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.

Kelly Clan Gathering

Media release

12 January 2015

Kelly’s eye up a return to Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland in May

The Kelly Clan are returning to Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland for the 11th Kelly Clan Gathering. The last time the Clan visited the lovely town of Westport was in 2003 when a most successful Gathering took place.

The International Gathering which is supported by Westport County Council takes place on the weekend of 15-17 May 2015 and will be at the 4 star family run Castlecourt Hotel. Guests are expected not only from Ireland, but USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Guatemala and the UK. 

Included in the weekend’s programme will be a tour of locations of Kelly interest including Burrishoole Abbey, St Patricks Church in Newport to view the Harry Clarke windows and Westport House, which has a strong Kelly connection. Among the speakers will be a local historian and the Clan’s Genetic Genealogist giving an update on the DNA programme. A 5-course Gala Dinner will be the highlight of the Saturday evening, where friends old and new will meet to the tune of local musicians.

Mary Kelly, one of the organisers and a spokesperson for the Association, says that although the weekend will be action-packed, the atmosphere is relaxed.  “It’s a real opportunity for people who have a genetic, historic and cultural link to meet and have a good time, in a great location, with the added benefit of learning about their ancestors, as well as meeting living relatives.”

Further information can be found on the Kelly Clan Website www.kellyclans.com  email clankellyinfo@gmail.com or phone Mary Kelly on + 353 (0)86 3296475.

ENDS

Note to editors:

The Kelly Clan Website  www.kellyclans.com

The Hotel Website: www.castlecourthotel.ie

American Profile: "Who Are You?"

Back in November 2014, what used to be the Parade Magazine which came in the Sunday paper, and is now the American Profile Magazine, ran a most interesting article.

"Who are YOU? it's simpler than ever to trace your family roots----and discover your true self."

Nancy Hendrickson wrote this article; she is an editor at Family Tree Magazine, one of the best genealogical magazines available to us.

That Sunday article outlined these two points for starting your search:

Step One:  Interview.... ask family members what they remember and write it all down. Ask them about old photos, birth announcements, newspaper clippings or military papers.

Step Two:  Boot up.............. once you've gathered the basics, "hit the Internet," searching Google and Facebook to connect with living relatives. Then to begin really growing your family tree, visit www.Ancestry.com or www.FamilySearch.org.

Henrickson then gave short synopses of several success stories where a mother had found a long lost son, an adopted lady was reunited with her family and a proud Cherokee heritage was discovered.

Why tell you about this today? You noted that Henrickson offered only two steps to success. Family history made easier if you begin with baby steps. And since it is so easy, it's easier than ever to find answers and new cousins.

Time to Select Your Outstanding Volunteers

Now is the time for genealogical organizations to select their local outstanding volunteers and teams so they can be honored at the WSGS Annual Meeting on June 27, 2015 in Ellensburg.

Each year, the State Society recognizes local volunteers and teams nominated by their society or organization at the annual conference. In 2014, almost 30 local volunteers and three teams from 19 organizations were recognized for their support and dedication to their society and the researching public.

The process for this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Award program is much like last year’s, with a special emphasis on team awards, as well as for individuals. In addition to the traditional Outstanding Volunteer Award program, in 2015, there will be three new recognition awards: Outstanding Project, Outstanding Communication, and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. Information about those awards will be forthcoming, but should not impact organizations’ nominations for their Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Letters to local societies and organizations, with additional details, will be mailed in early February, but societies are encouraged to begin their nomination process now. The milestones for this year’s nomination process are:

• No later than March 1, 2015: Submit the name(s) of your honorees to the Recognition Committee.
• May 1, 2015: Submit a narrative (approximately 150 words) explaining the accomplishments of your nominee and why you are honoring him/her/team. Include a good quality digital photograph (at least 300 dpi).
• June 27, 2015: Formal announcement and presentation of certificates at the State Conference in Ellensburg.

Additional details and deadlines, plus indexes and narratives of accomplishments of past honorees, since 2003, may be found at the Volunteer Awards section of the WSGS website.

Please contact Roxanne Lowe at roxanne@thekeeffes.com if you have questions or suggestions.

Sheldon Family Association Reunion Sacramento, California

Subject: Announcement: Sheldon Family Association

I am President of the Sheldon Family Association.I request that you
share this with your members:

The Sheldon Family Association will gather for the 76th Annual Meeting
and Reunion July 30- August 2 2015 atLaQuinta in Sacramento CA.Host
Betty Knopf will arrange lectures about Sheldon history and trips to
Sheldon sites.Information from the 121,000 descendant database will be
available.See our web site Sheldonfamilyv2.org <http://Sheldonfamilyv2.org>.

Our Sheldon history dates back to the 1600’s when Sheldon men John,
Isaac, John and Godfrey came to New England from southern England.We are
dedicated to the preservation of Sheldon history.

Jeanne A Jeffries

President

Box933

Walpole NH 03608

arnjeff@myfairpoint.net <mailto:arnjeff@myfairpoint.net>

603 756 2933

Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island Spring Seminar

This is the brochure for the Spring seminar April 25, 2015 at Freeland, Washington by the Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island. 

Click on the brochure for a larger view.

Dallas Genealogical Society 2015 Writing Contest

Click on the Press Release for a bigger copy.