Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

Jill Morelli Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jill Morelli of Seattle, Washington, who was nominated by the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (PS-APG).

Jill’s genealogical journey began with “Roots” from the 1970s. It really took off after completing a University of Washington certificate course, which led to the ProGen 19 study group. Along the way, Jill attended numerous national conferences and multiple genealogical institutes. She became a Certified Genealogist (CG) and later a Certified Genealogical Lecturer (CGL). Jill is a past president of the Seattle Genealogical Society, blogger for more than a decade, and co-founder of the Applied Genealogy Institute.

Jill joined the PS-APG in 2014. During 2018-19, the chapter nearly folded due to ailing attendance at onsite meetings. In 2020, chapter meetings went virtual and Jill volunteered to recruit interesting and notable speakers. Her efforts culminated in 2022 when the PS-APG chapter received the “Golden Chapter” award for the most improved APG chapter.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Bob Monn Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Bob Monn of Olympia, Washington, who was nominated by the Olympia Genealogical Society (OGS).

Joining OGS in 2015, Bob accepted the position of membership lead in 2017. Not only tracking membership and dues, he quickly began suggesting ways to improve the processes of joining and renewing membership and ways to attract new members.

In 2018, Bob took leadership in building OGS a comprehensive new website, adding new features such as a membership directory, access to the library directory, electronic registration for events, and PayPal for payments and contributions. He has been persistent in leading OGS to make use of new technologies to improve and streamline many operations, clearly teaching and gently leading those stuck in old methods and practices.

Working quietly behind the scenes, Bob’s contributions benefit the work of secretary, treasurer, board, newsletter team, publicist, program team, special interest groups, and every aspect of society business practices. With humor and professionalism, he helps OGS to better serve its members and community.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Janice Moerschel Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Janice Moerschel of Spokane, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS).

For several years Janice has continually chaired a special software interest group, The Ancestry Group (TAG). She invites presenters and develops content for the monthly meetings that she initially provided with her personal Zoom account. As an important follow-up to each meeting, she provides group members with a detailed summary of the various concepts that were covered. Also, if there is a question on the society’s Facebook page about Ancestry software, Janice is quick to reply.

 Janice shepherds the EWGS annual Writing Contest from topic selection, collecting entries and forming a judging committee.  As coordinator for Digital Digest, EWGS’s quarterly periodical, Janice has an integral role in providing invaluable support to the editor by soliciting articles, sharing ideas, providing content, and giving feedback during their many collaborations.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Sue McNeil Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Sue McNeil, Washington, who was nominated by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS).

Sue is currently a volunteer librarian at SVGS. She also serves as the SVGS webmaster (a board position), working with our webpages, other web-related activities, as well as emailing meeting notices and other important information to the membership. This past year, she was also the featured speaker at a number of educational presentations for SVGS.

Prior to the Covid outbreak, Sue’s involvement in the Northwest Genealogical Conferences was integral to their success. She spearheaded the designing and ordering of banners and printed materials such as flyers, brochures, postcards, and the all-important syllabus.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subj

Glen McNay Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Glen McNay of North Bend, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS).

Glen has been a generous volunteer to EGS with time and talent. This year Glen took on the treasurer position mid-year. He updated the financial report, clarified the on-line donation process and worked with board members on a new deposit process. Glen took on these new duties while he was already performing the webmaster duties. As webmaster, Glen continued to update the EGS website. He also implemented Google Workspace and trained board members on its use.

Glen creates and runs the announcement slides for EGS monthly meetings and often volunteers for those extra jobs. As an EGS member, Glen participates in society activities engaging the wider community. He actively welcomes and advises the new attendees. His contributions at board meetings are thoughtful. He has expertise in computers that he shares with board members.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Jo Linker Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jo Linker of Aberdeen, Washington, who was nominated by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS).

In 2010, Jo Linker became one of eight new members in Grays Harbor Genealogy Society. Today, she is the only one of those eight who is still active!

Jo works behind the scenes for the good of the society – providing refreshments for meetings, volunteering for special projects, and helping others at the Genealogy Café. In 2013 Jo was part of a committee that organized a successful workshop featuring expert genealogist and popular lecturer Mary Kathryn Kozy. In 2015 and 2016, she served as a trustee.

Jo’s biggest contribution, however, has been as treasurer. In late 2015, the society’s longtime treasurer passed away leaving a huge void and a position no one wanted. Jo stepped up and has held the position for seven years. She has attended a number of statewide and regional genealogy conferences to hone her skills and stay current in the genealogy field.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Linda Swank Lantis Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Linda Swank Lantis of Yakima, Washington, who was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS).

In 2005, Linda became a member of YVGS and has been an invaluable member ever since.

A semi-annual yard sale is the library’s primary fundraiser and Linda organizes the donated items along with Patricia Hert.  Linda schedules volunteer workers and the food donated during the week for the workers.  During Covid, Linda and Patricia kept the grounds around the library presentable by mowing the lawn, pulling and spraying weeds.

Linda served as past secretary of YVGS and has been an active librarian. This past spring, because of her experience, workmanship and excellent leadership, Linda was elected head librarian delegating librarians, training and keeping up with the abundance of donated books in a timely manner.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Winona Hahn Laird Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Winona Hahn Laird of Kent, Washington, who was nominated by the South King County Genealogical Society (SKCGS).

Winona is being honored for the effort she put into creating and teaching beginning genealogy classes for SKCGS in 2023. The society experienced a 25 percent increase in membership directly attributable to her classes.

Winona also has served as president and vice president of SKCGS and on numerous committees, including chair of the last two seminar committees, and head of the education committee and the five-year planning committee. Currently she runs the virtual Family Tree Maker Special Interest Group and the in-person Research Workshop at the Kent Family Search Center (FSC). She has also been group liaison for the Family Search Center.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Russell Kruse Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Russell Kruse of Yakima, Washington, who was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS).

Russell became interested in genealogy and became a member of YVGS in 2011.  He actively volunteers when a maintenance issue arises.

Russell has been very active in multiple activities working on the semi-annual yard sale with other members transporting discarded items from church yard sales to the YVGS storage garage and setting up, selling and cleaning up at the end of the sale.  Russell oversees the recycling project for the YVGS library loading up the recyclable items each week and hauling them to the recycler — an invaluable task. 

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Lynn Krogh Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2023

by Roxanne Lowe

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 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 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Lynn Krogh of Spokane, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS).

Lynn joined EWGS about five years ago, and soon after was on the Ways and Means committee. This committee does the raffles at each meeting and the door prizes at our seminars. Lynn is now the committee chair of the Ways and Means committee. She picked raffle and door prizes that matched the topic of the monthly meeting or seminars. She also held a silent auction of donated items and raised almost $900.

Lynn is now on the program committee and sends out the blast e-mails announcing the upcoming meetings and seminars. She was also the EWGS NGS representative. during Covid, and kept EWGS current on what was happening at NGS.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.