Mark Doddington 6/30/25 Mark Doddington 6/30/25

Piano in the Dark

Stormy skies had been threatening Elkhart all day, making long-range plans dicey. But, in true Beardsley family tradition, Ruthmere decided to press on. Until…. About 4:30 in the afternoon, an enormous thunderclap resounded over the city, bringing with it a darkness unanticipated. Much of central Elkhart was bathed in darkness as the power went out, including Ruthmere.

Undaunted, Executive Director Bill Firstenberger made the decision to proceed with the evening’s events…

Andrea Hutslar 5/31/25 Andrea Hutslar 5/31/25

Sweet Maid of Night: Night-Blooming Cereus

For centuries, we have been enchanted by the concept of a flower that only blooms at night – especially when it takes a lot of patience to get it there. But the night-blooming cereus is worth the wait.

Mark Doddington 4/4/25 Mark Doddington 4/4/25

The Concert Committee Hits the Right Note

The list of potential artists continues to grow. It is my job to bring these fine musicians to the attention of the Concert Committee for us to make a group decision on who gets to perform at Ruthmere. It’s not always an easy decision. It’s quite safe to say that the level of musicianship coming our way is, for the most part, of the highest quality. And, just as with any other meeting of the minds, the Concert Committee is not always unanimous in its likes. We have jazz fans, classical fans, eclectic music fans, and those who embrace it all, as I try to do.

Andrea Hutslar 2/26/25 Andrea Hutslar 2/26/25

Dr. Miles’ Restorative Nervine

Miles’ primary product in the 1890s was DR. MILES RESTORATIVE NERVINE, a groundbreaking tonic that ultimately paved the way for several other medicines of its type. What exactly was Dr. Miles medical cure-all, Nervine, and why can’t I run to CVS and buy some today?