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January 5, 2008
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met at the Le Mars Public Library on January 5, 2008. Each member told of their method of backing up computer information. Madeline Meyer is making a written copy of their ideas and will send it to members.
Charter members related their experiences in the early years of the Computer Genies.
Lunch was furnished by the 2007 and 2008 officers.
President Linda Mohning called the meeting to order at 2:50 p.m.
The minutes were read and approved.
Annual officers reports for the past year were presented.
The treasurer reported a balance of $962.87 at the end of 2007. Ten dues were paid in December. Treasurer Madeline Meyer also presented a budget for 2008.
Linda Wheeler explained the programs and duties for 2008 and the program booklets were distributed. More lunch volunteers can be used. Edith Staab moved to approve the 2008 program, Bill Van Wyhe seconded, the motion carried.
Lorna Brandt showed what she has for the membership booklet so far. Members are asked to write a short biography and send a picture, if possible.
The final vote on the revision of the by-laws passed on a motion by Iris Hemmingson and seconded by Kent Erickson.
A reminder—2008 dues must be paid by June 2008 to remain a member.
Linda Burkhart will be the February speaker at the Sanford Museum in Cherokee. The members voted to give her a $25 certificate to the Gasthaus Restaurant for presenting her program.
Kent Erickson was appointed to audit the treasurer’s books.
Rudy Daniels will be giving a program on railroads this year. Grant money is available for this program. Jean Nilles moved we apply for this grant, Bill VanWyhe seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The NW Iowa Genealogy Society is receiving a check for a grant for microfilming the Hinton Progress newspaper. They are working through the Computer Genies so the check will come to our group. The treasurer will cash the check and reissue a check to the NW Iowa Genealogy Society.
The February meeting will be in Cherokee at the Sanford Museum. Linda Burkhart will speak on “Document Preservation”. Lunch and the business meeting will be at the Cherokee Depot following the program.
The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Secretary,
Pat Behrens
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met at the Sanford Museum in Cherokee on February 2, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Museum director, Linda Burkhart, presented an interesting and informative program on preserving pictures and old documents.
Following the program we moved to the former Cherokee Railroad Depot for lunch and the meeting. The depot is being restored. It was interesting to see that. Lorna Brandt, Lorene Letsche and Linda Wheeler furnished the lunch.
President Linda Mohning called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
The minutes were read and approved.
The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $1032.87.
The president reported that the Remsen City Cemetery has been transcribed to 1978 and is in a book in the Remsen Library. She would like to have it updated.
Lorna Brandt showed the booklet she is compiling, “Getting to Know You”. This would help us get to know each other. Each member is asked to write a little about themselves and provide a picture for this.
Librarian Hugh Boylan will go through the Computer Genies library collection of material and make a list of items which could be loaned to the members. Glenda Gustin moved we put this list on our website. Shirley Skadeland seconded the motion. The motion carried. This list will be placed on our website. This will be for members, only.
We need to work on the NW Iowa Directory through the winter months. This will list items available in each of the counties included in our area in northwest Iowa that are available for researching.
Grace Keir who will speak at our June meeting has asked for mileage and a $50 honorarium. Linda Wheeler will look into applying for a mini-grant through Iowa Humanities for this as we did for Rudy Daniels and report at the March meeting. Linda Mohning will talk to Grace.
The Depot did not charge us for the use of the building but Ruth Postma moved we give $10 to Jim Adamson for his help. Glenda Gustin seconded the motion, motion carried.
Frank Postma mentioned to the group that the newspapers in Sioux County have been digitized. This is a great help to researchers.
The meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. on a motion by Ruth Postma, seconded by Glenda Gustin.
Those present at the meeting and/or program were: Pat Behrens, Lorna Brandt, Hugh Boylan, Kent Erickson, Glenda Gustin, Karen Harrington, Beth James, Bill Jentz, Judy Jentz, Lorene Letsche, Joretta Mohns, Linda Mohning, Frank Postma, Ruth Postma, Peggy Powell, Shirley Skadeland, Edith Staab, Linda Wheeler and guests Connie Swearingen, Sherrie Ogren, Arlene Hollenbeck along with speaker Linda Burkhart and depot host Jim Adamson.
Pat Behrens, secretary
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met at the Le Mars Public Library on 1 March 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Lorna Brandt conducted the program on the Family Tree Maker computer genealogy program. She began by showing how the program works and what could be done with it. Questions were asked and discussions followed. Making a book and the scrapbook feature were covered as well as other available features.
Janet Manning and Betty Winterringer furnished lunch.
Vice-president Linda Wheeler called the meeting to order at 3:07 p.m. Those present gave their name, town and told “What we did for fun when we were young that we wouldn’t be allowed to do today.”
The minutes were read and approved.
The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $1062.87. Dues were received from Peggy Powell, Hugh Boylan, Bill Jentz and Judy Jentz.
Lorna Brandt reported that 41 newsletters had been sent by e-mail. Two were returned as undeliverable so updated addresses are needed.
Linda Wheeler reported that the grant for Rudy Daniels has been approved. She also said that a matching fund for Grace Keir is available if we want to pursue it. Janet Manning moved we proceed with applying for the mini-grant, seconded by Lorna Brandt, motion carried.
Advertising for the Grace Keir and Rudy Daniels programs will be advertised in the newspapers and radio. Other genealogy groups can be invited, also.
The next meeting is April 5 in Le Mars. Glendon Peterson will have the program.
The meeting adjourned at 3:49 p.m.
Pat Behrens, secy.
Present at the meeting: Janice Albert, Emma Ballinger, Pat Behrens, Hugh Boylan, Lorna Brandt, Janice Danielson, Karen Harrington, Iris Hemmingson, Janet Manning, Phyllis McMillan, Joretta Mohns, Glendon Peterson, Frank Postma, Shirley Skadeland, Maureen Timblin, William VanWyhe, Linda Wheeler, Betty Winterringer and guests: Mary Sauer, Marjie Gauthier, Joyce Fielder, Leslie Hemmingson, Mary Mueller and Wayne Johnson.
The April 5th, 2008, meeting of the Computer Genies was called to order by Linda Mohning at approximately 2:45 p.m. Fourteen members, 5 visitors and 2 new members were in attendance. New members are Arlene Hollenbeck of Cherokee and Wayne Johnson of Kingsley.
The minutes were read by Lorna Brandt, acting secretary, and were approved as read.
The president passed around the newsletter from IGS, two books of memories of the Great Depression in the Midwest, a printout from the Iowa Humanities website and information on the grant for Rudy Daniels, a thank you from the Cherokee depot for our donation to them, and other information.
Madeline Meyer gave the treasurer’s report. The club has a balance of $1082.87.
Lorna Brandt passed around two Membership Books with photos, membership forms and other information about club members.
Advertising for the Rudy Daniels meeting next month was discussed under unfinished business and it was agreed to have the officers take charge of the advertising. Other genealogy groups will be invited.
There was no new business.
The next meeting will be on May 3rd in Cherokee.
Edith Staab made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Phyllis McMillan. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:10.
The program for the day was on digital photography by Glendon Peterson and lunch was served by Iris Hemmingson and Edith Staab.
Linda Mohning
Acting secretary
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met May 3, 2008 in the Illinois Central Railroad Depot in Cherokee. Guests and members were greeted by Vice-President Linda Wheeler who presided over the depot’s guest register. Arlene Hollenbeck was at the club’s registration table on the second floor. There were 39 people present as Beth James introduced our guest speaker, Dr. Rudy Daniels, of Sioux City, who spoke about the history of the railroad across Iowa. There was a lot of interesting information presented in his talk. Dr. Daniels had copies of his book available and would autograph those sold that day.
Lunch was furnished by Beth James and Pat Behrens, assisted by several members who brought additional food and drink.
President Linda Mohning called the business meeting to order at 3:25 p.m.
The minutes were read by Secretary Pat Behrens and approved as read.
Linda Mohning announced that the Plymouth County Museum is celebrating their 25th anniversary. She also passed around some items of genealogical interest.
Treasurer Madeline Meyer reported dues from two new members, Wayne Johnson and Arlene Hollenbeck and a membership renewal from Jean Nilles. Also received was a donation of $25 from the Plymouth County Home Ec Association for the Grace Keir Program scheduled for our June meeting in Le Mars. The balance reported in the treasury is $1083.26 as of April 30, 2008. The report was approved.
Lorna Brandt presented a bill for $24.61 for program books and postage. Iris Hemmingson moved the bill be paid, Wayne Johnson seconded the motion, motion carried.
An outstanding check written to Stan Bastman in April 2007 was noted. The decision was to void the check and give credit to the club account. Stan will be contacted about the decision.
Members were invited to bring fabrics or pictures to our June meeting for help in dating these items and learning the correct process for preservation of such items. Grace Keir will present the program.
Twenty-six new informational folders have been put together for our visitors.
Our website is down. No one has received a bill for the site and it is unknown what has happened. After a discussion, Frank Postma moved we check on going with Midland at Remsen. Ron Reisinger seconded the motion. The motion carried. The Marcus Historical Society has had good luck with Midland. It was mentioned that they may have grants available that might help with the cost.
The June 7 meeting with Grace Keir will be at Le Mars. The July 5 program will be by June Pallesen on “Beginning Web Design”, also at Le Mars.
Kent Erickson moved the meeting adjourn, seconded by Wayne Johnson. Motion carried.
Pat Behrens, secretary
Members present were: Janice Albert, Pat Behrens, Lorna Brandt, Kent Erickson, Glenda Gustin, Iris Hemmingson, Arlene Hollenbeck, Beth James, Bill Jentz, Judy Jentz, Wayne Johnson, Lorene Letsche, Madeline Meyer, Linda Mohning, Joretta Mohns, Frank Postma, Ronald Reisinger, Shirley Skadeland, William Van Wyhe, Linda Wheeler.
Guests were: Earl Albert, Les Hemmingson, Lyle Letsche, Janice Brandt, John & Roma Boyd, Phyllis Hiller, Barb Templeman, John Letsche, Irvin & Opal Williams, Sandra Heid, Phyllis Petersen, Jim Powell, Diana Reinert, Brent Peterson, Joyce Willer, Jim Adamson and speaker Rudy Daniels
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met on June 7, 2008 at the Le Mars Public Library.
Special guest speaker for the day was Grace Keir, Textile and Clothing Historian of Blue Earth, MN. Genie members introduced themselves and shared information and examples of textiles each had inherited. In her presentation on “Textile Preservation” Grace identified four categories of identification and preservation. These are 1) conservation, 2) preservation, 3) repairs & 4) restoration. Handout information included many dos and don’ts for preservation as well as a source list for clothing & textiles conservation. During the lunch break, Ms. Keir volunteered to help identify items brought by members.
Lunch was served by Linda Mohning and Shirley Skadeland.
The business meeting was called to order by President Linda Mohning. In absence of Secretary Pat Behrens, Madeline Meyer volunteered to take notes. Those present were: Linda Mohning, Linda Wheeler, Glenda Gustin, Ruth Postma, Joretta Mohns, Meyer. New member was Larry Epling of Moville.
Minutes were read and approved. Treasurer’s report included receipt of dues for $10 and expenses of $144.88. Expense for the new Westel website included domain name $15 and annual fee of $120. The ending balance in the checking account was $948.38. The check dated 4/11/2007 to Stan Bastman has been cashed.
Under query reports, Linda had received a request from Thor Ogland for information in the Paullina area.
In old business, there were many good comments about last month program at the Cherokee Depot. Speaker Rudy Daniels was a great hit. The new website was discussed and seems to be going well. The new membership form is on the website. Those who have not yet done so are encouraged to send their picture along with a completed form to Lorna Brandt. For the next meeting, reminders will be sent to past members who have not renewed for this 2008 year.
In new business, Linda passed out copies of a proposed Brainstorming Session on Ideas for our Website. She hopes to get more input at the next meeting and on in to the future.
The July 5th meeting at Le Mars Library will feature June Palleson with a workshop on “Beginning Web Design”. In August the group will meet in Storm Lake at the LDS church. Janice Danielson will do “Updates on LDS and IGS”. Madeline asked for suggestions on trip to Abbie Gardner Cabin in Arnolds Park. She probably will propose going to the Dickinson County museum which has many artifacts from the “Spirit Lake Massacre Era”.
Motion to adjourn made by Linda Wheeler with second by Glenda Gustin. Motion carried.
Madeline Meyer, Secretary Pro tem
Members present were: Glenda Gustin, Iris Hemmingson, Janet Manning, Madeline Meyer, Linda Mohning, Joretta Mohns, Ruth Postma, Linda Wheeler, Betty Winterringer, Larry Epling, and guest Grace Keir.
Members and guests introduced themselves by sharing memories of food or fun on the 4th of July.
•Reasons for maintaining a website
•Some good examples of hosting options to research
Meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m. Madeline Meyer, Secretary Pro Tem
The meeting began with members sharing memories of “A Tornado I have Experienced”.
Lunch was served by Madeline Meyer and Janice Danielson.
Nomination committee for new officers will be named in September. Volunteers are needed.
Madeline Meyer, Secretary Pro Tem
Lunch was served by Lorna Brandt, Shirley Skadeland and Karen Harrington.
The meeting was called to order by President Linda Mohning at 3:30 p.m.
The August minutes were read by Madeline Meyer who recorded them in the absence of the secretary.
Linda also asked for program ideas for 2009.
The nominating committee for 2009 officers will be Wayne Johnson, Pat Behrens and Linda Wheeler.
The 2009 dues can be paid anytime.
Election of officers will be at the November 1st meeting.
The meeting adjourned on a motion by Wayne Johnson and seconded by Linda Wheeler.
Glenda Gustin volunteered to audit the treasurer’s books at the end of the year.
The meeting was called to order by President Linda Mohning at 3:00 p.m.
The minutes were read and approved.
Larry Eppling reported on a self-publishing seminar that he attended.
Janice Danielson, our area representative to IGS, sent a report.
Frank Postma gave an update on Resthaven Cemetery. Linda Ziemann has put a picture on her website.
Madeline Meyer gave a report on the tour to the museums in Spirit Lake in October.
Donations for the museums are still welcome. Each who attended made a donation.
There were 13 who ate dinner. Madeline sent a Thank You to the places they visited.
Vice-president – Maureen Timblin
Newsletter Editor – Lorna Brandt
The 2008 officers were reminded to prepare an annual report for the annual meeting in January.
December 2008
The Computer Genies of NW IA met December 6, 2008 in the Public Library in Le Mars.
Lunch was a potluck of various Christmas goodies, all very good.
President Linda Mohning called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
The minutes were read and approved.
Lorna Brandt said the newsletter is finished and ready to send.
Delores Soule told about a key chain photo album available at Wal-Mart.
The meeting adjourned on a motion by Wayne Johnson, seconded by Bill Van Wyhe.