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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
3 JAN 2004
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, January 3 at the LeMars Public Library. President Darrell Easton presided at the meeting.
The minutes were read and approved.
The treasurer reported a balance of $519.77. The report was approved.
Frank Postma reported on the progress of the Rest Haven Cemetery project. He has done research into the background of the cemetery and the deed. The city took over the cemetery in 1977. He has talked to the Veterans’ Affairs Officer in LeMars and is compiling a list of veterans buried at Rest Haven. He defined a veteran as someone who has actively served in the military, peace time or war time. Someone in the reserves or guard is not included unless activated or called up for active duty.
Stan Oswald brought an article from the Sioux City Journal and Des Moines Register newspapers about the consideration of a state law being made to regulate cemeteries in the state. We need to talk to our senators and congressmen to give our input on this matter. Stan Bastman moved that we pursue the matter of the cemetery bill now in the legislature, by obtaining a copy of the proposed text draft of the bill and reviewing it at our February meeting for any suggestions and comments we would want to make of this matter. At that time we could send our comments to the IGS and the legislators. Larry Brangwin seconded the motion, motion carried.
Larry Brangwin won a door prize provided by Joretta Mohns, a license plate holder for genealogists.
Stan Bastman has a printout of all 2003 queries sent to the Computer Genies. He also showed some of the books in the Computer Genies library.
The February meeting will be at the LeMars library. The previous viewing of the Ancestors video will be shown at 12:30. The next segment will be shown after the meeting.
Darrell gave some of his agenda as the new IGS president. He wants more input from the members and plans to have more regional reps to represent other areas of the United States. The Mississippi River will divide the east and west US. Joretta Mohns will be the representative of the western US.
The meeting adjourned on a motion by Stan Bastman and second by Joretta Mohns.
Secretary,
Pat Behrens
Lunch was furnished by Lorene Letsche, Sally Oswald and John and Betty Winterringer.
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Computer Genies of
NW Iowa
The Computer Genies met February 7, 2004 in the home of Lorna Brandt in Cherokee. We were to meet in the Cherokee Public Library, but due to a heating problem, Lorna graciously invited us to her home.
Stan Bastman presented a program at 10:00 a.m. on GEDCOM.
President Darrell Easton conducted the business meeting.
The minutes were read and corrected—the spelling of Joretta’s name, adding an “s” to Mohn. The minutes were approved as corrected.
The treasury shows a balance of $604.77.
Darrell reported on the cemetery bill brought to our attention at the January meeting. E-mail replies from our legislators and others involved had the comment that the bill seemed to be after the larger private cemeteries and not so much after the smaller townhip and church cemeteries and is not likely to pass. We will do nothing more at this time.
Frank Postma is continuing his search for information on the burials in Rest Haven Cemetery.
In consideration of Vice-President Clay Nemmer’s health, Stan Bastman has put together a schedule of meeting places for the year. March-Sheldon; April-Storm Lake; May-Akron; June-Spencer; July-no meeting; August-Sibley; September-Primghar; October-LeMars; November-Cleghorn; December-Spencer.
This is posted on our website. Ideas for programs are needed. Lorna would also appreciate articles for the newsletter.
The meeting adjourned.
A lunch was served at noon with food furnished by Lorna Brandt, Bastmans, Oswalds, Pat Behrens, Lorene Letsche, Phyllis Peterson and Linda Wheeler.
Members and guests present were Darrell Easton, Linda Wheeler, Frank Postma, Clay Nemmers, Mary Storley, Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Lorene Letsche, Stanley Oswald, Pat Behrens, Phyllis Peterson, Carol Berkler, Lorna Brandt and Linda Mohning.
Pat Behrens, secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
6 MAR 2004
The Computer Genies met for noon lunch at the Family Table Restaurant in Sheldon, with the following members and guests attending: Darrell Eastman, Stan and Marilyn Bastman, Stan and Sally Oswald, Clayton Nemmers, Esther Connell, Frank Postma, Joretta Mohns, Wm. Van Wyhe, Earl Martin, and Lorna Brandt.
Darrell presented a Tech Talk prior to the meeting, demonstrating the Brother’s Keeper genealogy software program. He first installed the program on a laptop computer with a Windows XP operating system. The demonstration included creating a new database, data entry, review of the various fields and subfields available, how to make corrections, and how to rearrange some fields according to individual preference. Darrell also noted reports available and showed us how to create a GEDCOM. Pictures and other documents can be maintained in another file and then referenced in the Brother’s Keeper program for easy access.
The business meeting was brought to order by Darrell at 2:20 p.m.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. An updated Treasurer’s report was not available.
There was discussion regarding having a booth at the Plymouth County Fair again this year in conjunction with L & E Software LLC. Stan Bastman moved that we pursue this. Seconded by Esther Connell. Motion carried.
It was also noted that there is consideration on the part of the Iowa Genealogical Society to make application for a booth at the Clay County Fair in Spencer. A primary issue is obtaining commitments by an adequate number of volunteers for staffing the booth for the nine days of the Fair
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
In lieu of a formal program, there was informal discussion among the group of the experiences of a few who had the opportunity to visit the homeland of their ancestors, including primarily The Netherlands and Germany.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Storm Lake at the Buena Vista County Genealogical Society Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorna Brandt, Acting Secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
3 APR 2004
Prior to the meeting, several people met for lunch and conversation at the Lakeshore Café in Storm Lake. At about 1:30 p.m. members and guests gathered at the Historical Society Museum for a tour of the museum and the Genealogical Society Library. The very interesting tour was provided by Janice Danielson. Stan Bastman also distributed brochures of the National Genealogical Society's upcoming conference in Sacramento, California.
The following members and guests were in attendance: Stan and Marilyn Bastman, Lorna Brandt, Esther Connell, Janice Danielson, Darrell Easton, Joretta Mohns, Clay Nemmers, Jean Nilles, Sally and Stanley Oswald, Phyllis Peterson, Frank Postma, Edith Staab, Mary Storley, and Linda Wheeler.
The business meeting was brought to order by Darrell at 2:25 p.m. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. An updated Treasurer’s report was not available.
It was noted that there probably will not be a booth at the Clay County Fair this year for the Iowa Genealogical Society.
The Plymouth County Fair will be held Thursday, July 29-Sunday, August 1. The cost for a booth with three tables like last year is $180. Stan Bastman moved that the Computer Genies pay $60 to Darrell for rental of 1/3 of the booth. Edith Staab seconded the motion. Motion carried. The other 2/3 of the booth rent will be divided between the NW Genealogical Society (Rootdiggers) and L & E Software LLC. Application for the booth has not been submitted yet, but Darrell doesn’t think this will be a problem.
Two exhibitor passes come with the booth registration. Additional passes are available at a cost of $6.00 each. Darrell will be using one for the entire 4-day session, and others helping to staff the booth can share other passes. It was moved by Stan Bastman and seconded by Frank Postma, that one additional pass for $6.00 be purchased for use by other volunteers to help staff the booth. Darrell will also be using a cell phone and can be contacted in regard to distributing passes to those volunteering their services to help staff the booth.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held at the Akron Public Library at 1:30, with a noon lunch planned at Joe’s Café in Akron prior to the meeting. Those planning to attend were reminded that Hwy 3 going west out of LeMars is closed. An alternate route would be to take C38 (south of LeMars) as far west as you can go, to Westfield. Then turn right (north) and Akron is 6 miles from Westfield.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorna Brandt, Acting Secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
1 MAY 2004
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met May 1, 2004 in Akron, Iowa. Some met at Akron Jo’s Cafe for a noon lunch preceding the meeting..
The regular meeting was held at the Akron Library conducted by President Darrell Easton who called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m.
Those present for the meeting were Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Stanley & Sally Oswald, Darrell Easton, Edith Staab, Clay Nemmers, Pat Behrens and Emma Ballinger.
The minutes were read and approved. The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $498.77. The report was approved.
We will again share a booth at the Plymouth County Fair this summer. Volunteers are needed.
Stan Bastman reported that he has received 5 GEDCOMS this year.
The June meeting will be at the Spencer Public Library, preceded by a noon lunch at the Spencer Hotel.
The meeting adjourned on a motion and second by Stan Bastman and Edith Staab.
Stan Bastman presented the program on ‘Cut and Paste’.
Pat Behrens, secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
5 JUN 2004
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met June 5, 2004 for their noon meal at The Hotel in Spencer followed by the business meeting at the Spencer Public Library.
The meeting was called to order by President Darrell Easton at 1:37 p.m. The minutes were read and approved. The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $378.77. The report was approved.
We will be sharing a booth at the Plymouth County Fair in July with the Plymouth County genealogical society and L & E Software. Volunteers are needed to man the booth.
A letter was received from IGS thanking us for our donation of $175.
A discussion was held concerning possible projects and how projects can be accomplished when members are spread out in the area. Also, ideas for program subjects and speakers are welcome.
The next meeeting will be August 7 at Sibley.
The meeting was adjourned.
Stan Bastman conducted the program on GEDCOM.
Pat Behrens
Secretary
Those present at the meeting were: Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Darrell Easton, Mary Storley, Stanley & Sally Oswald, Pat Behrens, Esther Connell and Earl Martin.
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
3 JUL 2004
NO MEETING - HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY - WE'RE FREE ! !! !! !!
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
7 AUG 2004
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, August 7, 2004 at the Pizza Ranch in Sibley for an 11:45 lunch. Eight members were present: Joretta Mohn, Stanley and Sally Oswald, Stan and Marilyn Bastman, Clay Nemmers, Darrell Easton and Pat Behrens.
After lunch, we met at the Sibley Public Library where librarian Connie Mataloni gave a tour of the genealogy section of the library.
The business meeting was called to order by President, Darrell Easton, at 2:25 p.m.
The minutes were read and approved. The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $398.77.
We discussed again what could be done to increase our attendance. We can call people and bring people with us.
A printout of queries received was viewed.
Stan Bastman is resigning his office of Librarian as of this meeting. He will stay on as Webmaster.
He finds he has done as much as he can in the librarian position and that we need some new blood.
Stan demonstrated a new technical ‘toy’—the USB2, Kodak 4 in 1 docking port with a 64 MB Memory Stick to transfer files to and from a camera to the laptop.
The meeting adjourned by a motion and second from Joretta and Marilyn.
The September meeting will be a pot-luck at the Primghar City Park shelterhouse.
Pat Behrens, secy
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
4 SEP 2004
The Computer Genies met at the Primghar City Park shelterhouse for a
potluck picnic at noon on September 4, 2004. There were 12 members
and guests present: Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Stanley & Sally Oswald, Pat Behrens, Darrell Easton, Lyle & Lorene Letsche, Clay & Jeanne Nemmers, Scott & Mary Gibson.
The program by Scott & Mary Gibson followed the meal. They have a business, Family Memorials at Sioux Falls. They gave an interesting program on how they make the memorial markers for cemeteries, told of different stones and how to do stone rubbings plus other interesting bits of information.
President Darrell called the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m.
The minutes were read and approved. There was no treasurer’s report.
Stan received a query from Washington state, along with a membership and an order for two Gedcoms. He also received a letter from a genealogy registry office in England. They told of an on-line ordering service.
The October 2 meeting will be at the Plymouth County Museum in Le Mars. Clay Nemmers will be in charge in the absence of Darrell who will be at the state IGS meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.
Pat Behrens, secy
Computer Genies of NW Iowa
2 OCT 2004
no meeting held
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
6 NOV 2004
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met for
a noon lunch in the Family Table in Cherokee on Saturday, November 6, 2004.
President Darrell Easton called the
meeting to order at 1:34 p.m. in the restaurant meeting room. The minutes were
read and approved. There was no change in the treasurer’s report since the
previous report, which showed a balance of $398.77.
Stan Bastman presented a bill for $18.24
for diskette mailer, postage and brochures for IGS. A motion was made by Emma
Ballinger, seconded by Esther Connell, motion carried to pay the bill.
A discussion followed on the future of
this organization. We must all work, take responsibility and not leave it up to
one or two people. This year the meetings were moved around the area to try to
entice more people to come and to join. This didn't seem to work. Frank Postma's
showing a genealogy film before some of the meetings seemed to bring a better
attendance.
Because of a mixed up fall schedule, there
was no nominating committee appointed. Stan Bastman had contacted members to see
who would be willing to take an office. Kathy Fischer has resigned as treasurer,
Stan Bastman has resigned as librarian, and Lorna Brandt has resigned as
newsletter editor. The new slate of officers elected for 2005 are: President,
Darrell Easton; Vice-president, Clay Nemmers; Secretary, Pat Behrens; Treasurer,
Stan Bastman; Webmaster, Stan Bastman; Newsletter editor, Joretta Mohns;
Librarian, Linda Mohning.
Esther Connell suggested we keep the
newsletter off the website and send just to members via an e-mail attachment, or
mail for those without e-mail. Stan Bastman moved we do this, seconded by
Joretta Mohns, motion carried.
It was suggested that each member help
next year by providing a program.
A show of hands showed approval on
continuing to meet for a meal before meetings.
The following proposals were made for
meeting sites: All 12 in Le Mars; 8 in Le Mars and 4 in other towns; 4 in Le
Mars and 8 in other towns; 6 in Le Mars and 6 in other towns. After discussion,
Stan Bastman moved we meet 6 times in Le Mars and 6 times in other towns. Clay
Nemmers seconded the motion, motion carried.
Hinton has found more old newspapers and
the group voted to help again with the microfilming expenses of that project
with a motion by Stan Bastman, a second by Frank Postma, motion carried.
The December 4 meeting will be at The
Hotel in Spencer with the meeting to follow at the Spencer Library.
The meeting adjourned on motion by Marilyn
Bastman, seconded by Sally Oswald.
Members and guests present were: Lorene
Letsche, Clay Nemmers, Linda Wheeler, Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Esther Connell,
Emma Ballinger, Katherine Tucker, Joretta Mohns, Darrell Easton, Frank Postma,
Stanley & Sally Oswald, Phyllis Peterson and Pat Behrens.
Pat Behrens, secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
4 DEC 2004
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met at noon on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at The Hotel in Spencer for a Christmas dinner.
The meeting was called to order by President Darrell Easton at 1:30 in the Spencer Public Library.
The minutes were read and approved.
The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $420.53. The report was approved. The treasurer reported that new checks have been ordered.
Stan Bastman reported there are some new things on the web page. A meeting agenda link will be found at the top of the ‘meeting place’ page.
Joretta Mohns reported that newsletters will be sent to members by e-mail. There will be no newsletter put on-line. For those who do not have e-mail, it will be sent by regular mail.
There was a discussion of the possibility of having a program or seminar, as we have done in the past. Esther Connell and Marilyn Bastman offered to help. Stan Bastman will contact the Kessler sisters to see if they would be interested in combining our efforts as we did once before.
There will be no January 2005 meeting since it falls on New Years Day.
Darrell showed an inventory of items left from a few years ago when we sold these (such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, caps, keyboard pads, wrist pads, mouse pads, coasters, magnets, etc.) After some discussion, Marilyn Bastman moved we give the clothing items to a needy family organization. Esther Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned.
An interesting program was presented by Pat and Eldon Larsen of Spencer on their trip to Europe and the Middle East, especially Beirut, Lebanon. They showed slides and had many items on display.
Members and guests present during the meeting or dinner were: Earl & Jean Peterson, Stanley Oswald, Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Clay Nemmers, Mary Storley, Esther Connell, Joretta Mohns, Linda Mohning, Darrell Easton, Dewey & Pat Behrens.
Pat Behrens, secretary