PLANNING YOUR FAMILY REUNION
Where to start... Someone has to do it, so it might
as well be you!
music
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1. Appoint a coordinator... maybe yourself
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2. Determine Who.. Is this an immediate
family reunion? an extended? how extended?
This decision will determine how many are to be invited and will
determine what type of facilities you will need for your gathering.
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3. Make a master list of those you have determined
will be invited.
a. Consult relatives to get names and addresses. If you are planning
a very large circle, broadcast on the web for lost relatives.. put personal
ad in newspaper.
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4. Determine Where..Choose a location which
provides for a variety of budget needs and lifestyle needs. Make
sure to envision worst case scenerio.. ex. inclement weather.
Does your location have facilities to handle indoor as well as outdoor
activities? Check out our pitch below to be your location.
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5. Enlist help. Form task teams who will
handle:
a. Finances
b. Food and lodging
c. Activities and entertainment
d. Collect family memorabilia
e. Create a family tree or history
f. Photographs
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6. Have one person for each branch of
the family tree be responsible for reporting for that branch as to number
coming and details.
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7. Timing
a. Think about choosing a long weekend for your first event. Unless
your circumstance is unusual, that is about as much time as the majority
of people can give. A long weekend also provides additional travel
time. Plan a year in advance. Unless you are planning a very
small reunion, this is crucial. Many families make their plans
at least a year in advance. You want to get your event in their calendar
first.
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8. Plan for fun.. This is a time to reconnect
in fun and enjoyable ways. Include variety, there should be
activities near your location to attract all interests to your event.
Have interest centers where people can show family videos; prepare
family histories; make memorabilia.
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9. Invitations.. make fun and inviting..
send early, then do follow up.
Now for the pitch!
Chautauqua NY is ideally situated for hosting family
reunions:
Accommodations- everything from dormitories, economy apartments, luxary
condos, rooming houses, camping.
Activities: Golf, tennis, cycling, hiking, boating, basketball courts,
baseball diamond, meeting halls for all size groups.. indoor and
outdoor.
Timing: Best to avoid the Chautauqua Summer Session unless you are
planning a small reunion. May, June, last week of August, September
and October are good months for a reunion in Chautauqua. Call us
at 1-800-507-5005 to explore what we have to offer. We are just a
few miles off interstate highway #90 in Western New York so access is easy.
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