Wow! What a month. January 2008 went out as quickly as it came. Like
an ice sickle falling off the rooftop. And speaking of ice sickles.
Don't forget to grab another bag of de-icer on the way home. Might
as well pick up some battery operated lamps. Oil lamps are very
useful as these generate both light and heat when electric power is
out. And speaking of rooftops. Check your roof for leaks when the
weather is mild and patch them up quick. Heat escapes from rooftop
leaks and raises your heating bill.

Did you get a chance to make a dent in your new goals for 2008? I
did. As part of a group that serves the community voluntarily I
managed to put in over 50 hours. In addition I'm preparing for many
events that promote family unity and good citizenship in March and
April.

February is a great time to get up to speed regarding the years
monthly observances. It's a time to review how you will contribute
and support causes and principles that have much meaning to you and
your family.

Monthly Observances:

February - Black History Month - See http://black-history.fimark.net

Black History Month is a remembrance of important people and events
in the history of the African Diaspora. It is celebrated annually in
the United States and Canada in the month of February, while in the
UK it is held in the month of October.

Black History Month was established in 1976 by African-Americans for
the Study of African-American Life and History. The month-long
celebration was an expansion of Negro History Week, which was
established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, director of what was then
known as the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

At first it was celebrated almost exclusively by African Americans,
taking place outside of the view of the wider society. Increasingly,
however, mayors and governors, especially in the North, began
endorsing Negro History Week and promoting interracial harmony. Now
Black History Month is a national observance. Families are encourage
to take advantage of a long effort to promote recognition of a rich
heritage, culture and resilient people.


Family Activities That Focus on Black History Month:

Join or form a Family History Society

Donate to your favorite black charity

Visit a black museum or art gallery

Write about your families contribution to black history

Read a grade level book regarding notable black achievements to your
children

Volunteer in some way to give back to the community

Visit sites that focus on contributions from African Americans
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/bhm/index.html
http://black-history.fimark.net

Other Monthly Observances

May 12 to June 16 - "Family Reunion Month"

July - National Family Reunion Month

November - Named November as "Family Reunion Planning Month

November 21-24 as "Family Reunion Planning Week.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_reunion


African American Family Reunion Activities
Want to make your family reunion more a historic appeal. Add one or
more of the following activities to your family reunion program:

Historic Skits Reenactments
Highlight pivotal points in a family's history. Participants are
introduced to the art of developing a timeline as well as period
research with a focus on costume design, customs, dialogue and
social, economic and technological developments.

Story Telling
A fascinating art that brings to life tales of ancestors and their
accomplishments. Along with stories of legends of the past, life
lessons are taught. The meaning behind family traditions are shared
while relaying important family history factoids and the ties that
bind.

Genealogy Tours
Take the family on an exciting tour of important genealogical hot
spots including the family homestead, the towns in which the family
settled, the jobs they held, machines they worked, markets they
traded and streets they walked as well as social activities they
immersed themselves into.

Genealogy Presentations
A Presentation of historic documents and vintage artifacts that
identify timelines, economic status, historic events and locations
of ancestors.

Family Reunion Keepsake Booklets
Make a Family Reunion Booklet with an emphasis on black history
contributions. See more about family reunion booklets at
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Have you finalized your family reunion t-shirt order?
Looking for new exciting fresh designs? Need slogans? A T-shirt
dues, order and dispersement organizing system? Don't forget, it's
all in your award winning Family Reunion Planner. You've got it all,
why not put it to use?

The T-shirt Roster is not just a Roster anymore. It helps you
compile orders,  keep up with dues collected and balances owed,
sort, pack and disperse in an organized systematic way.
Download the award winning Family Reunion Planner with the T-shirt
Roster organizing system at...
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net.

Need Family Reunion Rewards and Keepsake Souvnirs?
Bags, Keychains, Mugs, Pens, Visors and Caps
Order the T-shirt Teddy as a keepsake souvenir!
http://family-reunion-t-shirts.fimark.net/

Have you announced your family reunion? Announce Your Family Reunion
at...
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/family-reunion-registry-
log.html

Still Planning and Organizing?
Need some structure, flyers, survey forms, worksheets, templates and
great activity ideas? We have what you're looking for.
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net.

Create your Family Tree - Get DNA Genealogy Results
Search for the name of your ancestors. Connect To Distant Ancestors
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/family-reunion-registry-
log.html

Need a Great Fund Raiser Idea?
Often times the funds for planned family reunion activities,
materials and supplies falls short of whats actually needed. When
that happens it's time to plan a family fund raiser. Give everyone
plenty of notice. Make sure you have what family members want. Get
everyone involved.

Here is one great fund raiser idea my family started using over 15
ago. It's practical, money saving and anyone who buys one will feel
they've got thier money's worth. The 2008 Entertainment Book. And
here's why. 50% savings and 2 for 1 coupon deals at local grocery
stores, restaurants, five star hotels, local attractions, sporting
events, theme park discounts, dining, shopping and more.

You get the Entertainment membership card which is great because you
no longer have to fumble around tearing out coupons from the book.
Your membership also entitles you to special discounts exclusive to
entertainment book members as well as online coupon print outs for
just about any occasion.

Fund raising packages are also available for fund drives.
For more information go to...
http://www.entertainment-coupon-book-2008.fimark.net

Happy Reunion Planning!

Hello family reunion planners! Has this been a month for making
history or what? Actors, writers, poets, historians and artists are
acknowledging the contributions people of color have made nationally
and internationally. They seek to send out a strong message of love
and hope to families at home and abroad.

Many families have already taken the time to show their appreciation
in meaningful and imaginative ways. While you look ahead don't
forget to look back. It's the only way to learn just how rich the
history, how valuable the present and promising the future really is.

Our Story
Fimark's Legendary Heritage Heirlooms began in the year 2005. The
concept was developed by my wife Brenda and her sister Shawn who
decided to attend a Galla event by none other than Ethnic
Expressions. Inspired by their rich decor and art I encouraged
Brenda to join me in promoting our own line of fine art, greeting
cards, portraiture services and clothing line. Our cousin LaTavia
immediately came on board and the two of them proved a perfect team.

We designed a catalog, CDROM presentation, scores of original fine
art prints and an engaging and entertaining home show presentation
complete with Family oriented games, gifts and discounts. The
clientele were excited and proud to be involved. It was not long
after that we started up home shows round about Baltimore city. I
loved sharing this venture with my family.

Brenda, and her cousin LaTavia successful planned family reunions,
community outreach events, weddings, receptions and parties.  So
planning these events was a breeze for them.  We soon got the idea
that we should focus on Family Reunion events. Before long our
primary focus became Family Reunion event planning. For me, an
artist and web developer by trade,  taking Brenda's Reunion Event
Planner and turning into an award winning piece of software easily
downloaded online became almost addicting.  Now we sell most of our
products online with a focus on services aimed at the family.

Your Feed Back
We've had many expressions of gratitude regarding how many of you
loved our Family Reunion Planning resource since we launched in
2005. And thanks for the compliments of our new look launched in
2007. We've valued  the constructive feedback from our users and
have sought to meet your needs and demands. I recently received a
message from a new family reunion planner. "Hello, this is my 1st
time visiting your site and it's wonderful. I would like to be added
to your email list to receive newsletters." - Mallissa Drakes.
Mallissa, it's been our pleasure to follow thru.

Did you know? To date well over 400,000 visits were made by family
reunion planners. We average 40 family reunion announcements per
month.  Over 1500 users have downloaded our software. We are
grateful for the many awards and acknowledgements we have received
from Cnet, Familyreunion.com, DoDownload and many others.  We rank
number one for family reunion software and we are now listed on
scores of top family software download sites. We are proud to have
made our contribution to family reunion event planning.

Soon To Come
We look forward to offering downloadable greeting cards for printing
right from the home computer as well as Preprinted customized
packages of 10 or more with free shipping. Exclusive to patrons like
you.  Look for this new line sometime in April 2008. Yes, we will
have greeting cards in time for graduation day, fathers and Mothers.

You Asked For It. You Got It!
We've added a new suite of stationary, backgrounds and borders we
think you'll love. That's right we have been developing stationary
to match the 15 flyers we added to the family reunion correspondence
package of the family reunion planner. The new stationary has been
officially launched as of today.

In addition to bright colorful flyers you can choose from over 15
fresh designs for your family reunion stationary backgrounds and
borders. Use them as the official family reunion document and/or add
a new look to your Keepsake Family Reunion Booklet. Take a look and
get inspired...  http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Hello Family Reunion Planners! Did you get the memo?
You've Got Stationary!

That's right the award winning Family Reunion Planner now comes with
additional stationary designs and graphic backgrounds for your
Flyers and Keepsake Family Reunion Booklet.  Just logon to the
download center and take a look.

From our readers..."This software is awesome. Why is there no love
for Mac users. Mac users plan for reunions too."

Answer: "Right you are Mac user. The love is there and we'll soon
prove it. You'll be happly to know that we plan to begin production
on a Mac version starting this spring."

Family Reunion Keepsake Booklet Maker Help
It's time to get familiar with your Family Reunion Keepsake Booklet
Maker. Remember to delegate someone with research skills to start
putting together the family tree and family history.

Adding pages to The Reunion Keepsake Booklet

To create additional pages for your Family History section you can
copy, insert and paste the "blank" page provided in your Booklet
Maker. (Instructions using Microsoft Word or compatible program)

Here are the steps involved:

1. Go to the second to the last page of the series of pages. Note
the page reads, "This is your blank page insert template."

2. Click on both the background image and the foreground text box
holding down the shift key.

3. Select "Copy".

4. Move to the page under the family history page and click above
the background image. A blinking curser marker should appear.

5. Go to the menu and select Insert. Scroll down to Break (page
break) and click. A new page will appear.

6. Place your curser at the top of the new page and click. Your
blinking curser marker will appear.

7. Now paste the copied contents onto the page.

To create more pages simply follow steps 5 thru 7.

Remember to save your work once you have completed this task.

Need more help? Just write us and we'll respond ASAP.

We would like to know the success and challenges you are having
using the Family Reunion Planner. Don't hesitate to respond to this
newsletter with your feedback.

Happy Planning!

Mark Askew
Editor
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Hello Family Reunion Planners!

Hope your month of March is getting off to a new start. Here's
something interesting. Many cultures and religions celebrate the
beginning of the New Year in March. Spring 2008 begins with the
vernal equinox on March 20th. March is a time to focus on indoor and
outdoor activities such as gardening, arts and crafts, field trips
and of course family.

If your reunion event starts in June or July you should have
completed or be wrapping up the following:

1. Reservations at event location/destination.
2. Collecting dues from family members.
3. Finalize T-shirt design, collect dues and commenced ordering.
4. Organize fair weather fund raiser.
5. Delegate deparmental assignments.
6. Commence 2nd follow up on all parties assisting with the event.
7. Choose theme, decorations, banners, etc.

Take a look at the "ADVANCED FAMILY REUNION PLANNING
  TIME LINE" in the Family Reunion Planner to see where you are in
the event planning stages.


T-Shirt Ordering Tips and Tools

When ordering T-shirts don't underestimate the time
involved in gathering individual orders, tabulating costs and
recording the information in such a way that no one is missed and
all orders are paid for. Thankfully Fimark's Award winning Family
Reunion software includes a tool to help make the task a whole lot
easier. The T-shirt Roster.

The Roster is in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format and allows the
user to input orders according to individual name, address, age
group, t-shirt size, number of shirts per person and balance
paid/owed. The Roster is designed to help you double check your
entries for accuracy and therefore calculates the entries in several
different directions.

Once the order is sent use the T-shirt Roster to prepare label
strips. Each row contains household/individual name and address
along with the total number of shirt and sizes. Simply print the
spreadsheet and cut along the rows dividing each
household/individual.

When the T-shirt order arrives follow these helpful suggestions:

1. Tape each label inside large transparent plastic bags with the
print side showing through the bag.
2. Divided shirts according to size.
3. Place shirts on top of labeled bag leaving the label exposed at
all times
4. Make sure all shirt sizes are also exposed.
5. Once all shirts have been sorted and bagged tape bag closed
leaving the label print side up and exposed for easy viewing.

You're now ready to distribute T-shirts at the reunion rendezvous or
mail them out.

We wish you a happy and successful Family Reunion this season.
For more information regarding Family Reunion Planning or T-shirt
ordering go to http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net.

Hello Family Reunion Planner! Happy March Maddness Month. Are you
beginning to feel the warmth in the air? It can't come too soon for
you northerners.

Make the month of March a time to save money. A month to make the
most of your resources. Chances are you are still collecting dues
and are thinking about a fundraiser or two. Even so you want to save
as much money as possible in preparation for unforeseen expenses
down the road while managing your event. Well put on you boots,
shoes and sandles. It's hunting season. Bargain hunting season that
is.

That said it's time to look at your Family Reunion Planner
organizer.  If it's been several weeks since you looked over
the "Timeline Planner" and "Checklist" now is the time to do it.
Don't put it off another day. The weekend is a perfect time to get
started. You'll want to consider where you are in the timeline and
what needs to be accomplished ASAP to save and spare your family
reunion dollars. Giving youself plenty of time to focus on action
items will actually save more money. How?

1. While we are early in the month and not quite in the spring
season you may be able to take advantage of out of season sales on
summer outfits, supplies and accessories.

2. Many travel agencies offer early bird specials to encourage
advanced booking of group packages.

3.Rental companies offer discounts for those reserving equipments
well in advance.

4. Off peak seasons discounts are available when booking banquet
halls, ballrooms and reception rooms. Avoid last the minute rush to
prepare the dining area or reception hall. You may miss your
opportunity to inspect the area for broken chairs, tables, china and
glassware that can be deducted from the contract.

5. Book catering, entertainment, flowers and photography well in
advance. This will allow you time to choose dates and times of the
day you actually want. Remember these companies charge extra for
events on holidays, Sundays and other high demand event dates.
Prices are usually higher on high demand dates.

Cash vs. Credit
Remember that credit card transactions cost 2% more than cash
payments. Some merchants will allow discounts on cash purchases.
Making deals early while cash collected from family is available.

So where are you in your event planning timeline? What do you need
to accomplish next? How will you do it? The Family Reunion Event
Planner tutorial and tips will guide you through event planning,
organizing and managing your event. Download your worksheets,
Timeline Planner and Checklist at http://family-reunion-
planner.fimark.net

Hey! Know a friend, family member, neighbor, friend or co-worker who
mentioned planning a family reunion. Send them this newsletter of
practical moneysaving tips. They'll be glad you did.

Happy reunion planning and bargain hunting.

-Mark

The following is an edited revizion of the previous newsletter.

If you are early in the planning stages of your family reunion event
chances are you are still collecting dues and are thinking about a
fundraiser or two. Even so you want to save as much money as
possible in preparation for unforeseen expenses down the road while
managing your event. Well put on you boots, shoes or sandals. It's
hunting season. Bargain hunting season that is.

The Early Bird Keeps The Dollar
That said it's time to look at your Family Reunion Planner
organizer.  If it's been several weeks since you looked over
the "Timeline Planner" and "Checklist" now is the time to do it.
Don't put it off another day. The weekend is a perfect time to get
started. You'll want to consider where you are in the timeline and
what needs to be accomplished ASAP to save time and spare your
family reunion dollars. Giving yourself plenty of time to focus on
action items will actually save more money. How?

1. While we are early in the month and not quite in the spring
season you may be able to take advantage of out of season sales on
summer outfits, supplies and accessories.

2. Many travel agencies offer early bird specials to encourage
advanced booking of group packages.

3.Rental companies offer discounts for those reserving equipment
well in advance.

4. Off peak season discounts are available when booking banquet
halls, ballrooms and reception rooms. Avoid last the minute rush to
prepare the dining area or reception hall. You may miss your
opportunity to inspect the area for broken chairs, tables, china and
glassware that can be deducted from the contract.

5. Book catering, entertainment, flowers and photography well in
advance. This will allow you time to choose dates and select the
time of the day you actually want. Remember these companies charge
extra for events on holidays, Sundays and other high demand event
dates.  Prices are usually higher on high demand dates.

Cash vs. Credit
Credit card transactions cost 2% more than cash payments. Some
merchants will allow discounts on cash purchases. Making deals early
while cash collected from family is available.

So where are you in your event planning timeline? What do you need
to accomplish next? How will you do it? The Family Reunion Event
Planners tutorial guide and tips will get you through the event
planning, organizing and managing process quickly and efficiently.
Download your copy of the award winning Family Reunion Planner with
planning and organizing worksheets, attendee registration
spreadsheet workbook, dues ledger, surveys, flyers, budget list
calculator, Timeline Planner and event management checklist,
correspondence stationary, invitations, name tag, labels, keepsake
memory booklet maker and much more at…
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Hey! Know a friend, family member, neighbor or co-worker who
mentioned planning a family reunion. Send them this newsletter of
practical moneysaving tips. They'll be glad you did.

Happy reunion planning and bargain hunting.

-Mark

Hello Family Reunion Planners!
Special Announcement. Your family reunion event is just arround the
corner.  Do you know where your event funds are?

By this time you have likely put deposits on reception rooms, picnic
areas, tourist packages and entertainment. Ideally you would have
collected 75 to 90% of registration funds by now. But this is not a
perfect world is it? If you don't have enough funds to cover the
deposit expenses don't panic. Your fellow family reunion planners
have the solution.  It's time to start putting together a fundraiser.

A well-organized fundraiser can bring in as much as $500 to $5000 in
just a matter of hours. Take a look at the award winning Family
Reunion Planner under "Fund Raiser" and you'll find exciting ideas
for your event.

Rallying Support
How do you get family members to attend and support the fundraiser?
Select a date that will allow your best participants to attend. Make
sure to invite family members at least four weeks in advance.
Prioritize those who have the means to make a sizeable contribution.
Knowing what they consider valuable will help stimulate
participation. Would they like to be the holder of a family
heirloom? Why not have them bid on the privilege in a silent
auction?

Finding The Right Stuff
Bidding on items the attendees value is important. No, it's
everything. Are some family members art collectors? It's important
to know exactly what the collector is looking for in terms of
artist, period, condition, date and signature. Other requirements
may be subject matter, printing plate number, and how the art is
framed and packaged.  Get that information first before you start
buying art or any other collectables.

Do you have amateur genealogist, scientists, archeologists or
astronomists in the family? Get the latest books on the subject.
Some may prefer outdated out of print books as a conversation piece
for their club or group. Large children's picture books like Dr.
Sues, Little Bill and Blues Clues are sure to grab the kid's
attention and encourage parents to participate.  Vintage and latest
blockbuster movie posters are sure to be a big hit among teens and
adults.

Ethnic and vintage cultural collectables are probably the most
desired.  Jazz CD's of any genre are sure to turn someone's head and
open their wallet. Family members who belong to book and poetry
clubs are passionate about certain novelists and poets.

Practicality Sells Big
Many attendees are frugal and will only put money on an item that
will likely help them save money on the family reunion event. That
said, sell baskets of coupons, your collection of gift cards and the
ever-popular Entertainment Book which sells at a 50% discount and
free shipping this time of year.
Go to http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net for more information.

Send out flyers, emails, text messages and invitations that list
some of the items or categories that will be available.  Have those
who will attend the fundraiser also share in organizing and managing
some aspect of the event to ensure that they will be present to bid.

Your fundraiser is to raise reunion funds not to spend reunion
funds. That said, make sure that all who attend bring a dish, drinks
and supplies to equalize the expense and prevent having to dip into
the reunion account.

For more ideas to get your fundraiser off the ground consult the
award winning Family Reunion Planner Organizer. Download the latest
copy with new correspondence stationary, flyers, dues collection
calculator/ledger, T-shirt Roster and more at
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

1. Incoming! April 2008, Duck!
2. March 2008 Recap
3. Reunion Preparation Reminders
4. Got Funds? Don't Fret
5. Event Planner Tips

Here is a shout out to family reunion planners in Atlanta Georgia,
Detriot Michigan and Baltimore Maryland!

1. Incoming! April 2008, Duck!
The first quarter of 2008 has just passed. Today marks the first day
of the second quarter of 2008. When this quarter passes we will be
looking at the second half of this year. "Time keeps on slippen...
into the future..." That said drink up people! And savor every
moment. Make it happen. No ones going to do it for you.

March 2008 Recap.
I'm not sure if I want to recap my personal March Family diary or
our Family Reunion Planner milestones. Okay I'll do both. Here's our
Family Dairy/Fimark Milestone Mix.

1. Brenda and I made new friends. One is a jazz lover and he
practically lent us his entire classical jazz CD collection.
Coltrane received a posthumous Special Citation from the Pulitzer
Prize Board in 2007 for his "masterful improvisation, supreme
musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz."
Learning about the artist who inspired Coltrane was impressive.
Anyone know who that might be?

2. Fimark, the family run software company reached peaks across the
board in family reunion planning software downloads.

3. 60 degree weather! Hello. Where have you been? Rain, O no! When
will you leave? It was great getting out of the wool coat and black
leather jacket. But those rainy nights.

4. Fimark reached peaks across the board in CDROM orders.

5. Family bible study is an important part of our life. On March
31st 16 attended. It was great hearing their expressions of
appreciation for the text examined.

6. Fimark's family reunion planning resource reached new peaks in
online traffic.

7. The family had a great time the second Sunday of March. My two
sons and daughter-in-law came over and we all played cards, watched
a DVD and talked and talked and talked. While my wife attended an
early morning convention, 3 hours before their arrival I cooked and
cooked and cooked. "Pretty good job, Mark." At least that's what
Brenda said. Thanks Hun! Regarding my two boys. I mean men. I'm so
proud of how they are growing. They're hardly perfect. But then
again who is? They have a fire, a spark of inspiration. They love to
examine, reflect, define and draw wisdom if only to nourish
themselves and pass it on. Keep The Fires Burning Boys! What more
can a dad ask for?

8. Fimark partners with Google Checkout and enhances the CD ordering
experience.

9. Spend more time with family. Just make it happen.


3. Reunion Preparation Reminders

Now is the time to check where you are on the "Family Reunion
Timeline Checklist". Wrap up collecting photos, stories, genealogy
research and start making definite plans to put together your photo
and genealogy presentations. Select a weekend to put together your
family reunion keepsake booklet.

By now most of the funds should be collected. Commence ordering T-
shirts now if you have not done so. Don't wait any longer. You'll
need time to examine a sample, approve it and have them start
printing. When the shirts arrive you'll need to check each one and
return a few for replacements. Plan to have your t-shirts on hand by
the end of April. Touch base with all committee members to make sure
they are making progress on assigned task.

4. Got Funds?
Don't fret if the funds are coming in slowly. That's typical. All
that's needed is a little extra help. It's time to delegate family
members in each state to pay other family members a visit and start
collecting dues for you. Give your collection agent the current
figures from your Attendee Registration Workbook found in the Family
Reunion Planner. Tell them to have dues collected and deposited in
the family account by the third week of April. The sooner the better.

5. Event Planner Tips
If you're putting in long hours at the computer desk or craft table
be sure to get up each hour and stretch those legs. Circulation is
essential to good health. Get up and walk or take a quick sprint
around the house or the block. Need other supplies? Get up and get
them. Don't put off an opportunity to get out of the chair. Pace
around the room to stimulate you reasoning processes. Drink a glass
of water while working to promote good brain function, creativity
and stabilize your mood. Give yourself plenty of time for reunion
planning tasks during the day so you can get plenty of sleep at
night.

Get your copy of the award winning Family Reunion Planner at
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Happy Reunion Planning Everyone!

Hello Family Reunion Planners!

This is a reminder to follow-up with subcommittee members this
weekend. Many family members will have some time this weekend to
complete assigned tasks.

Shoot them an email with the task worksheet attached and ask them to
reply with an update on how the task is coming along. You will find
the subcommittee departmental task worksheets in the award winning
Family Reunion Planner. If the reply does not come in a reasonable
amount of time follow-up with a phone call to confirm they got the
email. Ask about the progress they are making with assigned tasks.
While offering some suggestions, avoid taking on the task yourself.

Motivating Follow-Up Tips
Some planners schedule follow-up meetings over lunch or dinner or
before a special event or family gathering.

Many planners keep a special calendar of family events such as
anniversaries, graduations, parties, school plays, concerts and
shows that family members are involved in so they will have
something of mutual interest to spark the follow-up conversation.
After asking how everyone in the household is doing focus the
conversation on how well the family reunion event is coming. Praise
specific committee members who are making good progress with tasks.

Close the follow-up by expressing appreciation for their important
contribution to the event. Let them know that thanks to them things
will go smoothly and that you can relax knowing they have the task
at hand.

Lunchtime is a great time to start sending those follow-up emails
out. You're likely to get several immediate responses shortly after
lunch hour.

Enjoy the weekend!

For more information about organizing, managing and follow-thru
using the Family Reunion Planner go to...
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Most of you family reunion planners have downloaded Fimark's award winning
Family Reunion Planner and are aware that weeks ago we added new stationary for
the correspondence feature.

The new stationary has many themes including "The _____ Is Having A Ball!"  One
of my personal favorites. This stationary works well with the Living Legends
Ball family reunion planner for those looking to have a formal affair.

All themed reunion planners included in our "Complete" software packages are:
Traditional Family Reunion Planner
The Living Legends Ball Planner
Family Reunion Luxury Cruise Planner
Family Reunion Summer Fest Planner
Genealogy Family Reunion Homestead Tour Planner

Using The New Stationary.

Some users have asked how to write text on the stationary.
Here are the instructions:

Open your stationary in Ms Word
Right click on the stationary graphic
A drop down box will appear
First select “Format Picture”. Next select “Layout”. Then select “Behind Text”

Adding Text

In MS Word go to the top menu bar and click on the view selection.
When the drop down box appears scroll to "Text Box".
Left click on "Text Box".

When the cross hair curser appear prepare to draw a box on top of your document
by pressing down on the left mouse button and dragging the box across the page
until the box size is satisfactory

Making The Text Box Transparent

Right click on the outer frame of the text box.
Select “Format Text Box”. Next select “Color Lines” then select “No Fill”. The
white inside the text box should be removed.

Now you are ready to write or cut and past your text.
Text boxes are already in place for most of your pre-written pre-formatted
templates under Correspondence and in the Family Reunion Keepsake Booklet Maker

NOTE: You will find a text formatted Welcome Letter in the Family Reunion
Keepsake Booklet as well.

Happy Family Reunion Planning.

Have you ever looked under your desk, bed, couch pillows or car seat
and found over a dollars worth of coins or even a dollar note or
two?  I found 20 bucks just a few weeks ago looking thru the pockets
of winter clothes.

Have you ever got an investment statement in the mail and saw that
your portfolio was doing better than expected?

Did you ever buy a car and weeks later found a few extra features
you didn't know it had?

I love it when I find money, make money and save money. I especially
love freebies.

The fact is we all like surprises.  That said now is a good time to
start treasure hunting while doing your spring cleaning. You'll want
to get a head start before anyone else does.  While your sorting
thru, throwing out and putting unused items away you'll also want to
keep your eyes open to spotting items that will serve the following
purposes:

1. Family Heirloom
2. Items of upcoming yard sales
3. Auction item for your upcoming Family Reunion Fund Raiser
4. Photos and artifacts for your Family Reunion History/Genealogy
Presentation
5. Photos, business cards, phone numbers, family tree notes and
letters and photo albums for your Family Reunion Keepsake Memory
Booklet.

Expect to find a lot of useful treasures in your home.  Prepare a
few bins marked "Family Reunion", "Yard Sales", "Reunion Fund
Raiser" and start your search. Some family members designate a few
weekends for treasure hunting spring cleaning and assist each other
while going from home to home and building up a treasure trove for
liquidation at the next fund raiser.

Finding Other Goodies
One thing I know for sure, you definitely have a few valuable
surprises hidden in your copy of the award winning Family Reunion
Planner. What might they be? Here are a few.

1. You can use the Attendee Registration and Guest Roster for other
special events like weddings, receptions, anniversary parties,
graduation parties and corporate events.

2. You can input survey results in the Attendee Registration and
Guest Roster Workbook and create bar charts and pie graphs.

3. You can draw up your itinerary/ reunion program by editing the
prewritten itinerary in the Welcome letter package.

4.  When you order the CDROM or Binder and CDROM you get a free
download for immediate use.

5.  When you upgrade to a Binder and/or CDROM you get free shipping
on all family reunion planning products.


Don't you love it when you find a treasure? And there's nothing like
finding ways to save money as well. Happy family reunion planning!

Get your copy of the Family Reunion Planner at
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Need A Party Planner with checklist, planning tips, budget
calculation, guest roster, activities, menu suggestions and
decoration ideas? Fimark offers the Deluxe Party Planner featuring
50 different events including cocktail, wine tasting, book clubs,
catalog parties, weddings, block parties, anniversary and graduation
parties at http://party-planner.fimark.net

A reader asks..."Is it true that only "African Americans" have
family reunions? I was listening to a talk radio station say."

Our Answer:
Talk radio show hosts can exaggerate a bit. Although it may seem
like African Americans hold the title on family reunions that's just
not so. Your concern is justified considering all the media hype and
controversy African American family reunions have gotten over the
years.

The Million Man March. The popular blockbuster movie Medea's Family
Reunion featuring award winning actress Cicely Tyson and
Philanthropist/ Poet Writer Maya Angelou and the ever popular Blair
Underwood.

The fact is family reunions are just as popular among people of
diverse ethnic backgrounds. Still African Americans have made a
significant contribution to the popularity of traditional family
reunions in the community over the past 30 years as indicated by the
following.

Songs About Family Reunion Celebrations.
--------------------------------------...
The Ojays "Family Reunion"
Al Greens "Love and Happiness"
Sly & The Family Stones "It's a family affair"
"We Are Family" by Sister Sledge reached #2 in 1979
Lionel Richies recent award winning album "Coming Home"
75,000 copies sold in its first week out,

And then there are the scores of line dance remixes by black artists.

African American Family Reunion Festivals and Tours
--------------------------------------...
The Annual Ebony Black Family Reunion Tour
to inspire black families to come together," says Nichole Taylor
it's president.

The Annual African American Family Reunion and Cultural Festival

The Annual Tom Joyner Family Reunion sponsored by none other than
Uncle Ben's

The 19th Annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion Celebration in
Cincinnati.com, OH

"The Annual Essence Music Festival is like a family reunion for me,"
commented Lionel Richie.

Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode proclaims "Black Family Reunion
Day." among the estimated 200,000 persons who attended.

Family Reunion Education
--------------------------------------
The Family Reunion Institute at Temple University in Philadelphia,
the only institute of its kind in the country is dedicated to
serving as a resource to families planning reunions and helps keep
the reunion tradition alive.

From the foregoing one might consider family reunions a Black thing.
But not hardly. It's a universal family tradition that's been alive
and well for the past 5000 years of chronicled written family
history.

So if you're thinking of having a family reunion gets a book on the
subject. There are titles that you're bound to find useful
regardless of your race/ethnicity.

Popular Family Reunion Planning Books
--------------------------------------...
The Family Reunion Planner: Books: Donna Beasley


The Black Family Reunion Cookbook
National Council of Negro Women


Popular Family Reunion Planning Software Written By African
Americans
--------------------------------------...
Fimark's Award Winning Family Reunion Planner, Author Mark Askew
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Radio Show Hosts...Let's get it right!

As a family reunion planner you get around. You have to. Event
planning involves meetings, shopping for bargains and surveying event
locations and destinations.

It's now crunch time and you have people to see and places to be. But
you don't have to spend a lot of gas wrapping up your event planning
action items.

"I'll Have My People Call Your People"
Get some people. Know your people. Use your people. Delegate certain
tasks to remote family members who are close by your shopping and
pickup destinations.

Have your people make the purchases for you. Meet them at a central
location for pickup. This can save you as much as $5 per trip. If a
company offers free delivery, go for it! Another 5 bucks saved. Order
items online that offer free shipping. Another $5 saved.

Already ont the highway coming home from work? Leave the job when
traffic congestion is low and do your shopping then. You'll save
dollars avoiding long delays stuck in traffic.

Here are a few more gas mileage saving tips.

Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel
you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph), rather than
55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent. Driving at 75 mph,
rather than 65 mph, increases fuel consumption by another 25 percent.

Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your
car during highway driving. Your car's engine speed decreases when you
use overdrive. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear.

Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you
maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel
consumption.

Anticipate driving situations. If you anticipate traffic conditions
and don't tailgate, you can avoid unnecessary braking and
acceleration, and improve your fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent.

In city driving, nearly 50 percent of the energy needed to power your
car goes to acceleration. Go easy on the gas pedal and brakes. "Jack-
rabbit" starts and sudden stops are wasteful.

Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use
twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the
engine is warm.

Remove excess weight from the trunk. Avoid carrying unneeded items,
especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a
typical car's fuel economy by one to two percent

Maintain Your Car

Keep your engine tuned. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned engine
can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent depending
on a car's condition.

Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned.

Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between
moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine.

Get more fuel saving tips at www.fimark.net/fuel-economy.html

Planning a Family Reunion? Get Better Organized

Keep Track of Overall Event Expenses, Attendees Payments, and Special
Needs Download the award winning Family Reunion Planner with T-shirt
Roster. Helps you keep up with orders, dues balance per individual or
household, overall costs, sorting and dispersing. Survey forms are
included. http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Create your family reunion Keepsake Booklet
Need ideas for Flyers, Welcome Letter, Activities, Supplies, Materials,
Reunion event planning and management software?
We have it all at http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net.

Get Your T-shirt Orders, Payments and Distribution Better Organized.
Get organized compiling orders, ordering, sorting, packing and
dispersing family reunion T-shirts. Download T-shirt Roster organizing
software, found in the award winning Family Reunion Planner software
program. Get your order filled and delivered in a matter of days.
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net.

Hello Family Reunion Planners

I hope you are getting the most out of your month of May.
Summer is just around the corner. Places to be, things to do.
When finalizing the arrangements for your family reunion here are a
few tips to getting the task done without wearing your self out.


"Call A Spade A Spade"
Take assessment of the expenses you have and will incur. Compare
projected expenses to your revised budget. Looking at funds on hand,
do you need more funds. Call it! Let your committee know well in
advance and make a some firm decisions.


"What Can You Do?"
When funds are low and you are close to the event there is still a
lot you can do.

Option #1. Cut down on expenses. Find products, materials and
services that are considerably less expensive while not compromising
on quality. Contact family members and friends who have connections
that can help reduce costs. Look for half price and two for one
discount specials. Negotiate with vendors and services to get fees
reduced.

Option #2. Some activities may need to be cancelled. Discuss this
with your committee or reunion-planning group. Scratch activities
that will not have a major impact of the theme, tone and joy of the
event.

Option #3. Hold a fundraiser. Give family members plenty of advance
notice. Clearly communicate you goals. Get everyone involved.


"It Is What It Is"
If you have a family member who simply has not responded to your
attempts to follow-up on the progress of delegated tasks it's time
to pass the task on to a "go getter".


"Can't Get Water Out Of A Turnip"
Sometimes unforeseen occurrences befall us and Family members are
unable to meet the attendee fee. Help them out. Ask other family
members to assist as early as possible. If those being helped come
up with the funds later simply reimburse the generous ones.



"If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It"
Someone is demanding that you change the color, text or slogan of a
T-shirt that has already been ordered? You only have four to five
weeks left for processing and delivery. Don't change your t-shirt
order. If the design issue is more a matter of personal taste versus
tastelessness don't try to fix it if your event is only weeks away.
Often times T-shirts are delivered late because of last minute
changes. Don't risk it if you don't have to. You'll thank me later.

Happy Family Reunion Planning all!

- Mark & Brenda

Need A Welcome Letter, Name Tags, Dinner Program, Itinerary?
Your Family Reunion Planning software has it all.
Download the Family Reunion Planner software at...
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net.

T-shirts Delivered in As little As Three Weeks $8-$12 For Single
Colors, $12-$24 for Full Color Graphics. Prices vary according to
volume, number of graphics and text. Go to...
http://family-reunion-t-shirts.fimark.net

Use Our Online T-shirt Designer
Select an Inspirational family reunion graphic for your T-shirt and
enter your reunion event title and slogan on the short design form.
Minimum order 50 T-shirts. Go to...
http://family-reunion-t-shirts.fimark.net

Family Reunion Planner
Have questions?
support@...

Hello Family Reunion Planners

We had such a good responce from our last feature article in the May
newsletter that we have been asked to publish it again for new
members and those who would like to make use of the tips on thier
home computer.

Need More Funds - "Call A Spade A Spade"
Take assessment of the expenses you have and will incur. Compare
projected expenses to your revised budget. Looking at funds on hand,
do you need more funds. Call it! Let your committee know well in
advance and make a some firm decisions.


When Funds Are Low - "What Can You Do?"
When funds are low and you are close to the event there is still a
lot you can do.

Option #1. Cut down on expenses. Find products, materials and
services that are considerably less expensive while not compromising
on quality. Contact family members and friends who have connections
that can help reduce costs. Look for half price and two for one
discount specials. Negotiate with vendors and services to get fees
reduced.

Option #2. Some activities may need to be cancelled. Discuss this
with your committee or reunion-planning group. Scratch activities
that will not have a major impact of the theme, tone and joy of the
event.

Option #3. Hold a fundraiser. Give family members plenty of advance
notice. Clearly communicate you goals. Get everyone involved.


Finding Help - "It Is What It Is"
If you have a family member who simply has not responded to your
attempts to follow-up on the progress of delegated tasks it's time
to pass the task on to a "go getter".


Fees - "Can't Get Water Out Of A Turnip"
Sometimes unforeseen occurrences befall us and Family members are
unable to meet the attendee fee. Help them out. Ask other family
members to assist as early as possible. If those being helped come
up with the funds later simply reimburse the generous ones.


T-shirts - "If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It"
Someone is demanding that you change the color, text or slogan of a
T-shirt that has already been ordered? You only have four to five
weeks left for processing and delivery. Don't change your t-shirt
order. If the design issue is more a matter of personal taste versus
tastelessness don't try to fix it if your event is only weeks away.
Often times T-shirts are delivered late because of last minute
changes. Don't risk it if you don't have to. You'll thank me later.

Happy Family Reunion Planning all!

- Mark & Brenda

Need A Welcome Letter, Name Tags, Dinner Program, Itinerary?
Your Family Reunion Planning software has it all.
Download the Family Reunion Planner software at...
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net.

T-shirts Delivered in As little As Three Weeks $8-$12 For Single
Colors, $12-$24 for Full Color Graphics. Prices vary according to
volume, number of graphics and text. Go to...
http://family-reunion-t-shirts.fimark.net

Use Our Online T-shirt Designer
Select an Inspirational family reunion graphic for your T-shirt and
enter your reunion event title and slogan on the short design form.
Minimum order 50 T-shirts. Go to...
http://family-reunion-t-shirts.fimark.net

Family Reunion Planner
Have questions?
support@...

This is a reminder to all our family reunion planning readers that
November is Family Reunion Planning Month. It's the ideal month to
plan for your next spring, summer of fall family reunion as most
family members will be visiting oneanother from out of town and have
some extra days off from work. Why not start planning today?

Here are some fresh ideas to get your family reunion planning off to
a good start.

1. Invite out of town family members to a family dinner and tell
them to bring oldest photos of relatives.

2. Start compiling a scrapbook of old photos, letters and news
clippings.

3. Get the videos out and go down memory lane.

4. When the family is together conference call distant elder
relatives and give them a big family shout out!

5. Have family members hand make greeting cards with newly taken
photos and mail them to loved ones.

6. Start the initial plans for the next family reunion regarding
date, time, location and activities.

7. Make a timeline with specific historic milestones, births and anniversary
dates.

8. Write a book about your personal family experience.

9. Visit http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net for great reunion
planning ideas, tips, tools and software.


Happy family reunion planning!

I'm sure you all agree we certainly have a lot to be thankful for.
That said why not plan a family reunion event that is a time of
reflection, appreciation, gratitude and hope for the future.

Brenda took me to see a popular movie entitled "The Secret Life Of
Bees" last month. I must say I was moved. Deeply moved. It portrayed
four woman  who created a reality very much different from the world
outside by refusing to fear and conform to lesser principles and
appreciating those with the wisdom and strength that withstood time.
Such appreciation and gratitude led to a strong house.

Now more than ever the time for unity and family empowerment is needed.
It is a time for the elders to sit at the round circle and reflect on
their personal contributions to building a strong house, family and
community. As listening to the wisdom of the ages humbles the young and
inspires them to carry the torch to the next generation.

The Bible says, "Money Is For Protection". Yet technology is pumping
out more and more expensive engaging devices than ever before. Our
youth are consuming precious dollars on cell phones, Ipods, mp3
players, cable, satellite, Internet accounts and Hi-Def digital
players. When you add it all up you may be spending close to a grand
each month on entertainment and communication fees. Family members do
well to discuss practical ways to protect family posterity and
prosperity.

Find out what you can live without. Learn survival techniques from the
survivors themselves, our elders.  That said, now is the time to help
our young adults see the practical value of saving and putting away
more for leaner years. Make less use of the credit card and financing
schemes.  Recommend frugal and sustainable thinking.

Keep a secure treasury for hard economic times. Appoint three or more
members who can be relied on to put the contributions to good use.
Help children to highly value achievements that have come from a spirit
of oneness and endurance that spanned scores of generations over three
centuries.

This week family reunion planners will want to have the initial steps
of planning for the next reunion event outlined. Pull out your notes
from the last reunion committee meeting and consider suggested
activities, locations and theme ideas. Consider what can be done to
bring these ideas into fruition.

Make good use of Fimark's Award Winning "Family Reunion Planner" and
review the "Timeline Preparation Checklist". Need ideas and
inspiration?
Go to http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Happy Reunion Planning!

- Mark and Brenda


-----------------------------------
Get Reunion Software - Flyers - Templates - Poems - Reunion Music List
And Discounts on Party Supplies and Favors at...
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Need Family Reunion T-shirts Fast?
http://family-reunion-t-shirts.fimark.net

Hello family reunion planners.

Have we got a surprise for you. But first our feature article.

Compiling Your Family Reunion Music List.

Finding the right music for your family reunion event can be an all day
or all week project. While each family member may have varied taste in
music choose songs most find acceptable. Select titles full of
sentiment and nostalgia. That said it's usually best to play tunes that
have been pre-selected instead of piping in directly from a radio
station.

Many self-made DJ's are well armed with an arsenal of music titles.
Still they may not have most of what your family prefers.
Solution: Start fresh. First make up a list of songs the whole family
will enjoy. Fast and slow, meaningful and fun. Mix a few seasonal songs
in as well. A list of 40 to 50 songs should carry through 2 or more
hours.  Include instrumental versions of some of the same original
artist titles and mix them up.

Remember most of the family will want to dance most of the time.  Throw
in something for everyone from the 50's to the 2000's. Avoid music
could offend a group of listeners. Take the time to carefully read
lyrics of suggested songs your not familiar with and consider the
artist, beat, pulse and atmosphere the song creates.

Once your list is complete it's time to start considering how best to
locate the media and transfer your song titles to a single media
storage unit for playback.
This use to be done by flipping through your families collection of
CD's. Once you collected all the CD's you would start making a master
song title CD. Transferring songs from CD to Computer to CD can be a
time consuming task. Now there is a much simpler approach. Simply go
online and pull song titles from MP3 websites. Store the song on your
computer or MP3 player or scandisk and plug the media storage unit into
a studio sound player.

We suggest you consider compiling your music list in MP3 format.
Websites like Amazon.com now offer MP3 song title search and download.
The average price per single is just 99 cents.

Many of our readers have asked for suggestions of song title list for a
family reunion reception. Others have asked for suggested title lists
for music on CD or as background music for a family reunion slideshow.

Surprise!

The Fimark Family Reunion Planning team announces the release of
suggested song titles for your next family reunion event. We've
compiled a list from top hits most commonly used at family reunions
across the nation. The list includes a number of recently released hits
perfect for your reunion event. We've included nostalgic oldies and fun
line dance/shuffles as well.

Review and download over 40 songs perfect for family reunion events,
video and slideshow projects. Best of all you can listen to each title
before downloading.  After reviewing the songs download them in MP3
format to your computer or MP3 player. Burn them to CD or transfer to
scandisk and enjoy.

Happy family reunion planning all!

New Products and Services: The Fimark Family Reunion Planning team
announces the release of Suggested song titles for your next family
reunion event. We've compiled a list from histories top 40 hits most
commonly used as family reunions. The list includes a number of
recently released songs, nostalgic oldies and fun line dance/shuffles.

Over 40 songs perfect for family reunion events, video and slideshow
projects. Best of all you can listen to each title before downloading.
After reviewing the songs download them in MP3 format to your computer
or MP3 player. Burn them to CD or transfer to scandisk and enjoy.

htp://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/family-reunion-songs.html

Hello family reunion planners. You know there are a lot folks talking
about saving money, finding the right job and spending more time with
family. To you we say "very good."  But as you know as good as
intentions are they are not enough.

Today's economy certainly requires that we make great sacrifices in
order to survive financially and lead a healthy less incidental
life.  Still there is one sacrifice that vastly outweighs all
others.  The sacrifice for family. In todays media we hear the cry of
sons and daughters who need so much more of their father and mother's
affection, time, wisdom and experience. What we don't realize is that
we need them just as much a they need us.

What young adult after witnessesing the birth of his son or daughter
could not help but speak with amazement and wonder over how this
little miracle came about. And in the same instant discover a deep
sense of being needed to protect, nurture, teach and train.  Just as
we all need to feel needed, wanted and desired we all need family.
But a parent discovers a greater need.  The need to give of himself
to family and see good for that hard work.

We encourage our reunion planners to keep talking about saving more,
putting away more, paying down and laying up more. But not just
money.  Lets' talk about saving time, putting away time wasters,
paying down on our promise to make more time for family and laying up
precious memories as we spend more time protecting, nurturing,
teaching and training our sons and daughter.

Of course talking the talk is not enough is it? We have to walk the
walk. That said we do well to make the material sacrifice so that we
can spend more meaningful time with our sons, daughters and spouses.
Life is so much better when everyone has just what they need within.

And speaking of walking the walk why not teach your young ones to do
the same.  Ask your sons and daughters to join you in planning for
the next family reunion. Have them collect and catalog historic
photos, build the family reunion website, compile family stories,
jokes and poems. Interview their elders. Create the reunion song and
music list. Email reunion reminders and ad columns to the reunion
event newsletter. With the right motivation and a little space to be
creative you might be amazed at what they have to offer. After all
it's a family affair.

Happy family reunion planning all!

1. Incoming 2009
2. Preserving Memories With Old Greeting Cards
3. Reunion Preparation Reminders
4. Fund Raising Ideas

Here is a shout out to family reunion planning members from Main to
California and beyond. A special hello to our planners abroad.

1. Incoming 2009
Can you believe that 2008 has come and gone? Well in case you did not
notice 2008 is history, literally. And that's a good thing.
The "Hope" generation was born. The "Green" movement made greater
strides.  The world applauded as it watched America practice what it
preached in the 60's.  Brenda and I listened to a number of radio
show hosts mainly "Oprah and friends" who acknowledged that 2008 was
a year of milestones for them.  I must say it has proven to be such
for my family and me as well.

As quickly as the year as gone so will go the winter as the spring
sun warms the earth and before we know it we are back in the good ol'
summertime sipping down an icy cold lemonade listening to the tunes
of John Legends "Take It Slow".

That said we remind you to take it slow in 2009. Savor every moment.
Enjoy the family and by all means think of creative ways to remember
the good old days. We realize after we have been around for a while
that our greatest form of entertainment, wisdom and treasures are our
memories.

2. Preserving Memories With Old Greeting Cards
Making, preserving, and perusing memories is what family is all
about. In addition to running the Family Reunion Planner resource and
website I also operate a greeting card website. One page is devoted
to the question "What to do with old greeting cards?" Here are 9
creative and fun ways to turn your old greeting cards into useful
tangible art form.

Scrapbook Art: Use parts of the greeting card face and hand written
words on the inside cover to add color and meaning to your photo
scrapbook.

Photo Frame/Matting: Cut out a rectangle in center of greeting card
to fit photos. Tape photo inside frame/matting.

Frame Art:  Buy small cute frames that feature designs and colors
that match the art and theme of a card you love. Matted frames work
well too. You preserve the card and it's meaning.

Framed Collage Art: The words on the face of the old cards are full
of meaning and nostalgia. If it meant a lot to you when you first
picked it imagine what the words will mean now.

Book Marks. Cut the card in 2 inch vertical strips, punch a hole in
the bottom center. Tie a sash and use it as a bookmark.

Gift Box: Using a the greeting card face cut out the shape of a plus
sign at 2.5 inch thickness with a 5 inch long stem. Fold each side up
from the center to create your box. The long stem should be long
enough to create the box side and fold over to form the box top lid.

Coaster: Cut the greeting card face in a circle, triangle or square
using art scissors. Laminate the cut piece and add glue felt to the
bottom.

Baby Room Mobile: Using old baby shower greeting cards cut cards to a
smaller size and tie to mobile frame. Hang from ceiling.  Cut out
alphabets spelling the child's name or initials. Cut out animal, toy
and solar system shapes. Hang from mobile frame.

Family Reunion, Wedding or Anniversary Video DVD Cover Insert: Cut
front face of card to fit DVD cover. Ad text to Card and insert card
in DVD cover sleeve.


3. Reunion Preparation Reminders
Planning a family reunion is a great reason to come together. Be it to
quilt, exchange photos, settle on t-shirt designs or come up with
slogans. When you think about it the time spent in preparation for a
family reunion is much like the days leading to graduation. It's a
time to reach back and savor memories, accomplishments and pay our
respects to those who've come and gone in our lives. When the reunion
days have passed you realize just how much the reunion was needed for
all involved.

Now is the time to check where you are on the "Family Reunion Timeline
Checklist". Wrap up collecting photos, stories, genealogy research and
start making definite plans to put together your photo and genealogy
presentations. Plan to have it all completed by the end of February or
early March.

If you're booking a reception hall follow up on this now. Order
supplies early or when materials are least expensive. By now everyone
should know how much family reunion dues are and most of the funds
should be collected by months end. Commence ordering T-shirts now if
you have not done so. You'll need time to examine a sample, approve
it and have them start printing. When the shirts arrive you'll need
to check each one and return a few for replacements. Plan to have your
t-shirts on hand by April. Touch base with all committee members to
make sure they are making progress on assigned task.

4. Funds Raiser Ideas
The 2009 Entertainment Book
Bake a Pie or Dish
Sell Collectable DVD's
Sell Vinyl Albums
Sell Dated Framed Family Portraits


Get your copy of the award winning Family Reunion Planner at
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net


Happy Reunion Planning Everyone!

Faith + Family + Friends = Future

Hello Family Reunion Planners!  Brenda and I hope all is well with each and
every one of you.  Our big fat family reunion planning group has had quite a
year so far. There have been many milestones reached thanks to persistence and
just plain loving what we do.

Faith, Family and Friends are making all the difference in 2009 and here's why.

Have Faith
We all have had to go with one less of something. For some it has been one less
cell phone, one less car or even one less home. Children are learning to do
without the latest gadgets and gizmos.  No doubt you are eating out less and
putting what you can aside.  So what's the upside? Tough times are humbling.
Economic times can bring the family and siblings together, But actually being
closer at heart is what makes all the dirrference.  These times test our faith,
loyalties and principles.  Many are relearning how to interact, communicate and
enjoy each other in terms of personal interest alone. It's the ideal time to
rediscover the hidden fabric that binds and bonds father and son, mother and
daughter. It's also a good time to rediscover and appreciate our natural
environment and all its wonders.

Many have put pride aside and been moved to simplify, do with less or do without
for something much more valuable--- faith and hope. Many families are spending
more of their free time in some form of community service.  This helps all
family members take on a more realistic view of how tough times are and see that
there are always others who are less advantaged.  They are discovering that
there really is more happiness in giving than in receiving and see the value of
working together while giving back.

Family On Family
Children get anxious and desperate for parents to get back on their feet
financially. They may not understand the time and effort involved in preparing
to acquire a modest income. Children are often unaware of the crushing
disappointments that come along the way.  Combine that with the dreaded daily
question, "Hey Dad, did you get a job yet?" which oftentimes results in the
parent becoming disgruntled, aloof and emotionally distant.

Solution – Mothers, in-laws, friends and grandparents can help keep a young Dad
from avoiding the company of his own family while looking for work with just a
few choice words. "When he has good news to share he'll let you know. There is
no need to keep asking."  "Your Dad is a lot more than just a job. Talk to him
about things you both like to do together. Challenge him to a game of basketball
or baseball after he has rested"
Those who are employed in the home should do what they can to keep the doors of
opportunity open for those who are seeking employment in the home or extended
family. But do so discretely. Rather than provide a classified section with
circles around jobs that thousands of readers are also eyeing, try these
suggestions:

1. Provide a phone number leading to a prearranged Interview that perfectly
matches the skill set of a family member.

2. Let them know that such and such reviewed your resume and is already
impressed by it and wants to speak with you at such and such a time.

3. Invite them to free career seminars on your job.

4. Tell successful and productive business leaders to contact a family member
even if it's just to inspire and motivate them to keep looking and suggestions
on what's available out there.

5. Contact social services or an employment office and inquire about free
training or volunteer opportunities that might lead to certification and
advanced career opportunities and pass on the schedule, names of specific people
to ask for and other preparatory information to your family member.

6. Always show a personal interest in their talents and appreciate whatever they
are doing to hone their skills.

Turn Back To Family
Never sit and sulk. Fathers and mothers who may be experiencing employment
setbacks should take the time to play, walk and talk with their sons and
daughters. All family members should volunteer a few hours a week helping others
less fortunate.  This gives children a more realistic view of life and the
assurance that with a little hope and help things will improve gradually.

Go fishing on the pier, biking on the local trail, exercise together in the
basement, take a walk in the park, and go to free shows, seminars, and
exhibitions together.  Build a small-scale model sailboat, motorboat, RC car or
work on that old Chevy together.  Discuss the need to make a sacrifice or two in
order to better help make ends meet.  Whenever a sacrifice has to be made
replace it with something they will enjoy. Grandparents should take the time to
share their story about life's transition and how things worked out in the end.

True Friends Help
Working close with the community, congregation and family will keep the doors of
opportunity wide open.  Making true friends along the way can make all the
difference as well. "There exists a friend who sticks closer than a brother." so
says a wise proverb.  Friends who expect you to burn what little money you have
on momentary pleaures are no help.  A true friend always wants you and your
family to do better and works hard to actively support the household.  "I found
a job with the help of my Sister-In-Law." "I found a job as a receptionist with
the help of a good friend." "A congregation member helped me develop my typing
and telephone skills. I felt much more competent to find what I needed. Using
her as a reference I landed a job with a modest income."  "An elder saw my
talent and recommend I find work at a local hair solon. I'm working now."  "My
Brother-in-Law helped me write a business plan."  "An elder's wife helped me
write my resume. I found work shortly thereafter."  "A friend gave me the idea
of selling water. I'm making more money than I did working for someone else." 
"I earn more income mowing lawns with my son than on my former truck route."

While preparing your next family reunion be mindful of those who might
appreciate your services, skills and wisdom.  While monetary help is often
needed,  putting in a good word as a reference, making recommendations and
passing on skills that lead to income acquisition are even more valuable. 
Provide assistance with tests, edit resumes or consider them for part-time work
in your well-established small business. One congregation elder says, "Remember
that caring for family members should not be in the spirit of a token outreach
service.  As one fine scripture reads "Do not let your left hand know what you
right hand is doing."   We give quietly and when possible anonymously.  We keep
it dignified and respectable with no strings attached.   This may not feed our
ego, but when we see our brother and his family get back on their feet and want
to give back, it does feed our hearts."


-------------------------------------------------

Looking for family reunion theme music? Print a list, hear it online.
Looking for family reunion theme poems? Got that too!

Get Family Reunion Software - Templates - Poems - Music List
And Discounts on Party Supplies and Favors at...
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Need a great Fund Raiser?
Want up to 50% off your event dining and entertainment costs?
Get the 2009 Entertainment Book. Up to 50% off all purchases!
http://entertainmentbook.fimark.net

Need T-shirts Fast?  http://family-reunion-t-shirts.fimark.net

Fimark Event Planners
sales@...

It's a fact. Balloons, scarves and with enough wind gust even hats get away from
us. Sometimes so far away from us they are completely out of reach and gone
forever.  But when you think about the stealth movement of time as it steals
away it's minutes, hours and days... there just isn't a word in the English
dictionary for how quickly time takes flight and dashes away.

I'm reminded of what some of my aunts, uncles and grandmothers used to say when
visiting us every few months. "Look how you've grown. Boy your shooting up just
like a weed. My, how time flies."  My own cute little children are neither cute
nor little anymore. With the passing of time they are literally something more
like Giants, He-men. Gigantors. Yes time can change things immensely.

Even as I write this newsletter I'm noting how the minutes have not slowed down
on my behalf.  I sympathize with the frustrated TV commercial mom as she pulls
precious cell phone minutes from the kitchen waste basket as her young boys look
completely oblivious to  the issue of time and money wasted.  But for us older
folk it seems these very minutes are toying with us. How many times have we
looked at a date of the month and said `Hey, didn't this month just start a few
days ago? How can it possibly be the 11th'.

And speaking of toying, I believe these very minutes are deliberately playing
tricks on me tonight.  For look!  I know for a fact a whole hour has just gone
by in five minutes flat! Tricky little minutes.  I've got my eye you.  And there
is something else I've got my eye on.

I recently looked at the traffic stats of Fimark's family reunion planning
website at http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net and said to Brenda, my wife
of almost 30 years, I can't believe it has been almost five years since the
websites inception.  I looked at the stats for the Family reunion planning
newsletter portal from which this very issue has been submitted and, yes it has
survived all these years steadily increasing to a total membership of 700 along
the way. I would have to say in this particular case time took nothing away from
us. The minutes, hours and days did not grow wings and fly far from our reach. 
On the contrary, the website reached a peak of 840 daily visitors, the
newsletter a peak circulation of 700, the tools downloaded over 3000 times and
articles read by over 2 million viewers, and I would like to think you and I
somehow grew together and in one way or another got a little better with time. 
That said the passing of time can be a good thing.   A very good thing indeed.

And speaking of getting better with time, I thought you would like to know just
what we have been up to for the past seven months.   The Fimark team have been
working on a secret reunion planning application suite that admittedly has not
failed to impress us, given it's much valued and needed features in the
industry.

This particular tool is not a compilation of Word documents bundled with a few
webpage applications and enough number crunching budget  and survey features
that would make your head spin.  Still tools such as the former have been the
life blood of family reunion planning for the past five years and will continue
to serve as such.   But this new application is something much more.  Something
universal.  Something greatly anticipated.  Something next level and beyond.  So
what is it called and what does it do you ask?

My goodness me.  How could this be?  Would you look at the time.
  …to be continued.

Next Weeks Newsletter Topic: "Countdown To Unvieling The FFRPI"

Happy Family Reunion Planning!
-Mark and Brenda

November 2009 marks the fourth annual observance of Family Reunion Planning
Month. Find out what we have been doing to promote this important observance for
the next generation.

November 2009
It is a very important month for family reunion planners and those who have been
giving the subject some consideration bringing together extended family for much
needed support, encouragement and inspiration.

Over and over again history has proven three vital factors relating to our
survival as a family unit.  The first is we need family. The second is we need
to earn a living to care for family.  The third is the most challenging of all
and prompts us to ask an age old question.  How do I find a balance between
secular work and family support?

All too often the demands of secular employment require the bread winner to
relocate leaving extended family members behind and sometimes feeling a bit
neglected.  For this reason many have chosen to establish family traditions and
social standards, assuring that family members keep in touch with what's going
on in each family member's life and thus the annual family reunion was born.

While family members quibble over when traditional family reunions should be
held others seek to establish a date based on a proclamation or recommendation
by someone of note or social status.  This has led to digging up some very
interesting family reunion trivia. Note the following family reunion
proclamations as reported by the world contributed encyclopedia, Wikipedia.org.

Family Reunion Month
A Proclamation establishing June 16, 1985, as "Family Reunion Month" to raise
awareness of runaway children and help reunite families of runaways.  Authorized
by the President of the United States.

National Family Reunion Month
While August has been dubbed National Family Reunion Month by commercial
organizations, many social groups and churches observe National Family Reunion
Month in the month of July.

In recognition of National Picnic and Recreation Month, GenealogyForum.org named
July 2004, Family Reunion Planning Month.

Family Reunion Planning Month
Unique to family reunion trivia is an observance centering around family reunion
planning. Family Reunion Planning Month. Established in 2005 by Legendary
Heritage Heirloom and Fimark Event Planners founder Mark Askew.

November 21-24 as "Family Reunion Planning Week".

Why November? Here are 10 good reasons.

1.  November is the time of year extended families come together making this an
ideal time to discuss and establish suggested dates and activities for the next
family reunion.

2.  November - January are periods of time where families swap photos and
videos.  It's an ideal time to start putting together materials for family
scrapbooks, family history books, memory books and family reunion keepsake
booklets.

3.  During this time elder family members like to keep family traditions alive
and may make their own proclamations, education and financial planning and seek
to empower the family union in some other way. Family reunion planning helps to
serve that purpose well.

4.  November one of the more intimate times of the year. Indoor activities are
the norm. This includes story telling. This makes for an excellent time to do
family history information gathering including interviewing the elders of the
family.

5.  November starts eight week before the close year. A good time to access the
accomplishments of the family and set goals to complete important tasks before
year end.  One such task could be to establish a date, time and place to hold
the next family reunion.

6.  Many November observances are family oriented.  Aside from the obvious,
others including:

National Adoption Month
I Am So Thankful Month
Child Safety and Protection Month
Family Stories Month
National Family Caregiver Month
National Family Literacy Month
International Creative Child and Adult Mont

Therefore this dates takes advantage of the fact that spending time with family
is already being given serious consideration and preparation.

7.  November is great time for family outings including nature walks, visiting
museums and

8.  November is a typical month families use to plan summer vacations and other
major recreational activities.

9.  November is a traditional time to remember, with a view to expressing
gratitude and appreciation.

10. November is a time when genealogist's conference and exchange interest
historic artifacts and research techniques.

This is also a good time to get all family members involved in the family
reunion planning process and appointing each and everyone over some aspect of
the program.

That said, November's Family Reunion Planning Month observance puts family in an
ideal position to enjoy making plans that unite and empower our most basic and
precious unit of society, family.

Why not start preparing to plan your next family reunion today?

For more information regarding Family Reunion Planning Month go to our pages at
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/index2.html.

Need ideas, tools, banners, flyers, invitations, formatted letters, tshirt
iron-ons and more? We've made big changes and updates to the family reunion
website to bring you more of what you need now. Check it out! We think you like
it.
Visit us at http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

Happy reunion planing!

from Mark and Brenda
Founder, Legendary Heritage Heirlooms
Fimark Event Planners
Fimark Home Online

Family Reunion Planner 3.0. is now online!

The Family Reunion Planner now has a new graphical download and planning
interface.

What's new?
1.  7-10 Month Timeline Planner, Click on a date and follow the tasks and tips
to plan your next reunion.
2.  Online Mini Calendar - Keeps you abreast of Federal observances at a glance
3.  Budget and Tshirt Calculators - Using the Supply and Services List set up a
budget complete current rates and print.
4.  Access New Tshirt Iron-ons.
5. New Graphical Download Center - With standalone worksheets and letters
-Download worksheets and documents as needed.
6.  Workbooks Panel - Downloading MS Word and Excel compatible workbooks and
instructions.
7. The Theme Selector Panel - Choose From Five Themes and start planning a theme
oriented reunion complete with slogans, access to logos, itinerary and luncheon
dinner program. Use online tools to lookup and book reunion services and
destinations.

Access your new application now. No charge to current Family Reunion Planner
Users.

Other New Features Now Online!

Get Fresh Reunion Flyers - Family Reunion Poems - A Family Reunion
Music Playlist with previews,
Party Supplies, Favors and more
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net

New Tshirt Site  http://family-reunion-t-shirts.fimark.net

Discover all of Fimark Home Online products and services at www.fimark.net/

Enjoy Family Reunion Planning!

While many have been thinking about the reasons we have to be thankful others
are actively doing something about.

Recently Brenda and I decided to have our sons' in-laws over. Not just to share
a meal and laughs, but mostly to give encouragement and support.  Assurance of
our love for them and a pleasant evening would go a long way in drawing our
sons' side of the family closer.

Brenda got the chance to show the wedding pictures from her own digitally
designed glossy wedding album. Swapping photo copies with the father and
mother-in-law was just the right touch.

I was especially heart-warmed when our son and daughter-in-law said they really
enjoyed the evening. This indicated they were in need of some stroking and
closeness from both sides of the family.

While we have the time we can show love and interest in so many ways. A photo, a
greeting card and a note is all it takes. A few minutes of thoughtfulness
combats discouragement and keeps us going another day.

Regarding our in-laws, each one is caring and considerate in their own way.
Brenda, like her mother, puts great effort seeing everyone's good side and
warming up to them. A gift in our life. And Brenda's mother, indeed quite the
sweet-heart. Something of a social butterfly. But most of all a giving,
protective, and considerate woman who lovingly attaches herself to everyone who
comes into her life.

To them all, just saying thank you.

Happy Family Reunion Planning!

-Mark

In the spirit of family and getting the job done right Fimark Home Online
invites you to take a peek at our new line of seasonal and general greeting
cards. In addition to our Fall and Winter scenes such as the "Snow Sledding" and
"Snowing In The City" greeting cards located the seasonal files we also have
"Thank You", "Thinking of You", "Job Well Done" and our special "You're So
Sweet..." line of greeting cards in the General files.

http://greetingcards.fimark.net

Inside:
1. Upgrade News
2. Best Freebies of The Year
3. Great Fundraiser Ideas
4. Printable Poems and Greeting Cards

By now family reunion planners should have elected initial family reunion
planning group or committee members. Next task. start preparing for the next
group or committee meeting. It's time to talk about location, destination,
raising funds and getting everyone onboard.

Planners should have an idea of possible activities. If your event is in 2010,
waste no time putting together your suggested theme and agenda of activities for
presentation at the meetings. You can incorporate two or three options in your
survey. See your Family Reunion Timeline Planner for details. If your event is
between 2011 and 2012 take time to get suggestions and proposals from all
members at the meeting. Plan to visit locations and get fixed rates in writing.
Review offers and choose the most ideal proposals.

1. Upgrade News

Family Reunion Planner 3.0 has just what you need to organize a successful
reunion planning meeting.
The new online family reunion planner center and CDROM has everything you need
to get started planning your next event and much  more.  The new applications
include the Timeline planner, Fed mini calendar, updated spreadsheet
registration application, budget /checklist application, access to fresh new
reunion theme flyers, greeting cards. All documents and worksheets have been
revised and updated. Revised welcome letters, survey, follow-up letters, and
access to quality resources for downloading and printing banners, clipart,
scrapbooking, poems and so much more.

Family Reunion Planner 3.0 came out of the box November 15th just in time for
Family Reunion Planning Month 2009. All those who purchased the Complete Family
Reunion Planner are entitled free access to the online center upgrade.

Do You Qualify For A Free Upgrade?

If you purchased the Complete Family Reunion Planner between 2007 and 2009 and
have access to the download center all you have to do is go there to get started
using your new upgrade.  If you want immediate upgrade access instructions via
email just contact us at fimarkhome@... or signup as a Facebook fan at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fimark-Home-Online/207302452322 and get up to date
information regarding upgrades freebies, special features and offers.

Those wanting to use the new Family Reunion Planner Center offline need only
purchase the CD at http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/

2. Best Reunion Freebies of the Year!

It's freebie time family reunion planners! Like never before. Brenda and I
discovered this great place online for organizing, viewing and printing photos
in many creative ways. When she showed me her completed family album I was
stunned. So professional, dignified and artsy.  And best of all she found it
easy to put together with scores of designs and to choose from.  Best of all it
stores itself online so you can share it with anyone!

Those of you who have access to the Complete Family Reunion Planner 3.0 upgrade
now can create your own free Photo Album. You also get 50 Free Photo Prints,
Free Photo Storage and Free Photo Sharing. What could be better? This... you can
create family reunion keepsake books with captions and share free viewing online
or have it printed and delivered in a few days, not weeks in the form of a
beautiful hardback book. We have one.  They give you discount coupons and other
freebies.  We just sent our parents a soft-back album. It makes a great keepsake
gift or fundraiser.


3. More Great Online Fundraising Ideas

One great time and money saving way to raise funds is having the fund raiser
online. Just send emails to all family members and include links to the
merchandise to be purchased.  Amazon will pay you 5% on all purchases made by
customers who linked to the Amazon site through your site!
Go to http://astore.amazon.com/fimarkhome-party-20  to get an idea of how you
can set up your fundraiser site.

The Entertainmnentbook is a practical way to encourage donating to the cause.
The entertainment book fund drive sells itself
Simply because it is packed with  HUNDREDS of deep discounts. You can run the
drive online simply by sending emails to family members. 50% savings and 2 for 1
coupon deals at local grocery stores, restaurants, five star hotels, local
attractions, sporting events, theme park discounts, dining, shopping and more.
Find out more at http://fundraising.fimark.net/

You can also have family members purchase two prepaid debit gift cards or email
gift cards. They use one card as a gift while sending the other as a donation to
the reunion treasury. The cards can be used to shop for supplies and favors,
download family reunion music or purchase outdoor cooking gear, etc. Select
debit cards can be used for cash at participating ATMS and banks.

1. Printable Poems and Greeing Cards - Fundraising Merchandise

During a family reunion program many are deeply moved by poems presented by
recital. Such poems take on new meaning with the passing of time.  These art
forms make an excellent keepsake gift particularly to attendees who are or who
aspire to become elders of the paternal house. Fimark Home Online provides
access to nine beautifully written and designed family reunion poem templates.
Read the excerpts, admire the art, download and print. Behind attractive frames,
these poetic art forms make excellent gifts and awards.

http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/family_reunion_poems.html

Who cannot resist a colorful assortment of greeting cards. Now you can download
several. Bundle them or put them in a basket to sell at your next fundraiser.
Find greeting cards for family reunions, anniversary, weddings, baby showers,
graduation and sports events.
Visit Fimark Home Online at http://greetingcards.fimark.net/ to view pintables.


TIP: Effective fundraising presentations are essential to the success of the
event.  Always present items in such a way where the value and sentiments stand
out. If you are displaying merchandise consider a prominent, dignified
attractive display. Provide all the information regarding the item that is
available.

Happy Family Reunion Planning!

Inside This Newsletter:
Timeline Planner Calendar Reminders
1. Spiritual Family Reunion Planning
2. Generosity from The Past
3. Poems With Reach That Teach

Timeline Planner Calendar Reminders
The online Family Reunion Timeline Planner 3.0, gives this calendar day
reminder: Contact committee or group members and finalize day and time of next
meeting. TIPS: This is a great time to find gifts in the form of engraved
plaques, trophy awards, cups and glasses as well as accessories for family
reunion guests of honor. Find mark-downs on tablecloths and party ware, wrapping
paper, string lights, shimmer, glimmer and glow decoration items perfect for the
dinner program.

1. Spiritual Family Reunion Planning
While there are many reasons to hold a family reunion, there are also many
themes. Among them are the Tradional family reunion complete with visits to the
family cemetary or gravesite and a heartwarming walk about the homestead
grounds. Other reunion themes include Living Legends Ball, Genealogy Tours and
Family Fests. But one that should not be overlooked is perhaps most important of
all, Spiritual Family Reunions.

While there are varied definitions for spirituality, the moment one introduces
another as a spiritual mother, son, daughter or father it is evident that the
relationship is on a highly respected moral level with both acknowleging the
mutual support given or recieved under Divine guidance.

That said a spiritual family reunion can be one of the most uplifting occasions
combining blood relationships with those who have aspired to inspire others for
their good and well-being.

Brenda and I are planning just that occasion. This will be an enclosed gathering
with many skits, stories, poems read, singing and gifts exchanged. The
underlying message will be one of deep gratitude, take time to count your
blessings and see the good resulting from your hard work as a spiritual support.

2. Generosity From The Past

While many are taking the time to exercise the spirit of giving, giving back and
gifting, we don't want to forget those who gave to us although they have long
since passed away. It is a fact that many of us would not be what and where we
are were it not for such gracious undeserved kindness. That said, perhaps a note
or token of our thankful sentiments to the family members of those who reached
out to us would be appropriate.

3. Poems With Reach That Teach

Come June and early July family reunion planners will be scouring the Internet
looking for poems of inspiration that reflect the family mission statement and
slogan. Often time just does not allow for finding just the right sentiment. For
that reason here are some excerpts of poems that aspire to inspire, motivate and
teach us once we have gathered our family together.

Finding Our Way Back Home
"Somehow by grace and providence
we've arrived to fall upon the bosom of all our family.
To kiss warm faces and wipe the tears<br>of joy from cheeks cracked and dimpled
by time.
We found our way back home.
Yes, we found our way back home.

By some miracle we all stand and look around and are
reminded that ours is a union resilient and empowered
by years of congealed tears of joy, love and sorrow.
Braced by our own blood,
comforted by our own songs we labor to find our way home
We found our way back home..."

Access the entire poem, find more poems and print poetic art gift presentations
at
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/family_reunion_poems.fimark.net

Happy reunion planning!
Mark