FRONT WORDS – 4
ALUM & I – 6
Reunion committee greeter by Cyndi Clamp
Get the party started!
Class reunion awards
Class reunion rotogravure by Lynn Thompson
Have you faced this dilemma?
BRANCH OFFICE – 10
Harvesting history at reunions like IAAM by Shamele Jordan
SCRAPBOOK – 14
Reunion School
Hospitality Answerman by Dean Miller
Pioneering low-cost travel: the legacy of PSA by Michael P. McGrath
Ask for feedback! Reunion evaluations
Free certificates for awards
New photo gallery!
MASTERPLAN – 22
Creating Family Memories: Making Attraction Visits Unforgettable from PGAV Destinations
The treasures we find from Mary Patricia Voell
Seidemann Family Reunion from Phyllis Naumann
BROLRA slow rap by Karen Robertson
Celebrating two centuries of history and family friendly fun in Tallahassee, Florida
FEATURE – 32
Reunion star: food!
Menus, food shopping, preparation time, picnics and potlucks, ideas about dining al fresco, desserts, share the cooking, camping food, hotel food, banquet checklist, catering, celebrate family origins
MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 42
Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day by Lisa Alzo
National Museum of the United States Army’s commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
Veterans Benefits for You
The Highground Veterans Memorial Park
REUNION RESOURCES – 47
A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products.
ON THE COVER
Patrick Henry High School Class of 1983 Reunion, Seidemann committee meeting, 2006 PSA reunion group, Goode Family Reunion.
Reunion Celebrations v Summer 2024 Volume 33 v Number 2
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
WEB WIZARDS
Howard Ehrenberg • Chris Thompson
HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN
Dean Miller
CONTRIBUTORS
Lisa A. Alzo, MFA • Cyndi Clamp
Shamele Jordan • Michael P. McGrath
Phyllis Naumann • Karen Robertson
Lynn Thompson • Mary Voell
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.
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© 2024 Reunions magazine, Inc.
We are officially in the 2024 reunion season! It is, of course, our favorite season and hope it’s yours as well. We gathered reports and stories to inspire you and hope you’ll want your reunion featured as well. We look forward to hearing from you.
Be in touch!
Mail to Reunions magazine PO Box 11727
Milwaukee WI 53211-0727
call 414-263-4567
visit www.reunionsmag.com e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com
We hope you’ll find lots in this issue that will be helpful as you plan and stage your reunion this year and in years to come.
The Branch Office feature describes the effort to preserve history by the International African American Museum (IAAM). In the Alum+I section you’ll find find a wealth of information just in time for their summer class reunion. The description of a reunion greeter, games to get the reunion started, awards and a great rotogravure from California’s Reunion Specialists. Hospitality Answerman, Dean Miller, shares some very important information about how to conduct the “pre-convention” meeting with your reunion hotel to make sure all the details you’ve agreed to are met. Meeting this important step, taken to heart, will guarantee reunion success. We’ve also included evaluation ideas for you to consider and links to award certificates you may want to consider. A story and video from a reunion of airline workers bring smiles!
The Masterplan section starts with research outcomes about inclusive ideas and services for special family members. A deep dive into the Seidemann Family Reunion reunion announcement will give you some ideas while Karen Robertson’s BROLRA slow rap is bound to make you smile! Military Reunion News features two 80th anniversary of D-Day recollections. There are other details throughout the issue that will ring true for your reunion as well.
The feature in this issue is food, an excerpt from The Family Reunion Sourcebook. The section in the book is a large collection of food ideas, recollections and suggestions from reunion planners about their own reunions. The people who contributed to the feature are Caleb Carter, William J. Krovic, Terri Kramer, Carlotta Levesque Campbell, Pauline Bizette Brandy, Anna M. Page, June M. Entwistle, Malinda Wilkerson Blevins, Diana Dotzenrod Fitch, Jenese L. Nelson, Margaret L. Smith, Karen Naedler, Joan Michaels Paque, Freda Godby Daly, Vera Stephenson, Elinor Nuxoll, Judith L. Weber, Joan E. Ebacher, Suzanne Deats, Marilou Robinson, Jerry Robbins, Teresa L. Wolff, Doris Vaughan, Anne Farnese, Wilma Cook Collins, Ruby Sims, Loretta
Sadler, Jacalyn Eis, Larry Polenske, Bridgette Fisher, Kendall Pusey Bodtke, Bill Masciangelo, Cindi Schmitt, Michael Goetzinger, Linda Farland, Carole Neal, Sharyn M. Kuneman, Ann Cassar, Carmen Turner, Yinka Adedokun and Patricia L. Fry.
To Michael P. McGrath I apologize for mistakenly using LPD instead of LSD in identifying the USS Anchorage (LSD 36).
And finally
Now it’s time for you to consider contributing your reunion adventures for others to learn from, enjoy and, best of all flatter you, by copying!
And, as always, we urge you to contact the advertisers in this issue without whom, the publication would not be possible.
Happy reunion summer! EW
Before your reunion! Add your upcoming reunion announcement.
After your reunion! Continue the celebration! Add your reunion picture. Make sure your reunion is memorialized for posterity …
Send a report and pictures and/or video to editor@reunionsmag.com
Reconnect with the ones you love in Lake County, just north of Chicago. Lake County, with over 75 lakes and beaches, delivers the perfect backdrop for your family gathering. Experience world-class attractions like Six Flags Great America, Hurricane Harbor and Great Wolf Lodge. Explore scenic Forest Preserves, including Independence Grove, which offers ideal picnic locations with lots of recreational activities to enjoy. There’s also wonderful dining, entertainment, hotels and resorts for your big event. In Lake County, Illinois, your reunion will be truly unforgettable.
Contact reunion expert, Kimberly Ghys, Kimberly@LakeCounty.org to start your planning!
Having a friendly face to welcome everyone as they arrive adds a nice touch to your reunion and will be appreciated by your classmates. The greeter should stand near the entrance and welcome classmates as they arrive.
Make it a job of committee members to greet and welcome everyone who attends! For many, it may be 10 years or more since they’ve seen fellow classmates and a warm welcome can go a long way to ease initial reunion jitters.
Greeters could also be faculty members or someone wearing the school mascot costume. Just be mindful of where you greet folks to prevent a ‘log jam’ at the check-in table.
The role of a greeter is equivalent to acting as party host. After classmates have arrived and checked in, they will enter the banquet room and not know exactly what to do. Help them feel welcome and glad they came by greeting them, thanking them for coming, and even re-introducing them to some of your other classmates. Offer classmates a chance to mingle, grab a chair, get a drink, check-out memorabilia, etc.
A big smile and hello go a long way in making the reunion experience memorable. And, you get the chance to say a friendly hi to everyone before the reunion gets underway.
Provided by Cyndi Clamp, Varsity Reunions
Whenclassmates arrive, it may be awkward initially. To ease the tension, try to get everyone to open up and relax with icebreaker games. Conversation may come easier if there are games to play where they can interact. These ideas will keep everyone interacting and get them talking. Cornhole is a classic; you can also get boards with your school logo on them!
If the event theme is casino night, having various casino tables would be a hit!
Virtual Reality pods where guests utilize VR goggles and remotes to play different games. The VR screens are often displayed on TV, so other guests can watch what is happening.
Different from a traditional photo booth, 360 photo booths are trendy. They are video booths that rotate around a platform where guests will stand, dance, or pose. These suggestions from Suffolk Conference Center in Suffolk, Virginia.
As part of the class reunion entertainment, many include awards for attendees. Some are standard and offered at pretty much all reunions, such as who traveled farthest, who has been married longest and most recent marriage, who has the most children (or grandchildren for later reunions), who has the most recent baby and who has the
the
Who has the most dangerous/ interesting/exciting job?
Who has the most children/ grandchildren?
Who turned out just as expected?
oldest child, newest mother/father-in-law, first to retire or been retired longest.
Because awards are part of the entertainment, making some funny is important, but avoid slights or insults. Some can simply be announcements but many include related/ appropriate prizes or gifts as well.
Who married classmates?
Who couldn’t stop going to school/has the most degrees?
Who is most changed?
Who has lived in the most places? List them.
Who are the eligible bachelors/bachelorettes?
Photos shared by Lynn Thompson, Reunion Specialists, Carlsbad/San Diego, California; https://www.reunion-specialists.com/
Sign in is the first stop upon arrival at your reunion. Do not resist the name badge because it can be a life saver. You’ve changed and so have your classmates! Best are the badges with your graduation picture, good for jogging memories.
Display tables of memorabilia and artifacts from your class are a great way to jog faded memories and spark discussions amongst classmates. These display tables are from Buena Vista High School in Chula Vista, California, at the Class of 1993 reunion.
Every class reunion should have suc a sumptuous dessert table as the one enjoyed by Los Alamitos (CA) High School Class of 1973.
In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, the International African American Museum (IAAM) embarked on a transformative journey to preserve the stories of its community through a unique initiative known as the History Harvest. This event, designed to digitize funeral programs and capture oral histories, unearthed extraordinary tales, including that of Phibbie Hawkins Chisolm, a woman born into slavery in 1825 whose legacy now lives on for her many descendants. Inspired by IAAM’s success, the concept of History Harvest holds immense promise for preserving the shared histories of reunions — family, class, or military gatherings — across the nation.
Led by Reverend DeMett Jenkins, IAAM’s FaithBased Initiatives forged partnerships with Hebron Zion Presbyterian Church and Bethlehem St. James United Methodist Church to digitize historical artifacts, employing cutting-edge technology like Vivid-Pix Memory Stations to capture and restore precious documents. This collaborative effort underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in safeguarding our collective heritage.
While IAAM stands as a prominent institution, the History Harvest concept is remarkably adaptable to various settings, including reunions. Imagine the possibilities of preserving and
sharing your reunion’s unique story — whether through digitizing old photographs, school memorabilia, or military keepsakes. This endeavor not only celebrates nostalgia but also ensures that cherished memories are passed down to future generations.
The first step towards a successful History Harvest lies in defining clear goals. Much like IAAM’s focus on preserving underrepresented histories, your reunion can embark on a mission to digitize artifacts that encapsulate its narrative. From family photos and heirlooms to military documents and school memorabilia, the possibilities are as diverse as the stories waiting to be told.
Central to the success of any History Harvest is meticulous planning. According to Darius Brown, a research specialist at IAAM’s Center for Family History, the team received training, to
streamline the scanning process and ensure participants had a seamless experience. Develop a checklist, conduct dry-runs, and design consent forms — all essential elements for a wellexecuted event.
Leverage partnerships to promote your reunion’s History Harvest. Collaborate with schools, universities, and local institutions. Design captivating flyers and social media graphics to spread the word far and wide. Encourage participants to share their excitement online, amplifying the reach and impact of your reunion’s preservation efforts. According to Brian Sheffy, the Director of IAAM’s Center for Family History, 200 people participated in their event.
Engage with your community in a meaningful way, echoing the sentiments of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the creators of History Harvest. Offer participants a chance to receive digital copies of scanned artifacts, ensuring that their contributions are valued and appreciated. Consider introducing incentives like prizes, fostering enthusiasm and collaboration.
Once the History Harvest is complete, explore avenues for preserving and sharing your reunion’s history. Look into repositories like historical societies, libraries, or university archives. Embrace technology with platforms like Vivid-Pix to
create photo books, gifts, and digital publications — ensuring that your reunion’s legacy endures for generations to come.
As you embark on this journey of preservation and remembrance, remember that History Harvest is more than an event — it’s a celebration of your reunion’s unique identity. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to heritage, your reunion can leave an indelible mark on history. Embrace the opportunity to honor the past and inspire the future through the timeless art of storytelling.
In the spirit of IAAM’s groundbreaking work, let us seize this moment to celebrate our reunions, honor our legacies, and ensure that our stories echo through the corridors of time. Together, let us harvest history and sow the seeds of a brighter tomorrow.
Reported by Shamele Jordan, Berlin, New Jersey, Producer of Genealogy Quick Start
Add your upcoming reunion announcement.
After your reunion, continue the celebration!
Add your reunion picture.
Make sure your reunion is memorialized for posterity … Send a report and pictures and/or video to editor@reunionsmag.com
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Reunion planning workshops and familiarization (FAM) tours are exciting opportunities for planners to learn about organizing 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 even have to leave your own home to participate. Most workshops are free and only require pre-registration. FAM tours listed here are limited to military reunion planners.
Scheduled events are listed here in chronological order for those who have set dates. We add new workshops to the website as soon as we learn about them and announce them in our two monthly newsletters. The list online is followed by a list 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.
The following list is for family reunion workshops, unless designated otherwise.
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. Basic listings are provided free to workshop hosts. Between issues, see current list online
June 21-24, 2024 • 8AM EDT
MRN 2024 EDUCATIONAL SUMMIT - HERNDON, VIRGINIA MILITARY REUNION NETWORK
Military Reunion planners only
Info 425-501-1430: info@militaryreunionnetwork.com
To register; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com
July 15-17, 2024 • 8AM CDT
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, FAM TOUR
MILITARY REUNION NETWORK
Military Reunion planners only
Info 425-501-1430; info@militaryreunionnetwork.com
To register; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com
October 7-10, 2024 • 8 AM EDT
DOVER DELAWARE FAM TOUR
MILITARY REUNION NETWORK
Military Reunion planners only
Info 425-501-1430; info@militaryreunionnetwork.com
To register; https://militaryreunionnetwork.com
October 26, 2024 • 12-2PM EST
FREE VIRTUAL FAMILY REUNION WORKSHOP FOR REUNION PLANNERS
NATIONAL FAMILY REUNION INSTITUTE
Info 425-501-1430; admin@familyreunioninstitute.net
To register; https://nationalfamilyreunioninstitute.net
November 2, 2024 • 10 AM EST
EXPLORE GWINNETT’S REUNION PLANNING WORKSHOP
CROWNE PLAZA NORCROSS
Maurice Odoms, 770-814-6059; maurice@exploregwinnett.org
The July 4th holiday (or its closest weekends) is the single largest reunion date of the year. It’s already a big family get together time whether for a formal reunion or not. These are some special July 4th phrases that we offer for you to use either at your July 4th event or in invitations to encourage gathering to celebrate.
H Happy Birthday, America!
H Let freedom ring!
H God Bless America!
H Home of the free, established in 1776.
H From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
H Bold stripes, bright stars, brave hearts.
I’m meeting next week with the staff of the hotel where we’re having our reunion for our “pre-convention” meeting. What sort of questions should I be asking? In particular, what do I need to do to make sure that our dinner on Sunday night goes well? This is the “big” event of the reunion when everyone will be together, and I want to make sure everything is perfect!
A:This is a great question. Typically, the “dress up” luncheon or dinner where everyone gathers is one of the highlights of any reunion, and you’re to be commended for paying extra attention to all of the details … this will be something that everyone will remember!
For starters you should have already worked out your menu with your hotel catering representative, so you’ll know exactly what is being served. If the “event order” for your meal is vague about certain items (such as “Chef’s choice of dessert”), ask to have these clarified.
If there is anyone in your group with a special dietary need, food restriction, or allergy, now is the time to let the catering representative know, not on the day of your event as the meal is being served. Work out the details for how the service staff will know who is to receive a special meal.
If you’re having a special décor scheme (say, table linens in specific colors, or special centerpieces) review the details for these. Likewise, if you’re going to be providing programs, seating cards, or place favors, review the details of how and when these will be delivered to the hotel, and who is responsible for putting them at each place setting. (Some hotels will do this for you; some will ask that you do this yourself.)
Many hotels have centerpieces and décor items on hand that you may be able to use at no charge or for a nominal fee. Ask to see these set up on a sample table so that you’ll know exactly how everything will look for your event.
If you’re serving alcohol, review how this is to be served. Are you having a cash bar? A hosted bar? Wine service only?
Review the times when you will have someone speaking to / performing for the group. As a general rule, you won’t want to have a course being served or dishes being cleared while someone is trying to speak!
Ask to meet (and get to know) the banquet captain / maître d’
who will be overseeing your meal; he or she will be the one with the ultimate responsibility for making sure that everything goes smoothly during your event.
If you’re going to be having a stage and / or a dance floor set up for a band, a disc jockey, or a talent show, review the size and location of these in the room. Review how early before the event the band / disc jockey / talent show participants will have access to the room for set-up and rehearsal. Likewise, review your need for electrical outlets, as well as for any audio-visual equipment the hotel may be providing. (If the stage is set up on the side of the room where there are no electrical outlets for the disc jockey, you’ve got problems!)
If people will be speaking / telling stories and the group is larger than 40 or so people, you’ll definitely want to have a microphone so that everyone in the room (including those who may be hard of hearing) can hear the speakers clearly.
Ask if there will be any other groups holding events in the hotel at the same time as yours. If you are conducting a solemn service of remembrance or asking your patriarch / matriarch to speak at your meal, you don’t want to be drowned out by a band playing at full volume in the next room.
If you’re going to be taking home leftovers or donating them to a local charity, review the details for this. This would include any unopened bottles of wine you may have purchased. (Some hotels will allow you to do this and some will not; in many cases, this will be governed by state and local regulations)
Dean Miller, national sales director for Visit Fairfax (www.fxva.com), the convention and visitors bureau in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a great friend of reunions. Contact him (DMiller@fxva.com; 703-790-0643) when you are planning a reunion in the Washington, DC, area. Fairfax County is nearby, affordable, and conveniently located to all the area has to offer.
And finally, review and make sure everyone understands who is signing the banquet check at the end of the event, and who is allowed to make any changes / additions to the menu during the course of your meal. (If you don’t tell the hotel otherwise, they’ll gladly bring one of your attendees a second steak if asked to do so, and it will end up on your bill!)
Hope that you have a marvelous event!
Taking flight in 1949, Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) revolutionized air travel on the West Coast, establishing its base at San Diego International Airport (formerly Lindbergh Field). PSA became the first major low-cost airline, offering frequent and affordable flights throughout the Western United States.
USAir purchased PSA in 1986 and closed the two reservation offices. Reno, Nevada, which was opened by PSA in December 1985, was closed September 1995 and San Diego, California, which PSA opened in January 1979, was closed October 2001. These offices fostered a strong sense of community among employees, many of whom forged lifelong friendships.
After punching out on that last day in San Diego, agents met at a local establishment and have continued this tradition annually, except 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Their reunions typically occur around the weekend closest to October 19th, the anniversary of the San Diego office closing. These reunions have been held at various locations throughout San Diego. Even after all these years, these reunions continue to draw 75+ former agents, a testament to the strong bonds forged during their time at PSA.
For more information about Pacific Southwest Airlines Reservations and reunions, please visit http://psares.com
You worked long and hard to stage your reunion. There were probably times when you were really exhausted, but you persevered and your reunion showed your hard work and dedication. During and after the reunion, everyone talked about how they looked forward to gathering, what a great time they had and how well you planned it. All the talk and thanks is well and good, but you deserve more. Be sincere about hearing what people have to say and tell them you want to know what they liked and disliked to improve your next reunion. During the reunion, it’s a good idea to interact with members to ask about their experience and what improvements they’d like to see.
The secret to creating a better reunion is using feedback that you collect from previous reunions. By collecting and using feedback you will gain a better understanding of what is working, as well as what is not working. Knowing what works and what doesn’t is important to improve your reunion.
Build an evaluation into your plan. Ensure feedback that includes your deserved praise but also impressions, observations, feelings and reactions to reunion details. Ask members to dig deeper. What did they love, like and neither love nor like. This is not a criticism of you but rather observations that can be taken into consideration for
your next reunion, whether you or someone else is doing the planning. These are summaries and ideas that reflect members’ experience to be used to improve your next meeting.
Providing a form to collect feedback gives members the incentive to take seriously your invitation to evaluate. If you provide a welcome packet when members arrive at the reunion, add an evaluation form so they know from the beginning that you want their opinions and impressions. Refer to the form often when making announcements to encourage responses which do not need to wait until the reunion is over, but can be noted as they go. Then, at your final event, often Sunday worship service or brunch, ask for the forms and have plenty of extras on hand
Reunion Name
Reunion Date
Contact
The reunion chairman and committee members should do a self-evaluation and address a variety of questions regarding the actual workings of the reunion. Ask how things went, but also how things can be changed or improved.
Let committee members know ahead of time that you will be asking for their impressions and opinions after the reunion, so that they will make a point of observing
Evaluate staffing, organization, site selection, the decision-making process, coordination and supervision. Discuss budget, fiscal controls and procedures.
A questionnaire can cover the following:
Did everyone work well together?
Did we start early enough?
Were effective timelines set for completion of each important task?
Was the reunion well publicized?
How did registration go?
Who attended? From where?
Who did not attend? Why not?
Compare with previous reunions. Are there trends?
Were destination and location right? Large enough?
Did we consider all functions thoroughly before the reunion and adequately inform the hotel of all our requirements?
Were room layouts adequate for events and meetings?
Was there good support from the hotel’s departments: food and beverage, sales, reservations, front desk, bell service, etc ?
Were onsite supervision and day-to-day operations satisfactory?
Did we have enough people to cover everything?
Was our business meeting effective? © 2016 Reunions magazine
for those who had “lost” or forgotten them. Get evaluations done on the spot. Collect them before members go home; it saves the cost of postage. Information and impressions are still “hot” and you can encourage them to write.
Consider two evaluations
Consider doing one evaluation for all reunion members and one for committee members who helped organize the reunion. Keep it simple. Personalize these suggestions to fit your needs. Consider the questions and scoring system you’ll use. Cover basics. It is advisable to use a computer to analyze results for
reunions over 100 people. The evaluation form should be easy to complete and tabulate. Sample forms are suggestions about what to include in your evaulation. Add questions which are specific to your reunion. Don’t get bogged down creating fancy scales. Use something simple like 1-5 ranking, with 1 as poor and 5 as outstanding. Encourage narrative answers.
If you don’t evaluate at your reunion, mail evaluations as soon after the reunion as you can. But, be aware, you should expect a smaller response.
Find forms online.
It’s always fun at reunions to give awards for a wide variety of honors and achievements. Ask a member with special artistic talent or one who does calligraphy to personalize the awards. For example, We Are So Proud can be used for many achievements by kids of all ages … good grades, sports triumphs, perfect attendance, various awards, etc. Winner can be used for many things and a retirement award is obvious. There are well over 2,000 free printable certificates to choose from at FreePrintableCertificates.net. Each certificate downloads instantly and is free as a PDF to write on or $5 each for a DOC version to type into using Microsoft Word before printing.
We’re building a new photo gallery of family, class, military and other reunion photos and urge you to add your reunion photo. Our long-time photo gallery follows, but a new one is building and we’d like to see your reunion there! Pictures of reunions are essential to reunion memories! Take a look! Scroll down to see the (old) preserved photo gallery. If your reunion is in the earlier gallery, it will stay there. Now add a more recent photo.
Rather than sending your picture to us to post, you’ll upload it yourself. Uploading your photo and reunion details is easy (we will, of course, approve photos prior to posting to keep things safe and appropriate). We will notify you when your picture is online for you to announce to your reunion members to take a look.
These are excerpts from a lengthy report by PGAV Destinations. In the last issue we highlighted how generations travel and explore together to create lifelong memories. This excerpt deals with inclusivity and accessibility for traveling families. This is a small part of the report. The full report is available free at https://pgavdestinations.com/reports/creating-family-memories-making-attractions-visits-unforgettable/
Visiting an attraction can be a delightful adventure, but individual experiences vary based on factors like race, mobility, neurodivergence, and even size. It’s important for attractions to understand the full range of visitors and foster a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can share in the magic of the experience.
Resources and accommodations designed for people who need them can benefit all visitors. A restroom large enough for a person in a wheelchair will also help a parent with a double stroller. Let’s see how attractions can be more accommodating and inclusive to all visitors.
The US is more diverse than ever: more than half of children in the US are children of color. The number of Black travelers is growing. 12% of Black travel parties include young families, higher than young families among all US travelers. Unfortunately, 12% of people who are Black, Native American, or Hispanic reported discrimination. That’s double the number compared to overall visitors. Families that include people of color take extra precautions and research a community before choosing attractions due to safety concerns.
Policies and practices at attractions can negatively impact people of diverse backgrounds.
Many visitors of color report microaggressions: subtle or unintentional acts of discrimination. For example, asking Black visitors for identification but not asking white visitors or following people in stores to ensure they are not stealing. Providing training to staff can help identify and eliminate the potential for microaggressions.
Authenticity and an accurate representation of history should be considered. Unfortunately, you have to do more extensive research to find these places. They rarely rank in the top results when you search “things to do in (city name)” on Google. Many are also poorly kept and neglect to fully tell the story. One example is the Tomb of the Forgotten Slave in New Orleans. There is no signage to get to the location, bricks are broken and out of place. Similarly, Malcolm X’s birthplace in Omaha, Nebraska, is marked by only one sign. The historical information doesn’t do justice to his accomplishments and omits many of the significant aspects of his movement.
Representation matters. Evaluating exhibits, signage, food selection, and marketing can ensure they represent diverse people. Explore incorporating authentic and accurate cultural representation into programs, events, displays, and activities.
Over a quarter of the US population has a disability, including 12% with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Unfortunately, not all attractions and exhibits fully accommodate people with a disability.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that every guest shares the same experience, regardless of their unique needs. They create wider ride queues capable of accommodating wheelchairs and families with strollers. Play structures can feature a staircase on one side and a ramp on the other. Safe kenneling areas adjacent to rides cater to the needs of people with service dogs. They want all guests to have equal access to exploration, learning, and fun.
Visitors with limited mobility have an added layer of planning to consider. Providing clear maps with accessible entrances, routes, aid stations, and restrooms online can help families plan their day. Visiting attractions involves researching what attractions are easily accessible. Seeking paved pathways, escalators, transportation options, and plenty of seating areas makes for a comfortable experience for someone with mobility issues.
Accessibility goes beyond mobility concerns. In the US, 12% of people have cognition difficulties, 6% hearing difficulties, and nearly 5% have serious vision impairments. Auditory messages should be accompanied by closed captioning that is readable at a distance. Anyone providing spoken messaging should be in clear view, not to the side or behind. Font colors for closed captioning, menus, and other printed materials should consider color-blind guests. Adequate lighting will also help low-vision guests in places with elevation changes, like stairways, or when reading text on exhibits or menus.
Roughly 15-20% of people demonstrate some type of neurodivergence. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences including autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, and other learning or developmental distinctions. Neurodiversity affects children and adults and includes military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), individuals with dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke survivors. Families that include a person with neurodiversity often choose to skip attraction visits and travel. People experience the world through their senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. However, individuals with neurodiversity or sensory processing disorders might react differently to these stimuli, displaying either heightened sensitivity or lower tolerance. Coping with overstimulation becomes an ongoing challenge for them. Visiting an attraction with someone who
has neurodiversity often requires extra planning.
Families want to know if there are coping strategies available and ways to manage overstimulation effectively. Theme parks can be extremely overstimulating with loud noises, screaming, music, crowds, and high temperatures. Some theme parks offer ways for non-riders to still feel included in the overall experience.
Websites should include information about resources available to guests, including clear, detailed instructions about advanced boarding options and food guides. Consider publishing social stories that detail what the experience might be like for guests. For example, describe the parking situation, traffic conditions, building design, and entryway, including any accessibility ramps. Then, explain how the experience might go once inside, including ticketing, items that can be brought in, how to move through the space, quiet areas, etc...
Sensory guides explain what a guest might encounter based on the five senses, including flashing lights, bright colors, light transitions, strong smells, and noise. The guides should be posted on the attraction’s website and at the entrance to the space.
Spaces that offer a chance to break away from the chaos can help everyone recharge enough to rejoin their family after decompressing. Consider small spaces that are easy to find throughout the attraction, with a soft color palette and natural light. Natural settings are calming to many people — think of secluded seating areas between garden beds. Comfortable seating, some control over sound and light levels, and fidgettype toys also help.
If 5% of visitors indicate that someone in their group was denied access to a ride, have you thought about how many potential guests might not even attempt to enter because they expect to be turned away? According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 41% of people in the US are considered obese, a number that is expected to grow to 50% by 2030.
Imagine your kids are excited to ride the newest coaster. You looked online, but the only information you could find about size restrictions was the same general weight and size for each ride. You make your way to the ride and wait in line, your kids anxious and excited. Finally, you’re at the front; you step in, wedge yourself uncomfortably into the seat, and the lap bar lowers. An alarm sounds. Everything comes to a halt. A frustrated park employee makes a beeline to you. He shoves on the lap bar to
no avail. With a heavy sigh, he escorts you off the ride. And you wave to your family as they catapult forward on their adventure without you as you stand, embarrassed, on the platform. These challenges extend beyond theme parks — narrow hallways in historic buildings, turnstiles that fail to accommodate all bodies, the daunting climb after a cave tour, or the struggle to find a sweatshirt that fits in the gift shop.
rThe availability to test-ride vehicles before waiting in line is a great step. However, placing them individually near the attraction itself may not always be the best option. For people with mobility concerns, putting them all together near the front of the park in a secluded alcove would be much better.
rPost clearer weight and size guidelines on the website when possible. Most descriptions provide general guidelines. But as many bloggers have pointed out, despite having the same warning, the lap bar may work at one ride but not at another. Can descriptions have more detail?
rSafety is paramount, and most theme parks take it very seriously. But stories of dangerous situations persist, and tragedies have occurred. Ensure employees are trained to know the proper guidelines and when to ask for assistance. Training employees to handle potentially embarrassing situations discreetly will also help the employee and the visitor.
rMultiple seating options in dining areas, including sturdy, armless chairs, seating height options, and space between tables and walls will create a more comfortable environment.
rVisitors in large bodies understand that not everything can be tailored for them. Like all guests, however, they deserve respect, reasonable accommodations, and the chance to have fun and connect with friends and families at attractions. There are steps attractions can take to be more accommodating, more welcoming, and more inclusive.
Genealogist and personal history
story teller, Mary Patricia Voell of Legacies, LLC, shared a find that reminded her of how we should all
regard treasures. She was helping a client sorting and organizing “the plethora of boxes and binders, files and cabinets so many find themselves overwhelmed with.” When she encountered this piece written by a relative of a client, she felt a need to save and share it. The author was the editor of the LaCrosse (Wisconsin) Archdiocese newspaper and prolific over his lifetime producing hundreds of outdoors/ environmental, religious and historic articles. In one such article, Reunions: Our Search for Self, the author reflects on the importance and value of reunions.
The popularity of family reunions, class reunions, military reunions, and ethnic festivals reflects society’s wholesale interest in self-identity.
Much is written about the crisis teens experience in trying to decipher, “Who am I?” A monumental internal struggle between authority and freedom, akin to a wrestling match between giants, is an experience many youths endure in seeking to know the self.
A gentler kind of identity crisis creeps up on 40-year-olds and stays with them for life. A new interest in relatives and genealogies flowers. Finding one’s roots through cousins, grandparents, uncles, aunts, schoolmates and ethnicity is the developing drama and script of the reunions.
In attending reunions, I sense that people continue to ask, “Who am I?” Participants examine their roots, their values, and their beliefs through the medium of conversations, songs and anecdotes. Not only “Who am I,” but “Where am I going? What is the meaning of life?” are unarticulated thoughts.
Harmonizing our rediscovery of family and friends is the best formula for a joy-filled reunion.
The Seidemanns will celebrate their 91st annual reunion the third Sunday in July. Since the early days of Reunions magazine, the family welcomed me as a guest and later “adopted” me as a cousin at these events. When I started, the founder, the late Ray Seidemann, was still the key figure along with his 10 children, 25 grandchildren (now 45 great grandchildren and 27 great, great grandchildren) and other relatives leading to an event of hundreds each year. The reunion happens at the Seidemann Farm near Newburg, Wisconsin, about 40 miles north of Milwaukee. The farm was settled in 1856 by Friedrich and Rosina Seidemann who immigrated from Tissa, Germany.
Over the years, the Seidemanns have been featured many times in Reunions magazine in various articles and stories. Examples include activities for adults and kids, games, prizes, exhibits of family,
farming and military history, fundraising activities (my favorite — which can only be done on a farm — the chicken spot contest). See fundraising ideas listed throughout their invitation.
The Seidemanns have reunion planning down to a “science.” They have committee meetings throughout the year and setup activities the week before the reunion; “tear down” and a board meeting occur the day after. The reunion has always been on the Seidemann farm where they continue to use a pole building for their collections, exhibits and activities. They still own about 92 acres where the fields are rented to a local farmer.
The following are several examples of parts of the 2024 invitation which will give you an idea about their reunion! Click here to see the entire invitation
Shared by Edith Wagner, Editor of Reunions magazine.
• Registration
• Talent Show Sign-up
• T-Shirt Sales and Book Sales
• Bake Sale
• Bingo
• Guessing Games
• Silent Auction
• Folk Song Presentation
until all sold 11:00 to 1:00
• Kuchen Judging
• Kuchen Auction
• Historic Reunion Movies & Photos 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Winners announced for: Guessing Games, Door Prizes, Silent Auction
• Talent Show
• Chicken Spot Contest
• Children and Adult Games
► Purchases: Please buy food and drinks using cash only. Checks and cash are accepted for books, pictures, T-shirts, Silent Auction, and Kuchen sales. Sorry, no credit or debit cards or Venmo for this event.
► Seidemann Adults and Youth
Have Talent! Bring your voice, instruments, dancing shoes or whatever and show off at the Talent Show. Sign-up 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Show at 4:00 PM.
► Join the Fun: Cherry Pit Spit, Pie Eating Contest, Tug-of-War, Balloon Toss, Fishing for Prizes, the Money Dig, etc.
► FOOD: Support the Reunion by purchasing beer, sodas, bottled water, popcorn, and home baked items. Bratwurst, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, ice cream cones, root beer floats, and more will also be available throughout the day.
► View: Military wall, family quilt, historic Reunion movies & photos. Tour huge family antique displays, plus many tools and implements used by our ancestors.
► Our Kuchen/Dessert Contest has two (2) different categories.
► • Bakers under 25 years of age.
• Bakers 25 years and older.
► There will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner awarded in each category along with bragging rights. Find a yummy recipe and bring your finished masterpiece to the candy stand. Judging begins at 2:00 PM. Stay for the auction and bid to win one of these delicacies.
1. Bake Sale – Please donate cupcakes, cookies, muffins, and bars to sell at the candy stand. We are also looking for buyers — 11:00 AM until baked goods are gone.
2. Kuchen/Dessert Contest – Bring your best homemade Kuchen/Dessert to be tasted by our expert judges and then auctioned off to the highest bidder. Proceeds help pay for Reunion expenses. The left photo is from the 25-year-old and over category: the baker was Joanne Lemke (on left) with a Peaches & Cream Kuchen bought by her sister Lucille Razzano for $130.00. The right photo is from the under 25-year-old category: the baker was Kendra Strebel (on right) bought by Holly & Cooper Seideman for $70.00.
2023 First Prize Kuchens
Thanks to our Bakers, Bidders and Buyers!
3. Silent Auction – Bring breads, jellies, other homemade food items and crafts to be in our Silent Auction. Proceeds help pay for Reunion expenses.
4. Bingo prizes, Kids prizes, and Door prizes – Donate items for Bingo, Kid’s games, and Door prizes.
5. Talent Show – We are looking for entertainers for our annual Talent Show. Sign up at the guessing game table. Individuals or groups of all ages are urged to perform.
6. Donations – Monetary donations of all sizes are welcomed to help pay for Reunion costs. This is a cash or check only event/ organization. We are not set up to handle credit or debit cards or Venmo.
7. Volunteers needed – Help with set up on Friday, Saturday and take down on Sunday and Monday. If you would be interested in helping.
8. Submit ideas for future Annual Reunions to the Secretary. All suggestions are welcome.
Come early and stay late for a day of family, food and fun.
• on our Website https://seidemannfamily.org. Relive moments from past reunions as captured on film and stills from the Seidemann archives. You’ll probably recognize faces from your family in this, sometimes hilarious, blast from the past.
• on our Facebook page. Request membership in the Members Only Group called Friedrich Seidemann Descendants.
New generations have been born since the 2005 published history and family tree book, so it’s time to prepare for the next one. WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP! We need volunteers. Specifically:
1. Someone with database expertise and some programming skills to adjust the family trees to handle new members. (The 2005 Edition used Microsoft Access software, though another could be utilized in its place.)
2. Volunteers to contact relatives for email and mailing addresses and genealogical information. If you are able to help, please email or send note to: Seidemann Reunion, P.O. Box 184, Newburg, WI 53060-0184.
Atthe tri-annual BROLRA Family Reunions, we come prepared to compete in our own brand of Olympics. There is also a talent show where we’ve seen everything from trained fleas to cowboy poetry. Someone usually writes a poem to recap the fun. Zion Park in Utah was the location of our 2022 gathering. My twin nieces dared me to write and perform a slow rap, so I did.
The following is text for the attached slow rap video by Karen Robertson at the BROLRA Family Reunion.
The ATV
Is the way to go
Over the rocks
And way down low
Slippery moss
On the water walk
Better pay attention
No time to talk
Some chose to swim
On a silly whim
I went to soak
And that’s no joke
Pizza to eat
Jack’s across the street
Dulivia’s sweet
Oscar’s is neat.
We used the shuttle
To avoid the puddles
The schedule was weird
Kept us in a muddle
Some took a hike
To see a spike
They didn’t take a bike
It was led by Mike
LaLa says I’m tacky
She’s a little wacky
But she’s a yuppy
Worth more than a puppy
Glad to be at Zion
And I’m not lyin’ I wouldn’t ever miss it
Unless I was dyin’
Up the canyon
And down the stream
LaLa flipped over
And wanted to scream
Danny shot the rapids
Alessia grabbed his hand
She pulled him to safety
Back up on dry land
Scared me to death
I thought he would pass
But all he did
Was bruise his . . . rear end.
Family reunions are more than just gatherings; they’re opportunities to strengthen bonds, create lasting memories, and celebrate the ties that bind us together. And what better place to host such a memorable event than in the charming city of Tallahassee, Florida?
This year, this bustling mid-sized destination is celebrating a monumental milestone: its bicentennial anniversary – looking back at two hundred years of growth, community spirit and family-friendly fun. The Bicentennial provides a great opportunity to gather, reconnect and celebrate with family, friends, colleagues, and classmates. With a full schedule of events planned for the year-long celebration, this is the perfect time to plan a reunion.
The Bicentennial Reunions Incentive Program offers perks for reunion groups who book sleeping rooms and hold a reunion in Tallahassee during June, July or August 2024. The more sleeping rooms booked the more benefits received.
s Special offers and sleeping room blocks at participating hotels. Several area hotels and attractions offer special rates for reunion travel.
s Reunion welcome bags with Bicentennial themed items and Official Tallahassee Visitors Guide
s Welcome signage at participating partner hotels.
Planners may choose to receive Bicentennial Reunion t-shirts or credit toward a reception or other event based on the total number of guest rooms contracted. Each contracted guest room earns either two Bicentennial t-shirts or a $20 credit.
about Tallahassee
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of North Florida, Tallahassee offers the perfect backdrop for any reunion filled with fun, adventure, and togetherness. As Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee stands as a testament to the state’s rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty.
Tallahassee lies in one of the US’s most biologically diverse regions and is home to more than 700 miles of trails — lending the nickname “Trailahassee” – with abundant biking, hiking, paddling, equestrian and running trails. Whether by land or water, breath-taking landscapes, amazing wildlife and recreational activities abound for outdoor enthusiasts, explorers, trailblazers
and adventurers of all types.
Tallahassee’s vibrant arts, culture and deep-rooted history shine through its murals, museums and performing arts — offering plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and discover. The city’s museums provide engaging exhibits and interactive experiences that are both educational and entertaining. There is a diverse array of culinary delights to satisfy every palate. From traditional Southern comfort food to international cuisine, the city’s dining scene is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, immersing yourself in Tallahassee’s rich history and culture, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, a family-friendly reunion in Tallahassee is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Visit www.visittallahassee.com/reunions to learn more about Tallahassee along with the destination’s incentive program for reunions.
Careful meal planning sets the flavor of reunions. Basic nourishment comes as simple, bountiful potlucks to catered fare and formal banquets. Reunions often offer the unique challenge to feed hundreds.
1800s. This is a look from The Early American Life Family Celebrations Cookbook © 1990 at an early Ohio family reunion:
forms to help you plan reunion food and meals are available free for the taking on pages 25-30 in Reunion Planners Notebook. These include: reunion menus, menu planning and shopping list, picnic checklist, potluck signup, catering questions, and tips about planning a banquet.
Americans are famous for picnics — in backyards, on beaches, or at parks. Picnics have long been a favorite form of summer gathering. Families grew, moved away and soon the picnic became the highlight of a visit home. As more members moved even farther away, before long the picnic became a reunion.
Families breaking bread together is a universal tradition. Certainly, food is not the sole reason for a family reunion, but it provides continuity and can be an ice-breaker that helps establish warm relationships. Food brings people together and gives them a chance to share their lives while providing a glimpse of the past.
No matter the fare, meals comprise an integral part of reunions. Some family reunions revolve around food. Maybe that’s because mealtime is also family time — a chance to share thoughts, news and stories. That’s as true today as it was in the
“Families gradually moved from New England westward. By the late 1860s, several generations had passed and someone got the notion that they were not just a family, but a clan. So, they planned a reunion. A traditional and memorable meal included pot-roasted beef smothered with gravy, side dishes of potatoes, beets, carrots and relishes. Homemade breads, apple slices and pound cakes with treats of fruit, nuts and chunks of rock candy.”
McCullah-Wasson Family Reunions started in 1890. In 1908, the family held its first camping reunion at their homestead on the Finley River in Nixa, Missouri. Attendees forded the river in horse-drawn wagons, buggies or on horseback carrying provisions for the entire week. Chickens transported in crates were turned loose to roam until needed. Campers stored milk, butter and eggs — covered with wet, cool cloths soaked in river water — in a tree. Years later, pits filled with blocks of ice were used for food storage.
Every potluck inspires requests for recipes. Ask cooks to bring the recipe for their dishes or request recipes for old family favorites. Collect recipes to copy and share, to compile in a family cookbook or to include in your newsletter.
Notes from Carlotta Levesque Campbell’s report of her family’s reunion picnic in Lincoln Park, Chicago: “Thank heaven for those huge shade trees. They managed to keep our area twenty degrees cooler than the rest of the park. Everyone
brought a dish. Grills were lined up on one side and tables on the other. Big tubs of pop and other drinks were bathing in ice. There was so much joy and love around, you couldn’t help but have a good time.”
Providing reunion food does not have to mean do-ityourself, of course. Many families would rather have meals served and spend time visiting. A catered meal, especially if the gathering is in a rented hall, makes things simple for everyone. If you choose catering, get costs in writing to include in your fees or announcements.
Many of the people at Seidemann Family Reunions skip the
potluck altogether. Refreshment stands provide food for members and profit for the reunion. They sell hamburgers and bratwurst, ice cream, candy, snacks, beer and soda. Members buy what and when they want to eat.
Pauline Bizette Brandy’s Lambert Family Reunion in Innis, Louisiana, contacted friends to cater a lunch. Coordinators for each family branch estimated attendance for a head count to set a price for the menu. The menu included grilled or barbecue chicken and pork, salad, sweet potatoes and rolls. Members brought desserts. Contributions from many family members stocked beverages and bought supplies wholesale.
Other families prefer to meet at a restaurant and have everything done for them. Check the possibility of a buffet meal or of giving guests only two or three menu choices. Reunions which last several days combine several meal plans. Whatever you plan, be sure your invitation includes the arrangements, costs and other details.
Beverages are another question. Do you want guests to bring their own or will you provide drinks and charge for them? Let people know on the invitation what to expect. Many families set up a keg of beer, cases of soda and a pot of coffee, if electricity is available. Lemonade and iced tea are also popular choices. Don’t forget disposable cups and ice.
Keep menus simple. Avoid meals that require written recipes. If you’re feeding forty or more people, even the simplest menu requires a big effort. Consider partially cooked or precooked meals. Pizza the first night is easy. If someone offers to bring a special meal (or part of one) from home, use it the first night to avoid refrigeration.
k Pizza, salad, vegetable
k Spaghetti (use ready-made sauce), tossed salad, garlic bread
k Canned ham, baked potatoes, vegetable, rolls
k Grilled steaks, burgers, hot dogs, corn-on the-cob, salad
k Baked turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy (from mix), fruit salad
k Roast chicken, baked beans (canned), vegetable, coleslaw
k Desserts: simple cakes, brownies, watermelon, frozen pies, fruit compotes
k Avoid homemade ice cream unless you have adequate freezer space
Arrange the menu in detail before the reunion. Plan each meal with contrasts of color, texture, flavor and consistency in
mind. Nutritionally, an ideal meal includes an entree, a grain product and two fruits and/or vegetables. But don’t worry about making sure everything is nutritionally perfect. A slightly unbalanced menu is not going to create any nutritional deficiencies in such a short time. Plan on leftovers and fit a leftover meal in after several days of planned meals.
Home recipes can easily be modified for larger groups. Check the number of servings recipes make and multiply that by two, three or whatever you need to get the appropriate yield.
Don’t double or triple dessert recipes. Make different desserts and let people choose. Make cookies and bars ahead and freeze. Pies are quick with prepackaged crusts and canned fillings. Avoid desserts that require refrigeration.
The Wheelwright Family Reunion at Bear Lake, Utah, lasted nine days. Each of the six siblings’ families was assigned one day to provide meals; the parents took both Sundays. Breakfasts were cereal, pancakes and eggs; lunches were portable. Dinners reflected each family’s different interests, ranging from Mexican fare (complete with piñata), to imported pasta and prime rib, potatoes and lots of fresh corn-on-the-cob. The financial burden was spread out and the time commitment was only one day for each family. The family responsible for dinner was also responsible for evening activities, which were casual and included all age groups.
Reunion home cookin’ can be done, according to Anna M. Page, who cooked for thirty for her Barnes Family Reunion. First, she advises, analyze your facilities and equipment. List equipment you have and what you need which will affect the type and amount of food you prepare. Most of us don’t have freezer or oven space to accommodate large groups.
Reunions magazine collects reunion picnic recipes, but looks even more for the anecdotes, memories and recollection that explain the importance of your choices. Family joys and traditions are easily linked to the nourishing, nurturing benefits that accompany food. Criteria for reunion picnics seems to be that food be tasty, tempting and transportable. See Reunion Recipes to Go!
A trip to the wholesale club may inspire ideas. Frozen lasagna is more expensive than home cooked, but beats the price of catering. Read serving sizes carefully because they may not be realistic to your family. Page says her family eats significantly more than suggested serving sizes. Large institutional size #10 cans each contain twelve to thirteen cups, yielding approximately twenty to twenty-five servings, compared to home size cans which yield four to five servings.
Beverages sold in larger containers list amounts in ounces. A standard beverage serving size is eight ounces. Realistically, calculate twelve ounces per serving.
Pre-washed and cut vegetables such as baby carrots require no preparation, are nutritious and everyone loves them. Ditto for pre-packaged tossed salad. Frozen vegetables require minimal preparation and fresh fruits require none.
Get children involved in food preparation. Mix and freeze a batch of sugar cookies several weeks before the reunion. When kids get bored, give them cookies, frosting and decorations. They’ll be busy for at least an hour and provide a dessert with a charmingly homemade touch.
A family reunion is a time to enjoy, not a time to cook and clean. Page prepares anything that can be frozen ahead. Most casseroles and baked goods freeze easily. Use disposable aluminum pans for freezing and cooking; clean-up is minimal.
Assign chores. In some families, women get nervous when men help with preparation but men can clean-up. This spreads work around, promotes “male bonding” and allows the women to relax.
Theresa R. Harris, Birmingham, Alabama, shared a family reunion food tradition that involves branches of her extended family. She suggests that a gigantic fruit salad assembled at the reunion allows everyone “to enjoy time together getting to know each other and keep little hands occupied.” Everyone participates. Everyone has a part in the final product. And a family ritual is remembered with the sweetness of fruit that everyone loves. The recipe’s goal is to create a work of consumable family art. Each individual family is assigned ingredients to bring — a large watermelon, cantalopes, honeydew melon, kiwis, strawberries, pineapple, chopped pecans and poppy seed dressing. Assembly is a major part of the reunion fun. Children can be intimately involved in seeding and making melon balls, removing strawberry stems and breaking pecans. Let older children peel and slice kiwi and pineapple and carve the watermelon hull. Take turns tossing
this entire delectable mix with dressing.
The idea that recipes “reek” of the reunion produce stories that rival the recipes.
June M. Entwistle, Treasure Island, Florida, says that chili is always a favorite at their reunion cookouts. As years passed, their original “blow-your-mind” recipe was modified to address weight problems, high blood pressure/cholesterol levels and food allergies. Today’s turkey chili is non-lifethreatening, fairly mild and family members — “new and used” — eat and enjoy.
None of Malinda Wilkerson Blevins, Mechanicsville, Virginia, maternal grandmother’s five children or eleven grandchildren who ever attended a family reunion could eat her goulash without thinking of her in the bright yellow kitchen where pound cake was always available and something was always cooking on the stove.
Grandma Floy Kincaid Page passed away in 1987 and she is remembered for the delicious food she lovingly prepared in Morganton, North Carolina, site of family reunions.
Hamburger hot dish is a 40-year Dotzenrod Family Reunion tradition. Diana Dotzenrod Fitch, Burr Oak, Iowa, says the recipe is easily adaptable to lower-fat meats. Best of all, leftovers improve with age — but after Dotzenrod reunions, there are no leftovers.
Jenese L. Nelson, Redwood City, California, had thirty-two family members under her roof for their first family reunion. She made boneless chuck roast, coleslaw, buttermilk sherbet and homemade bread for the big dinner celebration.
Margaret L. Smith, Port St. Joe, Florida, says her family reunion rents a number of cottages. Meals are prepared and served in reunion headquarters, which has two complete kitchens and a double living area. Families share cooking and clean-up responsibilities. Traditionally, the first large meal together is baked ham with all the fixings; the next one a turkey dinner. They barbecue other meats and fish throughout the reunion. One night is reserved for a seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Lunches are easy with sandwiches made from leftovers. Breakfast is up to everyone. And each family brings plenty of desserts.
Karen Naedler, Hopatcong, New Jersey, planned a simple menu — hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, gallons each of olives, pickles and hot peppers, and a sheet cake that read Cousins Connection. A pizza parlor heard about the reunion and donated four dozen hoagie rolls to the picnic. Naedler’s sister-in-law was unstoppable, making a huge pot of sauce and eighty meatballs for delicious sandwiches.
The Paque Family Reunion always includes a large, lavish weekend picnic. The highlight of one reunion was a “Spanferkel” or pig roast — an increasingly popular centerpiece for many reunion picnics. Do it yourself or hire a caterer to prepare and deliver to the reunion.
“Reunions go back as far as I can remember where we love to get together, eat all our favorite foods and enjoy each other’s company,” reports Freda Godby Daly. The family was originally from West Virginia and now enjoy reunions at the ranch of the oldest son, Charles, in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Vera Stephenson has assumed her mother’s traditional contribution of an unusual, colorful potato salad with two special ingredients: sauerkraut and chopped beets.
Elinor Nuxoll, Spokane, Washington, bakes an oven full of potatoes ahead of time, totes them along and transforms them into many courses for many reunion meals.
Judith L. Weber, Greenfield, Iowa, reports that every Weber Family Reunion gathers around a table laden with dozens of delicacies. Four ambitious Weber ladies compiled 750 recipes from descendants of Johann Conrad (J.C.) Weber into the Weber Family Cookbook. Using profits from cookbook sales, a reunion was planned around the recipes. Dishes were prepared and served by a caterer and fourth-generation Weber and cookbook committee members. Each recipe was identified by name and cookbook page number. Barbecue, salads, Pennsylvania Dutch style green beans, macaroni-corn, vegetable blend casseroles, dozens of sweet dinner rolls, fruit sticks, and sixty-five dozen oatmeal, ginger and molasses cookies. Grandma Weber’s sugar cookies were served with dandelion wine for an afternoon tea accompanied by Bavarian music.
Joan E. Ebacher, Richmond, Indiana, shares her successful menu for Ebacher-Scholtens Family Reunions. Ebacher has kitchen and basement stoves for final preparations because she makes and cooks everything ahead. When the final countdown arrives, helpers assemble pre-cooked and sliced pork loin, dressing, scalloped corn, sauerkraut with bacon and green beans. Pies, watermelon and fruit salad for dessert are brought by reunion guests. Children are enlisted to set and decorate tables and gather chairs.
Many reunion members enjoy fishing; nothing beats fresh fish for a memorable reunion meal. Baked or grilled fish keeps calories and fat to a minimum and healthy, tasty eating to a maximum. Suzanne Deats, Albuquerque, New Mexico, remembers her Uncle Glen cooking catfish at a 1944 reunion at her granddaddy’s birthplace, Reynolds Bend, Texas. The men set out trout lines in the Clear Fork of the Brazos River and caught huge yellow and blue catfish. Over fifty years later, Deats remembers the noise they made in the fryer, the scent of them cooking, and the feel of gritty cornmeal as she bit down. Above all, she claims, she could still taste them.
Marilou Robinson reports that food is important at her reunions, but reasons differ. One family insists that food be plentiful, available and not interfere with other activities. The second family finds importance in nostalgia — Aunt Josie’s potato salad is still the same or cousin Mary has inherited her mother’s talent in the kitchen. Robinson tries to satisfy both families; meals are ample and healthy snacks are always available. Family traditionalists make dishes they “always have” while those who like to experiment swap ideas and hints. The result is eclectic menus where everyone finds something to like and even the diehards try creative, novel dishes. Robinson notes that cooks have changed over the years; they oven-fry chicken, use low- or no-fat dressings and add herbs and spices instead of butter and salt. Muffins are lightened by using egg substitutes, applesauce for butter, eliminating nuts and using non-fat cream cheese. As long as the food is attractive and tastes good, everyone’s happy. Passing a basket of muffins at a reunion has a magical effect. Older family members share stories of how their mothers made bread, even back to the days of cooking in an open fireplace with a peat-fueled fire. Make clean up an assigned task so you know who will be responsible to help. Clean-up is a good time for kids to help. Time them. Offer treats or prizes for jobs well done. Include recycling in your clean-up plans. The centerpiece of the Robbins Family Reunion in Maryland was a crab feast. Jerry Robbins writes that it occurred to him how important eating times are at reunions, made better if it is a traditional meal. Such
meals awaken memories and re-establish bonds. Meals figure prominently in the four-day Robbins Family Reunion every four years. Most are potluck and include regional food: steamed clams, Tex-Mex, or buckwheat pancakes. Regional food always makes the hosts feel special. At a mini-reunion in Connecticut there are typical New England appetizers and steamed clams. Here’s an idea Robbins suggests. One night parents have dinner out, while children and grandchildren cook out and visit. The next night switch places and children go out together.
Family reunions are a long-standing tradition for the descendants of John and Clara Fehringer, who reconnect on the plains of western Nebraska to celebrate their heritage.
Teresa L. Wolff says some of her earliest memories are of “aunts cookin’ up a mess of roast beef, mashed potatoes and that deep brown gravy that only comes from slow roasting the meat to well done perfection.” Over the years they’ve compiled a cookbook to help keep family traditions alive. While aunts cooked, uncles played Sheepshead or snuck off to the root cellar for a tall cold bottle of home brew. Later they pitched horseshoes as children played in hay lofts with farm animals. A definite hit was Grandma’s raisin cookies, baked and brought now by her oldest daughter, Sister Fehringer. Reunions start on Friday evenings when hamburgers work well because they’re cooked to order as people arrive. At one reunion, the husbands of three cousins hosted Italian Night dressed in Chef-Boy-ArFehringer costumes. Since they are of German descent, good food and plenty of it is a big part of their reunions. They’ve moved from traditional meat, potatoes and gravy to lighter pastas, vegetables and fruit. Each family is responsible for cooking one meal, including clean-up.
Eating outdoors doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Pick garden flowers and herbs for color and scent. Use plastic tableware, but consider an elegant white linen tablecloth and put food in nice bowls.
Use tiny silver frames for place cards. Ask each member to select from photos of “the good old days” from a centerpiece tray.
Leave pots, pans, boxes and packages elsewhere. Have a rain plan. Reserve a pavilion site or rent a tent if you’re picnicking in the park.
Clean the garage if you’re picnicking at someone’s home.
Use/rent/borrow a long table rather than lining up mismatched card tables. Place serving tables in the shade.
Defy the wind. Use heavy objects to weigh down tablecloths. Fill a vase with marbles or pebbles before putting in flowers. Put something heavy on each of the four corners of the tablecloth or tablecloth holders, widely available at variety and dime stores.
Use votives or hurricane lamps for candles.
Ice is important. Ice cream requires dry ice to stay cool. Freeze beverage ice cubes with surprises in themmint, berries, slivers of citrus zest.
Discourage uninvited flying guests. Citronella candles work well at controlling bugs if you don’t want to use sprays. Or pass around soothing repellent.
Each family brings a dish to pass at the Michel Hoover Family Reunion. Doris Vaughan, Columbus, Wisconsin, provides Our Flag Pie Cake during election years, or if a family member comes home from or is going into the military.
Anne Farnese, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bakes a big batch of butterscotch brownies called “blondies” to remember her Aunt Hilda whose baked goods were legendary. Before she died
Hilda gave Anne the recipe, a cherished possession shared at annual Bernard Family Reunions.
Wilma Cook Collins, Phoenix, Arizona, has attended family reunions in Oklahoma since 1954. Peach or blackberry cobblers are a must. “It’s great to have a family like ours that enjoys getting together, even if only once a year,” Collins says.
A great reunion cake tip for smaller families comes from Ruby Sims of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. A round cake decorated with a tree, family name and original ancestors is centered atop a sheet cake that lists the first names of descendants.
Loretta Sadler, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, reported that the Sheperson Family Reunion ranging from 90-year old Sam to the
newest baby, annually bakes up reunion spirit with a theme. For a hillbilly reunion, most folks came in patched overalls and straw hats. The special cake was a moonshine still complete with jugs. When they went Hawaiian, everyone was greeted with a lei. A long sheet cake represented a white beach with hula dancers and swaying palm trees. There were eight cakes the year the Shepersons celebrated trains. Seven boxcars, trimmed with Sam’s and his siblings’ names, trailed the “parental” engine.
Many reunions order a special cake for their events.
Share the cooking
Jacalyn Eis is an expert observer and participating cook for the Eis Family Reunion. Some of the best reunion fun, Eis says, is cooking together. Meals run more smoothly by organizing cooking in advance. The best recipe is one that gets the family together to have a good time. Eis cautions to designate only one person to shop and bring food and basic supplies (napkins, paper towels, salt, pepper, cereal, salad dressing, milk) with funds from the treasurer. Ask members to bring extra coolers, barbecue grills, sharp knives and other special items.
The Eis Family Reunion experience teaches important lessons. They include everyone and mix groups by age and gender. Children enjoy helping by simply setting out pots of silverware or napkins. Older folks who may not be able to do as much like to be given the opportunity to feel useful and get to know younger family members.
Prepare a list of cooking teams and menus for each day. Choose one energetic organizer for each day’s cooking team. Avoid cliques, putting known adversaries or an entire nuclear family on the same team.
Post lists of contents on refrigerators. Breakfast supplies in one, fruits and vegetables in another, meat and milk in another. Post cooking and shopping team lists on a central bulletin board and in the kitchen. Post menus for all meals prominently in the kitchen. Post a shopping list and pencil near the next day’s menus. Tell the last person to use up a food item to add it to the shopping list.
At the first family meeting, announce cooking teams. Decide who will provide snack food; buy favorite brands. Decide whether reunion funds should be used for beer, wine or liquor or ask drinkers to organize themselves. And announce repeatedly that everyone is responsible for their own clean-up (kitchen utensils, counter tops and dishes at breakfast and lunch). Announce meal times so everyone can plan accordingly.
Cooking teams only cook main meals. Provide breakfast (cereal, eggs, pancakes) and lunch ingredients (sandwich makings, fruit and potato chips) for everyone to prepare their own. Each team should meet in advance to decide how they will organize the assigned meal; i.e., starting time, tasks, etc.,
and choose someone to check supplies. The shopper should check breakfast and lunch supplies and the shopping list. Then get money from the treasurer or save receipts for reimbursement.
Larry Polenske made these cooking suggestions for families who are camping.
You can make cooking for a large number of campers manageable by keeping things simple and sharing preparation. A campground with electrical hook-ups makes the job much easier. Portable appliances (electric griddles, crock pots, coffee makers, even microwave ovens) are easily packed to speed things up.
Chicken and ribs or burgers and brats are easy to grill and satisfy the heartiest appetites. They can be cooked ahead and kept warm in roasters. Instead of trying to cook all the meat at
one campsite, assign each campsite one menu item to prepare. Prepared food is brought to a central location and placed in warming trays or roasters.
Alternatively, skip cooking altogether and have a caterer deliver meals. Many caterers have special menus ideal for open air eating. One caterer doing a western theme had his cooks and servers wear cowboy hats and boots. They cooked gigantic burgers on a huge grill, handed out straw cowboy hats and took pictures of guests standing next to cardboard cutouts of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Prepared food can also be picked up from caterers and served by members.
A departure-day group breakfast is a great way to end your camping reunion. Pancakes and sausage are quick and easy. Use grandma’s old sourdough or buttermilk pancake recipe if you must, but a standard commercial mix is easier. One person mixing and two on electric griddles serve piping hot pancakes assembly-line fashion. A pastry-potluck requires no cooking. Each family brings its favorite coffee cake, cinnamon rolls or doughnuts to share. Add coffee and fruit and breakfast is complete with virtually no dishes to do.
Bridgette Fisher’s Hamilton Family camping reunion posts a work schedule at the reunion where members sign up for cooking, dishes and clean-up. With over 100 people spending five days together, they learned that meticulous planning pays off.
The Bodtke Family Reunion package included an open bar and meals at Club Cozumel Caribe. Seven of the sixteen family members are strict vegetarians. “Actually, the Mexican cuisine is very conducive to a vegetarian diet,” says Kendall Pusey Bodtke. “We worked out our menus on arrival.” Other family members were pleased with the regular menu offerings.
Bill Masciangelo suggests that good communication with the hotel’s catering and beverage manager saves costly mistakes and will make your reunion go more smoothly. Menu choice, number of courses and service type (buffet style, sit-down) are very important aspects of meal planning. Hotel caterers know current trends — what works and what doesn’t. Inform them about your group and its budget. It helps if you know members’ likes and dislikes.
Most hotels require that you use their catering services. Menu options are plentiful and can be tailored to suit your needs. If the hotel cannot provide your desired menu, ask the sales manager or catering director to refer a caterer with whom they may have preferred contacts.
Events at your reunion that call for food include a welcome reception, breakfasts, lunches and
dinners, memorial brunch, coffee/refreshment breaks, dinner dance, banquet and picnic. Each of these food and beverage functions require detailed planning. Items such as count guarantee (required forty-eight hours before the event), theme, decorations, music, type of bar, seating arrangements and cost must be considered. The most important and time-consuming event to arrange is the banquet/dinner dance, often held Saturday or the last night of the reunion.
m Identify the purpose of the reunion event: banquet only, awards banquet, dinner/dance.
m Select food service type: buffet-style, sit-down, hor d’oeuvres or dessert only.
m Choose and sample menu before the reunion to avoid surprises. Many places offer a choice of entrees. If members must choose main dish ahead of time, include this information on the invitation. According to Paula Sheagley, Cañon City, Colorado, if you can’t decide whether to serve beef or chicken, you can serve both on one plate! Many catering directors are willing to serve a “combination plate.”
m Set a banquet schedule. Do you want a reception before food is served?
m Schedule speakers and entertainment times.
m Establish waiter-to-table ratio which affects service speed.
m Determine what bar type best suits your needs; open, cash or tickets, and inquire about the liquor regulations.
m To establish a price, include tax, gratuities, insurance, bar set-up, decorations, favors and rental costs. It is easier for members to pay when they send in reservations than to figure out who owes what the night of the banquet. The hotel manager can help. Also ask how to handle lastminute guests or no-shows.
Private and hotel caterers often provide special prices, extra services, such as equipment rental, decorations, linen, china, silverware, as well as entertainment and transportation services. For example, one hotel provides complete reunion catering with hall rental fee waived with 250 catered meals on a Saturday night and 150 meals Sunday through Friday.
Catering
Many professional caterers know the ins and outs of reunions from experience. Some caterers can organize every detail for you, from food to furniture and space to put it all in. Cindi Schmitt discovered these questions to ask before hiring a reunion caterer. Are you meeting at a hotel? Banquet rooms and hospitality suites are ideal. Having a picnic? How about a pig roast or a big-top barbecue? Even if your reunion is at a private home, a caterer can prepare a fabulous meal for every taste and style.
Consult a caterer before committing too much of your budget to the facility. Caterers have tips for locating and negotiating banquet halls or reunion sites, often at a better price.
The most commonly catered reunion events are buffets, picnics and formal sit-down dinners or banquets. Buffets and formal meals can be held inside or outside depending on food selections and site amenities.
A full-service catering company is a good place to begin your planning. Michael Goetzinger, Black Tie Catering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, prides his business on personal service. He will organize everything from site selection to decorations, florist, bartender and band. Other rentals caterers handle are for tables, chairs, tents, flowers or special machines for espresso, popcorn, helium balloons or snowcones.
Professional caterers serve innovative foods with fresh, quality ingredients. In most cases, restaurant quality meals are prepared on site. If your reunion is outdoors or you do not have access to a kitchen, food may be prepared in a mobile facility equipped with burners, grills and warming units.
You may order catered food with or without service. Most caterers prefer to monitor food quality right up to serving time for sensitive items such as salad or seafood in hot weather. “Buffets are popular and fun for reunions,” says Goetzinger. Buffets without assigned seating make it easy to mingle and socialize. One serving idea is to have food stations, such as pasta, seafood or sundae/dessert bars and a meat-carving station. Smaller portions and reduced prices are usually available for children. Another convenience of a catered reunion event is bar service. Many caterers sub-contract bartenders and order liquor on consignment.
Linda Farland, Lettuce Off-Premise Catering, Chicago, Illinois, creates savory picnics. The outdoor menus at Lettuce Catering range from Mexican fajitas and Jamaican drunken beans, to
Chicago-style bratwurst and hot dogs. Each menu can be adjusted in size and selection. Prices range anywhere from $12 to $20 per person include the chef, equipment, disposable ware, linens and a transport trucking fee. Tables, chairs, tax and gratuity are extra.
For reunions of 150 people or less, Lettuce Catering can serve on Chicago’s First Lady, a private yacht that cruises Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Lettuce rents the yacht, arranges entertainment and customizes a casual or elegant meal tailored to your reunion.
Carole Neal, Oakland, California, organized the Seals Family Reunion in Louisiana. Since most members had traveled to the reunion, food contributions were out of the question. They found family friends to cater the reunion, which provided the additional benefit of family members having more time to enjoy each other.
An even simpler, less expensive and universally available option is chicken from one of many specialty quick service restaurants. For example, many KFCs now cater, deliver and set up your reunion picnic. Call in advance to make arrangements.
Whatever your catering decision, there are important things to remember. Communication is key. Listen to suggestions. Convey your needs and desires in a clear, concise manner. Ask questions. Have accurate guest counts, times and dates. Know your budget. Work together. Be successful!
Sharyn M. Kuneman suggests a United Nations theme as an exciting alternative to predictable potluck/dish-to-pass fare. Make a list of countries from which ancestors of family members emigrated. Write country names on index cards, indicate whether you want entrees or desserts and send them to members.
Bean soup is an institution at annual Schwalm Family Reunions that started around the turn of the 20th century. Ann Cassar, Thornton, Pennsylvania, reported that their reunions average 350 people from all over the US and Germany. Picnic food varies, but can be illustrated by the four-table spread shared at one reunion. Baked ham, ham salad, grilled chicken breast, ring bologna, venison bologna, meat loaf, cheese cubes, deviled eggs, baked beans, sliced tomatoes, macaroni salad, potato salad (German, of course), cucumber salad, raw vegetable platter, pickled red beet eggs, pickles, olives, pickled cabbage, pea salad, rolls, sandwiches, potato chips, grapes, cherries, blueberries, lemon fluff, strawberry delight, chocolate cake, angel food cake, and cherry pie. With these culinary delights, why does the Schwalm family bean soup crew arise early to light wood fires to prepare two 85-quart kettles of bean soup, when the humidity and temperature can reach 90˚ in July? Because it’s delicious, traditional and reunion members count on it.
Descendents of the German Gabel brothers have met every August since 1922. Early in the morning, a tent kitchen, tables and benches are set up. Wherever they gather, after offering thanks, the food includes Pennsylvania Dutch Bread and Butter Pickles prepared by “the good Gabel cooks.”
The Karaphillis Family Reunion in Tarpon Springs, Florida, celebrates Greek Easter. Everyone contributes something toward the traditional dinner of lamb, Baklava, Galagoburiko, wedding cookies and a special Easter bread baked with hard-boiled colored eggs.
Carmen Turner, a Key West City Commissioner, reported a turnout of 518 at the Allen Family Reunion hosted by the family’s Conch branch. The reunion featured The Taste of Key West, a marvelous spread of home-cooked Key West and Bahamian foods, served in a local park. Members sampled delights like crab and rice, conch fritters, pigeon peas with rice, souse, fried plantains, picadillo (Cuban ground beef), fried grunts, arroz con polla and other native foods. Music was provided by the Island Junkanoos, a Caribbean-style band of Allen family members.
The Simonic Family Reunion theme is based on their Slovenijan heritage. Decorations, flags, ethnic foods, music, genealogy and costumed dancers reflect this theme. Menus include lamb, pork, lemon chicken, sausage and sauerkraut, assorted vegetables and salads, assorted desserts, including nut roll, poppy seed rolls, and apple and cheese strudel.
The African Hut, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, caters African cuisine from Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania featuring imported ingredients, natural spices and little red meat. Owner Yinka Adedokun creates meals that expose his American customers to African culture. Adedokun tells the food’s story.
Foreign cultures often eat the same foods; only preparation differs. Ethnic catering goes far beyond eating. It enlightens reunion goers by satisfying their hunger and curiosity about foods favored by ancestors.
Or go Hawaiian and try a luau anywhere. Patricia L. Fry, Ojai, California, author of The Mainland Luau: How to Capture the Flavor of Hawaii in Your Own Back Yard, offers one luau menu for 100 people that includes pineapple-shrimp pupus, salmon stuffed cherry tomatoes, a veggie platter, roast pork, Hawaiian yams (cooked in the pit with the pig), fresh fruit bowl, crab rice salad, long rice (a hot dish), green salad with a sweet and sour Oriental dressing, and fruity island punch.
Create a Hawaiian atmosphere. Ask guests to wear colorful, Hawaiian attire. Display large potted plants, tubs of flowering trees or bouquets of bird of paradise, cannas, iris or
bougainvillea. Enhance flower decorations with fishermen’s net, wooden oars, large shells, an old boat and Hawaiian travel posters. Add recorded Hawaiian music and someone to teach the hula.
If you are cooking at your reunion and your family is descended from many ethnic backgrounds, assign different meals to different family units. On Italian night or Chinese or Mexican night, everyone prepares a different dish.
For more reunion food ideas, explore our website. See these choices!
h Reunions enjoy really good food.
h Banquets and banquets as an entertaining event
h And for meals a little less formal see potlucks and catering and yummy ideas
Ata family gathering in 2014, one of my second cousins, who was working on a project for a college history course, asked if I could tell him which members of our family served in the military and their branch of service. Being the official family historian, I was easily able to provide him with details for my father, John Alzo, and three of my uncles.
Many families treasure the stories of relatives who fought during World War II, and other conflicts, but these personal histories may fade, if not properly preserved. As we approach the 80th anniversary of D-Day, many activities are being planned to recognize that pivotal moment on June 6, 1944 when land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies faced fierce resistance as they stormed the Normandy beaches to establish a critical foothold against Nazi Germany.
Sharing a Sailor’s story
By Lisa A. Alzo, MFA
On June 6, 1944, my father, John Alzo, was serving in the United States Navy aboard the SS Tablerock in the Pacific. Sadly, Dad died in 2005, but I interviewed him in 1991 and was fortunate to inherit many photos, documents, and heirlooms from his time in the Navy — including a small brown notebook in which he documented his dates of service.
A sample page, in his own handwriting reads:
Entered the service on 16th of Aug. 1943 Boot training at Great Lakes
Boot leave 18th to 28th of Oct.
Left G.L. 29th of Nov. Arrived in Gulf Port Miss on 5th of Mar. Left Gulf Port about end of Dec.
Left Shell Beach La. on 5th of Dec. & arrived in San Francisco on 18th Dec.
Left Frisco on the 3rd Dec. Arrived in Portland Oregon on 14th Dec.
Boarded U.S.S. Tablerock on 15th Dec.
He even wrote down his ship’s position on V-J Day or Victory over Japan Day:
The audio interview was recorded with a mini-cassette tape recorder. I converted the audio to an .mp3 audio file and transcribed the interview into a digital format that can easily be accessed and preserved.
With the MemoryStation software I selected a photo of my father aboard one of the ships to use with selected clips of this audio file (I played the audio from my iPhone). He described the type of ship he was on, “I was on a tanker, and I was on a troop transfer.” In describing the dangers he faced, most notably, my father said:“I hauled gasoline out over there and hold troops over there. That ship would have ever got hit I would have never got back.”
watch the video tutorials (Vivid-Pix provides step-by-step instructions with your emailed receipt –also available online. For additional details, refer to the article “A personal touch: the Memory Station for your family reunion,” in Reunions Magazine, Spring 2024, Volume 33, Number 1 at ISSUU.com/reunionsmag.
2.Preparation. Gather photos, memorabilia and documents. While you can scan items in any order, it may speed things up if you organize them in a basic story framework. Before you sit down with a veteran, learn about their service period, divisions they served with, and their deployment locations. With this background, you can ask more insightful questions and better understand responses. Organizing to scan and share memories in bite sizes (a few photos/mementos/memories at a time) is helpful. It gets the ball rolling and is fun.
3.Scan or import files. Once the software is launched, choose Scanner/Computer/External Drive. Scan photos, documents, or objects. Alternatively, you can import digital files of items you previously scanned or downloaded. Click the next button.
Once happy with my selected photos and recorded memories, I produced the story and saved the files to my computer. The tribute pulls together scans of favorite photos, a page from a treasured keepsake, as well as comments in my father’s own voice into a single shareable .mp4 video file.
The D-Day anniversary provides a poignant opportunity to connect with family members who serve and have served in the military by documenting their memories. The Vivid-Pix Memory Station® can help make this task easy, efficient, and enjoyable! These are tips to get started.
Documenting a veteran’s story is often a delicate process. If you plan to sit down with a relative, remember that some memories may be traumatic. Be respectful and sensitive to their feelings. Let them know they can skip any question. Ask open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses. Phrases like “Tell me about a day you vividly remember” or “What was going through your mind when…” can elicit deeper reflection.
4.Restore. Use the Vivid-Pix Restore software to improve the (B&W and color) image quality in your scanned photos or documents and simply click Save/Next to advance to the next image. When complete, Restore will close and return you to the Memory Station interface.
The ability to scan photos and other memorabilia right within the MemoryStation software provides conversation starters. Follow these seven steps to ensure a smooth process.
If you’ve not already purchased the MemoryStation (scanner and software) go to https://www.vivid-pix. com/ memorystation. Be sure to read the instructions and
5.Record. This is where you can ask the veteran to talk about each scanned photo, document, or object. Be patient and sensitive during the conversation. Listen to each recording and go back to re-record over a photo, if needed. If things are going
smoothly, there’s likely little need to review the recordings. If you are not interviewing anyone, record your own narration. Be sure to save all the recordings and go to the next step.
On this screen you can remove any images/ recordings from the story or change the order of the already recorded memories. Then create and save in .mp4 format.
Tip: Shorter stories (3-10 images) will keep viewers more engaged and keep the outputted video to a more manageable file size for processing and online sharing.
With permission, share stories with family members and social media. These narratives are significant personal and national history that can inspire others. Consider creating a website dedicated to the veteran’s memory via user-friendly platforms such as WordPress https://wordpress.com or Google Sites https://sites.google.com, or military-focused websites such as Fold3 https://www.fold3.com/memorial/ create, Veterans Legacy Memorial https://www.vlm.cem. va.gov or the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor https:// www.thepurpleheart.com. Consider submitting a copy to local historical societies or milita’useums.
The 80th anniversary of D-Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a moment to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and unity that characterized one of the most significant military operations in history. But it doesn’t take a specially marked milestone to honor those who served. By interviewing veterans in our families, we can preserve their invaluable perspectives and ensure that their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated. Collecting and sharing these narratives can both educate and inspire future generations.
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
Share your stories today and for generations to come.
This photo was taken on April 4, 2024 at the opening reception for the National Museum of the United States Army’s special exhibit commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day which will run through the end of July 2024.
The gentleman in the center, Jacob “Jake” Ruser, 99 of Philadelphia, was a 19-year-old Army medic who came ashore at Utah Beach at Normandy on D-Day, as part of the 4th Infantry Division. He later fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-1945. Mr. Ruser attended the opening reception Thursday evening and participated in the all-day symposium about D-Day that the museum hosted the following day. He was one of three World War II veterans in attendance at the reception. On Friday, he was interviewed by Channel 4 (Washington DC NBC affiliate) and appeared in two pieces about the exhibit that ran on Friday evening.
Although it would be impossible to prove or disprove, there is a high likelihood that the Higgins boat on display in the Global War gallery of the museum transported Mr. Ruser and his fellow soldiers to Utah Beach. His visit to the Museum was sponsored by Visit Fairfax (www.fxva.com).
(Humanix Books ISBN 978-1630062156. $11.99 ebook and $18.99 paperback)
InVeterans Benefits for You, Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, former Under Secretary for Benefits in the Department of Veterans Affairs, offers an up-to-date and comprehensive guide to the benefits and services US Armed Services veterans are entitled to. The book includes a wide range of topics, including basic health care eligibility and benefits, disability and rehabilitation services, counseling and mental health care, employment assistance, pensions, loans, insurance, memorial services, military records, GI Bill benefits, scholarships, grants, and more. Dr. Lawrence’s insights will empower veterans, dependents, and survivors to navigate the complex landscape of veterans’ benefits, ensuring they receive the assistance they’ve earned.
The Highground Veterans Memorial Park located near Neillsville, Wisconsin, is the nation’s leading, and largest, manned Veterans Park; thehighground.us. Its mission is to “Honor, Educate and Heal” our Veterans, families and all who visit. The Park includes over a dozen tributes, a museum with changing exhibits, a gift shop, pavilions, picnic areas and four miles of hiking trails. The Highground hosts numerous events throughout the year, including Veterans programs and retreats that focus on PTS/PTSD management for Veterans and families, helicopter and military vehicle expos, education days, motorcycle rides and an annual bike tour. Reunions are hosted throughout the year for Veterans to reunite with other Veterans from the same era, sharing their experiences, enjoying the camaraderie and educating guests.
The Park is free to the public and open 24/7/365. Summer hours are 10-5 Monday-Friday and 9-5 Saturday and Sunday; winter hours are 10-4. Volunteer porch greeters are available to help visitors get started with an audio tour, answer questions and give directions to different areas of the Park. The Highground, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, receives no ongoing federal or state funding and is supported by private donations and grants.
Upcoming events of interest to Veterans include Vietnam Veterans Reunion – August 4, 2024, Male Veterans Retreat – September 27-29, 2024 and Military Couples Retreat – October 18-20, 2024.
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.
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
ARIZONA
RANCHO DE LOS CABALLEROS
1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, AZ 85390 928-684-5484
www.RanchoDeLosCaballeros.com info@ranchodeloscaballeros.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13. STAGECOACH TRAILS GUEST RANCH 19985 S Doc Holliday Rd., Yucca , AZ 86438 928-727-8270
www.StagecoachTrailsRanch.com vacation@stgr.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13. WHITE STALLION RANCH
9251 W Twin Peaks Road, Tucson, AZ 85743 520-297-0252
www.WhiteStallion.com info@whitestallion.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13.
ALISAL GUEST RANCH
1054 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93463
877-648-7097
www.AlisalRanch.com reservations@alisal.com
COLORADO
BLACK MOUNTAIN RANCH
4000 Conger Mesa Rd, McCoy CO 80463 970-653-4226
www.BlackMtnRanch.com blackmtnranch@gmail.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13.
C LAZY U RANCH
PO Box 379, Granby , CO 80446
970-887-3344
www.CLazyU.com info@clazyu.com
MAJESTIC DUDE RANCH
42688 CR N, Mancos, CO 81328
970-394-0303
www.MajesticDudeRanch.com info@majesticduderanch.com
SUNDANCE TRAIL GUEST RANCH
17931 Red Feather Lakes Road, Red Feather Lake, CO 80545 970-224-1222 www.SundanceTrail.com office@sundancetrail.com
SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH
2939 N County Road 31D, Loveland, CO 80538 970-667-3915
www.SylvanDale.com ranch@sylvandale.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13.
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/
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/ www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/groups/reunions and plan your trip now to PCB, the Real. FUN. Beach.
Experience the warmth and hospitality of Tallahassee, Florida offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures for your next reunion. Explore scenic parks, visit fascinating museums, and enjoy delicious Southern cuisine with friends and family. With a range of accommodations and plenty of family-friendly activities, Tallahassee provides the ideal setting for creating lasting memories. Take advantage of special incentives for reunions occurring May through August 2024.
918 Railroad Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32301
P: 850.606.2320
Janet.Roach@VisitTallahassee.com
GEORGIA
ALPHARETTA CVB
Want to plan an AWESOME reunion in metro Atlanta? Don’t know where to begin?
Worry no more and gather your group in Alpharetta! Attend our free workshop for a collection of insider tips from our reunion planning specialist. Contact Alpharetta CVB at 800-294-0923 or visit www.awesomealpharetta.com
HENRY COUNTY GEORGIA
Henry County, Georgia’s close proximity to Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—makes it a convenient reunion destination. In addition to the county’s prime location, the area is home to more than two dozen hotels with a variety of amenities, great event venues, group-friendly restaurants, and familyfriendly 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
IDAHO
RED HORSE MOUNTAIN RANCH
11077 East Blue Lake Road, Harrison, ID 83833 208-689-9680
www.RedHorseMountainRanch.com info@redhorsemountainranch.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13.
WESTERN PLEASURE GUEST RANCH 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd, Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-263-9066
www.WesternPleasureRanch.com
stay@weternpleasureranch.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13.
ILLINOIS
LAKE COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Visit Lake County Illinois
Plan an unforgettable reunion in Lake County, Illinois, offering a convenient, centralized location close to Chicago. 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 our county’s natural beauty and scenic picnic areas, to entertaining attractions like Six Flags, there are so many reasons to choose Lake County for family-friendly 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.
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!
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. Call 888-895-3211 or visit www.ReuniteInChicagoSouthland.com
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
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
TURF VALLEY RESORT
Turf Valley Resort wants to help you create a lifetime of family traditions and memories. For more than 30 years, we have had the pleasure of being a part of the grins and giggles, milestones and merriment, simple times and celebrations that make up a truly great family reunion. Many family reunions take a lot of work: lighting up the grills, asking everyone to bring a dish, and cleaning up afterwards. At Turf Valley Resort, we have culinary experts ready to prepare fantastic meals for you and your family so that you can relax; leave the work to us!
www.turfvalley.com
410-465-1200
Info_sales@turfvalley.com
2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042
MISSOURI
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
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
LAKE OF THE OZARKS
Offering over 1,150 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Ozarks is the premier family reunion destination in mid-America. Readers of USA Today and 10Best voted this scenic spot as the Best Recreational Lake in the nation. Centrally located just 175 miles from St. Louis, 165 miles from Kansas City and less than a day’s drive from anywhere in the central United States. The affordable, family-friendly Lake area offers outstanding activities for visitors of any age. Lake of the Ozarks
Group Business Development Manager jen@funlake.com 573-348-1599
MONTANA
BAR W GUEST RANCH
2875 Hwy 93 West, Whitefish, MT 59937 406-863-9099
www.TheBarW.com info@thebarw.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13.
ELKHORN RANCH
33133 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 406-995-4291
www.ElkhornRanchMontana.com reservations@elkhornranchmontana.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13.
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 27.
FREDERICKSBURG TOURISM VISIT FRED
The Fredericksburg Region is known for its Colonial and Civil War History, arts community and yearround 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 self-guided craft beer crawl or stroll along Tacoma’s waterfront, enjoying regional cuisine.
253-830-6606 | sales@traveltacoma.com www.traveltacoma.com
WYOMING
DUDE RANCHERS ASSOCIATION
1122 12th Street, Cody, WY 82414
307-587-2339
www.DudeRanch.org
Helping people find quality Dude and Guest Ranch vacations since 1926.
Let us help you find the perfect all-inclusive location for your next reunion.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 12 & 13.
THE HIDEOUT LODGE & GUEST RANCH PO Box 206, Shell, WY 82441
307-765-2080
www.TheHideout.com info@thehideout.com
POWDERHORN RANCH
55 Powderhorn Road, Douglas, WY 82633 307-298-546-5461
www.PowderhornRanchWy.com hospitality@wyodiamond.com
GROUP RENTALS
www.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.
