Author Archives: Roxanne Lowe

Mary Malone Holcomb 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 Mary Malone Holcomb of Spokane, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS) . She was recognized for her dedicated volunteer efforts within EWGS and beyond.

Mary Malone Holcomb

Mary Malone Holcomb

Ms. Holcomb has been a member of EWGS since 1999 where she served as 1st Vice President for two years, long-time hospitality chair and library volunteer. Ms. Holcomb was a volunteer for the 1940 Census Roll-Out celebration promoted by the Spokane Public Library. She is also a volunteer and board member of the Evergreen Cemetery Association, helping lead their efforts to restore the cemetery grounds, research interments, and obtain military headstones for Civil War veterans buried there.

Ms. Holcomb’s varied volunteer activities also extend to the Spokane Firefighters Memorial Association, honoring local firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and as a “Lookup” volunteer for the Durham-Orange Genealogical Society in Durham, North Carolina.

Ms. Holcomb is a valued, important part of the EWGS. Her efforts illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2015 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.

Outstanding Volunteer & Team Nominations Due April 1

by Roxanne Lowe

Attention all Societies & Organizations:

Don’t forget to nominate your Outstanding Volunteer and/or Team for special recognition by WSGS. The deadline to submit your name(s) is April 1. Additional details about the Recognition program are available here.

The Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Team Awards are presented each year at the Annual Conference to members nominated by their local society. Societies can nominate no more than two individuals and/or one team. Nomination criteria is left to the individual societies.

Honor those outstanding members and teams that help your organization be successful. If you’ve got questions, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

Special Awards Nominations Due

by Roxanne Lowe

Societies are urged and encouraged to submit nominations for Outstanding Communication, Outstanding Project and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. The deadline for each award is May 1, 2016. For more information and nomination information, click on the links below.

  • Outstanding Communication – Recognizes the importance of how local genealogical societies or organizations communicate. Includes all forms of communication, including websites, social media, newsletters, lectures, videos, podcasts, etc.
  • Outstanding Project – Awarded to local genealogical society or organization in recognition of exceptional genealogical or historical projects implemented during the past year.
  • President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – Recognizes that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations.

Questions? Contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

New!! Education Assistance Available

by Roxanne Lowe

WSGS is working to improve the services we offer to local societies and their members. Our latest effort: Education Assistance Fund!

The Education Assistance Fund (EAF) is designed to support WSGS-member societies’ abilities to provide quality genealogical educational events such as conferences, workshops, seminars and programs for their members and the public.

Here’s how it works: your society wants to sponsor a workshop, seminar or other educational event, but don’t quite have the funds to get started or put on the type of first-rate show you envision. Great. Apply for up to $500 from the Education Assistance Fund. After your event, we ask that you replenish the fund so other societies can take advantage of the assistance. While we have an expectation that the funds will be repaid, we recognize the financial risks associated with holding an event and accept part of that risk. More information is available in the Guidance Document.

Here are just a few possibilities for asking for EAF help:

  • Assistance in confirming a renowned speaker or facility.
  • Expanding your event to include more classes or workshops.
  • Help with promotional expenses, including printing and advertising.
  • Purchase of goodie bags, binders/folders or other day-of-event materials.

There is no deadline for applying for financial help through the EAF. Simply complete the application here and submit. Your application will be reviewed and we’ll get back to you so you can continue planning your event. Additional details about the Education Assistance Fund are available here.

For more information about the WSGS Education Assistance Fund, contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair.

 

Susan Hassenmiller 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 Hassenmiller of Bainbridge Island, Washington, who was nominated by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS). She was recognized for her enthusiasm and passion to support the society.

Susan Hassenmiller

Susan Hassenmiller

Ms. Hassenmiller has been a dedicated, long-time member of BIGS, serving as a founding board member and as treasurer for two terms starting in 2006. She rejoined the board in 2013 as director of ways and means serving two more terms.

Ms. Hassenmiller is a mentor to members and often meets individually with new members to guide them in starting or continuing their research efforts. She advocated for, and now moderates, an email network group for members to share informally among themselves. Ms. Hassenmiller also shares her knowledge and passion by co-facilitating special interest groups on DNA and Scandinavian research.

Ms. Hassenmiller shares her time and energy selflessly and often volunteers graciously for whatever needs to be done. Her contributions prove that she richly deserved being a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2015.

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.

Outstanding Recognition Nominations Extended to April 1

by Roxanne Lowe

Attention all Societies & Organizations:

Sometimes Leap Day just isn’t enough extra time to get everything done, so we’re giving you an extra month to name your 2016 Outstanding Volunteer/Team! The deadline to submit your name(s) has been extended to April 1. Additional details about the Recognition program are available here.

The Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Team Awards are presented each year at the Annual Conference to members nominated by their local society. Societies can nominate no more than two individuals and/or one team. Nomination criteria is left to the individual societies.

Honor those outstanding members and teams that help your organization be successful. If you’ve got questions, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

WSGS Innovative Grants Available to Local Societies

by Roxanne Lowe

The Washington State Genealogical Society’s “Innovative Grant Program” is accepting applications. The deadline is April 1, 2016.

The grants, up to $100, are designed to support the inventive and creative efforts of WSGS-member societies and organizations. Up to five grants will be awarded in 2016.

Last year’s grant awards were made to:

  • Chelan Valley GS for the purchase of a computer at the local library for the exclusive use of accessing Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  • Northeast Washington GS for the removal of diseased trees at a local pioneer cemetery.
  • Skagit Valley GS for the purchase of a new computer for society presentations and transcription of documents at the regional archives.
  • Tri-City GS for promotion monies to support the society’s “Archives Records Contest” and augmentation of the prize pool.
  • Wenatchee Area GS for the purchase of specialized software to manage the society’s extensive genealogical holdings.

The deadline for the Innovative Grant application is April 1, 2016. The simple application is only ONE page and is available here. Additional guidance on the program is here.

For more information, contact Roxanne Lowe, WSGS Recognition Chair.

Warren Fisk 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 Warren Fisk of Lakebay, Washington, who was nominated by the Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society (TPCGS). He was recognized for his support, encouragement, and assistance to the society.

Warren Fisk

Warren Fisk

Mr. Fisk has been a member of Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society since 2002. He served as president from 2010 through 2013. Before becoming president, Mr. Fisk was the society treasurer from 2006 to 2009, moving from paper records to a computer format, which made them much easier to manage and understand.

Mr. Fisk has co-chaired TPCGS’s annual seminar since 2010, assuming the lead in finding the location and making sure the logistical details were addressed to ensure a successful event for all.

Mr. Fisk’s attention to detail even includes making certain there are refreshments at each society meeting, a much appreciated addition.

A dedicated, long-time volunteer, Mr. Fisk continues to be a respected and diligent member of the TPCGS, 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.

WSGS Dues Reminder

by Roxanne Lowe

If you haven’t paid your 2016 membership dues yet, this is your friendly reminder. Your sustained support will ensure that you continue to receive all of the benefits of membership with the WSGS.

To renew your membership (or join us if you’re new!), send your $12 ($13 for couple/family), along with the Membership form, to

WA State Genealogical Society
1901 S. 12th Ave.
Union Gap, WA 98903-1256

Or you can pay via PayPal.

Support the Washington State Genealogical Society today!

Writing an Obituary Worth Reading — Grays Harbor GS

by Roxanne Lowe

Logo_New_edited-1How would you like to be remembered? What’s important to you? Writing an obituary means you’re writing about what is most important in your life . . . not about death. Obituaries are a last (and lasting) chance to share with others about your life, accomplishments and family.

You’re invited to the next Grays Harbor Genealogical Society meeting to hear Olympia-area author Martin Kimeldorf talk about his new book “Writing An Obituary Worth Reading, a Guide to Writing a Fulfilling Life-Review.” In addition to talking about changing attitudes toward life and death that affect obituary writing, Mr. Kimeldorf will also share both humorous and serious obituaries. He’ll also answer questions, share writing tips, and autograph his book.

Join us on Saturday, March 12, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at the Hoquiam Timberland library (upstairs meeting room), 420 7th St, Hoquiam. No reservations needed.

For more information, email Info@GraysHarborGenealogy.com.