For six weeks this year the lazy, hazy days of summer turned into a daily forecast of sun, cloud, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms. Canadians have never let the weather stop them from having a good time. Campers and cottagers still came to the Land O’Lakes by the thousands and their communities buzzed with activities.
Many programs of the Friends of Bon Echo Provincial Park take place outside. The Art Exhibition and Sale, the Boat Tours, and the South Beach BBQs all enjoy the great outdoors. This has been a record year in spite of the weather. The weather cooperated as over fifty volunteers orchestrated the three day Art Exhibition and Sale. Visitors and campers enjoyed musical entertainment, an educational reptile show, various children’s activities and tasty home cooked food. All of this provided a festive backdrop for the many artists showcasing their original work on the theme Canadian Art of Nature, Wildlife and Countryside. The organizing committee under Harold Kaufmann of Denbigh was enthused by the excellent attendance and record sales.
Bon Echo Park is known for its beaches. Betty Pearce of Cloyne heads up an enthusiastic team that stages a barbecue every Saturday and Sunday during the summer at South Beach. In spite of the weather no barbecues were cancelled and numerous happy campers expressed their enthusiasm for the Friends enriching activities.
The Friends of Bon Echo operate two tour boats on Mazinaw Lake. The Mugwump Ferry provides access to the base of the Cliff Top Trail from where visitors can gain a panoramic view of the area following their half hour climb. An interpretive tour along the Mazinaw Rock at water level aboard The Wanderer Too’r exposes visitors to the fascinating flora, fauna, and geological character of this massive cliff and introduces the ancient pictographs left there by earlier peoples. Commentary is provided by Natural Heritage Education (NHE) staff, many of whom are funded by the Friends of Bon Echo. Maintenance and operation of the boats are headed up by Friends Director David Cuddy of Harlowe.
The Greystones Gift and Book Shop continues to provide a unique assortment of gifts, clothing, toys, books and artwork in a classic century cottage setting. Many campers return year after year to browse and appreciate the enticing array of products offered by Operations Manager Helen Yanch and her staff and volunteers. The Friends invested in renovating the Greystones cottage in 2006-7. Local artists showcase their artwork in the gallery in Greystones. The Directors chose to rename the gallery The Colin Edwards Memorial Art Gallery in recognition of Colin’s longtime service as Friends Director, artist, and high school vice-principal at the North Addington Education Centre. A special ceremony was held on June 28th officially re-opening the gift shop and dedicating the art gallery. 
For many years the Friends of Bon Echo have provided two bursaries of $250 each for graduates of the North Addington Education Centre (NAEC). Their purpose is to support students who are entering a field of post-secondary study that broadly furthers the Values, Vision and Mission of the Friends. The Bursaries were expanded this year from $250 to $500. Eligible students now include both those who are working within the Park as well as graduating students at NAEC. Students may be studying at any level of post-secondary education and may receive the award more than once. Bursaries this year were awarded to Courtney Malcolm of Denbigh and Heather Lee of Fonthill.
The mission of the Friends of Bon Echo is to keep alive the engaging natural and cultural heritage of Bon Echo. They achieve this primarily through informative events and programs. Through their support the Natural Heritage Education (NHE) staff is doubled from seven to fourteen. The NHE agenda includes daily children’s and regular amphitheatre evening programs, guided trail hikes, canoe hikes, and interpreters on every boat trip. Over 60,000 visitors participated in these programs last summer. Among many other projects, the Friends have also published two books, Massanoga: The Art of Bon Echo and The Rock: Bon Echo Provincial Park’s Silent Sentinel.
The Friends depend on the support of many volunteers. Two long term Directors are retiring from the Board having served six years. Phyllis Mills of Cloyne has headed up the Volunteer Committee and chaired the Greystones Gift and Book Shop Committee. She can always be depended on to organize and to assist wherever needed. Rick Proctor’s service as Treasurer has ensured that the Friends have maintained a sound financial standing. Rick spent numerous hours producing The Rock and headed up the Bursary Committee. Both members will be missed on the Board but they will continue to assist the Friends on other volunteer activities.
At the Friends 20th Annual General Meeting held on September 6th two new Directors were elected for three year terms. Harold Kaufmann served as a Director from 2001-7 and chairs the Art Committee. Dr. Ernest Lapchinski of Mississagagon Lake has served in a leadership capacity on the Land O’Lakes Community Services and the Pine Meadow Nursing Home Management Committee for many years and is a Friends volunteer. Elected for a second three year term is Mary Jane Turner of Northbrook who can always be counted on to support with her time and skills.
The draw for the 2008 Friends Raffle took place at the AGM. The lucky winner of the Prospector 16’6” Expedition kevlar canoe, donated by Langford Canoe, was won by Angela McCann of Pakenham. Ryan Christian of Brighton won the 2nd prize of a 13‘ Paluski Spirit kayak, donated by Kingston Outfitters. The 3rd prize of an A.J.Casson Ltd. Ed. framed print, donated by Northland Art, was won by Carol Mitchell of Port Rowan. The Friends express appreciation to the prize donors and to all who supported the raffle this year.
