Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

Delma McLean 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 coming months, 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 Delma Roloff McLean, Yakima, Washington, who was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS). She was recognized for her dedicated volunteer efforts and positive attitude.

Delma McLean

Delma McLean

Delma has been a member of the YVGS since 1987, along with her husband Frank. She has served as a librarian and held a board of directors’ position.  She is currently YVGS’s hospitality chair where she gives “hospitality” a whole new meaning with the smile and warm hugs that greet members as they attend meetings.  Delma has been a constant presence at the society’s events – from yard sales and the Indian John Hill Rest Stop fundraiser to seminars, workshops and monthly meetings.

Besides her participation at YVGS, she is also active with the International Society of Germans from Russia, was a board position for six years.

Delma is an outstanding volunteer and has given the YVGS 100 percent of herself. She richly deserved being a recipient 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.

Rose Janke 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 coming months, 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 Rose Albertson Janke of Kelso, Washington, who was nominated by the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society (LCGS). She was recognized for her leadership, knowledge and dedicated volunteer efforts.

Rose Anderson Janke

Rose Anderson Janke

As a long-time society supporter, Rose was one of the four original founders of LCGS in 1963. She was instrumental in writing the charter constitution and bylaws of the society and has served as secretary, publicity chairman and historian.

Rose has assisted in the genealogy section of the Longview Library, donated many of her personal books to the society’s genealogy collection, and written several articles for the Society’s quarterly newsletter “The Key.” Rose also helped form a research group that spent fifteen years restoring the records of the pioneer Catlin Cemetery. A compilation of the results is now housed at the Cowlitz County Public Works Department which oversees the cemetery’s maintenance.

Rose is a valued and hard-working member of the LCGS and richly deserved being a recipient 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.

Fae Jacobs 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 coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Fae Douglas Jacobs

Fae Douglas Jacobs

Today we’re introducing Fae Douglas Jacobs of Hoquiam, Washington, who was nominated by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS). She was recognized for her dependable, committed volunteer efforts.

Ms. Jacobs has been a member of the GHGS since June 2008. She is an enthusiastic supporter of the society, having served in positions of trustee, library chair board member, refreshment chair and co-chair of the obituary committee. She is currently serving her second term as the society’s secretary.

Ms. Jacobs promptly and accurately fulfills her job responsibilities such as record keeping and reports. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with members and the public, volunteering 10-12 hours per month at the society’s research library and participating bi-annually in their “Genealogy Café” held in several Grays Harbor County communities in connection with the Timberland Regional Library system.

Ms. Jacobs is a valued and hard-working member of the GHGS and richly deserved being a recipient 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.

Mary Malone Holcomb 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 coming months, 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 Mary Malone Holcomb of Spokane, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS) . She was recognized for her dedicated volunteer efforts within EWGS and beyond.

Mary Malone Holcomb

Mary Malone Holcomb

Ms. Holcomb has been a member of EWGS since 1999 where she served as 1st Vice President for two years, long-time hospitality chair and library volunteer. Ms. Holcomb was a volunteer for the 1940 Census Roll-Out celebration promoted by the Spokane Public Library. She is also a volunteer and board member of the Evergreen Cemetery Association, helping lead their efforts to restore the cemetery grounds, research interments, and obtain military headstones for Civil War veterans buried there.

Ms. Holcomb’s varied volunteer activities also extend to the Spokane Firefighters Memorial Association, honoring local firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and as a “Lookup” volunteer for the Durham-Orange Genealogical Society in Durham, North Carolina.

Ms. Holcomb is a valued, important part of the EWGS. Her efforts illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient 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.

Outstanding Volunteer & Team Nominations Due April 1

by Roxanne Lowe

Attention all Societies & Organizations:

Don’t forget to nominate your Outstanding Volunteer and/or Team for special recognition by WSGS. The deadline to submit your name(s) is April 1. Additional details about the Recognition program are available here.

The Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Team Awards are presented each year at the Annual Conference to members nominated by their local society. Societies can nominate no more than two individuals and/or one team. Nomination criteria is left to the individual societies.

Honor those outstanding members and teams that help your organization be successful. If you’ve got questions, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

Susan Hassenmiller 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 coming months, 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 Susan Hassenmiller of Bainbridge Island, Washington, who was nominated by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS). She was recognized for her enthusiasm and passion to support the society.

Susan Hassenmiller

Susan Hassenmiller

Ms. Hassenmiller has been a dedicated, long-time member of BIGS, serving as a founding board member and as treasurer for two terms starting in 2006. She rejoined the board in 2013 as director of ways and means serving two more terms.

Ms. Hassenmiller is a mentor to members and often meets individually with new members to guide them in starting or continuing their research efforts. She advocated for, and now moderates, an email network group for members to share informally among themselves. Ms. Hassenmiller also shares her knowledge and passion by co-facilitating special interest groups on DNA and Scandinavian research.

Ms. Hassenmiller shares her time and energy selflessly and often volunteers graciously for whatever needs to be done. Her contributions prove that she richly deserved being a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2015.

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 Recognition Nominations Extended to April 1

by Roxanne Lowe

Attention all Societies & Organizations:

Sometimes Leap Day just isn’t enough extra time to get everything done, so we’re giving you an extra month to name your 2016 Outstanding Volunteer/Team! The deadline to submit your name(s) has been extended to April 1. Additional details about the Recognition program are available here.

The Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Team Awards are presented each year at the Annual Conference to members nominated by their local society. Societies can nominate no more than two individuals and/or one team. Nomination criteria is left to the individual societies.

Honor those outstanding members and teams that help your organization be successful. If you’ve got questions, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

Warren Fisk 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 coming months, 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 Warren Fisk of Lakebay, Washington, who was nominated by the Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society (TPCGS). He was recognized for his support, encouragement, and assistance to the society.

Warren Fisk

Warren Fisk

Mr. Fisk has been a member of Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society since 2002. He served as president from 2010 through 2013. Before becoming president, Mr. Fisk was the society treasurer from 2006 to 2009, moving from paper records to a computer format, which made them much easier to manage and understand.

Mr. Fisk has co-chaired TPCGS’s annual seminar since 2010, assuming the lead in finding the location and making sure the logistical details were addressed to ensure a successful event for all.

Mr. Fisk’s attention to detail even includes making certain there are refreshments at each society meeting, a much appreciated addition.

A dedicated, long-time volunteer, Mr. Fisk continues to be a respected and diligent member of the TPCGS, and richly deserved being a recipient of a 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.

Bob Edwards 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 coming months, 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 Robert “Bob” Edwards of Manchester, Washington, who was nominated by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS). He was recognized for his dependability and “sure, we can” attitude.

Robert "Bob" Edwards

Robert “Bob” Edwards

Although a member of the GHGS for only three years, Mr. Edwards has already made an impact, serving his second term as a trustee in 2015. He joined the society because of his familial ties to the area, even though he lives more than 90 miles away. Besides attending monthly society meetings, Mr. Edwards makes the 90+-mile journey at least twice a month to work at the society’s research library. His dedication to the library is greatly appreciated by members and the public.

When the society sponsors workshops or other events that require setting up and tearing down, Mr. Edwards is always there to lend a hand.

Mr. Edwards’ experiences and willingness to volunteer and participate in society meetings make him an important asset to the society. For those reasons, he richly deserved being a recipient of a 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.

Christine Courtright 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 coming months, 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 Christine Janet Kenck Courtright of Manson, Washington, who was nominated by the Chelan Valley Genealogical Society (CVGS). She was recognized for her enthusiastic, dedicated volunteer efforts. Ms Courtright is currently the President and newsletter editor of CVGS.

Courtright_Photo

Christine Courtright

A nine-year member of CVGS, Ms. Courtright recognized the importance of having a permanent place to interest, motivate, and help those interested in genealogy and family history. As CVGS’s representative to the local Friends of the Library Committee, Ms. Courtright established a good working relationship with the committee, and requested a space for CVGS when the new Chelan Community Library was built. She also encouraged her Society to donate $1,000 to the Library Building Fund. Once CVGS’s space in the new library was established, Ms. Courtright used her planning and decorating skills to make the new permanent home of the CVGS an appealing area to learn about genealogy and family history.

Ms. Courtright’s dedication and commitment illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 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.