Volunteers

Troutdale SummerFest Volunteers, 2019

Meet the Team

margaret-rice-bettianne-goetz-edgefield-

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.

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.

Become 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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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)

THS President (2022 - present); 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

Helen Wand

THS President (2022 - present); 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

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

Fred E. Harlow House