2019 Reunion

C e l e b ra t i o n s !

Neal Family Reunion Van-Far (Missouri) High School, Class of 1968

Basirico Family Reunion Shaw Family Reunion

Vol 29 no 1
$3/USA Vietnam Veterans at 57th Troop Carrier Association Reunion
 IN HONORING
VETERANS
365 DAYS A YEAR
14TH ANNUAL MILITARY REUNION PLANNERS CONFERENCE
MAY 14-17, 2019
For the MRPC Application or a Reunion Planner Sales Kit:
Julie Peters, CTIS, CEP at JPeters@BransonCVB.com

417-243-2117
 in this special issue
DEPARTMENTS
FRONT WORDS – 4
ALUM & I – 6
Van-Far High School, Class of 1968 by Barbara Fitzgerald
Beebe High School Class of 1988 by Diana Sumner
Reunion of “100,000 Strong”
BRANCH OFFICE – 8
Cummings Thompson Ancestors Reunion Programme
Family History Activities
REUNION SCHOOL – 11
MASTERPLAN – 12
Crawford Family Reunion at Sea by Wonda L. Crawford
Gelatt Family Reunion by David Gelatt
Roby Family Reunion in Kansas by Linda Dwight-Roby and Ericka Davis
Play, Stay and Smile Together in Kissimmee
Coe Family Reunion by Carolyn Poole
Strengthening family bonds in Sinalunga by Larry Basirico
Roby Family Reunion in Indiana by Marci Mabel
Charlie & Ellen Smith Family Reunion by Shirley Doren Smith
Gilbert/Pryer Family Reunion by Melonie Pryer
Family Reunions in Pearland, Texas
Most memorable Rogus Family Reunion by Robin Gapinski
Shaw Family Reunion by Angela Shaw Ross
Thayer Family Reunion games by Marilyn Thayer
Johnson Barnes Family Reunion by Dwight Johnson
Burney-Burnett Family Reunion by Kathy Hunter
Leigh-DeVaughn Family Reunion by Kesha Briggs
Powell-Moody Family Reunion by Allison Bell
BROLRA – Whose big idea was it to write a reunion book? by Karen Robertson
Elmore Family Reunion by Sharon Davis
Casper Westemeier Family Reunion by Roberta McLoud
MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 34
USS Charles P. Cecil (DD/DDR-835) Reunion by Greg Wells
National Museum of the US Army
USS John Young, DD973 Reunion by Michael Trotta
National WWII Museum
Vietnam War Commemoration
Canadian Duo honor service
USS Hopewell (DD-681) Association by Doug Graybeal
USS Ranger CVA61 by Joanna Reran
57th Alumni Association by Woodie Hall, CMSgt
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
REUNION RESOURCES – 41
A directory of reunion-friendly places, services, vendors and products
ON THE COVER
Many reunion celebrations!
Reunion Celebrations March 2019
Volume 29 • Number 1
PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF
Edith Wagner
ART DIRECTOR
Jennifer Rueth
SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER
Roberta McLoud
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Karla Lavin
WEB WIZARD
Sarah Christiaansen
HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN
Dean Miller
CONTRIBUTORS
Larry Basirico • Allison Bell
Kesha Briggs • Wonda L. Crawford, MSW, RSW
Ericka Davis • Sharon Davis
John Christopher Fine • Barbara Fitzgerald
Robin Gapinski • David Gelatt • Doug Graybeal
Woodie Hall, CMSgt • Kathy Hunter
Dwight Johnson • Marci Mabel
Roberta McLoud • Carolyn Poole
Melonie Pryer • Joanna Reran
Karen Robertson • Linda Dwight-Roby
Angela Shaw Ross • Shirley Doren Smith
Diana Sumner • Marilyn Thayer
Michael Trotta • Mary Patricia Voell
Greg Wells • Kathy Woodard
Reunions magazine, Inc. (ISSN #1046-5s235), is pub-
lished 2 times per year. Send correspondence, queries,
requests, submissions, advertising to Reunions maga-
zine, PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 or email
editor@reunionsmag.com.
Written permission from the publisher is required for re-
production of any part of this book except pages which
encourage sharing. Please explain your intended use when
requesting permission to reprint and guarantee tear sheets
of reviews and reprints.
Reunions magazine, Inc., is not liable for information
presented as facts in any of our advertising, byline stories
or materials. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any
material submitted for publication. We take responsibility
for submitted materials but unless accompanied by a self-
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tion become property of Reunions magazine, Inc.
Individual copies $3 each, Reunion Planners Notebook $5
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Advertising information contact Reunions magazine, Inc.,
PO Box 11727, Milwaukee WI 53211-0727 | 414-263-4567
editor@reunionsmag.com | reunionsmag.com.
© 2019 Reunions magazine, Inc.
2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 3
FRONT WORDS

Be in touch!
Mail to
Reunions magazine

W
PO Box 11727
hen we started Reunions quick mid-month reminder eblast, and
Milwaukee WI 53211-0727
magazine (29 years ago!) it other offers from time to time. Visit our
was clear very early that call 414-263-4567 website regularly whenever a question
reunion planners made deals; visit www.reunionsmag.com or dilemma comes up. You’ll find
for their venues and with suppliers and e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com answers or solace from the experiences
were always on the lookout freebies. It and suggestions of other reunion
was also clear that advertisers were planners. You’re not alone! Also visit
eager to connect with our readers, reunion planners. the website regularly to see what new giveaways and
Readers who respond to survey questionnaires about contests, reunion planning workshops and freebies have
their reunions qualify for free copies and subscriptions been added. NOTE: if you read this issue online
supported, of course, by the advertisers wanting to (ISSUU.com/reunionsmag) all of these and much more
“meet” reunion planners. is directly linked to the source: an easy way to get more
Now we are among the vanishing print media though information fast! and free!
we’re not quite ready to join the crowd. But keeping the
Reunions magazine enterprise going is getting harder
and harder. This is one of only two print issues a year we
are able to do. Costs of print and postage eat up a lot of
the very little we are making. And for all the freebies
we’ve provided planners, we now wonder what is or was
the value? We have looked at crowdfunding but while
that is appropriate for reunions, we’re not convinced it’s
appropriate for us. So we are resorting to begging! Yup,
straight out, forth right, begging. And continuing on the free theme, we are offering
Have you been receiving Reunions magazine for a back/remainder issues of Reunions magazine FREE.
while? Have you been visiting the web, Facebook and Great for your welcome bags or if your reunion has been
Pinterest pages? We keep collecting and editing and featured and you want copies for your members or a
printing and posting and putting information, ideas and random collection for your planning committee
inspiration on paper and online to help you develop and members. We ask you to pay packing and postage,
maintain successful and memorable reunions. which is minimal. Contact Karla at klavin@
We are not a nonprofit, though that is our reality, so if reunionsmag.com or 414-263-4567 to order and learn
you’ve benefitted by receiving and reading Reunions how much it will cost.
magazine and visiting our online assets and want to If you like and find Reunions magazine helpful and
contribute, just call it a subscription and we’ll gladly useful, tell someone else who needs to know where to
accept your gift. We’ll declare it, of course, because find reunion planning information.
that’s what businesses do and we’ll thank you with the And, right now, make sure your upcoming reunion is
heartiest of handshakes and smiles … when we see you. posted for all the world to see!
In other words, checks or paypal contributions to
editor@reunionsmag.com are welcome! And for the remainder of this season, we wish you
happy, joyful and successful 2019 reunions! EW
It would also help a lot if you were to engage actively
in all we have to offer your reunion. Subscribe to and,
please, open our monthly e-newsletter, which includes a

4 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
WE’LL HELP PLAN YOUR
REUNION. SO YOU CAN
FOCUS ON ENJOYING IT.
You can enjoy your reunion if you don’t have to deal with all of the details that
go into making it happen. So while we have lots of entertainment options like
Railroad Park, Birmingham Civil Rights District and the McWane Science
Center, we also offer help in planning it all. From finding hotel rooms and
transportation to scheduling caterers and photographers, we have everything
you’ll need to make your reunion a success. Right here in Birmingham.

inbirmingham.com/ RM 1 | 800 - 458 - 8085

alum & I

Van-Far High School, Class of 1968

T he Class of 1968 from Van-Far High School in Vandalia,
Missouri, gathered in Branson, Missouri, to celebrate 50 years
since graduating. The name of the school, located in Northeast
Missouri, is derived from the combination of Vandalia and Farber,
a town west of Vandalia.
The Branson location was chosen as a special celebration trip
for this anniversary. The theme was “Finally, Our Senior Trip, 50
years Later!” This class raised money for a senior trip, but the
school administration discontinued senior trips. The class was
encouraged instead to fund a new sign for the school.
The group of 17 alumni with 10 spouses (and some children and
grandchildren) stayed at the Grand Victorian Hotel. Friday night
included a casual Welcome Reception where classmates were
greeted with welcome packets from the Branson Convention
Bureau/Chamber of Commerce and a reunion folder with updated
information about classmates. With many opportunities for free
time to enjoy the music venues and restaurants, classmates used
the hotel’s Victorian Suite as a Hospitality Room and the third floor
balcony as a gathering place most of the weekend. Memorabilia
was on display including the class yearbook, a memorial table
dedicated to deceased classmates, and a tribute to military veterans
from the class.
Saturday included a day of shopping, golfing, attending Samson
at the Sight and Sound Theater, The Legends, museums and local Group photo taken at the Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks.
venues.
A more formal gathering Saturday night was at The Keeter Room, overlooking the beautiful Ozark campus and countryside.
Center at the College of the Ozarks in nearby Hollister, Missouri. Many alumni had taken advantage of the self-guided tour CD
The gathering included a presentation from the provided by the college. Some visited the college
“Hardwork U” students who provided Vietnam Memorial dedicated to Missourians
information about the college and served a who served in the Vietnam War. Door prizes
delightful meal prepared by students. In were donated by the #1 Hits of the 60’s Show
addition, Pat Fitzgerald, 2018 Chairperson, and generous class members.
recited “Remembrance” by Ray Bradbury. On Sunday, some classmates departed
Pat recalled the names of classmates lost in early, others gathered for brunch, then many
death. He especially remembered Glenda continued the day with more shows, shopping,
Longdon Suddarth, chairperson for the 40th touring the Toy Museum and the Tractor and
class reunion and gave a tribute to class Car Museum. Sunday evening, they ordered
members who are Veterans. The Van-Far Light refreshments and a Van-Far Indian pizza and were hosted by a classmate.
Indians logo was projected on a large screen. 50th Year Reunion cake were served at the Every morning, the group gathered informally
The event was held in the Presidential Dining Welcome Reception. in the Grand Victorian’s breakfast room for
coffee. On Monday, a small group remained and
said they were really pleased they attended and
became reacquainted with old friends. It was
heartwarming to see how easily class members
seemed to take up where they had left off, but with
warmer connections and appreciation for times they
had shared together. The reunion experience was
very rewarding. There were many hugs and
handshakes throughout the weekend as friends
arrived and departed. Classmates came from Alaska,
Florida, South Dakota, and several cities in
Missouri. Even with the threat of rains from
Hurricane Gordon, Branson had outstanding
weather. Branson offers so much variety. It was the
perfect place for old friends from so many walks of
life and interests, to gather for this 50-year
celebration!
Reported by Barbara Fitzgerald,
Columbia, Missouri.
6 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
 alum & I

echaritable reunion
KHS Class of ’78 makes
charity donations
K ewanee (Illinois) High School’s Class of 1978 created class
gifts for their 40th reunion. Each classmate supported a local
Kewanee or Henry County charity that works to improve the lives
of local kids. This was a chance to give back to the town that
“helped us become successful, and our chance to help a younger
generation.”
Classmates were asked on Facebook to identify which charities
they should support; Kewanee Schools Foundation, Kewanee Park
District, Henry County Mental Health Alliance or Sunshine
Community Services Center.
Classmates were asked to write a check to the charity or
charities they wanted to support and they were very generous.
Many contributed to two charities. They raised $4,238. Gifts were
presented at the reunion.
From the Kewanee Star Courier, Kewanee, Illinois.
Beebe Class of 1988
T he Beebe (Arkansas) High School Class of 1988 meets
at a restaurant in Little Rock because it’s centrally
located with lots of hotels nearby. Typically the location
changes but this time they went back to where they had
their 25th reunion.
They go to a restaurant that lets them use their big
conference room and everyone pays their own bill for food
and drinks. About 50 typically meet every five years for a
weekend event. They’ve had DJs and videos from old photos.
The class is so close they don’t need to break the ice.
It’s reunion tradition to always meet on Homecoming
weekend during football season and the rest of the year
members stay in touch on Facebook. Family night is
Homecoming game night. They typically tailgate prior to
the game with classmates and their families.
Reported by Diana Sumner, Carlisle State, Arkansas.

ANY-SIZED FAMILY.
ANY-SIZED BUDGET.
WE ACCOMMODATE BOTH.
You have a big family. We have activities for everyone and
every budget. From fine dining to family casual, from
easy-going hotels to uptown luxury, we’ve got your budget
covered. And with a world of fun for all ages and interests,
Fairfax County is tailor-made for your reunion.
Let us help you plan your family’s reunion.
Go to FXVA.com or call 703-790-0643.

WASHINGTON D.C. NATIONAL PARKS

2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 7

 branch office

San Diego’s
Reunion Specialists
Host your special reunion at the Holiday Inn Bayside
overlooking beautiful San Diego Bay.
• Selected as “One of the Top 10 great places to
hold a Reunion,” as seen in USA Today
• Beautiful and spacious guest rooms
• Tropical courtyard with heated pool, spa, shuffleboard
• Family style restaurant and cocktail lounge
• Non-smoking and disabled access rooms
• 9-hole putting course, exercise room
• Free airport transfers
• Parking fee waived
• Kids eat and stay free program

Special Reunion Features

• Complimentary one-night stay for reunion planner
with site inspection
• Complimentary hospitality suite
• Senior discounts in our restaurant
• Special reunion rates

4875 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92106

619.224.3621 • 800.650.6660 • Fax: 619.224.3629
Email: Jodie@holinnbayside.com • holinnbayside.com
B a rt e l l H o t e l s …Sa n Di e g o ’s
U n f o r g e t t a b l e L o c a ti o ns

F amily historian, Mary Patricia Voell, found a reunion treasure while working on a client
project: a Family Reunion Programme for the Cummings Thompson Ancestors Reunion
on December 25, 1896. Yes, eighteen96. The reunion is on Christmas Day but the only clue
it might be the holiday is “Distribution of presents” in the morning. The menu, of course,
looks tasty and what could be better than both pie and cake for dessert? But it’s the
Afternoon Programme that amazes. First, the number of performers who are making
presentations with some fascinating titles. Are some children and others adults? Hard to
know except for maybe some hints in the titles of their presentations. We were also amazed
at the professional presentation of the piece considering it was 1896! Used with permission.
Mary Patricia Voell, info@legaciesstories.com or legaciesstories.com, teaches The
Making of A Family Historian. It’s a Back To School Campaign for family historians.
8 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
Getting together is better
in Lake County Illinois

Home to some of the Midwest’s most beautiful landscapes and just 30 minutes north
of Chicago, Lake County is reunion-perfect. You’ll find world-class attractions such as
Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor, more than 75 lakes and beaches,
wonderful dining and entertainment, and exceptional indoor and outdoor gathering spaces
for your big event. Choose from 60 hotels and three resorts—including Great Wolf
Lodge Illinois, with its family-friendly 80,000-sq. ft. indoor water park.
Let Lake County make your next reunion unforgettable.
Before you plan your reunion, contact Kimberly Ghys,
Senior Account Executive, at Kimberly@LakeCounty.org
or find more information at VisitLakeCounty.org.

Milwaukee
Michigan
Lake

Lake
County
Chicago
branch office
Family history activities
Y our family reunion is a great
opportunity to share stories and
family history! These suggestions are from
Kimberly Powell on worldfamilies.net.
• Memory t-shirts
Identify each family branch with a
different color shirt. Or scan ancestors’
photos and print an iron-on transfer.
• Photo swap
Ask members to bring historic family
photos that feature people (great-great-
grandpa), places (churches, cemetery, the
old homestead), and earlier reunions.
Ask contributors to label photos; names
of people in the photos, dates, and their
own name. Provide a scanner and laptop
to create CDs of the photo collection. Sell
CDs to family members to cover the cost of
scanning and CD burning or to raise funds
for the reunion. Or provide photos and
signup sheets for those who want to order
copies (by name and ID number).
• Get acquainted treasure hunt for
all ages
A good way to get kids involved with
older and younger relatives is to create a
family-related “scavenger list.” Find the
oldest person, or find the youngest person.
Find three kids who are on sports teams.
What country did Grandpa come from?
Find out who used to work on a fishing boat.
Find a relative who has served in the military
(and in what branch). Set a time limit.
Award prizes for the most correct answers.
10 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
• Family Tree wall chart
Display a large family tree with many
generations. Members can fill in blanks
• Story time
The reunion is a perfect opportunity to
hear interesting and funny family stories.
and correct inaccuracies. Wall charts help Use a storytelling time to encourage family
relatives to visualize each individual’s memories. Ask permission to audiotape or
place in the family. videotape the occasion.
Videotape members talking about
• Heritage cookbook the family. If the reunion is in honor of a
Invite members milestone event (Grandma and Grandpa’s
to submit favorite 50th anniversary, for example), ask others
family recipes, to talk about the guest(s) of honor. Or ask
especially ones questions about memories, growing up on
passed down from the old homestead, going to school or work.
your ancestors. Ask
for details, memories • Tour the past
and a photo of the If your reunion is held near where
family member best family lives or lived, visit the family
known for the dish. homestead, church, and cemetery. Share
Combine collected memories along the way. Clean ancestral
recipes into a family cemetery plots. Research family in old
cookbook. Use cookbooks as a reunion church records.
fundraising project.
• Family history skits and re-enactments
• Memorabilia table Ask members to develop skits or plays
Ask members to bring and display to retell family history tales. Or stage
family memorabilia and treasures; historic reenactments at family places such as
photos, military medals, old jewelry, family homes, farms, schools, churches, parks
bibles, etc. Carefully label all items and be and cemeteries.
sure the table is always hosted.
Looking over Seidemann Family history documents.
 Most of these events are sponsored and presented by convention and visitors bureaus. Most
take place on Saturdays, are free or at nominal cost. All prefer or require advance reservations.
We add new events online as soon as we learn about them. Visit reunionsmag.com and click
on Reunion Planning Workshops.

ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

April 27 and April 28, 2019 (this is a one day event – choice of either date) April 29-May 3, 2019 | Experience Kissimmee Military Reunion FAM
Contact 678-297-2811 | reunions@awesomealpharetta.com September 14, 2019 | Family Reunion Workshop
www.awesomealpharetta.com Contact Jadeine Shives | 407-569-4855 | jshives@experiencekissimmee.com
Reunionsinkissimmee.com
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA
Contact “Cousin” Michelle | 706-823-6600 | Michelle@VisitAugusta.com LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Contact Kimberly Ghys | 800-Lake-Now (800-525-3669)
GREATER BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
Kimberly@lakecounty.org | Lakecountyreunions.com
Contact Tara Walton, CTIS | 800-458-8085 or 205-458-8000, ext. 206
twalton@inbirmingham.com | inbirmingham.com MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
BRANSON, MISSOURI Contact Holly Townsend | 901-543-5320 | hollytownsend@memphistravel.com
May 14-17, 2019 NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA
14th Annual Military Reunion Planners Conference Contact Andrea Moran | 888-493-7386 | amoran@nnva.gov
Contact Julie Peters | 417-243-2117 | jpeters@bransoncvb.com www.newport-news.org/
www.explorebranson.com/groups/reunions
PEACHTREE CITY, GEORGIA
CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Contact Eric Matos | 678-216-0282 | visitpeachtreecity.com
Contact John Poole | 704-456-7969 | John.Poole@VisitCabarrus.com
visitcabarrus.com SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
March 9, 2019 | 14th Annual Family History Seminar
CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA March 14, 2020 (Always 2nd Saturday in March)
Contact C. Jeff Bunn | 757-382-1352 | jbunn@cityofchesapeake.net
Sponsored by the Greater Sacramento African American Genealogy Society
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA www.aafhs.com/
Kelli Poteet | visitcolumbusga.com
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA
COLUMBUS, OHIO Contact Erica Telsee | 800-551-8682 | etelsee@sbctb.org
Marie Medford, CTA | 614-222-6101 | mmedford@experiencecolumbus.com
VIRTUAL FAMILY Reunion Planning Workshops
experiencecolumbus.com/tours-reunions
3rd Saturday of every month
DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21,
March 9, April 6, May 18, June 15, Aug 10, Sep 21, November 16, 2019 October 19, November 16, December 21, 2019
Contact Penny Moore, Group Services Manager | 770-492-5018 Contact Niko Cook | niko@webuildlegacy.org
discoverdekalb.com/reunions
THE MILITARY REUNION NETWORK
DETROIT, MICHIGAN MRN Partner Events (days vary)
Contact Lynette Richardson | 313-202-1985 | reunions@visitdetroit.com SEATTLE, WASHINGTON | Mar 7-10, 2019
visitdetroit.com/family-reunions/ COLUMBUS, OHIO | Apr 11-13, 2019
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA ALBANY, NEW YORK | May 14-16, 2019
February 15, 2020 | 12th Annual Family Reunion workshop MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE | June 20-22, 2019
Contact Dean Miller | 703-752-9509 | dmiller@fxva.com | www.fxva.com BALTIMORE, MARYLAND | July 29-31, 2019
SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA | Oct 11-13, 2019
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA
March 9, 2019 RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA | May 14-17, 2020
Contact Victoria Matthews | 800-260-3646 | 540-372-1216 EDUCATIONAL SUMMIT
vamatthews@fredericksburgva.gov | www.VisitFred.com NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | June 22-25, 2019
GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA Contact Sharon Danitschek | 425-501-1430 | sharon@militaryreunionnetwork.com
March 22, 2019 militaryreunionnetwork.com/
Contact Maurice Odoms, Reunion Market Specialist | 770-814-6059
YMRC – YOUR MILITARY REUNION CONNECTION
maurice@exploregwinnett.org | www.exploregwinnett.org/reunions
Military Reunion Planners Conferences
HOUSTON, TEXAS BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA | March 3-6, 2019
Contact Neidra Billings | 713-853-8321 | NBillings@visithouston.com PROVIDENCE/WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND | July 28-August 1, 2019
www.visithoustontexas.com/reunions/ ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO | October 13-16, 2019
KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN Contact Debbie Stewart | Ymrcusa@gmail.com | ymrc.net
Contact Jennifer Williamson | 269-488-0057 | jwilliamason@discoverkalamazoo.com www.facebook.com/militaryreunions

2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 11

masterplan

Crawford Family Reunion at Sea

T he Crawford Family celebrated their 32nd reunion at sea
for the very first time. Many of our members had heard of
other families having successful cruise reunions. Finally, after
many years of conversation the younger generation encouraged
the older generation to take a family cruise. At the 2016
Crawford Family Reunion the family voted and agreed to host
the next reunion on a cruise ship. A cruise committee of family
members from different parts of the country was selected. The
committee met via monthly conference calls with a travel
agent to coordinate and plan the reunion. The travel agent
assisted family members with booking cabins, hotels, flights,
transportation and other travel needs.
The Crawford Family Reunion kicked off with a Bon Voyage
party at a famous New Orleans seafood restaurant. We boarded
the Carnival “Triumph” in New Orleans on Thursday, for a
four-day cruise. The cruise ported at the beautiful island of
Cozumel, Mexico, where the Crawfords hit the streets. We
enjoyed excursions (zip lining, snorkeling, jet skiing),
swimming with dolphins, the beautiful beaches, shopping,
and sightseeing.
While at sea, the family enjoyed many festivities such as
musical shows, comedy shows, Dr. Seuss Parade, Build-A-
Bear workshops, dancing at night clubs, eating tons of
delicious food, movie night and much more. The family
gathered at dinner time for fellowship and planned evening
activities. We also celebrated one family member’s birthday.
A commemorative t-shirt was designed and created with
the image of our ancestors. The t-shirt displayed a picture of
“Pop” and “Neen” the Crawford Family’s patriarch and
matriarch. The theme for the 32nd Crawford Family Reunion
was “Anchoring in Family Love.”
The Crawford family ended the reunion with a traditional
family meeting. We held our CFR Executive Officers election
as well as selecting a location for the 2020 Crawford Family
Reunion which will be in Mobile, Alabama and it will be EPIC.
Reported by Wonda L. Crawford, MSW, RSW,
Crawford Family Reunion on the Carnival Triumph New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tempie Crawford, Greta Crawford, Wonda Crawford, Jessie MacArthur, Keisha Ellis, Raymond Gray, Sr. Sharde Gray, Raymond Gray Jr. (12),
and Thomas Crawford Debra MacArthur and Wayne Ellis; Mahogany Gray (2) in the stroller
12 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
masterplan

Gelatt Family Reunion

T he Gelatt family has met annually in Gelatt,
Pennsylvania, since 1890. The first Gelatt in America
was John Gelatt, a stowaway on a ship, who fled Limoges,
France, to escape conscription. He landed in
Massachusetts where he married Mary Mollie Mott and
started a family. John’s son, George moved to Susquehanna
County, Pennsylvania, where he founded the hamlet of
Gelatt with his sons George Jr, Robert, and Collins. They
hold their reunions in that same village each year. About
100 attend.
2019 will be the 130th Gelatt Family Reunion.
Set up starts at 10 AM. The reunion starts at noon with
prayer, a bible reading, and notes from the previous year’s
reunion, and then a potluck meal. There are games and
singing after and they close around 4 PM. They are a
musical group so everyone brings instruments and they
sing a lot. There are trivia games and prizes throughout the
day. David Gelett introduces newcomers and everyone gets 2018 Gelatt Family Reunion
a nametag. The day ends with a group photo and a visit to
the Gelatt cemetery to remember our ancestors. to do like handing out nametags or helping husk corn. The hardest
Reunions are financed by donations from the previous years part about reunions is keeping the younger generation involved so
reunion. Family stays in touch on Facebook, email, and phone they can carry on the tradition. David says he hopes to someday
calls. They have a family genealogy page on Facebook that they pass this on to the younger generation and he wishes more
are very involved with. They send press releases to newspapers. newspapers offered a reunion announcement section.
There are about 20 children. They try to assign them fun tasks Reported by David Gelatt, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Reunion banner made to hang each year.

At the first official reunion of the Gelatt clan in 1890 in Gelatt, Pennsylvania.
14 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
 masterplan

Roby Family Reunion in Kansas

T his year was a milestone Roby Family
Reunion – 74 years of family gatherings
and reunions. The location was the home of
our family’s 86-year-old patriarch, Jesse
Roby, and at Wyandotte County Park in
Bonner Springs, Kansas. Roby family
members traveled from all over the country
to attend the weekend long event of fun and
activities. The first night was a meet and
greet held at the home of the family reunion
president. We enjoyed food and games, and
shared stories from previous years gather-
ings. All the fun took place on Saturday.
115 members joined in the celebration at a
large cookout with ribs, hot dogs, hamburg-
ers, fresh fruit and many side dishes.

Adults joined hula hoop contests.

June 9, 2018 as Roby Family Reunion Day.
The last day of activities included attend-
ing a family member’s home church. There
was already talk about how we can make
the 75th year the Biggest and Greatest
Reunion ever. We are in the early planning
stages for a cruise; location still to be
determined. Many thanks to our family
reunion committee members who were
instrumental in making it a success.
Reported by Linda Dwight-Roby,
Kansas City, Kansas, with help from
granddaughter, Ericka Davis,
Fort Worth, Texas.

Four Seasons of Reunion Fun in the

Mother and Daughter, Mountains of Western Maryland
Linda Roby and Trava Davis
Uncle Jesse shared history and stories
of our Indian heritage and growing up in
the small town of Lehigh, Oklahoma. While
the older generation was reminiscing, the
younger generation was creating memories
of their own joining in sack races, water
balloon fights, hula hoop contests (adults
joined in) and a piñata. There were activities
for kids and for adults. Adults enjoyed
playing cards, dancing and playing the
Roby version of Family Feud. Throughout
the reunion, videos from previous reunions
played from the start to finish. Not only was
there an abundance of food, but treats as Escape to the Deep Creek area for your next reunion. With year round attractions
well. Cotton candy and snow cone including our mountain lakes, hiking, small towns, history and art as well as
machines were welcome on that hot Maryland’s only downhill ski resort, we offer something for every reunion. Let us
Saturday afternoon. A photo booth was help provide resources to plan your reunion and make it an annual tradition!
available for members to take individual
or family photos.
At the end of the reunion there was a
closing ceremony and drawing for a Great meeting
spot within close
basket bursting with picnic necessities
proximity to major
including a grill. At the end of the closing
mid-Atlantic cities!
ceremony each senior family member was
presented with a plaque from the City of
Kansas City, Kansas, declaring Saturday www.deepcreekreunions.com | 888-387-5237
2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 15
masterplan
Play, Stay, and Smile Together in
I f your group can dream it, they can do it in Kissimmee, Florida.
With world-famous theme parks, family-friendly outdoor
adventures, and unique dining and entertainment possibilities,
this sunny destination offers everything you need for a family
reunion filled with memories to last a lifetime.
Conveniently situated in Central Florida, Kissimmee provides
easy access to world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney
World® Resort, Universal Orlando ResortTM, and SeaWorld®
Parks & ResortsTM Orlando. Families can also enjoy the nearby
Fun Spot America – Kissimmee and take a stroll through the past
at The Holy Land Experience.
For families who prefer the great outdoors, Kissimmee features
incredible fresh air fun and thrills, including zipline excursions,
kayaking, horseback riding, and animal encounters, all offered at
the many outdoor adventure parks in the area. You can even meet
a few toothsome friends at Gatorland.
Zoom across the water in an airboat at Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park.
16 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
With comfy motels, high-end hotel suites, private villas, and
luxurious resorts, Kissimmee offers the best selection of close-to-
everything accommodations – all with a variety of features and
services to satisfy every reunion need and budget,
including dedicated banquet spaces, hospitality rooms, and
outside catering options.
From fine dining to delightful local eateries, this
one-of-a-kind destination features plates for every palate.
Families can even dine with knights at Medieval Times
Dinner & Tournament, take to the high-seas on a pirate
ship at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, enjoy cultural cuisine at
Disney Springs®, or savor while singing along at House of
Blues Gospel Brunch.
Located just 25 minutes from Orlando International
Airport and just an hour and a half from the east and west
coasts of Florida, Kissimmee is the perfect location for your
next family reunion. And with free planning assistance, plus
free reunion T-shirts, Experience Kissimmee can make your
dream reunion into a reality! ExperienceKissimmee.com/
Reunions; 407-569-4855.
T The Coe Family Reunion was in White
Marsh, Maryland. They celebrated with a
“Coming to America” theme. Activities
included a watermelon eating contest, Senior
walker race and sack race. Isaiah Coe was the
oldest at the reunion at 92 but, sadly, he passed
away two months later.
New members, the Jones family, discovered
through an Ancestry.com DNA test, attended
the reunion for the first time.
Shared by Carolyn Poole, Darlington,
South Carolina.
FREE Personalized
Family Reunion T-Shirts

If your family reunion group can dream it, they can do it here. Shake hands with a mouse.
Dine with kings and queens and wizards. Sing along at a gospel brunch. Fly through the air
on boats, balloons, and broomsticks. And take their pick of more than 45,000 accommodation
options for every budget. From world-famous theme parks to incredible outdoor adventures
and plates for every palate, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover more incredible
experiences in sunny Kissimmee, where we make reunions, and you make new memories
in real time.

Get inspired and get together at

EXPERIENCEKISSIMMEE.COM/REUNIONS

2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 17

masterplan
Strengthening family bonds in Sinalunga by Larry Basirico
I taly seems to be on everyone’s bucket
list these days, so when the prospect
of having a reunion in Tuscany is
suggested to family members, it creates
a mystique that immediately threads
them together.
But family reunion relationships can
be complicated. Each unit develops its
own internal culture, its practices and
ways of approaching the world. In our
family of childhood, typically parents
and siblings, we learn the look on dad’s
face that tells you and your siblings
he’s really serious this time, the funny
way your brother communicates that Lunch at the Villa, from left, the author’s wife, Stephanie Basirico, and so much more. These visits soon
only you and your siblings understand, across from her Micki Stewart, next to Stephanie, Chris Onulak, reveal one of the core values of Italian
the inside jokes about your favorite across from him Priscilla Starling.
uncle, the way mom cooks your favorite dish no one else can
match, the seating arrangement at your dinner table, the rituals
that are unique to your family.
By the time we’re adults, most of us also have a family of
adulthood – our spouse or partner and our children, if we have any
– that develops its own culture, which may be different from our
family of childhood. When people have reunions with their family
of childhood, their family of adulthood and the families of adult-
hood of their siblings, there is the potential for a clash of cultures
and differences of opinion about the important things in life.
Having your family reunion at a villa in Tuscany and the
profound unifying experience it creates is often the antidote
to possible relationship pitfalls.
Even before Italy’s charms take hold of your family, commonali-
ties become established and entrenched with reports of everyone’s
trek to the villa: the mix-up at the car rental agency, the nerve-
wracking autostrade, the Lamborghini that sped by so fast you
didn’t have time to see its color, the terrifying accounts of cars
trying to pass between each other on two-lane roads, the tailgater
who was nearly in your backseat, your GPS and cell phone that
were out of range. For those who arrived by train, there are stories
about disrupted schedules, one-hour rail strikes and missed
connections. Yet, all is well. You made it. It’s Italy, and one of the
charms of Italians is that they take it all in stride because they
have the wisdom that life is too short to get upset about things
beyond our control. It’s not only the shared sense of avventura,
but also the realization that we all are now
here at a villa that is more beautiful than
we could have imagined and that we have
entered this fantasy-come-true, together, as
a family.
The iconic beauty of the Tuscan
landscape seems immediately familiar and
you have a sense of feeling at home: the
winding roads lined with tall cypress trees,
hilltop towns in the distance, castles that
seemingly appear from nowhere, vine-
covered pergolas, terraces saturated with
olive trees, unannounced wineries and
agriturismi, protective stone walls
surrounding medieval towns and, above
all, breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and
18 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
cloud formations.
One of the benefits of staying at a
villa in the Tuscan countryside is the
proximity to so many towns and cities
that can be visited for a few hours or a
full day. Planning and taking daily
trips become group building activities,
as are the conversations about them at
the end of the day: the narrow street in
Pistoia that your car nearly got stuck
in, the inspiring Etruscan gallery you
visited in Arezzo, the aromatic cheese
shops lining the streets of Pienza, the
art and architecture of Montepulciano,
culture – family comes before profits
– when you learn you have to structure your trips around the
midday shop closings so shop owners can eat with their family and
friends. What better value for your family to ponder during a
family reunion.
Your family’s focus on the region’s culinary delights is so
noticeable that it barely needs mention: the villa’s brick-oven
pizza and bruschetta, local prosciutto, cinghiale, cheeses, olive
oils, truffles and wines. The realization that wine is more than just
a beverage but the lifeblood of Italian culture and the centrality of
the Italian dinner table reinforce to you, as a family, that there are
no differences among family members that outweigh this collective
experience and the shared memory that you are creating that will
last a lifetime.
About the author
Larry Basirico, PhD, is professor of sociology,
former chair of the department of sociology and
anthropology, and former dean of international
programs at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina.
In 2013 he served as Elon’s study abroad faculty-in-
residence at Accademia Europea di Firenze (AEF):
School of Arts and Italian Culture in Florence. He is author of The
Family Reunion Survival Guide: How to Avoid Problems with
your Family Without Avoiding Your Family.
Originally published in The Florentine magazine (Issue 248,
September 2018) in Florence, Italy, is reprinted with permission.
Villa Scopetello, Sinalunga, Italy, the Basirico Family Reunion destination.
 masterplan

Roby Family Reunion in Indiana

T here were more than 160 people at Lake
Etta County Park in Gary, Indiana; 140
registered and 20 unregistered guests. We had
attendance was Aunt Zellee’s family from Toledo,
Ohio. Even though the family moved all over the
US many still reside in Chicago, a stone’s throw
a beautiful space with plenty of room where from Gary, Indiana.
we grilled and exchanged stories and photos, News of the reunion quickly spread and we
played games and had fun. We had a spread of have since found another 50 relatives in Arkan-
food where there was something for everyone. sas, New York, Florida, and Virginia.
We did not know and have never met about We created a family Facebook page and got
90% of the people. The family had grown quite the word out or so we thought. We started with
large and people moved all over the US. My about 168 people on the page but since the
grandfather, one of the last living elders, passed reunion, it has grown to over 250 people with
away at age 97. I used the information he gave more being added daily.
me, while his mind was still sharp, to piece Reported by Marci Mabel,
together the family tree. I found many had Roby Family Reunion wreath with family tree Gilbert, Arizona.
passed before he was born or while he was a
small child, so his knowledge was limited. It appears family
began relocating all over the US and never kept in touch and as
they began to pass on, what little connection we had was gone.
I found a cousin on Ancestry and we began to work together.
I found there were several family branches that have been
having reunions for years and were not aware of the other
branches. We decided to do a small reunion for those in the
Midwest region to kick things off. The response was over-
whelming. We had more people than originally expected. They
came from Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,
Minnesota, and Ohio.
We were so excited and busy telling stories that we did not
get to play too many games, it was more of a story sharing
session after introductions. It was interesting how many had
heard the names and were finally able to put a face to it. We all
came bearing old photos but unfortunately, we did not hire a
photographer. I should have insisted when the committee voted
against it, so we never got a group photo. Photo booth (left to right) Erica Madry, daughter Dionna Butler (1), cousin
Interestingly, the 90% were two brothers’ Horace and Claude, Amari Pryor, daughter Jaida Butler (4), and Natieka Mathews, all descendants of the
Sr’s, children and grandchildren. The other family branch in Claude Roby Sr. branch (2x and 3x great-grandfather).

h
T he Charlie & Ellen Smith Family
Reunion took place in Scotland
County, North Carolina, with the Clark
family hosting. Charlie & Ellen Smith
were married July 14, 1861 and on
July 14, 2017, the family celebrated
their 156th wedding anniversary. The
family meets every two years.
Shared by Shirley Doren Smith,
Rockingham, North Carolina.

2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 19

masterplan

Gilbert/Pryer Family Reunion

T he Gilbert/Pryer Family Reunion in
Plaquemine, Louisiana, brought together more
than 550 family members from California, Mary-
land, Georgia, Virginia, Texas and Louisiana. At
the last reunion, 15 years earlier, more than 700
family attended.
The family enjoyed many games and activities;
Family Feud was the favorite. There were
snowballs for the kids, an awesome grab bag for
each family member, a bake contest, face painting,
soccer, volleyball and a selfie booth. Honorees at
this year’s reunion were Odelia Pryer Lewis, 87,
Daisey Ward, 85 and Rosalie Lockman, 80.
This was the first informal one-day Meet &
Greet since a big reunion 15 years ago. Looking
forward to summer 2020 for the next Gilbert/Pryer
Reunion which will be a 3-day event in Shreveport,
Louisiana. #weAreFamily #gpreunion
Shared by Melonie Pryer,
Some at the Gilbert/Pryer Family Reunion in Plaquemine, Louisiana. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Family Reunions in Pearland

P repare to love Pearland, Texas, for your next
family reunion. A mild Texas Gulf Coast
climate paired with the welcoming hospitality of
in local boutiques giving family members a
chance to create items together. Or, hunt for the
Pear-Scape art sculpture trail featuring twenty,
Pearland make this destination just south of 4’ painted pears positioned throughout the City.
Houston a top choice for reunion planners. Only Ask about five types of scavenger hunts as a fun
ten miles south from downtown Houston, teambuilding event for your group.
Pearland is a short drive from William P. Hobby When Pearland resident Lovie Sanford began
Airport and nearby attractions. planning the Nash Family Reunion last summer,
With over 80,000 square feet of meeting she immediately contacted the Pearland CVB for
space venues plus 175 acres of beautiful park assistance. Over the weeks, she received assis-
land, reunion planners find the perfect balance Taking a selfie on the Pear-Scape art tance securing hotel rooms for family members to
sculpture trail.
of attractive spaces to host outdoor gatherings, stay in Pearland.
picnics, sporting events and more in Pearland. A thriving culinary Pearland is ready to welcome your reunion. Let us assist with
scene in Pearland plus unique, local shopping opportunities offers your family reunion planning and be sure to visit us online for itin-
visitors plenty to do during their stay. erary ideas and a reunion planning toolbox with handy, planning
The Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is ready to tools at visitpearland.com/reunions. Contact Tracy Rohrbacher,
assist reunion planners complete with welcome kits and an online Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau, visitpearland.com;
directory of local resources to handle everything from photography 281-997-5972.
to transportation. You’ll enjoy more personalized service with a
choice of name brand hotels in Pearland.
Recently, Jean Thornton planned the Richardson-Brown Family
Reunion in Pearland and worked with Megan Flowers, sales and
events manager for the Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau in
finding venues and hotels.
“…The Mayor provided a warm letter of greeting that was
included in every member’s event schedule. And, although she was
rushing off to leave on vacation, Megan packed and delivered gifts
for each family. If you are considering hosting an event in
Pearland, I highly recommend you contact the Pearland CVB and
you might be lucky enough to get Megan! Thanks so much for a
warm welcome,” wrote Thornton.
A slate of exciting annual events held in Pearland are popular
with reunion planners. Especially, the Concerts in the Park series
featuring free, live music Friday nights during May and June at
Southdown Park.
Other things to do around town include a variety of workshops A reunion crafting activity at The Rustic Brush in Pearland, Texas.
20 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
 masterplan

Most memorable family reunion

W hen my mom and dad said that they wanted to take their
three adult children and families on a week-long vacation to
a dude ranch in Colorado for our first family reunion, I wasn’t sure
what to expect. Several of us (age 50+) along with five
grandchildren (ages 11-13) had never ridden a horse before.
WOW, Sylvan Dale Ranch (SDR), in Loveland, Colorado, didn’t
disappoint nor skip a beat on any level with meeting our diverse
needs, and actually exceeded them again and again! Sue Jessup’s
parents bought SDR in 1946 and she has continued her family’s
traditions and hospitality. The entire staff made us feel at home
from the moment we arrived. Karen, Sylvan’s Coordinator & Head
Riding Instructor, assigned each of us based on our riding ability
to one of their horses for the week. She continually touched base
with us individually to make sure all the pre-planning before our
arrival was meeting our needs and expectations. We all fell in love
with the horses, most of whom were born and raised on the ranch.
The horses had such fun personalities and character that we
quickly understood why they were part of the SDR family. Karen
was just exceptional, an equal part of the heart and soul of Sylvan
along with Laurie, Sue and Dave. The daily schedule of daytime Rogus Family Reunion at Sylvan Dale Ranch in Loveland, Colorado.
and evening activities were top-notch and so much fun. They
ranged from bass fishing, nature hikes, trap shooting, and archery,
to simply lounging around the heated swimming pool. They also opportunities to both learn horseback riding skills (from walking
had new basketball, tennis, pickleball, and four corners courts, if your horse to learning how to lope “gallop”) all while enjoying the
we were still looking for more to do! Who would have thought that stunningly beautiful mountain landscape that surrounded or is
no one missed, nor asked about watching TV or playing video part of SDR. We teased Laurie about her natural ability or “pixie
games with so many activities that we could do?! Dave and Sue dust” that she had with putting our kids at ease from the first time
were with us daily (when we weren’t on our morning or afternoon they learned how to mount their horse to participating in the
rides) from preparing a gourmet breakfast over a woodburning fire Gymkhana on our last full day. Each morning and afternoon ride
up in the mountains during our morning adventure ride, to hosting was a uniquely different experience. The wranglers’ unending
a BBQ with the Larimer County Rodeo Queens & Cowboys. There patience and fantastic sense of humor made our overall experience
were also tractor wagon rides, singing around a campfire roasting so memorable. It’s why we all definitely plan to return. Lastly, how
s’mores or playing a friendly game of softball while churning can I forget to mention the food? The three meals prepared daily
homemade ice cream. We felt at home at SDR by the warm, by Marcus and his kitchen staff were gourmet, homemade and
sincere and genuine hospitality including our accommodations. leaving you always going back for seconds and thirds. Not having
Two cottages (Mama J’s and Tommy House) more than comfortably to worry about a single thing (food, accommodations, and what to
housed 13 of us (8 adults and 5 children) in clean, comfortable do) from the moment we arrived to the moment we left is why we
and well-stocked with a “home on the range” feeling. highly recommend Sylvan Dale Ranch for anyone looking for a
Horseback riding adventures with Erica, Seth, Laura and unique, relaxing or highly adventuresome reunion!
Laurie went way beyond the traditional trail rides but were daily Reported by Robin Gapinski.

T he oldest and youngest at

the Parks-Reese-Pittman
Family Reunion in Winston- T he oldest and youngest at
the Moose-Kittinger Family
Salem, North Carolina. Evelyn Gathering in Harney, Maryland.
Andrews is 93 years old and Betty Boose is 94 years old
Layla Marie Ray is three and Anastasia Baccus is six
months old. months old.
Shared by Shared by
Kathy Woodard, John Christopher Fine,
Winston-Salem, Gettysburg,
North Carolina. Pennsylvania.
2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 21
 ALISAL GUEST RANCH &
RESORT
Solvang, CA
Located in Santa Barbara Wine
Country Alisal is California’s
premier guest ranch with
73 accommodations, golf,
horseback riding, spa, fishing
and tennis.
805-688-6411 | www.alisal.com
WHITE STALLION RANCH
Tucson, AZ
The True Family invites you to the
ranch that is their home. Here,
your entire family will enjoy riding,
hiking, swimming, climbing, and
sharing plenty of quality time, at
a carefree reunion full of love and
laughter.
520-297-0252 | www.whitestallion.com
SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH
Loveland, CO
Discover your inner cowboy at
Sylvan Dale Ranch! An easy hour
from Denver, we offer comfy cabins,
delicious food, over 3,200 acres
of riding trails, cattle drives, kids’
programs, adult only weeks, and more!
970-667-3915 | www.sylvandale.com
BAR W GUEST RANCH
Whitefish, MT
Embark on a legendary Montana
vacation your family will talk about
for years. Satisfy your inner cowboy
with horseback rides and western
activities. Explore the natural beauty of
neighboring Glacier National Park.
866-828-2900 | www.thebarw.com
THE HIDEOUT LODGE &
GUEST RANCH
Shell, WY
Guest ranch East of Yellowstone
Park. 650,000 acres to ride, ranging
in elevations from 4,200 to 10,000
ft, exceptional diversity of scenery,
130+ horses and limited to approx.
25 riders weekly.
800-354-8637 | www.thehideout.com
ELK MOUNTAIN RANCH
Buena Vista, CO
Unique for its spectacular location,
horseback rides of unmatched
beauty and variety of activities.
We love kids - give them a vacation
of a lifetime!
800-432-8812 | www.elkmtn.com
EATONS’ RANCH
Wolf, WY
For over 139 years, Eatons’ Ranch
has offered our guests a western
experience and shared with them a
way of life. We invite you to join
us this summer.
800-210-1049 | www.eatonsranch.com
STAGECOACH TRAILS
GUEST RANCH
Yucca, AZ
All-inclusive reunion vacations
where you can rent a whole
ranch to yourself. Located in the
heart of cowboy country! Only
2 hours from Las Vegas and the
Grand Canyon.
928-727-8270 | www.stgr.com
 Contact us for the family adventure of a lifetime.
ELKHORN RANCH
Gallatin Gateway, MT
Disconnect to Reconnect!
Elkhorn offers adventures for all
ages. Come make some lifetime
memories with us!
406-995-4291 | www.elkhornranchmontana.com
RED REFLET GUEST RANCH
Ten Sleep, WY
We are both a working ranch
and luxury resort where guests
are treated like family. Super all-
inclusive vacation, ATV use, all
riding, lessons, all beverages, snacks
and stocked kitchens are included.
307-366-2340 | www.red-reflet-ranch.net
LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH
Big Sky, MT
Once in a lifetime adventure getaway.
18 miles from the border of Yellowstone
National Park, a unique lodge of the
world by National Geographic, the
ranch is an iconic place to build lasting
memories with family and friends.
406-995-4644 | www.lonemountainranch.com
RED HORSE MOUNTAIN
RANCH
Harrison, ID
Book Red Horse Mountain
Ranch for your all-inclusive family
reunion. Healthy meals, horseback
riding, archery, shooting, challenge
course, ziplines, fishing and so
much more!
208-689-9680 | www.redhorsemountainranch.com
www.duderanch.org • 307-587-2339
RED ROCK RANCH
Kelly, WY
We offer all-inclusive packages:
riding, fly fishing, kids’ program,
hiking, excellent dining, cabin
accommodations and superior
service!
307-733-6288 | www.theredrockranch.com
CHEROKEE PARK RANCH
Livermore, CO
Voted America’s #1 dude ranch.
We’ll take care of the cooking,
cleaning, and activities, you just
take care of the fun! Come find your
wilderness!
970-493-6522 | www.cherokeeparkranch.com
HUNEWILL CIRCLE H
GUEST RANCH
Bridgeport, CA
Enjoy fun filled action packed all-
inclusive stays, featuring amazing
horseback riding, great meals, cozy
cabins, and activities for all ages.
Families, singles, & couples. May
through October.
760-932-7710 | www.hunewillranch.com
PARADE REST RANCH
West Yellowstone, MT
Bordering Yellowstone, Parade
Rest Ranch is the ideal location
to create memories with friends
and family. Embrace the
outdoors; hiking, biking, fly-
fishing and riding horses.
406-646-7217 | www.paraderestranch.com
masterplan

by

Bring family history to your family reunion.

Step 1: Choose Your TYpe of researCh
ReseaRch: starting at $2,500
Prepare for your reunion with professional family history research. Learn about your most recent
common ancestors, extend your family tree, or find that missing branch of your family and invite them.
Step 2: Choose a serviCe To share Your familY hisTorY
Family histoRy NaRRative aNd collectioNs: starting at $2,000
Whether you want a small collection of family memories or recipes, or a larger narrative of your
common ancestors, we can create a beautiful keepsake to tell your family’s story.
oN-site GeNealoGist: starting at $1,200 + travel
Want some backup? We will send a professional genealogist to your family reunion to answer questions,
teach a class, present a family history slideshow, or record oral histories.
aNcestRal home touR: starting at $1,000 + travel
Is there a special location in your family history?
Let a professional genealogist lead your family on a tour
of your ancestral home as a part of your reunion.
Request moRe iNFoRmatioN at: 1-800-596-3230, ext. 5617
website: pRoGeNealoGists.com/Family-ReuNioNs
emaiil: Family_ReuNioNs@aNcestRy.com

Shaw Family Reunion

Shaw Family Reunion in Marlin, Falls County, Texas.

O ur Shaw Family Reunion is held in Marlin, Falls County,

Texas. We celebrate 10 Shaw families who migrated from
slavery in South Carolina and relocated Texas.
Anthony Tisdale Shaw is my 2x Great Grandfather. He was
born into slavery around 1843. He enlisted in the Army May 8,
1865, stationed with the 104th Colored Infantry Regiment when
he was about 22 years old.
We found that ten Shaw families left Williamsburg, Kingstree,
South Carolina around 1867-1868 and settled in Marlin, Falls
County, Texas, and other small towns in the area. When we had
our first reunion in 2016 only a few folks had done DNA testing.
With the help of DNA testing, we have been able to connect seven
of the 10 Shaw families with more testing pending. We do not
know how the original 10 were related; i.e.: sister, brother or
cousins. But on blind faith, I convinced strangers to get tested and
24 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
now we are no longer strangers and glad to call each other cousins!
August 2018 family came from California, New Mexico,
Arizona, New Jersey, Texas, and Oklahoma. Our three-day reunion
started with a fish fry and meet and greet. We played family bingo
and had a family scavenger hunt. On Saturday we went to Long
Branch Cemetery to pay respects to family long gone. We put flags
on the graves of veterans and flowers on the other graves. That
afternoon we had a family history presentation, we danced, played
cards and dominos and ate great food! For family members who
could not attend, I used our family Facebook page and went “live”
for many of the events and happenings. We ended the weekend
with church service at Davis Chapel United Methodist Church.
Plans to see each other in 2020 have excited us all over again.
Reported by Angela Shaw Ross, Marlin,
Falls County, Texas.
 masterplan

Thayer Family Reunion games Older Than Dirt Game

PLEASE CIRCLE YOUR ANSWERS:
A
The Thayer Family Reunion incorporates games that can Caroline Kennedy’s pet
easily be transferred to your reunion. Here we include samples. pony was named Maca-
The full games are on our website in the Games section on a roni. What was Uncle
page called Thayer Games. Doug’s pony’s name?
a. Old Blue

O ur National Thayer Families Reunion brought together Thayers from

22 states, many meeting their “somehow cousins” for the first time, so
name tags are a must. Of course, by the third day, attendees tire of wearing
b. Paint
c. Comanche Queen

them, so to encourage everyone to keep wearing them, we had “Name Tag
Winners” throughout the weekend. Maybe on a bus tour, maybe at break-
fast, even at the farewell banquet
winners were called. I bought a
variety pack of tiny stickers
containing many different images.
Each name tag got a different
sticker. I kept a list of the stickers
and randomly called out “If you
have a sun/puppy/red car/whale/
bunny/lollypop/ghost /cactus/
whatever on your name tag, you
are a winner!” If you use name tags
at your reunion, this is a real hit!
Because the National Thayer Families Reunion
focuses on genealogy and family history, as well as on meeting our
“somehow cousins” from across the country, encouraging young Thayers
to get involved is integral to the success of the reunion and of the families
association. Cousin Edna Thayer was the benefactress for a Family
History Writing contest, which honored three of our young writers with
cash prizes.
Shared by Marilyn Thayer,
St. Petersburg, Florida & Mexico, New York.
What postwar car turned
automotive design on its
ear when you couldn’t tell
whether it was coming or
going? Ask Uncle Ellis if
he had one.
a. Studebaker
b. Nash Metro
c. Tucker
What was the name of the Indian
Princess on the Howdy Doody
show?
a. Princess Summerfallwinterspring
b. Princess Sacajawea
c. Princess Moonshadow

Shaw Family Reunion scavenger hunt.

2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 25
masterplan
Johnson Barnes Family Reunion
T he 46th annual Johnson Barnes
Family Reunion was held in India-
napolis, Indiana, hosted by Trena and
Bobby Thomas. A few family members
arrived a day early to scout the area for
places to eat but most started arriving
Friday afternoon.
The Friday Meet and Greet started at
6 PM with a lot of hugging since most had
not seen each other for a year. There was
a guessing game table at the entrance
with containers of peanuts, M&Ms,
toothpicks, cotton balls, and other items
to guess numbers in each container;
closest to the correct number won. DJ
Thomas was spinning some soulful
sounds as the evening passed.
T-shirts and gift bags were distributed
before dinner. After a blessing of the
food, dinner was catered by a local
Famous Dave’s restaurant and was
delicious. The family meeting followed
dinner. Last year’s minutes were read,
followed by a financial discussion, and a
decision of where the reunion is going
next year. There was a little debate
between Augusta, Georgia, and Valley,
Alabama, but it was Valley’s turn in the
rotation. Joyce announced an upcoming
production her daughter was producing
and asked if family would be willing to
sponsor an ad in the family’s name. A hat
was passed and more than $300 was
collected and donated.
Saturday was early breakfast for many.
Some ventured out for shopping before
the noon family photo. After the photo, a
few sat in the lounge and chewed the fat
while others took in the sites; Indiana
War Memorial Plaza, Indy Trolley Tour
and the Children’s Museum.
26 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
Liz Osborne is overseeing a guessing game table at the
entrance to the Johnson Barnes Family Reunion Meet and
Greet. Winners were announced at the banquet and prizes
were the containers.
The Johnson Barnes Reunion Fashion Show included the
oldest t-shirt contest, Men’s GQ and Juniors and these Lady
Fashionistas, Rosie Wright (the winner), Christine Gregory
and Betty Johnson. You go, ladies!
After the blessing of the meal, the
family banquet was abundant and
delicious. DJ James kept us grooving
during the meal and Dwight dazzled the
family with his Open Air Photobooth.
After dinner, the annual Family History
and “Tuesday Night, June 15, 1927 in
Danway, Alabama” story were read.
Entertainment amused the family with
the men’s t-shirt and ladies fashion show
(see video on reunionsmag.com). Awards
were given for the oldest t-shirt, Lady
“Fashionista,” Men GQ and Jr (12 years
and younger). James lead us into the
Family Feud game which pitted men
against women. Unfortunately, the men
were outwitted and did not even get on
the board. Winners from “How Many in
the Container” were awarded with the
containers. Kids were playing games in
the back of the room.
To round out the night, music was
cranked up and family took to the floor
doing the Cha Cha Slide, Wobble and
some Chicago Style Steppin’ until after
midnight. Most of the evening was
videotaped or photographed by Dwight;
videos and photobooth pictures are on the
family Facebook page.
Sunday morning after the Prayer
Breakfast, family members started wishing
everyone a safe trip home. And a final
Thank You to Trena and Bobby for a great
weekend in Indy. Hope to see everyone in
Valley next year.
Reported by Dwight Johnson,
Waukegan, Illinois
NOTE: Videos of rainy day activities for kids
+ the fashion show are on reunionsmag.com;
search for Johnson Barnes Family Reunion.

Burney-Burnett Family Reunion
T he Burney-Burnett Family Reunion members are descendants
of Isom and Marie Burney. We gather every other year, typically
going to a city in the north, then a city in the south. Last year our
reunion was in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit planners communicated
via Facebook, email and snail mail. Our reunions open with
registration, where we receive our weekend itineraries, t-shirts, a
Family Directory and other freebies in our goodie bag. We spent
our first full day at a family picnic on Belle Isle. We ended the day
Burney-Burnett Family Reunion in Detroit, Michigan.
Leigh-DeVaughn Family Reunion
W e had our family reunion in Charlotte, North Carolina, in July.
Our family has a reunion every other year and members come
from throughout the US, from California to New York. Our reunion
includes offices of President, Secretary, Treasurer and Social
Media. We try to stay innovative by thinking outside the box. In
the planning process we poll family members about what activities
they’d be interested in. Several planners who live in Oklahoma City
assist the host committee. We join forces and have a family garage
sale. We all donate items, and the proceeds go for various draw-
ings. Drawings include the first 15 to register for the next reunion
masterplan
with a family portrait, a cherished item for all family members.
Our Saturday night banquet at the African American Museum of
History included guided tours with an amazing tour guide. After
dinner, we danced, had a raffle and shared plans for the next
reunion, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, which I am planning with
an amazing group of family members and cousins, and the
wonderful help and guidance from Reunions magazine!
Reported by Kathy Hunter, Roswell, Georgia.
placed in a drawing to win one-night paid hotel fees at the reunion.
During the reunions, we have raffled off hand-made quilts.
In 2016 we took a cruise to Bermuda and in 2020 we will meet
in Washington, DC. When planning the next reunion, we look for
volunteer family members who live in a prospective city. For 2020
we have a family member who resides in DC and family members
will join the host committee to plan the reunion. Our goal is to stay
innovative in order to get the younger family members involved
and stay involved.
Reported by Kesha Briggs, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Leigh-DeVaughn Family Reunion in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 27
masterplan

Powell-Moody Family Reunion

T he 2018 biennial Powell-Moody Family
Reunion was in Halifax County, North
Carolina, and the theme was “New Vines from
Strong Roots.” It was descendants of Mary
(Powell) Outlaw, Matilda (Powell) Holt and
descendants of Richmond and Violette Moody.
Continuing our family tradition, begun in
1974, we took time to reflect on the true
meaning of the Black Family Reunion, keeping
track of family. During our darkest period of
bondage in this country, family members were
frequently sold away from one another never to
be seen again. As our ancestors before us, our
tradition goes to great lengths to hold our family
together and celebrate its unity. And now with
the assistance of DNA matches, we continue to
locate and embrace lost family members.
Friday’s early arrivals visited gravesites of
ancestors buried in Halifax County. Festivities
began with a 3 PM cookout and basketball
tournament at River Falls Park in Weldon. We
donned t-shirts highlighting family history,
socialized, ate and played 3 on 3 basketball. A Afrocentric dress at the Powell-Moody banquet.

few yards away, we could hear our band’s sound check at

the Roanoke River Mill. The evening continued with family
history bingo at the Hampton Inn-Roanoke Rapids. The
celebration went well into the night with musical entertain-
ment and dancing.
Saturday morning, the family visited the Historic Halifax
Site for a taste of local history which included a walk along
the Underground Railroad trail followed by a tour and
presentation at the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail.
Saturday evening, the family enjoyed a traditional
banquet and awards ceremony in Afrocentric dress at the
Centre at Halifax Community College. Town of Weldon
Mayor Julia Meacham addressed the reunion.
The weekend was topped off with a fellowship breakfast
and farewell.
Reported by Allison Bell, Evans, Georgia.

T he Powell/Moody Bingo
game was a huge hit.
Players use flat marbles as
markers. The caller holds
up an 8x10” photo of an
ancestor and gives players
an opportunity to guess who
it is before reading the
name and information on
the back of the photo. Next
time we’ll project the
picture on a screen. First
person to mark a full row or
column of corresponding
pictures on his/her bingo
A family history display table with a table runner and framed photos of our ancestors. card wins. This is a good
The West African artifacts on the table were given away as door prizes. A family way for family to learn
kinship chart was displayed around the wall with census posters containing about their ancestors.
the names of our ancestors.
28 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
 masterplan

Whose big idea was it to write a reunion book?

I n September 2017, three of the six BROLRA cousins were
together for a mini-reunion when someone got the big idea to
write a book for the next reunion. Sounded like a walk in the park,
so I volunteered to be the editor and get it together. Eight months
later the finished product came off the press, two months before
our July 2018 reunion.
To explain, six female cousins from three different families and
three states started a club about 66 years ago in a Missouri
basement where we huddled fearfully because of a lightning storm
outside. When the idea of starting a club was hatched, we took two
letters from each of our last names and made our very exclusive
club name. BR from Brassfield + OL
from Boltz + RA from Ray = BROLRA The BROLRA cousins today. Oldest to youngest (l to r) Zana (Boltz) Allen,
with a long “a” sound at the end. I Donna (Ray) Eames, Karen (Brassfield) Robertson, Betty (Boltz) Shell, Linda
could go on, but you’d have to read the (Brassfield) Lev, Carolyn (Ray) Craig.
reunion book to get the whole story.
Assign someone to collect all the group photos. One of the
In case your reunion wants to create
cousins volunteered to get the pictures together. It would have
a book, this is what I learned.
taken me weeks to go through all my albums ripping out photos,
Decide who will contribute and
because I haven’t kept them in separate books. She sent a photo of
make sure they are up for the task.
the six of us and a total group photo for every reunion since 1976.
In our case, we are six female first
Another cousin took on the job to scan all the photos into one
cousins. We have been divided by
file to send to the editor. Photos were in one file on Google Docs. It
distance and time, but united by having
The BROLRA Book (cover) took a couple tries to get them into a form I could manipulate, and
signed our names in blood during that
when it finally worked, it was slick.
first childhood meeting. Each cousin volunteered to write her
Add some fluff. I added some humor, poetry by a clever aunt
memories of two or three of the fifteen tri-annual reunions we’ve
who used to memorialize each reunion in rhyme, various signifi-
had since 1976.
cant letters, minutes of BROLRA meetings, and a bit of twisted
Decide on a goal. Our goal was to put all the memories of past
history. Every reunion featured a photo of the six BROLRA girls
reunions into a book for posterity and make a copy for each family.
and a whole family photo, which has grown from 27 to 81. With the
Some families might choose a different goal like a family history or
help of my daughter-in-law, we added the family tree at the end.
a written profile of each family member with individual photos.
Captions for photos. Some photos lent themselves to funny
Set guidelines and be specific. I asked each one to limit
captions and comments. I threw in a few random pictures, but
herself to three typed pages in Cambria 12 font. But I forgot to say
color photos can make the book quite expensive. I would have
whether that was for each reunion or total. Not everyone followed
loved to add hundreds of action photos of our famous BROLRA
the guidelines, but the editor has privileges.
Olympics and Talent Shows, but the price was soaring.
Set a deadline. The deadline was Christmas. That would give
Decide how the books will be printed. This is where I made
me at least six months to put everything together, edit, insert
my biggest mistake. I know a printer who is a fan of mine, and he
photos, and have it printed. I knew it wouldn’t take that long, but I
has always cut me a deal. After sending the whole manuscript to
wanted plenty of wiggle room in my busy schedule. Fortunately, all
said printer and driving 80 miles to meet with him, I discovered
the cousins are good writers and over-achievers, so all the pages
my fan had sold the business and I was dealing with a new owner.
arrived on time. No one wanted that hanging over her head for
With all the colored pages, it was quite expensive and I wonder if
Christmas, so most were early.
I should have tried other resources, such as Kinko’s, Google
Docs, Create Space, ShutterFly or Facebook. There are
many choices, so choose what works best for your group.
Most of my cousins wanted hard copies and were willing to
pay the price rather than just see it on Facebook.
Decide how to deliver the finished product. Originally,
I was going to ship the finished copies, but we planned to
drive to the reunion, so we packed them up and delivered
them at the opening dinner. Shipping would have added to
the expense.
The biggest obstacle: I was asking women who are now
70-79 years old to remember back through a span of 42
years. We are all amateur photographers, so revisiting the
photos helped bring back the memories. If we were a little
off in our remembering, the younger generation will never
know … and neither will we.
Reported by Karen Robertson,
Pages from the BROLRA Book Wildomar, California.
2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 29
masterplan
Elmore Family Reunion
T he Elmore Family Reunion, celebrated annually
since 1987, was held at the Griggs Boathouse in
Columbus, Ohio. Family travelled from North and South
Carolina, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, and Georgia.
Our Meet and Greet was Friday. We served hors
d’oeuvres and gave out name tags, t-shirts and welcome
bags. Welcome bags included items donated from local
banks, our insurance company and credit union (hand
sanitizer, bag clips with magnets, pens, pencils, grocery
bags and grocery lists with magnet backs). We made
wrappers for candy bars and tea bag covers for Mango
Face painted Angel
Chamomile tea with our reunion logo on them. We included Hill (7) from Florida. great time and make lots of special memories.
family reunion survival kits, refrigerator magnets to place
a group photo and Buckeye candy in an Ohio “love box.” children, oldest, youngest, etc. We also gave out humorous awards.
Experience Columbus, our local Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, The Kool and the Gang Award for the one who’s always hangin’ out
donated items for our welcome bags. Sarah Doodan at the CVB was Icebreakers candy. Bob Marley Award for the one who’s always
W e paid tribute to the ones who have
gone “Home” before us. Gennifer
Davis made a vase with a little tree in it.
We hung butterfly bookmarks, personal-
ized with a poem, off the limbs. The seed
butterfly bookmarks are eco-friendly and
bloom beautiful wildflowers and forget-
me-nots when the seed paper butterflies
are planted. The memorial bookmarks
grow into a blooming memento of loved
one’s life.
Once you remove the butterfly, you
are left with a bookmark with the poem
on it. Each family took a bookmark to
plant in the yard so whenever the flowers
grow they will be reminded of our family
members who have passed.
Elmore Family Reunion
30 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
was very helpful as was the reunion planning seminar
hosted by Experience Columbus.
Icebreakers were the usual bingo game and identify-
ing family members by traits and experiences. We placed
conversation starters on the tables to help everyone be
more conversant. We asked everyone to sit with someone
they didn’t know well until dinner time to try and get
better acquainted.
One of our young people read our Family Covenant.
We want to get them involved so they will want to carry on
the tradition. We also keep the kids active so they have a
We gave out awards for travelling farthest, most
jammin’ was rock candy suckers. Needs a Break Award
was a Kit Kat. Sunshine Award for the one who’s always
smiling was a Snickers candy bar. Peacock Award for
Biggest Show-Off was a Nutrageous candy bar.
We had games for the kids. We played the “Left-
Right Game” and used a story with names of our
ancestors driving to their family reunion. We also hired
a company to do face painting and balloon twisting for
the young ones. I was told a six-year-old wouldn’t
allow anyone to wash his face for three days after.
I researched our family name and Coat of Arms and
Crest. I made a copy of the information for everyone to
take home with them. This was separate from our
Memory Book.
We have a group picture of everyone at the reunion
that was printed for us. The pics are 4x6 and we’re
attaching them to a magnet to display on our fridge.
Every time we look at the picture, it will remind us of
family and what a great time we had. We know this will
keep us excited about the next reunion.

Our family is fairly new to the rest of
the family, so I researched Ancestry.com
to write a short synopsis of how our Davis
family is connected to the Elmore family.
It was read and included in the memory
book.
When I was searching for how the
Davis’ and the Elmore’s were related, I
found that our Grandfather, Drayton Davis,
whose sister, Nicey Davis married David
Elmore, was actually born a slave in Cross
Keys, Union County, South Carolina. Cross
Keys is not a city, but a plantation. Our
Grandfather was freed at the age of 13 and
moved around Laurens and Union
Counties doing odd agricultural jobs until
he settled and married Keziah Simpson
and had a farm of his own. The plantation,
Cross Keys where he was born is now a
local historical society and living museum.
Our memory book contained the
welcome, itinerary, dinners, history,
recipes submitted by members, quotes
about family, Maya Angelou’s Black
Family Pledge, pedigree information,
Mayor’s welcome, and pictures to com-
memorate our experience.
Organizing a family reunion can be
very daunting at times but can also be tons
of fun and very rewarding. One of the ways
you can help the planning committee is to
make your commitment and pay your fees
early. Reserving venues require deposits
and payments quarterly. Knowing how
many family members will be attending
allows the committee to have a budget,
and plan accordingly. Fundraising is a
good way to help lower costs. Try family
reunion cookbooks, raffles, split the pot,
selling candy, etc. Some family might not
be able to attend due to the cost. Fund-
raising might be able to help with that.
We held our family meeting on
Saturday because some members had
early flights the next day. We took
nominations for the destination of our next
reunion We decided on a 4-day Bahamas
cruise for next year.
At our Davis Family Reunions we have
a tradition of forming a huge circle,
holding hands and singing the Ojays’
Family Reunion song at the end of the
day. We hope this will become a tradition
with our Elmore Family Reunions. It was
very endearing and a fun time for us.
Reported by Sharon Davis,
Canal Winchester, Ohio.
Photo credit Mili Stevens Lopez
of ML Creative Images.
masterplan
Casper Westemeier Family Reunion
Wisconsin Westemeiers
I
love the Casper Westemeier Family
Reunion. It’s been going on for 50 years
and it officially meets each first weekend in
July from Friday through Sunday. We camp at
the same site, Coffins Grove, near Manches-
ter, Iowa, while some stay at a nearby motel
and come to the campsite during the day.
There are up to four generations and family
come mainly from Iowa but also Wisconsin,
Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, and New Mexico.
The camp ground affords us lots of room to
reconnect, play card games, have organized
kids games, send the kids to play on the
playground with an older cousin supervising,
cook together, eat together, laugh together and
sit around the camp fire sharing beverages
and playing campfire games.
Most food/meals are potluck and always
very good. We eat together Friday night,
usually appetizer night, have omelets made in
a bag on Saturday morning and a Bloody Mary
bar. Saturday’s meal centers around Bill and
Ann’s delicious pork cooked on a rotisserie.
Everyone contributes their very best and often
favorites are requested (Nah! demanded).
Our raffle pays for meat, pavilion rental for
the Saturday night meal, and porta-potties.
Families contribute everything from crafts
and artwork to children’s games to “Take The
Pickles!” We have so many traditions such as our potluck, meat from member farms,
games, competitions and always add something new. The theme for the 2018 reunion was
Halloween. Family members decorated campers and tents for the holiday and kids
dressed up and went trick or treating camper to camper.
Shared by Roberta McLoud, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 31
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e military reunion news
USS Charles P. Cecil (DD/DDR-835) Reunion Association
T he theme for this year’s USS Charles P. Cecil (DD/DDR-835)
Association was “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” however, we stayed
at the Niagara Falls Holiday Inn. Our members spent the week
visiting local sites and attractions including the Lockport Locks, an
Erie Canal Cruise, sampling chocolate at Platters, visiting the New
York Power Authority, the Buffalo Waterfront and Naval Park where
we held our Annual Memorial Service and had lunch on the fantail
of the USS Little Rock. We toured downtown Buffalo, and walked
the grounds of Fort Niagara near Youngstown, New York. And of
course no trip to Niagara would be complete without seeing the Falls.
At our business meeting, members nominate future reunion
host cities, and then I do the planning for these cities. At the Rapid
City Reunion I was tasked with researching 5 cities; Cincinnati,
Jacksonville, Memphis, Mobile, and Baltimore.
The board meets each year, however, with the marvelous
invention of the internet, we added a provision to our By-Laws that
we can have impromptu meetings/votes as needed. Our By-Laws
direct that a Reunion Coordinator is to be selected every three
years. However, several years ago, I was asked that, since I was
the youngest member of the Association, would I take on the job
as a lifetime appointment. I agreed. And I’ve been doing this for
the Association for 17 years.
Members begin to arrive on Sunday. Because they are getting
older, we take Monday off so that they can rest from their travels.
Those members who arrive on Sunday, go out on their own to see
the local sights. We start taking daily tours on Tuesday and continue
through Friday. We hold a Memorial Service on Thursday. Annual
34 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
Auction is the highlight of the reunion based on the auctioneer.
I send out what is called “CECIL SCHUTTLEBUTT” newslet-
ters from time to time. I request that our information be posted in
most military periodicals (DAV, VFW, and American Legion).
Since our members are requesting to “Cross the Brow” for the
last time we ask members to include their families, so far to
limited success.
We have several Facebook sites that are not our official Facebook
page, we have a website, that no one seems interested in taking
care off.....until last year, I was the President, Reunion Coordina-
tor, Ships Store Operator.
I initially contact the local CVB, and ask for an RFP. I state
what we need. I am mandated to ensure that the hotel can provide
a Hospitality Suite that can accommodate 50 people with tables
and chairs and allow us to bring in our own snacks and beverages
including alcohol. And if we are not allowed to bring in our own
snacks and beverages, it is a deal breaker. It amazes me that with
these conditions I still get proposals that state that they cannot
allow alcohol in meeting spaces.
I guess that after all these years I can’t seem to understand why
one hotel property is willing to offer a banquet meal inclusive, and
another will not budge on the tax and sales charge, as well as one
property wanting to charge us $300.00 per day for the use of a
Hospitality Suite, while another doesn’t charge and they go out of
their way to accommodate us....and sometimes the same hotel just
in another location within the same city.
Reported by Greg Wells, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
 memorable moments define your

o f g e n e r at i o n s .

Columbus is full of festive energy that makes it the perfect destination for family reunions.
You can feel it in historic neighborhoods. Taste it in our incredible dining scene. And experience
it in our array of distinctive Metro Parks that provide stunning backdrops for unforgettable
gatherings. To plan yours, email tours@experiencecolumbus.com or call 800-354-2657.
e military reunion news
National Museum
of the US Army
Actor Joe Mantegna holds a commemorative NMUSA
brick honoring his uncle, William J. Novelli.
T he National Museum of the US Army,
opening in 2020, is committed to telling the
story of the American Soldier. These personal
accounts of ordinary men and women doing
extraordinary things will offer Museum visitors
an invaluable perspective about how much our
country owes its Soldiers.
Veterans, what can you do to leave your mark?
Create a record of your service in the Registry
of the American Soldier or the Registry of the
Army Community. Order a commemorative
brick to forever memorialize a Soldier as a part
of the Museum. Tell your story. Tell the story of
a friend or loved one. Their history is our
history, told from a unique and remarkable
perspective. See armyhistory.org.
36 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
Reunion sign
USS John Young, DD973 Reunion
T he USS John Young, DD973 held its reunion in Mobile, Alabama. There was a
surprise visit from a group of refugees who were rescued by the ship in 1981
making this a most memorable experience. It literally brought a captain to his knees
... we laughed, we cried and, of course, we celebrated. The story about the refugees
was featured in the September 2018 issue of Reunions magazine.
Shared by Michael Trotta, Holiday, Florida
T his POW/MIA Table is set in
memory of Veterans of Foreign
Wars at the USS John Young Reunion
as a reminder of those who did not
make it home. Also known as a fallen
comrade table or Missing Man Table,
it is a ceremony and memorial in honor
of fallen, missing, or imprisoned
military service members.
There is a lemon wedge on the bread
plate to represent the bitter loss of the
life of the fallen service member. Salt
is sprinkled over the lemon and the
bread plate to represent tears shed for
the member who is missed. An empty
chair at the table in front of the place
setting represents the missing comrade.
Some members enjoyed a visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.

National WWII Museum
Freedom Pavilion at the National WWII Museum.
T ripAdvisor announced The National WWII Museum in New Orleans as the #3
museum in the US, behind the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum and
Metropolitan Museum of Art. The National WWII Museum tells the story of the
American experience in WWII. Included are 9,600+ personal accounts from WWII
veterans (audio, written and video), 250,000+ artifacts for exhibits and research,
interactive exhibits, a theater and restaurant.
The Museum offers the only graduate-level degree in WWII history partnership
with Arizona State University. See nationalww2museum.org.
Photo credit: Courtesy of The National WWII Museum
Vietnam War Commemoration
T he Federal Government is partnering
with local government, private
organizations, and communities
across America to participate in
the Commemoration of the 50th
Anniversary of the Vietnam War
ending November 11, 2025 – a
program to honor and give thanks to a
generation of proud Americans who saw
our country through one of the Vietnam War Veteran lapel pin.
most challenging missions we
have ever faced, and to renew our commitment to the fullest
possible accounting for those who have not returned.”
The Vietnam War Commemoration staff travels the
country at the invitation of veterans’ organizations
(including reunions) to present a Vietnam War Veteran
Lapel pin on behalf of a grateful nation. Visit www.
vietnamwar50th.com or 1-877-387-9951.
military reunion news e
Canadian Duo honor
service and sacrifice
of American Allies
T wo Canadians have launched a personally
funded mission to commemorate the service
and sacrifice of members of the US Armed Forces.
A presentation made as part of the Service
and Sacrifice Initiative founded by Canadian
Armed Forces Members Honorary Colonel
Kevin McCormick and Lieutenant Colonel
Michael Motyl in 2016, as a formal mechanism
by which to locate historic US military pieces
and repatriate them to family members, military
museums, educational platforms and communi-
ties. Both McCormick and Motyl have donated
personal time and funds to support the project
and have amassed, through auctions, private
sales and other markets, hundreds of pieces of
historic items representing all branches of the
US military and geographic regions across the
nation. The initiative represents the lives of US
service men and women, and their families, from
all major conflicts and wars.
McCormick and Motyl have made donations
and presentations to museums across the US.
Most recently, including pieces from the Civil
War and WWI, to the New York State Military
Museum, the Military History Society of
Rochester, and the City of Utica, New York.
(Left to right) Kevin McCormick, Honorary Colonel, Irish
Regiment of Canada, US Defense Attaché Colonel
William J. Rowell, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Motyl,
Canadian Armed Forces Military Police at the
US Embassy, Ottawa, Canada.
2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 37
e military reunion news
USS Hopewell (DD-681) Association
T he USS Hopewell (DD-681) Association held its
biennial reunion in San Antonio, Texas. In a
nutshell, it was epic. The definition of “epic” is an
event or thing that is grand or heroic in scale or
content. The Hopewell’s San Antonio Reunion was
just that.
For the first time in history a Navy ship reunion
was honored to have three 93-year-old WWII veteran
heroes in attendance. Think about that. All these
men fought the Japanese in the historic sea battles in
the Pacific 75 years ago! Despite their advanced age,
they were lively and articulate, and they told many
stories that brought laughter as well as tears. They
seemed to feed off each other as they recalled in The Lifetime Members Plaque
graphic detail many of their harrowing experiences contains the engraved names of 30 guided tour of Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam
Hopewell shipmates who will never
during various battles in the Pacific 75 years ago,
again have to pay association dues.
as well as some humorous stories about life aboard
ship during those especially perilous times.
A total of 55 shipmates, spouses, and guests enjoyed a full
schedule of events and activities and spent the week traveling,
dining, relaxing, and reminiscing with one another and the WWII
heroes.
It was especially unique to have three “Plank Owners” (first to
man the Hopewell when it was first commissioned in 1943) in the
same room as the last to depart the ship when it was decommis-
sioned in 1970 … the first and last men to serve on the USS
Hopewell (DD-681).
In the Hospitality Room, the gorgeous Honduran mahogany
Lifetime Members Plaque was presented to the crew and bore the
engraved names of all 30 shipmates who have joined the Lifetime
Members Program. During the week of the reunion, five more
shipmates joined, bringing the total to 35. It was great to see such
Three WWII Veteran Heroes (l to r): Roland Weis, Richard Wammock, Joe Calim
overwhelming confidence in the Hopewell Association. Nameplates
for these additional five, plus any others who decide to join, will
be engraved and prominently displayed at Norfolk and at all future
Hopewell reunions.
Much of Monday was occupied with Association business
issues and meetings, so the Hopewell Association provided plenty
of pizza, sub-sandwiches, and soft drinks in the afternoon, followed
by a guided boat trip for the crew along downtown San Antonio’s
famous Riverwalk. Beautiful!
On Tuesday we took a luxury coach to Fredericksburg, Texas,
and visited the historic Admiral Nimitz Museum of the Pacific.
Afterward, everyone enjoyed lunch on their own and shopping for
gifts and souvenirs in Fredericksburg’s legendary shops. As part of
our on-going shipmate education and information effort, a
38 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
symposium was held Tuesday evening in the
Hospitality Room aimed at interviewing the WWII
Hopewell “Plank Owners” and allowing the crew in
attendance to question these witty, articulate men as
they recalled some of the horrors – as well as some
lighter moments – of the Pacific War 75 years ago.
Wednesday was a busy day. At the Memorial
Service in the Fort Sam Houston Memorial Chapel,
the Honor Guard and bugler were “razor sharp and
squared away” and presented the colors flawlessly,
after which each of the 32 deceased shipmates was
individually honored during the tolling of the
ship’s bell.
After the Memorial Service, the crew enjoyed a
Houston, and then on to lunch at the iconic Chart
House atop the 750-foot Tower Of The Americas
For the first time in Hopewell Reunion history, several relatives of deceased
shipmates attended the reunion and Memorial Service. Wearing white gloves,
they tolled the ship’s bell one final time for their deceased relative. Emotional.
alongside the San Antonio
Riverwalk. Another
symposium was held
Wednesday evening to
help the shipmates
navigate the Veterans
Administration bureau-
cratic red tape common
when applying for VA
health benefits and Agent
Orange medical care. Plank Owner plaques and Community Service
On Thursday we took a award presented at the banquet.
luxury coach tour of San Antonio and the Mission District, and
then lunch at the famous Luby’s Cafeteria, followed by a visit to
the Alamo.
Back at the hotel we took photos, and held the Reunion Banquet
on Thursday evening. During the Banquet, each Plank Owner was
presented an engraved, personalized granite monument mounted
on an oak base to commemorate his World War II service. In
addition, Ron Copeland was presented the Association’s first ever
Community Service Award for over fifty years of service to the state
of Oregon, the city of Burns, and Harney County in a multitude of
community service and youth education programs. Ron also serves
in leadership roles in both the American Legion and VFW.
What a reunion it was! The next one is scheduled for the
Norfolk/Virginia Beach area in 2020, and it’s going to be even
better than San Antonio! Is that possible? Stand by.
Joyfully shared by Doug Graybeal, Blue Eye, Missouri.
 military reunion news e

USS Ranger CVA61

T he alumni of the USS Ranger CVA61 held their 2018
reunion at the Mesa-Phoenix Hilton in Arizona. It was the
first time many of the participants had visited Arizona. There
were three bus tours arranged over two days to give everyone a
good choice of what to see and do in Arizona, ending with our
banquet and entertainment on the last night. The Uptown
Angels put on a very good show, which members enjoyed and
reminisced as we listened to them sing songs and dance from
the 40s and 50s and WWII era, much like the Andrew,
McGuire, and Lennon Sisters did years ago. The trio, from the
Phoenix Valley area, entertained us with a combo of hits (such
as “Bugle Boy from Company D” and “Don’t Sit Under the
Apple Tree”) from their USO and Classic 40s and 50s shows.
Group picture taken by the F-4 plane which was from the
USS Ranger Aircraft Carrier, now shown at the CAF Airbase at
Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona.
Reported by Joanna Reran, Chandler, Arizona. Uptown Angels

Veteran Owned Business Project

L aunched on Veterans Day 2008,
VOB (VeteranOwnedBusiness.com)
is a nationwide network of businesses
owned by veterans, active duty military, reservists and military spouses
as well as nonprofit organizations who help impact the lives of the
military community.
Veteran Owned Business is a free online portal that helps businesses
owned by prior military members share their products and services with
purchasing departments, fellow veterans, and everyday consumers. Since
launch in 2008, VOB has grown from a simple online directory to a
W e have gotten more of these notes lately that
always make us sad that a reunion group is
disbanding. We received this from Tom Gould,
comprehensive network of more than 30,000 members and more than Hendersonville, Tennessee, who identifies himself as
300,000 supporters. “last president” of the USS Sigourney Reunion
Businesses owned by veterans, active duty military, and military Association. They are disbanding due to age and
spouses get free membership and business profile by visiting ability to afford reunions.
VeteranOwnedBusiness.com; 877-862-5478.
2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 39
e military reunion news

57th Alumni Association

T he 57th Alumni Association consists of individuals who served

in the 57th Troop Carrier Squadron, 57th Military Airlift
Squadron, 57th Airlift Squadron, and 57th Weapons Squadron.
The history of the 57th goes back to 1942 when the 57th Troop
Carrier Squadron was activated. The 57th Troop Carrier Squadron
supported the Armed Forces across the Pacific to the Philippines,
Okinawa and were the first Troop Carrier Squadron to land on
Japanese soil after the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan.
The 57th Alumni Association was officially organized in 2010
and has had a reunion each year since. The 57th Alumni Associa-
tion has visited Branson, Missouri, twice. On our most recent visit
we stayed at the Lodge of the Ozarks. While in Branson we
attended many of the shows, and the number one show this year
was Samson. Legends In Concert, Dutton Family, were very
popular as well as many others. And a trip to Branson would be
incomplete without a cruise on the Branson Belle, where we had a
blast. We also enjoyed a cookout at the Table Rock State Park
pavilion. We found the pavilion to be ideal to host a large group
and the area has all the conveniences needed to serve any reunion
group. The pavilion is closely located to restrooms, easily acces-
sible for handicapped and the area is just beautiful.
The 57th Alumni Association so much-loved Branson that we
will return in 2020. We have found that the businesses and people
in Branson are just wonderful.
Reported by Woodie Hall, CMSgt, USAF, Retired,
Cape Coral, Florida.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

T he National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) just

Copyright: Randall L. Schieber

opened in Columbus, Ohio. The late Senator John Glenn
(1921-2016), Colonel, USMC (Retired), had a vision of preserving
the personal stories of those who served. His vision has come
to life.
Personal stories take the place of military artifacts at the new
National Veterans Memorial & Museum devoted to highlighting
veterans’ voices. They tell the story of all veterans and similari-
ties in their stories – across different times and branches, whether
in conflict or during peacetime. The focus is away from wars and
Copyright: Randall L. Schieber

National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Downtown Columbus

historical events to the lives and stories of individual US service

members. There are letters and many hours of videos of veterans
sharing their memories and thoughts about their time in the
military. The collection is expected to grow as veterans who visit
the space record their own experiences and memories. The NVMM
puts a particular emphasis on what veterans go on to do after their
time in the military and how they continue to impact their
communities and culture. Visit https://www.nationalvmm.org/.
From an article by Alex Palmer
on Smithsonian.com.
40 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com

Welcome to Reunion Resources!
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
editor@reunionsmag.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.
ALABAMA
GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS
BUREAU
2200 Ninth Ave. North, Birmingham AL 35203
Birmingham is becoming one of the most
celebrated reunion cities in the southeast. The
success of your reunion depends on its early
groundwork. The Greater Birmingham Convention
& Visitors Bureau is here to help. For more
information regarding reunion services, please
contact the Convention Bureau at 205-458-8000
800-458-8085 | fax 205-458-8086
www.inbirmingham.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 5.
ARIZONA
WHITE STALLION RANCH
9251 W Twin Peaks Road, Tucson AZ 85743
520-297-0252 | info@whitestallion.com
www.whitestallion.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 22.
STAGECOACH TRAILS GUEST RANCH
19985 S Doc Holliday Rd., Yucca AZ 86438
866-444-4471 | vacation@stgr.com | www.stgr.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 22.
CALIFORNIA
HUNEWILL CIRCLE H GUEST RANCH
1110 Hunewill Ranch Road, Bridgeport CA 93517
760-932-7710 | info@hunewillranch.com
www.hunewillranch.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 23.
HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE
4875 N Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92106
619-224-3621 | 800-650-6660 | fax 619-224-1787
Host your reunion at beautiful Holiday Inn San
Diego Bayside across from San Diego Bay.
Experienced staff will assist you to create a very
special event. Complimentary hospitality suite.
Special reunion rates. Beautiful guest rooms,
heated pool, spa, shuffleboard, ping-pong, exercise
room, family restaurant (kids 19 + under stay free,
up to 4 kids 12 + under per dining adult eat free).
Free: airport shuttle, Happy Hour appetizers
(Mon-Fri), Keurig coffee makers, refrigerators, hair
dryers. Parking fee may be reduced/waived.
Contact reunions@holinnbayside.com
www.holinnbayside.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 8.
THE ALISAL GUEST RANCH
1054 Alisal Road, Solvang CA 93463
877-648-7097 | reservations@alisal.com
www.alisal.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 22.
REUNION RESOURCES
COLORADO
ELK MOUNTAIN RANCH
PO Box 910, Buena Vista CO 81211
800-432-8812 | info@elkmtn.com
www.elkmtn.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 22.
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES has two Colorado
destinations – Estes Park Center and Snow
Mountain Ranch near Winter Park-where your
family can reconnect, relax and enjoy group
activities. A variety of affordable lodging is
available, from individual lodge rooms to a
16-bedroom cabin. Activities include zip line,
horseback riding and guided hikes. 800-777-9622
www.ColoradoConferenceCenters.com
CHEROKEE PARK RANCH
436 Cherokee Hills Drive, Livermore CO 80536
970-493-6522 | info@cherokeeparkranch.com
www.cherokeeparkranch.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 23.
SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH
2939 N County Road 31D, Loveland CO
80538-9763
970-667-3915 l ranch@sylvandale.com
www.sylvandale.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 22.
FLORIDA
KISSIMMEE
EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE
215 Celebration Place, Suite 200
Kissimmee, FL 34747
Kissimmee, Florida, the gateway to fun and next
to Orlando is your gateway to the perfect location
for your next reunion. We offer planning
assistance to reunions of all sizes and budgets.
Let us help you make planning your next reunion
easy. Plus … we’ll provide your reunion T-shirts
free! For details see ReunionsInKissimmee.com
or call our reunions specialist at 407-569-4855
email JShives@ExperienceKissimmee.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 17.
IDAHO
RED HORSE MOUNTAIN RANCH
11077 East Blue Lake Road, Harrison ID 83833,
888-689-9680
info@redhorsemountainranch.com
www.redhorsemountainranch.com.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 23.
ILLINOIS
Plan an unforgettable reunion in LAKE COUNTY,
ILLINOIS
We’ll work together to help you plan a family
experience that lets you explore all the excitement
of Lake County. From entertaining attractions like
Six Flags to our convenient, centralized location
close to Chicago, there are so many reasons to
choose Lake County for family friendly fun. For free
Reunion Planning Assistance call or email us with
your reunion planning questions. 800-LAKE-NOW
kimberly@lakecounty.org | LakeCountyReunions.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 9.
LOUISIANA
Make your family or military reunion a unique
and memorable occasion at The National WWII
Museum! Ranked the #1 attraction in New Orleans,
this remarkable venue is an incomparable
experience for all generations. Customize your
reunion with a guided group tour, live BB’s Stage
Door Canteen lunch or dinner show, and more!
THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
945 Magazine Street, New Orleans LA 70130
group.sales@nationalww2museum.org
877-813-3329 x222
nationalww2museum.org/groups
MARYLAND
THE DEEP CREEK EXPERIENCE
Find the perfect reunion destination tucked away
in the mountains of western Maryland. The Deep
Creek area is a four-season destination with a
wide variety of activities. Explore our mountain
waters, whether it be on Deep Creek Lake, our
rivers or waterfalls. Your group will love our
location, central to several major cities (3 hours
from Baltimore & D.C., 2 hours from Pittsburgh
and four hours from Cleveland and Columbus).
15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry MD 21541,
301-387-5238 | fax 301-334-8073
jen@garrettchamber.com | deepcreekreunions.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 15.
Jen Durben, Heritage Area & Groups Director
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West
Heritage Area
Office: 301-387-4386 | Direct: 301-387-5238
Cell: 240-321-9588 | www.deepcreekgroups.com
www.garrettheritage.com
Follow Groups on Facebook
Follow Heritage on Facebook
MICHIGAN
VISIT DETROIT
You will be amazed at Detroit’s renewed energy
and vitality. This remarkable city attracts more
than 19 million visitors annually and continues to
transform with new boutique hotels, dynamic
residential developments, innovative restaurants
and thriving local businesses. World-class cultural
attractions, a vibrant nightlife, contemporary art
scene and outdoor activities abound. With so
much to see and do, Thrillist calls Detroit one of
“America’s Most Fun Cities.” Detroit. It’s GO time.™
Contact Lynette Richardson, Sales Manager
lrichardson@visitdetroit.com l 313-202-1945
visitdetroit.com/ facebook.com/VisitDetroit
MINNESOTA
WORRY-FREE REUNIONS AT CRAGUN’S RESORT
11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd MN 56401
(833) 604-0206
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:
craguns.com/family-reunions/?NCK=8336040206
2019 REUNION CELEBRATIONS! v REUNIONS 41

MISSOURI
EXPLORE BRANSON in Southwest Missouri,
surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
Call the Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau to
assist you in locating lodging for your next reunion
in this ideal destination at the center of America’s
heartland! Family values and budgets are honored!
Branson’s breathtaking scenery, genuine patriotism,
live music shows, exciting attractions for all ages,
and authentic southern hospitality create memories
worth re-living! Whether your reunion is family,
military, or graduating class, request Welcome
Bags and the Branson Reunion Planner Kit:
Julie Peters, CTIS, CEP, 417-243-2117
Email: jpeters@bransoncvb.com or
Visit: www. ExploreBranson.com/groups
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON THE INSIDE FRONT COVER
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO on I-55 between St. Louis
& Memphis. Perched on the Western banks of
the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is a small
city with a big heart and something for everyone,
from families to history buffs, outdoor adventurer
and everyone in between. Consider us the prime
location for your reunion.
Call VisitCape at 1.800.777.0068 or visit us
online at VisitCape.com.
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 13.
MONTANA
LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH
PO Box 160069, Big Sky, MT 59716.
1-800-514-4644
Reservations@LoneMountainRanch.com
www.LoneMountainRanch.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 23.
ELKHORN RANCH
33133 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway MT 59730
406-995-4291 | office@elkhornranchmontana.com
| www.elkhornranchmontana.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 23.
PARADE REST GUEST RANCH
1279 Grayling Creek Rd., West Yellowstone, MT
59758
1-800-753-5934 | info@paraderestranch.com
www.paraderestranch.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 23.
Minutes from YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK,
WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA offers both
exhilarating adventures and a variety of comfortable
accommodations – making it the idea place for
your next reunion.
Contact Info: 303 Canyon St. Suite C, West
Yellowstone, MT 59758 | 406-640-0069
kcoffintbid@gmail.com
https://yellowstonedestination.com/meet-in-west/
BAR W GUEST RANCH
2875 Hwy 93 West, Whitefish MT 59937
866-828-2900 | info@thebarw.com
www.thebarw.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 22.
NEVADA
EASTSIDE CANNERY CASINO HOTEL
5255 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas NV 89122
702-856-5300 | 1-866-999-4899
www.eastsidecannery.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 32.
42 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
REUNION RESOURCES
GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO
4000 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas NV 89103
702-251-3560 | 800-331-5334 x 400
www.goldcoastcasino.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 32.
SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL
5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas NV 89122
702-454-8122 | 800-897-8696
www.samstownlv.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 32.
SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO
9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas NV 89145
702-636-7050 | 866-816-7111
www.suncoastcasino.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 32.
THE ORLEANS HOTEL & CASINO
4500 W Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas NV 89103
702-365-7050 | 800-835-2300
www.orleanscasino.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 32.
CANNERY CASINO HOTEL
2121 East Craig Road, Las Vegas, NV 89030
866-999-4899 | fax 702-507-5778
www.cannerycasino.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 32.
ALIANTE CASINO + HOTEL + SPA LAS VEGAS
7300 Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas, NV 89084
| 877-477-7627 | www.aliantegaming.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 32.
NORTH CAROLINA
CABARRUS COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS
BUREAU
Located just outside of Charlotte, NC, we are
“Where Racing Lives!” − Shift your reunion into
high gear with over 30 hotels to choose from.
Enjoy: Shopping, Arts & Culture, Race Shops,
Restaurants, Historic Sites, Museums and of
course Charlotte Motor Speedway.
10099 Weddington Road, Suite 102,
Concord NC 28027
800.848.3740 | www.visitcabarrus.com
WILMINGTON N.C. AND ISLAND BEACHES
Wilmington, N.C., and its three island beaches
offer a vibrant variety of experiences from the
river to the sea, from its walkable River District
anchored by a scenic Riverwalk with more than
200 restaurants, shops and attractions, to a
vintage beachside boardwalk and Ocean Front
Park. Get together and see where the water takes
you in N.C.’s most accessible coastal destination.
For group itineraries & events:
NCCoastalMeetingsReunions.com | 800-650-9064
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON THE BACK COVER
OHIO
EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS
Columbus is ranked one of the top value
destinations in the country. With four downtown
entertainment districts, annual festivals, the #1
rated Columbus Zoo and 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. When the time comes, we’ll
provide you with Visitors Guides, Visitor Maps,
plastic bags and pens.
Contact the Tourism Sales Team at 1-800-354-2657
tours@ExperienceColumbus.com
www.ExperienceColumbus.com/reunions
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 35.
HOCKING HILLS TOURISM ASSOCIATION
13178 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH 43138
The Hocking Hills are Ohio’s natural crown jewels
and the perfect location for reunions. The region
is a mecca for nature based recreation. World
class hiking, eco-adventure tours and more than
50 ziplines. Luxury lodges provide private resort
amenities for groups of three to thirty. Located
just 50 miles southeast of Columbus. Contact
Karen Raymore, kraymore@explorehockinghills.com
740-385-2750 | fax 740-385-1146
ExploreHockingHills.com
TENNESSEE
GRAND OLE OPRY
2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Contact Attraction Sales 615-871-5403
www.opry.com | www.opryevents.com
Have a reunion with the show that made
Country Music Famous!
VIRGINIA
WESTFIELDS MARRIOTT WASHINGTON DULLES
14750 Conference Drive, Chantilly VA 20151
Sharon Meyers, 703-818-0366 | Fax 703-818-8840
sharon.myers@marriott.com
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/
iadwf-westfields-marriott-washington-dulles/
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
3702 Pender Drive, Suite 420, Fairfax VA 22030
Enjoy everything that Northern Virginia has to
offer. From the monuments and memorials of
nearby Washington, DC to the Smithsonian
National Air and Space Museum Steven F.
Udvar-Hazy Center to George Washington’s Mount
Vernon Estate & Gardens, Fairfax County is the
ideal location for your military or family reunion.
Call Visit Fairfax at 703-752-9509, and Dean
Miller, our reunion specialist, will go to work for
you! dmiller@fxva.com | fxva.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 7.
NEWPORT NEWS – Get closer to ships, history and
the great outdoors with one central destination:
Newport News, Virginia. Get all this, plus
Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, too! Whether
getting together with old classmates, shipmates
or relatives, Newport News provides the perfect
location and services to make your reunion a
success. We offer the best value and plenty to
see and do. Let Newport News make your next
reunion a memorable one.
Call Andrea Moran at 888-493-7386 or e-mail
her at amoran@nnva.gov to book your reunion
today! www.newport-news.org
STAFFORD COUNTY DEPT OF TOURSIM
Military Reunions are easier in Stafford/Quantico
VA! Our lodging choices, complete with hospitality
rooms, are as close as 10 minutes from MCB
Quantico. Washington DC lies only 35 miles north.
Enjoy 100+ restaurants, including the famed
Globe & Laurel, championship golf, civil war
military museums, natural preserves, historic sites
and spouse-friendly activities. Custom tours
available. Plan now to see the “Final Phase” of
 REUNION RESOURCES
the National Museum of the Marine Corps. RED ROCK RANCH
Contact Lisa Logan, 540-658-4580 PO Box 38, Kelly WY 83011
tourism@staffordcountyva.gov 307-733-6288 | info@theredrockranch.com
www.tourstaffordva.com www.theredrockranch.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 23.
WYOMING
THE HIDEOUT LODGE & GUEST RANCH
DUDE RANCHERS’ ASSOCIATION
PO Box 165, Shell WY 82441
1122 12th Street, Cody WY 82414
Helping people find quality Dude and Guest Ranch 800-354-8637 | info@thehideout.com
vacations since 1926. Let us help you find the www.thehideout.com
perfect all-inclusive location for your next reunion. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 22.
Call 866-399-2339 | e-mail info2@duderanch.org RED REFLET GUEST RANCH
www.duderanch.org 10 Lodge Road, Ten Sleep, WY 82442
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 22 & 23. 1-866-766-2340 | redreflet@gmail.com
www.redrefletranch.com
Please patronize our advertisers. SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 23.
EATONS’ RANCH
270 Eatons Ranch Road, Wolf WY 82844
1-800-210-1049 | info@eatonsranch.com
www.eatonsranch.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 22.
GENEALOGY SEARCH & RESEARCH
AncestryProGeneologists
Bring family history to your family reunion!
Ancestry’s professional research arm pulls together
a team of professional genealogists, writers, and
designers to conduct research around the world
and share your discoveries with friends and family.
1-800-596-3230, ext. 5617
progenealogists.com/family-reunions
family_reunions@ancestry.com
SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 24.

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VOL 27 NO 1
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P.O. Box 11727 v Milwaukee WI 53211-0727
2019 R EU N ION CELEB R ATIONS!

inspiring REUNIONS start

with inspiring settings

Bring a new view to your reunion. With welcoming weather year-round and plenty to do, Wilmington
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