Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

Donna McLain Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Donna McLain of Longview, Washington who was selected by the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Donna has been a member of LCGS for many years, and during her tenure she has served as a member of the society’s board, as a greeter at in-person meetings and two terms as secretary.  Her secretarial skills are outstanding, and her minutes are presented in a very businesslike and detailed manner.  She has also been an active participant on the program committee, and she recommends presentations of interest. Donna is a great asset to our society, as she consistently offers thought-provoking input to all board discussions, and she is always willing to see a project through to its completion

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.

Michele Norton Mattoon Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Michele Norton Mattoon of Seattle, Washington who was selected by the South King County Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Michele has been treasurer of SKCGS for several years, performing all the duties of the office very efficiently.  In addition, she has taken on side projects of sorting and cataloging newspaper obituary clippings and digitizing miscellaneous society records. These are projects she has quietly completed for the posterity of the society.

Michele’s dedication behind the scenes is greatly appreciated by the society.

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.

Tina Lawson Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Tina Lawson of Auburn, Washington who was selected by the South King County Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Tina has made a quiet impact since she joined our society, volunteering to solve problems as we moved from mostly in-person meetings to a mostly online group during COVID. She took our Google workspace, and made it work for both the board, our members, and eventually, our website. She even figured out how to keep our website constantly updated, teaching all responsible parties how to edit the shared calendar, spreadsheet, or PDF document, which show up on SKCGS.org. She figured out how to include our blog posts and index in the website.

Tina also quietly created a publicity team who worked together seamlessly, sharing information about our meetings and our mission widely. She also volunteered to lead the bylaws team, which brought us into compliance with the new Washington State non-profit law.

As a board member, Tina helped each of us use our online tools effectively, and used her experience both in business and in other non-profits to help us develop plans, surveys, and programs, raising our success and enthusiasm greatly.

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.

LeeRoy Kind Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing LeeRoy Kind of Marysville, Washington who was selected by the StillaguamishValley Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

LeeRoy spearheaded the Weller’s Funeral Home Card Project for SVGS. This project required the digitization of 4,000 3×5 cards. These cards span funerals from the 1880’s to the 1980’s and contain valuable family data which had not been publicly available until now. He also indexed the cards in preparation for loading them onto our website.

When the project stalled, LeeRoy stepped up and completed it on his own. LeeRoy’s willingness to work from home, as well as during his volunteer shifts at the library, has been instrumental in completing this project. We continue to be grateful for his diligent work ethic.

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.

Bill Grant Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the late Bill Grant of Arlington, Washington who was selected by the Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Bill began as a volunteer with SVGS in 2017 and continued supporting the society until his death earlier this year.  He served as a volunteer librarian, working every Saturday afternoon.  He also served as Education Chair  for several years.  He had deep roots in New England and Nova Scotia and was a great resource for people looking to research those areas.  He was a member of the monthly New England Research Group where his knowledge was especially appreciated.  He counted Benjamin Franklin and five other signers of the Declaration of Independence in his “family tree.”

Bill’s cheerful smile and helpful attitude will be missed by all.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org.

Ann Eklund Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Ann Eklund of Bainbridge Island, Washington who was selected by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Since joining BIGS in 2021, Ann has consistently been a vital and willing contributor. For several years, Ann has infused our special events—from Antiques Roadshow and BIGS at the Beach to the Winter Holiday Celebration and our milestone 20th Anniversary Party—with her unique “magic.” Drawing on her background as an educator and school administrator, Ann has masterfully organized volunteers, cultivated genuine connections among members, and thoughtfully critiqued each event, creating a blueprint for the next time around. Her efforts are always delivered with a warm smile and an open and positive attitude.

Ann was elected to the BIGS Board in 2024, where she has continued her work with our special events, creating a committee charter and yearly workplan. Her skills in organizational and team management are valuable assets, greatly appreciated by her fellow 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.

Jim DeLucia Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Jim DeLucia of Ferndale, Washington who was selected by the Whatcom Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Jim is recognized for his outstanding contributions to WGS since 2018. As head of Research-Reviews, he assists global researchers from Canada, Switzerland, England, and the U.S., connecting people with their heritage. Jim also serves as the editor of the monthly newsletter, keeps society publications updated, and manages commun­ications as the primary email contact, fostering collaboration. Jim’s work with the Web Team has improved the website, increasing membership.

Jim maintains 4,373 files on his home computer and has converted research publications into accessible CD formats, preserving historical data. He curates the society’s library of old items and helps craft outreach letters. An active member of the “Missing in America” project for six years, Jim exemplifies dedication and service. Jim’s contributions significantly benefit the society and community, making him a deserving nominee for this volunteer award.

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.

Barbee Buchanan Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

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

Barbee has been a member of YVGS since 2015.  A retired educator, she has the skills to do our monthly book review, encouraging members to go to our shelves and not always the internet.

Barbee is a librarian every Wednesday and on the second Saturday of each month.  She is willing to be a substitute if someone is gone.  She is working on a marriage records’ project of our old index cards verifying the information is correct before the information is added to our database.  Barbee covers our library phones during yard sale week.  She has been on the vice-president’s program committee for the last 8 to 10 years and is our check-in person at these events.

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.

Carrie Bergquist Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Carrie Cartwright Bergquist of Renton, Washington who was selected by the Grays Harbor Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

The Grays Harbor Genealogical Society (GHGS) won big when it welcomed Carrie into its membership just a few years ago. Carrie was already president of the North Beach Genealogy Society in Ocean Shores. She was already providing free genealogy research services to her community there, and she was already active in a local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

When Carrie joined GHGS, she quickly took on even more responsibility. She began as a member of our program committee and continues in that role. She then became chair of the research committee and continues in that role. She also serves as one of our trustees. Carrie is a frequent volunteer for our genealogy cafes. In her spare time, she puts on training classes for those new to genealogy research. Most recently, Carrie became a board member of the Renton Historical Society. Carrie is wise, creative, and easy going. She can be counted on consistently and is a cheerleader for others. GHGS could not function without volunteers like Carrie.

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.

Lisa Battern Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Volunteers in 2025

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 2025 award recipients and learn why they received they received a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Lisa Battern of Edmonds, Washington who was selected by the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Lisa spearheaded a project to scan and organize our extensive collection of marriage and anniversary announcements. Her rapid mastery of the scanning equipment was critical to the success of the project, but equally important was her ability to work through the logistical, organizational, and indexing challenges to make the collection more accessible. Lisa then shared her newly acquired knowledge about the book scanner by developing a presentation for members and guests on how to effectively use the tools for family history.

With that work complete, Lisa is now collaborating with a team to enhance the SIGS website, focusing on improving content and user experience. Lisa’s tireless work behind the scenes significantly benefits our community, enabling us to more easily pursue our mission of advancing genealogical research.

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.