The regular meeting of the Computer Genies of N.W. Iowa met on Saturday January 7, 1995 at 1:30 P.M. at the LeMars Public Library with 23 members and guests attending. In the absence of Darrell Easton, President Larry DuVal presided at the meeting. Due to the illness of Secretary Grace Hertz the minutes were deferred to the February Meeting.
    The treasurers report was given by Treasurer, Frank Postma. $40.00 in membership dues was receive at the December 1994 meeting. Our present balance is $209.32- Several membership dues were received during the meeting. One of our new members is Don Thompson, Atlanta, GA. He is a distant relative of President Darrell. Treasurer Frank was directed to send a $13.00 dollar check to Darrell. This to pay for the IGS ad that will be coming out in the next issue of the Heritage magazine.
    Since there was not any old business or new business, we just discussed ???? many issues. Larry asked each of those attending to introduce themselves and indicate the type-of computer software they were using. (This is a rough pole. 5 - Brothers Keeper, 3 - Family Tree maker 6.01, 1 - Roots III, 4 - none, 3 MacIntosh computers, 1 - Tandy w/ Ancestral File.)
    We also discussed some possible club programs. Some of those suggested were: Computer Terminology, Beginning Genealogy, Everton Mobile Search, LDS Classes, State IGS Library slumber party, and work on surname list. I may have missed some.
    Mary Storley indicated that she was getting another new software program. I understand this will make four of them? She indicated that after she got better acquainted with them she would be willing to put on a hands on workshop or at least discuss the strong and weak points of each, from her point of view.
    Grace was to present, Site your Sources, but the flu bug had her down. Terry Letsch, Cherokee shared some of his experiences in using Brothers Keeper with those attending. Terry and his mother Lorene are using this program. He also showed some of the pictures he had scanned. A special thanks to Terry and Lorene for sharing their experiences with us.
    Janice Danielson, Storm Lake, our representative to the IGS board, had some health problems that prevented here from being with us. she will have the February program "You and the Iowa Genealogy Society.
    The March meeting will be at Western Iowa Tech with Mike Miller in charge. We will be looking at some of the software programs that are available. More details will be announced at our next meeting.
    The next meeting will be held at the B.V. County Historical Society Museum in Storm Lake February 4, 1995.
    Donna Weatherly volunteered to take treats to Storm Lake.

Respectfully Submitted:
Larry DuVal

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, February 4, 1995 at 1:30 p.m. at the Buena Vista County Historical Society Museum in Storm Lake. Twenty-one members attended the meeting. Janice Danielson presented the program about the Iowa Genealogical Society including "what do we get out of membership in the l.G.S.?", the revenue sharing program, information available at the l.G.S. library including the l.G.I. and rental of videos owned by the l.G.S. The County Sesquicentennial project is to compile a guide to all research sources and materials in each Iowa county.
    President Darrell Easton presided. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer's report showed at balance on hand of $256.47. Expenses included $4.85 to John Winterringer for coffee and cookies at the LeMars meetings & $4.00 for 10 discs for surname indexes; the Iowa Genealogical Society has been paid for the ad in the Hawkeye Heritage Plans for a genealogical computer lab led by members of our group at the 1995 Iowa Genealogical Society Annual Meeting were discussed. There will be a 3-hour computer session on Saturday afternoon, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; the fee paid to the leaders of the sessions will be $25/session ($75 for the three sessions). The motion was made by Janice Danielson, seconded and passed that instead of the money going to the individuals helping with the sessions, the money would be given to the Computer Genies.
    The computer genealogy convention sponsored by our group will be June 22 & 23, 1996 at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake; the Iowa Genealogical Society will cooperate with us. Members of the group are to ask others for suggestions for programs at the convention.
    After many suggestions for the name of the group's newsletters the vote by those present was to name the newsletter "Ged-Com Journal'; a data disc was given to Stan Bastman who suggested the name of the newsletter.
    Darrell Easton has made a sample brochure about the Computer Genies; this includes information about the group and a membership form; the brochure could be sent out when corresponding with others interested in computer genealogy; brochures could also be left at local courthouses, libraries and Chamber of Commences and be available at the Iowa Genealogical Society convention.
    Future program ideas suggested a report of research done at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City by Janice Danielson & Grace Hertz, meet again at the Family History Library Branch in Spencer, have a pajama party at the l.G.S. in Des Moines. It was also suggested that the group could develop a CD-ROM library; members could share their copies with other members.
    The March 4 meeting will be at the WIT lab; a 6-hour program; cost to be $26.50/person; session would begin at 9:00 a.m. with a break for lunch. The April meeting will be at the LeMars Public Library; the program will be "Cite Your Sources" presented by Grace Hertz. (John Winterringer will make arrangements for the meeting place. ) The May meeting will be in Spencer at the Library Round Room; program about research at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.Pat Behrens will make arrangements for the group to meet in Cherokee at the June meeting.

Grace Hertz, Secretary

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, March 4, 1995 at 1: 30 p.m. at the Buena Vista County Historical Society Museum. Sixteen members were present. Janice Danielson and Grace Hertz presented the program "Doing Research at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah."
    President Darrell Easton presided. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
    The treasurer's report showed a balance on hand of $322.00. A bill for $4.39 for 10 diskettes was paid to Kathy Fischer; a total of $70.00 was taken in for ten 1995 memberships and four discs.
    Stan Bastman passed out copies of information on "How to Create a GEDCOM File". Plans for the 1996 Convention are progressing sell; people are still needed to help with plans and arrangements for the convention. As. of the March 4 meeting, there are 31 individual members or family units of Computer Genies. The motion was made by Darrell Easton, seconded and passed for the group to start a fund for the purchase of CD-ROM's; the treasurer will deposit the money in the regular checking account and keep track of how much money is in the fund; the charge for anyone wishing to use one of the CD-ROM's will be $5.00/disc; the income from the rental of the discs will go for the purchase of more discs.
    The April meeting will be at the LeMars Public Library; Grace Hertz will present the program "Cite Your Sources." The May meeting will tentatively be in Spencer at the Public Library Round Room; the June meeting will be in Cherokee (Pat Behrens is making arrangements for the June meeting). The motion to adjourn was made by Stan Bastman, seconded and passed .

Grace Hertz, Secretary

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, April 1, 1995 at 1:30 p.m. at the LeMars Public Library. Twenty-one members and one guest were present. Grace Hertz presented the program "Cite Your Sources" about documenting our genealogy research.
    President Darrell Easton presided. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
    The treasurer's report showed a balance on hand of $322.08. It was noted that the ad about Computer Genies has been published in the Hawkeye Heritage of the Iowa Genealogical Society. Changes in the May and June regular meetings were noted. As of April 1, there is $36.00 in the CD-ROM Fund. Janice Danielson noted the CD-ROM's that she owns; Darrell Easton has also ordered the CD-ROM #9 Index. A discussion was held about possible rules for the use of the CD-ROMs owned by the group; Janice Danielson will report at the May meeting a suggested policy for the use of the CD-ROMs; she will be in charge of the CD-ROM Library that the Computer Genies own. Suggestions were given for more CD-ROMs for the group to purchase; t was suggested that more U.S. census records be ordered.
    A discussion was held about notification of members if a meeting has to be postponed or cancelled. A list was compiled of radio and television stations to notify about our regular meetings or in the event of a last minute meeting change. It was suggested that a program calendar beset up for a year at a time. The motion was made by Janice Danielson, seconded by John Winterringer and passed to discontinue mail ins postcards to individuals; newspapers, radio & television stations would instead be notified of the regular meetings; members would be notified of meetings through the newsletter- only; no postcards would be sent out to members un1ess there is a change.
    The motion was made by Larry DuVa1, seconded by Bob Weatherly and passed to reimburse Grace Hertz for postage for mail ins postcards and the newsletter. Plans for the October regular meeting will be discussed at a future meeting; our meeting date is the same day as the second day of the annual Iowa Genealogical Society meeting. Larry DuVal reviewed plans for future meetings; he reminded members they must pre-register for the June 3, regular meeting. He asked for someone to co-chair the convention with him. Frank Postma will be on the Finance & Fund-Raising Committee. Janice Danielson suggested the club could sell magnets in the shape Of a computer at the convention; the cost to the club would be 504/magnet; each magnet could sell for $1.00 it. Each member of the group is to contact local businesses for items for goody bags.     The meeting was adjourned.

Grace Hertz, Secretary

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, May 6, 1995 at the LeMars Public Library. Thirteen members and two guests were present. Darrell Easton presented the program
about "Basic Computer Genealogy".
    President Darrell Easton presided. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer's report showed a balance on hand of $372.26 (which includes $41.00 in the CD-ROM Fund). Convention plans are progressing well; Darrell asked members to notify him if they have a convention committee on which they would like to serve. The non-profit designation papers for our group will be ready soon. A discussion was held about the policy for handling queries to the group; the motion was made by Iris Hemmingson, seconded by Ray Atwood and passed to appoint Darrell Easton as the member of Computer Genies who will handle queries directed toward our society. An explanation of the CD-ROM Fund was given; those CD-ROM's currently owned by Janice Danielson, Darrell Easton or the society were listed. Members were to think about possibly going to the Iowa Genealogical Society sometime for genealogical research and a "Slumber Party".

Grace Hertz, Secretary

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, June 3, 1995 at 1:30 p.m. at Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City. Nine members and one guest were present.
    President Darrell Easton presided. There were no minutes of the previous meeting. The Treasurer's report showed a balance on hand of $382.76; there are 42 paid-up members for 1995. Two new members paid 1995 dues. our convention will be June 22-23, 1996 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. The group at Storm Lake will take charge of hospitality; more work needs to be done on programs for the convention. People may stay at the dorms if needed; meals will cost about $25/day. Program suggestions for the convention included Computers, Choosing Software & Beginning Research; it was suggested that the group try to get Everton's Mobile Lab. It was suggested also that there could be an equipment exchange. Mike Mi1ler suggested that the group contact the Riverboat for a donation for non-profit organizations. Mike Miller will contact Gateway 2000 for a computer to give away at the December 27, 1997 convention. The I.G.S. will help us with some of our convention. Various companies selling genealogy and computer products need to be invited to have booths at the convention. Larry DuVal challenged everyone to get fired up to make this a great convention!
    The Computer Genies will have a Computer Lab at the l.G.S. Annual Meeting in Marshalltown.
    The forms to finalize the filing with the IRS to make our group an official non-profit organization have arrived from the lawyer; $150.00 will have to be sent in with the forms. The motion was made by Larry DuVal, seconded and passed for the group to get this matter of being a non-profit organization finalized.
    The next meeting will be July 1, 1995 at the Wilbur Aalfs Library in Sioux City. A genealogy film will be shown; more work will be done on the convention .

Mary Storley, Secretary Protem

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, July l, 1995 at the Aalfs Public Library in Sioux City. Five members were present.
    President Darrell Easton presided. There were no minutes for the previous meeting. The Treasurer's report showed a balance on hand of $412.26 (including $41.00 in the CD-ROM Fund). Two new members paid 1995 dues; one member renewed his membership. The motion was made by Larry DuVal, seconded and passed for the secretary to send meeting reminder cards each month. Humanities Board speakers were discussed. The idea was suggested to purchase Tip Sticks on the Census for $1.00 @ and sell them for $2.00 @, A discussion was held about the convention in June 1996. Jolly Time Popcorn Company will cooperate. The mobile search will not qualify for the convention .

Kathy Fischer, Sec ' y Protem

Attendance: Darrell Easton
Frank Postma
Larry DuVal
Kathy Fischer

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, August 5, 1995 in the Computer Lab of the Storm Lake branch of Iowa Central Community College. Eleven members and three guests were present. Computers were available for use; several computer genealogy programs were installed.
    Darrell Easton was in charge of the meeting. Minutes of the June & July meetings were read and approved. The Treasurer's Report showed a balance on hand of $427.26 (which includes $41.00 in the CD-ROM Fund). Correspondence was read. A sample of a Tip Stick for census information was passed around; the Tip Sticks could be purchased in bulk for $1.00 @ and sold for $2.00 @ at the convention in 1996; magnets could also be sold at the convention. Other ideas were suggested for fund-raising including a raffle for computer-related items. Frank Postma & others in the group will serve on the Fund-Raising Committee for the convention. Pat Behrens,
    Doris Dunn and other members living in their area will serve on the program committee for the convention. Kathy Fischer has contacted Gateway 2000 about getting donations for the librarian for the group. The motion was made by Pat Behrens, seconded and passed for brochures about the Computer Genies of NW Iowa to be on the l.G.S. table at the 1995 Annual l.G.S. Convention in Marshalltown; Janice Danielson will run off the brochures and turn in her bill for the work.
    The next meeting will be Saturday, September 2 at 1:30 p.m. at the Spencer Public Library. A genealogical video will be shown.

Grace Hertz, Secretary

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, September 2, 1995 in the Round Room of the Spencer Public Library. Ten members were present. A video "Do Your Family Tree, Part I " by Arlene Eakle was shown. Members at the meeting shared genealogical sources and successes.
    Darrell Easton was in charge of the meeting . Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved . Correspondence was read. The Treasurer 's Report showed a balance on hand of $432 . 26 (including $41.00 in the CD-ROM Fund ) . There has not yet been a response from Gateway about a Pentium computer for the group's librarian. Frank Postma has the non-profit
organization papers; they will be filed by the end of 1995. Final plans were discussed for the computer lab at the Iowa Genealogical Society Annual Meeting in October. Four genealogy software programs will be installed on the computers; the programs will be given away as door prizes. The Iowa Genealogical Society will pay the Computer Genies $45.00 for the 3-hour computer lab ($15.00/each hour session).
    Darrell Easton will appoint the Nominating Committee/Auditing Committee; election of officers will be at the November meeting. Further convention plans were discussed. Committees for the convention include: Publicity: Janice Danielson, Alice Dalager, Grace Hertz Finance & Fund-Raising: Mike Miller, Frank Postma

Registration: Kathy Fisher, Bob & Donna Weatherly.

Grace Hertz, Secretary

    No regular meeting of the Computer Genies this month - members hosted the Computer workshop at the Iowa Genealogical Society anual meeting in Marshalltown, IA

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, November 4, 1995 at the Public Library in Cherokee. Seventeen members and guests were present. A video "Do Your Family Tree, Part II" by Arlene Eakle was shown.
    Darrell Easton was in charge of the meeting. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer's report showed a balance on hand of $502.26; this includes $41.00 for the CD-ROM Fund. A check for $150.00 was sent to the Internal Revenue Service to establish our group as a non-profit organization. The Computer Lab at the I.G.S. meeting in Marshalltown was very successful; 10 new members were added to the group. The December '95 and January '96 meetings will be at the Public Library in LeMars; members will meet for lunch at the Pantry Cafe in LeMars at noon prior to the December meeting. The final decision about going ahead with the Computer Convention in June 1996 or another year or not at all will be made at the December meeting. Members filled out a form with suggestions for programs in 1996.
    The motion was made by Doris Dunn, seconded and passed for the secretary to cast a unanimous ballot for the following officers for 1996: President: Larry DuVal; Vice-President: Mary Storley; Secretary: Pat Behrens; Treasurer: Kathy Fischer; Librarian: to be appointed.
    The motion was made by Frank Postma, seconded and passed to ad Mourn the meeting .

Grace Hertz, Secretary

    The Computer Genies of NW Iowa met Saturday, December 2, 1995 at 1:30 p.m. at the LeMars Public Library. Thirteen members were present. Prior to the meeting some of the members met at the Pantry Cafe in LeMars for a noon Christmas luncheon.
    Darrell Easton was in charge of the meeting. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer's report showed a balance on hand of $457.26; there is a total of 57 paid memberships for 1995 & 1996. John Winterringer, chairman of the Auditing Committee reported the Treasurer's books were in order; the motion was made by Larry DuVal, seconded by Stan Bastman and passed to approve the report of the auditing committee. The request to Gateway 2000 for a computer has been turned down; another attempt to obtain a computer from Gateway 2000 will be made sometime in the near future. The Iowa Genealogical Society paid the Computer
    Genies $15.00 ($25.00/hour) for the three-hour computer lab at the I.G.S.. Meeting in October. Members discussed the proposed computer genealogy convention. Suggestions were made for the Computer Genies to co-sponsor the I.G.S. Annual Meeting with the Iowa Genealogical Society; the Computer Genies could expand their responsibilities by having more computer programs . The motion was made by Larry DuVal, seconded by John Winterringer and passed to cancel the 1996 convention and reschedule the convention to a later date, possibly in 1998. Suggested program ideas for 1996 were discussed. Co-Librarians for the group will be Stan & Marilyn Bastman . Members are to contact Larry DuVal if interested in selling T-shirts made with the Computer Genies logo as a fundraiser .
    Darrell Easton & Larry DuVal plan to attend the January, 1996 I.G.S. Board Meeting in Des Moines to discuss possible expansion of computer 1abs and our responsibilities at the I.G.S. Annual Meeting.
    The January 6, 1996 meeting will be at the LeMars Public Library at 1:30; the Club By-Laws and Constitution will be reviewed

Grace Hertz, Secretary