Photo: Left to Right. Zone Links: Celine Pyle, Sharbot Lake; Nancy Butler, Amherstview; Mary Grace Amann, District A-3 Chair Organ and Tissue Donations; Josef Amann, Region 11 Chair

On October 28 in Newburgh, the official unveiling of the Gift of Life Banner Crest for Lion Clubs in District A-3 was held. Twelve of the local area Lions clubs were in attendance for this auspicious occasion.

Did you know that for Organ and Tissue Donations at present only 27% of Ontarians over the age of 16 with OHIP photo ID cards have registered their consent? Canada ranks the lowest of all the countries that have donor programs. Mary Grace Amann, Lion District Chair for Organ and Tissue Donation, says Lions in District A-3 have taken the initiative to change those statistics. Each Lions Club is challenged to have 50 percent or more of their members registered as donors with Trillium, the clubs that attain this will be awarded the Gift of Life Crest for their banner at their convention.

One donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of 75 others. If you have signed a donor card you still need to register. Check the back of your photo ID Health Card for the word DONOR, if it is not there, you are not registered. Forms, information etc can be obtained by visiting the Trillium Gift of Life Web Site. You can register your consent to donate by visiting your local OHIP office or to download the consent form visit www.giftoflife.on.ca. Make your wish known to your family as they make the final decision.

In Ontario we have 1508 on waiting lists with the largest portion requiring kidney transplants; 767 transplants have taken place this year. One person on this waiting list dies ever three days. Everyone is a potential donor regardless of age. The oldest Canadian organ donor was over 90 and the oldest tissue donor was 102.

Lions Clubs have taken the initiative to make Ontarians more aware of this critical situation and to increase the percentage of donor consents.

For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

Photo: (l-r) – Bud Clayton, chair - Pine Meadow Management Committee, Jim Wilson – Lion’s Club, Ernest Lapchinski, chair – building committee, Bonnie George - Pine Meadow Administrator, Jane Muston, chair - Land O’Lakes Community Services, Janice Powell, Treasurer, Land O’Lakes Community Services, and Bill Cox, Vice-Chair, Pine Meadow Management Committee.

When members of the management committee of Pine Meadow Nursing Home were through pinching themselves to make sure it was true that the long-awaited upgrade of the home had been approved by the Province of Ontario, they began to face a new challenge – how to raise at least $50,000 in a tiny rural area.

So, they started by calling some old friends, the Land O' Lakes Lions Club. As the club's treasurer, Jim Wilson, explained at the group's meeting on November 3, “This is our main charity; we have always had a soft spot for Pine Meadow.”

That soft spot has led the Lions to donate some hard cash in the past. When Pine Meadow was first being built, the Lions donated $100,000 over eight years to the building campaign, and provided a $250,000 surety as well. Thankfully the surety was never required.

“This time, we have decided to pledge $25,000 over five years to the new fundraising campaign,” said Wilson. The first donation is for $10,000, and a ceremonial cheque was presented at the meeting.

Representing Pine Meadow, Administrator Bonnie George said, “We are tremendously grateful at Pine Meadow for the support we have received from the Lions Club. It certainly is a kick start to our campaign.”

Jane Muston, the chairperson of Land O' Lakes Community Services, which runs Pine Meadow through a management committee, said “It's amazing that the Lions could make such a large contribution, coming from such a small area. It's a real tribute to the club's dedication to the community.”

The Land O' Lakes Lions raise money by running bingos, through a voluntary toll, and they cover their own costs by collecting the liquor and beer bottles that are dropped off at the waste sites and returning them to the beer store for the rebate.

The Pine Meadow Nursing Home upgrade will begin next spring. By the time it is completed the home will have attained the provincial class A standard for long-term care facilities. Although the number of residents in the home will only increase by four, to 64, the accommodations and comfort level at the home will be vastly improved.

After the announcement about the donation was made at the Lions Club, Lions member Ben Miedema recounted some of the experiences he has undergone as a person with polycystic kidney disease, a congenital condition that causes kidney failure.

Miedema spoke in order to underscore the need for a community project that Pine Meadow is also seeking to bring about, a dialysis clinic. “We met with officials at KGH to talk about the dialysis clinic,” said Bud Clayton, “and it was immediately clear that they will need some convincing, so we will have to keep on talking. Eventually, they will have to come around.”

Lion Ruth Peck pointed out that in order for the Land O' Lakes Lions to keep providing the same amount of service and funding support to the local community, they are going to need new members. Anyone interested in learning about or joining the Land O' Lakes Lions is encouraged to call Ruth at 613-336-8915.

Members of the Sharbot Lake and District Lions were not sure what to expect attendance-wise for their 37th annual seniors' night, which took place at the Land O'Lakes Public School in Mountain Grove on October 23. It was the first time in its history that the event had to be moved from its usual location, the former Sharbot Lake High School, because of the construction of the new school. Organizers were at first a bit worried but close to show time were happy to announce that they gave out roughly 20 more tickets than at last year's event. Lions president Linda Zweir thanked their sponsor, W.A. Robinson and Associates of Sharbot Lake, who assisted with the transportation costs along with the Dunham and Stinson bus lines who coordinated the trips that brought close to 100 seniors to this year's event. Three buses, one from the south, one from the north and one from Arden bussed in a large percentage of the seniors who attended and brought them safely home again. Zweir said many local seniors who don't normally attend the Sharbot Lake event were pleased to see it happen this year in Mountain Grove. "We certainly have a full house here and people seem really impressed with this location. We managed not only to attract new seniors from this area but also are seeing the regular Sharbot Lake crowd as well.”

Musical entertainment is always front and center at the annual event and that was the case again this year. Eleven-year-old Jessica Wedden, one of the youngest members of the Blue Skies Fiddle Orchestra, charmed listeners with her deft playing and step dancing, as did Guy, Gib and Glenda of The Old Habits, who got many toes a-tappin' and had many singing along to their old timey country classics. Never shy to ham it up was the cast of Lions members, who did their part and made merry in a number of wacky skits that included a blindfolded bubble gum blowing contest and after that, a skit regarding the sticky aftermath. No less than 25 door prizes were given out courtesy of the Lions and following the show guests were treated to a late lunch. The 21 members of the Sharbot Lake and District Lions are always looking for new members. For more information contact Lion Bill Pyle at 613-539-8190.

 Under a bright sky and a brisk, chilly wind parade goers lined Highway 41 in Northbrook for the annual Santa Claus parade on November 24. Sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Lions and the Kaladar Community Club, the parade began with a spritely and impressive version of Frosty the Snowman courtesy of the RCSCC marching band. Judging by the thrilled faces of the youngsters who filled the curb sides and collected treats from the numerous colorful floats, the parade did not disappoint. Photo: members of the local Brownie troop enjoyed participationg in the parade.

The cold wind on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 24 provided the perfect environment for Santa’s return to Northbrook.

Together, the members of the Land O’ Lakes Lions and Kaladar Community Clubs coordinated another successful Santa Claus Parade. The annual parade has become a shared venture by the two clubs in recent years, alternating between the communities of Northbrook and Kaladar. The residents of Northbrook, especially those residing at the Pine Meadow Nursing Home, were very happy that their village was hosting this year.

At 10 a.m. the OPP blocked of a section of Highway 41, allowing parade participants the opportunity to delight young and old with Christmas joy. Parade Grand Marshall Lion Ric Godard organized numerous floats and marching groups. Among those represented were Land O’ Lakes Community Services, the township of North Frontenac, local Cadet Corps, 1st Cloyne Girl Guides, and many more.

The parade route wove around by the local nursing home, allowing all its residents an opportunity to enjoy the holiday event. The procession finished at the Land O’ Lakes Lions Community Hall, were Santa continued to spread his joy to the children of the community by listening to their wishes and giving out treats and advent calendars. For all those who attended, spectators, volunteers, and participants, members of the Kaladar Community Club served donuts and hot chocolate. The warmth inside the hall was shown through the smiles on all the faces.

Land O’ Lakes Lions president, Marilyn Bolender, greeted and thanked all those in attendance, and announced the winners of the float contest; 1st to Yourway Home Centre, 2nd Land O’ Lakes Emmanuel United Church, and 3rd to Land O’ Lakes Horticultural Society.

The Land O’ Lakes Lions would like to thank generous donations by COFA (Conservationists of Frontenac and Addington), the Township of Addington Highlands, and the Township of North Frontenac towards the 2012 Santa Claus Parade.

The Verona Lions hall is currently undergoing renovations that will help to make it more wheelchair accessible. On March 24, 2011 the club received a $66,000 grant from the Enabling Accessibility Fund Program offered by the federal government whose aim to help make community buildings more accessible to members of the public who have disabilities. Verona Lions member Wayne Conway said that he expects the project to be completed before Christmas. “Our main goal is to construct a proper handicapped washroom facility, one that meets current codes.” The project will also make the two outside entrances to the building along with another inner entrance to the Lions Den electronically managed.

Storage space that was to be lost in order to provide space for the new washroom facility will be replaced by new storage space at the front of the hall. The end result will be a larger main hall with a capacity of 200, another added benefit according to Wayne. “Before, fitting 180 bodies into the main hall along with a stage and a dance floor used to be a pretty tight squeeze; the new renovations will allow us to accommodate 200 people comfortably, “ he said.

Verona Lions member Ken Harper is overseeing the project and local contractors are currently in the process of doing the work.

There is more good news about the hall: two weeks ago it received its permanent liquor license, meaning that renters looking to hold functions that include bar service need not go through the rigmarole of applying for a liquor license. It should be noted that the hall will remain open while the renovations are taking place. Anyone interested in reserving the hall for a private function can contact Wayne Conway at 613-374-2821.

 Under a bright sky and a brisk, chilly wind parade goers lined Highway 41 in Northbrook for the annual Santa Claus parade on November 24. Sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Lions and the Kaladar Community Club, the parade began with a spritely and impressive version of Frosty the Snowman courtesy of the RCSCC marching band. Judging by the thrilled faces of the youngsters who filled the curb sides and collected treats from the numerous colorful floats, the parade did not disappoint. Photo: members of the local Brownie troop enjoyed participationg in the parade.

The cold wind on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 24 provided the perfect environment for Santa’s return to Northbrook.

Together, the members of the Land O’ Lakes Lions and Kaladar Community Clubs coordinated another successful Santa Claus Parade. The annual parade has become a shared venture by the two clubs in recent years, alternating between the communities of Northbrook and Kaladar. The residents of Northbrook, especially those residing at the Pine Meadow Nursing Home, were very happy that their village was hosting this year.

At 10 a.m. the OPP blocked of a section of Highway 41, allowing parade participants the opportunity to delight young and old with Christmas joy. Parade Grand Marshall Lion Ric Godard organized numerous floats and marching groups. Among those represented were Land O’ Lakes Community Services, the township of North Frontenac, local Cadet Corps, 1st Cloyne Girl Guides, and many more.

The parade route wove around by the local nursing home, allowing all its residents an opportunity to enjoy the holiday event. The procession finished at the Land O’ Lakes Lions Community Hall, were Santa continued to spread his joy to the children of the community by listening to their wishes and giving out treats and advent calendars. For all those who attended, spectators, volunteers, and participants, members of the Kaladar Community Club served donuts and hot chocolate. The warmth inside the hall was shown through the smiles on all the faces.

Land O’ Lakes Lions president, Marilyn Bolender, greeted and thanked all those in attendance, and announced the winners of the float contest; 1st to Yourway Home Centre, 2nd Land O’ Lakes Emmanuel United Church, and 3rd to Land O’ Lakes Horticultural Society.

The Land O’ Lakes Lions would like to thank generous donations by COFA (Conservationists of Frontenac and Addington), the Township of Addington Highlands, and the Township of North Frontenac towards the 2012 Santa Claus Parade.

With 14 inches of ice and cold nights ahead, the Sharbot Lake Snow Drags are a go.

Organizers are expecting that upwards of 250 riders will compete at the 2nd annual rejuvenated Sno-Drags on Saturday, February 11. Crews have been working hard all week transferring snow from the middle of Sharbot Lake over to the drag strip, putting up fencing and grooming the track as race day approaches.

Anyone who wants to participate should arrive early on race day. All machines will first receive their tech inspection and then they will be registered. Registration ends at 9:30 and racing starts at 10 a.m. All races will be with stock machines with the exception of the Open Class, and the entry fee is $25. The Kittycat and 120 cc classes are free, and kids races will start at around 11 a.m. All classes will have double elimination (time permitting).

The Sharbot Lake Lions Club will be selling refreshments on the beach throughout the day.

The races are scheduled to end by 5 p.m. when the festivities will continue with awards at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn. Door prize draws will take place at that time and some top-notch prizes will be given out, including helmets valued at $200, $50 gas cards, etc. For further information, call 613-279-1933

Photo: Lady Astoria (Elizabeth Taylor) performed in Candidate for Death at the Verona Lions hall on March 24

That was the question occupying guests at the Verona Lions hall on the evening of March 24 as over 80 guests joined forces to solve a murder that took place right under their noses while they dined.

The event was the second annual Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser put on by Kingston's Partners in Crime as a fundraiser for the Verona Lions, and judging by the turnout, it seems that everyone loves a good meal accompanied by a good live murder mystery. Darlene Slack, who heads up the entertainment committee for the Verona Lions, brought the event back to Verona for its second year and it attracted guests from as far away as Peterborough, Napanee and Belleville. “The event was such a success last year that we decided to do it again,” she said.

Also back by popular demand was a sumptuous roast beef dinner put on by local caterer Joyce Casement. Diners began the evening with drinks and hors d'oeuvres in a pre-show cocktail hour and were peppered with clues from the get-go. Prior to tucking into their meal, the six-member cast of Richard Linley's mystery, titled “Candidate for Death” set up the back story about a London, UK, MP Daniel Lowt, played by Bob Lawton (who also directed), who was caught soliciting the services of an undercover police constable. This led members of his local party association to push him aside as a candidate in an upcoming election. At a party benefit dinner that follows, party rebels openly challenge MP Lowt in a contest for the candidacy that quickly gets ugly and ends in murder.

Well-known Verona actor, Dick Miller, who has been involved in Partners in Crime since its inception 20 years ago, played Inspector Eustace Guildhall.

By the time dessert was served, a number of short scenes had taken place through the dinner hour and most of the critical action had unfolded. Diners grouped at over a dozen large circular tables joined forces to try to determine the culprit, his or her motive and how the victim was murdered.

Ila Lawton, who produced and stage managed the show, said she and her cast love putting on the shows, which often serve as fundraisers for various community groups. “It's a real hoot for us to do and this Verona crowd is especially enthusiastic, which makes it a lot of fun for us.”

Proceeds from the event will be used by the Lions to support their many programs in the community and beyond including Camp Dorset, an Ontario resort that provides care and support to patients undergoing kidney dialysis treatments.

For more information about Partners in Crime visit www.partnersincrime.ca, or call 613-353-6111

Photo: Verona Lions Don Lawson and Louise Day present a cheque to David Townsend of the SFCSC

In an effort to place much-needed funding into the hands of those who know best where it needs to go, Verona Lions president Louise Day and treasurer Don Lawson presented a $1500 cheque on behalf of the Verona Lions Club to Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation's executive director David Townsend on Nov. 2 at the Verona Lions hall.

The Verona Lions, who focus their fundraising efforts on hearing and vision programs in the community, often receive numerous requests for other types of community support. “We get requests for all kinds of different things; everything from medical supplies, wheelchairs, to disaster relief, as well as funding for accident victims, so in the hopes of avoiding the duplication of services, we decided to make a donation to the SFCSC since they know best where the funding needs to go,” Louise Day said.

David Townsend was thrilled to receive the donation and said that it was not the first time that the Verona Lions have made a donation to support the various important community services the SFCSC offers. “This donation helps to demonstrate the fact that the services we offer are meeting the community needs and that people are starting to know where to turn to get the help that they need. Partnering with the Verona Lions and with other groups in the community means that there is a much greater chance that we can help serve more people and these kinds of donations do add up,” he said.

He gave a concrete example of where these particular funds might be headed now that financial assistance that was once available through the Winter Warmth program to rural dwellers who heat solely with wood, is no longer available. “While there are still financial aid packages in place for those who heat with hydro, natural gas and oil, there is nothing now for those who heat 100% with wood and unfortunately these people might easily fall through the cracks. So the SFCSC will be definitely considering using these funds for that purpose.” Townsend said that at this time of the year, many people are often struggling just to meet their basic needs due to difficult economic circumstances. “People who have should know that there are many opportunities to support those who don't by donating to various local community service groups like the Lions and various local churches in the area, who are partnering with the SFCSC to help members of the local community get the services they need. We have formed some very strong relationships with various community groups and churches, many of whom will offer charitable tax receipts immediately upon receipt of a donation.`

Anyone interested in making a donation to the SFCSC or the Verona Lions can call 613-376-6477 or 613-374-2821 respectively.

Two years ago the Kaladar Community Club celebrated their 45th Santa Claus parade, but in 2010 there were not enough floats entering the parade for the club to carry on, and it was cancelled.

Earlier this fall, one of the members of the Land O'Lakes Lions Club, which has organized a parade in Northbrook for the past 5 years, suggested that the Kaladar Community Club be contacted to consider combining forces on the 2011 Santa Claus Parade. An arrangement was worked out to combine the parades and rotate their location each year.

“We were happy to be approached,” said Penny Hinchey of the Kaladar Community Club earlier this week when she met with Alex Chisholm of the Lions Club. “It would be shame to have the parade just disappear completely after all this time.”

“We decided that since the parade was cancelled in Kaladar last year, we should bring it back there this year,” said Alex Chisholm. “We plan to hold it in Northbrook in 2012 and back in Kaladar in 2013. Working together on the Santa Claus Parade might lead to more co-operation between our groups in other ways. Our communities are located just down Highway 41 from each other. ”

The two groups do have more in common than Santa Claus parades. They both run community halls on a shoestring budget, the Kaladar Community Centre and the Northbrook Lions Hall. Unlike municipally owned centres, such as the Flinton and Denbigh halls, the Kaladar and Northbrook halls receive no funding support from the municipality and along with all the overhead they face a substantial municipal tax burden.

“The hall uses up a lot of our fundraising and volunteer efforts,” said Chisholm.

Penny Hinchey agreed.

“It takes a lot of effort to keep the hall going, but at least we are lucky enough to have a renter, the Land O'Lakes Tourist Association, who have their offices in our building,” she said.

As far as organizing the Santa Claus parade, the groups have been able to book the Sea Cadet Corps out of Belleville for the parade, which is scheduled for Saturday November 26.

“We will be starting at 10 am instead of 2 pm, when the parade had been running, and I for one think it is a better time,” said Penny Hinchey.

Right now, the groups want to get the word out that floats of all kinds are needed to make this combined effort parade a success. Anyone who is interested in entering a float, and being eligible for three prizes of $100, as well as other prizes, is encouraged to contact Alex at 613-336-1573 or Tammy Gaylord at Bence Motors 613-336-2626.

And people should mark their calendars, blackberries or smart phones for November 26 at 10 am when the 46th Kaladar parade (or the 1st KalNor or NorKal parade) will start up. Afterwards in the Kaladar Community Centre, Santa will visit with treats for the kids, and there will be free hot chocolate, coffee and donuts available for all.