With Renny the rock snake, are, from left, Julie Pierunek, Charlene Riopelle, Rose Curley and Rebekka Zimmerling. (Sherry Haaima photo)
It’s a community project that Renfrew County Voices hopes everyone will get behind.
The organization for adults with special needs has just installed the town’s first rock snake, located outside the front entrance to the new addition at the myFM Centre.
The project consists of the snake’s head, a colourful creation made by Charlene Riopelle, one of the Renfrew County Voices’ directors, and then various colourful, painted rocks that make up the continually growing snake.
Anyone at all is invited to add their painted rock to grow Renny.
Adding to Renny is simple, she said.
The hope is to see Renny become the largest rock snake around.
The project is a way to engage the community and raise awareness of the organization, she said.
Rose Curley said Renfrew County Voices is grateful to the town for providing the space for the snake, to Jordan Yolkowskie for the beautiful wooden sign that will be installed and M and R Feeds for providing the stakes for the sign. Thanks also go to Patrick John Mills at the Art Factory for hosting a rock painting day.
It would be nice if maybe tourists would create rocks and contribute to Renny, perhaps painting the name of where they’re from, say organizers.
Renfrew County Voices provides an important day-program service for its members, some of whom are living on fixed incomes, said Riopelle. From movie nights to arts and crafts, outings and complementary Wednesday lunches – the goal of the non-profit is to keep everyone active and engaged.
Julie Pierunek added her black and yellow ‘Bee Kind’ rock to the snake on the day of its installation. She’s a big fan of Renny.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)