April 1999 West Vancouver Historical Society Page 3 West Vancouver Historical Society 1998 Annual Report Throughout 1998 the Historical Society Board of Directors continued to promote heritage in West Vancouver. Financial: Society Treasurer, Mia Bonettemaker, reports that the balance sheet is healthy. Audited statements are available to members on request and will be on hand at the Annual General Meeting on April 28, 1999. Membership: The membership remains steady, with over 400 paid-up members. Thanks to Joan Skipper and her team of volunteers who process the hundreds of membership forms. Gift Shop: Janis Johnson stepped down as Gift Shop Manager, passing the responsibility on to new Society member, Laura Home. Lori Pentland continues to manage the store accounts. The Gift Shop is still a relative "secret" treasure, but the Society is working with Museum staff to find ways to raise its profile in the community. Of course the best advertisement is always word of mouth - so feel free to spread the word. History-Onics: After several years as the able Editor of History-Onics, Waring Pentland stepped down from the position, turning the considerable responsibility over to Anne Vernon. I am confident, however, that like her predecessor, Anne is up to the challenge. Unfortunately, as some of you may know, because of poor health, Mary Chapman has been unable to write her wonderful Archive's Comer, a feature that many members look forward to. On behalf of Society members, I want to thank Mary for her contributions to the newsletter over the years and wish her improved health so that we may again read her fascinating stories about West Vancouverites. Many thanks to Director Tom Taylor and his mailing team and Society member Susan Dirasser for making sure members receive the newsletter five times a year. Special Events: Director Laureen Jones co-ordinated Society participation in several important community events this year: the Community Day parade and display. North Shore Heritage Weekend in September, and National Heritage Week in Febmary. Laureen also arranged the summer outing, the very informative, but rather wet, Capilano Watershed Tour, as well as another successful Christmas Party at the lovely, historic, Spuraway Lodge. The Society continued the tradition of securing interesting speakers for the General Meetings. Speakers included a "Hudson's Bay Captain", an author on the Klondike, and, most recently, a presentation by the West Vancouver Municipal Archivist. Thanks to the volunteers who help with reception and refreshments after the lectures. Museum & Archives: There were several changes in staff at the Museum & Archives. Sadly, municipal archivist, David Wardle, left to take a full-time position at the Delta Archives. Fortunately the position was soon filled, with Preben Mortensen starting work in late September. Linda Tzang was hired as a Museum Assistant. The very popular Klondike exhibit was a great success, and in October, the Museum cohosted an Author's Night with the Memorial Library Foundation Board. With Pierre Berton as the guest speaker, it is not surprising that over 500 people attended the event! The Society continued to support the Museum & Archives, donating over $3,000.00 to purchase needed equipment. We also secured several thousand dollars in grants for projects. On behalf of the Directors Helen Davies, President