Have you registered for the 2015 WSGS Conference yet? Come spend the day with David Rencher, FamilySearch’s Chief Genealogical Officer talk about “Strategies and Visions for the Future.”
Hope to see you on Saturday June 27, 2015, at the Quality Inn and Conference Center in Ellensburg.
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
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.
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
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.
Are you excited about the WSGS Conference on June 27, 2015? David Rencher is, too!
In a recent interview, David, chief genealogical officer at FamilySearch and the headliner at the conference in Ellensburg, expressed his excitement about returning to Washington State — a place he’s been many times.
David and his family have strong ties to Yakima, where his wife Tamara was raised. Tamara is the daughter of Luella (Robinson) and J. Franklin Howell. Dr. Howell (1932 – 2012) was an pioneering entomologist who worked with a government program in Yakima on pheromone technology to control the coddling moth.
If you haven’t registered yet for the conference, do it now. It promises to be educational and enlightening.
The deadline for WSGS’s newest recognition awards is May 1, 2015. Societies are urged and encouraged to submit nominations for Outstanding Communication, Outstanding Project and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. For more information and nomination information, click on the links below.
Questions? Contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
2015 WSGS Annual Conference
Strategies and Visions for the Future
With David Rencher
June 27, 2015
Quality Inn and Conference Center
1700 Canyon Road
Ellensburg, Washington
Certified Genealogist
Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch
Fellow of the Irish Genealogical Research Society
Past-President of Federation of Genealogical Societies
Irish course coordinator fna dinstructor for Samford University
Accredited Genealogist with ICAPGen in Irish research
Professional Genealogist since 1977
BA in Family and Local History
He has a vision and he knows the future.
Friday, June 26
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Early Registration at Quality Inn
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Open House at Kittitas County Genealogical Society Library
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Computer Lab and Legacy webinars at Quality Inn
Saturday, June 27
8:00 am – 8:45 am Registration at Quality Inn
8:45 am – 9:00 am Introduction
9:00 am – 10:00 am Coming Forward, Descendent Research – Methodologies, records, sources and tools on how to organize massive amounts of records are described during this comprehensive descendant research project discussion
10:00 am – 10:30 am Break and Browse Vendors
10:30 am – 11:30 am FamilySearch Future and Vision – Learn where FamilySearch is headed and what to expect from FamilySearch.org.
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Lunch and WSGS Annual Meeting and Awards
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Digital Projects & Programs of FamillySearch – Get more detailed information about projects and programs coming to FamilySearch.org from its Chief Genealogical Officer.
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Break and Browse Vendors
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Strategies for Irish Research 1500 to 1800 – Irish research can be difficult. Learn how to overcome obstacles in Irish research that can also help you with other difficult research hurdles.
Things to do in Ellensburg while you enjoy your Friday night stay:
Barn Quilt Tour – Many area barns are painted with images of quilts. Taking the tour is a nice way to get off the “main drag” and see some really beautiful scenery. Maps can be found online at barnquiltswashington.org
Central Washington Branch of the Washington Archives – Located at 400 E University Way. Tours of the building will be available from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Friday, June 26.
Computer Lab – Bring your research in Gedcom format on a flash drive and test drive various genealogical programs in a computer lab at the conference site. Legacy webinars will also be available for viewing.
Kittitas County Genealogical Society Library – Located at 413 N Main Street will have an Open House. You are invited to meet local genealogists and research in their library.
Register Now!
Register online and use PayPal to pay your Registration Fees or complete the following form and mail to
Washington State Genealogical Society, 1901 South 12th Avenue, Union Gap WA 98903
Registration of $55.00 includes Friday and Saturday events and a “Brown Bag” lunch. Coffee, tea, and water available all day.
Name:
Address:
City/Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Number of Registrants: X $55.00 = $
Include check make payable to WSGS with Registration Form.
All lunches include chips, fruit/vegetable, and a cookie. Circle number of desired lunch:
1. Dill Chicken Salad with tomato and greens on a croissant.
2. Grilled Caesar Chicken Wrap with lettuce and parmesan.
3. Smoked Turkey and Swiss with lettuce and tomato on whole wheat.
4. Roast Beef with cream cheese on sourdough.
5. Vegetarian Sandwich with spinach, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, avocado and cream cheese on white.
6. Ham and Cheddar with spicy mustard and lettuce on rye.
7. Albacore Tuna with lettuce on ciabatta bread.
8. The Classic. Turkey, ham, bacon and Swiss on whole wheat.
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).
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.