This past July 2008, I attended a family reunion in Michigan. I am passionate about family reunions! You see, if it were not for two grandmothers, I would not be where I am today! I’m a Genealogiest both personally and professionally. Currently, I am a family historian for two different family reunions, in two different states, Michigan and Pennsylvania. In the past, many years ago, I had been a secretary and historian for the reunion in Michigan. Since 2001, I have am a recording secretary and historian for one reunion in Pennyslvania. As an oasis (Offsite Administratiive Secretarial Innovative Support), I virtually assist both reunions from Northern Shores of Lake Erie in Ohio.

I have learned many things from my event planning experiences. For starters, it helps to work with a great team of people. The main thrust of the officers is a great team of volunteers. An oasis (Offsite Administratiive Secretarial Innovative Support), teams up with your association to support you along the way. I love being a part of a project where I am assisting to bring people who haven’t seen each other in ages together or introducing missing family members to aunts, cousins and uncles they have never met. It is an energizing experience!

Family Reunions and Class Reunions are two group assocations for which I am passionate. Family Reunions and Class Reunions need Virtual Assisting. An oasis can help updating and maintaining mailing lists, keeping track of RSVPs, preparing the flyers and handling the dirty work of addressing what documentation you’re sending. There are many things Virtual Assisting can handle, and take away the major task of preparing your mailing. If you choose to send it from your home state, your oasis can send the final product to you so that you can organize and arrange a collating party to fold, seal, place stamps in position, and get them to the post office.

 

 

 

 

As an independent telecommunications CSR call center specialist, I contract with different clients to handle their inbound lead generation communications.

For example: In my area of Ohio we get things in our mailboxes for Val-Pak It comes inside a blue-colored envelope. It is a blue envelope filled with a whole bunch of information (this information junkie loves this envelope!) from different companies who are trying to inexpensively adverstise their services and products. Most of them, yet not all of them have a telephone number or a website to go for more information, but do not have the big bucks to do this same type of thing in house. Those businesses want you to call them for further information.

So, you’re asking yourself, what does that have to do with an OASIS (Offsite Administratiive Secretarial Innovative Support)? Everything. Who handles your lead generation calls? Does it take a lot of time and energy from things on your to-do list?

Well, this oasis does the same thing, but on a much smaller scale. This oasis covers special project times when there needs to be a person monitoring the telephone number or group eMail box as people see to receive more information about a product, service, or maybe a special event.

 

 

 

It’s great to have a great network of friends! Many of my them are colleagues from my previous employment. We have each embarked on paths that have lead us to greater challenges.

One of those persons is DeBorah Hamilton-Levy, she is the owner of Destined For Greatness Enterprises, whose motto is “empowering you to become all that you were created to be”. Her niche is organizing activities, events, and seminar presentations.

Her worlshops include: Entrepreneurship, Finances, Goal Setting, Parenting, Relationships and Time Management. She is also an instructor teaching classes for Basic Computer and Software, Career Development, Internet Skills, and Life Skills.

 Need a realtor? Contact DeBorah is located on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio  with Century21 Home Star  She’s a member of NAR, OAR and CABOR.

DeBorah is also the owner of DeBorah’s Bridal Boutique which sells, rents and consigns gowns reasonably priced. She is always collecting wedding, prom, evening and bridesmaids gowns for her boutique. As an accessory to the bridal boutique, a a Carlson Craft Dealer of exquiste wedding, business, and social stationery. Everyone that places an order with her will receive a 10% discount off their total order. www.carlsoncraft.com If you would like to donate or consign gowns, please contact 216-926-6612.

One of my deepest passions is Genealogy and preserving History!  Genealogy…helps unite families!   Actually, that is how I got where I am today. If it were not for genealogy, I would not have my virtual assistance practice.  Remember, I am a trustworthy and reliable offsite preservation support.

I just love people who say to me, “Krista, Genealogy is a free hobby”.  No, it’s not.  If you are reading my blog I know you have an internet connection.  In order for you to view one of the many online FREE genealogy sites, you have to have an Internet connection. Do you, or do you not, pay a Internet Service Provider for your connection to the Internet?  If you do, then genealogy is not FREE, is it?

Over the last 20 plus years, I have spent a small fortune working on different genealogy projects.  I have the receipts to prove it.  I have traveled to many states to get the information I have.  I have dug into moldy-smelling records in storage facilities that do not have their information on the Internet. Most of what I have found for myself or for others was not on the Internet.  It came from good old-fashioned digging in the trenches. Historical societies, public libraries, walking through cemeteries, printing the facts from  microfilm / microfiche readers (printouts are not free).

Although I have access to expensive online databases – I have discovered not everything can be found on the Internet!  Apparently me, and countless others have family members who were missed by the census takers!  There are states I just am unable to drive to – even I have have to ask for assistance.  This means that yes, you will have to ask for help, and no,  they don’t the work for free. 

 

 

 

 

Not long ago, I had an interesting conversation with a friend’s daughter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We discovered we had quite a bit in common. The biggest? Genealogy. One of the things we discussed was our “obsession with verification”. I took notice that our obsessions regarding verifications were nearly identical. We both agreed verifications takes TIME and it is not free. Did you know you have to pay MONEY to receive the documentation showing proof of your suppositions?

Did you know that Aunt Molly’s stories to her family over the many years may not be true? Been there, done that. Verify her stories! Remember, it is not a correct fact until you verify it. You can verify facts from deeds, wedding licenses, obituaries, newspaper articles, wills, orphan court records, censuses, etc. Nearly every document you use to verify a fact costs MONEY.

One last thing, although a little off topic – we both found out the hard way, if you have things in your gear that records facilities will not allow or will not go through metal detectors – sometimes you have to RENT a locker located nearby the guard’s station and leave the items there. Why? You may not have driven to the location where the records are located or your car is parked too far away so you don’t have a place to put them while you are inside the records facility.

Where do these costs come from? I’m not just talking about printouts from microfiche and microfilm. There are online database subscriptions, fuel or fare to get to the locations where the records are stored, admission fees to use special libraries, toll road coins for the trip there and back, vehicle wear and tear, overnight accommodations, and, oh yeah – parking fees, especially to the parking garages for locations that do not have their own parking lots, or those pesky parking meters in some parking lots. Nothing I like better than running to the parking meter every couple of hours to toss more coins in the meter so I can keep gathering the facts!

Bottom line: She and I agree we go to great expense to verify the past facts; we have the receipts to prove it.

 

Are you stumped where to shop for every person on your Gift List? May I suggest an alternative to the traditional shopping mall or plazas? Local Craft Shows may be your answer.

Did you know you do not need to attend the Christmas Craft Connection at the IX Center in Brook Park, Ohio? There are other inexpensive craft show options in the area! Check them out! 

When you attend the local craft shows you’re helping to support local small businesses, school systems, and charity organizations; you may be introduced to unique products and services you’ve never seen before!  Enjoy.

 

Did you know that you don’t need to travel to the Christmas Craft Connection at the Cleveland IX Center to find great seasonal shopping opportunities?

You may discover that Craft Shows are how local small businesses show-off their unique goods and services; craft shows are an economical source of advertising.

Here are this week’s local craft shows:

Friday, 14 Nov 2008
11A – 8P
Saturday, 15 Nov 2008
10A – 3P
Christmas in the Country
Craft Show
Strongsville Holiday Inn
Rt 82 & I-71
Strongsville OH
Admission $4.00
No Strollers Please

Saturday, 15 Nov 2008
9A – 3P
March into Christmas Holiday
Craft Bazaar
Elyria Catholic High School
725 Gulf Rd
Elyria OH

 

Saturday, 15 Nov  2008
9A – 3P
3rd Annual Heritage 
Craft Fair
Heritage Presbyterian Church
Leavitt Rd
Amherst OH

Saturday, 15 Nov 2008
10A – 4P
Holy Trinity 
Christmas Boutique
Holy Trinity Hall & School
2610 Nagel Rd
Avon OH
Admission $1.00

May I suggest shopping at a Craft Show / Bazaar?  There are small business crafters/artists out there who want to introduce you to their unique goods and services. 

Here are this weekend’s list of Craft Shows:

Saturday, 22 Nov 2008
St. Martins
1800 Station Rd
Valley City OH

Saturday, 22 Nov 2008
9A – 3P
St. Mary Magdalene
5390 W 220th St
Fairview Park OH

Saturday, 22 Nov 2008
Holiday Bake Sale & Bazaar
10A – 2P
St. George Serbian Orthodox Church
33rd St & Grove Ave
Lorain OH

Admission is FREE

Saturday, 22 Nov 2008
9A – 4P
Holiday Craft Fair
North Royalton High School
14713 Ridge Road
N. Royalton OH 

Admission $1.00

Sunday, 23 Nov 2008
1P – 6P
Living Waters Ministry
1959 Grafton Rd
will host its annual
bazaar 245 Bath St
Elyria
There will be baked goods,
crafts, antiques, glass, 
jewelry and lunch.
Admission FREE

 

Amherst, Ohio – Is anybody on your gift list a book worm?  Local Author Ms. Debbie Alferio  has released a new book in her “Forever Love” series of moral and tasteful fictional romance books. The title of the most recent book is, “Waiting for Tomorrow”.  Her first book is entitled, “A Forever Kind of Love” which came out in 2005.   

Debbie will be attending a book signing event for her highly acclaimed “Forever Love” series of books at the Amherst Public Library, 222 Spring St, Amherst, Sunday, Nov 30, 2008, from 2 – 4 p.m.  Please note that a portion of all profits from book sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. 

Her other book signing appearances will be as follows:

• Saturday, November 22, 2008
  1 – 3 p.m. – Borders Express, 4248 Kent Road, Stow OH
• Friday, November 28, 2008
   1 – 3 p.m. – Borders, 4314 Milan Road, (St. Rt. 250), Sandusky OH
• Saturday, November 29, 2008
   9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Holiday Craft Show
   Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 2949 West River Road N.
   Elyria OH
• Saturday, December 6, 2008
   1 – 3 p.m. , Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 24519 Cedar Road (in Legacy Village)
    Lyndhurst OH
• Saturday, December 13, 2008
   10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Homspun “Holly” Day Craft & Gift Fair
    Brunswick High School – East Gym, 3581 Center Road, Brunswick OH

A free preview of the story Waiting for Tomorrow can be found on www.authorhouse.com. Click on “Book Store” at the top and type in Debbie Alferio. You will be directed to the book; simply click on the title or cover to get to the page.  To read the author’s Blog, click here.

Over the years I have gone to great lengths to verify facts and gather information. One of those was to subscribe to out-of-state newspapers. Many newspapers still do not have online website visibility and most of them do not make their archives available online. Some do, most do not. Some newspapers in recent years post the obituaries online for seven days and then they disappear – poof!

Years before the internet, I began subscribing to a daily newspaper called the Lebanon Daily News.  Do you have any idea how much newspaper subscriptions have gone up over the last 20 years? A lot.

The Lebanon Daily News is from Lebanon County, Pennsylvania – located between Harrisburg and Reading, Pennsylvania.  About now you’re probably wondering why a person from Northern Ohio takes this newspaper.  My ancestry from my paternal side is all from Lebanon Valley, Pennsylvania – my grandparents are buried there.  I spend a great deal of time in this area every year visiting relatives all over the state, attending family reunions, being a tourist, shopping at Vanity Fair  in Reading, enjoying the scenery in Amish country, eating at the Shady Maple in Blue Ball, going to Roots Market in Manheim to purchase my Shoofly pie from the Amish ladies, and doing as much genealogy as I can squeeze into my schedule! 

What started out to be an inexpensive RISK to watch for obituaries, anniversaries, births, engagements, weddings, family reunions, class reunions, 3-4-5 generation pictures, and real estate transactions really has cost me MONEY. Course, I must admit there are many articles I love to read in this newspaper. Years ago, Schulyer C. Brossman, deceased, of Our Keystone Families was a column favorite. These days, James M. Beidler, of the column Roots & Branches has my attention.  I look forward to every issue!

Obituaries that appear in the Lebanon Daily News come from people living in Lebanon Valley area including the following counties: Berks, Bucks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill, and many others.  In addition, obituaries appear for individuals who are being buried in Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, located in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, but are not necessarily originally from this area.

Anyway – in my possession – I have Lebanon Daily News Obituaries for 1992 – 2000 – but I also have the obituaries from 2001 – current.  Am I obsessed with the Lebanon Daily News Obituaries or what? 

I have an on-going mission’s project – inventorying all the obituaries in my possession.  The inventory databases, (yes, I said databases. I build them as I go) are quite simple.  They list the surname of the deceased, the prefix of the deceased, like if they are a Doctor, Reverend, Sergeant 1st Class, etc., First name of the deceased, middle name or middle initial, a suffix – are they a senior, junior, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th, nickname, maiden name if available, age at the time of death (if available), and the dates the obituary appear in the newspaper.  I’ll probably be doing this project the rest of life! It is okay, I’m passionate about this project.

Did your relative(s) have an obituary in the Lebanon Daily News?  You never know, I may till have the obituary in tact; or, I may have typed up an obituary abstract for an individual. No, I am not parting with the obituaries – I am offering my services to research my archives for the Lebanon Daily News Obituaries.  I’ve become keenly aware that the obituaries from 1992 – 2000 might not be on the internet.

Truth – when I need obituaries for years prior to 1992 (when I didn’t keep the obituaries from the newspaper), guess what?  I have to pay MONEY to find someone to locate them for me.  Click here to learn more about my Lebanon Daily News Archives.

Bringing you to the attention of LCCC/Employment and Career Services’ Upcoming Job Search Assistance workshops, please click on the following link to view and register.

These workshops are FREE and you may sign up for as many as you like.

P. S. Krista K. Gable, (Eagle’s Beagle) is an LCCC Alumni – in 2006/2007 I was in the midst of a job/career change.  I attended the Transitions group twice a month and also attended LCCC’s Career Boot Camp.  Awesome programs! 

Career Boot Camp reminded me of “What Color is Your Parachute?” (which I read in 2002/2003) only you are in a Class / workshop setting. 

You DO NOT have to be a current student of Lorain County Communicty College in order to use LCCC Employment and Career Services; alumni and non-alumni can attend. You also DO NOT have to be from Lorain County to use these services.

The Drama Dept & Adult & Children’s Choirs of Trinity E-Free Church invite you to attend thei 2011 Christmas Musical entitled -

“A baby changes everything”

Please join us at any of your presentations:

Saturday, Dec 17, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Sunday, Dec 18, 2011 at 9am
Sunday, Dec 18, 2011 at 10:45am

There will be childcare for anyone birth – age four during all performances.

Refreshments will be served after the presentation.

Trinity Evangelical Free Church
46485 Middle Ridge Rd
Amherst OH 44001
440.985.2419

 
UPCOMING SPECIAL SERVICES:

Christmas Eve Candle Light Services , Saturday, Dec 24, 2011 at 5pm and 7pm
(Childcare provided ONLY at the 5pm service.)

Christmas Day Worship Service, Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 10am
The children are invited to come in their pajamas as they participate in a Birthday Celebration for Jesus.

New Year’s Day Worship Service, Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 10am

**PLEASE also consider joining us each Sunday Morning at 9:00am or 10:45am

We invite you to stop by our Welcome Center to receive additional information about our church.

Amherst, Ohio -

For some unknown reason – each year I am trying to HUNT down the information regarding the Lorain version of the Merry Tuba Christmas. Not sure why. Is it supposed to be a secret? I hope not. We should PACK the house!

The Lorain, Ohio version of Merry Tuba Christmas will be held at the Lorain Palace Civic Center, Sunday, December 19, 2010, at 2pm (1hr). The performace of all the Tubas  is a FREE EVENT, open to the public. Doors open at 1pm

It’s a great time to celebrate the season – tuba style. So, what is a Merry Tuba Christmas? Tradition! 

Can you imagine festively decorated tubas (including light strings) from all over Northern Ohio? People preforming in the 1 day affair – range in age from as young as 8 to as high as 88, sometimes higher. Many different elemetary schools, junior high, high schools and sometimes colleges are represented.

You MIGHT know some one who sports a Merry Tuba Christmas preformance souvenirs.

Where are all the Merry Tuba Christmas’ taking place in Ohio? 

Does your local Marching / Band Director back Merry Tuba Christmas? If they do not, they should! When I say “tubists” what do I mean? Sousaphonists, Baritonists and Euphoniumists  are participating. Yes, there are Merry Tuba Christmas - participation guidelines.

If you do not have access to a Tuba, don’t panic! If you graduated from High School and DO NOT HAVE access to a TUBA (and you want to particiapte), contact the Lead Coordinator Dale Hildebrand, at 440.949.4221 – he has connections to extra Tubas!

LET’S REVIEW:

Who?
Merry Tuba Christmas

When?
Sunday, December 19, 2010

Where?
Lorain Palace Civic Center

Costs?
Registration is from 10 AM to 11am - $5.00
You might be interesed in purchasing the music book used for the performances:
“Carols for A Merry TubaChristmas Volume 2″, which is available for an additional $10.00. 

What to bring with you? 
1) BRING YOUR MUSIC STAND!  
2) Dress in the Holiday Spirit
3) decorate your instruments.

When does reherasal start?
Rehersal starts at 11am and ends at 1pm.

Where do you park?
FREE city parking is nearby

Lunch?
Is provided to paid participants.

Who is the conductor?
Lead Coordinator Dale Hildebrand, 440.949.4221

To the fans – Bring your jingle bells! Any bells will do – and car keys work great!

WBON MEETING   

Do you feel like life is giving you a pain in the back?

Come learn prevention tips.  

 

SPEAKER
Chiropractor, Jay-P Fite D.C.

   

TOPIC
Preventive Back Maintenance 

  BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Betty Campbell, R.N., L.M.T.

of Massotherapy Arts

 

DATE  

Thursday September 2, 2010  

 

TIME  

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

 

LOCATION

IHOP (International House of Pancakes)
Near Midway Mall
1160 West River Rd. North
 Elyria, OH 44035   

 

Please RSVP

Debra James 440-989-2570 or Karen Cheshire 440-986-3200
or info@jrmovers.net

 

Remember to bring cash for the 50-50 raffle.

$1.00 per ticket or $5.00 for 6 tickets.  

 

Karen Cheshire continues to collect non-perishable

foodstuff and personal care items. 

 

Amherst OH -

WHAT?
UNITY FEST

A festival of Unity. The Fest starts at Noon goes until 10p.m. Food, Inflatables, Paintball, and  Live music ALL day - 7 Different Christian Bands including:

• Brace
• Chosen
• The Promise Estate
• Come Wind 
• and ending with EVERYDAY SUNDAY

UNITY FEST WITH MUSICAL GROUP EVERDAY SUNDAY  - Best Night of Our Lives

WHEN?
Saturday, August 28, 2010

TIME?
12Noon - 10PM

ADMISSION COST?
$10

WHERE?
Sponsored by Trinity E-Free Youth Ministries
Trinity Evangelical Free Church
46485 Middle Ridge Road
Amherst OH 44001

Need more information?
Call the Church Office 440.985.2419 or go to  www.myspace.com/unityfest10

Need more information about the group Everyday Sunday?
 http://www.myspace.com/everydaysunday

The Women Business Owners Network (WBON) meets Thursday, August 19, 2010
at 6pm discussing “COPING WITH TODAY’S CURRENT FINANCIAL EVENTS”.

WBON member Nancy Daniel is the owner of Crescendo Finance, will lead the discussion.

There will be NO BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT.  

 

MENU & LOCATION VENUE CHANGE -  ”Houlihan’s Westlake is located at 25651 Detroit Road, Westlake, Ohio  44145.  Entrees range from twelve to twenty five dollars, but they have an appetizer menu that is great for ten or less!”

 

 

 

Contact Nancy Daniel for directions and menu at daniel@financialnetwork.com
Bring enough business cards and literature for everyone for an exchange.

ALL WOMEN who OWN BUSINESSES or are THINKING of owning one are welcome. 
Feel free to bring a friend.

For reservations, directions or further information:

Call Debra James, 440.989.2570, Karen Cheshire, 440.986.3200, or
email info@jrmovers.net

ALL INVITED!

WHAT?
FREE COMMUNITY BRUNCH and CLOTHING GIVE AWAY

WHEN?
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2010 FROM  9AM – 12PM

BRUNCH MENU:
breakfast casseroles, bagels, fruit and baked goods

COST?
FREE

WHERE?
TRINITY EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
46485 MIDDLE RIDGE ROAD, AMHERST OH

NEED MORE INFORMATION? CALL 440.985.2419

OBERLIN OH -

SAVE THE DATE ! ! !

Come join us for a festive evening as we celebrate the 15 year harvest of Zion Community Development Corporation with good food, fellowship, a silent auction and dancing under the autumn stars.

ZION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORTATION HARVET CLAMBAKE

Saturday, 2 Oct 2010 from 6 – 10 pm
at Oberlin Inn, Downtown Oberlin OH

Reserved tables of 8 – $500 includes a bottle of wine
$95 per couple or
$50 per person

includes: salad bar, 1 dozen clams, chicken, sausage, corn on the cob, clam broth, dessert and cash bar.

For more information, contact 440.774.1800

AMHERST OH  -

What: Go the Distance Sports Camp 2010

When: July 19 – 23, 2010
Time: Monday – Friday, 5:00pm – 8:15PM
Cost: FREE

Camp Location:
Trinity Evaneglical Free Church
46485 Middle Ridge Road
Amherst OH 44001

Boys & Girls Ages 4 – 12

Bring A friend and choose from these options:

• cheerleading
• baseball
• basketball
• football
• soccer
• or crafts

FEATURING:

• Christian Coaches
• Quality Sports Instruction
• Positive role Models
• Daily Bible Times
• Skits & Fun

EVERY CAMPER RECEIVES:

• A Camp T-Shirt
• Camp Literature
• Daily take home Bible Studies

To Register: Call Jen Jump at Trinity E-Free Church 440.506.8957

There is also a Sports Camp in Lorain meeting at Oakwood Park at 8:30am the same week on the same days.

Amherst OH                                  

 Sandstone Classic 5K Run/Walk

 **Proceeds Benefit Rainbow Children’s Hospital & Amherst Firemen**

July 17th, 2010

Trinity Evangelical Free Church 46485 Middle Ridge Rd, Amherst, OH 44001

 

Onsite registration begins at 7:00 AM day of race.
Race Starting Time Begins at 8:30 AM

 
• Mail-in registrations must be received by July 14, 2010 at 4:00 PM.
• Registration and Packet Pick-up Information: $15 (pre-register) / $17 day of race.
• Packets are available at Trinity Evangelical Free Church.  
• T-shirts to first 150 registered participants. 
• Course Description: A 5k race through residential streets in Amherst. Course has one uphill, with two smaller downhills.
• Facilities: Packet pick-up, registration, restrooms will be at Trinity Evangelical Church.
• Awards: Overall Male/Female, Top Three Male/Female in each age group awarded.
• Age Groups: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over.
• Additional Information: Contact the church office (440)985-2419 or go to Trinty Evangelical Free Church

 

 

WBON (Women Business Owners Network) meets Thursday, Nov 19, 2009
Speaker:

Dr. Beth Bronneman of Family Wellness Chiropractic

Topic

Discuss Stress & the Immune System
 
Location / Time

Mutt & Jeff’s At Dragon Ranch Golf Club
9488 Leavitt Rd., Amherst Township
(1 mile south of St. Rt. 113 on St. Rt. 58)
6pm

Business Spotlight

 
Julie DiFlippo, Certified Ballroom Dance Instructor

It is Very Important to R.S.V.P.
Locations, Speakers & Spotlights – Subject to Change
Call: Debra James 440.985.2570 or
Karen Cheshire 440.986.3200

 The WBON is in the NEWS!

At every meeting we collect items for:
 Second Harvest Food Bank
and Veteran Welcome Kits.

 

Please bring only Non-perishable, Non-ethnic items
for Second Harvest Food Bank

 

Veteran Welcome Kits.  A list of needs can be downloaded here.