Volume II, Number II: 2001
The New Century Edition
New Century, Enduring Values
NEW YORK -- Historians remind us that, in 1942, people gravitated to family and friends for the holidays as their resolve was challenged by acts of war. Then as now, North Americans – and others from around the globe – are being reflective on topics such as family, friendship, heroism, democracy, and freedom.
There is even talk of Providence in casual conversation. As we celebrate the holidays this year, we are mindful of those who mourn victims of the September attacks and those who have loved ones serving in Afghanistan. To them, and to all of you, we are blessed to know you and wish you the peace of the season and the promise of renewal in the new year.
Passages
- Paul’s great uncle George Schellenberg died on March 9, 2001 at 84 years. He and Aunt Ev made our transition to Seattle much easier knowing family was close and we were always welcome in their home.
- Elaine’s little buddy Adam now has a wee brother. Mark arrived on February 15, 2001 – proud parents are Renae and Steve.
- Paul’s cousin Karl Toews married Roxanne Sawka on June 30, 2001 just outside of Toronto, Ontario.
Genealogical Mother lode in Ontario points to Yorkshire
BARRIE – A genealogy quest marked an important milestone in April with a research trip to southern Ontario. Elaine was in search of the Rev. Dr. Charles Taylor, who is Paul’s great, great, great grandfather and she suspected might hold the key to linking the Taylors back to the old country. The strategy worked. Charles’ father – the heretofore unknown John – corresponded extensively with the Canadian government in a dispute over a land grant. That correspondence detailed his military service record, a good chunk of the family connections, and spoke of his origins in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. (Can an international research trip be that far away?) The find was so impressive that Paul finally admitted to more than a little interest in family history. Paul's folks even swung through Barrie to see the homestead and Rev. Charles’ old church on their way back from an east coast road trip last summer. This find has allowed Elaine to make connections with other descendants in Canada and the US – quite amazing with such a common surname.
A New Front in the Campaign for Digital Government
OLYMPIA/ SACRAMENTO -- Paul left his role as deputy state CIO and deputy director of the Washington State Department of Information Services (DIS) at year’s end. The six year run at DIS was a wonderful ride -- highlighted by something called Digital Government, which fundamentally changes the relationship between citizens and their government. This year, the state’s digital government plan was named the best planning and management initiative across the 50 states by the National Association of Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).
In January, he joined Center for Digital Government as its Chief Strategy Officer to pursue the campaign for digital government at a national level. The Center is part of an Information Technology research and media company dedicated to the public sector, perhaps best known for its Government Technology magazine.
e-laine.edu Marks First Year in Training Environment
SEATTLE – Elaine marked her first anniversary as the Clinical Information System (CIS) Trainer with Harborview Medical Center. Much to her own surprise, she has a confession to all her nocturnal friends – she may be a morning person afterall. She has come to like working days – which means a 4:00AM alarm – more than evenings and even nights. CIS has had an ambitious roll out to units across the hospital and people have got be trained before the system goes live in their space. The majority of her time at work is spent orientating new employees to CIS. Working shifts at the bedside are still an option, but one that is exercised very selectively.
The Best Times of the Year …
TRAVEL BUREAU – The best times of the year were the memories made in the company of others. We caught up with friends and family during the southern Ontario tour, with stops in Barrie, Toronto, and Ottawa. We were both able to be back in Manitoba for visits this fall to get caught up with people, celebrate the birthdays of Paul’s brother and Elaine’s nephew - Jack, and – importantly – lend a helping hand when needed. On that last point, Elaine’s visit coincided with a downturn in her father’s health, who is now improving. She worked with her brothers and sisters to get him situated in a main floor bedroom with mobility aids and satellite-delivered curling on TV.
With most of the yard improvements complete, and having emerged from February’s 6.8 Nisqually Valley earthquake, we devoted more time to recreation down by the lake. The new guest book (see last year’s taylorgram for a related story) is beginning to fill up … including a late in November entry from Paul’s niece Naomi. Mum and Dad Taylor were able to celebrate Christmas with us – increasing their yearly visits to two this year.