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Post by Brenda on Oct 17, 2016 19:23:05 GMT -5
This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the annual Waltons Fan Club Reunion in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is always so good to get together with old friends and meet new friends. There were several forum members there, some who post regularly, some who post occasionally, and a few who are members but only read the forum. I saw Kathy Lee, weezer29, ForeverWaltons, cinlou, terr59, Marge L, nedandres, Sharon Holmes (McConnell), michelle, bigbruno, Heather, and of course Carolyn Grinnell. I think cindys was also there, but I didn't get to talk to her. A couple of people told me they are forum members, but I don't know their usernames. One of them was Judy (who lives close to me). I hope I haven't left anyone out. This year’s reunion was bittersweet for me because my husband and I always attended these events together, and this year I was alone. For those who don’t know, I am visually impaired. I do drive, but only locally where the roads and streets are familiar. I never venture very far from home. So my first task was to find transportation to Lynchburg. Luckily, my daughter and son came through for their mom. My daughter Melissa drove me to Lynchburg on Thursday, then returned home because she has young kids. My son Matthew and little grandson A.J. drove to Lynchburg on Sunday and picked me up. I’m so glad my husband and I raised good kids. Special thanks to Peggi weezer29 who drove me around all weekend since I was there without a car. Our special guest cast member this year was David Doremus, who played G.W. Haines on The Waltons. He was there with his lovely wife Erin. He was so friendly and personable, and was very willing to chat with the fans, sign Waltons memorabilia, and pose for photos. The festivities began at midday on Friday with a nice luncheon. Later on Friday we all got together for a meet and greet time. We visited with one another and enjoyed cookies and cider. Later on Friday evening, one of our fan club members led us in an informal time of Waltons trivia. On Saturday, most of us drove up to Schuyler where we visited sites like the Hamner house, the Schuyler Baptist Church, the Waltons Museum, and the Rockfish Post Office. We also had a wonderful lunch at the lovely home of Isis Ringrose. She lives in a large house which has been converted from a hospital and was the birthplace of Earl Hamner. At about 2:00 PM, we all gathered together in front of the Hamner home and had a very touching memorial time for Earl Hamner. Carolyn Grinnell and David Doremus released two doves who flew off into the sky as we all remembered that it’s all because of Earl that we were there. I regret that I didn't get any good photos of that event. Saturday evening we were back at the Kirkley Hotel for a wonderful banquet. We talked with old friends, met new friends, ate dinner, took photos, watched special videos, heard beautiful music, and listened as David Doremus told us of his experiences on The Waltons. There was also a silent auction, and I won the Waltons paper dolls! Our own nedandres asked the blessing on the food before we ate. On Sunday morning, several of us went to Bob Evans for breakfast. After we ate, we said our good-byes. Another Waltons reunion had come to an end. I have an album of photos. I tried to include at least one photo of each forum member that I saw there. I’m sorry if I left anyone out. Kimberly ( ForeverWaltons ) and her husband Paul brought 4 of their beautiful children to this year’s reunion. I took several photos of them, but I didn’t include them in the photo album because I wasn’t sure if Kimberly and Paul wanted their children’s photos on a public Internet site. I hope this link works. Click on each photo to enlarge it and read the description. Brenda's 2016 Waltons Reunion Photos
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terr59
Newspaper Vendor
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Post by terr59 on Oct 17, 2016 19:36:57 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing the photos Brenda. It was great getting to see everyone.
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Post by michelle on Oct 17, 2016 19:55:17 GMT -5
Hi. I don't post on here much but wanted to let everyone know how much I enjoyed seeing those forum members who were able to attend the Reunion this past weekend. Thank you, Brenda, for including me in your group of photos. It was great seeing and talking with you and am really glad you were there. I hope to see everyone again next year and maybe see some forum members who have never been before. I think you would really enjoy it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 17, 2016 20:09:21 GMT -5
Those are great pictures Brenda! I thought about you at the beginning of the weekend and hoped that your extended Walton family would bring you lots of laughter and keep you company as you're missing Russell. It was very sweet of your kids to make sure that transportation was covered.
This is the best part for someone who doesn't get a chance to go to these reunions... Seeing it through everyone else's eyes and viewing the pictures. I know I'll get there one day. If for no other reason, to visit the church there. It's just lovely. I was wondering if anyone attending the reunion has ever gone to services at this church?
I'm glad so many people got a chance to go this year. I was wondering what some of the items were that were auctioned?
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Post by ForeverWaltons on Oct 17, 2016 23:22:52 GMT -5
Brenda , here's a video of the memorial to Earl at his childhood home. For those who don't know, David Doremus (G.W.) is on the front porch in the brown/yellow flannel shirt. pabby6060 shared this link with me. Thanks Tami.
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Post by weezer29 on Oct 18, 2016 6:57:48 GMT -5
You are welcome Brenda. I have a great time when we do the Schuyler trip.
The whole weekend was awesome. Made new friends, connected with old one. Finally got to meet the foreverettes!!!
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Post by cinlou on Oct 18, 2016 10:21:12 GMT -5
I thoroughly enjoyed this weekend. It was like a family reunion!
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Post by clyde on Oct 18, 2016 10:34:30 GMT -5
Brenda - Thanks so much for posting these pictures. From the big smiles on all the faces, it was obvious that everyone was having a great time! It was nice to put some faces with Forum names. Earl Hamner would have been so pleased to think that he was being remembered in such a wonderful way. Here's to long-lasting memories. Clyde
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Post by sdw on Oct 18, 2016 11:01:49 GMT -5
Brenda I really liked the pictures you posted.I am glad that everyone had a good time.
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Post by rabner59 on Oct 18, 2016 12:56:48 GMT -5
Thanks Brenda,for the pictures loved to had been there looked like a good time.
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Post by dagmargermany on Oct 20, 2016 11:20:54 GMT -5
Thank you Brenda for these lovely photos ! I wish I could have been there but hopefully again next year
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2016 15:54:14 GMT -5
Brenda, the photos were marvelous. Saw many people there who I have got to know on this website. Forever Waltons, I like the video, and the southern accents sounds so cute! Thanks for sharing your lovely weekend with all those who went and all those who cannot go.
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Post by Kathy Lee on Oct 27, 2016 5:19:32 GMT -5
Brenda , here's a video of the memorial to Earl at his childhood home. For those who don't know, David Doremus (G.W.) is on the front porch in the brown/yellow flannel shirt. pabby6060 shared this link with me. Thanks Tami.
Darn! Some tall guy in a hat is blocking the view! Lol!
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Post by River on Oct 30, 2016 17:21:25 GMT -5
Great photos and video. Thanks for posting!
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