Laura Smith's blog

Genealogy Research & the Female Line: Women's History Month

Submitted by Laura Smith on Thu, 03/14/2013 - 12:40pm

Genealogy research is often challenging, and one of the biggest stumbling blocks that researchers face is tracing female lines.  In order to research further back in a female ancestor’s line, you need to discover her maiden name and her parents’ names.  This is difficult because, especially the further back in history you get, few transactions, legal or commercial, were recorded in a woman’s name.  Vital records, often the most revealing sources of direct evidence in genealogy research, were not typically required to be recorded across the U.S.  until the early part of the 20th century, as you can see if you consult this list of links entitled “Where to Write for Vital Records” compiled

United Way Bay Area Financial Opportunity Center - February Events

Submitted by Laura Smith on Thu, 02/07/2013 - 8:33am

The United Way Bay Area Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) has a lot going on during the month of February.    Not  sure what the Financial Opportunity Center is?  Orientation sessions are required for those interested in receiving FOC services, and they are held every other week, alternating between Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings.  See the flyer for upcoming orientation dates or call the FOC at (281)282-6061.  Registration is required.  Want to read up about it ahead of time?  Check out this information

African American Genealogy Research

Submitted by Laura Smith on Tue, 02/05/2013 - 2:31pm

In celebration of African American History Month we’re taking a look at African American genealogy research this month.  Researching your African American family history is conducted using the steps and resources outlined in this post from January until you work your way beyond the 1870 Federal Census.  Once you reach the years prior to 1870 it becomes more challenging.  Tony Burroughs, internationally known genealogist, author, former genealogy instructor at Chicago State University and featured expert on

SCORE Houston Business Counseling @ Freeman

Submitted by Laura Smith on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 4:43pm

Are you a small business owner or budding entrepreneur in the Clear Lake area?  Wednesday, February 6th kicks off our SCORE counseling sessions. 

Winter 2013 Retirement Education Series

Submitted by Laura Smith on Tue, 01/15/2013 - 8:31am

Has your conscience been pestering you lately about planning for retirement?  Join us for our winter series of retirement education seminars starting Wednesday, January 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. 

Genealogy: Beginning on a Budget

Submitted by Laura Smith on Thu, 01/10/2013 - 2:44pm

Did spending time with your family over the holidays make you wonder more about your roots?  Did it make you wonder if you’re actually related to some of them?  If you’re interested in beginning the search for your family history, here are a few ways to get started without spending a lot of money. 

Most experienced genealogists will tell you to first write down everything you know about your family, collect all the documentation that you have (birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, obituaries, family photos, etc.) and then start talking to your family members – especially those from the generations prior to you. 

Job Training Fair

Submitted by Laura Smith on Tue, 11/27/2012 - 4:17pm

Need job training for a new career?  San Jacinto College Continuing & Professional Development is hosting an information session regarding the scholarship opportunities available to qualified individuals through the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) and other financial aid programs for their job training programs. 

United Way Workshops: Interviewing & Debt Free Holiday Season

Submitted by Laura Smith on Tue, 11/20/2012 - 1:04pm

United Way Bay Area Financial Opportunity Center will be hosting two excellent free workshops in the next couple of weeks at the United Way Bay Area Service Center, which is located at 1300 Bay Area Blvd., Building A, Houston, TX 77058.  On Thursday, November 29th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. they will offer a Behavorial Interviewing Skills Workshop.  The workshop will cover role playing common interview questions, learning how to answer behavioral questions, what your body language says to an employer, and how to talk about and present your best self.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston Visit

Submitted by Laura Smith on Fri, 11/09/2012 - 1:02pm

Now's your chance for a free visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston - you don't even have to worry about getting yourself to the museum district!  As part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s community partnerships/outreach program and their traveling library exhibit, A Passion for Glass, they are providing free general admission and bus transportation to the museum.  

Baby Shower

Submitted by Laura Smith on Tue, 10/09/2012 - 12:41pm

Is your family expecting a baby?  Well, we’re having a baby shower at the library!  Come spend an afternoon with us as we share what the library has to offer for you and your growing family.  You may have already heard about Book Babies, Toddler Time and Preschool Storytime, and you may have even heard about our other children's programs, but the library has even more to offer you and your family. 

In addition to books for expecting parents and early literacy programs, you’ll hear about our computer classes, ESL tutoring, adult and teen programs, eBooks and other resources for pure entertainment.  Join us Saturday, October 27th from 2-4 p.m. in the Children’s Activity Space.  We look forward to seeing you there! 
 

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