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

By Kelli McRobert

As residents 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 water rushed over the waterfall, and you could see smoke tendrils coming from a few homes chimneys, as the locals prepared for the day ahead. Thirteen degrees was the forecasted high, but the water still looked dark and cold.

Undaunted, 12 brave (or foolhardy, depending on your point of view) souls arrived at the mill pond, ready to take the plunge. A crowd of well-wishers greeted the jumpers, who were led by Jeff Matson and his daughter Caylie, principle organisers of the event.

“I thought it would be an easy event to organise, and that people would enjoy it,” said Jeff, who participated in the polar plunge in Sharbot Lake in the past. “And it worked out pretty well. The weather was pretty cold and rainy, but the water wasn't freezing, it was up to 1 degree celsius. And as soon as we had finished cleaning up after the plunge, the sun came out and it turned into a warm day.”

Through the efforts of the committee, residents, and businesses, the “fools plunge” raised nearly $5600. 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 firefighters 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 to brave the cold. Honorable mention went to Rhonda MacFarland who came in at $1200 and made a fashion statement with her furry hat, luxurious bathrobe, and slippers, a ‘cheer’ squad with signage in tow.

The money that was raised will go to the Kennebec Recreation Committee for use in the construction of a replacement building for the 'rink shack', next to the newly upgraded Arden Rink, which will be used for summer as well as winter activities. The current building is badly de- cayed and is slated for demolition next month.

“In 2019 we raised a bunch of money for the project, over $15,000, but because of COVID it has been delayed,” said Matson. “In the Central Frontenac budget this year, $20,000 was put into the project, so we thought we could make it happen this year. With this money, we are getting closer to the $50,000 that we need.

Township staff, including Tysen Myers at Public Works and Andy Dillon in the building department, have committed staff resources to move the project along this year. The old building, which is 12' x 30' is being torn down this month, and between township crews and donated labour from local contractors, a slightly larger, 16' x 34' heated building will go up in its place, hopefully before the snow flies again in the fall.

“Ultimately we would like to put up a roof over the rink, like the one they have in Flinton, but that will take more time. We have been talking to the guys in Sharbot Lake about that, because they also want to put a roof over their new rink,” Matson said.

Another fundraising event is planned for June 3rd, a spaghetti dinner and quarter auction, to help with the project.

Lynn Klages, Chair of the Kennebec Rec Committee and local council member, said that the plans for the new building are in motion, and the cooperation between local volunteers and township staff and council, have been key to moving the project forward 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# ■

Central Frontenac Sets Conditions of Sale For Old Schools

by Craig Bakay

Staff presented Central Frontenac Council proposed “evaluation matrices” for use when evaluating proposals for the sale of the former Hinchingbrooke school and former Mountain Grove library/fire hall properties at its regular meeting March 28 in Sharbot Lake.

In the report, Dep. Clerk Cindy Deachman wrote that “proceeds of the sale of the properties may be less than the market value depending on the scoring of the matrix, however long-term economic development and hamlet revitalization benefits associated with redevelopment of these properties will outweigh immediate profit.”

The scoring matrix for Hinchinbrooke public school (1021 Long Lake Road is weighted as follows:

• Quality of business plan to demonstrate a sound financial plan for redevelopment — 30%

• Redevelopment proposal maximizes highest and best use for the property with potential to revitalize hamlet and provide affordable housing options which will fit in with the community — 30%

• Complexity and/or risks, or delay in closing associated with conditions requested in offer (financing, planning approvals, etc.) — 15%

• Highest bid based on “as is” condition — 20%

• For Parham will purchaser consider in good faith to allow Fair Board the use of no more than 2 acres at the rear of the property to provide overflow parking/access until such time as redevelopment prevents this use — 5%.

The scoring matrix for Mountain Grove is identical except that the 5% for Fair Board use is eliminated and added to make the highest bid based on as is condition 25 %.

Coun. Bill Everett asked if there were any heritage considerations on either property and was told there weren’t.

“Just an old building that we want to sell for the price of a new building,” said Mayor Frances Smith.

Coun. Nicki Gowdy asked about a viable soccer field that had been at the rear of the Hinchinbrooke school and noted that the local soccer association was ramping up post-covid operations and at present “will have to use GREC and pay for it.”

“I don’t want to say what I’m thinking right now,” said Smith.

Piccadilly Pickleball

At the suggestion of Coun. Lynn Klages, Council decided to allow indoor pickleball at Piccadilly Hall on a trial basis.

Mayor Frances Smith was initially against the idea, worried about potential damage and noting that a similar request for Oso Hall was turned down.

Coun. Nicki Gowdy pointed out that much of the concern for Oso Hall involved the theatre lighting system and the Verona Lions Hall allows indoor pickleball with no damage reported to date.

Riddell resigns from Fire Dep’t after 35 years

Council acknowledged the 35 years Jamie Riddell put in with Central Frontenac Fire and Rescue as firefighter, chief and most recently as deputy chief.

Riddell has recently accepted an indeterminate Correctional Manager position at Collins Bay Institution and said