December Newsletter

 Family History at Christmas: A Season of Connection and Discovery

Christmas is a time for snowball fights, pajama parties, family gatherings, food traditions, and silly memories, making it the perfect opportunity to explore and celebrate your family history. The festive season naturally brings loved ones together, offering moments to share never told before stories, uncover hidden connections with cousins and friends, and deepen the sense of Christ and kindness that makes the holiday special.

One way to start is with recipes. Finding them in dusty cookbooks or in faded handwriting is a treasure hunt in its own right. Perhaps a traditional tamale recipe or a pie crust making method can be the centerpiece of Christmas dinner. Christmas cookies alone can cover several days with experimentation and remembering how Grandma used to bake them "back in the good old days." Preparing and enjoying these dishes together allows family members to honor and connect with those they remember and those they never knew, while creating new memories. Encourage everyone to share stories about where these recipes came from and the unique people who first brought them to the table.

Storytelling is another rich avenue for family history involvement. Gather around the sparkly tree or popping fireplace and invite older relatives to share their memories of Christmases past. What was Christmas parties like during the disco era or even ten years ago? When did ugly Christmas sweaters start? Why is there an obsession with peppermint candy? These moments can reveal surprising anecdotes about your individual family’s journey, despite different cultures or regions.

Last, but not least is an interesting one: nativities. Many families have harbored and protected these timeless decorations of Christ's birth--passing them down, collecting, or simply giving them as gifts. Whether made of wood, stone, clay, or other materials, these remind families of the true meaning of Christmas and bring together the generations of those who have set out nativities and those who will continue to do so. Comparing and discussing family nativity sets is a surprisingly great way to discuss relatives, former traditions, and enrich the present Christmas spirit. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Song of the Month

Accessing Zoom Classes

Some of our classes at the center are being offered via Zoom. This includes the Basic Spanish class by Cameron and Wednesday morning classes by Tammy. To verify the Zoom class, go to the blog at burleyfamilyhistorycenter.blogspot.com and click on the Calendar option. When clicking on the class name, a pop up window will give more information, including the Zoom link.   

To access the Zoom link directly, click "more details" to open the calendar in another tab. Click on the name of the class and this time the pop up window will have the direct zoom link shown as a clickable link. The passcode is also listed, in case it is needed. This is also the way to access the handouts from the classes. 

You can also select "click here to open the calendar in a new window" from the first page and get the zoom links and handouts from there. 

Calendar

Check the calendar for classes and other opportunities! 

Important Dates

• TBD

 Closed Dates

• December 22-January 2
• Christmas
• New Year's

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November Newsletter

 Family, Thanksgiving, and Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful sentiment, especially during Thanksgiving, when we take opportunities more often to appreciate the blessings that family, extended family, and life in general provide. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on what we have and who we share our lives with. President Thomas S. Monson said, "Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love" ("The Divine Gift of Gratitude," 2010). This unlocking the door to heaven can even apply to our family that have passed on. Family, in all its forms, is at the heart of these blessings. Each family member contributes something unique, whether it’s a sense of comfort, memories, support, laughter, or love.

Being grateful for family means recognizing and valuing the moments together, from shared meals and silly, ridiculous traditions to simple, everyday conversations around the table. It’s easy to take these blissful, easy moments for granted, especially in the rush of work, social demands, and familial expectations and needs. Regardless, when we put the phone down, focus on what really matters, enable time to reflect--we realize how precious these connections are and even recall those moments of long ago with those we cannot physically be with at this time. Thanksgiving is a reminder that family, despite its flaws and seemingly endless imperfections, is really a foundation of support, growth, and unconditional love. 

In showing gratitude, we also bring warmth and understanding to these relationships. Thankfulness doesn’t erase challenges or misunderstandings, but it brings kindness and patience to how we relate to each other. Gratitude encourages us to acknowledge the effort each family member makes, whether it’s through mashing a batch of potatoes for the table, lending an ear to a particularly difficult situation, or simply being present and showing up even when exhausted. Expressing this gratitude is an opportunity to deepen these bonds, making the connections we have with our family more meaningful. It can shape the memories of tomorrow. 

As we sit around the Thanksgiving table this autumn, savoring turkey, yams, and green bean casseroles or whatever it is your family deems worthy of the Thanksgiving table, along with the company of those we hold dear, we’re reminded that gratitude turns what we have into enough. Family is always enough. 

Accessing Zoom Classes

Some of our classes at the center are being offered via Zoom. This includes the Basic Spanish class by Cameron and Wednesday morning classes by Tammy. To verify the Zoom class, go to the blog at burleyfamilyhistorycenter.blogspot.com and click on the Calendar option. When clicking on the class name, a pop up window will give more information, including the Zoom link.   

• To access the Zoom link directly, click "more details" to open the calendar in another tab. Click on the name of the class and this time the pop up window will have the direct zoom link shown as a clickable link. The passcode is also listed, in case it is needed. This is also the way to access the handouts from the classes. 

• You can also select "click here to open the calendar in a new window" from the first page and get the zoom links and handouts from there. 

Veteran's Day 

Military Records Class | Monday, November 11th | 2:00 P.M. | Refreshments

We will be open on Veterans Day and celebrating at the center. Come join us for a special class  all about what military records are available and where to find them. Refreshments will follow at 3:00 P.M. Celebrate this great holiday with us at the center. 

Spotlight Class of the Month

Exploring FS Activities | Wednesday, November 20th | 10:30 A.M. | Upstairs Classroom

 Marilyn Moncur will be presenting a new class about all of the activities options on FamilySearch. Several of these would be great activities to share with your family during the upcoming holidays. Come join the fun! We will be in the upstairs classroom. 

Check the calendar for classes and other opportunities! 

Important Dates

• November 2
• Day of the Dead Activity
• November 11
• Veteran's Day : YES, WE ARE OPEN!

 Closed Dates

• November 25-28
• Thanksgiving

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October Newsletter

Ofrendas and Family History

One beautiful way to remember family is by creating an ofrenda, much like in the movie Coco, inspired by Día de los Muertos. Set up a space with photos, favorite belongings, and items that remind you of your loved ones, lighting candles to symbolize their presence. Incorporate marigold flowers, which are believed to guide spirits back to the living world. Share stories, play their favorite music, and prepare their favorite foods, inviting their memory to live on through traditions and celebrations. By honoring their legacy in these special ways, you keep their spirit alive in your heart. 

Or create your own version of the ofrenda using the culture and traditions of your family such as favorite flowers, beloved memorabilia and objects, and more.  

Also, don't forget to take your own pictures of the memories for future generations.

In addition to creating an ofrenda, another meaningful way to remember family is through storytelling. Just like Coco highlights the importance of passing down memories, take time to sit with family members and share tales of your loved ones. These stories not only keep their legacy alive but also help the younger generation connect with their roots. You could even create a family memory book, where each member writes down their favorite memories, creating a lasting treasure that can be passed down.

Another idea is to commemorate your loved ones by celebrating their favorite traditions or hobbies. If your grandfather loved gardening, you could plant a tree or tend to a garden in his honor, symbolizing the growth and nurturing of the family. If your aunt enjoyed baking, you could gather everyone for a family baking day, using her favorite recipes. These acts not only keep their passions alive but also create new memories in their honor, much like Miguel's journey of rediscovery in Coco.

Whether it's through an altar of memories, the power of storytelling, or honoring family traditions, these actions help connect us to the past, ensuring that the love we shared continues to bloom across generations. 

Check the calendar for classes and other opportunities! 

Important Dates

• October 5 and 6
• General Conference
• November 2
• Day of the Dead Activity

 Closed Dates

• October 6
• General Conference
• October 17
• Carpet Cleaning

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September Newsletter

 

Bloom Where You are Planted!

How are you growing and flourishing?  What unique talents and skills have you been blessed with?  Do they need a bit more nurturing and development?  Does your journey include exploring family history?

The start of a new school year is much like the beginning of a new calendar year - a perfect time to reflect on your life, your direction, and your goals.  Take a moment to seriously think about this: What impact are you making in the world around you?  How are you blooming?  Who can you support by teaching a new skill, offering a helping hand, or sending an encouraging message?

Perhaps it’s time to set new goals and move forward.

As you consider your talents and aspirations, remember the Burley FamilySearch Center.  We offer incredible resources on our blog, full of ideas for activities both at the Center and at home.  There’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy!

A Quick Guide to Using Our Blog

Below the title and disclaimer you’ll find several tabs that lead to different pages with more information.  Let’s explore each of these options:

• Home:  Clicking here will always bring you back to the home page where all the latest posts are displayed.

• Calendar:  This tab takes you to our Google Calendar which is updated with new classes, group reservations, cancellations, and center closures.  If you click on a class title, you’ll find more details, including Zoom links for online classes.  You can also view and print any handouts attached to the class by selecting "more details," which will open the calendar in a new window.

• Group Visits: Click here for information on organizing a group visit.  We accommodate families, clubs, youth groups, and more.

• Staff Specialties:  We have over 90 consultants at the Center, each with unique specialties.  Click here to see the range of expertise available.

• Training Guide:  This guide is a resource for our consultants, containing links to websites, articles, and videos on family history.  It’s not only for consultants; anyone interested in enhancing their family history skills can use it.  It’s also a great refresher for those who may need a reminder on certain tasks.

• Temple and Family History Consultant Training:  In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wards and stakes ask individuals to serve as consultants to help others with family history. This page contains training specific to those roles, along with some general family history tips.

• Community Projects:  Occasionally, the Center participates in community projects involving local records, photos, or databases.  Click here for more information, including how-to videos, if you’d like to get involved.

• Digitizing Options:  We have a variety of digitizing equipment available at the center.  Whether you have old photos, documents, or other items that need to be preserved, bring them in and make a digital copy.  Just bring your items and a flash drive.  This tab includes links to instructions for the machines if you want to familiarize yourself with their capabilities.

• Zoom Class Replays:  Currently, only Cameron’s classes are recorded, but we hope to add more in the future.  Check this tab to see what recordings are available.

• Activities:  If you’re looking for family history activities to do with your family, friends, or groups, this is the place for you.  Click on this tab for various options, including links to other websites with plenty of ideas to keep you busy.

• Opciones en Español:  This tab provides resources in Spanish, including links to other websites and help with translating websites and YouTube videos.

Center Announcements

Exciting New Class Option  - LA FamilySearch Library has agreed to share their Ward Consultant Lessons with us.  Shelley Miles has agreed to be our presenter for the classes.  These classes are intended to assist Ward and Stake Consultants to feel more comfortable in helping members use FamilySearch.  This will be an 8 week class, each Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. from September 5th to October 31st.  It is not necessary to attend all classes, as each one is an independent topic.  These classes will be a great supplement to the two-part trainings Tammy offers about specifics of Ward and Stake Consultants responsibilities.  Check the calendar for specific topics.  

Wednesday AM classes  - Our Thursday morning classes have become a regular for many.  We have decided to begin offering regularly scheduled classes on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. as well.  Hoping to establish a habit for family history enthusiasts to come each week for classes.  September classes will be taught by Tammy and include: Memories, Descendancy Research, Using Ancestry's Options, and Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) for Family History Part 1 of 2.  If you have a request for classes, please contact her.  These will be offered via zoom for this month - not recorded at this time. 

Happy Birthday to President Nelson.  We are having a party.  Come watch the special presentation with us and enjoy some cake and ice cream.  September 9th at 4:00 p.m.

Saturday Zoom Class - Tracing Your German Roots.  Thanks to Teresa Carter for sharing this with us. LA FamilySearch Center is having a special presentation by John Schmal.  This presentation will discuss certain research techniques for locating your German ancestors.  John will discuss certain tools for LOCATING A PLACE OF ORIGIN (which is essential to even beginning your search in Germany). He will also show the attendees how to use some of the German databases available on the web (including FamilySearch, Archion and Matricula Online).  Be prepared to do searches for cities and towns that you are interested in.  Handouts will be included. 

Link: https://churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/95462341725?pwd=dmxZaWNGR1hpWVlCM1lYaHBENERLdz09#success 

Be sure to check the calendar for all classes!  

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed on

September 1st and 2nd for Labor Day!

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August Newsletter

August is "Back to School Month" in our communities, but did you know there are a lot of wacky and fun holidays in August as well?  Make it a month of celebrations!

August 1st - Respect for Parents Day.  Give your parents a call and express your appreciation for them, or record your appreciation for your parents in FamilySearch.

August 3rd - National Twin Day.  Check your FamilySearch account to see if there are any twins in your family.

August 4th - Hooray for Kid's Day.  Write up a memory with or about a child, send it to them, or add it to your Person Page in FamilySearch.  They'll only see it after you die, so it could be a surprise story for them in the future.  

August 9th - National Book Lovers Day.  Record a video at the Center about your favorite book.  

August 10th - Update Your Bio Day.  What a great idea!  Add that bio to your FamilySearch Person Page for safekeeping. 

August 12th - National Middle Child Day.  If you're a middle child or have a middle child, reach out to your older and younger siblings and share with them how special you are as a middle child to have each of them in your life!

August 13th - International Lefthanders' Day.  Check out FamilySearch and see if you can find any left-handers in your family.  If you know of any left-handers in your family, add that information in as a custom event to share the information with future generations. 

August 16th - National Tell A Joke Day.  There's an option to share your favorite joke on the Record My Story under Activities in FamilySearch. 

August 18th - Never Give Up Day.  Use this day to "try again."  We all have dead ends in our family trees.  Go to one of those dead ends and take a second look.  Maybe today will be the day to find the clue or the source you need.  If not, don't give up, and try again later.  Did you know you could record yourself reminder notes under the consultant planner section within FamilySearch?  Want more information about how to use the consultant planner for more than just consultants?   Check this blog post.    

August 19th - Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan; a celebration between a brother and his sister.  Reach out to your brother or sister and have a good chat with them, or record a favorite memory of your siblings on FamilySearch if they are deceased. 

August 22nd - Be an Angel Day.  Learn how to use Record Linking Lab and be an "angel" helper for future users in FamilySearch.  Check out their Facebook page for current projects and how to videos.

August 25th - Sacrifice Our Wants for Others’ Needs Sunday (the last Sunday in August).  For inspiration, check out this article from a RootsTech presentation given in 2017.

August 27th - World Rock Paper Scissors Day.  Just a fun way to remember childhood games.  Maybe you didn't play rock paper scissors as a kid.  If not, what games did you play?  Record them in FamilySearch or share your favorite games with your children or grandchildren. 

August 31st - We Love Memoirs Day.  What is a memoir?  According to Oxford Dictionary, a memoir is "a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources."  That means we all have memoirs to share.  Choose one to share with your family now, or start writing a family book as a Christmas gift.  Personal gifts are great, but they take a great deal of time.  Also, watch for classes at the Center about writing your own personal history or stories about others.  

Check out this post for more options. 

When you've finished the celebrating, and since the kids have jumped back into learning and researching, maybe it's time for you to do so too!  

There are a lot of options, here's just a few.

Come to the Center for some great one-on-one assistance.  

   Our hours of operation:

• Sunday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• Monday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Tuesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
• If in doubt if we're open or have a quick question, call us: 208-878-7286

Check out our calendar for our classes this month.  

Check out our zoom replay options available.   

Free NGS Online learning options. 

New research option, only recommended for experienced researchers.  Turning on the 3-Star Record Hints in FamilySearch.  Check out the blog post for more information.

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 Happy Pioneer Day!

Do you have pioneers in your lineage?  Or, are you going to be a pioneer for your future family?

To see if you have pioneers in your lineage, check out the activities on FamilySearch. 

Sections to view include: Female Pioneers, My Nauvoo Relatives, Pioneer Child, Pioneer's

Children Memorial,  Pioneers, and Saints by Sea

Talks and Quotes about Pioneers

1 - Elder Ballard- Pioneer Faith and Fortitude

2 - President Hinckley - These Noble Pioneers

3 - President Monson- Quotes about Pioneers

4 - President Oaks - Following the Pioneers

5 - Elder Featherstone - Pioneer Legacy

Media Library Collection of Pioneers from all over the world

Family History News 

1 - Did you know FamilySearch has added in a special cemetery search option?  Check it out here or go to the "search" drop down menu and select "cemeteries."

2 - Introducing Three Star Record Hints for Experienced Researchers.  Learn more about it and how to turn this option on in this blog article. 

3 - Updates to FamilySearch Memories Viewer. 

4 - Your Impact through FamilySearch.  See how your contributions have been helping those around the world.  

5 - Guided Research.  The best places for finding birth, marriage, and death records based on geographic location. 

6 - Temple and Family History Consultant and Planner videos.  These options can be used by everyone.  Check it out and see what you can learn about your family. 

7 - Genealogies.  "FamilySearch Genealogies is a large directory of family trees, also known as lineages or pedigrees, that people and organizations have shared with FamilySearch.  We organize the information into collections and make it available for you to search."

8 - The 1931 Canadian Census is available.

9 - Need a little encouragement or a jump start to your own research?  Check out some of the featured RootsTech videos for some inspiration.

 

10 - FamilySearch Newsroom.  Check it out for all of the latest updates for FamilySearch including links to the classes available at the FamilySearch Library.

Happenings at our Center:

1 - Our Summer Youth Program continues on Thursdays from 2:00 - 5:00 pm until August 8th (except July 4th). All youth are welcome. Those under age 11 should be accompanied by an adult. Each week will consist of a short lesson about family history and working together on Goldie May, followed by food and fun, and concluding with time to work on your own family history goals. Fun for everyone!


2 - Cameron is teaching Beginning Conversational Spanish classes for the rest of the summer. There are zoom links and google classroom options to work at home as well. Check out the calendars! Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


3 - Check out a new edition to our blog, Opciones en español (Options in Spanish) for websites, translation options, and other options to assist those Spanish speakers in our area. Note: Cameron is available to teach classes in Spanish if a group wishes to schedule one. You can contact Cameron directly at 208-312-5052.


4 - Limited classes will we taught during the summer. Watch for a full line up this fall including some new Zoom Class options.    

Be sure to check the calendar for all classes!  

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed on

the 4th of July!

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June Newsletter

Family History is for All Ages!

We are excited to announce our annual Summer Youth Program will be starting on June 13th!  We have a new format this year.  Each youth is encouraged to set a personal goal for themselves for the summer in relation to family history.  We will have lessons for 30 minutes at the beginning of each week, followed by a group activity relating to family history.  Then an hour of food and fun with friends.  The last hour will be dedicated to helping youth fulfill their own personal goals.  Come see what we have to offer.  Youth groups are welcome to attend.  

Involving younger children

Here are some great activities to try at home with your family.  Some are from the Friend Magazine, but the concepts apply to all ages.  Set a family history goal this summer of yourself!

"Little" Family History Celebrations by Blossom Heart and Home.  Ideas for fun family history activities to involve younger children. 

Family History Treasure Hunt from Friend Magazine in 2022

January -  Build your Treasure Chest

February - Music in My Family

March - Testimony Builders for my Family

April - Favorite Places

May - What's Important

June - Good to Eat

July - Where Do You Come From?

August - What's Special about Your Name

September - Remember Me

October - Talents in my Family

November - Family Traditions

December - Preserve Your Treasures

Family History Mystery from Friend Magazine in 2015

January - Current Heirlooms

February -  Future Heirlooms

March - Funny Family Stories

April - Family Photos

May - Your Photo

June - Your Family Pioneers

July - Your Baptism

August - None this month

September - Recipes

October - Favorite Scripture

November - Journals

December - Christmas Traditions

Make connections with family members using Family Groups and Together App

More information on these from YouTube video 

Turn on the Together App then download the app from App Store (at current, the only app available for download is for iOS)

Together App class by Cameron on YouTube

Turning on the Family Groups with information video from FamilySearch

Family Group class by Cameron on YouTube

New Summer Class - Conversational Spanish for Beginners

This class will start on June 6th and run for 12 weeks on Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:30 pm.  It will be taught by Cameron.  Here's what he posted to Facebook: "Whether you'd like to learn Spanish to better converse with friends and family or you'd like to improve your indexing and family history skills in another language, this class would be perfect for you!  Taught by Cameron Briggs in the comprehensible input method.  All ages welcome.  12-week bootcamp will be basic but intense to get you on your way to speak Spanish by the end of summer.  Classes will be held from 5:00-6:30pm.  For extra practice, there's a fun opportunity afterward to volunteer and teach English as a second language from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Community Council building.  We’ll mostly be using free resources available online.  One of them is Dreaming Spanish.  We will be using Google Classroom to keep track of homework, worksheets, videos and communicate.  So even if you can’t make it in person some weeks, you’d still be able to keep up."

Be sure to check the calendar for all classes!  

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed:

June 16th for Father's Day!

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