Vol 1 No 3

Spring 1991
Vol. 1 No. 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS


DEPARTMENTS

Front Words
From the editor’s desk

Letters to the Editor
Reunion Software Keeping track of the class.
Open Records
News for adoption triad searchers
Directory of Adoption Search and Support Organizations
Reunion Reveille
Contests & Research
Enter, participate, be a winner
Reunion Retreats
Survey Results
Letters in search of …
How to be a Classified
Classifieds
Bulletin Boards
by William Lewis Gage
RSVP
Recording Reunions
The art of interviewing for special family histories.by Carol Bradley
RinR
Reunions in Review
Clipped Notes
News from everywhere
What’s up next?

About the front cover
With characteristic energy, Muriel Schmidt launched a search for former classmates. From scrapbooks to phone books, many sources provoked memories and provided clues leading to a reunion of the Ringling School of Art, Class of 1937-38. More about its planner on page 30.

FEATURES

Birthright: the adjustment by Jean Strauss
The reunion of an adoptee, her birthmother and seven half-siblings was just the beginning. The first two years of adjustment reveal potential difficulties for lasting relationships.

Cemeteries are for the living
Digging in cemeteries, by Sharon Bart Carmack, CGRS
What is a Cemetery Memorial? by Clovis Byars Herring
America’s graveyards demonstrate a life-affirming, genealogical and historical significance.

Reuniting the relatives, part III by Jean Timpel
This year-long saga of reunion preparation takes you to the nine-month mark. It’s time to finalize details and plan activities in anticipation of the big event.

What’s age got to do with it? by Mary Thiele Fobian
A lively septuagenarian applies perseverance and ingenuity to her search for the wide-flung Ringling School of Art, Class of 1937-38. A space-age electronic assist is provided by Reunions, the magazine, and friends.

Orphan Trains: Mary Ellen Johnson, champion of a cause, by Mary Thiele Fobian
One woman’s interest and energy sustain the organization she founded to comme
morate the experiences of 150,000 American children known as Orphan Train Riders.

Ode to a Crush, by Jean Gonick
Humor is the only survival tactic for encountering your high school heart throb.

Wise counsel,by Joseph Miller
Advice from the experts about searching for family and friends ,

Hot Spots by Robin Longman
Ahoy, there! Take your reunion afloat — gather on a houseboat.

COLUMNS

Alum & I
by Tom Ninkovich
Basic guidelines for a memorable and satisfying class reunion, plus Q&A, memory books, a fine wine.

Origins
by Jean Strauss
Searches are launched with great expectations, but how does reality measure up?

Branch Office
Sharon Bart Carmack, CGRS
Avoid genealogical scams with precautions from our new “Branch Office Manager.”

Military Stars
by LtCol Bill Masciangelo, USMC (Ret)
Vital budget considerations and effective promotion techniques.

Masthead V1 N3


Publisher Edith Wagner

Art Director Cynthia Crigler

Editor Mary Thiele Fobian

Advertising Sales
Display
Karla Lavin
Classifieds Sheila Amundsen

Administrative Staff
Supervisor
Sheila Amundsen
Karen Tamir

Contributing Editors
Carol Bradley
Warren Butler
Sharon Bart Carmack, CGRS
William Lewis Gage
Jean Gonick
Clovis Byars Herring
Robin Longman
LtCol Bill Masciangelo, USMC (Ret)
Joseph Miller
Tom Ninkovich
Tamara Stark
Jean Strauss
Jean Timpel