Tag Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

WSGS Conference Planning Committee Named Outstanding Team 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 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 the WSGS Conference Planning Committee who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). They were recognized for their detailed planning, commitment, and teamwork hosting the 2014 Washington State Genealogical Society Conference in Arlington, Washington, despite the tragic Oso landslide which occurred on March 22, 2014.

Conference Team from Stillaguamish Valley GS

WSGS Conference Team from Stillaguamish Valley GS

The conference, hosted by the SVGS, attracted more than 300 attendees, not from just Washington State, but from Canada, middle-America, Texas, Massachusetts and Oregon. To ensure a first-rate conference, the planning committee received grants from the City of Arlington and Snohomish County Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. The committee was also able to secure nationally recognized speakers and donations from local businesses.

This successful event was held despite the catastrophic Oso landslide which occurred less than five months before the conference – in the prime of the planning. Several committee and society members, as well as conference vendors, were left with severe property damage and access to meetings.

Due to their careful planning and “can do” spirit, the planning committee overcame the diversity and devastation to pull off the successful event. They 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.

Dave Sachi 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.

Dave Sachi

Dave Sachi

Today we’re introducing Dave Sachi of Port Townsend, Washington, who was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS). He was recognized for his dedicated efforts to keep the local society members informed and involved.

Mr. Sachi has assumed the vital job of compiling the JCGS quarterly newsletters for the past few years. Under his guidance, the newsletter has increased from eight pages to twelve. Each issue features a calendar of events letting JCGS members know the subject and speaker for the general meetings and when the society’s different interest groups meet. Each issue also includes the president’s message about the society business, a member-written book review, a list of new resource books and/or CD’s in the library, a story on the history of the county, and/or a family history story contributed by a JCGS member.

Mr. Sachi is an appreciated, diligent member of the JCGS, 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.

Brian Runyan 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 Brian Runyan of Vancouver, Washington, who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). He was recognized for his enthusiastic, forward-thinking volunteer efforts.

Brian Runyan

Brian Runyan

Since joining CCGS in 2012, Mr. Runyan has quickly become a valued member. He is a creative thinker, with a positive outlook, good ideas, and always ready to help with any task that needs doing. As chair of the education committee, Mr. Runyan has refined and expanded the society’s educational offerings. He has been especially effective in advocating for increased use of computer technology and social media.

Mr. Runyan is quick to accurately assess other people’s strengths and encourages them to use their abilities to further the goals and operations of the society. His willingness to help with whatever needs doing, his encouragement of others, and his sense of humor all help him as he moves into the forefront of the CCGS leadership.

Mr. Runyan’s enthusiasm and willingness to serve demonstrate that he 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.

Elinor Perlich 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 Elinor Perlich of Vancouver, Washington, who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). She was recognized for her quiet leadership, knowledge, and dedicated volunteer efforts.

Elinor Perlich

Elinor Perlich

Ms. Perlich has served long and faithfully as head librarian, overseeing daily operation of CCGS’s library. During several intervals when the society had no library director, Ms. Perlich assumed most of those responsibilities as well. She has been responsible for acquisition of materials, overseen periodic inventories of the library collection, helped train a corps of volunteer librarians, worked closely with the volunteer cataloger, and performed other tasks needed to keep the library running smoothly. She is a member of the library committee and has served as the committee chair.

Ms. Perlich has for many years quietly and effectively done her job, neither expecting nor wanting any special recognition. Those special qualityies and dedication prove 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.

Diane Ulrich Partington 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 Diane Ulrich Partington of Mount Vernon, Washington, who was nominated by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for her ardent commitment to researching genealogical queries.

Diane Partington

Diane Partington

Ms. Partington is SVGS’s resident researcher. She spends countless hours researching information for people from all over the world. She gathers obituaries and funeral home records, as well as Skagit County birth and death records. She does courthouse genealogical research and frequently makes visits to county cemeteries to locate and photograph headstones.

In addition to local research, Ms. Partington frequently assists other communities in the preservation of cemetery records for the development of research databases. She has been instrumental in maintaining SVGS’s collection of records from local funeral homes and collecting and preserving obituaries from local newspapers.

Ms. Partington is a valued and dynamic member of the SVGS. Her qualities 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.

Sylvia Nelson 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 Sylvia Nelson of Bainbridge Island, Washington, who was nominated by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS). She was recognized for her outstanding efforts in supporting and promoting the society and its members.

Sylvia Nelson

Sylvia Nelson

Ms. Nelson has served for three consecutive terms as director of publicity and public relations. She is the manager of BIGS’s new member process and has authored communications welcoming new members to the society.

In addition to performing her regular public relations duties, Ms. Nelson has consistently identified opportunities for BIGS to be visible or present at special events and local seminars. She also serves as a mentor to other members and as a member of the technology committee.

Ms. Nelson has undertaken her responsibilities and others whenever a helping hand has been needed. She has been consistently willing to help whenever and wherever the society’s need has been greatest. Her selfless contributions prove 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.

Muriel Neely 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.

Muriel Neely

Muriel Neely

Today we’re introducing Muriel S. Neely of Mount Vernon, Washington, who was nominated by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for her dedication and commitment to her local society and community.

When the need arose for someone to assume the job of SVGS secretary, Ms. Neely, who had previously held the office, graciously agreed to return to the position. Demonstrating her commitment to the society, she has been re-elected twice. She has also generously given of her time and expertise in assisting with SVGS’s community education classes and recording of cemetery databases.

In addition to her commitment to SVGS, Ms. Neely is a great community volunteer. She serves on the boards and governance committees of multiple community organizations, including the Skagit County Historical Museum, Friendship House and helping at the local blood bank.

Ms. Neely is supportive of the objectives and goals of SVGS in every circumstance 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.

Outstanding Volunteers and Teams Needed by April 1

by Roxanne Lowe

Societies and Organizations: The deadline for submission of your 2016 Outstanding Volunteer or Team is April 1. Here are the details:

  • Your society/organization can nominate up to 2 individuals and/or 1 team.
  • Nomination criteria is left up to the society – whoever you nominate is recognized by the WSGS as an Outstanding Volunteer.
  • Deadlines are:

o   April 1 – Send the name(s) to Roxanne Lowe at roxanne@thekeeffes.com; in turn, Roxanne will send the nomination form to the contact person.

o   May 1 — Submit the completed form and photo of the nominee(s)

o   May/June – Roxanne will draft the certificate & have the contact person approve it

o   June 18 – Awards will be presented at the conference in Tacoma. Certificates will be mailed to those not in attendance.

Additional information is on the website and Blog. Additionally, here’s a list of past award winners.

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

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.