Volunteer Awards

2010 Volunteer of the Year: Sharon Coleman

Sharon Coleman/ Photo: Marissa Natkin

Sharon Coleman, Council member since 2004, was instrumental
in setting up our March 2009 event at the Pacific and Ford McKay
buildings before their disassembly. She also identified Historic Seattle
as the recipient of proceeds from the Vulcan, Inc.-sponsored South
Lake Union Block Party held in August 2010. This highly successful
gathering provided us with community visibility and $11,000 in
funding. She chairs the Real Estate Development Committee.

Other Award Recipients for 2010:

Gary Gaffner – Member Extraordinaire

Daniel Hawkins – Photo Excellence

Southwest Seattle Historical Society – Preservation Hero

Carol Tompkins and Erin Ward – Building Community through Technology

Brandon Spencer-Hartle – Advocacy Hero

James Fearn and Michael Herschensohn – Longevity Recognition

Learn More about all of the 2010 Awardees.

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2009 Volunteer of the Year: Michael Herschensohn

Michael Herschensohn/ Photo: Marissa Natkin

Michael has worn many hats since he arrived in Seattle and in each work experience he has demonstrated ongoing curiosity to learn about the city and the region, its history, architecture, business and social networks. He’s a promoter with an unmatched enthusiasm that gets things done. This past year he was the manager for citywide Alaska-Yukon-Pacific (AYP) Exposition Centennial celebration in Seattle. Michael is a graduate of both Dartmouth College and Cornell University earning a masters in Historic Preservation Planning, American Architectural and Urban Planning History. He went on to obtain his PhD in Romance Languages and Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. In the past four decades he has held numerous positions including Executive Director of Northwest Folklife, Director of the Museum of History and Industry, and Director of the Children’s Museum. In his spare time he enjoys foreign travel, literature, architectural history, building restoration and bicycling.

Michael joined Historic Seattle in 1992 when the organization was just 8 years old. He quickly got involved and by 1994 he had joined the Board of Directors. He was the Chairman in 1996 and has been a member of the board since – a total of 18 years. (There was just one brief period when he stepped off the board to be the interim director for 2 months in 2008.) His detailed scrutiny of our projects, our financial well-being, and our level of participation with allied groups, his participation in strategic planning, project development, and budget reviews have made him a very valuable asses to the organization. He has challenged Historic Seattle to clarify its mission, its goals, and its expectations; his frequent brainstorming and suggestions have invigorated Council and Executive Committee meetings and encourage Historic Seattle to expand its reach.

Other Award Recipients for 2009:

Constance Schnell – Oral Historian Extraordinaire

Megan Meulemans – Preservation Hero

Kathleen Kemezis – Young Preservationist Leadership

Michael Voris – Bungalow Fair Hero

Gil P. Joynt – Member Extraordinaire

Donn De Vore & Margaret Berman – Outstanding New Volunteers

Sara Edwards & Paige Weinheimer – Community Engagement

Cathie van Veen – Special Projects Award

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2008 Volunteer of the Year: Wayne Dodge

Wayne Dodge / Photo: Marissa Natkin

"And we're walking. And we're walking." Any members who have attended Historic Seattle's out of town tours, begun in 2002, cannot help but associate these tours with Wayne Dodge's well projected baritone voice sending the message encouraging a steady, sure, and effective pace to keep us on time. For six years, he has provided the supportive backup to keep tours running smoothly, but has also taken on the role of tour guide at Westhome in Yakima, delighting in showing off the site and the many nooks and crannies of that remarkable house. Occasionally, this family practice physician with Group Health Cooperative has stepped in to provide problem-solving, kindly advice, and support (both literally and figuratively) that has endeared him to many.

Since 1997, he has supported his partner, Larry Kreisman, in all aspects of Historic Seattle programs. He has been a solid presence at lectures, special events, and the yearly Bungalow Fair, videotaping, taking tickets, selling books, and doing whatever needs to be handled at the moment. He has graciously opened their home to wine, dine, and house out-of-town guest speakers, staff, and volunteers.

Wayne is one of a kind. A warm, gentle, and caring man who shares what ever he has; time, talents, home and expertise.

Other Award Recipients for 2008:

Beth Dodrill and more about - Advocacy Hero

Mollie Tremaine - Outstanding Project Lead

Angela Kulp - Building Community Partnership

Ryan Kozie - Northwest Resource Center

Mary Alice Pomputis and Walter Smith - Member Extraordinaire

Pete Mills - Council Chair

Jim and Sharon Price - Bungalow Fair

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Volunteer of the Year 2007: Sue DeRosa

Sue DeRosa / Photo: Marissa Natkin

Sue has lovingly been titled 'Wednesday's Angel' by the staff at Historic Seattle. However, she's actually more! Sue and her husband John have been members of Historic Seattle since 2002. They both attend many of the educational programs and events, but Sue has expanded her involvement by volunteering at the Dearborn House each Wednesday to assist with whatever is necessary; organizing cabinets, stuffing-mailing, creating databases, typing meeting minutes. you name it Sue's likely to have done it. But she hasn't limited herself to office work. In January 2007 she volunteered to be the recording secretary for the monthly Arts & Crafts Guild meetings and put in considerable hours on the 10th Annual Bungalow Fair. Sue was involved with the 'behind the scenes' work for the Good Shepherd Center celebration in July and the Dearborn House celebration in December. And she has helped out at any number of programs or events at the registration table. She donated well over 100 hours in 2007 alone. Sue continues to grow and expand her involvement in Historic Seattle and is recognized as the 2007 Volunteer of the Year for her dedicated enthusiasm, consistent participation, and willingness to pitch in wherever she is needed.

Other Award Recipients for 2007:

Bruce Jones, Outstanding Project Lead

Reverend Dennis Andersen, Resource Advisory Committee

Ann Gillespie, Advocacy Hero

Faire Lees, Bungalow Fair Extraordinaire

Karen Luetjen, Good Shepherd Center

Dan & Emily Kozie, Member Award

Peter Steinbrueck, Special Recognition

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Volunteer of the Year 2006: Mimi Sheridian

Mimi Sheridan / Photo: Marissa Natkin

Mimi, a consultant, educator, and planner who specializes in Seattle and King County history and architectural history, has been an active Historic Seattle volunteer since 1992. She teaches preservation at the University of Washington, conducts architectural tours, consults on neighborhood plans, and does research and analysis on historic preservation in Seattle. She’s a member of the Seattle Planning Commission, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Society for Architectural Historians, Vernacular Architecture Forum, the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Mimi has also been an active volunteer for Historic Seattle. She’s acted as an advisor for the Education program, been a presenter at the annual Landmarks Nomination trainings, and been our ‘go-to-gal’ when we have questions or simply need advice. If Mimi doesn’t have the answer, she knows who does and can make that connection possible.

We thank Mimi for her tireless hours of service and doing an excellent job in representing and speaking on behalf of Historic Seattle, our programs and services.

Other Award Recipients for 2006:

Lynn Moore, Exceeding Expectations

Jessica Greenway & Ken Nelson, Bungalow Fair Extraordinaire

Andrea Divoky, Council Chair, 2005-2006

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Volunteer of the Year 2005: Lynn Moore

Lynn Moore / Photo: Marissa Natkin

Lynn Moore received the Historic Seattle Volunteer of the Year at our Volunteer Recognition Party on December 8, 2005. In the spring of 20-05, as our Administrative Manager and Volunteer Coordinator Peri Muhich prepared to leave Historic Seattle, Lynn volunteered to take on the task of Tea & Tour Coordinator for the upcoming programs. Lynn stepped into this position after much experience with previous Tea & Tour events as a docent.

Lynn has helped to organize and cater other events for Historic Seattle, been active with Ron in the Arts & Crafts Guild and the Bungalow Fair, and has always been generous with her time. Now, she coordinates volunteers for Tea & Tour events, recruits cookie markers, and brings all the ‘accoutrements’ that are necessary to our noteworthy teas.

Other Award Recipients for 2005:

Gwen Ballard, Outstanding Administrative Volunteer

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Outstanding New Volunteers, 2004: Marge Bianco & Christine Barrett

Other Award Recipients for 2004:

Paul Dorpat, Ongoing assistance with Neighborhood Exploration Lectures

Pete Mills & Pamela Zytnicki, Outstanding as co-chairs of Historic Seattle’s first Online Auction

Dan Kozie & Claudi Levi, Helping achieve 2 nd Place, Commercial Race Division & Commercial Showboat, at the 2004 SeaFair Milk Carton Derby

Steve Muhich, Ongoing computer support

Kevin Daniels, Extraordinary service and leadership to Historic Seattle, 1997-2004

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Volunteer of the Year 2003: Luci J. Baker

Luci J. Baker / Photo: Marissa Natkin

Luci Baker (more about) has been a member and volunteer for Historic Seattle since 2000. Her favorite Historic Seattle events are At Home tours. She enjoys learning about homes from the owners and passing that information along to tour attendees. She also enjoys the annual Bungalow & Craftsman’s Fair because she has the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. Luci’s enthusiasm, curiosity, and interest in architecture have led her to driving around Seattle neighborhoods and learning about residential styles. She has reviewed past Historic Seattle programs and suggested future programs. Luci has also pinpointed other organizations and businesses that might be targeted as potential audiences.

Currently, each Wednesday, Luci can be found at the Dearborn house doing data entry for the Historic Seattle reference library database—a daunting task but a necessary first step in our goal to set up effective research tools.

Other Award Recipients for 2003:

Jean Leed, Foundation

Kay Bullitt, Council & Foundation

Maureen Vosmek, Advocacy

Ed Kuth, Good Shepherd Advisory Board

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Volunteer of the Year 2002: Ron Moore

Ron Moore / Photo: Marissa Natkin

Ron Moore has been a volunteer since 1995. He's been instrumental in the success of many of Historic Seattle's events...and he does it all! From showing up at our 1999 Silver Anniversary Gala in a top hat and tails to building Arts & Crafts-styled lanterns for the Bungalow Fair, Ron is a versatile and talented volunteer whose charm and gregarious demeanor add so much to every event he attends. Ron and his wife, Lynn, have been members since 1994 and both began volunteering shortly thereafter. Ron cites our Tea & Tour program as his favorite event for volunteering. When Ron isn't involved with Historic Seattle, you can find him working at his business of rain gutter installation for historic properties (including the Dearborn House)

Other Award Recipients for 2002:

Mimi Sheridan, Advocacy

Louis Scheck, Bungalow Fair, lectures

Wayne Dodge, Video taping lectures

Steve Arai, Council & Paul Goldberger lectures

Patty Whisler, Council & Advocacy

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Volunteer of the Year 2001: Andrea Divoky

Andrea Divoky / Photo: Marissa Natkin

Other Award Recipients for 2001:

Robin Evans, computer database

Marissa Natkin, creation of Historic Seattle's website

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Volunteer of the Year, 2000: Cathy Casteel

Other Award Recipients for 2000:

Carol & Mike Voris, Bungalow Fair

Tom Wake

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Volunteer of the Year 1999: Rick Sever

Rick Sever / Photo: Marissa Natkin

Other Award Recipients for 1999:

Robert Luck, long time volunteer who was leaving the area

Kevin Daniels, 25th anniversary celebration at Union Station