BOOK EXCHANGE

The SGS Library has begun exchanging books and periodical issues with other genealogy libraries around the country.

Thus far, through this exchange, we have added 7 new books (conservatively valued at over $280) to our collection which bolstered our holdings for counties in Virginia and West Virginia. In return, we have either reimbursed the sender for postage, or exchanged some of SGS’ publications with them.

When the SGS Library offered our publications to other libraries, we received requests from seven other genealogical libraries. The response has been very positive.

One librarian checked her own family names in Edmond S Meany’s Living Pioneers of Washington, published by SGS in 1995, and found two family members with full articles, including the date their wagon train left Illinois, and a third relative is mentioned. She hopes to visit SGS in January 2019 when the American Library Association meets in Seattle.

This book exchange is an excellent way to raise our profile within the genealogy community!

GOT ACADIANS OR CAJUNS IN YOUR FAMILY TREE?

The SGS Library has a new section devoted to Acadia. The colony of New France in northeastern North America was known as Acadia. This includes areas of Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Maine. Acadians who resettled in Louisiana came to be known as Cajuns. You can find this new section under Canada (CAND/AC/) in the library, but for a while check for items for Acadia on the new acquisitions shelf.

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INVITATION TO SUBMIT
 RESEARCH FOR SGS PUBLICATION

The SGS Editorial Board invites contributions to be considered for publication in our 2017-2018 bi-annual journal. We are always happy to receive articles, which should include documentation and citation of sources. The editors will consider works that pertain to any type of subject within the larger range of genealogical research. Examples of compositions that have been included in the Bulletin in the past can be seen in the Publications section of the SGS Website, along with advice and suggestions for preparing your manuscript for submission. Please email your contributions to publications@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org to be considered for 2017-2018.

JUNE 3RD MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Jill Morelli, president, will review the past year for SGS and announce and introduce the SGS officers for the coming year. Stay for the presentation “The Great War and Its Stories: Jacob Schomber “, a step-by-step look at how to research your WWI soldier.  Bring any artifacts you have of the Great War to End all Wars, only later called WW I, as we celebrate the 100th year of the US entry into the conflagration. 1:00-2:30 pm at the SGS Library.

COMPLIMENTS ON THE SPRING SEMINAR

Hope you had a chance to attend the Spring Seminar.  It’s always helpful to get feedback on a program and we appreciate that attendee, K Tsujii, took the time to give us her assessment.

She wrote,  “The Spring 2017 Seminar was the best ever! Lisa Alzo’s passion about telling our stories and her wise insights inspired me to do 6 hours of online research the next day. I found multiple sources of information about my grandparents and where they lived and worked, using Lisa’s vast online resource tools. I am especially excited to start writing the stories of my female ancestors. I appreciate the hard work of the Seattle Genealogical Society seminar organizers. The seminar was a highly rewarding way to spend a sunny Saturday.”

Congratulations and many thanks to Sandra Stark, seminar chair, and the entire SGS crew who helped to make this seminar a success.

CERTIFICATION CLASS – ONLINE

Want to know more about certification as a genealogist?  Contact Jill Morelli at jkmorelli@gmail.com  to be placed on the list for the next series of online classes that will start in July. SGS members have priority for this discussion group. Watch for more online classes in the future.

SAVE THE DATES

The New England Historic Genealogical Society presents
 A Day with NEHGS: Researching Early New England Ancestors,
 Bellevue Club,
 11200 SE 6th St,
 Bellevue, WA 98004
 Saturday, June 10, 2017   9am – 6:30pm

Registration includes five lectures, lunch, and an evening reception. Learn from these experts in early American genealogy. Understanding migration patterns, as well as using land & probate records are a few subjects that will be covered.

More info and registration at:

https://shop.americanancestors.org/products/a-day-with-nehgs-researching-early-new-england-ancestors

Washington Museum Association,
 Annual Conference,
 Moses Lake, WA
 June 21 – June 23, 2017

Details on the offerings of this three day conference can be found at :
http://washingtonmuseumassociation.org/

Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS),
 2017 Conference –  “Building Bridges to the Past”,
Pittsburgh, PA
 August 30 – September 2, 2017

Ready for a road trip? This conference is open to anyone with an interest in family history.  FGS is teaming up with the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society to put on this four day events.  There will be various tracks to suit the individual researcher; beginner to experienced.

For more info visit :  fgs.org

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections.  Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather.  The library will be closed June 18 for Father’s Day and July 4 for Independence day. The Irish, German, and Canadian Interest Groups do not meet in June, July, or August; they will return to their regular schedule in the fall.

JUNE

Saturday, June 3, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, Annual SGS Membership Meeting, WWI presentation as well as “Show and Tell”; bring your WWI artifacts.  Meet the new SGS officers.

Sunday, June 4, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright with first hour on a specific topic, and the second hour open for sharing DNA issues with focus on GenomeMate Pro.

Tuesday, June 6, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Saturday, June 10, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this new special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.

Saturday, June 10, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm,  Family Tree Maker (FTM) Users Group, members helping one another with Family Tree Maker (FTM) the tool long associated with Ancestry.com; Reiley Kidd and Betty Ravenholt are the leaders. This week topics will include an update on the delayed release of FTM 2017, and the new features it contains, including new Tree Hints from Familysearch.org, and links to them.

Sunday, June 11, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group, What’s new? Kathi McGinnis will review 1875 Norwegian census and other tips to searching Digitalarkivit. Karen Knudson will review new Swedish records available on Ancestry.com and Arkivdigital.

Tuesday, June 20, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

JULY

Saturday, JULY 8, 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm,  Family Tree Maker (FTM) Users Group, members helping one another with Family Tree Maker (FTM) the tool long associated with Ancestry.com; Reiley Kidd and Betty Ravenholt are the leaders.

Sunday, JULY 9, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group,   Karen Knudson, leader.

Tuesday, July 18, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Saturday, July 29, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA SIG, this group meets at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church. For more information contact SGSDNASIG@gmail.com. Co-chaired by Cary Bright and Herb McDaniel.

“SHOW AND TELL” AT THE MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The theme for the SGS Membership Meeting coming up on June 3, is WWI, The Great War.  SGS President Jill Morelli will be giving a presentation on “The Great War and Its Stories: Jacob Schomber, Cpl., Co. I, 8th Artillery”. This will demonstrate step-by-step how she gathered information from online sources and sites for this soldier who lived in Issaquah. Record availability, record location, and building the story will all be covered.

SGS members are welcome to join in the “Show and Tell”. Please bring any WWI artifacts that belonged to your participating soldier to share with the group.

This should be a fun meeting. Hope to see you there, Saturday, June 3, 1:00-2:30 pm.

Remember it’s that time of year again and you can renew your membership or join Seattle Genealogical Society online at:
http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/content/join

REMINDER FOR OUR 2017 SGS SPRING SEMINAR!

Late registration is still available for the 2017 Spring Seminar, “Voices from the Past”, featuring Lisa Alzo, International Lecturer and freelance writer. It’s this Saturday, May 20, from 9am-4pm, at Fairview Christian Church, 844 NE 78th St, Seattle, WA 98115

For more information and online registration:
http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/2017-spring-seminar

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SGS SPRING SEMINAR

20 MAY 2017!

Register online today!    (  http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/2017-spring-seminar )

Members – $50  Non-members – $60.

Lunch available for $12

DEB KLEIN, VOLUNTEER OF THE SPRING QUARTER

Deb Klein, the editor of our indispensable SGS eNews! has been named the Volunteer of the Spring Quarter. Her role demands familiarity with all that is happening in the society so that the rest of us stay up to date.

Deb says that she had driven by SGS for years, but it was a conversation with her neighbor’s mother that prompted her to join.  As a self proclaimed genealogy junkie, addicted to the thrill of the hunt, the classes and special interest groups sounded like something she would enjoy.

In answer to how she happened to get involved, Deb responded, “I wanted to volunteer to help out at SGS, but my part-time, sporadic work schedule prevented me from being able to commit to a set routine.  Reiley Kidd had a full plate and wanted to be relieved of publishing the eNews! As a former programmer/analyst, I had the technology experience, the hours were flexible, and I could work remotely; all this made for a good fit.”

Deb reports that she has always been a bit of a history buff, but never was into genealogy.  “In 2011”,   she notes, “I was reading Nathaniel Philbrick’s book Mayflower, and there were a few paragraphs on Major John Talcott, ‘Indian Fighter’. Hey!, I said to myself, Maybe that story Grandpa Talcott told me about our family coming to America in colonial times had some truth to it. The next week Ancestry had a free weekend promotion and I was easily able to trace my Talcott ancestors through the census back to 1860. Then I found the e-book Talcott Pedigree in England and America from 1558 to 1876. Eureka! What a gift. The family is far more interesting than I ever imagined. We arrived in Newtowne, MA in 1632 and in 1636 traveled with Reverend Hooker’s party to found Hartford, CT.  Equally as easily,  I traced my Acton family branch back to colonial Maryland. Oh, and here’s a fun fact; my 10 times great-grandfather, William Pynchon, wrote one of the first book banned in the New World.”

Researching other branches has come harder for Deb than researching those colonial lines. Her Irish and Swiss ancestors that immigrated during the 1800’s have managed to keep their lives before America a mystery.  Deb says that she would be thrilled to be able to break through one of these brick walls. “In this quest, I’ve signed up for the webinar version of the Western European Family History Conference coming up in May; I’m taking the classes focused on research for Switzerland.” We wish Deb success in this research venture, and we thank her for serving as the editor of SGS eNews!.

DON’T MISS THE 2017 SPRING SEMINAR
“VOICES FROM THE PAST”
Featuring Lisa Alzo,
International Lecturer & Freelance Writer

Topics for the 4 workshops are:
•Diseases, Disasters, Distress: Bad for Your Ancestors, Good for Genealogy!
•Writing Your Family History Step-by-Step
•Silent Voices: Telling the Stories of Your Female Immigrant Ancestors
•Make Those Skeletons Dance: Exploring Your Family’s Dark Side

For more information and online registration: http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/2017-spring-seminar

Help Needed the Day of the Seminar, May 20th
 

Needed –  someone to take photos
Needed –  someone to fill the snack trays for breaks
Needed –  help with set-up, hanging signs, directing parking, and directing people to the registration desk

If you can help, please email Sandra Stark at :
seminar@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

SGS 2017 ELECTION RESULTS

The 2017 SGS election has concluded.  The Election Committee has met and tabulated the votes. Ballots were mailed to 445 SGS members at the end of March; 134 ballots were returned, representing a turnout of 30%.

The following candidates, all running unopposed, were elected:
President: Jill Morelli

Secretary: Amandalei Bennett
Treasurer: Karen Knudson
Director of Education: Karin Borgerson
Director of Library: Ann Wright
Director of Membership: Christine Schomaker
Director of Operations: Lynne DeMerritt
Director of Publications: Julia Marconi
Nominating Committee: Siri Nelson and David Rimmer
Congratulations to all these candidates!  We wish them great success!!

Both Bylaws revisions that had been recommended by the Board passed handily, with more than 90% of votes cast.

We were unable to find any candidates for three offices (Vice President, Director of Technology and Director of Volunteers) and for 3 more members of the Nominating Committee.  Several individuals received write-in votes for each of these positions; these names will be turned over to the Nominating Committee.  The NC will contact each one, to see if they are willing to serve, and if so, will recommend them to the Board of Directors.

Thanks also to the Election Committee – John Harley, Trish Howell, and Lisa Oberg for their work during this election!

IS YOUR SGS MEMBERSHIP CURRENT?

Ballots were mailed on March 30 to all 445 current members of SGS.  If you did not receive a ballot, and believe that your membership is current, please email the membership director at: membership@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org
It may be we do not have your correct mailing address, or possibly your membership has lapsed.

The SGS eNews! goes out to nearly 800 individuals –  members, former members, and non-members alike.  We do not purge former members from the distribution list; therefore, the fact that you are receiving it does not mean that your membership is current.

SAVE THE DATES

Seattle Genealogical Society Spring Seminar,
 “Voices from the Past” with Lisa Alzo,
 Fairview Christian Church
 844 NE 78th St
 Seattle, WA
 Saturday, May 20, 2017   9am – 4pm

Doors open at 8am – welcome at 9am. Did you receive the brochure in the mail? Registration and further information also available online at www.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS),
 2017 Conference –  “Building Bridges to the Past”,
Pittsburgh, PA
 August 30 – September 2

Ready for a road trip? This conference is open to anyone with an interest in family history.  FGS is teaming up with the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society to put on this four day events.  There will be various tracks to suit the individual researcher; beginner to experienced.

For more info visit :  fgs.org

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections.  Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. The library will be closed May 14 for Mother’s Day and May 27-29 for Memorial Day.

MAY

Tuesday, May 2, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Saturday, May 6, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian SIG, David Robert, leader
Saturday, May 6, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this new special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch

Sunday, May 7, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright with first hour on a specific topic, and the second hour open for sharing DNA issues with focus on GenomeMate Pro.

Saturday, May 13, 10:15am – 12:15 pm, Irish Interest Group, with Jean Roth, an open session on Irish research using old and new resources

Saturday, May 13, 1:00 pm  – 3:00 pm, German Interest Group, with Jean Roth, an open session on German research using old and new resources

Tuesday, May 16, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, DNA FOCUS, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Friday, May 19, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Beginning Genealogy, Want to learn how to get your genealogy project going? Linda Fitzgerald, a past president of SGS,  will be presenting her “Beginning Genealogy Class”. Add it to your calendar.  Invite a friend.

Saturday, May 20, 9:00 am  – 4:00 pm, SGS Spring Seminar “Voices from the Past”, featuring: Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A., a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer. At Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th Street,Seattle, WA  Doors open at 8:00 a.m. – Welcome at 9:00 a.m.

JUNE

Saturday, June 3, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, Annual SGS Membership Meeting

Sunday, June 4, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright with first hour on a specific topic, and the second hour open for sharing DNA issues with focus on GenomeMate Pro.

Tuesday, June 6, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Saturday, June 10, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this new special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch.

Sunday, June 11, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group, Leader: Karen Knudson

In the mail…
 SGS 2017 Spring Seminar
“Voices From the Past” Brochures

SGS is excited, honored, and very fortunate to be hosting Lisa Alzo as speaker for the 2017 Spring Seminar “Voices from the Past”.  Lisa is an internationally recognized teacher and lecturer, specializing in Eastern European ancestry, writing your family history, and using the Internet to trace female and immigrant ancestors. She is the author of eleven books and hundreds of magazine articles, including regular articles in Family Tree Magazine.  Fill out the registration form in your seminar brochure right away and get ready to enjoy a fascinating series of lectures by one of genealogy’s prominent teachers.

For more details, or if you prefer to register online, visit :

http://seattlegenealogicalsociety.org/2017-spring-seminar

VOLUNTEER NEEDED / WORK FROM HOME

SGS is in need of a volunteer to manage the assignment of desk volunteers for the library.  If you’d like, you may work remotely. As Elizabeth Howie, temporary Desk Volunteer Coordinator, states, “This is a very easy job because so many individuals are already committed to helping out on many of the days of the month.”

Usually, the only days to fill are Friday and Saturday — about 8 slots which are filled from a candidate pool of 35 willing individuals. Communication is done via emails and then you’ll coordinate with  the desk volunteer to make sure the assignment calendar is updated so everyone knows their shift.  If you are a “stay at home” type person, but would like to help SGS, please contact Jill Morelli at sgspresident@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

SO LONG, FAREWELL, AUF WIEDERSEHEN, ADIEU….

Lou Daly , founder and fearless leader of the Mac SIG Group at Fiske Library, has announced that the meeting this coming Wednesday will be the final meeting for this group that has been in existence for ten plus years. Come join in one last time. The discussion will be “What’s Next?” Wednesday, April 19th , 7:00-9:00 pm, Pioneer Hall (Fiske Library),1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle 98112

SAVE THE DATES

O Canada: Children of a Common Mother
 Heritage Weekend and Genealogy Seminar
 in the Skagit Valley
 Friday thru Sunday, April 21-23, 2017

The Skagit Valley Genealogical Society invites you to enjoy a special heritage weekend.  The O Canada theme is in honor of Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation coming up July 1.

You can find more information, the flyer, and online registration at:

www.SkagitValleyGenealogy.org

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society,
 Spring Seminar featuring Jay Fonkert,
 7809 Tieton Dr,
 Yakima, WA 98908
 Saturday, April 22, 2017   8am – 5pm

Jay Fonkert is one of America’s foremost genealogists.  To register, or read more about his credentials and the seminar, visit the YVGS website www.yvgs.net  and follow the links.

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society –  Spring Seminar
 La Quinta Inn and Suites,
 1425 East 27th St,
 Tacoma, WA
 April 28-29, 2017

Speaker will be  The Legal Genealogist,  Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL and the emcee will be Cyndi Ingle. Some of the topics will be :

•No Vitals? No Problem! — Building a Family through Circumstantial Evidence

•When Worlds Collide: Resolving Conflicts in Genealogical Records

•Don’t Forget the Ladies — A Genealogist’s Guide to Women and the Law

•Beyond X and Y: The Promise and Pitfalls of Autosomal DNA Testing

Additional Information available on the TPCGS website at: http://www.tpcgs.org/seminar.html

Genealogical Forum of Oregon in Portland,
Spring Seminar With John Colletta,
 April 29

Four sessions on Passenger Arrival Records, Naturalization Records, Lesser-used Federal Records, and Discovering the REAL Stories on Your Immigrant Ancestors. For online registration :

https://gfoorg.presencehost.net/learn/seminars.html

Seattle Genealogical Society Spring Seminar,
 “Voices from the Past” with Lisa Alzo,
 Fairview Christian Church
 844 NE 78th St
 Seattle, WA
 Saturday, May 20, 2017   9am – 4pm

Doors open at 8am – welcome at 9am. Did you receive the brochure in the mail? Registration and further information also available online at www.seattlegenealogicalsociety.org

SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated all programs will be at the SGS Library, 6200 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Check the SGS Web Site for additions, changes, and corrections.  Programs may be canceled or postponed because of inclement weather. The library will be closed April 16 for Easter and May 27-29 for Memorial Day.

APRIL

Saturday, April 15, 10:15am – 12:15 pm, Irish Interest Group, with Jean Roth who will present “Who are the Scots-Irish?”

Saturday, April 15, 1:00 pm  – 3:00 pm, German Interest Group, with Jean Roth who will present “What is Prussia and Who are the Prussians?”

Sunday, April 16,  EASTER , library will be closed.

Tuesday, April 18, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Wednesday, April 19, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Mac SIG Meeting,  Jointly sponsored by SGS, Fiske, and dBug, this group met quarterly on the third Wednesday of every third month at the Fiske Genealogical Library in Madison Park, 1644 43rd Ave E, Seattle. The group is folding and this will be the final meeting.

MAY

Tuesday, May 2, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Saturday, May 6, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, Canadian SIG, David Robert, leader
Saturday, May 6, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Family Tree Interest Group, Lou Daly, leader of this new special interest group exploring all the features of the tool Family Tree on FamilySearch

Sunday, May 7, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, Led by Cary Bright with first hour on a specific topic, and the second hour open for sharing DNA issues with focus on GenomeMate Pro.

Saturday, May 13, 10:15am – 12:15 pm, Irish Interest Group, with Jean Roth, an open session on Irish research using old and new resources

Saturday, May 13, 1:00 pm  – 3:00 pm, German Interest Group, with Jean Roth, an open session on German research using old and new resources

Tuesday, May 16, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Technology Tuesday, DNA FOCUS, Bring your laptop or mobile device, and enjoy discussions centered around technology and genealogy – software, genetic genealogy, internet research and more.  Hosted by Lisa Chan.

Friday, May 19, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Beginning Genealogy, Want to learn how to get your genealogy project going? Linda Fitzgerald, a past president of SGS,  will be presenting her “Beginning Genealogy Class”. Add it to your calendar.  Invite a friend.

Saturday, May 20, 9:00 am  – 4:00 pm, SGS Spring Seminar “Voices from the Past”, featuring: Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A., a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer. At Fairview Christian School, 844 NE 78th Street,Seattle, WA  Doors open at 8:00 a.m. – Welcome at 9:00 a.m.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

SGS members, be sure to cast your ballot for the Seattle Genealogical Society 2017 Election.  Then either mail it back in the envelope provided or return it in person. Remember only ballots received by 3:00 pm, Saturday, April 29, 2017 will be counted.