Wreaths Across America

Kathleen Todd Watson sent this report about her participation on December 12, 2009 in Wreaths Across America – the third year year that the ceremony was held for veterans at the Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery. Kathy served as location leader through her involvement as First Vice-Regent of the Anne Loucks DAR chapter. Kathy's husband and fellow-CGS member, Marston Watson emceed the same event at the Golden Gate National Cemetery.

Over 1800 people attended the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery ceremony which culminated an annual project involving many volunteers from 4H, Civil Air Patrol, DAR, Patriot Guard, Missing in America, Cemetery Support Committee, and Friends of the Cemetery. Donations supplied 5,570 wreaths for the cemetery, one for every headstone. Rain did not deter placement of the wreaths to remember and honor the memory of all fallen heroes who served and sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. 

Wreaths Across America, a non profit 501-c3 organization, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project, started by Morrill Worcester (Worcester Wreath) in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery.


2009 Facts:

• 405 participating locations, including the 24 national cemeteries on foreign soil
• 161,000 total wreaths placed to honor our servicemen and women
• Over 100,000 volunteers participated in the wreath-laying events
• Over 7,500 in attendance at Arlington National Cemetery
• Approximately 15,000 in attendance at Houston National Cemetery - the single largest wreath-laying event nationwide
• 1,800 in attendance at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery

Photograph courtesy of Kathy Watson, December 12, 2009, Dixon, California.

Tune In or Call In To Forum KQED 88.5 FM for Genealogy 101

The California Genealogical Society is honored to have three members appear this morning as guests on the popular live radio call-in program, Forum with Michael Krasny on KQED 88.5 FM at 10:00 a.m. Krasny is on vacation so they will be guests of substitute host Scott Shafer for an hour entitled Genealogy 101.

The study of genealogy is increasingly popular, with hundreds of web sites and research organizations devoted to tracing and recording the history of our ancestors. We talk with several local genealogists about the reasons people get involved, and get tips on conducting research.

I'm not sure if the show had a last minute cancellation, but this all transpired in the last forty-eight hours after the library fielded a call from KQED on Tuesday. I had a nice conversation with their intern, Mariah Dickerson, about our favorite subject and I recommended several members who are experts in their gen-area and are excellent speakers. I'm thrilled to announce that Jane Knowles Lindsey, Jeanie Low and Craig Manson will be taking part. Jane and Jeanie will be in the studio and Craig will be calling in during the hour. Judith Berlowitz is another scheduled guest.

You can listen live or a podcast will be available at the website after the broadcast.

Wordless Wednesday

Organizing the Manuscript Collection

Photograph by Kathryn M. Doyle, November 16, 2009, Oakland, California.

Coming in January: Tech Saturdays

The CGS Events Committee is excited about a new "Tech Saturday" forum starting in January 2010. The sessions will focus on tech tools for genealogists, including software, hardware, web databases, social networking and more. Tim Cox is the point person and he welcomes ideas for future classes as well as willing volunteers to help facilitate the meetings which will be scheduled on the third Saturday of every other month.

Starting things off will be a Genealogy Tech Discussion on Saturday, January 16, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the CGS Library.

Members with all levels of computer experience are invited to join panelists Kathy Watson, Judy Bodycote and Cathy Paris as they share their expertise and offer their insight to answer some common questions:

• What are the advantages of Mac over PC?
• What are the advantages of PC over Mac?
• How do I chose a genealogy software?
• What are "social media" and how do I use them for genealogy?
• Does the CGS Library offer tech benefits to members?
  

The panel will also share information about new technology available in the library and have time to answer audience questions.

The session is limited to thirty attendees. Pre-registration is required. Tech Saturdays are open to everyone but non-members pay a $5.00 users fee to enter the library. (Or come and become a member of CGS!) Email Events@californiaancestors.org for more information.

Intermediate Genealogy Series Returns

The California Genealogical Society (CGS) and the Oakland Regional Family History Center (ORFHC) are combining resources again to present an encore Intermediate Genealogy Series, starting February 9, 2010.

Classes will be held on eight consecutive Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. All sessions will be held at the Oakland Regional Family History Center, 4766 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, California. In addition, there will be a field trip to the California Genealogical Society Library on Saturday, March 27, 2010.

SCHEDULE:

• 02/09   Probate and Guardianship Records 
• 02/16   Church and Cemetery Records
• 02/23   United States Military Records
• 03/02   Using Newspapers for Genealogical Research
• 03/09   Land, Property, Maps and Gazetteers
• 03/16   Reading & Transcribing the Handwriting of Colonial America 
• 03/23   Immigration and Naturalization
• 03/27   Field Trip to the CGS Library
• 03/30   Other Resources and Solving Problems

PLEASE NOTE:
• Class size is limited. Walk-ins allowed if space available.
• Pre-registration is required.
• Nominal fee of $15 is charged for materials.

• $10.00 off a CGS membership if you join by March 30, 2010.

For more details, download the registration flier.