Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

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.

Janette and Tony Named Outstanding Volunteers 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 Janette and Tony Birch of Cheney, Washington, who were nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS). They were recognized, among other contributions, for their commitment to make new society members feel welcome and part of the group.

Janette and Tony Birch

Janette and Tony Birch

This dynamic duo has been members of EWGS for nine years, and have been “The Greeters” at society meetings for more than three years. Besides producing tags for new members, they help people find their name tags, answer any general questions, help enroll new members, assist newcomers find a person who can answer questions, and point out who the officers are. Sometimes they are affectionately called “The Information Station.”

Besides their welcoming role, the Birch’s wrote an article about Theodore Roosevelt and his 1903 Washington State train tour for the EWGS online Digital Digest. When the EWGS surname database was first started, they helped create and maintain the online database of members’ ancestor surnames which can be found on the EWGS website.

Mr. and Mrs. Birch are a treasured team at the EWGS, and demonstrate that they richly deserved being recipients of WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Awards.

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.

Margie Beldin 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 Margie Beldin of Richland, Washington, who was nominated by the Tri-City Genealogical Society (TCGS). She was recognized for her dedicated, enthusiastic efforts to educate members of her local Society.

Margie Beldin

Margie Beldin

Ms. Beldin has distinguished herself in untiring support of the TCGS as its Education Chair for many years. In that position, Ms. Beldin has made many classes on a wide variety of subjects available to the membership. Ms. Beldin has not only coordinated setting up classes and programs, she has taught numerous classes herself, as she actively increased her knowledge and capability through attendance at genealogical conferences and classes outside the TCGS. She is always willing to share the knowledge that she gets from these events.

Ms. Beldin is a valued and hard-working member of the TCGS, and illustrates 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.

Beverly Bakos 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 Beverly Bakos of Freeland, Washington who was nominated by the Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island (GSSWI). She was recognized for her commitment and enthusiasm to educate society members.

Beverly Bakos

Beverly Bakos

Eager to share her knowledge and expertise, Ms. Bakos has taught “The Basics of Genealogical Research” which has attracted more than just beginners. In fact, some of the society’s long-time members attend Ms. Bakos’s class to re-familiarize themselves and learn new techniques and resources. Ms. Bakos also has made herself available for one-on-one mentoring with new members.

Ms. Bakos hosts a study group featuring award-winning genealogical researcher and author Thomas Jones’s book Mastering Genealogical Proof. She has also been on the GSSWI Board of Directors as director of publicity for a number of years.

Ms. Bakos enjoys passing on her knowledge to others and is always approachable and enthusiastic about genealogy. Because of these qualities and all she does for the GSSWI, 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.

Kittitas County Library Team Named 2015 Outstanding Volunteer Team

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 outstanding volunteers, 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 Kittitas County Library Team, who was nominated by the Kittitas County Genealogical Society (KCGS). The team was selected for its dedicated volunteer efforts to maintain and promote the society’s library and services.

Kittitas_Bakke_Photo

Erik Bakke

Kittitas_Brown_Photo

Marilyn Brown

Kittitas_Clayton_Photo

Judy Clayton

Kittitas_Howard_Photo

J.C. Howard

Kittitas_Kelly_Photo

Kathy Kelly

Kittitas_Large_Photo

Julie Large

Kittitas_Spellman_Photo

Karen Spellman

Kittitas_Wieking_Photo

Bob Wieking

Mary Christensen

Mary Christensen

Tuck Forsythe

Tuck Forsythe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kittitas County Genealogical Society Library team includes Erik Bakke, Marilyn Brown, Mary Christensen, Judy Clayton, Tuck Forsythe, J.C. Howard, Kathy Kelly, Julie Large, Karen Spellman and Bob Wieking. This team of committed volunteers maintains the society’s unique collection of print materials of interest and value to researchers, as well as computers with subscription databases. The society’s efforts to inform and educate the community about the value of pursuing the study of genealogy would be severely limited if it could not rely on the support and dedication of these vital volunteers who keep the doors open on a consistent basis.

The members of the KCGS Library Team deserve being recognized with a WSGS Outstanding Team Award for making themselves available to the serious researcher and just curious; a personal service not found online.

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.

Veronica Anguiano Honored as 2015 Outstanding Volunteer

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 months, you will be introduced to each of the 2015 award recipients and learn why they received a 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Veronica Anguiano of Richland, Washington, who was nominated by the Tri-City Genealogical Society (TCGS). She was recognized for her commitment to researching and sharing information, even outside her local society.

Veronica Anguiano

Veronica Anguiano

Ms. Anguiano has distinguished herself in untiring support of the TCGS as its research chair and helping research Benton and Franklin county histories. Ms. Anguiano has responded willingly and efficiently to numerous requests for information from outside her local society.

Ms. Anguiano has become heavily involved in re-cataloging the TCGS library holdings so the holdings can be searched from the FamilySearch Library Catalog. As the holdings are re-cataloged, the new numbers are uploaded to the FamilySearch system, making them searchable from FamilySearch’s online site.

Ms. Anguiano is a respected and diligent member of the TCGS, and richly deserves 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.

Wanda Alderman Honored as 2015 Outstanding Volunteer

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 450 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 months, you will be introduced to each of the 2015 award recipients and learn why they received a 2015 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Wanda Burke Alderman of Steptoe, Washington, who was nominated by the Whitman County Genealogical Society (WCGS). She was recognized for her exceptional efforts to preserve important historic images and records in the Whitman County area.

Wanda Burke Alderman

Wanda Burke Alderman

Ms. Alderman has been instrumental in preserving the heritage of Whitman County for Washington State’s Rural Heritage Collection. Working with the Whitman County Library for more than six years, Ms. Alderman has located images, interviewed contributors, documented critical cataloging information, and provided community programs. Thanks in large part to her efforts, the collection now contains more than 3,000 images and is the most popular in Washington State averaging 4,500 site visits per month.

Ms. Alderman has also volunteered for Find a Grave for 14 years, inputting 1,240 grave entries for Bethel Cemetery at Steptoe, and has transcribed records for Washington State Digital Archives and donated time and resources to St. John Historical Society.

Ms. Alderman is a respected and diligent member of the WCGS, and richly deserves 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 Honors Eastern Washington Gen Society Members

by Charles Hansen

The Eastern Washington Genealogical Society boasts an awesome corps of folks who always and eagerly step up to do pretty much whatever needs to be done. EWGS is an awesome organization because of these good folks!

Three of these super volunteers are Mary Holcomb and Tony and Janette Birch. These EWGS members were honored at the September EWGS meeting when WSGS representative Charles Hanson presented them with certificates of appreciation…………… applause! applause!

WSGS extends this recognition honor opportunity to all genealogical societies within our area who wish to honor their volunteers with WSGS certificates of appreciation. Please visit our website (www.wasgs.org) for the application. Certificates will be presented at the WSGS annual meeting or if the honorees cannot attend, at their local society meeting.

(WSGS thanks member Roxanne Lowe for all her efforts with this project.)

 

Outstanding Volunteers and Teams Honored at State Conference

by Roxanne Lowe

Forty-six local genealogical society members were honored for their outstanding volunteerism at the WSGS Annual Conference in Ellensburg, Washington, on 27 June 2015. Nominated by their local societies, these individuals and teams spent countless hours supporting their local organizations, researching, cataloging, inventorying, teaching, and inspiring others. We are proud to announce the 2015 Outstanding Volunteer Awards:

Wanda Burke Alderman, Whitman County Genealogical Society, Region 6
Veronica Anguiano, Tri-City Genealogical Society, Region 6
Erik Bakke, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Beverly Bakos, Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island, Region 1
Margie Beldin, Tri-City Genealogical Society, Region 6
Janette and Tony Birch, Eastern WA Genealogical Society, Region 7
Susan Breshears Boatright, Yakima Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Marilyn Brown, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Dona Bubelis, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Jim Bull, Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society, Region 5
Betty Carrick, Wenatchee Area GS Website Team, Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society, Region 8
Mary Christensen, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Judy Clayton, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Linda Colton, Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society, Region 5
Christine Janet Kenck Courtright, Chelan Valley Genealogical Society, Region 8
Robert Edwards, Grays Harbor Genealogical Society, Region 3
Warren Fisk, Tacoma Pierce Co. Genealogical Society, Region 2
Tuck Forsythe, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Daniel P. Harmon, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Susan Hassemiller, Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society, Region 3
Mary Malone Holcomb, Eastern WA Genealogical Society, Region 7
J.C.Howard, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Fae Douglas Jacobs, Grays Harbor Genealogical Society, Region 3
Rose Anderson Janke, Lower Columbia Genealogical Society, Region 4
Kathy Kelly, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Julie Large, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Kathi McGinnes, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Delma Roloff McLean, Yakima Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Muriel S.Neely, Skagit Valley Genealogical Society, Region 1
Sylvia Nelson, Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society, Region 3
Diane Ulrich Partington, Skagit Valley Genealogical Society, Region 1
Elinor Perlich, Clark Co. Genealogical Society, Region 4
Brian Runyan, Clark Co. Genealogical Society, Region 4
Dave Sachi, Jefferson County Genealogical Society, Region 3
Karen Spellman, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Stillaguamish Conference Planning Team, Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society, Region 1
Mary Stolaas, Jefferson County Genealogical Society, Region 3
Mary Swartz, Wenatchee Area GS Website Team, Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society, Region 8
Larry Taylor, Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society, Region 1
Janice Weihs, Tacoma Pierce Co. Genealogical Society, Region 2
Bob Wieking, Kittitas County Library Team, Kittitas Co. Genealogical Society, Region 5
Charlotte Wixon, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Ann Wright, Seattle GS Library Team, Seattle Genealogical Society, Region 2
Mel and Marilyn Wright, Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island, Region 1

To read each individual’s accomplishments and why they were nominated, visit the Outstanding Volunteer Awards Program page.

For more information about the Outstanding Volunteer Awards Program, contact Roxanne Lowe at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.