Pownal residents are invited to a farewell gathering in honor of Jim and Donna Boyles, who, after more than 45 years of service to the town, are moving to Seattle soon to be near their children.

A tea in their honor is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 3, from 2-4 p.m., at Mallett Hall in Pownal. Those involved in planning the event are Sherry Dietrich, Robin Hodsdon Morin, Kathy Hogue, Alix Hopkins and Liza Nichols.

Donna Boyles served president of the Pownal Scenic & Historical Society for 23 years, and her husband was the group’s longtime treasurer. They both stepped down from their posts in November.

Jim and Donna Boyles moved to Pownal in 1969. In an interview with the Tri-Town Weekly last month, she recalled that, on Earth Day in 1970, Marjorie Alward Mason called for the creation of an organization to preserve Pownal’s past.

“The buildings needed attention, we needed to spruce up the environment and form a historical society,” Boyles said. “Portland landmarks were being preserved. It was that time. Mallett Hall needed attention. We joined together with the newcomers and the old-timers and we formed the Pownal Scenic & Historical Society. ‘Preserving the past and enhancing the future’ is our motto.”

Mason, taking note of the rundown areas in Pownal, wanted people to take pride in their town, leading to the word “Scenic” in the organization’s name. When Mason died in 1982, Boyles, who had been secretary, took over as president.

Boyles said that she and her husband decided two years ago that they would step down from their positions.

A transition team led by Morin began to work with Boyles at that time.

After one year as vice president, Morin said she has a big act to follow as president. She said that new members of the Pownal Scenic & Historical Society, in their mid-40s such as herself, need to carry on a great tradition.

“I am a little nervous,” she said. “Donna Boyles’ leaving is creating a huge void, because she has served in a leadership role for 45 years. She knows everything.”

The Boyleses have also been involved in many town committees through the years. Jim Boyles has been town meeting moderator for many years, as well.

“They’re very connected,” said Hogue.

She said that Jim Boyles, a retired Bates College professor, and Donna Boyles, a retired nurse, have sold their home and plan to move in January.

“Their numerous and various contributions to our town are immeasurable,” said Hogue.

For more information on the event, contact Hogue at 688-4153.

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