Feature Article - April 12, 2007

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Feature Article - April 12, 2007

Lions '50s and '60s night in Verona

by Jeff Green

The fun-loving folks at the Verona Lions Club are at it again; this time they are targeting the early Rock n’ Roll years in their 6th annual theme night. In previous years the theme nights have been devoted to locations, such as Newfoundland or Louisiana, but this year is all about a trip back in time.

The evening will include a full dinner, dancing to Verona’s own crackerjack retro-rock band Bauder Road and special guests, and a host of other activities that are certain to spring forth from the minds of organisers Frank York and Jim Lansdell.

Tickets are available at Verona Hardware and the Frontenac Farmer’s Market. The price is $30 per person, or $50 per person for Gold seating (VIP service). This year all profits from the night will go to the Verona Doctor Recruitment campaign.

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Feature Article - April 5, 2007

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Feature Article - April 5, 2007

Verona's doctor meeting

by Inie Platenius

At the public information night about the future of the Verona Medical Clinic, Doctor Laurel Dempsey began her remarks with the following request, “Repeat after me: Doctor Dempsey is not going to retire any time soon.” You could feel crowd’s anxiety level drop as they chuckled and did the choral exercise.

About 100 people came out to hear speakers explain the current state of doctor recruitment in Ontario and to outline ways that our community can help with the process of bringing in new people in the future. Louise Day gave a heartfelt account of her early days here in the clinic with her husband Doc Day, reminding us that it was the generosity of a few farsighted villagers and the welcoming of the community at large that brought them to Verona and kept them here for 40 years.

Like the Days, Dr. Dempsey was drawn to Verona by a desire to practice in a rural setting. After many years’ experience in city hospitals and palliative care, she is enjoying her practice here very much, but she said, “I’m not going to be here forever, and I didn’t want to leave the community in any kind of crisis.” So a couple of years ago, she began quietly speaking to a few patients about the need for community involvement in recruiting. The Verona Community Association agreed to get involved, and John McDougall offered to oversee the process.

Dr. Lynn Wilson, Administrator of the five-clinic Rural Kingston Primary Care Health Network, entertained the crowd with an informative visual presentation “Tracking and Capturing Physicians” which listed the many strengths Verona already has in the quest for replacement docs. It was clear that our recent physicians have worked hard to keep the clinic and its practice up to date.

In her remarks, Dianna Bratina, Manager of Economic Development for Frontenac County, outlined the demographics of the area’s medical scene. Four of the eight doctors in county practice are over 60 – one of whom is Dr. Dempsey. All of their offices are working at capacity. And according to government doctor/patient ratio criteria, South Frontenac needs 8 additional doctors! She also listed some of the possible financial incentives that Verona could be eligible for under its “under-serviced area” designation, and offered to work with the Verona committee in its planning.

In the Q & A session following the meeting, Bruce Maitland told the group, “You’re off to a great start.” His job is to recruit and retain doctors in about 50 communities east of Toronto, and one of his pieces of advice was to not underestimate the power of personal connections. He gave the example of one community where an elderly woman mentioned to the recruiters that her sister’s doctor in B.C. was wishing he could come home to Ontario. They called the doctor up, made their pitch, and that doc now practices in their community!

The Verona Community Association has dedicated $5000 this year as a kickoff to the funding campaign, and at the end of the meeting, June Goodberry announced a challenge: she and her husband Ron are donating $250 each to the campaign and challenge others to meet or match it. Charitable receipts are available.

The meeting was a motivating beginning to the work ahead – building a plan for financial incentives, raising the money, and most importantly finding the people who best fit our community and who will practice here for many years to come.

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Feature Article - March 8, 2007

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Feature Article - June 14, 2007

Wilson wins Provincial Liberal nominationby Jeff Green

Ian Wilson of Amherstview will carry the Liberal banner into this fall’s provincial election in the riding of Lanark, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (LFL&A). His main rival will be Perth’s Randy Hillier, the candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party.

Wilson won a narrow victory at last Sunday’s nomination meeting at the Verona Lions Hall over Bill MacDonald of Sharbot Lake, in a 382-362 vote.

The two men conducted vigorous campaigns, each singing up over 500 members in the run up to the meeting.

Lanark Frontenac Lennox and Addington (LFL&A) is a new provincial riding, encompassing part of the Hastings Frontenac Lennox and Addington riding that is currently held by Liberal cabinet minister Leona Dombrowsky, and part of Lanark-Carleton, currently held by former Conservative cabinet minister Norm Sterling. With Dombrowski running in the new riding of Prince Edward Hastings, and Sterling in Carleton-Mississippi Mills, the riding of LFL&A is wide open.

“The nomination process was quite interesting,” Ian Wilson told the News when contacted on Monday morning after the selection meeting. “There were a lot of kitchen table conversations, a chance to connect or re-connect with a lot of people. I was very pleased with the outcome. It could have gone either way.”

Bill MacDonald, who is well known to Frontenac News’ readers as a councilor and deputy reeve in the former Oso township and as the mayor of Central Frontenac from 1998 until last December, said that while he had hoped for a different result, he was happy with the support that he did receive.

“Coming into this from a dead standstill position, with no experience at this level of promotion, and not having any infrastructure in place, I thought we did pretty darned well,” he said.

The association as a whole seems to have benefited from the contested race. At the outset, there were 49 members in the new Liberal riding association, and now there are 1079. According to riding association President Marlene Patton, the 744 people who took the trouble to truck out to Verona from as far away as Carleton Place represents the highest percentage turnout for any liberal association in the province thus far.

“These people will be a great resource in the coming election campaign,” said MacDonald.

Ian Wilson was a fixture at St. Lawrence College, where he was employed for 36 years, rising to the position of Dean of the School of Business. He was also involved in municipal government for many years, eventually serving as deputy reeve and reeve in Ernestown Tonwship (now part of Loyalist Township), and he served as warden of Lennox and Addington County before dropping out of municipal politics in 1994.

He has taken on major volunteer roles in the Kingston area over the years, including serving as Chair of the Board of Kingston General Hospital (KGH), founding Board Chair of the Kingston Area Recycling Corporation (KARC) and President of the Cataraqui Conservation Foundation.

His involvement as a civic leader in Kingston will be useful in the campaign, he believes, because of the role played by the institutions he has been involved with throughout the riding and because many of the larger communities in the riding are oriented to Kingston.

He cites KGH as an example. “KGH is the tertiary care facility for the Smiths Falls and Perth hospitals, and I became familiar with them through my involvement with KGH.” He also said that his work and volunteer experience has given him insight into the education and medical systems, as well as environmental issues. “These are three of the major provincial areas of responsibility, and I am comfortable addressing them.

Looking forward to the campaign, Wilson acknowledges that his main opponent, Randy Hillier, “has made himself a provincial presence through his work with the Lanark and then the Ontario Landowne’’s Association.” He also recognises that Hillier has drawn the attention of some senior Liberals, such as Health Minister George Smitherman, who seems intent on using Hillier as a wedge to draw urban votes away from the Conservative party. which could hurt the liberals in rural ridings.

Wilson does not think this will hurt his own chances in LFL&A. “There are a lot of people who have carried conservative cards that are not comfortable with Mr. Hillier’s positions. He has angered many farmers with his views on supply management for example. I can talk to those people and convince them that he is not the best thing for this riding.

“But I haven’t looked at any of the details of his positions. At this point I’ve only been reading the media coverage. I’m sure he has some positive things to say, and I look forward to hearing them.”

Before the election campaign begins in earnest in September, Wilson is looking forward to travelling the riding this summer. “It is important to hear what people are concerned about. I want to work for the people in this riding, and if there are some policies that don’t fit I need to know about them.”

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Feature Article - June 14, 2007

Local Family Farms; alternative food store in Veronaby Jeff Green .

Discerning food shoppers who are looking for a healthy, local alternative now have another option in Verona: Local Family Farms, a new store that Kim Perry had opened at the location that was formerly the home of Pam’s Country Bulk.

Kim Perry was one of the founders of the Frontenac Farmers’ Market, which is open every Saturday from February to Christmas at the Verona Lions’ Hall from 8-1, where she can still be found each week with cuts of beef and homemade meat pies and tourtieres.

The new store is open 6 days a week, from 10-6.

“I am trying to source food from within 100 kilometres or our store whenever I can,” Kim Perry said from the store earlier this week.

Most of the cuts of beef for sale come from her and husband Dave’s farm, and the beef is used for beef pies and tourtieres as well. Other meat, pork and lamb (in season) is from regional sources, as is the honey, maple syrup, and many of the dried herbs. In the next couple of weeks, strawberries from Crooked Hills Farm in Clarendon will be available, and fresh bread and rolls from the Rising Bun (Sharbot Lake) are being sold at the store every day.

There are potted plants from a Napanee grower, soaps from Seeley’s Bay, coffee from a roaster in Kingston who sells organic fair trade coffee, and organic grains from an Ottawa Valley mill. Even the tomatoes and cucumbers for sale are produced in a greenhouse in Glenburnie, and as the summer progresses and local produce becomes abundant, it will be available at the store.

In addition to ingredients, Local Family Farms provides prepared meals. Steven Johnston, the owner of the Korner Stone Kastle B&B, located just up the road, has joined the store to prepare take out dishes made with the the freshest ingredients.

This week, using potatoes sourced from an 11 acre farm in Napanee, Steven made a roasted garlic and potato soup. The soup already has a following with patrons of the B&B, and with the employees at the local post office where Steven works sometimes.

Steven said “it’s so convenient for me to be working here, so close to home and my business.”

As the business grows on, more and more local products will be available at Local Family Farms, and for those without time to cook, the produce will be turned into hearty meals in the kitchen at the back of the store.

Local Family Farms joins recent initiatives by the National Farmer’s Union such as Feast of Fields and the Food Down the Road project, along with the Mill Street Cafin Sydenham, the Fall River Pub and Grill in Maberly, and the Verona Farmer’s Market, in bringing eaters and growers together in Frontenac County. ■

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Feature Article - 31, 2007

Verona e-photo contest

Verona Festival E-Photo Contest

The Verona Festival is pleased to announce the second annual photo contest. This year we are completely digital (E-Photo). There are four categories and they are: Faces of Verona, Verona community events, Windows on Verona and Historical or place of interest. The contest runs until July 31, 2007 when the judges will pick a winner in each category.

The contest is open to residents, friends and visitors who do not get paid to take photos. Limit of one photo per category and one photo per email. Submit your photos by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can view the rules and regulation on our web site www.veronacommunity.on.ca.

The winners will be announced from the stage on Friday of the Verona Festival, Aug. 10 2007. The winners will receive $25 worth of Verona Bucks, which can be used at the Festival or any business in Verona. If you have a question about the E-photo contest please email:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with “Photo contest question” in subject line.

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Feature Article - March 8, 2007

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Feature Article - July 12, 2007

Letters to the Editor

Thanks for carrying local produce

I would like to thank the Trousdale’s Foodland in Sydenham for supporting the local strawberry producers. At a time when so many big supermarkets carry only California berries; it is refreshing to see our own local, fabulous tasting strawberries available on a daily basis in the same location that I buy the rest of my groceries.

Heather McNie

VandalismToday I lost my mailbox. It was almost a foregone conclusion that this was going to happen eventually. In fact I predicted it last night, June 28, after our meeting with the mayor and our councilors. A lot of people complained about the vandalism that has been going on for the last little while and I spoke out on the issue as it had also affected me.

When I first wrote about the vandalism in my column, revenge was very swift. The day after that column came out, these brave people waited until I was away and attacked my mailbox with a rock, causing severe damage. I straightened it out the best way I could and reattached it to the board where it was temporarily living until I could install the post it came with.

The next time I wrote about vandalism I found the mailbox door wrenched and the flag twisted out of shape. This time I straightened it out, but I knew that if I spoke out again the violence would escalate. And it has. This time the mailbox has been removed altogether and, in doing that, these unfortunate people have now become criminals. They have taken property that does not belong to them. And I am in the process of installing cameras around my property. The one thing I refuse to do is give in to bullies and stop writing about vandalism. You can count on that!

- Ina Hunt Turner (Arden columnist)

Death of a loonTragedy struck on the lake in Verona in the afternoon of July 10, 2007. A newborn loon was lost to injury and drowning.The worried parentsraced up and down the shoreline frantically calling and searching for their loved one. Their efforts were all in vain.I recovered the body of their loved one from my waterfront. I was unable to communicate to the distressed pair that their pride had been lost. The parents continued to call most of that afternoon and into the evening in the hope that they would get a familiar response. But, that was not to be! Now I understand what that mournful call ofour lake loon is all about.The loon parents take so much time of a short seasonand give so much of their energy to nurture their young to an early maturity.So, it is a real tragedy to have a young one taken away by misadventure. I did not see how this young loon became injured and died. But, I suspect that man had something to do with this young loon’s demise. Verona (Rock) Lake is a small lake and at times very busy with boats and water activity. We should all try to remember that the wildlife has a priority. They were here first.

David C. Salmond

Re: Arden Cement Operation

My wife and I bought a property in Central Frontenac about four years ago with the intention of establishing an upscale country inn that would operate throughout most of the year. We later purchased the adjoining Evergreen derelict motel complex. We have spent four years getting permits and working hard to clean up and improve the properties.

To date we have spent in excess of $200,000 of savings repairing both properties and building additions to accommodate paying visitors. We were expecting to open in 2008.

We were recently informed by a simple letter in the mail that the township of Central Frontenac was considering a change to the official plan and zoning to accommodate a cement operation on a property adjacent to us on Highway 7. This industrial facility located halfway between Arden and Mountain Grove would provide cement, water and aggregate to cement trucks between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day of the week except Sunday, from April to October.

At a Council meeting on July 9, 2007, the company, 1000 Islands Concrete, was thanked profusely by council for having bought the property (most likely for back taxes) and having bulldozed away the remains of the old Stinson garage and diner. Incredibly the owner of 1000 Islands was so confident that council would accept his operation that he requested that approval be given prior to approval by the Ministry of the Environment (on the basis that he had already bought the machinery required).

What does this operation bring to Central Frontenac? Maybe, in the future, three jobs for cement truck drivers, although it was not clear that this would not be filled by his people in Brockville. He would not service his trucks here or buy aggregate here but he would definitely buy gasoline locally.

What is the cost? Possibly the environmental integrity of the area. Only lukewarm assurances were provided that particulate and waterborne contaminants would not contaminate air or watershed of Lake Kennebec. And certainly a loss of trust in the

Council of Central Frontenac to establish a coherent plan for the development of the township. A cement operation here, a pulp and paper mill there, who cares? Anything is possible as long as it pays the taxes.

As far as we are concerned, cement operations and tourism cannot coexist.

All that glitters is not gold. 1000 Islands Concrete has invested almost nothing in the township and there will be almost no benefit from its being here. Others have invested heavily in the township and will almost certainly bring more business to the area in the long-term and without disfiguring the region.

Council preaches development of the township. Now it must decide whether it will back those who are actually developing the township. Will it go for the gold or just for the glitter?

David Daski

Feature Article - March 8, 2007

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Feature Article - July 12, 2007

Verona GarlicFestival to host awards competition

The 2007 Eastern Ontario Garlic Awards competitions will be hosted this year by the Verona Lions Garlic Festival being held at the Lions Hall in Verona on Saturday, September 1, 2007.

The competitions are open to all bona fide garlic growers in the Eastern Ontario region. Entrants do not have to be vendors at the Verona Lions Garlic Festival in order to enter. The competitions are conducted by an independent body, the Garlic Awards Foundation.

The original competitions were inaugurated at the first Glorious Garlic Festival held in Perth on August 16, 1997 and have moved around to other garlic festivals in subsequent years.

The purpose of the competitions is to encourage excellence in the local growing and production of garlic and reward such excellence by the presentation of awards. Growers compete in four Classes for the best specimen garlic bulb, the best display of a single strain, the best collection of varieties and the best garlic braid.

Diversification of garlic production is inherent in the purpose of the awards as it is important to break away from monoculture in garlic as in other farm crops.

The overall winner is presented the Woodman Trophy and declared Champion Garlic Grower for the year. The runner up is declared Reserve Champion Garlic Grower.

Champion and Reserve are determined by the highest total aggregate score awarded in all four Classes. Winners receive ribbons, certificates and cash prizes.

Entries must be pre-registered in order to compete. An entry fee for each class applies. Deadline for entries is August 30, 2007.

Growers wishing to enter the 2007 competitions may obtain entry forms and competition guidelines from the Garlic Awards Foundation. Phone Paul Pospisil at 613-273-5683 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For information on the Verona Lions Garlic Festival, vendor information and other festival information, phone Ken or Linda Willis at 613-374-3081 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Feature Article - August 16, 2007.class { BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #000 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid } .class1 { BORDER-RIGHT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #9f5128 1pt solid } .class2 { FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666 }

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Feature Article - August 16, 2007

2007 Verona Lions Garlic Festival

The Verona Lions Club is pleased to announce the 2007 Verona Lions Garlic Festival, Lions Hall, 4504 Verona Sand Road, Verona, on Saturday, Sept. 1 from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $5 for adults, kids under 16 are free.

The festival will highlight the finest garlic from the top growers of Eastern Ontario and local food products of the Frontenac Farmers Market.

Along with crafts, local produce and garlic food concessions from outstanding vendors, the festival is pleased to welcome several special guests.

Garlic for Breakfast with Ted Mazcka, the Fish Lake Garlic Man, will kick off the cooking show for the day. Not only is Ted a pioneer and icon in the world of garlic, his personal style and sense of humour makes for a not-to-be-missed event. Ted's observations on garlic, life and the state of the universe are sure to leave you laughing. The Two Organic Ladies Cooking Show is a feature presented by Glennis Harwig and Janet Duncan. The ladies deliver their message on the benefits of healthy, locally grown, quality organic food with a delightful mix of song, bawdy humour and taste tests in a cooking demonstration that has toured the countryside.

Paul Pospisil, The Garlic Guru is also the editor of the leading industry publication, the Garlic News. Paul is an authority on all things garlic and will be presenting a seminar on Garlic Varieties. If you are interested in growing garlic in your garden, this is the place to be!

The Great Garlic Luncheon runs from noon to 2 pm. Tickets are now on sale; $17 includes gate admission. This is a licensed event. Tickets are available at Local Family Farms and Frontenac Farmers Market in Verona or by calling 613-374-3081.

Menu: Garlic teriyaki, beef kabob, fresh vegetable with tzatziki sauce, Garlic garden salad, Garlic bread, Garlic lemon-ginger Ice Cream, Garlic chocolate chip cookies, tea and coffee

Garlic Cooking Shows - 9:30am - Garlic for Breakfast with Ted Mazcka; The Fish Lake Garlic Man 10:30; Two Organic Ladies Cooking Show 1pm. Mayor's Challenge:Mayor Janet Gutowski of Central Frontenac vs. Mayor Gary Davison of South Frontenac 2pm. Special Guests and more from some of Kingston and areas finest chefs to 4pm.

Gardening Seminars: 10am Garlic in the Home Garden with Ken Willis; 11am Garlic Varieties with Paul Pospisil, The Garlic Guru; 2pm Eastern Ontario Garlic Awards Presentations. 3pm Garlic in the Home Garden. Entertainment: Afternoon concerts by fiddle virtuoso, Caroline Stewart and Verona's own BAUDER ROAD.

The 2007 Eastern Ontario Garlic Awards Competitions will be hosted by the Verona Lions Garlic Festival, sponsored by the National Farmers Union and Haan Over View Farms. The overall winner is presented the Woodman Trophy and declared Champion Garlic Grower; the runner up is Reserve Champion Garlic Grower. Sanctioned by the Ontario Horticultural Society. Growers wishing to enter the 2007 competitions may obtain entry forms and competition guidelines from the Garlic Awards Foundation; phone Paul Pospisil at 613-273-5683 or e- mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For information on the Verona Lions Garlic Festival: Ken and Linda Willis at 613-374- 3081 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Feature Article - August 16, 2007

Verona Festival soaks up the summer sun

Perfect weather greeted record crowds at the 12th annual Verona Festival last weekend.

The unique event includes a variety of activities including a parade, soap box derby, duct tape boat race, live local music all weekend, an antique auto show and an ecumenical service.

This year’s theme for the Festival was “clowning around in Verona”. The Friday night parade was dominated by clowns this year, and all weekend clowns could be spotted throughout the Festival grounds.

Wayne Conway, who is the current general manager of the Festival, said the “volunteers who run the festival are so well ingrained in their roles that they take care of al the issues. It’s very easy for someone in my role.”

The Verona Festival is not intended as a fundraising event, but as the Festival has grown in popularity it has been able to generate a small surplus. Any extra money goes to other projects of the Verona Community Association, such as the new Verona Village signs.

Over the years the Festival has become a sort of reunion weekend for families with connections to the Verona area, and the relaxed visiting that takes place on the festival grounds is as important to many people as any of the events are.

Among the new events this year was a “tribute to our soldiers” which took place after Sunday’s ecumenical service.

The Sydenham Legion provided the colour party, and four World War 2 Veterans from Verona were on hand. The speaker was Ray Idzenga, a 30 year member of the Canadian Military, who talked about his recent mission to Afghanistan, providing a perspective on the Afghanistan mission that is different from what people are used to hearing in the press.

He also talked about how supportive the local community has been to his family while he was away in Afghanistan, to the extent that he has decided to settle in the area after moving around throughout his military career.

As always, the Verona Festival comes down to a celebration of community.

Feature Article - August 23, 2007.class { BORDER-RIGHT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #000 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: black 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1pt solid } .class1 { BORDER-RIGHT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #9f5128 1pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #9f5128 1pt solid } .class2 { FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666 }

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Feature Article - September 6, 2007 The “stinking rose” wows Verona

by Inie Platenius

The Verona Lions Garlic Festival capped a summer of Verona events, and what a way to end the festival/jamboree season! Hundreds of people, many from out of town, came to the Lions grounds for a day of information, entertainment, chatting and shopping most of which centered around the “stinking rose”. All of the Frontenac Farmers’ Market Vendors were joined by more than a dozen others many of them serious garlic growers - from as far away as Almonte and Perth. A special treat was seeing Verona’s own Ron Whan selling his beautiful bulbs and braids.

This event hosted the Eastern Ontario Garlic Championships, and fittingly, Verona’s own Ken Willis whose vision it was bring a garlic festival to Verona took first place in two of the three judging categories. Garlic he grew at Sir John A. MacDonald’s home in Kingston, Bellevue House, where he is head gardener, won best variety and also best individual bulb. His braided entry won second place in the Best Display category.

The day was full of informative and entertaining workshops on all things garlic. Ted Mazcka’s savoury breakfast porridge a blend of oatmeal, banana, nuts, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and pickled (in vodka) garlic may not have changed many people’s breakfast menus, but his presentation won their hearts. (The author found her sample a great improvement on the usual insipid mush with sugar and milk that we call porridge.)

Two Organic Ladies from Almonte entertained the crowd with delightful patter and several yummy recipes. Their recitations particularly the spooneristic rendition of Rindercella and her two sisty uglers spiced up the presentation. Their delicious food needed no extra spice.

A highlight of the day was the “Mayor’s Challenge Cookoff” featuring Mayors Janet Gutowski and Gary Davison, with Sharbot Lake Lion Dave Hansen (known to many not as the mayor but as “The Gov” for his leadership roles in Lionism). Contestants were allowed to bring anyone they wanted as a backup, and Mayor Gutowski’s choice of well-known chef (formerly Fall River Grill) Dennis LaRoque was the subject of some good-natured banter. Mayor Gutowski won the challenge with squash ravioli with garlic scapes. Dave Hansen’s barbecued garlic pork tenderloin and Mayor Davison’s shrimp with garlic brought hearty kudos as well.

Food was everywhere. From breakfast through late afternoon, Lions and vendors served up all things garlicky including a sit down meal of several courses, which ended with garlic lemon ginger ice cream and garlic chocolate chip cookies. If attendance, goodwill and happy crowds are any indication, the first Verona Lions Garlic Fest won’t be the last.

Recipe:

This recipe comes from Frontenac Farmers Market vendor and fine cook Sharon Sole

Roasted Carrot/Garlic Dip

10 medium carrots

5 cloves garlic, peeled

2 tbsp olive oil

6-8 tbsp. water

2 tsp white wine vinegar

cup mayonnaise

cup sour cream or light creamed cheese

1/8 tsp. sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

tsp. pepper

3 tbsp. butter

Cut carrots in half widthwise; cut lengthwise into half inch pieces. Combine carrots, garlic and olive oil; toss to coat.

Transfer to a greased 15” x 10” x 1” baking pan. Bake uncovered at 425 for 20 min. Stir and bake 15-20 minutes more ‘til carrots are tender. Next time I am going to bake them until the carrots begin to caramelize. Cool slightly. In blender or food processor combine all remaining ingredients with the veggies. Puree. Refrigerate until time to serve. Serve with crackers, toasted pita wedges or fresh vegetables.

Photo: above Ken Willis receivesthe first placeEastern Ontario Garlic Growers Award. (Paul Pospisil on his left and Kim Perry right) Photo by Louise Day