Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

Veronica Anguiano Honored as 2015 Outstanding Volunteer

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 outstanding volunteers, 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 a 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Veronica Anguiano of Richland, Washington, who was nominated by the Tri-City Genealogical Society (TCGS). She was recognized for her commitment to researching and sharing information, even outside her local society.

Veronica Anguiano

Veronica Anguiano

Ms. Anguiano has distinguished herself in untiring support of the TCGS as its research chair and helping research Benton and Franklin county histories. Ms. Anguiano has responded willingly and efficiently to numerous requests for information from outside her local society.

Ms. Anguiano has become heavily involved in re-cataloging the TCGS library holdings so the holdings can be searched from the FamilySearch Library Catalog. As the holdings are re-cataloged, the new numbers are uploaded to the FamilySearch system, making them searchable from FamilySearch’s online site.

Ms. Anguiano is a respected and diligent member of the TCGS, and richly deserves 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.

Wanda Alderman Honored as 2015 Outstanding Volunteer

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 outstanding volunteers, 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 a 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Wanda Burke Alderman of Steptoe, Washington, who was nominated by the Whitman County Genealogical Society (WCGS). She was recognized for her exceptional efforts to preserve important historic images and records in the Whitman County area.

Wanda Burke Alderman

Wanda Burke Alderman

Ms. Alderman has been instrumental in preserving the heritage of Whitman County for Washington State’s Rural Heritage Collection. Working with the Whitman County Library for more than six years, Ms. Alderman has located images, interviewed contributors, documented critical cataloging information, and provided community programs. Thanks in large part to her efforts, the collection now contains more than 3,000 images and is the most popular in Washington State averaging 4,500 site visits per month.

Ms. Alderman has also volunteered for Find a Grave for 14 years, inputting 1,240 grave entries for Bethel Cemetery at Steptoe, and has transcribed records for Washington State Digital Archives and donated time and resources to St. John Historical Society.

Ms. Alderman is a respected and diligent member of the WCGS, and richly deserves 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.

WSGS Honors Eastern Washington Gen Society Members

by Charles Hansen

The Eastern Washington Genealogical Society boasts an awesome corps of folks who always and eagerly step up to do pretty much whatever needs to be done. EWGS is an awesome organization because of these good folks!

Three of these super volunteers are Mary Holcomb and Tony and Janette Birch. These EWGS members were honored at the September EWGS meeting when WSGS representative Charles Hanson presented them with certificates of appreciation…………… applause! applause!

WSGS extends this recognition honor opportunity to all genealogical societies within our area who wish to honor their volunteers with WSGS certificates of appreciation. Please visit our website (www.wasgs.org) for the application. Certificates will be presented at the WSGS annual meeting or if the honorees cannot attend, at their local society meeting.

(WSGS thanks member Roxanne Lowe for all her efforts with this project.)

 

Outstanding Volunteers and Teams Honored at State Conference

by Roxanne Lowe

Forty-six local genealogical society members were honored for their outstanding volunteerism at the WSGS Annual Conference in Ellensburg, Washington, on 27 June 2015. 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 2015 Outstanding Volunteer Awards:

Wanda Burke Alderman, Whitman County Genealogical Society, Region 6
Veronica Anguiano, Tri-City Genealogical Society, Region 6
Erik Bakke, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Beverly Bakos, Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island, Region 1
Margie Beldin, Tri-City Genealogical Society, Region 6
Janette and Tony Birch, Eastern WA Genealogical Society, Region 7
Susan Breshears Boatright, Yakima Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Marilyn Brown, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Dona Bubelis, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Jim Bull, Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society, Region 5
Betty Carrick, Wenatchee Area GS Website Team, Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society, Region 8
Mary Christensen, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Judy Clayton, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Linda Colton, Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society, Region 5
Christine Janet Kenck Courtright, Chelan Valley Genealogical Society, Region 8
Robert Edwards, Grays Harbor Genealogical Society, Region 3
Warren Fisk, Tacoma Pierce Co. Genealogical Society, Region 2
Tuck Forsythe, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Daniel P. Harmon, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Susan Hassemiller, Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society, Region 3
Mary Malone Holcomb, Eastern WA Genealogical Society, Region 7
J.C.Howard, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Fae Douglas Jacobs, Grays Harbor Genealogical Society, Region 3
Rose Anderson Janke, Lower Columbia Genealogical Society, Region 4
Kathy Kelly, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Julie Large, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Kathi McGinnes, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Delma Roloff McLean, Yakima Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Muriel S.Neely, Skagit Valley Genealogical Society, Region 1
Sylvia Nelson, Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society, Region 3
Diane Ulrich Partington, Skagit Valley Genealogical Society, Region 1
Elinor Perlich, Clark Co. Genealogical Society, Region 4
Brian Runyan, Clark Co. Genealogical Society, Region 4
Dave Sachi, Jefferson County Genealogical Society, Region 3
Karen Spellman, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Stillaguamish Conference Planning Team, Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society, Region 1
Mary Stolaas, Jefferson County Genealogical Society, Region 3
Mary Swartz, Wenatchee Area GS Website Team, Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society, Region 8
Larry Taylor, Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society, Region 1
Janice Weihs, Tacoma Pierce Co. Genealogical Society, Region 2
Bob Wieking, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Charlotte Wixon, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Ann Wright, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Mel and Marilyn Wright, Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island, Region 1

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 at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Jean Yager Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 last of this series, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Jean Joal Drane Yager of Bremerton, Washington who was nominated by the Puget Sound Genealogical Society (PSGS). She was recognized for her outstanding leader­ship and consistent support of the goals and operation of the PSGS.

YagerPhoto

Jean Yager

Since joining PSGS in 2008, Ms. Yager has been active in all aspects of the society. While serving in her first leadership position as chair of the education committee, she was instrumental in developing, organizing and teaching on-going classes for members and the public. During her tenure as President from 2012 – 2014, PSGS entered into a partnership with the Kitsap Regional Library. Ms. Yager was a key player during that time of transition and her “can do” attitude and endless energy ensured success.

In addition to being the 2014 Immediate Past President, Ms. Yager was also chair of the education committee, 2014 seminar committee and the PSGS field trip organizer.

Ms. Yager has been a dedicated member of the PSGS and her constant efforts to support the goals of the society are invaluable. As a result, she richly deserved this recognition.

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.

Sue Walde Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Susan Walde of Arlington, Washington who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the SVGS.

WaldePhoto

Sue Walde

Recognizing the need for a reliable, online database for the SVGS’s electronic card catalog, Ms. Walde created the database that now appears on the SVGS website. Today, more than 5,000 books, pamphlets, magazines and other resource materials are easily searchable by genealogists around the world. Ms. Walde guided the project from the beginning steps of data entry, through the database designing and the grant writing stages, and oversaw the final process of importing the data from the revised spreadsheet to the database that now appears on the website. Ms. Walde also wrote easy-to-follow instructions for searching the online database.

Despite her full-time job, Ms. Walde finished the project within its budget and on time by volunteering her skills and talents during evenings and weekends. Because her efforts have the potential to benefit genealogists around the world, she richly deserved this recognition.

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.

Linda Stephens Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Linda Stephens of Richland, Washington, who was nominated by the Tri-City Genealogical Society (TCGS). She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the TCGS.

StephensPhoto

Linda Stephens

Ms. Stephens has been a member of the TCGS for only a few years, but has become one of its most dependable volunteers. One example is when TCGS organized a group to index/arbitrate the 1940 census for FamilySearch. Ms. Stephens was one of the first volunteers to join the project. She led the TCGS group with the most records indexed.

Ms. Stephens has also assisted the TCGS Publications Committee to resolve concerns and issues for each bulletin, as well as proofreading each edition before publication. She also proofread many of the scanned indexes of the 52 years of TCGS bulletins in preparation for an All Surname Index.

With all of the contributions Ms. Stephens made to the TCGS, she richly deserved this recognition in 2014.

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 Simonsen Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Mary Bybee Simonsen of Pullman, Washington, who was nominated by the Whitman County Genealogical Society (WCGS). She was recognized for her outstanding efforts in the identification and preservation of historical documents of importance and value to researchers interested in the Whitman County Area.

Simonsen_Photo

Mary Simonsen

Since 1997, Ms. Simonsen has spent hundreds of hours volunteering for WCGS projects. She has worked on small projects such as transcribing vital records (birth, death, divorce, marriage), obituaries, and homestead patents as reported in the Pullman Herald and other newspapers. She has also worked on big projects, including transcribing the 1883, 1885, and 1887 Whitman County Territory censuses, and the 1890 Whitman County Veterans census. She also played a major role in the transcription of the 1910 Whitman County census.

Ms. Simonsen also assisted with the transcription of the Whitman County Death Register, and early marriage and probate records. She has indexed various publications not only for the WCGS, but also for the Whitman County Historical Society.

Ms. Simonsen’s dedication to enable the public to access these records demonstrated that she richly deserved this recognition in 2014.

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.

Susan Rumble Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Susan Stewart Rumble of Monitor, Washington, who was nominated by the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS). She was recognized for her leadership, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the WAGS.

Susan Stewart Rumble

Susan Stewart Rumble

A long-time member of WAGS, Susan has served as the society’s Vice President since 2002 and has continued to be resourceful in providing relevant educational programs and speakers for the WAGS members.

She has always been willing to “wear many hats.” One example is when the society’s former president relocated and vacated her partial term three years ago, Ms. Rumble dutifully filled that position of leadership. Additionally, when no replacement was found for the last two years, she capably continued as President Pro-tem. Among the many responsibilities she also fulfills are membership notifications and promoting the WAGS in the local community.

The continued dedication and support Ms. Rumble has exhibited demonstrate that she richly deserved this recognition in 2014.

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.