JCGS outreach presents a program to numerous community groups with information on free genealogy services and resources. Last month, JCGS members, Marsha Bennett and Marsha Donaldson, presented to more than 70 R.O.M.E.O.s at the Princess Garden Restaurant in Kansas City. The presentation focused on genealogy and preserving family memories, including the digitization process at the JCGS Memory Lab, housed at the Central Resource Library.

So, what are R.O.M.E.O.s, you ask? This is the Retired Old Men Eating Organization, which meets once a week to socialize and share a meal. This group has 200+ members locally in Kansas City, and there are many other chapters nationwide and in the metro. In these groups, men share a meal periodically, usually breakfast or lunch, with basically no rules, no causes, just camaraderie with general conversation on life, current events, or whatever topics they want to discuss.

This local group of “Romeos” was very attentive and engaging, and they asked great questions. Many had already completed their DNA and family history testing. Some commented that they had no idea so much about global genealogy was available to them here locally.  It was a wonderful event with delicious food and new friendships.