There was plenty of activity during the flea markets at the Monkland and District Community Centre during the 2020 summer season. The first flea market of the 2021 season is scheduled for Sun., March 21. Thompson Goddard Photo
MONKLAND – Spring is on the horizon and with the completion of $30,000 worth of renovations recently completed, members of the organizing committee at the Monkland & District Community Centre (MDCC) are looking forward to a busy season.
In an early February press release announced, “the completion of our heating/cooling upgrade, window replacement and fire door upgrade,” made possible by a grant from Farm Credit Canada of $20,000 toward the project through the 2020 AgriSpirit Project and an additional $10,000 raised by the community events and fundraising activities at the MDRC.
The release noted how “the township of North Stormont was instrumental in assisting us with completing these projects in a timely fashion” before thanking Service de fournaise Fernand Denis Inc., Coleman Construction Ltd., Raylans Windows & Doors, Delhey Electric Ltd. and volunteer Mike Lacelle for his work which included “painting the fire door” as well as his ongoing assistance at the MDCC.
Mike Shea, vice president of the MDCC, recently spoke with The Chesterville Record about plans for the upcoming season. Shea commented that starting Sun., March 21 and continuing until Oct. 31, with President Carol Shea coordinating, the bi-weekly flea market will be held at the centre.
Michelle Frei will be coordinating the Farmers’ Market with this popular attraction being held weekly between June 6 and Oct. 31. He mentioned there will be themed events throughout the open season for holidays, such as Easter or Halloween before commenting that Gaetan’s Chip Stand will be available to customers at the site during the Flea Market and Farmers’ Market.
Looking ahead, Shea mentioned there are plans to have a full-size rink outside for next year before thanking Frei who facilitated the outdoor rink at the Centre this year. He also mentioned that the ball diamond will be removed this year, but the lights will be left up so there may be opportunities to hold evening outdoor events, dependent of course upon COVID-19 restrictions.
When asked about the breakfasts and dinners which were part of the fundraising activities in the past, Shea explained events such as this and hall rentals are dependent upon many factors including COVID-19 precautions. He continued all events at the Centre follow the COVID-19 precautions to ensure everyone volunteering and attending them are able to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
For more information, Shea suggested contacting the organization at 613-209-9170 or regularly checking out the MDCC Facebook page.
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
