Author Archives: Roxanne Lowe

Jean Yager Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 last of this series, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Jean Joal Drane Yager of Bremerton, Washington who was nominated by the Puget Sound Genealogical Society (PSGS). She was recognized for her outstanding leader­ship and consistent support of the goals and operation of the PSGS.

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Jean Yager

Since joining PSGS in 2008, Ms. Yager has been active in all aspects of the society. While serving in her first leadership position as chair of the education committee, she was instrumental in developing, organizing and teaching on-going classes for members and the public. During her tenure as President from 2012 – 2014, PSGS entered into a partnership with the Kitsap Regional Library. Ms. Yager was a key player during that time of transition and her “can do” attitude and endless energy ensured success.

In addition to being the 2014 Immediate Past President, Ms. Yager was also chair of the education committee, 2014 seminar committee and the PSGS field trip organizer.

Ms. Yager has been a dedicated member of the PSGS and her constant efforts to support the goals of the society are invaluable. As a result, she richly deserved this recognition.

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.

Winner of the TriCity Genealogical Society May’s Archived Document Contest Announced

by Roxanne Lowe

There were only a few submissions in May 2015 for the Archived Document Contest but these few entries provided wonderful lessons. Documents from the 1700s and the 1900s were located on microfilms available through the Family History Library. The documents on these microfilms containing important genealogical information were viewed in Salt Lake City and also at the Richland Family History Center. This proved to us that travel is not necessary when looking for un-digitized documents. Microfilms from the Family History Library can be brought to our neighborhood Family History Centers.

Ray Baalman

Ray Baalman

Ray Baalman is this month’s winner of the Archived Document Contest. He submitted two documents from 1700s France. More importantly he shared with us a very valuable lesson. “The important principle illustrated here is NEVER overlook the importance of witnesses at baptisms and marriages. They are often relatives and can give important clues about where to look next.” Ray illustrated this lesson by explaining that he found his seventh great grandmother recorded as the godmother of his fifth great grandmother on that grandmother’s marriage record.

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Sue Walde Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Susan Walde of Arlington, Washington who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the SVGS.

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Sue Walde

Recognizing the need for a reliable, online database for the SVGS’s electronic card catalog, Ms. Walde created the database that now appears on the SVGS website. Today, more than 5,000 books, pamphlets, magazines and other resource materials are easily searchable by genealogists around the world. Ms. Walde guided the project from the beginning steps of data entry, through the database designing and the grant writing stages, and oversaw the final process of importing the data from the revised spreadsheet to the database that now appears on the website. Ms. Walde also wrote easy-to-follow instructions for searching the online database.

Despite her full-time job, Ms. Walde finished the project within its budget and on time by volunteering her skills and talents during evenings and weekends. Because her efforts have the potential to benefit genealogists around the world, she richly deserved this recognition.

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.

June is Bustin’ Out All Over!

by Roxanne Lowe

It’s June, June, June — and we’re getting ready to bust out all over at the 2015 WSGS Conference in Ellensburg! (Sincere apologies to the toe-tapping music and lyrics from Rogers & Hammerstein’s Carousel.)

It’s not too late to register  to hear David Rencher share his knowledge and expertise. Here’s the brochure and here’s how to register.

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Linda Stephens Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Linda Stephens of Richland, Washington, who was nominated by the Tri-City Genealogical Society (TCGS). She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the TCGS.

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Linda Stephens

Ms. Stephens has been a member of the TCGS for only a few years, but has become one of its most dependable volunteers. One example is when TCGS organized a group to index/arbitrate the 1940 census for FamilySearch. Ms. Stephens was one of the first volunteers to join the project. She led the TCGS group with the most records indexed.

Ms. Stephens has also assisted the TCGS Publications Committee to resolve concerns and issues for each bulletin, as well as proofreading each edition before publication. She also proofread many of the scanned indexes of the 52 years of TCGS bulletins in preparation for an All Surname Index.

With all of the contributions Ms. Stephens made to the TCGS, she richly deserved this recognition in 2014.

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.

The TriCity Genealogical Society Will Have Questions Answered

by Roxanne Lowe

KathySizerLargeWednesday, June 10, Kathleen Weddle Sizer, President of the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society will be answering the important questions, “Why join a genealogical society?” and “Why attend meetings?” Kathy will be using her own experience of 40 years of society membership to answer these questions.

Kathy joined the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society in 1975. Her background in research includes archaic manners of letter writing and repository visits. Her continued interest has taken her boldly into the computer age of family history research. Through the years she has built an understanding of the importance of society membership. Her stories will entertain and enlighten you as to the importance of her membership throughout the years.

The public is welcomed to attend the Tri-City Genealogical Society meeting on June 10.  The meeting will begin with a no-host dinner starting at 5:30 pm at the Clover Island Inn’s Captain’s Table. Kathy’s presentation is scheduled for 7:00 pm following the dinner.

For more information contact Susan Davis Faulkner at 509-554-1050 or denmother4@hotmail.com

Kittitas County’s Diane Huckabay Promotes Genealogy

by Roxanne Lowe
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Genealogy display at Ellensburg Public Library

Diane Huckabay,  President of the Kittitas County Genealogical Society, has become the driving force behind a new opportunity for local library visitors to learn about genealogy and family  history research. Every Friday afternoon for the next couple of months at the Ellensburg Public Library, Diane is helping those interested in genealogical research. At her first session, Diane discussed family group sheets and pedigree charts. In addition, she provided resources and encouragement to those attending.

According to the library’s press release, one-on-one research consultations are also available to more experienced visitors and visitors with specific research questions. In addition to promoting genealogy and family history, Diane is encouraging interested visitors to attend the upcoming WSGS Conference at the Quality Inn in Ellensburg on Saturday, June 27, 2015.

There are preliminary plans, if successful in Ellensburg, to expand the family history research opportunity to neighboring libraries. The Ellensburg Public Library is located at 209 N. Ruby Street.

Mary Simonsen Honored as Outstanding Volunteer in 2014

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Mary Bybee Simonsen of Pullman, Washington, who was nominated by the Whitman County Genealogical Society (WCGS). She was recognized for her outstanding efforts in the identification and preservation of historical documents of importance and value to researchers interested in the Whitman County Area.

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Mary Simonsen

Since 1997, Ms. Simonsen has spent hundreds of hours volunteering for WCGS projects. She has worked on small projects such as transcribing vital records (birth, death, divorce, marriage), obituaries, and homestead patents as reported in the Pullman Herald and other newspapers. She has also worked on big projects, including transcribing the 1883, 1885, and 1887 Whitman County Territory censuses, and the 1890 Whitman County Veterans census. She also played a major role in the transcription of the 1910 Whitman County census.

Ms. Simonsen also assisted with the transcription of the Whitman County Death Register, and early marriage and probate records. She has indexed various publications not only for the WCGS, but also for the Whitman County Historical Society.

Ms. Simonsen’s dedication to enable the public to access these records demonstrated that she richly deserved this recognition in 2014.

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.

May 18, 1980 — Where Were You?

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you remember where you were 35 years ago — May 18,1980? David Rencher sure does!

David, FamilySearch’s chief genealogical officer and featured speaker at next month’s WSGS Conference  in Ellensburg, was in Yakima visiting family. He remembers that day clearly as  a mushroom-shaped column of ash from Mt. St. Helens, 90 miles away, rose thousands of feet skyward and drifted downwind, turning day into night as dark gray ash fell over eastern Washington and beyond. Yakima received 4 – 5 inches of ash that morning.

We don’t expect another eruption during the 2015 WSGS Conference in Ellensburg, so we hope to see you there! Register now!

Dollarhide Coming to TriCity Genealogical Society

by Roxanne Lowe

William Dollarhide is on tour so you don’t want to miss him. He has a couple of seminars scheduled on the west side of the state, but on 12 September 2015 he will be in the TriCities. His Traveling Through Time topics will be Dollarhide’s Five Rules, American Migration Routes from 1750-1800, Civil War Genealogy, and Finding Living Relatives Online.

For more information about, and to register for, the TriCity Genealogical Society Traveling Through Time fall seminar go to http://www.tricitygenealogicalsociety.org/wiki/doku.php

 

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