Linda K. Lewis, Johnson County, KSGenWeb

Greetings USGenWeb Members!

I am so proud to have served as The USGenWeb^SM Project's National Coordinator for the 2020/21 - 2021/22 terms. Thank you for nominating me to serve a third term.

Like most of us, I joined our Project (in 2001) as a way to give back to the genealogical community. And I found out that the best thing about USGenWeb is its community of volunteers. It may be our name and linked websites that bring researchers to us, but it's our volunteers that makes us unique. I learned so much from so many members and being a part of this community has enriched my life. My hope for this next term is that we can find new ways to strengthen our community, support our members, and promote our brand.

Acknowledgements

So many members work hard to help make our Project successful, and I am grateful for all of their help. Our Project welcomed many new State leaders during the 2021/22 term. AK, CA, CT, DC, GA, HI, IA, IL, MA, MD, MI, NC, SD, and WV all have one or more new leaders.

Sadly, some of these changes were due to the passing of some long-time cherished members:

• Jan Cortez, SC for CT and MI, ASC for GA
• Bunny Freeman, ASC for TX
• Suzanne Shephard, ASC for KY
• Les Shockey, SEMA SC Rep, SC for WV

There is so much uncertainty when an SC suddenly passes, or quits and takes down all the websites. It's not an easy job to step in to serve as an Acting SC. These are the folks communicate with the State's members and try to organize a plan to move forward. Sometimes they are faced with membership, hosting, domain name, and google group issues. Advisory Board members lent their support, but the real thanks go to these USGenWeb heros who stepped up to help their State during times of crisis:

• Connie Burkett
• Dale Cook
• Norma Hass
• Bob Jenkins
• Jeff Kemp
• Rebecca Maloney
• Maureen Mead
• Colleen Pustola
• Cheryl Rothwell

2021/22 Advisory Board Activities

I want to extend my gratitude to the members of the the 2021/22 Advisory Board. These volunteers made such a great team! They are responsive, supportive, and worked well together to address issues and provide a strong support system for the membership. All accomplishments this term are to their credit and due to their love for our Project.

• Welcomed back Family Group Sheets to USGenWeb Special Projects
  - Thank you Gina Heffernan and Rebecca Maloney
• Amended the Grievance Committee Procedures to require fewer committee members
  - Thank you Pat Asher (EC Data Manager), MaryAlice Schwanke (SWSC CC Rep), and Dale Cook (NENC CC Rep)
• Appointed a new Grievance Committee
  - Thank you to the GC volunteers and to Karen DeGroote for working through the transition
• Appointed a new Election Committee
  - Thank you to the EC volunteers and to Tina Vickery and Pat Asher for handling the transition
• Appointed a replacement for the SEMA SC AB seat
  - Thank you to Linda Blum-Barton for volunteering to return to the Advisory Board
• Appointed a new SC for DCGenWeb because one could not be elected
  - Thank you Norma Hass and Susan Salus
• Raised funding and submitted a USPTO Petition to Director in response to Service Mark 3936386 cancelation notice
  - Thank you Taneya Koonce and the Advisory Board
• Raised funding for Project domain renewals and hosting costs for the upcoming 2022/23 term
  - Thank you to many USGenWeb members who provided generous donations
• Conducted a few State elections as requested or necessary
  - Thank you Advisory Board members

Most of all, thank you to all of our members for all you do for USGenWeb! I wish all members the best health and happiness in 2022/23 as we all work together to make USGenWeb a valuable resource for 26 years!

Linda K. Lewis
National Coordinator
The USGenWeb^SM Project
Free Genealogy for 25 Years
www.usgenweb.org

Johnson County, KSGenWeb
Linn County, KSGenWeb
Riley County, KSGenWeb
Lane County, KSGenWeb