Minutes for Saturday, March 12, 2005
Michigan Historical Library, 9:00 a.m.
1. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order by President Lipscomb at 9:14 a.m.
Members Present: Willye Bryan, Angela Corley, Arthur Glasscoe, Larry Griffin, Margaret Groves, Clarence Hooker, Melvin Holley, Lonnie Johnson, Juanita Lewis, Aggie Lipscomb, Evelyn Primes, Doris Smith, and Cheryl Ward.
2. Approval of the February 12, 2005 Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes was offered by Juanita Lewis; seconded by Clarence Hooker. Motion to approve carried.
3. Officer Reports:
President: President Lipscomb reported that copies of the completed family stories received for inclusion in our book project have been made and distributed to Willye Bryan and Eva Evans, Project Coordinator. Willye Bryan has volunteered to transcribe the stories to electronic files and is in the process of creating these files. Also, President Lipscomb asked the group to consider participation in the Lansing Morman Church- Family History Center’s (FHC) Spring 2005 workshop. She reminded the group that LAAAGS presented during this presentation last year. President Lipscomb provided an announcement outlining the workshop dates and topics. Since Mrs. Lipscomb will not be able to attend the May14, 2005 workshop at the FHC, she asked others to consider participating. Mrs. Lipscomb also asked the group to consider participating in the 2005 African American Parade, scheduled for August 6, 2005. Participation in this event would likely be similar to take provided by LAAAGS during the 2004 event.
President Lipscomb circulated an article of interest to the group from the current issue of the AARP magazine entitled “Gene Pull”. President Lipscomb also shared results of her recent trip to Alabama with the group.
Vice President: Vice President Holley reported that a draft set of bylaws from the Michigan Genealogical Council has been received for LAAAGS review—as a member organization. Any LAAAGS member interested in reviewing the document should contact Mr. Holley. The revisions will be voted on at the May Council meeting.
Secretary: No report.
Treasurer: Treasurer Juanita Lewis reported that payment for four memberships has been deposited since last month. The current balance in the Society’s account is $1,155.71. A written copy of the report was provided to the Secretary for the records. Twelve total memberships payments have been received to date for FY2005.
4. Old Business
President Lipscomb asked for an update on the Fall workshop. Project Chairman Larry Griffin indicated that rooms throughout the Library of Michigan had been scheduled for use by LAAAGS during the upcoming workshop. Additionally, the committee is waiting to hear from LAAAGS member Jan Lewis as to whether an Oral History expert, Mr. Mike Smith, would be available to lead a discussion during the October 8, 2005 workshops. To date, no word has been received from Mrs. Lewis. If Mr. Smith is not available, the committee will attempt to contact other oral history experts—including Jan Wiskman. The committee has a general working outline in place for the workshop—but will meet very soon to begin to make specific assignments and to establish due dates. A suggestion was made to send “save the date” announcements to various organizations in town announcing the workshop. President Lipscomb and Secretary Corley will complete this task by March 31, 2005. The committee will also need to determine how to handle lunch during the October 8, 2005 seminar. The question as to whether lunch will be provided at a cost, or if participants will proceed with a “lunch on your own” basis will need to be answered soon.
President Lipscomb reminded the group that the proposed by-law changes to our Constitution and By-laws still need to be addressed. A proposal was submitted to the group for consideration during the October 2004 regular meeting. Secretary Corley will prepare a document for review at our next meeting.
5. Announcements
LAAAGS member Cheryl Ward informed the group that she’d recently visited the new Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. She indicated that if LAAAGS wanted to visit the Museum as a group activity, she could put a tour together for likely $150 per person to include transportation and lodging. Information on the Museum was shared with the group.
Ms. Ward also announced a Writing Workshop scheduled for April 1,2005 that will highlight authors of Michigan. Her brother will be a featured author during this program.
6. Adjournment
Business meeting adjourned at 10:03 a.m.
PROGRAMMING
Our program today featured a presentation by LAAAGS members Melvin Holley and Arthur Glasscoe on using the internet for research. LAAAGS member Mrs. Evelyn Primes volunteered to allow her research data to be used for entry purposes to illustrate to the group how free genealogy software can be obtained from the internet and used for personal data entry and reporting.
Mr. Glasscoe also shared with the group some of the documents and data files that he’s been able to produce using various genealogy software. Mr. Glasscoe illustrated how data can be displayed with genealogy software, and he provided suggestions on collecting data from family members, and on organizing research findings.
Angela Corley
Secretary