Community groups showcase enduring commitment to Kent’s future

KENT — Volunteerism is the engine that makes towns run.

Without the civic organizations whose missions cover a wide swath of objectives, communities would not be as rich and welcoming as they are.

This was apparent Thursday, May 1, as the Kent Chamber of Commerce gathered representatives from the town’s nonprofits to talk about the services and activities they offer. The discussion was led by Charles Goldberg, who said the purpose of the meeting was to let everyone know what each group was doing and encourage cooperation.

“There are wonderful outcomes when people get together to make things happen,” he said.

Goldberg was there as part of Kent Affordable Housing, which is now focused on a project to erect 13 rental units on a 1.59-acre parcel that was ceded to the group by the town. The land sits adjacent to Kent Commons and the design will consist of one building with an elevator.

Members of the Kent Garden Club described how they work to beautify the town by putting plantings around the Civil War monument and the welcoming signs at the four entrances to the village, among other initiatives. When president Nancy Schaefer said the club was established in 1933, that led to a friendly competition as to which organization was the longest standing.

Sarah Marshall, executive director of the Kent Memorial Library, spoke about the renovation and expansion project for which the groundbreaking is expected this fall. The plan is to annex the old firehouse next door, where an 80-person community room will be placed upstairs, as well as two small meeting rooms. The aim of the Kent Community Nursery School, located in the parish house of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, is to bring play and nature back to early childhood, said Anna deRham, co-director.

The Kent Art Association, which hosted the event, has monthly shows featuring a host of mediums. It was established in 1923 by nine well-known artists. The gallery on South Main Street was once part of the old Kent Inn and was moved to its current site in 1976. High Watch Recovery Center was founded in 1935, serving those with alcohol and drug addiction.

“We got this,” exclaimed K.C. Compton, who serves as parish secretary at St. Andrew’s, referring to being the oldest organization in the room. It is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. “We really want to become a community hub, where everyone is welcome,” she said.

The Kent Lions Club is 48 years old, said President Karren Garrity. She said it basically helps fund such causes as the environment, cancer and eyesight. “We hold events to raise money so we can give it away,” she said. Connie Manes, executive director of the Kent Land Trust said that group doesn’t just protect nature, but seeks to engage people. It owns or has conserved 12,000 acres.

The Kent Chamber of Commerce runs a community calendar to let residents know where and when events are happening, which helps to prevent conflicts. Its not just about promoting businesses, but bringing people and nonprofits together to make Kent a destination point, said its members.

While the Kent Historical Society is not 200 years old, said curator Marge Smith, it is the repository of 250 years of documents and information. The Kent Quilters use their talent to create quilts that help raise funds for nonprofits.

Others who were in attendance were representatives of the Eric Sloane Museum, Trades Up, whose goal is to get youngsters to use hand tools, Kent Curiosity Lab, an enrichment program for Kent Center School students, and Kent Dispatch, an online community newspaper.