Caring for Photographs

I have started limiting the amount of time I watch the COVID-19 news. I am trying to limit it to once a day, in  the early evening, so that I can reduce the stress and worry that I feel.

I believe that genealogists and other solo hobbyists (like woodworkers, miniature railway enthusiasts, knitters, etc.) have a leg up on the general public in have a way to distract our whirling minds!

Maybe, you are looking at finally organizing all your family photos!

Here is a blog at "The National Archives" [UK] website with a downloadable guide for you:
https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/top-tips-for-caring-for-photographs/?fbclid=IwAR0d9ZEJM1qqNZb_1ufPAr766uMM4XOtaLZrVPdGMK2usSJkqlffdGP0n94

Just another suggestion for a project to feel like you are accomplishing something worthwhile.

And, while you are at it, feel free to post a picture on our Facebook Group page and tell us all about it.

Thank you and keep well,

Nancy Trimble, Chair

April Face to Face Events Postponed

Dear friends,

Regretfully, we have to postpone all of our April face to face meetings. We are looking at virtual solutions for our meetings. Please check out our Durham Region Branch Facebook Group and our Durham Region Branch blog, as well as the Durham Region Branch website for further updates, and also suggestions on what is online to keep you occupied during this era of social distancing.

Keep safe and be kind to yourself,

Nancy Trimble, Chair

e-books in the OGS Marketplace (e-Store)

Stressed? Need something to take your mind off social distancing? Try looking for a new genealogical read!

1. Go to the OGS website and log-in. If you are not an OGS member, you can create a free account in order to access the OGS Marketplace (e-Store) in the upper right corner.

2. Click on the "Marketplace" tab.

3. Click on the "Books, CDs and More" tab, then choose "eBooks".

4. There are 39 eBooks that you can buy from an assortment of authors (e.g. Thomas MacEntee, Lorine Mcginnis Schultze, Ken Cox, Janice Nickerson and more).

5. Enjoy some downtime!

FamilySearch Comes to the Rescue for [Grand]Parents

FamilySearch is offering some suggestions to keep families busy during the pandemic:

Dear Friends, 

Many people around the world are staying home and at a safe distance from each other to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is a crucial time to combine our efforts to build and strengthen meaningful connections. We have an opportunity to provide comfort and healing to those who may feel vulnerable or alone. 

Sharing common experiences with others can bring us closer. FamilySearch provides a number of simple activities for all ages that are designed to bridge the distance between loved ones. These activities can be done with those closest to us at home or through social media.

We will continue to add new activities to help inspire you and those you love. I invite you to check FamilySearch.org regularly to see what’s new. 

We wish you peace and joy as you connect with those closest to you. 

Warmest Regards, 

Steve Rockwood 
FamilySearch CEO

Check it out here

Coronavirus Poster

Washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds is very important. 

Scrubbing your hands with alcohol disinfectant comes in a close second when washing is not possible. 

Shop for necessities, but keep the 2 meter distance. Consider ordering online for home delivery. 

Talk to others using telephone, email, social media.

Go for walks to prevent depression, but keep the 2 meter distance. 

Disinfect your phones, computers, door handles and other areas you touch frequently.

Take advantage of genealogy webinars & podcasts - there are many free ones.

Get caught up on your genealogy magazines and books.

Take this time to update your online genealogy tree, contact your cousins, scan photos and documents: all those things you put off till you had time!!

I'll stop preaching now!!

Ontario.ca/coronavirus

I am still monitoring the situation, but it is very likely that the April 7th meeting will be cancelled.

Stay safe,

Nancy

COVID-19 update for Durham Region Branch

Regretfully, due to the current public health concerns of COVID-19, our branch will have to postpone our events occurring between Mar. 14th and April 5th. 

This means that our DNA group will not be meeting on Wed. Mar. 18th and our Library Open Houses of Fri. March 20th and Fri. Mar. 27th will also be cancelled.

As the situation progresses, we will let you know if the General Meeting of April 7th will be affected.

Thank you for your understanding and patience at this time.

Keep healthy and safe,

Nancy Trimble, Chair