“Fools Plunge” Raises Money For New Building At Arden Rink

Kelli McRobert | Apr 05, 2023

As Arden woke up on April 1st, the day started off a bit gloomy, the weather had warmed up slightly, but drizzle filled the air with a chilling dampness. There was a stillness at the Arden Mill Pond, as the locals prepared for the day ahead. 13 degrees was the forecasted high, but the water still looked dark and cold.

Clear Valley, as it used to be known, changed it’s name when the post office was established in 1865. It was named after Alfred Lord Tennyson’s published poem Enoch Arden. Lumber was the main industry as the Rathburn Lumber Company set up just north of Arden. Grain-growing and dairy soon followed, but sadly clear cutting took hold and the economy faded. By 1882, the railway arrived and the Ontario and Quebec Rail built right through Arden and the station was Ardendale. Yet another great boom for this small town that prospered during the Canadian Pacific Railway times.

Arden then struck GOLD! By 1930 prospectors descended upon the tiny town, bought up many farms, and hopes and dreams were built on a short-lived rush from this lucrative mineral. By 1932, this town became a cottager’s getaway with galleries and potters drawing townspeople north. When Hwy 7 was constructed this reduced the need for the main railway, which eventually closed in 1967 (what we now call the Trans Canada Trail), leaving an era behind. The community still has a few historic buildings (churches) standing and is nestled amongst 3 lakes within a forested valley.

In Arden, the Kennebec Recreation Committee has begun to rejuvenate the area while continuing to engage with surrounding communities, whilst building support for local projects and initiatives. This past weekend, the KRC hosted a Polar ‘Fools’ Plunge to help with fundraising for an adjoining building beside the new rink that used to be called the ‘rink shack’. The building is badly decayed and the next fundraising event planned is June 3rd for a spaghetti dinner and quarter auction to help with the demolition and rebuild of what will be the future Kennebec Sports Centre. This location will host hockey, pickleball, basketball, and ball hockey. There will be lots of parking and the hope is to begin the project this spring. Demolition is already scheduled for May with the goal to raise $50,000.00.

Through the efforts of the Committee, residents, and businesses the plunge event raised nearly $6000 with 12 plungers leaping into the frosty pond. Some leapt in teams of two for moral support while others, celebrated with a demonstrative dance move, or a fretful look as they second-guessed the choice they had made for a frigid dip. Each jumper had a team supporting them of friends and/or family who stood shore-side with a warm blanket, jacket, or woolly as they crawled out of the icy brine. A tented change station was on hand along with volunteer fire fighters and their gear to ensure the safety of those participating.

A 50/50 draw earned the winner $110 and hot chocolate was on ‘tap’ for everyone to sip and savour along the shores during and after the excitement. The age range of jumpers was from 8-60 years old and each jumper approached in their own unique way. There were prizes for the jumper that raised the most money and the winner was Aleena Millard who jumped with her dad and raised $1255.00 to brave the cold. Honorable mention went to Rhonda MacFarland who came in at $1253.00 and made a fashion statement with her furry hat, luxurious bath robe, and slippers, a ‘cheer’ squad with signage in tow.

I spoke briefly with the Chair of the KRC, Lynn Klages who is also Councillor of Ward 1, and a resident, as she enthusiastically detailed the plans for the Kennebec Centre and the wheels are already in motion. She explained she is passionate about the people of Central Frontenac and she is enjoying this new role and the revitalization of the area.

Bravo, to all those that took the plunge and helped support this excellent initiative. I look forward to the spaghetti supper and coming out to the Grand Opening of the new Centre this year.

For more information you can contact the Kennebec Recreation Committee through Facebook Messenger or find them on the Central Frontenac web page: https://www.centralfrontenac.com/en/explore/sportsandrecreation.aspx