Community Living Ontario

New landmark represents ‘thousands and thousands of stories’
Wednesday July 7, 2010 -- Deron Hamel

A public mural celebrating Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley’s people and achievements was unveiled in Pembroke June 26.

The mural, which is several feet high, stands at the corner of Forced Road and Pembroke Street East and features portraits of the agency’s founding members, as well as portraits of some of the people who have accessed its services during the past 52 years.

In his remarks during the mural’s unveiling, Paul Melcher, the agency’s executive director, said Pembroke’s newest landmark represents more than 50 years of strides made to foster inclusive communities.

“The old cliché (that a picture) is worth 1,000 words seems inadequate on a day like today,” he said.

“It seems more appropriate to say this mural is worth thousands and thousands of stories. Stories of the past, of the moment and of the future; about people and how they come together as members of our community, in service and in fellowship of each other.”

The mural project was launched in 2008 during Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The agency wants to use the mural to illustrate the positive outcomes it has achieved in the community.

One of the portraits included in the mural include a man working in a supermarket stocking milk; another shows a woman preparing a meal.

“The mural acknowledges these accomplishments and gives those who came together to create this organization the recognition they so generously deserve,” said Melcher.

“The mural is a tremendous guide to our future and the critical role of community, membership and citizenship.”

Designed to look like a large scrapbook, the mural was created by artist John Ellenberger. The agency worked in partnership with the Pembroke Heritage Mural Committee to get the project launched.

Joining in on the celebration were Grace Ford and Mary Morris, two of the agency’s 15 founders.

Ivan Morphy (right) poses with his son John in front of Pembroke's newest landmark, a mural celebrating the achievements of Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley. Ivan Morphy is one of the parents that helped found the agency 52 years ago.

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