by Angela Bright

The Denbigh Griffith Lions Club, formed in 1998, is part of Lions Clubs International, which is the world's largest service club organization. The Lions' motto is "We Serve" and our local Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities. The club, at a current count of 24 members, donates about $20,000 each year to a variety of projects and causes. One of the current major initiatives is to donate $25,000 over five years ($5000 per year) to the Lakelands Family Health Team (LFHT) in Denbigh. On Wednesday, October 22, at a club meeting, the official cheque presentation and most recent installment was presented to, and gratefully accepted by, Janice Powell of LFHT. Powell shared that while she was not intending to stay on for more than a few years, it has become her passion and she is now in year four with LFHT. Working to gain the services currently in place and others that may be realized down the road, has, and is her objective. This money is a part of how that happens and thus, patients have the opportunity to have more tests completed locally. The Denbigh Clinic serves the greater communities of Denbigh, Griffith, Matawatchan and the surrounding area, and has increased access to primary health care for residents of this remote and isolated area. Patients now have more access to a physician and nurses, as well as access to a nurse practitioner, a dietitian, a mental health counselor, and an advanced foot care specialist, in their home community. LFHT offers several programs (hypertension, diabetic, smoking cessation, Healthy You: Weight Management), and preventative care. Emergency care is also provided at the Denbigh site.

As far as the fund raising end of things go, Lion Bill Shipley summed it up; “If it's not fun, it's no fun at all and not worth doing.” With the amount of money that has been raised for projects like the LFHT, the Lions are definitely having fun doing it.

Sharbot Lake and District Lions president Bill Zwier welcomed the over 100 seniors who gathered at the Land O' Lakes Public School in Mountain Grove on October 22 for the 38th rendition of their annual Seniors Night. The event, which is sponsored by W. A. Robinson Asset Management Ltd. of Sharbot Lake, buses in seniors from the townships of Central and North Frontenac who wish to attend the event. Guests enjoyed an evening of first-rate entertainment courtesy of local Elvis tribute artist and Johnny Cash impersonator Dan Stoness, young fiddler Jessica Wedden and local musician Tommy Asselstine. Guests had a chance to win numerous door prizes that were handed out throughout the evening. Members of the club also had a chance to show off their star power in a number of comical skits. Elvis put on a very memorable and interactive show and offered a special birthday tribute to two lucky ladies in the audience, Shirley Jones and Lois Webster, who were both celebrating their birthdays the night of the event.

The evening concluded with a generous spread of refreshments and once again the Lions proved that they indeed know how to put together a show and entertain guests.

Hats off to all the Lions, including chair of the Seniors Night committee Linda Zwier who unfortunately, due to a fall, was unable to attend. It was the second year that the Lions held the annual event at Land O' Lakes P.S. Previously it had been held at the former Sharbot Lake High School.

BY J.J. (Red) Emond

As ordered, the sun shone, people brushed off their old clubs, corn was husked, the barbeque was lit and the game was on for the first Land O' Lakes Lions' Charity Golf Tournament. The event took place at Hunters Creek Golf Course where staff readied the grounds, welcomed competitors, supplied all with great food and beverages for what proved to be better than expected tournament. Adding to the excitement was the fine music provided free by John Fradenburgh of Spill the Beanz along with Clarence Berube and Chris Whiteman. The beat was such that normally painful hips were swinging and dancing to the sound of old time favourites.

This event could not have been successful without the generosity of merchants and people living in and out of the area. Games such as putting, chipping and bean bag throwing added to our revenue. Some winners even returned their winnings to help boost our profits over our financial goal of $1,500. That goal was exceed by $363 and will further be increased once we auction off the few gifts that didn't get claimed.

This tournament was put together quite rapidly to help the Cloyne food bank meet its ever increasing needs. We heard they were desperate, and the community jumped in. The committee elected to forgo giving prizes to the lowest score tournament winners so that cash could be added to revenue. Instead, their names would be published nation-wide. Hence, the foursome led by very capable Heather Machan and assisted by Lois Emond, Bruce Cooke and Dan Myers provided distance and accuracy to card a respectable tournament record of 3 under par. Their names will be inscribed on our yet to be designed golf trophy.

Folks, we were touched by the generosity of all who helped us put this together. You may think you played a very small part; but believe us, that's what is expected from people of such small communities. Together we can make a difference. In this case, you are helping feed the less fortunate and for this we say: Thank You.

The Verona Lions’ Garlic Festival, which was held on August 30, is also the home of the Eastern Ontario Garlic Awards and according to Garlic Guru Paul Pospisil, it is the bragging rights that accompany the trophies and cash awards that the winners should celebrate most. While both overall champions this year seemed ever humble as the awards were handed out, the certificates and ribbons that now identify them as the best cultivators of the beloved stinky rose will no doubt bring some well-deserved extra attention to their efforts.

This year seven competitors entered the annual competition, now in its 18th year, where judges assess growers in a number of different categories including best single bulb; best display of 12 from a single cultivar; best collection of five different cultivars; and best braid.

This year’s reserve champion, whose displays took home the second highest points overall, was Ali Ross of Swallowtail Farm near Perth, who won the same award last year. The award was tinged with sadness since Ali's husband Glenn Gangnier passed away this past June. Ali was thrilled to receive the award again this year and said she will continue farming and growing garlic.

The first place overall champion award was given to Bill Kirby, whose garlic last year won in the best bulb category. Kirby said that last year’s win encouraged him this year to expand the number of varieties he produces and enter all four categories. Kirby grows primarily Yugoslavian gold, a type of porcelain garlic but this year he also grew silver skin, artichoke, rocambole and glazed purple. Kirby said the win came as a total surprise for him. “The first time you do something like this you really don't expect to win.” He said that the win will encourage him not only to continue growing more varieties but also to enter the competition again next year.

The cash awards, $100 for champion and $50 for reserve champion were provided by the National Farmers’ Union Local 316 and Local Family Farms in Verona and NFU president Dianne Dowling was on hand to give out the prize money. Dowling said that the Eastern Ontario Garlic Awards go “a long way in acknowledging and rewarding local growers who are working hard to produce garlic in our own area.” South Frontenac Councilor John McDougall was also present at the event and he and Dowling congratulated the growers and the winners, and also thanked the public for supporting local food and local farmers in the area.

Close to 40 vendors were on hand for the festivities selling their garlic, garlic-based comestibles and other garlic-related products. Those wanting a taste of the best of the best, can purchase Bill Kirby's award-winning bulbs at the Kirby farm located at 625 Colebrook Road near Harrowsmith.

Paul Pospisil always has good things to say about locally grown garlic and I will give him the last word here. “This year was a great year for garlic and there is just no comparison between locally grown garlic and the sub-standard imported garlic that unfortunately fills our grocery stores.” Pospisil said he wears an apron at home that says, “When in doubt, use more garlic.”

Unfortunately David Hahn of Forest Farm, whose garlic won the first place champion award consecutively for the last four years, was unable to compete this year due to illness.

Close to 30 people gathered at the Railway Heritage Park in Sharbot Lake on Labour Day to witness a special dedication ceremony honoring Bill Morton, one of the community's long-time Lions Club members. Lions president Bill Pyle hosted the event, which was the brain child of fellow Lion Ron Hollywood. Roughly one year ago Hollywood put forth a motion at a Lions meetings to honour Morton by planting a maple tree and erecting a plaque in his honour at the Railway Heritage Park.Permission was granted by the Central Frontenac Railway Heritage Society and Central Frontenac Council. Mayor Janet Gutowski, Councilor Frances Smith, and CFRHS President and Vice-president Sally Angle and Gary Giller were present at the dedication.

Bill Morton served as an RCAF pilot during WW 2 and joined the Sharbot Lake & District Lions in 1990, shortly after moving to the area. During his 25 years as a Lions member he served as club treasurer and was also named Lion of the Year. Active in the club’s vision screening program, Bill also visited local grade one classrooms to demonstrate to students Canadian pride. After his 90th birthday Bill submitted a letter of resignation to the club as he felt he could no longer properly fulfill his duties as a Lion. However, Lions president Bill Pyle said that the club members “respectfully declined Bill's request”, and instead decided to make him an honorary lifetime member of the club. Though Bill no longer attends meetings, Pyle said that he “continues to serve as an inspiration to us all as he instills in us the will to continue to serve to the best of our abilities”.

Morton is now 94 years old, and when Ron Hollywood unveiled the plaque and presented it to him, he was visibly moved. After the ceremony he said he was overwhelmed by the honour. “It was a pleasure to be a Lion and I just wanted to help out in the community as best I could.”

Bill's daughter Joyce Bigelow was in attendance at the event and said that both her father and her mother instilled in their children and other members of the family the desire to serve the community. The beautiful crimson red maple along with the plaque will now permanently honor their service.

Sharbot Lake and District Lions members Dave and Dawn Hansen along with Lions President Bill Pyle were stationed outside the beer store in Sharbot Lake on August 16 accepting empties for the club's annual bottle drive. Funds raised go towards the Lions' Seniors' Night celebrations, which will take place this October.

Donations will also help support a number of programs that the Lions support in the community including the recent purchase of a brand-new $7,000 auto refractor, an instrument used in the vision and hearing screening program that the Lions carry out every year at Land O' Lakes Public School in Mountain Grove, Clarendon Central in Plevna, and at Granite Ridge Education Centre and St. James Major Catholic School in Sharbot Lake.

The Lions also support the No Child Without program, which provides children with Medic Alert bracelets, as well as the local food bank and the local summer swim program. The Lions also support families in need of emergency relief in the community. Empties can be donated all year long at the Lions bottle shed that has been set up at the Wemp Road Waste Site off of Crow Lake Road.

Upcoming for the Lions is a $7 All You Can Eat breakfast at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake on Saturday September 27 from 8-11am. The Lions are always looking for new members. For more information call Bill Pyle at 613-539-8190.

The Verona Cattail Festival has announced this year's entertainment line-up. The festival will take place on Aug. 9 and 10 at the Verona Lions Centre, Verona. The festival, which began 19 years ago, will feature 14 outstanding bands from Kingston and the Frontenacs.

" It is important that the festival provide a platform for local talent to play," stresses Linda Bates, entertainment coordinator. "Kingston and the Frontenacs have a lot of awesome musicians. It was very difficult to narrow the list of incredible talent down to 14 bands. The line-up includes Juno nominated musician Gary Rasberry, the KingsTown Tenors, the Limestone City Voices, the Monarchs, Rockabilly Allstars, and much more." Linda adds, "The energetic lineup offers a mix of different genres that should keep everyone enthused and tapping their toes for both festival days. The wide range of music includes Country, Celtic, Blues, Folk to Rock and Roll. The Verona Cattail Festival is a wonderful venue for the community. It provides a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere to sit back and enjoy all the local talent. " Linda concludes

The Verona Cattail Festival is a Verona Community Association event, with proceeds going back into the community. Since its inception, the festival has helped create The Music in the Park Concerts, the Family Fishing Day, Christmas in the Village, the Christmas Day dinner and the Flower Barrel Contest, all free events. Admission to the Verona Cattail Festival is $5 for each day, children 12 and under are free. For more information visit veronafestival.com

Jamboree goers of all ages visited the 63rd annual annual Verona Lions Jamboree at the Verona Lions grounds on July 4, 5 and 6. The event, which is one of Verona Lions' major fundraisers of the year, usually begins on a Thursday but this year it was moved ahead one day and commenced on the Friday due to Canada Day falling on Tuesday and midway staff not being able to set up in time for a Thursday opening. That being said, the three-day event included everything regular jamboree goers have come to expect, including the midway rides that this year included a new Surfs Up ride, games of chance, bingo under the pavilion and of course the Lions famous Jamboree burgers.

The next big summer fundraiser for the Verona Lions will be their annual garlic festival, which will take place at the Lions hall on Sat. August 30.

by Jim Kelly

Two days of heavy rain didn’t stop the expert groundskeepers at the Rivendell Golf Club from having the course in playable shape when the Lions Clubs of Region 11 held their 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament there on June 13.

One hundred and seven golfers teed just as the rain was letting up and by 2 pm the tournament ended with the sun shining on everyone and the Lions smiling at the success of the event.

In spite of the wet terrain there were still a number of fine displays of golf put on by the participants. First place in the Men’s division went to the team of Joe Bowes, Steve Bowes, Ryan Bowes and Chris Bowes. The top team in the Mixed division was composed of Jim Smith, Carolyn Smith, Ken Johnston and Irene Johnston.

Other winners were Karen Fargo, (Closest to the Pin – Women), Cecil Vrieswyk, (Closest to the Pin – Men), Lynda Derue, (Most Accurate Drive – Women) and Wayne French, (Most Accurate Drive – Men).

The winner of the $500 VIA Rail Travel voucher was John Sauve, who put on a terrific display of putting.

Approximately $9,000 was raised, which means the Lions will be able to purchase new equipment for their Vision and Hearing Screening programs. These programs, which have been in place for over 10 years at some schools, are offered in all the elementary schools of the Limestone District and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Boards. Students enrolled in Senior Kindergarten and Grade One are screened each and every year and if a difficulty is detected parents are notified by letter with the suggestion that their child be examined by a professional from the appropriate field (vision or hearing).

This tournament was co-ordinated by the Sydenham & District Lions Club with tremendous support from the Lions Clubs of Bath, Kingston, Newburgh – Camden, Sharbot Lake, Storrington and Verona. Lions from all the Clubs across Region 11 wish to extend their sincere thanks to the many businesses that sponsored holes and donated prizes as well as to the golfers whose presence and good humour in trying conditions made the day such a success.

Feature article,May 12, 2005

Feature article May 12, 2005

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Farmers market opens to crowd of 600

Finally, a sunny Saturday. Organizers of the Frontenac Farmers Market were thrilled when they arrived at the grounds of he Lions Hall last Saturday for the grand opening of their outdoor market under brilliantly sunny skies. As the morning wore on, crowds came to sample the wares of the 25 vendors who have come in on the ground floor of this new venture. Since it was opening day, special festivities took place, including performances by the Loughborough Public School band and the Blue Skies Community Fiddle Orchestra.

For the organizing committee of the Market it was great to have the market up and running after the many hours of meeting together and with Health Unit Officials, the Lions Club, and others.

Over 600 people showed up to purchase farm fresh meat, baked goods, honey and local fine crafts. As the season gathers steam, fresh local produce and flowers will be added to the market.

All items sold at the Frontenac Farmers Market are grown, raised, or made by the vendors themselves. All meat is federally inspected as well. The market will take place rain or shine outside at the Lions grounds every Saturday until at least the end of October. Vendors are still being sought, particularly market gardeners. Call Kim at 377-6668.