Minutes of Yarker Colebrook & District Community Association General Meeting, December 5th

The first General Meeting of the Yarker, Colebrook & District Community Association was called to order by Eric Depoe at 4:10 pm.

1.0 Steering Committee Report

On behalf of the Steering Committee, Eric DePoe gave at status report on the past years activities which included the general community survey, a pot luck dinner in January, participation in Earth Hour, a community clean-up on Earth Day, the July 1^st Canada Day Pancake Breakfast, assistance with the Terry Fox Run and ending with The Pumpkin Pie Festival and General Meeting. The Association was also successful in obtaining funds from past community associations, local businesses and a grant from the Prince Edward/Lennox Addington, Community Futures Development Corporation for village planters and other landscaping features.

2.0 Association By-laws

Copies of the Association’s proposed By-laws were tabled and discussed. A correction to 4(a) for the second sentence to read “…..composed of at least six members: the president….” shall be made. The By-Laws as corrected were approved by the members.

3.0 Association Incorporation

The Steering Committee has recommended that the Association become incorporated as a Not- for - Profit Corporation. Rob Renaud made the motion to proceed with incorporation. The motion was second by Judy Ryde and passed unanimously by the members present.

4.0 Financial Report

Copies of the current financial statement were distributed which indicated a balance of $2,198.47. These funds are mostly allocated for the continuation of the Beautification Program which allows access to the approved grant funding from PELA/CFDC.

5.0 Future Planned Activities

The Steering Committee has recommended that the new Board consider the following activates for the coming year. Carolling at Christmas, Cross Country Skiing in Jan, Earth Hour star gazing, spring community clean-up, Canada Day Pancake Breakfast and a Fall Concert.

6.0 Nominations of Officers and Directors

The Steering Committee nominated a full slate of Board executives as follows;

President Eric DePoe

Vice-President Gary Rasberry

Secretary Anna Szczepaniec

Treasurer Rick Ryde

Director Rob Renaud

Director Laura Nagel

Rob Renaud respectfully declined due to other commitments but will participate in other areas of the Association. Barb Linds nominated Judy Ryde for the vacant Director’s position. Judy Ryde agreed to stand. The amended nominated Board as follows was presented to the general membership for approval.

President Eric DePoe

Vice-President Gary Rasberry

Secretary Anna Szczepaniec

Treasurer Rick Ryde

Director Laura Nagel

Director Judy Ryde

The new Board of the Association was approved and carried by the membership.

7.0 New Business

The request by Riverside United Church to relocate the planter in front of the Church for the winter has been received and is being reviewed as to the best relocation position.

New playground equipment was discussed and suggested it be a priority for the new Board. Laura Nagel will set-up a committee to initiate action.

Ideas for a folk and arts festival were discussed and the Board was asked to pursue the notion of establishing such a festival.

Communications by the Association was discussed and concluded that greater efforts must be made to improve and expand methods of communicating with the communities. Phone tree, ads, newsletters, permanent bulletin boards were some of the suggestions. The Board will act accordingly.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 pm.

Minutes prepared by Richard Ryde. Any errors or omissions should be identified to the Secretary prior to the next meeting.

Invitation to the general meeting

Yarker, Colebrook & District Community Association

November 25^th, 2010

Hi All,

This past year your newly formed Community Association has had a great start in restoring and adding a number of community activities and initiating some interesting projects. It is now time to formally elect a slate of officers and directors so that it may continue its work in a more structured and organized fashion.

The Steering Committee, therefore would like to invite you to a General Meeting and Pot Luck Supper to be held at the Ridge Runners Hall, Sidings Street, Yarker on Sunday, December 5^th, 2010 beginning at 4:oo pm.

The Steering Committee will present a brief synopsis of the year’s activities and projects underway, proposed Association By-Laws and a full slate of Officers and Directors for approval of the general membership.

So, please bring your favourite dish or dessert, enjoy the company of the Yarker/Colebrook family and support the on-going efforts of the Association.

We hope you all can join in ---Its important!

Your Steering Committee.

Yarker Colebrook & District Community Association Minutes of Meeting November 10th, 2010

Yarker Colebrook & District Community Association

Minutes of Meeting

November 10th, 2010

Meeting held November 10th, 2010. 7:00pm at the Ridge Runners Hall, Yarker

Attendees: Eric DePoe, Chair, Barb Linds, Rob Renaud, Carolyn Pickering, Dawn Anger, Deb. Richman, Richard Ryde.

Regrets: Wayne Goodyer

Item Description Action By

Agenda presented and approved.

1.0. Association Incorporation

The pro’s and con’s of incorporation were discussed at length, including

but not limited to, costs, liability and administration.

Limits of liability insurance available through the Township and the

terms and conditions of the coverage provided by the Township will

confirmed. EDP

It was agreed that incorporation should be obtained for the Association. RA

2. 2.0. Association By-Laws

Draft copies of the proposed Association By-laws were distributed and

discussed. Amendments including Board composition to President,

Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and two Directors, in article #4 and

General Meeting to be held once per year and deletion of “within 90 days”

clause in article #6 will be made. The members in good standing provision

requires further definition. EDP

With the incorporation of the amendments as noted above and subject

to R Renaud’s review of past notes, the Association By-Laws were RR

accepted. By-laws in draft form will be posted on the web site. EDP

3. 3.0. Association’s General Meeting

It was decided that a General Meeting of the Association would be

held on Sunday December 5^th at 4:oopm with a Pot Luck supper

to follow. The location to be confirmed. Ridge Runner Hall to be

explored with the Riverside United Church as a second option. RAR

The purpose of the meeting will be to elect Officers and Directors

and to approve the Associations By-Laws.

A full slate of nominees should be presented at the General Meeting.

To-date the Steering Committee has suggested Eric DePoe as President,

Rick Ryde as Treasurer and Rob Renaud as a Director. EDP and RAR

will approach other candidates for the balance of the positions. EDP/RAR

4. 4.0 Format for General Meeting

EDP/RAR will prepare the meeting agenda which will include a

reinforcement of the Associations mission statement, report from the

Steering Committee on the years activities, presentation of By-Laws,

financial report and slate of nominated officers and directors. EDP/RAR

An Election Committee of Carolyn Pickering and Dawn Anger

was formed and will be responsible for preparing ballots and

establishing the voting procedures. CP/DA

5. 5.0 Financial Report

Copies of the Association’s financial transactions were distributed.

The current cash balance is $542.45 after payment of all planters.

6.0 Review of Previous Minutes of Meeting.

EDP to contact Sean Seymore regarding youth soccer programs. EDP

Donor plaques for planters to be obtained. RAR to arrange. RAR

Ground garden in Yarker and Colebrook to be put on hold All

until Spring.

7.0 Pumpkin Pie Fest Review.

The Pumpkin Pie Fest was in all accounts a success. Next year’s

event should include a bake sale with pie for sale, the pie judging

should occur earlier and more planning and set-up time is required. All

A thank-you letter is to be sent to Quinn’s Meats. EDP

8.0 Carolling

Carolling at Christmas is the next possible social event for the

Association. EDP to check with RR for possible partnering with

Riverside Church on such an event. EDP

Date of Next Meeting

December 5th, 2010 4:00pm General Meeting All

Minutes prepared by Richard Ryde.

Pumpkin Pie Fest

The Pumpkin Pie Fest organized by Yarker Colebrook and District Community Association was a very successful event. We were very happy to see so many families with children participating.

There were many attractions: life music, provided by Gary Rasberry:

Pumpkin bowling:

Face painting:

Pie eating contest:

Pumpkin Pinata:

And pumpkin pie contest judged by Greg Burliuk from The Whig Standard.

All photographs by Andrzej Maciejewski

Yarker Colebrook & District Community Association Minutes of Meeting September 8th, 2010

Attendees: Eric DePoe, Chair, Rob Renaud, Carolyn Pickering, Dawn Anger, Richard Ryde.

Regrets: Anne Szczepaniec

Item Description / Action By

Planters and Gardens
Planters (6) have been installed complete with plantings.

Donor plaques will be sourced and priced. RaR to report back.                                          RaR

Ground gardens at Yarker and Colebrook are to be layout in

approx. 10x13 ovals. Ground to be turned over and soil added

where required by a work party on Sat. October 2^nd.                                                                    CP

In the future, planting competitions could be held annually.                           All

Seeds for Spring planting are to be arranged locally.                                                                        EDP

2. 
   
   
   PELA Funding

Funding for stage 2 of the Village Beautification Program

has been secured through the PELA Eastern Ontario Development

Program. EDP and RaR will meet with PELA to finalize the contract. EDP/RaR

Scope of project may change from that presented in the application

due Township concerns on snow removal and sight lines. A number

of options will be explored with the PELA, Conservation Authority and

the Township. EDP/RaR will present options and ideas at the next

meeting.                                                                                                    EDP/RaR

3. 
   
   
   Association Incorporation

Provincial incorporation as a Not-for-Profit corporation will cost

approx. $155 plus name search. EDP & RaR will compare standard

Provincial by-laws with draft by-laws of Association. Interim bank

account at the BMO Bank of Montreal has been established.                                                                      RaR/EDP

4. 
   
   
   Association Membership Event

It was felt that more exposure is required in order to increase interest

in the Association and to gain membership. A family Fall event was

suggested as a means to this end.                                                         All

4.0 Association Membership Event (continued)

A Pumpkin Pie Fest was agreed upon and the date of Sunday

October 3^rd was established. Events to include pumpkin pie contest,

Pumpkin decorating, pie eating contest, etc. A special organization

meeting is to be held Monday, Sept. 13^th @ 7:00pn Waterfall Tea Rm.  All

A list of potential interest parties was prepared and responsibilities for

contacting the individuals was assigned.                                                  All

5.0 Ball Park Usage

EDP to contact Sean Seymore regarding youth soccer programs.                               EDP

6.0 Fund Raising Events

Terry Fox run in hand. All involved are to meet a the Ball Park at

noon Sept. 19^th. All

A list of potential annual events was prepared as follows.

December Carolling at Christmas

January Cross Country Skiing (Jan 12 or 13)

March Earth Hour – possible star gazing

April Community Clean-up – Heavy Spring Clean-up

July 1^st Canada Day Pancake Breakfast

August Fall Concert (Aug. 27)

7.0 Association Logo

The YCDCA logo with addition of “River Communities”

to be tested in reduced size.

                                                                                                                    RaR

8.0 Welcoming Committee

The suggestion of a welcoming committee was brought to the

Association’s attention by Andréa Richmond. Andrea to be

invited to the Sept. 13^th meeting. As part of a new

resident’s package, it was suggested that a card with YCDCA

logo be prepared which would include all important contacts

with telephone, email and other address information.

Date of Next Meeting

September 13th, 2010 7:00pm Waterfall Tea Room. All

Minutes prepared by Richard Ryde.

Terry Fox Run

Sunday September 19th 2010 was the 30th Anniversary of the National Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research. This was the first time the residents of Yarker and Colebrook were able to be part of the activities without joining the events in Kingston and Napanee. The Yarker,Colebrook and District Community Association organised the event which attracted runners and walkers from the area. This year the participants included cancer survivors who showed how much progress is being made in the fight against the disease. The group raised over $650.00 for research through pledges and sales of T-shirts and shoe laces. Thank you to all who participated in the event.

Carolyn Pickering - Yarker Colebrook and District Community Association 

photo by Andrzej Maciejewski

photo by Andrzej Maciejewski

photo by Andrzej Maciejewski

photo by Andrzej Maciejewski

photo by Andrzej Maciejewski

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

photo by Gail Knowles

 

Preparations to Pumpkin Pie Festival

The Yarker Colebrook and District Community Association is preparing an exciting event - Pumpkin Pie Festival, which will take place on Sunday, October 3rd, from 2 to 4 pm in the Ridge Runners Clubhouse. We are preparing many attractions: pumpkin pie contest, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, live music etc.
We need donations of pumpkins (any size) and of items, which might be used for decorating (bric a brac, yarn, markers, push pins, material, lace, buttons etc. ). We also need to find someone good at face-painting. Please contact us if you can help: write to yarker.community@gmail.com or come to the next planning meeting: Monday, September 20th at 7 pm in Waterfall Tearoom.

New Planters

Text by Eric DePoe, photographs by Andrzej Maciejewski


The planters are finally here!!

Yes, six new planters have arrived and are already full of flowers and looking fantastic. This could not have happened without the work of many people, so thank you - Rick and Judy Ryde, for driving to and from Ottawa in a rented truck to pick them up. Thanks are also due to Carl Jaynes for unloading the planters. Special thanks to Carolyn Pickering for organizing the flowers and the potting soil, and for planting the planters. Yarker and Colebrook just got a little more beautiful, thanks to the work of the community, and specifically through the help of these people.
Check out the planters by the fire station, near the park, and across from the Colebrook store next time you drive through town!

Planters in the park on the river (Yarker)

Planters next to the Fire-station (Yarker)

Terry Fox Run in September

Dust off your running shoes. Sunday September 19th the Yarker Colebrook and District Community Association will be
hosting a Terry Fox Run/Walk/Bike.

Like most communities, we have experienced major impacts from cancer. Help in the fight by participating/fund fund raising or
volunteering to be a run marshal.

Our course will be a moderately challenging 5km loop starting and ending at the Yarker ball diamond.
Start time 1:00 PM.

If you are a little unsure about preparing for the run, check out; http://ycadgetactive.blogspot.com/
You will find some links there for couch to 5km running plans.

Fro more information or to volunteer contact Rob Renaud reobertrenaud@persona.ca or phone (613) 377-6385.

Minutes of the Steering Committee meeting on May 5th

Yarker Colebrook & District Community Association
Minutes of Meeting
May 5th, 2010

Meeting held May 5th, 2010. 7:00pm, Yarker Waterfall Tea Room

Attendees: Eric DePoe, Chair, Anna Szczepaniec, Wayne Goodyer, Carolyn Pickering, Richard Ryde.
Regrets: Rob Renaud

Item Action By
1.0Minutes of Meeting
Request made to add an Action By column to the recorded
Minutes of Meeting. Carried RR

2.0Planters
Meeting was held with Sharon Hassman and Doug
Davidson to explore funding for Planters Initiative
and Council approval for placement of Planters on Twp.
land. Presentation to Council will be required for both funding
and placement approval. A commitment of $750 towards the
Planter Initiative was obtain from the Yarker Recreation Field
Improvement Committee. (Sharon Haasan)
A draft proposal titled Proposed Community Initiatives was tabled
by R Ryde for discussion. This paper is to be submitted to Council
prior to the May 17th Council meeting. Minor changes as discussed
will be made to the paper and submitted to the Twp. RR
Covering letter requesting that Planter Initiative be placed
on Council agenda to use E DePoe mailing address for the
Association. Presentation to be made by E DePoe and R Ryde ED/RR
on May 17th.

Additional funding for Planter Initiative’s estimated $ 3,500
was discussed. It was agreed to ask the Yarker Recreation
Committee for $ 2,000 and the Twp. of Stone Mills $ 750. ED/RR

3.0PELA Funding

Funding for stage 2 of the Village Beautification Program
to be sought through application to PELA Eastern Ontario
Development Program. Application to be submitted prior
to May 21st. Copies of application were distributed. ED/RR
4.0Bulletin Boards

Two temporary Bulletin Boards are to be purchased for
installation at Yarker and Colebrook General Stores. ED






Yarker Colebrook & District Community Association
Minutes of Meeting
May 5th, 2010

5.0Association Incorporation

Incorporation discussion was held and it was agreed that Provincial
incorporation as a Not-for-Profit corporation would be appropriate.
To keep cost to a minimum, an off the shelf solution and format
will be found and followed. RR

6.0Flea Market Event

Association’s table to be provided by W. Goodyer. WG
50 Pamphlets and table banner to be supplied by C, Pickering CP
Tim Bits to be supplied by E. DePoe. ED
Table to be manned from 9 to 12 by E. DePoe and from
12 to 2pm by W. Goodyer. ED/WG
Surveys to be supplied by A. Szczepaniec. AS

7.0Association Membership

Representation from Colebrook important. E. DePoe to ask Roger
Viner from Colebrook. ED
All to review list of volunteers from Survey and discuss at next
meeting. All
It was suggested that a social event might be an appropriate
activity to build membership.

8.0General Fund Raising

General fund raising for Association initiatives and projects must
be developed. As a first step, a donation jar should be present at
all events. Other events to be identified. All

9.0Association Logo

A suggested crest YC logo was tabled and thought to be appropriate
for the Association. Banner “motto” to be discussed at next meeting, All

10.0Issues for Next Meeting

For discussion at next meeting, Property Maintenance/By-Law
Enforcement, Logo, General Fund Raising and Membership. All

Date of Next Meeting – May 26th 2010 7:00pm Waterfall Tea Room All
Minutes prepared by Richard Ryde.

Minutes of the Steering Committee meeting on April 21st

Yarker,Colebrook and District Community Association

Minutes of the Meeting April 21st 2010 Waterfall Tearoom

In attendance – Eric Depoe/Anna Szczepaniec/ Richard Ryde/ Rob Renaud/Wayne Goodyer/ Carolyn Pickering
Agenda Earth Day – April 24th -community cleanup
Planters for the Villages
Article for Scoop Magazine
Ballfield restoration
Steering Committee
Other items
Earth Day Clean Up

Clean Up Day is scheduled for April 24th @ 10 am meeting on the Fire Hall Car Park in Yarker
We have the bags from the Township and Barbeque arranged.
Need to have map of the area. Encourage people to clean up in the area in which they live.
Plan for 8 crews. – we can add after that. Recycling bags should also be provided.

Planters
Research has been done to assess the kind of planter which would be suitable for our project.
6-8 commercial grade planters will be needed. Met with Councillor Doug Davison to decide which would be the best route to take to secure permission and possible financing.
Need people within the community to care for the planters both in Yarker and Colebrook. Have contacted a number of people. Have met with Sharon Haaksman who is Head of Parks and Recreation for the Township.

Article for the Scoop Magazine.

Group reviewed and revised the proposed article about the Association. This will be sent to the magazine on April 22nd for inclusion in their next edition.

Ballfield Renovations.

No hydro/Panel gone/Needs restoration if the area is to be used.
Line from the road is still there.
Township mow the grass but are not responsible for the upkeep of the area..
Request to the community to find people interested in coaching the teams in the area . Anyone interested should contact Eric Depoe at the Waterfall Tearoom in Yarker.
Group agreed to find out the cost of such a restoration project and decide the future if and when people show interest in using the area.
Steering Committee.

Discussion about the need to invite people from Colebrook and other residents in Yarker to make the group representative of the area. Need to form the actual Association and this is proposed to take place in the Fall of 2010.

Other items of discussion.

The Ridgerunners have hall space available for use by the community.
Discussion about the pamphlet used as part of our presentation at the Flea Market on May 15th.

Meeting adjourned @ 9.00pm

Next Meeting May 5th 2010 at the Waterfall Tearoom.

Minutes submitted by Carolyn Pickering

Community Potluck Supper

The Yarker Colebrook and District Community Association invites you to the Community Potluck Supper on Sunday, April 18th at 6 pm in the basement of the Riverside United Church in Yarker. Please come to enjoy the community, to meet old friends and to make new ones, to hear recent community news and to share your views with others. Please take with you the recipe for the meal you are bringing - we are thinking about creating a Yarker, Colebrook and District Community Cookbook, based on community potlucks (there will be more of them in the future) to celebrate the diversity and the traditions of our great community.
Please help us to spread the word about this event. Talk to your friends and neighbours and tell them about it. Every new person you bring with you is important. Please feel free to bring your children with you. We have a volunteer teenager who will provide some games and other entertainment for little kids and other teenagers may help with that.

We are looking forward to seeing you all.

Minutes of the Steering Committee meeting on April 7th

Yarker,Colebrook and District Community Association
Minutes of the Meeting April 7th 2010 Waterfall Tearoom


In attendance – Eric Depoe/Anna Szczepaniec/ Carolyn Pickering/Richard Ryde.

Agenda
Earth Day – April 24th -community cleanup
Pot Luck Supper- April 18th
Beautification of Yarker and Colebrook
Flea Market – May 15th
Canada Day events
Treasures Report

Earth Day – community clean up
10am – 12 – Firehall parking lot. Request helpers to bring gloves. Barbeque hot dogs after the event.
Areas in need of cleaning – Yarker to Colebrook County Road 6/ Yarker park/Colebrook park/Store to flashing light/Store to school/Ball diamond. Other areas?
Email will be sent to association members
Rick will make announcement in Guide/Beaver
Poster in store
Carolyn will get bags from Township and arrange barbeque.
Eric will contact the Fire Dept to advertise on sign and make poster for the stores
Community Pot Luck Supper- Sunday- April 18th Our second pot luck supper has been arranged for April 18th in the Riverside United Church Basement - all welcome. Members be at the church by 4.30 to arrange the room. Note this is on Sunday because of other events at the church on Sat.
Bring a favourite dish and something to drink.
Village beautification:- In response to the survey many people requested we look into enhancing the village in some way to make it look more attractive. The group decided to look into introducing planters into both the village with some form of notice board to give information to those people who do not have a computer to access the website.
Group will research this project with the council and look for funding within the next week.
Flea Market May 15th – The Community association will have a display table at the Flea Market to give information about the group and their projects. Have booked a table for $10. Need to be there at 8am to set up. Will produce a pamphlet to highlight our aims and objectives. Rain date is the next day or the next week.
Canada Day Celebration- July 1st informal party in the park is planned with possible fireworks on the ball diamond. Cost of the fireworks and location will be looked into to see if they would be possible.
Treasurer’s Report - Rick reports balance of $34.60 left over from the $208.00 raised to print and distribute the survey.

Next meeting April 21st 2010 @ 7pm – Waterfall Tearoom

Earth hour 2010 - March 27th 8:30-9:30 PM

Organized by Yarker Colebrook and District Community Association

Earth Hour is a global event organized by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature, also known as World Wildlife Fund) and is held on the last Saturday of March annually, asking households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.

This year we are organizing a walk to the Parks in Colebrook and Yarker to celebrate Earth Hour. At 9:00: PM in both locations we will have a local minister perform a blessing for the Earth.

We are currently organizing some draw prizes for both locations. If you would like to contribute a draw prize, please contact Rob Renaud (613)377-6385 or robertrenaud@persona.ca

Steering Committee meeting on Monday, Feb 22

Next meeting of the Steering Committee for Yarker Colebrook and District Community Association is scheduled for 7 pm on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 in Waterfall Tearoom (upstairs).

General Community Survey - overview

Once again, great thanks to all who took part in the Survey. We appreciate that you were kind enough to spare some of your time to answer our questions. Many thanks to all great people who supplied us with their suggestions and ideas what could be done for our community.


Total number of replies was 70. There were 26 Surveys filled on-line and 44 paper-copies.


1. First question was: What are the three most important things you like about the community?


37 replies (around 54%) were: "nice, friendly people; great neighbours"

26 replies (around 37%): "that it's small, rural, quiet place"


Apart from that respondents mentioned the Napanee River (12 people - 18%) and the trail (11 people - 17%), Yarker Family School (9 people) and Library (7 people), history and heritage (9 people) and that our area is beautiful/picturesque (9 people).


Other answers were: distance from Kingston and Napanee, Fire Department, local churches and shops, wildlife.


2. Second question was: What are areas that you would like to see improved in the community?


24 people (35%) replied that they would like to see "the community spirit improved; more local events and activities; more opportunities of meeting other community members"


13 people (19%) would like to see "the looks of the area improved; properties and yards clean-up"


10 people (14 %) would like to see local parks better cared for, 7 people (10 %) would like to see the ball field better used/ better cared for, 6 people would like to see improvements and better care for the playgrounds and 6 people would like to have a garbage pick-up service in the area. Other answers are: that we need a community bulletin board, skating rink, snow-removal from side-walks (or generally better side-walks), coffee shop/pub/restaurant open whole year and whole week, access to waterfalls, safer roads, mail delivery.



3. Third question was: What age group best describes the adults in your household?


20-30 yrs - 1 reply

31-45 yrs - 23 replies (34%)

46-60 yrs - 27 replies (38%)

61-70 yrs - 14 replies (20%)

over 70 yrs - 4 replies


4. Fourth question was: If you have children at home, how many are: Of pre-school age/ In public school/ In high school/ In college or university/ Not at school?


Replies:

Children of pre-school age: 8

Children in public school: 30

Children in high school: 12

Children in college or university: 6


About "children not at school" we received several very confusing replies (for example someone replied: "26")


5. Fifth question was: What activities you would like to see continued or established in the community?



In Sports/Recreation category most respondents indicated Baseball/Soccer - 42 replies (60%)

Kayaking (or canoeing) had 21 replies (30%)

Snowmobiling/ATV - 20 replies (29%)



Other indicated activities included: yoga, ice skating, hockey, swimming, tennis, running, senior sports, youth sports, Tai Chi

In History/Heritage category:

24 people (33%) indicated Historic Documentation
48 people (68%) indicated Village Beautification/Restoration
40 people (57%) indicated Civic Holiday Celebrations

Other: ensuring that existing heritage applications are not ignored, historic information nights, return of Governor Simcoe Day

In Arts and Culture category:

50 people (71%) indicated Outdoor/Indoor Concerts (few respondents declared that they prefer outdoor concerts and some that they prefer indoor concerts)
31 people (44%) indicated Arts Festivals
38 people (55%) indicated Arts and Crafts Workshops

Other: activities for children, dances, art galleries, quilt making, crafts fairs, theatre

In Environmental category:

34 people (49%) indicated Ecological Preservation/Remediation
31 people (44%) indicated Gardening/In Bloom Tours
46 people (66%) indicated Eco Hiking/Walking

Other: cleaning on Earth Day, cycling, gardening club, caring for trees, Farmers Market

In Social Life category:

27 people (38%) indicated Seniors Programs
22 people (31%) indicated Local Business Programs
15 people (21%) indicated Pre-School Programs

Other: retirement homes, bar or restaurant, pot-lucks, activities for youth

6. Sixth question was: How important are seniors services in the community?

25 people (35%)replied Very Important
29 people (42%)replied Important
4 people replied Unimportant
4 people replied Completely Unimportant

7. Seventh question was: How would you rate the importance of these major categories of activities?

Sports/Recreation got:
34 replies (49%) Very Important
23 replies (33%) Important
5 replies Unimportant
4 replies Completely Unimportant

History/Heritage got:
18 replies (26%) Very Important
37 replies(53%) Important
4 replies Unimportant
4 replies Completely Unimportant

Arts and Culture got:
21 (30%)replies Very Important
32 (46%)replies Important
8 replies Unimportant
2 replies Completely Unimportant

Environmental got:
32 replies(46%) Very Important
25 replies(35%) Important
5 replies Unimportant
2 replies Completely Unimportant

Social Life got:
27 replies (39%) Very Important
26 replies (37%) Important
9 replies Unimportant
2 replies Completely Unimportant

8. Eight question was: Which of the above major activities are you most interested in:
(There was a problem with this question: in on-line version one could mark only one answer, in paper version people would mark several answers, some would mark all of them)

Sports/Recreation got 27 voices (39%)
History/Heritage 15 (22%)
Arts and Culture 22 (31%)
Environmental 24 (33%)
Social Life 17 (24%)

9. Ninth question was: Are you interested in becoming a member of the Association:

22 people (32%) replied Yes (of which 4 didn't give their contact data)
31 people (45%) replied No
4 replied Maybe
others did not reply to this question

10. We asked for your suggestions that would help the Steering Committee in forming the mandate and focus for the YCDCA.

Suggestions were:
to cooperate with other groups in the community, to provide more facilities (like restaurant, swimming pool, gym, skating rink) or to ensure that existing facilities (like ball park) are used and cared for, to provide better means of communication within the community, to take care for the look and cleanness of the village, to organize certain events (Simcoe Day, Canada Day, one proposal of Community Flea Market in the spring), to improve the community spirit, to organise teams of volunteers who would take care of the parks and other issues.

11. The section "Contact Information" was optional:

32 people (46%) gave us their contact data, others preferred to stay anonymous

12. We asked respondents to identify existing programs or associations that we should be aware of:

Replies: "the old Recreation Committee", Yoga at the Church, Fire Department, Ball Field Management, Township, MP, Methodist Church, Riverside United Church, Brownies, Guides, Scouts, Mens Breakfast, concerts on last Sunday of each month in the Methodist Church, a group for 50+, Out in the Sticks Cultural Association, to take an example of village of Wilton.

Community Survey

Great thanks to everyone who took part in the survey! The survey is now closed and we will publish an overview in next few days.

A Cultural Centre opening in Yarker

A group of Yarker artists formed a cultural association, which will be providing an access to art and culture for Yarker and area inhabitants. The Out in the Sticks Cultural Centre, run by Out in the Sticks Cultural Association, opens on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 2838 County Road 6. Before the front part of the building, designed for future Art Gallery, is renovated, the activities run by the the association will take place in private space of members - Anna and Andrzej's family home, so please use the side entrance. The first event will be a film screening, first of the Film Discussion Club series. European film "Underground" by Emir Kusturica will be shown. This movie has gained great fame and appreciation in Europe and has been honoured with several awards, including Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival. The screening will be preceded by a short lecture and followed by a discussion. Admission is free, but if you wish to make a voluntary donation for the association you are most welcome to do so. Please find the details of this event and other activities of the Cultural Centre at: http://www.outinthesticks.ca/
Apart from Film Discussion Club, the Centre will run lectures, workshops, concerts, activities for children and youth and the Art Gallery (opening in June). The organizers hope for moral and financial support from local community. Volunteers, donations and submissions by local artists are welcome!

Yarker, Colebrook and District Community Survey

So far 21 people have completed the Survey on-line. We don't know yet how many paper copies have been filled out. We really hope for community input, which will give us knowledge about community members' needs, likes and dislikes. Great thanks to all who took part in our Survey. Your voice is very very important. Please pass the news about the Survey to your neighbours and friends and encourage them to take the part too. Online version may be completed here.

Yarker, Colebrook and District Community Survey

In the past years the Yarker/Colebrook community has produced a wide variety of recreational sporting activities, community events and heritage and cultural enhancements for the enjoyment of all residents. These activities were supported and in many cases organized and developed by previous community associations. It has been recently recognized that there is a need and a desire to refresh the spirit of these past undertakings and once again provide an array of community activities geared to our current needs.

A Steering Committee for a possible new Yarker/Colebrook & District Community Association has been formed to explore the viability of such an Association. To gain a better understanding of the community’s current interests, needs and future projects and as first step in developing guidelines for the association, the following survey has been prepared to canvass the opinions of the area residents.

Based on the findings reached from the completed surveys, the Steering Committee will then form the general mandate and focus for a new Yarker/Colebrook & District Community Association (YCDCA) early in the new year.

The Steering Committee would ask you to complete all questions and provide additional comment as appropriate. You may complete it online here or request an e-mail version from: yarker.community@gmail.com. Apart from that every household will receive printed copy of the survey by mail. These may be returned to the Lucky Dollar Store, the Riverside United Church, Free Methodist Church, the Yarker Family School and Library or the Colebrook General Store.
Please complete the survey on or before January 29th, 2010

Story about our Survey and Potluck in Napanee Beaver

Napanee Beaver staff reporter, Dominik Wisniewski wrote a story about our Association, the Survey and upcoming Pot luck. It is based on information from this blog and interview with two of Steering Committee members: Anna Szczepaniec and Carolyn Pickering. Unfortunately other volunteers were not able to attend. The story is available here:
Napanee Beaver