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Feature Article - November 16, 2006Lions News
by Paul Cherrie
The Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club has been around since 1951 doing quietly what service clubs do. This club activity report is intended to provide information, interest and support for our club programs.
Twice a year club members participate in the Adopt A Highway program. Members gather at the "Hotel" prior to venturing out to see who can gather the most junk along County Road 38. At the end of the morning and after many bags of litter have been gathered, we all feel that we have contributed in a small way to making this a better place.
In June of each year we hold a Gas-0-Rama. For two days, working four hour shifts, club members pump gas and clean car windows. With a portion of the proceeds donated by Bob Basra (owner of the Petro Can Centre) and donations from the public, this event is very rewarding and well received in the community.
In co-operation with the Canadian Blood Services, club members distribute advertising posters and set up notice boards advising the public of the date and time of this important event. We also do some set-up and take-down services together with attending to the needs of the donors’ drink and food requirements.
Club members in co-operation with area schools organize a vision screening program for senior kindergarten and grade one pupils. Vision screening equipment has been purchased by this and other clubs which can provide an early detection of potential sight problems.
This year our club celebrated the 30th anniversary of our Seniors Night where we honour our seniors with a night of fun, music and other entertainment. Bus service is provided for the outlying area residents and at the end of the evening, sandwiches, cake and drinks are provided.
While the above represents some of our major recent activities, we do manage to have some fun for our members through internal funding. These activities include Ladies’ Night, President's Barbecue and a Christmas get-together.
We hope that the above information provides a useful insight into our club activities. Details of other activities such as the Santa Parade, School Bursaries, etc. will be included in our next report.
For additional information about The Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club and any interest in membership, please call 613-279-2970.
- Paul Cherrie, president
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Feature Article - March 8, 2007Lions Club grocery dash benefits FoodBankby Jeff Green
Greta McQuaid didn’t take long to decide what to do when she won the Lions Club’s three-minute shopping spree at the Sharbot Lake Freshmart store.
“The Food Bank needs supplies way more than I do,” Greta said in explaining her decision to pass her prize to the North Frontenac Food Bank.
A group of Lions members and store employees joined Greta McQuaid last Thursday morning at 8:30am to watch as Liz Scott, a volunteer with the food bank, motored through the store in search of Food Bank items.
Liz Scott needed a game plan because there were some rules she had to follow. She was limited to two of each item, although she could grab whole flats of products where they were available. Since she was shopping for the Food bank, she had to forego all frozen or perishable foods, so it was quite a challenge to maximise her time.
So, as Lion Dave Hansen called out the time at 15 second intervals, Liz Scott dashed off to the canned food section, tossing soups stews into her first cart. By the time she reached the three minute mark, a flushed Liz Scott had filled three carts with coffee, peanut butter, canned goods and cereals, spending a total of $300 in Lions’ Club money.
Well before the store opened at 9:00 a.m., the total had been tallied and the food wheeled right over to the Food Bank to stock the shelves.
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Feature Article - April 12, 2007101 Blood Donations
by Jeff Green
Dave McCourt is about as enthusiastic an advocate for blood donation as there is.
He began donating blood when he was a 16-year-old high school student, and kept on donating throughout his teaching career in Scarborough, taking necessary breaks as the result of trips he made to Africa over the years.
When he retired to Arden with his wife Sheila six years ago, he began donating on a more regimented basis in Kingston, every 55 days or so. This week he came up to donation number 100, which he made at a blood donor clinic at St. James Church in Sharbot Lake in order to encourage his friends and neighbours to begin donating blood.
In honour of Dave’s 100th donation, his wife Sheila made her first donation on the same day.
“It’s important to be socially responsible and get involved in community,” Dave McCourt said has he prepared for his needle, “It’s easy to make a donation.”
Giving blood has changed since Dave McCourt first donated 45 years ago. “It used to be the Red Cross, and now it’s Canadian Blood Services who deal with donations,” Dave said, “blood is tested and there is a questionnaire that has to be filled out. There are questions about sexual behaviour that are pretty explicit, but they are necessary because of AIDS and other diseases. I have no problem with them because I’m used to them. I just fill the form out and off I go.”
Donors are also interviewed by a nurse before they donate to ensure they are not at risk of contracting AIDS or hepatitis
It is not as easy for women to give blood than it is for men, because blood is tested for iron levels before people can donate, and women tend more towards anemia. This has stopped Sheila McCourt from giving blood in the past, but on this occasion her iron level was high enough, and as Dave gave his 100th pint, she was able to give her first, as planned.
The community blood donor clinic in Sharbot Lake has been up and running for a few years now, and the bulk of the donors book their time in advance. This past Monday, the late winter storm that caused white outs in the morning had abated by the time the clinic was set up at 3:00, and most of the 36 people who had reserved a time arrived to make their donations.
The local Lions Club has been supporting blood donations and helping with promotion, and Lions members were on hand to give juice and drinks to the donors.
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Feature Article - April 12, 2007Lions volunteers screen area school children
The thing we all see about service clubs is their fundraising activities. What we don’t always see is what they do with the money they raise. The
Lions Vision Screening program is a perfect example of how fundraising
meshes with volunteer service to fill a gap in our community schools.
A child’s entire classroom education depends on being able to see well. We all know stories of kids who struggled for years with school until someone thought to test them, but the system pays very little attention to kids’ eyesight. Sometimes teachers pick up cues, but there are no regular health department or school board programs to check basic sight quality. Enter the Lions Vision Screening program. Lions clubs in Verona, Sharbot Lake and Sydenham have volunteered to check every child in senior kindergarten and grade one in Clarendon, Land o’ Lakes, Hinchinbrooke, Sharbot Lake, St. James Major, Verona, Harrowsmith, St. Patrick and Loughborough Public Schools in several areas of visual performance.
The first part of the project was the purchase of a screening kit - at about $12,000 - which is shared with the 48 clubs of this Lions zone. Sydenham Lion Mary Ann Smith is the chairperson for our district’s Vision Screening Program. She has trained people to do sessions in many dozens of schools from east of Toronto to east of Sydenham, and she was at every one of the screenings in our area. With this kit, volunteers can test a child’s sharpness of vision, distance vision, and ability of the two eyes to work together. Once the program was in place, an area Lion set up times with each of our schools for members to go in and screen the students. Each participating student got a report to take home, which told parents whether the child had passed or failed the broad exams, and suggested that those kids who seem to be having difficulty – about 30% of students - be taken for a professional eye exam. Not all of these kids will be found to have a serious problem, but about one in six kids does. That’s five students in a class of 30 who might have had to struggle for years, undiagnosed.
It takes a lot of people to screen the kids, which is probably why it’s not being done by paid professionals. But one strength service clubs have is willing volunteers, and thanks to them, some of our kids will get the help they need. The volunteers are: from Sharbot Lake: Dawn & Dave Hansen, Richard Hicks, Gail Jackson, Bill Morton, Bill Pyle & Luc Salvador. From Verona: Ed Botting, Wayne Conway, Louise Day, Don Kelsey, John McDougall, Inie Platenius, John Steele & Frank York. From Sydenham: Shirley Fox, Doug Gerow, Wray Gillespie, Jim Kelly, Vic Smith (and Mary Ann, of course) & Velma Young.
PHOTO caption:
The Sydenham and District Lions Club participated for the first time this year in doing vision screening at Loughborough Public School. Vision Screening is a service provided by the Lions Clubs for screening the eyesight of Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1 students.
This service is very appropriate since Helen Kellar challenged the Lions many years ago to become the "Knights of the Blind".
Above: Lion Mary Ann Smith, Sydenham and District Lions Club
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Feature Article - April 12, 2007Lions '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 - July 19, 2007First annual Mazinaw fireworks
by Jeff Green
The Land O’ Lakes Lions Club took a big chance by sponsoring a major Canada Day Fireworks display on the waters of Mazinaw Lake this past June 30.
To get the event up and running the Lions had to invest a hefty sum of money, and there was no guarantee that the rest of the community would come forward to help, or that people would come out to the show.
But with the backdrop of Mazinaw rock to set off scene, and the wizardry of Starfire Pyrotechnics, plus a little help from the weather, the event was a huge success.
Three buses traveled from North Addington Education Centre to Bon Echo Park to view the fireworks, with the co-operation of Bon Echo Park. As it was the Canada Day Weekend, the park was full, and campers were treated to a free display courtesy of the community. About 50 cars were able to view from North Mazinaw Heights Road, the lake was dotted with the lights from 80 boats, and numerous cottagers enjoyed a front row seat from their docks when the display kicked off at about 10 pm.
“We were pleased with how it went off,” said Lions club member Jason Lessard afterwards, “and we hope it can grow from here. In future years it might grow into an afternoon of Canada Day activities, followed by fireworks.
The Lions club looks forward to future ideas and support from individuals or community organizations to help make the fireworks a greater success in years to come.
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Feature Article - July 12, 2007Verona 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..
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Feature Article - August 16, 20072007 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..
Skatepark
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Feature Article - August 9, 2007Skatepark in Northbrookready to roll
The construction for the new skatepark in Northbrook will begin the first week of August, and is expected to take 3-4 weeks, with the opening of the facility sometime in September. Cash donations from private citizens and businesses are needed to complete Phase 1, which will include not only a unique boomerang shaped skatepark, but also a children’s playground and basketball hoops.
This project is possible through donations from the Ontario Trillium Foundation as well as the Lions Club of Land O’ Lakes Inc and the Township of Addington Highlands. In addition, numerous suppliers and contractors have donated many “in-kind services”.
A permanent outdoor donor board has been erected at the Lions Hall to acknowledge contributions. Cash or in-kind donations of $100-499 will be acknowledged with a bronze engraved plaque, $500-$999 will be silver and $1000 or more gold.
Anyone wishing to donate may make cheques out to the Township of Addington Highlands with the notation "donation for skatepark" and mail to Addington Highlands Township, Box 89, Flinton, ON, K0H 1P0. Charitable tax receipts will also be issued for any amount over $10. For more information please contact Tracy Yeo (336-1808), Ken Hook (336-3211) or Marg Wood at the township office (336-2286).
Left to Right: Doug Thurston, Darlene Munroe, Steve Blackwell, Kevin VanDusen, Maurice McFadden, Tracy Yeo, Ken Hook, Reeve Henry Hogg, Visitor: Ken Douglas
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Feature Article - September 6, 2007 The “stinking rose” wows Veronaby 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 Dip10 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
