By Daniel Haeseker
Malabar Farm Foundation President

MalabarFarm.org has a new look with a huge "thank you" to Brett Mitchell, a Malabar Farm State Park Naturalist. Brett was solely responsible for the web site on his own time and expense. Great job Brett.

A partnership has been instituted with the Malabar Farm Restaurant to stimulate membership in the Louis Bromfield Society. A membership in the Louis Bromfield Society offers a 10% discount at the restaurant among other benefits.

August 27th, 2011 hailed a new event geared to generate funds to renovate the Big House. An old fashioned picnic on the farm with a hog roast and live auction was held with great success. There were many generous donations made by institutions, private individuals, and area businesses. The Foundation is planning on 'Picnic in the Park' becoming an annual event so make a note on your summer calendars.

Ellen and Carson Geld were present at Heritage Days (Ellen is the daughter of Louis Bromfield ) to sign books, enjoy the festivities, and visit friends. Hot dogs and bottled water were sold during the event and proved to be a successful fundraiser.

Sandstone was donated by Debby Logan of Mt. Gilead, Ohio and a walk way was constructed along the front of the Big House to improve visitor access.

A new copy machine was purchased from the Gordon Flesch Company of Lexington, Ohio for the park office. The office can copy in color, send faxes, and the expense has been eliminated from the state budget.

I received a cell phone call from Jason Wesley, the park manager, with a high degree of urgency in his voice. The Pugh Cabin was damaged by falling trees in a severe wind storm. Volunteers were dispatched and a clean up session followed.

October welcomed six nights of the 'Louie' play by Mark Sebastian Jordan, a local play write. The play was well received and proved to be a substantial fundraiser.

Shutters on the Big House were replaced by Jim Pearce of Bucyrus, Ohio. Three spires were replaced on the barn by the Big House by Bob Huge, Jim Shade, Tom Geyer and Jim Pearce. A welder was donated by Lincoln Electric of Cleveland, Ohio.

Volunteers and board of trustee members who volunteered have supported all the mentioned programs and netted the Foundation over $20,000. Thank you all for your support. The number of programs and events are growing rapidly at Malabar and the need for farm hosts and volunteers is ramping up. Please contact Sybil Burskey (419-892-2784) at the farm office if you would be inclined to offer your assistance.

Malabar has the Big House and 70 buildings on the property that have a perpetual need for repairs. The State of Ohio continues to cut the budget annually so please consider a donation or become a farm host/volunteer and support this historical landmark for everyone to enjoy in the future.

A capital campaign to renovate the Big House is on the horizon. Preliminary surveys and estimates are in progress. Your support is immensely appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who has donated time, talent or a most needed asset.

Respectfully submitted,
Dan Haeseker
Malabar Farm Foundation President