
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...
Name: Alan Vogt (he/him)
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2004
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Seattle Night Sky Committee Chair and sailing volunteer
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I was a skipper at the Seattle Singles Yacht Club and took new people sailing all the time. When I met Wendy and we were married, we didn't want to stay in a singles club so we looked for another avenue to share my passion for sailing.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?
I was already a Super Skipper at the sailing club when Hal Tobie, the sailing Chair, recruited me in 2003. I took over as Chair in 2007. In 2020, we saw the need to add night sky activities to The Mountaineers, so a group of us formed the Night Sky Committee.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Taking a group of first time sailors and entering a Catalina Regatta (sailboat race). Their skills improved with each heat race and we all had a blast. We took second place overall. Not bad for a first time crew.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
I try to get them involved in the activity. Taking the helm of my sailboat or letting them find objects in the night sky through a telescope, the look of joy on their faces is my greatest reward.
What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?
Just do it! You'll have a blast! Pick an area you are passionate about and take the plunge.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or Game Face? Smile
What's you 11th Essential? A sailboat or telescope
Post-trip meal of choice? Pagliacci's or Burgermaster
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Taking a classic telescope to Kerry Park and showing the planets to the public
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our leadership, and we hope these weekly features highlight how our trip leaders, course instructors, and committee and branch officers support our community. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
If you’re a leader (or want to nominate a leader to spotlight), send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.
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Alan, champion of the urban night walk Astronomy Ambush. Thanks for bring the planets to our walk.