Ballard Park Comes Out of the Woods

“Fear not, till Birnam wood

Do come to Dunsinane” Macbeth, Act 5, scene 5

Newport’s Ballard Park wood did come to the distinguished Holly House, in the form of wood sprites and a majestic living birch tree, but it was hardly a scenario from Macbeth, and certainly no cause for fear. It was the exuberant 20th anniversary of the founding of Ballard Park, a 13-acre nature reserve and park within Newport, and Mayor Jeanne Napolitano was on hand to proclaim June 5, 2010 officially as “Carol and Les Ballard Day.”

Mr. Ballard was on hand to receive the accolade, but Mrs. Ballard was traveling. Co-Chairs Mary Hayes & Peggy Richmond mixed and mingled with supporters and committee members Jill Spear, Emlen and Liz Drayton (he donated a wire sculpture to the silent auction), Jan Gordon, Trudy Coxe, Pierre Irving, Michael Semenza, Barbara Bohan, Jerry and Diana Slocum, and Bettie Pardee. Celebration attendees were treated to superb wines from Mr. Ballard’s private cellar, and Veuve Cliquot champagne flowed like…….well, champagne. Lively dance music was provided by a jazz quartet.

Les Ballard, host, and Pierre duPont Irving

The silent auction offered tantalizing items, and it was active bidding on a priceless abalone footed dish, a gift card to the Newport Restaurant group,
a gift certificate and event at William Vareika Galleries, and a Blue Skies Harbor cruise, while guests listened to the music of the band.. Jonathan Pardee, Jeff Gordon and Toby Field spoke, while the lovely Betty “Boop” Blake conversed with Michael Hayes.

From the youngest attendee to the most venerable, it was wonderful time, as one of the first events of summer brought smiles to faces, and recognition and support for Ballard Park.