It's Already In There

Have you ever bought an accessory only to find out that you already have two or three of them at home? Or you purchase a pack of hot dogs and a pack of hot dog rolls only to discover there are not enough rolls for each hot dog? It seems to me that having too much of one thing and not enough of the other is a marketing strategy for the unsuspecting victim to fork over more money then intended. Well it's time to fight back. How? By making good use of what you already have.

Smart Phone Apps
Using your smartphone list every product you purchase and store it in an inventory application. Keep an inventory of all the products and  accessories you've purchased in alpha order. If the item requires replacement indicate this with an alphabetic marker (r). Also add the item barcode number so you can find out if it's compatible with another product you wish to purchase.

Bar Code Scanning
It's time to start using these smartphone apps for more than just lists. Download a bar code scanner along with compatible apps that allow you to do price comparisons, calculate the cost of budget supplies and maintain an inventory complete with warranty info and product manual instructions. It's the smarter way to enter data. Now you're armed and ready to shop smart and save.

It's In Already There
Making good use of what you already have requires knowing all there is to know about the products and applications you've purchased. Many times our reunion planners forget all the many features in Fimark's Family Reunion Planner and end up scouring the Internet for other applications, poems, certificates and books. No need. Just consider the following features in the reunion event planning application and online worksheets/printables download interface.

First off you have three different reunion planning guides in one. On the "WORKBOOKS" interface you have access to two workbooks/guides. One in PDF form and the other in MS Word format. Both are complete guides with worksheets for editing and printing. On the interface itself are printable worksheets for taking a survey,  setting up your daily itinerary, dinner banquet program, reunion keepsake booklet and welcome letter as well as access to 12 flyers.

If you're looking for tour services, shows, restaurants and vendors in the area  just go to the "LOOKUP" panel in your Family Reunion Planner interface.

If you're looking for award certificates it's included in your Family Reunion Planner package. Remember all printables including poems, booklets greetings cards and flyers are free when you purchase Fimark's Family Reunion Planner.  Just click the "Get Theme Printables Here" link on the blue bar on the download interface.

Just want a few printable items? Download them at...
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/spectacular-events-planner.html

If you need to create a family reunion keepsake memory booklet it's included in your Family Reunion Planner package free. If you don't have the package and just want the reunion booklet you can download it at...
http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/family_reunion_booklet.html

2. Family Reunion Store
Looking for bargain discounts on party and outdoor supplies for your family reunion and other upcoming events? Visit our Family Reunion Store and compare prices, read product reviews and take advantage of free shipping. Just go to http://astore.amazon.com/family-reunion-20

If you're looking for family reunion gifts like family reunion caps or aprons go to http://www.zazzle.com/zzibcnet*/

3. Family Reunion Poems

If you're looking for meaningful inspiring family reunion poems you'll find five free popular poems when you purchase Fimark's Family Reunion Planner package. Just click the "Get Themed Printables Here"  link on the blue bar of the application. Just want a few of these beautiful poems? It's in there.

Did you know the author of the poem "Finding Our Way Home" and "We Rise To Tell The Story" is also the author of Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Guide Book and Keepsake? Get the book and family reunion applications at a deep discount with Season Specials.

4. Season Specials
What? Don't have Fimark's Family Reunion Planner social web app yet?
Now there is a summer special going on. Get the complete Family Reunion Planner package which includes Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Guide ebook, and Instant download of all printables, applications and worksheets.  List Price $49. Now $39 for a limited time. You save $10 dollars. No coupon code needed. For more information about the family reunion planning app click on the link found on this blog page or go to profiles.

Most Popular Family Reunion Activities

Ever wonder what folks at most family reunions like to do most in terms of activities? Well we've tallied up the survey and presented it to you in Pinterest pincard format so you can print it or share it via email, Pinterst board and present it during your next family reunion meetings. Here are the results. 

FAVORITE FAMILY REUNION ACTIVITIES

Talent Show
  16 voted (53%)
Banquet Dinner
  14 voted  (46%)
Games
  13 voted  (43%)
Line Dancing
  10 voted  (33%)
Genealogy Presentation
  9 voted  (30%)
Story Time
  5 voted  (16%)
Family Reunion Cruise
  5 voted  (16%)
Recipe Swap - Cooking and Eating
  5 voted  (16%)

And the winner is family reunion talents shows with  the traditional family reunion banquet as 2nd runner up and trailing third place is outdoor games.

Now you have a guide to make your family reunion both fun and exciting. Something to please almost everyone. If your event is more then one day why not add one or two more of the more popular activities each day.

For more information about setting up an playing games, talent shows and theme based banquet dinner programs, consult Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Reunion Software and/or Book available at Amazon.com.

Are your family reunion organization and management tasks firmly in place? Are you certain you haven't missed an important element? Want to know how to get everyone more involved? Do you have enough funds for unexpected expenses? Want to reduce costs? Get these answers and more from our newly released book "Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Guide & Keepsake" If your reunion event is only weeks away it's still not too late to get things just as they need to be. Take a look inside the book.

Hot Fun In The Summertime

The weather was the hottest in 30 years. Real feel 100 degrees! A real scorcher if I should say so myself and for a time we wondered if anyone would show up.

A no-show would be no surprise considering that the night before a brutal thunder storm moved with winds as high as 80 miles per hour. The severe storm knocked out power lines over a wide 30 mile radius and downed large 20 year old trees.

Many of the invitees were without power in their homes while others had to contend with structural damage. When we arrived at the park we were glad to see that no trees were down and the pavilions were in good condition. Still we noticed that the power outlets were dead. That meant our well planned surprise mini concert would have to be postponed. Not a disappointment. We would have more time to rehearse and present it during our September event. Just one more thing to look forward to.

Still we fired up the grill, blew up and hung decorative balloons and streamers, started up the bubble blowers and made sure we had plenty of iced water and cool water games. Then we waited, and waited and waited.

A few hours later a few showed up. An hour later more arrived. In time over 60 filled the two pavilions. The congregation annual Family BBQ had begun. This summer the event would be held at MeadowWood Park in Huntvalley MD.

The small park with lots of grassland was a first for us. It had a large playing field, cool shady pavilions and a small stream and cross bridge that local kids used to catch crayfish.

Family, friends and friends of friends attended. Everyone from little ones to our eldest were fully involved in the activities of the day.

As usual Brenda and I did much of the planning organizing and directing. We like to do something different each year and build anticipation weeks in advance. Wonderful memories were made, old friendships rekindled and new ones made.


Our activity list was as follows:
1, Face Painting
2. Bubble Games
3. Water Balloon Toss
4. Card Games
5. Prizes and Rewards


1. Face Painting - Face painting is indeed a craft requiring some practice. What you need is soft oil based face paint found at any party planning store or craft store. Small soft sponges. Soft bristle paint brushes work well. Stencils for making starts and heart shapes. Paper towels and soapy water for clean up.

2. Bubble Games - Kids will play with this for hours. What you need are various bubble wands in all shapes and sizes. A large flat tub full of bubble solution. Water and towels to wash soapy hands and faces.

3. Water Balloon Toss - Water balloons are a wonderful way to cool off in the hot sun. You'll need at least one hundred balloons for 10 minutes of fun. Small balloons are preferred as they are easy to handle and throw. Multiple colors make for a more attractive display that kids can't resist. Avoid over filling the balloon as they will burst as soon as they are handled. Fill the balloons with cool water only and place in a cool shady place until the games begin.




The most exciting activity of the day was throwing water balloons at each other mainly to cool off. The kids and kids at heart loved it.


After the games were over we offered stuffed bears, flamingos and monkeys to all the kids who helped clean up the water balloon fallout. They quickly cleaned up and excitedly claimed their prized rewards with great glee. The kids seemed to like the long armed stuffed monkeys best of all.

For more ideas for your summer reunion look inside Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Social web app. Follow the link on this page or access it from my profile.


Looking for more fantastic family reunion activity ideas? Find 7 fresh ideas at... http://familyreunionplanners.blogspot.com/2011/06/family-reunion-idea.html

Getting To Know Us

Most of you know that Brenda and I are the authors and co-authors of the "Fimark's Family Reunion Planner" and Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding  Planner, both works inspired by me and Brenda's 30 year love of event planning. These books were written to encourage family commitment,  support and unity in your household and community. 

Family Reunion Poem "We Rise To Tell Ehe Story"
by Mark Askew

Did You Know?
Many of our current readers may not know that this blogger is also the author of the poems "Finding Our Way Back Home" and "We Rise To Tell the Story", two popular family reunion poems about generations that have come and gone leaving significant contributions toward building a strong house. Brenda and I are also founder and director of the Family Reunion Planning Group which promotes November as Annual Family Reunion Planning Month.

Fun Poetic Craft Ideas
Thinking about offering a gift to family reunion attendees. Here are five fun crafts poetic art ideas you can do yourself with a color printer.

1. Download one of the poems mentioned above and printing it on a large or extra large t-shirt.

2. Print the poem on transparent paper and press between two glass panels. Insert bottom edge of panels into a grooved stand or use a transparent plastic counter top brochure display holder. Makes a great center piece on your photo table.

3. Print it on paper and iron it on 11x14 size canvas and frame it.

4. Print it on a plaque.

5. Print it on transfer paper and iron it on fabric and create a wall hanging.

Webinar and Speaking Engagements
Brenda and I are involed in webinars and giving  personal counseling to newly engaged couples, newly weds, wedding officiation and we speak before groups of 100 to 10,000 about the principles that lead to happy family life. While we are booked in these areas months in advance we will always take time to answer your event planning questions online via email.

Most of all we love to take the celebratory approach to buiding strong families by encouraging family gatherings filled with nothing but fun, inspiring and meaningful activities all the family will enjoy. Your success is our greatest reward.

Summer Savings News:
Did you know that Fimark's Family Reunion Planner keepsake guidebook was marked down from $29 to $17.99. Even better, now it's only $16.19 just in time for summer savings. This books makes a great keepsake gift for reunion attendees and planners. Buy two or more and get free shipping! Go to http://goo.gl/gVsY6.

Announcing a special Family Reunion Planning Package offer to all reunion  planners this summer only. Today you can get the Complete Family Reunion Planner Guide and Keepsake package including the 132 page ebook, the reunion planner  web app along with instant download of all printables poems and worksheets.  Follow the link on this page or access it from my profile.

Happy Family Reunion Planning!

Mark & Brenda

June Planning Reminders

Event planners the family reunion season is upon us. In one week many of you
will be enjoying your family reunion event and many will be going back home with
lasting memories, more support and assurance thanks to your efforts. We commend
you for your hard work.

We would like to remind you of a few follow up tasks necessary to making your
event flow smoothly:

1. Make certain all members have their t-shirt orders. (See the timeline
checklist in the Family Reunion Planner) Point them to the website if they have
not ordered. http://family-reunion-t-shirts.fimark.net or order ready made theme based  t-shirts at http://www.zazzle.com/zzibcnet*/

2. Follow up with department heads and make sure everyone has what they need
including materials and supplies. (See the materials and supplies checklist in
the Family Reunion Planner)

3. Remind them of their responsibilities. (See the department worksheets in the
Family Reunion Planner)

4. Some family members may have recently run into a snag attending. Render
support where needed.

5. Follow up with vendors and facility managers to make sure you will recieve
the timely quality services you expect. (See the timeline checklist in the Family
Reunion Planner)

6. Make certain family members know how to reach their destination. A few
families tend to get lost traveling to every event. Send them directions via
email or post mail. Have them follow a capable traveler.

7. Get help wrapping up your final tasks. No need to do it all yourself. Invite
a couple of extra hands over and put in a long night completing tasks.

8. give yourself a day of rest before the big event.

9. Don't have the Fimark's Complete Family Reunion Planner application yet?
For more ideas for your summer reunion look inside Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Social web app. Follow the link on this page or access it from my profile.

Happy Family Reunion Planning!

Mark & Brenda

How To Increase Event Funds

Your family reunion is just around the corner and you need to increase event funds fast? Fund raisers can be costly. Who wants to end up investing more than what was made.

To make your fun raiser a festive, colorful and interest event for all get as many involved in donating used items and craft items.  The more creative the better. Keep in mind that having a fund drive is a craft in and of itself. Setting up attractive displays takes some forethought.

Make items eye catching, inviting and laughable with punchy, witty price tags and colorful persuasive labels.

The key is to sell items that cost close to nothing but are valuable to the buyer. Here are some great DIY Fund Drive ideas courtesy of Fimark Home Online.

DIY Fund Drive Ideas provided by www.fimark.net
Visit us at www.pinterest.com/fimarkhome 

Like three or more of the listed ideas? Why not combine them all. The more variety the more support your fund drive will receive. Detail exactly what will be featured at the fund drive event and send out at least three reminders up to the day of the event.

Online Payment Systems

Many reunion planners have lamented about getting reunion dues in on time. If you are asking attendees to mail you money or drop off cash you're in for a long wait. Why? Some folks don't write checks or handle cash daily anymore. They pay bills online. That said,  setup your Paypal, Google Wallet or other online payment system asap or get a website that takes payments like the one reviewed here...http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net/familyreunionwebsite.html

Send online payment ready emails to each family member to make the payment process easier. 

Inspiring Incentive

Sometimes attendees need incentive to get those fees paid. Here are some dues payment incentives. Offer rewards for the first 10 0r 20 payees. Offer special seating at the reception for those who send payments early. Offer a special party favor to early payees. Offer mention in the family reunion keepsake booklet. 

Hand out certificates, a baked item or award them with a favorite keepsake heirloom like the family reunion planning keepsake book featured at Createspace... https://www.createspace.com/3601499.  This 132 page Family Reunion Planner keepsake book can be given to timely payees. The event planning book contains a family reunion planner, family tree, pedigree, family recipes section, journal and reunion themes and games. Makes a great fund drive offering, gift, reward and family heirloom. It also contains detailed cost saving fund drive ideas to raise money for your event.

Visit us at www.pinterest.com/fimarkhome

Planning For The Unexpected

Throwing a family reunion event can be very the catalyst to creating sweet memories that will last for many generations to come. Suffice it to say, celebrating life, family bonds and the principles that maintain them is the ultimate gift all attendees will receive. That said, no matter what happens or does not happen good times will be had.



Time And Unforeseen Occurrence
An ancient book once said, "Enjoy the fruitage of your labor." Still as with any event there will be those unexpected and unforeseen situations that bear the mark of disrupting the most well planned reunion event. That same ancient book reads, "Time and unforeseen occurrence befalls us all." That said, the question is; how do you navigate through the unexpected and unforeseen?


Brace For Impact - Soften The Bow
I am reminded of a certain family member who after donning a particularly nice dress, tripped,  broke a heel and landed on her bottom. She laughed, got up and was thankful for having a soft cushioned backside that broke the impact of the fall. She is the one and only person I know who can brace for impact and control her fall always landing on her bottom. The lesson? When planning your event anticipate the unexpected, brace for impact and prepare in such a way that you cushion the blow.


Often the unexpected comes in the form of an unexpected expense or an unforeseen need. The situation may  require the cushion of extra funds while the unforeseen need may require additional time, manpower or other resources. Having on hand additional volunteers, extra place settings, chairs, tables and t-shirts will quickly resolve many problems.


A Little More Is Better Than Not Enough
Consider having plenty of food and drink instead of just enough. Just enough can easily translate into not enough when unexpected guests arrive or there is a spill. Have an extra room available for an unexpected arrival and above all schedule as much advanced preparation time as possible. Do you have a family member with a medical background? Make sure they are visible and ready to respond to any health related emergency that may come up.  If you're traveling to an out-of-town event remember  pack an emergency kit.


It is best to have everything associated with the banquet reception completed 2 hours or more before the event so there will be plenty of time to respond to the unexpected. While you cannot foresee every possible scenario, the principle of being well prepared for the unexpected can help cushion the blow when the unforeseen occurs allowing the reunion event to proceed as planned.