foundations of the National Family Reunion Institute is a commitment to build opportunities for family reunion planners to learn, absorb, and exchange information, as well as receive guidance and advice to keep reunions strong.”

AI and the future of reunions

In our fast-paced world, family reunion planners have to get creative, both in making our family heritage seem relevant and in holding the attention of reunion-goers. With easy technological distractions in our pockets, a family reunion that merely consists of potluck and conversation in a park pavilion or rented room may no longer prove as effective as in past generations. Since the 1990s, the Internet has gradually revolutionized the way we harness information and communicate with one another. In the past year, however, we have started a new technological revolution that may prove even more momentous: the AI revolution..

WHAT IS AI?

Misconceptions about artificial intelligence abound. Some people fear AI, believing that it will harm humans. However, AI is just a tool we can use to help us solve problems and make our lives easier. Another big misconception is that you have to be tech-savvy to use AI. However, family historians and reunion organizers have used and benefited from AI for years, perhaps without even realizing it. AI powers the record suggestion features offered by major genealogy research websites, as well as the ethnicity and genetic trait prediction features on DNA testing sites. So, what exactly is AI?

Imagine you are attending a family reunion where you meet a lot of people whom you may or may not recognize. You are handed a list of names and photos, and your goal is to identify as many people as possible. At first, you might struggle, but as you meet more people, you start to recognize certain features or patterns that help you identify them. For example, you might notice that your great Aunt Susan always wears a particular style of glasses, or that your distant cousin Fred has a distinctive mustache.

This process of recognizing patterns is similar to how AI works. AI analyzes large amounts of data to find patterns and make predictions or decisions based on those patterns. This is how Ancestry or MyHeritage.com sift through millions of records to pick out ones they think might be relevant to your family tree. Likewise, 23andMe can aggregate hundreds of thousands of genetic profiles to figure out which genes are linked to which traits.

WHAT ARE LANGUAGE MODELS?

While AI has been around and improving gradually for several years, the type of AI that is causing the most buzz this year is called the Large Language Model (LLM). So, imagine now that at that family reunion, you find brainy cousin Brenda — the de facto family historian. As everyone at this family reunion shares stories about their lives and memories, Brenda is the one person who seems to remember everything that everyone said. Brenda can use that knowledge to carry on a conversation with anyone, about any aspect of the family’s history. Brenda is like a Large Language Model AI. An LLM is a computer program that has been trained on vast amounts of text data, like books, articles, and websites, and can generate helpful, relevant, human-sounding responses.

The biggest and most well-known example of consumer-friendly,

LLM-based AI these days is ChatGPT, which you can access at chat.openai.com. ChatGPT is a computer program that uses artificial intelligence to understand language and respond to real questions and prompts from real people. It is a bit like having a conversation with a computer. It works by analyzing the words and phrases that people use when they talk, and then uses that information to come up with responses. ChatGPT’s developers have trained it on enormous amounts of text data, so it’s able to understand many different types of language and can respond to a wide range of questions and statements.

For family reunion planners, LLMs like ChatGPT will prove an increasingly useful tool because they help answer questions and provide guidance on things like event planning, activities, storytelling, and more. For example, a family reunion planner could ask a LLM for ideas about fun, family history related activities to hold at the reunion, or could feed the LLM facts about an ancestor and ask it to use those facts to write up a narrative about that ancestor’s life. For these and other reasons, LLMs are a powerful tool that can make communication and planning easier for reunion planners. By using artificial intelligence to understand and respond to people, AI tools like ChatGPT can provide helpful insights and ideas that can help make family reunions even more enjoyable for everyone involved.

HOW REUNIONS MAGAZINE WILL HELP YOU STAY ON THE CUTTING EDGE

Over the next several issues, Reunions magazine is excited to walk you through several of the most popular and powerful AI tools that are at reunion planners’ disposal. These tools can assist with brainstorming and planning, organize your information, create visual aids, transform your family photo albums, and help you make family history breakthroughs that can be shared with your gathered relatives. From ChatGPT, to Perplexity AI, to Midjourney and DALL-E, to Transkribus, to Vivid-Pix, we will use easy-to-understand screenshots and explanations in laymen’s terms to show you how to harness amazing new technologies to incorporate into your reunions and take your gatherings to the next level.

As reunion planners, we can either fight against technological trends, or we can embrace and incorporate them. If we want engagement and connection-building, we can either ask reunion attendees to keep their gadgets stowed away in their pockets (a futile endeavor, perhaps) or we can use those same gadgets as tools to connect cousins, find out more about our family history, and present our heritage.

About the author

Josiah Schmidt, genealogist and president of the Hans Schmidt Family Association, will be helping us understand the new technologies and how they relate to reunions and reunion planning. He holds a BA and MA in History. He is currently a PhD candidate (ABD) in the History Department of Washington University in St.Louis, specializing in Digital Humanities, which is something that definitely did not exist when this editor was in college decades ago! EW

AI humans and robots

How will we ever pull this together?

It seemed like a fun, easy idea — at the time. My cousin Ann asked if I thought we should have a reunion with all of our Beatty family members. “Sure,” I replied immediately. Would I co-host? “Absolutely!”

Then, we began pre-planning how to mount this event. It became very clear, very quickly, that we might have underestimated everything involved with creating our reunion.

Ann volunteered to track everyone down: this was at least three months of emails, phone calls, and White Pages searches.

I agreed to conduct registration and collect monies. What were my options to do this? Group emails? Text threads? Facebook private group? Nothing seemed right for everything we needed to accomplish. Finally, I turned to my partner in problem-solving: I Googled “family reunion planning.”

Hooray! A plethora of options were immediately available. How to choose?

We needed the capacity for everyone to register themselves and submit payment online. We also wanted to be able to exchange photos and notes among ourselves. Of course, all of this needed to be affordable.

Most reunion-planning sites offered these capabilities, so how could we select the right one? After comparing different sites and features, we picked MyEvent.com. This choice was largely deter-

mined because they advertised that they had been offering reunion planning services for over 20 years. That potential expertise helped us feel as though they would be reliable partners in our venture. We were very pleased with the choice.

MyEvent.com processed all payments perfectly. Attendees were able to add photos of themselves and their family members with well-executed captions. Updates were easy to incorporate, and hyperlinks could be added to pages with minimal effort. We had an inviting home page with an easy-to-follow menu of pages. MyEvent. com included a countdown to our event and a map of all registered users. Best of all, there was immediate help available through the chat function on my dashboard.

One consideration that was forefront in my mind--and likely the site’s designers and support staff--was that many of our registrants were over 60 years old. Granted, we are a fairly computer-literate bunch, but some of our skills have definitely deteriorated following retirement! Regardless, the site was so user-friendly that fewer than five of our 100 attendees had any problems with the process.

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend that reunion planners investigate MyEvent.com to see if it’s right for them. We’d use it again! Praised by Katherine Schmidt Patrick, Torrington, Wyoming.

International African American Museum

TheInternational African American Museum (IAAM) will officially open on June 27th in Charleston, South Carolina. The Museum honors the untold stories of the African American journey from Charleston at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, one of the nation’s most prolific former slave trading ports, and beyond. You will be able to explore cultures and knowledge systems retained and adapted by Africans in the Americas and the diverse journeys and achievements of these individuals and their descendants in South Carolina, the United States, and throughout the African Diaspora.

The Museum includes nine core exhibition galleries, a special exhibition gallery, as well as a “floating” gallery that weaves contemporary art throughout the museum. There are more than 700 artifacts dating from 17th century to contemporary objects, alongside 1,000 image and media collection pieces. The museum also houses the Center for Family History, a world-class genealogy and ancestry resource center, which will host genealogy classes and workshops.

IAAM is a champion of authentic, empathetic storytelling of American history and is one of the nation’s newest platforms for the disruption of institutionalized racism as it evolves today. Ahead of its

Explore

official opening, the Museum offers Wikitree’s US Black Heritage Program and Living Legacies Series including Moving Star Hall, African American Longshoremen and Sol Legare Island and Mosquito Beach. Contact IAAM for more information: iaamuseum.org; call 843-872-5352.

Help yourself to reunion giveaways!

Each month, three new giveaways are added to our website for you to enter. Winners are announced in mid-month newsletters arriving about the 15th of each month. Giveaways are intended as prizes to give at your reunion or as a reward for you, the reunion planner, for all your hard work! Visit the giveaway page on the website regularly and enter monthly. You might be surprised!

Examples: Zap the Grandma Gap and MyHeritage DNA Kit

More giveaways …

We offer three more giveaways to help as you plan and stage your reunion. A quick fact sheet called Hot reunion tips for reunion success is a chronological list of ideas and facts to keep in mind as you are planning your reunion. It is also helpful to give to new planners or committee members for them to follow in the time leading up to your reunion and for Reunion Day.

We’ve discovered that there’s nothing reunion planners like more than Reunion freebies! So we’ve compiled a long list of items and

services you can access without cost to help plan and stage your reunion. We urge you to add to the list if/when you find something that can be of use to other reunion planners!

Finally, we offer last minute games that include several icebreakers and games you can assemble fairly easily if you find you don’t have enough to activities to engage your members.

All of these are free for the asking. Simply specify which giveaway you would like and email your request to editor@reunionsmag.com

Consider attending an ethnic festival

If you are in or even near Wisconsin particularly in summer, there are ethnic festivals everywhere celebrating Germans, Italians, Mexicans, Greeks, Native and African Americans, Norwegians … you get the idea. Or you might choose Luxembourg Fest of America in Belgium, Wisconsin, in August celebrating a unique relationship between a small Wisconsin village and a European country. It all started 37 years ago with an antique tractor parade on Saturday followed by Catholic Mass on Sunday. The initial committee was a small

but passionate group of locals with an interest in preserving Belgium’s Luxembourgish heritage. It just kept growing and is now known as Luxembourg Fest of America and is enjoyed by visitors from around the nation, and many from Luxembourg.

As Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy in the world, meaning a state ruled by a Grand Duke or Duchess, the initial committee found it appropriate to begin naming a Fest Duke and Duchess. For the last 15 years, the country of Luxembourg has sent a Luxembourgish

band to play at the Fest. Band members are hosted by local families, creating relationships that often span a lifetime.

Luxembourg Fest includes a parade, the World’s Largest Träipen (sausage)-Eating Contest, Division BMX Bike Shows, Luxembourg Street Market, Jolly Good Kids Zone, shows by a magician/illusionist, a caricature artist, a Taste of Luxembourg tent; a polka mass and fest pageantry on Sunday.

See Luxembourg Fest details and schedules at www.lacs.lu

Costumed participants

REUNION ACTIVITIES

Remembering box

Collect family memorabilia in a shoebox throughout the year. Label the box with the year, name and ages of each family member. Some family members may want to gather memorabilia themselves. Collect reminders of family occasions. The program from a concert or athletic event. A ribbon won at the 4-H fair. Newspaper articles or pictures. A lucky golf ball. An unusual rock or fossil found on vacation. A map showing the route taken on a family trip. Letters or postcards from each other, relatives or friends. A photograph of the family fisherman and the “catch of the day.”

Bring the box to your reunion and when you’re together celebrating, open the shoe box and ... remember.

‘Blast From the Past’

Blast From the Past’ is a popular must, with the CairnsO’Rourke Family Reunion participating in the ‘Retro Runway’ activity. Family members were instructed to wear an old shirt from about twenty years ago; this is where careful planning comes in to make sure each member is informed before the reunion. A fashion show was planned where their outfits could be shown off. The fun was taken even further where members were instructed to bring old photos and memorabilia to display on a table including quotes from past reunions. Not only can the family enjoy a mirror into the past, but it’s just plain fun.

Richard and Pat Uselding as Luxembourg Fest Duke and Duchess.

Q:ShirleyDavis, Las Vegas, Nevada, planning the Floyd-Newson Family Reunion, asked how to compose a letter to merchants for donations for door prizes.

A:Theletter must be very specific to your reunion (introduce your reunion briefly and explain that you are good customers and hope they’ll support you) and must list what you will do in return for their donation—for example, that you will mention them in your programs, newsletters, family reunion membership booklet, reunion registration materials, and even press releases about the reunion. If you are recognized as a long time, loyal customer, it might be wiser to just show up and ask in person. Trade for ads if you’re having a program/adbook.

Joan Waters of Charlotte Hall, Maryland, says she hit some dead ends trying to get stuff but her efforts did pay off. To fill her Curtis Butler Family Reunion goodie bags, Waters declared, email was a great tool. She contacted folks via their websites and found most responded within a couple of days. Nationwide Insurance Agent K. Smith gave Joan fifty bags, balloons, pencils and rulers. The Maryland Department of Tourism gave travel guides and maps while Kelvin Boston gave copies of his Credit Smart booklets. American Legacy Magazine gave free copies while Old Country Buffet in Waldorf, Maryland, gave meal coupons. Door prizes Joan collected included discount coupons and ten barbecue kits of grilling utensils from Hebrew National. Baltimore Harbor Cruises donated two free lunch cruise passes and Dandy Dinner Boat Cruises, who tour the Potomac River with historic DC on one side and Virginia on the other, gave discount dinner cruise coupons. There were also a couple tickets from the Bowie, Maryland Baysox baseball team.

EXAMPLES OF JOAN’S LETTERS …

First she shares a letter with her family members to help solicit goodies for their reunion. She encourages them to be bold & creative and see who they can snag!

EXAMPLE #1

Subject: Help Needed

TO: Group Sales Executive

Dear Mr. (Name),

We invite (name of company) to celebrate family values with us!

Please review the attached request for our upcoming family reunion.

Our hope is that you can supply (name of item) for our reunion goody bags (2 per family/bag) for 50 families.

Thank you for your kind consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Name of family member

Curtis Butler Family Reunion

Phone number + email address

EXAMPLE #2

Date

HLearn the name of the person at the company who is responsible for community involvement.

This July, The Curtis/Butler Family (CBF) will gather for our much anticipated bi-annual family reunion. We are deeply rooted in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties, although family members reside in surrounding areas and across the country.

We look forward to this special event as we celebrate our heritage, reconnect with each other and highlight family achievements. Everyone looks forward to the Family Pride Awards we present to our high school and college graduates and our youth who participate in community events. It is a time when we show them just how proud we are of their accomplishments.

Family Pride Awards are also extended to retirees, members of the military and others who have reached significant milestones since our last reunion. We realize that we have excellent role models for our youth right in our own family!

We invite you to share in our celebration by providing complimentary items for our reunion goody bags for each family represented (50) and/or door prizes that are awarded by random draw. Typically, we receive discount coupons, dinner certificates and other goods from area establishments. All contributors will be listed in our reunion program as reunion sponsors.

Thank you in advance for your support of Family Values! If you have any questions, please contact me at your earliest convenience by phone or email.

Kindest regards,

Name of family member

Curtis Butler Family Reunion

Phone number + email address

Reunion love is in the air!

The Neal Family Reunion (NFR) held in San Francisco, California, was special for several reasons. Four of the Neal brothers, now deceased —Jesse, Solomon, Eleazer, and Charlie — were part of The Great Migration as recounted in Isabel Wilkerson’s epic book The Warmth of Other Suns. At different times during the late 1940s and early 1950s, the brothers left Louisiana headed to California’s San Francisco Bay Area seeking a better life and job opportunities for themselves and their families.

Since 2000, we have held our NFR every other year in a different US destination, periodically returning to the family home place of Winnsboro in Franklin Parish, Louisiana. It only made sense that one of our reunions would be held in San Francisco, “the City by the Golden Gate,” as the Neals had a strong presence in the city for many years. The reunions are for the descendants and extended family of Ollie [Ward] Neal and Eleazer L. Neal, Sr. who had seven children: Carey, Charlie, Jesse, William, Solomon, Eleazer, Jr., and Eliza. All seven family branches were represented at the San Francisco reunion, along with descendants of Philip (Eleazer, Sr.’s first cousin) and Mary (Buie) Neal. About 200 family members traveled to San Francisco from New York, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Ohio, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, and cities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Many stayed at the reunion hotel located close to San Francisco International Airport.

Our reunion theme was Honoring and Preserving the Neal Family Legacy. All four Neal brothers were employees of the City and County of San Francisco and retired from the Municipal Railway, the San Francisco Port Authority, and the Department of Public Works. The brothers’ service to the city was recognized with a letter from District #10 Supervisor Sophie Maxwell — where the four Neal families resided — with a Certificate of Honor signed by all members of the Board of Supervisors. These documents, along with letters of welcome from the

Neal Family Reunion

Neal Family Young Achievers

Governor and Mayor, were on display during the Friday morning Welcome Reception/Meet and Greet and were made a part of the reunion booklet. There was much joy and happiness in the air that Friday. Guests picked up their name badges, reunion t-shirts and goodie bags, and enjoyed light refreshments. That afternoon was “on your own.” Many enjoyed an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing at the world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.

At the Friday evening banquet one of the first cousins, John Addison Neal, Sr, gave an engaging and informative talk, sprinkled with humorous anecdotes, about how the Neals came to live in San Francisco. His talk included family history as well as local history. The banquet program was made even more special with the presentation of a “Photo Essay” by Makailah Perkins, one of the younger cousins. Her presentation recounted some of the Neal Family story through pictures, voice over remarks, background music, and a brief video clip. Family members from the various branches provided Makailah with photos of the Neal siblings, their spouses, their offspring and grandchildren. The brief video clip that was incorporated in the Photo Essay was of a few of the first cousins interacting with two extended elderly family members on their farm in Louisiana during a visit sometime earlier.

The banquet program included a recitation of the Family Reunion Pledge written by Maya Angelou and singing of the Negro (Black)

National Anthem Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing. We held a candlelight memorial to remember and honor forebears and family members who had passed on. We recognized and celebrated the multitude of talent among family members with our Young Family Achievers segment. Represented among the honorees were achievements in educational, professional (legal, medical, engineering, social work), military, culinary, and other areas. There was representation from each family branch during the banquet program. Our meal was catered and

continued on page 20

Neal AKA Sorority cousins

included a lovely NFR cake for dessert.

The Saturday day-long outing began with a bit of sightseeing “Neal family style.” A family member served as tour guide on each of the buses that transported family members from the hotel to scenic Emerald Glen Park in Dublin, California, about 40 miles east of San Francisco where the weather was warmer. We rode down Third Street, the main thoroughfare in San Francisco’s Bayview District. The guides pointed out places of interest along the way such as shops that were frequented by family members, the church some family members attended and the ball park that’s home to the San Francisco Giants, before heading on to the San Francisco Bay Bridge to get to the East Bay.

The weather was perfect for a day of fun and enjoyment. On arrival, we gathered for the family group photo. There were activities for all ages including a bounce house for the kiddies, an expansive lawn area for a rousing volleyball game, a basketball court, a concrete area for skateboarding, a playground with swings and slides, and a lovely area with picnic tables and benches where others engaged in various board games or just sat and visited with one another. At one point a group of cousins had fun along a stretch of paved area doing the Cupid Shuffle,

accompanied by music from a portable player. Quite a few cousins are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA). They were captured on camera and videotape sharing information about when and what AKA chapter they pledged and concluded by forming a circle, holding hands and singing the AKA National Hymn. A tasty lunch of BBQ with side dishes was catered. Saturday evening, young adults 21 and older enjoyed an evening out at a night club. Teens and other young family members had fun at a hotel pool party.

Our special reunion weekend concluded on Sunday as we joined in the regular church service at the historic Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where family member Reverend Emmett Neal, Sr. is pastor, one of a number of family ministers. Each participated during the morning service, as did members of the Neal Family Choir. Our catered farewell dinner was held following the service in the church’s social hall.

Reunion activities were captured on videotape as well as through many photos taken by family members. We retained someone to videotape the Friday banquet and the Sunday church service. My nephew André and I used my minicam to tape at the Meet and Greet, at the Saturday outing, and at the farewell dinner. After the reunion, family member Chris Pleasant took the initiative to work with a company to produce a truly lovely DVD slideshow comprised of many photos taken throughout the weekend with accompanying narrative and music (vocal and instrumental). Those DVDs, in addition to the reunion booklet and t-shirts, provided memorable keepsakes from this special family reunion.

Recently, Cousin John passed away. I am glad we have recordings of him as he spoke of the family history. There have been others who attended our NFR in San Francisco who have since passed on. Marcus Garvey said “a people without knowledge of their past is like a tree without roots.” Family reunions are good medicine for the soul. Having as complete as possible a knowledge of family history helps to make one whole, to be more grounded, to build self-esteem, and also to address that need to belong. Combined, those are a primary reason for having family reunions. There is strength in family.

Shared by Carole Neal, Castro Valley, California.

Video credit: Moriba J. Hines

Reunion volleyball game

McCullah-Wasson Family Reunion

Reunions, by their nature, often encounter situations that challenge the balance between maintaining tradition and implementing change necessary for the success of the gathering. They attempt to respect the past while planning for the future. For our family’s reunion, a major change is coming and we’re considering the steps needed to prepare.

The McCullah-Wasson families will celebrate their 133rd annual reunion one week the end of July and early August in the Ozarks on the banks of the Finley River near Nixa, Missouri. Since 1890, these families have gathered annually in fellowship to celebrate a tradition that is said to be one of the longest-running family reunions west of the Mississippi River.

The two families’ union began in the mid-1800s, when John Thomas Wasson was traveling by stagecoach through the Ozarks from Ohio to Arkansas. When the stagecoach he was riding on stopped, he saw a young woman named Caroline McCullah sweeping a porch. The story passed down is that he said to himself, “That’s her. That’s the woman I’m going to marry.” Wasson got back on the stagecoach, but returned later to ask McCullah to be his wife.

The first family gathering was a surprise birthday party held in honor of Samuel Calvin McCullah on July 1, 1890, near Marionville, Missouri. The party’s success inspired attendees to meet again the next year, and so the reunion became an annual one-day affair held at the homes of relatives. The gathering was later extended to two or three days and finally

to a week-long event. Attendance increases as the week progresses, often reaching 125 people a night for dinner by Friday. The 100th annual gathering in 1990 recorded over 500 family members in attendance.

A permanent site for the reunion encampment was selected in 1908 on the old homestead of John and Caroline (McCullah) Wasson on the Finley River and continues to be the family camping site every summer.

The week before the reunion, local family members visit the campsite property to rake leaves, mow, and wash out the pavilion leaving the tree-lined campground clean and manicured. Elected officers and other members plan months ahead for the reunion to go as smoothly as possible, ordering ribbons for dessert and side dish contests, developing an event schedule, hiring an auctioneer for our

All current photos by Melody Anne Photography

John Thomas Wasson and Lucinda Caroline (McCullah) Wasson at their home on the Finley River, 1894

McCullah family at reunion on wagon, 1908 or 1909

Family photo inside the pavilion: 1954

continued on page 22

MASTERPLAN continued from page 21

craft auction, ordering potties, scheduling trash service, and making general announcements to members leading up to the event.

The head cook is a family member hired to plan the menu and prepare the main course for each evening meal. Family members prepare side dishes and desserts. Breakfast is a joint effort by campers preparing sausage gravy, frying bacon, and scrambling eggs in large cast iron skillets. Other morning meal staples include fried apples, biscuits/toast,

sliced peaches and lemon butter. Everyone pitches in to help provide food staples, paper products, drink mixes and the countless other items needed to feed 150 – 200 hungry family members each day of the week.

Family members come from near and far. Some bring tents and campers, some rent a nearby Airbnb and others live close enough to drive in daily. This is vastly different from the wagons filled with straw their ancestors slept on in the early 1900s. The camping site has been modified over the past century including

the construction of a concrete pavilion built in the 1940s with a 50-foot concrete table down the center for dining. Fresh water, formerly supplied from a hand-pump, is now supplied from a portable tank. Electrical outlets are stationed throughout the campground. Other “modern” amenities trucked in include refrigerators, freezers, ovens, stoves, event tents, tables, chairs and portable toilets (which replaced the “three-hole” privy which still stands on the property).

Modern conveniences have crept in methodically over the years, but the reunion now faces a major change. Hawkins Bridge, an iron truss bridge constructed next to the campground in 1915, is expected to be replaced by the end of 2024. The replacement will significantly alter the entry and aesthetics to the campground property on the east side, as well as remove an iconic landmark structure which has become a major part of the reunion experience.

The announcement of the bridge replacement has motivated the reunion members to consider actions that put the reunion gathering in a better position to handle big issues. It has also inspired discussion about the need to create a more formal organization to better handle this and other future challenges. Actions taken have included: proposing the creation of bylaws and incorporation, discussing campground property enhance-

132nd McCullah-Wasson Family Reunion!

Food line

Food preparation

ments and modifications, and research of general liability protection.

As of this writing, the bylaws are drafted. This draft has been reviewed by the current reunion officers and an attorney. The officers are now turning it over to family members for review and feedback ahead of motions and considerations to approve at the 2023 business meeting on Friday evening of the gathering in August.

While we await bylaw feedback, we plan to draft a summary document that outlines a 501c7 not-for-profit entity (as it appears to best fit the organizational structure of the reunion) the benefits, the steps to take, if

passed, and then the responsibilities needed to maintain. This summary will be provided to our members ahead of the business meeting to help with their feedback and decision making ahead of the vote for incorporation.

The plan then is to introduce the bylaws at the August business meeting for a vote to utilize. Next, we would present legal entity findings at the same business meeting and likely propose incorporation using a 501c7 non-profit model. If an incorporation vote passes, the bylaws would become part of the incorporation process. We would then seek further services of the attorney to assist with the incorporation process. If proposal to incorporate does NOT pass, the bylaws, if passed, can remain a governing document for a non-profit unincorporated association.

With these challenges addressed, planned for and voted on, we can focus then on the truly meaningful and memorable reasons that we gather: visiting and catching up, sitting in

the river, fishing, float trips, and eating. Other fun activities include a ping pong tournament, cave tour on the adjoining property, corn hole tourney, card games, science experiments, bingo, sitting around the fireplace telling stories and standing above the river on the old iron Hawkins Bridge (and perhaps the bridge that may someday replace it). The popular craft auction raises funds to help with reunion expenses. Trophies are awarded to tournament winners and ribbons are

continued on page 24

Cousins Danny Hilsedick and Aiden Pollard (12) in a ping pong match.

Brothers Andrew (10) and Danny Hilsedick (12) enjoy Foosball.

MASTERPLAN continued from page 23

presented to winners of the side-dish and dessert contests.

The family photo is taken on Friday evening right before the blessing of the meal. The business meeting is held after dinner to discuss old and new business (which is normally not as substantial as this year) and to elect new officers. The hat is passed to receive donations to take care of needed expenses to run the camp. There are no required membership dues or fees to attend. A memorial service follows in honor of those departed since the last reunion and closes

with the hymn, Until We Meet Again

It is with both excitement and apprehension that we move forward to see how these changes will affect our reunion experience, but like our relatives before us we must anticipate changes and prepare in a way that ensures the continuation of these events for ourselves and our descendants when we “Meet Again.” We expect to submit a follow-up report after this year’s business meeting and the changes brought on by the anticipated bridge replacement.

Dining tent

Shared by Caleb Carter, Nixa, Missouri.

Caleb Carter

1891: A legacy begins, a tradition continues

The McKeown/Keown-Hubbard-Tolbert-Brown-Bush (Mc)KHTB) Annual Family Reunion, as it is officially named, is a proud tradition which has brought us together as a Black/African American reunion with a 132-year history. The very first family reunion was held in Macon, Noxubee County, Mississippi, in 1891.

It began after the marriage of Laura, “Papa” Albert Hubbard’s oldest daughter, to one of those McKeown boys, Beverley, in January 1890; then another daughter, Parlee, to Andy Bush; then Hattie Hubbard to Jim Tolbert. Beverley and Laura, along with “Papa” Hubbard, sought to locate and bring together all their siblings separated during slavery.

The grips of slavery and the emancipation that followed separated our families as it did so many Black families across the south. Beverley and Laura, along with “Papa,” decided that it was time to find and bring as many of the disconnected family members back together on that second Saturday in August 1891.

Thus began a tradition in and around Macon and Brooksville, Mississippi, at least until 1939.

Where family takes you, love follows

On August 12, 1939, members of these same founding families met at the home of Albert Hubbard, Jr. in Marion, Arkansas. The following year on August 10, 1940, the reunion moved to St Louis, Missouri, hosted by Albert Keown. To ensure our legacy and prosperity, they began to maintain written records of the annual celebrations which have continued until today. It was at this reunion that the reunion name was adopted as The H.K.T.B.B. (Hubbard-Keown-TolbertBush-Brown) Family Reunion. In August 1994, the reunion developed and adopted written operating guidelines as well as vision and values statements.

Census records and written accounts show that most of the McKeown’s/Keown’s had settled around Mississippi and Arkansas as others began moving north (the naming convention is explained later in this article). As is generally told and recorded by our historians, because most of the siblings and families lived and farmed in the areas around Mississippi and Arkansas, it was not a far distance to travel.

The second Saturday in August was established as the annual date

continued on page 26

Las Vegas, Nevada, banquet

MASTERPLAN continued from page 25

Partial (Mc)KHTB Reunion Chronology

for the reunion. Why the second Saturday? Primarily because this was the end of the farming season and just before fall planting. It was the perfect time of year that those still farming could take time away from their crops and it coincided with the “Monday Meetings.” So, it was decided to adopt the second Saturday in August every year to come together to celebrate just being family! This date has only changed in recent years as voted on by the committee.

What’s in a reunion name?

The name and logo are recorded differently over time, though always retaining the original founding members.

The census did not begin recording the names of formerly enslaved Blacks/African Americans until 1890. Census records show that some of the McKeown siblings changed their surname from McKeown to Keown in several reports. As the families moved around the country and out of the south, the names are still recorded as both McKeown and Keown. There are several accounts, both written and passed down verbally, that the surname of McKeown was once Keown and vice versa. The male head of the household decided how it was recorded on the census report and, as is told, to break the bondage of slavery they should, “leave that slave name behind.” With ongoing research and new information at the 2019 reunion, a vote changed the

current reunion logo to read (Mc)KHTB Family Reunion.

Through the years we have lost contact with some members of our initial namesakes, but we still fully identify with our legacy because our prayer is that each year as we meet, word will spread far and wide and they will hear about us and rejoin. The current logo is a testament of that will and determination.

Naming the reunion has proven challenging as is noted in our records. For many years, it was voted on and known as the H.K.T.B.B., or KHTB (1964), though one thing is for certain, we will always retain our legacy and tradition. Through valiant efforts such as those undertaken by Beverley and Laura, the advancements in technology, DNA, and many Ancestral Research Sites we are making gains every year. One of our trusted historians created a Genealogical Research File, identifying generations of every single namesake until his death in 2019.

1939 — present day

Through God’s grace, we have held a family reunion every year; not two, three or five years! We have gathered in more than 19 states, the District of Columbia, and 33 cities across the United States. It is a very long-standing tradition which prevails despite many logistical challenges, wars, civil unrest in this country, and in some cases, as we mourned the deaths of our oldest and founding family members.

In 2020, the planning was complete and all was in place to celebrate in Jackson, Mississippi, when the Covid-19 pandemic was declared, and the country was placed on lock-down. We immediately began to plan for our first virtual reunion which was quite successful. Then, with the pandemic continuing through 2021, we decided to go virtual again.

continued on top of page 27

Little Rock, Arkansas, reunion

It is through determination and foresight, past and present, we ensure that family reunion bonds and relationships endure. That determination will fuel the 2023 (Mc)KHTB Annual Family Reunion as we meet, greet, and fellowship in Dallas, Texas, for our annual celebration of Family.

Every effort is being made to preserve the reunion for future generations. We must now rely on our new generation of Keowns,

Reunion thoughts

McKeowns, Tolberts, Browns and Bushs to remember this: the greatness of us and … “Our Family Always True.”

Thousands of photos and several videos, along with a chronological listing of all previous reunions and other documents, will soon be available on our website at https://myevent.com/khtb

Aging

cousins decided a cousin reunion should be a priority this year. Time to love, share memories, and laugh! We grew up with the family matriarchs seeing to it that a reunion happened often. Sadly, our younger generation has neglected to embrace that tradition. And now we’re in our seventies and eighties and realize we’ve been so remiss in

Javernick Family Reunion

upholding that tradition. We’ll all be older, grayer and slower, but our hearts will be overflowing with joy. And in our minds, we’ll be young cousins reliving our memories and making new ones.”

Reunions are important to little people too. I am a children’s book author and kindergarten teacher. I wrote this to remind family members of the value of making memories for the children who attend family celebrations.

Family Reunion by Ellen Javernick

I get together with my relations, When we get together on summer vacations. Aunts here, and uncles there, Dozens of cousins everywhere. Tables piled high with picnic food.

Polka music to set the mood.

Women compare what groceries cost. And brag about the weight they’ve lost. College guys chat about cute chicks. Older men argue politics.

Teens show off their new hair-dos. Kids have lots of games to choose.

Grams greet babies with slippery kisses, And talk of folks everyone misses.

Some relatives can’t remember my name, But I know they love me just the same.

Poet Ellen Javernick lives in Loveland, Colorado.

Shared by Phyllis Keown Winton, Maumelle, Arkansas.

Red, White and Blue banquet

Javernick Family Reunion

Shared by Paula Sheagley, Cañon City, Colorado. See Mason Family Reunion picture on page 4.

Get ’em talking

Conversation starters for your family reunion

Flipping through old photo albums is a great way to spark memories for a family gathering. From family portraits to candid shots, photos take us straight back to special moments in time. This article will outline specific ways to use photographs as conversation starters before and during your reunion.

Start with scanning

If you have already planned a scanning party for your reunion, this is a good way to engage family members from the start. If it is not yet on your agenda, consider investing in a Vivid-Pix®, Memory Station bundle which includes the ScanSnap scanner and Vivid-Pix ®, Restore software. If you have a reunion fund, check to see if you can build the cost into your budget, or consider asking for donations to offset the cost.

Take a trip down Memory Lane

From first arrival, your reunion should be a welcoming experience for everyone. Ideas should be simple and inexpensive to implement. The goal is to get people interacting and talking.

v Family vacation photos

By Lisa A. Alzo, MFA

Bring out photos from past family vacations and travels and talk about places visited, experiences shared, and memories made.

v Family pet photos

Share photos of pets, past and present, and talk about the joy and companionship they brought to the family.

Name tags

A name tag is a visual cue to help you identify that cousin you’ve not yet met or haven’t seen in 15 years. Using childhood photos or one taken at a previous reunion of yourself or other family members as children offers a fun way to reminisce about the memories from those times. These photos can be used as name tags. Include an old photo with your reunion email blast or invitations and encourage folks to create their own name tag with the attachment or another old/past photo.

Decorations and displays

Use Vivid-Pix prints to create fun photo-themed decorations and displays.

v Family tree photos

Display photos of ancestors and extended family members, and share stories about their lives and legacies.

v Family heirloom photos

Bring out old family heirlooms such as jewelry, furniture and art, and share photos and stories of their history and significance.

v Wedding photos

Display photos from family members’ weddings, and talk about the planning process, the ceremony, and the reception.

Activities

Design and schedule reunion activities around photographs. The activities you choose can involve all ages and generations. Try pairing more senior family members with younger members to provide opportunities for learning about family history and traditions. Here are four photo categories that fit naturally with reunion games or celebratory moments.

v Family milestones photos

Show photos of births, graduations, anniversaries, and other significant milestones. Discuss the achievements and milestones of family members. Set up a special presentation event while everyone is gathered after lunch or dinner.

v Family sports photos

Share photos of family members participating in sports or athletic events, and talk about their accomplishments, challenges, and passions. Perhaps you can incorporate a basketball, volleyball, or softball game into the reunion day and present a plaque or trophy to the winner(s).

Create a nametag with a photograph from a previous reunion that prompts a conversation like this one the author created for her upcoming reunion.

Remembering favorite family pets provides a fun way to get people talking at your reunion. This photo of Jeff Abbott and the Abbott family dog, Weezer, is from the ALAFFFA HEE-HAW reunion.

v Family cooking photos

Display photos of family members cooking, baking, and enjoying meals together. Talk about the recipes, traditions, and shared experiences. If there is a special dish you have every year (potato salad, special dessert, or cookies), print out and bring recipe cards to share.

v Family do-it-yourself photos

Show photos of family members engaging in DIY projects or hobbies, such as woodworking, gardening, or crafting, and discuss the creative process and achievements. Set up a craft station to make a special reunion souvenir (rock painting, jewelry making, origami, etc.).

The possibilities for creating meaningful conversations at your reunion can be endless if you use your imagination. Planning in advance by scanning old photographs and giving them the Vivid-Pix fix will provide many opportunities to get everyone talking before they even arrive and engage them during the reunion.

Don’t forget to schedule time for a group photo before the day ends to use it as a future conversation starter!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Alzo has been surrounded by family at their 55+ year running reunion and walks in her ancestors’ footsteps, literally and figuratively, as a genealogist, lecturer and writer. Author of 11 books and countless newspaper and magazine article, Lisa earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Creative Nonfiction Writing Program at the University of Pittsburgh. She works as a writing coach and online educator through her website Research Write Connect.

Use photos of favorite foods to bring back memories and share traditions. In this photo from the 1970s, the author’s uncle, Mike Figlar cooks up kielbasa on the grill to serve with sauerkraut for the ALAFFFA family reunion at South Park, Pennsylvania.

Guinness World (Reunion) Records

Manyyears ago in 1998, the Busse Family Reunion was the first Guinness World Record for the largest family reunion. Their application was apparently met with some misgivings because the Guinness folks contacted me (editor of Reunions magazine) to explain why reunions should be considered for their record. While the Busse Family had an application to complete, the Guinness folks had lots for me to verify as well. And this was all before the reunion because the family wanted to generate as much attendance as possible to go for the record.

The Guinness Book people, however, were dealing with a category they not only had not dealt with before, but which they also did not seem to understand. The Guinness folks decided that to be included, members had to be related by blood. Married spouses (parents of the progeny) were not to be counted.

I spent time convincing Guinness that the progeny were rather unlikely without the “other parent,” thus, the married (into) Busses were counted.

The Busse Family Reunion, held at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grays Lake, Illinois, celebrated the 150th anniversary of Friedrich and Johanna Busse’s arrival in America from Germany. I attended the reunion and can vouch that a fairground was an appropriate venue for such a large crowd! It was a record-breaking affair.

Busses lined up everyone by branch and photographed them. It was, of course, the first family to hold the Guinness Record at 2,369 members.

Eleven years later, the 80th annual Lilly Family Reunion in Flat Top, West Virginia, in 2009 achieved 2,585 members. Planners said “It is going to be a big-crowd social statement on the importance of family. The world record is something neat to say you have accomplished in your life, but the event is really a testament to the strength of the American family, the fact that this type of life still exists, that these people still care about each other.” And, as I recall, Senator Joe Manchin, then West Virginia governor, was there to congratulate them.

Then, in 2012, the Porteau-Boileve Family Reunion blew the Americans out of the water

with 4,514 at their reunion in Saint-Paul-MontPénit, Vendée, France. And they still hold the Guinness record.

meets a TED conference meets Burning Man (without the nudity or drugs). There were presentations by celebrities and famous scientists. There was music, comedy, games, interactive exhibits and food. An outcome of Mr. Jacobs efforts is a book called It’s All Relative: Up and Down the World’s Family Tree (Simon and Schuster, 352 page, paperback). Many others have tried but not yet made the Guinness size reunion.

It looks like this is becoming a crowded, albeit interesting sport! And it’s not an inexpensive endeavor.

Then, along came A.J. Jacobs’ best-selling author and New York Times writer with the idea of organizing the World’s Largest Global Family Reunion! It happened in the New York Hall of Science and its 11 surrounding acres in Queens, New York, in June 2015 based on Jacobs’ assumption that “we’re all cousins … many times removed!” He did manage to recruit many famous people to participate at the actual event. It was a family reunion

The Vela family gathered in McAllen, Texas, in 2007 to try to break the Guinness record. Vela family members from all 50 states and six foreign countries made up the 2,300 in attendance. It took 28 members and their committees over a year to plan the reunion. While branches have had individual reunions, this was their third reunion of this size.

The William Elder of Maryland Descendants Association hosted its Tercentennial (300 Year) Family Reunion in 2011 at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. William Elder’s contemporary relations from around the country came to visit the ancestral homeland in an attempt to set a new Guinness World record for the number of people attending a family reunion.

Goals of the association include reestab-

Note: some of the cousins in the Reunions magazine cover celebrating Jacobs’ effort!

lishing familial ties among Elder descendants, preserving family records, establishing an archival repository, and to study Elder Family history and the work of Elder family historians.

An article by Joan Griffis in her Illinois Ancestors column suggests that planners of a Steeves Family Reunion were taking “aim at the Guinness record.” They hoped in 2016 that enough descendants of the German emigrant, Johann Heinrich Stief, with that Steeves name would attend their 250-year family reunion in Hillsborough, New Brunswick, Canada, to break the Guinness record. This was the first Steeves Family Reunion since in 1966 when more than 9,000 Steeves family descendants from around the world were reported to have attended. No number was reported so it’s

assumed the Steeves family did not make a record.

Also trying in vain were two additional Canadian families, the Piercy Family Reunion in Comox Valley, British Columbia, and the Robichaud Family, one of the founding families of Acadia held in Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick. The Robichaud reunion was the largest of 90 family reunions held during the World Acadian Congress, a three week long cultural celebration held every five years and the largest gathering of Acadians in the world.

In 2016, descendants of Hans Heinrich and Barbara (Rimbach) Schmidt from Machtlos, Germany, tried for the record. Young Josiah Schmidt traced so many branches of American Schmidts from the same common ancestor in Germany that there were enough to break the Porteau-Boileve family’s

Guinness World Record, if they attended a reunion in West Bend, Iowa. Josiah was in close contact with the Guinness World Record Association for a year, jumping through all the complicated hoops in a long, rigorous verification process necessary to legitimately break the record and be recognized by Guinness. The Guinness attempt entails copious recordkeeping. While not breaking any world or US records, the Schmidt Family Reunion did break the record for largest family reunion ever held in the state of Iowa, surpassing the 1980 Osterhaus Reunion’s 900 attendees in Dyersville, Iowa, with a total attendance of 1,005 Schmidt descendants.

But, of course, it’s not just family reunions. In 2015, in Tacoma, Washington, 3,299 former students attended a Stadium High School reunion. Originally planned for all Weyburn Comp students from the 1950s to the 1990s, then to make it a huge celebration and a city-wide event, the reunion was opened to anyone in Weyburn and district to attend.

Schmidt Family Reunion logo chosen in a contest.

Schmidt Family Reunion

Reunions aren’t just picnics anymore!

Of all the things your members look forward to at your reunion, may be the food. And food at a reunion can constitute the largest conundrum for the number of considerations you must weigh. Think of all that goes into planning an ordinary daily meal or a holiday meal and now, for what may be many more people, a reunion meal! Will there be breakfast, lunch, dinner? A celebration, a banquet, a picnic? What special needs do members have? Are they vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten/lactose free? Are they toddlers, teens, adults, seniors? How

many of the meals will be on their own and how many communal?

You must see where we’re going with this! Food, while a reunion highlight, must be carefully, thoroughly and thoughtfully planned. And while we can’t do the work for you, we’d like to provide some help as you face these nutritional details.

The following forms are on pages 25 through 30 in Reunion Planners Notebook. They are free for you and your committee members to print out and use as you plan your meal events.

Reunion menus: Use this page as a guide for planning the meals and food events you anticipate over a three-day reunion. Certainly, some of the meals could be on your own. If, for example, you are staying at a facility that offers free breakfast you will save both planning and money.

Menu and shopping list: This page is an example for one event which can be put to use for all others. It suggests a list of menu items that can be included in your planning and a shopping list to meet all those details. It is important to make, change and check lists all the time as you move closer to the reunion. Never assume that a list is cast in stone because no matter how careful and thorough you think you are, surprises can always happen.

Picnic checklist: Planning for a reunion picnic is quite different than any of the other meals. It requires choosing and reserving a site, unless it’s in someone’s yard or on someone’s farm. The space needs to be large enough to accommodate the number of people expected. There are many considerations that are not necessary with other meals unless you have access to a place to prepare food such as a kitchen or a pavilion with kitchen facilities. Check the details listed on this form because there might be some you may not have thought of such as whether or not alcohol is allowed or whether you need to provide porta potties and grills or water. Do not err on the side of thinking of a picnic as a simple event!

July 4th reunion picnic ideas: Set the mood. Don’t forget the decorations! Flags, balloons, napkins, paper products —anything red, white, and blue.

What’s to eat? You might like big, juicy steaks, but kids might prefer hotdogs and hamburgers, and don’t forget the vegans or vegetarians. Make sure you accommodate everyone’s food favorites. Ask others to pitch in. Ask members to bring salads, desserts, snacks, and drinks to ease the burden. The best picnics are ones with lots of variety. Keep members entertained. Line up lawn games like bocce ball and cornhole. Get a baseball game going and lots of races for all ages.

Earl Smith cutting watermelon at the Smith Family Reunion

Potluck signup: Planning a potluck meal need not be complicated, but there are some simple considerations. Make a list of what you want to include: appetizers, bread, salads, side dishes, meats, entrees, condiments, dessert, snacks, and drinks. Simple enough, but it’s important to make sure items are assigned and agreed to. If you simply say: potluck, be prepared for a lot of potato salad and little else to accompany it. Also, consider family favorites and who makes them best. Then, ask specifically for those contributions. If grandma’s peach pie is epic and everyone looks forward to it, ask her to bring peach pie(s). Everyone knows who makes favorites and make sure they’re included, which means there may be several choices of potato salads. Also, for members traveling to the reunion, suggest that they either contribute to the purchase of drinks or the paper supplies necessary to stage the potluck.

Wilfer Family Reunion potluck

Catering questions: Catering is one way to provide food for your reunion, but catering is also something that few of us ever do so it’s something that requires both thought and planning ahead. These pages list many questions that you should consider as you plan for and hire a caterer. You’ll want recommendations from others who have hired caterers (including your convention and visitors bureau contact) and you’ll want to consult more than one as you start your catering plan. In fact, as you initially interview caterers, you’ll be learning not only about their skills and business, but about catering in general. Menu, logistics and cost are only the beginning. Study these lists carefully to ensure that you get the best plan and meal you’re hoping for.

Buffet line at Marriott Fairfax Hotel, Fair Oaks in Fairfax,Virginia.

Planning a banquet

Reunion organizers are close cousins to the professionals who plan meetings for a living. They have to go through all the same steps to make a memorable event happen. These are questions professionals ask when planning a banquet.

The event

/ Determine a purpose for your banquet. Is it a celebration, an awards ceremony or social event?

/ Develop a seating chart that encourages mingling at each table.

/ Will the banquet have a theme?

/ How many will attend?

The budget

/ Is there a room rental fee? Are there federal, state and local taxes?

/ Are there gratuity service charges? Many properties routinely have a mandatory gratuity surcharge for food functions.

/ What is the overtime rate for staff?

/ Negotiate a discount based on the overall dollar value of your reunion, particularly if you’re also reserving sleeping and meeting rooms.

/ If you’re contracting more than six months ahead, get, in writing, the percentage above current food and beverage prices you will be charged.

/ Are decorating and floral arrangements included in the room rental fee?

/ Will musicians, entertainment or a speaker be required?

The menu

/ Discuss your budget with the caterer.

Taste of reunions!

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

/ Share menus from past reunions and point out what went well and what did not. Ask for suggestions of local dishes that represent the banquet’s location.

/ What is your group’s taste? Are they a traditional meat and potatoes crowd? Or are they willing to try ethnic cuisines?

/ If at all possible, meet with the executive chef and ask for suggestions.

/ Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables in your menu selection.

/ Typically, a choice of a vegetarian or seafood dish should be offered.

/ To avoid offending guests with special dietary or religious restrictions, ask for alternative entree selections.

/ Once you have agreed to a menu, stick to it. Changes will result in higher costs, even surcharges.

/ Sign off on food and beverage details at least ten days before your reunion and give the caterer a final headcount at least 48 hours in advance.

The drinks

/ Are alcohol and other beverages included or will there be a cash-bar?

/ Ask the caterer for consumption guidelines. Basic beverage guidelines are one drink per person, per hour; six to seven glasses of wine per liter bottle; 20 cocktails per liter of liquor.

/ Confirm beverage pricing with the caterer. Consider paying on consumption rather than per-person price.

/ Ask the caterer to suggest champagne and dinner wines that complement the menu and stay within your budget.

Canty Family Reunion banquet

HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN ALCOHOL = LIABILITY

Q:I volunteered to plan my ship’s reunion next year (we’re Navy veterans), and the one thing that worries me is the potential liability if someone gets hurt after having had “one too many” in our hospitality suite. What can I do to make sure that everything works out all right?

A:Serving alcoholic beverages at reunions is always a tricky question, regardless of whether it’s a military reunion, a family reunion, or a high school reunion. For many groups, this is their greatest area of potential liability and risk. By contrast, if your group fails to meet its obligation to the hotel to use a certain number of guest rooms, the problem can easily be resolved by writing the hotel a check for the unused rooms. But if someone is involved in an auto accident driving home from your reunion, there very well could be severe criminal and civil penalties involved, for both your group and all of your officers. You’re absolutely right to be concerned!

BASICS

Let’s start with the basics. There are a number of things you as a planner can do to help prevent someone from drinking “too much” to begin with. For example, many groups choose not to serve any “hard liquor” but only beer and wine. Whenever alcohol is served, you’ll want to have food available. Drinking on an empty stomach will cause people to become intoxicated more quickly.

“CASH BAR” RATHER THAN AN “OPEN BAR”

As a planner, you can limit the length of time the bar is open. People tend to drink less if you have a “cash bar” rather than an “open bar” where the drinks are unlimited. If they have to pay out-of-pocket for each drink, they will slow down.

Whenever possible, those drinking at the reunion should be encouraged to stay overnight at the hotel rather than attempting to drive home after an evening of drinking. Alternatively, you should plan to have “designated drivers” and/or taxicabs readily available for those not staying overnight. Many hotels and restaurants provide complimentary soft drinks to attendees who volunteer to be the “designated driver.”

Your bartenders and servers should all have had alcoholic beverage service training and be able to “cut off” anyone who has had too much to drink. Check with the hotel, restaurant, or venue to confirm this.

In an attempt to save money, some groups arrange to purchase their own alcohol at a retail store and serve it in their hospitality suite. I would strongly discourage any group from trying to do this. Purchasing alcoholic beverages from the hotel covers you under the hotel’s liability insurance. Purchasing drinks on your own does not. The potential savings in the cost of a couple of cases of beer is completely insignificant compared to the hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential legal liability you and your group could face in the event of a serious accident.

My recommended alternative is to negotiate mutually-agreeable

pricing for your drinks. Just like the price of your rooms and your catered meals, drink prices can be negotiated.

Regardless of where your group is meeting, you’ll want to become familiar with state and local liquor laws. These laws vary greatly from state to state and city to city. Your hotel’s catering manager and your Convention and Visitors Bureau representative are both excellent sources of information about this subject. Likewise, the liquor laws for most states can be researched online. You don’t want to break the law, even unintentionally! For example, putting out a “donation” jar at a reception or in a hospitality suite, and asking your attendees to contribute money to cover the cost of their drinks has been ruled to constitute selling liquor without a license, and is illegal in virtually every state.

Finally, I strongly encourage groups to consider purchasing “event insurance” for their reunions, which protects you and your group against mishaps (due to alcohol or other causes) that may arise. These policies are typically very reasonably priced for a two- or three-day reunion, and the cost of the policy to the group can be divided by the number of attendees and built into everyone’s registration fee. Check with a local insurance agent or on the Internet for “event insurance” for details, items covered, and potential costs.

About the Hospitality Answerman

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

Many more food ideas on the web

There are many more sources of reunion food ideas on our website and on our Pinterest pages. See for yourself! Just to start, look at these general food web pages Then, explore food boards on our Pinterest page where there are lots more food ideas.

Just don’t be too hungry or you’ll be sorry when you begin exploring these food ideas!

FOOD IDEAS

www.pinterest.com/reunionsmag/reunion-food/

Start each reunion day with a hearty breakfast from these ideas.

BREAKFAST

www.pinterest.com/reunionsmag/reunion-breakfasts/

What is a reunion party without munchie ideas?.

MUNCHIES

www.pinterest.com/reunionsmag/appetizers-and-munchies/

And don’t forget everybody’s favorite to satisfy lots of sweet teeth!

SWEET TOOTH

www.pinterest.com/reunionsmag/desserts-and-sweets/

using them in the magazine. Then, after they appeared in the magazine, we offered the collection as Reunion recipes to go! Readers were asked to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope (remember those?) for copies. One day I got a call from the post office to, please, come retrieve my mail. Trays full of recipe requests! Fulfillment kept us busy for weeks when we weren’t doing regular magazine chores.

Many years ago when Reunions magazine was very young, we collected recipes from readers. It started as a project called “Please pass the potato salad” and grew into all kinds of recipes for reunion food. We had a great time testing and tasting recipes before

Maybe it’s time again to collect reunion recipes. If you have one or more favorites or something you or a reunion member is “famous” and asked for, please share it. You might also want to enhance it with pictures and a story. Send to editor@reunionsmag.com

Missing Man tables

Heroes Homecoming in Cumberland County, North Carolina, was created as a way of showing recognition and appreciation to all active duty and veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and everything they do to defend this country’s freedom – now and forever. Heroes Homecoming runs for one week ending on Veterans Day to honor service

members still listed as Prisoner of War (POW)/ Missing in Action (MIA) by spearheading an effort to get Missing Man tables set up at places of business throughout Cumberland County. Organizations who are part of Heroes Homecoming agree that we must not forget those who served as POW or who are still MIA.

The Heroes Homecoming committee

The Highground Veterans Park

The Highground Veterans Park is offering two female veterans retreats free of charge June 16-18 and June 22-25. Presenter will be Sarah Blum (Vietnam Veteran nurse, author, PTSD/MST advocate; www.womenunderfire.net). The first retreat will include workshops and activities for female veterans to help manage PTSD and MST while enjoying nature and the camaraderie of other female veterans.

provides all materials needed except the ta-ble, chair, salt, and salt shaker. Participating businesses rope off or clearly indicate that their table display or Honor Chair is for display only. Each Missing Man table or Honor Chair is displayed for the month of November.

Thanks to Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The second is a first-ever hiking and camping retreat on Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail. Spending time in nature is one of the most effective and achievable ways to help heal and manage PTSD and to reach goals of better mental health. The group will be hiking 5–8 miles daily on the

rolling terrain. Major funding for both female veterans retreats has been received from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the National Society of the Dames of the Court of Honor and Maureen Hornung.

To register, email Theresa at museum@thehighground.us or call 715-743-4224.

The Highground will host its 19th annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion July 15th combining Vietnam exhibits, Huey helicopter displays (a landing is planned, weather permitting) and an opportunity to meet other Vietnam Veterans.

The Highground is accepting sponsors for the Vietnam Veterans Reunion Lunch. Contact Theresa if you or your organization would like to be a sponsor.

Visit www.thehighground.us/highground-museum/ for more information.

About The Highground Veterans Memorial Park

The Highground, W7031 Ridge Road, Neillsville, Wisconsin, started as the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project in 1984. It has grown to a 155-acre park whose mission is to honor, educate and heal our Veterans, their families and all who visit. The Park includes over a dozen tributes, a museum, gift shop, pavil-ions, picnic areas and four miles of hiking trails. The private facility, which re-ceives no ongoing federal or state funding, is supported by private donations and grants. The Park is free to the public and open 24/7/365; www.thehighground.us

Museum of Cape Fear

North Carolina Veteran’s Park City Center Gallery & Books

A UH-1H Huey landing at The Highground during the 2022 Vietnam Veterans Reunion.

Photo credit: The Highground Veterans Memorial Park

USS John Young DD-973 reunion

The USS John Young reunion can always be counted on for very detailed and in-teresting reunion plans. 2024 will obviously be a big one with both a meeting in New Orleans and a five-day “Back to Sea” Cruise. We’re glad to see they plan a visit to the WWII Museum!

Shared by Michael Trotta, Tarpon Springs, Florida.

New Navy Museum planned

The Navy unveiled five concepts recently to replace its aging museum in Navy Yard in Washington, DC. Designs include fighter jets dangling from the ceilings, tall sails rising from the floor, and ample outdoor green space. These artistic concepts were produced for the Navy to help explore the full range of potential ideas that might be incorporated into a new museum. The new 270,000-square-foot museum campus will include a new building, 100,000 square feet of gallery space, a ceremonial courtyard, and a marque gallery space. The timing of the museum is still to be determined because the location isn’t yet set in stone.

Note: List of Navy museums

The American Battle Monuments Foundation (ABMF)

The American Battle Monuments Foundation (ABMF) is the official, non-profit partner of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC.) ABMC is the 100-yearold U.S. federal agency charged with maintenance and management of all 26 American military cemeteries and 32 monuments overseas. More than 218,000 American servicemembers are buried or memorialized (remains missing) at these hallowed grounds. Americans who fought and died made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Among our several programs, ABMF engages younger generations to understand the relevance of that sacrifice to their lives. Visit https://www.abmf.org/

A stroll down memory lane conjures up stories from the past to be shared with future generations. Vivid-Pix.com

A Picture Says A Thousand Words

Top Quality Digitizing & Organizing

Large Project Experts!

• Photos, albums and scrapbooks from 600 to 9600 DPI, returned in chronological order and ready to use and share.

• Videotapes inventoried and returned as editable MP4 files.

• 8mm and 16mm film movies in stunning 4K resolution.

• Proprietary HDR slide scanning at 4100 DPI.

• We are experts in organizing large photo and movie collections. Send us the boxes and we figure it out.

We Inventory

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We Quality Check

You receive a high-quality digital collection in chronological order – ready to use and share.

REUNION RESOURCES

Welcome to Reunion Resources!

We encourage you to tell the listings you contact that you learned about them from Reunions magazine. Notify us immediately at editor@reunionsmag.com if you find any info that is inaccurate or e-mail or web links do not work; or write us at 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.

ALABAMA

GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

950 22nd St. North, Suite 550, 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 Email info@inbirmingham.com www.inbirmingham.com

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 10.

DELAWARE

SOUTHERN DELAWARE TOURISM

Looking for the perfect place for your next reunion? How does this sound – 5 Star beaches. Comfy accommodations to fit every budget. A jam-packed events calendar. Lots of group activities on land and on the water. A huge variety of visual and performing arts & entertainment. Scenic and historic sites, events, and venues ideally suited to group events. Exceptional Culinary Coast™ dining. Southern Delaware is a great place to gather! 827 E Market St Georgetown , DE 19947 800-357-1818

SouthDel@VisitSouthernDelaware.com www.visitsoutherndelaware.com/

FLORIDA

GREATER MIAMI CVB

701 Brickell Ave, Suite 2700, Miami FL 33131 305.539.3000 | 800.933.8448

www.MiamiAndBeaches.com

Whether family, class, alumni or military, Miami is perfect for your reunion any time of the year. Let us help you create the best reunion that people will be talking about for years to come. Play in the sun and sand, visit historic heritage churches and other locations, find fun parks and recreation areas or specialized venues to hold your family reunion or other get together. With diverse multicultural jewels and robust outdoor activities, Miami lets you find your roots and reunite with the past. Reconnect today in Greater Miami and the Beaches. Visit www.MulticulturalMiami.com to see our special Plan Your Reunion page or email MultiCulturalTourism@gmcvb.com

PANAMA CITY BEACH CVB

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

17001 Panama City Beach Pkwy Panama City Beach, FL 32413 Phone: 850-233-5070 | Toll Free: 1-800-722-3224

Known for its sugar-white sands and turquoise waters, Panama City Beach is the ultimate reunion destination. Check out www.visitpanamacitybeach. com/groups/reunions-in-panama-city-beach/ and plan your trip now to PCB, the Real. FUN. Beach.

GEORGIA

ALPHARETTA CVB

Want to plan an AWESOME reunion in metro Atlanta? Don’t know where to begin? Worry no more and gather your group in Alpharetta! Attend our free workshop for a collection of insider tips from our reunion planning specialist. Contact Alpharetta CVB at 800-294-0923 or visit www.awesomealpharetta.com

HENRY COUNTY GEORGIA

Henry County, Georgia’s close proximity to Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—makes it a convenient reunion destination. In addition to the county’s prime location, the area is home to more than two dozen hotels with a variety of amenities, great event venues, group-friendly restaurants, and

family-friendly attractions. For families looking to host their reunions outdoors, at a local eatery, or at a hotel with event space, Henry County delivers an action-packed experience for everyone.

Janna Szeto

(678) 967-3567

1709 HWY. 20 WEST, MCDONOUGH, GA 30253

VISITHENRYCOUNTYGEORGIA.COM

ILLINOIS

MEET CHICAGO NORTHWEST

1933 N. Meacham Rd. Suite 210

Schaumburg IL 60173

1-800-847-4849 | info@chicagonorthwest.com

The Chicago Northwest region is conventionally located on the edge of O’Hare Airport and Chicago. Outstanding attractions for all ages to gather together for fun and memories. Our team is ready to assist in finding your reunion the perfect spot to rest, eat, and play while building stories that will last a lifetime. Connect with us today and take advantage of our free services!

CHICAGO SOUTHLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Great memories start with great locations. Reunions of all kinds can find superior facilities conveniently located to anywhere in the Midwest – and across the country. With our true Midwestern hospitality, the Chicago Southland feels like family. We offer complimentary services to ensure your reunion’s success. Visit www.ReuniteInChicagoSouthland. com or call 888-895-3211.

LAKE COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Visit Lake County Illinois

Plan an unforgettable reunion in Lake County, Illinois. We’ll work together to plan an event that lets you explore all the excitement of Lake County and enjoy your time with family and friends. From entertaining attractions like Six Flags to our convenient, centralized location close to Chicago, there are so many reasons to choose Lake County for familyfriendly fun. For FREE Reunion Planning Assistance call or email us with your questions.

5465 West Grand Avenue Suite 100 Gurnee, IL 60031 | 847-662-2700

kimberly@lakecounty.org

www.visitlakecounty.org

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 5.

LOUISIANA

NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM

Make your family or military reunion a unique and memorable occasion at The National WWII 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 www.nationalww2museum.org/groups

MARYLAND

GARRETT COUNTY DEEP CREEK

THE DEEP CREEK EXPERIENCE

15 Visitors Center Drive McHenry , MD 21541 301-387-5238, 301-387-4386 www.visitdeepcreek.com

Find the perfect reunion destination tucked away in the mountains of western Maryland. The Deep Creek area is a four-season destination with a wide variety of activities. Explore our 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 four hours from Cleveland and Columbus). kim@garrettchamber.com

Kim Folk, Heritage Area & Groups Director Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area www.garrettheritage.com

MISSOURI

EXPLORE BRANSON in Southwest Missouri, surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. For helpful information call the Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau to assist you in securing the perfect lodging for your next reunion in this ideal destination at the center of America's heartland! Faith, Family and Flag are honored every day in Branson! Plus the breathtaking scenery, world-class entertainment and exciting attractions for all ages are served up with a generous side of authentic southern hospitality that will create memories worth re-living! Whether your reunion is family, military, or graduating class, request our Complimentary Welcome Bags and/or our comprehensive Branson Reunion Planner Kit: Lenni Neimeyer, CTIS, CSTP | 417-243-2105 Email: lneimeyer@bransoncvb.com or Visit: www.ExploreBranson.com/groups.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO on I-55 between St. Louis & Memphis. Perched on the Western banks of the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is a small city with a big heart and something for everyone, from families to history buffs, outdoor adventurer and everyone in between. Consider us the prime location for your reunion.

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

NORTH CAROLINA

HALIFAX COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

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

REUNION RESOURCES

Florida. The Halifax County CVB is excited to help make your family reunion memorable by offering a complimentary welcome reception with cookies & lemonade, assistance with hotel arrangements, including group discounts, trip planning & tailored itineraries for your family, and resources for venues, meals & catering, banners, photographers, videographers, tent & chair rental etc. 260 Premier Blvd.

Roanoke Rapids , NC 27870

800-522-4282

info@visithalifax.com

www.visithalifax.com/ OHIO

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS

Columbus is full of unforgettable experiences, distinct neighborhoods and one-of-a-kind tours. As a leader in experiential tourism, Columbus knows that getting groups in the middle of the action and behind the scenes is important. We put your well being first with the Live Forward Safety Pledge. Whether you’re planning a group activity or giving individuals time to explore on their own, Columbus’ neighborhoods welcome groups in their own special way. Contact the Tourism Sales team at 1-800-354-2657 tours@ExperienceColumbus.com

www.ExperienceColumbus.com/reunions

SOUTH CAROLINA

HILTON GREENVILLE

45 West Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29615 d: +1-864-248-1942 t: +1-864-232-4747 f: +1-864-235-6248

www.greenvillesc.hilton.com

Reunite, Relax, Reconnect

Ideal location for your Reunion headquarters. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, only 8 miles from Greenville-Spartanburg Airport and easily accessible to interstate 385/85 located between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA.

TENNESSEE

PIGEON FORGE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE -- We’re a gold mine for reunions. Need attractions? Try Dollywood, Titanic Pigeon Forge, mountain coasters and the action-packed Parkway. Want nature? Great Smoky Mountains National Park is next-door. Want entertainment? More than a dozen theaters await you. Hungry? We’ll feed you well. Details: 1-800-2519100 or visit www.pigeonforgereunion.com

TEXAS

PEARLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

11200 Broadway Street #1390, Pearland TX 77584

Contact Teri Mazhar, 281-997-5970

pearlandcvb@pearlandtx.gov

www.visitpearland.com/reunions

Rebekah Burns, Marketing Manager

Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau

City of Pearland | 11200 Broadway Street, Suite 1390 | Pearland, TX 77584 Phone: 281.997.5971 | Mobile: 832.492.3161 www.visitpearland.com

VIRGINIA

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA

10560 Arrowhead Drive Suite 350 Fairfax, VA 22030

Enjoy everything that Northern Virginia has to offer.

From the monuments and memorials of nearby Washington, DC to the Smithsonian National Air

and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Fairfax County is the ideal location for your military or family reunion. The spectacular new National Museum of the United States Army is now open and welcoming visitors.

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

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 47.

FREDERICKSBURG TOURISM VISIT FRED

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

Just 50 miles south of WDC, the Fredericksburg Region boasts an award winning distillery, wineries and breweries, outdoor adventures, parks and more. Make memories with your family, classmates, and military buddies in the Fredericksburg Region.

To book your reunion, contact Victoria Matthews: (540)372-1216 | 1-800-260-3646

vamatthews@fredericksburgva.gov

www.VisitFred.com

Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLooe9ESVe8

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 see and do. Let Newport News make your next reunion a memorable one.

Call Cheryl Morales at 757-926-1428 or e-mail her at cmorales@nnva.gov to book your reunion today! www.newport-news.org

WASHINGTON

TRAVEL TACOMA-MT RAINIER TOURISM & SPORTS

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 selfguided craft beer crawl or stroll along Tacoma’s waterfront, enjoying regional cuisine. 253-830-6606 | sales@traveltacoma.com

www.traveltacoma.com

WYOMING

DUDE RANCHERS' ASSOCIATION

1122 12th Street, Cody WY 82414

Helping people find quality Dude and Guest Ranch vacations since 1926. Let us help you find the perfect all-inclusive location for your next reunion! Call 307-587-2339 | info@duderanch.org

www.duderanch.org