Christine Courtright Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

Feb10 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 Christine Janet Kenck Courtright of Manson, Washington, who was nominated by the Chelan Valley Genealogical Society (CVGS). She was recognized for her enthusiastic, dedicated volunteer efforts. Ms Courtright is currently the President and newsletter editor of CVGS.

Christine Courtright

A nine-year member of CVGS, Ms. Courtright recognized the importance of having a permanent place to interest, motivate, and help those interested in genealogy and family history. As CVGS’s representative to the local Friends of the Library Committee, Ms. Courtright established a good working relationship with the committee, and requested a space for CVGS when the new Chelan Community Library was built. She also encouraged her Society to donate $1,000 to the Library Building Fund. Once CVGS’s space in the new library was established, Ms. Courtright used her planning and decorating skills to make the new permanent home of the CVGS an appealing area to learn about genealogy and family history.

Ms. Courtright’s dedication and commitment 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.

Northwest Genealogy Conference Newsflash

Feb8 by Charles Hansen

Several board members from the Washington State Genealogical Society attended the RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City last week. I missed a photo of Janet and Mikal McKinnon but did get Melonie Liening and me (need to practice my selfie techniques!):

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On the Societies Table at the FGS booth, I spotted colorful flyers for the Northwest Genealogy Conference to be held in Arlington, 17-20 August 2016.

Stilly

Great to see Washington’s genealogical doings so nicely represented. There could have been flyers from ANY genealogical society in the country…… just saying. Some 30,000 people attended RootsTech this year; next year’s dates are 8-11 February. YOU might want to start saving dollars in an empty mayo jar to you can attend…….. or at least send some of your society’s flyers??

Back to the Northwest Genealogy Conference, for more information click to www.NwGC.org.

Please don’t let this scare you off, but I was selected to give two presentations and I’m excited.

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

Feb5 by Roxanne Lowe

The 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

Feb4 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

Bend Genealogical Society 2016 Spring Seminar

Feb3 by Charles Hansen

Bend

Saturday April 23 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM at the Bend Golf and Country Club

Continue reading →

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON’S Wednesday Evening E-News

Feb3 by Charles Hansen

GenForum

THE GENEALOGICAL FORUM OF OREGON’S Wednesday Evening E-News

3 February 2016

For more information visit www.gfo.org, contact us at info@gfo.org, or call our library at 503-963-1932. We love hearing from you!

For a complete GFO CALENDAR go to www.gfo.org/calendar.htm.

Also, if you missed your free copy of last month’s newletter, the Insider, you’re in luck because we saved you a copy at http://www.gfo.org/insider/16-Feb.pdf. Look for the April 2016 Insider coming out next month. Check our website for the link on our Newsletter page.

Global RootsTech Conference Announces Free Online Broadcast Schedule
Continue reading →

Linda Colton Named Outstanding Volunteer in 2015

Feb3 by Roxanne Lowe

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

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.

Seattle Genealogical Society Tip of the Week

Feb3 by Charles Hansen

Seattle

TIP OF THE WEEK

Here’s a simple tip. If your ancestor’s name does not sound like it is spelled then uncheck the “Soundex” and “Sounds Like” options on the search forms you are using.

Seattle Genealogical Society News

Feb3 by Charles Hansen

Seattle

SGS DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the creation of a new position, SGS Director of Technology. This position will be responsible for the following areas: 1.all components of the SGS Library In-House I. T. needs;
2.the SGS website; and
3.SGS’s growing social media presence.
Adding this position to the Board of Directors will require changes to our Bylaws, which specifically name each officer and director, and list their responsibilities. These changes will be on the SGS ballot in March, and the Director of Technology will not become a Board position until June 1. In the meantime, SGS member Lisa Chan has been appointed Interim Director of Technology, and she’s already hard at work.

Lisa has over 20 years of experience in information technology, including website design and management, managing computer library assets, and training others in the use of new technologies. We are excited by the possibilities under Lisa’s leadership.

If you have expertise in any of the areas above and would like to join the team, please contact Lisa at lisachansgs@gmail.com Continue reading →

Kittitas County Gen Soc Newsflash

Jan30 by Charles Hansen

KCGS_logo

Participate in the KCGSprogram on Feb 1^st…….. SHARE&TELL

Ya’all are the program for Feb 1, 2016 at the 7:00 genealogy meeting. Place is 413 N. Main St, Suite L, Ellensburg WA

A newer member Ann Bergstrom (AnnBergstrom1@icloud.com or 415-302-6223) just listed her family interests:

HICKS – Ellensburg

KING & O’MEARA — Grant & Benton Co WA

Come meet Ann on Monday, Feb 1^st!