Minister announces appointments to
 Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced appointments and reappointments to the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador serves to generate an understanding of and an appreciation for the architectural heritage and history of the province," said Minister Furey. "The newly appointed and reappointed board members provide representation from every region of the province, and will provide support and leadership in matters of architectural heritage and heritage matters in general."

The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador operates under the Historic Resources Act and contributes to the preservation, restoration and promotion of historically significant structures throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Four individuals have been reappointed for a second three-year term to the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, they are Ruth Canning, Karen Humphreys Blake, Mona Petten and Tom Randell. Newly appointed members are Betty Jerret, Gordon Bradley, Robert Parsons, Dr. Robert Mellin, Fred Russell, Vincent McCarthy and Cindy Gibbons. These individuals will also serve on the board for a three-year term.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

Karen Humphreys Blake is a strong contributor to the operations of the Heritage Foundation and is currently Executive Director of Communications and Consultation with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Gordon Bradley has been a longtime heritage advocate and is well known throughout the province in this capacity. He is president of the Bonavista Historical Society, president of the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation Inc. and is regional director with the Newfoundland Historical Society.

Ruth Canning is well-known and well-respected in the field of heritage preservation and is a recent recipent of the Lieutenant-Governor�s medal for Newfoundland by the Heritage Canada Foundation.

Cindy Gibbons is a well-respected former interpreter at the Point Amour Provincial Historic Site, treasurer, Basque-Canadian Institute, Red Bay Branch, member of the Wessex Newfoundland Society, the Newfoundland Historical Society, the Newfoundland and Labrador Genealogical Society, Museum Assosication of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada�s National History Society.

Betty Jerrett, founding member, as well as current president, of the Bay Roberts Heritage Society is also a board member of the Newfoundland Historical Society and former member of the Museum Association.

Vincent McCarthy is the present director of the Bonne Bay Development Association, the Viking Trail Tourism Association, the Gros Morne Marketing Co-op and the Newfoundland Chapter of the Opimiam Society.

Dr. Robert Mellin has a private architectural practice based in St. John�s and is the recipient of three Southcott Awards for heritage restoration. He is widely published in the field of architectural studies and has written reports on heritage planning and urban development.

Robert Parsons is a well-known author, historical researcher and long-time member of heritage organizations. He is also a member of the Newfoundland Historical Society, the Museum Association, the Writer�s Alliance and the Association of Cultural Industries, and author of eight books on local, regional and provincial history, as well as of 120 newspaper and magazine articles.

Mona Petten, president of the Fishermen�s Museum and Porter House in Hibbs Cove, has a long-time commitment to the heritage community of the Baccalieu Trail and is a strong contributor to the operations of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tom Randall is a member of the Labrador Heritage Museum in North West River and vice president of Labrador Airways, a corporate sponsor for many heritage projects.

Fred Russell has served as the CEO of the Viking Trail Tourism Association since 1999 and has been active in the preparations for the Viking Millennium celebrations. He is former promotional director with the Grenfell Historical Society and former president of the local Chamber of Commerce and has been actively involved with the restoration of Grenfell House in St. Anthony.

2000 09 27 10:05 a.m.