The Accidental Genealogist

2008-07-26T20:51:00.003-04:00

2008 FEEFHS Conference: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Article

This article about the upcoming Federation of East European Family History Societies Conference August 1-3 in Pittsburgh, PA, appeared in the Wednesday, July 23rd edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

I am the chairperson for this conference. If you've got East European roots, I hope to see you there!

Conference aims to help genealogists uncover Eastern European branches of family trees

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

By Marylynne Pitz, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Click here to read the article.

2008-07-25T19:25:00.002-04:00

Sad News in from the AP

I've been following the story of computer science professor, Randy Pausch, and his battle with pancreatic cancer since I first saw the segment about his last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University on the news. Although I've never met him, I found myself wiping away tears today as I read the news of his passing. I read his book, and it really touched me--it's basic lessons serving as a reminder about what really matters in life.

Last lecture professor dies of cancer

Randy Pausch, famed for his life-affirming message, passes at 47

from the Associated Press

updated 11:13 a.m. ET, Fri., July. 25, 2008

PITTSBURGH - Randy Pausch, a computer science professor whose "last lecture" about facing terminal cancer became an Internet sensation and a best-selling book, has died. He was 47.

Pausch died early Friday at his home in Virginia, said Anne Watzman, a spokeswoman for Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh where he worked. Pausch and his family moved there last fall to be closer to his wife's relatives.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

May Randy rest in peace.

2008-07-21T21:37:00.002-04:00

FamilySearch and Ancestry.com Team to
Publish New Images and Enhanced Indexes to the U.S. Censuses

This announcement has already been posted on other genealogy blogs, but I thought it worth repeating here.

SALT LAKE CITY—Ancestry.com and FamilySearch, the two largest online family history resources, announced today they will exchange records and resources to make more historical records available online. The first project is a joint initiative to significantly enhance the online U.S. Federal Census Collection (1790 to 1930). The original census records are among the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

FamilySearch is digitally converting master microfilm copies of the original U.S. Federal Censuses from 1790 through 1930 and, under this agreement, will give these improved images to Ancestry.com. All census images and indexes will be available on Ancestry.com for subscribers. As projects are completed, images will be available for free in NARA reading rooms and FamilySearch’s 4,500 Family History Centers.

Ancestry.com, which currently offers indexes and images to the entire publicly available U.S. Federal Census Collection, will give FamilySearch copies of its existing census indexes. Through its online indexing system and community of volunteer indexers, FamilySearch is already indexing select censuses. FamilySearch will merge the Ancestry.com indexes with the new FamilySearch indexes to create enhanced census indexes, which will be added to both sites. Indexes to the enhanced censuses will be free on Ancestry.com for a limited time as they are completed. Indexes will also be available for free on FamilySearch.org.

Allen Weinstein, the Archivist of the United States, welcomed this agreement as a significant benefit for researchers. He remarked that, “Census records are among the most important documents the American people have to trace their genealogy and know their family history. Having two of our partners working together to enhance the indexes and images of these essential documents will enable an unprecedented level of access and understanding.”

The first census exchanged is the 1900 U.S. Census. FamilySearch completed a 1900 index in addition to Ancestry.com’s original. In the new index, FamilySearch added several new fields of searchable data, such as birth month and birth year, so individuals can search for ancestors more easily. The two indexes will be merged into an enhanced index, available on both sites. The new 1900 census images are now available on Ancestry.com. The enhanced 1900 index will be available for free for a limited time at Ancestry.com and ongoing at FamilySearch.org.

Ancestry.com will also provide FamilySearch its original 1920 U.S. Census index. Using the Ancestry.com index as a first transcription, FamilySearch will create a new second index with added fields and arbitrate any discrepancies between the two indexes. The 1920 project is currently in progress. Individuals interested in helping create the improved index can volunteer at FamilySearch.org. Once completed, the enhanced 1920 index will be available on both sites and will link back to images on Ancestry.com.

The 1850 through 1870 (partial) and 1880 and 1900 U.S. Censuses can be searched currently at FamilySearch.org; all publicly available U.S. Censuses are already available on Ancestry.com.

Tim Sullivan, president and CEO of The Generations Network, Inc., parent company of Ancestry.com, said, “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in making family history research more accessible. The enhanced U.S. Federal Census Collection that will become available through this agreement is a gold mine for family history researchers, and we look forward to collaborating with FamilySearch in identifying other opportunities to help people discover their roots.”

“The U.S. Censuses are arguably the most important collection of U.S. genealogical records. FamilySearch is excited to see the complete, improved indexes of these collections freely available online over the next two years. And we look forward to working with Ancestry.com to enhance access to additional, significant collections in the future,” said Jay Verkler, Managing Director for FamilySearch.

-end-

Media Contacts:

Paul Nauta
FamilySearch Manager of Public Affairs
1-801-240-6498
nautapg@familysearch.org

Suzanne Bonner
Sr. PR Manager, Ancestry.com
801-705-7873
sbonner@tgn.com

About Ancestry.com

With 26,000 searchable databases and titles and nearly 3 million active users, Ancestry.com is the No. 1 online source for family history information. Since its launch in 1997, Ancestry.com has been the premier resource for family history, simplifying genealogical research for millions of people by providing them with many easy-to-use tools and resources to build their own unique family trees. Ancestry.com is part of The Generations Network, Inc., a leading network of family-focused interactive properties, including http://www.myfamily.com/, http://www.rootsweb.com/, http://www.genealogy.com/ and Family Tree Maker. In total, The Generations Network properties receive nearly 8.5 million unique visitors worldwide. (© comScore Media Metrix, March 2008). To easily begin researching your family history, visit http://www.ancestry.com/.

About FamilySearch

FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization that maintains the world's largest repository of genealogical resources. Patrons may access resources online at FamilySearch.org or through the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, and over 4,500 family history centers in 70 countries. FamilySearch is a trademark of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. and is registered in the United States of America and other countries.

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

2008-07-20T21:58:00.002-04:00

August Classes on GenClass

Looking for a way to beat the summer heat and still make progress on your family history research? Consider signing up for a course with GenClass. The classes are great value for the price. Enjoy learning from home--save money on fuel by not having to travel anywhere.

Click on the class name for classes in the coming month:
08-Adoption Investigative Class - August 1, 2008 Detailed search advice and assistance for successfully locating and reuniting adoptees and birth families.Duration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

08-Australian and New Zealand Genealogy - August 1, 2008 Learn how to research your Australian and New Zealand family, even from a distanceDuration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

08-Basic English Research - August 1, 2008 Learn how to start researching your English ancestors - historical background, geography, finding the "bones" of your family.Duration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

08-Canadian Research - Part 2 - August 1, 2008 Part 2 builds on Part 1 and advances your research using the most helpful records – with lots of practical search tips, tricks, and advice.Duration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

08-Eastern European Research: Part 1 - August 1, 2008 This class will continue on from the basic Eastern European research class, focusing on how to expand your research beyond your own family into a more community-oriented protocol.Duration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

08-Family Tree Maker 2008 - The Basics - August 1, 2008 Help finding your way around this new Family Tree Maker program, as well as learning how to enter your information including names, dates, media and sources.Duration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

08-Jump Start your Genealogy! - August 1, 2008 Just where do you start if you are interested in your family tree? - detailed instructionsDuration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

08-Lost Friends and Family Investigative Class - August 1, 2008 Detailed search advice and assistance on the methods to use for successfully tracing "lost" relatives and friends.Duration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

08-Northeastern United States Genealogy - August 1, 2008 Research in the NE states is fundamental to the trees of many Americans.Duration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

08-Salt Lake City: Part 2 - August 1, 2008 Access the largest genealogical library in the world. Continuing on from Part 1, this course takes you into the sections that most people never use - and what a mistake that is!Duration:4 Weeks from August 1, 2008

Click here to register.

2008-07-16T22:35:00.002-04:00

Back to this Blog

It's been awhile since I've posted to this blog. To say that I have been busy is an understatement! I just got back from attending a family reunion in Pittsburgh. I've been working on writing assignments, book projects, setting up for future speaking engagements, and last but not least, planning the upcoming 2008 FEEFHS Conference in Pittsburgh, PA August 1-3. So unfortunately, blogging has been put on the back burner. I anticipate this pace to continue for a couple more weeks (until after the conference).

2008-07-01T15:17:00.002-04:00

Last Day for 2008 FEEFHS Conference Early Bird Registration Discount

This is the last call for the early registration discount for the 2008 FEEFHS conference, August 1-3, Pittsburgh Airport Marriott Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn from the top experts in the field of East and Central European genealogy, online databases, DNA testing and more, or to hear Steve Morse, creator of the “One-Step Genealogical Search Tools” who will be the plenary speaker on Friday, August 1st.

To register, go to: www.feefhs.org

2008-06-29T22:46:00.002-04:00

July Courses on GenClass

Don't miss out on the great opportunities for online learning available through GenClass.

Adoption Investigative Class
Canadian Research - Internet Resources - Part 1
Jump Start your Genealogy!
Lost Friends and Family Investigative Class
Native American Genealogy
Salt Lake City: Part 1 - the Largest Genealogical Library in the World!
Scottish Genealogy

Each class is $34.50 and features 8 lessons plus real-time interaction with an expert instructor.

Click here to register today!

2008-06-18T21:55:00.004-04:00

Polish émigré gets into 7 Ivy Leagues

I'm always happy to see someone from Central or Eastern Europe earn some recognition!

I caught this story on MSNBC today.

5 years since entering U.S., he gets into 7 Ivy Leagues
Polish émigré couldn’t speak English; now he’s admitted to 17 top schools

By Bob Considine
TODAYShow.com contributor
updated 9:05 a.m. ET, Wed., June. 18, 2008

Lukasz Zbylut has taken “the old college try” to a whole new level.
The New York teenager, who emigrated from Poland only five years ago, applied to seven Ivy League schools — and was accepted by every one of them.

Click here to continue reading this article.

2008-06-17T21:31:00.003-04:00

Fayette County Genealogical Society Seminar

I am pleased to be speaking, along with Elissa Powell, at the Fayette County Genealogical County Society seminar to be held at the Uniontown Library, Uniontown, PA this Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Click here for additional information about registration and lecture topics.

2008-06-16T21:11:00.003-04:00

Out of This Furnace: The Play

I am really happy to announce this item.

The Unseam'd Shakespeare Company in Pittsburgh, PA is presenting "Out of This Furnace" a play by Andy Wolk and directed by Marci Woodruff, June 12-June 28, 2008 (Wed-Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 4 pm) Open Stage Theatre (2835 Smallman Street, in the Strip District)
Tickets: www.proartstickets.org, 412.394.3353.

Across three generations, one family struggles to build a life in the shadow of Carnegie’s first mill. A dramatic adaptation of Thomas Bell’s intimate tale of immigrants, labor, and the rise of unions in Braddock, PA--a revival of the production created in the 1970’s by Pittsburgh’s theatre for working-class audiences—the Iron Clad Agreement.

I am honored to have been asked to talk about my book Three Slovak Women (which I was inspired to write after reading Bell's novel), before the 4 p.m. performance on Sunday, June 22nd.

This will be a great afternoon to celebrate Slovak heritage!

Click on this link to read the review of the play from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Web site.

2008-06-16T20:50:00.006-04:00

Update on the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids

Here is an update about the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids.
Thankfully, the staff and their families are safe and they are now trying to deal with the flood crisis and disaster recovery.

I visited this wonderful museum and library when I was a speaker at a conference of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts & Sciences, which was held in Cedar Rapids in 2003, and have interacted with many of the staff there for a variety of projects. As Gail Naughton, President and CEO, so eloquently says in her message posted on the their web site (see below) along with a photograph: "Czechs and Slovaks have endured many devastating events in their history with an indomitable spirit." I have faith that our friends in Cedar Rapids will as well.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.

June 14, 2008

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

NCSML.org

A statement from Gail Naughton, President/CEO

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

To our Czech and Slovak friends around the world.

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library has been dealt a devastating blow with the massive flooding in Cedar Rapids. The museum buildings are surrounded by more than 10 feet of water up to the roof, which is rushing with such great force boats cannot get near. It is a flood of historic proportions, beyond any imagining. I want to assure our members and friends that everyone at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is safe. We were able to remove two semi truck loads of artifacts and books to safety, but we were unable to remove everything before we were told to leave. We will not know the full extent of the damage until we are able to get inside, which may be over a week. The museum staff and board of directors are already meeting to plan for disaster recovery and professional help is coming from across the country to advise and assist us.

I have received an outpouring of concern, support and love from across the United States and around the world. I want to thank everyone for these messages, which are so treasured by us as we go through these difficult days. Many have asked how they can help. At this point we don’t know. When we do, we will ask, because we will need the help of everyone in the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library family and Czechs and Slovaks worldwide to survive this.

Czechs and Slovaks have endured many devastating events in their history with an indomitable spirit. The United States is filled with the strength of those Czechs and Slovaks who settled here and built the nation.

A museum is more than a building, it exists in the hearts and souls of people. The treasured heritage of the Czechs and Slovaks will continue to be preserved as we triumph and rebuild the museum and library.

Callers will not be able to reach the Museum through our telephone number at this time. For the latest information go to the Museum’s website www.NCSML.org which will be periodically updated. As soon as phone service is restored, we will post it here.

2008-06-15T22:48:00.003-04:00

"Shoot Your Best Shot..." Father's Day Reflections

It's hard to believe this is the third Father's Day without my dad. It's supposed to get easier, right? Well, I found myself missing Dad just as much today as I did the first year and the second. I missed giving him a hug and kiss, and some token present or card (my father never really bought into the "Hallmark Moment" thing) which Dad accepted graciously, but somehow I always knew that the gesture had more significance for me than for him.

I've written about my father in this Blog before, so I am going to keep this posting short. My father was a kind, generous, and hard working man. He gave without expecting anything in return and taught me not by his words, but by his actions. My father was also an outstanding basketball player in his youth and well into his late 30s. And in keeping with the basketball metaphor, one of his favorite sayings both on the court and off, was "Shoot Your Best Shot."

I am trying to follow that advice.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. You are dearly missed.

With love from Lisa

2008-06-14T22:59:00.002-04:00

Flooding at NCSM&L in Cedar Rapids, Iowa‏

I received this notice today from the Slovak-American Society of Washington (SASW). The devastation in Iowa is being felt by so many individuals and also by those who work to preserve Czech and Slovak History. Thoughts and prayers are with everyone who have gone through this disaster.

***

The National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids has been caught in the flooding in that city. NCSM&L has water up to the ceiling on its first floor, and the water is still rising. Unfortunately, the flooding occurred so fast that staff were able to get only a few things out of the first floor. SASW will send out more information as it becomes available.

2008-06-13T20:46:00.002-04:00

News from Everton's Genealogical Helper

This announcement has been posted on many of the other genealogy blogs out there (I am a bit "behind the eight ball" I guess)... Nevertheless, I wanted to pass along the news here in support of EGH and editor, Leland Meitzler). I'm looking forward to the new online edition!

***

Everton’s Genealogical Helper Adds New Online Edition!

New Online Edition of Everton’s Genealogical Helper will debut July 1! Subscribe today for only $10.00!

LOGAN, Utah, June 12, 2008. Genealogy Online, Inc., publisher of Everton’s Genealogical Helper, today, announced the publication of the Genealogical Helper in an Online Edition. The Online Edition is an identical copy of the 176-page paper edition – complete with hotlinks to the hundreds of website addresses found therein.

Launch Date – The new Online Edition will launch on July 1 – simultaneous with the home delivery and newsstand date of the paper edition of the July-August issue.

Free Access – Subscribers to the traditional Genealogical Helper will have 100% FREE online access to the magazine – with no extra fees whatsoever. See http://www.everton.com for sign-up information.

Online Edition subscriptions – Everton’s Genealogical Helper, Online Edition, will sell for just $12.00 per year! That is only $2 per issue! And it’s only $10.00 for subscriptions made before July 1 at http://www.everton.com or phone 1-800-443-6325.

Net Family History – An important feature of Everton’s Genealogical Helper is the magazine within a magazine entitled Net Family History. New information specific to using the Internet for genealogy is always found in this portion of the bimonthly publication. Extensive website reviews are always located here, as well as articles dealing with Internet-related activities.

Why an online edition? – Every issue of Everton’s Genealogical Helper now contains hundreds of website addresses. The Internet is where some of the most exciting genealogical resource advances are taking place, so it’s required that information about these resources be disseminated to the Helper’s thousands of readers in every issue. Everton’s Genealogical Helper, Online Edition, will allow readers to go from their paper edition to the hotlinked Online Edition and access any of the websites with just a keystroke or two – no more typing in those lengthy website addresses! The Online Edition offers more than just the links found in the magazine – it is the entire magazine itself!

Format & hosting – Everton’s Genealogical Helper, Online Edition, will be in pdf format, readable by anyone, with any computer running an Adobe Acrobat Reader (Available at Adobe.com as a FREE download.) The Online Edition will be hosted by FamilyLink.com, Inc.

Why subscribe to the Genealogical Helper? – Subscribe to have access to the Helper’s how-to & historical articles, Net Family History (see above), genealogical sharing, extensive book and CD-ROM reviews & announcements, queries, the most complete event calendar available anywhere, and hundreds of ads detailing new products and services. In addition to these day-to-day features, you will also have access to the NEW updated, hotlinked Directory of Genealogical and Historical Societies – to be published in the Sept/Oct and Nov-Dec issues! Edited by Leland K. Meitzler, the Helper is guaranteed to help you extend your lines and fill in those blanks in your family tree.

WHAT A DEAL! – Your cost for a full subscription (the paper magazine & online access both) is less than 3 cents per page – delivered to your home, and now accessible online. Subscribe to the Online Edition alone for just over a penny a page! Subscribe by July 1 and it’s less than a penny per page!

Subscribe NOW at: http://www.everton.com or phone 800-443-6325.

*************

About Genealogy Online, Inc.

Genealogy Online, dba Everton Publishers, is the publisher of Everton’s Genealogical Helper, now in its 62^nd year of helping genealogists find their ancestors. Genealogy Online, Inc. also publishes the Handybook for Genealogists, 11^th edition, a top-selling guidebook for family historians. Their website is found at: http://www.everton.com. Also see: http//www.GenealogyBlog.com.

2008-06-12T23:09:00.003-04:00

Writing Your Family History Course

I will be teaching a course on Writing Your Family History at Broome Community College in Binghamton, NY this Saturday, June 14th from 9:00-1:00. This is my favorite class to teach. I enjoy interacting with others who have an interest in sharing their family stories.

2008-06-09T21:53:00.002-04:00

2008 FEEFHS Conference Publicity Video

The 2008 Federation of East European Family History Societies Annual Conference is coming up soon--August 1-3 in Pittsburgh, PA. The event is being held at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott Hotel. Check out the new video on YouTube to see what exciting things are being planned for this conference. Click here to view the video.

For more information, see the FEEFHS web site.

2008-05-30T21:07:00.003-04:00

2008 FEEFHS Conference Early Bird Registration Discount Extended

The Early Bird Discount deadline for registration for the 2008 Federation of East European Family History Societies Conference August 1-3 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA has now been extended to 1 July 2008.

Don't miss this jam packed two-day event which will feature presentations from leading experts in the area of Central/East European genealogy. The keynote speaker for the conference on Friday, August 1st will be Dr. Stephen P. Morse, creator of the "One-Step" genealogical search tools.

Details about this conference were discussed recently on DearMyrtle's Family History Hour podcast. Convenient registration is available using PayPal on the FEEFHS web site. Click here for more information.

2008-05-28T22:47:00.002-04:00

June Classes on GenClass

There are a number of great offerings for June on GenClass.

Take advantage of the beginning of summer for some great learning opportunties. Courses offered include:

Adoption Investigative Class
Eastern European Genealogy Research: Part 2 (Intermediate)
Lost Friends and Family Investigative Class
Organizing Your Family History
Salt Lake City: Part 2 - the Largest Genealogical Library in the World!
Write Your Family History Step-by-Step

Each course costs just $34.50 for 8 lessons and class chats with expert instructors.

Click here to register now.

And be sure to listen to DearMyrtle's recent podcast to hear more about Genclass.

2008-05-23T22:16:00.002-04:00

As Memorial Day Approaches

I caught this article about the importance gathering and preserving the memories of WWII vets on MSNBC today: "As WWII vets pass, memories preserved..."

To read the full article click here.

I am so glad I took the time to ask my father questions about his service in the U.S. Navy during WWII and have an audio recording of that interview. I've also preserved all of his documents, photographs, and even his Navy diary.

2008-05-16T20:48:00.003-04:00

News from NGS

If, like me, you couldn't make it to the National Genealogical Society Conference currently taking place (May 14-17) in Kansas City, there are a number of bloggers reporting from the event: Dick Eastman, DearMyrtle, Genealogy Blog and the Genealogy Insider all have reports about the latest developments in the genealogy world.

2008-05-11T21:36:00.003-04:00

Mother's Day

I saw this article, "Mother’s Day without mom? Words of advice," on MSN yesterday, and it eloquently sums up my feelings about today, Mother's Day. I lost my mother nearly 8 years ago so today is a bittersweet day - happy memories of a loving mother who was my best friend and biggest cheerleader, and sadness that she is not here for me to throw my arms around her to tell her how much I love her and appreciate how she raised me to be respectful of others and all of the sacrifices she made to ensure I received a good education and had opportunities she didn't.

2008-05-10T22:16:00.004-04:00

Remembering Dad

Today would have been my father's 83rd birthday. I couldn't let this day pass without remembering him. Although my father was one of the most generous people I've ever known, he never really was big on presents or cards for himself; he always told me I was "just wasting my money." But, one of Dad's favorite foods was ice cream and so during the two years he spent living with us, we would always have an ice cream cake to celebrate his birthday. I can still see him sitting at the table, enjoying the ice cream cake and then he would ask for another piece. Here's a picture of Dad on his 80th birthday - the final one before he passed away.

I love and miss you Dad. Happy Birthday!

2008-05-01T23:32:00.003-04:00

May 4th Event at WPSCA

I am pleased to be the speaker for the May meeting of the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Cultural Association, Sunday, May 4th in Pittsburgh, PA. I give plenty of talks throughout the year, but this invitation is an honor as this meeting will be held at the National Slovak Society Museum and we will get to preview its opening. I wonder what my Slovak grandparents would think if they could be here? I plan to honor them during the talk and I hope they are looking down with pride. Click here for details.

2008-04-30T20:14:00.002-04:00

Lake Erie Carpatho-Rusyn Society Genealogy Workshop-Sat. May 3

I will be presenting a workshop at the Carpatho-Rusyn Society Lake Erie Chapter on Saturday, May 3rd at the Shrine Club, I-79, Exit 180 – 2525 W. 38^th Street, Erie, PA. My topics will be: "Demystifying East European Research" and "Writing Your Family History." Also on hand: Jerry Jumba, Master of Rusyn folk music and Nancy Kelly, Creating a Rusin/Rusyn Dictionary.

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for members of the national Carpatho-Rusyn Society & $20 for non-members, including lunch.

TO REGISTER -- (814) 456-7217 OR eizi7@verizon.net

2008-04-24T13:23:00.003-04:00

Upcoming Letters Workshop in Alexandria, VA

I am very honored to be heading to Alexandria, VA this weekend to present the "Letters Workshop" at the Biennial Convention of the National League of American Pen Women on Saturday afternoon (4/26) at the Westin Alexandria. I am also looking forward to the Letters Banquet and hearing the speaker, Carol Buckland, who is Senior Executive Producer for CNN’s “Larry King Live”. The title of her talk is: Billions of Bytes but No Big Picture? The Impact of 24/7 Internet News.

Here is the official announcement of my selection by the committee. I am dedicating my presentation to my mother and my grandmothers. I will blog more about the experience when I return.

Here is the official announcement by Gail Ferguson, Letters Chair, NLAPW

"As the NLAPW National Chair of Letters, I am happy to announce the winner of our first-ever Workshop Contest.
Lisa Alzo will present her winning program, “Silent No More: Giving a Voice to ‘Her’ Story”, on Saturday afternoon of the 2008 Biennial. The theme focuses on women and writing."