James Palmer was born and raised in the Grove community, but after graduating high school in 1981, he never returned to live there.
He watched his father work a tough job in the sanitation business, and vowed to use his own educational opportunities to support a different lifestyle.
Still, Palmer made it a habit to return to the area annually, connecting with his childhood friends. But the occasions were not usually celebratory.
“Whenever we come home, it’s basically coming home for funerals,” he said.
Four months ago, Palmer – who graduated from Ohio State University and now resides in Atlanta – began organizing a reunion to bring together Grove natives for a happy cause. Reaching out to locals who moved away to Maryland, Washington, D.C. and other regions, he formed a committee to put on a three-day family bash that kicks off Friday.
Planning from a distance has presented a challenge, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Palmer and others involved spread the news through Facebook and by word of mouth, and he said he expects as many as 200 guests to come into town for the weekend. Some are traveling from as far as Houston and New York.
“Even though we all left the area, our roots are still there,” Palmer said. “So it would be wonderful to give back to the community.”
One of the classmates Palmer reached out to was Eric Stone, who now works with the Williamsburg Fire Department. Stone connected him with the James City County Police Department and Master Police Officer Kelly Cross.
Palmer learned about law enforcement’s efforts recently to build a relationship with the Grove neighborhood, through a community meeting, a March clean-up event and informal coffee sessions.
“I said, ‘What better way to do it than to come out to the event?’” Palmer said, adding police have been responsive and helpful throughout the planning process and he looks forward to meeting the officers in person this weekend.
Along with JCC police, Palmer is working to bring in the fire department for a picnic and outdoor festival Saturday. He expects a truck to entertain children and free blood pressure screenings to benefit adults.
The kid-friendly festival will be held at 150 Ron Springs Drive, the former home of Dr. James Blaine Blayton Sr.
Blayton delivered most of the children of Palmer’s generation, he said, and the space serves as a landmark to residents from that era.
Other events of the weekend include a meet and greet from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Bourbon Street, followed by time at the Elks Lodge. There will be a motorcycle ride Saturday morning, and Saturday’s picnic starts at 11 a.m., with a kickball game at 2 p.m. The reunion wraps up with a worship service at New Zion Baptist Church at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
Palmer envisions this year as the first of an annual tradition where the program can become more structured as it evolves. He would like to find a venue for live music, and a charity for the event to benefit.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Palmer at 678-230-4888.
