FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

With the Fall season fast approaching I have been reflecting on the hot, steamy days of summer we have experienced this year. Days when visitors to the site have brought their picnic lunches to enjoy the beauty that surrounds Ruthven Park; days when bird watchers have pointed their binoculars upwards to observe a bluebird; days filled with students scurrying here and there maintaining the grounds; days of visitors being lead by our tour guides throughout Ruthven mansion, and days of infestation by gypsy moths that have plagued Ontario this summer. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture.

Life is never stagnant at Ruthven under the leadership of Marilynn Havelka, Chief Administrative Officer who is always planning ahead when it comes to programmes, and looking after the site, and, who is ever conscious of doing things right no matter what the task at hand. Marilynn relies heavily on employees Linda Jackson and Robin Richardson to assist in getting the work done throughout the year as well as university students during the summer months. The Land Trust Board extends a warm thank you to all of them for their effort.

The annual Car Cruise, held on July 16th attracted 112 vintage cars as well as additional curious visitors. Mansion tours were enjoyed by all who attended.

The 10th Annual Cars in the Park, which was held in July, was a big success. As I recall it was a very hot day that Sunday. What is most impressive about this event is the pride and care that owners take in these earlier vehicles that once graced our roadways. A big thank you to Betsy Smith, and Janet deVos who organized this event and to volunteers Mary and Ken Martindale, Lee Merritt, Diane Ricard and Ron Gowland.

The Indiana cemetery is really starting to make a comeback! I had no idea it was as expansive as it is proving to be. If you haven’t visited the site recently you might want to so that you can see what John Shoveller and his team have done. Volunteers Don Weaver, Joe Long and Janet deVos have assisted John in this large undertaking and have done a tremendous job. Thank you to all!

Before closing, I would like to remind you that the Annual General Meeting of the Land Trust will be held on Wednesday, September 27th at 7:00 pm in the Coach House at Ruthven Park. A presentation on the conservation work on the Indiana or Irish Cemetery will be made after the formal part of the meeting. This will be a most interesting evening you won’t want to miss!

Gail Collins,
President