Fall is a season to gather with friends, share our summer activities and just enjoy one another’s company. Our September meeting provided such an occasion, to reminisce and acknowledge the contributions of the Historical Society to our community. We have received wonderful comments regarding our Sunset at the Drogher reception. One member wrote, “It was a lovely event in spectacular surroundings.” Another emailed, “It was heart warming to stand back and watch so many people gathered together enjoying this memorable event. Just knowing this small community has such a common bond regarding the history of Dana Point makes all of us proud of our city and what has transpired.” The evening would not have been a success without those of you who joined in celebrating past accomplishments and those who have supported the Society over the past quarter century.
Our common bond was evidenced in the remarks of Assemblywoman Diane L. Harkey and Dana Point Mayor Lara Anderson, both longtime members and contributors to our Society. Their sincere reflections, congratulatory remarks and presentations were based on their personal experiences that added so much to the evening. The presence of Dana Point City Council members and city staff demonstrated the support and the cordial relationship we share. Mayor Anderson’s comments included welcoming the Society to our new location at City Hall. Our lease is now officially approved by the city council and the DPHS Board of Directors is planning the museum reopening in the same building where it was first located in 1992. Thanks to the City of Dana Point we have an air-conditioned gallery exhibit space and an archive office area, an important feature for storing documents and photos. Ross Teasley is chair of our museum committee that includes Elizabeth Bamattre, Terry Walsh, and your president. All members of the Historical Society, whether you have volunteered before as docents or have been looking for your first opportunity to help take us into the next 25 years of preservation, are invited to join us. Our goal is a museum where our collections can be archived, classified and exhibited in one area. Ross will be announcing a volunteer coordinator and the exciting work ahead in the November and December issues of this newsletter. A ribbon cutting ceremony and an open house for our members and guests are in the near future.
The DPHS Board has approved a Nominating Committee chaired by Parlamentarian Mary Crowl and includes Elizabeth Bamattre, Rod Howorth, Barbara Boyd and Beatrice Reed. A Bylaws Committee chaired by Nancy Jenkins includes Mary Crowl, Paul Hinman, Linda Moore and Terry Walsh. Both committees reports will appear in the January News Drogher before our January 23, 2013 Annual Meeting.
Our October meeting is a visit to San Juan Capistrano whose history is a part of ours. The arrangements have been made and your invitation is below. It should be a hoot! You will also want to plan ahead for the November trip to Riverside’s historic Mission Inn on November 7. 2012. Please RSVP for both of these programs. I look forward to seeing you at one or, hopefully, both of these magical events.
Barbara Force Johannes