WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
1 February 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 1 February 2022 as an online Zoom session. Board members present were Margaret Hougland, Sada Johnson, Wanda Manning, Jim Wilson, David Ownby, Lisa Krekelberg, Linda Blanton, Lois Wetzel, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn. The minutes of the last WAGS Board meeting held on 30 November 2021 were approved. The number of attendees at the general meetings was requested.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda had emailed a report showing that WAGS has 46 regular member renewals with 31 members not renewed. She also had included membership statistics showing a decline from 126 members in 2015 to 77 members in 2021.
Treasurer Report – In her November Treasurer Report Sada stated the business checking account balance on 31 October was $3873.75. There was a deposit of $6 on 23 November and a withdrawal of $71.98 to PayPal for DreamHost renewal on 29 November. A dividend of $0.32 was issued on 30 November leaving an ending balance of $3807.59. PayPal balance as of 30 October was $84.70. There were no new members. A transfer of $84.70 was made to DreamHost on 27 November leaving a balance of $0 on 30 November.
In her December Treasurer Report Sada stated the business checking account balance on 30 November 2021 was $3807.59. There were no deposits and two withdrawals: $1000 to the Friends of the Washington County, Tennessee Archives and $1000 to the Johnson City Public Library. A dividend of $0.27 was issued on 31 December 2021 leaving the ending balance $1807.86. PayPal balance as of 30 November was $0. There were 14 renewals of $18 each with a service fee of $1.12 on each of those leaving an ending balance of $236.32 on 31December.
Library News – Library Liaison Lisa reported there were questions at the desk.

Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from January 3 through February 1 with January 22 being the busiest with 34 views and 15 visitors. She has continued to post events of genealogical, historical, and research on the WAGS Facebook page.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret reports she is receiving new articles for the Bulletin but could use more!
Vice Chairman Report – Vice Chairman David reported he hoped the March WAGS general meeting could be held at the JCPL. He is looking for an Archives of Appalachia presentation and an ETHS presentation. The gentleman to make the presentation on Oak Ridge is not ready to travel to make appearances yet. Lisa suggested WAGS to work with JCPL on collecting family history. Jim proposed that WAGS cancel the program for July 5.
The Future of WAGS
David: How do we want to divide our meetings – Zoom or in-person at JCPL?
Sada: history – Do we want to survey? Are many folks reading the Bulletin?
Jim: How many local members belong but do not participate? Is WAGS a genealogical or a historical society? Several organizations are doing the same thing: should we all merge?
Janette: Really appreciate the Bulletin and being able to download it.
Lois: Many folks are using Ancestry and FamilySearch for genealogy instead of in-person meetings.
Linda had emailed her concerns: Why are most of the 45 local members not attending meetings? Is it the topics, the day of the week, the time of day? Why do locals renew? Only to receive the Bulletin? Do locals read the Bulletin? Would taking a survey of the Northeast Tennessee members be helpful for the Board members? Are 8 to 9 meetings a year too many meetings? Many genealogy webinars are available online and conferences are virtual. WAGS has a healthy bank account that we need to plan how to spend. The bylaws need to be reviewed and edited.
Margaret: Membership is low. Financial position is good. Participation is questionable – locals not coming to meetings. WAGS newsletter sent out every month with product and organization information.
Zoom newsletter – we need more information.
Lisa: Perhaps to have an intro to Zoom – have a website where members can learn how to use Zoom effectively and efficiently. WAGS could offer a class on how to do genealogy.
The newsletter sent out each month could have links to presentations of interest.
Meeting announcements – Betty Jane posts those two weeks before on the website and Facebook page. That information could also be available at JCPL or at the Archives or at the Tennessee State Library website.
We need to stimulate participation.
Lisa: A survey would be easy to conduct online.
David: Get ready for the 1950 Census information coming out 1 April.
Betty Jane: Tennessee is pushing newspaper indexing with the TSLA – Tennessee State Library and Archives.
The meeting was adjourned about 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

*****

WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
22 February 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 22 February 2022 as an online Zoom session. Board members present were Margaret Hougland, Sada Johnson, Jim Wilson, Lisa Krekelberg, Linda Blanton, Lois Wetzel, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn. The minutes of the last WAGS Board meeting held on 1 February 2022 were approved.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda had emailed a report showing that WAGS has 59 regular member renewals and three new members for the month of February. She reported two Bulletin V. 2, 3 thumb drive sales.
Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada stated the business checking account balance on 31 December 2021 was $1807.86. There was one deposit of $253 and no withdrawals. A dividend of $0.16 was issued on 31 January 2022 making an ending balance of $2061.02 on that date. PayPal balance as of 31 December 2021 was $236.32. There were 8 renewals of $18 each ($144) with a service fee of $1.12 on each ($8.96) of those leaving an ending balance of $371.36 on 31 January 2022. Business Primary Share ending balance was $2924.49. Certificate Balances are $1173.87, $1244.07, and $1215.24. Sada is concerned that the PayPal account is in the name of Susan Kubenka, former treasurer. Betty Jane keeps getting messages from PayPal, too. Sada wondered if she could call and just cancel PayPal and then start over with her name and someone else with her, perhaps David Ownby.
Library News – Library Liaison Lisa reported JCPL is switching to a new catalog system at the beginning of March. The system should be much more user-friendly and intuitive. Librarian Lisa Williams attended training on using the Census’ new American Community Survey. This new resource will help with those searches formerly made with the now decommissioned American FactFinder. JCPL is appreciative of WAGS’ support and help. Going back to WAGS having a person in the Tennessee Room to help with genealogy and local history could be helpful. Perhaps on Saturdays in the summer when there seem to be a steady stream of visitors, folks travel from out of town to research their family members from the area. Many other local archives are closed on weekends, so they go to the library – which tends to be short-staffed on weekends (only two people working the desk) so they cannot really sit down with the visitors and give them research assistance. Margaret asked if JCPL has a list of WAGS members on call to help researchers. JCPL does not.
Quoting from Lisa: An idea for the WAGS to attract new members is by offering in the public program rotation one or two events each year geared towards those perhaps beginning or curious about starting their family or local history research. For instance, the John Sevier Hotel has been in the news quite a bit these past few years. A program based on that building’s history could be of interest to the wider community, and could tie in with using local history resources. Another possibility could be something spinning off the popular genealogy-themed TV shows like “Who Do You Think You Are?” or “Genealogy Roadshow.” With the former example, you could get a local celeb who’s willing to work with you all on researching their family history, and then you stage it like the show does (it would take some prep work, but we could help you do a big advertising push for it to reach a wide audience).
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from January 25 through February 22 with February 19 being the busiest with 88 views. A link to how to use Zoom has been posted on the WAGS home page. She has continued to post events of genealogical, historical, and research on the WAGS Facebook page. WAGS Facebook has changed and anyone can get on the page with no questions asked as had previously been set.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret reports she has about 30 pages ready to go and is moving right along. Please send any new articles by March 1 for this issue.
Vice Chairman Report – Vice Chairman David could not be present but has programs aligned for March, April, May, and June (No July meeting). August – waiting for a reply from East Tennessee Historical Society and will contact Sullivan County Archives for September. Question: Are eight meetings too many for each year for WAGS?
Business
Officer vacancies
If cannot find anyone to take of the chairman post, Margaret will limp along. Perhaps board members could take turns. The Board director positions will just remain empty.
Increasing participation
Discussion: More social media? Meetings in person instead of Zoom may help. Focus on helping folks with genealogy. Have a special of the month. Would a survey be helpful? Margaret and Sada will send articles to Betty Jane to post on the WAGS webpage.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

*****

WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
29 March 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 29 March 2022 as an online Zoom session. Board members present were Margaret Hougland, Sada Johnson, David Ownby, Wanda Manning, Jim Wilson, Lisa Krekelberg, Linda Blanton, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn.  The minutes of the last WAGS Board meeting held on 22 February 2022 were approved.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda shared that WAGS has 63 regular members with no new members for March. Exchange members number 25, and Free/Life members are 38. There were no sales.
 Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada stated the business checking account balance on 31 January 2022 was $2061.02. There was one deposit of $186 and no withdrawals. A dividend of $0.17 was issued on 28 February 2022 making an ending balance of $2247.19 on that date. PayPal balance as of 31 January 2022 was $371.36. There were 5 renewals of $18 each ($90) with a service fee of $1.12 on each ($5.60) of those, leaving an ending balance of $473.13 on 28 February 2022.
Library News – Library Liaison Lisa reported JCPL staff are preparing for Summer Reading 2022 and an upcoming One Story, One Community reading event. A discussion was held concerning having a WAGS member available on Saturday afternoons in the summer to give out-of-town patrons genealogy help. It was decided to have phone numbers there of willing WAGS members who can be available at certain times.
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from February 27 through March 28 with March 23 being the busiest day with 59 views. The top three most viewed posts were WAGS of NE TN, WAGS Bulletin, and WAGS Publications. Betty Jane has continued to share and post programs on genealogy and history on the WAGS Facebook page.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret reports she has finished the Bulletin and Etta is proofing the last 20 pages.
Vice Chairman Report – Vice Chairman David had sent an email to WAGS members on 22 February detailing the WAGS meetings for March, April, May, and tentative June. He will be unable to attend the May 3 Limestone field trip because that is Election Day and he is working in the election.
Business
Library Volunteer List
WAGS volunteers for the JCPL genealogy help on Saturday afternoons: We need to advertise that help is available along with the dates and times in the WAGS newsletters, and put information on the WAGS website –  not just for members only.
Summer Workshop at JCPL
Lisa and Betty Jane met and discussed a June workshop: Gathering Family Stories and Checking Them Out. This is a joint workshop by WAGS and JCPL and will be on Saturday 11 June from 2-4 p.m. Four tables were suggested:
Beginning Genealogy – Where do I start? (Genealogy forms are available.)
DNA – Q&A
Help with Brick Walls
Oral History – Collecting and Storage
WAGS members are asked to sign up to work tables by 26 April.
    Possibility of in-person Board Meetings
In-person Board Meeting on April 26. *[Reminder: In 21 November 2021 Board Minutes: “Board members definitely want Zoom for Board meetings.” DJFG]*
Increasing participation
    Membership: Who has not renewed? Send list of not-renewed to board and to the website board-only section. Wanda will send out a second reminder on 30 March for folks to renew or miss getting the April Bulletin.    
    Social Media: On Facebook page: How to join WAGS. In the WAGS newsletter – push information out! What we are doing, what is coming up, and announce at meetings.
    Programs and events: How many should we have per year? WAGS is currently trying to have eight meetings a year: March, April, May, June, August, September, October, and November. Is this too many meetings? Program presenter gift: a one-year membership in WAGS to Jeremy Smith for his presentation on Archives of Appalachia in April. David made a motion to make a $100 donation to the Archives of Appalachia for the April program, and a $100 donation to the manager of the David Crockett Birthplace State Park at Limestone for the May program visit to the park. Sada seconded the motion which passed.
Website – Discussion: Send items for the webpage to Betty Jane and she will put them up.
        Bulletin: Send feedback to Margaret; what do we want in the Bulletin? What creates the most interest?
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

***

WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
26 April 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 26 April 2022 In the Carl Jones Meeting Room of the JCPL. Board members present were David Ownby, Margaret Hougland, Sada Johnson, Wanda Manning, Lisa Krekelberg, Linda Blanton, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn.  Sada made a motion to approve the minutes of the last WAGS Board meeting held on 29 March 2022. David seconded the motion which was approved.
Library News – Library Liaison Lisa reported JCPL is having an Open House on  Friday 13 May to celebrate the 127th year of the library from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This was postponed from the 125th anniversary date in 2020 because of the COVID lockdown. JCPL will present a screening of the movie “Big Fish” at the Wallace Theatre on June 4 at 8 p.m. as part of their One Story, One Community reading celebration going from 1 June through 22 July.  Their Oceans of Possibility art contest begins June 1 and goes through July 1. A new book added to the Tennessee Room is 1890 Tax List by our own Margaret Hougland.
Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada stated the business checking account balance on 28 February 2022 was $2247.19. There was one deposit of $140 and no withdrawals. A dividend of $0.20 was issued on 31 March 2022 making an ending balance of $2387.39 on that date. PayPal balance as of 28 February 2022 was $473.13. There were 3 renewals of $18 each ($54) with a service fee of $1.12 on each ($3.36) of those, leaving an ending balance of $505.77 on 31 March 2022.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda shared that WAGS has 70 regular members with one new member for April. April sales included one DVD and two thumb drives of WAGS Bulletins.
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from March 27 through April 25 with April 4 being the busiest day with 216 views. She has almost completed the Officers and Board of Directors pages. She also makes regular postings on the WAGS Facebook page.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret reports she has been indexing the information in the Bulletins 2019 through 2022 – Issue 51, #1. She is working on a digital book of Washington County marriages from 1899 forward from the Bulletin issues. The WAGS Bible Book cost is $7 plus shipping which makes it $15 total.
Old Business
Library/WAGS Workshop Volunteers
For the workshop on Saturday 11 June from 2 until 4 p.m.:
Beginning Genealogy table – Sada volunteered
DNA– Q&A table– no volunteers
Help with Brick Walls table –
Oral History table – Jeremy Smith from Archives of Appalachia and David Ownby
Board Administrative Page
Betty Jane has outlined the positions, duties, and reports the officers are responsible for on the upcoming WAGS Officers and Board of Directors section of the webpage.
New Business
Proposed Virtual/In-Person Meeting Schedule
ETHS (East Tennessee Historical Society) will present a WAGS virtual meeting in August. Eric Dawson from McClung will present.
A program about the women who worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory by Mr. Cook is still in the list of possible programs. Discussed was also a program about the local folks who worked at Holston Ordnance Works in Sullivan County during WWII.
We have eight programs planned this year: six virtual and two in-person meetings.
The meeting was adjourned just before 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

***

WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
31 May 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday, 31 May 2022 as an online Zoom session. Board members present were Margaret Hougland, Sada Johnson, Wanda Manning, Lisa Krekelberg, Linda Blanton, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn. Also present was Zachary Harris who is a new library assistant at JCPL. The minutes of the last WAGS Board meeting held on 26 April 2022 were approved.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda shared that WAGS has 71 regular members with one new member for May. Exchange members number 25, and Free/Life members are 38. There were no sales.
Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada stated the business checking account balance on 31 March 2022 was $2387.39. There was one deposit of $36 and no withdrawals. A dividend of $0.20 was issued on 30 April 2022 making an ending balance of $2423.59 on that date. PayPal balance as of 31 March 2022 was $505.77. There was one renewal of $18 with a service fee of $1.12, leaving an ending balance of $522.65 on 30 April 2022.
Library News – Library Liaison Lisa introduced Zachary Harris, a new library assistant at JCPL, whose interests are southern US history and genealogy. JCPL will present a screening of the movie “Big Fish” at the Wallace Theatre on June 4 at 8 p.m. as part of their One Story, One Community reading celebration which is from June 1 through July 22. The Oceans of Possibility art contest begins June 1 and goes through July 1. June 30 ends the fiscal year for JCPL. The library will be closed on Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from May 1 through May 30 with May 23 being the busiest day with 67 views; 66 from USA and 1 from China. The Officers and Board of Directors pages are complete. After a member is on the Members Only page, click on Officers and Board of Directors. Password is WAGS51styear.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret reports she already has two articles for the fall issue of the Bulletin.
Old Business
Library/WAGS Workshop Volunteers June 11
For the workshop on Saturday 11 June from 2 until 4 p.m.:
Beginning Genealogy table – Sada Johnson
DNA– Q&A table– no volunteers
Help with Brick Walls table – Linda Blanton and Janette Guinn
Oral History table – Jeremy Smith from Archives of Appalachia and David Ownby
JCPL will have 8 laptops available for use at the workshop – two per table. There will be a sale table with various publications available including Margaret’s new book about the 1890 tax records.
New Business: items from the board members
Wanda has had a message asking about a Lovegrove ancestor in the Bowmantown area and a question about the history of the Philadelphia Church.
Discussion: Maybe we should be cross training someone to take over our board positions. We are looking forward to personal interactions and relationships with patrons. We want to be sure the WAGS information and membership forms are available in the JCPL Tennessee Room for genealogists.
Sada asked if we wanted to renew our NGS membership. The board voted to pass this recommendation.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

***

WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
28 June 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday, 28 June 2022 as an online Zoom session. Board members present were Zachary Harris, David Ownby, Margaret Hougland, Sada Johnson, Wanda Manning, Lois Wetzel, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn.
The minutes of the last WAGS Board meeting held on 31 May 2022 needed a clarification of the Sundays closed dates at JCPL, which is Memorial Day through Labor Day. Betty Jane made a motion to approve the amended minutes. Sada seconded the motion which passed.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda shared that WAGS has 73 regular members with two new members for June. Exchange members number 25, and Free/Life members are 38. There were two Bulletin sales: V. 2 and 3 on a thumb drive and V. 1-4 on a CD.
Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada stated the business checking account balance on 30 April 2022 was $2423.59. There was one deposit of $239 and no withdrawals. A dividend of $0.22 was issued on 31 May 2022 making an ending balance of $2662.81 on that date. PayPal balance as of 30 April 2022 was $522.65. Added was one renewal of $18 with a service fee of $1.12, leaving an ending balance of $519.20 on 31 May 2022.
Library News – New Library Liaison Zachary is also the host for this Zoom meeting. He would like to start an interest collection of local authors making it a specific section of the library. He would also like to have a genealogical history display. In business information: On June 30 Daniel Wallace, author of “Big Fish,” will present a virtual talk in person and virtually on Facebook at 6 p.m. A staff meeting on 3 August will discuss event attendance. He invited anyone in WAGS to help work on the fish scale mural being filled in.
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from May 29 through June 27 with June 27 being the busiest day with 144 views; 122 of those were to the Fall Branch post. She continues to share posts of genealogical and historical information on the WAGS Facebook page.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret reports she can use more articles by the end of August. She asked Lois about an article about historical markers in the area.
Vice Chairman Report – Vice Chairman David shared McClung presentation on September 6 and website and Knoxville website.
WAGS August 2 – Zoom – A recorded program from the National Archives’ Genealogy Series on the 1950 Census will be presented.
Other Business
Margaret: Census indexing on the FamilySearch.org website is always needed.
The next WAGS Board meeting is on 26 July as a Zoom meeting.
Info about WAGS general meetings can be announced on the WAGS website, the WAGS Facebook page, in a WAGS newsletter, and perhaps in the News and Neighbor newspaper along with the WAGS link.
PayPal: Sada cannot change the contact from Susan Kubenka, former treasurer. David will try calling them and Sada will keep working to figure something out.
Margaret made a motion to transfer all the funds from the PayPal account to the business checking account. David seconded the motion which passed.
New Business
Kingsport Public Library has invited WAGS to participate in an October 19 Genealogy Workshop there. We need to let Erin know if we are interested in making a presentation.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

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WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
26 July 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, 26 July 2022 as an online Zoom session. Board members present were Zachary Harris, David Ownby, Sada Johnson, Wanda Manning, Lois Wetzel, Linda Blanton, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn.
The minutes of the last WAGS Board meeting held on 28 June 2022 had a few corrections/additions made. Betty Jane made a motion to approve the amended minutes, which Wanda seconded and was approved.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda shared that WAGS has 74 regular members with no new members for July. Exchange members number 25, and Free/Life members are 38. One TN Bible Records was sold. Shipping charges have been increased by the UPS. Sada made a motion to increase the shipping charges from $5.50 to $7 per book. The motion was seconded by Betty Jane which passed.
Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada stated the business checking account balance on 31 May 2022 was $2680.81 after a deposit of $18. There were four withdrawals: National Genealogical Society – $85; Harland Check Co. (new check stamp) – $60.90; ETSU Foundation – $100; David Crockett State Park – $100. A dividend of $0.21 was issued on 30 June 2022 making an ending balance of $2928.10 on that date. PayPal balance as of 31 May 2022 was $539.53. There were 2 renewals and a payment of $49.95 was made on 30 June 2022 leaving an ending balance of $523.34 on that date. $49 was refunded from Genealogy Gems. Sada will meet with David on August 5 to work on PayPal administration problems.
Library News – Library Liaison Zachary stated that July had been a slower month. JCPL will be closed 5 August for all staff training. A new person has been hired in adult services as a part time desk clerk.
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from June 26 through July 25 with June 27 being the busiest day with 150 views.
Vice Chairman Report – Vice Chairman David shared to expect another meeting in March 2023 about the 1050 Census.
Old Business
Kingsport Public Library Program (1.5-2-hour long lecture on a genealogy topic): WAGS has chosen to not participate in this program.
Future meetings
WAGS Board meetings – all on Zoom.
WAGS general meetings:
August – on 1950 Census from the National Archives – by Zoom
September – McClung presentation including the ETHS materials and Knox County Public Library – Zoom presentation
October – visit Sullivan County Library or the Sullivan County Archives
November – hopefully in-person at JCPL with Alan Jackson giving a military-themed presentation.
December – holiday party? Wait and see how everything goes . . .
Betty Jane made a motion that the meeting be adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Sada seconded the motion which passed.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

***

WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
30 August 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday, 30 August 2022 as an online Zoom session. Board members present were Margaret Hougland, Zachary Harris, David Ownby, Sada Johnson, Wanda Manning, Linda Blanton, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn. Betty Jane made a motion to approve the minutes of the last board meeting on 26 July 2022 which Wanda seconded and was approved.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda shared that WAGS has 76 regular members with two new members for August. Exchange members number 25, and Free/Life members are 38. There were three sales for August of Bulletins, a TN Bible & Family Records Book, and a Subject Index Book.
Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada shared a report showing the business checking account balance on 30 April 2022 was $2335.12. There was one deposit of $105 and no withdrawals. A dividend of $0.20 was issued on 27 July 2022 making an ending balance on that date of $2440.32. PayPal balance as of 30 April 2022 was $523.34. There was one renewal of $18 and a refund of $49.95 from Genealogy Gems leaving an ending balance of $589.05 on 31 July 2022. She verbally reported a PayPal balance of $625.05 on 26 August 2022. DreamHost is due to be paid about $150 in November 2022. Margaret and Jack will help Sada with the PayPal account concerns.
Library News – Library Liaison Zachary stated that activity is picking up at JCPL. September 10 is an author presentation at 3 p.m. Storytelling will be presented at JCPL. A part time archivist will be beginning 1 October with 8 hours per week. New furniture is now in the study rooms. Perhaps there could be a program on the Ashe Street Courthouse hidden vault contents at the JCPL. The library will have a new clerk since Lisa Williams is leaving to work at the Appalachian Center on Homelessness. A later meeting will discuss the slow attendance and participation in the summer reading program and other programs.
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from August 1 through August 29 with August 7 being the busiest day with 44 views. She continues to post on the WAGS Facebook page.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret reports the Bulletin now has 70 plus pages. She will add the list of new items in the Tennessee Room at JCPL.
Vice Chairman Report – Vice Chairman David shared the Ashe Street Courthouse records findings could make a great program for WAGS. Betty Jane suggested a program on how to document the history of a house – your house.
New Business
Fall Bulletin: Request from Margaret for articles – long and short and page fillers are needed.
Future of WAGS: Should we continue as we are? Betty Jane is tired of keeping up the WAGS Webpage on the internet and plans to retire at the end of 2022. It is not really accessed that much. The webpage could be maintained by someone out of state. Genealogy has changed a lot in the last few years with much more information available online.
Other: Mrs. Betty Stroup has passed away. She and her husband, Glenn Stroup, have been long time revered members of WAGS.
The meeting ended about 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

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WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
27 September 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 September 2022 as an online Zoom session. Board members present were Margaret Hougland, Zachary Harris, Sada Johnson, Wanda Manning, Linda Blanton, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn. Betty Jane made a motion to approve the minutes of the last board meeting on 30 August 2022 which Sada seconded and was approved.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda shared that WAGS has 76 regular members with one new member for September. Exchange members number 25, and Free/Life members are 38.
Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada shared a report showing the business checking account balance on 31 July 2022 was $2440.32. There were two deposits of $132. Withdrawals were to Wanda Manning for $105.63 and to USPS for $365.00. A dividend of $0.20 was issued on 31 August 2022 making an ending balance on that date of $2102.89. PayPal balance on 31 July 2022 was $589.05. There was one renewal of $18. Ending balance on 31 August 2022 was $623.93- which is a discrepancy. Note: WAGS P.O. Box 117 is a drawer which is now $349 annually.
Library News – Library Liaison Zachary stated that activity is still picking up at JCPL. October 2 will begin the Front Porch series of concerts presented on October Sundays at JCPL. October 1 Zachary will host a gaming club with tabletop gaming and a presentation by Freddy Sams. Artist James Griffin will have an art exhibit in the library in October. Lisa asked Zachary to add that there is new information for the Shipleys in Maryland with a new website, ShipleysofMd.org.
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from August 29 through September 27 with August 30 being the busiest day with 46 views. She also shared a list of top 10 countries of people who have visited the site.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret reports the Bulletin is shipping this week with 85 pages.
Vice Chairman Report – Vice Chairman David has arranged for a video program for 4 October WAGS Zoom meeting from the National Archives on the 1950 Census. Tentative presenter for the November WAGS program is Allen Jackson for an in-person presentation. The Sullivan County Archives visit is tentatively rescheduled to next year.
Old Business
Revised August Treasurer Report: Reminder from Janette: In the June 2022 WAGS
 board meeting a motion was approved to move all the funds in WAGS PayPal to the WAGS business checking account. Margaret is going to help Sada with this procedure.
2003 Officer Discussion: New website volunteer: David has reported a lady is interested in the webmaster position.
New Business
McClung Donation: David has suggested a $100 donation to the McClung Collection in thanks to Eric Dawson for his presentation at our WAGS September meeting.
Geography of Membership Discussion: Of the 76 WAGS members, 53 are from other cites not local, leaving only 23 local members of WAGS.
Other: Since some members could not access the excellent September WAGS Zoom meeting with Eric Dawson on the McClung Collection, perhaps it could be repeated in 2023?
The meeting ended about 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

***

WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
25 October 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7 p.m. on Tuesday, 25 October 2022 as an online Zoom session. Board members present were Margaret Hougland, David Ownby, Lisa Krekelberg, Sada Johnson, Wanda Manning, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn. The minutes of the last board meeting on 27 September 2022 stand as approved.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda shared that WAGS has 76 regular members with no new members for October. There were no sales during October.
Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada shared a report showing the business checking account balance on 31 August 2022 was $2102.89.There was no activity during the month and a dividend of $0.17 issued on 30 September making an ending balance on that date of $2103.06. PayPal balance on 31 August 2022 was $623.93. There was one renewal of $18. Ending balance on 30 September 2022 was $641.93.
Library News – Library news was shared by Lisa. JCPL Adult Services is hiring a programming librarian. The library is testing standing order options with Ingram. Fall Friends of the Library Book Sale is this weekend. The last concert in the October Front Porch Concert Series is this Sunday at 4 p.m. with Momma Molasses performing. JCPL is having Trick Tour Treat on Halloween. Author talk with Silas House is on 12 November – “Lark Ascending.” Symphony in the Stacks will be presented on 13 November. Zachary has created a great exhibit on spooky Tennessee folklore and legend and lots of research he put into a digital exhibit. He has been doing these every couple of months: very eye-catching and well researched.
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day from September 25 through October 24 with October 4 being the busiest day with over 50 views. She also shared a list of top 7 countries of people who have visited the site. C. J. Hallock was able to fix the conflict with WordPress which had locked her out of the website and charged $120 for two hours of work. She was able to get the latest edition of the Bulletin posted. She also shared that from October 1 through 24 saw 480 views, 255 visitors, with 1.88 views per visitor. GoDaddy.com, LLC charged $311.60 from the Eastman Credit Union PayPal account to protect the domain name of wagsnetn.org, wagsnetn.com, and wagsnetn.net for five years to 15 October 2027.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret reports the Bulletin is published. She is accepting articles for the next issue – send them in!
Vice Chairman Report – Vice Chairman David reports he is working on WAGS programs for March, April, and May 2023. He would like to get Roger Lynn Bowers to give an author talk about his book: Leonard Bowers: Revolutionary Soldier and East Tennessee Pioneer.
Old Business
Geography of Membership: It was suggested to have a list of the residences of life members.
2023 Officer Discussion: David has been in touch with Sherry Cook who has a website. November is time for membership renewals.
Post Office Box Renewal: Intermediate size box is $364 per year. We would like to check into using a smaller box that costs less.
2023 Program (confirm months without meetings): No meetings in January, February, July, or December.
New Business
December General Meeting: Sada made a motion to not have a WAGS meeting in December. Wanda seconded the motion which passed.
Genealogy Gems Subscription: This site is individual membership only and cannot be shown to the WAGS membership. Sada knows of another lady who has podcasts who might be interested. The November meeting will be about reading handwriting.
WAGS Website: The board members section has a separate password and all reports and minutes are located there.
Zoom Membership: An individual Zoom membership for WAGS would have a discount for the first year. Without a discount it is $149 per year. There is a $56.56 cost and an administration fee of about $75 – which adds up to $131.67. This includes a recorded meeting with cloud storage for one month. David will fill out the paperwork for WAGS Zoom membership, and bring information back to the November meeting.
Other: David made a motion to have eleven WAGS Board meetings a year, omitting December. Sada seconded the motion which passed.
The meeting ended at 8 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary

***

WAGS Board Meeting Minutes
29 November 2022

The Watauga Association of Genealogists Board met about 7 p.m. on Tuesday, 29 November 2022 as
an online Zoom session. Board members present were Margaret Hougland, David Ownby, Linda Blanton,
JCPL’s Wendy Day, Lois Wetzel, Sherry Cook, Wanda Manning, Betty Jane Hylton, and Janette Guinn.
Betty Jane made a motion to approve the minutes of the last board meeting on 25 October 2022 which
Wanda seconded and was approved.
Membership Report — Corresponding secretary Wanda shared that WAGS has 76 regular members
with two new members in November. Membership renewal has begun with eight members sending in their
renewals.
Treasurer Report — Treasurer Sada had shared a report showing the business checking account
balance on 30 September 2022 was $2103.06. There was a PayPal transfer of $641.93, a PayPal payment to
J. Hallock of $120.00, a PayPal payment to GoDaddy of $311.60, and a credit dividend of $0.21. The ending
balance as of 31 October 2022 was $2313.60. PayPal balance on 30 September 2022 was $641.93 which was
transferred to Eastman Credit Union on 3 October 2022. There was one renewal of $18 making an ending
balance on 31 October 2022 of $17.88.
Library News – Library news was shared by Wendy Day. JCPL will have a photography exhibit
consisting of a selection of photographs from the Johnson City Amateur Photographers Club in the Galleria
from December 1 to January 6. The library decorated a tree for the city’s Candy Land Christmas. Feel free to
vote for the library’s tree in King Commons. The East Tennessee Children’s Choir and the Johnson City
Explorers will perform Christmas and Hanukkah songs on December 5 at 6 p.m. JCPL will be closed on
December 24, 25, and 26. They will close at 5 p.m. on December 31 and will be closed on January 1 and 2.
JCPL will have a new programming librarian, Morgan Bitler, starting in December.
Webmaster Report — Webmaster Betty Jane shared a website report printout showing views per day
from November 3 through November 29 with November 16 being the busiest day with over 98 views. Betty
Jane is working up an information sheet for the new webmaster, Sherry Cook. She plans to have all of 2022
work done before the end of December and the website transferred to Sherry. Betty Jane will continue to post
information to the WAGS Facebook page.
Bulletin Editor Report — Bulletin editor Margaret needs new articles for the next issue.
Vice Chairman Report – Vice Chairman David reports working on 2023 programs. Judge Keiner is
unavailable since he is recovering from open heart surgery. Margaret said Roger Bowers information is
interesting and could be a potential program.
Old Business
Genealogy Gems Subscription: Gems has no society memberships. Single memberships are $100 or
$300 per year.
Zoom Membership: Continued discussion: David will resend his email back to Margaret and to me.
He submitted a form to Zoom, but they are busy and he hopes to hear from them by the January WAGS
Board meeting.
Annual Donations – JCPL and Washington County Archives: JCPL – $500 and Archives – $500.
Other: Sada will get the budget together for 2023. The JC P.O. Box #117 was costing $389 per year.
Margaret and Sada went to the post office, and agreed to a smaller box, P.O. Box #95 which costs
considerable less. Betty Jane has tried to be sure she has changed the box number to 95 everywhere on the
WAGS website.
New Business: Welcome to Sherry Cook, WAGS new webmaster!
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Janette F. Guinn
Recording Secretary