Great programs coming up right here in Whatcom and Skagit

In January Genies met at the Downtown Co-op due to the library being closed for MLK Day.  It was a great group, never at a loss for topics about all things genealogical.  Some brought their lunches and some purchased at the Co-op Deli.  Either way is fine.  We'll be repeating on February 17 when the library is closed for Presidents Day.  Again at 1:00 in the Connections Classroom.

So many great programs coming up, so here's a rundown.  WGS has announced their Spring Seminar with Diana Elder, author and speaker for Research Like a Pro.  Skagit Valley is offering quality programs throughout the spring that will help us make a leap in our skills.  RootsTech Salt Lake City is coming up at the end of February with free live-streaming and a virtual pass for recorded sessions later on. Ferndale Genies continues every month with conversation and friendship.  Every welcome to all of these.

Ferndale Genies Monthly Meeting:   3rd Monday, 1:00-3:30 at Ferndale Library.  February 17 meeting at the Downtown Co-op Connections Classroom due to the library being closed for Presidents’ Day. 

Whatcom Genealogical Society (WGS):   2nd Mondays, 2:00-3:30 or so.  Bellingham Elks Lodge at 710 Samish Way. Park around back and enter the lower level. 

Whatcom Genealogical Society will meet Monday, February 10, 2020 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Bellingham Elks Lodge, 710 Samish Way, downstairs.  Mary Roddy will speak on “Basics of U.S. Genealogical Research”.   Visitors welcome!

WGS Spring Seminar:  WGS is pleased to announce that Diana Elder will be presenting her seminar "Research Like a Pro" at our Spring Seminar on Saturday, March 28th in Bellingham!

Details on registration, pricing, location will be available soon. In the meantime, here is some information on Diana and the seminar.

Diana Elder AGⓇ is a professional genealogist and author. She is accredited in the Gulf South region of the United States and is the Presentation Specialist for The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). Diana is the author of the bestselling book, Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide and creator of the “Research Like a Pro” study group and e-Course. Diana and her daughter, Nicole Dyer, are the hosts of the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast and share research tips on their website, FamilyLocket.com.

Research Like a Pro Seminar

Are you stuck in your genealogical research? Wondering how to make progress on your brick wall problems? Discover the process that a professional genealogist uses to solve difficult cases. Diana Elder will share her step-by-step method using real world examples, easily understood by any level of genealogist. Learn how to take your research to the next level.

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society, 2nd Saturday, 1pm – 3pm.

Burlington Public Library, 820 E Washington Ave, Burlington, WA 98233, USA (map)

http://www.skagitvalleygenealogy.org

On February 8, 2020 SVGS welcomes a new speaker, Robbie Johnson. Her topic is the Census of England, 101:  The Basics, Tips & Tricks.   Robbie is a certified, professional genealogist who lives in Sedro-Woolley. Robbie got involved right away by helping with our Pop Up Help Session. It was greatly appreciated.

Continuing with the trend of introducing new genealogy experts to our members in 2020 there is another new speaker this spring. At the March 14 meeting we will welcome Wendy F. Smith, PhD. Wendy is a skilled researcher with many academic and professional credentials. Dr. Smith will discuss The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) which is essential to accurate family history research. Dr. Smith will delve even deeper in applying the GPS as part of a 3- part monthly educational series in March, April and May.

RootsTech, Salt Lake City, UT, February 26-29.

Four-day schedule of live streaming is here:

https://www.rootstech.org/salt-lake/live-stream-schedule

Scroll down for a link to the Virtual Pass which is $129 for 30 class videos that will be ready 15-20 days after the conference.

Monday Lunch at the Bellingham Downtown Co-op

Ahhh!  44 degrees outside.  I've been waiting for this.  After staying home for a week (by choice), I am still not seeing any melting on our private road.  I know that the more-traveled roads are clearing and we should not have any problems getting to the downtown co-op on Monday. 

What a cool way to start a new year and a new decade!

If you haven't figured this out, this is one of my favorite places to eat.  It meets the needs for people like me who eat vegetables with choices for omnivores too.  I will be in the deli in the main co-op building by 12:45 in case you need help navigating all the options.  We reserved the Connections Classroom starting at 1:00 and Linda B. will greet you there.  We're expecting a soft start with people finding parking and gathering food. 

Nothing has changed since I sent you these details before.  

Meeting January 20, 2020 at 1:00 at Co-op Bakery Café, 405 E. Holly across Holly from the downtown Food Co-op.  It is in the Connections Classroom which is Suite 103.  You enter from the Holly St. side.  It’s a large room and everyone is welcome.  No reservations necessary. 

It will be a festive occasion with eating being our main entertainment.  You can purchase sandwiches and wraps from the refrigerator case in the Bakery Deli or go across the street for a hot bar, salad bar, deli case, made-to-order sandwiches, hot drinks, and bakery case.  I like to get salad fixin’s in a giant bowl and add food from the hot bar.  Members and non-members are treated alike.

There is some parking behind the Bakery building but they ask that we not park in the parking lot of the main Co-op building.

Bring show-and-tell, stories and brick walls.  If you have the details needed, there may be members getting cabin fever who can't wait to work on your elusive relatives.  I won't be bringing my computer or projection equipment, but we can still share, can't we?

See you there!
Judith

Ancestry subscriptions are 50% off through Tuesday only. Legacy Family Tree Webinars are on fire. FTDNA regular prices drop steeply.

Ancestry subscriptions are 50% off through Tuesday only.  Legacy Family Tree Webinars are on fire.  FTDNA regular prices drop steeply.

#1.  From Thomas MacEntee:  For anyone who is waiting for a better price on Ancestry.  Offer for new and returning subscribers.  Not for renewals.  This is the best you will get.

Full details here.

#2.  Legacy Family Tree Webinars was purchased by MyHeritage a few years ago and is constantly adding new features.  

Still, in my humble opinion, the best genealogy education value ever and it keeps getting better.  Many people select from the 2020 schedule and will register now for classes they want.  When the time comes around, you will receive an email reminder.  Classes are free during the first week after broadcast.  Over 1100 are archived for members. Members also have accessed to handouts for each webinar.

Amazing new Technology Zone for members. Just what we needed! 41 are already waiting for you.

Thomas almost always has a 15% discount for these Webinars.  $46.42 for a year.

Details about the discount and other new features are here: 

https://mailchi.mp/abundantgenealogy/lftwebinars-2020?e=cb7c45b1c4

#3.  Family Tree DNA has drastically reduced their regular prices for Y and mitochondrial DNA tests.  They have also reduced the number of ways to order these tests so your decisions aren't as complicated.  If you are interested and are ordering for the first time, ask for help.

That's all.  

Hello, everyone,  Happy New Year!

A belated thank-you to Lynne for providing treats at our December meeting.  Also greetings to Rick Bell and wife Lisa who are living and building in North Carolina. 

January Genies meeting

We will be holding our monthly gathering at the Co-op Bakery Café building on January 20, 2020 at 1:00.  It is at 405 E. Holly across Holly from the downtown Food Co-op.  It is in the Connections Classroom which is Suite 103.  You enter from the Holly St. side.  It’s a large room and everyone is welcome.  No reservations necessary. 

It will be a festive occasion with eating being our main entertainment.  You can purchase sandwiches and wraps from the refrigerator case in the Bakery Deli or go across the street for a hot bar, salad bar, deli case, made-to-order sandwiches, hot drinks, and bakery case.  I like to get salad fixin’s in a giant bowl and add food from the hot bar.  Members and non-members are treated alike.

There is some parking behind the Bakery building but they ask that we not park in the parking lot of the main Co-op building.

See you there!

Whatcom GS meeting:  No Meeting in January / Feb. 10 – “Basics of U.S. Genealogical Research” with Mary Roddy

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Meeting and Speaker: 

Saturday, January 11, 1:00   I’ll be going to this and welcome company.

Burlington Public Library, 820 E Washington Ave, Burlington, WA 98233, USA (map)

Germanic Immigration in the 1800's, presented by Evelyn Roehl.  Learn about the large immigration of Germanic people from Europe (including Luxembourgers, Swiss and Austrians).  What inspired them to migrate to North America in the 1800's?  What European countries did they come from and where did they typically tend to settle once here? Knowing the historical background and many influences on our ancestors will help researchers as they explore their Germanic roots. Evelyn Roehl is a professional genealogist specializing in Germanic and Scandinavian research.

Other pursuits

It’s hard to believe that our Genies have time for other pursuits besides genealogy.  However, from time to time I am asked if we can pass on information about outside activities to the Genies.  Personally, my passions include dancing, Friends of the Ferndale Library, climate action, teaching my grandchildren to sew and, during some times of the year, tulips and daffodils.  If you have outside interests or activities that you would like to promote, send me an announcement and I will put out a special blogpost right after our January 20 meeting.

Lastly, Sylva writes about Joe Fuchs: “I’m so sad. I enjoyed Joe’s contributions to our group. We will all miss him.”  We suggest people who knew Joe can sign the guest book for his family. 

The link to Joe's obituary is here.

The passing of Joe Fuchs

Sadly I inform you that Joe Fuchs has passed away.  Joe and his sweet wife Marjie were good friends at our Genies meetings.

The link to Joe's obituary is here.