Tag Archives: Washington State Genealogical Society

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.

WSGS Conference Ellensburg, Washington Day Two

by Charles Hansen

My sister Jacque had set the alarm for 5 a.m. but I woke up just before the alarm went off. Our air conditioner was working good, so good we had turned it so it was not so cold. Got up checked my E-Mail and blogs and even had a few minutes to digitize a few records for Scribe at the Washington State Digital Archives. Took all my morning and noon pills and headed for breakfast. Jacque had called on Monday to confirm our reservation and to  see what our complimentary breakfast included, but we had found out while waiting for our room to be ready the day before that the complimentary breakfast was no longer being offered even though the sign by the restaurant entrance said complimentary breakfast when we went in, but was turned around when we left.

100_2022

Registration was open just after breakfast.

100_2023 (2)

People finding a seat before the conference started.

100_2024 (2)

Mikal McKinnon the WSGS President Welcomed everyone.

100_2027 (2)

David Rencher our Speaker

100_2029 (2)

Roxanne Lowe my fellow blogger taking a lot of photos.

100_2030 (2)

We were getting a box lunch, and the line was pretty long, but the tuna sandwich was good.

100_2032 (2)

100_2033 (2)

After Lunch was the annual WSGS meeting and then the awards for volunteers, communication, innovation, and the Presidents Award.

100_2037 (2)

100_2039 (2)

100_2041 (2)

100_2043 (2)

100_2044 (2)

100_2045 (2)

100_2047 (2)

100_2048 (2)

100_2056 (2)

100_2058 (2)

After the last presentation by David Rencher, we headed for the HOT car and then on to Wenatchee to see our cousin Clara Watson.

She is in a nursing home in Wenatchee and her daughter Becky was there also. That was a big surprise as she lives in Las Vegas.

She said it was 108 in Las Vegas, and so the 105 in Wenatchee was cooler.

100_2061 (2)

Got home and was surprised that the pie cherry tree was about half ripe, so picked about a gallon of pie cherries.

Only 102 In Spokane when I got home.

WSGS Conference Ellensburg, Washington Day One

by Charles Hansen

Since it was supposed to be hot on Friday June 26, 2015 we wanted to start early to get to Ellensburg before it got hot, but as usual we got going about 8:30 a.m. It was hot before we even got out of town, and by the time we got to Ritzville it was even hotter. At Vantage the wind was very calm down by the river.

100_2010But as we climbed up from the river toward RyeGrass Pass the wind generators were nearly all turning. I guess with so little water to generate electricity they are using as much wind power as they can to save the water behind the dams.

100_2013

At the Ryegrass rest stop Mount Rainier came into view and it looks so cold at the top.

100_2016

We got to Ellensburg and drove right past the Quality Motel, and turned around and found it this time. Since we were very early we went into the attached restaurant and had a milkshake, sure was nice on a hot day. Checked to see if we could check in and they were not ready for us yet. Frank McLean came in about then and we talked a little and looked at the rooms we were going to be in for the conference.

100_2018

We got to get our registration packets while we waited for our room to be ready and finally just before 3 p.m. our room was ready, so we checked in, and carried the suitcases and everything else we had from the hot car to our room. I then went to the WSGS board meeting, all members are welcome at the board meetings, and after the board meeting the the computer lab was set up.

100_2019

100_2021

Roxanne Lowe, Roger Newman and Frank McLean at the computer lab.

Got hungry and found a few other board members and had dinner.

Then back to our room to check out the WIfi and get to bed since day two starts early.

One of our friends from Spokane had been told the WIfi was not working and would be fixed till Monday, but it worked fine in our room.

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.

Planning Your Stay in Ellensburg

by Roxanne Lowe

Have you registered for the State Conference yet? We’re very lucky to be able to host David Rencher, FamilySearch’s Chief Genealogical Officer, for a day full of learning about “Strategies and Visions for the Future.”

While you’re planning your day with David, plan to come early to take advantage of some amazing pre-conference opportunities on Friday, June 26:

  • Kittitas County Genealogical Society is hosting an open house at their Research Library, 413 N. Main Street, from 4:00 -6:00 p.m.
  • Visit the Computer Lab set up at the Quality Inn from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. to experiment with four of the most popular genealogical software programs: Family Tree Maker, Roots Magic, Legacy, and PAF. Bring your research (GEDCOM format on a flash drive) to test drive with your own data. Knowledgeable users will be there to answer questions.
  • From the comfort of your car, take a self-guided driving tour of more than 100 large quilt squares painted on the side or end of local barns. The Barn Quilt Trail celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage, as well as the folk-art of the American quilt. The trail is open year-round.
  • Tour the Central Washington branch of the Washington State Archives between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

If you’re now convinced there’s so much to do that you want to spend the night, WSGS has arranged for special room rates at the Quality Inn, 1700 Canyon Road, Ellensburg. Call (800) 925-9800 to make a reservation. Make sure you identify yourself as being with the WSGS Conference to get that special rate!

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.

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.