FOLK TREASURE:

This wonderful, warm-hearted woman deserves all the praise she gets — and then some! She is devoted to, and works hard at, keeping alive the traditions and customs of the past, especially the music and dance. She was instrumental in starting the well-known Penney Folk Dancers and has been the Festival Organizer for the Burin Peninsula Festival of Song and Dance since its inception in 1984.

Few people have done more than Ruth has towards maintaining our rich cultural heritage. Few people have worked harder for less acknowledgment. Her interest in this aspect of our history is genuine and her leadership has been invaluable to those around her. She is a guide, teacher and mentor to many.

As this is the 'International Year of the Older Person', it seems right to give public recognition to this remarkable lady. She is a true example of the value of our older generation and how much they can contribute to society. We can all benefit from the experience and knowledge that she is so willing to share.

Her volunteer activities over the years have all been centered around the arts. I have learned that the ‘folk art' theme is evident in practically everything she does. To describe her work is very difficult. Her co-worker and good friend, Cecilia Bungay, has said of Ruth, 'There's so much (work she does). I don't know where to begin!'

Ruth neither seeks nor wants any publicity for herself. Still, such unselfish dedication to preserving many of the ‘old time' customs and traditions of Newfoundland should not go unnoticed. I understand and respect her desire to avoid being the centre of attention. She is, however, such an integral part of the Folk Arts community on the Burin Peninsula, that it is virtually impossible to talk about one without the other.

Without Ruth Matthews, I sincerely doubt there would be any Penney Folk Dancers or a Folk Festival. She is quick to point out, however, that she has lots of help from Joan Hickman, Cecilia Bungay and other committee members.

In the words of Festival participant, Cecilia Edwards-Stacey, 'She is a lady with that special personal touch.' Cecilia has performed at the Festival many times and has only good things to say about Ruth, describing her as 'a real folk hero of our time and a great pioneer for women.'