L’Arche Arnprior Executive Director Pernell Goodyear considers the “Hootennay” format the most appropriate to celebrate its special event Sunday (September 14th) in the Town Where the Rivers Meet.
An organization that assists adults with differing intellectual abilities through communal living options and day program supports had its earliest presence in Eastern Ontario as a Camp in Frontenac County.
Pernell says L’Arche has grown exponentially in Canada since its early 1960s origins in Europe.
Goodyear says there are over two dozen “core” members of L’Arche Arnprior, generating employment for over three dozen full or part-time staff members.
Admission was by donation to the five-hour event Sunday at the Nick Smith Centre.
Those who attended were treated to a variety of food truck options outside- while inside the Community Centre Hall bands performed, kids enjoyed a bouncy castle and there were vendors with a variety of themed and other items.
(The birthday party is celebrated annually on other years with an event in the Kenwood Centre Parking lot on William and Edward Streets where L’Arche is headquartered).
By Rick Stow
