Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

CCGS Nomination Team Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Teams in 2024

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 2024 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the CCGS’s Nomination Team who was selected by the Clallam County Genealogical Society as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Jackie Jardine, Pricilla Hudson and Carol Colman.

Finding members of genealogical societies willing to serve on the Board is always a difficult undertaking. Before our election for the CCGS Board of Directors, the members who volunteered to be on the nominating committee called every person on the membership list, asking if they would serve. They also asked for input as to how we could better serve them. These one-on-one conversations brought many suggestions and concerns, as well as reminding members that we are a caring and active Society, and they have chosen to be a part of it.

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.

Diane Carter Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

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 2024 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Diane Huntley Carter of Aberdeen, Washington who was selected by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Diane, a longtime professor of life sciences, has worn many hats in her retirement years. She was past president of the North Beach Genealogy Society at Ocean Shores before joining GHGS in 2016. She currently serves as first vice president and is a knowledgeable resource for new leaders.

Diane is also an engaging public speaker who has helped train the membership on how to understand DNA results in researching family history.

Diane’s primary focus, though, is with the Robert Gray chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Diane serves as its Registrar, a position that requires much time, energy, and focus to help potential members prove their lineage to an American patriot.

Diane is also a promoter of family history to the public at large. She’s a regular guest on Timber Country radio in Aberdeen, where she uses her wit and intelligence to talk about local topics, including happenings with GHGS and DAR.

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.

Dan Caesar Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

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 2024 award recipients and learn why they received the a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Dan Caesar of Arlington, Washington who was selected by the Stillguamish Valley Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Dan fills many roles as a volunteer. He is a major contributor as a landscaper/ groundskeeper: helping mow lawns, filling potholes and disposing of the yard waste collected. He acts as one of SVGS’s maintenance men: repairing equipment, painting, repairing directional signage. Additionally, he recently began picking up, delivering and installing new bookcases as the library collection expands. He has been instrumental in erecting tents for activities such as the Arlington Street Fair and the Annual BBQ, as well as moving tables and chairs for those events.

Dan is also the Grill-master “Extraordinaire” for SVGS’s annual summer BBQ. Not only does he do the grilling, he brings the supplies, including the grill. He is truly a veritable jack-of-all-trades and SVGS is very fortunate to have him as a volunteer.

In recognition of his years of untiring work on behalf of SVGS, Dan was recently awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership. He not only makes the society run more smoothly, he also makes the gatherings more fun.

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.

Larry Ball Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

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 2024 award recipients and learn why they received the a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Larry Ball of Yakima, Washington who was selected by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Larry joined YVGS five years ago and is an invaluable member performing many maintenance tasks. With his electrical skills, he does electrical repairs at the YVGS library. He helps the outside appearance of the library by disposing of the yard waste (brush, tree limbs, grass clippings). He assisted in painting the parking stall strips in the parking lot. Larry also stepped up using a scissor-lift to clean all the ceiling lights of insects and dust in the library.

Larry helps with the transportation of yard sale items from two local churches back to the YVGS lot in preparation for two yard sales held each year, selling items and with cleanup after each sale. He helps with delivery of YVGS large sale items to customers unable to haul by themselves.

When the maintenance committee needs help, Larry is right there willing to assist. Recently, he assisted in making bookshelves in the library’s extended book storage room.

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.

Brenda Goddard Arambul Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2024

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 2024 award recipients and learn why they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Brenda Goddard Arambul of Yakima, Washington who was selected by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Brenda joined the YVGS six years ago. She is a dependable, hard worker, assisting with tables of Christmas items at the two yearly yard sales.

During the Christmas season, Brenda has assisted in the Christmas tree decoration for “Holiday Lights,” displays of nonprofit groups from the Yakima area held in the Yakima Valley Museum. Each Christmas display is judged by the public by inserting a ticket in each participant’s private box.

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.

2024 Outstanding Volunteer and Team Awards Announced

by Roxanne Lowe

Congratulations to the amazing individuals and teams who contributed to Washington’s local societies. The announcement was made on Friday, August 30, at the WSGS Annual Meeting. Fifteen local society members and six teams (with 45 volunteers) were recognized with Outstanding Volunteer and Team awards. The volunteers and teams were praised for their commitment and energies to promote their local societies, family history and cooperation in their local communities.

Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society

  • David Cosman
  • Susan Palmer

Clallam County Genealogical Society

  • Paul Wessel
  • Nomination Team (Jackie Jardine, Pricilla Hudson, Carol Colman)

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society

  • Kelly Martin
  • Donna Potter Phillips
  • Audio Visual Team (Dan Cotton, Julie Rosenhoff, Ron Marvin, John Wilson, Duane Beck)

Eastside Genealogical Society

  • Help Desk (Helen Carlson, Robert Barnes, Jane Wickert)

Grays Harbor Genealogical Society

  • Diane Huntley Carter

Jefferson County Genealogical Society

  • Research Center (Pam Wilson, Dave Sachi, Eileen Martin, Harlean Hamilton, Marge Samuelson, Mary Stolaas, Pam Stinson, Cathy Beatty-O’Shea, Kathie Wilkinson, Geri Eekhoff, Elaine Raymond, Ada Kornmeyer, Bobbee Davidson,
    Sue Atkin, Gene Nelson, Kathy Pool

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society

  • Connie Timperley Davis

Seattle Genealogical Society

  • James A. Secan

Skagit Valley Genealogical Society

  • Hawthorne Cemetery Readers (Sylvia Ammons, Dottie  Chandler, Karen  Strelow, Carol  Nersten, Barbara  Johnson, Rene  Vance, Dan  Royal, Margie  Wilson, Bill  Cayford, Patty Gowler, Judy Hakins, Margie  Lauer, Linda  Holland

Sno-Isle Genealogical Society

  • Jerald Rogers

South King County Genealogical Society

  • Publicity Team (Tina Lawson, Janet Stroebel, Brenda Phillips, Valorie Zimmerman, MaryLynn Strickland

Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society

  • Dan Caesar

Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society

  • Hazel Leise Thornton
  • Lisa Atkins Vollrath

Whatcom Genealogical Society

  • Lynne Oliver

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society

  • Brenda Goddard Arambul
  • Larry Ball

You’re Invited to WSGS’s Annual Meeting

by Roxanne Lowe

You’re invited to the WSGS’s annual meeting! Friday, August 30, 2024, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

In compliance with Washington’s Nonprofit Corporation Act (24.03A), we’re holding our annual meeting.

Here’s the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89375006911?pwd=ohQLJAEtE26bfgGtBIDOVCRbn3hP0F.1

Meeting ID: 893 7500 6911
Passcode: 547652
Via phone: (253) 205-0468,,89375006911#,,,,*547652# US

The agenda will include the announcement of the 2024 Outstanding Volunteer and Team recipients, President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Supportive Grant awards. We’ll also talk about Pioneer Pursuit, featuring Ralph Brown (who submitted 1,285 pioneers) and Le Anne Koliha (who specialized in Native American research). You’ll also learn more about our Pioneer Pursuit Push to 5,000!

We hope you join us! If you want more information, email Info@wasgs.org.

Important Deadlines for Society Awards

by Roxanne Lowe

Local societies, don’t forget the following deadlines for Outstanding Volunteer/Team awards, Supportive Grants and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.

  • Outstanding Volunteer/Team awards: Due July 1. Every year, WSGS supports the nominations of local society members and teams that make societies better.
  • Supportive Grants: Due July 31. Two grants for $250 each may be awarded to projects that support the work and mission of local societies.
  • President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement: Due August 1. This award is given to single out that rare individual, society or organization who has demonstrated exemplary service above and beyond expectations.

Questions? Email Outreach@wasgs.org (Supportive Grants) or Info@wasgs.org (Outstanding Volunteer/Teams and President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement).

Jan WellsMinzel 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. Over the last year, you were introduced to each of the 2023 award recipients and learned why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jan WellsMinzel of Shelton, Washington, who were nominated by the Mason County Genealogical Society (MCGS).

To assist visitors seeking information about their Civil War ancestors in Mason County, MCGS in partnership with Mason County Historical Society Museum (MCHS) decided to assemble the vital records of Civil War veterans residing in Mason County as identified in the 1890 U.S. Veteran’s Census. Jan took on researching and writing a narrative page for more than 33 veterans. Her narratives are well written and contain the vital records required for sound genealogical practices.

Jan has completed 90 percent of the Civil War veterans that Mason County is tracking. The society is building a three-ring binder containing Jan’s narratives with headstone photos for use at the MCHS Museum.  Jan also recognized our newsletter editor needed help when she was ill and immediately pitched in to assist the editor and keep the newsletter on schedule. Jan’s super power is she recognizes when help is needed and acts.

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.

Kerry McHugh Upton 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 Kerry McHugh Upton of Olympia, Washington, who were nominated by the Olympia Genealogical Society (OGS).

For 20 years, Kerry has been a strong leader and encouraging member of OGS. She has served as president and secretary, and assisted on committees and teams planning the annual seminars, retreats and other special events. In 2019, she organized a number of special interest groups, which are still going strong.

Kerry established OGS’s first Facebook page. She initiated recording of monthly programs, posting them for member viewing on the website. Then, in 2020, when OGS learned that their seminar had to be cancelled because of the pandemic and social isolation, Kerry worked tirelessly to choreograph their first virtual seminar, in just one month’s time, cementing her place as a member of the newly formed tech team. Today, she is helping plan how to hybridize future meetings to be both physical and virtual.

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.