Two long-time and influential members of the Music Hall Advisory Committee retired recently and were honored for their years of service.

Sheila Converse was one of the original members of the committee and served the town for 15 years. A renowned musician and advocate for the arts in Marion, Converse was proactive in making the Music Hall a venue for concerts, lectures, historic films and dramatic productions.

She played a major role in the staging of the Elizabeth Taber Gala in October 2015, which highlighted the life of the town’s benefactress. The Board of Selectmen and the Advisory Committee recently hosted a luncheon to thank Converse for her work.

Phyllis Washburn served as the chair of the Advisory Committee for the past 14 years. Over the years she oversaw many projects, such as the renovation of the Elizabeth Taber Reading Room, painting and giving a facelift to the interior rooms, the installation of the flagpole at the entrance and getting a new roof on the building.

On Nov. 19, Washburn was honored at a reception at the Music Hall, where she unveiled a bench to be installed at the entrance of the building to commemorate her years of service.