Winnipeg Family Reunion

Starting in about 1905, Amanda Spencer suffered four straight miscarriages.The miscarriages were as painful and heartbreaking as they would be today. She and husband, Ernest, were of Irish stock and had moved to the Morden area from South Gower, in the Ottawa Valley, the day after their marriage in August 1897.

It shows the mettle of Ernest that on the same day he married, he worked in the field threshing, purchased the train tickets to Morden, obtained a marriage licence and bought an ostrich fan as a gift to his bride — it’s still in the family — and still made it to the wedding on time.

In other words, there was no quit in the Spencer family and not just when it came to making babies. The 120 descendants, who gathered recently for a family reunion on the original Spencer farm, are a testament to that. Amanda and Ernest would go on to have 10 children — six more after the string of miscarriages.

The family reunion. “It’s better than only meeting at funerals,” said Adrian Phair, a grandchild.

Every five years, Spencer descendants from five different provinces — and parts elsewhere, such as California — gather in Manitoba to celebrate the fact that so-and-so begat so-and-so, who begat so-and-so and so on, resulting in the miracle of each and every one of their births. They are certainly not alone.

“We get a lot of visiting friends and relatives VFRs. That’s a big part of our tourist market,” said Cathy Senecal, Travel Manitoba’s manager of media relations.One could expect Manitoba might get even more than other provinces, considering the size of out-migration from this province. However, Travel Manitoba could not produce comparative figures.

Visiting friends and family account for 39 per cent of visitors to Manitoba. They aren’t as big spenders — 28 per cent of tourist expenditures $333 million out of a total $1.19 billion in 2009, the latest figures — partly because they often stay with family instead of in hotels.The other tourism categories are pleasure, business and “other.” Pleasure accounts for the most visits, 46 per cent. Those visitors are also the bigger spenders at 51 per cent of the total.

via A reunion for the generations – Winnipeg Free Press.

World War II veterans gather in Longmont for reunion – Longmont Times-Call

Camaraderie is the only word Don Rifenberg can think of to describe the deep connection he still shares with other seamen who served aboard the USS Wesson DE-184, a destroyer escort the U.S. Navy relied on during World War II to guard against submarines and air attacks on U.S. convoys throughout the Pacific Theater.

“It’s a brotherhood,” said Rifenberg, 84, of Vancouver, Wash., who was a radioman on the vessel, which was about 300 feet long and 60 feet wide and carried about 120 men.Eight World War II veterans who served on the Wesson, including Rifenberg, gathered in Longmont earlier this week for what may be the group’s final reunion.

Although efforts to organize a reunion started a fewDE-184 USS Wesson, a cannon class destroyer escort.years after the end of the war, the first gathering wasn’t until 1988 in Atlantic City, N.J. Since then, the men, their wives and children have met every 18 months in different cities around the U.S. The men and their families said this weekend’s reunion will likely be the last one because travel is becoming increasing difficult for the veterans.

via World War II veterans gather in Longmont for reunion – Longmont Times-Call.

Doolittle Raiders Plan 70th Anniversary Reunion

he Doolittle Tokyo Raiders are in the final stages of planning their reunion commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Raid. The reunion will be held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, April 17-20, 2012.

The reunion will include autograph sessions, a memorial service at the museum, as well as a public lunch and banquet.All five of the living Doolittle Tokyo Raiders are able to travel and plan to be on-hand for the reunion events.Click here to find out more!

Also, for the first time in seventy years, Chinese survivors or members of their families who helped save the Raiders will travel to the United States and be special guests at the reunion. Surviving sailors and officers of the USS Hornet, the aircraft carrier that sailed them to their take off point, will also be present.

According to National Museum of the U.S. Air Force director, Lt. Gen. Ret. Jack Hudson, it is an honor and privilege for the museum to be selected as the site for the 2012 gathering.”

As ‘the keepers of their stories,’ we feel there is no better location than the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to continue to tell the story of the Doolittle Raid, said Hudson. “The museum’s mission is to educate current and future generations about the rich aviation history of the U.S. Air Force, and to preserve and portray the stories of men and women who have selflessly served their nation as Airmen, just as the Doolittle Raiders did nearly 70 years ago.”

via Doolittle Raiders Plan 70th Anniversary Reunion.

French-Canadian clan moves reunion to Kankakee, Il

For the first time since its inception in November of 1978, the Canadian-based Kirouac Family Association will travel to Illinois Saturday and Sunday to hold its annual family reunion at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds.

The reunion will bring together long-lost members of the French-Canadian Kirouac, Kyrouac, Curwick and Burton families, who began moving to the Bourbonnais area from Canada in the 1840s.After traveling to Quebec City in 2008, event coordinator Greg Kyrouac was lucky enough to be discovered by a local archivist who recognized his historic last name…

via Kankakee County: French-Canadian clan moves reunion to US – The Daily-Journal.

World Acadian Congress organizers begin bid for family reunions — Maine News — Bangor Daily News

Knowing that family reunions are a critical part of any World Acadian Congress, organizers of the cultural event being held in Maine, Quebec and New Brunswick in 2014 came together Tuesday to launch the first round of open applications for groups interested in hosting such reunions.

The call for groups to submit reunion proposals was made Tuesday from the Historic Acadian Landing Site in St. David Parish, Madawaska. The location is significant, as a 14-foot marble cross stands there to honor the pioneer Acadian and Quebecois families who settled on both shores of the St. John River in 1785. The community also sits across from the first parish of the Madawaska Territory — Saint-Basile, New Brunswick.

The World Acadian Congress is held every five years in different regions populated by Acadians. The 2014 gathering will be staged in northern Maine, northwestern New Brunswick and the Temiscouata region of Quebec Aug. 8-24. This will be the first time in the event’s history that it will span two countries.

In winning the bid to host the 2014 event, the Maine-New Brunswick-Quebec region, operating under the unified title “Acadia of the Lands and Forests,” beat out applications from Quebec City and Louisiana.

In the past, the event has attracted more than 50,000 visitors during the two weeks to host regions that have included Louisiana and the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick.

The congress typically features more than 300 events, including family reunions, regional celebrations, and sporting and cultural activities. Hotels, restaurants, stores and other facilities typically see a significant influx of revenue. The economic spin-off from recent congresses has ranged from between $30 million and $50 million in the host region. Organizers said family reunions are key to drawing the more than 50,000 visitors.

via World Acadian Congress organizers begin bid for family reunions — Maine News — Bangor Daily News.

Seattle Southside Visitor Services Receives Honor from Reunion Society

Seattle Southside Visitor Services, the official tourism department for the cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, Kent and Des Moines, is the newly minted recipient of a Certificate of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America, Puget Sound for their work on a Military Reunion Conference and Familiarization ConFAM tour.

“Seattle Southside is thrilled receive this distinguished award,” said Katherine Kertzman, Director of Seattle Southside Visitor Services. “With each year, this program continues to expand offering personal concierge style services to support the visitor experience in the Pacific Northwest.”Seattle Southside partnered with the Seattle Airport Marriott, the Museum of Flight, Argosy and the Reunion Friendly Network, a national organization dedicated to educating veteran military reunion planners. Together we hosted over 25 reunion planners in March.

The ConFAM introduced military reunion planners from all over the United States to the Seattle Southside region and promoted the reunion planning concierge services offered by Seattle Southside.A two-day exhibitor marketplace was held for local convention and visitor bureaus, hotels, transportation and other reunion vendors to solicit business on a face-to-face basis.

After the exhibitor marketplace the planners were taken on a series of excursions that showcased attractions around the region that could be potential activities at future reunions. We secured $24,697 in donations from our local partners to make the event possible.As a direct of the success of the ConFAM requests for proposals for military reunions in Seattle Southside increased almost 90 percent.

There are five reunions booked for 2011 and leads generated for reunions through 2014 for an estimated $4 million economic impact for the region.Seattle Southside Visitor Services SSVS is a major tourism and marketing organization in South King County. The program offered jointly by the Cities of Tukwila, SeaTac, Kent and Des Moines, is responsible for competitively marketing the area as an ideal travel destination for tourists who wish to explore Western Washington. For more information, visit www.seattlesouthside.com.

via Seattle Southside Visitor Services receives national honor – Tukwila Reporter.

Austin, Texas Family Reunion Planning

With a staggering variety of things to do for all ages, an abundance of great hotels, and a large number of excellent rental venues, Austin, Texas is an excellent location for a family reunion. This capital city has numerous parks and a variety of attractions suitable for the whole family.

Family Reunion Venues in Austin

Austins location in the beautiful Texas Hill Country provides the perfect setting for parks. A very green city, Austin Parks and Recreation operate 251 parks, 40 greenbelts, and 15 preserves. A number of ideal Austin reunion areas are located within these parks. A favorite of families, the 351 acre Zilker Metropolitan Park offers six large sheltered picnic areas for group rental. Most of these pavilions have electricity and barbeque facilities and are perfect for a smaller family reunion. All members of the family will enjoy the parks many attractions such as the Zephyr Miniature Train, the multi-age playscape, hiking and biking trails, and canoe and kayak rentals on Town Lake.Zilker Metropolitan Park is also home to The Zilker Botanical Gardens which feature a variety of gardens such as the rose garden and Taniguchi Japanese Garden.

Family reunions are special events and if you have been doing it every year, it could turn out to not-so interesting anymore. Taking everyone out on an outdoor activity like camping would be a great way to create memorable moments. Bring out your outdoor camping tents along with the rest of your Coleman camping equipment and have some fun in appreciating the beauty of nature.

Small Towns Around Austin

Austin is a big, beautiful city; there is no doubt about that. But, there are several small towns within 50 miles of Austin that are filled with charm and beauty. Larger groups of up to 100 can choose to hold their reunion in one of the gardens or in the Garden Center building which holds up to 150 people. Another excellent choice for Austin reunion areas is the Mayfield Cottage and Gardens. This historic property, also operated by Austin Parks and Recreation, can be rented for small to medium sized family reunions. The entire family will enjoy the colorful gardens and flashy peacocks.

Austin, Texas Attractions

While in Austin, families will want to visit the historic University of Texas Campus and its legendary Main Building, better known as The Tower. Organized campus tours are available which include going to the top of the 307 foot tall tower or groups can choose to tour the campus on their own. All ages will enjoy seeing the one and a half million bats emerge at dusk from the Congress Avenue Bridge. Family members can learn why the citys slogan is Keep Austin Weird by visiting 6th Avenue for some entertaining people watching.

Austin Reunion Hotels

Austin is home to a wide variety of excellent hotels. Austin reunion hotels from classic historic luxury to trendy boutique hotels in addition to many familiar family friendly brands. There are hotels to suit all budgets and tastes and Austin reunion hotels are located downtown and in the suburbs.

via Holding A Family Reunion In Austin Texas.

Collette Vacations Enters Family Market

Collette Vacations’ President and CEO Daniel Sullivan, Jr. just announced the launch of Collette Family Vacations, complete with new logo, brochure and micro-site. This latest brand adds to the company’s mainstream Collette tours, Explorations brand of small group tours and Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures educational tours. Collette’s decision to enter the multigenerational travel market was based on market trends that include an increased focus on family.

On the roster of Family Vacations are nine new itineraries that bring travelers of all ages together to experience destinations ranging from U.S. national parks and Canada to the Galapagos and Kenya. Some family-friendly vacation inclusions are a zip line canopy tour in Costa Rica, wildlife encounters in the Galapagos and a ride on the London Eye. Each experience has been added to enhance the overall enjoyment of the vacation for both children and adults. Other shared family experiences include rafting the Athabasca River in the Canadian Rockies, learning to make an authentic pizza in Italy and watching Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone.

In a written announcement to travel agents, Sullivan said of the new brand, “Launching Collette Family Vacations is really a natural extension of what we’re all about – Collette is in its third generation of Sullivan family ownership. I remember my dad (Dan Sullivan, Sr.) taking my siblings and I, along with our cousins, to the New York World’s Fair. This was the first of many family adventures that would serve to form lasting family bonds that are still strong today.”

To reinforce its appeal to children, parents and grandparents, a puzzle piece theme permeates the brand and is prevalent in the new Collette Family Vacations brochure being mailed in early January. The first puzzles were educational tools crafted by 18th century English mapmakers. By putting the pieces together, a larger world opened up to the children of the 1700s.

“Like puzzle building, travel is another one of those activities that we see as quality family time,” said Sullivan. “The added bonus of travel is that it engages your family with other cultures. On each family trip, we are not only learning about the world, we are also growing closer.”

Collette Family Vacations offers the ease and convenience of an escorted tour but is geared toward parents and grandparents traveling with children. Components of the new brand include child rates up to 50% off adult rates for children (14 and under); child rates that apply even with only one accompanying adult; family-friendly hotels and activities; and itineraries designed to keep all generations engaged.

While Family Vacations is its own distinct brand within the Collette family of brands, the advantage is that travel agents can utilize such shared services as:

•      Complimentary roundtrip home to airport transfer service on all air-inclusive tours
•      Commission on land, air, waiver and pre-sold options
•      Guaranteed departure dates
•      A sales force of over 60 district sales managers
•      Industry-leading No Worries Cancellation Waiver that allows for a full cash refund for cancellation right up to the day prior to departure

For more information, visit www.collettevacations.com and click on the family tours tab.

Uniworld Offers Family Reunion Groups River Cruise Savings

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ Family Friendly Sailings with Special Dates:

Castles Along the Rhine and Paris & Normandy

Uniworld special family reunion friendly cruises have been developed around summer vacations, so planning a family holiday is always easy. Plus, someone else has organized all the details with special shore excursions tailored specifically for the family. Add in the special family pricing with young people between 4 and 18 traveling at 50% off the cruise price when traveling with an adult, all meals, entertainment, special signature lectures and demonstrations onboard, exciting shore excursions, fully hosted by local guides, complimentary use of bicycles, and transfers of departure and arrival days-ALL of which are included, and you have the ideal, hassle-free, value-packed family vacation.

Castles Along the Rhine Family-Friendly River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam, 9 days

Once upon a time on one of Europe’s mythical rivers where castles magically appear and legends have been told through songs, art, stories, and poetry from the likes of Bryon, Dumas, Hugo, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, Schubert, Wagner, and Turner, a river cruise was born; Uniworld calls it Castles Along the Rhine.

With its countless castles strung like pearls on the ledges of the river, Medieval towns with legends of knights and damsels in distress, and famous myths like Lorelei, you’ll soon understand why Uniworld has chosen two special family-friendly dates, July 10 and August 7, 2010, for you to experience the special magic of this region with the entire family. Unpack only once as you and your family settle into the comfort of your home-away-from home, River Ambassador, for eight glorious days of fun and adventure. From Switzerland to the colorful canals of Amsterdam, it’s almost as if the entire Rhine River has been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. In fact for over 40 miles, you’ll enjoy the enchanting UNESCO-designated upper Rhine River Valley with over 40 castles and fortresses.

Travel through the Black Forest, entrance way to charming old world villages such as Breisach and Colmar. Sail through the canals of Strasbourg, simply described as pure enchantment, as you pass half-timbered houses and ancient watchtowers. While in Medieval Koblenz, enjoy the many river front cafes-the perfect place to people watch some of the town’s residents who like to dress up in funny costumes and wander throughout the streets entertaining onlookers. Then there are the grand cathedrals-in Speyer, you’ll encounter the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in Cologne, you’ll be amazed by another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic cathedral, the largest cathedral in Germany, as well the tallest Gothic structure in the world.

Of course, there’s plenty of intrigue with inside visits to discover some of the finest museums in the region, including Rudesheim’s Siegfried Mechanical Music Museum, showcasing one of the world’s best collection of mechanical musical instruments, and Speyer’s Technick Museum with a walk-in Boeing 747, and a U9 German Navy submarine. There’s also a special visit to a Chocolate Factory where you’ll learn how chocolate is made, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample the chocolate itself. And if you want to venture to Europe’s biggest theme park, Europa-Park, we have added this optional treat in for you.

Onboard, there’s plenty to do and see. Participate in a dessert-making class where kids can make their own desserts, as well as enjoy a special scavenger hunt culminating in treats for the entire ship. Spend time with the Captain learning about river cruising and the special network of river locks that ships pass through. Watch movies, learn German, play games, or simply spend time enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Rhine River Valley with your entire family.

Castles Along the Rhine Family-Friendly Cruise Highlights include:

7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stylish River Ambassador
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All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
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A children’s menu available during dinners onboard with free sodas at lunch and dinner
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A special children’s walking tour in Koblenz with funny characters, a special scavenger hunt, and an ice cream treat
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Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
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A visit to the Technik Museum in Speyer with more than 3,000 exhibits including walk-in exhibits of aircrafts and a German submarine
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A visit to the unique Siegfried Mechanical Music Museum in Rudesheim, showcasing one of the world’s best collections of mechanical musical instruments
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A visit to the Chocolate Factory Museum in Cologne
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A cooking class onboard with the pastry chef where the kids can make their own desserts
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A special ship tour for the children and their family members with the Captain
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Games and movies – a playroom with a PlayStation is available throughout the cruise
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Complimentary use of bicycles
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German language classes onboard
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Chess and Shuffleboard on Sun Deck
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Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
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Epicurean Adventurer Program
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An optional excursion to Europa-Park will be offered for purchase onboard. Europa-Park is Germany’s most popular theme park and is located in Rust, Germany. Click here to view more information on the Europa Theme Park, in PDF format. (The excursion will depart from Strasbourg.)

Paris & Normandy Family-Friendly Cruises: Paris to Paris, 9 days

Let the pages of history books, famous paintings inspired by the luminous countryside and seaside villages, and the great classics come to life on this fun-filled adventure as you and your family sail the Seine River from Paris, past the luminous and inspirational countryside of Northern France, to the nostalgic beaches of Normandy and then back to Paris.

Relive the classic tale of The Hunchback of Notre Dame as you climb the bell tower made famous by Quasimodo. Perhaps climb the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognized symbols in the world, as you discover the adventurous city of Paris. Or how about taking a helium balloon ride offering unobstructed views of Paris? Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Monet as you sail through the countryside of Northern France and enjoy family-friendly guided tours of Honfleur and Giverny. See the site where Joan of Arc was martyred while in Rouen, and participate in a scavenger hunt looking for the special chocolate candies called, Joan of Arc tears. Also while in Rouen, tour behind the dials of the town’s famous Clock tower, led by Narcisse Eugene Osmont, the former governor of the Clock tower, as well as hear the tales of the bishop and the horrible gargoyle. Hike the Stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, Chateau Gaillard while in Les Andelys, and discover why he picked this spot high above the Seine to build his fortress. Enjoy “Sun and Fun” in Honfleur, along with a boat ride from the port to the pillars of the Normandy bridge. And while in Normandy, stand on the beaches where the Allied forces landed during World War II’s D-Day invasion and share as a family the meaningful events that forever changed the world.

Onboard, there’s added treats to be enjoyed by all. Join a pastry maker to prepare your own special desserts. Spend time with the Captain in the wheelhouse learning about river cruising. Watch movies, learn French, play games, or simply spend time enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Seine River with your entire family. All this and more awaits you and your family on two special family-friendly dates on July 3 and July 17, 2010.

Cruise Highlights include:
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stylish River Baroness
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All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
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A children’s menu available during dinners onboard with free sodas at lunch and dinner
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
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Air balloon ride at Parc Andre Citroen
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Visit Gros Horloge, a medieval clock, for an escorted tour behind the dials. You’ll also climb the 100 steps to discover a breathtaking view of the city
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A scavenger hunt in Rouen to find chocolate candies called “Joan of Arc’s tears”
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In Honfleur, take a boat ride under the Normandy Bridge
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Enjoy a hike to Chateau Gaillard in Les Andelys
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Spend a full day at the Normandy Landing Beaches
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Partake in a cooking class onboard with the pastry chef where the young and young at heart can make their own desserts
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Take a special ship tour with the Captain
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Games and movies – a playroom with a PlayStation is available throughout the cruise
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Chess and Shuffleboard on the Sun Deck
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Complimentary use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
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Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Dinners
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French language classes onboard
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All transfers on arrival and departure days

For more information, please contact Uniworld at 800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com

Caribbean Family Reunion

Do you want to spend some relaxing time at the beach with your family?  One Caribbean resort is offering an amazing deal.  Groups that book 5 rooms or more will receive incredible specials. They will receive their own personal concierge, free t-shirts, a family portrait, save-the-date postcards and more! The package makes planning a family trips so easy and enjoyable, it’s hard to pass up the deal.

Not only will you have the numerous offers from the resort but you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the Caribbean.  Your family will be able to enjoy the beach and sunshine while bonding and getting to know each other.

To learn more visit:  http://www.beaches.com/families/family_reunion.cfm

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