Rhoda's 90th

Rhoda's 90th birthday celebration at the home of Evan & Ronnie in Harpswell, Maine. Such a wonderful celebration!!

Debby and Katie

This past Saturday I finally met Katie (Sarah Kaplan and Pete's daughter). We had such a nice visit and it just proved all the more, how important it is to stay in touch with family.

Happy Birthday, Grandma Rhoda

August 13th is Granmda Rhoda's birthday!

She's currently in New Hampshire with my mother, enjoying the NE summer weather.

=)

To All

As the spring time nears, I find this is a time where we should gather our thoughts, ideas and suggestions for a family reunion. With all the information I've located both on the web and in magazines, I hope we can move forward to make this family reunion a reality.

The last time I saw most of you was at Steph and Brian's (amazing) wedding. It's that same joy and spirit I hope we can bring to our family reunion.

Time goes by very quickly (gosh, I'm nearing 28 this summer), so lets make this happen!!

With love,

Debra

Weinstein Family Reunion

Lets Make the decision to have a Reunion!!!!
WHEN will it be held?
WHERE will it be held?
HOW long will It be?
WHO will be invited?
COMPILE mailing list (database of family members)
SEND "Save The Date" Notice
Establish Committees
Involve members from each branch of the family; get input from, and involve, the young family members.
Set a timeline for completing tasks or assignments
Committees meet as needed
Establish back-up or contingency plans
Host Family, Coordinator
Financial - Select the Treasurer
Program [Theme, Reunion Colors, Schedule of Activities, Banquet Program/Speakers/Script, Picnic, Church Service, Tours, other activities based on your family’s interests and for all age groups]
Lodging/Hospitality
Registration [name badges, goodie bags]
Decorations, Flowers
Food - Meals, Refreshments [Catered? Pot Luck?]
T-shirts, Other Keepsakes
Reunion Booklet, Family Directory
Family History - Information & Exhibits/Displays
Other (Video, Photography, Banner, Prizes)
Clean-up

___________________________________________________________________
Communication
First, an immediate mailing should be the "Save the Date" notice. Thereafter, send out information updates periodically
Include due dates for response, as well as a return mailing address
Include tidbits of information about family ancestors
Give clear instructions on how to order reunion items
When making arrangements with service providers, confirm everything in writing. Be specific!
Finances
Set a budget and registration fee schedule
Include copy of budget in an early mailing
Request bank to open a free, temporary checking account in the name of your reunion
Keep reunion funds separate from personal funds
Can also consider a permanent account if you decide to establish a family association
Schedule of Activities
Contact the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the local Chambers of Commerce for information regarding sightseeing tours and other activities, printed information, and hopefully, promotional giveaways.
The first activity sets the tone for the reunion. Make it festive. Have get acquainted games. Assign committee members to act as greeters
Allow for "free" time, especially for a first reunion. This allows folks to just talk and get acquainted or reacquainted and allows for informal sharing of family stories. In other words, don’t have something scheduled for every minute of every day.
At appropriate point, re-emphasize the times for various activities
Provide written directions to activity locations
Tap into family talent pool
Lodging
Contact local hotels and request a block of rooms be held in the name of the reunion
Negotiate group rate
Goodie Bags
Request promotional giveaways and printed information from local Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chambers of Commerce, or local businesses
Download information from internet
T-shirts
Design - reflect reunion’s theme and colors
Prepaid? Pre-delivered, or pick up at reunion?
Possible fundraising activity
Reunion Booklet
Cover designs
Welcome
Outline of activities
Banquet program
Welcome letter from local officials
"In Memoriam" section
Family history
Family directory
Family business cards (support our own)
Acknowledgments
Family photos
Other
Photography
Formal photos: family elders, group photo, other
Video
Recommend professional videographer
Include on-camera testimonials from attendees
Speakers
Invite local officials - formal welcome
Banquet keynote speaker
Publicity
Pre-reunion press release, and/or
Post-reunion newspaper article
Internet postings
Family newsletter
Other
Name Badges

Color-coded by family branch
Have backup materials on-site
Record Keeping
Devise organized method for recording and maintaining registrations, keepsake orders, correspondence, confirmations, and other reunion Information
Family Business Meeting
Decide particulars for next reunion
Discuss/decide other family business
Ideas For Family Projects
Repair of ancestral grave sites; headstones
Establish family Youth Scholarship Fund
Create family Investment Club
Make a family Heirloom Quilt

Reuinon Prizes
Person who traveled the farthest
Oldest attending
Youngest attending
First to register
Most grandchildren
Reuinon Wrap-up
Pay all outstanding bills
Send final communication
Include final Financial Report

Weinstein FamilyReunion

As I have taken the first steps in finding resources both online and in print, I ask that a few family members now work along side me as we move forward with this process. There are many steps that need to be achieved, but step 1 would be to form committees involving the rest of the family in the planning process to make it easier one everyone and gives everyone else a stake in the event’s success. A suggested list committees are: invitations, site arrangements, transportation, food, entertainment and etc. With everyone's individual abilities and interests, we can formalize committees and the functions of each committee. Till then, I will blog within the week/weekend a finalized list of committees, and again, any suggestions are welcome.

To all in my family

I hope this site has been useful. I am open to any ideas or suggestions you may have. I look forward to the next steps process. ~ Deb

Online Family Reunion Planning Guide

http://www.familyreuniontips.com/html/index.html

Here at FamilyReunionTips.com, you will find all the information you will need for planning the perfect family reunion-ideas, tips, resources, advice, and even a way to communicate with family members with their FREE family reunion listing service.

Reunion Magazine

A good starting place would be a source we carry dedicated to just such affairs - Reunion Magazine which provides many helpful articles and resources to help you put your reunion together.

http://www.reunionsmag.com/

Family Reunion Check List

15 MONTHS OUT
Organize a committee to prepare for the event.Research and compile family reunion ideas perfect for your family.Send out a letter/e-mail to a handful of relatives. Ask questions like "where should we have our reunion," "what kinds of activities should we plan," and "how long should it be." Let them know you need their suggestions back as soon as possible.Begin building an invitation list.Start a list of things that will need to be paid for and payment options. Look into building a Web site for your family and the reunion; discuss its design.
ONE YEAR OUT
Pick a date. Stick with it no matter what!Send out the invitations--include information like when, where, who to contact, cost (if necessary), and Web address. Have the reply date set for no more than three months later. Also, make sure that if there is a registration fee to cover expenses, that family members send it along with their confirmation.Make tentative reservations at the reunion site. Launch a family reunion Web site.
NINE MONTHS OUT
Compile your guest list.Start building your reunion itinerary and a newsletter. Send both through e-mail and "snail mail" to your family members to keep them up to date.Make final reservations--remember that some family members will have to cancel, and others may decide to show up at the last minute. Have the committee come up with a reunion souvenir or package (for example, T-shirts).
SIX MONTHS OUT
Send out another newsletter, updating the guest list if necessary, and letting everyone know what's in store for this event. Update your Web site. Put together maps and directions for out-of-town guests. You can post these on the Web site, and also mail them out; include car rental information if necessary.
THREE MONTHS OUT
Compile local weather information and clothing tips for out-of-town guests. Post these on your Web site and include them in the next newsletter. Start to plan the meals.Build a shopping list. Send out the next newsletter; ask for event volunteers, and include information like what food to bring.
ONE MONTH OUT
Confirm your reservations (venues sometimes lose information).Come up with rainy day alternatives. Send out your next newsletter--let everyone know things are going according to plan and you're looking forward to seeing them soon.THREE WEEKS OUT:Have the committee discuss any outstanding bills. Make signs to post along roadways directing your family members to the reunion site. Don't forget about your own family--start getting them ready for this event.
TWO WEEKS OUT
Buy all non-perishable food items. Buy all supplies (for example, disposable cameras, paper plates, etc.). Confirm that the souvenirs (for example, T-shirts) are almost finished.
ONE WEEK OUT/WEEK OF REUNION
Buy all perishable food items. Re-confirm your reservations.Pick up all souvenirs.Set up the reunion site.
POST REUNION
Send out thank you notes to everyone who helped you plan your get-together.Update your Web site with some great stories and photos from the reunion. Send out an updated newsletter to everyone in the family, including those who couldn't make it, with stories about what happened during your family time together. Have a post-reunion committee meeting to discuss any outstanding bills.Start planning your next reunion!

Hilton Family Reunion Resorts

http://www.hiltondirect.com/misc/Hiltondirect.asp

Additional Reunion Ideas....

A reunion cruise
Whatever time of year, cruises are great hits for multigenerational families because there are plenty of activities for all ages--even the preschoolers. Just as important, no one has to worry about organizing a single meal or washing a dish. Cruises are a good vacation value, too, when you figure your bed, your food, and all of your on-board activities are included.
Today, there are more cruise reunion options than ever, as most major cruise lines offer well-run children's programs and a greater number of short cruises. Cruise Line Inc., one of the largest cruise discount agencies in the country, handles many such family groups. (Call 800/466-9150 or visit cruiseline.com.) Among the cruise lines themselves, Carnival Cruise Line expects to carry 250,000 kids this year, more than any other cruise line, and half of its fleet offers itineraries of five days or fewer. That means a family can cruise for four days for roughly $450 per person or for a week over Thanksgiving for under $600 a person, including port charges. Third and fourth passengers in a cabin are just over $300 on either trip. For every 15 adults, you get a free berth. (800/CARNIVAL or carnival.com)
Disney Cruise Lines has an entire deck devoted to kids, including a nursery for infant cruisers, as well as adult-only areas. Disney offers seven-day trips to the Caribbean as well as three- and four-day options combined with a stay at Disney World. Forty percent of the passengers are multigenerational groups. Both trips are a good deal, starting at (for a small number of cabins, true) $829 per adult, $399 per child; expect to pay at least $200 more for a larger number of cabins. (800/WDW-CRUISE or disneycruise.com).
On land....
Whether or not you're a family of snow-lovers, mountain resorts are good choices for family gatherings whatever the season. In fall, there are hiking and mountain-bike trails to explore, golf, fishing, gondola rides to mountaintops, and more. In winter, besides skiing, there's snowshoeing, ice-skating, spas, and the chance to read the kids story after story by the fire. There are plenty of organized children's programs to choose from.
Examples? At Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado, kids 6 and under ski free and there's a Club Med there for folks who want an all-inclusive vacation. The savings on condo and house rentals are best early and late ski season, even cheaper in fall and spring when the kids can mountain bike and the adults can hike amid the wildflowers. (Crested Butte: 800/544-8448 or crestedbutteresort.com. Snowbird: 800/232-9542 or snowbird.com).
For all these western destinations, Rocky Mountain Tours can arrange bargain-priced ski packages including air (800/525-SKIS or sskithewest.com).
In the East, Smugglers' Notch Resort in northern Vermont offers AutumnFest packages starting at $780 for a family of four for seven nights, including golf, fishing, and canoeing. Opt for a long-weekend winter package and let the kids try snowboarding while mom and dad work on their skiing and grandma takes an art workshop. Everyone can join the karaoke and bingo parties (800/451-8752 or smuggs.com).

Group Travel Website

http://www.grouptravelplanet.com/

Family Reunion Ideas: Tips for planning a great family reunion

Family reunion ideas: Tips for planning a great family reunion

The task of planning a family reunion and coming up with great family reunion ideas can be daunting, but by following these few, small steps you can ensure that your family reunion will run smoothly and be tons of fun too.
The first step in planning a family reunion is to create a list of all the family members attending the reunion. This is a crucial step, because knowing who is coming will help you make many of the following decisions. Are there going to be lots of children? Are there going to be elderly individuals that need wheelchair accessibility? These are just a few small things that need to be thought of before jumping straight into the family reunion planning process.
The second decision in planning a family reunion is the location. There are a variety of great locations to hold family reunions: old family homesteads, national parks, cruises, ranches and resorts. However, there are many items that need to be considered when choosing a location. The first is proximity; traveling distances will vary between the individuals attending. It is best to choose a place that is centrally located. Second, before choosing a location it is necessary to do some research to ensure that the location will have proper accommodations and also will offer plenty of activities and attractions for the reunion attendees to do. Third, the location needs to be affordable for everyone. The best thing to do when choosing a reunion location is to send out a survey to everyone attending and get their input before deciding. The survey can also include questions on the best dates, favorite activities and costs.
After choosing the location is finished, the date needs to be set. Choose a time that will work best for everyone because you can't have a reunion if no one can attend. Also, depending on the location, different times of the year will work better. Once the date is chosen, make the reservations immediately.
The guest list is compiled, the date is set and the location is chosen and reserved. You now have the all the basic logistics covered in planning a family reunion. Now it's time to consider entertainment and come up with some great family reunion ideas. For example, what are you going to do with all these people and how are you going to feed them? Once again, the location depends a lot upon this. If the reunion is to be held at the old family homestead or at a home there a few options to be considered. The reunion itself can be held in the backyard and a tent can be rented. To feed the family you can either cook yourself, or it can be catered. Having the event catered is the best option so you don't have to spend your whole time in the kitchen. You can still cook Grandma's famous chocolate cake though. Another option is to rent out a room at a hotel or other venue and have them cater it. This option may be more costly. If the reunion is to be held at a resort, cruise or out-of-town location, the dining can be done at the resort or restaurant reservations need to be made.
To entertain everybody, choose activities that both children and adults will enjoy. Once again, the location plays a big part in what activities can be planned. Ice breakers are a great way to kick off family reunions, especially if it has been awhile since everyone has gathered. Nametags may also come in handy if there is a large group of people.
Once the reunion has begun and everyone is having a great time, you want to make sure that you archive the event somehow. There several ways to do this. First, shirts, buttons and programs can be printed and given out as mementos. Second, take lots and lots of pictures. A professional photographer can be hired to take photos or a great low-budget option is to have disposable cameras bought and given out. This is great especially for little kids, because it gives them something to do as well and a lot of times they take great photographs. Last, if many people attending have digital cameras, photos can be shared easily via e-mail. So make sure to have a list of everybody's contact information so these photographs can be shared. Also, do not forget to ask for feedback so you can gather more family reunion ideas for next time.
If you follow these few steps for planning a family reunion, everything will run smoothly and everyone will be having a great time. The most important part to planning any reunion is to make sure that everyone is having a great time!

Family Reunion Site

http://family-reunion.com/index.htm

Weinstein Family Circle

Welcome to first post on the Weinstein Family Circle Blog. I hope you all use this tool to it's full advantage. Please contact me shall you have any blog related questions. - Deb