Author Archives: Roxanne Lowe

Time to Select Outstanding Volunteers and Teams

by Roxanne Lowe

Now is the time for genealogical societies and organizations to select their local outstanding volunteers and teams so they can be honored at the WSGS Annual Meeting on April 22, 2017 in Yakima. The annual meeting will be held in conjunction with the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society’s Spring Seminar.

Each year, the State Society recognizes local volunteers and teams nominated by their society or organization at the annual conference. In 2016, more than 20 local volunteers and four teams from 20 organizations were recognized for their support and dedication to their society and the researching public.

The process for this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Award program is much like last year’s – no significant changes. In addition to the traditional Outstanding Volunteer Award program, there are three other recognition awards: Outstanding Project, Outstanding Communication, and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. Information about those awards will be forthcoming, but should not impact organizations’ Outstanding Volunteer Award nominations.

Letters to local societies and organizations, with additional details, have been emailed to society contacts. If you have not received that information, please contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair. The milestones for this year’s nomination process are:

• No later than January 15, 2017: Submit the name(s) of your honorees to the Recognition Committee.
• By February 15, 2017: Submit a narrative (approximately 150 words) explaining the accomplishments of your nominee and why you are honoring him/her. Include a good quality digital photograph (at least 300 dpi).
• April 22, 2017: Formal announcement and presentation of certificates at the Annual Meeting in Yakima.

Additional details and deadlines, plus indexes and narratives of accomplishments of past honorees, since 2003, may be found at the WSGS website here.

Please contact Roxanne Lowe at roxanne@thekeeffes.com if you have questions or suggestions.

WSGS Board Secretary Needed

by Roxanne Lowe

There will soon be an opening for Secretary on the WSGS Board of Directors. Are you interested?

The Board Secretary, a member of the WSGS Executive Committee, records the minutes at the society’s business meetings, including quarterly board meetings and the annual business meeting. More information on the position’s duties and responsibilities is available here.

Being a member of the WSGS Board is an excellent opportunity to involve yourself in a statewide organization designed to support local societies and individuals interested in the educational and historical value of genealogical research. And besides that — it’s fun and interesting!

If you’re interested in this opportunity or have questions, please contact WSGS President Mikal McKinnon.

Karen van Haagen Campbell Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Karen van Haagen Campbell of Bellevue, Washington, who was nominated by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State (JGSWS). She was recognized for her leadership skills, especially those related to promotion of meetings, events and conferences.

Karen van Haagen Campbell

Karen van Haagen Campbell

Serving as the vice president of the JGSWS and in charge of publicity, Ms. Campbell has been creating flyers for monthly meetings and other promotions to increase the visibility of JGSWS and related events, increase interest in Jewish genealogy, and make it easier for those who are interested in Jewish genealogy to connect with like-minded researchers.

Ms. Campbell is also a major contributor on the publicity committee of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Society’s annual international genealogical conference that took place in Seattle from August 7-12, 2016. She is also the leader of the Eastside Genealogical Society’s German Interest Group and helps promote the Black Genealogy Research Group (BGRG) in Seattle.

Ms. Campbell’s leadership efforts in publicizing genealogical groups and events, helping others connect with specific research groups, and her inclusive and enthusiastic personality illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 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.

Leilani Lucrisia Named Region 1 South Representative

by Roxanne Lowe
Leilani Lucrisia

Leilani Lucrisia

Leilani Lucrisia has been appointed Region 1 South Regional Representative by WSGS Mikal McKinnon. In his announcement, President McKinnon expressed his appreciation to Leilani for her willingness to serve. Her experience and enthusiasm will a great asset on the Board.

Leilani is an active member of the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society in Arlington where she served as newsletter editor. She has also been a member of the Northwest Genealogy Conference planning committee, responsible for the fabulous Syllabus. She is also a member of a genealogy society in Marysville and the Seattle Genealogical Society.

In a recent move by the WSGS Board, Region 1 (Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties) was split into two regions to ease geographical issues. Leilani, the Region 1 South Representative, will be assisting societies in part of Island and Snohomish Counties, including Comeford (Marysville) Camwood (Stanwood), Sno-Isle (Lynnwood) and Stillaguamish Valley (Arlington).

The Board is still in search of a volunteer to serve as the Region 1 North Regional Representative which encompasses Island (part) Skagit, Snohomish (part), Whatcom and San Juan Counties. More information on the responsibilities of a Regional Representative, click here or email WSGS Vice President Donna Potter Phillips at Donna243@gmail.com.

Was Your Ancestor Involved in Politics?

by Roxanne Lowe
Dan Murphy lending support to his candidate.

Dan Murphy lending support to his candidate.

Whether your candidate won or didn’t, the 2016 election is finally over. But imagine one of your descendants searching old newspaper stacks (or the web or whatever form of news distribution there will be in the future) for news of this election.

Do you have an ancestor that was involved in politics at the local, state or national level in America or another country? Did he/she run for office? Involved in a campaign? Here’s a picture of my grandfather Dan Murphy “campaigning” for Sheriff M.B. “Tiny” Taylor in Grays Harbor County in the 1930s.

We’d love to hear your story, including what resources you used. “Leave a comment” at the bottom of this post.

Diane Hunter Boyd Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Diane Hunter Boyd

Diane Hunter Boyd

Today we’re introducing Diane Hunter Boyd of Spokane Valley, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). She was recognized for her dedicated, creative efforts as the EWGS’s web manager.

In August 2011, Ms. Boyd agreed to become EWGS’s web manager “for a few months.” She remained in the position for the next four-and-one-half years.

In additional to her duties as web manager, including creation of a new home page at ewgsi.org, Ms. Boyd became the web coordinator of EWGS’s new digital publication, Digital Digest. When Ms. Boyd stepped down as EWGS’s web manager, she continued to answer questions from both the new web manager and the Digital Digest coordinator.

Ms. Boyd ensured EWGS had an easy-to-use, current website, and was always helping anyone that needed help. As such a dedicated member, she richly deserved being named an Outstanding Volunteer by the Washington State Genealogical Society.

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.

Meet the Board: Sue Ericksen

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.

Sue Ericksen

Sue Ericksen

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Sue Ericksen from Zillah in Yakima County. Sue is WSGS’s Treasurer, but her involvement has been longstanding: WSGS’s President from 2009 – 2012, membership chair, web manager and Region 5 representative.

In addition to her WSGS dedication, Sue is an active member of the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society, currently serving as its vice president and web manager. She was also a major player in YVGS’s recent acquisition of the massive Yakima Family History library collection that used to be housed in the LDS Yakima Family History library (approximately 6,000 microfilm and 6,000 microfiche). You can also add presenter to Sue’s long list of credentials. She will be presenting a talk on “Copyright vs. Plagiarism” at the February 4, 2017 YVGS meeting.

Susan Bernice Semenza was born to Norman and Sallie (Gallupe) Semenza in National City, California, not far from San Diego. Sue has researched her family lines for many, many years, following their migrations and journeys through Germany, Italy, England and Canada. When she does find time to do her research, she often uses Ancestry.com.

Sue married William Leroy Ericksen on 18 Sept 1965 in Wapato (Yakima County). They celebrated 50 years of marriage before his passing earlier this year. Together, they were successful orchardists in the fertile Zillah area, growing apples, peaches and pears. They are the parents of three children and grandparents of five.

A few other tidbits about Sue:
• Hobbies besides genealogy – reading, bird watching
• Favorite color – yellow
• Favorite dessert – cherry pie
• Word that best describes her – busy!

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

Special Census Records Featured at Kittitas Co. GS

by Roxanne Lowe

KCGS_logoThe next meeting of the Kittitas County Genealogical Society (KCGS) will feature Erik Bakke speaking on Special U.S. Census Records, like Mortality Schedules. The meeting will be Monday, Nov. 7, 2016 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the KCGS Library, 413 N. Main Street, Suite L, Ellensburg. Visitors are welcome. For more information, visit the KCGS website.

 

 

Honoring Veterans in Wenatchee

by Roxanne Lowe

wenatchee-gsIn recognition of Veterans Day, the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society Library is proud to honor all who have fought to give us freedom. All through the month of November, WAGS will offer anyone who has served in our Armed Forces a free Beginner How-to Packet and a one-on-one tutorial by one of their knowledgeable librarians to help get started. The library has several shelves full of locally-researched information on Civil War veterans and WWI veterans in our area, besides general books on the subject of wars through the centuries. The WAGS library is located at 127 South Mission (Museum Annex Building), Wenatchee. Hours are Tuesday and Saturday, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit the WAGS website.

A Trio of Travels at Wenatchee Area GS

by Roxanne Lowe

wenatchee-gsThe November program at the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society will be “A Trio of Travels,” featuring Dave and Louise Inchauspe. With a nod to Dr. Seuss, they’ll be off and away to great places in this talk. First you’ll get some history and research tips on the Basque people of the French/Spanish border, and their cultural contribution to the American West. Then Louise will talk about her German ancestry, and trace her line that came to Rosalia in 1908. Lastly, you’ll hear about trials and triumphs on her genealogical “journey” of working with Ancestry software to publish her family story.

Come to the Douglas County PUD Auditorium, 1151 Valley Mall Parkway, East Wenatchee at 2:00 p.m. for this fascinating presentation! For more information, visit the WAGS website.