Serendipity Day

by Roxanne Lowe

Blogger’s note: Donna’s on another exciting vacation, but she just couldn’t leave without passing on her musings. Enjoy!

In this edition of Serendipity:

  • Facebook Likes Promote Society Pages
  • Life is good for Seenagers!
  • Why Search Engines Cannot Find All Your Online Genealogy Information
  • Free new resource on WikiTree — Genealogist-to-Genealogist Q&A
  • Google’s Boomerang Helps Schedule Emails

Just learned a great new thing! Does your society have a Facebook page? Have you encouraged your members to visit the page and LIKE the page? A member of the Clallam County Gen Society (where I visited last weekend) was explaining that we all need to visit the Facebook page of our favorite society and LIKE that page so as to help it come up in searches. Apparently, until a Facebook page gets 100 LIKES it does not come up. So, first, click on the Washington State Genealogical Society’s Facebook page and click LIKE and then visit your society’s page and follow suit. Great thing to do, eh?
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Subject: Life is good because I am finally a Seenager !! (Senior teenager)Photo

I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 60 years later.
I don’t have to go to school or work.
I get an allowance every month.
I have my own pad.
I don’t have a curfew.
I have a driver’s license and my own car.
I have ID that gets me into bars and the whisky store.
The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant.
And I don’t have acne.
Life is great.

I have more friends I should send this to, but right now I can’t remember their names.

My sister-in-law in Missouri shared this with me and I just had had had to share it with you.
Continue reading →

Clallam County Genealogical Society Summer School

by Charles Hansen

Clallam
GENEALOGY SUMMER SCHOOL
Saturday, May 21, 2016
GENEALOGY SUMMER SCHOOL  (Special event)
8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Port Angeles Presbyterian Church, 139 West 8th
Come join us and learn from the experts about Navigating the Paid Data Bases. The morning session will feature Jim Johnson reviewing Ancestry and various newspaper archives, and Ginny Majewski reviewing Mocavo. The afternoon session will feature Ginny reviewing World Vital Records, and Rod Fleck reviewing Fold 3 and the military records available through the National Archives. Heritage Books will be there too.

REGISTRATION FEES: CCGS Members- $25.00
$30.00 after May 18th
Non-members – $30.00
LUNCH – Please bring your own bag lunch to enjoy during the one-hour break between the Morning and Afternoon sessions.
Download: Registration form

Heritage Quest Research Library Upcoming Meetings

by Charles Hansen

The current HQRL Newsletter is now available on the HQRL website

Don’t forget to like us on FACEBOOK!

Monday, April 11th 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. $15.00
Using Flip-Pal & Photoshop Elements    Instructor: Jim Johnson
Join us as Jim Johnson demonstrates the use of the Flip-Pal, including stitching. He will also demonstrate Adobe’s Photoshop Elements, a great program for editing digital photos. Learn how to enhance and prepare your digital photos for adding to your family tree. The concepts you learn today should be useful in using other photo programs.
Friday, April 22nd, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. $15.00
Newspaper Research     Instructor: Dee Haviland Fournier
Dee Haviland Fournier talks about Newspaper Research and how it can enhance your family history, including digital newspaper websites.This is a class not to be missed. Turn your ancestor’s statistics into a once living character.
Monday, April 25th 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.$15.00
Texas “The Lone Star State”     Instructor: Jim Johnson
Texas “The Lone Star State” is also home to Jim Johnson. Join us as he talks about researching in Texas. He’ll have some websites that will advance the search for your  ancestor. Remember Texas shares borders with Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Mexico.
Monday, May 9th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. $15.00
Iowa: The American Heartland     Instructor: Dee Haviland Fournier
Iowa is Dee Haviland Fournier’s home state. Join us as she discusses researching genealogy in in Iowa.Learn about sources and where they are available along with some great websites.She also will discuss the situation at State Historical Society of Iowa in Des Moines (and Iowa City), which has been making headlines lately. The Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence, Missouri will also be included.
Tuesday, May 17th 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. FREE
Join us in a free class about Heritage Quest Research Library (HQRL). This class will help you in your search for your ancestor, by learning how to find and use birth, marriage and death records. Along with a discussion on how to use Census records to further your research and some genealogy hints. Everyone is welcome and you may attend as many times as you like.
3 ways to sign-up:
In person at HQRL, 1007 S. Main St., Sumner, WA. Sign-up Notebook is at the Front Desk.
E-mail HQRLinfo@gmail.com – provide full name, telephone number and your HQRL Membership Number, if you are a Member.

Telephone HQRL @ 253-863-1806 between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Provide full name, telephone number and HQRL Membership Number, if you are a Member.

For the benefit of everyone in the library, please DO NOT wear perfume, colognes or heavily scented products to classes.

You are receiving this email, because you are a member of the Heritage Quest Research Library or you have requested to be notified of HQRL events. If you have received this email in error or you wish to be removed from the list, please reply to the email and type “Remove” in the subject line and you will be removed immediately.

 

 

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON Wednesday Evening E-News

by Charles Hansen

GenForum

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON Wednesday Evening E-News 6 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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Come one, come all! This Saturday, April 9th, is the kick-off to our week-long Open House!

GFO

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Muriel Neely 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.

Muriel Neely

Muriel Neely

Today we’re introducing Muriel S. Neely of Mount Vernon, Washington, who was nominated by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for her dedication and commitment to her local society and community.

When the need arose for someone to assume the job of SVGS secretary, Ms. Neely, who had previously held the office, graciously agreed to return to the position. Demonstrating her commitment to the society, she has been re-elected twice. She has also generously given of her time and expertise in assisting with SVGS’s community education classes and recording of cemetery databases.

In addition to her commitment to SVGS, Ms. Neely is a great community volunteer. She serves on the boards and governance committees of multiple community organizations, including the Skagit County Historical Museum, Friendship House and helping at the local blood bank.

Ms. Neely is supportive of the objectives and goals of SVGS in every circumstance and 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.

FREE CASH for Societies!

by Roxanne Lowe

The deadline for applying for a WSGS Innovative Grant has been extended to May 1, 2016.

The grants, up to $100, are designed to support the inventive and creative efforts of WSGS-member societies and organizations. The awards do not have to be repaid — they’re FREE MONEY to support worthy projects. Up to five grants will be awarded in 2016.

Last year’s grant awards were made to:

  • Chelan Valley GS for the purchase of a computer at the local library for the exclusive use of accessing Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  • Northeast Washington GS for the removal of diseased trees at a local pioneer cemetery.
  • Skagit Valley GS for the purchase of a new computer for society presentations and transcription of documents at the regional archives.
  • Tri-City GS for promotion monies to support the society’s “Archives Records Contest” and augmentation of the prize pool.
  • Wenatchee Area GS for the purchase of specialized software to manage the society’s extensive genealogical holdings.

The simple application is only ONE page and is available here. Additional guidance on the program is here.

For more information, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

 

Seattle Genealogical Society April Newsletter

by Charles Hansen

Seattle

GiveBig IS COMING SOON!

The Seattle Foundation’s GiveBig program is a one-day online charitable giving event involving nonprofit organizations in Seattle and King County.  This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. All donations made to SGS through the GiveBig website on May 3 will be increased by “stretch funds” meaning your gift to SGS will be supplemented by our ‘share’ of the stretch pool funds from the Seattle Foundation.  Last year that was 8.4%.

Membership dues pay less than a third of SGS’s operating expenses so charitable donations as well as our two yearly seminars are important income streams for SGS.  This event will enhance any gift you give to SGS and make your contribution go even farther!  So please save the date – May 3.

More specifics will be forthcoming as the date, May 3, nears. Watch for it and thank you!

SGS 1890 PROJECT CONTINUES

Thanks to several dedicated volunteers, progress continues on our project to “replace” the lost 1890 U.S. Census for Seattle.

Work has been completed on the 1889 WA Territorial Census and we hope to have it added to the SGS website and available to members soon. Phase 2, transcribing the 1890 Seattle City Directory, is about 85% complete.

We are looking for volunteers to help with Phase 3, which entails the final proofreading.  If you are interested in helping, please email the project lead, Kerri Keil, at sgs1890@gmail.com.

5 EVENTS COMING UP THIS SPRING AND SUMMER
  FOR THE GENEALOGY ENTHUSIAST

With spring and summer on the way, many find their thoughts turn to beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. But as genealogy buffs, our thoughts are more likely to turn to what new seminar/conference, courthouse, or cemetery can we visit.  Here are some interesting, up coming events you might want to attend.

“An Introduction to Eastern European Family History Research”
featuring Canadian Genealogist, Dave Obee

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society,

April 9, 2016  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS) in Burlington, WA,  presents an educational program,  “An Introduction to Eastern European Family History Research”  on Saturday, April 9, 1-3 PM at the Burlington Senior Center, (Use the East Entrance) 1011 Greenleaf St, Burlington, WA

The guest speaker is Eastern European genealogy expert, Dave Obee.  Mr. Obee will explain how, with the help of new geographic tools and more records being placed online, it is now easier than ever to locate records in Eastern European countries like Poland and Ukraine.

The program is free and open to the public.  Details: skagitvalleygenealogy.org, genealogy0715@gmail.com, or (360) 757-6224

“Finding Solutions to Your Toughest Research Problems” with
 William Dollarhide, nationally recognized lecturer & awarding winning author,
 Presented by the Seattle Genealogical Society,
Seminar will be located at :
Fairview Christian School,
844 NE 78th Street, Seattle, WA
May 21, 2016  9:45 am – 3:30 pm

Be sure to catch the SGS Spring Seminar. Bill will present 4 sessions covering American Migration Routes from 1750-1800, Civil War Genealogy, Census Substitutes, and Finding Living Relatives On-line.  Save the date.  Register before May 17th for discounted pricing.   For more information check it out on-line at :
http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/2016springseminar-info

If you missed the SGS Fall Seminar, everyone had a good time and it was a huge success thanks to all who volunteered, and thanks to the quality of the speaker, Dr. Tom Jones.  Heard repeatedly throughout the day was “How soon can we get him to come back?”.

If you are one of those who’d love to see Dr. Tom Jones again, check out the next item.  He will be in Oregon teaching a writing course at the Western Institute of Genealogy on the 28th and 29th of July.  He will also be at “The Summer Genealogy Fest” following the next day, July 30th, at the same location.

The Western Institute of Genealogy (WIG)
The Genealogical Council of Oregon will host classes by Dr. Thomas W. Jones and Dr. John Colletta at
Lane Community College
Eugene, OR 97405
July 28-29,  2016

Calling all Intermediate and Advanced Genealogists. Are you looking for fantastic, local, and affordable continuing educational opportunities by nationally known professionals? Do you want to improve your writing skills or learn how to locate and use federal records? Here are two courses you don’t want to miss.

Dr. Jones will be offering a two-day advanced writing course, while Dr. Colletta will be offering a two-day course on federal records. You choose one course for the two-day event, register and pay a total of $130.00. This fee is for two days jam-packed with information and it includes  lunches and snacks.

Please see the website for more information and registration : www.gcoconference.com

The Summer Genealogy Fest   
Lane Community College
Eugene, OR 97405
July 30,  2016

Once again see the website above  for more details and registration.Stay around for another fun day on Saturday, July 30. There will be four doctors in the house, as well as other professional speakers and topics to interest you.
Visit :  www.gcoconference.com   to register for one or both events.

“36th International Conference on Jewish Genealogy”
Sheraton Hotel
1400 6th Avenue,
Seattle, WA 98101
August 7-12, 2016

This is a landmark event with leading genealogical experts and family researchers from around the world gathering in beautiful downtown Seattle. Conference focus is “The Wandering Jew”. All are welcome.

To explain what the conference is all about The Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State and the Seattle Sephardic Network  hosted a free Sneak Preview earlier this week.  More information, registration and a video of the preview just mentioned is at the IAJGS website :
http://www.iajgs2016.org/

Last, but not least is  “Gwyl Gymru Gogledd America” and no, that is not a typo.  The literal translation is “Festival Wales North American”.

“85th Annual North American Festival of Wales”,
(or “Gwyl Gymru Gogledd America”),
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
September 1-4, 2016

If you’re of Welsh descent or interested in Welsh culture, this is the largest Welsh cultural event in North America and will feature a marketplace, a tea room, music and poetry competition, seminars and Cinema Wales and a Grand Banquet and Grand Concert. Seminar topics include Welsh language, music, dance, films, customs, and contemporary issues in Wales today.

For more information and registration, visit their website at :
www.nafow.org

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

All programs are at the SGS Library at 6200 Sand Point Way unless otherwise indicated. Please Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections. Programs may be cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather.

** Please note SGS library hours of operation for Sundays have changed to 1pm – 5pm.

APRIL

Saturday, April 2, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian Interest Group, Leader: David Robert

Sunday, April 3, 1:00 pm -3:00 pm, Program Meeting,  “Using Historic Newspapers in Your Genealogy Research”,  Speaker: Janice Lovelace

Tuesday, April 5, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology,  Bring your laptop or mobile device, visit with other members and learn from each other while working on your family history. Discuss current projects, hardware, software, organizing data, and technology trends in genealogy.

Sunday, April 10, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group, “Uffda! Don’t Speak Swedish?”, cover common words and phrases used in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish & Finnish genealogy research,  Leader: Karen Knudson

Tuesday, April 12, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology,  Bring your laptop or mobile device, visit with other members and learn from each other while working on your family history. Discuss current projects, hardware, software, organizing data, and technology trends in genealogy.

Wednesday, April 13, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, SGS Program, “A Decree of (Temporary) Divorce – My Life Without Ancestry.com”, A thin bank balance tired of paying for subscription websites – Mary will share free substitute records and sites she has found.  Examine your genealogy from a different view point with a fresh perspective and save a few pennies as well.  Speaker: Mary Kircher Roddy

Wednesday, April 13, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Mac Computer Interest Group, Fiske Genealogical Library, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle, Leaders: Diane Heddrick and Lou Daly

Saturday, April 16, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Irish Interest Group, “Beyond Using the Major Websites: Finding some great Irish genealogy resources in print at SGS”, Leader: Jean A Roth
Saturday, April 16, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, German Interest Group,  “German Emigration: Reasons for German Emigration, Ports of Embarkation and Record Sources”,  Leader: Jean A Roth

Tuesday, April 19, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology,  Bring your laptop or mobile device, visit with other members and learn from each other while working on your family history. Discuss current projects, hardware, software, organizing data, and technology trends in genealogy.

Tuesday, April 26, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Hosted by Lisa Chan, SGS Director of Technology,  Bring your laptop or mobile device, visit with other members and learn from each other while working on your family history. Discuss current projects, hardware, software, organizing data, and technology trends in genealogy.

Volga German Conference April 27-29

by Charles Hansen

Attached is the press release for our upcoming Volga German conference on April 27 – 29 at the Icicle Village Resort, in Leavenworth, Washington.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Many thanks,

 

 

Tanya Bushnell

Program Assistant

Center for Volga German Studies

Concordia University

2811 NE Holman Street

Portland, Oregon 97211

Phone (503) 493-6369

cvgs.cu-portland.edu

CVGS Facebook Page

cu-portland.edu/give-cvgs

 

Press Release for Volga German Conference in Leavenworth