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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
1 JAN 2005
HAPPY NEW YEAR - NO MEETING
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Computer Genies of
NW Iowa
The Computer Genies met in LeMars on February 5, 2005. A noon lunch at Lally’s East Side Restaurant preceded the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by President Darrell Easton at 1:33 p.m. in the LeMars Public Library.
The minutes were read and approved. The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $515.53. This report was approved.
Stan Bastman presented a bill for $16.32 for supplies. Frank Postma moved we pay this bill. John Winterringer seconded, motion carried.
Clay Nemmers has resigned as Vice-President. Darrell asked for a volunteer to fill the position.
Linda Mohning reported on her activities as Librarian and the queries she has received.
Joretta Mohns reported the March newsletter is on our website. Stan Bastman will e-mail members with a password to access the newsletter. It will no longer be available to anyone who visits our website.
The wearable ‘for sale’ items we had discussed at a previous meeting have been donated to Good Will.
The Plymouth County Fair was discussed. It will be a day longer than last year. Darrell will have his own booth and will not be available to help in ours as before.
John Winterringer moved and Stan Bastman seconded a motion that we do not have
booth at the fair this year. Motion carried.
Stan Bastman asked for permission to buy some supplies, namely:
SimpliFile Letter/Legal Tote, with snap on cover - $17.11
25 letter size hanging file folders - $4.99
100 - 3 tab manila file folders - $4.39
Permission was given on a motion by John Winterringer and seconded by Edith Staab. Motion carried.
The July meeting will be July 2, this being a holiday weekend. The group agreed to leave this meeting as is on our calendar.
The meeting adjourned on a motion and second by John Winterringer and Marilyn Bastman.
The program on Prearranged Funerals was presented by Sandy Borchers.
Members and guests present were: Darrell Easton, Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Stanley Oswald, Frank Postma, Lorna Brandt, Lyle & Lorene Letsche, Joretta Mohns, Linda Mohning, Edith Staab, Pat Behrens, John & Betty Winterringer, Sandy Borchers
Pat Behrens, secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
5 MAR 2005
The regular meeting of the Computer Genies of NW Iowa was called to order by Darrell Easton at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2005. Members who were present for the meeting included Darrell Easton, Linda Mohning, Janice Danielson, Judy Jentz, Joyce Fielder, Sandra Jean Heid, Stan and Marilyn Bastman, Stan and Sally Oswald, Lorene Letsche and Lorna Brandt.
The agenda was approved without objection.
There were no minutes as the secretary was absent due to a funeral in the family.
There was no vice-presidential report as the office is temporarily vacant.
Stan Bastman gave the treasurer’s report. In the written report, passed out to the members, the beginning balance was $515.53 and the current balance is $501.51. Marilyn Bastman made a motion to accept the report. Linda Mohning seconded. Motion carried.
Linda Mohning gave the Librarian’s Report. The librarian answered queries for 11 surnames. She accepted two more gedcom files for the library. A DuBois from California ordered two CD’s and paid for a membership.
There was no newletter report as the newsletter editor was absent.
In Old Business, Darrell reported on the progress on the Hinton newspaper. A grant was received through our organization to index another batch of newspapers from Hinton which were recently discovered. The Rootdiggers will do the work of indexing.
Marilyn Bastman reported on the progress of setting up a seminar in the Spencer area with guest speaker Dr. George Schweitezer from Texas.
Darrell again asked for volunteers to fill the position of vice president.
Darrell also reminded members to pay their dues if they have not already. And he urged members to send their updated gedcom files to the librarian.
In New Business, members were given a short history of the newsletters from our own organization and from the Iowa Genealogical Society. Both newsletters may be accessed on-line now which saves a substantial cost of paper and mailing.
Janice Danielson moved to adjourn the meeting. Marilyn Bastman seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Mohning, Acting Secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
2 APR
2005
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met on April 2, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. at the LeMars Public Library. Prior to the meeting, several people met for 11:45 a.m. lunch and conversation at Lally’s East Side Restaurant.
The following were in attendance: Janice Albert, Lorna Brandt, Larry Brangwin, Darrell Easton, Iris & Leslie Hemmingson, Lorene Letsche, Linda Mohning, Joretta Mohns, Sally and Stanley Oswald, Mr. & Mrs. Glendon Peterson, Frank Postma, Susan Salton, and John Winteringer.
The business meeting was brought to order by Darrell at 1:30 p.m.
Minutes of the last meeting were read. The following corrections were submitted: (1) add location of meeting – Family Table in Cherokee, and (2) addition regarding program – Janice Danielson presented the program on using the Internet for research, including various magazines available, Ellis Island web site, and some sites available for language translations. Motion made by Janice Albert, seconded by Larry Brangwin, to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion carried.
The Treasurer was not present, and report and new bills were tabled till next meeting.
Linda Mohning, Librarian reported on queries received over the past month.
It was noted that Joretta Mohns does not wish to continue with the newsletter, so we are looking for a volunteer to continue this.
We also still need a Vice-President, and are looking for a volunteer to serve in that position.
The meeting location for May has not been determined – possibly will be in Cherokee. June meeting is scheduled to be held in Spencer.
Motion made for adjournment by Joretta Mohns, seconded by Iris Hemmingson. Meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
Darrell Easton presented a program on CD’s, including burning CDs, labeling CDs, and comparisons of various older and newer media available for storing information.
Refreshments were provided by John Winteringer.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorna Brandt, Acting Secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
7 MAY 2005
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Cherokee Public Library at 1:00 p.m. Some met at Danny’s Sports Spot for lunch before the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by President Darrell Easton at 1:05 p.m.
The minutes were approved as read by Secretary Pat Behrens.
Treasurer Stan Bastman reported a balance of $521.51. A bill was presented from Lorna Brandt for 2003 and 2004 postage for $17.12. After a membership was taken out Lorna was paid $7.12. Stan Bastman presented a bill for $12.10 for postage, brochures and labels. Both bills were approved for payment.
Librarian Linda Mohning reported on recent queries which can be viewed on our website.
Webmaster Stan Bastman reported on hot links on the website. He also showed some of the items left that have not been sold, such as: wrist pads, coasters, mouse pads, tote bag, caps. He proposed that we hold a drawing at each meeting, giving away one item until they are gone. Membership cards would be used for the drawing. Bring your membership cards to the meetings so you are eligible. Joretta Mohns moved, seconded by Sally Oswald that this be done. Motion carried.
There still are some committee chairs to be filled. These to be filled so our organization can be more efficient.
Stan reported that the Iowa Lakes Genealogical Society is working on getting Dr. George Schweitzer for a program again, probably in the spring or fall of 2006. A place is needed for this. The last time Dr. Schweitzer was here, it was held in Emmetsburg. They would like to cover a different section of our area this time. Stan will show a Dr. Schweitzer film at the July meeting.
Meeting places for the remainder of the year are: June 4 – Spencer; July 2 – LeMars, program will be the Schweitzer film; August 6 – Storm Lake; September 3 – LeMars, picnic; October 1 – Cherokee; November 5 – LeMars; December 3 – LeMars.
Marilyn Bastman moved the meeting adjourn, seconded by Linda Mohning. The meeting adjourned.
Those present for the meeting were: Stanley and Sally Oswald, Stan and Marilyn Bastman, Darrell Easton, Pat Behrens, Joretta Mohns, Linda Mohning.
Stan Bastman gave an informative program on GedComs and answered several questions posed by the members present.
Pat Behrens, secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
4 JUN 2005
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, June 4 at the LeMars Public Library. Lally’s Eastside Café was the site of the pre-meeting lunch.
The meeting was called to order by Secretary Pat Behrens. After reading an e-mail from President Darrell Easton, which explained his absence, she requested a volunteer to conduct the meeting according to the agenda. Janice Albert very capably took over that job.
Members and guests introduced themselves and welcomed guest, Maria Sanow of Madison WI.
The minutes were read and approved. The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $511.79.
Librarian Linda Mohning reported several May inquiries, which may be viewed on our website.
Webmaster Stan Bastman reported that the e-mail addresses on the membership page are up-to-date. He also requested that if there is something the members would like to see on the webpage, please tell him.
Stan told the members he would be asking for their stories or input for the newsletter.
We still have some officer and committee vacancies. Stan Bastman is filling in as newsletter editor; we need a vice-president, also some committee chairmen.
As explained in the May 2005 minutes, a drawing was held, using membership cards. Linda Mohning was the winner today of a Computer Genies canvas carry-on bag.
Gedcom files should be sent in each year to keep information up-to-date.
The meeting adjourned, on motion by Stan Bastman, seconded by Jean Nilles.
The program was a VCR tape of Dr. George Schweitzer presenting one of his programs, “Migration Routes and Settlement Patterns, 1607-1890”. An upcoming seminar featuring Dr. Schweitzer, which is being planned in conjunction with the Iowa Lakes Genealogical Society, will possibly be in Spencer, Iowa. The date has not been set at this time.
Those present for the meeting and/or lunch were: Stanley & Sally Oswald; Stan & Marilyn Bastman; Linda Mohning; Edith Staab; Pat & Dewey Behrens; Emma Ballinger; Jean Nilles; John Winterringer; Janice Albert; Maria Sanow; Frank Postma.
Secretary
Pat Behrens
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
2 JUL 2005
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met 2 July 2005 at the Spencer Public Library. Secretary Pat Behrens called the meeting to order at 1:34 p.m. Lorna Brandt was appointed to conduct the meeting in the absence of President Darrell Easton.
The minutes were read and approved on a motion by Linda Mohning and seconded by Joretta Mohns.
The treasurer’s report, given by Stan Bastman, showed a balance of $521.79. This report was accepted on motion by Linda Mohning and seconded by Marilyn Bastman.
Librarian Linda Mohning has received several inquiries this month. The names may be checked out on our website.
A discussion was held on the difficulty in finding new officers. It was suggested that a better job definition of the duties of officers might help. Linda Mohning suggested we streamline the agenda and better define the officers duties. Linda moved we set up a committee to review the bylaws and the duties of officers and committee chairs and report at the next meeting. Linda will serve on the committee with Lorna Brandt and Stan Bastman. This motion was seconded by Stan Bastman, motion carried.
The Nominating and Audit committees will be named at the August meeting.
The drawing for a personal security pouch and a coffee cup coaster, valued at $14.70, was won by Stan Bastman.
The meeting adjourned.
Mary Storley and Marilyn Bastman served lunch.
The program was presented by Stan Bastman on Tips and Tricks for the Computer Genealogist.
Lunch at Freeman’s Café was enjoyed by some members before the meeting.
Those members and guests present for the meeting were: Mary Storley, Lorna Brandt, Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Pat Behrens, Linda Mohning, Joretta Mohns and Robert Peters.
Pat Behrens
Secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
6 AUG 2005
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, August 6, 2005 in the new LDS church in Storm Lake. The meeting was called to order by Secretary Pat Behrens at 1:45 p.m. after a tour of the new church by Janice Danielson. Pat read a message from our president, Darrell Easton, explaining his illness and his future plans. He is donating much of his collection of books and papers to our society. Frank Postma was appointed to conduct the meeting in the absence of our president.
The minutes were read by the secretary and approved as read.
The treasurer’s report given by Stan Bastman showed a balance of $521.79. This report was accepted.
Stan Bastman presented a bill for $20.37 for 400 brochures and postage. The bill will be paid on a motion by Janice Danielson and seconded by Lorna Brandt. Motion carried.
Linda Mohning reported that as librarian she had received four queries this month.
Webmaster Stan Bastman has added a new section to the webpage; “Did you know” about the capacity of digital cards.
Linda Mohning presented several concerns from the committee working on the by-laws:
number of officers, more specific job description, submitting GedCom files, overworking Darrell and Stan B, use of parliamentary procedure, having people feel included if they miss a meeting, how do we get more people to meetings, promotion of our society, education of our members and what is our mission. Our mission has changed since we were organized. Just a few members owned a computer at that time, now almost everyone does. What is our mission now? After a lengthy discussion, Linda proposed that as many members as possible meet Monday night, August 8, at 6:00 p.m. at the Family Table in Cherokee. We will further discuss the by-laws and also put together a slate of candidates for election.
Frank Postma will serve on the Auditing Committee.
Stanley and Sally Oswald were the winners of the door prize today—a $9 personal security pouch and a $5 coffee cup coaster, with tax, a value of $14.84.
The next meeting will be a pot-luck picnic at noon at LeMars.
The meeting was adjourned.
Lunch was furnished by Janice Danielson, Sally Oswald and Pat Behrens.
Janice Danielson gave the program in the LDS library, showing what they have to offer and answering questions.
Members and guests present were Lorna Brandt, Linda Mohning, Mary Storley, Stanley & Sally Oswald, Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Frank Postma, Janice Danielson, Carol Berkler, Lynn & Judy Meikle.
Eight members enjoyed a noon lunch at the Lakeshore Café in Storm Lake preceding the meeting.
Pat Behrens
Secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
3 SEP 2005
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met at noon for a pot luck lunch on Saturday, September 3, 2005 at West Floyd Park in LeMars. Present were: Larry & Lisa Brangwin, John & Betty Winterringer, Ethel Heidesch, Lorna Brandt, Frank Postma, Pat Behrens, Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Stanley & Sally Oswald, Clay & Jean Nemmers.
At 1:30, Linda Mohning presented her program on Getting Your Family History into Print. She gave many helpful and interesting ideas on how to proceed with this project.
Linda also gave her report on the ByLaws committee before she had to leave.
The meeting was called to order by Secretary Pat Behrens. Larry Brangwin was appointed to conduct the meeting according to the agenda.
The minutes were read by Pat Behrens. They were approved as read on a motion by Marilyn Bastman, seconded by Lorna Brandt. Motion carried.
The treasurer’s report by Stan Bastman showed a balance of $511.42. The report was accepted and placed on file on a motion by John Winterringer, seconded by Ethel Heidesch.
A bill was presented by Larry Brangwin for $20 for today’s expenses. Stan Bastman moved, Frank Postmas seconded the motion that the bill be paid. Motion carried.
Frank Postma reported on the status of the Rest Haven Cemetery project and Pat Behrens reported on the status of the Pleasant View Cemetery project at Meriden. The Meriden cemetery has not been put on the computer yet.
The meeting was adjouned.
Pat Behrens, secy
Computer Genies of NW Iowa
1 OCT 2005
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, October 1, 2005 at the Family Table in Cherokee. We met at noon for lunch.
Secretary Pat Behrens opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. and appointed Linda Mohning to conduct the meeting.
Each person present gave their name, home town and countries of ancestral origin. This was answered by the six present: Linda Mohning, Lorna Brandt, Lorene Letsche, Stanley Oswald, Emma Ballinger and Pat Behrens.
The minutes were read by the secretary and approved as read.
The treasurer’s report showed no change since the last meeting. The report will be placed on file.
Linda Mohning presented a bill for $22 for some plastic containers to protect the library’s holdings. Lorna Brandt moved the bill be paid, seconded by Emma Ballinger. Motion carried.
Linda gave the librarian’s report. She had answered four queries, informing the correspondents that there was no record found here for them.
The upcoming election of officers was discussed. Lorna Brandt will present a slate for election at the November meeting.
The by-laws updating was tabled until later.
There was no door prize today since Stan Bastman was unable to attend.
The closing of courthouse records was discussed. It was suggested that we encourage all members to write to their congressmen about this matter and urge them to vote to keep them open.
The meeting adjourned on a motion by Stanley Oswald, seconded by Lorene Letsche.
Due to the lateness of the afternoon, the program was postponed until a later meeting.
Pat Behrens, Secretary
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
5 NOV 2005
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, November 5, 2005 at the LeMars Public Library. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Secretary Pat Behrens. She appointed Larry Brangwin to conduct the meeting.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved on a motion by John Winterringer and seconded by Marilyn Bastman. The treasurer reported a balance of $511.42 showing no activity this month. Lorna Brandt moved the report be accepted, seconded by Jean Nilles.
Lorna Brandt read the librarian’s report for Linda Mohning. Several names were researched during the month of October. These may be found on our website.
Stan Bastman is working on the next newsletter and items are welcome from the membership.
The closing of the courthouse records was discussed briefly and members were urged to write to their congressmen to keep the records open.
Election of officers was held. Lorna Brandt submitted the following list of candidates:
President – Linda Mohning
Vice-President – Lorna Brandt
Secretary – Pat Behrens
Treasurer – Stan Bastman
Librarian – Lorna Brandt
Webmaster – Stan Bastman
Iris Hemmingson moved the secretary cast a unanimous ballot for these officers. John Winterringer seconded the motion. Motion carried. The new officers are duly elected. There was some discussion on the future of the Librarian’s position, whether we really need a library. Stan urged the members that they still need to send their Gedcoms and keep them updated every year. This is good security in case something happens to your own copy.
The door prize, a Computer Genies cap, was won by Pat Behrens.
Stan Bastman had a suggestion on how we could honor Darrell Easton. Darrell was instrumental in getting the Computer Genies organized and served as president most of the years since its organization in 1994. Stan suggested we buy space at the IGS library for Darrell’s name on the memorial wall at a cost of $175.00. Darrell also served as IGS President for two years and is the immediate past president of IGS. Stan moved we do this and Iris Hemmingson seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The announcement was made that the Iowa Lakes Genealogical Society is sponsoring Dr. George Schweitzer in April 2006 and would the Computer Genies like to help sponsor him. Iris Hemmingson moved we do this with a limit of $200. Marilyn Bastman seconded the motion, motion carried. This will be in Everly at the Community Center on April 8.
The December Christmas party will be at the Family Table in LeMars, if available, for the noon lunch on December 3 followed by the meeting at 1:30 at the LeMars Public Library.
The meeting adjourned on a motion by Marilyn Bastman, seconded by Lorna Brandt.
Lunch was served by John and Betty Winterringer and Sally Oswald.
The program was “Sharing Your Genealogical Experiences”. Several people shared with the group.
Those present for lunch at Lally’s Eastside Restaurant were Stanley & Sally Oswald, Stan & Marilyn Bastman, Lorna Brandt, Pat Behrens, Iris & Les Hemmingson. Joining them for the meeting were John & Betty Winterringer, Larry Brangwin, Jean Nilles, Lorene Letsche and Joretta Mohns.
Secretary,
Pat Behrens
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Computer Genies of NW Iowa
3 DEC 2005
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, December 3, 2005 at the Le Mars Public Library. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Secretary Pat Behrens. She appointed President-elect Linda Mohning to chair the meeting.
Lorna Brandt introduced the program, “Family Stories of Christmases Past”. Several interesting stories were shared by the members present. Recipes for the treats brought by the members were also shared.
Linda conducted the meeting following the program.
The minutes were approved as corrected. Corrections were that Darrell Easton served as IGS president for one year, not two. He served five years as an officer of IGS.
Treasurer Stan Bastman reported a balance of $374.42. The report will be placed on file.
Newsletter editor Stan Bastman said the newsletter is finished and will be on line shortly.
The Librarian position is in transition, so no report was given.
Lorna Brandt reported on the program for 2006. She is in the process of printing it.
Frank Postma is to audit the books.
Stan Bastman was named as head of the Cemetery Project where the progress of each cemetery is noted in one place. Linda would like to have a committee for this project.
We were reminded that Dr. Schweitzer will be coming to Everly in April.
A By-Laws Committee is to be appointed at a later date. We also need to make a budget for 2007.
The meeting adjourned on a motion by Frank Postma, seconded by Sally Oswald. Motion carried.
Lunch was served by John & Betty Winterringer with treats brought by the members.
A noon lunch was enjoyed at the Family Table in Le Mars by Larry & Lisa Brangwin, Stanley & Sally Oswald, Dewey & Pat Behrens, Linda Mohning, Lorna Brandt, Clay & Jeanne Nemmers, Stan & Marilyn Bastman and Frank Postma. Joining Larry, Stanley, Sally, Pat, Linda, Lorna, Clay, Stan, Marilyn and Frank for the meeting were John & Betty Winterringer, Janice Alberts and Jean Nilles.
Pat Behrens, secretary