CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRISTINE SCHOMAKER, SGS VOLUNTEER OF WINTER QUARTER

It has been a long time coming to celebrate this longtime member and volunteer. Christine Schomaker joined SGS in 1997 and immediately became a Desk Volunteer, which grew to a weekly gig in 2001 when she had her first Board position. For the last 17 years (give or take a few) she has served the Board in many roles including: Director of Operations, Treasure, Director of Library and most recently, Director of Membership, which was moved to a Chair position outside of Board duties. That move finally allowed her to be nominated and accepted by the Board.

Christine Schomaker continues managing the responsibilities of maintaining membership the same as before keeping track and maintaining the membership roster. She can explain a lot about the statistics upon request. At any in-person event during membership renewal time, it isn’t unusual to see her sliding a letter opener through an envelope to collect new membership dues or renewal payments that still come through the USPS mail.

It’s safe to say, her hand goes up whenever help is needed. She has helped chair committees, assists with publishing, mailing, or emailing the SGS Journal (formerly Bulletin), as well as newsletters, syllabi, and publicity fliers. At one time she also managed the fundraising book sales at in-person SGS Seminars.

Schomaker served as Webmaster for the first SGS website and continues to assist in maintaining and improving what is now the third edition website. She is also a loyal Desk Volunteer nearly every Tuesday and serves as Class and Event Registrar which can keep her busy before, during and after Seminars and classes.
  
When asked what she enjoys about volunteering with SGS Schomaker said, “Serving on the Board has given me the opportunity to get to know and learn from many dedicated and long-term SGS members and I like having a hand in planning programs to benefit all of us on our genealogical journeys.”
 
In the 27 years of membership and participation, Schomaker has also gained experience and knowledge attending Second Saturday programs. “I like the camaraderie of in-person activities, open houses and SGS Seminars,” and “there are all the online Special Interest Groups, so convenient to attend. I’m a member of several and I try to squeeze in as many as I can.”

Christine’s own family research is focused on finding parents for Overton Harris (c1785-c1818) of Albemarle Co, Virginia and identifying the origins of John Chittum/Cheatham (c1737-1834) of Rockbridge Co Virginia. Requests for information about these men and their families has led to Tennessee, North Carolina, and now Maryland. Original records and newspaper articles have yielded many small discoveries but Schomaker is still searching for that breakthrough document.

Her other interests include: Birding, Botany, Astronomy, Wordle, and Sudoku.  
Schomaker began sharing a dual SGS membership with her husband, Eric in 2005. They have 3 adult children and recently traveled to California to celebrate a grandson’s first birthday.

SECOND SATURDAY:
LOOK AT HOUSE HISTORIES

Have you ever wondered about the history behind a building or property? Join us for an informative presentation where Midori Okazaki, Archivist from the Puget Sound Regional Archives, will guide us through the process of uncovering the stories behind the walls.
 
From historical records to architectural clues, this session will provide insight into how you can trace the history of a building, whether it’s a family home or local landmark with an intriguing past. Learn how to use maps, deeds, censuses, and other resources to paint a full picture of a property’s historical significance.

Register for Zoom Here

images courtesy Library of Congress and
Ian MacDonald, Ismael Paramo, Ahmed Muntasir and Steven Cordes /Unsplash

ANCESTOR ART PROJECT