Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

Karen van Haagen Campbell Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 500 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Karen van Haagen Campbell of Bellevue, Washington, who was nominated by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State (JGSWS). She was recognized for her leadership skills, especially those related to promotion of meetings, events and conferences.

Karen van Haagen Campbell

Karen van Haagen Campbell

Serving as the vice president of the JGSWS and in charge of publicity, Ms. Campbell has been creating flyers for monthly meetings and other promotions to increase the visibility of JGSWS and related events, increase interest in Jewish genealogy, and make it easier for those who are interested in Jewish genealogy to connect with like-minded researchers.

Ms. Campbell is also a major contributor on the publicity committee of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Society’s annual international genealogical conference that took place in Seattle from August 7-12, 2016. She is also the leader of the Eastside Genealogical Society’s German Interest Group and helps promote the Black Genealogy Research Group (BGRG) in Seattle.

Ms. Campbell’s leadership efforts in publicizing genealogical groups and events, helping others connect with specific research groups, and her inclusive and enthusiastic personality illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Diane Hunter Boyd Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 500 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Diane Hunter Boyd

Diane Hunter Boyd

Today we’re introducing Diane Hunter Boyd of Spokane Valley, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). She was recognized for her dedicated, creative efforts as the EWGS’s web manager.

In August 2011, Ms. Boyd agreed to become EWGS’s web manager “for a few months.” She remained in the position for the next four-and-one-half years.

In additional to her duties as web manager, including creation of a new home page at ewgsi.org, Ms. Boyd became the web coordinator of EWGS’s new digital publication, Digital Digest. When Ms. Boyd stepped down as EWGS’s web manager, she continued to answer questions from both the new web manager and the Digital Digest coordinator.

Ms. Boyd ensured EWGS had an easy-to-use, current website, and was always helping anyone that needed help. As such a dedicated member, she richly deserved being named an Outstanding Volunteer by the Washington State Genealogical Society.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Kathryn Bowman Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 500 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

bowman_photo

Kathryn Bowman

Today we’re introducing Kathryn Bowman of Everett, Washington, who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for her active participation in the 2016 Northwest Genealogy Conference in Arlington.

 

Ms. Bowman was the Assistant Conference Chair for 2016 and was responsible for the continued success of the conference. She coordinated all activity with the team members and led the marketing and material design teams. In addition, she is the SVGS newsletter editor and a valued member of The Tombstone Committee.

It is because of Ms. Bowman’s dedication and leadership skills that the Northwest Genealogy Conference enjoys continued success. There is no doubt, she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Claire Bardwell Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 500 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Claire Bardwell

Claire Bardwell

Today we’re introducing Claire Bardwell of Colville, Washington, who was nominated by the Northeast Washington Genealogical Society (NeWGS). She was recognized for her significant contributions to the society beginning in 1986 with her involvement in indexing birth, marriage and death records of Stevens and Ferry counties.

Since 1986, Mrs. Bardwell has helped with the annual clean-up of the Evergreen Cemetery, been involved in courthouse research through the years, taught classes on using land records, participated in numerous indexing projects. She has also served on the board of directors of NeWGS in several different capacities.

Mrs. Bardwell’s most recent contributions have been in the extraction and indexing of local courthouse records adding more than 4,000 entries to NeWGS’s databases.

Mrs. Bardwell is a respected and valuable, long-time member of the NeWGS, and her contributions prove that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Clark County’s Finance Team Awarded 2016 Outstanding Team Award

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 500 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received a 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the Finance Team that was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). This talented team was selected for its diligence in maintaining the financial health of the CCGS. Team members include Lowell Kenedy, Barbara Baker, Larry Germann and Eric Jordahl.

Clark County GS's Finance Team

Clark County GS’s Finance Team

All non-profit organizations rely on fiscal responsibility. This team’s firm hand on the financial tiller underpinned the local society’s financial well-being.

The team’s solid reporting and astute projections made it possible for CCGS to survive and thrive, enabling the society to meet its stated goals of collection, education, and preservation.

The team has been vital to the society’s past and future success and richly deserve being recipients of a 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Team by the Washington State Genealogical Society.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Eastern Washington GS’s Tuesday Gals Awarded 2016 Outstanding Team Award

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 500 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received a 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the Tuesday Gals Team who were nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). Members of this dedicated team include Carol Anderson, Patricia Ayers, Patricia Bayonne-Johnson, Barbara Brazington, Mary Holcomb, Juanita McBride and Dolly Webb.

EWGS's Tuesday Gals

EWGS’s Tuesday Gals

Started in the 1950s, the “Tuesday Gals” are a longtime tradition of Gene-Helpers in the local library. In addition to helping people with genealogical research, the Tuesday Gals support EWGS’s genealogical holdings that are housed in the downtown branch of the Spokane Public Library by ordering books, binding and/or repairing them and cataloging them. Although they’re usually at the library on Tuesday’s (thus the name), they’re quick to help if needed on a different day.

This group of dedicated volunteers richly deserve being recipients of a 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Team by the Washington State Genealogical Society.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Wenatchee Area GS Strategic Planning Leadership Duo Awarded 2016 Outstanding Team Award

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 500 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received a 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Shirley Allmon Acheson and Barbara Barker Congdon who were nominated by the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS). This dynamic duo made up the WAGS Strategic Planning Leadership Team.

Barbara Barker Congdon

Barbara Barker Congdon

Shirley Allmon Acheson

Shirley Allmon Acheson

Sharing insight gained at a Nonprofit Practices Institute seminar in 2012, this incredible pair facilitated a series of strategic planning sessions, greatly increasing the WAGS’s Board of Directors’ efficiency and purpose. Their exemplary teamwork enabled the board to develop and commit to a strategic plan, launching the society into a smoother, more efficient trajectory.

Ms. Acheson, an 18-year member of WAGS, graciously tackles a spectrum of volunteer tasks, giving her time, enthusiasm and considerable talent to website management, the WAGS “no-work fundraiser,” and maintenance of the Civil War Veterans database. She currently serves on the board of directors as a member-at-large.

Ms. Congdon is a career educator and avid researcher. Having grown up in Poulsbo, Washington, she was drawn to WAGS 20 years ago via their Genealogy Library resources and dedicated volunteers. She is a creative non-stop networker and enthusiastic promoter of WAGS. She is a frequent genealogy library volunteer, serves on the nominating committee, and currently is serving her second term as vice-president.

Ms. Acheson and Ms. Congdon are dedicated volunteers and richly deserve being recipients of a 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Team Award by the Washington State Genealogical Society.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Outstanding Volunteers and Teams Honored

by Roxanne Lowe

Forty-two local genealogical society members were honored for their outstanding volunteerism at the WSGS Annual Conference in Tacoma, Washington, on 18 June 2016. Nominated by their local societies, these individuals and teams spent countless hours supporting their local organizations, researching, cataloging, inventorying, teaching, and inspiring others. We are proud to announce the 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Awards:

Shirley Allmon Acheson, Strategic Planning Leadership Team, Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society
Carol Anderson, Tuesday Gals Team, Eastern WA Genealogical Society
Patricia Ayers, Tuesday Gals Team, Eastern WA Genealogical Society
Barbara Baker, Clark County Finance Team, Clark County Genealogical Society
Claire Bardwell, Northeast Washington Genealogical Society
Kathy Bowman, Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society
Diane Boyd, Eastern Washington Genealogical Society
Barbara Brazington, Tuesday Gals Team, Eastern WA Genealogical Society
Karen van Haagen Campbell, Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington
Barbara Barker Congdon, Strategic Planning Leadership Team, Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society
John Covey, Tri City Genealogical Society
Michele Cozad, Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society
Patricia Deutsch, Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington
Leslee Dunlap, Ulster Workshop Team, Lewis Co. Genealogical Society
Bill Floberg, Tri City Genealogical Society
Larry Germann, Clark County Finance Team, Clark County Genealogical Society
Roberta Griset, Clallam Co. Genealogical Society
Cynthia Savage Harris, Whatcom Genealogical Society
Mary Holcomb, Tuesday Gals Team, Eastern WA Genealogical Society
Pam Hopwood, Ulster Workshop Team, Lewis Co. Genealogical Society
Joann Hulse, Ulster Workshop Team, Lewis Co. Genealogical Society
Patricia Bayonne Johnson, Tuesday Gals Team, Eastern WA Genealogical Society
Barbara Jeanne Gorham Johnson, Skagit Valley Genealogical Society
Eric Jordahl, Clark County Finance Team, Clark County Genealogical Society
Rebecca Judd, Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society
Lowell Kenedy, Clark County Finance Team, Clark County Genealogical Society
Sue Rogers Kreikemeier, Whitman Co. Genealogical Society
Margie Lloyd, Ulster Workshop Team, Lewis Co. Genealogical Society
Juanita McBride, Tuesday Gals Team, Eastern WA Genealogical Society
Sam McReynolds, Ulster Workshop Team, Lewis Co. Genealogical Society
Patricia Olsen, Ulster Workshop Team, Lewis Co. Genealogical Society
Patricia Olsen, Lewis County Genealogical Society
Leslie Parnell, Ulster Workshop Team, Lewis Co. Genealogical Society
Gail Porter, Clallam Co. Genealogical Society
George Ridgeway Jr., Skagit Valley Genealogical Society
Marge Samuelson, Jefferson Co. Genealogical Society
Louellen Verellen, Chelan Valley Genealogical Society
Sandy Wade, Tacoma Pierce Co Genealogical Society
Dolly Webb, Tuesday Gals Team, Eastern WA Genealogical Society
Lola Swearingen Weber, Lower Columbia Genealogical Society

To read each individual’s accomplishments and why they were nominated, visit the Outstanding Volunteer Awards Program page.

For more information about the Outstanding Volunteer Awards Program, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

Mel & Marilyn Wright Named Outstanding Volunteers in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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. Over the last few months, you were introduced to each of the 2015 award recipients and learned why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Mel and Marilyn Wright of Coupeville, Washington, who were nominated by the Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island (GSSWI). They were recognized for what makes a society great: dedication, reliability, generosity, and energy.

Marilyn and Mel Wright

Marilyn and Mel Wright

For years, Mr. and Mrs. Wright, affectionately known as M & M, have been key members of the GSSWI, giving opinions, sharing ideas, and leading volunteer efforts, such as digitizing the society’s collection of obituaries, sponsoring interest groups on New England and New York, and organizing an annual trip to Salt Lake City.

Often the first to arrive and last to leave society meetings, this motivated twosome ensure everything is organized from beginning to end, including room organization, refreshments, audio-visual set-up, and even climbing onto waist-high window ledges to put up temporary rods and curtains to block the light.

Mr. and Mrs. Wright are experienced genealogists who keep up with continuing education and are glad to share their experience and resources with others. For these qualities and all they do for the GSSWI, they richly deserved being recipients of a 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

 

Janice Weihs Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 next month, you will be introduced to each of the 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Janice Weihs of Tacoma, Washington, who was nominated by the Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society (TPCGS). She was recognized for her dedicated and committed volunteer efforts. Janice’s husband Frank was an Outstanding Volunteer from TPCGS in 2010.

Janice Weihs with husband Frank

Janice Weihs with husband Frank

Mrs. Weihs has been a member of TPCGS since at least 1994. She initiated the society’s newsletter in 2006, and continued to serve as editor until the fall of   2014. She also began serving on the library committee in 2010. While on the library committee, she consulted with the staff of the Tacoma Public Library to determine what resources would best augment the library’s genealogy collection. She then purchased the resources from funds donated by society members. Mrs. Weihs also helped with extracting the 1892 Pierce County Auditor’s Census and the Tacoma and Pierce County death records from 1884 to 1907.

Although their active participation has become limited in the past few years due to health issues, Mr. and Mrs. Weihs have continued to support the society. The couple was recently named lifetime members of TPCGS.

Mrs. Weihs is a valued and hard-working member of the TPCGS, and illustrates that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2015 WSGS Outstanding

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.