New Member's Orientation on January 27th

There was New Member’s Orientation for TriCity Genealogical Society members on January 27^th. It was well attended and a lot of fun. Pamela Keller is not only a new member but also the TCGS Historian. We are thrilled to share Pamela’s comments in her first blog contribution below.

 

"Being a new or prospective member of any organization can be a bit intimidating – meetings to attend, new faces and names, more time out of an already full schedule. Or, so I thought … until I had the pleasure of attending the TriCity Genealogical Society’s New Member’s Orientation on 27 January at the Richland Family History Libraries. Attendees were provided a packet prepared by the chapter leadership with an outline of the many resources available to us as members of TCGS.  There is a chapter website, bulletin, Facebook page and Blog. We also have access to the Richland Family History library, where the society’s 3000+ library books, CDs, Microfiche and microfilm are housed. Volunteer librarians are always welcoming and helpful.

There are many reasons why each of us made the decision to join TCGS.  For me, I want to ensure I am honoring my ancestors by collecting accurate information, researching, organizing and protecting the collection as best as I am able for our descendants.  I am inspired and encouraged by the members I’ve met in our local chapter, and appreciate their willingness to enthusiastically share their knowledge of genealogy.

Thank you to the TCGS Board members for offering a New Member’s Orientation, with a special thank you to President - Walt Wood, Publicity Committee Chairperson -  Susan Faulkner, Education Committee Chairperson - Margie Belden and Library Committee Chairperson - Sandra Floberg."

2015 Annual Meeting Highlights including New President and Vice President

The TriCity Genealogical Society had its Annual Meeting at the Isla Bonita Mexican Restaurant on November 11, 2015. A recap of the year was provided by reports of various Chairpersons. The 2016 approved budget was announced, and a change to the By-Laws was discussed and unanimously approved. The By-Law change changed our due structure to no longer have prorated dues. It was announced that starting in January 2016 TriCity Genealogical Society meetings will be held at Charbonneau Retirement Center.

The highlight of the meeting was the distribution of awards. President, John Covey, gave Certificates of Recognition to members who worked on the “Traveling Through Time” seminar that was held in September. Certificates were given to Walt Wood, Sandra Floberg, Bill Floberg, Janis Littlefield, Mary Kay Walker, Margaret Dunn, Art Kelly and Lawrence Clay. Jean Alexander, Gigi Bare, and Susan Davis Faulkner will also be receiving certificates for their work on the seminar but were not present at the Annual Meeting. Certificates of Appreciation for work on the library renumbering project were given to Dan Metzger and Linda Stephens. Mike McKinnon and Veronica Anguiano will also be receiving certificates for their work on the library renumbering project but were not present at the meeting. Special recognition was given to Margie Beldin and Veronica Anguiano for the Washington State Genealogical Society Outstanding Volunteer Awards that were presented to them at the Washington State Genealogical Society Conference in June.

As the business of 2015 was brought to an end new officers were elected by unanimous decision. The TriCity Genealogical Society President will be Walt Wood and the Vice President will be Bill Floberg. Walt Wood is bringing fresh ideas and energy to the Society and we are excited to catch his vision for the future. Bill Floberg has served the Society for many years as the Membership Chairperson, along with various as-needed jobs. We are honored to have him step up to this new position.

Walt Wood - TCGS President

Bill Floberg - TCGS Vice President

Other new Committee Chairpersons are Lawrence and Corliss Clay as Membership Chaircouple and Cody Allen as the Finance and Budget Chairperson. All other positions will continue with their previous leadership and are: Secretary, Mary Kay Walker; Treasurer, Margaret Dunn; Librarian, Sandra Floberg; Website and Publications, Janis Littlefield; Research, Veronica Anguiano; and Publicity, Susan Davis Faulkner.

We look forward to what this new blend of old and new Board Members will bring to the TriCity Genealogical Society. If you have ideas or questions, please don’t hesitate to let them be known.

~For pictures of the 2015 Annual Meeting go to the TriCity Genealogical Society Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TriCityGenealogicalSociety ~