Author Archives: Roxanne Lowe

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.

Genealogy 101 workshop in Shelton

by Roxanne Lowe

Looking to begin your genealogical journey and live near Shelton? Sue Sheldon, president of the Mason County Genealogical Society, will be leading a workshop to help you get started tracing your family history. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 5:00 – 7:00 at the Shelton Library. Experienced researchers are also invited! For more information, visit the Shelton Timberland Library page.

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.

 

WSGS Election News

by Roxanne Lowe

By an overwhelming majority, Sue Ericksen was elected WSGS Treasurer for a second term. Sue’s involvement with WSGS has been longstanding, having served as WSGS’s President from 2009 – 2012, membership chair, web manager and Region 5 representative. To learn more about Sue, read her Meet the Board feature.

Also on the ballot, the following Regional Representatives were elected to two-year terms:

  • Region 1 North:  Nancy Bonefedi
  • Region 1 South:  Barbara Gorham
  • Region 3:  Nancy Cordell
  • Region 5:  Opal Myhres
  • Region 7:  Donna Potter Phillips

If you want to know which region you’re in, click here.

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.

Seattle Municipal Archives Adds New Resource

by Roxanne Lowe

The Seattle Municipal Archives recently added a guide to SMA’s genealogical resources and how to find your ancestors in city records. The guide is available on their website.

The Seattle Municipal Archives is located on the third floor of Seattle’s City Hall at 600 Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle. The building is between Fourth and Fifth Avenues and James and Cherry Streets. The Archives is co-located with the Office of the City Clerk.

For more information about the SMA, contact Jeanie Fisher, Reference Archivist, Seattle Municipal Archives at Jean.Fisher@seattle.gov.

Innovative Grant Applications Due March 1

by Roxanne Lowe

Is your local genealogy society interested in some FREE CASH for a special project? Applications for the WSGS Innovative Grants are being accepted through March 1, 2018.

The grants, up to $100, are designed to support the inventive and creative efforts of WSGS-member societies and organizations. The awards do not have to be repaid — they’re FREE MONEY to support worthy projects. Up to five grants will be awarded in 2018.

Last year’s grant awards were made to:

The simple application is only ONE page and is available here, as well as additional guidance on the program. For more information, visit the Innovative Grant page on our website

For more information, contact Roxanne Lowe, Interim Chair, WSGS Recognition Committee, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Jody Alfiere 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.

Jody Alfiere

Today we’re introducing Jody Alfiere of Olympia, Washington, who was nominated by the Mason County Genealogical Society (MCGS). She was recognized for her exceptional efforts to preserve and document the headstones in a local cemetery in the Mason County area.

Single-handedly, Ms. Alfiere took on the task of documenting more than 11,000 headstones in Shelton Memorial Park. Some years ago, MCGS took on the task of correcting the errors and omissions of their cemetery’s records and to photograph the headstones. The project floundered for some time, however, until Ms. Alfiere took it upon herself to get the job done. She mapped out the project, section by section, and recruited volunteers to help. On many mornings for the past three years, Ms. Alfiere was seen documenting and photographing headstones, and even identifying unearthed sunken grave markers by herself.  On other mornings, she enlisted some helpers, but her commitment to documenting and photographing the headstones never wavered.

Now, thanks to Ms. Alfiere’s untiring work, the MCGS is closer to completing this project.  Her dedication to this task, and to the MCGS, is remarkable. It is for these reasons, Ms. Alfiere 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: Karin Coppernoll

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.

Karin Coppernoll

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Karin Coppernoll. Karin lives in Monroe (Snohomish County) and is in her first term as WSGS’s Secretary. She is a professional genealogist, managing her own genealogical research firm “Brick By Brick Genealogy.” She has a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and has attended the Salt Lake City Institute of Genealogy and completed a course in Advanced Research Tools: Land Records by Richard G. Sayre and Pamela Boyer Sayre. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society, and the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society.

Karin was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of John Louis and Cynthia Eugenia (Chrzanowski) Pasteur. Think she’s related to Louis Pasteur? Nope — they’re not related. Karin’s Pasteur ancestors originally spelled their surname “Passtoor.”

Karin and her husband James “Jim” Coppernoll have been married 31 years. They have two children: son Clint (age 25) and daughter Camille (age 17). In addition to working as a professional genealogist, Karin is the bookkeeper for her husband’s environmental geology corporation. In her “former life,” Karin was a “jill-of-all-trades,” working for Jackson County (Oregon) Environmental Health Department, a water testing lab, a temporary job agency and an accounting firm. She’s also worked as a veterinary technician, children’s pastor and taught Latin at an alternative high school.

While having quite a varied work history over the years, one constant has been genealogy which she started at age 12 when she took a genealogy and heraldry class in middle school. After that, she was hooked! She is particularly proud of the deep New England ties of her four grandparents.

  • One has roots deep into Colonial America, settling in Westchester County, New York, for generations. Karin’s planning to visit Westchester County this year when she attends the New York State Family History Conference.
  • Two of them immigrated from Poland and settled in Connecticut before moving to New Jersey.
  • Karin’s remaining grandparent was the son of German immigrants who settled in Brooklyn. For many years, Karin’s father believed his father was an orphan. In actuality, he was born in Ostfriesland, Germany and was a crew member of a German ship. He deserted his ship in New York Harbor and become a U.S. citizen.

A few more interesting tidbits about Karin:

  • Favorite genealogy websites: Ancestry most often, with FamilySearch a close second
  • Favorite color: Royal purple
  • Favorite dessert: Cherry cheesecake
  • When she’s not doing genealogy, Karin loves to knit.
  • It’s easy to describe Karin in one word: organized. The ideal description of a genealogist!

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