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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Janet Stroebel of Indianapolis, Indiana, who was nominated by the Eastside Genealogical Society.

Janet joined EGS in 2013 and has quietly but strongly supported the society from day one. Being an organized, detail-oriented person (which makes her a great researcher in the genealogical field), Janet has stepped up to help the organization grow and diversify.  She has served on the EGS board both as the secretary and the treasurer, thus making her part of the idea sharing, planning, and expanding reach of EGS.

Often behind the scenes, Janet sees needs and acts on them. When the leader of the Family Tree Maker SIG moved from the area, Janet accepted leadership of the group.  As the society’s help desk efforts often included questions on using Ancestry, Janet volunteered to host a Q&A Ancestry help session monthly at the public library.  As COVID restricted activities, Janet went online with her Ancestry help desk activities. 

Bringing EGS forward into the social media world, Janet established their Facebook group and acted as its administrator. Again, without fanfare, she moderated the Facebook page, posted announcements, and shared information.  In so many ways, from supporting the computer SIG, to being the NGS representative for EGS, to amending the bylaws to conform to recent changes in the state law governing non-profit organizations, Janet has helped EGS grow and embrace change. She has been an outstanding example to all.

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.

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 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Dorothy Pretare of Renton, Washington, who was nominated by the Eastside Genealogical Society (EGS).

Having been a member of EGS since 2003, Dorothy came to her first meeting as a beginning genealogist. Now, almost 20 years later, she has grown both as a researcher and a valued member of the society.   

Shortly after joining EGS, Dorothy also joined the German Interest Group (GIG) and has remained active in both EGS and the GIG. She served on the EGS board for about 12 years as the publicity chair. Her untiring efforts to spread information about EGS meetings and genealogy in general have earned her the respect of her colleagues. 

Stepping down from the EGS board, only to step up to the leadership of the GIG in 2016, Dorothy continues to serve the members and the community.  Under her leadership and despite COVID restrictions and meetings moving to Zoom only, the GIG has continued strong and even grown in membership. Dorothy encourages the GIG attendees to join EGS and leads by example through attending the EGS meetings herself regularly. 

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.

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 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

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

Celia has served for four years (2016-2020) as the president of the EGS, and continues to be the driving force behind the recruitment of new members. She also has fostered closer relationships with other local, regional and national genealogical societies and organizations and participated in outreach meetings with the public at large.

She spearheaded the digitization of the paper records of the EGS including newsletters and minutes so that the society’s history is both preserved and accessible for the future.

Celia organized highly successful week-long research trips to the Family History Library in Salt Lake for EGS members in 2018 and 2019. Only COVID prevented a third such research trip in 2020.

Here, closer to home, Celia has been a speaker in both genealogical workshops and genealogy classes for the Bellevue Regional Library both in person and later on Zoom. She continues to serve actively in the society as a member of the nomination committee and the membership committee chair. Celia is very personable and a dedicated genealogist, generous with her time and always willing to assist others. Not surprisingly she is active in her local FHC as well. She is an outstanding volunteer with a special grace and a smile.

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.