Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

James Secan 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 James A. Secan of Seattle, Washington who was selected by the Seattle Genealogical Society (SGS) as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Jim joined SGS and started writing grants in 2018. A year later, he agreed to serve our community as president. He is honored as a leader who began his presidency while COVID-19 changed our world. Jim has provided operational soundness for four years through a global pandemic, a pivot to online offerings, and the relocation of our library to a smaller space. Jim led the organization while maintaining a robust membership, keeping a good balance sheet, and passing a new set of bylaws with more streamlined Board structure. Jim has served with a commitment to strong operations, a steady hand, and compassion for those who needed to evolve during this time of significant change.

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.

Jerald Rogers 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 Jerald Rogers of Edmonds, Washington who was selected by the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Jerald has made significant contributions to the success of the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society. As treasurer, he manages the finances, ensuring transparency and stability. He has secured and overseen grants that have bolstered funding and enabled the society to expand their services. Most notable was his work to secure the funding, and assist in the management, of the recently completed Phase I of the Edmonds Tribune-Review digitization project.

Jerald has also taken a hands-on approach in two significant ways regarding SIGS’s library, the Humble House. He has monitored the facilities, ensuring they remain in excellent condition, while liaising with the facility’s owner, the City of Lynnwood, on larger repairs and upkeep tasks. Finally, Jerald serves as a docent lead at the society library, sharing his knowledge and passion with visitors.

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.

Donna Potter Phillips 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 Donna Potter Phillips of Spokane, Washington who was selected by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society (EWGS) as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Donna has contributed nearly 50 years of dedication to EWGS. She has held every position on the Board except Treasurer. She has been the driving force for multi-class workshops, an annual Board retreat, keeping scrapbooks and other EWGS materials, the Walking with Ancestors event and the massive Obituary Indexing Project with more than 100,000 records to date.

Donna has written over 40 articles for the EWGS Digital Digest.  She writes weekly Blog articles for EWGS and WSGS. She also volunteers at the library helping the public find their own story.  Her dedication is an inspiration to all of us!

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.

Susan Palmer 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 Susan Palmer of Bainbridge Island, Washington who was selected by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS) as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Susan joined the BIGS Board as Director of Programs in April 2022. Selecting topics for and delivering the monthly programs is a major cornerstone of BIGS’ work. Susan jumped in and helped the society move forward with the Zoom platform. She was an essential member of the Hybrid Team to again offer in-person programs. She was instrumental in developing the Zoom registration process. Susan broadened the society’s horizons in the breadth of speakers she engaged, including their first international speaker.

Under her leadership, BIGS was finally able to celebrate its 1st Annual BIGS at the Beach – for members and their families that had been cancelled the previous two years.

Susan developed a very useful planning document, providing speaker and topic information for programs well into the future. This is an effective tool in communicating with the board and the communications team’s use. Susan worked quietly, efficiently, reliably and collaboratively to deliver excellent program results.

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.

Lynne Oliver 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 Lynne Oliver of Bellingham, Washington who was selected by the Whatcom Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

With her experience serving on other boards, Lynne has brought relevant experience to her role as treasurer that directly benefits WGS. She does a fantastic job of keeping the society running in a fiscally sound manner and is always willing to jump in and volunteer with other society projects.

In addition to her role as treasurer, Lynne has spent a great deal of time revising the society’s bylaws and presenting the suggested changes to the board for their input.

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.

Kelly Martin 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 Kelly Martin of Spokane, Washington who was selected by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Even though Kelly has been a member of EWGS for only two years, she has jumped right in on a number of different activities. She has been a gene helper in the library, and even substituted for others that were not able to attend their shift. Her knowledge of North Idaho sources has been invaluable to people coming to the library researching that area.

Kelly has started an Irish special interest group, whose goal is to discuss resources and tools to aid Irish genealogical research. She also was one of the participants in the recent “Walking with Ancestors” event. Kelly has been an enthusiastic researcher on the well-known Best family in the library. She portrayed Emily and Edward Best. (Best Road in Spokane Valley was named for them.)

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.

JCGS Research Center 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 JCGS Research Center who was selected by the Jefferson County Genealogical Society as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of 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 and Kathy Pool.

This group of volunteers remained actively staffing the JCGS research center in person throughout the COVID era from July 2021 thru January 2023. They have endured Zoom meetings, administrative changes in procedures, snafus with technology, and wearing masks while meeting researchers in person.

This group was formed by the JCGS board asking for volunteers to staff the research center. The project has been long-term, starting after the library re-opened to in-person research in July 2021 and especially through January 2023.

Most of this group is still currently staffing the research 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.

EWGS Audio-Visual 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 EWGS Audio-Visual Team who was selected by the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Dan Cotton, Julie Roesnoff, Ron Marvin, John Wilson and Duane Beck.

The Audio-Visual team is responsible for the storage, transport, maintenance, inventory, and set-up / take-down of equipment. They are also responsible for ensuring audio and visual capabilities for attendees and presenters of EWGS meetings and seminars for those attending in person and on Zoom.

The team was created in 2020 when in-person meetings could not be held. When regular meetings resumed, they continued to provide the services needed for hybrid meetings.

Members of this team spend countless hours making sure the meetings are available to all and record them for later viewing. They have had to adjust to varied set-up conditions at different locations, and they have worked to resolve any technical difficulties that arose.

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.

EGS Help Desk 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 EGS’s Help Desk Team who was selected by the Eastside Genealogical Society as their recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Team Award. The team is composed of Helen Carlson, Robert Barnes and Jane Wickert.

Bob Barnes, Jane Wickert, and Helen Carlson have contributed their knowledge, time, and energies to keep this important service operating through uncharted waters. Helen handles Scandinavian, Upper Mid-West and Eastern Washington. Jane is very good at Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Ohio resources. Bob contributes additional experience in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Hawaii and Washington. Together they support each other on challenging family quests that the public brings in. Because of their persistence, the Help Desk thrives today.

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.

Connie Davis 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 Connie Timperley Davis of Castle Rock, Washington who was selected by the Lower Columbia Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Connie has been a very active member of LCGS for many years. She is currently a trustee, a board member and she serves on the program committee. She is a strong advocate for promoting informational and motivational speakers to present programs at each monthly meeting. She goes above and beyond in giving her own time to research potential speakers to meet the needs of the society’s members.

Connie has also taken on the responsibility of personally hand delivering the society’s flyers to various venues in order to advertise the society’s upcoming monthly meetings. Connie is most deserving of this award as she quietly and enthusiastically works behind the scenes to promote 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.