THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON Wednesday Evening E-News

by Charles Hansen

GFO1

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON Wednesday Evening E-News 13 April 2016

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR go to www.gfo.org/calendar.htm.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy at http://www.gfo.org/insider/16-Apr.pdf.

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DNA Day is this Sunday! Join us for a full day of free classes! Or come for a few, at the very least!!

DNA

Y-chromosome DNA and mitochondrial DNA Basics, 9am – 10:20am

Learn the differences between the Y-DNA and the mtDNA test and how each helps your genealogy research. Understand how the different results are displayed and what each means. (includes 15 minutes for questions) Presented by Lisa McCullough

The Basics of Autosomal DNA, 10:30 – noon

Discover how atDNA is inherited, how to find the common ancestors and how to determine which DNA segments came from which ancestor. (includes 15 minutes for questions). Presented by Emily Aulicino

The Three DNA companies with Success Stories, 1pm – 2:20pm

Discover which company offers what features in order to make the best decision for you needs. Learn how a success story involving all three companies can be a guideline for your accomplishments. (includes 15 minutes for questions) Presented by Tim Janzen

I’ve Tested. Now What?, 2:30pm – 3:50pm

Learn what steps you can take to better insure finding a common ancestor for any of the three major tests (includes 15 minutes for questions). Presented by Emily D. Aulicino

Q & A, 4pm – 5pm

The presenters will take questions on any genetic genealogy topic.
Don’t be left out! Be sure to bring all handouts and an evaluation form for each class. Presentation notes and evaluation forms can be downloaded HERE.
NOTE: You may submit your questions/problems to Emily (aulicino@hevanet.com) prior to DNA Day so they can be organized to include more requests and to save time. Continue reading →

Sylvia Nelson Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Sylvia Nelson of Bainbridge Island, Washington, who was nominated by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS). She was recognized for her outstanding efforts in supporting and promoting the society and its members.

Sylvia Nelson

Sylvia Nelson

Ms. Nelson has served for three consecutive terms as director of publicity and public relations. She is the manager of BIGS’s new member process and has authored communications welcoming new members to the society.

In addition to performing her regular public relations duties, Ms. Nelson has consistently identified opportunities for BIGS to be visible or present at special events and local seminars. She also serves as a mentor to other members and as a member of the technology committee.

Ms. Nelson has undertaken her responsibilities and others whenever a helping hand has been needed. She has been consistently willing to help whenever and wherever the society’s need has been greatest. Her selfless contributions prove that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

CeCe Moore Dazzles Audience in Olympia

by Roxanne Lowe

Patty Olsen, CeCe Moore and Roger Newman

Educating (and entertaining) a roomful of enthusiasts, genetic genealogist extraordinaire CeCe Moore shared her expertise — and ability to explain — the complex world of genetic DNA at the Olympia Genealogical Society‘s annual Spring Seminar held on Saturday, April 9. Her topics included:

  • The Power of DNA: Genetic Genealogy Basics
  • I Have My Results, Now What?
  • Autosomal DNA and Chromosome Mapping: Discovering Your Ancestors in You
  • Who Am I? Exploring Ethnicity Estimates

Always a first-rate affair, Olympia’s Spring Seminar also included book sales and fabulous raffle baskets.

Societies: If you’d like to promote your workshop or seminar on the WSGS Blog, send a flyer or paragraph to WSGSBlog@wasgs.org. We’d love to share it with our readers!

How to Post on the Blog

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you want to broadcast information about your local society, workshop, genealogical tip, or a research query? Just post to the WSGS Blog! You can reach hundreds of genealogists from around the state. Just email a Word document, text file, PDF or graphic to WSGSBlog@wasgs.org and the blog masters will do the rest.

We’re always looking to publicize local events and workshops, feature stories, updates from your society, and other genealogical information that might be of interest to our many subscribers.

We hope to hear from you soon! And don’t forget to encourage your Society members to subscribe to the Blog for the most up-to-date information from around the state.

You may manage your subscription options from your profile.

Brick Walls Broken Here

by Roxanne Lowe

BrickWall

DO YOU HAVE AN UNRESOLVED BRICK WALL??

If so, you won’t want to miss the April 14 meeting of the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society. 7:00 p.m. in the Dining Room at the Sommerset Retirement Apartments, 2025 Tibbetts Drive, Longview.

The Program Committee will lead an audience-involved look at current evidence to help with members’ research that remains unresolved. Research questions have been submitted by members. Come with your researcher’s hat on!

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Whitman County Genealogical Society Spring Seminar

by Charles Hansen
Hi, all,
    Attached you will find information about our spring seminar, which is FREE!  In addition, we will have goodies to munch on!  We have an exciting program planned with Charlotte Omoto speaking on DNA, and Matt and Sheli Carroll speaking on Irish Research.  Mark your calendar for Sat., April 30, 9 – 12:15, Bishop Place, Pullman.  We would like an RSVP by April 15 so we can plan for the number of handouts, snacks, etc.  Walk-ins are welcome, however.  See the flyer for how to RSVP and for further details on the seminar.  We look forward to seeing you there.  Monica Peters, WCGS Corresponding Secretary

La Quinta Motel Reservations for WSGS Conference

by Charles Hansen
  I have heard from some people that they are having a hard time making reservations for the 2016 conference. After checking with the
La Quinta folks it seems like if you dial the local number given and punch the number associated with reservations, you are sent to their
national reservation center, who have not heard of any group rate for the conference.
  So they informed me that as soon as the phone is answered by La Quinta, Immediately punch the number 6 which will take you to the local front desk and they can direct you to reservations, who do know about the group rate.
  Hopefully this will clear up this problem.

Northwest Genealogy Conference Early Bird Discount Ends Soon

by Charles Hansen

Stilly
Early Bird Discount will end April 15th

Are you one of the 80+ people who have registered for the 2016 Northwest Genealogy Conference?  If so, Congratulations you saved $20.

If you haven’t registered yet, you only have 4 days remaining to take advantage of the discount pricing.  Log on to www.nwgc.org and select NwGC Registration.
We hope to see you at the conference.

Color Your World

by Roxanne Lowe
Roxanne Lowe's Birthplace Pedigree

Roxanne Lowe’s Birthplace Pedigree

In case you’re more of a “visual” person than a paper person,  try your hand at color coding your five-generation ancestor birth charts using the Excel spreadsheet created by Spokane’s own Miriam Robbins. Her blog post and downloading instructions are available here.

Inspired by J. Paul Hawthorne of GeneaSpy, Miriam’s take on the visual representation of her ancestors’ birth places is making the circuit on Facebook and other social media sites. It’s easy — join the fun!

Time Running Out to Reserve Your Room at WSGS Conference

by Roxanne Lowe

The Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society is hard at work on the upcoming WSGS Conference — June 17 and 18, 2016 at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 1425 East 27th St, Tacoma, WA. A limited number of rooms are available at a special conference rate. Unreserved rooms will be released SOON! Call the La Quinta at (253) 383-0146 to book your room now.

And while you’re thinking about it, don’t forget to register for the conference! Paula Stuart-Warren! We are so lucky to have this amazing expert! Check out her blog at GenealogybyPaula.com.

And if you want to start the conference off right, register for the Friday evening Meet-and-Greet with Paula and Cyndi Ingle (creator of Cyndi’s List). The Meet and Greet (which includes a dessert buffet) is limited to the first 50 registrants, $10 each. Pre-registration is required.