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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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."

True Inspiration

I'm just about to head out to catch a plane, but felt compelled to complete this post. If you saw the last night's ABC Special: "The Last Lecture: A Love Story for Your Life," then you understand.
Diane Sawyer interviewed Carnegie-Mellon University Professor, Randy Pausch and his family. Pausch has pancreatic cancer and seven months ago, gave an inspiring lecture that has now been viewed around the world thanks to the Internet.

This man's story really hammers home the truth that it doesn't matter how much money, material goods, or fame you have, what really matters is how you live your life day by day and how you treat your family and friends. As genealogists we talk about leaving a legacy for future generations. What an incredible legacy this man will be leaving.

What will your's be?

Click here to read/view the story.