Fenelon Falls Community Impact Tribute: Judy Kennedy
Fenelon Falls is home to many individuals who have made significant contributions to our community and beyond. This space, put forth by Kawartha Works Community Coop, and supported by the Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to paying tribute to the people who have left indelible positive marks on ourtown through their dedication, courage, and altruism.
This Community Impact Tribute celebrates the incomparable,
Judy Kennedy
The significance of Judy Kennedy’s community work in Fenelon Falls extends beyond what can be described in words. She is widely celebrated for her leadership in myriad projects and initiatives. She established several local volunteer-led agricultural traditions that bridge history, food security, and youth education. In 2017, Judy co-spearheaded a partnership between the Fenelon Falls Horticultural Society and the Fenelon Museum, Maryboro Lodge to construct the Fenelon Falls Victory Garden to emulate the First and Second World War home-front efforts where gardens were mandated by governments to let commercial farms feed troops overseas while local citizens managed domestic shortages.
Under Judy’s guidance, the Victory Garden shifted from an historical exhibit into a high-yield community asset providing thousands of pounds of fresh produce for regional food banks and those experiencing food insecurity.
Judy became a key driving force in introducing agricultural history and tactile life skills to Fenelon Falls youth through leading young people in tending to our many food, flower, and indigenous species “butterfly” gardens.
Through her volunteer work at the museum, Judy frequently curated specialized sensory tours. She walked museum visitors through the gardens to taste and smell varieties of heritage crops, turning local history into living, interactive experiences.
Judy can still be found supporting events with, among others, The Horticultural Society, Maryboro Lodge, The Field Naturalists, and Bee City. She most recently volunteered at Kawartha Lakes Pride, and is the topic of a new children’s colouring book called “Judy Says…” that includes just some of her many insights into gardening, wildlife, animal behaviour, and insects. Judy is truly a remarkable person, doing good work in the world. We are lucky to have her in the community.
Thank you, Judy!
The Community Impact Tribute is a way for us to celebrate the volunteers behind the events and programs that make our town such a special place.
If you would like to nominate someone who goes above and beyond for Fenelon Falls, email milroyjam@yahoo.com with your thoughts.
