Tag Archives: Washington State Genealogical Society

Barbara Jolly Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 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 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Barbara Jolly

Today we’re introducing Barbara Freese Jolly of Ritzville, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). She was recognized for her organizational skills in providing value-added educational programs at EWGS meetings and conferences.

Ms. Jolly has been the program chair for a few years. The position has always been difficult to fill with the right person – someone who is organized, committed to following-through and able to find just the right presenter. But Ms. Jolly fits the bill. Although she lives more than 60 miles from Spokane, she has made numerous trips to Spokane checking out venues for meetings and conferences.

While the EWGS board determines the meeting programs, it is up to the program chair to contact the speakers, arrange the venues and vendors and make sure the speaker has everything needed for the programs. Since Ms. Jolly has been program chair all the meetings and conferences have run smoothly – thanks to her attention to the details.

Ms. Jolly’s dedication and commitment to the smooth operations of EWGS illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 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, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

John Hayes Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 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 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

John Hayes

Today we’re introducing John Hayes of Mount Vernon, Washington, who was nominated by Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). He was recognized for his leadership and guidance of the society.

Mr. Hayes has been a member of the SVGS for more than 20 years, joining in 1997 to improve his skills as a genealogist. Since 2014, he has served as the society’s president. From 2003 – 2006, he served as vice president for programs.

Mr. Hayes was born in Sedro-Woolley in 1937 and raised in Acme, Washington. After 35 years as an engineer with the Washington State Department of Transportation, he retired in 1995. While enjoying the challenges and discoveries of genealogy, square dancing with his wife Rosie is his first love.

With a twinkle in his eyes and subtle sense of humor, Mr. Hayes has led his local society in facilitating their meetings, programs and seminars in the most quiet, confident manner. He is a respected and diligent member of the SVGS, and richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 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, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Oweta Floyd Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 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 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Oweta Floyd

Today we’re introducing Oweta Homer Floyd of Spokane, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). She was recognized for her attention to detail and dedication to the financial well-being of the society.

Although both Ms. Floyd and her husband Doug have not been members of EWGS very long, both are committed volunteers. Ms. Floyd has been the treasurer for three years and kept the financial books and records necessary for the society. A stickler for accuracy, she made it easy to audit her books, and each month presented the treasurer’s report to the board and general meetings. As head of the budget committee, she opened her home for the committee to meet. She posted the budget on the EWGS website and printed several copies for those without computers. She has also kept members abiding with the bylaws, making sure they vote on the budget and any changes to the budget.

Ms. Floyd’s dedication and commitment in maintaining the financial health of EWGS demonstrate she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 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, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Cathy Cook Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 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 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Catherine “Cathy” Cook

Today we’re introducing Catherine Crabtree Cook of Hoquiam, Washington, who was nominated by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS). She was recognized for her dedication and commitment to preserving records related to Grays Harbor County.

Cathy has worked diligently for many years to preserve obituaries and death notices for individuals with Grays Harbor County ties. When she began this project, she organized small work parties at her home to tape obituaries to index cards that she had carefully trimmed and dated from the local newspaper. Today, Cathy oversees an obituary collection that is scanned, indexed, archived and available on the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society’s website. To date, the index includes more than 80,000 individuals.

Cathy’s efforts to make the collection as complete and accurate as possible have allowed researchers from all over the world the ability to request a copy of their ancestor’s obituary. For her commitment and dedication to this project and the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society, she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 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, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Outstanding Volunteer Award FAQs

by Roxanne Lowe

Have you got questions about the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Awards? We’re here to help. Here are a few frequently asked questions (and answers) about the program. If you’ve got other questions, visit the Recognition page or email Roxanne Lowe, Interim Chair of the Recognition Committee.

  1. Who can nominate an Outstanding Volunteer or Team? Any local genealogical society or organization in Washington State can participate in the Outstanding Volunteer or Team program.
  2. Does my society have to be a member of WSGS to nominate someone? No, you don’t have to be a member, nor does your nominee. If, however, you’d like to join us, we’d love to have you. To join (as an organization, individual or family), click here.
  3. Does WSGS choose the Outstanding Volunteer or Team from all the nominees? No. This program is not a competition among the nominees or societies.  WSGS honors every individual and team who is identified by their local genealogical organization for exceptional efforts. This is a means for local society and groups to give widespread recognition to their top volunteers.
  4. How many nominees can my society submit? We ask that you limit your nominations to two individuals and/or one team.
  5. What does my nominee or team get for being an Outstanding Volunteer or Team? Each nominee will receive a personalized certificate outlining why they were nominated by their local society. He/she/they will also be featured on the WSGS Blog. It is also our hope that the nominating society will honor their volunteer at an upcoming meeting or event.
  6. Can we nominate someone who has been an Outstanding Volunteer before? Absolutely! More than 50 people have been honored more than once since the program’s inception in 2003.
  7. How can I see who my society has nominated in the past? Click here to see a cumulative index of all 500+ names since 2003, listed by society and by individual name.
  8. Can we nominate someone posthumously? Yes. What a wonderful way show his/her family that you valued their late family member’s achievements.
  9. What if we want the nomination to be a surprise? We love surprises (and keeping secrets!) Just check the box on the nomination form to let us know you want to keep this under wraps until the “big announcement” at the WSGS Annual Meeting and Recognition Event on May 26 in Vancouver.
  10. How do we nominate someone? We’ve made it pretty easy. The first deadline is Feb. 15 when the name (yes, just the name) of your individual or team needs to be sent to Roxanne Lowe, Interim Chair of the WSGS Recognition Committee. She’ll respond by sending you an easy-to-complete form that needs to be returned (along with a photo of your nominee) by March 15. After that, you’ll get a chance to review and approve the certificate before it’s announced on May 26.
  11. When will the announcements be made? The presentation will be part of the WSGS Annual Meeting and Recognition Event, held in conjunction with the Clark County Genealogical Society’s Spring Seminar on Saturday, May 26 in Vancouver.

 

Lisa Chan Awarded 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 500 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 2017 award recipients and learn why they received the 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Lisa K. Chan

Today we’re introducing Lisa K. Chan of Seattle, Washington, who was nominated by the Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS). She was recognized for her willingness to share her technical skills and abilities, moving the society to a higher level in a technical world.

Although Ms. Chan has been a member of SGS for less than two years, she has had a transformational impact on their society. With a background in computers, technology and training, Ms. Chan introduced society members to Google Apps for Non-Profits, a free suite of applications and cloud-based storage and coached them through its implementation. Ms. Chan was also instrumental in the creation of SGS’s digital scanning lab, enabling them to digitize decades of SGS records. The society is now digitizing many of their printed assets, enabling them to be searched. Ms. Chan also helped create sound policies and procedures regarding SGS’s growing digital assets. In addition, Ms. Chan provides biweekly drop-in sessions called “Tech Tuesdays” at the SGS Library, on technology, genealogical software, genetic research and more.

Ms. Chan has been instrumental in SGS’s efforts to move ahead in today’s technological world, and richly deserved being a recipient of a 2017 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, Interim Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Meet the Board: Patrick Bundy

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you know who’s running the show at the Washington State Genealogical Society? Did you know we have an Executive Committee, six standing committee chairs and three appointed non-elected officers? Who are all these people? In the coming months, we’ll introduce them to you, so you can say “hi” the next time you see them.

Patrick Bundy

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Patrick Bundy. Pat lives in Yakima and is WSGS’s Historian, a position he’s held for more than a few years. He is also a 30-plus-year member of the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society where he has been president for the last two years. Over the years, he’s also been YVGS’s vice president, program chair, publicity chair, recording secretary and on the library board. He has been a member of the WSGS since 1988 and was named a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer in 2014 for his leadership, knowledge, and volunteer efforts at YVGS.

In the beginning…Earl and Elsie (Deans) Bundy’s firstborn son, Patrick James, made his appearance in 1944 in Minnesota. His next big accomplishment was marrying his sweetheart Lynn Helmick in 1973 in Yakima. Sadly, Lynn passed away in 2014, leaving Pat, five children and many cherished grandchildren that Pat continues to dote on.

After getting his education at Yakima Valley Community College, Pat was employed in the TV and radio biz in Yakima. Although he’s always been interested in genealogy, after his retirement, Pat really ramped it up, searching for his Mid-West and New York ancestors. One of his most interesting finds: his 3x great-grandfather, a Lutheran minister, built the first Lutheran Church in Ontario, Canada.

Pat knows his way around the kitchen and enjoys cooking when he’s not searching for his ancestors – or engaging in social media. It’s not uncommon to wake up to his cheery Facebook message:

Good morning, friends! Hoping your day is fabulous!

A few more interesting tidbits about Pat:
• Favorite genealogy websites: Ancestry
• Favorite dessert: Pie
• When asked one word that described him, Pat replied, “Easy-going, even though that’s two words!”

Now you know a little more about another of the WSGS Board members. The next time you see Pat say hello and thank him for his service to WSGS.

Meet the Board: Kathy Sizer

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you know who’s running the show at the Washington State Genealogical Society? Did you know we have a five-member Executive Committee and four standing committee chairs? Who are all these people? In the coming months, we’ll introduce them to you, so you can say “hi” the next time you see them.

Kathy and her 2nd cousins, once removed in England.

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Kathy Sizer. Kathy lives in Granger (Yakima County) and is WSGS’s President. She has been a member of the WSGS since 2011. She is also a member of the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society where she has been president, vice president, recording secretary, hospitality chair and current treasurer.

Kathleen Louise was born in Oakland, California in 1951 to August Edward and Vivian Jane (Washburn) Weddle. Her mother liked the name Kathleen (as did approximately one million other mothers at the time), but when she told her husband, he said he did too as his former fiance’s name was Kathleen. Horrified, Kathy’s mother said they needed to pick another name, to which her husband replied, “I didn’t marry her. I married YOU, didn’t I?” 

Kathy’s interest in genealogy began when her grandmother Edith Clarke Washburn and her sister Avice Ramos Clarke were discussing family history when Kathy was in the 4th grade. That discussion sparked Kathy’s interest. Later, after college, Kathy found a handwritten family history her grandmother had done and that really secured her lifelong passion.

Kathy with her cousin Diana Walcom at their great grandfather John Clarkes’ home in Gargrave England.

 

Kathy and cousin Diana Walcom in England during Diana’s first trip to see the family home.

Even though her DNA ancestry says she’s only 36 percent English, Kathy’s ancestors come from England, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Scotland, Arabic and Ireland. She has been lucky enough to travel to England and Scotland to see where her grandmother’s family was from.  A genealogist’s work is never done!

Kathy has quite a few interesting characters in her ancestry. Her distant grandmother, Sarah Lord Wilson of Andover, Massachusetts, and daughter Sarah Wilson Preston (also Kathy’s grandmother) were imprisoned for witchcraft, but released when the community began to realize the awful practice of imprisoning (or worse) was wrong. Kathy also has a great grandmother, Marie R. Cornioley, who was governess to Louis Comfort Tiffany, the famous glass maker. And what about John Billington, her distant grandfather, who came over on the Mayflower and was the first man in the Plymouth Colony to hang for killing a man? True story.

When not searching for her ancestors, Kathy enjoys gardening, travel and reading. She  has four grown children and seven grandchildren. “Her two sons are adopted from India and have done their DNA and have English and Irish blood (Queen Victoria and her British Empire most likely came into play).”

A few more interesting tidbits about Kathy:

  • Favorite genealogy websites: Ancestry, Family Search, Nantucket Historical Association and Newspapers.com. 
  • Favorite color: Green, of course, as Kathy’s ancestry takes her to England and her DNA shows she’s 17 percent Irish
  • Favorite dessert: Eclairs, pumpkin pie and homemade oatmeal raisin cookies
  • When asked for one word that described her, she replied, “bookish.”

Now you know a little more about another of the WSGS Board members. The next time you see Kathy say hello and thank her for her service to WSGS.

Meet the Board: Frank McLean

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you know who’s running the show at the Washington State Genealogical Society? Did you know we have an Executive Committee, six standing committee chairs and three appointed non-elected officers? Who are all these people? In the coming months, we’ll introduce them to you, so you can say “hi” the next time you see them.

Frank McLean

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Frank McLean. Frank lives in Yakima and is WSGS’s chair of the Pioneer and First Citizen Program and the Conference Liaison. He has been a member of the WSGS since 1986, previously serving as President and Vice President. He was named as a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer in 2003, 2005 and 2006. He’s been a proud member (and past President) of the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society since 1986.

Frank’s high school picture

Frank Leroy McLean was born in Chewelah (Stevens County), Washington in 1937 to Jonathan Cornelius and Margaret Ella (Starz) McLean, the third of six children. After high school, Frank served proudly in the Army for 20-plus years, then worked for 19 years at the U.S. Department of Defense, with a short break in between working in Spokane. In 1958, Frank married Delma Dee Roloff. They have three surviving children and seven grandchildren.

Frank has a special interest and knack in technology and computers. In fact, he maintains a database for the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia Society that holds about 560,000 names. He also manages the WSGS Pioneer and First Citizen certificate database — almost 30,000 strong. For an index of the names, click here.

Frank, Delma and their children

John Robertson McLean (1847 – 1919)

Speaking of Germans from Russia…that’s how Frank got his interest in genealogy. No, he doesn’t have German ancestors from Russia, but Delma does. She joined the Central Washington chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia Society in 1985 and Frank tagged along as “driver, cemetery walker and microfilm cranker.” From there, his interest grew. His ancestors hail from Germany, Nova Scotia,  Maine and Minnesota. Frank’s grandfather, John Robertson McLean (pictured at left) was born in Nova Scotia, but moved to St. James, Minnesota in 1870. While there, he started a church in a boxcar on a siding. Frank and his family attended the 125th anniversary of the church, where they were given a copy of the picture that hangs in the church. There is also a miniature replica of the boxcar on the lawn in front of the church.

Frank likes the research part of the genealogical search, but he’s not as thrilled with the documentation part. He also prefers his hard-copy paper charts and lists over paperless research.

A few more interesting tidbits about Frank:
• Favorite genealogy website: Family Search
• Favorite color: Blue
• Favorite dessert: Lemon Cream Pie

Now you know a little more about another of the WSGS Board members. The next time you see Frank, say hello and thank him for his service to WSGS.

Blog Banner Photo Challenge

by Roxanne Lowe

Summer’s finally here and that means many of us will be on the road, in the air, or on a boat visiting people, places, and things. It also means you’re taking lots of photos. So…we’re sponsoring a Blog Banner Photo Challenge, looking for a few good photographs to highlight in our Blog banner.

The rotating banner will feature a series of photos taken by you, our readers. The latest entries in the Photo Challenge are:

  • Photo by Donna Potter Phillips

    Daffodils at Roozengaarde at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April. Photo taken by WSGS Vice President (& Past President of Eastern Washington Genealogical Society) Donna Potter Phillips of Spokane.

  • Fort Vancouver — another photo from Donna.
  • Washaway Beach (Pacific County) — by Roxanne Lowe of McCleary, WSGS Recognition Chair and Web Manager
  • Memorial Day at the Colfax Cemetery (Whitman County) — another photo by Roxanne Lowe

Rules are few:
•Landscapes, landmarks, and scenery photos are preferred. If, however, you have a perfect photo that includes people, please obtain their permission to post the photo.
•Photo must have been taken in Washington State (this is the Washington State Genealogical Society blog, after all!).
•Photo will be cropped to 1100 x 250 pixels, so keep that in mind.
•You may enter as many photos as you want.
•Final decisions on suitable photos will be made by the awesome WSGS Blog Team.
•There’s no prize if your photo is chosen – just the satisfaction that your photo is being showcased on a blog viewed by hundreds of enthusiastic genealogists.
•There’s no firm deadline to submit photos, just keep ‘em coming. We want to rotate lots of photos to keep the blog fresh.

To submit your photo, please email the image (jpg only, please); what, where, when, and by whom the photo was taken to WSGSBlog@wasgs.org.

Got questions? Email the blog team at WSGSBlog@wasgs.org.