‘Family Reunion Sourcebook’ Helpful
Thinking about holding a family reunion this summer, but wondering if all the work, worry and expense are worth it?
Reunions are more than get-togethers, according to Ione D. Vargus, Ph.D., founder of Family Reunion Institute at Temple University in Philadelphia.
“They give us the chance to celebrate heritage and kinship, cherish our elders and strengthen our sense of belonging to family and community,” Vargus said. “It’s where values are transmitted. It provides a sense of identity, belonging and concern, along with educational activities and support of an extended family. Family reunions spanning generations help revive the role of extended family.”
From an afternoon picnic in the back yard to a week at a resort, the possibilities of where to hold a reunion seem endless. And they’re well-worth the effort. Just ask those who regularly attend such events.
Edith Wagner has addressed concerns of family reunion planners in her 1999 book, “The Family Reunion Sourcebook.”
She compiled the book because, she wrote, “reunions are gifts of love that a family gives itself.”
But no true gift comes without work, and Wagner knows from experience just how much it takes to stage a successful family reunion. Her book is designed to help reunion planners through every step of the process.
The first step is to do your homework. Consider subscribing to Reunions magazine, which publishes an annual “Reunions Workbook and Catalog.” Plus, reunion information is rapidly proliferating on the Web. Plugging in the keyword “Reunion” will get you new information nearly every day.
Pick a date and decide how long the reunion will be. Some families get together occasionally for picnics in the park, and some opt for biannual weeks at a beach or mountain resort. Picture your family together at a dude ranch.
Next, Wagner suggests reunion planners - whether that’s only you or a committee - select a place and then contact the area’s tourism bureau for their help. Work with a travel agent; use the services of facility staff. Many resorts have someone designated to assist with group planning.
Wagner discusses how to fund the reunion, and how to write a newsletter to keep family members informed and how to build their anticipation. She even suggests how to create invitations and build a Web page.
Food is always a big part of any family reunion. Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a camping trip, or a week at a hotel, the entire experience will be enhanced with careful meal planning. Keep menus simple, is Wagner’s advice.
Order “The Family Reunion Sourcebook” for $16.95, plus $2.50 postage, from Contemporary Publishing Group, 4255 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60646-1975; or telephone (847) 679-5500.
Today’s Trivia: The Collection Research Center (library and archives), a part of the Eastern Washington State Historical Society of the Cheney Cowles Museum, is open to those researching Inland Northwest history. More than 100,000 photographs are available, as well as some 60 linear feet of ephemeral materials. Who knows, your family might be included.
The center, 715 W. Sprague, is open by appointment from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. Call 456-2770 to schedule a date. And be sure to visit the Web site at www.cheneycowles.org, with its collection inventories and sample images.