Skagit Valley Genealogical Society « Washington State Genealogical Society Blog

We apologize for the unexpected change and disappointment. But Christine Cohen’s presentation promises to be very informative and helpful for our

family research.

ITEM 2: SVGS’ Weekly Digest Communications Chair, Barbara Johnson, is experiencing some unexpected health issues. We most importantly want Barb to get her helpful rest and recover ASAP so she can return to sharing her wit and wisdom with us on Mondays each week. So, two things please note:

1. There may not be an SVGS Weekly Digest this Monday, Sept 9th. That will be up to how Barb is feeling. We all understand and wish her Get Well Soon.

2. RE: Monthly Meeting Zoom Link: Either Barb or I have typically been the ones to email you as an SVGS member the ZOOM Link for the 2nd Saturday Monthly Meetings. Well, this month (September only) I am out-of town and out of reach of cell tower range in the wilderness on vacation and Barb is working on her health recovery. So, please make a note in your EMAIL INBOX and SPAM folder for the Saturday, Sept. 14 Monthly Meeting ZOOM LInk to be sent from SVGS Board MemberGeorge Ridgeway. His email address is: georgewayjr@gmail.com.

Please keep a lookout for that email with the Zoom link so you don’t miss the meeting.

Sorry for the program change at this late date. “Life is what happens while you are making other plans” as John Lennon once said. How true!

I hope you enjoyed a lovely summer break, got lots of genealogy research in during the hiatus and that you will come join us on Saturday, Sept 14 for an interesting and educational program. AND….don’t forget to come join the fun and research help offered on the Genealogy Interest Group on 2nd Tuesdays of the Month from 11am-1pm at the Burlington Public Library (we will either be in the conference room or Gentry Room. So come look for us)

See you in October!

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 past year, were were introduced to each of the 2023 award recipients and learned why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the SVGS’s Hybrid Meeting Research Team who were selected by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS) as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Bill Radock, Bob Hendricks, George Ridgeway, Stephen Hutchens, Linda Duffield, Alice Bowden, Rene Vance, Margie Wilson and Rachel Lunden.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, SVGS attracted many new members far beyond their region due to moving their meetings to Zoom. It became apparent that SVGS needed to move to a hybrid meeting experience post-pandemic so no members would be excluded. This was the society’s way of continuing to engage and educate both local and remote members, so they were equally honored as members.

How to accomplish creating these meetings and overcoming the complexities of the technology involved the creation of a “Think Tank” to come up with a solution. Thanks to this team of volunteers SVGS has moved to a hybrid-meeting format, retained its remote members, brought back local “non-Zoom” members, and continued to attract new members. SVGS’s survival and continued ability to provide access to educational and enriching programs is due to the Hybrid Meeting Research Team’s dedicated efforts and vision for a positive and productive future of SVGS.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.