Community Living Dryden (CLD) provides support programs to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Dryden area.  We have been around in one form or another since the 1960s. The following is a timeline of notable moments since we began:

1960's

• 1961 The Association's early programs are formed with Trevor Rodki as President.
   
• 1965 The Association starts a school for the “trainable retarded.”
   
• 1966 The first Vanier School opened on Princess Street.

Frank Smith is seen presiding at the program for the opening of the George P. Vanier School for the Association for the Mentally Retarded.  Rev. R. Watson who offered the opening prayer is seen in the doorway.  Left is Mrs. David Ward, Mrs. John MacGregor, Mrs. Jack Cortens, Archdeacon Plumridge, Robt. L. Ferron, Rev. D. W. MacPherson, Mayor Alan Durance and Fred Green.  Mrs. Victor Davis was presented with a corsage from the local association in recognition of her service.  Harry Brown, president of the Education Authority looks on.  Seated is Robt. L. Ferron of North Bay who officially opened the school.

• 1968 Dryden and District Association for the Mentally Retarded incorporated on October 4, 1968.
   
• ARC Industries, a sheltered workshop, was created. This also included a nursery school program and many recreational activities (swimming, camping, track and field). ARC started with four people who needed a vocational program. This vocational program was designed to provide long term sheltered training or a program which enabled people to gain competitive employment.
   
• 1969 The Vanier School became the responsibility of the Dryden Board of Education, but the other programs still operated under the Association. The nursery school operated while there were children of the age that needed that special service.
   

1970's >