Author Archives: Roxanne Lowe

Claire Smith 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.

Claire Smith

Today we’re introducing Claire Smith who was nominated by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS). She was recognized for her exceptional leadership and consistent support of her local society.

Ms. Smith was instrumental in her local society’s creation in 2005, and shaped its growth, serving as president, vice president/program chair, webmaster, newsletter editor, mentor and special interest group (SIG) leader. Because of her astute business sense and organizational skills, procedures and processes were put in place, creating a legacy for the organization to rely on into the future.

Ms. Smith unselfishly shared her knowledge and time with anyone asking for help. She consistently encouraged and supported members to continue to gain and improve skills.

In Ms. Smith, BIGS found a rare combination of leadership and vision, commitment and dedication, technological know-how, and a passion for genealogy. Without a doubt, she richly deserves 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: Barbara Johnson

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.

Barbara Gorham Johnson

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Barbara Jeanne Gorham Johnson. Barb lives in Mount Vernon (Skagit County) and is in her first term as WSGS’s Region 1 South Representative. Besides being a member of WSGS, she is a long-time member of the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society where she has served on the Board as secretary, vice president, and currently as education chair and communications chair. She also belongs to Clan Johnstone in America and Saddleworth (Yorkshire) Historical Society.

Barbara Jean was born in Seattle in 1943, the daughter of Arthur and Emily (Kochis) Gorham. Her mother, the good Catholic that she was, named her daughter after St. Barbara and St. John. Her names mean “stranger” and “God/like/ly.” With a twinkle in her eye, Barb’s mother told her daughter that she was a “strange gift from God.” What a sense of humor!

Barbara in kindergarten

While born in Seattle, Barb grew up on the idyllic Vashon Island. After high school, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology at the University of Washington and did virus research for several years. After marrying Roger Johnson, she became a full-time mom. After that, she became a King County police officer, then did security duty at Bellevue Square. After that, she became the first park ranger for the City of Bellevue. She has also been a science teacher with Pacific Science Center’s “Science On Wheels” program. When she and Roger “retired” to Skagit County, she worked part-time as a park ranger for North Cascades National Park. This girl loves the great out of doors!

Barbara and Roger

Barb has been interested in family history for years. She used to listen to her parents talk about their childhood years in New York City and (at that time) Czechoslovakia. Barb would often ask her  maternal grandmother to tell her about the old country, curious about her native homeland. About 25 years, ago, Barb got serious about researching her roots. She has traveled to ancestral lands in Massachusetts, Ireland, Scotland and Yorkshire, England.

Barbara and her family

Speaking of Yorkshire, one of her most fascinating genealogical discoveries was finding her Yorkshire cousin who helped her with her research back to the 1500’s. Barb and Roger visited him in the Parish of Saddleworth in West Riding of Yorkshire last year. He was kind enough to escort them all over the parish, regaling them with stories of ancient and family history and architectural history.

Barb and Roger, a retired banker who is a model railroader, are the proud parents of Steven and Michelle. Steven is a Navy veteran now working for a defense contractor in Washington, D.C. Steven and his wife Jen, a school teacher who is also a Navy veteran, have two children: Jeffrey (age 12) and Lexie (age 9).  Daughter Michelle and her husband Bob live in Edmonds. She is an early education teacher at Edmonds Community College, while Bob is a home inspector.

A few more interesting tidbits about Barb:

  • Barb does DNA and genealogy presentations in Washington and British Columbia. She also participates in a living history program as Abigail Adams.
  • Favorite genealogy websites: Ancestry.com as they have wonderful Yorkshire records that have been digitized
  • Favorite color: Blue
  • Favorite dessert: Dark chocolate – Death by Chocolate, in particular!
  • When she’s not doing genealogy, Barb likes to hike, quilt, scrapbook and do needlework.
  • It’s easy to describe Barb in one word: enthusiastic!

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

President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement Nominations Due April 15

by Roxanne Lowe

Does your society have a member who has exhibited long-term, consistent service in the field of genealogy, family or local history, the genealogical community, records preservation or made an important single contribution in those areas that will endure into the future? That person (or persons) may be deserving of the Washington State Genealogical Society President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. The award is designed to single out that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations. The person(s) does not have to be a past president of your society.

Previous honorees include:

2016 – Margie Wilson, Skagit Valley Genealogical Society. Read more about Margie’s accomplishments here.

2017 – Joanne Calhoun, Wenatchee Valley Genealogical Society. Read more about Joanne’s accomplishments here.

The deadline for this esteemed, competitive honor is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, April 15.  Details, including the nomination form and other requirements, are available HERE.

Communication and Project Awards Closing SOON

by Roxanne Lowe

You still have a few days to sneak in your society’s nomination for the Washington State Genealogical Society’s Outstanding Communication Award and Outstanding Project Award! The deadline for both awards was April 1, 2018, but Spring Break caused a delay in my schedule, so I’m keeping the  nomination process open until Tuesday, April 10.

It’s super easy to apply for either/both of these awards:

Outstanding Communication: This award honors the society that makes the best use of any form of communication, including websites, social media, newsletters, lectures, videos, podcasts, etc. to convey valuable information and/or training to its members or the public. More information, including the nomination form for the Outstanding Communication Award, is available HERE.

Outstanding Project Award: The award is given to local genealogical society that completes an exceptional genealogical or historical project in the past year. The project may be either one-time or ongoing, a single program or a series of programs, but must have been completed by December 31, 2017. More information, including the Nomination Form, for the Outstanding Project Award is available HERE.

Questions should be directed to Roxanne Lowe, Interim Chair, WSGS Recognition Committee.

Susan Jensen Pointer 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.

Susan Jensen Pointer

Today we’re introducing Susan Jensen Pointer of Longview, Washington, who was nominated by the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society (LCGS). She was recognized for her diligence and dedication to the society’s well-being.

Susan has served as the society’s treasurer for the past four years. In addition, she previously served as the LCGS secretary. As treasurer, she has diligently kept the financial records of the society. She generates the treasurer’s report each month reflecting the intake of dues, monies received from the annual rest stop fundraiser, payments to buy books and donations received for memorial books. She is also currently serving on the nominating committee, devotes her time to the rest stop fundraiser, and has written for the society’s newsletter.

Susan has always shown a willingness to participate in a wide variety of activities of the society, 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.

Conference & Seminar Opportunities Abound

by Roxanne Lowe

A bounty of local and regional workshops, seminars and conferences are coming to an area near you in the coming months. What great opportunities! There’s no better way to learn (or refresh!) new information, network with like-minded enthusiasts, share ideas and resources, get answers to your questions — and maybe break down one (or more!) of your brick walls.

The WSGS “Meetings and Events” page lists local genealogical society meetings, special events, conferences, seminars and more. (Local societies: we’d love to publicize your meetings and events! Email us at WSGSBlog@wasgs.org.) Here are a few upcoming conferences and seminars in the area. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend!

 

Bea Ritter 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.

Bea Ritter

Today we’re introducing Beatrice “Bea” Ritter of Vancouver, Washington, who was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS). She was recognized for commitment to the satisfaction of the society’s members.

The Clark County Genealogical Society has been greatly improved by the efforts of long-time member Bea Ritter. She joined the CCGS in 1998 and has served in various leadership capacities since then. Over the past four years she has ably served as the society’s vice president. In 2015, the position of membership chair became vacant and Ms. Ritter graciously volunteered to fill in. Her efforts immediately resulted in a significant increase in member retention and new member satisfaction.

The strength of the Clark County Genealogical Society rises and falls with its membership and Ms. Ritter has made a mighty contribution to the society’s well-being. As such, she greatly deserved being a 2017 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer.

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: Diane Huckabay

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.

Diane Huckabay

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Diane Huckabay. Diane lives in Ellensburg and is WSGS’s Education and Outreach Chair. She is very active in the Kittitas County Genealogical Society, serving as President, Past President and Member-at-Large. She is also president of the Cascade Association of Museums and History (CAMAH), an organization that brings together and promotes all the museums and historical sites in Kittitas County.

Diane, her sister and brother, ca. 1966

Diane, one of three children, was born in Missouri in the 1950s, the daughter of Tom and Nannette. They gave their little daughter Nannette’s middle name, Diane. Tom and Nannette’s roots started in Oklahoma and Virginia. Diane’s other ancestral lines are in Texas, Kansas and Scotland. While she’s visited the states, Scotland is still on her Bucket List.

Diane’s interest in genealogy was sparked after she took a class so she could help patrons at the local public library. One of her most exciting discoveries was finding her grandfather’s siblings. One of her brick walls is finding more information about her great uncle Cecil Britton (1911 – 1959) who lived in Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma. If you know anything about Cecil, Diane’s looking to talk to you.

Diane’s great aunt Sisso, her grandmother and their little brother Cecil

Diane and her husband have a blended family of three sons and six daughters.

A few more interesting tidbits about Diane:
• Favorite genealogy websites: FamilySearch, Ancestry and the Digital Archives in Washington and Missouri
• Favorite color: Green
• Favorite dessert: Raspberry Lush and anything chocolate
• When she’s not doing genealogy, Diane likes to read, do art projects and dabble on the Internet.
• When asked to describe herself in one word, Diane replied, “curious.” Isn’t that a perfect word to describe a genealogist?

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

Barb Peterson 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.

Barb Peterson

Today we’re introducing Barb Peterson of Chimacum, Washington, who was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS). She was recognized for her expertise in maintaining the financial records of the society.

Ms. Peterson has served as the society’s treasurer since 2012. She has spent countless hours maintaining the books and financial business of the society, and always provides accurate and timely reports. The importance of having an accurate accounting of the society’s funds cannot be overstated. Ms. Peterson has provided that accuracy and confidence.

Ms. Peterson is a respected and diligent member of the JCGS, and richly deserves 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.