Board and Committee Members

FLORIDA OFFICERS

PRESIDENT – JUDITH ANNA KOUTSOS – Originally from Long Island, NY, my husband, James, and I built the Spartan Restaurant in New Port Richey (1970). We have 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. As the owner of a popular Bridal Shop for 25 years, I also did all the baking at the restaurant and was organist and choir master in local churches in Florida and in New York for 55 years. With a Masters in Music, I also served as conductor of an orchestra and choral society in New Port Richey for 15 years. Having played pipe organs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in large cathedrals, I also performed in world tours. While a teenager, I was organist for the Billy Graham crusades in Madison Square Garden, NY (1956-57). I’ve been the recipient of the Eminent Pioneer for Pasco County and Penelope of the Year for Florida. My collections include Bells, Lighthouses and Bridal dolls – 2 of which are Princess Diana and Princess Kate in exact replicas of their wedding gowns. I joined Questers 5 years ago and have served as secretary for 2 years, Hospitality Chair for the 2017 International Convention and am presently serving as President of Clayton Woods #808.

1st VICE-PRESIDENT - Barbara Magnuson

Originally from Connecticut I relocated to New Smyrna Beach 33 years ago. I am fortunate to have my two children and their families, three grandchildren and one great grandchild living near me. They found they loved Florida as much as I.

While talking to a Garden Club member who had collectibles and was a member of a Lovie Pritchard Chapter I found I was hooked. We were able to get six more members together and decided to start a chapter in New Smyrna Beach.

Turnbull #1486 was chartered in 2010 and I was their first Treasurer. I then served as Vice President and for the past 9 years have been the President. I also served as chairperson of Bardens Angels for two years. In 2017 I had the honor of presenting a Bess Barden Seminar on Cricket Cages, at the International Convention in St. Petersburg.

Besides, Cricket Cages I collect Noritaki Apricot Lusterware, Teapots, Pitchers, Polish Pottery and Decanters. Over the years I have developed many great friendships with fellow Questers.

I hope I am up to the task of 1st Vice President and look forward to my term of office.

2nd VICE-PRESIDENT – OPEN

TREASURER – PATTY TOWNSEND - After graduating from Michigan State University, I worked at the IBM Corporation for 49 years with 13 of those years as I.T. consultant, specializing in operating systems, subsystem implementation, debugging and performance analysis. I also served as officer in various clubs and organizations, from President, vice president, treasurer, secretary, Director on the Board and Junior Achievement Advisor. I joined Questers six years ago, originally with the Cherry Hill chapter #32 in Michigan. My collections include Russian Boxes, Lladros, Royal Dolton Pretty Ladies. I then branched out to dolls including Madam Alexander, Alfred Mann, Effanbee story book dolls and Cabbage Patch dolls. Since moving to Florida, I joined Survey Creek #1392 and have added collecting China pieces and continue to enjoy all kinds of historic pieces from furniture to pottery.

RECORDING SECRETARY – LYNN CARR - I have been a Michigan Quester since 1972-that's 34 years I've been questing! I supported Michigan Questers as their State Treasurer and went on to be Michigan State President 2003-05. From 2009-11 I served as the International Treasurer attending board meetings at Quester HQ in Philadelphia. I am a snow bird. I joined Survey Creek #1392 3 years ago and continue to maintain Michigan ties as an associate member of Cherry Hill #32. I have many collections. Royal Doulton figurines are my favorite passion closely followed by the romance of tea including any item used to serve tea. The list includes tea caddies, tea caddy spoons, cups and saucers, biscuit jars, jam jars, linens, I am always interested in learning more about the world we live in.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY - JENITA DAY – Born in California but moved to Michigan when I was 5 years old. Quickly became a Michigander and graduated from Oakland University. I married my High School sweetheart and taught H.S. Spanish and History. We have two children and 4 grandchildren. Our Down Syndrome son passed away in 2010. He was the love in our family and I became involved with organizations supporting those with special needs. I joined Michigan Questers in 1988 and thoroughly enjoyed my “History Loving” friends. We eventually retired to Florida and after a few years away from Questers, I felt the loss so rejoined the organization. I am now serving as President of New Prospect #1475 in North Fort Myers. My collections include antique paperweights, blue and white porcelain and historical transferware (the older the better). My love of history has also led me to genealogy where a family secret has been uncovered. I look forward to holding the office of Corresponding Secretary for the Florida Quester State Board.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

PARLIAMENTARIAN - HELEN DENNIS - Being an antique buff and enjoying the search and study of them, Questers has played an important role in my life. In 1984, I joined a Quester chapter in Worthington, Ohio. Upon becoming a snowbird in 1996 and then ultimately moving to Florida, I continued with my membership in The Questers. I have served both my chapters and the state of Florida in many positions. The Office of Third Vice President at the International Board was another position I served. Questers is a fun organization with likeminded people. Many of my friends are Questers. It is truly "fun to search and a joy to find"!.

PRESERVATION & RESTORATION – KAY LYNDAHL – I joined Questers in 2012 as a member of Nautilus chapter #909 serving as Secretary and have held this “post” until this past spring. I had the privilege of serving as Publicity Chair on the Core Committee for the 2017 International Convention held in St. Petersburg, FL. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and lived in Michigan for 25 years before returning to Wisconsin and later (2005) as a resident of Florida. I still love my summers on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. I’ve acquired many collections over the years, mostly from my mother and grandmother but never thought I’d be a Quester. This organization has made me more aware of what I collect and the history that goes with it. My tiny demitasse cups and saucers are very dear to me and treasured because my grandmother willed them to me. Hopefully, I can continue with the education, restoration and history of this great State of Florida as the President and share our organization with all.

NOMINATING CHAIR – T.B.A.

PUBLICITY – COLETTE ROBBINS - I’ve been a member of the Questers since March 2018.  Yes I’m a newcomer.  I became aware of it a year before and hoped to be invited to join. Questers is right up my alley.  Anything, call it Historic, old, quaint, unique that does it for me since I was very young.  Love all the charm and attention to detail of all things “gone by”.  I collect hand painted China,  Limoges boxes, boxes in general, furniture. 

I have 3 children, 4 grand children. I’m lucky they all live very close by.   I was born in Richmond,Va. , raised in Connecticut. 

So glad to be a part of Questers, it is so “unique.”  There is always something knew to experience, That makes me happy. 

HISTORIAN - OPEN

NEWSLETTER EDITOR – LINDA GOSHORN -The Questers organization has been a part of my life for many, many years. I’ve served the organization in many areas from the Florida State Executive and Appointee Board to serving on the International Executive Board and finally serving as International President from 2002-2004. At the present time, I am the Editor for the State Newsletter, the Cracker Crumbs and enjoying the new challenge. Upon saying yes to the organization once again, a new task will begin shortly as International Chairman of the Special Revision Committee for Bylaws. I highly recommend saying “yes” to the organization. It is a challenging and rewarding experience.

BARDENS' ANGELS – FRANCINE WEBB - As a Canadian Quester transplanted in Florida, I immediately felt welcome by Florida Questers. Although I miss the north’s four seasons, I must admit that Florida weather is more conducive to sailing – an activity enjoyed by my husband and I. While in Canada, I served various positions in my chapter (South Shore Seekers), including President. I also served on the Ontario Board and on the 1998 International Convention Core Committee. Since my arrival in Florida, I’ve served as Chapter President for Nautilus #909, on the State Board as 1st VP and as President. Because of my career and experience in the Tourism Industry, I also had the honor of chairing the 2017 International Convention and am proud to say that I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful group of dedicated Questers. In terms of antiques, my collections include antique fans, hat pins, perfume bottles, Hand Mirrors, Kokeshi, Cricket Cages and most recently, expansion of my kaleidoscope collection. I love the element of surprise, the magic and the explosion of colors they provide. More than anything though, I especially treasure the friendships made through Questers and enjoy learning about Florida’s history.

RESOURCE AND SALES – OPEN

TELLER – JODY STANLEY - I became a Quester in 1963... yes, I've been a Quester for 54 years.  My Chapter is Ponce de Leon #183 - the second Chapter to be formed in Florida and I am the only Charter member! As an active member, raising 4 children, I've held every office in our chapter at least twice.  When I was asked to be on the State Board, I was honored and managed to hold each office in turn.  I was also Chairman of the 1997 Int'l Convention held in Orlando.  It was a challenge as there were (and still aren't) any Quester Chapters in that area.  No problem... we love driving!

I'm married, have 4 adult children, 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.  I've been a volunteer at Heritage Village for over 25 years and was President of the Historical Society for 3 years.  I retired last year due to health reasons and because I am no longer driving.  I love antiques and have too many collections.  My loves include miniature lamps, Meissen china, cobalt and cranberry glass, chickens (I was raised on a Poultry Farm near Buffalo, NY), Kachinas (from my sister in NM) and Lenox birds.  Some of us don't know when to stop and so I've been State Teller for several years now.  I wish I knew how to say "NO" but Questers don't recognize that word and we always say "Yes"!