Thank you

Richard, Mike, and I have been overwhelmed by the gratitude and appreciation that has been expressed recently as our Woodlawn regulars commend our efforts to develop the grounds of Woodlawn and welcome the community to enjoy this Ellsworth treasure over the last three years. More than one person has said that in the over 10 and 20+ years they have known and visited, this is "the best it has ever looked". I too, am deeply impressed by how pretty the campus looks today and I am grateful for the good wishes and kind words we have recieved. It makes the effort worthwhile and the parting bittersweet.

What has made it extra special, is of course, the people I have worked with. First, Lynette Woods, who was here in the office when I arrived - I have truly missed her every day since she left! Mike Hangge joined us later that first summer (Richard got here before me - thank goodness!) Kelly Lunt joined the team two years ago. Greg Shulz gave us a nearly a year and Taylor Mason helped for a few months. Rory Burmeister and Joan Bothwell were the museum for my few seasons! Cheri Rich followed Missi Potter, these two have been my bookkeeping wizards, with generous and loyal help from Melinda Workman. Then Lesley joined the team as we got ready to open the Barn. And, helping this summer will be Kevin Murray and Zach Lanning. They are all terrific people and that is the magic of a good team, everyone is fun to be with, they roll up their sleeves, and we get it done. Hosting nearly 100 kids for over six hours on the 30th was a great example of all hands on deck and still smiling at a shared lunch!

There have been so many others - volunteers and contractors - who have participated in activities and helped in important ways. I don't want leave anyone out so please know how grateful I am that you said yes to help when asked. A place like this cannot be successful without a lot of willing workers. A few must be recognized and I'm looking at you Richard Black, Greg Murray, Amanda Rhinehart, Paul Markosian, Patrick Maguire, Teri Sargent-Smith & Karen Dickes, Perry Mattson, and all the fire and police crews I met those many early morning callouts!

This is my last newsletter and while I don't have any news about a transition plan, I can introduce Nick Harreld. He has stepped in as the Grounds Caretaker. I am super excited to have him at Woodlawn and know that he will take the grounds to the next level! As for the next Executive, there are a number of candidates who have thrown their hat in the ring and the Trustees are working through the process. Stay tuned.

One final note: if you recieved an invitation in the mail recently, the phone number was printed wrong! Yikes! Please email your RSVP or call 207-667-8671. I have already called the wrong number to apologize. Clearly, I juggled too many final details that day and need to retire soon. Oh goody, I am about to do just that! Many thanks again, it has been a fun, challenging, invigorating, educational, and exciting three years.

Thanks for caring about Woodlawn.

Kathy Young

director@woodlawnellsworth.org

PS: Watch for some exciting new opportunities on the croquet court this summer ~ Wine & Wickets as well as some evening clinics and micro tournaments. Join in!