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The summer season is winding down despite what the thermometer says. Schools have started up again much sooner than when I was a kid. Going back to classes was always the day after Labor Day for my generation. And yes, it was still pretty hot those first few weeks of school, but then fall crept in and winter followed.
There were days at my alma mater -- Wheeling Central Catholic High School -- before the days of air conditioned classrooms, that teachers would open the windows and turn off the overhead lights for a more comfortable atmosphere. I can't recall ever having classes canceled due to the heat. Thankfully for today's students, air-conditioning is a way of life.
August now means a return of the flashing lights in the school zones and on the school buses. School supplies have been advertised in stores long before the Fourth of July.
Despite all these things, there is something about this time of year that brings families together. I'm referring to the tradition of family reunions.
Although the COVID pandemic ended such events, there appears to be a resurgence of summer and early fall family get togethers. Check the lifestyle columns and the Green Tab, and you will find notices that family reunions are back.
Not everyone enjoys such events, but the older I get, the more these reunions are welcomed. Two years ago, my sister K.C. and her husband Russell initiated the first Hamm family reunion. It was held in their sprawling Pennsylvania backyard, complete with tents and a professional photographer on hand to record the day.
Much thought went into this reunion, including t-shirts made for each attendee. It was no small task, but all 11 of my siblings and most of their extended families took part. Despite a quick rain shower, it was a wonderful day of memory-making and getting to know one another all over again.
Then in July we again gathered -- this time at Oglebay Park -- for a chance to reunite. While schedules didn't allow for everyone to attend, it was well worth the effort for the very young cousins to meet for the first time.
As with all family picnics, we learned that we had way too much food and even way more fun. The pictures taken during the family reunions will forever keep our memories alive for the generations to come.
If you have been putting off getting together with your family, do it now. Months later when the gloom of winter seeps in, you can look back at the reunion pictures and talk about your sister's delicious potato salad. I'll bet it will bring about a smile or two.
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.