Dear Bonita Springs Genealogical Society,

Good Afternoon…

Summer is quickly moving toward fall now… and what does fall mean for FSGS?  The annual conference, of course!  The 2011 Annual FSGS Conference will be in nearby Orlando… a very central location for everyone.  It should be an outstanding event!  The dates are November 11-12… and you can easily register for both the conference and the hotel on the FSGS website (www.flsgs.org).   There’ll be lots of exciting news about the conference in September… so stay tuned.

Regrettably, Stephanie Varney has had to resign her position of Chair of the Pioneer Committee.  Because of medical issues in the home, Stephanie felt this was the best move for both her family and FSGS.  Thank you, Stephanie, for all you’ve done in the past… and know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Stepping into the chair… let’s give a hearty welcome to Susan Jones.   If you have questions for her, you can reach Susan at pioneer@flsgs.org.  

A final reminder for 2011… have you sent in your nominations for the FSGS Awards and Scholarships yet?  The deadline is September 15th.  I can’t imagine that every society doesn’t have someone who has put heart and soul into their organization… and deserves consideration for the awards.  The Outstanding Achievement Award for Florida genealogy focuses on the preservation, protection and promotion of Florida genealogy; the Outstanding Achievement Award centers on contributions to the field of genealogy.  Every society should be considering a nomination.  The FSGS Charlotte Freels Duvall Librarian Scholarship is in support of librarians who serve genealogical patrons in our Florida public libraries.  Details are on our website (www.flsgs.org).

Have you signed up for the FSGS Facebook page yet?  Now… you know I did… as did several other “kickers and screamers” like me.   I must admit, I’m delighted to have been pushed.  There are about 127 members now… and the postings are so informative and up to the minute. Florida societies can find the page by using the following link:  https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_93763722863

From the FSGS Facebook… are you aware of… “The Florida Civil War Heritage Trail” guidebook?  It’s very new… with information about it just posted by Patti Schulz in early August.  The guidebook offers a factual account of the impact the Civil War had on Florida’s communities and families.  It is a valuable educational resource that will enhance our knowledge and understanding of the Florida places, people and events that played a role in this historic struggle.  Another great posting was that of Henrietta McClellan on Florida links… for births, marriage & divorces, deaths, laws, Dept, of Health, etc.  Very valuable… and very useful!  Thanks Henrietta!

Congratulations to the Genealogical Society of Palm Beach County.  They replaced all five computers in their library, three of which are available for public access.  This active and involved society has also added approximately 30,000 people to their index of area Death Notices, bringing the total to 247,000. President Carlos Ruth reports the Death Notices are available on their website www.gensocofpbc.org.

Good grief!  My page has run out of space… so I’ll have to bid you Auf Wiedersehn for the month of August.  Expect lots more news about the conference in September… but don’t wait to get registered… or to get yourself on the FSGS Facebook page!  See you next month!

Joanne Ryder
FSGS PR