president's corners

Family Gathering: In this issue of the SSS Family Association Newsletter we highlight the beginnings of our 2021 SSS FA Family Gathering. Please refer to the article in this issue. We need volunteers in the Orrville- Smithville-Wooster area to assist in the planning and event coordination. Stacy Delsh will lead our efforts along with several members of the Board.

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E-mail Address Change: I have a new e-mail address should you wish to contact me to share your thoughts, to share a family story, or a newsletter copy idea. Please reach out via jsmoker25@comcast.net. Speaking of e-mail addresses, of the 1700 SSS FA members, we only have the e-mails of about 90 members. To enable us to improve the speed of our communication and to possibly reduce our operating costs in n the future. If you did not receive the e-mail sent out this Summer asking for your input regarding the 2021 SSS FA family Gathering, please share your contact information (name(s), address, and e-mail address with Jerry Smoker via: jsmoker@msn.com

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Family Stories: In our last issue Sue Kindt shared a family story, “It Is All About The Door”. These family stories and legends are a part of the fabric of our families and need to be shared before they are lost to time. I wish I could remember all the stories my father and mother and grandparents shared. The hardships and successes they encountered on their life journeys. With the Holidays approaching I thought I’d add a recollection of childhood holidays with my paternal grandparents.

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Among our Own: Alvin Smucker, Ph.D., retired distinguished professor from Michigan State University and member of our SSS FA Board, has developed a water conservation membrane that improves soil productivity and conserves water. This remarkable technology is being further developed and marketed in the USA and abroad. The technology is currently in use in six states in the USA and in sites in Zimbambe, Kenya, China, Hungary, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East. His article appears in this issue.

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Stoltzfus Family Book: Those of us with SSS lineage traced to John (son of “Christian the Immigrant”) and Barbara Stolzfus should be aware that Nic Stolzfus has completed the book, “German Lutherans to Pennsylvania Amish: The Stoltzfus Family Story”. Researchers for this work included Elam Stoltzfus, Rose Beiler, and Zach Stoltzfus. Their research took them to several areas in Germany. Their work spans six generations from the years 1624 to 1832. The book can be ordered from Masthof Press by calling 610-286-0258 or by visiting their website at www.masthof.com.

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Stacey Delsh Answers The Call: We are pleased to announce that Stacey Delsh has responded to our request for candidates to serve as Secretary and Co-genealogist for the SSS FA. Stacy was confirmed by your Board during our September 25th Board conference call. Stacey will be heading up the 2021 SSS FA Family Gathering and volunteers are needed for a variety of responsibilities. Do contact Stacey via e-mail: sdelsh@gmail.com to volunteer and/or to share your thoughts on the upcoming Gathering.

In closing, I wish you a family-filled Holiday Season. Be well, Jim