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Volunteers

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Troutdale SummerFest Volunteers, 2019

Meet the Team

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Margaret Rice and Bettianne Goetz volunteers at THS booth of the McMenamins Edgefield concerts.

The Troutdale Historical Society runs on volunteer power. We have a tremendous group of volunteers that keep three museums open and maintained; curators who keep track of a large collection of photographs and artifacts; event coordinators who plan our events down to the finest details; and maintenance workers who come running at a moment's notice to make needed repairs. We are very fortunate to have them and appreciate every hour spent on our behalf. 

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If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers, give us a call (503)-661-2164 or click on the button below to learn more about becoming a volunteer. 

Coordinators

Jamie LaCour: Events Coordinator (2023)

  • Education: Sweetbriar Elementary, Reynolds Middle and High schools, MHCC, PSU, Australasian College of Natural Therapies

  • Occupation: Case Manager, Event Services Management, Fine Dining Cook

  • Committees: THS Programs Committee, THS Special Events Committee, THS Museum Tours/Community Outreach Committee, THS Grants Committee,

  • Past Volunteering: Volunteers of America Family Center, Buckman Elementary, Salish Ponds Elementary (past)

  • Current Volunteering: Troutdale Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (current)

  • Hobbies: Cooking, crafting, road trips (especially exploratory ones), music, and movies

  • Born and Raised in East Troutdale and Gresham. Current Resident of Fairview since 2011

Desiree Smith: Volunteer Coordinator (2023)​

Museum Docents

Ann Chatterton (2023)

  • Education: Master of Science in Medical Cannabis, Science & Therapeutics, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Occupation: Lead Instructor for a private school; Registered Nurse in level 1 trauma centers for 29 years

  • Employment: Instructor at a private school

  • Interests: Science, music, languages

  • Hobbies: gardening, cooking, crafts

  • Resident of Oregon since 1998

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Joyce Belcher (2016); THS Member Since 2012

  • Parkrose Grade School, Reynolds High School, MHCC

  • Show manager; Mobile Commissary for US Forest Service (owner); Powell Valley Nursery, Office Manager (retired)

  • Past Volunteer for Guide Dogs for the Blind & Reynolds High School Reunion

  • Interest include swim aerobic classes, "lunching" with girl friends, movies, reading, yard work, photo albums, and a passion for classic cars - a passion she shared with her father.

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Joy Beldin (2015)
  • Treasurer (2021) Board Member (2018); THS Member Since 2016

  • Wilkes/Glenfair Elementary; Reynolds High School; HR Management Certification, PCC

  • 30 years as HR Manager; PDX Made In Oregon & California Closets Showroom Manager (Retired)

  • Volunteering for HOA as a  Board Member, retail volunteer for Cycle Oregon Tours, THS Volunteer since 2015

  • Resident of Portland, Troutdale, Seaside, Oregon since 1944

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Kelly Broomall (2016)
  • Board Member (2017); THS Member Since 2015

  • Veteran USMC: Journeyman Machinist: Boeing Industrial Engineer; Boeing - 35 years, retired

  • Community: Red Cross, School House Supplies Volunteer

  • Hobbies: Wood Worker

  • Resident of Troutdale since October 1978

Jason Cawood (2017)
  • ​Secretary (2021 - present); Board Member (2018); THS Member Since 2017

  • Computer Programmer; Business Analyst

  • Marketing, Clio, and Barnyard Concert Committees

  • Hobbies: Jeweler, Leather Craftsman, Outdoorsman, Runner, Cyclist

  • Resident of Troutdale, Oregon since 2014

Jodi Cox (2022)
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, from Eastern WA University (1987)

  • Work Background: OHSU since 1992 – various positions over the 31 years; currently Dio Sumagaysay, Associate Chief Nurse Officer since 2003

  • Current committees: Church volunteer (kids ministry and all manner of annual events) since 1993.  Mannahouse Christian Church at Rocky Butte, Portland.

  • Interests/Hobbies:   Hiking, baking, reading, and most all outdoor activities i.e. walking, biking, camping, urban adventures AND visiting coffee shops

  • Resident:  Born and raised Spokane WA.  Moved to Portland, OR 1992 and to Troutdale, OR in 1996.

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Bettianne Goetz (2016)
  • ​Vice President (2021 - 2022); Secretary (2019 - 2021); President Emeritus (2017-2018); THS Member Since 2014

  • BA, San Diego State; MA, University of Guam; Post graduate work at Portland State

  • Elementary Classroom Teacher, Learning Disabilities Specialist, School Administrator-Reynolds School District (Retired)

  • Volunteers at Chase Me Again Thrift Store Board Member and Interlachen HOA Board Member

  • Interests include Dragon Boat Paddling team, yoga, and travel

  • ​Resident of Fairview, Oregon since 1970

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John Grubb (2022)
  • Salisbury University - Accounting, B. S.

  • Douglas School District, Accountant & Provenance Hotels, Accountant

  • Hobbies: traveling, hiking, playing tennis, watching football

Katherine Haslip (2017); THS Member Since 2017

  • Biology, B.S.; M.M.S. Marine Studies

  • Papé Machinery, Administrative Role

  • Interests/Hobbies: Reading, Anything outside, Traveling

  • Resident of Troutdale since 2006

Melba Klinker (2016); THS Member Since 2018

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Jeanette Kloos (2011); THS Member Since 2014

  • Oregon Department of Transportation, Scenic Area Coordinator (Retired)

  • Co-Author of A Study of the Historic Columbia River Highway.1987 & Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway Corridor, 1997

  • Author of Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan

  • ​Volunteer for Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway, Founder & President

  • Women’s Transportation Seminar, Portland Chapter, Member of the Year, 1988; Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Medal

  • Interests include genealogy, travel and family, particularly my young granddaughter, Adelyn​

  • Resident of Portland, OR since 1986

Bev Knight (2018); THS Member Since 2017

Marge McDevitt​ (2018); THS Member Since 2018

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Amber Milmore (2016); THS Member since 2015

  • THS Board Secretary (2015)

  • Education: Degree in Dressmaking specializing in Historic Reproductions and Women's Wear

  • Work/Business Background: Seamstress, Event Coordinator, Merchandiser, Office Specialist, US Navy Yeoman

  • Interests/Hobbies: Genealogy, history, singing, music

  • Resident of Boring since 2021; Troutdale from 1999-2021

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Herb Mohn (2016); THS Member prior to 2004

Sharon Munyan (2016); THS Member since 2021

Dwain Munyan (2018); THS Member Prior to 2003

Jeff Neiger​ (2022); THS Member Since 2020

  • Education: Penn State University - Astronomy, BS

  • Work/Business Background: Air Force, Retired; Delta Air Line Pilot, Retired

  • Interests/Hobbies: Fishing, Flying, Motorcycles

  • Resident of Troutdale since 2019

Trish Neiger (2022); THS Member Since 2020

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Sharon Nesbit (1968)
  • President Emeritus (2016-2017); Vice President (1994-1995; 2015-2016); Secretary (1968-1970); Executive Director (1990-1991); Historian (1968 to present); THS Charter Member (1968)

  • Historian; Co-Author: McMenamins Vintage Edgefield, (2002); Author: It Could Have Been Carpdale (2007) and Sunny with Occasional Tirades (2011); Columnist-Gresham Outlook Newspaper; Public Speaker

  • ​Volunteers for the City of Troutdale Historic Landmarks Commissioner, Position #3; Member of the Oregon Geographic Names Board

  • Charter Member of the Troutdale Historical Society (1968); Founding member of Zimmerman Farm Heritage Park, The Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway, East County Historical Organization, and the Troutdale Historical Society.

  • Awarded: March of Dimes Woman of Achievement, 1998; National Federation of Press Women Sweepstakes Writing Award (twice); Troutdale Citizen of the Year (2000); and Troutdale Historical Society Preservationist Award.

  • Resident of Troutdale, Oregon since 1968

Johnathon Peterson (2021)  

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Gloria Quipotla (2022); THS Member since 2022

  • Evolve Interiorscapes-design & sales of interior tropical design and exterior, Retired

  • Committees: Corbet Grange

  • Hobbies: Dancing, swimming, sailing, horseback rigding, gem cuttings, and dog Harry. 

  • Resident of Springdale, Oregon since 1987

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Margaret Rice, (2016); THS Member prior to 1984

  • President (2018); Vice President (2017); Secretary (2016) 

  • ​Assoc. Degree, Mt. Hood Community College-Liberal Arts; Kaiser Permanente Administrative Assistant (Retired)

  • Volunteer and fundraiser for YMCA Camp Collins; THS volunteer and fundraiser

  • Interests include travel, gardening, golf, cooking, and reading. And of course! Exploring and enjoying the beautiful state of Oregon.

  • Resident of East Multnomah County since 1974

Sharon Strickland (2022); THS Member Since 2022

  • University of Duluth, graduate

  • Portland Public Schools, teacher

  • Boston Antiques, retired

  • Hobbies: reading, playing cards

  • Resident of Gresham since 2018; Troutdale (1978-1989); Corbett (1989-2018)

Charlene Thomas (2015); THS Member Since 2015

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Norman Thomas (2015)
  • President (2021); Vice President (2019 - 2021); Secretary (2017-2019); Board Member (2016); THS Member Since 2015

  • A.A.S Computer Application Programming; US Army Staff Sergeant (1972-1981); ADP Computer Application Programmer (Retired)

  • ​Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission Finance Committee Chair (2000-present)

  • Troutdale City Council (2003-2015)

  • Troutdale Citizen of the Year (2015)

  • Board Member (2023 - present); THS member and Barn Museum volunteer since 2021.

  • Lieutenant Colonel United States Air Force - retired.

  • Delta Air Lines pilot - 33 years, retired.

  • B.S. Astronomy Penn State University.

  • Hobbies include fishing, small airplane flying, and riding his Harley.

Jeff Neiger (2021)

Hazel Webb (2016); THS Member Since 2016

Claire Watts (2019-2023)  â€‹

Diane Wingerd (2017); THS Member Since 2018

Melissa Bevency (2023)

  • AS in Psychology with Art History minor; currently pursuing a BA in history; intends to continue on to a Masters in library sciences.

  • Work background in Vintage clothing and antiques sales, retail, merchandising, and events.

  • Interests include cooking, vintage fashion and antiques, history, and genealogical research.

  • ​Resident of Portland, Oregon since 2014.

Molly Peichel (2023)

  • University of St. Thomas in St. Paul MN; Doctorate in Physical Therapy fram the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

  • Physical Therapist, Peacehealth

  • Interests and hobbies include rock climbing, skiing, and exploring.

  • Troutdale Historic Highway resident since 2022.

Curators

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Julie Stewart - Photo Curator (2011); THS Member Since 2005

  • Bachelor of Science, Education

  • Masters, Library Science

  • Gresham High School, Teacher, retired

  • Hobbies: History, reading, travel, working with fabric, painting

  • Resident of Gresham since 1986

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Dee Dee Hansen​ - Objects Curator (2017); THS Member Since 2018

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Carla Robertson​ - Scanning/Digitization (2018); THS Member Since 2016

  • Cal State, San Bernardino

  • Kaiser Permanente 1977 - 2010, retired

  • Hobbies: golf, reading, sports

  • Resident of Troutdale since 1992

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Julia Warner - Special Projects, Objects (2018); THS Member Since 2018

  • Nursing, retired

  • Hobbies: golf, gardening, curating

  • Resident of Fairview, Oregon since 1992

Twila Mysinger - Special Projects & Collection Inventory (2021); THS Member Since (prior to) 2003

Special Events

Helen Wand (1999)

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  • THS President (2022 - present); â€‹Board Member (2004-2014; 2021-present); THS Member Since 2003

  • Local Author; Where the Eagles Nest & Echoes of Forgotten Places

  • Medical Technology, B.S.

  • Clinical Lab Science & Microbiology Specialist, 40 years

  • Clackamas Community College-Instructor/Program Director/Clinical Lab Assistant Program, 16 years - retired

  • East Multnomah Pioneer Association, Secretary

  • Hobbies: History, gardening, writing

  • Resident of Gresham since 1971

Virgina Symonds​ (2018); ​THS Member Since 2018

Executive Board of Directors

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Helen Wand
  • THS President (2022 - present); â€‹Board Member (2021); THS Member Since 2003

  • Local Author; Where the Eagles Nest & Echoes of Forgotten Places

  • Marylhurst University, Medical Technology, B.S. and Trained at St. Vincent hospital post grad 

  • Clinical Lab Science & Microbiology Specialist, 40 years

  • Clackamas Community College-Instructor/Program Director/Clinical Lab Assistant Program, 16 years - retired

  • East Multnomah Pioneer Association, Secretary

  • Hobbies: History, gardening, writing

  • Resident of Gresham since 1971

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Dave Ripma
  • THS Vice President (2022 - present)

  • President Emeritus (1993-2003; 2011-2014); Board Member (1991-1992; 2003-2008; 2021); THS Member since 1991

  • Patent Lawyer; Electrical Engineer 

  • ​Juris Doctor, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

  • B.S. Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

  • ​Volunteers for the City of Troutdale City Council, Position #1; Council President

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