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January 2010
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met at the Le Mars Public Library on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 1:00 p.m., beginning a half hour prior to the previously normal meeting time. Nine members and three guests were present.
For the first half hour, a “computer clinic” was offered for those interested in more information and experience regarding computers, software programs, internet applications, etc. Larry Epling showed us how he created a Google Alert, and how that was helpful to him in finding information on an ancestor. There was also discussion in regard to setting up additional email accounts, and the value of doing so.
The scheduled program for today was presented at 1:30 by Wayne Johnson. Wayne explained some options we could use in place of the more expensive Microsoft office programs, including one called Scribus, which would be an alternative to MS Publisher and is available as a free download from the internet. An alternative program to MS Office would be Open Office which is available from the internet.
Refreshments were provided by Betty Winterringer, Frank Postma, Madeline Meyer and Lorna Brandt.
The business meeting was brought to order by President Larry Epling. Introductions were given by each person attending, giving their name, address, and an indication of what programs they use on their computer and what kinds of assistance they could use with respect to these or any other programs.
Minutes of the last meeting were read by Lorna Brandt and approved as read.
Madeline Meyer gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report as well as an annual Treasurer’s report for 2009.. All checks had cleared the bank by the end of the year. The balance in our checking account at the end of the year was $1,023.51.
Unfinished Business. Work continues on updating the website. Suggestion was made to include the “Directory of Resources” documentation form on the website. Wayne Johnson and Linda Mohning will meet to discuss how that could be done and who would be able to enter information on the website. Linda has had approval to use the information compiled previously by Woodbury and Sioux Counties, but these need to be updated.
It was noted that the building housing the Iowa Genealogical Society in Des Moines has had significant roof damage, compromising some records housed in the building. It was suggested that Larry Epling get in touch with our IGS rep, Janice Danielson, for more information. If there are financial difficulties to get this repaired, we could consider making a donation from this group.
Next meeting will be held at the Le Mars Public Library on February 6, with programs about identifying land locations using GPS and other resources, and finding land records online.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorna Brandt, Secretary
The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met at the Le Mars Public Library on Saturday, February 06, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Sixteen members and five guests were present.
Introductions were given by each person giving their name and the name of a town or village of historical importance for their family that they would like to visit.
Larry Epling gave a program on how to find specific locations using Google Earth, GPS, and Land Survey records.
Refreshments were provided by Larry Epling.
The business meeting was called to order by President Larry Epling at 3:10 p.m. Minutes of the January meeting were read by Lorna Brandt and approved as read. It was decided for future meetings that the minutes will be prepared and e-mailed to members prior to the next scheduled meeting. Any additions or corrections may then be brought to the next meeting or noted to Lorna or another member if you will not be present. This will offer members the ability to keep up on club news when they are unable to attend, and this can also eliminate the need to read the minutes at the next meeting which in turn will save some time during the meeting.
Treasurer’s report was given by Lorna Brandt in the absence of Treasurer Madeline Meyer. Four memberships were renewed in January for a total of $40 in deposits. There were no expenses. Ending balance as of January 31, 2010 was $1063.51.
A “thank you” note from Joretta Mohns was read and passed around.
Larry noted that there are two upcoming genealogy-related programs scheduled for television. Beginning Wednesday, February 10, from 7-8 p.m. on PBS is a series called “Faces of America”. Also the series of programs titled “Who Do You Think You Are” which was originally planned for last year and then cancelled, is now scheduled to begin on NBC on March 5 at 7:00 p.m.
After some updates regarding expenses for roof repairs needed for the IGS building, it was moved by Iris Hemmingson and seconded by Pat Behrens that the club donate $200.00 to the IGS for roof repair, earmarking for matching funds. Motion carried.
Two members were awarded prizes for correctly completing the Genealogy Word Scramble in the December issue of the GEDCOM Journal. Lorna presented Phyllis McMillan and Jean Nilles each with a book edited by Jean Tennant of Shapato Publishing of Everly. The books were “Walking Beans Wasn’t Something You Did With Your Dog” and “Knee High by the Fourth of July”. Both contain stories of growing up in and around small towns in the Midwest. Lorna also noted to everyone that Jean Tennant is planning to publish a new book and is accepting submissions for stories from anyone who is interested. More information about that will be emailed to members.
Lorna also presented a “door prize” to Pat Behrens, which was the December/January issue of “Looking Back” magazine, in which an article appears by Lorna and her mother.
Frank Postma informed members of an opportunity to join a tour to the Schleswig-Holstein area of Germany. The tour is scheduled for June so reservations need to be made soon. For more information, please contact Frank.
Maureen Timblin was commended for the good job she did on the March newsletter which was sent out yesterday. She credited Wayne Johnson for helping her to download a free PDF Creator program so that the newsletter could be sent to members in a .pdf format for reading.
The next meeting will be held on March 6 at the Le Mars Public Library. Ruth Postma volunteered to provide refreshments. Betty Winterringer will present a program on resources available at the Le Mars Public Library and the Museum.
Following the end of the business meeting at 3:40 p.m., Linda Mohning presented an update on the project she is working on to compile a Directory of Genealogical Resources in NW Iowa. This will be a resource available on our web pages. She passed around an Outline as a guide to documenting information as well as some sample pages from a few small towns in the area. Volunteers are being solicited to compile information for every town in the counties represented in our Computer Genies of NW Iowa area.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorna Brandt
Refreshments were provided by Ruth Postma and Janice Albert.
There was no unfinished business.
Earl Belt will be the guest speaker at our May meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Submitted by Lorna Brandt, Secretary
Refreshments were provided by Charlotte Marra.
Motion made to accept the minutes as sent via email following the last meeting. Motion carried.
Web site development: Wayne Johnson, Webmaster, requested consideration be given to approve the use of a different software program to be used for our website. The Joomla content management system that he has studied would be much easier for him to use in managing the website, such as adding things or making changes directly to the website rather than uploading them to the server. This software would also give us some other options such as the ability to create logons for a “members only” area, having blogs, creating forms, etc. The program itself is free, but we would pay some additional to the Midlands server, including a one-time setup fee of $25 and an additional $5 per month use fee. In other words we would pay $195/year for the website rather than the current $135/year. After some discussion, it was decided to give thissome thought over the next month. We can check out the program at www.Joomla.org . If any further questions, you may also contact Wayne through the website by clicking on Webmaster.
Meeting was adjourned at 3:25 p.m.
Submitted by Lorna Brandt, Secretary