Author Archives: Roxanne Lowe

“Getting to Know the DAR” Presentations in Burlington on February 13

by Roxanne Lowe

Skagit Valley GSThe Skagit Valley Genealogical Society is proud to present an afternoon of “Getting to Know the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution).” Visitors are welcome.

Have you discovered a American Revolutionary War ancestor in your family tree? Join fellow researchers for “Getting to Know the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) at the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society‘s Saturday, February 13, 2016 meeting. The program begins at 1:00 pm at the Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf St.. Enter on the east entrance to the building.

Linda Maki, Regent, will speak on “What Does the D.A.R. Do?”; Karen Manatt, Treasurer, will discuss “The History of the Ann Washington Chapter”; Mayo Shears, Past Regent and Registrar, will explain “DAR Ancestor Research and the Application Process”; and Mollie Sackman, historian, will share historic DAR scrapbooks.

For more details, contact Margie Wilson at rootsproject@frontier.com or visit skagitgenealogy.org.

Tacoma-Pierce County GS Meeting on Tuesday

by Roxanne Lowe

Join the Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society (TPCGS) at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at Bates Technical College, South Campus, Building E, 2201 South 78th St., Tacoma.

Creating Genealogy Citations:  Dusty Gorman will be talking about creating proper genealogy citations.

After a short business meeting, Mike Saunders will talk about “Your Records and the Washington State Archives.” Regional Archivist Mike Saunders will speak about the State Archives, including an overview of the responsibilities, services and collections of the State Archives, its branches in Olympia, Bellevue, Bellingham, Cheney, Ellensburg and the State’s online Digital Archives. The presentation will also include examples of documents that researchers can find, information on how they can be used and exciting opportunities for volunteers.

Mike Saunders has 40 years of experience in public archives and records management in Washington State. He has BA in history from Washington State University and a Graduate Certificate in Records Management and Archival Administration from Western Washington University. The Washington State Archives is the Division of the Office of the Secretary of State that provides public records management services to state and local government agencies, and preserves archival collections from those agencies for public use.

TPCGS’s monthly meetings are held September – May at Bates Technical College, South Campus, Building E, 2201 South 78th St., Tacoma. Meetings are from 6pm – 9pm. In between the two talks, there is a short business meeting along with a social time and light refreshments. Find more information at www.tpcgs.org

Linda Colton Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Linda Colton of Hood River, Oregon, who was nominated by the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society (CGGS). She was recognized for her untiring support of the CGGS, which serves counties along the Columbia River in both Oregon and Washington.

Linda Colton

Linda Colton

Ms. Colton has been an active member of the CGGS for about 10 years. She has served on the education committee, and she has repeatedly volunteered to contribute interesting programs to the society’s monthly meetings. In 2015, she served as a board member and secretary.

Ms. Colton is truly a skilled genealogist. She volunteers as the manager of the LDS Family History Center in Hood River, Oregon, where she has provided assistance and inspiration to hundreds of people of all faiths and denominations that reside in local Columbia Gorge communities.

Ms. Colton’s leadership and faithful service have kept the CGGS alive and growing.  She has been a valued and hard-working member of the CGGS, 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.

Wenatchee Area GS Website Team Named Outstanding Team in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Betty Carrick and Mary Swartz, who were nominated for a team award by the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS). This dynamic duo made up the Total Technology Upgrade and Website Transformation Team.

Betty Carrick and Mary Swartz

Betty Carrick and Mary Swartz

Individually, these valued members of WAGS provide much to the society. Ms. Carrick is a dedicated long-time member and her exemplary database management and computer skills have enabled the society to thrive and grow.

Ms. Swartz, a member of WAGS for only a few years, is one of its most dependable volunteers and serves on the Board of Directors as Corresponding Secretary.

Acting as a team, these outstanding volunteers transformed the WAGS website, reconfigured thousands of historical data records to a standardized format, and expedited a total systemic upgrade, making WAGS’s computer system far more effective, efficient and patron friendly.

Due to their teamwork, skill, dedication and tireless work on this project, this team richly deserved being a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team 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.

Jim Bull Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jim Bull of Trout Lake, Washington, who was nominated by the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society (CGGS). He was recognized for his outstanding efforts in the communication of genealogical and historical information of importance and value to researchers interested in the families of the Columbia River Gorge.

Jim Bull

Jim Bull

Since 2010, Mr. Bull has served as editor of “TALES and TRAILS,” the CGGS newsletter. The quarterly newsletter is an outstanding communication tool,  full of information about genealogical resources and family history. It is read and enjoyed by many because it is always packed with interesting articles that help CGGS members and other readers find new sources of information and develop research skills.

Mr. Bull has been a member of the CGGS for approximately 15 years, including serving as President from 2003 to 2005. Since then, he has continued to provide knowledge and experience as a board member.

Prized volunteers such as Mr. Bull are rare, and as such 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.

Genealogical Societies – An Under-utilized Resource

by Roxanne Lowe

Genealogy societies are a great resource for family historians whether you are a beginner or advanced. Genealogical societies are formed for a variety of reasons. They can be created around a common lineage (Mayflower Society), surname (Descendants of John Simmons), ethnicity (American Historical Society of Germans from Russia), geographical research locality (Adams County Genealogical Society), or current place of residence (Utah Genealogical Association).

There are lots of good reasons for joining a genealogy society, but here are some of the best reasons for a novice genealogist to get involved. First, chances are that despite your growing enthusiasm for family history research and your willingness to talk to friends and family about what you are learning, you will enjoy getting to know other enthusiasts and discussing the ups and downs of genealogy with someone who understands your excitement and frustration.

For four additional good reasons to join a genealogy society and the rest of the article, click here.

Reprinted with permission from Legacy Tree Genealogists.

Time to Select Your Outstanding Volunteer Nominees

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 Conference on June 18, 2016 in Tacoma. The conference will be hosted by the Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society.

Each year, the State Society recognizes local volunteers and teams nominated by their society or organization at the annual conference. In 2015, almost 30 local volunteers and four teams from 18 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 March 1, 2016: Submit the name(s) of your honorees to the Recognition Committee.
• May 1, 2016: 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).
• June 18, 2016: Formal announcement and presentation of certificates at the State Conference in Tacoma.

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

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

Seattle Genealogical Society Library Team Named Outstanding Team in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers and teams 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 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the Library Team at the Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS). The team was recognized for its dedicated volunteer efforts to enlarge and improve the society’s library.

SGS Library Team

SGS Library Team

The team included Dona Bubelis, Daniel P. Harmon, Kathi McGinnes, Charlotte Wixon, and Ann Wright.

Under the expert direction of committee chair Dan Harmon, an impressive team of SGS volunteers was recruited for the new Library Committee. Ms. Ann Wright, assisted primarily by Ms. Charlotte Wixon, took the lead in the herculean task of cataloging the almost endless number of boxes in the backlog of donated books. Ms. Wright oversaw the day-to-day operation of the library, while Ms. Wixon looked after the shelved collection. Ms. Wixon also took the lead in book repair, a skill which the committee acquired through special training.

Ms. Dona Bubelis, who works with library periodicals, coordinated efforts to develop the collection by identifying important new works for acquisition. She was also in charge of eBay sales, a source of funding for the SGS Library Fund.

Ms. Kathi McGinnes played a key role in maintaining the ever-changing collection of genealogical websites available for the use by library patrons, a role which will grow in importance in the months and years ahead.

The members of the SGS Library Team made a real difference in the quality and quantity of the SGS library collection. They richly deserved being recipients of a WSGS Outstanding Team 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.

 

 

Susan Boatright Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 2015 award recipients and learn why they received the 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Susan Breshears Boatright of Yakima, Washington, who was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society. She was recognized for her enthusiastic commitment to educate and share with others.

Since retiring from a gratifying teaching career, Susan has been involved in genealogy. She appreciates the academic research and learning involved, as well as participation with YVGS’s many active volunteers.

Susan Breshears Boatright

Susan Breshears Boatright

Susan served her second term as recording secretary at YVGS in 2015. In addition, she hosted a twice-monthly writing group at the society library where she encouraged members to write about their life experiences or family members with the goal of passing these memories and discoveries on to their families. Nothing gives her more satisfaction than helping a “newbie” make connections with previously unknown family members.

Susan promotes genealogy and YVGS at every turn and is an appreciated volunteer. Those qualities illustrate that 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.

How to Post to the Blog

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you want to broadcast information about your local society, workshop, genealogical tip, or a research query? Just post to the WSGS Blog!  You can reach hundreds of genealogists from around the state. Just email a Word document, text file, PDF or graphic to WSGSBlog@wasgs.org and the blog masters will do the rest.

We’re always looking to publicize local events and workshops, feature stories, updates from your society, and other genealogical information that might be of interest to our many subscribers.

We hope to hear from you soon! And don’t forget to encourage your Society members to subscribe to the Blog for the most up-to-date information from around the state.

You may manage your subscription options from your profile.