Tag Archives: Washington State Genealogical Society

WSGS Board Working for You

by Roxanne Lowe

President Virginia Majewski, Past President Mikal McKinnon and Secretary Karen Coppernoll

WSGS Board planning session

The WSGS Board of Directors recently held a planning retreat, coupled with their quarterly board meeting. After Past President Mikal McKinnon passed the gavel to Virginia Majewski, the board launched into an earnest discussion about short- and long-term goals and implementing ideas to increase our visibility and improve communication with local societies, individual members and genealogy/history partners.

Numerous ideas and projects were bandied around, many improving and crystallizing as members voiced their opinions. Some projects, such as the Pioneer and First Citizen Program, will benefit from increased emphasis and exposure. There was also much discussion about how to provide additional services and assistance to local societies. More ideas from societies and individuals are always welcome — just contact any board member.

The minutes of the meetings will be posted in the Members’ Only area of the WSGS website once they’re complete.

The board meetings are open to all WSGS members. The next meeting will be Friday, April 21 at the YVGS Library in Union Gap. For more information about WSGS and/or the board of directors, contact President Virginia Majewski.

Front: Donna Phillips, Diane Huckabay, Virginia Majewski, Karin Coppernoll. Middle: Kathy Sizer, Opal Myhres, Patrick Bundy, Patty Olsen, Roxanne Lowe. Back: Frank McLean, Sue Ericksen, Charles Hansen, Janet McKinnon, Mikal McKinnon, Melonie Liening

Gail Porter Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 next few months, you will be introduced to each of last year’s award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Gail Porter

Today we’re introducing Gail Porter of Port Angeles, Washington, who was nominated by the Clallam County Genealogical Society (CCGS). She was recognized for her enthusiasm and willingness to take on challenging projects.

Although Ms. Porter has been the CCGS treasurer for five years, in 2016 she undertook the project of organizing the genealogies of the Clallam County pioneer families. This was no small project as there were more than 200 pioneer families and she had to sort through a hodgepodge of information. Using her organizational skills, she sorted them by family groups and is now in the process of indexing the information for inclusion on the CCGS web page. She has spent an average of 40 hours a week over the past eight months on this project.

Ms. Porter also makes herself available to all comers seeking assistance with their personal family genealogies, devoting many hours and donating her fees back to the society. This commitment to the CCGS and field of genealogy illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 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.

Patricia Olsen Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Patricia Olsen

Today we’re introducing Patricia Olsen of Chehalis, Washington, who was nominated by the Lewis County Genealogical Society (LCGS). She was recognized for her commitment to provide quality educational programs for the society.

For the past two years, Ms. Olsen has single-handedly arranged for meeting program speakers with no assistance. Traveling to various genealogical events around Washington and Oregon so she is up-to-date on new research techniques, technologies, databases, and presenters, she evaluated speakers and subjects based on what she thought would be the most popular and useful to the LCGS’s members. After agreement by the society, she would finalize arrangements, including logistics, resulting in a diverse group of speakers and topics.

Ms. Olsen’s attention to detail and commitment to educating LCGS’s members in the field of genealogy illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 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.

Sue Rogers Kreikemeier Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Sue Rogers Kreikemeier

Today we’re introducing Sue Rogers Kreikemeier of Garfield, Washington, who was nominated by the Whitman County Genealogical Society (WCGS). She was recognized for her many years of dedicated service to the society.

Ms. Kreikemeier first became interested in genealogy while still small enough to perch on her Grandma Rogers’ knee, listening intently as her grandma told wonderful stories about their large extended family. While a relative newcomer to Whitman County, having arrived in 1977, Ms. Kreikemeier delights in learning about local families and their histories on the Palouse. Since joining WCGS in 2008, she has served as president (since 2011), program chair and become involved in planning programs and seminars.

Ms. Kreikemeier finds delight in connecting with anyone interested in genealogy and engaging them in the activities of WCGS. Her humor, laughter, and can-do attitude bring joy to all around her and illustrate that she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 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.

Rebecca Judd Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Rebecca Judd

Today we’re introducing Rebecca Judd from the Bainbridge Island Branch of the Kitsap Regional Library. Rebecca was nominated by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS). She was recognized for her long-standing and consistent support of BIGS.

Ms. Judd is the manager of the Bainbridge Island Branch of the Kitsap Regional Library, where BIGS holds most of its meetings. Ms. Judd worked with library staff to refer genealogical research questions to BIGS throughout the year. She partnered with BIGS to host an open house for three consecutive years to celebrate Family History month, encouraging members of the public to come to the library to spend time with a BIGS mentor.

Last year, Ms. Judd suggested a partnership with BIGS for a “Book-a-Genealogist” program for Family History month where members of the public could schedule time to meet with a BIGS mentor at the library during the month. Ms. Judd and her staff managed publicity, referred calls and helped arrange meeting spaces.

Ms. Judd’s commitment to a continued partnership with BIGS to educate the public about genealogy prove she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 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.

Diane Huckabay Named to WSGS Board

by Roxanne Lowe

Diane Huckabay

Diane Huckabay of Ellensburg has been appointed the WSGS Education and Outreach Chair by President Virginia Majewski. Diane, a past president of the Kittitas County Genealogical Society, will assist and support Regional Representatives and local societies in promoting genealogy in Washington State.

Diane will be featured in a future “Meet the Board” story. Welcome to the Board, Diane!

Barbara Jeanne Gorham Johnson Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Barbara Jeanne Gorham Johnson

Today we’re introducing Barbara Jeanne Gorham Johnson of Sedro Woolley, Washington, who was nominated by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for the organizational skills she willingly exhibits and shares at the local society.

Ms. Johnson is an active member of the SVGS known for her teaching expertise, most recently in the emerging, complex field of genealogical DNA. She has shared her DNA interest at society programs and as a lecturer at other seminars. She has served as SVGS vice president and secretary, spending eight years on the board of directors. In addition, she has been an active member of the seminar planning committee for several years, including being chair of the successful 2015 event.

Ms. Johnson is a true example of what an outstanding volunteer is, and richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 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.

Cynthia Savage Harris Awarded 2016 Outstanding Volunteer Honor

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized almost 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 2016 award recipients and learn why they received the 2016 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Cynthia Savage Harris

Today we’re introducing Cynthia Savage Harris, of Bellingham, Washington, who was nominated by the Whatcom Genealogical Society (WGS). She was recognized for sharing her tireless and innovative energies to educate the local society’s members and those interested in genealogy.

Using her innovative resourcefulness as education chair, Ms. Harris has produced educational and entertaining programs for the local society’s meetings for the past four years. She has also been in the forefront of organizing their annual genealogical conference. The programs have helped the WCGS grow by attracting many new members.

Ms. Harris’s pleasant attitude and dedication to the WGS’s projects are appreciated by all its members, and prove she richly deserved being a recipient of a 2016 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.