Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

WAGS Leadership Team 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.

Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society Leadership Team

Today we’re introducing the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society’s Leadership Team (WAGS). The team members are Shirley Acheson, Phyllis Barnett, Barbara Congdon, Hank LuBean, Sandra McBride, Patty Ostendorff, Lynda Pheasant, Susan Rumble and Mary Swartz.

This team made an extraordinary commitment to the value of planning for long-term success of WAGS. Each year the team has participated in a series of strategic planning sessions, and has diligently pursued the process of building leadership skills. The former broad mission statement was reformatted into the concise statement: “WAGS connects, collects, and protects family histories.” The Board Operational Calendar, established as an outcome of previous strategy sessions, was revised to better reflect current operations. Key committees now provide written reports each month for Board meetings. Budget requests are submitted in advance of the coming year, available for year-end review and planning by the budget/finance committee. To raise the overall leadership skills of its board members, an educational component is incorporated into each monthly meeting.

In addition to serving an elected or appointed position, each person on WAGS’s Leadership Team also voluntarily contributes in multiple areas to create the successful genealogical organization that WAGS has become.

The dedication and commitment of the WAGS Leadership Team illustrate that it 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.

Mary Kathryn Kozy 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.

Mary Kathryn (Crews) Kozy

Today we’re introducing Mary Kathryn Kozy of Kent, Washington, who was nominated by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State (JGSWS). She was recognized for her exceptional leadership and consistent support of the JGSWS.

Ms. Kozy has been an active member of the JGSWS for nine years. She has enthusiastically served on the society’s board for the past seven years, holding various board and volunteer positions, including president and secretary. She currently serves as the membership chair. Ms. Kozy is always quick to help society members with their research questions and has presented a number of programs to the society, particularly on DNA topics. She has been involved in many genealogical projects over the years including FamilySearch indexing, maintaining USGenWeb websites, records transcription projects, lecturing and teaching. She currently serves as an LDS Family History Missionary.

Ms. Kozy is a respected, dedicated member of the JGSWS, 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.

Art Kelly 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.

Art Kelly

Today we’re introducing Art Kelly of Richland, Washington, who was nominated by the Tri-City Genealogical Society (TCGS). He was recognized for his dedication and enthusiasm to improve his local society.

Mr. Kelly joined the Tri-City Genealogical Society a few years ago after moving to the area. He immediately began to contribute to their success, volunteering wherever he was needed. Using his exceptional networking skills, he developed contacts throughout the community to advance TCGS event publicity.  Last year Mr. Kelly took over organizing the programs for their monthly meetings and has provided a year of unique and exceptional presentations. After unexpected circumstances created a need to fill the vice president’s position, Mr. Kelly stepped up, agreeing to serve.

The Tri-City Genealogical Society is a much better organization for his enthusiastic participation and effort. There is no doubt, Mr. Kelly 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.

Darryl Jones 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.

Darryl Jones

Today we’re introducing Darryl Jones of Yakima, Washington, who was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS). He was recognized for his all-around dedication and enthusiasm for YVGS and the field of genealogy.

Mr. Jones became interested in genealogy while attending a family reunion 30 years. After retiring, he got serious about doing genealogical research and joined the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society in 2014.

In addition to improving his research skills, Mr. Jones has been very active in the society, including working on the semiannual yard sale and taking charge of the printer cartridge recycling program. He has also worked on several maintenance projects and found time to take a shift as a librarian at the YVGS library.

Mr. Jones has proven he is an outstanding volunteer, and undeniably 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.

Barbara Jolly 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.

Barbara Jolly

Today we’re introducing Barbara Freese Jolly of Ritzville, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). She was recognized for her organizational skills in providing value-added educational programs at EWGS meetings and conferences.

Ms. Jolly has been the program chair for a few years. The position has always been difficult to fill with the right person – someone who is organized, committed to following-through and able to find just the right presenter. But Ms. Jolly fits the bill. Although she lives more than 60 miles from Spokane, she has made numerous trips to Spokane checking out venues for meetings and conferences.

While the EWGS board determines the meeting programs, it is up to the program chair to contact the speakers, arrange the venues and vendors and make sure the speaker has everything needed for the programs. Since Ms. Jolly has been program chair all the meetings and conferences have run smoothly – thanks to her attention to the details.

Ms. Jolly’s dedication and commitment to the smooth operations of EWGS illustrate that 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.

Patricia Hert 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.

Patricia Hert

Today we’re introducing Patricia Hert of Yakima, Washington, who was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS). She was recognized for her steadfast support of a number of projects in the society.

Ms. Hert became a member of the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society in 2011. She is an active volunteer, assisting with their library inventory and indexing projects as well as participating in their yard sale and rest stop fundraisers.

Currently, Ms. Hert is the society’s treasurer and an assistant librarian.  She is also a member of the Washington State Genealogical Society, American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) and the Central Washington Chapter of AHSGR.

Ms. Hert is a respected and diligent member of the YVGS. Her contributions demonstrate that 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 Nominations Due Feb. 15

by Roxanne Lowe

Attention all Societies & Organizations:

The deadline to name your 2018 Outstanding Volunteer is Feb 15. All we need by that date is the name of your honoree. To view other deadlines, click here.

The Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Team Awards are presented each year at the Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony to members nominated by their local society. Nomination criteria is left to the individual societies, but limited to two individuals or one team. This year’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony will be at the Clark County Genealogical Society‘s Spring Workshop on Saturday, May 26 in Vancouver.

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

 

John Hayes 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.

John Hayes

Today we’re introducing John Hayes of Mount Vernon, Washington, who was nominated by Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). He was recognized for his leadership and guidance of the society.

Mr. Hayes has been a member of the SVGS for more than 20 years, joining in 1997 to improve his skills as a genealogist. Since 2014, he has served as the society’s president. From 2003 – 2006, he served as vice president for programs.

Mr. Hayes was born in Sedro-Woolley in 1937 and raised in Acme, Washington. After 35 years as an engineer with the Washington State Department of Transportation, he retired in 1995. While enjoying the challenges and discoveries of genealogy, square dancing with his wife Rosie is his first love.

With a twinkle in his eyes and subtle sense of humor, Mr. Hayes has led his local society in facilitating their meetings, programs and seminars in the most quiet, confident manner. He is a respected and diligent member of the SVGS, 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.

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.

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.