I have a lot of pride in my hometown, and my native parish. My great-grandfather, Barry Rutherford, made his fortune in Priene with a successful business career and settled his family in the beautiful, bustling area known as Belladonna Cove nestled along the shore of Mythgarden Lake.

Into this bustling community and a life of privilege my father, Kenneth Rutherford, was born. He met my mother, Leandra Melkin, while attending Samsun Kale University and they were married shortly after graduation. My brother, Geoff, and I had an "easy" life by most people's standards; we came from money and never - even as adults - had to work to support ourselves. I always wanted, however, to give something back to the community and the places that have given my family and I such opportunities. It was with this in mind that I applied for the job of Laketon Parish Keeper.

My grandmother, Rosalyn Rutherford, was the records keeper for the main church office in Priene and all of her records were passed on to me after her death. Using the information I have found in the many boxes of old record books, I have been able to create a vivid and detailed portrait of old Laketon Parish and its residents. I look forward to continuing this work and recording the same for future generations.