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September 11-12th, 2009
Summary of Activity for the Genealogy Committee:

Kurt Brown is the most recent to have joined our committee and has processed the 2006 updates and is now working on the 2007s. I have been entering some current updates resulting from on going queries and collaborations with Deborah Cooper and others. Remaining to be done are the 2008 updates, some from 2009, some member applications from 1995 thru 1999, and a few large genealogies that have been donated to OFA.

Our regular sources of updates have been new membership applications, updates and published genealogies from existing members, obits from Melva Taylor, and queries that also offer some beginning information. In a new development Terrence Kelley has volunteered to send us copies of his extensive web searches and downloads from other communicates regarding all things Ostrander on almost a daily basis. This represents a large additional source.

In order to properly cite these sources I have acquired copies of the principal manuals on documenting sources and will be utilizing these to standardize our sources throughout our system. This information will then be made available to committee members and any other interested individuals.

In summary our database now contains over 3750 persons including Ostrander descendents, their spouses, and the spouse’s parents when known. There is some duplication of persons already in the Big Book however, but only in order to correct, update or connect them. As a precaution and also for reference purposes I have and will be sending backup files of our project to Kurt Brown and Glenn Ostrander on a periodic basis.

January, 2009 - The Update Project is moving along well with new volunteer Immediate Past-President Kurt Brown giving us a much appreciated boost. He is currently processing the updates from 2006, which leaves only 2007 to the present remaining.

In addition Member, Deborah Cooper [BB ID 17328] has been contributing much extra information not only about her own line but other lines as they are encountered by her research. Deborah is a tenacious researcher and definitely receives my researcher-of-the-year award. Much thanks, Kurt and Deborah.

Finally, I would like to announce my intention to have a feature article in each issue of the Journal highlighting Ostrander statistics.

I look forward to working with the other OFA members and officers, updating some dates and facts on the early 3 generations of Ostranders and helping to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of Ostranders in America in 2011 in Hurley and Kingston, NY. I look forward to seeing you there.

October, 2008 - At our recent biannual reunion, the Genealogy Committee consisting of myself and Liz Ostrander, was joined by Robert F. Ostrander, Bonnie Petee and Ruth Potter. We will begin the computerization of our records, which have accumulated since the publication of our Big Book. Committee members will be entering data into individual genealogy programs, which will then be downloaded and consolidated into OFA's program, "The Master Genealogist". Our goal is to make our new data available for member access as well as possible future publication. Once this data is consolidated, we will let the membership know when to start sending us new and updated family data. We extend a hearty welcome to our new committee members and solicit other OFA members to join our project. We can always benefit from additional expertise and interaction. Please contact me at jjlyons@adelphia.net.