Back to HomeFeature Article - April 2, 2009 Sharbot lake Lions Seek New Membersby Bill Pyle

Your Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club has a lot of work to do and they need your help. The club is actively looking for community-minded people who want to make a difference in the Sharbot Lake area and even around the world. Both men and women can become Lions and in fact, we have several couples who enjoy Lionism as a rewarding family activity. We do work hard but there is also a social aspect to membership and we enjoy many fun activities with other Lions clubs, especially those from nearby communities in Eastern Ontario.

The first Lions Club in Canada was founded in 1920 and in 1925 Helen Keller challenged all Lions to become her “Knights of the blind in her crusade against darkness”. Lions Clubs around the world have taken that challenge very seriously and have worked tirelessly toward the eradication of blindness everywhere. A program called “Sight First” has raised millions of dollars since its inception and has helped hundreds of thousands who have been inflicted with the diseases and other causes of blindness and sight-related problems.

We have many other important projects of which we are very proud, including our “Vision Screening” program. Since 2004 we have been testing the eyesight of local kindergarten and grade one children in the elementary schools of Plevna, Mountain Grove, Parham and Sharbot Lake using high-tech equipment purchased with the monies we have collected through our various fund raising activities. Beginning in September we will be adding a hearing test with a newly-acquired instrument designed specifically to be used with younger children. We are also happy to provide funding for the “No Child Without” program, in which your local Lions Club works hand-in-hand with the Medic Alert Association in providing bracelets to every child in our area who may need one to keep them safe at school, in the home and everywhere in between.

Some of our other duties are the Santa Claus and Canada Day parades, blood donor clinics, Adopt-A-Highway, and our ever-popular seniors’ night, to mention a few. Among our fundraising activities are Chocolate Easter Bunny sales coming up on March 28, Gas-O-Rama in early June and our on-going raffle tickets for $500 worth of gasoline.

It’s grrrreat to be a Lion. And what a grrrreat feeling of pride and accomplishment to know that you can positively affect some aspect of another person’s life. Many hands make light work and we have lots of work to do. Whether you have a few hours a week or only a couple of hours a month, your Lions Club needs you. Wouldn’t YOU want to help?

Would you like to make a difference in your community and have a lot of fun doing it? To get involved with your local Lions Club, contact any Lions member or call 613-375-6318 or 613-375-8190 for more information.

The Lions Club – We Serve! And YOU can too!

Photo: Linda and Don Bates and her Haiti team Kevin Ryan, Lise Woods and Debbie Lovegrove

Verona resident Linda Bates, who has made a number of trips to Haiti as the chair of International Scout Guide Fellowship, will be heading down to Haiti in January 2012 to deliver another load of medical, school and other related supplies for villagers in Grison Garde. She and her team are asking members of the community to support their efforts by dropping off their empty pop cans in a plastic bag to her or a member of her team at the Frontenac Farmers' Market`, which is held every Saturday from 9AM-1PM at the Lions hall in Verona. Every little bit helps.

 

 

Gordon & Louise Day at the Verona Tree Lighting Ceremony in November.

It's been 10 years since Dr. Harrison Gordon Day retired from the Verona Medical Centre, but people still talk about how Doctor Day brought medical services to the Verona area.

Doctor Day died on December 27, at the age of 81, and his funeral took place on Saturday morning, January 2 at the Verona Lions Hall.

During his remarks at the funeral, Dr. Day's son David recalled that a couple of days before his death at KGH his father told him to let everyone know that when he came to Verona in 1963 to set up his practice, he had done so in order to serve the community and that intention was what kept him going through his entire career. “Dad did not like OHIP very much. He preferred the days when he got paid directly by his patients, either with money or in kind, with produce or whatever people had,” David Day said.

“Sometimes we got apple pies, and sometimes we never got paid,” recalled Louise Day in an interview a few days after the funeral, “but what could people do? They had to eat.”

Louise met Gordon Day early in 1962 in Kingston. She had come to Kingston with three other friends who were also nurses, and they were all planning to go out west.

“That never happened for me,” she recalls. Four months after they met, Gordon and Louise were married, and they moved briefly to Peterborough, where there was a position for a doctor in a large practice. “We saw a notice that a group in Verona had built a clinic and were looking for a doctor, and Gordon thought he would be of more use there, so we took it on,” said Louise.

Took it on they did. For years Dr. and Nurse Day worked in the clinic downstairs while the children played upstairs under the watchful eye of Helen Cronk.

“The sound of Gordon’s shoe on the bottom step was enough to scare the children into being quiet,” Louise remembers.

Mornings were devoted to house calls, and the clinic was open in the afternoons and evenings, as well as Saturday mornings. Dr. Day also served as the coroner for Frontenac County, and set up a dispensary in his office because he knew many of his patients couldn’t or wouldn't make it into town to pick up the medicines he prescribed for them.

“We had a lot to learn about a rural practice at first, because both of us were from cities,” Louise said. “Many of our patients did not have running water at the time. They never went to Kingston; some had never taken their clothes off for a doctor before, so we had to learn what kinds of treatments would be useful for them.”

In going over his dad's papers, David Day found a handwritten note from a patient, which he thought summed up Dr. Day's relationship with his patients. He read it at the funeral. “Got a headache doc. I feel bad and I've got a dry cough. Get me something to fix me up quick, eh. Send some more in case my kids get it. John.”

“He just loved how direct people were in the country,” Louise said, “but he made sure to keep up his training and keep up to date with new diagnostic techniques and treatments. He did not want to be known as a backwards country doctor, and he made sure that never happened.”

In 1968, Dr. Day decided it was his last chance at a career as a specialist, and he left Verona to take on a residency as a radiologist in Kingston. Six weeks later he was back. “He missed it. He missed his role in Verona, he missed his practice,” Louise Day said.

For the next 31 years Dr. Day continued making house calls, providing cordial, accurate and thorough service to his patients. He was ready to retire by the mid-1990s, but waited until a replacement could be found. He worked for a year with Doctor Laurel Dempsey before selling the practice to her in 1999.

“He liked to fish and more so to hunt at the cottage we built near Sharbot Lake,” said Louise “but really being a doctor was what he loved.”

Gordon and Louise Day have three children, David, John and Susan, and four grandchildren as well.

The Days have been mainstays of the Verona community, being active in the Lions Club and the Verona Community Association.

Some people arrive in a community and change it immediately, so that people wonder how they got along before they arrived.

Doctor Harrison Gordon Day was one of those people.

 

l-r: Lions Jim Lansdell, Judy Conway, John McDougall, Wayne Conway (President), Phil Perrin (Managing Director Limestone Learning Foundation) and Lion Bazil Gillespie. Photo courtesy of Wayne Conway.

The Verona Lions Club recently donated $30,000 to the Limestone Learning Foundation from their Donna Clarke Memorial Fund.

In 2009, the Verona Lions Club received a generous legacy gift upon the passing of one of its very active members, Ms. Donna Clarke. Ms. Clarke had enjoyed a very full and rewarding career as an educator with the Frontenac County Board of Education and it was her wish that her legacy gift be used by the Verona Lions Club for the benefit of local children. The Verona Lions Club Donna Clarke Memorial Fund was established to provide ongoing financial support, through investment earnings, to enhanced learning projects at schools in the Limestone District School Board in the areas of Literacy & Numeracy, Science & Technology, the Arts, and Innovative Practices as determined by the Foundation Board of Directors.

Lions Club President Rob Kendrick hands a cheque for $1,000 to Sue Clinton, Chair of the Loughborough Christmas & Emergency Relief Committee..

Lions Club President Rob Kendrick hands a cheque for $1,000 to Sue Clinton, Chair of the Loughborough Christmas & Emergency Relief Committee. The LC&ERC, a small all-volunteer group, is funded solely by donations from its supporters in Loughborough District and nearby areas.  The Committee operates a Christmas Basket program as well as a year-round food bank and emergency relief service for residents of Loughborough District. The Committee can be reached through its voicemail at 613-572-6004. This cheque was a very timely one coming as it did just before the implementation of this year's Christmas Baskets.

 

Jim Stinson, Wray Gillespie andllan McPhail.

Jim Stinson, General Manager of the North Frontenac Arena at Piccadilly receiving a cheque for $1,000 from Lions Club Treasurer Wray Gillespie and Lions Club Secretary llan McPhail. This cheque is the final instalment on a 3-year, $3,000 pledge by the Sydenham Lions in support of Project End Zone.

 

 

Members of Sydenham's senior girls volleyball team help to unload medical supplies destined for Haiti. Photo Brian Rombough.

A second shipment of medical supplies valued at close to $1 million made its way to Verona on Feb. 12 and once again it was Linda Bates of Verona, her family and a committed group of volunteers, including the coach and members of Sydenham High School's senior girls volleyball team, who helped unload the supplies, which are destined for Haiti.

This is the second shipment that has made it to Verona; the first shipment of $100,000 in medical supplies arrived three weeks ago. Bates admitted to being “absolutely stunned” by the sheer size of the most recent shipment, which was donated by a number of groups including various Emergency Services Teams from throughout Ontario, the Oshawa Shriners, the Kingston Rotary Clubs, Inermar Kingston, the Verona Lions Club and the Verona Community Association.

Bates, who works as an educational assistant at Sydenham High School, is also the coordinator of the International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF). Before the earthquake struck on Jan.12 her role as ISGF coordinator in Haiti had been to set up and rebuild schools and to bring scouting to northern Haiti. After the devastating quake Bates’ role shifted somewhat and as she explained, “The ISGF’s role is now focusing on getting medical supplies into the country to assist those who have been injured in the quake”.

This shipment includes countless regular and specialized wheelchairs for adults and children, wheeled stretchers, various types of walkers, commodes, canes, crutches, plus 65 plastic totes filled with various surgical supplies and dressings.

Bates explained, “Now we’re just waiting for a phone call from a trucking company that will drive the supplies to Miami.”

The cruise line Royal Caribbean has agreed to deliver the goods to Haiti where Bates says they will be divided amongst four key groups: The Help Tammy Help Haiti organization that is working to erect a medical clinic in Cite Soleil, and the medical clinic, orphanage and hospital in Grison Garde. Bates added, “Whatever they do not need will be sent to Port-au-Prince or wherever it is most needed.”

Bates admits that she has begun something that has snowballed beyond her wildest dreams. She anticipates a third shipment to arrive in Verona in roughly two weeks’ time and said, “After that I think we’ll take a break and see where we are at since finding space to store the supplies here can be difficult.” This time around Bates was very fortunate when five local couples immediately offered space to store the supplies.

Bates is grateful to the outpouring of community support she has received and specifically wishes to thank members of the Verona Lions Club and the Verona Community Association, Brian Rombough and the Sydenham Senior Girls Volleyball team, Jeff Ryan, Linda Wolsey, Dianne Kennedy, Ken Dearborn and his sons, Joanne van Luven, friends, family and members of the Verona community.

Bates added that she still requires funds to pay for the shipment of the supplies to Haiti and that donors will receive a tax receipt for any donation over $20. To donate call Linda at 613-374-1307.

It’s grrrreat to be a Lion. And what a grrrreat feeling to know that you can positively affect some aspect of another person’s life. Many hands make light work and we have a lot of work to do. Whether you have a few hours a week or only a couple of hours a month, your Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club needs YOU. Wouldn’t you want to help?

We have many important projects of which we are very proud. We started our “Vision Screening” program in 2004 and since have been testing the eyesight of local kindergarten and grade one children in the elementary schools of Plevna, Mountain Grove, Parham and Sharbot Lake using equipment purchased with the monies we have collected through our various fund raising activities. Beginning in September 2010 we will be adding a hearing test with a newly acquired instrument designed specifically to be used with younger children. We are also happy to provide funding for the “No Child Without” program, in which your local Lions Club works hand-in-hand with the Medic Alert Association in providing bracelets to every child in our area who may need one to keep them safe at school, in the home and everywhere in between.

Some of our other duties are the Santa Claus and Canada Day parades, Blood Donor Clinics, Adopt-A-Highway, and our ever-popular Seniors’ Night, to mention a few. Among our fundraising activities are Chocolate Easter Bunny sales coming up on February 27, Gas-O-Rama in early June and our on-going raffle tickets for $500 worth of gasoline. And watch for a new Murder Mystery Dinner coming up on March 27.

Lions Clubs International (LCI) has mobilized almost $2 million, so far, to help in the Haiti relief effort. A little-known fact is that over the past several years, many thousands of dollars have been provided to communities right here in Eastern Ontario. When help was needed a few years ago during the Peterborough floods and during the Ice Storm of 1998, LCI provided funds to help folks through difficult times, in Sharbot Lake and throughout the Frontenacs. Lions Clubs provide many needed services to their local communities and a wonderful sense of pride and accomplishment to each of its members. Our 45,000 clubs and more than 1.3 million members in 205 countries and geographic areas are different in many ways, but we share a core belief – community is what we make it.

The Sharbot Lake Club, founded in 1951, will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary next year and yes, it would be grrreat to start our 7th decade with some fresh, enthusiastic, hard working, new members! The club is actively looking for community-minded people who want to make a difference in the Sharbot Lake area and even around the world. We will be hosting an information night on February 17 at 7 PM at the Anglican Church Hall in Sharbot Lake. Join us for coffee and dessert to learn more about our club. Both men and women can become Lions and in fact, we have several couples who enjoy Lionism as a rewarding family activity. We do work hard but there is also a social aspect to membership and we enjoy many fun activities with other Lions clubs, especially those from nearby communities in Eastern Ontario.

Would you like to make a difference in your community and have a lot of fun doing it? To get involved with your local Lions Club, contact any local Lions member, join us for coffee on February 17 or call 613-375-6318 or 613-279-2502 for more information.

The Lions Club – We Serve! And You Can Too!

 

The new Donna Clarke Pavilion in Verona was completed in January

A new structure now graces the grounds adjacent to the Verona Lions Club, which will soon get a lot community of use come the warmer weather. The open concept building named the Donna Clarke Pavilion originally began as a partnership between the Frontenac Farmers’ Market organization and the Verona Lions Club, and its design and location will serve both groups equally well. The building will function as a space for vendors at the Frontenac Farmers Market, and as the new bingo pavilion during the Lions’ annual jamboree and other annual events like the Garlic Festival. It will be also be available to rent to members of the community for family barbeques, weddings and other special occasions.

Years ago Wayne Conway, president of the Verona Lions, put forth the idea of building a permanent structure adjacent to their hall on Verona Sand Road where for years they have been renting a large tent to house many of their outdoor annual events.

Recently that dream became financially viable thanks to two key developments. The first was a generous bequest left to the Verona Lions Club by the late Donna Clarke, a long-time member of the Verona Lions Club and a much-missed member of the community. The second was a $10,000 grant received by the Frontenac Farmers’ Market through the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation, which Conway said, “really helped to seal the deal.”

Once the funding became a reality the Verona Lions set to work and organized a building committee. Conway, along with Lions Frank York and Ken Harper, designed the 30’ x 60’, steel-roofed, open concept wooden framed structure.

A group of Lions and community volunteers assisted with the construction, which began in November when sod was cleared and a gravel foundation laid. In early December the concrete foundation was poured and the wooden structure was assembled. In mid-January the structure was raised with the help of a crane.

The finishing touches to the pavilion will include an electrical system for lights and hook ups for a PA system. There are also plans for a permanent memorial plaque thanking those who made the project possible.

Conway said, "It’s a dream come true.” He wishes to thank the Verona Lions, the Frontenac Farmer's Market, the FCFDC and all of the community members who assisted with the project.

The new building is not only pleasing to the eye but will serve as a valuable community resource for all to enjoy for many years to come.

Back row:  Emma Leblanc, Brianna Blight, Keighan Chadwick, Buff Chadwick (trainer), Jamie Hitchcock, Kevin Hitchcock (head coach), Randie Hollingsworth and Mark Hollingsworth (assistant coach).

Front row:  Lacey Henwood, Suzanne Allison, Nicole Hunter, Erica Sortberg and Kelsey Player

The Frontenac Fury Midget C girl’s have done it again! Not only did the team win their second tournament this year (Brockville February Freeze, February 21, 2010), but through hard work and dedication by all team members, the girls have qualified for the OWHA Provincials, which will be held in Mississauga, April 9 – 11.

“Our rink has not had a women’s team qualify for provincials in over 20 years”, says Buff Chadwick, team trainer and president of the Frontenac Girl’s Hockey Association. “This is big news for our arena, and for girl’s hockey!”

To earn their spot at Provincials the team played a single round-robin against the South Dundas Lions, Kemptville Storm, Castor River Coyotes and finally the Brockville Angels.

“This is our year to take home the cup”, says Erica Sortberg, team captain. “Most of the team has played together since they were kids. Four of the team members will not be returning next year, as they will have surpassed the age limit to play in the league.

“What a thrill it would be to hang an OWHA Provincial Banner at the Frontenac Arena”, says Kevin Hitchcock, head coach. “I won’t make any pre-tournament predictions, but we are not going to the provincials to lose!”

In the photo: 

Brenda Kerr of Maple-Lim Farm

Vendors at the Frontenac Farmers Market in Verona enjoyed their first week outdoors and many vendors have set up shop in the New Donna Clarke Memorial Pavilion there.

The structure was built as a partnership between the Frontenac Farmers’ Market and the Verona Lions Club in memory of long-time Lions Club member Donna Clarke who left a bequest to the Lions to fund the project after her passing. The project also received generous support from the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation and it was completed in January.

The space is ideal for vendors who can back up their vehicles to the pavilion and set up with ease.

Vendor Judy Dumbleton of Judy’s Jams, Jellies and Jarfuls was pleased with the new digs. “Everyone is very happy to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather and the new pavilion makes setting up a lot easier.”

Saturday’s market vendors included the usual suspects and their array of fresh and local products: Maple-Lim Farm’s fresh meat and produce, D&D Garrett’s maple syrup products, baked goods, veggies and bedding plants from Sands Produce, tie dye clothing by the Tye Dye Lady, ecologically raised pork products by Haanover View Farms, ready to eat middle eastern dishes by Memories of Alexandria, jewelry by Debbie Harris and Sharlton cards by DSahron Sole. The South Frontenac Natural Environment Committee was also holding their annual tree sale in the pavilion and the Lions manned their kitchen, serving up meals.

Kaye Traynor of Kaye’s Klubhouse set up a craft corner for kids in one corner of the pavilion and was advertising her weekly summer camps for children aged 6-12, which she will be running this year at the Bellrock Community Hall.

The Donna Clarke Memorial Pavilion’s official opening will take place on Saturday May 29 at 8:45 am, a regular market day and all are welcome to attend.

The Frontenac Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning from 9-1pm and is located at the Verona Lions Centre, 4504 Verona Sand Rd. For more information visit www.frontenacfarmersmarket.ca