Friends of Arden | Feb 10, 2011


submitted by the Friends of Arden

A covered bridge plus a proposed recreational area centred on the 600-acre Arden "Canyon" are just two of the many possibilities that will be put to area residents at a public meeting called for Thursday, February 17 at Kennebec Hall.

 

The meeting, which kicks off at 7 p.m., is a follow up to an earlier meeting organized by the Friends of Arden last November, which drew over 70 people interested in the revitalization of the village.

 

 The February meeting will hear about progress in plans discussed at the November meeting and about the recent meeting between Central Frontenac township officials and a delegation from the Friends of Arden. A large portion of the upcoming two-hour meeting, however, will be devoted to public discussion aimed at implementing priorities as quickly as possible.

 

The meeting will include a photographic presentation by longtime resident, Glen Matson and a display of artwork depicting village scenes by local artists, Judy Versavel and Sarah Hale, who have volunteered to print publicity material for the village renewal.

 

Mr. Matson, one of the delegates who met with township officials, told a Friends of Arden committee meeting held on January 20, that the response from the township had been "very favourable" and that clearing of brush along approach roads to the village was already underway in an effort to improve the appearance of the hamlet.

 

The Friends of Arden committee heard that action was imperative in order to maintain the momentum that had resulted from the new village roads and sidewalks construction completed last fall.

 

Other ideas being touted for the village include sidewalks on both sides of the bridge at Arden Road and an illuminated ornamental fountain in the middle of Arden Millpond. For more information call Terry at 613-335-3606 or Adrian, 613-335-4474.

 

Friends of Arden Art Posters for sale by Julie Druker

Photo: Arden painter Judith Versavel with two of the Friends of Arden posters.

In an effort to raise funds for the recently formed Friends of Arden, a group of local citizens who are aiming to rejuvenate Arden Village, two Arden artists, batik artist Sarah Hale and painter Judith Versavel, are selling posters of their original art works. They will be donating 40% of the profits to the Friends and there will be a series of four posters altogether, with each artist contributing two works. So far each artist has completed one poster and both expect to have another finished by the spring. Judith's contribution is a watercolour of the old Arden bakery on Elm Tree Road and Sarah's is a batik work of downtown Arden circa 1972. Each 12” x18” poster is sold in a plastic sleeve and comes with write up about the history of the particular building depicted. They cost $20 each, are tax-free and are available at the artists’ studios, Arden Batik (613-335-2073) and Gallery on the Bay (335-2032).

 

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