Feature article November 18, 2004
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"Omponians" set ambitious agendaWhat's an Omponian? That's the question being asked around North Frontenac these days, as rumours spread about a new group ready to make cultural waves in the north country.
The idea evolved from the organizing done last spring and summer to save the little Ompah Library. With that goal now likely, Neville Wells and others involved began to talk about a broader and more permanent organization to support the library, do charitable work, and have fun. At Wells' initiative, people gathered at the Ompah Community Centre on the evening of November 10th to discuss the proposal.
The group enthusiastically endorsed the idea of an association combining charitable, education-related work and liberal arts activities benefitting the community at large in North Frontenac. They agreed to proceed with founding a new association, to be called, at least for now, "The Omponian Society".
"There is a need for a local organization to engage in charitable activities, particularly those related to education," said Janice Arthur, who has been involved in the idea from the beginning. Suggestions from the meeting included financial assistance to young people to help them pursue their education, delivering library books and reading to elderly or visually impaired, and taking local students on theatre trips.
At the same time the Omponian Society would promote library use, provide opportunities for local story-tellers, writers and others, and organize cultural activities such as play reading, a book discussion group, coffee houses, debates, or bringing in speakers.
"As Omponians we would maintain a balance between the 'fun' and the 'serious' in our activities", Wells explained. "Individuals will get involved in whatever aspects interest them most."
Although the group's base will be Ompah, its sphere of activity will be the whole of North Frontenac, and it invites and welcomes participation from Plevna, Snow Road, Ardoch, and other neighbouring communities.
Another meeting will be held soon to formally establish the organization and consider a draft statement of purpose and terms of reference. A survey form is being developed to gather input on potential Omponian Society activities, and the first of these is already being planned for early December.
Watch the News and local bulletin boards for details of both the meeting and the December event. If you would like more information about the Omponian Society, call Neville Wells at 479-9915 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
