Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

Donna Potter Phillips 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 Donna Potter Phillips, of Spokane, 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.

PotterPhillipsPhoto

Donna Potter Phillips

Ms. Phillips has supported the TCGS as a member for many years even though her primary membership as been with the Eastern Washington Genealogica Society. Over the years, Ms. Phillips has presented many genealogy lectures and classes for TCGS, and has been called “my favorite teacher” by many. She has planted the seed, fertilized it and energized her students’ interest in genealogy. Many have said that when she talks, one wants to listen. She has also encouraged many TCGS members to “write their book.”

Ms. Phillips has been an inspiration to many and has been credited with “firing up” TCGW members’ genealogy research and writing their family history stories. Her valuable assets and generosity illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award 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.

Shirley Penna-Oakes 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 months, 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 Shirley Penna-Oakes of Tum Tum, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). She was recognized for her leadership, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS).

Shirley Penna-Oakes

Shirley Penna-Oakes

Ms. Penna-Oakes has been an outstanding member of EWGS and several other genealogical societies over the years. She has been President and Vice President of EWGS; Cascade Genealogical Society, Montana; and the Stillaguamish Genealogical Society, Arlington, Washington. She has also been a WSGS Regional Representative for Districts 1 and 7, as well as Chair of the WSGS Conference in Everett in 1992. She worked on EWGS’s “State Fair” and their “Walking with Ancestors” from 2010 to 2014. She served as EWGS’s Outreach/Educational chairman from 2010 – 2011, and was the founder/director of the Elizabeth Doherty Genealogical Library.

Ms. Penna-Oakes has published 16 surname and query books and lectures in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and California. She is an outstanding volunteer at the EWGS 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.

Marlene Payne 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 months, 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 Marlene Whiteman Payne of Elma, Washington, who was nominated by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS). She was recognized for her dedication in identifying and preserving historical documents of importance and value related to families and locations in Grays Harbor County, Washington.

Marlene Payne

Marlene Payne

Ms. Payne has been tireless in her efforts to collect Grays Harbor records, generously donating her research and documents to the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society’s research library. To date, the GHGS library holds more than 200 volumes of records, donated by Ms. Payne, including funeral records, cemetery records, birth and death certificates, especially focused on East Grays Harbor County.

Ms. Payne is the GHGS’s behind-the-scenes archivist. For all she researched, preserved and donated, 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.

Kim Nichols 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 months, 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 Kimberly A. Nichols of Snohomish, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS). She was recognized her leadership, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the EGS.

Kim Nichols

Kim Nichols

Ms. Nichols has long served the EGS in the dual capacity of newsletter editor (since 2008) and webmaster (since 2007). In this capacity, she has been the face of the EGS to the genealogical world as well as being a consummate editor and communicator, notifying society members of current happenings and where and how to get involved. Ms. Nichols also served as EGS’s newsletter editor for much of the 1990s.

Ms. Nichols established one of EGS’s earliest special interest groups more than 20 years ago, and is in the process of establishing another.

From running EGS’s book and supply table to organizing outreach activities and teaching classes, Ms. Nichols has been an outstanding volunteer with special grace and a smile. 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.

Steve Morrison 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 months, 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 Steven W. Morrison of Olympia, Washington, who was nominated by the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (PS-APG). He was recognized for his exceptional and consistent support of the goals and operation of the PS-APG.

Steven W. Morrison

Steven W. Morrison

Mr. Morrison is a valued participant of the speakers forum which is an interest group of the PS-APG. He was the chapter representative of the PS-APG in 2014. He is also a member of the National Genealogical Society. He regularly attends local and national advanced genealogical training courses such as the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy.

Mr. Morrison was President of the Olympia Genealogical Society from 2003 to 2005 where he was the chair of their spring seminar for three years. He presented two workshops at the Washington State Genealogy Conference in Arlington in August 2014.

Mr. Morrison’s contributions to the PS-APG and the field of genealogy illustrate that 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.

Dolly Merrick 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 months, 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 Dolores “Dolly” Kies Merrick of Vancouver, Washington who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). She was recognized for her support of the goals and operation of the CCGS.

Dolly Merrick

Ms. Merrick has been an active member of the CCGS for over seven years. She is the immediate past Vice President and served previously as its Treasurer. In 2014 she served on the CCGS library committee, was a member of the CCGS seminars committee, and a volunteer librarian. Additionally, using her graphic skills, she created storefront window displays that brought people to the society’s education programs to promote membership.

Ms. Merrick accepted her leadership role in CCGS during a period of recovery from a decline in society membership. Enticing members to accept leadership positions was particularly difficult, but Ms. Merrick applied her rare gift of enthusiasm and clear thinking through collegial management and a positive attitude, creating the cohesive and productive team that leads the society today.

Ms. Merrick is an exemplary member of the CCGS 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.

Lola McCreary Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 Lola King McCreary, of Spokane, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS).

McCrearyPhoto

Lola McCreary

Ms. McCreary has been a member of the EWGS for more than 30 years and has held several offices. She is one of the Distinguished Service Members of EWGS, and has always been ready and eager to help in any way she could.

Whenever EWGS needs a volunteer, Ms. McCreary is there, whether it’s as a rest stop volunteer, on the society nominating committee, and as the current member-at-large. Ms. McCreary has been a valued and hard-working member and a proven leader of the Society, 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.

WSGS Announces New Recognition Awards

by Roxanne Lowe

The WSGS is pleased to announce the creation of three new awards for local genealogical societies and individuals. Nominations are now open for all three – in addition to the established Outstanding Volunteer/Team Awards.

  • Outstanding Communication – Recognizes the importance of how local genealogical societies or organizations communicate. Includes all forms of communication, including websites, social media, newsletters, lectures, videos, podcasts, etc. Nomination deadline is May 1, 2015.
  • Outstanding Project – Awarded to local genealogical society or organization in recognition of exceptional genealogical or historical projects implemented during the past year. Nomination deadline is May 1, 2015.
  • President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – Recognizes that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations. Nomination deadline is May 1, 2015.
  • Outstanding Volunteer/Team Award – An opportunity for local societies and organizations to recognize their outstanding members and teams on a wider basis. Nomination deadline has been extended to April 1, 2015.

A couple of other very important reminders:
• The deadline to apply for a WSGS Innovative Grant is April 1. We want to give up to five $100 grants to worthy projects, so apply now! The application is easy to complete and available here.
• Registration is wide open for the WSGS Conference featuring David Rencher, FamilySearch’s Chief Genealogical Officer, Saturday, June 27, 2015 in Ellensburg. Don’t miss it!

Sandie McBride Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 Sandra “Sandie” Profitt McBride, of East Wenatchee, Washington, who was nominated by the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS). She was recognized for her outstanding efforts in the identification and preservation of historical documents of importance and value to researchers interested in the Wenatchee Area.

McBridePhoto

Sandi McBride

When Ms. McBride retired and returned to her childhood hometown of Wenatchee from Seattle in 2005, she admirably continued to help the Seattle Genealogical Society complete a ten-year project of indexing King County court records. Upon joining WAGS, she jumped into another long-term project scanning old marriage records from Chelan and Douglas Counties. With great attention to detail and patience, she also verified records of the local cemetery and internments.

Ms. McBride has served on the WAGS board of directors as a Member-at-Large and has coordinated the huge task of the society’s website conversion. She has been a conscientious member of the library committee and frequently helped as a librarian.

Recognizing the time and dedication Ms. McBride has given to preserving information of genealogical importance, 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.

Lorrell Louchard Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 Lorrell Louchard, of Port Townsend, Washington, who was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society  (JCGS). She was recognized for her leadership, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the Jefferson County Genealogical Society.

LouchardPhoto

Lorrell Louchard

 

Ms. Louchard has been a member and dedicated volunteer of the JCGS for more than 15 years. She is a past recording secretary and is currently serving in that capacity again. In addition, Ms. Louchard has been on the library committee for many years and in charge of the 50/50 book project. She was on the Education committee, helping to plan the monthly programs and was the meet-and-greet person at JCGS’s monthly meetings. As an experienced volunteer, Ms. Louchard put together a cheat sheet notebook for the JCGS volunteers to use as a reference when helping a reseacher at the research center.

Always one to donate her time and expertise, Ms. Louchard volunteered her time on many other short-term projects of the society, 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.