New Blog Banner Photos Posted

Have you noticed the Blog banner changes every time you visit? The photos are submitted by readers like you — and Donna Potter Phillips of Spokane who sent all the current photos in the banner. Her photographic wonders include Banks Lake, rhododendrons in Port Angeles, spring lilacs, fall leaves and the ferry Coho leaving Port Angeles for Victoria. Thank you, Donna, for sharing your talents!

We’re always looking for scenic photos of our beautiful state for the rotating photo gallery on the blog banner. It’s easy — just send a Washington State jpg image to wsgsblog@wasgs.org with a description of the photo. The blog masters will take care of the rest!

Lisa Vollrath Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

Jun25 by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2024 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Lisa Atkins Vollrath of Leavenworth, Washington who was selected by the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS) as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Lisa just naturally likes to help others with their genealogy. Even though she lives 40 miles from Wenatchee, she volunteers at the library regularly, and sometimes even comes to town for extra shifts when others have to cancel.

Her patience and accuracy are exactly what we need for our indexing projects. She works on them in the library as well as at home.

During Covid, Lisa was approached to be our recording secretary, and because of the convenience of Zoom, she accepted. Without having to travel, she is able to take minutes at the board, membership and library team meetings. She is also part of the website team.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Hazel Thornton Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

Jun18 by Roxanne Lowe

Today we’re introducing Hazel Leise Thornton of Wenatchee, Washington who was selected by the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS) as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Hazel became interested in genealogy when computers first came into our lives in the early ‘90s. By the early 2000s, she was busy volunteering at the Puget Sound Genealogical Society in Kitsap County. Early in 2020, their loss became WAGS’s gain when she moved to Wenatchee.

Hazel volunteered immediately to help where and how she could. We gave her a big job — membership chair – and she jumped right in, learning the website’s membership procedures and offering suggestions to improve the service in the future. Besides heading up membership, she works as a librarian, board member, and on the website advisory team. She always has her eye out for things that can be better organized or improved. Her energy and passion are vital to our organization’s success!

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Hawthorne Cemetery Team Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Teams in 2024

Jun11 by Roxanne Lowe

Today we’re introducing the SkVGS Hawthorne Cemetery Team who was selected by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SkVGS) as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Sylvia Ammons (co-leader), Dottie Chandler (co-leader), Rene Vance, Barbara Johnson, Dan Royal, Bill Cayford, Karen Strelow, Margie Wilson, Carol Nersten, Patty Gowler, Judy Hakins, Linda Holland and Margie Lauer.

This team of genealogist volunteers worked during the Covid-19 pandemic and after for long hours, and for many months to complete a long dormant project of reading and transcribing gravestone inscriptions at Hawthorne Cemetery in Mount Vernon, WA. This team demonstrated attention to detail, cooperation, dedication to the task, and enthusiasm for this project throughout the course of many months. This team’s exemplary work will serve the genealogy community for many years to come.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

State Library to Close to Public on July 1

Jun11 by Roxanne Lowe

(Reprinted from Eastman’s Online Newsletter, 07 Jun 2025. Read the press release from Secretary of State Steve Hobbs here.)

State funding shortages will force the Washington State Library in Tumwater and the Seattle-based Washington Talking Book and Braille Library to close public access starting July 1.The state libraries will cut 12 jobs because of financial constraints.

The secretary of state’s office announced Friday that closing these facilities will restrict access to historical and governmental collections maintained by the state and result in the termination of multiple services and programs.

Many communities throughout our state rely on libraries as foundational institutions for both civic engagement and educational support. According to Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, library closures will threaten the availability of essential information and resources for communities.

The move comes after lawmakers and Gov. The state budget lacked a $6.7 million allocation from Governor Bob Ferguson to address a revenue shortfall from decreased real estate transaction fees.

Library patrons contacting the Tumwater library through Ask A Librarian or the main switchboard or sending emails should anticipate receiving a response that might take up to seven days. The library will stop providing newspaper and genealogy database subscriptions and will significantly reduce the purchase of new materials.

The Talking Book and Braille Library closure to public access will lengthen the voicemail response times. The public library will provide reduced service speeds for both circulation and registration operations.

The library will no longer offer multisensory story time programming together with Low Vision and Touch of Braille workshops. The state’s sole accessible library service for blind people and those with disabilities will experience reduced production of braille and audio materials.

According to Washington State Librarian Sara Jones these disruptions threaten equal information access for Washington’s most underserved residents who can’t read regular print. The current funding shortage impacts our staff and crucial services immediately despite future financial support from a recently enacted bill.

Governor Ferguson signed a bill on May 19 to establish a $50 surcharge on superior court clerk filings with $20 earmarked for the secretary of state’s office to support library operations and state heritage projects. A fiscal analysis projects that this initiative would create up to $6 million during the complete biennium.

Important Upcoming Dates for Local Societies

Jun11 by Roxanne Lowe

Local societies, don’t forget the following deadlines for Outstanding Volunteer/Team awards, Supportive Grants and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Outstanding Volunteer/Team awards: Due July 1. Every year, WSGS supports the nominations of local society members and teams that make societies better.
Supportive Grants: Due July 1. Two grants for $250 each may be awarded to projects that support the work and mission of local societies.
President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement: Due August 1. This award is given to single out that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations.
WSGS Annual Meeting: August 21, 6:30 p.m. The agenda will include the announcement of the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer and Team recipients, President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Supportive Grant awards.

Questions? Email Outreach@wasgs.org (Supportive Grants) or Info@wasgs.org (Outstanding Volunteer/Teams and President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement).

SKCGS Publicity Team Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Teams in 2024

Jun4 by Roxanne Lowe

Today we’re introducing the SKCGS Publicity Team who was selected by the South King County Genealogical Society (SKCGS) as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Tina Lawson, Janet Stroebel, Brenda Phillips, Valorie Zimmerman and MaryLynn Strickland.

Under Tina’s leadership, the publicity team has not only performed reliably, but has gone beyond, providing accurate and beautifully presented information to the membership and friends and the general public. Janet deals with the quirky Groups.io calendar system so that SKCGS members and friends get timely meeting reminders automatically. Brenda, as a new member, has volunteered to update the Facebook page. Valorie continues to maintain a presence on X (formerly Twitter), while MaryLynn coordinates the blog presence. Tina not only creates the public calendar on the website, but also maintains SKCGS.org behind the scenes, and crafts the monthly emails to members and friends near and far, including Conference Keeper and the Washington State Genealogical Society Blog.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

James Secan Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

May28 by Roxanne Lowe

Today we’re introducing James A. Secan of Seattle, Washington who was selected by the Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Jim joined SGS and started writing grants in 2018. A year later, he agreed to serve our community as president. He is honored as a leader who began his presidency while COVID-19 changed our world. Jim has provided operational soundness for four years through a global pandemic, a pivot to online offerings, and the relocation of our library to a smaller space. Jim led the organization while maintaining a robust membership, keeping a good balance sheet, and passing a new set of bylaws with more streamlined Board structure. Jim has served with a commitment to strong operations, a steady hand, and compassion for those who needed to evolve during this time of significant change.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Jerald Rogers Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

May21 by Roxanne Lowe

Today we’re introducing Jerald Rogers of Edmonds, Washington who was selected by the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Jerald has made significant contributions to the success of the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society. As treasurer, he manages the finances, ensuring transparency and stability. He has secured and overseen grants that have bolstered funding and enabled the society to expand their services. Most notable was his work to secure the funding, and assist in the management, of the recently completed Phase I of the Edmonds Tribune-Review digitization project.

Jerald has also taken a hands-on approach in two significant ways regarding SIGS’s library, the Humble House. He has monitored the facilities, ensuring they remain in excellent condition, while liaising with the facility’s owner, the City of Lynnwood, on larger repairs and upkeep tasks. Finally, Jerald serves as a docent lead at the society library, sharing his knowledge and passion with visitors.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

You Can File a Claim for Part of 23andMe’s $30 Million Data Breach Settlement Right Now

May15 by Roxanne Lowe

Reprinted from Eastman’s On-line Genealogy Newsletter, May 13th 2025

Claims are now open for individuals impacted by DNA-tracking company 23andMe’s 2023 data breach, and we’ve got all the details about how to opt in and how much you might be able to get paid.

The San Francisco-based company, which allows people to submit genetic materials and get a snapshot of their ancestry, announced in October 2023 that hackers had accessed customer information in a data breach, but the company didn’t confirm the full extent of the incident until December. Around half of the company’s 14 million people saw their personal information exposed in the leak, which first began in April 2023.

The lawsuit, filed in January 2024, accused 23andMe of not doing enough to protect its customers. It also accused 23andMe of not notifying certain customers with Chinese or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry that their data was targeted specifically and spread on the dark web. The company opted to settle the suit for $30 million.

“We have executed a settlement agreement for an aggregate cash payment of $30 million to settle all US claims regarding the 2023 credential stuffing security incident,” a 23andMe spokesman told CNET. “We continue to believe this settlement is in the best interest of 23andMe customers, and we look forward to finalizing the agreement.”

Now, a few months on, there’s finally an official method available for you to make your claim and potentially get paid by 23andMe, in some cases as much as $10,000. Keep reading to get all the details you need, and for more, find out why T-Mobile settlement checks have been delayed and see if you’re able to claim a piece of Apple’s Siri privacy settlement.

How many people were affected by the 23andMe data breach?

The settlement could cover roughly 6.9 million 23andMe customers whose data was targeted in the leak. To qualify for the proposed settlement, 23andMe users must also have been a US resident on Aug. 11, 2023.

That 6.9 million number includes around 5.5 million users of 23andMe’s DNA Relatives profiles, which lets users find and connect with genetic relatives. The other 1.4 million people affected by the breach used another service known as Family Tree, which predicts a family tree based on the DNA users share with relatives, 23andMe said.

How much money could you get as part of the 23andMe settlement?

At the top end, 23andMe has said that it will pay out up to $10,000 with an “Extraordinary Claim” to users who can verify that they suffered hardships as a direct result of their information being stolen in the data breach that resulted in unreimbursed costs. This includes costs resulting from “identity fraud or falsified tax returns,” from acquiring physical security systems, or from receiving mental health treatment.

Residents of Alaska, California, Illinois and Oregon who were impacted by the breach can also apply for a payment as part of the proposed settlement, since those states have genetic privacy laws with damages provisions. The payments for these individuals are expected to be around $100, depending on how many people file for them, a settlement document said.

Also, a smaller subset of affected users whose personal health information was impacted by the breach will be able to apply for a payment of $100.

Infographic credit: Gianmarco Chumbe/CNET; Background image: Jason Doiy/Getty Images

Will the settlement include anything else?

Beyond those payments, 23andMe will also offer impacted users three years of a security monitoring service called Privacy Shield, which filings described as providing “substantial web and dark web monitoring.”

How can I apply for the 23andMe settlement?

In order to file a claim electronically, you can do so using this official online portal from the Kroll Restructuring Administration. An additional online form is available if you would like proof of your claim sent to you.

Potential claimants can also download and print out hard copies of the claim form and proof of claim form if they wish to submit them by mail. If you’re planning to use this method, send your forms to one of the addresses listed on the official claims website. The deadline to make your claim is July 14.