Tag Archives: Washington State Genealogical Society

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.

WSGS Dues Reminder

by Roxanne Lowe

If you haven’t paid your 2016 membership dues yet, this is your friendly reminder. Your sustained support will ensure that you continue to receive all of the benefits of membership with the WSGS.

To renew your membership (or join us if you’re new!), send your $12 ($13 for couple/family), along with the Membership form, to

WA State Genealogical Society
1901 S. 12th Ave.
Union Gap, WA 98903-1256

Or you can pay via PayPal.

Support the Washington State Genealogical Society today!

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.

Linda Colton 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 Linda Colton of Hood River, Oregon, who was nominated by the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society (CGGS). She was recognized for her untiring support of the CGGS, which serves counties along the Columbia River in both Oregon and Washington.

Linda Colton

Linda Colton

Ms. Colton has been an active member of the CGGS for about 10 years. She has served on the education committee, and she has repeatedly volunteered to contribute interesting programs to the society’s monthly meetings. In 2015, she served as a board member and secretary.

Ms. Colton is truly a skilled genealogist. She volunteers as the manager of the LDS Family History Center in Hood River, Oregon, where she has provided assistance and inspiration to hundreds of people of all faiths and denominations that reside in local Columbia Gorge communities.

Ms. Colton’s leadership and faithful service have kept the CGGS alive and growing.  She has been a valued and hard-working member of the CGGS, 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.

Wenatchee Area GS Website Team 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 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 Betty Carrick and Mary Swartz, who were nominated for a team award by the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS). This dynamic duo made up the Total Technology Upgrade and Website Transformation Team.

Betty Carrick and Mary Swartz

Betty Carrick and Mary Swartz

Individually, these valued members of WAGS provide much to the society. Ms. Carrick is a dedicated long-time member and her exemplary database management and computer skills have enabled the society to thrive and grow.

Ms. Swartz, a member of WAGS for only a few years, is one of its most dependable volunteers and serves on the Board of Directors as Corresponding Secretary.

Acting as a team, these outstanding volunteers transformed the WAGS website, reconfigured thousands of historical data records to a standardized format, and expedited a total systemic upgrade, making WAGS’s computer system far more effective, efficient and patron friendly.

Due to their teamwork, skill, dedication and tireless work on this project, this team richly deserved being a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team 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.

Jim Bull 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 Jim Bull of Trout Lake, Washington, who was nominated by the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society (CGGS). He was recognized for his outstanding efforts in the communication of genealogical and historical information of importance and value to researchers interested in the families of the Columbia River Gorge.

Jim Bull

Jim Bull

Since 2010, Mr. Bull has served as editor of “TALES and TRAILS,” the CGGS newsletter. The quarterly newsletter is an outstanding communication tool,  full of information about genealogical resources and family history. It is read and enjoyed by many because it is always packed with interesting articles that help CGGS members and other readers find new sources of information and develop research skills.

Mr. Bull has been a member of the CGGS for approximately 15 years, including serving as President from 2003 to 2005. Since then, he has continued to provide knowledge and experience as a board member.

Prized volunteers such as Mr. Bull are rare, and as such 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.

Time to Select Your Outstanding Volunteer Nominees

by Roxanne Lowe

Now is the time for genealogical societies and organizations to select their local outstanding volunteers and teams so they can be honored at the WSGS Conference on June 18, 2016 in Tacoma. The conference will be hosted by the Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society.

Each year, the State Society recognizes local volunteers and teams nominated by their society or organization at the annual conference. In 2015, almost 30 local volunteers and four teams from 18 organizations were recognized for their support and dedication to their society and the researching public.

The process for this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Award program is much like last year’s – no significant changes. In addition to the traditional Outstanding Volunteer Award program, there are three other recognition awards: Outstanding Project, Outstanding Communication, and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. Information about those awards will be forthcoming, but should not impact organizations’ Outstanding Volunteer Award nominations.

Letters to local societies and organizations, with additional details, have been emailed to society contacts. If you have not received that information, please contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair. The milestones for this year’s nomination process are:

• No later than March 1, 2016: Submit the name(s) of your honorees to the Recognition Committee.
• May 1, 2016: Submit a narrative (approximately 150 words) explaining the accomplishments of your nominee and why you are honoring him/her. Include a good quality digital photograph (at least 300 dpi).
• June 18, 2016: Formal announcement and presentation of certificates at the State Conference in Tacoma.

Additional details and deadlines, plus indexes and narratives of accomplishments of past honorees, since 2003, may be found at the WSGS website.

Please contact Roxanne Lowe at roxanne@thekeeffes.com if you have questions or suggestions.

Seattle Genealogical Society Library Team 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 and teams 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 the Library Team at the Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS). The team was recognized for its dedicated volunteer efforts to enlarge and improve the society’s library.

SGS Library Team

SGS Library Team

The team included Dona Bubelis, Daniel P. Harmon, Kathi McGinnes, Charlotte Wixon, and Ann Wright.

Under the expert direction of committee chair Dan Harmon, an impressive team of SGS volunteers was recruited for the new Library Committee. Ms. Ann Wright, assisted primarily by Ms. Charlotte Wixon, took the lead in the herculean task of cataloging the almost endless number of boxes in the backlog of donated books. Ms. Wright oversaw the day-to-day operation of the library, while Ms. Wixon looked after the shelved collection. Ms. Wixon also took the lead in book repair, a skill which the committee acquired through special training.

Ms. Dona Bubelis, who works with library periodicals, coordinated efforts to develop the collection by identifying important new works for acquisition. She was also in charge of eBay sales, a source of funding for the SGS Library Fund.

Ms. Kathi McGinnes played a key role in maintaining the ever-changing collection of genealogical websites available for the use by library patrons, a role which will grow in importance in the months and years ahead.

The members of the SGS Library Team made a real difference in the quality and quantity of the SGS library collection. They richly deserved being recipients of a WSGS Outstanding Team 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.