New signage puts Bellrock on the map

Apr 08, 2010

Kevin Wenkoff with one of the signs

Since the revitalization campaign of the Bell Rock Community Hall Association (BCHA) began in August of last year a lot has changed in the community of Bellrock.

Included in that change are seven brand-new signs for the village and the community that will be erected by the end of the month.

The signs were acquired by the BCHA after they received a $9000 grant from the Local Initiative program, which is funded by the Eastern Ontario Development Program through the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation (FCFDC).

The seven signs were made by local artist Donna Larocque of Artemisia Gallery and Art Services. Two large welcome signs will be erected on the Bellrock Road at either end of the village, two will be located at the community hall and 3 signs will direct people to the hall.

The timing could not be better since this year the BCHA is celebrating its 60th anniversary and the community hall its 140th.

The community hall was built in 1870 as a one-room schoolhouse and closed in 1949. In 1950 the Bellrock community purchased it and began running it as a community hall. It now remains the last single public building in the community and in 2000 it was incorporated as not-for-profit community building.

Kevin Wenkoff, who moved to Bellrock with his wife Karen four years ago and who now chairs the BCHA, joined together with long-time members of the BCHA and spearheaded a revitalization campaign that invited new and old members to join forces in order to keep the hall open and running.

After a team completed a door-to-door community survey last summer it was agreed that the association should focus on signage promoting the natural and historic beauty of Bellrock.

Wenkoff is thrilled with the new signs. "The grant provided us with an immediate opportunity and we seized it,” he said.

According to Wenkoff the goal of the signs is three-fold. “We are hoping to raise awareness of the natural and historic beauty of Bellrock, especially the local and area gardens and also draw attention to the historic community hall and the various community events that are being held here." He added that the new signs will help make Bellrock a tourist destination and encourage people to settle in the community.

Since the BCHA's revitalization last summer new events at the hall have included yoga classes, a fall harvest potluck supper, ongoing Euchres and lunch held every other Thursday, an ongoing flea market, and a Valentine's Day dinner and dance. The events are an opportunity to generate funding for the hall and also to provide a chance for the community to come together.

The association has divided itself into various groups in charge of activities like fundraising, entertainment and others and Kevin admits that the group is still in much need of members and volunteers. He encourages others to get involved.

Upcoming at the hall on Saturday April 17 from 7-10pm is an evening of Celtic traditional and contemporary music and dancing with the Kingston Ceili Band. Joining the event are Steve and Julie Rainer of Bellrock who will be calling the sets and dances. All proceeds will go towards supporting the hall, which still requires a number of renovations. Tickets are $10 and are available at Local Family Farms, Toppers, Verona Hardware and Starke’s in Harrowsmith.

Anyone interested in joining the BHCA can contact Kevin Wenkoff at 613-545-5165. The hall is located at 6034 Leveque Road.