2023 Reunion
US Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) Reunion
Celebrations!
Gilliam Grant Family Reunion
Your reunion picture could be here! Faulkner Family Reunion
John S. Battle High School, Bristol, Virginia, Class of 1973
Your Family Reunion
Vol 32 No 4 Virtual Edition December 2023
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in this special issue DEPARTMENTS FRONT WORDS – 4 ALUM & I – 6 The Celebrants by Steven Rowley John S. Battle High School Class of 1973 reunion by Cathy Meade Hart Malden High School, Class of 1973 reunion Joanne Torosian A yearbook … lost and found! by Bonnie Barchichat And more about yearbooks … Q? + A! How to start planning a reunion BRANCH OFFICE – 12 Remembering A Life Journey cards Ideas from The Bunker Banner by LiAnn Pennington Include family history in your holiday gatherings from Chartmasters SCRAPBOOK – 15 Reunion School Hospitality Answerman by Dean Miller Free forms to start venue/hotel search Venue spotlight: museums! MASTERPLAN – 27 Fifteen years and still going strong by Patricia (Gardiner) Suyak Gilliam-Grant Family Reunion by Patricia Johnson Noisette Family Reunion by Peggy Clement Seals Family Reunion by Carole Neal Mary Liza branch of the Freeman Family! by Tida Tate for Ruby Ealy Bennett-Cheek Cousins Reunion by Daisy Simon Groshek Family Reunion by June Groshek Czarnezki Bennett-Cheek Cousins Reunion by June Groshek Czarnezki Faulkner Family Reunion by Camille Breaux Owens Family Reunion by Loretta Lewis FEATURE – 37 Bring your family together with photographs and memories by Lisa A. Alzo MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 39 US Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) Reunions by Theresa Nemetz Military Discounts REUNION RESOURCES – 45 A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products. ON THE COVER
US Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA), Gilliam Grant Family Reunion, Faulkner Family Reunion, John S. Battle High School
Reunion Celebrations v December 2023 Volume 32 v Number 4 PUBLISHER Rick Voight EDITOR IN CHIEF Edith Wagner
editor@reunionsmag.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Mary Catherine Stern ART DIRECTOR Jennifer Rueth SALES Roberta McLoud, Account Manager
roberta@reunionsmag.com
Cindy T. Petrucci, Account Manager
Cindy@reunionsmagazine.com WEB WIZARDS Howard Ehrenberg • Chris Thompson HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN Dean Miller CONTRIBUTORS Lisa A. Alzo, MFA • Bonnie Barchichat Camille Breaux • Angela Carlton Peggy Clement • June Groshek Czarnezki Sharon Danitschek • Alyson Dello Ruby Ealy • Greg Dunlop Cathy Meade Hart • Janet Hovorka Suzanne Holloman • Patricia Johnson Loretta Lewis • Carole Neal Theresa Nemetz • LiAnn Pennington Daisy Simon • Patricia (Gardiner) Suyak Tida Tate • Joanne Torosian 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.
2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 3
FRONT WORDS
Be in touch!
Mail to his issue concludes Reunions Reunion. Planning ahead, you can learn Reunions magazine magazine’s 32nd year and one to tour Chicago with the Owens Family PO Box 11727 finally looking up from recent Reunion. Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 limitations of the pandemic. In fact, And speaking of Owens, it’s a name call 414-263-4567 this issue is full of wonderful reports that popped up repeatedly in this issue visit www.reunionsmag.com of reunions most of whom declare and caused me some confusion. There is, e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com their coming out of pandemic of course, the Owens family with lots of restrictions. It sure feels like it’s over, people whose names are Owens. Then in folks, and reunions are roaring back. Hopefully, you are Noisette Family Reunion, the musician providing backplanning and anticipating a reunion soon. You’ll want to ground to a slide show is Jimmy Owens. And the author of read reports about recent class, family, military or other the first family reunion story, lives in Owensboro, Kentucky. reunions in these pages for inspiration. What are the odds? Reunions magazine is and always has been reader-driven. That means we rely on you to share reports/stories about your reunion triumphs. Submissions you’ll read in this issue illustrate the joy and pride planners and participants take in their family or group history and traditions. They share what they enjoy about their relationships and eagerness to be together. We were struck that some were worried that if they didn’t come together this year, they might lose the connection of longevity they’d built. We’d been hoping to hear from more class reunions and this issue has several for your review including an interesting reunion of a class yearbook! In the scrapbook section you’ll discover a giveaway you’ll need to enter quickly to qualify. Hospitality Answerman, Dean Miller, outlines how you can take advantage of convention and visitor bureau Seidemann 90th Family Reunion services as you plan. There are suggestions for holiday Regular columnist, Lisa Alzo’s feature outlines tools to activities and, of course, the listing of upcoming workpreserve photographs and memories. And, finally, US shops and familiarization tours. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) Reunion Family reunions, as always, consume the most space celebrates their reunion in the home city of Reunions and are the most diverse and creative in their planning and magazine. Learn all the wonders Milwaukee, Wisconsin, activities. Though held in summer, the Gardiner Family can hold for your reunion! Reunion always includes a Christmas celebration. The With Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the new year Gilliam Grant family have added two new traditions that just around the corner, we know your attention is on those you might want to consider. I think they’d be flattered by celebrations. Though we also know some planners take your copying their ideas. The Noisette Family convenes advantage of being together to hold committee meetings. from around the US and France and you can sit back and We hope as we arrive in 2024, you will take advantage of enjoy a lovely slide retrospective of their meeting. The our Social Media Index and all our web, Facebook and description of the Seals Family Reunion includes a very Pinterest pages have to offer in ideas as you continue to detailed description of planning from a distance and can plan your next reunion. be an inspiration if that is what you face. Enjoy the banquet From all of us at Reunions magazine, we wish you the and dancing at the Bennett-Cheek Cousins Reunion! And best of holiday seasons and a productive new year. EW be in awe of the vast multi generation descendents of one couple at the Groshek Family Reunion. The joy of celebration is in singing and dancing at the Faulkner Family
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Lake County, Illinois is reunion-perfect.
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 and 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, at Kimberly@LakeCounty.org to start your planning!
VisitLakeCounty.org 800-LAKE-NOW
ALUM & I
Review The Celebrants by Steven Rowley (Penguin Random House, 2023, 321 pages)
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he Celebrants by Steven Rowley is a rather unusual college reunion story, but not unimaginable. Five transfer students at Berkeley randomly assigned to the same dormitory floor become close for a lifetime. After the death of one, they decide to throw one another living funerals so none of them would ever be left to wonder what impact they’d had on the others. The funerals serve as a reminder of the importance of telling people how much they mean to you while you can. We follow the friends through different stages of life as they navigate the challenges of adulthood for almost 30 years post-graduation. They conduct the funerals throughout the decades. However, once one receives devastating news, the group of friends will change forever.
John S. Battle High School, Class of 1973 reunion
J
ohn S. Battle High School of Washington County, in Bristol, Virginia, celebrated 50 years since graduating in 1973. 215 students received diplomas at graduation on June 8, 1973. During the research to find classmates, we found 50 to be deceased. Classmates attended from Virginia, Tennessee, North and
South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Texas and Oregon. The two-night event began with a picnic at a local park in Bristol, Tennessee, on Friday. The second night event was a banquet held at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Bristol, Virginia. 63 classmates and 40 guests attended. A
Class picnic
retired high school football coach and retired government teacher were special guests. One classmate who is a drummer in a band was the guest speaker. There were door prizes and a Kennedy half dollar dated 1973 was gifted to each classmate for attending. 70s music was played and a Military honor presentation was performed. A memorial was read for deceased classmates. A committee of seven worked on the reunion beginning in January 2023. We used a facebook site designed for the class to find classmates and get the word out. Editor’s note: While it seems confusing, Bristol crosses the Tennessee and Virginia state lines. Shared by Cathy Meade Hart, Bristol, Tennessee.
John S. Battle High School Class of 1973 at 50-year reunion. 6 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
ALUM & I
Malden High School, Class of 1973 reunion
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he Malden High School Class the hotel lounge for more music, of 1973 celebrated their 50th dancing and catching up with one Class Reunion at the Crowne Plaza another. Attendees who are no Hotel in Woburn, Massachusetts. longer Massachusetts locals came During the cocktail-registration from the West Coast, Midwest, hour it was wonderful to see South and even Canada! We look classmates meeting and greeting forward to our 55th reunion and each other, some, for the first time perhaps a 70th Birthday since the 45th reunion. The 130 celebration in two years. Our class The license is a large poster made by classmate, Michael Trickett, attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner theme has always been The as a surprise for our 40th reunion. in the late afternoon with great Beatles’ classic song, Let It Be. music provided by a local DJ. Later, many attendees went to Shared by Joanne Torosian, Malden, Massachusetts.
Happy Malden High School reunion group
Q?
Angela Carlton asked:
How can I utilize the information provided and get the maximum benefit? I am interested in the workshops. I stumbled across a Pinterest post and found your magazine. I love all the help. I will be planning a first ever family reunion, and a 40-year high school reunion. Never have I organized events like these before. The school reunion is rural in an area with few amenities. Any hints to get me started in the right direction would be appreciated. Although I love to browse back and forth through a paper copy, I look forward to the digital version just as well.
A!
After 30 years of printing, Reunions magazine is only virtual now. You can see the current issue at www.reunionsmag.com and years of back issues at www.ISSUU.com/reunionsmag.
Are you in an area served by a tourism or convention and visitors bureau? Most have a small meetings specialist who can help. For your class reunion, contact www.varsityreunions.com to determine if there’s a class reunion planning company in your area. It may have a cost, but if you’ve never planned a reunion before, it may be your best solution. And don’t do it alone. Solicit help from classmates and family right away for making decisions and doing the many tasks you’ll discover you need to do. Meanwhile, explore our website for lots of information about planning both class and family reunions. Also, look Reunion Planners Notebook planning forms to aid individual planning steps. When it’s all over, consider submitting reports, pictures/videos for the magazine.
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ALUM & I
A yearbook … lost and found!
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lived in Cuba. I wrote, but no answer. hile cleaning my father-in-law’s Then I googled the name and found an garage readying it for an estate attorney who had an email and phone sale, I came across a 1982 yearbook number listed. I dialed and left a from Yeshiva University High School of message and also wrote an email. Lo Los Angeles. The garage was overstuffed and behold, within 10 minutes I was with every manner of things, such as old talking to the owner of the yearbook and books, magazines, board games, he said he’d been looking for it for 30 brochures, newspapers, calendars, years! We set a time to meet the very unmade model airplane sets, and next day at a Kosher Mexican restaurant everything people put in garages. and didn’t stop talking for two hours. The rationale about why I may have The mystery of the lost yearbook was been holding the book was either one of solved. He’d given a box of books he no two things. The owner was dead, and longer wanted to my father-in-law and my father-in-law picked it up at another didn’t know the yearbook was in it. My garage sale, or an angry wife (or father-in-law, a widower, was dating his husband) threw their beloved’s mom at the time. I guess my father-inyearbook away! Knowing that no one in my husband’s family graduated from Author Bonnie Barchichat and yearbook owner, Isi Baly. law never looked through the box and put it in the garage for 30 years until I that school, I was curious to find out discovered it readying the house for the estate sale. What a why he had it and since my father-in-law had already passed mitzvah (a blessing) to have been able to reunite this long lost away, I couldn’t ask him. I started by opening it and on the first book with its rightful owner. I could have easily tossed it along page there was a graduation picture of one of the two orthodox with a hundred other things, but knowing the sentimental value rabbis who married my husband and me in 1996. a yearbook holds for me I just had to find its owner! And I’m so Later, I browsed through the yearbook again to see who else glad I did. I think Isi and I will now always be friends. See, there graduated and I found those pages where friends write are happy endings in life … and new beginnings too! So, the inscriptions wishing you good luck in your further life and how morale of the story is: double check everything you’re giving much they appreciated your friendship. I saw writing to away because you might never see it again; or not for a very, someone called Isi. So was Isi a girl or a boy? I investigated and very long time. saw it was a boy named Isidoro. Further curiosity led me to the Shared by Bonnie Barchichat, Redondo Beach, California. internet where I found someone by that name on Facebook who
And more about yearbooks …
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ecently, I moved and was faced with what to do with a collection of yearbooks. There were four from high school and four from under graduate university. I contacted the local library in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where I went to high school and was met with sincere excitement. As I assumed, the library has a collection of yearbooks, but had none of the ones I offered. Then, on that high, I contacted the university, but was met with a ho-hum reaction that they didn’t need any more of the books! I would strongly suggest that anyone wanting to relieve themselves of yearbooks, contact libraries or historical societies who may be interested in the donations. EW A couple of the Wauwatosa High School yearbooks donated to the library. Thanks to classmate, Greg Dunlop, for sharing the pictures!
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BRANCH OFFICE
Remembering A Life Journey cards
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he National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has introduced a deck of cards to help families and individuals move though their grief after a loss. Beautifully designed decks help keep memories of loved ones alive. Each deck contains 52 cards and each card features a meaningful way to remember a loved one. Journaling, activities, storytelling and reflection prompts invite the user to make each exercise meaningful. Examples of activities include holding an item of importance to a loved one and journaling about why it was important and how it feels to hold it. Or making a loved one’s favorite meal and inviting friends and family to enjoy it and share stories. Or completing an item on a loved one’s bucket list.
Each activity helps hold the loved one close while also moving forward on the grief journey. The cards make a lovely gift for a friend or family member who has experienced a loss. Online (RememberingALife.com) bonus content provides additional inspiration, podcast episodes, blog posts, and more. Cards are available at RememberingALife. com/store for $14.95 per deck. Remembering A Life is a consumer education initiative of the National Funeral Directors Association. NOTE: Two decks of Remembering A Life Journey cards are included in the Reunions magazine December giveaways online. Enter now!
ANY-SIZED FAMILY. ANY-SIZED BUDGET. WE ACCOMMODATE BOTH.
In June 2023, more than three hundred family members attended The Flowers Family Reunion in Fairfax County, Virginia. Photo by Chuck Fazio.
You have a big family. We have activities for everyone and every budget. From fine dining to family casual, from easy-going hotels to uptown luxury, we’ve got your budget covered. And with a world of fun for all ages and interests, Fairfax County is tailor-made for your reunion.
Let us help you plan your family’s reunion. Go to FXVA.com or call 703-790-0643
2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 9
BRANCH OFFICE
Ideas from The Bunker Banner
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t pays to read newsletters! We found these (edited) notes from LiAnn Pennington’s recent column in The Bunker Banner. I came across notes I took at a National Genealogical Society Convention many years ago about how to get kids interested in genealogy. There are many resources online, since that seems to be the way kids like to access information. The National Archives has free downloadable forms of fun graphics for
kids; www.archives.gov/education/ family-history. Climb Your Family Tree has suggestions for how to spark the family research interest in kids; climbyourfamilytree.com/ genealogy-activities-for-kids. And, of course, Amazon has a Genealogy for Kids section. Ultimately, it is our excitement that will be most effective in getting future generations involved and continuing the work. Computers make some research easier now, but there are ages of records that are not computerized. Many family stories are not recorded anywhere! Those kids may not seem interested in old stories, but they will most likely remember them, and even pass them on to their children and grandchildren. For instance, I 10 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
remember the story of my ancestor, who was saved from sure death during the Civil War by the Bible in his pocket blocking a bullet aimed at his heart. I treasure the old photographs and albums I have. I know most of the people in the pictures, but not all. Once I took an old photo album of my Dad’s and remade it, as the photos were in those sticky sheets, which are not acid proof and can actually damage the photos. I asked him about the people and stories of the
photos. It was a fun project for him and me to complete together and was done two years before his death. I took a book that was mostly just photos and made it attractive with all the fancy scrapbooking stuff. I made a memory with my father I will always treasure. Spend quality time with your family to teaching them your history... before it’s too late. Slightly edited from LiAnn Pennington’s original column, used with permission.
BRANCH OFFICE
Include family history in your holiday gatherings
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hat better time to have a family gathering than during the holidays? Whether your family is getting together for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, Chinese New Year or all of the above, be sure to talk about your family history. Utilize family history at family gatherings to create unity and strengthen relationships.
table decorations and decorating using family heirlooms for ideas.
Talk about your family history
Share family heirloom recipes While you are doing holiday cooking, discuss and share favorite heirloom recipes. Take it a step further and ask your family to help create a video to share family recipes with extended family members and record them for posterity.
Decorate with family history If you have family history charts, use them as part of your decorations. If you haven’t created a chart, consider taking advantage of a free consultation from ChartMasters; https://www.family chartmasters.com/consult/. They also have lots of ideas about decorating with photos and family heirlooms. Then, share the stories behind these items as your family gets together. Check out ChartMasters posts about family history
Get the conversations going during the family gathering with these 20 questions. The holidays are a great time to interview older relatives, create videos, and take lots of pictures. Make sure you capture the resources you have now to preserve your history.
Capture the history you are creating now One of the best ideas for a family activity during the holidays is to create a time capsule. Intentionally creating an
heirloom for future generations helps you be thankful for the time you have now. It could be a collection of artifacts you store for a year or 10 years but it will always be a treasure. Find ideas of what to collect and how to store it. We hope you have a wonderful time together as you celebrate the winter holidays. We wish you all the best, from our families to yours. These (edited) ideas were found in a ChartMasters newsletter and are used with permission.
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SCRAPBOOK
Reunion School Is In Session 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.
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eunion planning workshops and familiarization (FAM) tours are exciting opportunities for planners to learn how to organize reunions. Workshops and tours are ideal for beginners and experienced reunion planners looking for fresh, new ideas. Some workshops are held as conference calls and zoom meetings so you don’t have to leave your own home to participate. Most workshops are free and only require preregistration. FAM tours listed here are limited to military reunion planners. Scheduled events are listed here in chronological order for those who have set dates. That is followed by a list online of organizations who have provided workshops in the past, but have not set new dates. Contact them to ask about plans for their next workshop. Other good sources for workshops are genealogy societies and their conferences. Check society 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. This list is provided as a service to reunion planners. Most workshops are sponsored by a convention and visitors bureau and offered free to reunion planners. Between issues, see current list online. March 23, 2024 • Noon to 2PM EDT NATIONAL FAMILY REUNION INSTITUTE REUNION PLANNERS VIRTUAL WORKSHOP The topics for this free virtual workshop are: Family DNA Projects, Fundraiser (Fetch), Nuts & Bolts of Finances, and Pros and Cons of Family Dues. To register: admin@familyreunioninstitute.net https://nationalfamilyreunioninstitute.net April 8-10, 2024 DESTINATION GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, FAM TOUR MILITARY REUNION NETWORK Military Reunion planners only 425-501-1430; info@militaryreunionnetwork.com; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com
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April 21-23, 2024 ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, FAM TOUR MILITARY REUNION NETWORK Military Reunion planners only 425-501-1430; info@militaryreunionnetwork.com; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com May 19-21, 2024 SPOKANE, WASHINGTON, FAM TOUR MILITARY REUNION NETWORK Military Reunion planners only 425-501-1430; info@militaryreunionnetwork.com; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com May 22-24, 2024 KITSAP PENINSULA, WASHINGTON, FAM TOUR MILITARY REUNION NETWORK Military Reunion planners only 425-501-1430; info@militaryreunionnetwork.com; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com June 21-24, 2024 MRN 2024 EDUCATIONAL SUMMIT HERNDON, VIRGINIA Military Reunion planners only 425-501-1430; info@militaryreunionnetwork.com; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com July 15-17, 2024 FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, FAM TOUR MILITARY REUNION NETWORK Military Reunion planners only 425-501-1430; info@militaryreunionnetwork.com; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com October 7-10, 2024 DOVER, DELAWARE, FAM TOUR MILITARY REUNION NETWORK Military Reunion planners only 425-501-1430; info@militaryreunionnetwork.com; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com
SCRAPBOOK
HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN
5 great things a CVB can do for your reunion
Q: A:
My sister-in-law was helping her husband’s family plan their reunion. Unfortunately, on their reunion weekend there was a NASCAR race nearby. They had trouble getting a bus to take them sightseeing and all of the restaurants were jammed with NASCAR fans all weekend long. Is there any way they could have avoided this?
Yes! It sounds to me like they didn’t call the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) before they booked their reunion. The CVB would have let them know the NASCAR race was going on that weekend and suggested other dates when the city wasn’t as crowded. I’ve said this many times before, but a group’s first call should always be to the CVB. Before you pick dates, send out “Save the Date” postcards, contact a hotel, or do anything else, contact the CVB! Many people only think to call the CVB for maps, guidebooks, and discount coupons for the destination they’ll be visiting. And yes, CVBs do provide all of those things and in many cases, for free! But that’s only one valuable service you can call them for … these are four others that could be even more valuable for your group.
a nd it allows children who use wheelchairs, walkers, or braces to enjoy a playground experience. You won’t find it in most visitor guides, but if a child in your family has special needs, we’ll recommend you spend some time there.
e A nd finally, a CVB can help you find
local service providers of all shapes and stripes. Want to rent some costumes for your family’s talent show? We know where the costume rental shop is located. Need a wreath to take to Arlington National Cemetery to place on the grave of a loved one? We know which florists make them. Want to rent a video monitor to show old home movies of the family? We know who the local providers are. Why The Liberty Swing, Clemyjontri Park, would you spend hours searching the Fairfax County, Virginia e The CVB can alert you to the best and Internet when you can just ask us? “least-best” times of the year to visit, as Again, you can make your reunion extra special (as well as well as when to get the best deals. They’ll know when larger avoid all sorts of potential problems) just by making a single “citywide” events are going on (NASCAR races, sporting phone call to the convention and visitors bureau. tournaments, festivals, major conventions, etc.) that you Hope you and your family have a wonderful reunion! may wish to avoid. Sometimes, just by shifting your reunion dates forward or back by a week, you may be able to save About the Hospitality Answerman tens, if not hundreds, of dollars a night on your hotel Dean Miller, national sales director for Visit rooms. Restaurants and other attractions will likewise be Fairfax (www.fxva.com), the convention and less-crowded and more enjoyable. visitors bureau in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a e The CVB will help you find the best-suited hotel for your great friend of reunions. group, your budget, and your reunion. Looking for a hotel Contact him (dmiller@fxva.com; 703-790-0643) that has a swimming pool and is close to shopping, when you are planning a reunion in the restaurants, and a water park? They’ll know which hotels Washington, DC, area. Fairfax County is nearby, affordable, and will fill the bill, and what rates the hotel is likely to offer you. conveniently located to all the area has to offer. T he CVB will suggest fun activities, sights to see, and e What is your question for attractions you might not have even been aware of. For example, here in Fairfax County, Virginia, we have a Dean Miller, Hospitality Answerman? specially constructed playground that was designed for Send to editor@reunionsmag.com children with mobility issues. It’s called Clemyjontri Park,
?????????
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SCRAPBOOK
Free forms to start venue/hotel search
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f you’re just starting your reunion venue/ hotel search, these forms will help considerations you should address. Convention and visitors bureaus (CVB) call the outline for contacting hotels a Request for Proposal (RFP). The RFP is a list of basic answers to the hotel’s
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questions about your reunion plans; total anticipated attendance, reunion history and some of your requirements and expectations from the hotel. If you’re working with a CVB, developing and distributing an RFP is one of the services they’ll likely provide. If not, use the form
on page 10 of the Reunion Planners Notebook. Once you’ve narrowed your search to one or more hotels, you’ll want to do site inspections to confirm what the hotel proposes and what they offer. An inperson visit is essential to making your final decision. Use our two-page Reunion Site Inspection Checklist for your visit to collect observations and answers. Then, compare checklists to confirm what you discovered to help making your final decision. The Checklist is on pages 11-12 in Reunion Planners Notebook.
SCRAPBOOK
Venue spotlight: museums!
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re you tired of hosting events in the same stale, boring venues? Want to make your next reunion truly memorable and one of a kind? We know just the type of venue that will help you uncover an exciting experience. Museums! We love museums because they offer a unique and engaging experience that will create fun memories for you and your members. Museums cover all kinds of genres — science, aerospace, military, history, children’s, art, natural history, cultural, and plenty more — to provide an intriguing atmosphere and complement any event you’re planning. You probably didn’t even know museums existed for event rentals. So, if you want to make history with an extraordinary event, read
on to learn more about this diverse venue type.
museums provide a truly one-of-a-kind ambiance for your members.
Diverse offerings for any occasion
An immersive experience for guests
Museums offer a wide variety of spaces, including flexibility for large or small events, or even events that require multiple room setups. So, whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large event, museums can accommodate your needs! From art galleries to science museums to historical landmarks, the options are endless. Plus, museums offer a unique atmosphere that can’t be replicated in traditional event spaces. With their grand entrances, stunning architecture, and impressive exhibits,
The immersive experiences museums provide can’t be matched by any other type of venue. Museums house a variety of interactive exhibits that allow your members to explore, learn, and interact. Exhibits can be a great icebreaker and conversation starter. Interactive exhibits are entertaining and memorable, dynamic installations will impress, and informative displays will educate members, beckoning you to ask yourself, “Why have we never hosted an event at a museum before?”
Milwaukee Public Museum
An ideal setting Museums provide a refined and sophisticated setting that’s perfect for reunion events — classy and cultured. Their elegant architecture, world-class exhibits, and peaceful environment make them the ideal place. Museums offer a distinct and unforgettable backdrop that can elevate your reunion and create a lasting impression on your members. Slightly edited and used with permission by author Alyson Dello, Unique Venues, Director of Marketing.
Q&A
Q:
Loretta Lewis, Owens Family Reunion planner, asked the following question.
Do you know of any banks that work with family reunions to open bank accounts? We have an account in Chicago that we need to change because the primary signer has passed away. The bank will not let us make changes without setting up a state charter or LLC. Thanks for your help.
A:
In the past, any bank would set up accounts, but like so many other things: that’s past! I don’t know of any banks currently providing bank accounts for reunions. First, try your own bank or the bank where the reunion treasurer banks. Then, consider small local banks or maybe
a credit union. Please let me know, if you are successful. Tell them, I’d be happy to promote their service in the magazine. What have other reunions experienced? Please share your experience! Edith Wagner, Editor, Reunions magazine, editor@reunionsmag.com. 2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 15
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Fifteen years and still going strong
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ost of our Gardiner family legends revolve around Christmas. All five of us grew up in a loving home with caring parents who made every Christmas special. One year, our father sold his hunting rifle so we would have gifts to open on Christmas morning. My twin sister and I are 20 months younger than our big sister, so one Christmas, with three little Barbie fans to please, our mother sewed Barbie outfits to match the outfits she sewed for us. So none of us were prepared for what happened a few hours after our mother’s memorial service just weeks away from Christmas, 2008. We five, along with several nieces and nephews, were gathered in our mother’s living room
opening our Christmas gifts. Christmas was still five weeks away, but our gifts were wrapped and stashed in her closet and her cards were already addressed and ready to send. We spent the next few hours opening our gifts, laughing, and reminiscing about those Christmases long ago. We hadn’t spent Christmas together in a long time. We had all gone our separate ways and had our own families to celebrate with. That night, we decided that next year we would have a real family reunion to honor our parents for all they’d done for us and given us. And so it began: New Gardiner Family Reunion traditions that have been going on for fifteen years. My siblings and I took
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Our reunion rules are simple. If you come: e you don’t have to pay for your room, house or cabin; e at least one meal a day (usually breakfast) is provided; e you are asked to share your photos and videos with one niece on the last day; y e ou must appear for (and smile during) the group photo session; and e come to our “main event.”
Idaho Jones
turns hosting the reunions in our different states. It wasn’t easy, and there was no budget at first, but we did it. At our first reunion, we broke the ice, introduced ourselves to distant relatives and took turns answering the question, “Something you may not know about me is … ” We’ve had reunions in nine states thus far. They might be for just a few days; some have been a whole week. We have a budget, so no one pays for their accommodations, and some meals and extras are also provided. If not for these reunions, some of our relatives would not otherwise be able to take family vacations to popular places like the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Yellowstone in Wyoming, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Virginia Beach. We make sure that we have a Christmas party and gifts for the children. Occasionally, Santa makes an appearance. And twice, Santa had to make house calls during the night, so he left the gifts at the front doors.
Our main event is usually a private dinner and a viewing of a reunion video. However, last year we enjoyed a fabulous dinner theater production of “Idaho Jones and the Quest for the Yellow-stone” at the Yellowstone Playhouse. At our second reunion, we enjoyed a day at “Buckskin Joe,” an old-west mining town-turned-theme park near Cañon City, Colorado. We were fortunate to be among the last to visit the park before it was bought by a millionaire and moved elsewhere. Because we compile yearly memory books, we have many photo pages depicting our great family adventure. Every family and single adult receives a copy of each reunion video compiled by a very talented niece, and a memory book composed of photos taken during the reunion. We “elders” are growing older and our families continue to grow larger, so we have asked our younger adults to take over planning and preparation of future reunions, and several have done remarkably well. They grew up enjoying reunions, and now it is their turn to take them to the next level and to show their own children that hanging out with cousins, and the old folks, can really be a lot of fun. Reported by Patricia (Gardiner) Suyak, Owensboro, Kentucky. Christmas Story contiinues on page 18 2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 17
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Christmas Story
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he Christmas story was A Christmas Crime Murder Mystery Game Kit by Masters of Mystery. Its scripts are designed for different size groups up to 20 players. In the Gardiner Family Reunion presentation, twelve family members and one friend volunteered to take roles as Elves or management at Santa’s workshop. The audience was asked to figure out who was the thief at Santa’s workshop. The Gardiner version did not include Santa and involved solving the theft of the plans. This is a description of the game: “It’s nearly Christmas and Santa is hosting an unveiling party where the design plans for the hottest new toy will be revealed for this year’s production and distribution. The Christmas Board of Directors will be present as well as Elves from all departments all over the workshop have been invited to celebrate what we know will be a huge success.” Spoiler alert--Mrs. Klaus did it. Jackie Frost/Heidi Olshefski
Chris Samuell/Tuck Diver (a truck driver elf), Lynn Samuell/Star Drop (a cleaner elf), Sherilyn Box/Chantelle Coco (a fashion elf) and Terri Bower/Mrs. Klaus.
Woody Worker (woodworking shop overseer)/ Michael Esbrandt 18 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
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Gilliam-Grant Family Reunion
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he reunion committee was made up of six family members, four of whom reside in Texas, one in Michigan and I live in Connecticut. The committee began planning via Zoom in October 2022. For the next nine months, we met at least once a month, although sometimes more frequently. For the first time in our family reunion history, we utilized a family website created by committee member, cousin Dominick Randall; https://gilliam-legacy.com/. Members were able to register and pay for the reunion, order t-shirts and link to the host hotel to make reservations on the website. We created some new traditions that went over very well and will forever be a part of family reunions going forward.
Introduce your cousin. I originally considered this when I would observe family members arrive at the reunion and sit with and talk to the family they traveled with, with little to no interaction with family members they were not familiar with. The rules: On the first day of the reunion, offer the following challenge to all family members: Take the next hour and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know or maybe not know so well and get to know that person (you can either provide questions they should ask or allow the conversation to flow freely). At the end of the time period (I gave an hour), allow newly introduced family to come to the front of the room and introduce the person they’ve just met. Objective: Get members out of their comfort zone and get to know other Jim Edmonds lighting memorial candle. family members.
Memorial candle display
Committee members Renata Surles. Patricia Johnson, Tanya Latortue and Marvin Surles. Missing are Jason Surles and Dominick Randall.
Floating Candle Memorial. During each of our reunions, I’ve tried to remember and honor every family member who has passed on in some way during the reunion weekend. However, I’ve had more than one instance of forgetting someone. This year, I allowed family members to own this process. I did this activity during the second day of our reunion and allowed it to go on for the most of the day. It was a big hit. Supplies needed: A large, clear plastic bowl, some floating candles and a bell. All supplies were purchased from a local dollar store and cost less than $10. Set up a memorial table that can include flowers, pictures and other items. Fill the clear plastic bowl with water. Place floating candles, a lighter, and bell next to the bowl. Gilliam-Grant Family Reunion contined on page 20 2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 19
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The Rules:
Reunion t-shirt back
Reunion t-shirt front
Gilliam-Grant Family Reunion 20 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
At any point during the day, if someone wants to acknowledge loved ones who are no longer with us, they go to the front of the room, ring the bell and continue to ring the bell until all members are quiet. Once the family is quiet, the person mentions their loved one’s name and lights the candle. They may share something about their loved one, if they wish. Candles remain lit, until they burn out on their own. Shared by Patricia Johnson, Stratford, Connecticut.
Years of back issues of Reunions magazine online at
www.ISSUU.com/reunionsmag.
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Noisette Reunion 1
Noisette Family Reunion
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he 8th Noisette Family Reunion gathered in Charleston, South Carolina. Over 150 participated from all over the United States and from Paris, France. We descend from the historical Noisette family (Noisette Rose), Frenchman Philippe Stanislas Noisette (1773-1835) and enslaved Celestine Noisette (1777-1853).
Excerpt from Noisette Reunion 2023 Closing Letter
Original music by cousin Jimmy Owens, a jazz musician in New York City.
As the coordinator of this reunion, my heart swelled with joy witnessing the connections you all made. From the enlightening International African American Museum and the Geechee Gullah City Tour to the heartrending experience at McLeod Plantation, our journey left us profoundly moved and connected to our roots. With the narration by Toby Smith, we
Enjoy this Noisette Family Reunion slide show retrospective. Show credit Darrell Noisette. 22 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
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Noisette Reunion 2
received an education that dug deep into our souls. These events with the Low Country Boil proved to be some of the family’s favorites. Reflecting on the fleeting moments of the reunion, I’m reminded that time moves swiftly. After spending many months planning and preparing, it came and went in a flash. I was able to reconnect and meet many of you with texts, email, and phone calls. I am looking forward to spending more quality time with all the cousins that I have gotten to know over these last fifteen years. Therefore, I’ve made the decision to pass on the role of coordinator for the upcoming 2026 Noisette Reunion. My hope is to embrace more meaningful moments with each of you, unhindered by the responsibilities of planning. Rest assured, though my role may change, my
commitment to our family’s history remains steadfast. I’ll continue my research, tending to our family tree, and cherishing the bonds we’ve forged. I thank you all for the support you have given me over the years. Please keep me informed of your family discoveries, DNA research, and new sprouts for our tree. Continue to send me old photos, documents, and life events that I can share with the family through Facebook and our website, http://www.noisetteancestors.com. In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude for allowing me to be a part of your lives, to learn your stories, and to feel the profound connection that makes us family. Each one of you has touched my heart in ways beyond words. I appreciate my Noisettes more than you know. With boundless love and gratitude Noisette family. Shared by Peggy Clement, Bend, Oregon.
At the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina.
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Seals Family Reunion
Seals Family Reunion
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s part of my family history research project, I conducted oral interviews with my maternal uncle W.T. Seals, my mother’s eldest brother. To my siblings and me he was Uncle Tete. It was from him I learned most about my Seals family history. At one point he said, “We need to have a family reunion. Sister (my family nickname), you are the perfect person to put it together.” Also, over the years my mother had often said “you all should plan a family reunion.” Regrettably, she passed away before the reunion took place. At age 83, my uncle was the eldest surviving member of my branch of the Seals family. His health was declining but he definitely wanted to attend the reunion and excitedly encouraged me to move forward with bringing it to fruition. It only made sense that this first ever family reunion should be held in Homer, Louisiana, home place of the Seals family. The big challenge from California where I live, was to plan a reunion to be held in Louisiana! My uncle said things
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had changed to where I needn’t be concerned about contacting possible venues and vendors because, according to him, “that color line had been erased.” Abraham “Abe” and Fannie (Henderson) Seals, my great-grandparents, made their home in Homer where their ten children were born — five girls and five boys: Rebecca aka Becky, Delia (the family called her DEE-lee), Ella, Garada, Henry, Lorette, Stokes, Ollie (pronounced OH-lee), John Loy (my grandfather), and Lay. This would be the first ever reunion for descendants of Abe and Fannie Seals. I learned about second cousins and other extended family I had not even known of. The planning committee consisted of Californians, me in Oakland, first cousins Karen Dickerson (Inglewood) and Sharon Seals (Fresno), and second cousin, Jackie Robinson (San Jose). We set the dates for the three-day reunion and six months before mailed a Save the Date flyer, Family Directory form, and a reunion response form to
give us an idea on how many might be attending. I later learned when they got the mailing, some who did not know who I was were skeptical. “Just who is this Neal girl who’s organizing this reunion?” they asked. But when they learned I was the niece of W.T. Seals — someone whose name they did know — I was deemed legit. ☺ Three months out, a second mailing was sent that included an update report, the registration form, an explanation of what fees would be used for, a deadline for responding, t-shirt and cap order form with a deadline, a copy of the budget, schedule of activities, and lodging information. Three weeks before the reunion, a third mailing was sent containing a final update along with some “good to know” information such as the weather forecast for that weekend, local eating places and rules of the road. For some, this would be the first time they were visiting the Homer area. For others, it had been quite a while since they had been to Homer.
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Our reunion colors were blue and gold. The reunion theme was “We Are Family – Celebrating our Roots!” At Sharon’s suggestion, along with the t-shirts, the same colored caps were personalized with a first name or nickname embroidered on the bill of the cap. The committee met by email, telephone, and snail mail to develop the schedule of events, the budget, and the registration fee schedule. There was a regular fee for adults; a discounted fee for seniors 65 and older with a note that, if able to pay the regular price, it would be very much appreciated; a fee for ages 11 to 18; and a fee for ages 3 to 10; no
cost for children 2 and younger. My bank agreed to open a temporary account in the reunion name so checks for registration fees along with any pre-paid t-shirt/ cap orders were made payable to Seals Family Reunion. Pre-reunion deposits were made by money order. During the reunion, on-site payments were made using travelers checks as vendors required immediate payment. Expenses included three catered meals: the Friday evening banquet, Saturday day-long picnic, and Sunday farewell dinner. Jackie donated light refreshments for the Welcome Reception.
To this day I believe the “spirit of the ancestors” had a hand in this reunion coming together and taking place so successfully. There had to have been some greater force at play. One evening I was at home wondering (and stressing out over) just how planning for this reunion could get done long distance. Out of the blue I got a call from my uncle, my mother’s youngest brother, Timothy Seals who lived in Inglewood, California. He said “Here is the phone number for Cousin John in Homer. Talk to his wife, she helped plan the recent school reunion so she can give you information Seals Family Reunion continued on page 26
Seals Family Elders (left to right) seated: Aron Thompson, Dorothy Walker, Odessa Dorton, Tessie Mardis, Char Lee Seals, Fannie Payne, Earline Williams. Standing: Linty James, Sam Mardis, John L. Seals, Emerson Wafer, Timothy L. Seals 2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 25
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for the person who can do the t-shirts, and suggestions about a place for the banquet.” I had previously checked with a few possible venues in Homer with no success. Homer does not have a convention and visitors bureau or a hotel. Basically, all arrangements for our three-day reunion activities were done piece meal.
there and also, as a backup, additional rooms at Exacta Inn in neighboring Minden. Cousin John was a member of Lane Chapel CME Church and helped arrange our use of the Fellowship Hall for the Friday morning Welcome Reception/Meet and Greet. We also got confirmation from Forest Grove CME Church where some family were members, that we were
At the Farewell Dinner (left to right) Christell Seals, Jackie Robinson, Mattie Lee Seals, Earline Williams
Connecting with Cousin John and his wife Char Lee was a godsend. She put me in touch with the T-shirt vendor and suggested the Claiborne Parish Fair Building for the banquet. The t-shirt vendor, in turn, referred me to the photographer who had taken the photos at his recent wedding. He also gave me contact info for a local videographer and, for our Saturday outing, recommended Lake Bistineau State Park for the location and a BBQ place in Shreveport for catering. One day Cousin John stopped at a diner in nearby Minden, Louisiana. He was impressed with the cafe and spoke with the owner. He phoned me suggesting I contact the owner about catering the reunion banquet. Homer had just one motel, Linder Motor Lodge. We secured a room block 26 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
welcome to join in their Sunday morning service and were given permission for the service to be videotaped. Arrangements for all aspects of the reunion were made by telephone -- just a voice over the phone! To follow-up, I mailed written, detailed confirmation letters to each. There was a Walmart in Homer but, not knowing if what might be needed would be in stock, I purchased needed supplies at the Party Warehouse in Oakland. Valorie Winn, an Oakland-based event planner, made silk flower corsages and boutonnieres for family elders. She also created centerpieces “that would ship well” for the banquet tables. All these supplies and items including the family history display items, reunion banner, copies of the reunion booklet
and other printed material, were securely packaged, boxed and shipped to arrive in Homer the day of my arrival. As the reunion drew near, my head was swimming. There are always bumps in the road when planning any special event. After the fact, I likened the experience to going through labor and giving birth. During the planning period, there were times I thought “How in the world did I get myself in this fix?” But when that special three-day reunion took place, all the worry, exhaustion, and stress faded away, especially when family elders told me how much they enjoyed the reunion. Several days before I was to leave for Louisiana, Jackie phoned me. She’d arrived in Homer the Sunday before the reunion weekend. She said folks there were already so excited and that her aunt from Chicago even had a special dress made for the reunion banquet. Jackie also reported the weather forecast for the weekend was not too hot and no rain. Her phone call really lifted my spirits! That positive feeling continued to grow. When I checked in at the motel, all of the boxes I had shipped were waiting for me. Everything came through with no damage to the contents. There was so much excitement in the air at the Welcome Reception as folks greeted one another and engaged in conversations around the family history table-top display. They picked up t-shirts, caps, and goodie packets that included name badges color-coded by family branch, a reunion booklet which included the family directory, the schedule of activities, promotional leaflets and information from the Claiborne Parish, the Webster Parish Tourist Commissions and the Homer Chamber of Commerce. The mayor came and offered official words of welcome. The Friday evening banquet was held at the Claiborne Parish Fair Building’s banquet hall in Haynesville, up the road from Homer. We had use of the tables
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and chairs but were responsible for set up and tear down. My brother Lawrence and I arrived early to set up. Without being asked, sisters Hazel (Mardis) Turner and Alean (Mardis) Jones, 2nd cousins I had only met that morning at the Welcome Reception, took it upon themselves to help with the set up. I was so appreciative of their thoughtfulness. I don’t know how Lawrence and I would have gotten it all done without their help! Everything turned out wonderfully — the caterer and her staff, the photographer, and videographer all arrived on time. As family elders arrived, the women were pinned with a corsage and the men with a boutonniere. The photographer took their group picture. One of the young cousins, April Seals — a student at the Performing Arts High School in San Francisco — served as Mistress of Ceremonies. There is an African proverb that says “As long as you speak my name, I shall live forever.” During the candlelight memorial, the names were spoken of those who had gone before. The banquet program included representation from the different branches of the family, singing of the Negro National Anthem, recitation of a special poem by another young cousin, Vanieca Jones, and a musical medley on keyboards by cousin Lenward Seals, Jr., retired As-
sistant Professor of Music and Assistant Director for the world-famed Grambling State University TIGER Marching Band. To help celebrate our roots, a spokesperson from each family branch gave a brief talk about their respective ancestor so we would know more about our forebears other than simply their names. For our Saturday activity at scenic Lake Bistineau State Park, we reserved a covered pavilion with picnic tables and benches near the swimming pool, an open field and the children’s play area. On arrival, we gathered for the family group photo. Later, family members enjoyed a delicious catered BBQ lunch. There was much socializing and visiting. Some had brought pictures of family members from yesteryear to display and share with others. The videographer continued to tape individual on-camera introductions with the person stating where they fit in the family and what attending the reunion meant to them. Young cousins had much fun swimming in the pool. Sunday included attending service at Forest Grove CME Church followed by our farewell dinner at the Tall Timbers Lodge. Reverend Timothy Seals was pastor of the 30th Street Christian Church in Los Angeles, California. The Forest Grove Church pastor yielded the pulpit to Uncle
Mary Liza branch of the Freeman Family!
Timothy to deliver the sermon, but before he spoke he made a special request of cousin Melvin Seals, Sr. Melvin came to the piano and played beautiful arrangements of The Lord’s Prayer and Amazing Grace. Following the church service, uncle and a small group of us walked with him across the road to the Forest Grove Church Cemetery and visited the gravesites of Seals relatives buried there. Our special reunion weekend concluded with the delicious “Country Buffet” meal at the Tall Timbers Lodge. A week or so after the reunion, the Reunion Wrap-up memo including a final financial report went out. A write-up about the reunion was published in the Homer weekly newspaper, The GuardianJournal. Uncle Tete had purchased his airline ticket and had every intention of attending this special reunion, but his health had declined to the point where he simply was not able to travel. Not long after we returned home, he phoned me to say he got his t-shirt and cap and had worn them to his doctor’s appointment. He also said that watching the reunion video made him feel as if he was actually there. Eight months after the reunion, he passed away. Reported by Carole Neal, Castro Valley, California.
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e have been planning and supporting the Freeman Family Reunions for over 50 years! We are the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, host family and are honored to once again showcase our city. Shared by Tida Tate for Ruby Ealy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Bennett-Cheek Cousins Reunion
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he theme of the Bennett-Cheek Cousins Reunion in Branson Missouri, was “Continuing Our Legacy.” Our attendance was 30 family members who came from Maryland, Virginia, California, Missouri, Oklahoma and New York. The reunion began Thursday with a meet and greet, icebreakers, games, prizes and a review of the family tree. Friday we had a family cookout at the Table Rock State Park, followed by a great evening of singing and dancing at the Motown Experience. My cousin, the host, took us on a night walking tour through the historic downtown Branson. We had a late night taste of the different flavors of ice cream.
Saturday morning breakfast was at the hotel followed by a family meeting and selecting new officers. Our main event Saturday night was a Black and White Legacy Ball with a catered dinner, DJ, and more dancing. We paid tribute to our lost loved ones by displaying photos and remembering something special about them and the legacy they left to carry on. On Sunday we went to worship followed by a wonderful dinner at Paula Deen’s restaurant. We had a wonderful time filled with fun and activities. Our next reunion will be held in 2025. Reported by Daisy Simon, San Diego, California. Welcome sign
Movie: Bennett-Cheek Family Reunion banquet. Black and white boxes were favors with butter mints.
Picnic at Table Rock State Park 28 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
Movie: Dancing at the Motown Experience
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Bennett-Cheek Cousins Black and White Legacy Ball
Photo display of loved ones
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Groshek Family Reunion To steal a phrase from one of my 53 first cousins …“Grosheks Rock.”
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hen my grandparents Ray and Regina Groshek married 90 years ago, could they imagine that their memory would still be celebrated by over 100 people who share their DNA? The day broke sunny and beautiful over the Galloway Community Center in central Wisconsin, not far from the old family farmstead. It was the first Groshek Family Reunion held since before the pandemic. Since then, three family members have left us. A memorial board was displayed for them, and all the family members lost throughout the years.
Wisconsin State wrestling champions nephew Justin Groshek, Uncle Joseph Groshek, Uncle George Groshek, and nephew Braxton Potrykus.
Groshek siblings (back row left to right) Natalie Staley, Clifford and Joyce Bembenek; (front row) Fred, Joe and George.
For those who stayed in the indoor hall, there were other displays to view including a large “Tree Chart” and framed high school photos of all twelve of Ray and Regina’s children. There was a collage of Regina’s 80 birthday celebration in 1996 and a large framed photo of their 50th anniversary. Copies of If the Barn Could Talk (a humorous pamphlet of family legend and lore) could be enjoyed as well. But with the weather being perfect, many opted to go outdoors playing baseball, volleyball or corn hole. The little ones ran around the playground. There was a one man band in an outdoor pavilion.
42 of the 53 Groshek grandchildren 30 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
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All 12 of Ray and Regina Groshek’s children.
This year was different because it was decided to hire caterers instead of having a potluck, though many still brought desserts and snacks. Lisa’s Sweet Shoppe Bakery & Catering from Harley, Wisconsin, did not disappoint. After eating, group photographs were taken. Poses included six of the remaining siblings, 42 of the 53 grandchildren, 55 of the 114 great grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren. Four family members won the Wisconsin State wrestling championships over the years. Chickfest, an annual event usually held separately, was combined with the reunion. Cousin Lisa Guenther was celebrated for reaching her milestone 60th birthday! As the sun set over a perfect day, we all hugged and said our goodbyes. It was a truly memorable family reunion. Chronicled by June Groshek Czarnezki, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
55 of the 114 Groshek great grandchildren
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Faulkner Family Reunion
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ow do you celebrate 81 years of family reunions? For the Faulkners it was a weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the newly renovated Residence Inn & Suites on St. Charles in the French Quarter/Business District. The venue received high praise and earned bonus points from the host because each family’s room had its own full kitchen. It was also within walking distance of all the places the family wanted to explore. This was the first time having our family reunion in New Orleans so imagine all the hype and excitement that came with it. This reunion was five years in the making. Each year, prior to our reunion conclusion, we vote on the location and the host family(s) at least three years out. Unfortunately, due to Covid, hosting this well anticipated reunion was pushed back two years. But how does that ol’ saying go: great things come to those who wait. And boy, was it one of the best reunions we’ve had in a long time. Quite a few family members came a day or two prior to the reunion kick off which worked out great for our golf enthusiasts. Tee time started early Friday morning with our annual friendly golf tournament at the Audubon Park Golf Course. This determines who would hold the “bragging rights” title for the year. Also, those who arrived early enjoyed gathering to listen to my grandmother, Viola, play the piano which she’s been playing since she was 5-years old. We sang the Caravans, Walk Around Heaven All Day, Walter Hawkins Going Up Yonder and other oldie but goodie gospel classics. We reminisced about memorable
past performances sung by our uncles, aunts, grandparents and cousins, who are now ancestors, when the Faulkner Family used to travel around Indiana and surrounding states to sing at gospel and church conventions. We also listened to younger family members concerns about life and shared wisdom, fears, perspectives and experiences. As family continued to trickle in throughout Friday afternoon, the host committee opened check-in and late registration in the Rendezvous Room, handing out “swag bags,” the itinerary, family surveys and the host evaluation form. This year our theme was “Investing in Family Business.” Members were encouraged to bring their business cards and items to put into the swag bags or items to sell. If they are published, we asked them to bring their books and setup a book signing table. Unfortunately, we didn’t get many participants, but it is something to try to incorporate in future reunions. The goal is to further support, connect, network and invest within our family, revitalizing how everyone’s dreams and innovative ideas are important and rebuilding community within our family structure. We invite younger members into the fold to receive the mentoring they need to accomplish their goals. That evening, we started with an icebreaker card game called, Am I Tripping? (amitrippingame.com) A Party Game founded by SiriusXM talk show host, Reecie Colber. This did
Grandma Viola Duerson-Boyd entertaining.
81st Annual Faulkner Family Reunion in New Orleans, Louisiana. 32 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
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EXACTLY what it was supposed to do. It loosened everyone up and laid the foundation and mood for the rest of the weekend. The young, middle aged and older generations got a chance to have conversations with each other about what they would do in certain scenarios and if they were “trippin,” if they handled it a particular way. There was so much positive feedback. It connected generation gaps and provoked interesting conversations that sparked something very special. Once everyone got comfortable with each other, we moved on to everyone’s favorite, Karaoke!!! When I tell you people who wouldn’t normally talk and those who haven’t been to a reunion in over 15 years or since they were kids got up and sang, that’s when I knew something special was happening. Songs sung were I’m Going Down by Rose Royce, Lauryn Hill’s Killing Faulkner younger generation: Xavier Faulkner, Madison Faulkner, Christopher Reaves, Me Softly, Brandy’s Angel of Mine, and we Ethan and Andrew Faulkner, Kennedy and Jimmy Davis. can’t leave out the tributes to Michael sites. Some went to the New Orleans Aquarium, there were Jackson and Tina Turner and so many more R&B songs of the some who indulged in the best sushi New Orleans had to offer, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Everyone pitched in to make sure the room others went on Swamp Tours and so many other places. Later was cleaned before we turned in for the night. Who am I that evening, we all met back in the Rendezvous Room for our kidding! We were in New Orleans, so turning in was more like Family Dinner and Mardi Gras Theme Gala. Chris Newland, one making our way down to the bar. of the hottest DJs in Atlanta, who just happens to be our cousin, Saturday was planned for people to connect with family they don’t normally talk to on a regular basis and enjoy New Orleans Faulkner Family Reunion continued on page 34
Reunion hostess, Camille Breaux paying tribute to Tina Turner.
Cousin Chris Newland is one of the hottest DJs in Atlanta.
Line dance to Can’t Get Enough by Tamia.
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Eldest and Youngest in attendance: Willa Barnes (96), Amara Breaux (3) cutting the reunion cake.
and let’s just say he had everyone moving. New Orleans 24K Photobooth had an amazing setup where we took pictures using a Mardi Gras theme. As the evening was unfolding, our amazing MC, Brittney Chitwood, my sister, had everyone engaged with our 50/50 raffle, and prize giveaways to the Farthest Traveled, Longest Married Couple, Newly Married Couple, Eldest in Attendance, and other door prizes. We united the eldest and youngest family member and conducted a ceremonial cake cutting. The night concluded with the DJ starting all the line dances and shuffles to get the crowd out on the dance floor from the Cupid’s Shuffle, Electric Slide, Biker’s Shuffle and we even learned some new ones including the Tamia Line Dance Can’t Get Enough. Newly pledged Delta and Kappa siblings showcased their steps and strolls while our seasoned Divine-9 joined in making it an inter-generational coalition while family cheered with their heads held high in pride in their success of crossing the sands. It wasn’t that long ago we remember them running around as kids at past reunions. Sunday, we concluded with a Memorial Service. There was a table set up where family brought pictures of members who passed on. Each person shared a story about them, remembering them as Ancestors who continue to live in us and who showed up to celebrate in spirit throughout the weekend. Tears were shed as family shared testimonies giving thanks for everything leading us up to that day. Ase’ and Amen! Joyfully shared by Camille Breaux, Millington, Tennessee.
Faulkner sorority sisters: Edie Reaves, Ashely Golson, Antoinette Mann, April Duerson.
Memorial picture: Siblings Carol Townsend (her first reunion in over 3 decades) and Eddie Faulkner sharing the story of their father, R.H. Faulkner.
34 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
MASTERPLAN
Owens Family Reunion
A
Saturday morning started early as we prepared for the family picnic. The committee started early to set up tents, tables, chairs and receive deliveries, such as the bounce house, snow cone and popcorn equipment, etc. The bus, cars, Uber and other modes of transport began arriving at noon. The welcome tent was ready for everyone to stop by and sign the reunion book. There was plenty of food, fun, games, and activities for everyone. Over 200 family members attended the picnic, the largest we’ve had in a long time. Sunday was prayer time. Prayer has always been at the center of our family. After a full breakfast, our anointed cousin Reverend Victoria S. Nelson delivered a beautiful Sunday morning service from 1st Corinthians 13:4-7: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. A candlelight memorial was presented showing respect and honor to our deceased ancestors and other family members who are no longer with us. The patriarch of the Owens family, Bruce Owens, Sr, 99 this year, greeted the family with enthusiasm. He told us that 99 1/2 won’t do, he’s “gonna” press on to see 100. We all vowed to celebrate him as a centurion at the next reunion in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2025. Reported by Loretta Lewis, Washington, DC.
fter a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Owens Family Reunion was held in Chicago, Illinois, in July 2023. Our 46th year of family celebrations began on Thursday with hospitality and welcome, where name badges, t-shirts, reunion back packs and event tickets were distributed. After many hugs, “glad to see you,” “oohs,” “aahs” and tears, we settled in for the night because we had a busy schedule the next three days. Face painter Kiara Phillips with Kylie (9). Friday started with a cultural tour. Our first stop was the Dusable Museum of African American history. Then we drove through the historic Bronzeville and Hyde Park neighborhoods, where some of our ancestors resided and owned businesses in the 1950s. We headed. next to the Pullman An ice cream treat is always a National Historical family reunion winner. Park, a hidden treasure on Chicago’s south side. It is a National Historic Park designated by President Barack Obama in 2015. We enjoyed a wonderful guided historic tour about the Pullman Company, Pullman Porters, and the 1894 Pullman strike. Many family members admitted they had no idea it was there. During our visit all the kids were pinned as “honorary Park Rangers.” After a long day on the bus, we headed to the family social with food, games and just fun. Back at the hotel, the kids headed for the pool, while adults continued games and socializing in the lobby well into the evening.
Cardplaying cousins Roland Owens, John Thaxton, Maurice Davis and Billie Newborn.
Owens Family Reunion
2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 35
FEATURE
Bring your family together with photographs and memories By Lisa A. Alzo, MFA
I
n today’s fast-paced digital world, genuine human connections sometimes fade into the background. Ironically, while technology is often blamed for this disconnect, it can also be the very tool that brings families closer. Among the most potent tools for this purpose are photographs and memories. When shared and celebrated, these can bridge generations, rekindle relationships, and reaffirm family bonds. With the Vivid-Pix Memory Station™ https://www.vividpix.com/memorystation families can harness the power of photos and memories to come closer together during the holidays and beyond.
the bundle that best suits your needs at https://www.vivid-pix.com/memory station. You can also purchase the Memory Station™ Home Edition Software for Windows separately and a Professional edition is also available. A series of quick tutorials can be found at https:// www.vivid-pix.com/mstutorials/.
Family photo albums
Modern technology offers various platforms to share and discuss photographs. The immediacy of messaging apps, social media platforms, or dedicated photo-sharing apps makes it easy to start sharing your digitized images. This ongoing connection keeps the family looped into each other’s lives, no matter The emotional power of photos the distance. One of the most traditional Photographs capture moments — yet impactful ways to use photographs is John Alzo serving in the Navy. fleeting instances that tell the by creating family albums. The stories of our lives. The child’s Vivid-Pix Memory Station™ laughter, the joy of a wedding, makes it effortless to create the contemplative moments of digital albums and photo adolescence, and the golden books that can be instantly years of senior members — all shared online or printed using of these moments can be Vivid-Pix Prints https://www. revisited through photos. vivid-pix.com/prints. These images evoke emotions I have started a digitized that can’t effectively be album of photographs from a captured by words. Sharing treasured family heirloom — a these moments with family vintage 8-1/2 x 11-inch black members, especially the photo album containing prints The publisher’s father, Dave Kluge, scanned pictures using the younger generation, offers of photographs taken while MemoryStationTM edited with Vivid-Pix software. them a glimpse into the past, my father served in the United providing them with a deeper understanding of their roots. States Navy during World War II. The black and white prints were placed two or three to a page depending on the size. Using the Scanning and sharing with MemoryStation™ ScanSnap SV600 multi-image scanner and software included in In October 2023, Vivid-Pix launched MemoryStation™ the MemoryStation™ I was quickly able to scan the 18 sheets in Software. See https://www.vivid-pix.com/blog/vivid-pixthe album and then use Vivid-Pix to restore the faded images. I ships-fastest-memory-station-software. also have my father’s identification tags, his discharge papers, The one-click software is designed to scan, restore, and and a small notebook diary he kept. The overhead scanning record audio memories and save multiple images, documents, makes it simple to preserve these memorabilia as well — which and memorabilia. The easy-to-use interface makes it fast and traditional sheet-fed and flat-bed scanners cannot. simple for everyone to archive up to 10 photos, documents, or I have a treasured audio file of a conversation with my father keepsakes at once. Click here to watch the MemoryStation™ recorded in 2005 of him talking about his Navy service. I like the in action. Memory Station™ option of being able to voice record stories If you don’t already own a MemoryStation™ you can purchase and memories of the image as MP3 files and that the photos 36 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
FEATURE
and this recording are kept together on my computer. I will, of course, be creating and sharing with my relatives at our next reunion. My hope is that it will inspire others to create similar albums for their fathers who served in the military.
Photo-based family projects and gifts
each photo is presented, ask members who were part of that memory share their recollections. This practice can spark conversations, reveal hidden stories, and offer newer generations insights into their family history. Research says that something as simple as ensuring young ones know the names of grand and great-grandparents can have immense positive impact to their future lives and achievements. Using Zoom or FaceTime, you can invite members to virtually join the ge from Scanned image pa ry dia vy Na event. A memory session is also a wonderful multio’s Alz John (19 43-19 46). generational bonding activity for a family reunion.
Personalized project or gifts featuring family photographs can be touching gestures for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Family tree with photographs: Design a visual family tree, integrating photos of members at different life stages. This can be a collaborative project, with every member contributing information and images. Display it at holiday get-togethers and/or at the next family reunion. Digital slideshows: Compile family photos into a digital slideshow, adding music that resonates with the family’s spirit. Customized merchandise: Consider turning your photos into fun keepsakes. See https://www.vivid-pix-prints.com/ gifts about how to print photos on calendars, clothing, mugs, ornaments, and more. Photo collages: Create beautiful collages using a mix of old and new photographs. Then, gift them in elegant frames.
Memory Sharing Sessions If you are spending time with relatives over the holidays, designate a day where everyone gathers, maybe around a fireplace or on a cozy couch, with a stack of old photographs. As
Summary Photographs and memories are like the threads that weave the tapestry of a family’s shared history. Actively incorporating them into family reunions, routines, and traditions ensures the stories of the past live on and provide a sense of belonging and unity. The Vivid-Pix MemoryStation™ offers the perfect one-step solution for this process.
About the author Lisa Alzo has been surrounded by family at their 57th 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 www.LisaAlzo.com.
2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 37
a MILITARY REUNION NEWS
US Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) Reunion
T
he US Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) Reunion recently met in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The association honors US Navy Cryptologists, past and present, and their expertise in naval codes, ciphers, and radio intelligence. Their earliest members were trained in the 1930s to intercept and decode Japanese Katakana transmissions. Their contributions to real-time combat and the ultimate Allied victory in the Pacific war at sea and ashore during World War II are legendary. Their reunion was originally slated for 2020, but was postponed for three years due to the pandemic. Milwaukee Food & City Tour itinerary planners were thrilled to work with the reunion committee to create a custom daytrip to honor the sacrifice made by their fellow Navy members. This cornerstone event included a visit to the USS Liberty Memorial Library in nearby Grafton, Wisconsin, for an outdoor flag raising ceremony conducted by the Navy at the USS Liberty Memorial Stone at the front entrance of the library. Cedarburg Boy Scout Troop 830 and local veterans from the American Legion were present as an honor guard as guests arrived. A contingent from the Milwaukee NCO
Wreath laying ceremony at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.
Council performed the flag raising for the Cryptologic veterans. After the ceremony, participants visited the USS Liberty Artifacts Room typically open to the public but reserved for this group to view the artifacts and scrapbooks from the USS Liberty privately. One of the distinguished attendees included US Marine Bryce Lockwood, a USS Liberty survivor. Lockwood, a New York native, was the only surviving Marine of three on board the USS Liberty when it was attacked in the Mediterranean during
Navy flag raising ceremony at the USS Liberty Memorial Stone at the USS Liberty Memorial Library in Grafton, Wisconsin. 38 REUNIONS v www.reunionsmag.com
the 1967 Israeli Six-Day War. Lockwood served in Vietnam thereafter, and following 13 years of service, earned a Purple Heart and Silver Star for his actions in saving the lives of fellow crewmen in the aftermath of the attack on the Liberty. Lockwood reflected on the recent publication of his biography, Liberty’s Wounds by Jeremy Paul Amick. The reunion also included sightseeing and culinary tours to show off Milwaukee. Our team at Milwaukee Food & City Tours has a collection of group tours designed exactly for military reunions visiting Milwaukee. One popular tour, Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits, allowed our guests to explore downtown Milwaukee traveling by bus through key neighborhoods originally settled by Italian, Irish, Polish and German immigrants. This three-hour tour was narrated to point out architectural highlights and cultural hot spots along the way, including a stop at the Milwaukee Art Museum to see the iconic white suspension bridge and Burke Brise Soleil meant to represent the sails of a Viking ship, a visit to St. Joan of Arc Chapel on the Marquette University
MILITARY REUNION NEWS a
fresh jicama slaw, cornbread and tartar sauce. As always, we needed a sweet ending to the tour so the group made a stop at Leon’s for Milwaukee’s favorite dessert – frozen custard! It is truly a joy to work with military reunions in Milwaukee and our work with the U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association continued this tradition.
Hosting a Reunion in Milwaukee?
USS Liberty museum
campus, and finished with time to souvenir shop and stroll through the Historic Third Ward and the Milwaukee Public Market. Other tours offered to attendees included a Bikes Brats & Beer Tour complete with a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum tour; a Harbor Cruise; a presentation about the ongoing restoration of Old Main, Milwaukee’s Soldier Home; and a Sprecher Brewery Tour. There was a wreath laying ceremony at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. It was a beautiful setting for the solemnity of the occasion, with views of Lake Michigan in the background of the Eternal Flame Memorial. In Milwaukee though, there is just nothing quite like a Friday night fish fry – it’s a classic! On the final night of the reunion, the attendees indulged in Wisconsin’s ultimate comfort food, narrated with a little Milwaukee history and trivia along the way. The three-hour Fish Fry Tour started at Kegel’s Inn, one of Milwaukee’s most popular fish fry restaurants. Surrounded by hand painted
German murals from the 1930s, the NCVA members were served beer-battered fried cod, coleslaw, potato pancakes and rye bread, before zooming over to MOTOR Restaurant at the Harley-Davidson Museum for another delicious take on the classic fish fry: cornmeal crusted and golden fried cod with crispy French fries,
Looking for a fun and unique reunion that members of all ages can look forward to? Tired of the same old reunion year after year? Hosting out of town guests and want to show off the great place you live? Rely on Milwaukee Food & City Tours to ensure fun, interactive and educational outings. See Milwaukee through its thriving restaurant scene, enjoy the city’s rich history or appreciate all Milwaukee’s distinctive sightseeing opportunities. We would be happy to plan the perfect experience for you and your reunion. Reach out to gm@milwaukeefoodtours .com to begin the conversation! Reported by Theresa Nemetz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Harry Grieshaber and Rick Mostowik reminiscing.
2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 39
a MILITARY REUNION NEWS
2024 Familiarization (FAM) tours https://militaryreunionnetwork.com/ upcoming-events/#!calendar
Tours to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania St Augustine, Florida Spokane, Washington Herndon, Virginia Fargo, North Dakota Dover, Delaware
R
ules for military discount eligibility are set by each store. These are the groups most often eligible: active duty members, veterans, military family members (which would include: spouses, dependents, immediate family), disabled military personnel, National Guard, reservists and retirees. To access discounts, have your proof of identity handy. The easiest way to prove eligibility is to show your military ID card, VA benefits photo ID and DD-214. You can also use an ID.me for online purchases while DD Form 1173 form can be used for dependents of active-duty and retired military members. See https://knoji.com/stores-offering/military-discount/ for 3.5K stores that offer military discounts.
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MILITARY REUNION NEWS a
Looking for ways to pay for your reunion?
Consider these ideas!
Sell t-shirts!
Make a family cookbook!
Make and auction a quilt! Hold a rummage sale!
Taste of reunions!
W
ho doesn’t look forward to the wide array of wonderful smells and tastes of reunion potlucks, picnics and banquets? Do these pictures remind you of wonderful memories and make your mouth water? Add these to why you can’t wait for your next reunion!
2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 41
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
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 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. Visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/
groups/reunions-in-panama-city-beach/
and plan your trip now to PCB, the Real. FUN. Beach.
GEORGIA
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/
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
www.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.
Explore back issues for more reunion planning ideas! 2018 Reu
Evans Family
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Celeb
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Reunion Marine Helicop
ter Squadro
Hunter-Arnold
Family Reunion USS Eugene
Thayer Family
A. Greene
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Family Thanksg
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REUNION RESOURCES 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: Yvette Long, CTIS, CSTP | 417-243-2121 Email: ylong@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 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. 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 9.
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
GROUP RENTALS
GroupRentals.com is the leading online
marketplace specifically geared for group vacation rentals. Through www.GroupRentals.com, members are able to view and instantly book their perfect vacation bundle! Members simply input your key travel points (location, dates, number of travels and amount of homes) and they are able to book their perfect package of vacation rentals, all within their desired distance from each other.
2023 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 43