Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

2026 Outstanding Volunteers and Team Announced

by Roxanne Lowe

Congratulations to the amazing individuals and teams who contributed to Washington’s local societies. The announcement was made on Thursday, August 27, at the WSGS Annual Meeting. Fifteen local society members and four teams 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

  • Holly Ardinger

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society

  • Diane Hunter Boyd
  • EWGS Program Team (Carol Anderson, Lynda Keenan, Donna Potter Phillips, Juanita McBride, Dolly Gorrod Webb, Lola McCreary, Lynn Krogh, Margie Beldin)

Eastside Genealogical Society

  • Mary Dematteo Sangalang
  • Jane Wickert

Grays Harbor Genealogical Society

  • Polly Thomas

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society

  • Lynda Jean Newman Mathers

Olympia Genealogical Society

  • OGS Technology & Website Team (Bob Monn & Joe Brookshier)

Seattle Genealogical Society

  • Sheyna Watkins

Sno-Isle Genealogical Society

  • Corey Smith

Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society

  • Bill Allen
  • Karen Looney

Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society

  • Jean Findlay
  • Genealogy Help Desk Team (Carol Rikerd, Debbi Wigen-Noble, Gail Sanders, Judy Karns, Lisa Weaver, Naomi Ward, Patricia Gwin, Shelby Holland, Tim Ward)

Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society

  • Diane Gundersen

Yakima Valley Genealogical Society

  • Vivian Hunt
  • Gerald & Hilda Shepard
  • YVGS Librarians

For more information about the Outstanding Volunteers and Teams, visit the Washington State Genealogical Society, Local Society Support page or email Info@wasgs.org.

Reminder: WSGS Annual Meeting — August 27, 2026

by Roxanne Lowe

You’re invited to the WSGS’s annual meeting! Thursday, August 27, 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/84911154165?pwd=6w3P7KCgNunmb1YseVyo9NDtB98262.1

Meeting ID: 849 1115 4165
Passcode: 113167

Phone: +16694449171,,84911154165#,,,,*113167# US

The agenda will include the announcement of the 2026 Outstanding Volunteer and Team recipients, President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Supportive Grant awards. We’ll also have a short presentation titled “Writing Your Family Story Using AI” with Forrest Adams, North Beach Genealogical Society and Grays Harbor Genealogical Society.

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

Reminder: WSGS Annual Meeting — August 27, 2026

by Roxanne Lowe

You’re invited to the WSGS’s annual meeting! Thursday, August 27, 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/84911154165?pwd=6w3P7KCgNunmb1YseVyo9NDtB98262.1

Meeting ID: 849 1115 4165
Passcode: 113167

Phone: +16694449171,,84911154165#,,,,*113167# US

The agenda will include the announcement of the 2026 Outstanding Volunteer and Team recipients, President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Supportive Grant awards. We’ll also have a short presentation titled “Writing Your Family Story Using AI” with Forrest Adams, North Beach Genealogical Society and Grays Harbor Genealogical Society.

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

WSGS Annual Meeting — August 27, 2026

by Roxanne Lowe

You’re invited to the WSGS’s annual meeting! Thursday, August 27, 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/84911154165?pwd=6w3P7KCgNunmb1YseVyo9NDtB98262.1

Meeting ID: 849 1115 4165
Passcode: 113167

Phone: +16694449171,,84911154165#,,,,*113167# US

The agenda will include the announcement of the 2026 Outstanding Volunteer and Team recipients, President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Supportive Grant awards. We’ll also have a short presentation titled “Writing Your Family Story Using AI” with Forrest Adams, North Beach Genealogical Society and Grays Harbor Genealogical Society.

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

Valorie Cowan Zimmerman 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 Valorie Cowan Zimmerman of Kent, Washington who was selected by the South King County Genealogical Society as its recipients of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Valorie has served SKCGS as president from 2001 to 2025. Her service to the society has gone far beyond the duties of president. Some of Valorie’s accomplishments include organizing and leading a research study group and the Genetic Genealogy/ DNA Special Interest Group. She also participated in the leadership of the Technical Users Group and FamilyTree Maker Special Interest Groups.

Valorie was a member of the SKCGS publicity team which earned a WSGS Outstanding Team Award in 2024. She was also a member of the Going Virtual Team that earned an award in 2022. Valorie has actively participated in the SKCGS Education Committee, written many weekly blog posts, served as a genealogy help desk volunteer in King County libraries and represented SKCGS on the Washington Presidents’ Council. She also served as vice president of WSGS from 2021 to 2024.

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.

YVGS Binding Project Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Teams 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 YVGS Binding Project who was selected by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS) as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Larry Ball and Don Boatright.

In 2011, Don became an invaluable member of YVGS. He served as membership chair from 2011-2022 and increased our membership over 300.  He also started helping our librarian rebinding our materials that needed maintenance and binding bulletins.  Don also worked at our semi-annual yard sales for years.

Larry joined our society in 2019 and immediately became a valued member.  He is a retired electrician and has helped maintain our outside and inside lighting and other electrical needs.  He has faithfully worked our semi-annual yard sales and is learning the job of book binding from Don. 

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.

WAGS Publicity Team Named One of WSGS’s Outstanding Teams 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 WAGS Publicity Team who was selected by the Wenatchee Area Genealogical Society (WAGS) as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Kari Strain and Kris McGregor.

Kris and Kari are an energetic and creative publicity team—absolutely fearless when it comes to contacting people and trying new things. Kris began posting on our WAGS Facebook page a couple years back, and Kari has added her technical expertise, creating a much stronger community connection for our social media presence.

The duo also served as our nominating committee this year, contacting members in an effort to fill board positions. They are also key players in our library’s relocation efforts, again boldly asking around the community for leads and assistance. 

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.

Patricia Ann Scott 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 Patricia Ann Scott of Bainbridge Island, Washington who was selected by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society as its recipients of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

As a charter member of BIGS, Pat was a consistent and willing contributor. With her background as an educator, she played a key role in connecting BIGS members with the Kitsap Regional Library, leading efforts to recommend books for acquisition, planning educational sessions on the KRL Genealogy Center, and teaching members how to effectively use the KRL catalog for their research.

Pat initiated the “Writers Workshop” Special Interest Group, providing a collaborative space for members. Additionally, through her “Pat’s Prompts” on the BIGS website and the many stories she shared, Pat encouraged members to overcome their hesitation and share their “small” story, often reminding them to “just start writing!”

Pat’s recent passing leaves a significant void in the BIGS community. We are deeply grateful to her for sharing her love of writing, her encouragement, and her 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.

Cecellia Rogers 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 Cecelia Rogers of Seattle, Washington who was selected by the Seattle Genealogical Society as its recipients of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Cecellia has served SGS as our Director of Education since June 2021. She was effective in growing our online educational offerings, including seminars, monthly education programs, and special interest groups (SIGs). She increased the number of SIG offerings, adding the Pacific Northwest, Eastern European, Mexican, Publishing, Artificial Intelligence, Ancestry and Organizational SIGs. To encourage program collaboration between SIG leaders, Ceil initiated a quarterly Educational Program Consortium.

Ceil has also overseen the initiation of several four-week courses for Beginning Genealogy, DNA for Beginners and Organizing for Genealogy. Her participant tracking system has allowed the society to evaluate its offerings. As she exits her role as director of education, Ceil will continue to support our society as Zoom administrator.

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

Rosemarie Robins 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 Rosemarie Boat Robins of Yakima, Washington who was selected by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society as its recipients of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

In 2018, Rose became a member of YVGS, and wears many hats in our society, including working as a full-time librarian every Tuesday and is always willing to be a substitute if someone is gone.

With a few other members, she is re-indexing our book collection with better descriptions for locating books for our new card catalog project. Twice a year she is at our yard sale, setting up and taking down tables, folding clothes, selling items and helping customers.  She helps clean up after our monthly meetings and is one of our best workers at our annual library and grounds cleanup day in the fall.

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