Reunions Magazine Volume 20, Number 3. February/March/April 2010 (SOLD OUT) by Reunions Magazine

Fundraising Class reunions cost cutting Spaulding oral history VOL 20 NO 3 FEBRUARY/MARCH/APRIL 2010 Display until April 30, 2010.

$3/USA

F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

in this issue DEPARTMENTS

February/March/April 2010 Volume 20 • Number 3

FRONT WORDS – 4

PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF

ALUM & I – 6

TRAVEL EDITOR

Six simple ways to keep your reunion budget in check by Kay Bauer Gone, but not forgotten by Joyce Lindsey O’Keefe

Edith Wagner Jacky Runice ART DIRECTOR

SCRAPBOOK – 10

Jennifer Rueth

Hotel cancellation dilemma with Dean Miller Reunion School: conferences, workshops and seminars for reunion planners Partner highlights: Myevent.com websites, reunions in Pulaski County and Independence, Missouri, and coin/memorative ribbons

Marion Liston Senior Account Manager

SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER

Karla Lavin

BRANCH OFFICE – 16

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Oral history fuels Spaulding reunion success by Kate Tsubata Ramsey traditions by Beverly Page Get kids involved, Gerstenbergers’ World Family Reunion

Andrew Russell Bordeaux Nicole Dettmering Ksioszk

MASTERPLAN – 19

Ashley Marie Andrews

Goulds take the Eastern shore by Bernice Peterson The winners! KFC Ultimate Family Reunion, Branson’s 10,000th reunion Time to collect proclamations and commemorations Family reunites after 150 years by Melvin J. Collie Q? & A! Who attends reunions? Reunions and family members with special needs by Crystal Kupper Arces bring music to Florida by Loida Arce Acosta How to reunite, family-style by Elizabeth Eaton Donofrio Other reunions: Juneau, Zilke

REUNION VENUE & FEATURES – 32 Go on a costal reunion bay-cation by Edith Wagner FUNDRAISING Podcasts help fundraising Theatre party raises reunion bucks by Bessida Cauthorne White Branch Family Legacy DVD by Diane Gentry Martin Fundraising roundup: How lots of reunions raise money Fundraising letters, collecting Reunion fees, Q? & A!s Bur(t)schell financial report by Arliss Treybig Frosting on the cake by Phyllis Naumann Bolins collect for birthday presents by Ricky Thornton

MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 41 USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR/711) by Robert J. Clarke Vietnam icon receives face-lift, Newport News, Virginia Pacific War Museum enters new era Korean War 60th anniversary, Vietnam Veterans in Kokomo, USS Columbia in Columbia,

REUNION RESOURCES – 44 A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products. ON THE COVER McNair Brazil Scott Family Reunion members tour Milwaukee Brewers' Miller Park. First row (l to r) Nafia Muhammad (7), Arie Morton (8), Kiara Geiger (9), aleemah Muhammad (11); second row Nnenia Muhammad (13), Sean and Andre Campbell, and Wesley Landry.

STUDENT INTERN CONTRIBUTORS

Loida Arce Acosta • Kay Bauer Robert J. Clarke • Melvin J. Collie Cheri Conetsco • Elizabeth Eaton Donofrio Ryan Donohue • Ann Eide Carol Idalski • Shamele Jordan Wayne E. Krause • Crystal Kupper Diane Gentry Martin • Dean Miller Lovine Moss • Phyllis Naumann Fred Nelson • Joyce Lindsey O’Keefe Sarah Okuno • Beverly Page Bernice Peterson • Kathleen Satcher Nakeisha Smith • Jeri Sprecher Cheryl Moore Strodder • Ricky Thornton Arliss Treybig • Kate Tsubata • Joan Curtis Waters Bessida Cauthorne White • Pamela B. Williams REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC. (ISSN #1046-5s235), is published 4 times per year. Send correspondence, queries, submissions, subscriptions, advertising 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. Email: editor@reunionsmag.com or fax 414263-6331. Tear sheets of reviews and reprints required. REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC., will not be liable for information presented as facts contained in any of our advertising, byline stories or materials. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication. We solicit participation and take responsibility for submitted materials. Unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), submissions and photos will not be returned. All materials sent for purposes of publication become property of REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC. Subscriptions: US and Canada $9.99/yr, $17.99/2 yrs. Foreign orders add $36 for subscriptions. All foreign payment in US funds or drawn on a US bank. Back issues available for $3 each plus postage. Payment must accompany requests for subscriptions, back issues or other items for sale. Advertising rate information available from REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727; 414-263-4567; fax 414-2636331; e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com; reunionsmag.com. © 2010 REUNIONS MAGAZINE, INC. F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S 3

FRONT WORDS

SAD LOSS

FREE REUNION-PLANNING TELECONFERENCE

n November we were Register now for the first-ever, nationwide reunion planning shocked to learn that Bill teleconference. Uncle Bob Wolfe, author of Secrets of Successful Williams, a long-time and Family Reunions, and I will be answering your questions and faithful Reunions magazine providing insights we hope will positively impact your efforts. fan and prolific contributor, died The event will be at 8 PM (Eastern), Thursday, April 8th suddenly. He was described by and last about an hour. To “attend” the teleconference, you’ll Charles R. Cole, a classmate, as need a phone number and pass code, which you’ll receive the “heart and soul of our when you register. To register and ask questions, go to graduating class … the ‘keeper www.SuccessfulFamilyReunions.org/reunionsmag. It’s free. of the keys.’” Bill Williams, Cole WORKSHOPS HELP WITH PLANNING BILL WILLIAMS wrote, was the "real deal." We Check out Reunion School on pages 14 and 15 to learn Class of 1948 miss his daily missives and share Warren G. Harding High School about workshops being offered all over the country. Most are our condolences with his family Warren, Ohio free, some have limited space, and most require advance in Hampton, Virginia. reservations – so register now. I will be speaking at Fairfax, Last year I took way too many personal hits and lost Virginia, on February 20th and at Lake County, Illinois, some very special friends, two of whom, though unrelated, September 23rd-25th. If either of these locations are on your shared the family name Williams. Both list of potential reunion sites, I hope to see died suddenly, totally unexpectedly and you there. If you know of workshops not both were in good health until that listed, email the info to moment. Makes you stop, think, and feel Mail to editor@reunionsmag.com. the blessings these friends shared. R EUNIONS MAGAZINE

Be in touch!

FAMILY REUNIONS SHOW PROMISE

PO Box 11727 Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 For charge orders call 800-373-7933 or visit www.reunionsmag.com or fax it to 414-263-6331. Or best of all, e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com.

We recently learned from a Ypartnership/Yankelovich, Inc., 2009 Travel MONITOR(SM) that “Family reunions have seen huge growth in the past year alone.” In fact, 23 percent of leisure travelers named a family reunion as the primary reason for taking one or more trips during the past year, up 13 percent since 2008. Ypartnership/Yankelovich expects the trend will continue and family reunions to increase in popularity. We heartily agree, as do our readers who at the beginning of the 2009 season declared, that, with adjustments for the economy, reunions are too important to cancel. IN THIS ISSUE

As always, many reunion stories are here to inspire and motivate your reunion planning. The fundraising feature is intended to inspire projects you can use, and the moneysaving ideas for class reunions can be used for all reunions. The last issue included discussion about whether to take someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia to a reunion. The conclusion was to consider the reunion a respite for caregivers and to make care arrangements for the patient. In this issue, Crystal Kupper talks about planning for children with special needs, and the conclusion is quite different. Kupper suggests you be sensitive to special needs so all children can be included.

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NEWS FOR YOUR REUNION

Are you receiving our monthly enewsletter? If not, you’ll want to sign up for it by emailing a request to editor@reunionsmag.com. Each month we highlight online helps appropriate to the moment if you’re working on an upcoming reunion. It’s a monthly nudge to keep up your planning efforts. Look for news for your reunion!

ON THE WEB

Visit reunionsmag.com often to see new material we add constantly. You’ll want to check Contests and Sweepstakes for news, and our ever-evolving Free Stuff page, which we add to as soon as we find freebies we know you’ll like. And while on the subject of free, you can add your upcoming reunion listing free, add your reunion picture free and access thousands of pages of ideas for your reunion. Visit early and often!! APOLOGIA

We apologize again for this issue being late to subscribers. We hope the addition of the 10th edition of Reunions Workbook makes the wait worthwhile. For more copies of the workbook, go to “shop and subscribe” at reunionsmag.com. Happy reunion planning, EW, editor@reunionsmag.com

F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

ALUM & I

Six simple ways to keep your reunion budget in check by Kay Bauer

ow much would you be willing to spend on the reunion? Our reunion committee posed this question on our website. Forty percent responded “between $25-$50,” so our goal was to keep costs below $50 per person. We thought it wouldn’t be too hard, but after adding all the incidentals plus the big expenses, like the hall and catering, $50 seemed an elusive goal. After intense brainstorming, our committee came up with creative ways to save money and still have an enjoyable event. These are our six simple ways to keep costs down. 1. Forego the frilly invites. Email is the way to go. If your class reunion website does not have an option to email the class, or you don’t have a reunion site, use a service like evite.com. Keeping it electronic eliminates the cost of printing, postage and time. With a few clicks you can send hundreds of invites without envelope-licking or postagesticking. And it’s eco-friendly too. We sent paper invitations to the few who did not have Internet access or did not log onto our website. We saved a bunch sending a few invitations instead of 275. 2. Make use of classmates’ services and talents. Does someone in your class manage a facility that could hold your event? Is someone who owns a restaurant or catering service willing to give you a deal? Or maybe someone loves to edit video in their spare time. One of our alumni owns a golf course. He organized a golf outing at a discounted rate. It was a nice way for classmates to reconnect the afternoon before the reunion. Another classmate created, free of charge, a video of old high school pictures submitted by classmates. We ran the DVD at dinner. It was a hit. 3. Arrange a school tour. This is an easy, inexpensive way to get classmates in the mood for the reunion. Recalling memories at the place where it all happened is a great way to kick off a reunion weekend and it’s free. One classmate is a teacher at our high school, so it was easy to find a tour guide. If you don’t have such an individual, contact the school for students willing to conduct a tour. 4. Make decorating easy. What makes better decor than something that

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Germantown (Wisconsin) High School Class 1988 20-year reunion.

sparks memories of the good old days? It’s easy to put school colors on invites, banners and name tags. But memorabilia cultivates conversation. Our committee sent an email asking for jerseys, helmets, letter jackets or any high school memorabilia. The response was overwhelming. Even some who could not attend dropped off items. We created a display of memorabilia and added photos scanned from the yearbook to complete it. 5. Use equipment and services available at the banquet facility. Does your venue have a sound system? Do they have tables available free of charge? What about additional items like decor? Some facilities have candles or other small items that make a big impact. When you book a venue, ask what additional services they offer. Our facility had a sound system that allowed us to plug in an iPod or MP3 player which saved us providing music for the evening. They also had tables and chairs as well as lighted trees, lattice panels and topiaries that added a parklike look to our room. These props added atmosphere and, as a bonus, made a great backdrop for photos. 6. Make full use of your website. You don’t have a website? A website cuts costs and streamlines planning. It serves as a bulletin board, allows classmates to share their personal stories and can even keep track of reunion attendees and payments. Our website allows classmates to post a profile and pictures, eliminating the need to print a keepsake book. Classmates are able to contact each other through the site. This encouraged traffic to the site by classmates curious to know who

created or updated their profile prior to the reunion. It served as a way for people to catch up before the reunion. In addition, it maintained a central location for classmate information, making the next reunion planning easier. We used classcreator.com, an excellent reunion website creator. It offers dozens of features, including message forums and linking to PayPal for classmates to charge reunion tickets. The easy-to-use editor makes you look like a genius with a polished and fun website. And the fees are reasonable. (Editor’s note: Also look at classquest.com, myevent.com, and reunionmanager.com.) Offer local businesses the opportunity to post their logos on the website in exchange for donating door prizes for the reunion. Several businesses took us up on the offer and we had some excellent door prizes, including picture frames, cookware and gift cards. After all the planning and creative cost cutting, everyone had a great time. Total cost per person: $40. Eighty-one percent of respondents to our post-reunion survey indicated that the cost was “just right” or “would have paid more” for the event. We achieved our goal and made the reunion accessible, proving that an affordable and enjoyable evening is still possible in these tough economic times.

About the author Chemist-turned-writer Kay Bauer was on the committee for her 1988 Germantown (Wisconsin) High School Reunion. She lives in Richfield, Wisconsin, with her husband and two dogs. She is working on a memoir, but still finds time to maintain the class website.

F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

ALUM & I

Gone, but not forgotten by Joyce Lindsey O’Keefe

hen it opened in 1909, Seattle, Washington’s, Queen Anne High School, a majestic neo-classical structure, was declared the city’s “most modern and costly building.” Then, 28 years ago it closed its doors to students – forever. The property was sold to a developer who partitioned classrooms into apartments, later converted to condominiums. Energetic former students have funded scholarships for over a quarter of a century and host at least five reunion events annually. How could these ex-students pull together a dynamic 2009 “All-classes Summer Picnic.” Taking a quick break from work, left to right: Pat Cunningham Tewkesburg, Betty Charouhas Bebee, John Hennes, Barb Wilson Nelson, Ann group, seemingly out of nothing? Queen Anne High School Messenger Jordens, Jeri Sameulsen, Sandy Johnson McCalib, Jackie Moore Zobrist. Alumni Association (QAHSAA) Historian, John Hennes, explains that it began at the ceremony held to close the building to students. Banquet, Grand Summer Picnic, Fall Luncheon, Men of Queen Fifteen thousand people attended the 1981 closing Anne Annual Golf Tournament, and Men of Queen Anne ceremony: former students, teachers, staff, local residents and Christmas Luncheon. Additionally, the association supports shopkeepers. As one alum said, classes plan reunions – some of “Everybody was walking through HOW TO START A NON-PROFIT ALUMNI GROUP: which are annual events. For the classrooms. We realized we example, in 2009, ten classes held 1. Write an organization plan with purpose, by-laws and had [all] walked those same reunions, some simultaneous philosophy. halls, trod those same stairways, with the summer picnic. This 2. Visit www.irs.gov. Click on “Charities and Nonclimbed those worn treads. type of regular engagement with Profits” for information about how to set up a Students from the class of 1935 class members, across age groups, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, as well as what had had the same teachers as generates a sense of common forms must be filed. those in the class of 1950. We purpose and ignites new ideas. 3. Plan events, such as reunions (see articles and had something good here, and we Much of the scholarship money booklets at www. reunionsmag.com). didn’t want to lose it.” comes from direct donations, but 4. Plan fundraising; order logo items locally or online. This sense of shared history some is profit from “logo” 5. If you plan to grant scholarships, establish a and experience evolved into a merchandise. The Grizzlies offer committee to set rules, review applications and issue consensus that something had to t-shirts in various colors, denim, scholarships. be done to preserve “The Grizzly golf and sweat shirts, baseball 6. Establish good lines of communication with members. Spirit” – a reference to the high caps, vests, jackets, mugs, balls, 7.Work hard and have fun! school’s mascot. medallions, prints, playing cards, “It was the older classes, from golf towels, golf balls, metal license frames, and tote bags. They the 1930s, that got things started,” Hennes says. “Then the market at events, via their newsletter, website and through a ’40s, ’50s and now ’60s are showing up [to help].” The idea of local retail store owned by a member. an alumni association caught on quickly. A group of about 25 Sustaining the enthusiastic spirit necessary to create funds people met and formed an organizing committee; plans for scholarships means keeping alumni in touch with each other, evolved. The founders established an IRS Section 501(c)(3) and involved. Communication is key. The 16-page QAHSAA tax-exempt non-profit to raise funds for college scholarships newsletter, THE KUAY, is mailed to 11,000 members and not only for alums but also for descendants of Queen Anne friends twice a year. Alumni, faculty and staff. How do they fill 16 pages? The August 2009 newsletter, for “Scholarships are the raison d’ étre for the organization,” example, contained info about the upcoming summer and fall Hennes explains. “We sell [Grizzly] stuff and we get luncheon events, instructions to sign up for the Fall Golf donations.” In 2009 – the school’s centennial year – QAHSAA tournament (and how to participate if you don’t golf), raised $15,000, then distributed it as 30 scholarships of $500 achievements of class members (grouped by decades), brief each. Recipients ranged from freshmen to graduate students biographies of the thirty winners of this year’s scholarship who attend schools scattered across the country. All have a contest (most with photos), a donors list and an order form for direct family connection to Queen Anne High School. QAHS merchandise. News, histories, old photos and modern “There have been up and down years, but enthusiasm and profiles are posted at www.qagrizzlies.org, as are order forms very strong community ties have kept us going,” Hennes says. for merchandise and instructions for donations. “There are no dues or membership fees. Whoever went to Some QAHSAA shirts carry the phrase “Gone, But Not school at Queen Anne is a member.” Forgotten” – a suitable reminder that those who studied at The association’s all-volunteer board has used creative Seattle’s Queen Anne High will never forget it; their thinking to fund college scholarships starting in 1983. scholarships will pass on its memory for generations to come. Frequent reunions maintain cohesion, boost “The Grizzly Spirit,” and spur donations. Most alumni groups hold one About the author gathering every year – or only every few years. In contrast, Joyce Lindsey O’Keefe’s husband, Ken O’Keefe, is a graduate of Grizzlies annually attend FIVE “all-classes” events: Spring Queen Anne High, Class of 1953. They live in Bellevue, Washington.

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SCRAPBOOK

Hotel cancellation dilemma

Join reunion chat @ http://forums.reunionsmag.com

PO BOX 335428 NORTH LAS VEGAS NV 89033 800-654-2776 • reunions.com narm@reunions.com 10 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

reader wrote about a worst-case scenario that happened last summer to their cancelled reunion: the hotel held them responsible for their commitment, which was very costly. To learn from this cautionary tale, we turned to Dean Miller, National Sales Manager at Visit Fairfax in McLean, Virginia, for his take on this question. Here’s the question. We had a family reunion plan but due to the economy, a large part of the family in the South cancelled. Because we were under contract with the hotel for rooms and catering we couldn’t fulfill our obligation and had to cancel. By cancelling we owed the hotel 60% of the bill. We negotiated it down to half of the bill, but that was still a lot of money to lose. This is Dean Miller’s answer: In the current economic downturn, some reunions have had to scale back – or cancel – their reunions. For groups who have signed contracts with hotels or other venues, this can be particularly challenging. In this situation, the planner’s first call should be to the hotel, to the sales representative who negotiated the contract. Explain that the group would like to postpone – not cancel – their reunion, even if the new reunion date is a year or more in the future. Hotels would much rather work with you to reach an accommodation on new dates than to lose your business completely. As an incentive to the hotel to grant the postponement, you may wish to offer to spend more money with the hotel over the new reunion dates. Offer to schedule an additonal meal function (such as a group breakfast), or to pay a slightly higher guest room rate, or to give back a previously negotiated “perk” (such as a complimentary suite or meeting room). Or ask what new reunion dates the hotel would like the reunions to help fill. If the reunion can help fill dates when the hotel would otherwise experience low occupancy, the hotel may be willing to accommodate the new dates without any additional charge at all! If the hotel is unwilling to accommodate the postponement, the planner should notify family members of the pro-rated charge they would each incur for cancelling the reunion. When they get this news, they may decide to come to the reunion after all! For example, if 50 families planned to attend and the cancellation charge was $10,000.00, having to pay $ 200.00 per family may encourage everyone to get together anyway. Better to spend the money to attend the reunion than to spend the money and get nothing at all for it! If the hotel is still unyielding, try (as was the case here) to negotiate the hotel down on the amount of money owed as a cancellation penalty. The good news is that you can still ask the hotel to apply this amount as a deposit toward a future reunion, scheduled within a defined period of time. In such negotiations, it is very helpful to request a face-to-face meeting with both the sales representative AND the hotel’s General Manager, as the General Manager will have greater authority to negotiate an agreeable settlement. This situation clearly underlines the importance of reunion planners taking these three steps IN ADVANCE. 1) Ask family members for an advance deposit prior to signing any contracts. People are FAR less likely to cancel out of an event if it means the loss of a pre-paid deposit. 2) Conservatively estimate the number of guest rooms and other hotel services (banquets, etc.) you are likely to use. If your numbers increase, the hotel will be delighted to accommodate a greater number; if the event shrinks, there will likely be financial penalties, as this planner discovered the hard way. 3) Negotiate the least onerous cancellation and attrition penalties possible with the hotel PRIOR to signing the contract. Reducing or eliminating the standard cancellation and attrition penalties in a contract is something that many hotels will do, but only if asked. Dean Miller wants this disclaimer noted. He is NOT an attorney, and the following should NOT be construed as legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained only from a licensed, practicing attorney. But it should be noted that his experience both in hotel and convention and visitor bureau management qualify him to share his observations.

WEB PAGE: reunionsmag.com CALL: 414.263.4567 FAX: 414.263.6331 E-MAIL: editor@reunionsmag.com WRITE: PO Box 11727 Milwaukee, WI 53211-0727 F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

SCRAPBOOK

Myevent.com provides reunion websites Most of these events are sponsored and presented by convention and visitors bureaus and take place on Saturdays unless noted. All prefer or require advance reservations and are free or at nominal cost. For more information and new events added, visit reunionsmag.com, and click on workshops, conferences and seminars. ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

Call Alpharetta CVB, toll-free 877-202-5961, Carol Gryson, carol@awesomealpharetta.com ATLANTA, GEORGIA

March and September 2010 Contact Angelique Alvarez, sales assistant, Atlanta CVB, 404-521-6572; www.atlantareunions.com/events.asp. BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA

CVB Reunion Planner Workshop Call 205-458-8000, ext. 206, or 1-800-458-8085 BRANSON, MISSOURI

August 16-19, 2010 Military Reunion Planners Conference Hosted by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. Contact Branson/Lakes Area CVB, PO Box 1897, Branson MO 65615; 800-214-3661; reunions@bransoncvb.com; www.ExploreBranson.com/MilitaryReunion CHICAGO SOUTHLAND, ILLINOIS

Contact Elizabeth Baun, 888-895-8233; Elizabeth@visitchicagosouthland.com www.visitchicagosouthland.com

op 10 reasons every reunion needs a website: • Reunion details and maps accessible 24/7 from all over the world. • Allow members to RSVP online. • Members can register, purchase tickets, and make online donations. • Get discounts and book hotel rooms online. • Provide info for out-of-town members. • Share the big event with those who couldn’t make it. • Entertain members with polls and quizzes. • Reduce your stress level; everything’s available online. • Enjoy the Guestbook entries members leave. • You can upload more than 200 photos! Sign-up for a 7-day free trial at www.reunions.createswebsites.com.

Reunions positively impact Pulaski County

DETROIT, MICHIGAN

ulaski County (Missouri) Tourism Bureau welcomes reunions, many with ties to nearby Fort Leonard Wood, where they came for basic training. Reunion dollars are “new” dollars circulating around the area, benefiting area businesses, employees and municipal budgets. A recent group of 80 had an approximate $20,300 positive revenue impact. Pulaski County’s central location, ability to fly into Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport, and cost-friendly environment all help attract reunions. These are the kinds of benefits your reunion brings to its destination, whether it’s in your hometown or a place none of you have ever visited. So approach your reunion planning as resulting not only in a memorable event but also in financial benefit to its location. From a story by Dawn Dee Bostwick in the Waynesville Daily Guide, Waynesville, Missouri.

March 13, 2010 Planning a Successful Reunion in the “D”! Free planning kit and chance to win prizes. You must register to attend. Contact Nikki Donald, Detroit Metro CVB, 313-202-1972; ndonald@visitdetroit.com. Visit visitdetroit.com

Independence, Missouri, revs up website

ESTES PARK, COLORADO

COBB COUNTY, GEORGIA

February 27, 2010 Complimentary luncheon, family reunion planning guide, tradeshow (hotels, attractions, etc.). Free to anyone planning a family reunion in Cobb County; seating limited to two guests per reunion. Contact Kathy Buske, Cobb County CVB, 678-303-2624 or kbuske@cobbcvb.com DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA

February 20, March 13, March 27, April 10, April 24, May 15, June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 14, August 28, September 11, September 25, October 9, October 23, November 13, 2010 Contact Carol Murray, DeKalb County CVB, 800-999-6055

November 12-14, 2010 Family Reunion University YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center Contact Conference Office at 800-777-9622 14 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

ndependence, Missouri, Tourism, introduced a userfriendly website with audio, video and interactive highlights geared for reunion planners. You’ll find lots of practical helps, images and links organized into four main categories: Things to do, Shopping, Dining and Places to Stay. Visit www.visitindependence.com.

New coin/memorative ribbons

hat is a coin/memorative ribbon? According to a phrase dictionary, coining of words and phrases often was associated with coining of money by stamping metal with a die. Coin/memorative die-struck embossed custom ribbons, is similar: coined phrase words on a ribbon with a diestruck US Mint commemorative coin attached. Reunion Mate of Wapakoneta, Ohio, specializes in custom name badge/bookmark ribbons for class/military/family reunion celebrations. Reunion Mate has been a premier producer of embossed custom ribbons for all types of occasions for over 20 years. Now they have added a ribbon affixed with a coin/memorative penny that carries the year being commemorated (e.g., a 1960 penny for a 2010 50-year class reunion or 50th wedding anniversary). Coins are subject to availability, and billed at the current market price (e.g., 1960 penny @ $0.025 each or $2.50 per roll). Pre-1960 dates are usually priced higher. Planners have the option of supplying coins to afix to the finished ribbon; minimum order 50 ribbons. Class Reunion planners will be particularly interested in expressive 2"x7" ribbons in school colors that feature school name, mascot, reunion year, reunion date and location. Ribbons are designed for attaching a 2" class yearbook picture. Name badges with cards are also available. A bonus feature is a four-page newsletter and reunion planner checklist with tips for promoting a successful reunion program. Request the newsletter and color brochure detailing various reunion items at 800-208-6804; donklock@midohio.twcbc.com or visit ribbons4reunions.com to see what other reunions have created.

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

February 20, 2010 Meet Reunions Magazine editor, Edith Wagner. Includes breakfast, reunion planning program, lunch and optional tour to George Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mount Vernon. Advance registration required. Dean Miller at Visit Fairfax, 703-752-9509 or dmiller@fxva.com. FLINT, MICHIGAN

March 27, 2010 Contact Renee Cobb, Flint CVB, 888-230-2586; rcobb@flint.travel GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA

February 27, 2010 Lindsay Burns, 864-953-2464; Lindsay.burns@cityofgreenwoodsc.com GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA

April 9, July 9, October 8, 2010, all Fridays ABCs of Planning a Family Reunion. Complimentary lunch, Family Reunion Planning Guide. Drawing for a digital camera. Reservations only, no walk-ins. Linda Murphy, GCTS Education Specialist, 888-494-6638; lmurphy@gcvb.org KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

Contact Sara Melendez-Davis at 800-831-1844, ext 42446; smelendez@floridakiss.com LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

September 23-25, 2010 Host hotel Keylime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort, Gurnee, Illinois. Workshop experience includes educational sessions, exhibition from local hotels and venues, tours and idea sharing. Meet Reunions magazine editor, Edith Wagner. Contact Kimberly Ghys, Lake County CVB, 800-Lake-Now; www.lakecountyreunions.com LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Contact Keri Willard, Louisville CVB, 502-560-1487; kwillard@gotolouisville.com MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Contact Sheila Nickelson, Meet Minneapolis, 800-445-7412; www.minneapolis.org/reunions NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA

March 12-14, 2010 The 4th Annual Military Reunion Planner Familiarization (FAM) Tour provides an overview of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, amenities, services and attractions to enhance your military reunion. Complimentary accommodations. Contact Cheryl Morales, 888-493-7386; cmorales@nngov.com SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA

Contact Kevin Flowers, Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau, 800-551-8682; kflowers@sbctb.org WINTER PARK, COLORADO

October 22-24, 2010 Family Reunion University YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Contact Conference Office, 800-777-9622 YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN

Contact Mary Zurcchero, Ypsilanti CVB, 734-483-4444; mzucchero@ypsilanti.org F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S 15

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Oral history fuels Spaulding reunion success

by Kate Tsubata

hen families get together, it’s a To take best advantage of being in chance for wisdom to be shared each location, LightSmith and BESDA and stories told. Most families members fielded a second camera team recognize the importance of oral history, to get high-quality footage of significant but the Spauldings take it to the next landmarks. They filmed family businesses level, creating a professional oral history and farms, homes and schools, historical video series. markers and cemeteries. With a At the next reunion of the Benjamin knowledgeable local family member and Edith Spaulding Descendants driving, SunJae Smith shot several dozen Association (BESDA) in Raleigh, North locations while interviews were being Carolina, 600 expected attendees will conducted. “Often, people forget the view a series of videos commissioned by importance of getting good-quality the family association. footage of places referred to in stories,” “We have more than 5,000 he said. “Or they intend to go back and descendants,” remarked Dr. Milton do it later, and it just never happens. Campbell, a Duke University researcher LightSmith also used specialized who helped spearhead the genealogical equipment to photograph family artifacts, Walter Benjamin Spaulding reminisces about his youth work. He followed in the footsteps of two and other equipment to scan historical and adult years, as well as stories passed by his parents now-deceased family members, John photos and documents. “Archival-quality and grandparents. Spaulding and Dr. Louis Mitchell, who, in 1989, compiled a volume detailing branches of the family tree from 1810. “With the help of Duke University, we compiled a more exact outline of descendants, although we’re constantly adding to it as we discover new information,” Campbell explained. In two centuries and nine generations, descendants spread from North Carolina, often settling near other family members. The family association chose a professional video production team, LightSmith Productions, owned by the husband/wife team of SunJae and Mie Smith, “to capture our stories,” said BESDA president and COO, Vincent Spaulding. “Besides a highly professional team, LightSmith focuses on productions with a positive message. That fit our vision, and our family’s approach. The LightSmith team traveled to five main locations to interview 50 elders and significant groundbreakers. Beginning in Washington, DC, the team traveled to Durham, Former Washington, DC, Councilman William Spaulding is wired by soundman Kensei Tsubata North Carolina, and Columbus and Bladen Counties in the while Camera operator Mie Smith frames the shot. Interviewer Kate Tsubata is on the right. southeastern corner of North Carolina. They traveled to Whitesboro, New Jersey, where Congressman George Henry images helped support the video stories, and are now usable for White founded the town as a haven for people of color to attain family records,” Mie Smith explained. “We tried to anticipate self-sufficiency. Finally, they interviewed family members in the family’s needs, and get everything at one go.” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The interviews were set up indoors; the camera crew created LightSmith pre-interviewed each subject by phone, to be a studio environment in homes, churches or community familiar with the details of each story. Interviewees were asked centers. Lighting and backdrops were set up, with several to complete a form with names, dates and key events, to ensure microphones to capture the desired sound and filter out correct attribution later. In this way, each person already unwanted sound. prepared details to include in their reminiscences. Clear The hardest part of the job, as professionals will tell you, is communication and good organization helped utilize every the post-production editing. Taking out the superfluous minute of shooting time to best advantage. material – such as the interviewer’s questions or the flubbed “In each day of shooting, we were able to film eight to 12 statements – editors divided each interview into segments family members for the history segments,” remarked Vincent. according to topic. They devised multi-dimensional animated “Relatives worked together to arrange transportation, food and images for the chapter breaks, added music, and inserted locations, so it all went smoothly.” titling to identify speakers or locations.

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LightSmith then compiled the highlights into a short inspirational video about family history. Combining firstperson narratives, illustrated with shots of family locations and artifacts, the Spaulding Family Legacy video is a moving tribute to the 200 years of family members’ accomplishments. Among those whose stories were captured: the first African American to pilot Air Force One, Col. John Mitchell; internationally-known author and speaker Stedman Graham; 1993-1998 Deputy Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture Dallas Smith; Black Professional Firefighters Association founder Romeo Spaulding; and dozens of others with equally impressive credentials.

Vincent Spaulding, BESDA President, and Luke Campbell, Co-Chair, 2012 Reunion helping scan historical images.

“We tried to anticipate questions future generations might ask, and make sure we gave them answers,” said Vincent, who oversaw the entire project. “Knowing how people raised food, bartered for everything, worked hard to get an education, and then turned around and helped the next ones down the line … this is important for succeeding generations to recognize.” “If you think about it, each family has a specific window on the events of our world,” said LightSmith’s Mie Smith. “When we can capture unique stories from each person, we understand not only how events affected the family, but how the family affected history. As new generations come along, knowing what their ancestors experienced helps define their own identity.” Oral history projects go hand-in-hand with family reunions. “It’s like taking all those wonderful nuggets of information that are exchanged and collecting them together in a concise form so everyone can keep them – they’re never lost,” Ms. Smith explained. “The family Bible used to be where the recordkeeping stopped, then maybe a photo album or diary. Today, the DVD can retain not only someone’s face, but gestures, voice, words and personality. Shouldn’t we use this technology so families can preserve these memories for the centuries to come?” For more information about how an oral history project can be carried out, check the website: www.lightsmithpro.com, or the BESDA website: www.spauldingfamily.com.

About the author Kate Tsubata is a freelance journalist specializing in education and family issues. F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S 17

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Gerstenbergers’ World Family Reunion

t’s the fourth time that the Gerstenbergers’ “World Family Reunion” has united members from Europe and North America. About 90 Gerstenbergers attended the first one, in Gerstenberg, Germany, the tiny hamlet that started it all. “Most of the American Gerstenbergers were shocked that we had a homeland,” said Mark Butler, Anchorage, Alaska, who attended with his mother, Lois Gerstenberger Butler. Most of the American Gerstenbergers also were shocked to learn that there were so many Gerstenbergers. Jerome Gerstenberger, 76, of Ventura, California, said he makes a habit of checking local phone books when he travels, a search that is inevitably unsuccessful. “I was flabbergasted when I learned there were other Gerstenbergers. It was awesome,” he said. A 1993 book by Duane Gerstenberger called Gerstenberger Immigrants and Their Descendants in America: A Compendium of Vital Statistics lists the lineage of about 3,500 Gerstenbergers in the US. His research took him to old German churches, where musty records traced the roots of several Gerstenberger families. Unfortunately, records were destroyed during World War II. Recently, Duane has turned to DNA to track Gerstenberger lineage back to the “Adam and Eve” of Gerstenbergers in the 1200s, when inhabitants of the village of Gerstenberg, population 600, simply used the town name when they were required to begin using last names. So far, it appears that there are four Gerstenberger lines in Germany, Iowa, Kansas and Minnesota. From a story by Bob Pool in the Los Angeles Times.

Ramsey traditions 1834. She used a combination of oral lways the second weekend in July in history, census, Bibles and obituaries to odd years, the most recent Ramsey gather information. Everyone was in awe Family Reunion was in East St, Louis, of her visual tree with documentation. Illinois. The economy had some effect on She asked family members to fill in the the number who came but the amount of tree with grand parents, parents and love, fun and fellowship was not their names on down to the present diminished and there was as much joy as generation. What started as a hobby has any place could hold. More than 100 become a passion. She was excited and family members came from seven states. Ramsey reunions gather the families of seven of the nine children of Albert Ramsey, Electric Mills, Mississippi. The reunion started in Hamilton, Ohio, more than 50 years ago when Albert’s son, Jim, his family and other family members gathered for an annual picnic. As Jim’s children left home, others joined and it branched out to Chicago, East St. Louis, Illinois and Cleveland, Ohio. For the 2005 reunion, 150 went to Mississippi, staying in Meridian and visiting sites in Electric Mills, Fox Prayer and Scooba, where their parents or grandparents grew up, went Henry Ramsey Jr, Cincinnati, Ohio, adds his family’s information to school, married or left home. to the tree. Cincinnati, Chicago and East St. Louis remain the primary sites because they surprised how many people were have strong, active younger generations. interested in learning about their They ate well, from the fantastic Friday lineage and adding names to her tree. night fish fry to sumptuous Saturday This is what this family reunion is about: picnic and bountiful banquet Saturday to learn our history, teach our children night. All the food was prepared by the their heritage and their relationship with East St. Louis host family. This was one each other and those who came before. way to offset the cost of family fees. One In the meantime, we are enjoying of the highlights of this year’s reunion ourselves sharing food, music, dancing was historian Debora Ramsey Gibbs, and fellowship, wrote Beverly Page, of Jackson, Mississippi, reporting extensive Edgemont, Illinois. Ramsey family research dating back to

Get kids involved

ormer Reunions magazine genealogy columnist Maureen Taylor has a website worth exploring to encourage kids to be involved in family history. Ideas, suggestions and projects will give you plenty to work with. Visit www.familyhistorykids.com/ Debora Ramsey Gibbs, Pearl, Mississippi, explains the family tree to relatives from East St. Louis, Illinois, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Goulds take the Eastern shore Having a reunion in hard economic times

he Goulds have had periodic family reunions since about 1984. This year we celebrated our 25th reunion year. To keep the reunion manageable in these tough economic times, we have several tips.

KEEP IT LOCAL

Most of our family is on the Eastern shore of Maryland, so we keep the reunion close to preclude hotel and travel expenses for many. We charge only a nominal fee (around $25 for each entire family plus their guests) to cover the pavilion rental. Access to the beach is included. This a real bargain today. An average family of four pays only $25, as does a large family of eight.

All Nine Children of Ruth Gould

WHAT WILL WE EAT?

We go to a state park with a beach and covered picnic areas. As our family has diversified over the years, we have family members who don’t eat pork, are vegetarians or are on restricted diets. Our economic solution is for everyone to bring their own delicious food which has worked beautifully. To foster the spirit of community and family, we invite each family to contribute one item to the communal dessert table. These range from fruit to an assortment of cookies, pies and cakes. This is totally optional, but the table is always bulging. Families take leftovers home.

So even in these tough times, it’s entirely possible to have a wonderful reunion at a beautiful state park that has a beach and covered pavilions, basketball courts and fishing. You can

hold down costs and still have so much fun, as we do when we gather to celebrate our roots and greet family. Reported by Bernice Peterson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

RECOGNITIONS AND GIFTS

Any money we collect that exceeds the pavilion fee is given to graduates, retirees and sometimes others. Several family benefactors give well in excess of the pavilion fee, which funds recognition awards. Rreunions are planned by a multigenerational committee. Change occurs slowly as the next generation takes over. Reunions are informal, with activities such as a meet & greet, family prayer, introductions, kids’ games, graduate/retiree recognition, memorial service, benediction and farewell. One tradition is that each person meet at least one new family member. A special tradition is a circle holding of hands during the memorial prayer. We stay in touch via email, word of mouth, email reminders/updates, website and a newsletter. F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

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REUNIONS IN THE NEWS

Satchers win KFC Ultimate Family Reunion

ast summer Kathleen Satcher Wright, Huntville, Alabama, wrote the winning essay that won her Satcher family KFC’s Ultimate Family Reunion in Atlanta, Georgia. One hundred fifty family members received an extravagant, three-day reunion including lavish decorations, red carpet treatment, entertainment, celebrations, music and dancing, door prizes and gifts, KFC food, and the KFC Pride 360 Award. We hope KFC has a family reunion contest again this year and that yet another Reunions magazine reader wins. The announcement will be in the contests and sweepstakes section at reunionsmag.com as soon as we learn about it. We’ll also post it on our Facebook page; if you’re not a fan, become one now!

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F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

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Family reunites after 150 years

he Beckley Family of Pontotoc County, Mississippi, and the Reed Family of Tate County, Mississippi, were oblivious to one another. They were not aware their ancestors were siblings involuntarily separated in 1859. Over decades at respective family reunions, we listened to histories which indicated a South Carolina origin and a link to the Barr name. After ten years of researching, genealogical records revealed a familial link between the two families, transplanted to different areas of northern Mississippi during slavery. The two families learned of their common ancestral tie to a slave couple, Lewis and Fanny Barr, and the story of how their children were separated 150 years earlier in Abbeville, South Carolina. Sadly, they took different surnames after Emancipation and never learned about each other. In Atlanta, Georgia, over 250 descendants recently celebrated the 150th Year Commemorative Reunion of the Descendants of Lewis and Fanny Barr. Dr. Rick Kittles, renowned geneticist and co-founder of African Ancestry (the African DNA company),

by Melvin J. Collie

was the banquet speaker. He revealed that the direct descendants of Fanny Barr shared maternal genetic ancestry with the Fulani and Yoruba peoples of Nigeria. The following day, the family boarded five buses to Abbeville, South Carolina, to visit where our ancestors were last together on Rev. William H. Barr’s plantation. We toured historic Abbeville and were welcomed by the mayor and current pastor of the church where Rev. Barr was a minister from 1809 to 1843. Our ancestors were documented slave members of the church prior to 1859. We also toured the old Lemuel Reid Plantation where several family members were sold right before the rest of the family was taken to northern Mississippi. In an emotional ceremony, we dedicated a monument in an old slave cemetery on the land Barr Plantation where patriarch Lewis died in 1846. Visit www.BarrDescendants.org. Reported by Melvin J. Collier, Anstell, Georgia.

The Descendants of Lewis & Fanny Barr reunite for the first time after 150 years of separation.

Branson hosts 10,000th family reunion

ranson, Missouri, hosted its 10,000th family reunion recently. This beautiful Ozark Mountain lakes area has welcomed visitors for more than a century, but has tracked family reunions only since 1994. The Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) receives many calls from families seeking help in planning their reunions. Julie Koerkenmeier, Koerkenmeier Family Reunion planner, was identified as number 10,000! Originally from Tipton, Missouri, members now live in Ohio, California and Georgia. Three generations gathered in Branson for their first whole-family get-together in many years. Branson’s central location is important. It is an easy road trip for millions and now there are low-cost flights to the new Branson Airport.

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There are many lodging choices and unique attractions abound, from live shows to museums to playing on the lake or in water parks. And Branson won’t break the bank. “Branson is definitely a good value,” Julie pointed out, “especially compared to other cities.” And Branson’s lodging, shows, attractions and restaurants often offer group rates. Julie said, “Table Rock Lake is so much cleaner than the lakes we grew up around. All the family loves boating, swimming and fishing at Table Rock and Lake Taneycomo.” Military groups and class reunions also meet in Branson. Branson CVB can provide reunion planning assistance, area information and welcome bags. Call 800-214-3661; ExploreBranson.com.

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COMMEMORATIONS

M Subscribe! Call 1-800-373-7933

any organizations provide commemorations to families and to reunions. To see if there is something for your reunion, visit reunionsmag.com and click on Keeping Reunions Alive.

Juneaus celebrate Alaska’s capital city’s 50th anniversary

escendants of Joe Juneau chose Alaska’s namesake capital city for its seventh international reunion. In addition to celebrating Joe Juneau, a Canadian prospector who made Alaska’s first major gold discovery in 1880, the Juneaus celebrated Alaska’s 50th anniversary of statehood. The Juneau International Family Reunion started in 1991 to honor descendants of Clement Jouineau, a 16th century Frenchman known as the forefather of all North American Juneaus. The reunion has been held in the US, France and Canada. This reunion included Coronells, descendants of Chief

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Kowee, the Tlingit man who guided Juneau from the Cassiar Region of British Columbia to Alaska. They enjoyed wildlife tours and special family activities, attended a flag-raising ceremony at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and participated in the Fourth of July parade. Robert Sam, of Sitka, a direct descendant of Chief Kowee, wore one of Kowee’s ceremonial robes at the flag-raising ceremony and in the parade. From an article by Kim Andree in the Juneau Empire,Juneau, Alaska.

Time to collect proclamations

f you plan to have your mayor, county executive, governor or other elected officials welcome your reunion, now’s the time to solicit proclamations because it takes a long time to get these things done. We recommend a couple of months lead

time, with follow-ups to ensure they’ve not forgotten! Do their work for them. Draft your letter the way you want your proclamation to read; they’re likely to copy what you wrote, put it on official stationary and sign it. In other words, help them along!

Proctor/Wright Family reunion July 25, 2009 Liberty State Park Our reunion theme for 2009 is … “Embrace, Enjoy, and Live Life” march 9, 2009

From: to:

Subject:

Nakeisha Smith Jersey City, New Jersey Mayor Jeremiah Healy and Governor Jon S. Corzine Jersey City, New Jersey Proclamation/resolution honoring the Proctor/Wright Family reunion

Jersey City is hosting the annual Proctor/Wright Family reunion at the Liberty State Park, July 25, 2009. We want to showcase the best that Jersey City has to offer, and would like to have our family honored via a proclamation. Our roots are in the state of South Carolina and our family has settled all over the USa, with a sizable group in bronx, New york and New Jersey.

FREE

FIRST EVER! NATIONWIDE TELE-CONFERENCE FOR REUNION PLANNERS

Start or Improve your Family Reunion April 8, 2010 8-9 PM Eastern Join Edith Wagner, editor of Reunions magazine, and Uncle Bob Wolfe, author of Secrets of Successful Family Reunions for discussion, advice, your questions answered! Do not do it alone — invite your reunion committee members to listen in.

REGISTER NOW! SuccessfulFamilyReunions.org/ reunionsmag Advance registration required to obtain conference call number, pass code and how to submit your questions.

We are expecting 150-200 people (visitors) for our reunion and want to have the proclamation presented at our family dinner on Saturday night, July 25, 2009. the proclamation should honor the legacy of the africanamerican Family as exhibited in the many generations of the Proctor/Wright Family reunion Families. thanks for your time and effort. Please contact me aSaP when you have approved and scheduled the issuance of the proclamation. Nakeisha Smith, reunion Committee Co-Chairperson

Thanks to Cheri Conetsco of the Moore Family Reunion for reminding us to share this info with you!

www.reunionsmag.com TM

F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

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Reunions and family members with special needs by Crystal Kupper

and with bath seats, if needed. Aim for ina Boyle stared at the family wheelchair-friendly meeting sites with reunion invitation, questions paved paths and even surfaces. already flying through her mind. As Reserve spots at the ends of picnic program manager for the family tables for those who can’t climb into resource center at Support for Families seats. Ensure that open, spacious of Children with Disabilities in San restrooms and/or portable toilets are Francisco, California, she intimately nearby. understood the unique struggles faced “As a reunion planner, be clear with by people with special needs. Cerebral your parameters from the beginning. palsy forces her own ten-year-old son, Know what you can and cannot do,” Drew, to use a wheelchair. Cusick advises. “The parents hold the Would the reunion site have ultimate responsibility for their child, wheelchair access, she wondered? but reunion planners can help a lot!” Would an appropriate family bathroom be available? FOOD, FUN & GAMES “The reunion required a lot of Most family reunions include advance planning,” Boyle says. “We several meals and abundant activity had to remove the barriers beforehand time. Because of dietary and physical so Drew can be the kid that he is restrictions, however, some families Josh and Lucy Cusick instead of just someone in a wheelchair. may feel excluded. Kids are kids before they are ‘kids with Food and fun for all is still possible. Janet DeSantis, a special needs.’” special-needs para-educator from Mountain Home, Idaho, Boyle, whose organization serves approximately 800 Bay advises thinking creatively. “If possible, try to find a specialArea families annually, is not alone. According to Safe Kids needs-friendly playground,” she says. “Adjust your playtime to USA, an accident-prevention organization, over nine million work for everyone. Even those in wheelchairs can usually play American children under age 18 have a special healthcare need. basketball, toss a Frisbee or throw water balloons. Try playing Because of this high prevalence of special needs and ‘red light, green light’ or tag with someone else pushing the disabilities in today’s society, reunions are bound to include wheelchair, or let them judge other races and contests.” family members dealing with difficulties such as autism, DeSantis also suggests that you shy away from games where Down’s Syndrome, Asperger’s and other disorders. Large getphysicality is emphasized, such as “Simon Says” or potato togethers can prove challenging for the child, parents and sack races. siblings and even prevent them from attending what otherwise Label all food with specific ingredients, or ease the confusion would be a happy, memorable event. entirely by setting aside a table with dishes that are edible for SPECIAL PLANS your specific relative. Family reunion planners face a daunting task, no matter the MAXIMUM EXPOSURE gathering size. The idea of extra preparation may seem too Many people with special needs require lower levels of hard, but with advance notice, reunions including families stimulation. When crafting a schedule, keep it open-ended involving special needs can flow like any other. instead of rigidly structured. Plan flexible outings with options Lucy Cusick, executive director of FOCUS, in Atlanta, for families, and include some “downtime.” Georgia, an organization that provides support to parents of Boyle and DeSantis suggest avoiding public meltdowns by children with disabilities, sees such planning pay dividends providing a “quiet room” for unwinding, with plenty of snacks every year at her family reunion. Cusick’s 23-old-son Josh has and hydration, slipping in late or leaving early to avoid long cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Despite the reunion lines, and breaking up gathering areas into sections and being held at a rural country church, both immensely enjoy rotating through as needed. spending time with relatives – all because of strategic, “Many people are curious about your child’s condition, but prepared planning. that can get old after the first 20 times,” Boyle says. “Let your The first step as a reunion planner, Cusick says, is to know child update the relatives about his or her progress, then what you’re facing. escape to the quiet room for recuperation, if needed.” “In the beginning, ask for specific need of family members Despite the extra work, Boyle knows family reunions are with special needs,” she suggests. “Will they need a worth the struggle. wheelchair-accessible hotel? What about bath seats in the “It’s Drew’s family, too. He loves to be one of the gang,” she showers? Will they want plug-ins at the reunion site for their says. “We’re not all the same – whether your disability is food blenders? Will they have a van with a ramp?” evident or not, getting together as a family benefits everyone.” Cusick knows many individuals with disabilities have incredibly specific, difficult needs. Not every reunion planner About the author will be able to meet everyone’s need, she says, but Crystal Kupper is a freelance writer, classical pianist and consideration goes a long way. Air Force wife living in Salem, Oregon. She has worked with First, consider available accommodations. Opt for nonchildren with special needs for several years. smoking, wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms on the ground floor

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Q&A! Who attends reunions?

which is about 43% of those contacted. Is this percentage generally considered a good response or would our extended family be categorized as fairly disconnected? I don’t think that money or health played a significant reason for not attending. Thanks for your opinion.

Sounds like you’ve planned a memorable reunion!I have no statistics about the percentage of attendance but suggest you ask the question on our forum (http://forums. reunion mag.com) and on our facebook fan page to see if others want to respond. My anecdotal thoughts on the question are that money and health may play a greater role than you imagine. It was my first thought when I read your question. I would suggest more than just two communications. Consider a “phone tree.” Ask members who love talking on the phone to call people you’ve not heard

from to remind or cajole them. If you feel like doing some research, call to find out why they’re not coming. Add email, and web and facebook pages to your communication tools to capture some of the younger members, as I’m guessing that may be a significant number of those not coming. Ask younger members to be in charge of electronic communications. In spite of your efforts, do not be surprised if some turn up without reservations. Next time announce a prize for the branch with the most members present. Then grandma can urge her progeny to be there so she can win! Also, we have an evaluation online at “wrap up your reunion.” It’s pretty formal, though many reunions use it and it could guide your debriefing. Thanks for raising an issue I’d not considered. I will consider it now. EW Photo credit Pink Plum Photography, Vancouver, British Columbia

Wayne E. Krause, Delta, British Columbia, Canada, wrote: “Several of my cousins and I formed a committee to plan the Zilke Family Reunion on my mother’s side. My mother is one of six living siblings (from an original 12) who are in their 70s and 80s. Ten had children. The planning took about one year. The reunion consists of a catered dinner one evening and a picnic the next day. We’ve done a lot of things to make the event special and worth attending. “I was wondering if you have statistics about the percentage of family who decide to attend an event like this after being contacted? There are 250 family members and virtually all were contacted with two letters. Approximately half of the families live in the Vancouver, British Columbia, area. The other half are in Alberta, Washington State, California and Oregon. We’ve ended up with 108 family members attending,

Zilke Family Reunion

DEADLINE MARCH 31, 2010

IN A 2010 REUNION AT YMCA OF THE ROCKIES IN COLORADO! Win a reunion package for 30 people, which includes 10 lodge rooms for two nights at either Estes Park Center or Snow Mountain Ranch and daily breakfasts. Prize should be used by December 15, 2010. To enter write 30 words or less about why you would like to have your reunion at YMCA of the Rockies. For details, visit www.ymcarockies.org/home/what-we-offer/reunions-Colorado/winfreereunion. Enter now. And for more opportunities to feather your reunion nest, visit contests and sweepstakes on www.reunionsmag.com. Return often to see new contests as we discover. F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

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Arces bring music to Florida

just added an auction to give the next reunion a head start. t was Loida Arce Acosta’s first time planning the Arce There is a 5K walk/run, Arce Boot Camp exercise, and team Family Reunion. The first generation is gone and the second games (volleyball, basketball, table games, softball). Points are generation has only two members left; the oldest is 96. Now the awarded for Best Team Chants and Team third generation takes turns. Banners. Teens are captains, with an adult coLoida’s father, Luis Arce, started the family captain. Certificates for winning teams and reunions in the 1950s. He had three girls and special certificates are given at the farewell two boys. When he passed away, reunions fell service. There is also an Arce of the Year to the wayside until a cousin started them award. again. They have rich family roots: the first Loida’s daughter, Natalie Arce Acosta, who generation had 12 children. was in charge of connecting with cousins online They celebrate every two years. To make it on Facebook and MySpace, also sorted t-shirts, possible for family members to come from made welcome packages and much more. Puerto Rico, they alternate reunion locations Family members contribute something of every two years. their family for the Arce Family Gallery. It can The family branch that plans the reunion be a photo, computer slide show or digital decides on the location, and gets a chance to Brother and sister, Rebecca and Matthew picture frames. Loida made a 95-page slide stage its own reunion, selecting the date, theme Calderon enjoy the Arce gallery. show for one night’s program. It included pictures of past reunions and family group pages of each family and each branch. They started a silent auction and collected about $2,500. But the silent auction was turned into a real auction because family members were “out for blood. It was so much fun. One family picture sold for $600, another for $1,025.” All the money is deposited to the reunion account, and some offsets this reunion and some helps the next family with start-up money for the next reunion. One special night is dedicated to the family’s Puerto Rican heritage, with food, songs and traditions from the first generation and a sharing time at the end. Loida’s sister was the cook. She made traditional foods like yellow rice and pigeon peas, pork and chicken the Puerto Rican way, salad with special dressing, Spanish bread, green bananas Tranquiolin (Tinin) Arce-Rosa (87) and her sister Francis (Paca) Arce-Cruz (95), the survivors of the first 12 and yucca with rice pudding for dessert. Everyone siblings, lead the team parade. at the feast was told that a special group, Los Hibaros del Campo, was coming to sing. and style. It’s always fresh and After serving the food, Loida and new. In addition, each reunion others went to a back room, changed unveils its own new logo. and exited the back. Then they came Loida, who lives in in singing Spanish Christmas songs Orlando, chose Florida in with traditional instruments and dress. December to take advantage Another tradition is called Bombas; of cooler weather. The theme participants spontaneously rhyme off was Celebrando Nuestra the top of their heads by singing a Musica (celebrating our couple of sentences that make sense. music). The logo was handLoida added lots of information painted and included a group about Puerto Rico to the program of instruments and traditional because the kids are forgetting where images from Puerto Rico. Los Hibaros del Campo came to perform. the family came from, so they try hard The family sends a to keep that tradition. She is thinking newsletter close to the reunion date and has a website where about a workshop for the younger generation to learn about and they can download pictures, add news, celebrate birthdays, be proud of where the family came from for future reunions. weddings, milestones, trade recipes, take polls and find Reunions are a time nobody wants to miss. They are addresses and phone numbers. considered a “must.” The family has many reunion traditions: a new logo and theme The whole assembled Arce Family Reunion photo can be each reunion, team games, chapel, Heritage Night, sharing time, seen in Reunions Picture Gallery at www.reunionsmag.com. campfire, talent show, Arce gallery and birthday tables. They’ve

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Wilson family celebrates 77th reunion

escendants of the late Henry and Lucy Marrow Wilson of Granville County, North Carolina, celebrated the 77th anniversary of the Wilson Family Reunion. It was the largest reunion in many years, close to 600 family and friends. Family members attended from 13 states, from as far west as California, as far north as Connecticut, and as far south as Texas. The family has celebrated a reunion every year since 1932. Throughout the years, the reunion has been held in homes, the Greenwood Schoolhouse, Northern Granville Middle School and, in recent years, J. F. Webb High School. This year’s three-day reunion started with the first Meet & Greet the family has ever held. It was great way for family to reconnect. There was a display of enlarged photographs of Wilson ancestors, the family homestead, and old reunion pictures to spark reminiscences. This occasion was special because it gave everyone a chance to be close and listen to stories of how their ancestors lived during the early 20th century. Light refreshments and a Wilson Family Reunion cake were served. On Saturday, 200 family members met at the Granville Athletic Park in Oxford, North Carolina, for a cookout and a spectacular celebration of their heritage. The family enjoyed prayer, food and games. The theme was “A Return to Our Roots: Celebrating 77 Years of Wilson Family History and Heritage,” which was appropriate because Reverend Willie F. Wilson of Washington, DC, presented the results of his DNA test. The test was done by African Ancestry, Inc. The paternal genetic marker linked the Wilsons to the Fula and Balanta people of Guinea-Bissau, a small country off the west coast of Africa.

The same day he received the DNA test results, a gentleman in his congregation from Guinea-Bissau presented him with a staff carved by a priest from the west coast of Africa. Family members held the staff and posed for photographs. Reverend Wilson performed a libation, pouring liquid in honor of the family’s ancestors. He also provided the family with free copies of documentation to show

and volunteers for a job well done. The family brings their home-cooked baskets for a traditional Sunday dinner. The family has also always remembered their ancestors by lighting a candle and having a moment of silence. Children are included in the program at the reunion. This year we had one of our young family members sing a solo. Our children are also provided with games and

Wilsons enjoyed their reunion with Reverend Willie F. Wilson holding the staff, the author is in the Michael Jackson t-shirt.

proof of the DNA research, and information about Wilson family history. He has been ordained as a Wolof Priest in the Gambia, West Africa, and was installed as a sub-chief by the Asankare-Breuto in Asankrangwa, West Ghana. He was a 2002 mayoral candidate for Washington, DC. The grand finale was held Sunday at J. F. Webb High School, where the family put on a grand performance of gospel singing, praise worship dancing, ministering, and a detailed history of the Wilson Family Reunion. Approximately 350 attended. Pamela Williams, president of the Wilson Family Reunion, welcomed the Wilson family and thanked committee members

other activities to keep them busy. In years past, children have not been involved in planning; however, it is something that should and will be implemented. At 94, Elizabeth Wilson Nutall was the oldest Wilson family member and the oldest in attendance. Special recognition was given to graduates, and the oldest Wilson family members received plaques, while the youngest family member in attendance, 19-month-old Taliyah Yancey, received an engraved picture frame. Reported by Pamela Williams, Fredricksburg, Virginia, Wilson Reunion president.

F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S 29

MASTERPLAN

How to reunite, family-style by Elizabeth Eaton Donofrio hen my husband’s job brought us from Massachusetts to Florida, I realized I was not as brave as my namesake on the Mayflower. Without telephones, email and digital cameras, I’d never have made it across the ocean; I’d be the one waving goodbye from the dock as the rest of the Pilgrims set sail. Even with all these gizmos and gadgets to keep me connected to our family in New England, I still need to see, hear, smell and touch my roots to cure my homesickness. So each summer, we pack up our four children for the long journey home. I was always excited until we actually arrived because we spent much of the week, not picking blueberries as I’d envisioned but, driving from one relative’s house to another. Our conversations typically went something like this: ME: “Why can’t we stay longer at my mother’s?” HUSBAND ROB: “Am I ever going to see any other part of the country in my lifetime?” ME: “Do you think we can swing by (fill in the blank) for just a few hours?” ROB: “I’m spending a fortune, and all we’re doing is driving all over the place. This is not a vacation!” Then last fall, Rob had a breakthrough … a movable reunion vacation. For one week, I could see my mother, brother, sister, and sister-in-law and all their families. We could invite our aunts, uncles, and cousins to visit for a day or overnight. We’d stay put in one big house, all together. Everything I could want. For Rob, no driving hither and yon, and every year, we could visit a different part of the country. Plus, the big payoff: we’re still married. The Protocol: I emailed my brother in Pennsylvania, my sister in Massachusetts, and my mother in Maine, and asked if they would like to start a tradition of meeting in a different spot every year. For our inaugural reunion we remained in New England. This created buy-in for Grammy and Grandpa, who like me, are somewhat logistically challenged. Searching the internet, we found an affordable 13-bedroom house on Island Pond in Harrison, Maine. Conducting Research: Everyone helped with planning. One family would be in charge of dinner each day, with one night reserved for the grown-ups to go out while Grammy babysat; with pizza thrown in, that covered all evenings. Jenn, my brother’s wife, planned a clambake on the beach, which was the highlight of the week.

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Mitch Donofrio (8) enjoys kayaking with his Uncle Chuck Eaton.

Jenn also created shirts at www.cafepress.com. She found a tree graphic, wrote our surnames around the branches and under the roots Of all the names we go by, we like Family best. Maine 2008. We could view her designs and order the color, size and style we each preferred. Shirts were sent directly to each of us. It was perfect. I emailed our plans and included a link to see the house on the web, proving we had plenty of room to accommodate everyone. Executing the plan: Our rental house, Snowbird Lodge, was a former camp lodge with its own beach. Aside from swimming, kayaking, and hiking, day excursions included letterboxing at the Songo Locks (see freebies at reunionsmag.com for more information about this fabulous, free family pastime), a trip to L.L. Bean in Freeport, and to North Conway and Diana’s Baths in New Hampshire. Harrison was celebrating their Heritage Days, so we attended and my brother and I signed up for the 5K Run Around the Lake. Our mom was especially happy to watch us run together, which we’d not done since we ran on our high school cross-country team 23 years earlier. Our children voted to forego seeing us cross the finish line in favor of more rides on The Zipper. We organized a Christmas in July, complete with small tree, lights and decorations, and a Talent Show. Chuck, our experienced Boy Scout camper, was MC, introducing kids’ acts with typical Maine humor, “It was so cold this morning my corn flakes turned into frosted flakes!” and “By night time, my hamburg was an iceberg!” PLANNING TIPS

• Start planning early! You need time to secure the location you want when you want it. Give yourself up to one year lead time. • Make group decisions about location, time and price. • Get as large a house as you can afford so you have elbow room. Or get adjacent cottages.

• If planning a long drive, make sure your car is checked out by your mechanic before you leave. Bring snacks and travelfriendly games. • Build in time with your immediate family apart from the extended family. • Plan some group activities like a talent show, clambake, baseball game or campfire. • Organize day excursions to break up the week. • Bring crafts and games appropriate for all ages for indoor time. In our family, when we say, “Want to play The Game?” everyone knows we mean Scrabble. Shut the Box, a game we’d never heard of, was a HUGE hit. Also, we kept a basket near the kitchen table with a deck of cards, Blink, string for friendship bracelets, beads and safety pins for friendship pins, crayons, markers and paper, bubbles, and playdough. If you rent a house, ask if there are games or toys waiting. The house we rented had Legos galore and some Matchbox cars. • I bought a tablecloth from www.gooseberrypatch.com with a map of the US printed on it. It was great to show where each family was from, and to plan our trip next year. • Collect finds from hikes in a Jar of Wonder. Dispense contents at end of the reunion. • Keep a family journal for use year after year. • Take lots of photos! Make a photo book on www.kodakgallery.com.

A SAMPLE OF PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS:

As with all scientific experiments, we kept a journal. • Uncle Chuck took us on a hike in the woods. I found a big feather for our Jar of Wonder. There were a lot of mosquitoes. We didn’t put them in the jar. ~Ellie, age 4 • Tomorrow we will be leaving “The Big House.” Everything has been wonderful - but for me the most wonderful was being with my children, their spouses and all the grandchildren! It’s amazing how fast the grandchildren are growing and developing their own personalities. I’m looking forward to more reunions like this. ~Grammy • What a great week! I’m so glad we had a chance to really catch up, so much more than an afternoon celebrating a holiday. I had a chance to get to know all my nieces and nephews. I’ll try and sharpen my Scrabble skills for next time! Love to all. Sad it has to end. ~Uncle Chuck • I really enjoyed the kayaking, the fresh air, the cool nights, friends, family, but most of all, no cell phone coverage or internet access! ~Rob KEEPING IN TOUCH AFTER THE REUNION

• Email!! My daughter, Abbey, and her cousin, Hannah, have become fast email friends and lately, weekly phone calls. • Use facebook.com for sharing photos and for those who couldn’t come. After they learn about the fun you had, they’ll be anxious to join next year!

About the author Beth Donofrio is a mother of four children and a middle school language arts teacher for 54 children in Venice, Florida. She has written articles about family life and education for various national and regional magazines including PTO Today, Cape Cod Magazine and the Boston Parents Paper among others. Water is always an attraction for everyone.

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FEATURES

Go on a coastal reunion bay-cation f a fistful choices is important to you, Alabama’s Mobile Bay area provides plenty to love. Located in the southwestern corner of the state, Mobile is on the Mobile River, and the Bay is on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s Alabama’s only seaport, tenth in the US, and many reunions have sailed aboard a Carnival Cruise from Mobile. The Carnival Fantasy is sailing until May 2010, when it will be replaced by the Carnival Elation. In the beginning, the area was home to the Native American Mobilian tribe, responsible for the naming of the city, whose citizens are referred to as Mobilians. Mobile’s rich history and varied influences date back to its founding in 1702 as a colony of France, then Britain and Spain, before becoming a part of the US in 1813, through its Civil War secession in 1861 and reentry in 1865. For a thorough overview, you’ll want to learn the area’s entire history at the Museum of Mobile (museumofmobile.com), which tells 300 years of Mobile history, from the very first inhabitants to the present. At nearby Fort Conde, an 18th century replica, six flags have flown over the city.

A DESTINATION FOR MILITARY REUNIONS

or military reunions or families who are honoring World War II veterans, Mobile tells a story of strong support for the World War II effort. The Museum of Mobile has an exhibit about work in the shipyards and at the Brookley Army Air Field during WWII. Mobile was one of 18 US cities producing Liberty ships between 1940 and 1943. After the war, most of the military bases were converted to civilian uses. Mobile is home to USS USS Alabama Alabama Battleship Memorial Park (ussalabama.com), a memorial to everyone who has served or is serving in the Armed Forces. Dramatic exhibits include USS Alabama and the submarine USS Drum, which earned 12 Battle Stars for valor in WWII. You will also see WWII tanks, artillery and 24 combat aircraft, including those flown by the Tuskegee airmen, and much more.

MARDI GRAS IN MOBILE

obile is known for having the oldest organized Carnival celebrations in the US, dating to the early colonial period. It is also the home to the first formally organized Carnival mystic society or “krewe” in the US in 1711. In 2009, Mardi Gras reached the one-million attendee milestone during the 5day citywide Mobile celebration. Your reunion may not be in Mobile for Mardi Gras, but whenever you visit, you can not escape this all encompassing tradition. Planning and preparation are year-round preoccupations for Mobilians. Carnival celebrations end promptly at midnight at the beginning of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent). To get a good dose of the flavors of Carnival, you’ll want to visit the Mobile Carnival Museum (mobilecarnival museum.com). You’ll see jeweled crowns and lavish gowns A Mardi Gras tradition was started at the Perry-Prince Family Reunion in the Mobile Bay area. Shown here, and robes of Mobile’s reunion King Rev. Nathaniel Perry, Gulfport, Mississippi, Mardi Gras Kings and Queen Rosemary Perry, Pensacola, Florida. Everyone and Queens, and 16 and over has a chance in a drawing to be chosen to learn the mysteries reign as reunion royalty. It adds to the excitement, of Mardi Gras. according to Claude Perry, Mobile, Alabama. FAMILY TIME

hildren’s and science museums are becoming ubiquitous. Mobile’s Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center (exploreum.com) combines both with exciting interactive exhibits. From the youngest toddlers to the great-grandparents, you’ll find plenty to intrigue everyone. The Exploreum is home to an IMAX Theater and permanent – as well as traveling – exhibits. Larger-than-life dinosaurs are featured right now. The Exploreum’s new, innovative My Bodyworks gallery features more than 50 health-related interactive exhibits. It would be a perfect field trip if you include a health workshop in your family reunion program. Interactive exhibits include virtual heart bypass and knee replacement surgeries. It’s a great place for curious minds to explore. Call 251-208-6879 for group rates.

SAMPLE MOBILE BAY CVB SERVICES FOR MILITARY REUNIONS

The Mobile Bay CVB can make planning your military reunion easy and affordable. Ron McConnell is the CVB point man who can provide these services. • Direct contact with hotels for rates and banquet pricing • Proposal packet detailing military sites, attractions, dining and transportation • Follow-up to answer questions and meet special needs • Professional sightseeing service to coordinate leisure activities Contact Ron McConnell at 800-566-2453, ext 4; ron-mcconnell@mobile.org to plan your reunion in Mobile Bay! Also visit www.mobilebay.org. 32

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By Edith Wagner

FAMILY TIME OUTDOORS

ature is a prime interest and attraction in the Mobile Bay area, so your reunion program would be remiss without time outdoors. The 5 Rivers Delta Center is a good place to start. It is a fascinating nature center with camping (four campsites are floating platforms) and meeting space that can accommodate reunions. It offers a new way to explore the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Appalachee

trees, and an occasional alligator can be spotted. Dauphin Island is classified as a “Globally Important Bird Area” by the American Bird Conservancy. (dauphinisland.org/bird.htm) Fort Gaines (dauphinisland.org/fort.htm) on Dauphin Island is famous for the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay and Admiral Farragut’s command, “Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead.” You’ll see how soldiers lived in the 1800s, a working blacksmith shop, bakery, Officer’s Quarters, and actual cannons used in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Golf is an important activity to many reunion-goers, and Alabama offers the statewide Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The Trail includes 11 golf courses, two of which are among Mobile’s seven courses. The Wall Street Journal said the Trail “may be the biggest bargain in the country” and The New York Times called the Trail “some of the best public golf on Earth.” Ask the CVB for the Mobile Bay Golf Guide. These Mobilian Exploreum fans are playing a tug of war game using a fulcrum and levers that illustrates various outcomes.

and Blakeley River delta, the second largest in the continental US. There are boat and adventure tours, walking trails and a canoe and kayak landings (dcnr.state.al.us/outdooradventures/5rivers/). Nearby Dauphin Island (townofdauphinisland.org) and its Audubon Bird Sanctuary offer a sandy beach and educational sightseeing in beautiful woodlands. There are miles of walking trails where egrets and herons hang out in the marshes and

TASTE OF MOBILE

f course, you’ll need to eat during your Mobile Bay area visit. These are some fine and fun places to consider. Arrive for dinner at Bimini Bob’s (biminibobs.com) in Daphne in time to watch beautiful sunsets overlooking Mobile Bay. An alligator-cam keeps an eye on who’s under the deck. Bimini Bob’s features fresh local gulf seafood. Lunch at Café Royal, where owner Tony Dughaish is very cordial, features delectable cuisine at affordable prices. I liked the big poster board menu outside. Spot of Tea (spotoftea.net) in Historic Downtown Mobile is in a landmark building erected in 1836. Ruby Moore and her family have expanded the restaurant to include party rooms. Wintzell’s Oyster House (wintzellsoysterhouse.com) on Dauphin Street, a Mobile landmark since 1938, serves signature oysters “fried, stewed or nude.” And if you’re really lucky, Miss Pinky will be your server. She is knowledgeable and so eager to serve.

MOBILE AT HOME IN HISTORY

he Oakleigh Historic Complex’s (historicmobile.org) three house museums interpret people’s lives in the mid-19th century. Follow a costumed guide through Oakleigh, an 1833 Greek revival mansion and down the path to the 1850 threeroom Cook’s House where the servants lived. Just a short drive from downtown Mobile is world-renowned Bellingrath Gardens and Home (bellingrath.org), a must-visit attraction. The 65-acre garden estate on Fowl River was created personally by Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. The English Renaissance-styled home, built in 1935, houses the Bellingrath family’s impressive original furnishings and Mrs. Bellingrath’s extensive collection of decorative arts. Group rates for 20 or more. continued on page 34

Costumed guides at Oakleigh Historic Complex. F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

FEATURES

Go on a coastal reunion bay-cation PERRY-PRINCE FAMILY ENJOYS MOBILE

ccording to Claude Perry, the Perry-Prince Family Reunion chose the Mobile area for their very first family gathering on his father’s side because Mobile provided many opportunities. In fact, he observed that Mobile must be a popular reunion city because they saw many reunion t-shirts on other families the same weekend.

continued

The host hotel was convenient to the Tilman’s Corner Community Center, with a spacious outdoor room adjacent to an elementary school, which MOBILE BAY CONVENTION provided added space. It AND VISITORS BUREAU was a very hot day so they Includes Mobile, Daphne were delighted to have and Fairhope acquired a facility to accommodate elderly as 800-5-Mobile (800-566-2453) well as young members. mobilebay.org Some members visited mobilebaymeetings.org sick and shut-in members who were not able to attend the reunion. Perry worked with the CVB for supplies and information about the city for many who did not live in the area. The CVB provided bags, maps and coupon booklets, and offered many services the reunion committee had already acquired. Many gifts were donated by the committee and presented throughout the event.

About the author Activities were planned for children at the Perry-Prince Family Reunion, including discussions about issues important to kids today.

They chose the 4th of July because there are many fireworks. Their theme was “Giving Thanks to a New Beginning” and colors, not surprisingly, were red, white and blue. This first reunion was described as a “meet, greet and eat event” to get the family together. Many were grateful to have had the opportunity to meet family members for the very first time. In true Mobile fashion, the family chose a King and Queen to reign over the reunion. Royalty are selected by drawing names of one male and one female family member over 16 years of age. The drawing is at the reunion so everyone can look forward to the surprise. The King and Queen received gifts of lawn chairs, a picnic set with barbecue sauce and gift basket. The Perry-Prince family royalty will be a tradition at each reunion.

R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

Edith Wagner is editor of Reunions magazine. She loves to visit reunion places. PLACES TO STAY IN MOBILE, ALABAMA

hese are historic full-service accommodations whose pasts follow Mobile area’s history. All have recently undergone extensive renovations and added spas. Newly renovated Battle House Hotel and Renaissance Riverview Plaza occupy prime central locations in downtown Mobile. Both are conveniently surrounded by museums, historical sites, galleries, restaurants and shops. The renovated Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa (marriottgrand.com) in nearby Point Clear, Alabama, is an historic hotel where high tea is served each day at 4 PM. The resort’s Lakewood Golf Club is on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Explore all of these accommodations at www.pchresorts.com.

FUNDRAISING

Family theatre party raises reunion bucks

ost of our family theatre parties have taken place at Arena Stage in Washington, DC. We select Arena because they produce a wide variety of plays that interest our members and their group rate is extremely liberal. Plus Washington, DC, is centrally located for family members from Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. At Arena groups of 15 or more pay about two-thirds of the box office ticket price, so it’s easy to make money. The discount is about $20 per ticket, whereas other theatres discount their tickets only $4 to $7 for groups. Because folks come from all over, the price we charge is for the theatre ticket only; it does not include transportation. Groups get together and car pool. (By contrast, I do similar theatre parties for some of my Richmond arts groups and the $85 price includes bus transportation and snacks.) Some groups charge more than the box office price for their fundraisers, but we don’t. We charge the same price they would pay at the box office. That way the person attending is paying what they would pay on their own and the reunion treasury is

still making a profit. On the rare occasion that we don’t get 15 persons, we still have a great day at the theatre in the company of family and friends. We usually see a matinee and go to dinner as a group after. If we see an evening performance, we meet for dinner before the show. Sometimes we make a day of it and visit one of the Smithsonian museums before the show. The cost of our most recent trip was $62 per person (tickets cost about $43 each). We had 16 participants, so made about $300. We have made as much as $650 on a theatre party, depending on how many people go. We sometimes get contributions from folks who are unable to attend. Once you sign up for the theatre party, we send background information: a synopsis and/or reviews of the play, information about the playwright, historical material on the era/issues represented by the play, etc. We also send information about dinner and the museum visit. Shared by Bessida Cauthorne White, White and Cauthorne-Brooks Family Reunions, Richmond, Virginia.

he Branch Family Legacy DVD titled “On the Hill in Watson, AR,” was taped inside the family’s St. John AME Church. It includes interviews with the two then-living children of ancestors John and Louisa Branch, the late Mary Branch Bankston and Willie Branch, Sr., as well as surviving spouses Grace Branch, wife of Ezell Branch, Sr., Dorothy Branch, wife of John Wes Branch and Marvel Branch, wife of Willie Branch, Sr. The children revisited the life and times spent with their late parents and siblings. A condensed version was shown during the reunion banquet. The history of the family church and Gentry Elementary School (named for Annie Branch Gentry, John and Louisa’s eldest daughter) were included, along with words of wisdom, and biographies of John and Louisa Branch and their ten children with an accompanying photomontage. Videos were available for purchase. Reported by Diane Gentry Martin, Memphis, Tennessee. F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING ROUNDUP

How do podcasts help with fundraising?

e have several fundraisingrelated podcasts online and more in our heads! One discusses how to ask for money, which is everyone’s first dilemma. How to create a reunion ad book is particularly good for class reunions. And how Convention and Visitors Bureaus can help may also affect your bottom line. Add podcasts to your reunion information resource! www.reunionsmag.com.

ovine Moss, Rock Hill, South Carolina, used personalized candies as a giveaway at a Moss Family Reunion. Everyone loved them. So it occurs to us that candies also might be sold as a fundraiser. Moss got hers from Hospitality Mints, 800-334-5181; hospitalitymints.com.

How lots of reunions raise money

hanele Jordan Toomer writes about a Silent Auction. We have had this prize winner for more than a few reunions. There is a table with auction items. In front of each item is a box. Purchase tickets at $1 each. Place ticket(s) in the box in front of the item you want to bid on. Winning tickets are drawn from the box and announced during the Saturday program. The Toomers also solicit reunion sponsors. Family members make the case that their reunion offers an opportunity for the sponsor to enhance its brand and to reach a target audience. They offer sponsors invitations to receptions and can plaster their logo on anything from banners to key chains. Ann Eide, Beloit, Wisconsin, reports that the Christiansen Family Reunion asks everyone for $2 in dues to pay for postage and shelter rental fee. Cheryl Moore Strodder, Richmond, Virginia, says the Henry & Sam Johnson Family Reunion assesses family dues of $100 per family. Each family pays for individual activities and t-shirts. Jeri Sprecher, Peoria, Arizona, plans the reunion of WWII American Beagle Alumni. Their funds come primarily from dues and the sale of special items (hats,

t-shirts, pins, stamps, etc.). Funds are kept in an interest-bearing checking account (with two signers). Reunion costs are covered by registration fees. Sarah Okuno, Saratoga, California, says her family fronted the necessary deposits and payments for the Awaya Family Reunion, then divided expenses by the number of adults, and billed each family. They usually ask for installments from each family to make payments to the accommodation. Quite often they carry some balance as folks delay payments. They are always reimbursed 100% by the end of the reunion. Carol Idalski, Charlotte, Michigan, says the Darga Family Reunion treasurer covers catering by collecting $15 for a single adult, $30 for an adult couple, and $40 for a family. Desserts and snacks are donated. Kristophe Smith reported that community contacts helped him score a very nice donation. “I secured a donation from the Community Relations Department at Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. No one in my family works for them. I’ve worked in the Miami community on several events with RCCL over the years. They were a great partner for our family reunion.”

Bolins collect for birthday presents

ach year we find a creative way to collect money to cover our reunion expenses because an offering doesn’t bring in enough. This year when we sent out the invitation we asked everyone to get an envelope and write on the front “Bolin Reunion Birthday Present” for the reunion birthday theme. We asked them to begin adding money daily and bring it to the reunion. On the day of the birthday reunion, everyone who brought an envelope got a numbered ticket. There was a pot for those age 19 and younger and one for 20 and older. We drew a numbered ticket for one person in each age category to select an envelope of money to keep. We had so much fun watching these two people squeezing envelopes to see which might have the most money. We collected more money this year than we have collected in many years! Submitted by Ricky Thornton, Activities Coordinator, Bolin Family Reunion held in Slocomb, Alabama, each April.

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Eric Thornton (8) gets candles ready to celebrate everyone’s birthday.

An example of a successful fundraising letter

oan Curtis Waters shared this letter requesting contributions to help underwrite the Curtis/Butler Family Reunion (CBF) door prizes and awards. She sent it to businesses and family members. Here is Joan’s letter, followed by a report of the results.

april 2009 Dear

this July, my family – the Curtis/butler Family (CbF) – will gather for our much anticipated bi-annual family reunion. We are deeply rooted in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties although family members reside in surrounding areas and across the country. We look forward to this special event as we celebrate our heritage, reconnect with each other and highlight family achievements. everyone looks forward to the Family Pride awards we present to our high school and college graduates and our youth who participate in community events. it is a time when we show them just how proud we are of their accomplishments. Family Pride awards are also extended to retirees, military and others who have reached significant milestones since our last reunion. We realize that we have excellent role models for our youth right in our own family! We invite you to share in our celebration by providing complimentary items for our reunion goody bags for each family represented (50) and/or door prizes that are awarded by random draw. typically, we receive discount coupons, dinner certificates and other goods from area establishments. all contributors will be listed in our reunion program as reunion sponsors. thank you in advance for your support of Family Values! if you have any questions, please contact me at your earliest convenience by phone or email. kindest regards, Joan curtis Waters CbFamily reunion Coordinator Charlotte Hall MD

Fundraising letters

ere are some tips for writing successful fundraising letters. • Do not write “To whom it may concern” or “Dear friends.” Find the names of who you’re writing to and use them. • Use the word “you” to get your readers more interested in your letter. • State your case very clearly, because it will make or break your solicitation. • Emphasize the benefits they get from supporting you and how you’ve used donations in the past. • Say that any amount of cash or in kind contribution will be appreciated. Do not pressure. • Do not turn off readers with words that are too big. Use simple words in fundraising letters. • Highlight important words in your letter. Use bold fonts, underlining or uppercase letters. Most readers simply skim your letter. • Make your letter format readable. Leave white space. Have only three to four sentences per paragraph. Indent each paragraph. • Use bullet points instead of long sentences. • Keep fundraising letters short. State your intentions in the fewest possible words. Get to the point immediately. • Be honest. • Be sincere. Subscribe! Call 1-800-373-7933

THE RESULTS

• Family Sponsors – “You have not because you ask not.” I was overwhelmed by the response of family members when asked to help “sponsor” the reunion by donating funds toward a specific activity or the general reunion fund. Over $500 was contributed to the general fund, over and above registration fees (donations). Wow! This money went toward rental fees for a porta-potty, tables, chairs, etc. • Business Sponsors – Don’t be shy! Door prizes and other goody bag items were provided by local and not-so-local business friends. Also, business owners in the family were invited to donate door prizes that were given out by random draw. Discounted/free items included photography sessions, spa treatment, limo service, Reunions magazine subscriptions, personal care items and restaurant coupons. Official reunion sponsor request letters were presented as needed … with a huge family-friendly smile. Who would say No to supporting families? F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S 37

FUNDRAISING

Lommori Family Reunion celebrates six generations

escendants of Guiseppe and Elena Lommori and Bernardo and Palmira Lommori gathered to celebrate strong family ties that have been woven for six generations. After dinner, everyone gathered at the “Auction Center” to participate in one of our family’s favorite activities! Everyone was encouraged to bring something from home for the auction. This year’s assortment included baskets of homemade goodies, collectible baseball cards, an Italian cookbook, a mystery bag for the cook, vintage wine and framed photography. There were also the last two paintings of Helena Lommori, who passed away earlier in the year. Her donated paintings have always

been in great demand. Other favorites, and in great demand, were two large glass jars filled with homemade Biscottis, lovingly made by Delia Lommori! Our auctioneers kept the atmosphere filled with true family spirit and lots of laughter! This year, we introduced our newest auctioneer, Doak Walker, who is six years old! The popular bestseller cookbook, Memories and Recipes of the Lommori Family, was also for sale. Filled with so much more than recipes, this cookbook is a beautiful legacy of the Lommori family, with stories, quotes and many photos. From the Reno Gazette Journal, Reno, Nevada

Chatter from the forum

his discussion is from Reunions magazine’s Forum. You, too, may join the discussion at http://forums.reunionsmag.com.

Camie Where does the cash come from to start out? Like for printing forms and letters, stamps, ordering t-shirts, memory books, food, etc. Example: 50 families x $20.00 per family = $1,000. Ok, with that grand, there’s t-shirts for each person ($1020 each), memory book printing (current addresses of each family and bio), cost of food (plus potluck on the last day) and miscellaneous costs. Lodging, they can pick up on their own. Did I forget anything? I’m SURE I did! But that’s the idea. Basically, that $20.00 doesn’t go far!! Amber Gosh! What I could do with $1,000! We don’t get that much ... I’ve spent a lot of my own money this year making the reunion extra special. It sounds like you guys are planning on going out of town for several days for a reunion? Have you already heard from the 50 families that they will pay $20 up front? If you have, can you clue me in on how you got them to willingly hand over the money? Prinz II The total costs for a family reunion was $15,000. We did a bit of fundraising for the reunion. We had bowling events that raised $500-$600. Members paid monthly dues which actually helped defray the cost of fees (We all paid $20/month until the reunion). Also, we had one fund-raiser that netted us well over $4,000. Amber What are you guys doing at your family reunions to spend so much money?

Prinz II They paid the following. Spirit of Chicago (river boat) - $4,000 + taxes and gratuities Bus to shuttle people to Navy Pier - $600 Wyndham Chicago - $10,000 + for food, banquet hall rental, and taxes (Chicago had just raised their sales tax to 9.75% and we had a lot of gratuities to pay) Office Max - $600 (souvenir book printing; I did the layout free in Quark Xpress) T-Shirts - $1200 Logo Design for t-shirts - $50 Tote bags - $500 Umbrellas - $500 One thing you really need to budget for is taxes. For example, when we got our total bill from the Wyndham, the entire committee was amazed because a staggering 40% of the bill came from taxes and gratuities. Roughly 300 attended the reunion. Amber “That sounds AWESOME! I wanna go to a family reunion like that!!” 38

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Collecting reunion fees

your 2¢ worth because we are always looking for new tricks and methods for collecting money.

e get many queries from reunion organizers about how to collect reunion fees. You might want to weigh in with

A reader wrote, “We are asking $50 per family to pay for hall rental and meals at our first family reunion. All but 22 of 280 people have said they are coming, but they are not so eager to send money. How do you give the caterer a number and down payment when this happens? And what do you do when people show up to eat and have not paid? The reunion is one year from this month, and the planning has already been in process for one year.”

Yours is a common dilemma. I salute you for working so far in advance to arrange these details. Many of your reunion organizing compadres would be impressed that you already know 258 people will be attending and that you’re wondering only about 22 one year in advance. Part of the payment problem may be how far in advance members are advancing the money. Does your family know why you need the money in advance? Sometimes people balk because they’ve never planned an event and don’t realize down payments and some purchases must be made well in advance. Have you explained what the $50 includes so they understand you’re not using an arbitrary figure? Did you outline the benefits they’ll receive for $50? If not, telling them will build understanding and empathy for your position. Are you charging $50 per family, no matter how many kids? So a single or widowed person would pay $50? And a family of four will also pay $50? If so, knowing that is a big incentive for families. Point it out. As you need money for down payments, use what you have and keep urging late payers to pay so you’ll have what you need for your next payment. Just keep collecting so that, as you need money, it will be there. Or charge $50, but ask for $25

now and $25 a couple of months closer to the reunion. In fact, if a generous family member can afford to advance money to the reunion, you can promise to repay your benefactor from late and reunion day collections. Are you putting money in an interest-bearing account? If so, tell members their money will be earning money for the reunion. Have you promised a full financial report at the reunion? Especially with family, you’ll want to lay everything out in detail. Do it for this reunion and you will gain members’ trust. Such openness will pay off for future reunions. Once everyone understands why you need money, how you’re using it and the promise of a report, they can’t ask for much more. To collect fees, you must remind some repeatedly. Offer an incentive to generate money early: a small gift certificate, a free t-shirt and recognition at the reunion. Salute and reward your members now, long before the reunion. Announce who submitted their registration fees first—in flyers, on your website and in your newsletter. Invest in your reunion future. Make a big deal this time and you may score some early entries next time. You’re going to have to use what you have as you meet deadlines. It’s a long time before you need to give a caterer, numbers so by then your numbers will be fairly accurate. You’ll want to order a little over anyway for those scoundrels who have still not RSVP’d. But you’ll need to know that exact number. If there are too many who show up and have not paid, you’ll have to cut them off and direct them to the nearest McDonald’s. Tell them when the program starts and urge them to return in time … from McDonald’s! EW Dear Readers: What are your suggestions for generating payments? Send to editor@reunionsmag.com.

O I am one of the coordinators for a company reunion of about 350 people scheduled for next spring. One question we need to answer right away is how to handle ticket money. We were told that if we opened an account associated with a personal account the monies received would be considered income and taxable. It has been suggested that we set up a nonprofit group to keep the finances separate and tax free, but this is costly and time-consuming. Guests will be paying by check. Please let me know what your recommendations would be in this situation. We contacted two banking institutions and a friend who has been in banking many years. They suggested a non-interest bearing account because taxes are paid on the interest. We

were already aware it is best to keep reunion money separate from personal accounts. The person handling our finances has set up an account with her credit union and the incoming checks will be made out to her. She will then make payments for any expenses we incur. A non-profit organization was recommended for groups who plan more than one event and there is money carried over. This way they could receive interest and not be taxed. If you’ve banked (even personally) at a bank for many years, ask what they can do for you for a short-term project. Promise to write few checks and maybe use counter checks rather than having checks printed. Can you buy a CD dated to coincide when you need cash?

F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

FUNDRAISING

Burt(T)Schell family accounting

rliss Treybig. El Campo, Texas, plans the Burt(T)Schell Family Reunion. She said, “We could not have enjoyed the kind of reunion we had without donations and a raffle/silent auction. Registration fees would only have provided a bare bones reunion — no band, no children’s activities, no history booklet or registration lists, no special name tag. Or we would have had to choose.” The following shows their reunion income. Burt(T)Schell Donations* $ 869 Registration $ 2060 Raffle & Silent Auctions $ 1100 Total Income $ 4029 Total Expenses - 3218 Balance** $ 811 **Donations (from committee chairmen and other family members) included money and stamps, as well as materials and supplies for the reunion. **The “Balance” includes interest income and beer tips. It is “seed money” for future reunions, family projects, etc.

Editors note: This story demonstrates one of my fondest hopeful ideas for funds to sustain reunions. Aren’t the Millers lucky? EW

Miller family to hold 50th annual reunion

hen descendents of the Kosmas and Caroline Miller celebrated their 50th annual family reunion in Brillion, Wisconsin, about 350 attended. The generosity of the couple’s late son, Phillip, has made the reunion completely free for all who attend. According to family member Arnie Miller, one of Phillip’s wishes was to rejuvenate the Miller annual reunion. He provided funds to literally cover it for many years in the future. It includes food, refreshments, entertainment, games and door prizes. From a story in the Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Frosting on the cake

Online registration can be lucrative

martybird on our forum (http://forums.reunionsmag.com) wrote about online reunion registration. I used paypal for my high school reunion and it worked incredibly well. We were able to process last minute registrations, which was a BIG plus. We had an optional field for a donation to the class fund – much to my amazement we took in an additional $2,500. Initially, I thought I had a software error so I had to audit the number and I was almost knocked over when I found it was indeed correct! Google Pay charges 30% less so I’m going to evaluate it for the next reunion. When asked for more details, Smartybird offered the following. One of the committee members suggested we add a line item called “Donation of Support” that included three levels named for our school colors and mascot: Maroon ($25-$49), Gray ($50-$99), and Lion ($100+). The vast majority of donations were for $100, the rest were $50. We even received donations from class members who were not able to attend. Class members entered donation amounts as part of their registration and charged the balance to their credit card. We used the funds to have an even better reunion with lots of extras. Also, we banked some for our 35th reunion. Reported by Fred Nelson, Fayetteville, New York (aka Smartybird at http://forums.reunionsmag.com).

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he Seideman Family Reunion has an annual Kuchen (German for “cake”) contest. Phyllis Naumann, West Bend, Wisconsin, reported, “We had 14 kuchen/dessert entries. The first place kuchen brought in $225, a record high for us.” The auction total was another record, at $840. Of course, people would make a donation to the reunion, but this kuchen thing really gets some people going on donating to a great cause. The silent auction raised $198. Editor’s Note: In the interest of full disclosure, I was a judge and the decision was not easy! EW

MILITARY REUNION NEWS

USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711) Honors for crew of WWII ship named for Columbia

USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711).

eventy-six crew members and guests assembled in San Antonio, Texas, for the ninth reunion of USS Eugene A. Greene (DD/DDR-711). Capt. Ed Schwier was the Reunion Coordinator, and Glenn and Laverne Herman handled the daily functional and administrative details. Registration started on Wednesday. USS Greene memorabilia was on display, and snacks and drinks were available in the Hospitality Room. On Thursday a “City Tour” of San Antonio included the San Jose Mission, San Antonio River Walk and Rivercenter Mall. Friday’s tour was to Fredericksburg, Texas, to visit National Museum of the Pacific War. A “side trip” to Luckenback was added at the last minute! Saturday started early with the ship’s Business Meeting. The afternoon was

filled with a tour of El Mercado, the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico, and Buckhorn Saloon and Museum’s Hall of Horns. The Association Banquet provided the grand finale. Captain Earle W. Sapp, Commanding Officer of USS Greene from 1965–1967, and his family were honored guests. Many raffle prizes were provided by crew members. The WWII 75th Infantry Division was our next-door neighbor. We shared food and drink, and swapped Battle of the Bulge and sea stories. Unanimous vote decided the next Greene Association Reunion will be in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2011. Reported by Robert J. Clark, Louisville, Kentucky

Note: The Greene Association enjoys sing-alongs but is finding few pianos these days.

Korean War 60th anniversary

he National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, with other organizations in the Dayton area, will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War with special events and the opening of the museum’s renovated Korean War exhibit area.

There will also be many events for which Korean War veteran groups and individual veterans can register. The Korean War Memorial Ceremony will be on June 26, 2010, to recognize, honor and remember the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the “Forgotten War.” Visit nationalmuseum.af.mil/korea.asp or call 937-255-5940.

uring World War II, light cruiser USS Columbia participated in most of the sea battles in the Pacific theater, sustained three kamikaze attacks and lost 60 of its sailors. Recently, the few surviving crew members were honored during their reunion in Columbia, South Carolina, the city for which the ship was named. The event featured the unveiling of a new exhibit, including an 8-foot model of the ship, at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum. The mayor, state officials and other dignitaries honored the veterans in the Relic Room with special exhibits and living history presentations about World War II and USS Columbia. The South Carolina Senate proclaimed the day as “USS Columbia Day” in recognition of the veterans. The ship’s flag from the Battle of Leyte Gulf – the largest naval engagement of World War II – was donated to the museum by the son of Admiral Maurice Curts, the skipper of the Columbia during Leyte Gulf. A model of the ship built by a crew member recently underwent a $2,000 renovation. In addition, the Relic Room spent $5,000 to build the permanent display case. Before it was decommissioned in 1946, the Columbia was awarded 10 battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation. The Navy revived the Columbia name in 1995 when it commissioned a Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine, based in Hawaii. But now Columbia, South Carolina, shares naming honors with Columbia, Missouri, and Columbia, Maryland. From an article by Jeff Williamson in The State, Columbia, South Carolina

See upcoming military reunions @ reunionsmag.com F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S 41

MILITARY REUNION NEWS

Report from The Alliance of Military Reunions

Ivan Smith, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Dennis Smith, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, and Efrain Vargas, Daytona Beach, Florida, (l to r) enjoy the display about reunion ideas at The Alliance of Military Reunions meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

he Alliance had 253 full members (169 military reunion groups and 84 CVBs, hotels, and vendors) by Christmas. They had an organizational meetings in Fairfax, Virginia, and and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a reunion planning seminar in Branson, Missouri. Their next planning seminar will be in Maine in April when Maine Tourism will show off their state as a reunion destination, Skip Sander is the creative energy behind this idea and reality. He reports that The Alliance has established the following mission: “...to be a valuable resource for those who organize, manage, host, and serve Military Reunion Groups from all services and eras. We do so by providing our members with information, training, and personal networking opportunities.” If you organize a military reunion, plan to join. For information click on Future Reunions at www.reunionsmag.com and take advantage of a special joining offer.

Rosie the Riveters recognized

hile most eligible men served in the Armed Forces during World War II, the war effort at home produced equipment, planes, bullets and everything the troops needed. Many women served on the home front in factory jobs formerly held by soldiers. These women are now in their 80s and 90s, and they’re telling their stories. Anne Montague is Executive Director and Founder of Thanks! Plain and Simple, a non-profit in Charleston, West Virginia, whose first project is to collect stories of West Virginia women known as Rosie the Riveters. Their stories are of dedication and pulling together in that dark time in the world, but told with great commitment to freedom from tyranny. Their role is a very important part of the fuller picture of the War. In November, Belgium became the first allied nation to thank American Rosies. The Belgian Embassy in Washington, DC, recognized and thanked American Rosies for their contribution to the War. The Belgian representative, Lt. Col. Martine Dierckx, said there are 14,000 American soldiers buried in Belgium, and Belgian school children care for the graves. The US Park Service’s Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park is also collecting stories at www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm.

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Newport News, Virginia, Vietnam icon receives face-lift

embers of the CH-54 Skycrane Association, many of whom are Vietnam veterans, held their annual reunion in Newport News, Virginia, to visit the US Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis and aid with cleanup of the craft. Veterans watched active duty soldiers install new tires and replace cushions in the cockpit, while they gave the crane a long deserved bath. The CH-54 Skycrane helicopter has an 88'6'' frame and was used primarily for hauling supplies and equipment. The Skycrane earned the appreciation and reverence of soldiers who fought in Vietnam. Picking up wrecked aircraft and other important military machinery, the Skycrane’s powerful winch hoisted and moved objects, thus enabling damaged items to be brought back safely

for repair or salvage. The slow-moving craft also was used to help drop ammunition and supplies to those fighting on the ground. It is no longer used by the military, but can still be seen around the country at museums. Sometimes when wildfires rage, a Skycrane hovers above the smoke and flames, assisting in putting out the fire. The mantra of the Skycrane and crew was “You call, we haul.” The reunion group also visited The Mariners’ Museum, America’s National Maritime Museum, home to the premier Civil War attraction – the USS Monitor Center. For information about reunions in Newport News, contact Cheryl Morales toll-free at 888-493-7386; cmorales@nngov.com.

CH-54 Skyrane refurbishment and members of the CH-54 Skycrane Association.

Pacific War Museum enters new era

George H.W. and Barbara Bush celebrate the opening of the wing at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas. Photo credit: Jim Partain.

he National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, is the only institution in the US dedicated to telling the story of the Pacific Theater in World War II. Visitor demographics change, so the way the story is told must change, too. In 1999, World War II veterans made up about 30% of the museum’s visitors; in 2008 they constituted only 2.5%. The changing audience was a major focus of the new exhibit’s design. They have just dedicated a new expansion with exhibits that engage new generations. The museum is a property of the Texas Historical Commission supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, for Fredericksburg’s native son, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commanderin-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area in World War II. Visit www.nimitzmuseum.org/.

Vietnam Veterans Reunion draws thousands

n emotional ceremony kicked off the 27th Annual Howard County (Indiana) Vietnam Veterans Reunion, a four-day event that draws thousands. A 22-acre lot on Indiana 26 near Kokomo, Indiana, resembled a small city of tents, military flags, vendors and veterans. A large group of veterans escorted a 30-foot by 40-foot American flag around the grounds filled with hundreds of tents and campers. The traditional flag-raising ceremony followed,

and was met with cheers from thousands in attendance. Rounds from a 105 mm Howitzer shook the ground. “There’s nothing like being around these guys,” one vet said of the reunions. ”Everybody out here would give the shirt off his back for each other. Coming here is not about trying to remember. This is home. I know people who want to move here after coming to the reunions. Kokomo is the place. I love Kokomo.” From a story by Mike Fletcher in the Anderson Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S 43

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES

Welcome to Reunion Resources! How to use REUNION RESOURCES Reunion resources is divided into sections. Reunion friendly places include destinations (convention, visitor and tourism bureaus) and locations (hotels, resorts, ranches, condominiums, bed & breakfasts, inns, dormitories, camps). They are listed alphabetically by state and city. The sections which follow list books and publishing, cruises, fundraising and mementos, invitations, photography, preserving reunions, postcards, and other products and services. Many resources include e-mail and web page addresses. Start on our web page www.reunions mag.com and in just one click, go directly to other resource pages – a wonderful way to visit, get more details and in some cases even place orders. We encourage you to tell the listings you contact that you learned about them from REUNIONS MAGAZINE. And if at any time you find any info that is inaccurate or e-mail or web links do not work, notify us immediately at reunions@execpc.com; PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. And by all means, feel free to comment and/or suggest changes and additions you’d like to see in this section. REUNIONS MAGAZINE will not be held liable for information presented as facts in these ads. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication.

will assist you in creating a very special event. Complimentary hosp suite and special reunion rates. Beautiful guest rooms, heated pool, spa, shuffleboard, ping-pong and billiards, exercise room, family restaurant and cocktail lounge, free pkg, in-room movies, coffee makers, refrigerators, hair dryers; dos@holinnbayside .com; www.holinnbayside.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE™ RESORT offers a great place to sleep, eat, play and relax in a beautiful mountain setting with a wide variety of accommodations and activities such as golf, swimming and tennis in the summer and snow sports activities in the winter. It's no wonder Northstar was voted as a top 10 reunion destination by Family Travel Forum. A personal event planner is provided to help plan your unforgettable reunion. Highway 267 & Northstar Dr., Truckee, CA 96160, 800-926-5096, northstar@boothcreek.com, www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com. VACAVILLE CONFERENCE & VISITORS BUREAU 1671 E. Monte Vista Avenue, Suite 112, Vacaville CA 95688. Discover the hidden the hidden gem of Vacaville, California. We’re only a short drive from the Golden Gates of San Francisco, the Wine Country in Napa and Sonoma, our historic Capitol in Sacramento and the spectacular Sierra mountain range in Lake Tahoe. For more information please contact us at info@vacavillenow.com or 888822-2132; visitvacaville.com.

COLORADO

RADISSON SUITES HOTEL TUCSON AIRPORT 7051 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85756. We are Reunion Specialists! Our spacious suites with full amenities, lush courtyards with fountains, pool and whirlpool spa will make your group feel right at home! We have great on-site dining and beautiful banquet facilities for groups large & small. A full American breakfast buffet, evening reception & internet access are included in the rate! Call 520225-0800 for information or email: habbott@viharas.com. www.radisson.com/tucsonaz

GOLD POINT RESORT Breckenridge CO 80424; 866-664-9793. Incredible views inspire incredible memories. Gold Point Resort provides the perfect backdrop for bringing your family together. Located above beautiful Breckenridge, Gold Point offers scenery that is second to none and residences that are as expansive as the vistas. Rafting, fishing, horseback riding, alpine slide and numerous dining options are all close by. Call today to learn how to save 40%, source code REUNN. www.goldpoint.com. ESTES PARK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 1200, Estes Park CO 80517. Estes Park may be the perfect setting for your reunion! Nestled in a valley surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park, fabulous scenery and recreation await you. Enjoy shopping, trout fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, golf, go karts, barbecues, hayrides, miniature golf, tram rides, scenic drives and hiking. Let our group specialist help you find lodging, meals and fun things for the whole family to enjoy! 80044-ESTES; fax 970-577-1677; groupsales@estes.org; www.estes parkcvb.com/groups.cfm. SNOWMASS TOURISM Looking to plan the perfect reunion? Snowmass Tourism makes it easy. From a personalized package on our website to customized evites to your event, to one-stop booking for lodging, meals, and activities, our experts have the answers to all your questions. Best of all, our services are absolutely free. Give us a call today, and we’ll help you plan the perfect affordable getaway. Contact Karla Baker P.O. Box 5566, Snowmass Village, Colorado 81615: 970-923-2000; 800-5982009; fax 970-923-5466; www.snowmassgroups.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

ARKANSAS

DELAWARE

THE LODGE AT MOUNT MAGAZINE STATE PARK, ARKANSAS Reconnect with family or friends at this mountain resort lodge while you enjoy the view from Arkansas's highpoint. Guest rooms and cabins. Conference and meeting rooms. Indoor pool, plenty of outdoor activities and nature programs. Make this reunion one to remember. Call 1-877-665-6343 for group rates or log on to MountMagazineStatePark.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

GREATER WILMINGTON CVB Nestled in the heart of the MidAtlantic, along the I-95 corridor, Delaware’s Greater Wilmington and Brandywine Valley provides meeting/event planners and their attendees with an unparalleled variety of attractions to experience. Best of all, this is a tax-free destination with up to $20,000 in transportation assistance available! Easily accessible by I-95, Amtrak (80 trains daily) and Philadelphia International (20 minutes), Greater Wilmington offers more than 6,000 guest rooms and the ability to accommodate 1,600 attendees. To unlock all that this tax-free destination has to offer, the Greater Wilmington, DE-CVB holds the key. Please explore us at VisitWilmingtonDE.com or call 800-489-6664. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

DESTINATIONS AND LOCATIONS ALABAMA MOBILE BAY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 1 South Water Street, Mobile AL 36602. Rely on us to make planning your reunion easy and affordable with these services: Direct contact with hotels to obtain rates and banquet pricing, a single proposal packet detailing military sites, attractions, dining and transportation, follow-up to answer all your special needs, sightseeing service to coordinate your leisure activities. Call 800-5662453 ext 4 for a free Planning Guide. E-mail to ron-mcconnell@ mobile.org. Visit us at www.mobilebay.org.

ARIZONA

CALIFORNIA BALBOA INN “The Resort” and Banquet facility is located on the beach offering 45 rooms and ocean view suites with balconies and state of the art amenities. Located at 105 Main Street, Newport Beach CA 92661. 949-675-3412; Toll Free: 877BALBOA-9; fax 949-673-4587; www.balboainn.com; info@balboainn.com YOSEMITE PINES RV RESORT & FAMILY LODGING 20450 Old Highway 120, Groveland, CA 95321 (209) 962-7690 We offer some of the best lodging near Yosemite National Park with an assortment of cabins in a variety of sizes and price points. Our Luxury Cabins offer plenty of space with a large double loft and room for eight people, while our Premium Loft Cabins offer a large single loft and room for six people. Spaces to accommodate all types of RVs and group tent sites. The whole family will enjoy our pool area, our gold mine tour and our games area complete with sand volleyball court, tetherball and horseshoes. www.yosemite pinesrv.com. HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE 4875 N Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92106; 619-224-3621; 800-650-6660; fax 619224-1787. Host your reunion at the beautiful Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside across from San Diego Bay. Our experienced staff 44 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

FLORIDA SHERATON FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH HOTEL After a multimillion-dollar renovation, this beachfront hotel is reclaiming its place as one of Florida’s most cherished destinations. The newly transformed Sheraton offers stylish surroundings, upscale amenities, state-of-the-art technology, 485 inviting guestrooms and convenient access to an array of dining, shopping and entertainment options. 1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316; 888-627-7109; sheraton.com/fortlauderdalebeach. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! EMERALD COAST CVB, INC. DESTIN-FT. WALTON BEACH FL Emerald Coast CVB, Inc. Destin-Fort Walton Beach – Okaloosa Island a reunion planner’s paradise with 24 miles of sugar white beaches and emerald green waters, 16,000 first-rate accommodations, 400 events & festivals, water sports, superb coastal cuisine, championship golfing, Air Force Armament Museum, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, art galleries, nature trails and the

largest fishing fleet in Florida. Emerald Coast Conference Center offers 35,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and gourmet catering. Let us make your reunion planning easy! Contact Sherry Rushing, CTIS, srushing@co.okaloosa.fl.us, 1-800-322-3319; www.destinfwb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS…Stay In Hotels! There's only one choice to host your family reunion and that's to stay in a Florida Leisure Vacation Home. Hotels can be expensive particularly when you need multiple rooms to house everyone. Florida Leisure has an expansive range of 3 to 7 bedroom vacation homes available and many of them are located close together so housing large parties is no problem. Our homes all have a full kitchen, living area, laundry, multiple TV's, private swimming pool and best of all our homes are really close to Walt Disney World and the other area attractions. Call 1-866-678-6088 or email Reservations@FloridaLeisure.com or visit www.FloridaLeisure.com STAR ISLAND RESORT & CLUB 5000 Avenue of the Stars, Kissimmee FL 34746. Located just 4 miles to Disney, our Mediterranean styled Resort & Spa offers spacious mini suites, 1,2 & 3 bedroom Villas with kitchenette, full kitchens with all the comforts of home. Enjoy tennis, basketball, pools & putting green, Jet Ski & paddleboat rentals, children’s activities, BBQ grills, group meals & more. Group rates for 5 or more units. When making reservations use the code RM1. Call 800-513-2820, or reservations@star-island.com, www.star-island.com CIRCLE F DUDE RANCH CAMP Located on 500 acres south of Orlando, Florida, Circle F offers reunions clean, rustic accommodations plus many activities, including swimming, sailing, canoeing, horseback riding, paintball, a softball field, soccer field, volleyball court, tennis courts, basketball court, rockwall climbing and ziplines, some of which have to be arranged in advance. It’s the perfect place for all your groups; 1-863-676-4113; www. circlefduderanchcamp.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! FLORIDAYS RESORT ORLANDO 12562 International Drive, Orlando FL 32821. Located just two miles from SeaWorld and Disney on International Drive, offers spacious two-and-three bedroom Grand Suites, with room for everyone. The free shuttle to the attractions and the I-Drive trolley makes it easy to get around town. With two heated swimming pools, game room, fitness center, and poolside bar and grille, you'll want to spend quality family time right here at the resort. 321-329-4024; fax 321-329-4001; mwinter@floridaysorlando.com; www.Floridays ResortOrlando.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! THE POINT ORLANDO RESORT 7389 Universal Blvd, Orlando FL 32819. Orlando’s newest, all-suite boutique hotel is one block from International Dr., and one mile from Universal Studios. Walk to Wet ‘n Wild or take the I-Ride Trolley to shops, restaurants and amusements. We offer an outdoor heated pool, banquet rooms and fitness center. Junior Suites sleep 4 and two-bedroom suites sleep up to 8. 407-956-2056; www.thepoint-orlando.com. WET 'N WILD – ORLANDO 6200 International Dr. Orlando, FL 32819. 407-351-1800 Toll Free: 800-992-9453; www.wetnwild orlando.com; info@wetnwildorf.com. Make your reunion a splashing success! Come join us at Wet 'n Wild to celebrate your unforgettable Family Reunion. We offer a variety of group discounts for groups of 15 or more. Various food and beverage options can be added for the complete package. With more multi-passenger tube rides than any other waterpark in Orlando! Open year-round with pools heated seasonally, Wet 'n Wild is the perfect place for the entire family to relax, have fun, and soak up the warm Florida sun! COMFORT SUITES – WORLD GOLF VILLAGE 475 COMMERCE LAKE DR, ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA 32095; Make your reunion memorable at this beautiful lakeside hotel with 162 suites located ten minutes south of Jacksonville and north of St. Augustine Historic area and outlet malls. Banquet facilities, bar, indoor/ outdoor pool, fitness center, complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. Activity planning and golf available. Special rates for reunions. 877-940-9501; fax 904-940-9600; ComfortSuites@ CSWGV.com; www.CSWGV.com VISIT TALLAHASSEE Situated in the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee draws families and friends to come together with natural fun – cycling, paddling and fishing – spacious parks, and a wide variety of cultural and historical sites. From securing accommodations and transportation to providing catering options and itinerary building, Visit Tallahassee proudly provides assistance to reunion planners. Contact Lorrie Allen at (800) 628-2866. www.Visit Tallahassee.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! INNISBROOK, A SALAMANDER GOLF & SPA RESORT Located 25 miles from Tampa Int’l Airport, the newly renovated Innisbrook offers a private setting – perfect for families, group gatherings and special reunions. Everything you need is on-site including spacious condo-style accommodations, 4 restaurants,

Postcards that make your reunion point! e save th e t da

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save the date when you’ve set it!

Send

TIME IS RUNNING OUT when it is!

Custom Printing $45 p/hundred; 50¢ each, Fill-in cards $15 p/hundred; 20¢ each; plus s/h: 100-200 cards – $5, over 200 – $10. Send message, check and request to: REUNION POSTCARDS PO Box 11727 O Milwaukee WI 53211-0727

To charge, call 800-373-7933.

F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES 6 pools, 2 waterslides, 4 championship golf courses, tennis, fishing, biking, and the new Indaba Spa & Fitness Center. Visit innisbrookgolfresort.com or call 800-456-2000. QUORUM HOTEL TAMPA 700 N. Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609. Summer 09' Weekend Group rates starting from $69 with breakfast! Perfect location for Busch Gardens and pristine beaches. Restaurants and shopping within walking distance. You'll love our free massage, and complimentary drink. Ask about our reunion planning gift. Call Becca Zarcone 813-288-3611 or bzarcone@quorum tampa.com. Visit our website at www.QuorumTampa.com.

CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU OF DUNWOODY, GA Just 10 minutes outside Atlanta in DeKalb County, Dunwoody is the best location for your next reunion. Minutes away from Stone Mountain Park, Georgia Aquarium, the MLK Center and more! Home to five excellent hotels with tons of meeting space and all within walking distance to Perimeter Mall and shuttle services to MARTA! Call today to plan your reunion – 678-244-9800 or visit www.discoverdunwoody.com! SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

Boise offers the culture and entertainment of a large urban area in a place that feels a little like everyone's hometown. Festivals, whitewater rafting, golf, riverfront bike trails, snow skiing, unique and historic attractions like the Warhawk Air Museum, a vibrant downtown, shopping, fine dining and performing arts will ensure a reunion jam-packed with memorable experiences. BOISE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU PO Box 2106, Boise ID 83701; Lisa Edens; 800-635-5240; 208-344-7777; fax 208-3446236; ledens@boisecvb.org; www.boise.org.

ILLINOIS

MISSOURI

RECONNECT IN LAKE COUNTY halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Lake County's natural spaces and fun places are the perfect place for your next reunion. Our world-class attractions and more than 60 lodging properties, including three resorts, will make your next reunion a resounding success. For free Reunion Planning Assistance call or email us with your reunion planning questions to tourism@lakecounty.org; www.lakecounty.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! REUNITE IN REAL, ORIGINAL ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS. Located just 60 miles west of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, the Rockford Region offers the perfect mix of big-city variety and small-town value. You’ll be sure to find something everyone will enjoy! Contact Jaki Berggren, Meeting Sales Manager, at the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, for assistance planning your next reunion. Call 800.521.0849 or email Jaki at jberggren@gorockford.com. RACVB, 102 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101; www.gorockford.com.

THE BRANSON/LAKES AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Located in America's heartland, Branson, Missouri is the perfect destination for your next reunion because we offer so many choices of live music shows and family entertainment, lodging, attractions, dining and more. Remember, in Branson, our value is unrivaled, our scenery breathtaking and our authentic Ozarks hospitality inviting. Call us toll-free at 800-636-8573 or visit our website at ExploreBranson.com and request a Reunion Planner Sales kit. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! PULASKI COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU 137 St. Robert Blvd, St. Robert MO 65584. Centrally located between Branson and St. Louis, Missouri on I-44. Enjoy the Museums at Fort Leonard Wood or family activities on the Gasconade and Big Piney Rivers. Trail of Tears, Historic Route 66, Fairs, Festivals, Antiques, and more. Over 1,500 sleeping rooms and 70 restaurants including the Cave Restaurant, dining in a real cave. Call toll-free 1-877858-8687 or visit www.VisitPulaskiCounty.org for additional information. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

KENTUCKY

NEVADA

GEORGIA ATLANTA'S COBB COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Home to Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flag's White Water and just 10 minutes northwest of downtown Atlanta, and the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke and Stone Mountain Park. Cobb County boasts easy interstate access, free parking, a multitude of restaurants, attractions, shopping, golf and parks. For FREE assistance with planning your reunion, contact the Cobb County CVB at 1-800-451-3480 or visit us at www.cobbcvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

DOLCE ATLANTA – PEACHTREE offers 40 beautifully landscaped acres located only 25 miles South of Atlanta. With 233 guestrooms, tantalizing food and on site activities that include swimming, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, basketball, biking and access to 90 miles of walking paths throughout the city, there are endless options for enjoyment. Nearby shopping, golf, summer concerts and easy access to downtown Atlanta ensures something for everyone. 770-487-2666; www.dolce-atlanta-peachtree -hotel.com.

CROWNE PLAZA ATLANTA PERIMETER at RAVINIA 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346 Located in Central Perimeter area nestled on a 45 acre park, with waterfalls, terraced gardens, facilities for gatherings of 10 to 1,000. 495 guestrooms, 33 spacious suites. Featuring a three story greenhouse atrium lobby, fitness center, indoor pool with sundeck. Across from the Perimeter Mall. Free shuttle to area restaurants, parks and MARTA station for downtown attractions. Visit www.cpravinia.com or call 770-395-7700. Mention this listing for 10 % off reunion banquet pricing.

COMFORT SUITE HISTORIC DISTRICT 630 West Bay Street, Savannah GA 31401; 912-629-2001; fax 912-629-2002; diane@ savannahcomfortsuites.com; www.comfortsuiteshistoricdistrict .com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

EMBASSY SUITES ATLANTA PERIMETER CENTER 1030 Crown Pointe Pkwy, Atlanta GA 30338. 770-394-5454. All suite, upscale, renovated hotel located in beautiful Dunwoody, just steps away from Perimeter Mall, Perimeter Shoppes and more than 30 area restaurants/dining facilities. Hotel features complimentary amenities such as: cooked-to-order breakfast, Manager's Reception, area shuttle, parking deck, indoor pool/sun deck, Precor fitness center and business center. Hotel offers an onsite restaurant with Starbucks café, meeting space and wireless internet throughout. Flat screen TV's in all suites. Easy access to downtown via MARTA. Hilton Family Hotels. Book us at www.atlantaperimetercenter. embassysuites.com ATLANTA MARRIOTT PERIMETER CENTER 246 Perimeter Center Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30346 The Hotel is located adjacent to Perimeter Mall and the Dunwoody MARTA station offering easy access to all city attractions. Amenities include onsite restaurant and lounge, room service, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, meeting and banquet space for up to 350 people and complimentary hotel shuttle within a 2 mile radius. Ask about our special reunions packages. Call 770 394-6500 or visit www.atlantamarriott perimeter.com STAYBRIDGE SUITES PERIMETER CENTER EAST 4601 Ridgeview Road, Atlanta-Dunwoody GA 30338. Staybridge Suites is an All-Suite Hotel and offers a premier location in the Dunwoody – Perimeter Area within walking distance to some of the best Restaurants and Shops Atlanta has to offer. Minutes away from attractions like Stone Mountain, Six Flags, Zoo Atlanta, Hartsfield Airport and the Georgia Dome. Fantastic amenities like Free Full Breakfast, Free Shuttle within a 3-Mile Radius, Free Internet, Free On-Site Fitness Center and Guest Laundry! 678320-0111; Fax: 678-320-0250; Reservations: dos.atlpr@wm.stay bridge.com; Website: www.staybridge.com/atlanta-pr W ATLANTA PERIMETER 111 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta GA 30346. Find sanctuary in 121 deluxe guest rooms and 154 fantastic suites complete with the W Signature Bed, Bliss&trade; Sinkside Six amenities and balconies in all rooms. Suites feature a full kitchen. Free shuttle service within a 3-mile radius, which includes Perimeter Mall and MARTA stations. Banquet spaces with full catering available. For reservations, call 770-396-6800; fax 770394-4805; GMWAtlantaPerimeter@whotels.com; www.whotels.com/ atlantaperimeter. 46 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

MINNESOTA WORRY-FREE REUNIONS AT CRAGUN’S RESORT 11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd MN 56401: 800-CRAGUNS (272-4867). Since 1940 Cragun’s has taken pride in creating memorable reunions...here’s why: 1) trained coordinator will help plan it all, 2) arrival “Welcome” and registration areas with planned activity agendas, 3) activities including golf outings, lake cruises, picnics, fishing contests, horse drawn trolley rides and more, 4) indoor facilities to ensure you a “weather-proof” reunion, 5) private gathering areas, 6) special celebration meals, 7) professional group photos, 8) and best of all, enjoy a safe, secure friendly environment. Come to Cragun’s for your reunion. Named “One of MN’s ideal locations to hold a Reunion.” by AAA. Call for FREE Reunion Planning Packet or visit: www.craguns.com/157. PEHRSON LODGE RESORT ON LAKE VERMILION Let us help you plan your perfect Minnesota lakeside reunion. We will coordinate group events and provide a wide variety of individual and small group activities to accommodate personal interests of each group member. From guided fishing trips, pontoon tours and wilderness hikes, sailing and waterskiing instruction and daily children's programs to relaxing time at the beach, we provide the ideal setting for your next gathering. Choose your own "neighborhood" grouping of cabins on our secluded point or on our beautiful beach … or choose to be under one roof in our magnificent new 10,000 sq. ft. reunion house (Grand Vermilion Chalet). The Grand Vermilion is a stand alone retreat center offering 12 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, meeting space for 65, multiple kitchens, and spacious decks and patios. Golf two minutes away. Please join us! 2746 Vermilion Dr., Cook MN 55723, (800) 5439937 or (218) 666-5478, vacation@pehrsonlodge.com, www. pehrsonlodge.com SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

JEKYLL OCEANFRONT RESORT 975 North Beachview Drive; Jekyll Island GA 31527; 912-635-2531; fax 912-635-9072: linda.amazon@jekyllinn.com; www.jekyllinn.com

DOUBLETREE HOTEL ATLANTA NORTHWEST-MARIETTA 2055 South Park Place, Atlanta GA 30339. Located off I-75 north of downtown Atlanta in Marietta, close to all area attractions, shopping & restaurants. Our oversized rooms feature signature Sweet Dream bedding and Chaise lounge, Coffee Makers, Full Sized Ironing Boards and Irons, Flat Screen TV, Data Ports & Wireless Access in Rooms. Indoor and Outdoor Pools. Hotel has free parking, fitness center, restaurant & coffee bar on site. 770-272-9441; fax 678-252-5907; lori@resourcehospitality.com; www.atlantamarietta .doubletree.com.

LA QUINTA INN and SUITES BALTIMORE SOUTH/ GLEN BURNIE 6323 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie MD 21061. Contact Farhaz Jessani, 410-636-4300, fax: 410-636-2630; lq6425gm@ laquinta.com, www.laquintagb.com.

IDAHO

Kentucky & Barkley Lakes Kentucky's Western Waterland – Vast Shores & Open Doors! Only in Kentucky's Western Waterland can you experience one of North America's largest manmade waterways surrounded by unspoiled natural environments, abundant outdoor recreation, and authentic Kentucky heritage and hospitality. We are the perfect place for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or the small meetings market. Free vacation guide. 1-800-448-1069. www.kentuckylakebarkley.travel THE RADCLIFF/FORT KNOX CONVENTION & TOURISM COMMISSION The Radcliff/Fort Knox Community offers veterans’ organizations a chance to see the “New Army” while they remember the “Old Army” with their fellow comrades. A Unit itinerary usually consists of a memorial ceremony, lunch at a Fort Knox dinning facility or the Fort Knox Leaders Club, and a visit to the General George Patton Museum. 562 North Dixie, Suite A1, Radcliff, Kentucky 40160; 800-334-7540; fax 270-352-2075; radclifftour@bbtel.com: www.radclifftourism.org

MARYLAND UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, 52 King George Street, Annapolis MD 21402. Designed specifically for those who participated in military operations while in US service. Tour focuses on role of Naval Academy in supplying officers and midshipmen in various conflicts. Tour includes audio-visual presentation and walking tour. Tour time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Tour price: $9.00. Call for tour package and dining information: 410-293-8687; fax 410-293-3365; tourinfo@usna .edu; www.navyonline.com.

DESERT ROSE RESORT 5051 Duke Ellington Way, Las Vegas NV, 89119; Phone 888-732-8099, Fax 702-597-3345; Spacious renovated condo-style suites with full kitchen, separate living room, dining room and relaxing balcony. Each room is modern and beautifully decorated; Property features continental breakfast each morning; location is just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip, McCarran Airport. Resort consists of 284 suites in addition to newly refurbished pool and Jacuzzi with BBQ facilities and shaded seating; Banquet space available for special events. This property makes for a perfect reunion of any kind. E-mail: Sarah-Marie Vergara, Sales Manager svergara@shellvacationsllc .com;www.desertroseresort.com. GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO is located just minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip, directly across from The Rio and The Palms. This friendly resort personifies all that is best about Las Vegas and features 712 rooms and suites, 30,000 square feet of conference space, full-service casino, five restaurants, showroom / lounge, 70-lane bowling center, race/sports book, a poolside fitness center, and shuttle service to the heart of The Strip. 4000 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103; 702-251-3560; 800-3315334 x 400; www.goldcoastcasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! THE PLATINUM HOTEL 211 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169 (877) 211-9211. At The Platinum Hotel, see what life is like on the quieter side of Las Vegas. Escape to a welcoming hideaway where each of the 255 one and two bedroom Las Vegas hotel suites ensure unmatched personal attention, gourmet kitchens, exquisite whirlpool tubs and balconies with beautiful views. This non-gaming, smoke free hotel offers the best of both

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES worlds. Select from an assortment of great Las Vegas hotel deals, combining special rates and unique services for getaways. The Strip is there when you need it, just a block away. www.theplatinum hotel.com SAM'S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL 5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas NV 89122. Sam’s Town boasts 646 elegantly appointed rooms and suites which surround the Mystic Fall Indoor Park. This popular hotel and casino has over 2,700 slot and video poker machines as well as 40 table games. In addition, Sam’s Town has 30,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple restaurants, food court, 18 movie theatres, RV Park, Bowling Center and much more!!! Sam’s Town offers a courtesy shuttle to the Strip and Downtown. 702-454-8120; www.samstownlv.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas NV 89145. Suncoast is an elegant gaming resort located on the picturesque western edge of the Las Vegas Valley. The stylish 400-room hotel is near three championship golf courses and has free shuttle bus service to and from McCarran International Airport. Among the Suncoast attractions are 25,000 square feet of convention space, nine restaurants, a 64-lane bowling center, a 16-screen movie complex, a pool and a 500-seat showroom. 702-636-7050; www.suncoastcasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! THE ORLEANS HOTEL AND CASINO blends the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas with the festive flavor of New Orleans. The 88-acre full-service resort has 1,886 rooms and suites, 40,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, 12 exceptional restaurants and an oasis-like swimming pool. Attractions also include a spa and fitness center, a 70-lane bowling center, an 18screen movie complex, a 900-seat showroom and 9,000-seat arena. 4500 W Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103; 702-3657050; 888-365-7111 X 7050; www.orleanscasino.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! LAUGHLIN VISITORS BUREAU 1555 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin NV 89029; 702-298-3022; fax 702-298-0013; cwestbrook@ lvcva.com; VisitLaughlin.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT SPA RENO 3800 S Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502. Voted Reno's "Best Hotel" our recent $100 million dollar expansion takes northern Nevada to a whole new level. From our all-new Spa Atlantis to our eight award-winning restaurants – Atlantis has it all! Winner of the Hospy Award for "Best Ballroom & Convention Space Design," Atlantis boasts 50,000 SF of flexible new high-tech meeting space catering to reunions from 1,500 to 15. Let our experienced team plan your next event! 800-994-5900; fax 775-825-1170, www.AtlantisCasino.com. CIRCUS CIRCUS HOTEL & CASINO RENO 500 N. Sierra St. Reno NV 89503 Whether business or pleasure brings you to us, Circus Circus Reno offers over 1,500 rooms, six sensational restaurants, a unique Midway of Fun, an expansive casino floor with all the latest gaming action, and state-of-the-art convention facilities. Free airport shuttle and parking available. Call 800-894-3588 or visit circusreno.com for more information. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

NEW YORK HOTELSCOUTER.COM Get Great Reunion Rates for Less... Instead of calling dozens of hotels, fill out one simple form on our website and we will have Group Friendly hotels in your desired city respond instantly with their best rates. No more wasted time playing phone tag. Group coordinators can get Free Rooms. Let us make your reunion planning simple! Get Started Now! Info: 443-416-3800; groups@HotelScouter.com; www.hotelscouter.com ALBANY CLARION HOTEL 3 Watervliet Ave Extension, Albany NY 12206. In the heart of New York’s Capital City stands the Clarion Hotel Albany, where comfort and convenience are paramount and the value can’t be beat. We offer a Full American Breakfast, an indoor pool, on-site restaurant, free WIFI and complimentary shuttle service. Reunions are offered special rates and complimentary hospitality suites. 518-438-8431; sales@Clarion HotelAlbany.com; www.ClarionHotelAlbany.com BEST WESTERN ALBANY AIRPORT INN 200 Wolf Road, Albany NY 12205. Looking for a place to hold your reunion? Well, look no further! We can accommodate your reunion from family to military with very affordable prices. Our property has 153 rooms with an indoor heated pool, an onsite restaurant and lounge and 6000 sq ft of meeting space. We also have a complimentary full hot breakfast available every morning. 518-458-1000; sales@BWalbanyAirport.com; www.BWalbanyairport.com THE BEST WESTERN SOVEREIGN HOTEL is one of the top hosts of reunions in the Capital Region. Restaurant on-site, along with indoor pool and sauna. Shopping malls, golf and theaters near hotel. We also provide complimentary shuttle to area attractions. We have 192 newly renovated guest rooms, over

8,000 square feet of meeting space and much more! 518-4892981; reunions@SovereignHotels.com; www.SovereignHotels.com

NORTH CAROLINA BILTMORE FARMS HOTELS – Your One Stop Shop in Asheville We know a thing or two about family. As a family owned business we understand the importance of reconnecting with relatives. Gather your family at one of our five hotels in beautiful Asheville, NC. Enjoy mountain vistas, plan an outdoor adventure and visit historic destinations. With locations just a short distance from all Asheville has to offer, isn't it time you visited beautiful Western North Carolina? Visit us at biltmore farmshotels.com or call Christine at 828.771.2274. LAKE LURE & THE BLUE RIDGE FOOTHILLS. Family, girlfriends, military buddies, golfing, relaxing…whatever your reason for getting together, you'll find the perfect setting here. Cruise on beautiful Lake Lure, shop, go to a spa, dine, hike, bike..do it all – or do nothing at all, and enjoy your gathering with family and friends. Choose from sumptuous accommodations in an historic hotel, cabin on the lake or other unique accommodations. We are surrounded by major highways, have three major airports within an hour, and are only thirty minutes from Asheville NC. Please visit us at reunionsyourway.com. “Remember When” starts at RUMBLING BALD RESORT on Lake Lure. Host your reunion at a picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain resort in Lake Lure, NC. At Rumbling Bald Resort you will find a variety of affordable lodging options along with activities for your entire family. Play golf, visit the spa, enjoy swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, recreational activities, boat rentals and narrated lake cruises. Make your reservations now and the memories are yours to keep. 112 Mountains Blvd. Lake Lure, NC 28746; 877-628-6730; fax: 828-625-9229; Reservations@RumblingBald.com; www.RumblingBald.com

NORTH DAKOTA BISMARCK AND MANDAN. WHAT A TRIP. Looking to reunite with some old friends? Bismarck-Mandan offers what most cities twice their size can't – distinctive scenery, a rich country heritage and unsurpassed hospitality. Make your reunion something outside the ordinary. Meet up in Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota. Visit discoverbismarckmandan.com/RM. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

OHIO EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS 800-354-2657, www.Experience Columbus.com/reunions. Columbus is ranked one of the top value destinations in the country. With four downtown entertainment districts, annual festivals, the #1 rated Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and an array of outdoor parks to choose from, you won't want to have your family reunion anywhere else. Planning a reunion in Columbus is easy. And we're here to help. Plus, all of our services are free. We will assist you with finding hotels, local attractions and more. And when the time comes, we'll provide you with Visitors Guides, Visitor Maps, plastic bags and pens.

OREGON LOON LAKE LODGE & RV RESORT 9011 Loon Lake Road, Reedsport, OR 97467 (541)-599-2244 Reserve Cabins or the Lakefront Home with fully furnished kitchens, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, for your next Family Reunion. Spaces to accommodate all types of RVs and group tent sites. There is plenty of open water for fishing, kayaking, WaveRunner riding, water skiing, or just relaxing on a leisurely pontoon boat ride. Restaurant and general store on property and catering available. Some of the smoothest water skiing in Oregon is right here at Loon Lake! www.loonlake rv.com.

PENNSYLVANIA COMFORT SUITES CARLISLE 10 South Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. Downtown location conveniently located between Gettysburg, Harrisburg & Hershey. One mile to US Army War College, Army Heritage & Education Center and walking distance to Dickinson College & PSU Dickinson School of Law. Banquet facilities for up to 325. Offering special rates / packages for family, class, military and other reunion groups. Visit our web-site at www.comfortsuitescarlisle.com or call our Sales Department at 1-800-704-1188. The perfect Days for your reunion – DAYS INN DONEGAL, in the heart of the beautiful Laurel Highlands, conveniently located just off the PA Turnpike at exit 91. 51 lovely guestrooms, elegant outdoor pavilion seats 125, new banquet room seats 80, catering services, snack bar, arcade, outdoor pool and patio, volleyball and shuffleboard courts. Route 31 east, PO Box 184, Donegal PA 15628 Call Rose: 724-593-7536; daysinndonegal@yahoo.com; www.daysinndonegal.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! WOODLOCH RESORT & MEETING FACILITY Nestled in the pristine forests of the Pocono Mountains Lake Region of

Northeastern Pennsylvania, Woodloch Resort is the ideal destination for family vacations, reunions, weddings and corporate retreats! Featuring a private lake and miles of beautiful scenery, this 250 acre resort is located only two and a half hours from New York City and is the perfect combination of old world charm, gracious hospitality, and modern resort conveniences. We invite you to visit our website at: www.woodloch.com or call 1800-572-6658 for further information and reservations. VALLEY FORGE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 1000 First Avenue, Suite 101, King of Prussia PA 19406. DO WHAT WASHINGTON DID. SET UP CAMP IN HISTORIC VALLEY FORGE FOR YOUR NEXT REUNION! Quality hotels, unique offproperty meeting sites, world class shopping and fine dining. Thirty minutes from Philadelphia. Surrounded by great regional attractions. Get a free Valley Forge Meeting Planners Guide. Contact Courtney Pozo: 610-834-7971,or pozo@valleyforge.org or visit www.valleyforge.org. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

RHODE ISLAND THE BEST WESTERN THE MAINSTAY INN 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport RI 02840; 401-849-9880. Located 1/2 mi. from Newport Navy Base, Minutes from Historic Harbor, Newport Mansions and across from Newport Grand Casino. Full Service hotel with 200 guest rms, full service Restaurant, Lounge, Banquet and Meeting facilities. Comp. Hospitality Rm and Group Leader Room. themainstayinn@aol.com

SOUTH CAROLINA At 14 stories the HOLIDAY INN RIVERVIEW stands tall. This unique Charleston landmark offers guests 180 nicely appointed guest rooms and a full service restaurant with panoramic views of Historic Charleston and the Ashley River as well as complimentary shuttle service to the heart of the city for shopping and tours. Enjoy easy planning with our experienced staff. Ask about special incentives for event planners. 301 Savannah Hwy, Charleston SC 29407. Contact Megan O’Hara Owen at 843-460-1440; fax 843766-8355; mowen@hiriverview.com; www.holidayinn.wm/chsriverview.com. SEA MIST OCEANFRONT RESORT – MYRTLE BEACH SC 1200 South Ocean Blvd., 29577. REUNIONS MADE EASY! Specializing in reunions from military to family at the most affordable rates in Myrtle Beach. Sea Mist's premier oceanfront location is near shopping, theaters and golf courses. Over 600 of our 800 units have been completely remodeled, restaurants, miniature golf, 10 pools, Jacuzzis, fitness room, 17,000-sq.ft. of versatile meeting space and much more! 800-200-8687; group sales@seamist.com; www.seamist.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

TENNESSEE CHATTANOOGA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU We are ready to host your next family or military reunion. Our Staff works closely with the hotels, attractions, tour companies and you to provide exactly what you need to have a great reunion. Contact Christina Petro at 800-964-8600 ext. 3017 or by e-mail at chrisp@chattanoogacvb.com for free help planning your next reunion! www.chattanoogafun.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE We’re a gold mine for reunions. Need attractions? Try Dollywood, Titanic Pigeon Forge, Zorb 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: 1800-285-7557 or visit pigeonforgereunion.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

TEXAS HILTON HOUSTON NORTH 12400 Greenspoint Drive, Houston TX 77060. 281-875-4553; fax 281-875-4596; mcrawford@sun stonehotels.com; www.houstonnorth.hilton.com LEWISVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 606 W. Main Street, Lewisville TX 75057; 800-657-9571; fax 972-2193719; pcox@cityoflewisville.com; www.visitlewisville.com Bring your reunion to Lewisville TX, a small town within an urban metropolis. Groups choose Lewisville because of our location, hotel variety, mall shopping, restaurants, golf & Lewisville Lake. Enjoy bass fishing, bird watching, catamaran sailing, water parks & historic Old Town, all conveniently located 10 minutes from DFW International Airport. BLUEBONNET EVENT CENTER Adjacent to Lake Conroe KOA. 35 fully furnished 1& 2 bedroom cottages. Great Family Reunion Package – free hospitality room with kitchen if family rents 10 or more cottages for 2 night minimum. Campfires, indoor pool/hot tub, 6 acre fishing lake, playground, tennis court, shuffleboard, horse shoes, paddle boats for rent – 1 1/2 miles from Lake Conroe. 19785 Hwy. 105 West, Montgomery TX 77356; 936582-5100; fax 936-582-1218; bluebonnetevents@consolidated .net; www.bluebonneteventcenter.com. F E B R UA R Y / M A R C H / A P R I L 2010 O R E U N I O N S 47

CATALOG OF REUNION RESOURCES UTAH PARK CITY LODGING (formerly R&R Properties) is located in the beautiful mountains of Park City, Utah. Enjoy properties throughout Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons resort areas. We can provide many ideal accommodations for reunions, retreats and weddings. Call 800-348-6759; www.ParkCityLodging.com. Let our knowledgeable staff assist you in creating a memorable mountain experience.

VERMONT SMUGGLERS' NOTCH RESORT At America's Reunion Resort, you'll experience Mountain Resort Living, award-winning children's programs (6wks. - 17yrs.), family activities and entertainment, swimming, skiing, hiking, dining, shopping & more. Smugglers' Notch Resort - the only resort in North America to guarantee Family Fun - Summer, Winter & Fall. For more information, call 1-800-521-0536. or visit www.smuggs.com/reunions. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

VIRGINIA Fredericksburg – TIMELESS. That’s the perfect description of the Fredericksburg region. Visitors to the area encounter the richness of the American experience, and walk in the footsteps of presidents and generals. They feel the joy of discovery in the Fredericksburg area’s unique present and entertaining past, in its historical attractions and battlefields, shops, galleries, beautiful wineries and chef owned restaurants. To book your reunion, please contact Lura Hill, Manager Tourism Sales, at 540-372-1216 or 866-405-3046. Or, email her at lhill@fredericksburgva.gov. www. VisitFred.com LOUDON COUNTY – FREEDOM CENTER 13951 Freedom Center Lane, Leesburg VA 20176. We have 100 beautiful wooded acres for your next reunion, birthday, anniversary or picnic. Delicious catered meals; stocked 2 acre lake; sports and hiking areas. Visit www.freedomcenter.us or call 703-777-3505 for a tour. E-mail info@freedomcenter.us or fax 703-777-5077. VISIT FAIRFAX / FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA. Enjoy everything that Northern Virginia has to offer. From the monuments and memorials of nearby Washington, DC to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Fairfax County is an ideal location for your military or family reunion. Call us at 703-790-0643 or visit our website today at www.fxva.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD! NEWPORT NEWS Close encounters with the ocean, ships, history and the great outdoors in one central destination. All this, plus Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. Whether getting together with old classmates, shipmates or “familymates,” Newport News provides the perfect location and services to make your reunion a success! Outstanding services and support, the best value and plenty to see and do, Newport News will make your next reunion a memorable one. Call Cheryl Morales at 888-493-7386 or email her at cmorales@nngov.com to book your reunion. www. newportnews.org. NORFOLK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 232 East Main Street, Norfolk VA 23510. Norfolk's beautifully revitalized waterfront, rich military heritage, walkable downtown and central Mid Atlantic location make it the ideal destination for your next reunion. Home to such attractions as the Battleship Wisconsin, MacArthur Memorial, Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the world's largest naval base. See why American Heritage named Norfolk “A Great American Place.” Offering over 2,000 committable hotel rooms in various price ranges. Call 800-368-3097; dallen@ norfolkcvb.com; www.norfolkcvb.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

WEST VIRGINIA CANAAN VALLEY RESORT Davis, West Virginia. Four season resort featuring 250 comfortable lodge rooms, 23 secluded cabins/ cottages and 34 campground sites. Seasonal activities include indoor/outdoor pools, golf, skiing, summer/winter tubing, hiking/ biking trails, and more. Meeting rooms and banquet services available for your reunion needs. Karen Rhodes 304-866-4121 x2681 or rhodesk@canaanresort.com www.canaan resort.com

WISCONSIN GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva WI 53147; (800) 558-3417. At Grand Geneva, find yourself surrounded by beauty. Two golf courses, newly renovated guest rooms, spa, 62,000 square feet of meeting space and indoor/ outdoor waterpark located an hour from Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Chicago. Meeting planners: “Pick your free” when you book a room for $99 between November 1 and March 14, 2010 and choose from a FREE reception, FREE ski lift tickets or FREE continental breakfast. www.grandgeneva.com/specials/winter meetings.asp 48 R E U N I O N S O reunionsmag.com

PRODUCTS & SERVICES All of the following can be purchased at www.reunionsmag.com/ shopping or call 1-800-373-7933, ext.4.

BOOKS THE FAMILY REUNION SURVIVAL GUIDE: How to Avoid Problems With Your Family Without Avoiding Your Family by Laurence A. Basirico. (2003, Identity Publishing, $11.95). A book about relationships at family reunions and how to enjoy them. Based on original research. 2106 Coy St., Burlington, NC. (336) 584-1442. Secrets of Successful Family Reunions by Robert W. Wolfe a.k.a. Uncle Bob A how-to-book for successful family reunions. Whether simple or elaborate it helps those who wish to pass their values to the next generation. 2008. $16.99 + s/h.

AIRPORT PARKING PARK RIDE FLY USA is the fastest growing seller of offsite airport parking on the Web. All pre-paid parking reservations include complimentary shuttle service, luggage assistance, and $100,000 of Automatic Flight Insurance provided at no additional cost. Visit www.reunionsmag.com and click on Park Ride Fly for discount airport parking at more than 50 U.S. airports and start saving today!

BADGES & BUTTONS NAMETAG (PHOTO BUTTON) Using the alumni' photo we create a custom button with your school name, colors, and reunion year. Attachment options and accessories are available. We offer personalized service and quick turnaround. Visit us at www.TheButtonFactory.com/Reunions.htm

BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

Treasure and Scavenger Hunts (3rd ed.) How to Plan, Create, and Give Them, by Gordon Burgett Communications Unlimited, 2007, 134 pp. $15.95 + s/h or $12.95 digital.

THE REUNION PLANNER 11661 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 306, Los Angeles CA 90049; 310-820-5554; fax 310-820-8341; lindah@reunionplanner.com; www.reunionplanner.com.

Your Living Family Tree: Keeping your family together forever through print, photos, sound and video by Gordon Burgett Communications Unlimited, 2008, 174 pp. $17.95 + s/h or $15.95 digital.

PLANNERS

Family Reunion by Mary Quattlebaum, Illustrated by Andrea Shine. Thoughtful and fun, this book gives glimpses of family togetherness and tradition through various poetic forms, including free verse, a sonnet, haiku, a ballad and more. $16 + s/h. The Pick A Party book set, by Patty Sachs, party-planning expert. Book #1: Pick a Party, The Big Book of Party Themes and Occasion 100 theme party plans for holidays, milestone occasions and special events. Book #2: Pick-A-Party Cookbook Includes menus, recipes and table decoration ideas for the 100 theme parties in Book #1. Regularly $20 for the set, only $16.00 + $2 s/h) for Reunions magazine readers. The Miles of Smiles: 101 Great Car Games & Activities by travel writer Carole Terwilliger Meyers.“May be the ultimate solution for back seat squabbling” on the way to your reunion. Keep kids entertained all the way there. $8.95 + s/h.

FOOD PREPARATION COOKING FOR LARGE GROUPS (CD) Over 1400 recipes. System requirements: Windows 98/NT 4.0/XP, Intel Pentium Processor or better, 32 MB RAM, 20 MB free hard disk space, CD-ROM drive, SVGA monitor, keyboard, web browser, Adobe Reader, Window-compatible pointing device. $49.95 plus $1.29 s/h. Purchase at www.reunionsmag.com/shopping or call 1-800-373-7933, ext. 4.

MAGAZINE Subscribe to Reunions magazine. Ensure a full year of reunion planning advice plus workbook. Subscribe now. Send $9.99/yr or $17.99/2 yrs to Reunions Magazine, Inc., PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727. To charge to credit card call 800-373-7933 or visit our website www.reunionsmag.com.

MUSIC THE MALONE FAMILY CHOIR: A FAMILY REUNION is an original gospel CD opening with a song you'll want to play to say Welcome to Our Family Reunion! at your family reunion. CD $15 or tape $10 + s/h.

POSTCARD ANNOUNCEMENTS Notify your reunion members to SAVE THE DATE (bright red, they'll not miss it!) and when you need reminders, send postcards that say TIME IS RUNNING OUT. Fill-in cards - $15 p/100 postcards or 20¢ each – you fill in the date and reunion name; or Custom printed cards - $45 p/100 postcards or 50¢ each. Send info to be printed: for SAVE THE DATE! (name, date, & place of reunion, contact info). For TIME IS RUNNING OUT (name & date of reunion & RSVP date) + fax number or email address to get your approval before we print.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REUNION MANAGERS (NARM) PO Box 335428; North Las Vegas NV 89033 narm@reunions.com; www.reunions.com.

REUNION RIBBONS REUNION 2010? Colorful, embossed custom ribbons (in your words) add a “touch of class” to your event & name badges. Ideal bookmark-keepsake that says “you were there”. Created expressly for class, family and military reunions. Class Ribbons available in school colors. For sample ribbon and idea brochure: REUNION MATE 800-208-6804 or www.ribbons4reunions.com. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD!

REUNION WEBSITE BUILDER MYEVENT.COM Create your own reunion website with no skills. It's fast and easy to use. Your reunion website has great features and planning tools. It will make planning much easier and everyone will love it! Features: Online registration, rsvp, ticket payment, message boards, family tree, guest book, quiz, poll, stories, photo albums, no ads, travel information, more. 7 day free trial. No credit card required for the free trial! Only $9.95 / month. http://reunions.createswebsites.com. Any Questions – 877-7693836 or info@myevent.com.

T-SHIRTS AD-fordable Imprints … your ONLY source for PERSONALIZED Imprinted reunion T-shirts/apparel. Custom 1 color imprint priced as low as $3.59 ea. FREE Screen, FREE set-up, FREE artwork charges. SAVE THE DATE MAGNETS personalized, full color imprint, Priced as LOW as.79¢ each, KOOZIE drink holders Priced as LOW as 49¢ ea. Also tote bags, mugs and many memento favors. QUALITY work, great friendly customer service. FREE SAMPLES! CALL or email us today for your FREE sample kit. AD-fordable Imprints Toll Free 1-888-602-9450, doug@ad-fordableimprints.com, www.ad-fordableimprints.com AMERICA’S #1 SOURCE FOR REUNION APPAREL AND GIFTS T-shirts, Totes, Keepsakes & Gifts Easy-To-Order. Fun-To-Wear. Fast-Turn-Around. Beautiful and colorful reunion designs as featured on Good Morning America, personalized for your event! Browse our huge selection of quality apparel and exciting new products. Shop our Reunion Kits for great package pricing and low minimums! REUNION GEAR 1-800-451-1611 www.reuniongear.com CREATE YOUR OWN FAMILY REUNION T-SHIRT STORE at Store4Reunions.com. Design and set prices for your own family’s products. Sell regular screen-printed t-shirts, special photo tees, embroidered polos, coffee mugs, and buttons. Call 800575-2595 for FREE planner or email info@store4reunions.com for reunion planning spreadsheet templates.

TRAVEL DIRECTORY COLORADO VACATION DIRECTORY Make your search for the perfect family reunion destination easier! FREE FAMILY REUNION DESTINATION LOCATION SERVICE: www.TheCVD.com/groups and click on “EMAIL US your Request for Group Accommodations.” We will then send your requirements to Cabins, Vacation Homes, Lodges, Motels, Condo's, B&B's, and Campgrounds that can accommodate your desires; each one will email you directly with additional information. OR download our free Colorado Vacation Directory to compare reunion locations, which includes Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do. www.TheCVD.com/OrderForm.html

P.O. Box 11727 O Milwaukee WI 53211-0727