June 26, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 11 Area The Friends of the Hermitage, Inc. recently honored members of the Rohsler and Cooke families at the 2013 Hermitage Gala: A Masked Ball. Richard C. Brahs president of the board of trustees, presented the Humanitarian Award to a Local Business Owner to Mark Rohsler, Bruce Rohsler and Robyn Rohsler Ortiz, the fourth-generation operators of Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery & Florist. The business started in 1913 and Hermitage recognizes Rohslers and Cookes is now celebrating its 100th Anniversary. The Rohslers have demonstrated their humanitarian efforts by supporting the Hermitage and many other organizations in the area, including the Fell House in Allendale. They actively support several other business organizations, such as the Allendale Chamber of Commerce, the Waldwick Chamber of Commerce, and the Mahwah Chamber of Commerce. Bruce Rohsler took a moment to thank Mark Rohsler, Bruce Rohsler, and Robyn Rohsler Ortiz, recipients of the 2013 Hermitage Humanitarian Award to a Local Business Owner. Hermitage Volunteers of the Year Catherine and Herb Cooke of Saddle River accept their award from Friends of the Hermitage Board President Richard C. Brahs. (Photos courtesy of Jeffrey Steccato of Haviland Photography.) his parents, Herman and Lin, who developed the business. Robyn Rohsler Ortiz recalled passing by the Hermitage, which was a brooding building in the early 1970s. Catherine and Herb Cooke of Saddle River were named Volunteers of the Year. The Cookes have been dedicated volunteers at The Hermitage for the past 12 years. Herb is a former member of the board of trustees, and both he and his wife have been instrumental in developing displays used in several exhibits in the galleries of the Hermitage Education & Conference Center. They have served as docents, providing tours for visitors. Cathy has been involved in the Annual Gala, the major fundraiser for The Hermitage, for the past several years and has co-chaired the event on several occasions. She has also donated dollhouses that she built for displays and auctions, including a replica of The Hermitage used by docents. Proceeds from the Masked Ball will support the programs of the Hermitage Museum, which attracts thousands of individuals each year to tour the historic house and take part in the various educational activities provided by the professional staff.