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Last January, a group of
citizens met to share ideas about enhancing the quality of life in our
community - The North Kawartha Community Development Association was born.
A number of committees were created at that first meeting. Each committee
selected a goal, something they wanted to work on that would see some
results within the first year. There were other more long term goals and
they are taking a mix of patience, investigation and the inevitable
"homework" to realize. Township Council is kept informed of our activities
and experts from organizations such as Kawartha Choice and Greater
Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation have been invited so
that we can learn from them.
This year we have five
committees. The Economic Development Committee, while also working on long
term goals, right now is busy developing activities for July 1st. You will
hear more from them! Silver Foxes, a small informal group (of people!),
meet to study and discuss and challenge their thinking, and to assist a
senior's group with programs. Another committee is investigating the
possibility of a local radio station. The Welcome Home Committee has
developed plans and materials to do just that – welcome new area
residents. The Village Plan committee's primary goals are, of course, long
term. However, the new planters, colourful flowers, and benches around
town are the product of their activities. The Apsley Village Market
Committee is working hard and so the Market will open Saturday, June 2nd.
Although these committees
include those who wish to actively get things done, the association is
open to anyone who is interested in our goal. It may be that you only have
time for a short-term focused contribution or it may be that you wish to
keep informed as to what we are doing. We invite you to participate in any
capacity. If you would like more information about us, please call either
Helen Osborne 656-4670 or Sandy Zimmerman. 656-2745.
APSLEY VILLAGE MARKET IS HERE!
Perhaps the most ambitious
venture this year is the Apsley Village Market. Its committee has worked
feverishly nonstop to create the summer market. Meredeth Mackay, the
market's manager, has been immersed in innumerable activities: finding a
suitable location, developing agreements with both the site owners and
vendors, seeking out area artisans and others to sell fresh produce, baked
goods, jellies and jams, arranging for promotion and marketing,
negotiating for planters, benches, signs, canopies and funds! All this
plus reporting and obtaining consent at association meetings! A number of
groups and people have collaborated in order to make it all happen. Even
the school children have been involved. The colourful murals you see on
the wall above the canopies were designed and painted by Apsley Central
School children.
By the time you read this
article, you may have already been to market! Between the Heart of Apsley
and Bowes & Cocks, it will be bustling every Saturday morning from June
2nd to October 6, 9am – 1pm. A visit will be well worth the trip! The
market offers the area's best: fresh produce, baked goods, jams, jellies,
meats, wonderful exhibits of creativity in a variety of media by area
artisans. Come and browse, have a cappuccino, savour a freshly baked tart,
select a gift or an attractive tote, a unique piece of jewellery, or a
ceramic vase. Come sit awhile on our new benches, take "time to smell the
flowers", admire our school children's murals, visit with a friend, meet a
new one. It's summer – time to slow down and enjoy!
PS Public washrooms and
parking are conveniently located just behind the market place.
WELCOME HOME!
The Welcome Home Committee
has arranged materials, developed coupons from area businesses, and
received small gifts to welcome new residents to our community. The
Directory and area maps are also enclosed. You can find forms at real
estate and township offices. If you know of someone new to North Kawartha,
do not hesitate to invite them to fill in one of our forms so we can
visit. This service will begin the weekend of June 2nd as well.
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So which came
first - the chicken or the egg?
Without a strong,
developing community there is not a need for Economic growth. Similarly,
without an economy growing, how is the community to progress?
From all perspectives it
started with the settlers who cleared their land, built their homes, and
nurtured their own food supply. Soon, and in no specific order, there was
need for a farmer, a builder, a doctor, a school, a church, and a general
store. And so, the community grew and the economy developed - and, before
long, things really got rolling and we had a drug store, grocery store,
hardware store, barber and hairdresser. Not to leave out a community
centre, a library, local monthly news editions, and the many others that
contribute. It doesn't really matter which side of the street you happen
to be on, or whether you think the chicken or the egg came first! What
really counts is - We cannot sustain one without the other! The Community
and the Economy need each other.
The
message-here is simple. SUPPORT LOCAL!
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