President’s Message February/March 2017

President’s Message February/March 2017

Our January Annual Meeting and traditional potluck dinner was enjoyed by all who attended.  Thanks to the Board of Directors who organized the meeting and to everyone who created the delicious entrees and desserts.  We were pleased to welcome Mayor Debra Lewis, Mayor Pro Tem Paul Wyatt, South Coast Water District President Wayne Rayfield, and SCWD Director Rick Erkeneff.  DPHS officers reported on the state of the society, and retiring treasurer Paul Hinman was thanked for his service.  Past president Mary Crowl installed the officers and directors who were reelected for two-year terms of office, including our new treasurer, Katherine “Kat” Wallace. Pat Plepler Award recipient Willa Porter was honored in an interesting program organized by Arts & Cultural Commissioner Nancy Jenkins.  Willa was presented an award by Sergio Prince, Community Relations Supervisor to Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett.   I had the privilege of presenting Willa with a certificate from State Assemblyman Bill Brough’s office, as well as the Dana Point Historical Society’s Proclamation honoring Willa for her civic, political and volunteer activities in the community and county.  Willa introduced her special guests who attended in her honor and thanked the Society for the award.

Our February 22 meeting will touch on the past and the future.  Documentary film producer John Underwood will speak to us about creating a visual journey of our early coastal maritime history and the development of 19th Century California.  Our meeting will also include Julian Miller, who will preview a future Dana Point Historic Walking Tour that will not only pay tribute to our past history, but will also highlight today’s attractions.   We will conclude with a brief show-and-tell of 20th Century history by Bob Minty, DPHS Program Chair.  A reception will follow in the museum.  All of these presentations should inspire us to appreciate our local history and I hope they will motivate you to participate in the 2017 Festival of Whales!

It is a privilege to welcome Kat Wallace to our Board of Directors as the new Historical Society Treasurer.  Kat and Wayne Wallace have been active members of the Society for a number of years, participating as volunteers, attending meetings and field trips.  We are fortunate to have her helping the Society in her new capacity.

Barbara Force Johannes

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