The following article appeared in The Oak Leaf, the program guide for the Wood County Park District, Vol. VIII, Issue 4, October/November/December 2012
It is reprinted here with permission from the Wood County Park District.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Volunteering, doing something you love already, can give purpose because it becomes an outlet that enriches others, but ends up coming back to you in manifold ways you’d never guess until you decide to give of yourself.
Ruth Steele
This month, the Wood County Park District Volunteer Program would like to shine the spotlight on Ruth Steele of Weston, Ohio. Ruth began donating
her time and talents with the Wood County Park District/Wood County Historical Museum in 1996.
The Herb Garden at the Wood County Historical Center was created in 1992 by the Black Swamp Herb Society led by Jean Gamble. The garden originally included an area for medicinal, culinary, fragrant and everlasting plantings in a formal setting. It has grown to include a children’s, butterfly and grandmother’s gardens as well as several roses. The Herb Garden is frequently used for picnics, meetings and weddings.
A retiree from Century Marketing, Ruth is now President of the Black Swamp Herb Society and is also a Wood County Master Gardener. In addition to volunteering at the Herb Garden, Ruth has also helped in our greenhouse as well as special events. She is an active volunteer at the Wood County Historical Museum helping with teas and Christmas tours. Additionally, Ruth teaches Sunday School at Grace Brethren Church.
When asked what advice she would give someone considering volunteering for the Park District, Ruth stated “Our Wood County Parks are so varied in their beauty and atmosphere, it is fun to find out where you fit, to take part in nourishing them, and reaping the rewards… You will be surprised how you are drawn in by the friends you make while you’re kneeling on the grass working in the soil…”
The WCPD would
like to express our appreciation to Ruth Steele and the Black Swamp Herb
Society for their hard work and dedication.
