“Genealogy on the Internet: How to Turn a Name into a Treasure Trove of Family History”

Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando Proudly Presents

Featured Speaker Elise Friedman

ORLANDO, FL, December 8, 2011 — The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) proudly presents featured Speaker of the Month, Elise Friedman. The topic she will present is "Genealogy on the Internet: How to Turn a Name into a Treasure Trove of Family History".

The internet is a rich source of information for tracing your family history.  From only a single name, you can quickly gather a treasure trove of genealogical documents -- vital records, census records, military records, immigration and naturalization records and much more!  Join us to learn about the many internet resources that are available for researching and building your family tree, and watch as we discover the extended family of Harry Friedman by using those resources.

Elise Friedman is a professional genealogist, specializing in Jewish genealogy, genetic genealogy, and technology. She is an experienced lecturer. She has researched her own family history for more than 10 years, and has roots in Belarus, Russia, Poland and Ukraine (formerly Galicia). Ms. Friedman volunteers as JewishGen’s DNA Projects Coordinator, manages several DNA studies through Family Tree DNA, and co-authored a genetic genealogy case study that was published in the AVOTAYNU and FORUM genealogy journals. Ms. Friedman is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical Speakers Guild, International Society of Genetic Genealogy and Jewish Genealogical Society of Palm Beach County. She holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, and is a former Information Technology professional.

Keeping with Ms. Friedman’s “treasure trove” theme, we will be offering a treasure trove of door prizes from your favorite genealogy vendors. New members who join at the meeting will also be eligible to enter into a drawing for a very special door prize valued at $100.

This will be the JGSGO’s first meeting at the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation. New location, new time, great program, great mavens, and great prizes! If you ever thought about starting on your family history research journey or really making the most of internet-based research, this is the meeting for you. Don’t miss out!

DATE: Sunday, December 18, 2011

TIME: 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

LOCATION: Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation, Social Hall, 11200 South Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32836

FREE: Open to the public

JGSGO & SOJC Partner in Pilot Program

Bringing Jewish Genealogy Education to the Southwest Orlando Community

ORLANDO, FL, November 29, 2011 — The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) and the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation (SOJC) have partnered to launch a Jewish Genealogy Pilot Program. Beginning in December, the SOJC will host several JGSGO monthly programs.

For 20 years, the JGSGO held its monthly programs exclusively in north Orlando. During the Pilot Program, meetings will be held at the SOJC in rotation with the Congregation of Reform Judaism (CRJ). “As the greater Orlando area continues to grow, it becomes increasingly difficult to make our programs accessible to the community at large. Through our partnership with the SOJC, we can now bring Jewish genealogy education to the southwest Orlando community. We also will be varying our meeting times to be accessible by those who prefer evening to daytime and weekend to weekday meetings,” remarked JGSGO President, Jerry Kurland.

The JGSGO’s events and programs provide the latest information on how to research your Jewish ancestry. Programs are offered for those who are beginners as well as experienced in genealogical research. The meetings provide an interactive venue where those just starting their search can interact with and be mentored by more experienced Jewish genealogy mavens.

While there is an ever growing abundance of genealogy data on the internet, the programs offered by the JGSGO help you to know how to use both on-line and off-line resources more effectively and efficiently – including those resources specific to tracing Jewish ancestry. All meetings are open to the public. JGSGO members can additionally access data and archives on the JGSGO private blog.

“We are enthusiastic to partner with the JGSGO in this Pilot Program as their mission fits well with the SOJC core values of education and family. We are excited to host the upcoming JGSGO December 18^th annual meeting,” remarked SOJC President, Michele Fischer. “We promise a great program to quick start your Jewish genealogy pursuit. We will also have many fantastic door prizes. This will be a meeting you cannot afford to miss,” added Marlis Humphrey, JGSGO Vice President of Programs and Publicity.

About the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) is a not for profit organization dedicated to sharing genealogical information, techniques and research tools with anyone interested in Jewish genealogy and family history. For more information, visit our blog at www.jgsgo.blogspot.com .

About the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation

Founded in 1982 and renamed in 1994, SOJC’s mission is to be a vibrant Southwest Orlando community for Jewish spiritual enrichment, values, education and social enjoyment. Since our very beginning, SOJC’s core values have remained rock steady as we proudly proclaim we are a conservative, egalitarian, family-oriented, inclusive and welcoming community. For more information, visit our website at www.sojc.org . 

"How Do We Share and Preserve Memories in a Digital Era" Webinar

Daniel Horowitz, IAJGS Director-at-Large and Webmaster, will present a webinar, from Israel, on sharing and preserving memories in a digital era. The webinar will be held this Sunday, November 20, 2011, 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM EST.

Learn the different options you have and the best way to digitally collect, store, preserve, publish and share your research and material gathered over so many years, to let young generations enjoy, contribute and continue your work.

Today you have a lot of options to store and share all your research material, no matter if we are talking about text, images, videos, documents or sound. Starting from the capture tools (audio recorders, cameras, cellular and scanners); to sharing physical products (CD’s, DVD’s, portable disc, electronic photo frames) or the Internet itself. Internet is the perfect place to share and preserve all your memories. You have the option to publish your material from a completely private to a completely public way, and all the levels in between. You can ask for collaboration or simply display the information, people can only see or download a copy of your material; you can control every aspect. There are all kind of easy-to-use tools and resources that facilitate us the work of setting up websites, blogs, wikis or any other way you decide to publish the information.

The webinar is free. Register in advance at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/657787406 .

JGSGO November Program Announcement "Hot Tips & Tools for Your Genealogy"

Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando Proudly Presents

Featured Speaker Tom Hirsch

November 14, 2011 - Orlando, FL. The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) proudly presents featured Speaker of the Month, Tom Hirsch. The topic he will present is "Hot Tips & Tools for Your Genealogy."

Tom will cover a variety of topics that will not only provide useful tips to help find important pieces of your family history, but also how to make certain you can preserve and share the irreplaceable material that you find. Tips and tools being discussed include: useful genealogy websites; using flatbed scanners; using digital cameras to photograph old materials; how to convert negatives to photos; how to photo stitch; how to network with genealogists, organizations, and family members; and attending genealogy conferences. After the meeting, Tom will make available digital files to share. In order to receive a copy, bring a flash drive.

Tom Hirsch has been a member of the JGSGO since January 2010 and currently is a member of the JGSGO Board of Directors and Vice President of Membership.

As an added feature, Marlis Humphrey, JGSGO Board of Directors and Vice President of Programs, will demonstrate how to register for and navigate on our new JGSGO blog, how to complete our on-line Membership Survey, and how to participate in the JGSGO Surname Database Project.

JGSGO President, Jerry Kurland, will also announce our new partnership and Pilot Program. The goals of the Pilot Program are: to expand accessibility of JGSGO genealogical research education to residents in the southwestern Orlando area and to those who typically are occupied during weekday business hours.

DATE:             Tuesday, November 29, 2011
TIME:              2:00 P.M.
LOCATION:    Congregation of Reform Judaism, Mini-Sanctuary Room, 928 Malone Dr., Orlando, 32910
FREE:             Open to the public
FOR INFO:     J. Kurland 407-682-7799

Follow us at: www.jgsgo.blogspot.com

JGSGO's Own Edith Schulman Given Award by Hadassah

Edith Schulman, past president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO), was presented the National Leadership award from the Rashona-Chaverot group of the Orlando Chapter of Hadassah in October.

Edith and her family came to Orlando in 1958.  She immediately joined  Hadassah where she served in many offices.  She became president of the organization in 1964, serving for two years.  Sometime later when the Chapter split into two group, Edith was again active, eventually becoming the co-president for the Rashona-Chaverot group.

She always says that her first and last places of employment were with Jewish groups.  She began working for the Jewish Federation/JCC in 1971 where she remained for five years.  Meanwhile, she became chairman of the Women Committee, raising money for the brand new JCC.

While still working, Edith went to UCF and received her degree in journalism.  This worked out just fine when Heritage Florida Jewish News asked her to be Editor of the paper.  She did that for 12 years.

In 1991 Edith became interested in genealogy, and joined this group.  As she always does, Edith got active in the group and served for three years as its president.

“To live in Orlando has been a joy," she says, with her husband by her side.  "We have raised a son and daughter here.  Both still live in Florida.”

Note: Edith continued her leadership in JGSGO, and the rewards have been many.  With just a little more work her book will be finished for her children and grandchildren.  Many exciting genealogy events happened along the way.  Her journey began with a call from an unknown cousin in Israel.  Along the way, a hidden dresser was discovered in a wall of the house where Edith grew up.  The owner was kind enough to send her 27 pounds of wonderful "stuff" to add to her book.  "Never give up," Edith said.

LOCATION CHANGE! - JGSGO October Program Announcement, "Ten Ways to be a Better Ancestor"

Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando Proudly Presents
Featured Speaker Paul Enchelmayer

NOTE: LOCATION CHANGE!

October 7, 2011 – Orlando, FL. The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) proudly presents featured Speaker of the Month, Paul Enchelmayer. The topic he will present is "Ten Ways to be a Better Ancestor".


It is the genealogist's nightmare: "What will happen to all my work when I'm gone?" What would you like your own ancestors to have done to make your job easier? Now is your chance to help your descendants continue your work. Paul's session includes a look at online storage, publishing, library archives, and more. Paul will also share lessons learned from family history research projects, with examples.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011

Time: 7:00p.m.

Location: The UNIVERSITY CLUB OF WINTER PARK - Ball Room, 841 Park Avenue North, Winter Park, FL 32789
Map: See below*

Free: Open to the Public

For Further Information: J. Kurland: surrealgraphics@embarqmail.com.


Paul L. Enchelmayer has spoken at over two dozen societies and clubs throughout Florida, presenting programs to help others learn how technology can aid in family history projects. His memberships include the Association of Professional Genealogists, The Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Florida State Genealogical Society's Speakers Bureau, the National Genealogical Society and the Ohio Genealogical Society in Cincinnati.


Paul recently retired as Manager of Information Systems Development for the City of Orlando. He is also retired from the U. S. Navy Reserve. He holds a M.B.A. degree from University of Miami and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcast Media from Southern Illinois University. He has two sons and two grandchildren.

*The University Club of Winter Park is located at the corner of Webster and Park Avenue North, just north of downtown Winter Park. Use RAMP ENTRANCE on side of building off parking lot.

JGSGO Nominating Committee - 2 Volunteers Needed

BRING THE BEST TALENT & LEADERS TO THE JGSGO!
With all of the change initiatives undeway, it is imperative that the JGSGO has a strong leadership roster on the board of directors for 2012. We are seeking two current JGSGO members in good standing to volunteer to participate in the Nominating Committee.

The job of the committee is to prepare a list of at least one nominee who has agreed to serve for each office being vacated. A current board member will also participate on the Nominating Committee and will share ideas on how to identify potential board members that will aid our organization’s growth and improvements in member benefits and outreach into the greater Orlando Jewish community.

This list must be presented to the current JGSGO by November 1, 2011. This is a relatively SHORT TERM assignment. If interested, contact surrealgraphics@embarqmail.com NO LATER THAN September 30th.

We also are soliciting recommendations for the nominating committee to consider. Please email those recommendations, why they would be good for the JGSGO, and their contact information to: surrealgraphics@embarqmail.com .

Be a part of the team identifying and bringing the best people to help guide our society in 2012!

Wishing our Jewish members a sincere happy New Year, enriched by the blessings of peace, good health and a successful New Year.

P.S. Rae Wallen, We all are rooting for you on a successful recovery.

Changes Underway at the JGSGO

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS APPOINTED
The JGSGO Board of Directors has appointed three existing members to fill recently created vacancies on the board. We are excited to have this new energy working with us to improve our society for the remainder of the year. Please join us in welcoming new Board Members:

·         Helaine Blum, Production Editor, “Etz Chaim” Newsletter (Editor-in-Chief)

·         Tom Hirsch, V.P. Membership

·         Marlis Humphrey, V.P. Programs

Our full board officers and directors slate is posted on the About Us page of our new JGSGO blog.

THE BOARD wishes to thank the efforts and accomplishments of those board members/Officers, who have stepped down:  Namely, Dr. Raeburn Wallen, President, (due to medical reasons);  Marcie Wallen, Librarian;  Herb Adler, Production Editor, Etz Chaim Publication; Rikki Hanin, V.P. Membership; Jose Valle, Director; Edith Schulman, Director.

These are not the only changes underway at the JGSGO. Supercharged by attending the recent IAJGS in Washington, D.C. and learning what other JGSs are doing to provide increased value to their members, we have several initiatives underway:

LAUNCH OF THE JGSGO BLOG

The first change is the launch of the JGSGO blog and its planned replacement of the aging JGSGO Rootsweb website. How does the blog benefit you?

·         It is a place on the internet where you can always get the most current JGSGO news and information.

·         You can comment and provide feedback on the news and on other members’ comments.

·         You can easily search the site for older news items of interest.

For those of you who do not have experience with blogs or are unsure, we will be publishing a short overview of how to: register to follow the blog, comment on a blog posting,  and access the information resources on the blog. So far we have moved the existing assets from Rootsweb to our JGSGOwww.jgsgo.blogspot.com and have started to update and add to them. So going forward, www.jgsgo.blogspot.com is where you should go for the most current JGSGO news. Even if you do not want to or do not yet know how to become a follower of the blog, you can simply save this link www.jgsgo.blogspot.com in your browser bookmarks or favorites and return to it to read and comment on the latest JGSGO information.

JGSGO PILOT PROGRAM

We also are working on logistics for a six month pilot program to consider scheduling our monthly general meetings/programs on some Sunday afternoons and evenings@ 7:00 P.M. This should make our JGSGO programs more accessible to a wider audience. We hope to announce more specifics soon.

Our first Program Meeting will take place at (NOTE LOCATION CHANGE) The University Club of Winter Park - Ball Room (use Ramp Entrance on side of building off  parking lot) at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 26, 2011.  Guest Speaker:

               Paul Enchelmayer. Notice/Flyer will be sent out to you shortly.

This is an exciting time for the JGSGO! Please be a part of the process. Let us know your thoughts on how the JGSGO can do a better job in helping those researching Jewish ancestry. Comment on our blog! Be a JGSGO volunteer! We have many tasks and projects, large and small, technical and non-technical, that need a hand. If interested, contact  surrealgraphics@embarqmail.com .

Let’s make 2012 the best year yet for Jewish genealogists in the greater Orlando area!

JGSGO September Program Announcement, "The Five W's of Genealogy"

Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando Proudly Presents
Featured Speaker Ann Mohr Osisek

September 13, 2011 – Orlando, FL. The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) proudly presents featured Speaker of the Month, Ann Mohr Osisek. The topic she will present is "The Five W's of Genealogy". This presentation is an overview of genealogical subject matter with hints/clues for researching techniques. Osisek will provide ideas, checklists, and samples from proven methods of researching genealogy in each category of the "Five W's" of genealogy: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011

Time: 2:00p.m.

Location: Congregation of Reform Judaism - Mini-Sanctuary, 928 Malone Dr., Orlando 32810

Free: Open to the Public

For Further Information: J. Kurland surrealgraphics@embarqmail.com.

Anne Osisek has taught genealogy classes for the Orange County, FL Adult Education Program for 19 years. She is immediate Past President of the Florida State Genealogical Society and Past President of the Central FL Genealogical Society. Ann has completed courses at Samford University's Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research in Birmingham, AL and was recipient of "The FSGS Outstanding Achievement Award" in recognition of her contributions to the field of genealogical education. She has been published in the FGS Forum, the APG Quarterly and numerous genealogical and historical society journals.