Page 9 - HRM16_GalaJournal

Dear Friends,

I am always amazed as we reach the milestone of the Gala each year. There
are constant challenges. There is almost always a little less to go around and
a little more to do. But we have a dedicated and inventive staff. Every day
they deliver to students, to teachers, to families, and to all of our visitors a
meaningful experience that enriches lives.

In spite of the challenges this has been another year of accomplishment.
The Amphitheater season was again a huge success, the new Planetarium
continues to delight, the exhibitions are widely praised and visited, and our
programs reach ever more families.

Our education department continues to fill gaps in the Arts, Humanities and
Science for thousands of school children. Our Junior Docents grow into strong
young people who graduate high school, go on to college, AND give back to
the community.

And, we have a great Board of Trustees. They guide the Museum to new
successes. Their experience and knowledge develops the support we need
to maintain the quality of what we do. They give direction to our efforts and
charge us to deliver an unmatched level of excellence.

This, though, is a bittersweet evening. In honoring our Chair of 12 years, Jan
Adelson, we celebrate one of the great chapters in the history of this Museum.
Tonight, and in this Journal, you will be reminded, again and again, of what
Jan means to the Museum. Person after person will tell you her warmth, her
generous spirit, and her relentless focus on our goals as a Museum persuaded
them to become supporters. Believe every word of it. And follow, if you can,
her example. Almost every day we see new and formidable challenges. Our
goal is to help build the kind of community where we all want to live. Our
resource for this is the Museum. With Jan’s leadership we have done so much.
With your help, we can do so much more.

Director