Vicky Ferraresi
The PebbleCreek Genealogy Club (PCGC) next meets on Monday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon.
PCGC meets the second Monday of each month in the Palm Room in the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse from 9 a.m. to noon. Guests are always welcome to our speaker programs!
The guest speaker for September is John Spearman who will present “Facts Not Fables: The Art of Evidence-Based Genealogy.” John is a retired healthcare executive and currently serves as president of the Trilogy at Vistancia Genealogy Club, where he has been an enthusiastic member for three years. He has chaired the organizing committee for the club’s Family History Conferences in 2023 and 2024, as well as the 2025 retreats.
He describes that genealogy is much more than collecting names and dates—it’s about discovering the stories and motivations that shaped each ancestor’s life. “It’s a special feeling to uncover new details about your great-great-grandmother,” he reflects. “But it’s truly extraordinary when you understand why she made certain decisions. In those moments, our ancestors’ lives come alive and remind us that their choices still echo in who we are today.”
Coming Up
Oct. 13: “Using Probate Records for Genealogical Research” by Janna Larson
Nov. 10: “The Mayflower: An Interesting Mix of Passengers” by Suzanne Brayer
January and Beyond: The Program Committee is finalizing speakers on using newspapers, census records, U.S. immigration and naturalization records, DNA testing, and organizing your research. Stay tuned for details.
What did you miss? In August we had a members-only workshop. This interactive activity, led by Kevin Campbell, focused on using FamilySearch. He highlighted the new full text search capability and other useful tools to maximize use of the site. It also addressed questions on Ancestry, WikiTree, and Find-A-Grave. Attendees found it to be very helpful. Thank you Kevin!
On the social front. The evening potluck gathering at the Oasis Pool on Aug. 14 was enjoyed by all. It was a nice chance to mix and mingle and the food was great. Members should look for invitations to our luncheons, which will resume this month. In December we will have another get-together at the Oasis Pool to share holiday food, memories, and traditions and maybe a visit from Santa.
Genealogy Detectives are available to assist members on starting their research or for when they are “stuck.” Sometimes it is just a matter of getting organized or getting assistance on where or how to start searching for your family. The Genealogy Detectives can help jump-start your search.
Visit our website at pebblecreekgenealogy.club for more information about PCGC and our special programs such as Genealogy Detectives. General information is open to all site visitors with additional content (including Genealogy Detectives) available to members only. This is another member benefit and another great reason to join PCGC.
Questions? Contact Marcia Wallick at Marsha mlwallick@gmail.com about the PCGC.
Hope to see you as we learn more about discovering our families!