Outstanding Volunteers Moving to WSGS Blog

In the effort to concentrate the WSGS's visibility in one place, the weekly postings featuring a 2014 recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award are moving to the WSGS Blog. Head on over there to see who earned an award last year.

More and more content will migrate to the WSGS blog, so don't miss out! Subscribe to a blog reader today! 

Doreen Johnson Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Doreen Quayle Johnson of Greenbank, who was nominated by the Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island (GSSWI).  She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the GSSWI.

Ms. Johnson has been an indispensable member of the GSSWI for more than ten years. She used her extensive genealogical knowledge and skill for numerous presentations to the society, the community, and interest groups. She also was the society’s computing expert, leading basic computing classes and visiting members’ homes for hands-on help.

One of Ms. Johnson’s largest projects enabled more than 23,000 Island County obituaries to be available on the society’s website. Ms. Johnson was perhaps best known for the excellent GSSWI newsletter that she published for several years.

 

Ms. Johnson has now moved from the area for more travel and genealogical research. The GSSWI greatly miss her knowledge, willingness, and cheery disposition. All of her accomplishments and contributions proved that she deserved to be 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.

Darrell Hill Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Darrell Hill of The Dalles, Oregon, who was nominated by the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society (CGGS).  He was recognized for his leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the CCGS.

Since joining the CGGS in the early 1990s, Mr. Hill has distinguished himself in his untiring support of the society, which serves counties along the Columbia River in both Oregon and Washington.  He has served as President, as well as a board member for many years. Most recently, he served as membership committee chair from 2011 until 2013. 

Mr. Hill has contributed many hours to specials projects. In 2012, he helped inventory and catalog The Discovery Center Library collection which focused on local history and genealogy.

Mr. Hill’s life has been devoted to public service.  As a law enforcement officer, he served as Chief of Police for the city of The Dalles, then as the Sheriff of Wasco County, Oregon. He also served his community as a member and President of The Dalles Chamber of Commerce. 

Mr. Hill’s service to the CGGS and the local Columbia Gorge communities proved he richly deserved to be 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.

Dee Hill Named 2014 Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Darleena “Dee” Hill of The Dalles, Oregon, who was nominated by the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society (CGGS).  She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the CCGS.

Ms. Hill distinguished herself in her dedicated volunteerism to the CGGS, which serves counties along the Columbia River in both Oregon and Washington.  Ms. Hill has served as the society’s Secretary/Treasurer. She also applied her administrative and accounting abilities to conduct audits and file the state-mandated reports required for non-profit organizations. Ms. Hill also managed the CGGS’s publications sales program, which involved maintaining the inventory of master documents, getting the documents reproduced, and completing the necessary shipping and billing. Ms. Hill has served as a board member for many years and made a significant contribution to the management of the CGGS.

A member of the CGGS for more than 20 years, Ms. Hill distinguished herself in her untiring support of the society, and proved that she richly deserved to be 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.

Kay Grant Named 2014 Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Kay H. Grant of Bainbridge Island who was nominated by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS).  She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the BIGS.

 

Ms. Grant, an avid family historian,  has been a member of the BIGS Board of Directors serving as treasurer, now in her fourth consecutive term.  Her collaborative approach and reasoned thinking make her an integral member of the team. Her “big picture perspective” has been critical in defining and refining the BIGS’ goals to best support its membership.

 

Ms. Grant has always been a team player, helping with whatever was needed.  She led BIGS’ nominating committee for its annual election two years in a row and often represented the society at public events.  In addition to her work for BIGS, she also has volunteered at the local Family History Center, further supporting the local genealogy community. 

 

Ms. Grant has been an invaluable resource to the BIGS’ board and entire organization and proved that she richly deserved to be 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.

Jefferson County Obituary Team Named Outstanding Volunteers

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 months, 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 one of the local teams that was awarded an Outstanding Volunteer Award: the Jefferson County Obituary Team. The team, which included Lora Eccles and Barbara Larsen, was nominated by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS).  They were recognized for spending hundreds of hours ensuring the accuracy of more than 23,000 obituaries in the JCGS obituary files.

 

The JCGS has long maintained an obituary file, from published obituaries in local newspapers from 1889 to present, with a few papers as far back as the 1870s and 1880s. Over the years, many of the entries had become duplicative, as well as some not on the page indicated in the index.

 

When Ms. Eccles and Ms. Larsen became the Obituaries’ Correction Team, they painstakingly matched each entry, page by page, to the index, as well as  removed the duplicate copies. There are 23,000 names in the files, so the project took much longer to complete than originally planned. The project will be competed by the end of the year.

Ms. Eccles’ and Ms. Larsen’s dedication to this project and attention to detail ensured a reliable, accurate source of obituaries. They richly deserved receiving 2014 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.

 

Gwen Earley Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Gwendolyn James Earley who was nominated by the Chelan Valley Genealogical Society (CVGS).  She was recognized for her exceptional leadership to support the goals and operation of the CVGS.
 

Several years ago the City of Chelan's library was so overcrowded, CVGS was asked to remove its books and materials, dispersing everything to various members’ homes. Ms. Earley, owner/manager of Company 107, a local high-quality men’s clothing store, and the daughter of a CVGS member, helped the society regain prestige by inviting them to participate in the downtown sales promotion called “First Friday.” With Ms. Earley’s optimistic support, CVGS members staffed a table monthly during the event to encourage family history research.

 

Ms. Earley also helped CVGS establish a Facebook presence to announce their meetings and services. The society has now regained its presence at the new Chelan Community Library, and its meetings are well-attended.

 

Ms. Earley’s enthusiastic promotional efforts were much appreciated by the CVGS and she certainly deserved the 2014 Outstanding Volunteer Award.


Fore 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.
 

Janet Damm Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Janet Margolis Damm who was nominated by the Whitman County Genealogical Society (WCGS).  She was recognized for her exceptional leadership to support the goals and operation of the WCGS.

Ms. Damm has been a member of the WCGS since its beginning in 1984.  She first served as historian and publicity chair, then elected librarian in 2005.  Former librarians had begun the process of cataloging the society’s 300+ acquisitions of books, with boxes yet to be processed.  Over the next eight years, Ms. Damm caught up with the backlog, while cataloging new books as acquired by the society. Upon completion of the inventory, WCGS members were each given a copy of the holdings book of nearly 1,000 titles.

Ms. Damm has self-published three surname books and a query book.  She also compiled “Germans from Russia, Index of Naturalization Records in Whitman County, Washington 1860-1942.”

Ms. Damm has always been willing to help and support any project, activity or program the WCGS has undertaken and richly deserved the 2014 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.

  

Stephen Cornick Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Stephen Roe Cornick was nominated by the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS).  He was recognized for his exceptional leadership to support the goals and operation of the Clark County Genealogical Society (CCGS).

Mr. Cornick has been an active member of the CCGS for over eight years. He is their immediate Past President, having served as President for four years prior to which he served as Secretary to the Board of Directors for two years.

Mr. Cornick was called on by the CCGS to reshape a dysfunctional organization which was trying to recover from an exodus of approximately 300 members in a short period of time. He commenced a redefinition in leadership roles, redefined the Board from being discrete role players to being part of a super-management team. He also broke through the protocol that caused some members to suppress their opinions or suggestions for fear of offending each other.

Mr. Cornick also revised the CCGS annual fund appeal, resulting in a nearly 100 percent increase in support from the membership. As a result of his leadership efforts, he richly deserved the 2014 Outstanding Volunteer Award.

 

Pamela Ann Morrow Chilton Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Pamela Ann Morrow Chilton of Longview who was nominated by the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society (LCGS).  She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the LCGS.

Ms. Chilton is a dedicated member of her local society, as well as the Washington State Genealogical Society (WSGS) where she was a founding and lifetime member.

Ms. Chilton is also extremely committed to the LCGS. She has served as President for two terms and started the custom of monthly genealogical presentations at their meetings, as well as giving educational programs herself. She has served on the LCGS Board of Directors for three years, and was a key organizer for the WSGS Conference in Kelso in 1986. In addition, she spearheaded a project to identify every burial location in Cowlitz County and was instrumental in its publication.

Ms. Chilton follows-through with every project she tackles. She works well with other team members and provides good direction and leadership.  She practices excellent research techniques and is always eager to share her knowledge. As a result, she richly deserved to be a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

 

Janet Camarata Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Janet Camarata of Renton who was nominated by the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She was recognized for her dedication to furthering the quality of genealogical education in Washington State and furthering the goals and operation of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (PS-APG).
 
Ms. Camarata is the co-founder of the Genealogy Training Center LLC where the goal is to provide quality genealogy classes from basic to advanced using a hands-on method of teaching as well as keeping up with changing genealogy research and technology. Besides being a member of the PS-APG, Ms. Camarata is the program facilitator of the speakers’ forum, an interest group of the PS-APG.

Ms. Camarata graduated from the University of Washington’s Genealogy and Family History program in 2010. She has a BA in Education from Central Washington University and MA degree in Management from Antioch University. She also presenting a workshop at the Washington State Genealogy Conference in Arlington in August 2014.

Her contributions to the PS-APG and the field of genealogy illustrate that she richly deserved to be 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.

Ruth Caesar Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, 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 Ruth Caesar who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society. She was recognized for her leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS).

In her second term as President of the SVGS, Ms. Caesar is a firm believer that excellence can be obtained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible. She channels the talents of her membership allowing them to reach for the stars.

Under her leadership, the Stillygen.org website was overhauled, ensured the Stillaguamish Valley Early Schools books got to press, and secured grants to keep the SVGS running. As chair of the Washington State Genealogy Conference planning committee, she kept the ball rolling even though her whole world changed on Saturday, March 22, 2014, when the Oso mudslide careened through her area.

Even the devastating mudslide did not stop her leadership and guidance to ensure a successful conference. As a result, she richly deserved to be 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.

 

Patrick Bundy Named Outstanding Volunteer

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 months, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Patrick James Bundy of Yakima was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society for a 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award. He was recognized for his leader­ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the society.

 A 30-year member of YVGS, Mr. Bundy has served in a number of society capacities. He is currently Vice-President and program chair, as well as handling the duties of publicity.  In the early years of YVGS, he served as Recording Secretary and President. Mr. Bundy is also on a three-person board for the expansive YVGS library, and is in charge of book binding.

 Mr. Bundy was instrumental in developing a library affiliation with the Genealogical Society of Utah Affiliate Library Program in Salt Lake City. 

 Besides his many activities with the YVGS, he is also active in the Washington State Genealogical Society, currently serving as historian. As a result of his many and varied activities, he richly deserved to be a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page at the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at roxanne@thekeeffes.com.