Reunions Magazine Volume 35 Number 1 Virtual Spring Edition

in this special issue

DEPARTMENTS

FRONT WORDS – 4

ALUM & I – 5

Kewaskum High School, Class of 1965 by Phyllis Naumann

How MyEvent.com helps people plan successful reunions of every kind by Rob Hirschheimer

BRANCH OFFICE – 9

Review: The Correspondent by Virginia Evan

Review: Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart

Orphaned as a baby, I found my birth dad, 3 siblings, and a large extended family thanks to myHeritage DNA by Marina Bopp

SCRAPBOOK – 11

Reunion School

Freebies!

Listen to reunion planning!

MASTERPLAN – 18

The Cary & Almyra Pittman Family Reunion by Jacqueline Bell Pyatt

121st Hayes Family Reunion by Robert Stevens

Reunion activity ideas

Monteiro Family Reunion by Brigitta G. Monteiro

The Sandy Nichols Family Reunion by Marcia D. Smith-Woodard

FEATURES – 31

Reunion food stirs memories

Hospitality Answerman by Dean Miller

Reunion Food Traditions by Rob Stevens; Casper Westemeier Family Reunion by Roberta McLoud; Wright Family Reunion by Donna Johnson

Road Scholar Grandparent and Family Program

MILITARY REUNION NEWS – 44

Mariner Marlin Association Reunion by Brian Forrester

Editorial

USS Ranger CVA-61

REUNION RESOURCES – 47

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

ON THE COVER

60th reunion of the Kewaskum (Wisconsin) High School Class of 1965, Pittman Family Reunion, Simon and Erma Wright Family Reunion 2025, Mariner Marlin Association Reunion 2025, Sandy Nicholas Family Reunion 2025.

Reunion Celebrations v Spring 2026

Volume 35 v Number 1

PUBLISHER

Rick Voight

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Edith Wagner editor@reunionsmag.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Mary Thiele Fobian

ART DIRECTOR

Jennifer Rueth

SALES

Roberta McLoud, Account Manager roberta@reunionsmag.com

WEB WIZARDS

Howard Ehrenberg • Chris Thompson

HOSPITALITY ANSWERMAN

Dean Miller

CONTRIBUTORS

Tamara Bell • Marina Bopp

Brian Forrester • Rob Hirschheimer

Donna Johnson • Allison Laypath

Brigitta G. Monteiro • Phyllis Naumann

Jacqueline Bell Pyatt

Marcia D. Smith-Woodard • Robert Stevens

Reunions magazine, Inc. (ISSN #1046-5s235), is published 4 times per year. Email correspondence, queries, requests, submissions to editor@reunionsmag.com or send to Reunions magazine, 3657 Oak Tree Lane, Eau Claire WI 54701

Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this book except pages which encourage sharing. Please explain your intended use when requesting permission to reprint and guarantee tear sheets of reviews and reprints.

Reunions magazine, Inc., is not liable for information presented as facts in any of our advertising, byline stories or materials. We reserve the right to edit and/or refuse any material submitted for publication. We take responsibility for submitted materials but unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), submissions and photos will not be returned. All materials sent for publication become property of Reunions magazine, Inc. Advertising information contact 414-467-8104 Reunions magazine, Inc., 2126 E Victory Dr, PMB 303, Savannah GA 31404: roberta@reunionsmag.com ; 414-467-8104. www.reunionsmag.com

© 2026 Reunions magazine, Inc.

This introduction is begun with a heavy heart for the loss of 95-year-old Ione Vargus, PhD, a great friend and mentor to Reunions magazine. We were introduced to Dr. Vargus shortly after we started the magazine and took advantage of her deep understanding of family reunions. She was the visionary founder of the National Family Reunion Institute (NFRI). For many years she did an annual conference for reunion planners which are now very well attended virtual workshops. (See Reunion School in the Scrapbook section of this issue for details.)

Be in touch! Mail to Reunions magazine

3657 Oak Tree Lane

Eau Claire WI 54701 call 414-263-4567 visit www.reunionsmag.com e-mail editor@reunionsmag.com

of academic dean in the university’s history. After serving as the Dean of the School of Social Administration for 13 years, she became the Acting Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, and Presidential Fellow at Temple. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mentor, and adviser, Dr. Vargus was a true force for good and an inspiration to all who knew her. Her legacy will continue to guide family reunion planners, advocates, and families for generations to come. She will be forever remembered.

What’s ahead in this issue?

Dr. Vargus accepted invitations to family reunions, observing activities, events, and interactions which resulted in her latest book Black Family Reunions: Finding the Rest of Me. She was Professor Emerita, at Temple University where she broke new ground as the first AfricanAmerican ever to hold the title

As always, contents are varied and very interesting. To start, you’ll want to explore the details of how myevent. com works to help you plan your reunion. If your reunion doesn’t already have a website, you might consider myevent.com as your website host. A unique way to take reunion pictures is also in Alum+i!

There’s an interesting adoption reunion in Branch Office. Read it and be as inspired as we were.

Scrapbook looks a tad thin this time but its contents make up for it. There are extended discussions of freebies for reunions and podcasts about specific reunion planning details. There’s nothing reunion planners like more than freebies so we’ve collecting some and eagerly accept more anytime. Podcasts are all about 10 minutes long so you’ll not be spending an inordinate amount of time … enough to get a good sense of the topic. You’ll want to explore both freebies and podcasts.

Stories from four family reunions certainly provide a range of ideas that you will want to explore. Reunion food stirs memories is the title of a feature about food at your reunion. Hospitality Answerman outlines planning and reserving food at your reunion hotel while food as central to reunions, is captured by several family reunion stories.

Finally, but not about food, another feature is about a special reunion of grandfather and granddaughter at a

The Hospitality Answerman

Another very special friend of reunions, Dean Miller, dmiller@fxva.com, national sales manager at Visit Fairfax, www.fxva.com, retired in December. Dean has been our Hospitality Answerman for many years and has offered to continue that effort. While he is still helping out at Visit Fairfax until his replacement is found, he looks forward to many new adventures and we wish him a long and happy retirement.

Taste of reunions!

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

Road Scholar experience.

Never overlook military reunion news where two military reunions are featured.

Finally, we urge you to explore the Reunion Resources section for leads to help you plan, including many places that are eager to serve you.

Celebrate your reunion on these pages!

We always look forward to learning about your reunion. In fact, we rely on you to provide material for each issue of Reunions magazine. If you submit a report from a previous reunion soon, you may be featured in time for you to show it off at your upcoming summer reunion. You can describe your reunion or select some aspect of your reunion that you think will help other reunions. For example, what games do you play at your reunion? How do you honor members? Who is in charge of food and how is it planned? Does you reunion have unique t-shirts? By all means include pictures and/or videos to illustrate your report. We look forward to learning about and celebrating your reunion. Send reports and questions to editor@reunionsmag.com

Happy spring which we can only hope will come soon and stays long! EW

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Plan your trip today by visiting

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is your destination to gather with family and friends. Located just five miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, beautiful scenery provides the perfect backdrop for any gathering. Pigeon Forge offers over 100 attractions, theater and dinner shows, unique restaurants and more. Must stop locations include Dollywood Theme Park, Titanic Museum Attraction, The Tower Shops at The Mountain Mile, Pink Jeep Tours, The Island in Pigeon Forge, and tons more unique activities that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether planning a family reunion, military reunion, or even a religious retreat, Pigeon Forge is the destination to have it! Whatever the reason for gathering, memories with family and friends are waiting in Pigeon Forge.

These are pictures of the 60th reunion of the Kewaskum (Wisconsin) High School Class of 1965, celebrated at one of their high school hang-outs, the Hitching Post. In the first picture, class members hold paper plates in front of their faces. Numbered paper plates had been passed out and each class member was instructed to write his/her name on the front. Everyone held these plates in front of their faces and a photo was taken. Then the official class photo was taken, and comparing it to the “paper plate photo” made it easy to identify each class member

They met in late morning, socialized, ate a wonderful lunch, and spent a lot of time reminiscing, picking up where they’d left off at their 55th reunion. v

Shared by Phyllis Naumann, West Bend, Wisconsin, who is the only person without a plate in front of her face in the front row!

How MyEvent.com helps people plan successful reunions of every kind by

Rob Hirscheimer

Reunions are about more than gathering people in one place — they’re about reconnecting, reminiscing, and creating new memories together. Whether it’s a family reunion, a high school class coming back together, a military unit reconnecting years later, or colleagues celebrating a company milestone, planning a reunion can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where MyEvent.com comes in.

For over two decades, MyEvent.com has helped organizers turn complex reunion planning into a smooth, organized, and genuinely enjoyable experience.

One platform for every type of reunion

No two reunions are the same — and MyEvent.com is built to support that diversity.

0 Family reunions benefit from tools that help track relatives, collect RSVPs, accept payments, share photos, and coordinate schedules across generations and locations.

0 High school reunions use custom event pages, ticket sales, and communication tools to reconnect classmates who haven’t spoken in years.

0 Military reunions rely on private, secure spaces where former service members can reconnect, honor shared experiences, and organize meaningful gatherings.

0 Corporate and company reunions take advantage of professional event management features that streamline registration, payments, and logistics.

Instead of juggling spreadsheets, email chains, and social

media groups, organizers can manage everything in one centralized place. The website acts as a communications hub for collecting and disseminating information in a secure private social network that can be secured by password.

Built for real organizers (not professional planners)

Most reunions are planned by volunteers — not professional event planners. MyEvent.com is designed with that reality in mind. The platform is intuitive, flexible, and easy to use, even for first-time organizers.

Key features include:

0 Custom event websites branded to your reunion

0 Online registration and RSVP tracking

0 Secure payment and ticket collection

0 Group messaging and announcements

0 Photo sharing and community interaction

0 Tools for fundraising or shared expenses

Everything is designed to save time, reduce stress, and keep everyone informed.

Bringing people together before the event even starts

One of the most powerful parts of a reunion is the anticipation. MyEvent.com helps reunions come alive long before the actual event by offering community-style features where attendees can post photos, share memories, and reconnect ahead of time.

This early engagement:

0 Boosts attendance

0 Rekindles relationships

0 Creates excitement and momentum

0 Helps attendees feel connected before they arrive

0 Allows people who cannot attend to participate By the time the reunion begins, people already feel like they’ve reconnected.

Trusted for over 20 years

Since 2002, MyEvent.com has supported thousands of reunions across families, schools, military groups, and organizations. That longevity matters. It means the platform has evolved alongside changing technology while staying focused on what matters most: helping people come together.

Organizers trust MyEvent.com because it understands the emotional significance of reunions — not just the logistics.

Turning planning into a positive experience

Planning a reunion shouldn’t feel like a second full-time job. MyEvent.com removes unnecessary friction so organizers can focus on what truly matters: celebrating shared history and creating meaningful moments together. No matter the size, type, or purpose of the reunion, MyEvent.com provides the tools, structure, and support to make it successful — and memorable for everyone involved. v

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025, Crown, New York; hardcover, 285 pages; $28)

Sybil Van Antwerp uses letters to make sense of the world. Most mornings she sits down to write letters: to her brother, her best friend, the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books.

She also writes often to one person but never sends the letters. Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine a most painful period of her life, she realizes the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read, and she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness.

Sybil’s son gives her a DNA kit for Christmas, but she was never interested in using it. She was adopted and was content knowing nothing about her birth family. It took her a while before she completed the DNA sample. A 49% match was found, but the match had withdrawn from the system. Eventually, Sybil learns she has a sister in Scotland. Very slow response grows into an exchange of letters while Sybil is losing her sight. But toward the very end of her life, a neighbor accompanies her to Scotland for what turns into a wonderful reunion with cousins. v

Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart (2025, Random House, New York; 243 pages) This is a coming-of-age story through the eyes of a ten-year-old adopted KoreanAmerican girl. Vera is brilliant, observant, humorous and naïve, with anxiety and perhaps social autism that involves compulsive hand-flapping. She has difficulty cutting off her run-on thoughts, being bullied at school, and making friends.

The Bradford-Shmulkin adoptive family is a modern blend of Russian, Jewish, Korean, and New England WASP. Father is a struggling, cash-thirsty editor of Russian heritage. They are living in a dystopian United States and functioning within a declining democracy.

Family members love one another but pressures of life in an unstable America are fraying their bonds. Anne Mom — a progressive, underfunded blue blood from Boston — is barely holding the household together. Brother Dylan’s blond hair and Mayflower lineage provide him pride of place in the newly forming American political order. Above all, young Vera, half-Jewish, half-Korean, is wholly original; sensitive, and always writing down new vocabulary words. She wants only three things in life: to make a friend at school; Daddy and Anne Mom to stay together; and to meet her birth mother, Mom Mom. Vera hopes Mom Mom can, at last, tell Vera the secret of who she really is. v

Orphaned as a baby, I found my birth dad, 3 siblings, and a large extended family thanks to myHeritage DNA

My story begins with loss. My mother, Louisa, raised me alone for the first several months of my life. Tragically, she passed away when I was still a baby, leaving me with only a name — Sara Elena. My grandmother Elena had also died young, in a car accident while my mother was pregnant with me.

After my mother’s passing, I was adopted by a Swiss family who lived in a small village halfway between Zurich and Basel. They named me Marina but kept my name, Sara Elena, which I continue to use to this day. I grew up in a caring household with two younger brothers born to my adoptive parents, yet questions about my origins were always part of my life.

At around 20 years old, I discovered the identities of my maternal aunt and uncle using information from my adoption file. My father’s identity was listed as unknown, but my aunt and uncle were happy to hear from me. They shared stories about my mother and gave me photographs, one of which showed

me as a baby being held by an unidentified young man. They had no information about him, leaving the mystery unresolved.

A life-changing DNA discovery

Last winter, I decided to take a DNA test through MyHeritage, mostly to learn more about my ethnicity. I wasn’t

expecting anything dramatic. By this point, I had accepted that I might never know who my biological father was.

One morning, I saw an email from MyHeritage notifying me that my results were ready. When I opened the app, I was shocked to see that my top DNA match was my father, with 50% shared DNA. Directly below him was a match to a half-brother, Vincenzo.

Curious, I searched online for information about Vincenzo, who was 33 and worked as a professional football coach. The moment I saw his photo, I thought to myself, “This is me in a male version.”

Since it wasn’t possible to find any information about my father, I decided I had to try contacting my brother instead. MyHeritage didn’t give me his direct contact details, so I had to wait for a reply through the platform — but it never came.

Writing an email with such unusual content was not easy. In the end, I simply asked him to log in to his MyHeritage account and mentioned that it might be possible I was his older sister. He called me the very same day, said he wanted to meet me, and even invited my other two brothers, Nicola and Michele. We met at

his place, together with his wife and my one-year-old nephew.

The 3 of them decided to share the news with our father, Antonio, who was then 61. When Antonio learned about me, he was delighted and wanted to meet me as soon as possible. Soon after, my husband and I visited Antonio and his wife, Concetta, at their home for a Sunday dinner. Both of them were warm and welcoming. Antonio expressed happiness at discovering a daughter he hadn’t known about, and Concetta was equally kind and accepting.

Celebrating as a family

This summer, I attended Nicola’s wedding and was introduced to the extended family as Antonio’s daughter. It was a meaningful moment to be included and recognized as part of the family.

Taking a simple DNA test has transformed my understanding of who I am and allowed me to build connections with people I never expected to meet. I now have my father, three brothers, and an extended family that has embraced me. v

From a January 6, 2026 article in myHeritage News by Marina Bopp.

Reprinted with permission. See reunionmag/giveaways online where a MyHeritage DNA test is a prize.

Reunion School Is In Session

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

Scheduled events are listed in chronological order for those who have set dates. We add new workshops to the website as soon as we learn about them, and announce them in our two monthly newsletters. Following the information about scheduled events is a list of organizations who have provided workshops in the past, but have not set new dates. Contact them to ask about plans for their next workshop.

Basic listings are provided free to workshop hosts. See current list online between issues.

April 11, 2025 • 12-2 PM EST

n NATIONAL FAMILY REUNION INSTITUTE

Free Virtual Family Reunion Workshop for Reunion Planners

To register: admin@familyreunioninstitute.net or familyreunioninstitute.net

April 23-27, 2026 • 12-2 PM EST

n MILITARY REUNION NETWORK

DALLAS AREA FAM. SPACE IS LIMITED

Get mission-ready for a hands-on exploration of North Texas hospitality! militaryreunionnetwork.com/upcoming-events/#!event/2026/4/23

June 19-June 22, 2026 • 10 AM • Toledo, Ohio

n MILITARY REUNION NETWORK 2026 EDUCATIONAL SUMMIT

Join us for an action-packed two-and-a-half-day event tailored exclusively for military reunion planners. Connect directly with industry experts from across the country as they share the latest insights and best practices to support successful reunion planning.

Register Online or download the event registration form here. militaryreunionnetwork.com/upcoming-events/#!event-list

June 22, 2026 • Butler County (Cincinnati OH area)

n MILITARY REUNION NETWORK

Immediately following the Military Reunion Planners Conference in Toledo militaryreunionnetwork.com/upcoming-events/#!event/2026/6/22/

October 2026 • 12-2 PM EST

n NATIONAL FAMILY REUNION INSTITUTE

Free Virtual Family Reunion Workshop for Reunion Planners

To register: admin@familyreunioninstitute.net or familyreunioninstitute.net

There’s nothing reunion planners like more than freebies. So, we collect as many freebies as we can and are always looking for more. If you know of any to share with other planners, please don’t keep it a secret: we’d love to add more to our lists.

Explore the substantial freebie section on our website. There are freebies from Reunions magazine, dozens of freebies from other sources, and a list of free travel information from around the country.

The free stuff from Reunions magazine includes printable planning forms illustrated in Reunion Planners Notebook, planning podcasts, planning timetables, links to giveaways, list of free workshops, evaluation forms, leads for stuff to fill goodie bags and sources for free rooms for planners.

Our treasure trove of freebies from other sources is way too long to list here, but these are some of what you’ll find: planning kits and reunion planning materials from other sources, activities for adults and kids, genealogy and health sources

including some with speakers who can come to your reunion, travel and touring ideas and much, much more. If you know of more freebies that would be helpful to reunions, please send to editor@reunionsmag.com

But wait! There’s more!

We also offer three giveaways to help you plan and stage your reunion. A quick fact sheet called Hot Tips For Reunion Success is a chronological list of ideas and facts to keep in mind as you’re planning your reunion. It’s a helpful timeline that new planners or committee members can follow during the days, weeks and months leading up to your reunion and on Reunion Day.

Finally, we offer several last-minute icebreakers and games you can assemble fairly easily if you find you don’t have enough activities to engage your members.

All of these are free for the asking. Simply email editor@ reunionsmag.com, specify which giveaway you’d like, and we’ll email it to you. v

Before your reunion! Add your upcoming reunion announcement.

After your reunion, continue the celebration!

Add your reunion picture. Make sure your reunion is memorialized for posterity. Send a report and pictures and/or video to editor@reunionsmag.com

Listen to reunion planning!

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, our podcasts can aid you as you plan your reunion. Individual podcasts are short – generally under 10 minutes -- but they’re packed with information and good ideas that will help with wherever you are in planning.

Start by talking to your members to determine a level of interest. If you’re lucky, the idea will generate excitement. On the other hand, if you need to cajole people, you may need to call in help or re-think your approach. Then, decide what kind of event you are willing to take on. A one-day affair? City, county or state park? Three-day weekend? Week-long stay? Urban? Rural? Resort? Hotel? Ranch? Cruise? Camping? Or a picnic in your backyard? What would best get your group’s attention? Something simple? Down to earth? Something personal? Or academic, clinical, serious or maybe something whimsical and a lot o’ fun.

If you’re just starting to plan your very first reunion, start by listening to Why have a reunion? for reasons to add to those you already have. Check the podcasts that outline planning

two years and one year in advance. It’s wise to be planning that far in advance if this is your very first reunion and these podcasts put you on the right path to planning.

As the reunion planner, be sure to listen to leadership podcasts parts one and two. These will guide you through the many steps you must consider as you plan your reunion. Part two concentrates on committees which you’ll find important as you build your governing and planning structure.

Volunteers are essential for planning and at the actual reunion. Listen to Reunion volunteers will get it done for hints about recruiting and deploying help you’ll need. Start recruiting help as early as you can to ensure that you’ll have all the assistance you’ll need both before and during the reunion. During the planning phase, volunteers can help with budgeting, contacting members, doing site inspections, making reservations, deciding about the program and helping on reunion day(s). If you are the chairperson, you will find that recruiting volunteers makes planning and staging your reunion much easier, and leads to the success you are hoping for. But as the leader, one of your most important responsibilities will be to check, follow up and encourage your helpers constantly. Follow up! Follow up! Follow up! We can tell you the story of the planner who did not follow up and when she finally reached the person in charge of making hotel arrangements, she learned nothing had been done and it was too late to do it. Result? Sadly, reunion cancelled.

Volunteers can be your best messengers to build excitement leading up to the reunion. Make sure they know what you’re planning so they can pass your message on to their members.

Setting the date for your reunion may not be as simple as you expect. If your reunion is celebrating a special date (birthday, anniversary, commemoration), you will schedule the reunion to correspond with that date. However, if that’s not the case, you will have to consult many people you expect to attend to make sure they have no conflicting events (graduation, wedding, etc.) that will prevent them from being there.

You know this is all going to cost money unless a very generous member steps up and volunteers to pay for everything! You will want to build a budget early to know how much money you’ll need. Take advantage of the podcast How to ask for money for hints about helping to finance this endeavor! Budget line items can be somewhat fluid so that you can add and subtract expenses as changes happen. But commit to sticking to the budgeted bottom line no matter what -- because the budget report at the reunion is also important and there is sure to be at least one member who asks, “What did you do with my money?”

No matter where you plan to have your reunion, there is help with many details at the local convention and visitors bureau (CVB). Make it a point to listen to What conventions and visitors bureaus can do for you and then contact the CVB as early as possible. No fee is charged for most of their services, and they can suggest or directly make very important contacts for you with their members. Will you be using hotels? The CVB can help you make a Request for Proposal (RFP) and share it with their members. Or you can visit HotelPlanner.com to do a search. They will share your request with their members to respond to your needs. Some may even provide your room at no cost.

or by word of mouth. Some reunions take off slowly and build. Also collect as many email addresses as you can to save on paper, printing and postage.

Who do you invite to the reunion and how do you invite them? Listen to Who do you invite to a reunion anyway? The best-case scenario is that your committee members have been telling other members about the reunion plans in progress, so the invitation not be a surprise. Include a request for more volunteers in your invitation to get even more involvement. The more involvement you have before the reunion, the better your attendance and the better your overall effort will be.

Send an explanation of what you have in mind, in whatever form you think your family will react to most favorably -- on paper, by phone, by fax, by email, posted at a website or blog,

The sales process – and don’t delude yourself, the role of reunion coordinator is a sales position – is uncomfortable at times for most people. Move forward deliberately so people don’t feel pushed, and do significantly more listening than talking. By listening you’ll discover the ingredients that are missing for each family member. Where children are involved, know that summer schedules tend to firm up in February. In-laws, families, dream trips, sports and other extra-curricular pursuits all compete for precious summer break time, so start your conversation far in advance. Good things take time. But sooner or later there is no substitute for standing close enough to feel a child’s breath, hear familiar voices in the next room, or see young children climbing into old laps. v … to be continued.

Celebrate your reunion!

Share your reunion planning and event in a report to appear in Reunions magazine! Ask for volunteers among members to summarize your celebration or do it yourself! You do not need to be a writer. Or suggest this project to a student in your family with the anticipation of a publishing credit!

Consider writing your report soon after the reunion while the joy is still hot and it’s easier to remember many details that may fade as days go by.

Summarize your planning process. Did you have a committee and how often did you meet? In person or virtually? Did you include all ages on the committee for different perspectives? Did you cover all the details needed to plan a successful event? What did you learn? What would you do the same and what would you do differently?

Was this your first reunion? How did the

planning go? Did you involve many members in planning? Were young members involved? Did you cover all the bases? Or were there things you wish you’d done differently? What did you learn? How will you plan next time? Was this a wonderful experience? Are you anxious to plan another reunion?

Summarize your great celebration. What traditions did you establish or maintain? What special activities did you plan? Did you honor members and recognize accomplishments? What was planned for seniors and for children?

Did you evaluate your reunion? Did you do a formal evaluation either at the reunion or send to members shortly after? Did you ask how your members felt? What they liked and what they’d change? Did you ask for volunteers to be on a committee to help with your next reunion?

Make sure your facts are accurate and names are spelled correctly. Gather pictures and/or videos that illustrate your points and, if you have one, include a picture of your whole group.

Email your report, pictures and/or videos to editor@ reunionsmag.com v

The Cary & Almyra Pittman Family Reunion - 2025

Descendants of Cary Pittman and Almyra Boone Pittman gathered for a family reunion in August 2025. The reunion was held to honor the lives of Cary and Almyra Pittman, recognize their contributions to the Halifax County, North Carolina, area, and celebrate the enduring legacy that lives on through their descendants. This was the first reunion for the Pittman family since 1986. The first Pittman Family Reunion was held in 1979 at the Pittman home in Enfield, North Carolina.

The 2025 reunion weekend of events opened with a Meet and Greet on Friday evening in Weldon, North Carolina. Family members enjoyed reminiscing, and some were meeting for the first time. The reunion continued Saturday in the town of Halifax on the grounds of the Halifax County 4-H Rural Life Center and the Allen Grove Rosenwald School. The formal reunion program was held inside Allen Grove Rosenwald school. The school was built by Cary Pittman and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Bettye Boone Powell, a granddaughter of Cary and Almyra Pittman, called the family gathering to order. Great-grandson Ret. Navy Chaplin Rev. David Brown prayed, and together the family sang Lift Every Voice and Sing. Grandson Cary Pittman III and great-granddaughter

Lauryn Wills Jackson welcomed everyone to the reunion. The head of each family introduced members present.

Granddaughter Jacqueline Bell Pyatt led the memorial tribute to the deceased and included reflections on the present and future generations by great-greatgranddaughter Olivia Buell and greatgreat-grandson Assad Jackson.

Margaret Bell Hawkins — granddaugh-

ter and the oldest descendent present at the reunion — presented the Cary and Almyra Pittman family history and shared reflections on life in the Pittman home.

Cary Pittman (1880-1951), son of Benjamin Pittman and Olivia Jones Pittman, was born in Halifax County. He attended Brick Industrial Institute in Enfield and graduated in 1904 with a certificate in Industrial Arts. He was a building contractor, farmer and community leader. He was a lifelong resident of Halifax County until his death in 1951.

Almyra Boone Pittman (1887-1952) was born in Ringwood, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Octavius Boone and Laura Wilkinson Boone. She graduated from Brick Industrial Institute in 1908 with a teaching certificate. She married Cary Pittman in 1911 and after the birth of their children, Almyra returned to teaching.

Cary and Almyra Pittman were parents to eleven children. They are all deceased. The last surviving children — Viola Pittman Boone at age 98 and Geraldine Pittman Clark at age 103 — died in 2023.

Twenty-four of Cary and Almya Pittman’s 40 grandchildren are still living.

Margaret Bell Hawkins lived with her grandparents for a year and was a student in her grandmother’s class. Margaret recalled memories of the Pittman home, which was built by Cary Pittman. His grandchildren affectionally called it “The Big House.” It was a large house with a wrap-a-round porch that included a swing. It was where dinners were eaten in summertime on the screened back porch. After Sunday dinner, grandchildren recited for Grandma something that had been learned in school during the week. It could be anything from a Bible verse to the times tables. Grandma had a black chalkboard on the wall in her bedroom. There was a piano in the living room, a separate dining room and large kitchen. There was a well on the back porch and a carport.

Margaret shared that Grandpa built a playhouse in the side yard for the grandchildren. It had curtains and a little porch. The Pittman property included a laundry house and a big red barn with horses and cows. Margaret remembered watching Grandma milk the cows and later making butter. Fruit trees, a vineyard, vegetable garden, and fields of tobacco were also on the property. Margaret reported that, sadly, the Pittman home was destroyed by fire in 2007.

Todd Pittman, a great-grandson, gave

remarks of appreciation to reunion committee members Lauryn Wills-Jackson, Bettye J. Boone Powell, Ivy Pittman Outen, David Brown, Cheryl Bell, and Carlton Powell, and stressed the importance of the family staying connected.

Another great-grandson, Carlton Powell, ended the program by inviting family and guests to reconnect with relatives, share memories, take pictures and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon in the shade of tents set up on the grounds of the Rural Life Center, where a catered buffet dinner was served.

After the final group photo session, a grandson, Victor Boone, gave closing remarks and invited everyone to gather on Sunday morning at the Pittman family home site for the reunion commemoration and closing ceremony.

The reunion weekend concluded in Enfield on Sunday morning with a commemoration ceremony led by Jacqueline Pyatt at the Pittman family home site. Family members shared their memories of time spent at the Pittman home. A wreath was placed at what remains of the steps to the home. A family procession to the nearby Pittman Family Cemetery ended with the placing of a wreath at the gravesites of Cary and Almyra Pittman.

Rev. David Brown closed the reunion weekend with prayer. Family members bid farewells with a promise not to wait for such a long time until the next reunion. v Submitted by Jacqueline Bell Pyatt, Fort Washington, Maryland

NOTE: A well-illustrated Pittman Family newsletter can be viewed at reunionsmag.com/newsletter/

“Remember

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

Lake County, Illinois: the go-to destination for friends and family to come together

When you plan to reunite with family you want the experience to be easy to plan, relaxing and most of all, memorable. That’s exactly what Lake County, Illinois, delivers time and time again – unforgettable experiences that groups come back to for years.

The backdrop of outdoor beauty

Some of the most popular destinations in Lake County are the parks and forest preserves. Lake County Forest Preserves span more than 31,000 acres of fun and natural beauty. Families can spend the day outdoors at Independence Grove Forest Preserve with miles of hiking and biking trails. The main attraction is a 115-acre lake surrounded by prairies and woodlands. Concerts are hosted there in the summer and there are beautiful picnic areas offering panoramic views.

Admire nature along the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline at Illinois Beach State Park Encompassing over 4,000 acres, the park provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, camping and fishing.

Amazing

attractions

Spending time together is the goal so why not have fun doing it? Lake County is filled with attractions that will dazzle adults and kids alike.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a beautiful location to relax and enjoy exotic foliage with 27 gardens and four natural areas across 385 acres. Another popular destination is Volo Museum, packed with classic cars, TV/movie cars, and exciting exhibits. For a truly unique experience, visit Lambs Farm, a farmyard which features a sheep and goat petting area, greenhouse and an Old World carousel all while benefiting people with developmental disabilities. Plus, Six Flags Great America, one of the country’s premier theme parks, features 16 coasters and fun for all ages!

Play all day, stay all night

Lake County has a variety of hotels for every taste and budget – from resorts to suites to fit the whole family. Explore Illinois Beach Hotel, The Ten Hotel, Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Hyatt Deerfield and many more. Centrally located in the Midwest, Lake County, Illinois is a unique destination rich with fun attractions, beautiful forest preserves and family-friendly hotels. No matter what you enjoy, you will have an unforgettable reunion just north of Chicago in Lake County, Illinois. v

“All of our family said it was the BEST family reunion we have ever had. I don’t think they realize all the hard work that went into the planning, and that Kimberly really started the ball rolling on what became the BEST family reunion ever!”

– Ann Hall-Jones, Jones-Ellis-Sykes Family Reunion

121st Hayes Family Reunion

The Captain Joseph Hayes Family Association held its 121st annual reunion in October 2025, in the historic Greendale Cabin located near Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Captain Hayes bought land in the first sale of the Northwest Territory in 1801, including the site of the cabin in what is now Dearborn County, Indiana. They have met each year since 1904 on the first Sunday in October. About forty cousins gathered for a traditional potluck lunch and business meeting. Attendees included out-of-state visitors from as far away as Jacksonville, Florida.

This was a productive year. The new family history and updated genealogy book, commemorating the 120th reunion, was published and available for sale.

The Association was successful in applying for a grant through the Dearborn County Commission to conduct a ground-penetrating radar survey of the Miller-Hayes Pioneer Cemetery. The survey was completed in September, and a preliminary report was made to the reunion showing where many unmarked graves exist. The final report is expected soon from Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc., of Lexington, Kentucky. The reunion presented a certificate of appreciation for Lonnie Walcott, the Lawrenceburg Township Trustee who facilitated the grant award. The survey will help document burials and guide further restoration projects in the historic cemetery.

Hayes cousin Joan Gillespie donated a quilt she made especially for the reunion. She offered the quilt to raise money for the Hayes Family Association. v

Submitted by Robert Stevens, Longmont, Colorado.

Reunion activity ideas

From the blog “Or so she says …”: Allison Laypath, Salt Lake City, Utah, who writes the family travel blog “Tips for Family Trips,” offered these from her mother lode of family-tested ideas. These all look like excellent ideas for family reunions.

Book Club

Do your family members like to read? Plan ahead to hold a Reunion Book Club. Everyone reads the book before the reunion to discuss during a scheduled Book Club activity. Contact members to see who’s interested and collect book suggestions. Consider length and difficulty of each nominated book. Shorter books encourage more readers to participate. Choose books that lend themselves to interesting discussions. A young adult novel may be a good choice. Take a vote.

Game shows

games section at reunionsmag.com for more ideas.

Don’t forget prizes! If your family can afford it, spring for some worthwhile prizes, such as gift cards, to motivate the competition.

Cooking activities

“Secret ingredient”

If you don’t have kitchen space for a head-to-head cooking competition, prepare this in advance. Assign a “secret ingredient” before the reunion. A first day event: sample the creations, and vote on a winner.

International Night

Invite everyone to prepare or bring a dish from a place they have visited. You don’t need to have traveled internationally to participate. I lived in Oregon, where blackberries grow wild. My blackberry cobbler is a hit at these events.

Family Cookbook

Have everyone prepare a favorite dish to share. Collect the recipes, take photos of the food, and include other photos from the reunion. Put it all in a family cookbook. It will be a great reunion souvenir. Include old family recipes, too!

Create a scrapbook or DVD

Shutterfly, Apple’s iPhoto, or Animoto make it easy to compile a beautiful hardbound reunion photo book. They also make it easy to view the album online and order copies. Books on these sites start at around $10, plus shipping. A less expensive option is a DVD slide show. Collect reunion photos and videos in iPhoto or Premiere Elements, add your own music and use cool built-in effects. Share it online for free or burn copies to DVD. v

If your family is competitive, adapt your favorite reality game show. Minuteto-Win-It games are popular at family reunions because all you need is a stopwatch and a few simple props. See TV games section at reunionsmag.com for more ideas.

The ALLAFFA Family Reunion held their own Amazing Race during a reunion. Parents set up clues and activities all over town and then set loose their seven adult children and spouses. They were required to use public transportation. See TV

From a blog by Allison Laypath, Salt Lake City, Utah, who writes the family travel blog “Tips for Family Trips” and is a contributor to “Or So She Says …”

Turf Valley Resort Premier

Customized Reunions

If you’re looking for a place to hold your next family or class reunion, we can customize your event to meet your goals. Let’s make this a memorable and enjoyable experience for all!

Small or Large Group Reunions

Based on the size of your group, we offer formal to semi-formal ballrooms, cocktail and lounge areas, and private rooms overlooking beautiful views of Turf Valley’s golf course.

Weekend or Week-Long Reunions

From a short overnight retreat to an entire week-long getaway, we’re able to accommodate your itinerary.

Monteiro Family Reunion

On September 20th, 2025, we held our 3rd Monteiro Family Reunion in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Forty family members were in attendance for a joyful lunch.

This year, we had new activities, which included an exhibition of inherited family treasures, featuring true masterpieces like crocheted tablecloths, coverlets, dress, hand-painted dishrags, a booklet of poems and stories, and paintings. We also held a talent show showcasing singers, books, and painted ceramic pieces made by family members who attended, demonstrating that talent continues to run deep in the family.

The prize drawing was the highlight of the event and provided a great opportunity for the family members to interact.

We are very grateful to all the dear family members for their presence, support, and for sharing moments that were essential to the success of the event and to the strengthening of family bonds. These are the important moments that make these encounters truly unforgettable. We hope that in the next meetings more Monteiros will participate and experience new moments of joy and unity together! v

Reported by Brigitta G. Monteiro, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Note: According to Brigitta, data protection law in Brazil is very strict and prevents use of last names.

Exhibition of inherited handicrafts: “Inherited treasures, revealed talents” includes:

The Sandy Nichols Family Reunion

The Sandy Nichols Family often met up with the Decatur, Newton County, Mississippi/Midway Missionary Baptist Church Community during homecoming each first Sunday in August for too many years to count. The organization of Midway included multiple members of the Nichols and extended families in 1878.

During the absence of reunions, a number of family members were called from labor to reward. In spite of masks and physical distance, those celebrations of life still felt like family reunions thanks to Zoom. Following the six-year hiatus, plans were finally on the table to resume reunions.

Beginning with the 2011 gathering, specific time had been set aside to recall family history, and that continued in 2025.

Oral history goes back to Rev. Sandy Nichols, who was born in Alabama in about 1855 but was sold into Mississippi from Georgia. The family doesn’t have definitive information about his parents. While nothing has been found about his mother, an unsubstantiated assumption is that his father was “Charles” Nichols. That is owed to the fact that he had a younger brother named Charlie/Charley Nichols, Jr. Sandy also had a brother John and a sister Mamie. Descendants of all three siblings are DNA matches to descendants of Sandy Nichols across multiple genealogical platforms.

Sandy married Margaret Thames and they had seven sons: Walter (perhaps James Walter or Walter James), Leroy,

Marshall Franklin, Hayward, Henry, Elijah, Elias, and Sandy Nichols, Jr. (July 1898-May 19, 1936). After Margaret’s death (1856-1893), Sandy married Maggie Windom (c1874-193?). Sandy died May 14, 1898. Many of Sandy, Margaret, and Maggie’s descendants have resided in at least 15 states. The children and lineage of Walter have been lost from the family since the 1940s. The children and lineage of Sandy, Jr. have been reconnected via DNA. Thanks to DNA testing, descendants of Sandy’s siblings as well as his children have been able to renew some connections. In the interest of continuing the legacy, family members are DNA testing more and working to find missing links.

In August 2025, the family linked up in East Chicago, Indiana, for a two-day reunion. About 65 members registered and traveled to Indiana from Arizona, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. The Friday night meet and greet was held at the home of Ms. Ruby Etaw Nichols Smith, last known living grandchild of Sandy and Margaret Thames Nichols. The weather during the late August weekend was unusually cool, but the food was plenteous! There were games and activities inside tents. Jackets were worn as the evening wore on.

It was a bit warmer on Saturday when the crew met at Washington Park in East Chicago for t-shirt pictures. The group then split up so some could participate in a Paint-and-Sip at the hotel in Hammond, Indiana; or the Michael Jackson Free

MASTERPLAN

Block Party in Gary, Indiana; or the On Your Own tour in Chicago.

The day ended with a banquet in Merrillville, Indiana, where a delicious meal was served. The deceased were remembered, history was shared, family athletes were acknowledged, prizes were distributed, boots were on the ground, and big fun was had!

This was the first reunion where we had nearly as many males in attendance as females! A surprise guest was a local Nichols man working the venue who also introduced one of his Nichols cousins. He shared what he knew of Nichols history and is convinced we’re all tied to the Nichols families who came to the United States from Scotland many years ago. There may in fact be someone connecting our Nichols families – so there’s work to be done!

Following the banquet, some made preparations to get on the road and head home. Others joined Ruby’s family for morning worship at Embassies of Christ Ministries in Gary, Indiana, on Sunday. The day wrapped up with dinner at her home.

The families all traveled back home with anticipation of the proposed July 30-August 1, 2027, reunion in Mississippi. The committee will begin meeting in about a year. The National Committee works with the states. Like the t-shirts said: “Our Roots Run Deep – Our Love Runs Deeper.” The wonderful thing is that the Sandy Nichols legacy yet lives! v

Shared by Marcia D. Smith-Woodard, Indiana Committee Chair, East Chicago, Indiana.

Reunion food stirs memories

You are planning your reunion and understand that food is a significant part of what you must consider. This is no small responsibility because everyone is looking forward to food no matter what its origin. Will your meals be catered, at restaurants or hotel meeting rooms, home-

cooked potluck, or will you be someplace where you cook all your meals? Do you have members who are “famous” for particular foods or treats that you’ll want to assure other members they can look forward to?

Food connects people. When we cook, share, and eat together, we make memories that last a lifetime. Recipes handed down from generation to generation can be a significant piece of living history. Food unites us through a universal language that bonds all generations. It teaches us about family traditions, and promotes togetherness.

Bonding happens around the dining table, so enjoying a home-cooked, catered or restaurant meal in a comfortable environment is essential. These moments allow members to share passed-down recipes and cherished

The following are food-related sections on Reunions magazine’s website.

• Banquets

• Catering + Large Group Ideas

• Family reunions enjoy good food

• Food Health, History and Safety

• Miscellaneous Food

• Reunion Recipes To Go!

• Yummy Ideas

Also see Reunions magazine’s Pinterest page for the following food pins!

• Appetizers and munchies

• Breakfasts

• Desserts and sweets

• Drinks

• Food

• Picnics

For more about reunion cookbooks visit:

memories about loved ones who made special dishes. Make sure the cooks know what everyone is looking forward to and what specialties they are expecting. Do you have traditions? favorites? expectations? All these questions must be settled long before your reunion.

Be sensitive to special needs of your members. Some may be vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or have food allergies that must be taken into consideration. Always review menus in advance and ask questions about ingredients.

Organize food planning

To organize food for your reunion, review free food planning forms (pages 25-30) in Free Forms. Sample forms to help you plan food include a menu layout sheet, an assignment and shopping list, picnic checklist, potluck sign-up sheet, and catering questions. These are very basic forms to help start and organize your planning.

Groups who book reunion locations where they can cook have a slight advantage over those who book hotel or resort stays.

Not every dish must be cooked on the day of the event. Preparing meals or dishes in advance saves time, reduces stress, and cuts costs by avoiding last-minute purchases.

Consider the setting of your event and how food complements the environment. A banquet hall may feel too formal for finger foods, while a filet mignon might seem out of place at a picnic. Once you decide on the type of food you’d like, draft a list of everything you need that you don’t already have in your cabinets. Sticking to a list will help you avoid unnecessary purchases.

To avoid overspending, affordable meal planning and budget-friendly meals are essential. Cost-effective meal planning is crucial for a reunion. Stay organized so you can enjoy your reunion without stress. Without a clear plan, you risk spending more than your group can afford.

Visit discount stores or farmers’ markets and buy in bulk.

Wholesale clubs offer bulk items at significantly lower prices than standard grocery stores. Paying attention to what fruits and vegetables are in season can help you save money while also enjoying fresher, tastier ingredients. Creativity is key when planning budget-friendly group meals. The simpler the dishes, the better.

To save time, choose meals that can be made in large batches, such as casseroles, soups or pasta dishes. These are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for variations.

If the weather permits, consider a barbecue. This will enable guests to enjoy both the food and the experience of cooking outdoors together.

Potluck-style gatherings are ideal for large reunions because they take the pressure off one person to provide everything. Instead, each guest can bring a dish. This is especially helpful when you know who excels at certain recipes.

Another option is to hire a catering company. While this can be more costly, affordable alternatives exist. Check out local restaurants or grocery store catering. They may offer more affordable services than traditional catering companies. Combine catering with homemade dishes: let catering handle the main dishes while you and members prepare family favorites.

Some reunions have contracted food trucks to come to their picnics. Arranging for more than one truck can give members additional choices. Truck owners will know local regulations, including time limits and whether they can park near your picnic. With careful planning and creativity, you can host a large gathering without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to cook, cater, or dine out, these reunion meal planning tips and cost-effective strategies will help you create a memorable and stress-free event for everyone.

And, finally, if you are going to a restaurant, don’t forget to make a reservation! v Bon appetite!

Q:I’m meeting next week with the staff of the hotel where we’re having our reunion, for our “pre-convention” meeting. What sort of questions should I be asking? In particular, what do I need to do to make sure our dinner on Sunday night goes well? This is the “big” event of the reunion when everyone will be together, and I want to make sure everything is perfect!

A:This is a great question. Typically, the “dress up” luncheon or dinner where everyone gathers is one of the highlights of any reunion, and you’re to be commended for paying extra attention to all the details … this will be something everyone will remember!

For starters you should have already worked out your menu with your hotel catering representative, so you’ll know exactly what is being served. If the “event order” for your meal is vague about certain items (such as “Chef’s choice of dessert”), ask to have these clarified.

If there is anyone in your group with a special dietary need, food restriction, or allergy, now is the time to let the catering representative know, not on the day of your event as the meal is being served. Work out details for how the service staff will know who is to receive a special meal.

If you have a special décor scheme (say, table linens in specific colors, or special centerpieces) review the details for these. Likewise, if you’re going to provide programs, seating cards, or place favors, review the details of how and when these will be delivered to the hotel, and who is responsible for putting them at each place setting. (Some hotels will do this for you; some will ask that you do this yourself.)

Many hotels have centerpieces and décor items on hand that you may be able to use at no charge or for a nominal fee. Ask to see these set up on sample tables so you’ll know exactly how everything will look for your event.

If you’re serving alcohol, review how it will be served. Are you having a cash bar? A hosted bar? Wine service only?

Review the times when someone will be speaking to/ performing for the group. As a general rule, you won’t want to have a course being served or dishes being cleared while someone is trying to speak!

Ask to meet (and get to know) the banquet captain/maître d’ who will oversee your meal. He or she will have the ultimate responsibility for making sure that everything goes smoothly during your event.

If you’re going to have a stage and/or a dance floor set up for a band, a disc jockey, or a talent show, review the size and location of these in the room. Review how early before the event the band / disc jockey / talent show participants will have access to the room for set-up and rehearsal. Likewise, review your need for electrical outlets, as well as for any audio-visual equipment the hotel may be providing. (If the stage is set up on a side of the room where there are no electrical outlets for the disc jockey, you’ve got problems!)

If people will be speaking / telling stories, and the group is larger than 40 or so people, you’ll definitely need a microphone so that everyone in the room (including those who may be hard of hearing) can hear the speakers clearly.

Ask if there will be any other groups holding events in the hotel at the same time as yours. If you are conducting a solemn service of remembrance, or asking your patriarch / matriarch to speak at your meal, you don’t want to be drowned out by a band playing at full volume in the next room.

If you’re going to be taking home leftovers or donating these to a local charity, review the details for this. This includes any unopened bottles of wine you purchased. Some hotels will allow you to do this and some will not; in many cases, this will be governed by state and local regulations.

And finally, review and make sure everyone understands who is signing the banquet check at the end of the event, and who is allowed to make any changes / additions to the menu during the course of your meal. (If you don’t tell the banquet manager otherwise, they’ll gladly bring one of your attendees a second steak if asked to do so, and it will be on your bill!)

Hope that you have a marvelous event! v

About the Hospitality Answerman

Dean Miller, retired national sales director for Visit Fairfax (www.fxva.com). The convention and visitors bureau in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a great friend of reunions. Contact him (dmiller@fxva.com; 703-790-0643) when you are planning a reunion in the Washington, DC, area. Fairfax County is nearby, affordable, and conveniently located to all the area has to offer.

GO ANYWHERE, WITH ANY SIZE GROUP

Book a bundle of homes for the whole family.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Sedona, AZ

Santa Fe, NM

San Antonio, TX

Asheville, NC

Tampa Bay, FL

Gulf Shores, AL

Atlanta, GA

Key West, FL

Philadelphia, PA

Cape Cod, MA Moab, UT

Portland, ME

Savannah, GA

Miami Beach, FL

WHY GROUP REUNION TRAVEL?

GroupRentals.com, a fast-growing reunion travel company, has made waves in the travel industry by focusing exclusively on reunion travel. From an estate in Pennsylvania to exploring hidden gems in Tulum, Mexico, GroupRentals.com connects large groups with property owners for unforgettable experiences.

Reunion travel is about creating those moments of connection. Be it with family or a company retreat, there was a gap in the market for making the booking process for groups as easy as it would be for a party of 5.

Couples and small families are already being serviced by the Airbnb’s of the world, and there are many.

However, when looking for large groups, it felt like an endless pit. Too much time and effort was spent on logistics instead of having a great time together and creating lasting real bonds! It felt like an untapped opportunity to bring people together who might not have the time or resources to plan a trip with their own friends or family.

Lake Tahoe, NV

Palm Springs, CA

Traverse City, MI

When planning our own family getaway, the pain point and effort that went into finding the bundle of properties was insane! We spent countless hours figuring out where to go, how many properties were needed, occupancy across said properties etc. That was the lightning moment for me and the catalyst for this venture.

Does reunion travel have a unique edge over other types of travel?

We’re living in a time when people are more connected online but lonelier in real life. Reunions offer something rare: face-to-face interaction with family or friends. Plus, there’s a practical edge-shared costs, being with others and creating lifelong connections. I think that mix of emotional and logistical benefits gives it staying power.

If you are looking for their next great getaway, tell them to please reach out! Whatsapp or email. We’re looking forward to speaking!

Reunion food traditions

The Burton Family reunion was featured in a presentation by the Genealogical Society of Broward County (Florida) in November 2025, titled Food and Family Traditions. Tamara Bell of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a member of the GSBC Board of Directors, and was the principal organizer of the 49th annual Burton Family Reunion held in Fort Lauderdale in July 2025 (featured in our Winter 2025 issue).

The GSBC session included a broad overview of the topic of food. The layout and function of the household kitchen changed greatly over the centuries, from an open hearth to a wood stove, to our modern electric labor-saving appliances. Mention was made of Michigan State University Library’s Feeding America collection of historical American cookbooks

Fun facts were shared about “Foods that Changed the World” (think Irish potatoes or the Boston Tea Party), “Foods That Could Only Come from America” (think Buffalo wings and Philly cheesesteak), and American regional cuisine. Traditions like Sunday dinners, holiday feasts, life events (marriage, birthdays, funerals), and celebrating accomplishments foster family bonds. They are powerful markers of identity and connection to be passed down to future generations. And family reunions hold a place of honor on that list.

Society members shared stories about their family traditions and recipes. Tamara shared a clip from her Burton

reunion video and mentioned the important role food has in her family heritage.

My Hayes Family Reunions, on my mother’s side, have been held annually since 1976 and have always centered around food and togetherness. We rotate locations from year to year, usually gathering in a state where we have family, and the reunions bring together multiple generations. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we kept the tradition alive by hosting a virtual reunion.

Traditionally, our family cooked all the meals themselves — no catering — because homemade food has always been part of what makes our reunions special. Over time, we’ve occasionally added some catered items depending on our budget, but we still make sure to keep the same staples that connect us to our roots: ribs, chicken, collard greens or string beans, and sweet potato pie. Those dishes are symbols of our family’s love, hard work, and tradition, and they continue to be the highlight of every reunion meal.

Family reunions are genealogy in action. It is important to research and document family names and dates, but gathering at a reunion and sharing Nana’s legendary brisket cements family heritage within our living memory. Share your family photos, recipes, and food traditions at your next reunion. v Shared by Rob Stevens, Longmont, Colorado.

Casper Westemeier Family Reunion

FReunion has been held the first weekend in July. They had always camped at the Coffins Grove County Park Camp Ground in Manchester, Iowa. In 2024 Coffins Grove was closed for renovation, so they went to Bailey’s Ford Park Campground, which is also in Manchester. In 2025 they went back to the 2024 campground because it seemed more accommodating.

Saturday morning they enjoy a Bloody Mary Bar or omelets cooked in a bag. Friday and Saturday evening they eat potluck meals together. The Friday meal usually has a theme … breakfast, Asian, taco night, appetizers, 4th of July.

For the Saturday night meal,

Anne and Bill McClain smoke 12 or 13 pork butts for pulled pork. They bring their smoker on a trailer. One family group provides potatoes. Everyone else brings sides. We do not sign up for sides, it is just the luck of the draw what is served. It is always delicious food. Proceeds from a Saturday afternoon raffle are used to pay for the pork, porta-potties, and one night of camping for each family. Money made from the raffle has also been used to help build a playground on the campsite; a long time ago the raffle proceeds were used to buy a savings bond for the youngest reunion member in attendance and for memorials when matriarchs or patriarchs passed away. v

Reported by Roberta McLoud, Milwaukee, Wisconsin..

Fairfax County, Virginia –The Heart Of America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration!!

Groups who are planning their 2026 reunions and are looking for a truly unique spot to get together are in luck … as the nation marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, Fairfax County, Virginia will be at the heart of the celebration, with events, exhibits, and commemorative experiences rolling out throughout the year.

Highlights to look forward to include:

r The America’s 250th: Fairfax County History Trail passport, which invites users to check in at various historic and cultural attractions throughout Fairfax County to be entered into monthly prize drawings.

r And be sure to check out Virginia’s 250 Passport, offering discounts, prizes, and stamp-collecting at historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall, Woodlawn & the Pope-Leighey House, and the National Museum of the United States Army. Mount Vernon and the Army Museum will feature signature exhibitions and immersive programming keyed to the events of 1776.

r There will also be special anniversary events at Gunston Hall, the Workhouse Arts Center, park sites around the county, and local performing arts venues.

Planners can order a free copy of the 2026 Fairfax County Visitors Guide, which features 250 reasons to visit Fairfax County this year! v

For more information visit www.fxva.com or call (703) 790-0643.

by

Simon and Erma Wright Family Reunion

The theme for the Simon and Erma Wright Family Reunion in San Antonio, Texas, was Hispanic culture. Food and decorations carried out the theme. The Wright Reunion is hosted every two years but got off track because of COVID-19 and since have had several deaths. v Shared by Donna Johnson, Garland, Texas.

Road Scholar Grandparent and Family Programs

Not-for-profit Road Scholar has been on a mission for the past 50 years to provide opportunities for adults to learn, discover and travel. They’re also experts in Grandparent and Family Adventures, making it possible for generations of family members to take part in educational journeys throughout the US and abroad.

Lauren Briggs from Massachusetts, now all grown up and (full circle moment) working for Road Scholar, offers a glimpse of childhood memories she treasures from a Grandparent Adventure she once took with her late grandfather, Don Briggs.

Lauren says, “If there was anything my grandfather loved more than spending time with his family, it was enjoying quality time in new and exciting environments. When my cousins and I were growing up, our grandfather would take us on numerous adventures, hiking, skiing and kayaking in the ocean. But he had even bigger ideas, which was why he offered his grandchildren an opportunity to each go on one of Road Scholar’s Grandparent programs once we were old enough.”

Lauren’s grandfather loved learning about Native American history and art, and together the two of them decided to visit Mount Rushmore. So, in June 2006, they joined a Road Scholar educational adventure in South Dakota, a program that is still popular today.

Looking back on that time as unforgettable, Lauren can still easily describe it. “Our Road Scholar learning adventure, based out of Rapid City, South Dakota, offered great accessibility to the many monuments and natural wonders that surrounded us. Our first stop was Mount Rushmore, then we visited the Crazy Horse Memorial. The rest of our days were filled with lessons about both human and natural history. We traded off between visits to museums filled with Native American artifacts and dinosaur

bones and adventures outside, including panning for gold, horseback riding and exploring Badlands National Park.”

This unique experience gave Lauren a chance to meet other kids around her age from across the country. They all bonded over a variety of program activities. It was also an important opportunity for her to see her grandfather in a new light and spend quality time with him as they took part in new experiences together. On the itinerary were adventures such

as zipping down an alpine slide, but there were also quieter moments between Lauren and her grandfather that she believes he treasured most about these trips.

Lauren’s memories of that Grandparent Adventure have lasted a lifetime. “I have been fortunate enough to go back to South Dakota twice since being there with my grandfather and Road Scholar. Both times I have enjoyed leading other family members and friends around, sometimes traveling in the very footsteps of the journey we took many years before. To me, learning about history, culture and natural wonders is important, but experiencing them in real

life is what truly makes an impact. Being able to learn things that I never would have experienced back home left me with memories that I carry to this day. And I have Road Scholar – and especially my grandfather – to thank for that.”

Road Scholar adventures

Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse & the Badlands With Your Family program offers an itinerary about the miners who came to the Black Hills looking for gold, discover how dynamite and jackhammers were

used to carve out the faces of the Mount Rushmore presidents, explore the history and significance of Crazy Horse, visit a mammoth sink hole, saddle up for a Western trail ride, get up close to ancient fossils and lunar-like deposits in the Badlands, and traverse Custer State Park’s “wildlife loop” in search of buffalo, pronghorns, begging burros and bighorn sheep. Peruse the many multi-generation learning adventures that Road Scholar offers though their Family and Grandparent collections. v

Mariner Marlin Association Reunion

The annual Mariner Marlin Association (marinermarlin.org) reunions continue to get smaller and smaller as time marches on and we march with it!

The 42nd annual reunion in 2025 was set so we could visit the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, and be present for the Blue Angels homecoming show November 7th and 8th. But, alas, our government leaders had other plans, having the gall to have a shut down during our time frame, therefore closing the museum, which also cancelled the air show! With this last-minute change, we had to change our tour for the scheduled Pensacola day, which actually turned out to be quite interesting. We drove from our hotel in Mobile, Alabama, to Biloxi, Mississippi, to visit Beauvoir, the last historic home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, appropriately named the Confederate White House! After some Southern hospitality we got back on our coach to

travel to our next adventure, the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in Moss Point, Mississippi. Now this was an eye opener for most of us. We saw alligators from the size of babies to some of the largest gators in captivity, 13 feet in length, and around 1100 pounds. Next up was a thrilling airboat ride over the swamp — not for the faint of heart.

Our other scheduledtour went as planned. We visited the USS Alabama Memorial Park, where we explored the battleship Alabama, the submarine USS Drum, Park Memorials and the Aircraft Pavillion. Then on to Blakely Park to board the Delta Explorer for a cruise on the Delta River, where we learned about Confederate and Union Warships which vied for control of the area waterways during the Civil War’s last campaign and the battles of Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort.

Back at our hotel, we experienced some good ol’ Southern cooking — Low Country Shrimp Boil, Cajun Seafood

Gumbo, Grilled Conecuh Sausage Medallions — just to name a few. All in all, the reunion was a success despite the smaller turnout. v

Reported by Brian Forrester, Event & Group Specialist and military reunion planner, holidaycruisesandtoursaz.com.

Editorial

When Reunions magazine was “born,” 36 years ago, World War II military reunions were everywhere and growing at an amazing rate. Those veterans drove reunion business that certainly helped us flourish and grow. However, inevitably, given the nature of military reunions, they — along with their members — slowed to what today is but a trickle. The nature of World War II made reunions inevitable because service persons trained together, deployed and fought together, and returned home together.

Subsequent actions and wars have not included the number of combatants nor draftees the World Wars required. Only Navy reunions survive because generations of members have their ship in common.

In some cases, next-generation members attended their parents’ reunions and may still be meeting. We urge them and other military groups to share their reunion stories. Send to editor@reunionsmag.com v Edith Wagner, editor, Reunions magazine.

Roland Miller is a Distinguished Plank Owner who served on the USS Ranger CVA-61 in CIC (Combat Information Center) from 1957 through 1959.

He donated a beautiful memory model of the ship to the Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Using

white oak, Roland carved a model of the USS as it appeared while he was serving onboard, complete with aircraft from the same time. The model is over 6 feet in length and depicts a true memory of the USS Ranger when it was freshly commissioned. v Shared by Brian Forrester, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Welcome to Reunion Resources!

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

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

ALABAMA

GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

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

ARIZONA

RANCHO DE LOS CABALLEROS 1551 S Vulture Mine Road Wickenburg, AZ 85390 928-684-5484

info@ranchodeloscaballeros.com ranchodeloscaballeros.com

STAGECOACH TRAILS GUEST RANCH 19985 S Doc Holliday Rd Yucca , AZ 86438 928-727-8270 vacation@stgr.com StageCoachTrailsRanch.com

CALIFORNIA

MARBLE MOUNTAIN RANCH 92520 Hwy 96 Somes Bar, CA 95568 530-469-3322 guestranch@marblemountainranch.com www.MarbleMountainRanch.com

COLORADO

SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH 2939 N County Road 31D Loveland, CO 80538 970-667-3915 ranch@sylvandale.com | SylvanDale.com

DELAWARE

SOUTHERN DELAWARE TOURISM

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

827 E Market St, Georgetown , DE 19947 800-357-1818

SouthDel@VisitSouthernDelaware.com www.visitsoutherndelaware.com/ FLORIDA

BEST WESTERN COCOA BEACH-PORT CANAVERAL HOTEL & SUITES

5600 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931

Phone: 850-233-5070 | Toll Free: 1-800-722-3224

Nestled at the intersection of space, sun, and surf, the Best Western Cocoa Beach-Port Canaveral offers the perfect launchpad for your next adventure. Steps from the world-famous Cocoa Beach Pier and minutes from Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center, guests enjoy oceanfront views, modern amenities, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re catching a rocket launch, or riding the waves, this iconic beachfront retreat put you at the heart of Florida’s Space Coast excitement.

Contact Cheryl Gromlich | 321-783-7621

Cgromlich@oceanpartnerscb.com www.bestwestern.com/

PANAMA CITY BEACH CVB VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER

17001 Panama City Beach Pkwy

Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Phone: 850-233-5070 | Toll Free: 1-800-722-3224

www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

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

VISIT TALLAHASSEE

Experience the warmth and hospitality of Tallahassee, Florida offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures for your next reunion. Explore scenic parks, visit fascinating museums, and enjoy delicious Southern cuisine with friends and family. With a range of accommodations and plenty of family-friendly activities, Tallahassee provides the ideal setting for creating lasting memories. Take advantage of special incentives for reunions occurring May through August 2026.

918 Railroad Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32301 P: 850.606.2320

Janet.Roach@VisitTallahassee.com

VISIT TAMPA BAY

Planning a reunion is easy in Tampa Bay, where sunshine, adventure, and laid-back vibes create the perfect setting for reconnecting with family, classmates, or lifelong friends. With hotel deals, vendor referrals, welcome perks, and expert support from Visit Tampa Bay’s Convention Sales

and Services Teams, every detail is covered. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large celebration, the tools and resources you need are ready. Start planning at TampaMeetings.com

Sherri T. Brown, M.A.

Vice President of Multicultural Sales and Development 813.342.4062 | SBrown@VisitTampaBay.com

GEORGIA

ALPHARETTA CVB

Want to plan an AWESOME reunion in metro Atlanta? Don’t know where to begin? Worry no more and gather your group in Alpharetta! Attend our free workshop for a collection of insider tips from our reunion planning specialist. Contact Alpharetta CVB at 800-294-0923 or visit www.awesomealpharetta.com

IDAHO

WESTERN PLEASURE GUEST RANCH

1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-263-9066 stay@westernpleasureranch.com www.WesternPleasureRanch.com

RED HORSE MOUNTAIN RANCH

1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd | Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-263-9066 info@redhorsemountainranch.com www.RedHorseMountainRanch.com

ILLINOIS

LAKE COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Visit Lake County Illinois

Plan an unforgettable reunion in Lake County, Illinois, offering a convenient, centralized location close to Chicago. We’ll work together to plan an event that lets you explore all the excitement of Lake County and enjoy your time with family and friends. From our county’s natural beauty and scenic picnic areas, to entertaining attractions like Six Flags, there are so many reasons to choose Lake County for familyfriendly fun. For FREE Reunion Planning Assistance call or email us with your questions.

5465 West Grand Avenue Suite 100 Gurnee, IL 60031 | 847-662-2700 kimberly@lakecounty.org www.visitlakecounty.org

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGES 20 & 21.

VISIT CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

Great memories start with great locations. Reunions of all kinds can find superior facilities conveniently located to anywhere in the Midwest – and across the country. With our true Midwestern hospitality, the Chicago Southland feels like family. We offer complimentary services to ensure your reunion’s success. Call 888-895-3211 or visit www.ReuniteInChicagoSouthland.com

MARYLAND

TURF VALLEY RESORT

2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 410-465-1200

Turf Valley Resort wants to help you create a lifetime of family traditions and memories. For more than 30 years, we have had the pleasure of being a part of the grins and giggles, milestones and merriment,

simple times and celebrations that make up a truly great family reunion. Many family reunions take a lot of work: lighting up the grills, asking everyone to bring a dish, and cleaning up afterwards. At Turf Valley Resort, we have culinary experts ready to prepare fantastic meals for you and your family so that you can relax; leave the work to us! turfvalley.com | Info_sales@turfvalley.com

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 25.

MISSOURI

EXPLORE BRANSON Missouri — your new favorite Midwest Destination! Surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark Mountains, Branson offers world-class entertainment and exciting attractions for all ages. Whether your reunion is family, military, or a graduating class, the Explore Branson team is here to assist you in securing the perfect lodging and creating an itinerary that the whole group is sure to enjoy. Served up with a generous side of authentic southern hospitality, Branson will have your group creating memories that are worth repeating! Feel free to reach out and request our complimentary Welcome Bags or our comprehensive Group Travel Planner Kit.

Contact: Yvonne Long, Assistant Director of Meetings & Conventions | 417-243-2121

Email: ylong@bransoncvb.com or Visit: ExploreBranson.com/groups

LAKE OF THE OZARKS

Offering over 1,150 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Ozarks is the premier family reunion destination in mid-America. Readers of USA Today and 10Best voted this scenic spot as the Best Recreational Lake in the nation. Centrally located just 175 miles from St. Louis, 165 miles from Kansas City and less than a day’s drive from anywhere in the central United States. The affordable, family-friendly Lake area offers outstanding activities for visitors of any age. Lake of the Ozarks Group Business Development Manager jen@funlake.com 573-348-1599

MONTANA

BAR W GUEST RANCH

2875 Hwy 93 West | Whitefish, MT 59937

406-863-9099 info@thebarw.com

TheBarW.com

ELKHORN RANCH

33133 Gallatin Rd | Gateway, MT 59730

406-995-4291

reservations@elkhornranchmountain.com

ElkhornRanchMontana.com

TENNESSEE

PIGEON FORGE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE — We’re a gold mine for reunions. Need attractions? Try Dollywood, TITANIC Museum Attraction, mountain coasters and the action-packed Parkway. Want nature?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is next-door. Want entertainment? More than a dozen theaters await you. Hungry? We’ll feed you well.

Details: 1-800-251-9100 or visit

pigeonforgereunion.com

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 6.

VIRGINIA

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA

12150 Monument Drive Suite 600 Fairfax, VA 22033

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

Call Visit Fairfax at 703-790-0643, and Dean Miller, our reunion specialist, will go to work for you! dmiller@fxva.com | www.fxva.com

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 39.

WYOMING

DUDE RANCHERS ASSOCIATION

1122 12th Street | Cody, WY 82414

307-587-2339

duderanch.org

Helping people find quality Dude and Guest Ranch vacations since 1926

Let us help you find the perfect all-inclusive location for your next reunion.

THE HIDEOUT LODGE & GUEST RANCH

3170 County Rd 40½ | Shell, WY 82441

307-765-2080

info@thehideout.com

TheHideout.com

COOKBOOKS

MORRIS PRESS COOKBOOKS

Preserve treasured family recipes and family heritage with a custom family reunion cookbook. Create a unique keepsake that can be handed down for generations. Everyone can enter their own recipes online and save 25¢ per cookbook. A family cookbook can also be used to raise funds for future reunions. Morris Press Cookbooks, the nation’s oldest and most trusted Cookbook Publisher!

Visit morriscookbooks.com for information and FREE samples. 800-445-6621

www.morriscookbooks.com/RMAG1224

GROUPRENTALS.COM

GroupRentals.com is the leading online marketplace specifically geared for group vacation rentals. Through GroupRentals.com, members are able to view and instantly book their perfect vacation bundle! Members simply input your key travel points (location, dates, number of travels and amount of homes) and they are able to book their perfect package of vacation rentals, all within their desired distance from each other.

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 36.

Reunion planning forms illustrated in this magazine an be found at

reunionsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/free_forms.pdf Scroll down and click on the link “Print blank reunion planning forms.”