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April 1998 WEST VANCOUVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY Page 3 WEST VANCOUVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1997 ANNUAL REPORT AN EXCITING YEAR. 1997 was an exciting year that was full of new challenges. I enjoyed serving as your President, as I had an opportunity to meet many wonderful people. I am honoured to volunteer for such a worthy organization that makes such a valuable contribution to the community. Thank-you to the Directors for all their hard work over the past year and to the members for their continued support. FINANCIAL. The expenses for 1997 were down, but so were the revenues. Thus, we incurred a small deficit in our general operating account. The Directors do not feel an increase in fees is warranted at this time, as our membership remains steady and the balance sheet is healthy. We will, however, continue to keep a close eye on general operating costs. Audited statements are available to members on request and will be on hand at the Annual General Meeting on April 29. PUBLIC MEETINGS. Thanks to the efforts of Program Chair, Jim MacCarthy, we had a varied selection of speakers this year, with topics ranging from Modern Architecture, to the Union Steam Ships and a history of Howe Sound. One of the most exciting presentations was by the West Vancouver Fire Fighters who demonstrated how their new defibrillator worked. Thanks also to Joan Skipper, Susan Dirassar and their team for their help with reception and refreshments and to Vice- President, Alan Johnstone for making the necessary arrangements for equipment for our guest speakers. HISTORY-ONICS. Congratulations to Publisher Waring Pentland and his newsletter team for maintaining the high level of excellence that Society members have come to expect over the years. Of particular interest are the wonderful articles contributed by members, recollections of growing up in West Vancouver, and, of course Mary Chapman's always interesting Archives Corner. Published five times a year and mailed to five hundred members, History-Onics continues to play a crucial role in realizing the Society's purpose of promoting awareness of history in West Vancouver. SPECIAL EVENTS. Director Laureen Jones was kept busy again this year coordinating the Society's participation in the Community Day parade & display. Port's Day, Heritage Weekend (Sept.), and National Heritage Week (Feb ), this in addition to organizing a very successful summer outing to the Elphinstone Pioneer Museum in Gibsons and a lovely Christmas party. Laureen also continued to educate the public with her wonderful display panels highlighting the history of the community. MUSEUM & ARCHIVES. It was a busy year for the Museum, with several changes in staff. Deborah Tuyttens was hired as Curator to replace Jacquie Gijssen who left to take a position in Port Alberni. An Education Co-ordinator was hired and Susan Sirovyak went on maternity leave. The Society continued to support the facility, donating in excess of $2000 toward the purchase of equipment. We also secured several thousand dollars in grants for projects. On behalf of the Board of Directors, March 31, 1998 President, Helen Davies