Decision time - is it yes or no?

The Ardoise Community Hall at Highway 1 and the School Road has been renovated, painted and refurbished.

The hall is in tip-top shape right now, but something’s missing.

At the Hall's Annual General Meeting Jan. 28, there was a total lack of interest from the community residents; only three individuals showed up to see what was going on! This in spite of the fact that the Hall, on an ongoing basis, hosts 45’s cards, Thoughts for Tots, TOPS, Citizens on Patrol, seniors, yoga, square dancing and darts.

As well, there are regular bingos and flea markets with many dozens of people in attendance. The Hall has been used for birthday parties, wedding receptions and anniversary parties for many years.

The Board of Directors that volunteered to serve the community for the past half-dozen years has now seen more than half of them retire, although several have offered to serve as volunteers for particular events as time permits. This means that there are insufficient Board members to keep the Hall open.

Those who are staying on have scheduled an Emergency Meeting for Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. to invite the community to decide whether the Hall will stay open or close. Without residents stepping forward to help keep the Hall open, there’s no other choice.

It would be a big shame to keep out all those who are currently enjoying the services that are offered at the lowest possible cost to those in the Ardoise, Ashdale, Greenhill, Hillsvale, South Rawdon, Woodville and other nearby areas.

The volunteer commitment of time required to prevent this closure depends on the number who offer their help. There are opportunities to serve in executive positions and on committees that develop programs, apply for government funding, attend events, and help publicize the usefulness of the Ardoise Community Hall.

Attendance at the Emergency Meeting doesn't commit anyone to serve, but your ideas can be used to keep the Hall open.

Readers are asked to talk to friends and neighbours to explain the situation and encourage them to support this community facility, which will be greatly missed if it's closed!

It’s decision time; 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 11.



- Submitted