Category Archives: Outstanding Volunteers

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.

David Cosman 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 David Cosman of Bainbridge Island, Washington who was selected by the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society as its recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Without the need of any particular title, David has become one of BIGS’s most important mentors. He simply makes himself available to anyone who is willing to ask for help. And David knows how to help, in terms of both his knowledge and his personality. He teaches others with dignity and grace.

David is an outstanding traditional genealogy researcher. Coupling those skills with his personal background as a native of Nottingham, England, has equipped him well to be co-leader of our Great Britain Special Interest Group. David’s career involved cloning genes that regulate the immune system and this technical knowledge allowed him to quickly become one of only a few of BIGS’s members with true expertise in employing DNA for genealogical purposes.

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.

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