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Area Lions: Giving Back

Denbigh Griffith Lions Celebrate Hall Renovations

The parking lot at the Denbigh Griffith Lions Hall was full on Sunday July 6, as a good-sized crowd made it out to see the renovations to the facility. Guests were greeted with coffee, tea and tables full of delightful things to nibble on while taking in the new look and capabilities of the hall.  The interior walls spoke volumes as to the donations the organization has made to various groups, and the services they provide, such as the items the Lions have available to loan: crutches, hospital bed, walkers, humidifier, in room air conditioner.  In attendance for the occasion were MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke John Yakabuski, Diane McKinnon representing The Ontario Trillium Foundation, Reeve of Greater Madawaska Peter Emon and Councillor Karen Lehnhardt, and Reeve Henry Hogg of Addington Highlands. 

Gary Malcolm, Lions Club President, opened the ceremony.  Lion Barry Dicks then took the podium to give detail as to the renovations and some of the stories that happened along the way.  Apparently, the kitchen cabinets and hardware came without instructions, which made for a bit of a challenge. Dicks expressed appreciation to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the grant money to make the hall fully accessible and expand the kitchen space, and to the people and area businesses that helped make the renovation plans a reality.  MPP Yakabuski was pleased to see so many yellow vests around the hall and recognized the purpose of the Lions by saying, "You don't try to improve a facility if you don't have commitment to the community".  Diane McKinnon noted how important this grant was for the community, as in more urban areas there are other resources and sources to turn to.  The event also gave opportunity to present Lions Barry Dicks and Erwood Reynolds with Community Builder Awards from Greater Madawaska, delivered by Reeve Emon and Councillor Lehnhardt. Congratulations to the Denbigh Griffith Lion's for their ongoing service work in the area. These changes add depth to the Club motto, We Serve. 

The next big event for the Lions Club is the Show & Shine on Saturday, August 16, from 10 am to 4pm at the Lions Hall.  There will be music, a BBQ, door prizes and more.  Special attractions for the day will include the fire department, OPP, antique gas engines, and the Matawatchan Market will also be on site with spaces available for vendors. Admission is by donation.  If you would like to be a part of the Show & Shine or for more information, please contact Gail Holtzhauer at 613-333-5551.  Rain date is set for Sunday, August 17.

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Sydenham & District Lions support soccer

By Julie Druker

Photo: Lions President Jim Kelly presents cheque to FSA president Tracy Holland with U5 soccer players.

On Monday night, behind the Harrowsmith Public School, money changed hands when Jim Kelly, president of the Sydenham and District Lions Club presented a cheque for $500 to Tracy Holland, President of the Frontenac Soccer Association.

When Holland initially approached the Lions, they did not need much convincing. Kelly explains, “We immediately recognized the need and thought it a great opportunity to support the association.”

The much appreciated and needed donation, the first of two installments, will go a long way in helping to support a sport that continues to grow both in popularity and expenses every year.

Tracy Holland was thrilled and thankful for the Lions’ donation and will put the funds towards purchasing brand new nets for some of the FSA’s youngest players.

She explains that Jude Aiken, convener for the mini-soccer U5-U8 divisions has spent a great deal of time educating the entire executive of the FSA about the importance of the youngest players developing skills at 4, 5 and 6 years old rather than later on at 10, 11 and 12. Jude insists that for this to happen, every single player on the field needs to be touching the ball regularly and not standing idly in the net.

The solution: small nets, not wide enough for the young players to fit inside. These nets will be purchased and used instead of the regular larger nets or pylons.

In effect, there will then be no actual “goal keeper” and each child can spend more time handling the ball and developing their skills.

Currently more than 840 children, ages 4-18, in the South Frontenac area are participating in the sport, more than double the number of those playing hockey.

This rise in popularity has also increased the FSA’s costs. Holland explains the FSA’s present strategy in dealing with the increase in expenses. “Our current goal is to keep the sport affordable. Donations allow us to get the things that we need without having to increase our fees.”

She elaborates on the current goals of the FSA. “We are working right now on an awareness campaign in the two districts of Loughborough and Portland to educate the public about the kids, soccer and the need for funding support.” She is anxious to make the public aware of the facts, namely: 1. The large number of kids currently playing the sport

2. The benefit to the community as a whole to keep these kids involved

3. The importance of raising funds to keep up with the increasing expenses as the sport gains popularity.

Holland cites the increase in participation as largely due to the 175 volunteers who put in countless hours helping to organize the players, line the fields, organize equipment, medals, games and gear.

She is also in the process of developing a sponsorship package that will allow members of the community to donate to the FSA, an organization that has seen an 11% increase in players over the last four years.

Lions president Jim Kelly understands that kids playing their hearts out on the soccer field, developing their skills and talents is definitely a positive community program to invest in. Holland is working hard to ensure that others in the community will also see the light.

To help out, or for more information, visit www.frontenacsoccer.com

Another great Jamboree in Verona

The Verona Lions Annual Jamboree was a great success this year partly due to the great weather through out the three consecutive evenings that it ran.

Ken Harper, Canteen Chairman and a Lion himself since 1966 explained that the event is, “The Lion’s largest effort for the year and the biggest single income event that we put on.”

Harper spends each evening of the event in the canteen with 10 other volunteers keeping the hungry folks fed. Burgers are sold with the much loved addition of parboiled and fried onions.

Locals from in and around Verona and area spent the evenings playing games, riding the midway and enjoying a meal. It’s always a joy to see the excitement that the rides bring to the faces of the kids. Congratulatuions Lions on another successful Jamboree.