THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM’s Wednesday Evening E-News 8 March 2017

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 click here.

Also, if you missed your free copy of our monthly Insider for February 2017, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy HERE. NOTE: The Insider issues are now located under the “Learn” –> “Our Publications” menu at our new website (still gfo.org).

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Daylight Savings is this Sunday!
Don’t get stuck behind the times.

Remember to set your clocks back one hour this Saturday night, March 11th.
The official change-over is at 2am on Sunday morning, March 12th.

There’s still time you to submit a CANDIDATE (or two) for March’s elections at the GFO…

Curious what makes the GFO go?? So curious you want to have a direct impact on the process!? Here’s your chance.
Positions still in need of candidates:
▪ Endowment Committee (two positions)
▪ Vice President (one position)
▪ Treasurer (one position)
▪ Director-At-Large (one position)

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If you have a candidate you’d like to put forward for one of the following Board Member positions, please email president@gfo.org or any of the existing Board or Staff contacts anytime from now until our Membership Meeting scheduled for Sat, March 25, 12:30pm – 1:00pm.

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Now don’t be shy! We need your help to get the word out! It’s the GFO Annual Open House!! March 18 – 26, 2017
Please ask your institution, church, and/or senior community centers to post one of our OPEN HOUSE PRINTER-FRIENDLY POSTERS. Share on Facebook. Help get the word out in all the creative ways we know you know already or can think of now.

We want as many people as possible to come and join us at our library space at the Ford Building the week after next. So soon!!

Some of the feature attractions…
▪ Book Sales!!
▪ Over 30 different free genealogical classes? Wow!
▪ DNA learning and tips!
▪ How to use the French-Canadian Collection at the GFO
▪ Tips on utilizing and reading census records
▪ Even Mexican record-hunting and finding!!

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Some genealogical stuff you won’t want to miss!!

1. Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State Presents…
WHEN: Monday, March 13, 2017, at 6:30pm
WHERE: The LDS Factoria Building
WHO: Hal Bookbinder
WHAT: To Ellis Island by Boat!

Hal Bookbinder’s presentation focuses on the ships on which our ancestors traveled, including the shift from sail to steam and the governmental regulations that made ship travel safer and more civilized. He’ll discuss the experience our ancestors had getting to the port of embarkation, being processed for passage, life aboard the vessel, arrival and processing at Ellis Island, and finally arrival at their destination. He’ll also address various erroneous myths such as inhuman conditions in steerage and name changes at Ellis Island.
This is a free event, so be sure to tell your friends!! More info HERE.

2. The GREAT CANADIAN GENEALOGY SUMMIT 2017!

October 13 – 15, in Hailfax
Registration is now OPEN. Click HERE for details.

Also, be sure to check out all the great speakers they have lined up HERE.

3. The North Carolina Genealogical Society Presents… Dr. A. Bruce Pruitt – “North Carolina Land Grants”
WHAT?? New NCGS Webinar
WHEN?? March 17th, 3 – 4 pm
WHERE?? Online, silly! So break out those pajamas and yoga pants!!

Worried you’re not going to be able to make it? No problem, because NCGS will be replaying the recorded webinar from 12am, Friday, April 7th through noon, Sunday, April 9th.

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Shy about Facebook?? We have a class for that!

Marketing enthusiast Marcia Hicks would like a Facebook-shy volunteer for the Facebook 101 class during GFO’s Open House.
How do you know if you’re right for this position? Marcia’s looking to find someone who does NOT currently have a Facebook account, but who would like to volunteer to let her “set up their account” in real time during the class.

When’s this supposed to be?? The Facebook 101 class will be on Tuesday, March 21st, from 1-2pm at the GFO.

Do you have to do anything in advance? Very little actually! Marcia would need you to please submit you name, email address, and cell phone number for her to get everything set up.

What to do if you’re TOTALLY into this idea!? You should contact Marcia Hicks at her handy-dandy email, or you can talk to Marcia the morning of March 21st to get everything ready and set for the presentation.
Just think! You’ve always wanted all the benefits and joys of Facebook, and now you don’t even have to work for the magic to happen!!

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What’s Happening this Week at the GFO?

SATURDAY, MARCH 11th
Illinois Group 9:30 – 11:30am

The Illinois Interest Group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 9:30am (except Jul/Aug/Dec) in the GFO Library. All interested researchers are welcome to join us. Just drop in and share the workshop when you can and when you are interested.

At all the meeting times you will receive handouts and/or work sheets for each topic we cover. We focus on the state of Illinois, but the research techniques can be used on all states. This is the thirteenth year that this group has been meeting. The group leaders are Kristy Gravlin, call 630-621-5166 or email hannah @teleport.com, and Harlene Patterson.

Writers’ Forum 1 – 3pm

This is a peer group of genealogists, who meet to learn about writing and to share our writing with each other. Peggy Baldwin facilitates this group and can be reached at peggyrbaldwin@gmail.com or 503-916-9410.
SUNDAY, MARCH 12th
Maps & Library Work Parties 9am – Noon

There will be lots to do this Sunday at the GFO’s Work Party!! We are planning to continue working on the maps project with Doris Cruickshank. But there will also be some 200 new books to slap (gently, gently does it, folks) labels on with Laurel Smith. Come pick your poison and join the fun!

Get Acquainted With… 1 – 3pm

Missed this class tonight?? No trouble at all! We’re holding this class again on Sunday. The topic is all about the GFO’s equipment, including the scanner, printer, and microfilm reader. Other topics will include connecting to wi-fi at the GFO, using flash drives, email, and other computer tips such as Snip-it (what’s that!!??). Presented by Nanci Remington.
TUESDAY, MARCH 14th
Photoshop Elements 1:30 – 2:30pm

This class has moved this week from the usual Wednesday slot, so we are hoping you can adjust schedules with us to still join all the photo-shopping fun. Taught by Sarah Holmes. Don’t be alarmed, the class will be back to its usual Wednesday schedule next month.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15th
Learn & Chat 10am – noon

Join us to talk about your genealogy questions and help provide support to others. Facilitated by Connie Lenzen.

DNA Q&A 1 – 3pm

Lisa McCullough leads a discussion on various DNA related subjects, with each meeting focused on a particular subject. General questions are welcome at the end of each planned discussion.