Reunions Magazine Volume 33 Number 4 Virtual Edition December 2024

Shalom Korai united with the family he never knew

Eli and Anna McCree Family Reunion

Neal Family Reunion

in this special issue

DEPARTMENTS

FRONT WORDS – 4

ALUM & I – 6

Reunion activity suggestions

You should go to your 50th reunion

Why use a Professional Reunion Planner?

BRANCH OFFICE – 9

Holidays are home-made for old and new memory making alike Mary Patricia Voell

Holiday suggestions

SCRAPBOOK – 12

Reunion School

Timeline for Success (continued)

Paying for your reunion: reunion budget

Every reunion needs a website by Rob Hirscheimer Survey says!

MASTERPLAN – 20

Nelson-Harvin Family Reunion Jimmie Stukes

Neal Family Reunion by Carole Neal

What is your recipe for a memorable holiday? by Lisa Alzo

Ziolkowski Ackerman Family Reunion by June Groshek Czarnezki Edwards, Kegler and McDonald Family Reunion Melba D. Ashby

FEATURES – 34

Malone Family Reunion

Gillyard-Johnson-Mahoney Family cookbook

Orphaned Holocaust survivor, 83, reunites with the family he never imagined he had

Food for fundraising

MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 43

USS Alaska Reunion by Michael P. McGrath

REUNION RESOURCES – 45

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

ON THE COVER

Travis Family Reunion, Eli and Anna McCree Family Reunion, Neal Family Reunion, USS Anchorage (LSD 36) Reunion, Shalom Korai united with the family he never knew

Reunion Celebrations v Winter 2024 Volume 33 v Number 4

PUBLISHER

Rick Voight

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Edith Wagner editor@reunionsmag.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Mary Catherine Stern

ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Rueth

SALES

Roberta McLoud, Account Manager roberta@reunionsmag.com

WEB WIZARDS

Howard Ehrenberg • Chris Thompson

HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN

Dean Miller

CONTRIBUTORS

Lisa A. Alzo, MFA • Melba AShby

Cyndi Clamp • June Groshek Czarnezki

Bettie Gillyard • Rob Hirschheimer

Daniel Horowitz • Daniella Levy

Francia Malone • Michael P. McGrath

Carole Neal • Margaux Stelman

Jimmie Stukes • Lyn Thompson

Mary Patricia 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. Advertising information contact Reunions magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 | 414-467-8104

roberta@reunionsmag.com | www.reunionsmag.com © 2024 Reunions magazine, Inc.

Happy winter 2024!

This issue closes our 33rd year.

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

Imagine that! Thirty-three years of Reunions magazine and we’re nowhere near running out of wonderful news from and about all kinds of reunion celebrations. Have we featured your reunion? If so, feel free to share your continued commitment to gathering. If not, why not? Don’t you want to extend your reunion celebrations and share them with others? Do you want to see your reunion in the next issue? As you read this issue, please think how you can contribute. Send your reunion thoughts, recollections, pictures and/or videos to editor@reunionsmag.com. I’m looking forward to learning about your reunion! What’s in this issue?

We have some stand out Features for you in this issue. First, Francia Malone a regular contributor has not only reported about her recent reunion in San Antonio, Texas, but shared a detailed outline for planning a reunion. You’ll want to read that particularly if you are making your very first attempt at planning a reunion. Take it from a very experienced reunion-planning veteran!

We have included a heart-warming tale about an 83-year old Israeli man who only recently discovered he has surviving family. He’d been orphaned as an infant, but now has a large American family.

And the final feature is about food for fundraising! Yes, food, the stuff you eat at family celebrations and how the recipes collected in cookbooks can be a nostalgic gift for your family and a fundraiser for your next reunion.

Of course, features are only a small part of the issue. In Branch Office, you’ll be encouraged to recall and make holiday memories. For class reunions, there are suggestions for activities and about hiring a planner for your reunion. The range in Scrapbook is from upcoming planning workshops to building a reunion website. Also note the special offer from myevent.com that will make it well worth your while with savings to maintain your web presence. There is a planning timeline for the next several months, if you anticipate a summer 2025 reunion, and samples of budget sheets that can help you plan your expenditures.

There’s also a summary of a survey we did recently which, candidly, verified many of the assumptions we suspected. If you completed the survey, you’ll want to read the results.

Finally, of course, are the varied reports from family reunions which never cease to amaze us with their careful planning and great creativity. That these planners share their family stories makes our job so very pleasant and worthwhile.

Now! what is your reunion story? Please commit to sharing it and celebrating your members with other reunions.

You can reach reunions!

Do you have a business or service you want to provide for reunions? We offer many ways to reach reunion planners in the magazine, in our regular newsletter or eblasts. Our audience is reunion planners, just reunion planners who, like all “shoppers,” are looking for places to have their reunions and products that will enhance their event. If you want a direct line to reunion planners, contact Roberta McLoud at roberta@reunionsmag.com or 414-467-8104.

It is the 2025 reunion planning season now. If you want to provide your service or product to reunion planners, contact us very soon to be on top of the list of reunion friendly businesses.

We look forward to yet another banner reunion year ahead! EW

“Remember

That’s what people say after a successful family reunion. Just north of Chicago is beautiful Lake County. We offer so many places for the perfect family event; 75 lakes, forest preserves and picnic locations. You can also enjoy some of the area’s best attractions including Six Flags Great America, Hurricane Harbor water park and the incredible Great Wolf Lodge. We also offer wonderful restaurants, hotels, entertainment and fun. For a truly unforgettable reunion, make it Lake County, Illinois. Contact reunion expert, Kimberly Ghys, Kimberly@LakeCounty.org to start your planning!

Reunion activity suggestions

If you are planning a formal evening event, certainly the night will include a sit-down dinner and likely music entertainment. You can add formality to the evening with an official opening welcome and a few brief speeches and awards. before dinner. And perhaps a tribute to classmates who have passed away.

One thing you must remember is that people are coming to the reunion to catch up with old friends. You need to allocate the majority of the evening to free socializing.

Consider setting up a continuously

running slide show of old class photos in one corner of the room ... always a great attraction. Consider a nostalgia table for classmates to enjoy memorabilia and artifacts from your class past ... this is a great way to jog faded memories and spark discussions among classmates. Ask each of your classmates to bring one piece of personal memorabilia for the nostalgia display. If you want to encourage dancing make sure your music provider plays music from your era. v

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

The Lake Park, Illinois, High School, Class of 2004 classmates playing Uno with oversized cards.

Shared by Cyndi Clamp, Varsity Reunions

Lake Park 2004, Roselle, Illinois.

You should go to your 50th reunion … it might change everything you ever thought about high school reunions

Excerpted from an article by Patricia Garrison, originally published in July 2024 in Next Avenue.

My20th was competitive, the 30th lively and loud, and my 40th playful and flirty. Each high school reunion had its own flavor, a distinct personality colored by our life stage.

When the invitation for my 50th reunion arrived my first instinct was to toss it. Thanks to Facebook, I was staying connected with people I liked, and more than a few of them were opting out. Ambivalence notwithstanding, reunions still held a gossipy fascination mixed with an evening’s diversion of briefly coming together with people who had shared my coming of age. Despite our differences, we all grew up in the same blue collar New Jersey town, had the same teachers, walked the same halls, and entered adolescence at the same time.

I mailed my check to the organizers. Then, drove from Delaware to New Jersey, arriving three hours later. I could feel a slight grip in my gut as I crossed the threshold and joined the cocktail hour.

“Patti!” exploded into my ear, and I turned to find an old friend, smiling

broadly, enveloping me in a hearty bear hug. We had more to catch up on, but we wanted to mingle. The hugs and hellos and “how are you doings?” swirled around the room like streamers, wrapping around us in huddles where we exchanged breathless updates, trying to close the gap on decades.

The years from 58 to 68 had moved us from middle-age to “older adult” and the changes had been significant. Conversations … were mashups of reminiscences and major life changes — new homes, new grandkids and bucket list vacations. Retirement, health issues, illnesses and deaths had taken the place of promotions, marriages and babies. Mountain climbing and surfing had been sidelined in favor of Mediterranean cruises and snow-birding in Florida. Parents and spouses had died.

A separate room was reserved for pictures of classmates who had died. There had been a thoughtful remembrance at previous reunions — a book or a framed list of names. But this year, the

memorial was a wall of yearbook pictures, our deceased friends, acquaintances, nemeses and crushes, in that odd yearbook half-smile, frozen in time.

This reunion was devoid of pretense. At 68, we were ready to share hardships, pain, losses and missteps, along with travel plans, caregiving challenges and the joys and struggles of post-retirement life. Unlike past reunions, my 50th was warm and cozy with camaraderie and affection, that people who share a pivotal life stage can appreciate it like no other. We recalled our 40th, when we had winced at the thought of turning 60 in two short years and how, with mesmerizing speed, our 70s were hovering. We laughed nervously in unison and raised our glasses to the next milestone.

So, if you’ve ruled it out, reconsider. Yes, your 50th will likely be filled with dim memories and old jokes, but unlike the others, this one may also connect you to the beauty of shared experience, both past and present, at an age when you can truly savor its sweetness. v

Wheaton North. Wheaton, Illinois, Class of 1974

Why use a Professional Reunion Planner?

Reunion Planners take the hassle out of planning a reunion, allowing the committee to take the credit and have fun. Professional reunion planners know how to find high school alumni, the most difficult task of planning a high school reunion. Reunion planners provide one place of contact for consistent and up-to-date information. Members of the National Association of Reunion Managers follow strict industry standards, adhering to a Code of Ethics. High school class reunion planners have strong contacts with hotels, banquet facilities, caterers, DJs, and more. Best of all, the committee still maintains the decision making power while working with a professional class reunion planner. There are no upfront costs to the committee for using a class reunion planner, although there may be a deposit. The reunion planner incorporates a nominal fee into the overall ticket price. The services provided by professional reunion planners include: locating high school alumni, paying up-front costs, organizing events, preparing and mailing announcements and registrations, web sites with secured on-line registration, toll-free phone numbers, email and fax, coordinating registrations and confirmations, credit card processing, deposit, bill paying, music and photography, memory books, contacting local media, the school and alumni association, staffing events, liability insurance, and more! There are other services that each individual reunion planner provides accordingly to each individual reunion need.

For information contact Cyndi Clamp, Varsity Reunion Services, cyndi@varsityreunions.com or Lynn Thompson, Reunion Specialists, lynn@reunion-specialists.com v

Christian Fenger Academy High School, Chicago, Illlinois, Class of 1984.

Holidays are home-made for old and new memory making alike

No matter what winter holiday you celebrate, Christmas, Kwanzaa (African), Hanukkah (Jewish), Las Posadas (Hispanic), Diwali (Hindu) or the Winter Solstice – each is laced with tradition. Each gathering allows traditional stories to be told and retold, relived and renewed. For the past few years now, new and imaginative traditions have filled our need to be safe while staying connected. As you time travel through the holiday season try to go beyond the well-told. Ask specific questions rather than broad, at times, overwhelming questions. Use the senses: what did it smell like, what did you see or hear, and if tastes are involved, what are they? As older families gather, bring out those ‘unidentifiable pictures.’ See if elders

can name-that-ancestor. In the same way, use contemporary pictures as story-starters and hear the varied narratives that surface as new generations share their remembrances of that time or event.

These holiday thoughts come from Mary Patricia Voell, founder of Legacies: Personal, Family & Organizational Historians, whose sole mission is to help others capture and preserve their stories. Reach her at info@legaciesstories.com v

Aged holiday cards are delightful additions to written stories taking family members back to a time long gone. How about bringing out those old Christmas letters that tell the who, what, when and/or where stories of points in history.

Winter solstice

Mary Patricia Voell

More holiday suggestions

Another great topic to explore during the holidays is what family traditions are from previous generations. Which beloved holiday traditions, recipes, or ornaments have been passed down and from whom? What is the story?

Discuss your next reunion …

Getting together with family for holidays is a great time to spend a few minutes (or hours) discussing your next reunion’s details. Plan at least a short agenda to nail down some of the decisions that are easier to make while you’re together or while you’re ZOOMvisiting. It’s a great time to let everyone know what you’ve already planned/accomplished, to delegate tasks/chores and responsibilities and to celebrate how you are “on top of your next reunion plans.” Or do it right after your reunion when it’s all fresh and you are still excited about your

Reunion School Is In Session

March 29, 2025 • 12-PM EST n FREE VIRTUAL FAMILY REUNION WORKSHOP FOR REUNION PLANNERS

NATIONAL FAMILY REUNION INSTITUTE admin@familyreunioninstitute.net

To register; https://familyreunioninstitute.net PAN AHEAD!

September or October 2025 n GREATER BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

For information, contact Tara Walton, CTIS, CTP, Director of Tourism at 205-458-8000; twalton@inbirmingham.com, www.inbirmingham.com

Reunion planning workshops and familiarization (FAM) tours are exciting opportunities for planners to learn about organizing reunions. Workshops and tours are ideal for beginners as well as experienced reunion planners looking for fresh, new ideas. Some workshops are held as conference calls and zoom meetings so you don’t have to leave your home to participate. Most workshops are free and require pre-registration.

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 society conferences. Check society program plans and if you belong to a society, ask the program chairperson to arrange a reunion planning workshop or program.

Basic listings are provided free to workshop hosts. Between issues, see current list online

Taste of reunions!

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

Reunion timetable … begun in Autumn issue …

Timing is everything! That goes for reunion planning as it does for any planning. This is a continuation of the timetable begun in our Autumn issue. Consult our complete timetable for details from two years all the way through post reunion steps. While everyone may not want to consider every detail of the timetable, reading through it might add some ideas or steps you’d not even considered and some you may not want to include.

By now, you’ve recruited those willing to help with planning. Most importantly, you will not want to be alone in this endeavor because the more help you

Timeline for success

Ihave, the more successful your end result of a well-attended and well executed reunion will be. In other words, share the work and share the success!

Take the time to review the entire timetable because there may be suggestions that had not occurred to you that you would be wise to consider. Then, use those steps that help you achieve your reunion plan. Make sure your helpers and/or committee also read the timetable to know what steps you must all be onboard with.

Note that in the timetable, some steps refer to podcasts where you can get additional information. v

t’s a good idea to begin planning your event as soon as you know you are going to have one, here is the continued timetable to consider for planning.

9-6 months before

· Visit hotel, meet with staff

· Reserve block of rooms

· Use website and Facebook pages to send announcements and build excitement

· Send second mailer; include registration and souvenir order forms and cost

· Send announcement to Reunions magazine; n Include reunion name, date, place and contact info to https://reunionsmag. com/add-upcoming-reunion/

n See examples

· Schedule events and activities — program, speakers, awards ceremony, tours

· How to make a fundraising book [podcast]

5 months before…

· Confirm reservations, entertainment (band, DJ, comedian, magician, face painting), photographer, caterer

· Choose menu or make cooking/ food plans

· Announce event to local news media, elected officials

· Request proclamations from elected officials

· Use social media regularly to update: who’s coming, what’s new and to create enthusiasm

2 months before

· Meet with hotel staff, visit facility with reunion committee

· Reserve rental equipment: tents, bounce house, tables, chairs, porta-potties

· Select decorations, theme, signs and banners

· To ensure delivery before your reunion, submit personalized souvenir order (t-shirts, mugs, caps …) and deliver program/directory/ memory book to the printer v

Paying For The Reunion

REUNION B*U*D*G*E*T

The word budget does not typically generate excitement. In fact, if anything, for most of us it generates dread. But a well-developed, thoughtful reunion budget is essential for a well-organized reunion. Both income and expenses are serious considerations, but until you get started, both can be mysteries. Start out by imagining what you want your reunion to include and look like. But, be aware, as you explore costs and prices, your wants and needs may have to change. A budget should never be set in stone, but rather be seen as fluid and subject to change at any time. Designate someone as treasurer or keeper of the budget who will stay on top of details, income and expenditures, so that at any moment you know exactly where your finances stand. Also establish a system for requesting and distributing funds. Requests are best made in writing to aid in your record keeping. There are many examples of online budgets that make it easy to share details with other officers or committee members at any time.

Also keep in mind that you should include a budget report as a part of the business meeting at your reunion. And if your reunion is like most reunions, one of the first questions you’ll get is “tell me how you used my contribution.”

Once all the potential expenses are determined and prices known for each, how to pay for them becomes the serious consideration.

A reunion is a special undertaking which, unless any or all expenses are a gift, a budget is required to determine how much

The budget pages illustrated here may not include all the details you need, but they touch on the most common reunion expenses and sources of income. These budget pages are available for you to copy or print out from Reunion Planners Notebook (pages 7, 8 and 9).

Also see fundraising ideas on our web page for many more opportunities to consider to pay for reunion expenses.

every member will contribute. Some family reunions have a charge per family and some per person. Within those decisions, there will be variations. For example, children under a designated age may be free as will

elders over a designated age, thus they will be guests of the entire family. For class and military reunions, costs are for individuals or couples since attendance is usually one or two people, not larger groups. v

Every reunion needs a website

The process of planning a reunion in the 21st century is much easier than it used to be, thanks to the internet. The web has made it much simpler to search for people, collect information, accept payments and donations, communicate easily and so much more. Whether it is a family, class, or military reunion, a website will help you manage everything and increase attendance at your event. The website will act as a communications hub and make the planning process smoother for you and your members.

Your reunion website will be the go-to place to share and collect information. It will alleviate stress and save time and money because everything can be done online. Your website will allow you to reach more people and generate more interest in your reunion. Pictures, videos and stories from the past will encourage people to attend the reunion. They will love the

simplicity of being able to register and pay online. E-commerce tools built into your reunion website also facilitate online fundraising. Your website will allow people who cannot attend to stay in touch before and after the reunion.

Organizing a reunion can be a challenging task, but a reunion website will make your job much easier. In the past, creating a website required a lot of technical skills and knowledge that the average person did not have. Thanks to “do it yourself” reunion website builders, such as myevent.com, the task of creating a reunion website is straightforward and requires no special skills.

Travis Family Reunion

1. Centralized Information: Provide a single place for all details, dates, locations, schedules, reservations and activities.

2. Resource Hub: You can provide historical information about your family, school or military unit allowing visitors to learn and reminisce about the past.

3. RSVP Management: Simplify the RSVP process, allowing people to confirm their attendance online.

5. Photo Sharing: People can share photos, creating interest before and after the reunion.

6. Engagement: It can encourage members to interact before and after the reunion.

7. Accessibility: A website can be accessed from anywhere, making it easy for people who may be far away to stay informed and involved. v

4. Payments: Accept payments through the website for the reunion, t-shirts, food, donations and more.

Shared by Rob Hirscheimer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, https://MyEvent.com 7

Eli and Anna McCree Family Reunion

Survey Says!

We recently did a reader survey and thank everyone who participated. The responses did not surprise us but rather confirmed much of what we thought and expected. We particularly like the many additional responses respondents added. Those are always the most enlightening parts of doing a survey.

The overwhelmingly large number of respondents (82.35%) were family reunion planners, all of whom have read the magazine. Favorite parts of the magazine were varied led, not surprisingly, by family reunion information. Readers who found

4Reunion Type?

the magazine helpful were generous in their responses.

“It gives me ideas from year to year so that I’m not using the same ones” and “I love reading the reunion stories” one wrote while another added, “Gives great ideas for us to use.”

When asked what you would like to see, one respondent said “new Family reunion technology ideas” and “Ideas for specific years of class reunions.”

One person wants to see more military reunions, however, sadly there are not as many military reunions happening as there once were. You can, however, find

Q1: What kind of reunion are you planning?

(please specify)

4Have you read Reunions magazine online?

many more military reunions in our back issues at ISSUU.com/reunionsmag

One person wants printed copies. We printed the magazine for 29 years until the cost of printing and postage became overwhelming and, even though we would love to still be printing, it is no longer affordable. We felt fortunate to have the solution of providing an online virtual edition so that Reunions magazine lives on as does our already extensive website.

One said “Seeing other folks ideas sparks new ideas to add to theirs and it also helps you plan your reunion by sharing what you can do …” v

Q2: Have you explored what the online magazine has to offer?

4Did you find the Reunions magazine website helpful?

Q1: When you search the website, do you find what you’re looking for?

Nelson-Harvin Family Reunion

We were thrilled to host the Nelson-Harvin Family Reunion in beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With 112 family members coming together from near and far, it was truly a memorable weekend filled with love, laughter, and lifelong memories. The children played while the adults reminisced about old times and caught up

on new ones. It was heartwarming to see multiple generations of our family come together in one place, bonding over shared stories and experiences. As we said our goodbyes at the end of the reunion weekend, we knew that these memories would be cherished for years to come. v

Shared by Jimmie Stukes, Columbia, South Carolina.

Celebrate your reunion! Share it with the world!

See your reunion on these pages and on our website. If you are not your family or group scribe, find someone eager to write about your reunion and share it with us. Consider students who could score a publishing credit! We edit everything so perfection is not as important as the facts of your story. Be sure to send high resolution pictures and videos in these formats – .mp4, .mov, or .wmv via www.wetransfer.com (a free transfer service up to 2GB).

We do not have deadlines but use materials as they are received so the sooner you send your reunion story to editor@reunionsmag.com. The sooner you can expect to see it in Reunions magazine

Thank you!

Nelson-Harvin Family Reunion

Neal Family Reunion

Beginning with our Millennium Reunion in 2000, we have held the Neal Family Reunion (NFR) every two years.

Prior to 2000, we held reunions twice: in 1977 in Winnsboro, Louisiana – home place of the Neal family -- and in 1988 in San Jose, California.Our last reunion was held in 2018 in Houston, Texas. Our planned 2020 NFR was canceled because of Covid. So everyone was excitedly looking forward to our 2024 NFR in New Orleans as it had been six years since our last reunion.

The NFR is for descendants of Eleazer L. Neal, Sr. and Ollie (Ward) Neal, along with extended family members from other branches of the Neal family including descendants of Philip Neal, first cousin to Eleazer Neal, Sr. The Neal Family Tree continues to grow tall and wide! The core planning committee for this reunion, cousins from the William Neal branch of the family, did an outstanding job including Allison Johnson, Krystal Shaw, Victoria Day, Kenneth Blackson, Jr., LaTanga Blackson, Rosie Caston, and Ola Neal. Other family members from multiple branches also participated by performing or facilitating certain activities.

I am so grateful that my younger cousins in the generation coming behind me have stepped up to the plate to continue the tradition of having a family reunion every other year. It is ever important to have these special family gatherings, especially for the younger generations so that they can learn and know their family history.

Family members traveled to New Orleans from across the US and ranged in age from seven months to 88 years. The committee secured a room block at the Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue Hotel, located within close proximity to tourist sites, dining spots, and other points of interest including the St. Charles street car line which some rode on a trolley tour.

The hotel was very accommodating. The Meet & Greet and registration activities were held in the hotel’s 7th floor Game Room where family members picked up their reunion t-shirts, reunion backpacks (goodie bags), and a small bag of snacks. Some enjoyed playing pool and board games. Others mingled, greeting and chatting with one another as they connected and re-connected, taking pictures, and just enjoying one another’s company.

Our Friday evening banquet, “An Evening in Emerald City,” was held in the hotel’s 2nd Floor ballroom. The decorations included an enlarged photo display of the Neal siblings, offspring of Eleazer and Ollie Neal -- Carey, Charlie, Jesse, William, Solomon, Eleazer, Jr., and Eliza – and a photo of Philip Neal. The banquet program focused around the reunion’s theme from The Wiz: There’s No Place Like Home, Louisiana being the home place of this contingent of the Neal family. After enjoying a delicious meal, we were entertained with a skit based on The Wiz with a number of younger cousins in the various roles as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion, Glinda the Good Witch, the evil witches, and others. They energetically made a grand entrance to the ballroom, dancing to and singing “Ease On Down the Road,” a featured song from The Wiz

We continued with the tradition begun at the 2008 NFR of recognizing and rewarding Family Achievers. Arthur Neal, Jr. and Jamila Stanford conducted this segment of the program. Each recipient was presented with a beautiful engraved glass medallion attached to a multi-colored lanyard. The family achievements also were included in the reunion booklet along with the

individual’s photo. So many younger family members are excelling academically – graduating from high school, matriculating at the college level, and some going on to earn graduate degrees. The family continues to encourage and congratulate them all! Also, a special engraved glass award was presented to each family member who led planning of each of the previous NFRs since 2000.

During the Roll Call segment facilitated by Robin Tucker and Monica Russell, members from each family branch stood up to be recognized as their branch was called. First time attendees Ester (Neal) O’Keefe and Beatrice Neal, two grandchildren of Noah Neal – a younger brother of Eleazer Neal, Sr. – were introduced. I’d connected with Ester five years prior through 23andMe DNA testing for genealogy. We are 2nd cousins. They were excited to attend the reunion to meet more of their Neal cousins. Due to certain circumstances, they grew up knowing little to nothing about their mother, Francis Neal’s ancestry. During the memorial segment of the

Neal Family elders (l to r) Carey E. Neal, Sr.; Charlie B. Neal; Jesse W. Neal, Sr.; William H. Neal, Sr.; Solomon L. Neal; Eleazer L. Neal, Jr.; Eliza (Neal) Matthew Ross; Philip Neal.

The youngest children of the (descendant) families: (l to r) Christopher Neal (Carey Neal), Deborah Williams (Solomon Neal), LaTanga Blackson (William Neal), Gwendolyn Smith (Charlie Neal), Victor Neal (Eleazer Neal, Jr.). The two missing branches: Penny Polk (1953-2008) (Jesse Neal), Dennis Neal (Eliza Ross)

program remembering family members who had passed away since the last reunion, E. Wade Brown, M.D. aka “The Singing Doctor” sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” At the conclusion of the banquet, the DJ pumped up the music and cousins enjoyed dancing. Family groups took turns taking a group picture in front of the enlarged photo display.

On Saturday, we boarded big, comfortable air-conditioned buses for the ride to our picnic. We crossed the mighty Mississippi River heading to the Stonebridge Golf Course in Gretna, Louisiana. Given the unpredictability of weather, the picnic was held inside the club house. My sister Deborah Williams had a great idea: to gather “the youngest of each family branch” for a group photo.

We feel this photo will be a historical family keepsake. A professional photographer was on hand to take the family group photo as well as candid shots. We enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch. There were games and activities for the kiddies and pre-teens. The

The backpacks were emblazoned with the reunion design and contained several keepsakes: name badge, a beverage mug, a baseball cap with the reunion design, and a small battery-operated face fan (batteries included) that, when turned on, displayed the words “Neal Family Reunion” across the revolving blades.

The name badge was attached to a red lanyard stamped with “Neal Family Reunion 2024” and “There’s No Place Like Home.” The badge also had the name of the attendees’ respective family branch and a QR code to access the reunion booklet with activity schedule.

adults engaged in several fun games. Michael Williams facilitated The Wiz trivia quiz. Delphina Perkins and Elissa Pleasant facilitated a rambunctious and fun game of Name that Tune, primarily R&B songs –current and from back in the day. On hearing a few bars from a song, the person who thought they knew the correct title not only had to go up front and state the name of the song, but also had to dance to that tune. We saw some great dance moves! On the return to the hotel, the buses took us on an abbreviated tour of New Orleans.

Sunday morning’s Worship Service was held in the hotel’s 11th Floor Grand Chapel. The Neal Family Choir sang and Ellyn Nicole (Neal) Favors aka “Nikki” gave an inspirational message around the theme of There’s No Place Like Home. She is the Senior Pastor of the Praise Fellowship Church in Lancaster, Texas. After the service we enjoyed our Farewell Brunch in the 2nd Floor Ballroom. Another photographer took pictures on Sunday. It was announced that

the next Neal Family Reunion will be held in 2026 in California.

Throughout the weekend, “on your own” times and in between events, small groups of cousins gathered in the comfortable and inviting hotel lobby, engaging in conversation, sharing family stories, and continuing to visit with one another. A postreunion email recapping the reunion went out to family members who were unable to attend. That email contained links to photographer pictures taken at the Saturday and Sunday events, as well as a link to the beautiful reunion booklet produced by Ken, Jr. In a budget-wise decision, the committee opted to have attendees access the reunion booklet via the QR code although a limited number were printed and handed out to older family members.

All in all, it was a very special and memorable weekend, and we are looking forward to gathering again in 2026! v

Shared by Carole Neal, a prolific reunion scribe, from Castro Valley, California.

Melissa Johnson and Kate Eaglin at Sunday Farewell. Kate was the eldest family member who attended.

Uncle Jarrett Caston holding his niece Nori Warner, the youngest person at the reunion.

What is your recipe for a memorable holiday?

The holiday season is rooted in gratitude, family and togetherness.

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year, or other special days, one of the most beautiful traditions that can deepen these connections is sharing memories. Reflecting on past experiences not only strengthens bonds but also helps to honor family history and create a sense of unity. Whether you’re with a large group of relatives or sharing a meal with a couple of close friends, here are some ideas for making memory-sharing a meaningful and enjoyable part of your celebration.

For my own family, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve were the two special occasions where the family would gather to share a meal and spend dedicated time together. I can still smell the basted turkey cooking in the roaster and the pumpkin chiffon pie (see recipe) baking in the oven at my Aunt Helen’s house on Thanksgiving Day.

What is your recipe for a memorable holiday?

My family’s favorite Thanksgiving dessert, but a good treat for any holiday!

Basic Pie Crust for one pie.*

1 c. flour

Pinch of salt

8 to 10 tbsp. ice water

¾ c. or more of Crisco shortening (butter flavor Crisco is best)

Blend with pastry blender until crumbly. Then add about 8 to 10 tablespoons of ice water and mix with a fork to form a ball and roll.

To bake, place in 450 °F oven and bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. For a two-crust pie, make two recipes.

* To save time you can also use a store-bought already prepared pie crust, or graham cracker crust.

Pumpkin Chiffon Filling

¾ c. brown sugar

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1 tsp. cinnamon

3 egg whites

½ tsp. nutmeg

¼ tsp. ginger

3 slightly beaten egg yolks

1-¼ c. canned or mashed cooked pumpkin

¾ c. milk

½ tsp. salt

⅓c. granulated sugar

In saucepan, combine brown sugar, gelatin, salt, and spices. Combine egg yolks and milk; stir into brown sugar mixture. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in pumpkin. Chill mixture until it mounds slightly when spooned. (Don’t let the mixture get too stiff).

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add sugar and beat to stiff peaks. Fold pumpkin mixture into egg whites. Turn into a baked pie crust and chill firm. Garnish with whipped cream.

This recipe is one of the many holiday favorites included in Baba’s Kitchen: Slovak & Rusyn Family Recipes and Traditions by Lisa A. Alzo

Sisters Anna Alzo, Margie Augenstein, and Helen Lizanov, enjoying dessert (pumpkin chiffon pie) during a family Thanksgiving dinner.

Recipe from Helen Lizanov and shared by Lisa A. Alzo

Christmas Eve was always spent at my maternal grandmother’s house to partake in the Slovak tradition of the meatless Vilija Supper to honor the Christian practice of fasting. After my grandmother passed away in 1984, my mother began hosting this special meal until she passed away in 2000. Today, two aunts and cousins carry on this tradition.

Like many families, my extended family is now scattered in different locations, and we no longer gather in the homes once so familiar to us. Living in a global society with more demands on our time, it is not always possible for everyone to be present on every holiday and celebrations may take place earlier or later or even at a different time of year.

Recently, I had the opportunity to break some bread (an important part of making turkey dressing) with Rick Voight, Publisher of Reunions magazine and CEO of Vivid-Pix, and his daughter, Megumi, to talk about sharing memories.

Voight recalled “Our holidays were similarly spent in the kitchen, dad cooking the bird, mom preparing the sides, a football game calling us from the family room, with a dining room, used less than half a dozen times per year, awaiting that and dishes used even less than that. Cooking the turkey with dad was the highlight for me — particularly the dressing. Ours is a giblet and sage dressing, but what made it special was

Wonderful photos, recipes, and memories were shared – and by using Vivid-Pix Memory Station, it’s now captured, can be relived, and can be shared.

‘breaking the bread.’ Or more importantly, after breaking the bread, mixing together the eggs and giblet concoction with the broken bread, onions, and celery. My mind travels back to the kitchen, the yellow, metal 2-step chair needed to be high enough to place my freshly washed hands into the uncooked goop of dressing “to mix it really well and to clean out my fingernails.” Yep, that joke from dad was always part of the tradition — which I passed along to my daughter as well.

“The Voight dressing recipe has been fondly passed along at least from Grandma Voight (Holzrichter), to dad, to me, and to my daughter. This photo of dad serving their first Thanksgiving in their first home after marriage to his folks is priceless – and these memories are relived at least for an instant whenever cooking with my daughter and more broadly during our seasonal celebrations.”

Final thoughts

As I observed Rick and Megumi reminisce over their turkey dressing story from a cherished family recipe and how easily they were able to share photographs and memories with the

Voight Turkey Dressing Recipe

Rick Voight and Megumi Voight cooking a southern boil for early Thanksgiving in Charleston, South Carolina.

Memory Station, it inspired me to do the same with my own family during this upcoming holiday season. I plan to dig out the favorite family recipes, scan the large collection of holiday photos I inherited and create stories to preserve the memories of times spent with my grandmother, mother, and other relatives. I invite you to do the same.

About the author

Lisa Alzo has been surrounded by family at their annual 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 articles, 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

A story of the cobbler’s son

Are you familiar with the story of the boy who had holes in his shoes even though his father was a cobbler (person who repaired shoes)? Well, Rick had an experience when creating this story. Have you gone through the process of scanning your photos – either by yourself or mailing them off?

You might expect, Rick, owner of Vivid-Pix, has scanned a few photos over the years and was feeling quite confident that he had the photo of his father and mother having their first Thanksgiving Dinner in their first home, having been married 2 months earlier. In fact, Rick knows he’s seen the photo in digital form over the past couple of months, but do you think he could find it?

You guessed it. He couldn’t. That’s a problem most of us have faced. Who remembers the date of the scan – which is often the file name! So, he decided to prove that he scanned the photos – see video – but also to take the opportunity to illustrate why Vivid-Pix Memory Station can solve this problem!

First, there’s something called metadata. Yeah, lousy word. It means the information (data) about a photo or other thing that’s been created digitally. This information can be stored within the image file (kind of like writing on the back of a photo but in digital form). This allows you to search words for example “Thanksgiving” or other words and the image will be displayed. Pretty cool, right! Well, Memory Station with Restore software allows you to put that information into the image. Click here to view videos to illustrate: https://www.vivid-pix. com/mstutorials/

Ideas for memory capturing

In case you’re interested in scanning (and/or working with previously digitized images), restoring, voice recording your memories, and bringing all this into an easily shared and viewed MP4 video, Vivid-Pix Memory Station / Software is intuitive to use and on sale for the holidays.

Ideas for memory sharing

Establishing a storytelling tradition during the holidays can make memory-sharing even more special. Here are some ways to enhance the experience.

1.

Create a Memory Jar. Ask everyone to write down a favorite family story or a moment of gratitude as they arrive. After the meal, or at another appropriate moment, take turns reading them aloud. This is a fun, interactive way to encourage everyone, including quieter family members, to participate without feeling on the spot. Alternatively, ask each person to share a specific type of memory—such as their favorite holiday moment, a funny holiday mishap, or a meaningful milestone from the past year. Themed memorysharing keeps the conversation focused and can trigger heartwarming, joyful, or even humorous recollections.

2.

Use visual aids. If you want to make memory sharing even more dynamic, visual aids can be a wonderful addition. Dig out old family photo albums or put together a slideshow of pictures from past holiday celebrations. As people look through the photos, they’re likely to remember and share stories connected to those moments. Photos can jog memories that otherwise might have been forgotten and provide context for younger family members who may not remember certain events. The Vivid-Pix Memory Station is the perfect tool to have on hand while you reminisce. You could even take it a step further and ask each family member to bring a meaningful object or keepsake from their past, such as dishes and cookware, decorations or table linens, and recipes (handwritten if you have them) to share with the group. Whether it’s an

heirloom, an old letter, or a childhood toy, these items often have stories attached that can stimulate meaningful discussions about family history.

3.

Encourage participation from all generations.

Holidays provide wonderful opportunities for multigenerational sharing, where older members of the family can pass down stories to younger ones. Encourage grandparents, parents, and even great-grandparents to share tales from their

childhood or recount celebrations from long ago. These stories not only provide a connection to family heritage but also help younger generations understand the traditions they’re now a part of. At the same time, encourage children and teens to share their memories or experiences. Their fresh perspectives and funny anecdotes from recent years can add a light-hearted and invigorated energy to the gathering. Remember to keep the conversation positive and inclusive. v

Rick’s mom Beverly, the red haired heart breaker, during nursing school in 1952. Beverly and Rick’s stepfather Dave.

Ackerman Ziolkowski Family Reunion

The first day of September broke bright and sunny when the descendants of LeRoy and Mary (Ziolkowski) Ackerman gathered at the Greenfield Pavilion in Wisconsin to celebrate. Some relatives had not seen each other in 30 years.

Leroy and Mary lived most of their lives in the Milwaukee area and raised their five children Arlene, Robert, Carol, Paul and Susan in various homes throughout the area. The loving couple had passed almost twenty years earlier

and their children Arlene and Robert passed within the last year.

Organized by Susan’s son Justin, key family members chatted mostly via phone call video conference for several months to organize the event.

It was decided early on that the meeting would be catered. A $30 guest contribution was asked to defray the cost of food and venue space. The dining space overlooked a beautiful lagoon surrounded by trees at the

height of greenery. Each chair in the dining space held a swag bag for people to take home. A large pull-down banner made the perfect backdrop for photo ops.

Historic pieces of family memorabilia were also highlighted. A video display was created in one area of the pavilion with chairs and a large memorabilia table was displayed in the area bridging the video area and the dining room. The memorabilia table was filled with photos, albums, history binders and other family lore. A large family tree was set up on an easel at the end of the table. There were trinkets like hats and gloves that Mary wore, LeRoy’s school books and a childhood rocking chair.

Photographers captured moments as the party progressed and a large group photo was taken outdoors after the meal.

To wind down the festivities, there were Long John donuts from National Bakery —one of LeRoy’s favorites. There was a raffle of several plants and small home decor on each table. One chair at each table had a green sticker hidden underneath the seat to

Pete and June Czarnezki with reunion welcome banner.

Swag bag

designate the winner of a prize. There was a word search quiz and a noncompetitive family quiz to introduce important events in the family history. Justin read the answers of the quiz as everyone cheered on those who did the best at getting them correct. As the party wound to a close, photos hanging on a decorative “clothes line” were offered to anyone who wished to take them to keep tokens of their ancestors in their own homes.

The reunion was judged to be a great success. Hugs were shared as the sun began to set and people departed with happy memories of days gone by.

Ziolkowski Ackerman Family tree

Sochi screen of photos

Two family quizzes; one word search, one about family history. v

Edwards, Kegler and McDonald Family Reunion

When you talk about family gathering to stop by the house to just sit and talk and catch up on the latest family news, family additions or transitioning of elders, it usually brings about feelings of nostalgia and memories of favorite family members such as Grandma, Granddad, Mothers, Fathers, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. It started as a gathering of the Edwards and Kegler clan in Bridgeboro, Worth County, Georgia, in Cora Edwards-Kegler’s front yard. Cora, known as Aunt, Grandma, or Sister Peachy to most family members, was the eldest daughter of Agnes Edwards and George Kegler. You could find immediate family members such Cora’s younger siblings, Floyd, Elijah and Doll Lee sitting around a make-shift contraption dug in the ground, surrounded by bricks with straws of hay or whatever could be found to start a fire. Gathered in the middle, on a piece of chicken wire laid over the fire, was a suckling pig roasting. The elders kept careful watch as they talked into the night. Children played to later fall asleep on makeshift pallets as the adults kept an eye on the feast to be concluded on Saturday with collard greens, potato salad, sweet yams, cornbread, and sweet tea. These are the cherished memories that make us want to travel from various states to either Florida or Georgia to reconnect with family.

Bridgeboro, once a thriving city, has all but disappeared. Family members can no longer find any family history as everyone has migrated

Edwards, Kegler and McDonald Family

High Achieving Scholars, brothers Robert Mark Murphy Ryan, 16, and his brother Richard Raphael Xavier Ryan, 13.

Edwards, Kegler and McDonald Family Reunion cake

from what was known as the colored quarters in Bridgeboro, to nearby bigger cities like Albany, Georgia, for better living opportunities.

This tradition of a family gathering, a vision started by Cora, fell by the wayside as family members built new lives. However, her fourth-generation descendants, Brenda Slaton and JoAnn Garner, decided to continue her vision and revived the reunion. Then her fifth generation great, great, great-granddaughter, Oletha Blue, hosted the 2024 Edwards, Kegler and McDonald Family Reunion in Boynton Beach, Florida. It was a hit and home run celebration.

It began on Friday at Osborne Pavilion in the beautiful John Prince Park in Lake Worth, Florida, where the children had fun playing at the nearby water splash park and playground while being photographed by Alan Luby. The fun was followed by a fabulous fish fry cooked by Jessie Byrd on the waterfront. Family members enjoyed hot out of the fryer, fresh fish and chicken wings, French fries, and fresh garden salad and drinks. The waterfront offered one of the most beautiful scenes of boats and jet skiers riding on waves, people walking the trails and fishing off the inlet docks.

Our family fun day began at noon on Saturday at the beautiful Intracoastal Park and Clubhouse, on the Boynton Beach waterfront. There were game choices such as bingo, checkers, cards, croquet, cornhole toss, kite flying, and

the mermaid sac race between the children and adults. Everyone ate heartily of a menu of veggie and regular hamburgers, hotdogs, and baked beans.

Then we reconvened at the clubhouse later for the Scholars Recognition Awards that were presented by Cousin JoAnn Garner to our high achieving scholars and Movers and Shakers. The M&S award in the shape of a chef hat, was presented to Cailin Garner for his Chef Internship. Additionally, all the other scholars received star awards for doing an

excellent job in their academic studies.

The family finale concluded with an All-White Soiree in which family members wore all white and ate from a catered menu by James (Blue) Allen with a family cake and our inscribed theme on the cake “Honoring our Past, to reconnect the Branches of our Roots,” and banana pudding, as DJ Brian Bouie played favorite tunes and family members danced throughout the night. v Shared by Melba D. Ashby, MPH, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Tips For Planning a Successful Reunion

Winning TV One’s Family Reunion Show in 2008 was part of a bigger vision God had for my family. When I wrote my first article in 2003, I just wanted our family legacy to inspire other families. Our family has been coming together every year for 51 years in memory of my grandparents, the late Aaron, Jr. and Josie Malone.

How do we choose where the next reunion will be? Budget? Hotels? Activities? It can be a daunting task, but I’ve added a few tips I hope will make your reunion planning a little easier.

At the end of each family reunion, the remaining four children of Aaron and Josie (Lillie, Priscella, Jossie and Uncle Aaron III) decide the next state where the family reunion will be held. Due to Covid-19, our 2020 reunion in Texas was postponed. Last year’s 50th reunion was held in Kankakee, Illinois. It was announced, during that reunion, that the 51st Malone Family Reunion 2024 would be held in The Lone Star State of Texas.

After Covid derailed the Texas Reunion for three years, the Texas family was excited and ready to select their 51st reunion committee and to plan a memorable weekend of food, fun,

fellowship and most importantly, church service.

Reunions are fun, but behind the scenes there is a lot of hard work that goes into the planning process from getting permits, bids and securing hotel accommodations to choosing food and a park for the family picnic, venues to host special events and Sunday dinner. This is why it’s crucial to start as early as possible. I suggest a year in advance.

A month or two after leaving Kankakee, the “Save the Dates for July 12-14, 2024” were mailed out from our San Antonio, Texas, family. Now that we know the dates we can plan accordingly. The next step for those working is to put in for those dates and request time off early.

In accordance with previous reunions, a letter was officially sent out by mail by the end of the year or we could access the information on our family website. The letter includes details regarding: reunion fee and due dates, list of hotel accommodations, t-shirts and the itinerary with scheduled activities etc. Information was also available on our Malone Family Facebook page.

Denim and Diamond Rodeo: Atearanie Starks, Nicole Malone, Beverly Bloodsaw, Mahogany Malone and Brooklyn Allen

If you don’t have a website here are a couple freebies: Myevent.com and Reunionmanager.net. Or simply use Facebook to create a free family page for your reunion planning.

It is always important to offer choices when paying reunion fees. For older family members who aren’t computer savvy there is the option of sending a check or money order. Other options include: Zelle, Cash App, Venmo and PayPal.

After reading the reunion letter, I was excited about the variety of activities for all ages. I was most intrigued about the “Denim and Diamond Rodeo” event. The Texas Committee also requested that we learn two dances: Texas Hold’Em Line Dance and CowBoi Boogie. The dances were to be done at the family picnic on Saturday. At an African American Family Reunion, there will always be good Southern style food and barbecue as well as Bounce Houses, Dominoes, Horse Shoes, Cornhole, Spades and family talking smack to one another in love. These are just a few ideas to choose from. Note: you want food that will hold up well in hot weather and prepare to get bags of ice and foil pans to keep things cool if your venue or park doesn’t have a kitchen.

Each state has a family meeting (once the letter is received in the mail) to get an idea of who is attending or if anybody needs help paying for fees, travel, etc. Also, you can inquire about getting an airline discount for a group of 10 or more. I can’t stress enough: planning early takes the stress off.

The months fly by. Before we knew it, it was time to start ordering our cowboy attire for the rodeo and paying reunion fees due by June 25th at midnight. It helps to post deadline reminders on your family Facebook page.

We had less than a month before heading to Texas. Everyone was excited about the Denim and Diamond Rodeo. My rodeo outfit was ready and my Rhinestone Cowboy boots arrived just in time. It’s also helpful to get together a few weeks before traveling to discuss meeting at the airport and checking to see who needs wheelchair assistance. If driving, check to see who needs a ride.

Anticipation and excitement were high. A few days before we headed to Texas, a family text went out from my cousin Nikki regarding meeting at the airport, a suggestion to wear cowboy hats (so they wouldn’t get crushed in our luggage) and having Choir Rehearsal on Wednesday evening to practice for Sunday Church service. Before we knew it, we were off to Texas!

Malone Family Tree

Tips for 1st time reunion planners:

e Do your research

e Set realistic goals

e Plan early

e Choose a state/location

e Recruit committees (decorations, t-shirt design, clean up, etc.)

e Family meetings via Zoom, Google Meet, free conference calls

e Send “Save the Dates” via social media

e Send official reunion letter at least 9-12 months ahead

e Set deadline for registration fees

e Include free time

e Keep it simple

51st Malone Family Reunion in the “Lone Star State”

Most of the family arrived on Thursday, while a few arrived on Wednesday. After we settled into our hotels, my stepmom, siblings and I headed to the Meet & Greet and Registration at the host hotel, the iconic 1920s Emily Morgan, a Double Tree by Hilton, nestled in the downtown area of San Antonio. (The family chose the Emily Morgan as the host hotel because Emily was an Indentured Servant.)

We hugged and went down memory lane as we picked up our packets. Family members who registered and paid were given a Royal Blue waterproof wristband to wear for the weekend. The wristband system is quite helpful to show members who registered and paid their fees.

After mixing and mingling with family for a while, my siblings and I walked down to the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. En route we passed The Alamo (a historic Spanish mission).

Downtown was lively and bustling with bright lights, people, music and food, as well as shops along the river and shopping at the Rivercenter Mall. Located on the world-famous River Walk in downtown San Antonio, Rivercenter features more than 100 retailers including 14 restaurants, IMAX, AMC Theaters, and a 1,000-room Marriott Hotel.

Rivercenter is the premier entertainment, dining and shopping destination in San Antonio. The mall did not disappoint.

e Try to get a free park. It’s important to research and visit the park you are considering for your picnic to make sure it meets your family reunion needs. These are questions you want to ask when selecting a park for a family reunion: Does it have a place to serve food and an option to sit and eat inside? Restrooms? Ample parking? Do you need a permit? Some parks may be free of charge.

e Contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau for planning help and Meet & Greet materials

Our t-shirts were Royal Blue, Gray and White. It’s good to try and have a color scheme throughout your planning process to represent your state colors. It’s not mandatory, just a suggestion.

After walking for a bit, we stopped at Agave Bar for pizza and Mexican food. We walked around sightseeing and taking pictures and just having a good time. Everything was within walking distance of the hotels. Whatever you do, avoid jamming too many activities into one weekend. It’s important to have free time in your reunion planning itinerary.

After exploring the Riverwalk, we walked back to our hotel, finished unpacking and settled in for the night.

Friday

The reunion kick-off was Friday. Some of the family opted for the Austin day trip while others just relaxed or explored San Antonio. I opted to find the Five and Dime Store and get a hat at the Rivercenter Mall. The Denim and Diamond Rodeo was the following night.

Later that evening, we returned to the host hotel to see

Registration Bag

what family members had just arrived in San Antonio. Then we headed to our stepmom and little sister’s Airbnb where they had prepared tacos and where we had a great time. We returned to our hotel to prepare for the picnic the following morning. Note: Larger family groups may want to get an Airbnb in the vicinity of the host hotel.

Saturday

Choir Rehearsal was at 9:30AM followed by the family picnic at 11:30 at Comanche Park. As we arrived at the

park, the O’Jays Family Reunion was playing. There was a display of many reunion shirts throughout the years. The pavilion was huge compared to others we visited.

As family trickled in, we ate, laughed, loved on each other (especially our elders) and reminisced. We did the requested line dances and a few others and took our family photo.

We left the park at 3PM and returned to our hotels to prepare for the Denim and Diamond Rodeo that started at 7PM at the Spire, another famous landmark

associated with the founding congregation of the oldest primarily African-American parish in San Antonio. The Spire was built in 1884 and is located in St. Paul Square, downtown San Antonio. The venue was very elegant and beautiful with a cathedral ceiling. The decor with silver cowboy hats and diamond crystals added a touch of elegance to each table.

baby boy of 14 original siblings, with a beautiful crystal microphone because he has been in the Flint Southernaires (formerly the Gospel Southernaires, a family gospel quartet composed of my uncles and cousins) since 1965.

Families were asked to put a minimum of $50 per family in a card (that represented each child of Aaron and Josie Malone). One by one a representative of each family went to the front and said words honoring our last living uncle. Whenever you call my uncle he will be there. He is a God-fearing, kindhearted man and exemplifies what a husband

Honoree: Aaron Malone III

Official Letter

We ate, laughed, danced and took a lot of pictures with the beautiful custom Denim and Diamond back drop that the Texas family had made just for the event.

Sunday

Sunday morning we headed to my uncle’s church, New St. James Baptist Church. The late Uncle Arthur James Malone Sr was the oldest of 14 children. He served as Pastor until his passing in 2010. I am so thankful that my cousin, his only son, AJ Malone Jr. picked up the mantle and continued on in his father’s legacy as a pastor.

Praise and Worship started at 11:30AM. This was followed by the spoken word from our cousin Rev Dewayne Bloodsaw. It was bittersweet to see my uncle’s picture on the wall, but it was a special day—Aunt Priscella turned 81.

What a time we had!

Following church, we headed to our family dinner. The set up at the hall was beautiful. Luxurious silver tablecloths and royal blue sequin table runners with elegant centerpieces and white dinnerware trimmed in silver. It was just exquisite.

the Malone Family Reunion legacy going on long after they are no longer with us.

Plans are already in place for the next generation, my generation of first cousins, to carry on the legacy after the four remaining children have passed on. It’s sad to think about, but it’s the reality. Everything my grandparents instilled in their children about family and love and staying together has been passed down to us: the grandchildren of Aaron and Josie Malone.

My aunt and uncles decide at the end of the reunion the 52nd Malone Family Reunion will be in Crawford, Mississippi, the home of the late Aaron and Josie Malone where it all began.

In closing my cousin AJ Malone, Jr. gave the benediction. Some of us said our farewells, while some celebrated Aunt Priscella’s 81st Birthday on the Riverwalk. Then, we went to relax and finish packing for our flight the next day.

Kudos to our Texas family and Reunion Committee for their hard work and dedication to making sure we had a wonderful family reunion weekend. Another successful reunion in the books until we meet again in Mississippi in 2025. v Shared by Francia Malone, Flint, Michigan.

Gillyard-Johnson-Mahoney Family cookbook

Gillyard-Johnson-Mahoney Family cookbook Cookbook dedication page Inside title page

Bettie Griggs reports that the Gillyard-Johnson-Mahoney Family completed a cookbook to raise money for their Scholarship Fund. The book was printed by a professional

cookbook publisher. They raised about $1,000 and donated a copy to their library. The library ran an article in the local paper about the donation, and there was a wait list to check out the cookbook. v

Orphaned Holocaust survivor, 83, reunites with the family he never imagined he had

Shalom Korai, an 83-year-old man who survived the Holocaust as an orphaned toddler, grew up knowing nothing about his origins, and finally discovered his long-lost family thanks to a MyHeritagMEe DNA test. We are thrilled to share that Shalom traveled to the United States and met his newfound relatives for the first time.

Shalom was found wandering the streets of the Warsaw Ghetto at age two, and he was rescued — along with around 100 other children — by Lena KuchlerSilberman, a Jewish teacher and psychologist. Lena took the children to Israel and they were raised on a kibbutz there. Shalom had no idea who his parents or grandparents were, or even what his own given name was. He went on to have children and grandchildren of his own, certain he would never recover that information. Then, last summer, a

researcher from Poland who was researching the 100 children rescued by Lena suggested that Shalom take a MyHeritage DNA test — and a few weeks later, he was matched with Ann Meddin Hellman, a second cousin from Charleston, South Carolina. Ann, an experienced family history researcher, delved deeper into the data and was able to determine that Shalom was a grandson of her grandfather’s brother, Yadidia Mednitzky.

“I gave a Holocaust survivor a family,” Ann said at the time. “Finding Shalom is a miracle.”

Ann was particularly struck by the resemblance between Shalom and her brother. The two have spoken often since their discovery, through correspondence and then video calls a few times a week.

Later, Shalom arrived at Charleston International Airport, where a dozen members of the family he never knew he

had, were eagerly awaiting him. As soon as he walked out of the runway, Ann gave him a big hug, and the surrounding spectators burst into applause. “I feel like I’ve given somebody a new life,” Ann said. “He’s become my child,” she laughed and embraced Shalom, who is just a few years older than her. “I have to protect him and take care of him.”

Shalom doesn’t speak a lot of English, but his friend Arie Bauer, who lives in New York, flew down to accompany him and help with translation. “We’ve had a lot of conversations about it,” Arie said. “He’s getting used, little by little, to having a brand-new family that he never knew about.” Living a long lifetime with no concept of what it’s like to have a biological family, the new reality is quite an adjustment for Shalom.

“Shalom handled everything beautifully. He met lots of family,” Ann wrote to

us the next day. “I am still excited and overwhelmed.” She says that Shalom has told her that he’s wanted this for 83 years.

Ann hosted a barbecue and fish fry for Shalom in the days after his arrival, and more family members flew down to meet Shalom over the weekend. On Friday night, they had a Shabbat dinner.

Shalom has been able to meet cousins of all ages, and to see a little of the southeast coast of the United States where Ann lives.

Ann presented Shalom with the gift of a kiddush cup — a silver goblet traditionally used for the ritual of blessing the Sabbath over a cup of wine — that had been passed down in the family. Shalom, upon receiving his first-ever family heirloom, lightened the emotional moment with a joke: “It’s for beer,” he said, and everyone laughed.

The newly forged connection has deep significance, not only for Ann and Shalom, but also for the younger generations of

their family. “I feel like I’ve given the children and Shalom a gift that was never expected to happen,” Ann told NBC. “It’s something that hopefully they will remember forever.”

Their meeting was covered by many

news outlets from all over the world, including NBC News, the Associated Press, and the Post and Courier. v By Daniella Levy in August 2024 MyHeritage News.

Shalom (front row, fourth from left) and his newfound family at the Charleston International Airport

Food for fundraising!

Developing and assembling a cookbook can be a very satisfying reunion fundraising project. Think of all the family favorites you hope will show up at every reunion for your potluck. Do you want to know how they’re made and help preserve them for generations? Do you want more family members to be able to provide these favorites? Consider a reunion project to collect the recipes … but then what? How about a cookbook? How about selling the cookbook as a reunion fundraiser?

A cookbook is not, however, a fundraiser that can be done last minute. It requires careful planning even before you announce it. You’ll probably need to project your actual fundraiser out a year or even two. You’ll want to recruit a committee or team to help plan, announce, collect, evaluate, test recipes and design the cookbook. You’ll need someone who can assemble the recipes into the book which can either be a simple collection of pages or submitted to a company to make into an actual bound book.

Now what? Determine interest in a cookbook. Survey your members for volunteers and level of interest in buying a cookbook. Without positive responses on either question, you may have to reconsider. Next, recruit a committee to

do the planning and take responsibility for all the steps going forward. Do you want to include stories about the origin and history of the recipes? Do you want a theme or a random collection of family favorites? Do you want to highlight ethnicities represented in your family? Will the book honor cooks like the oldest generation or will history notes accompany recipes? Ask for memories associated with dishes, such as who it came from and when it was served. Ask relatives what they remember eating on special occasions, and for their memories of a certain dish.

Once you have many of those questions answered, it’s time to announce the project to your members and solicit their recipes and photos to include in your cookbook. Be very clear about what you anticipate the cookbook will do and look like. Decide if you want to include pictures of handwritten recipes or type all of them. Ask for memories associated with the dish such as who it came from and when it was served. Are there any traditions associated with the dishes?

You’ll want to include a Table of Contents and/or index, chapters or

sections, an introduction and, if possible, blank pages for notes. Decide how you’re going to deal with exact duplicates or if they are significantly different, how you’ll deal with that. For example, let’s say you get a number of pizza recipes, will you use more than one?

Clarify recipes that are confusing. Standardize measurements and abbreviations. And proofread, proofread, proofread! Have more than one person proofreading. If a company is doing your assembly and printing, ask for a final proof before printing begins … because that’s when there’s no turning back!

Establish a deadline for submission of materials. Throughout the time leading up to the deadline, send reminders depending upon how many submissions you’re receiving. If it’s slow, send more reminders so you will have many recipes to choose from in time for your deadline.

If you are using a cookbook printing company, be aware of their deadlines to deliver the finished product. You will ideally want to have the cookbooks in hand to deliver at your reunion or be prepared to add the cost of materials and shipping when you determine the cost of the cookbook.

For more ideas about making cookbooks, see our webpage section about cookbooks! EW v

ANCHORAGE SAILS ON! Crew Celebrates Legacy in San Diego

USSAnchorage (LSD 36) was in service from March 15, 1969, to October 1, 2003. While the ship is no longer around, the crew continues to meet regularly to commemorate this ‘most decorated’ ship. See ribbons!

Our 2024 reunion was a huge success, and we had beautiful weather the entire time. The reunion kicked off with a bang! Thirty-four attendees, including nineteen crew members, gathered for a warm Welcome Reception on the first night. For the first time, we used video conferencing services, and we had several crew members join us virtually.

This year, thanks to successful fundraising (which surpassed 2022!), attendees enjoyed free food, cash prizes, and a chance to win awesome swag donated by generous supporters. Nearly half walked away with a prize! A special highlight was the unveiling of a stunning custom poster designed by a licensed Navy artist, David Hart. Printed on archival materials, this is a unique piece of art.

The reunion was not just about reliving memories; it was about making new ones! Fundraising also covered transportation for smaller groups to/from the hotel and our events. On Day 2, some attended the MCAS Miramar Air Show. On Day 3, some embarked on a thrilling whale watching cruise. We did not see any spouts or tails, but we did see hundreds of whales/dolphins. We did learn a fun fact from the naturalist: “All dolphins are whales, but not all whales are dolphins!” On Day 4, a group went for a tour at the USS Midway Museum, followed by lunch next door at Mike Hess Brewing, a Navy Veteran-owned business in Seaport Village. They treated us very well. On Day 5, our reunion wrapped up with a

farewell meal at Waterfront Bar & Grill, boasting the oldest liquor license in San Diego! The reunion was a bittersweet experience. It was incredible to reconnect with old friends and make new memories, but it was difficult saying

goodbye. I am grateful for the time we had together, and I cannot wait until the next reunion.

Next Reunion

San Diego, the ship’s homeport, has been a favorite reunion place for its familiarity and popularity among crew members. However, we are exploring

other locations for 2026. At the 2024 Military Reunion Network Summit, our planner met with twenty-two representatives from various CVBs, hotels, cities, and counties, each vying to host the 2026 reunion. We are currently focusing on Wichita, Kansas, Annapolis, Maryland, or Providence/Warwick, Rhode Island. Will it be a familiar San Diego return, or a new adventure for the Anchorage crew? Stay tuned to LSD36.COM for updates! v GO NAVY!

Reported by BM Michael P. McGrath 8/75-8/78, San Diego, California

“Can’t really make the letters big enough: BRAVO ZULU to properly reflect the herculean efforts you put forth to make 2024 a fun and memorable reunion.”

– LTJG Chuck Johnson (7/72-5/75)

Whale watching cruise group.

Welcome to Reunion Resources!

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

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

ALABAMA

GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

950 22nd St. North, Suite 550, Birmingham, AL 35203 Birmingham is becoming one of the most celebrated reunion cities in the southeast. The success of your reunion depends on its early groundwork. The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to help. For more information regarding reunion services, please contact the Convention Bureau at 205-458-8000 | 800-458-8085 Email info@inbirmingham.com www.inbirmingham.com

ARIZONA

RANCHO DE LOS CABALLEROS

1551 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, AZ 85390 928-684-5484

www.RanchoDeLosCaballeros.com info@ranchodeloscaballeros.com

STAGECOACH TRAILS GUEST RANCH

19985 S Doc Holliday Rd., Yucca , AZ 86438 928-727-8270

www.StagecoachTrailsRanch.com vacation@stgr.com

WHITE STALLION RANCH

9251 W Twin Peaks Road, Tucson, AZ 85743 520-297-0252

www.WhiteStallion.com info@whitestallion.com

REUNION RESOURCES

CALIFORNIA

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

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

DELAWARE

SOUTHERN DELAWARE TOURISM

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

SouthDel@VisitSouthernDelaware.com www.visitsoutherndelaware.com/

FLORIDA

GREATER MIAMI CVB

701 Brickell Ave, Suite 2700, Miami FL 33131

305.539.3000 | 800.933.8448

www.MiamiAndBeaches.com

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

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

www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

Known for its sugar-white sands and turquoise waters, Panama City Beach is the ultimate reunion destination. Visit and plan your trip now to PCB, the Real. FUN. Beach.

VISIT TALLAHASSEE

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

WESTERN PLEASURE GUEST RANCH 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd, Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-263-9066

WesternPleasureRanch.com stay@weternpleasureranch.com

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!

REUNION RESOURCES

VISIT CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

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/visit/groups

MARYLAND

GARRETT COUNTY DEEP CREEK

THE DEEP CREEK EXPERIENCE

15 Visitors Center Drive McHenry , MD 21541

301-387-5238, 301-387-4386 www.visitdeepcreek.com

Find the perfect reunion destination tucked away in the mountains of western Maryland. The Deep Creek area is a four-season destination with a wide variety of activities. Explore our mountain waters, whether it be on Deep Creek Lake, our rivers or waterfalls. Your group will love our location, central to several major cities (3 hours from Baltimore & D.C., 2 hours from Pittsburgh and four hours from Cleveland and Columbus).

kim@garrettchamber.com

Kim Folk, Heritage Area & Groups Director Garrett County Chamber of Commerce

Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area www.garrettheritage.com

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

https://thebarw.com info@thebarw.com

ELKHORN RANCH

33133 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 406-995-4291 www.ElkhornRanchMontana.com reservations@elkhornranchmontana.com. NORTH CAROLINA

HALIFAX COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Let us make planning your next family reunion as EASY as Grandma’s apple pie! Conveniently located on Interstate 95 midway between New York and Florida. The Halifax County CVB is excited to help make your family reunion memorable by offering a complimentary welcome reception with cookies & lemonade, assistance with hotel arrangements, including group discounts, trip planning & tailored itineraries for your family, and resources for venues, meals & catering, banners, photographers, videographers, tent & chair rental etc.

260 Premier Blvd., Roanoke Rapids , NC 27870

800-522-4282

info@visithalifax.com www.visithalifax.com/

OHIO

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS

Columbus is full of unforgettable experiences, distinct neighborhoods and one-of-a-kind tours. Whether you’re planning a group activity or giving individuals time to explore on their own, Columbus’

neighborhoods welcome groups in their own special way.

Contact the Tourism Sales team at 1-800-354-2657 tours@ExperienceColumbus.com www.ExperienceColumbus.com/reunions

SOUTH CAROLINA

HILTON GREENVILLE

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

www.greenvillesc.hilton.com

Reunite, Relax, Reconnect

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

TENNESSEE

PIGEON FORGE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

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

TEXAS

PEARLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

11200 Broadway Street #1390, Pearland TX 77584

Contact Teri Mazhar, 281-997-5970 pearlandcvb@pearlandtx.gov www.visitpearland.com/reunions

Rebekah Burns, Marketing Manager

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

VIRGINIA

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA

10560 Arrowhead Drive Suite 350 Fairfax, VA 22030

Enjoy everything that Northern Virginia has to offer. From the monuments and memorials of nearby Washington, DC to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Fairfax County is the ideal location for your military or family reunion.

REUNION RESOURCES

The spectacular new National Museum of the United States Army is 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 16.

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

https://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.

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

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.

COOKBOOKS

MORRIS PRESS COOKBOOKS

Preserve treasured family recipes and family heritage with a custom family reunion cookbook. Create a unique keepsake that can be handed down for generations. Everyone can enter their own ecipes online and save 25¢ per cookbook. A family cookbook can also be used to raise funds for future reunions. Morris Press Cookbooks, the nation’s oldest and most trusted Cookbook Publisher! Visit morriscookbooks.com for information and FREE samples. 800-445-6621 https://www.morriscookbooks.com/RMAG1224 SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 42.