BOCA RATON — The annual members meeting of the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum held recently at the Old Town Hall marked the 40th anniversary of the organization.
Debbie Abrams, board president, called the meeting to order. Jim Ballerano, vice president, presented the proposed slate of board members for the 2012-2015 term: Denise Alman, James A. Ballerano, Jr., Elizabeth Fletcher, Elizabeth Kelley Grace, Arlene Herson, J.C. Perrin, Kathy Qualman, Loretta Rauenhorst, Matthew Shafer, Jamie W. Sauer, Jay Whelchel, and Dawn Zook. All were approved by the membership.
The President’s Award for exemplary volunteer service went to Bonnie Dearborn, who volunteers as a docent, a preservation advocate, and gift shop manager. Roxana Garciga, of Republic National Distributing Company, accepted a special award for RNDC’s 10 years of support for Boca Bacchanal. The Myrtle Butts Fleming Award, the society’s most prestigious award, was given to Kate and Ted Toomey for their longtime service and support of the Historical Society.
Ballerano, as the new president of the board, spoke of the challenges and opportunities facing the organization as it celebrates its anniversary. Following Jim’s remarks, Mary Csar, executive director, presented a 40-Year Retrospective of the Historical Society, which outlined the early years, the restorations of Town Hall, Depot and train cars, preservation advocacy as well as educational programs over the years. After the meeting, everyone enjoyed refreshments including a birthday cake prepared by board member Joyce DeVita.
The Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to preserving the past to enrich the future. The Society maintains Boca Raton’s historic Town Hall as a local history museum open to the public Monday – Friday, 10 – 4. Admission to the exhibits gallery is free for members, $5 for non-members, and $3 for students. Go to www.bocahistory.org for more information.