September can be thought of as a time for change and transition, similar to the new year. In September we plan our last Summer barbecue, get children settled into a back-to-school routine, ready ourselves for fall and end of year holidays and celebrations—all while conducting some serious planning for our next family reunion. The thing about family reunions is that they too change and transition. Life changes us and our family members. Every year our families are getting older, wiser and hopefully more involved. New members are born, others pass on. The family dynamic, interactions, roles and relationships shift. And that changes the way we plan, the activities and events we pursue, and how we communicate.

In order for reunions to stay fresh, succeed and grow, we have to be willing to adapt, modify and recalibrate. That doesn’t mean our well established, deeply rooted traditions go away, because traditions are needed to keep the past, present and future connected. What it does mean is that we have to get our younger generations on board, and work through the generational issues and stumbling blocks that slow down our planning, progression and togetherness.

September's Practical Family Reunion Planning provides helpful tips for this month's Intergeneration Month and Ancestor Appreciation Day, to keep the family working together—no matter the age or generation. September is also host to Hispanic Heritage Month, Wife Appreciation Day, Grandparent’s Day, Stepfamily Day, Baby Safety Month, Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day and Childrens’ Good Manners Month. There’s also Labor Day, National Day of Service and Remembrance, National Preparedness Month, Air Force Birthday, National Courtesy Month, Respect Day, Good Neighbor Day, National Love People Day, Women's Health and Fitness Day, Family Health and Fitness Day, Self-Improvement Month, Healthy Aging Month, and so much more. Check out this month’s FAMILY TIME with over 70 observances you and your family can enjoy.

This month’s REUNION TIP OF THE MONTH identifies a way to merge your reunion with your school students for National School Success Month, and WORTH REPEATING shares quotes on being prepared and seasonal change and transition.

While there are a number of fun things to observe this month, there are also some serious things happening as well, including National Preparedness Month andSuicide Prevention Month. Check the links below for information and help if needed.

Have a blessed September. Be well. Keep planning. Check-in on family members—old and young. And don’t forget to have some fun.

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NEW NOW:

- Reunion Tip of the Month

- Practical Family Reunion Planning

- Family Time

- Worth Repeating Quotes: Fall

- Worth Repeating Quotes: Learning and Being Prepared

- Dr. Vargus Once Said

- Doug’s Fix on a Sticky Reunion Situation (repeat)

- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline info

- National Preparedness Month info