Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 weeks, you will be introduced to each of the 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Today we’re introducing Lois M. LeBlonde of Anacortes, Washington, who was nominated by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS). She was recognized for her exceptional and consistent leader¬ship, knowledge, and volunteer efforts toward the goals and operation of the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society.

Lois LeBlonde

Ms. LeBlonde has been a member of the SVGS board of directors for the past four years and has served as the society’s treasurer for the past three and one-half years. She has maintained the financial records, including deposits and expenses, as well as separate recorded categories of funds for activities of SVGS, all of which are controlled by a strict budget. She most recently maintained a separate accounting of funds received during an unbudgeted society seminar.

Ms. LeBlonde has been a mentor for multiple high school students for the ROOTS project sponsored by SVGS and the Burlington Public Library under the auspices of a Paul Allen Foundation grant, supporting SVGS’s goal for community education.

Ms. LeBlonde has been an outstanding, dedicated volunteer, and she richly deserved being a recipient of a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized more than 400 outstanding volunteers, 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 2014 award recipients and learn why they received the 2014 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Rita Schulze

Sharon Johnson

Kris LaRue

Hazel Rasar

Dan Royal

Today we’re introducing Sharon Johnson, Kris LaRue, Hazel Rasar, Dan Royal, and Rita Schulze, members of the Skagit County History Project Team, who were nominated by the Skagit Valley Genealogical Society. The team was recognized for exceptional research, preservation and publication of historical material relating to Skagit County.

The History Project Team was created to document the historical biographies of the people of Skagit County and their ancestors. Beginning in 2003, stories were gathered for a number of years until collections ceased and the gathered material turned over to Mr. Royal with the vision of publishing a book known as “Skagit County, Washington and Its People.”

Each member of this long-term team held a unique, valuable role. As publications chair, Ms. Rasar was instrumental in assisting Mr. Royal with the early development of the project. Together, the two of them also coordinated the effort throughout the ten-year period. In 2012, Ms. Schulze became chair of the effort while Ms. Johnson began budgeting for the books’ publication. Ms. Rasar was also involved with Ms. Schulze, Ms. Johnson and Ms. LaRue in proofing and developing of an every-name index. Mr. Royal worked with a draft person to format and publish the final books. The two-volume set was published in 2014.

Due to the team’s dedication and tireless work on this decade-long project, they richly deserved receiving a WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Roxanne Lowe, Recognition Chair, at Roxanne@thekeeffes.com.