Issue 51.09

FamilySearch has released several short lessons covering a variety of Family History topics.  They are available for downloading in convenient PDF format.  The lessons may be used as self-study guides or as class supplements for Family History instructors.  They can be found at http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default.asp?page=home/welcome/site_resources.asp%3FwhichResourcePage=fhlessonseries.  Or an easier way without typing the large URL is to go to www.familysearch.org and under What’s New click on the Family History Lesson Series provides useful guides.

There are seven lessons so far.  Lesson 1 is perform descendancy research.  It is a 11-page guide on how to go through the steps to find all of the descendants of an ancestral couple.  This comprehensive guide really includes all of the steps you would need to find your cousins who descend from the same common ancestor.  When I compiled the books, William Carter First Plowman in Utah and Archibald Sullivan and Julia Mathews, Mormon Colonizers, I did these exact steps to find the descendants of these early Utah pioneers.  Doing descendancy research is also invaluable when you want to do a DNA study.  Because the Y-DNA is passed from father to son, unchanged, you need to find male descendants of the ancestor in question, to be tested. 

Lesson two is titled Conduct Family History Interviews, it is about interviewing to capture memories before they are lost.  This eight-page guide will help you through the steps.  Lesson three is on Involving Children and Youth in Family History and the ten page guide provides ideas and activities for children and youth to develop an interest in family history. 

Lesson four is about writing a personal history.  This 14-page guide leads you through the steps to get organized, get started and then review and evaluate what you have written.  The guide also lists resources on web sites to help you write your personal history.

Lesson five is a lesson to explore some ways to preserve your unique family heritage, called Create a Family History.  Lesson six is on how to involve your extended family in family history, using their attributes to help you accomplish your goal. 

Lesson seven will provide you with the information you need to Use the Internet for Family History Research.  It includes a glossary of family history terms, quick reference table and an original record table.

Shanna Sullivan Jones is a professional genealogist.  For additional information, Shanna can be reached at (435) 628-4900 or shannasjones@msn.com.

Issue 51.09

I still remember what both of my grandparents’ homes, no longer standing, looked like.  Sometimes I’ll awake from a dream and recall being in grandma’s kitchen or dining room.  It still exists in my memory even though grandmother died in 1967.  It’s been more than 40 years since I walked through her modest front door.

By the front window she always had some geranium flowering plants growing to add some color and cheer to her life since she didn’t have a yard to grow her favorite lilacs or others flowers after moving to Eureka from Silver City.  All she had was a cement front porch, no grass and an old tree growing by the side of the house.  There was an alleyway on the side of her house, but no garage.  In the winter when the snow was high, it was difficult to shovel the driveway.  There was just one way out the front door to get to the street.

Grandma’s house had an upstairs where my mom and I had a small apartment that we shared.  A long stairway leads to our hideaway but alas we had no bathroom up there.  We had a little chamber pot under our bed for when it was too cold to make the long walk downstairs to the one toilet shared by everyone including grandma’s borders.  Across from the community toilet and shower that were in separate stalls, there was a huge washbasin with a large decorated mirror when boarders could lather up and shave their whiskers before heading off to work.

I remember Grandma’s stove in the dining room that required lumps of coal to heat the whole house.  The only other source of heat was the kitchen wood stove that was used all year round for cooking despite the temperature indoors or out.  Hauling in wood and taking out ashes were regular chores each day for my uncle Clarence.  Next to this cozy stove was where I had my tub baths.

My other grandparents lived in the railroad company home, a simple but well kept block home that grandmother kept meticulously clean.  I was so sad when grandpa retired and they had to move from that home to a newer home in a different part of town.  I had so many memories in their old house, but grandmother was excited to finally have some of the modern conveniences like a garage that her neighbors had. The perfect Christmas gift, a bound collection of these columns. Contact <lin@sunrivertoday.com>

Issue 51.09

It’s been said that the true spirit of the holiday season is in giving, not receiving.  With this in mind, it’s likely that you will be spending a bit of time shopping for presents, your credit card flying out of your wallet or purse like wind-blown snow.

But as you shop in stores and online, be sure you’re not giving a surprise gift to an identity thief.  Because the surprise will be on you — and it won’t be a good one.

Sometimes when you do business, you may be asked for your Social Security number.  In many cases, those asking don’t really need it.  If anyone asks for your Social Security number or other identifying information, ask them why they want it and whether they absolutely need it.  They can refuse you service if you don’t provide it, but consider whether the service is worth the risk.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America.  Someone who steals your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you.  Identity thieves can use your number to apply for more credit in your name.  Then, they use the credit cards but leave the bills for you.  Falling victim to identity theft can ruin your credit rating and make things difficult for months or years to come.

Identity thieves can obtain your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and personal information in a number of ways, including:

Stealing wallets, purses, and mail;

Intercepting personal information you provide on an unsecured website, from business or personnel records at work, and personal information in your home;

Rummaging through your trash, and public trash dumps, for personal information;

Posing as someone who needs your information, such as a government agency, employer, bank, or landlord; and

Buying personal information from store clerks, employees, or other individuals who have the information.

There are things you can do to protect your identity.  Don’t give out your Social Security number to just anyone.  Don’t carry your card in your wallet or purse; keep your Social Security card locked away in a safe place with your other important papers.  Check your credit reports once a year, which you can do for free at www.annualcreditreport.com. 

Want to learn more?  Read our online fact sheet, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html.

If you think someone is using your number or identity, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft, or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) (TTY 1-866-653-4261.)

Protect your information this holiday season, and you’ll enjoy a little more “peace on earth” in the year to come.

Issue 50.09

Jim J. of Mesquite, NV was excited to participate in the Senior Games of St. George this past year.  He had signed up for multiple running and cycling events.  Having trained for marathons for many years, he felt very competitive in his age division.  Unfortunately, on one of his first races he felt extremely sharp pain suddenly occur in his left heel.  He thought for sure that he had a stress fracture and would not be able to compete any further.

Jim called up his sports chiropractor at Advanced Spine and Rehab and was able to be evaluated that day.  Dr. Peterson did some preliminary tests and thought it was most likely not fractured but was plantar fasciitis.  To be certain, he called in an appointment for Jim to be x-rayed by a podiatrist across the street.  After taking x-rays and performing other tests, the podiatrist diagnosed the condition as plantar fascitis.  The patient was referred back to Dr. Peterson for follow up physical therapy.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful injury to the bottom of the foot most commonly felt on the bottom of the heel.  It is very common in runners but is often felt in non-athletes.  Pain from plantar fasciitis is typically worse in the morning, especially with the first few steps out of bed.  It can be a chronic syndrome that lasts for many years especially if never correctly treated. 

With some conservative sports medicine techniques, Jim was treated immediately.  He was able to compete in all of the events he had originally signed up for without worsening his condition.  Following the Senior Games, Jim came in for treatment 5 times over 2 months and is now running marathons again.  Treatment consisted of ultrasound, Graston technique, massage, stretching, exercises, and Kinesio Taping Method.

Jim reported, “I was able to get better with Dr. Peterson’s treatment without any injections into my foot.  I am a 62-year-old athlete who has logged over 92,000 miles running since 1982.”

“As a health care provider for over 30 years, I have associated with many health care professionals.  I recognize in Dr. Peterson unique knowledge, skills and techniques, patient rapport, and professionalism that set him apart as the premier sports injury recovery professional in the region.”

Doctors at Advanced Spine and Rehabilitation have specialized training in sports medicine and can provide solutions for health concerns such as feet, shoulder, spine, knee, arm, and wrist pain.  A large portion of their base includes satisfied Medicare patients. Call us for any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit our website for more info - www.StGeorgePainRelief.com.

Issue 50.09

Don’t ignore it; look forward to the chance to get things in order.

Here’s the scenario … you get a card in the mail, one of those little reminders that tells you it’s time for your annual financial checkup.  Your reaction: I’ll take care of that later.  Here’s why you should look forward to it.

Why do I need an annual review?  Because things change, and during the course of the last 12 months, you may have … changed jobs, made major purchases, welcomed a new child, retired, bought or sold a residence, decided upon new goals.  These developments can change your financial objectives.

Also, it is just sensible to measure your financial progress.  If you are not making progress in accumulating assets, or if you are assuming too much risk as a result of your current portfolio or financial decisions, it’s time for change.  

A chance to … stop putting it off.  Imagine just letting your investments go for five or ten years, assuming that they’re doing okay while you wonder what the quarterly statements mean.  Imagine being a few years from retirement only to find you have less than a year’s salary in savings.  Imagine passing away and leaving unresolved money issues for your loved ones, or subjecting them to a contentious probate process.  If they had only reviewed what was happening with their lives financially, they could have planned to avoid these issues in advance.  Putting things off can be dangerous.

Why not start the year right?  January is not only the start of a new year, but an ideal time to take a look under the hood financially.  During your annual review, you can estimate your net worth, and also possibly learn about any tax changes that might affect your investments, business or estate.  It’s also a good time to make voluntary IRA contributions, and get college funding and financial aid applications underway.

Hopefully, you have a qualified financial advisor who you have an existing relationship with.  If you don’t, contact one today.  Financial planning is not an event you do once in your lifetime.  Financial planning should be a priority for you – it can help you manage your money, and allow you to plan for your goals and for the lifestyle you want for the future.

Scott S. Lovell is the founder of Lovell Hathaway, Your Retirement Specialist^SM , and is a registered representative offering securities and advisory services through Geneos Wealth Management, Inc.  Member FINRA and SIPC.  For additional information, Scott can be reached at (435) 656-2518.

These views are those of the author and should not be construed as investment advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.

Issue 50.09

This past week I have strongly felt the influence of the U.S. Armed Forces, our men and women that protect this great nation, and their sacrifices that bless our lives each and every day.  Not only are they heroes, serving to protect our daily freedoms, they are called upon constantly throughout the world to perform tasks that are seldom mentioned, that of acts of recovery.   For example, they retrieve our dead from the devastations of natural disaster and terrorism.  They step up, providing equipment, know-how, and manpower to preserve the sacred physical bodies of those whom we love at any and all costs.  Often such duty is mentally and physically overwhelming, such as the recovery of bodies that are in advanced stages of decomposition or that have been victims of drowning, explosion, fire, or other devastation.  We all realize that rescue efforts are being performed, but do we consider who follows through and makes sure that our loved ones make it home?  It is a combination of many, many great and wonderful folks.  It touches my heart, knowing the valiant efforts of those who help to bring closure and peace to grieving families.  Not only does our government and military assist in bringing our dead home, but they once again step up and help us lay them to rest.

For example, military honors, whether honoring those actively protecting us or those who have served this great nation in the past, the President of the United States makes sure that none are forgotten.  I have most recently witnessed our local American Legion, performing military honors in a complete cloudburst.  It made me proud to stand in their presence.  We, in Southern Utah, are blessed to have the finest military honors in this wonderful, blessed country – the United States of America (excepting perhaps the honors provided by full-time active duty trained soldiers at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia).  As “Taps” is played, the 21-gun-salute pierces the air, and the flag presented, I see the tears of gratitude.  They are the great and noble ones, providing a fitting final tribute on behalf of the President and a grateful nation.

How proud we are to be citizens of such a great nation, a nation that reveres their dead and pays proper honor and respect.  May I take this opportunity to say “thank you” to all of our service men and women for all they do, here and abroad.

Issue 50.09

What can you do to maintain your brain health & lower your risk of dementia?  There are several steps that you can incorporate into your daily life to delay the negative effects of aging.  While everyone is aware that eating a healthy diet and improving your cardiovascular & muscular fitness by exercising help to maintain overall health.  Are you aware that socializing and exercising your mind is equally important as we age? 

Many recent studies have all come to the same conclusion – that having an active social life helps to keep our minds sharp.  These studies suggest that having strong social ties through your family, friends and community can preserve your brain health.  Those individuals that stay socially active have less memory decline than those that are socially isolated.  Most experts also agree that social isolation is unhealthy for people at any age but especially our seniors.  This type of isolation is closely associated with many health related concerns including depression.

In addition to socialization, mental exercises can also assist in keeping your brain young.  There are many memory games that you can play including crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and even the newest craze – “Sudoku”.  But you can also perform mental exercises when you do the simplest things like learning a new dance, starting a new hobby, playing a new card game, or learning to play a musical instrument. 

Many believe that living in a Retirement Community promotes the overall quality of life by increasing ones’ ability to socialize and therefore improve mental well-being.  Communities like the BeeHive Cottages provide the opportunity to socialize at all meals in addition to the ability to participate in mentally stimulating activities.

Call (435)773-7966 today to schedule a tour!

Issue 50.09

A couple of weeks ago, we discussed the great deals available this year if you are buying a computer.  There are a few of those deals still available if you look for them, but they are rapidly disappearing.  What you can still get for Christmas at some very nice discounts are the accessories and upgrades to add to your new computer or improve your old one.

High-quality printers are available at some unusually good prices.  I am not talking here about the cheap ones that usually sell for around $100 and are on sale for $25-60.  Those are usually not very good quality and are lucky to last a year under normal use.  I am looking at the nicer printers such as the HP OfficeJet 6500 and 8500.  They are $50 and $100 off the normal price at OfficeMax and some other retailers and they have wireless capability.  That means you can connect them to your home or office wireless network (if you have one) and can print to them from any computer that is connected - even a laptop sitting on the kitchen table.

Some others you may want to look at are the Samsung Color Laser CLX-3175FW (half price at OfficeMax), the Epson Stylus Photo 1400 (which prints up to 13″ wide documents) at $100 off at Staples and OfficeMax or the HP Photosmart Premium All-in-one Wireless for $100 off at Costco.

Some other stocking stuffers at great prices include USB flash memory cards, Micro SD Memory cards, RAM upgrades for your computer and speaker systems for your computer.  USB flash memory sticks (or jump drives as they are sometimes called) have dropped in price.  I purchased an 8 Gigabyte USB drive on special at OfficeMax for $14.99 last week and similar deals are available at Best-Buy, Staples, etc.  While I was there I picked up a 4 Gigabyte Micro SD card for my camera for only $9.99.

Memory upgrades are a bargain this year and you may need them if you want your computer to run faster and more efficiently and especially if you are looking at upgrading to Windows 7.  One Gigabyte memory cards for most computers are available for around $50 each and 1/2 Gigabyte (512 Megabyte) cards are usually around $30.  If you aren’t sure what you need or how to install them, you should have a professional do it, because you can cause problems if you choose the wrong memory or install it incorrectly.

I don’t have the space to go into the new N series network cards and routers in depth, but suffice it to say that they are lower-priced than they have been and give you better coverage and speed than the old G series.  You may also want to look at adding a Blu-Ray Player or Recorder to your computer.  These are especially nice if you can hook your system up to a big-screen TV and they cost less than the stand-alone versions.

Have a Merry Christmas, stay safe and happy computing – and always have a backup of anything important.

Shaun McCausland has been in the computer industry for 28 years (locally with Musicomp & Bits ‘N’ Bytes) and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions, you can reach him at 668-7118.

Issue 50.09

Thinking back of your early childhood days, what special sounds bring back pleasant memories?  For me, it’s the train’s whistle as it approaches an intersection.  Both my grandpa and dad worked on the railroad, so we lived in company housing near the tracks.  Trains rushed by all hours during the day and night with their loud rumbles.  You got used to the sound and missed it; if a particular train was late, you noticed.

The sound of neighborhood kids playing and dogs barking always lured me outside to play with my friends––two and four legged.  Happy memories of taking some of my dad’s tools and deliberately knocking down an old fence that separated my yard from my best boy friend’s house next door are still with me.  Quietly sneaking into my house and tiptoeing outside carrying a jar of peanut butter from the pantry to share with my hungry little preschool friends are fond childhood recollections.

Sitting in the quiet summer evenings on my grandparents back porch waiting for the next train to pass and talking about anything and nothing was our normal routine, as no one owned a TV to watch then.  Listening to the old radio play music of the time or talent shows or any of the popular drama shows was our main source of entertainment.  Sometimes my grandma would get out her fancy electric phonograph and play a record.  One of my favorites was “Red River Valley.”  Corny old Western tunes that recall a slower time when families had time to just sit and be together.

My grandma liked to tell me stories of her youth.  I can still remember the sound of Grandma’s laughter and Aunt Dora reading us stories.  Then there was the ring of the telephone as society progressed.  One long ring for our neighbor or two shorts for us.  Everyone shared a party line.  Talking on the phone was exciting, but long distance was expensive.

Other sounds from my youth were high school bands playing in parades, and circus shows when they came to town.  As a teenager, roller rinks with their canned music that you could dance to with your skates were popular.  Life would never be the same.  Popular performers were taking over the new movies that filled the movie theatres.  Now we had to be entertained.

What sounds do you recall from your childhood that bring you fond memories?  

The perfect Christmas gift, a bound collection of these columns. Contact <lin@sunrivertoday.com>

Issue 50.09

This is the season for tidbits, usually pineapple tidbits to make Utah’s Dixie’s renown Thanksgiving favorite, Dixie Salad.  So, here are some tidbits of information for you.

The Ivins Stake is sponsoring a Family History Fair this weekend.  ‘The Threads That Bind’ - Family History Fair -Fri., Nov 13, - 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Sat., Nov 14 - 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Ivins Stake Center 290 East 1060 South - Ivins, UT.  All are welcome!

Displays will reflect heritage or cultures, along with song, dance, tradition, etc. will be presented.

The keynote speaker, Ronald T. Halverson, an emeritus LDS General Authority, will start the Fair off on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m.  Classes starting at 7:00 p.m. and continuing on through Sat afternoon.  Classes vary and will help with using your computer and computer security - Genealogy software information - New Family Search - Family Search Wiki - along with many more subjects will be presented.  I will be giving three presentations on how to use the New FamilySearch program.  Call Fran Lightner for more information - 688-1260.

On October 28, FamilySearch updated the FamilySearch Indexing application and Web Site.  They are encouraging volunteers to go to the Web site to download the newest version of the application.  The new application has a “Test Drive” where you can find out how fun and easy it is with the two-minute test drive. 

If you have extra time, these records are important, every person matters.  Perhaps it is this feeling that prompts millions to seek out their family history.  For most, records of their ancestors provide key links to their past.  An army of volunteers from around the world is now helping to save and make these records available.  Using the online system, it is easy to help extract data from valuable records and provide free searchable indexes.  FamilySearch Indexing is found at http://indexing.familysearch.org.

The indexes can be accessed at http://indexing.familysearch.org/newuser/nuhome.jsf where you can search millions of indexed records for your ancestors.  Browse through images of records waiting to be indexed.  More records are being added every month.

Shanna Sullivan Jones is a professional genealogist.  For additional information, Shanna can be reached at (435) 628-4900 or shannasjones@msn.com