Archived Website Entries
This is the page where anyone wishing to view archived news items about the Colborne and District Lions can do so.
2017 Activities
This Past Month
The Colborne Lions were still quite busy since our last website update. Even the admin, who will take this opportunity to apologize for the delay in updates. To make things nice and easy to read, this will be a "roundup" post about all that the Colborne Lions have done in the last month, ordered from the earliest activities up to the most recent ones.
Festival of Trees The annual Festival of Trees, in support of the Colborne Public School Drumline and music program, was again a great success. This event took place from Nov. 24 - Nov. 25 and was held in the Colborne Legion. The event involved buying tickets that you would put in the boxes of whichever tree you wanted to win. The Colborne Lions tree was reported to once again be very popular with the greatest number of tickets in the box. The event raised approximately $15 000 for Colborne Public School.
Colborne Santa Claus Parade On Nov. 25, the Colborne and District Lions participated in the annual Colborne Santa Claus Parade. Some members rode upon the truck with Snoopy and Maple the Moose, while the rest served free hot chocolate in Victoria Park in downtown Colborne during the parade.
The Quarterly District Zone Meeting On Nov. 27, the Colborne Lions, along with Lions from Brighton, Trenton, and Wellington gathered in the Brighton Lions Club hall for our quarterly zone meeting. Zone Chair Mark Kelso was also in attendance (although I suppose that's obvious). The Colborne Lions received several patches for our club banner:
- Bronze Legacy Patch for our donations of buddy benches to local schools and the flagpole in Victoria Square
- Silver Legacy Patch, again for our donations
- Centennial Service Patch
The patches were accepted on behalf of the club by Lion Judi Eakins
Cramahe Firefighters and Camp L.I.F.T.
At last night's meeting, we were treated to a presentation from Cramahe firefighters Dempsey and McRobb on their first run of Camp LI.F.T. (Ladies In Firefighter Training). This camp is for girls aged 11-13 and is intended as a way to help them find themselves through these important formative years.
The ladies of the Cramahe Fire Dept. also presented the Colborne Lions with a plaque as a thank you for our donation to their camp. It is their intention to run the camp again next year, and preliminary planning on their part has already begun. More information on Camp L.I.F.T. can be found here: http://www.visitcramahe.ca/content/camp-lift-ladies-firefighter-training
Sad News
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Past Colborne Club President and beloved friend Frits Scheltema. Frits passed October 13 (if you consider the time in The Netherlands, which was his birthplace), during his 66th birthday. Frits embodied everything it meant to be a Lion. He was extremely generous with anything that would help other people. He placed the needs of others well before his own, including trying to tough out a Lions Convention while suffering from the debilitating health issues that would eventually take his life. He was steadfast and fierce in his charity, giving all he had to ensure those he was tasked to look after were completely taken care of. The Colborne and District Lions are less without him, but we are determined to continue his legacy of giving.
Festival of Trees
The Colborne and District Lions are once again decorating a tree for the festival of trees. Held Nov. 24 & 25 at the Colborne Legion. This festival benefits Colborne Public School's music program. Last year's event raised over $10 000.
Presentation of Cheque to Castleton Sports Club
From Left to Right: Kevin White (CSC President), Cass Carr (CSC Treasurer), Liz Carr (CSC Secretary), Marc Coombs (Mayor of Cramahe)
The presentation of a cheque from the Colborne and District Lions to the Castleton Sports Club. Presenting the cheque (pictured on the far right) was Cramahe Mayor and distinguished Lion Marc Coombs. Donations like these help keep the sports fields in Castleton, Ontario free for the public to use.
Guitar and Instrument Sale Roundup
General club meetings have begun once again, meaning it is about time that an update is posted here.
Last month, the Colborne and District Lions held their first annual Guitar and Instrument Sale. This event was a monumental success, drawing in unprecedented crowds. Many of the participating vendors were also surprised at the popularity, and have expressed interest in returning next year.
Among the highlights was a particular collector who used to be associated with The Ventures, an American instrumental rock band formed in 1958. His collection included incredibly rare and valuable guitars that you would not find anywhere else.
During our first post-event club meeting, and based on the very positive response to the sale, the Colborne Lions have decided that this should be an annual event. We are already in preliminary discussions about the details of next year's Guitar and Instrument Sale, as we aim to build on the successes of this first event.
Upcoming Event 2017: Castleton Corn Roast
Join us on August 27 as the Colborne and District Lions help to put on the Castleton Corn Roast. As always, additional details can be found on our Calendar page. Below is the event promotional poster:
Upcoming Event 2017: Vintage Guitar and Instrument Sale Poster
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Any additional details will be added to our Calendar page (link is on the left) when they become available.
2016 (and the Before Years) Activities
Upcoming Events
The annual Purina Walk for Dog Guides walk will be taking place this year during Apple Blossom Festival. For more details see any member of Colborne and District Lions or contact them at www.purinawalkfordogguides.com.
Lions are working on our Family Fun Day and You Chill We Grill Bar B Q Draw.
Vision Screening - Colborne Lions, and some friends of Lions, completed Vision Screening for ovcer 100 Junior and Senior Kindergarden students in Grafton, Colborne and Castleton this year. In addition, we performed Hearing screening for the first time. As with everything new, there was a bit of a learning curve, but we managed and a big thanks goes out to Lion Donnarene Knapp for all her work in co-ordinating and organizing the event.
Lions help deliver Meals on Wheels - Colborne Lions along with other Service Clubs took the opportunity to ride along and assist Community Care Volunteers in delivering the Meals to clients in the area. Lions helped on the March 19th deliveriues.
Holiday Season Activities
Santa Claus Parade in Colborne - The Lions "float" this year was our soap box derby cars. Local children completed the entire parade route in the Soap Box Derby cars to the delight of onlookers.
Skate with Santa
- Colborne Lions along with District Governor Linda Duffy serving the breakfast at the Community Care children's skate with Santa on December 6th.
Festival of Trees - Lions have decorated and donated a tree for the Festival of trees
Taste of Northumberland: Our anual Taste of Northumberland Dinner and Show took place on October 18, 2014 The evening started with appetizers from local producers. followed by a wonderful Roast Beef Dinner. The entertainment for the evening was Ginny McIlroy and her band.
Trash and Treasures - On August 9th we held a yard sale at the Trash and Treasures event in Colborne where the Lions got rid of a lot of trash out of their garages so they could bring home some new treasures to take their place. A good time was had by all.
Music in the Square. This year the Lions Club sponsored Kevin Beanland for an evening of down hoime Maritime Music on July 17th.
Apple Blossom Tyme: Along with the Soap Box Derby run by the Lions we also held our third annual Purina Dog Walk to raise funds for Dog Guides. In addition, the Lions Spelling Bee team of Judi Eakins, Donnarene Knapp and Sherrill Richmond, wone first prize and donated the $500.00 prize money to the dog guide fund.
2013 at a Glance
The Colborne and District Lions Club was busy in 2013. It is hard to believe as I look back over the year at all the activities we were invoved in.
Here are some of the highlights:
At a visit to the Brighton Lions Club meeting on March 11, 2013 we presented them with a cheque for $1000.00 towards an initiative to upgade the equipment at the Ophthamology Department at Trenton Memorial Hospital. On May 27th we had the opportunity to tour the facility and see the new equipment in action.
Thje Colborne & District Lions Club Hosted the Effective Speaking Contest at the Colborne Legion on March 20, 2013. The contest is open to both Elementery and High School children and the winners advance to the provincial level for public speaking.
For Earth Day, on April 22nd the Lions Club got together and did a roadside cleanup along Jackson and Purdy Roads, followed by a Chili Dinner and prizes for the most unusual trash collected.
On May 5, 2013 the Lions presented a Family Fun Day for families in the area. During the day, there were a host of activities for families including a Soap Box Derby Car Race, Kite Building, Table Hockey, tours of the Cramahe Fire Department equipment and a number of booths where pepople could get information about upcoming family events in the area. There was also vision screening by the Lions and a Masonic Child Identification event upstairs during the day. After the fun, there was a Chicken Bar B Q and entertainment by the Shout Sisters.
Vision Screening was done at the Grafton and Cramahe public schools for kindergarden students on May 17 and May 21, and another clinic was held at our Family Fun Day and Chicken Bar B Q. Early detection of eye problems can be identified and corrected providing the children with the ability to see, and learn better from the beginning of there education.
At the Cramahe Apple Blossom Festival the Lions ( with the assistance of members of the former Optomists Club), put on a Soap Box Derby down Division street on the Saturday. On the Sunday, we sponsored the Purina Dog Walk where we raised $2435.00 for Dog Guides Canada.
On June 20th the Lions sponsored a Music in the Square night. Music in the Square is a series of musical events that take place at Victoria Square each Thursday evening during the summer. The admission to the public is free, and the cost of the bands is offset by donations from community businesses and organizations. The Colborne and District Lions Club was proud to sponsor the first event of the season.
The Lions were not only financial sponsors of the Habitat for Humanity build in Colborne, but we also volunteered as work crews to help with the construction on June 22nd and July 27th.
At the Trash and Treasures event in Colborne on August 10th, the Lions had a yard sale booth. We all cleaned out some space in our basements, made some money for community projects, and purchased some slightly used items to take home and fill the space we had created.
On August 14th, we assisted Community Care in preparations for their annual Seniors Picnic and served the meal at the event.
We held the 3rd annual Health and Wellness fair at the Keeler Centre on November 15th, 2013. The purpose of the event is to provide residents with information about Health and Wellness organizations, services and products which they may not have known were available in the area.
On November 21, 2013 the Lions got together to decorate a Christmas tree to be donated to the Legion's Christmas tree auction with all proceeds going to suport the local Christmas Food hampers.
We also had a float in the Christmas Parade on November 23rd where we again collected donations for the Food Hampers this year.
During November and December the Lions hosted two teen dances to support the Sk8 Park developmemt. During these months we also sold Christmas Cakes to all those who wait imp[atiently every year for these wonderful cakes.
We are already planning a number of events for 2014 and it will hopefully be as successful a year as 2013.
Habitiat for Humanity- Colborne Building
The Lions donated 2 saturdays to assist with the building of the Habitiat for Humanity building at 2 Baldwin Street, Colborne this summer. On June 22 the Lions were out in full force to assist with the initial stages of construction for the building. Unfortunately, mother nature did not co operate and we were rained out at 2:00 pm. Undaunted, the Lions scheduled another day on July 27th, and this time we put in a full day. On our first day, we were provided by an excelent lunch by Salem United Church, and the next day we attended, the Big Apple provided the lunch. Thanks to both organizations. The thought and effort is greatly appreciated. Hopefully I can round up some pictures of the days activities in the near future. Habitat for Humanity Building HHHHHHHH
Soapbox Derby at Apple Blossom Festival
As many of you know, the running of the Soap Box Derby at the Annual Apple Blossom Festival has been a tradition for many years, providing fun and light competition for the younger generation. The equipment and cars have been built and run by the Optimist Club, and this year, with the valuable assistance of many of the former Optimists, the Lions Club carried on the tradition and ran the event. New cars and a new location on Division Street all helped the event to be a success as the photos below indicate.
On May 26th, 2013, theColborne and District Lions again this year ran the Purina Walk for Dog Guides. $2200.00 was raised to assist in the training of Dog Guides, due to the generosity of the community and the hard work of the Lions running the event. Well done to all involved.
May 17th and May 21st saw the Colborne and District Lions Club performing Vision Screening for Kindergarden children at all four Cramahe/Grafton Public Schools. This is the third year for this worthwhile project and we look forward to working with the schools on this important initiative again next year.
Lions Fun Day and Chicken Bar B Q
On May 5th Colborne residents had the opportunity to attend the 1st Lions Fun Day. Featured were Vision Screening and Child Identification for children in the area, as well as Kite building, Brighton R C Hawks with their remote control planes, Table Hockey Competition, Cramahe Fire Department, Soap Box Derby cars and obstacle course, Sports registration booths and Presqu'ile Park Display all afternoon.
At 4: 30 a wonderful Chicken Bar B Q with all the fixings was served, followed by Modern Upbeat Music by the Shout Sisters. Pictures above show the Table Hockey, Kite Making, Dinner, Cramahe Fire Dept,Shout Sisters and Soap Box Derby Cars.
District Governor Inducts New Members into Colborne and District Lion’s Club
January 21, 2013
Lion Brenda Dolha introduced our speaker District Governor Mary Ann Smith who spoke on the two themes for this year, International President Wayne Madden’s theme entitled “In a World of Service” and her own theme entitled “Harmony in Service”. These two themes mesh well as Lion Wayne’s theme encompasses all the service projects Lions undertake to make a difference in people’s lives worldwide…projects like free eyeglasses, eye exams, and eye operations or dog guides, disaster assistance, literacy programs, eradication of measles worldwide, while Lion Mary Ann’s theme highlights the fellowship, social benefits and personal rewards of taking part in these services. Lion Mary Ann’s project this year is supporting the Low Vision Clinics provided by the CNIB free of charge in local communities. The proceeds of the 50/50 draw this evening were donated to her project. She reminded us all of why we serve through Lionism and made us smile when she said “It is true Lions are volunteers and do not receive money for their work, but that is not because they are worthless, it is because they are priceless.”
Lion Brenda thanked DG Mary Ann for inspiring us and presented her with a small Hoselton sculpture. Lion Mary Ann then proceeded to her next duty, the investiture of our new members Kim and Wendy Carr. The Induction Ceremony is a solemn occasion with the reading of the Code of Ethics and the International Objects, as well as the symbolic lighting and sharing of candle-light. Sponsoring Lion Cathy and Wendy and Kim made their promises. Then Lions Wendy and Kim received their Lions pins, certificates of membership, decals and orientation materials, and the room erupted in applause and cheers.
Colborne Lions hear about Habitat for Humanity
Megan Macdonald from Northumberland’s Habitat for Humanity spoke to the Lions of Colborne and District on January 7, 2013. She gave a powerful presentation on the work of Habitat in Canada and around the world. Megan explained their self-sustaining model which allows lower income families or singles the chance to build equity in their own home, thus creating stability and a sense of being a part of their community in their lives.
A Habitat home is slated to be built this spring and summer in the new subdivision just off of Ontario Street in Colborne, and Megan explained the three ways we could become involved as a club or as individuals through donating funds or materials, donating to the ReStore, or by serving on the Board or volunteer committees. Colborne’s Go Green Team is hosting an e-waste day on Saturday Jan 12 from 9-3 to collect old computers and electronic equipment for recycling with the proceeds going to the ReStore so the Lions might take advantage of getting rid of outdated equipment knowing the proceeds are going to a good cause.
From the questions that followed Megan’s talk it was evident that the Lions are willing to help in some way with a Lion’s work day or providing morning coffees or hosting a fund raiser etc. so the issue has been referred to the next Lion’s Executive Meeting for their recommendations back to the club.
Megan was introduced by Lion Marc Coombs and thanked by Lion President Jim Peters for her enthusiastic presentation.
Upcoming Events:
Foods of Northumberland Dinner and Dance on October 19, 2013. Please note that the event is now sold out and no more tickets are available. I will see the lucky 170 people with tickets on the 19th, and everyone else should remember to get your tickets early next year..
Health and Wellness Fair: On November 15, 2013 at the Keeler Centre in Colborne the Colborne & District Lionsd Club is sponsoring a Health and Wellnes Fair to provide basic health screenings ( blood pressure, blood glucose levels) as well as booths to help the community become aware of the many health related programs, services and providers in the area. Admission is free so come out and see what is available in the area.
2012 in Review
Taste of Northumberland - A grest success and thanks to all the Lions who helped.
Lions Taste of Northumberland Dinner a Great Success
October 20, 2012
The Lions of the Colborne and District Lions Club are very pleased with the success of their first major fund raiser dinner. One hundred and seventy people enjoyed the “Taste of Northumberland Dinner” held at the Keeler Centre on Saturday, October 20, 2012. The Lions received many compliments from the attendees on an interesting evening.
Black Dress Catering provided a most delicious meal featuring foods from Northumberland. The menu included BBQ pork, chicken, vegetables, salads and apple pie and pumpkin cheese cake all of which came from the local area. The Agony Chorus of Peterborough and Lakefield provided the entertainment which kept us laughing for over 3 hours. The entertainment included songs from down east which had everyone singing and toe tapping.
The Lions were very appreciative of the assistance provided by the staff at the Keeler Center. Staff, helped with the set up, provided some needed advice and were there right to the end. As one Lions said “where could you find a better group of people to work with than right here in Cramahe/Colborne’’.
Wonderful food, great entertainment and helpful staff, it doesn’t get any better.
At the conclusion of the dinner excitement was evident as the Lions were immediately talking about how they can make a great event even better next year.
The second annual Car Rally was held on September 16th and we toured the scenic eastern side of Northumberland County this year.
Colborne & District Lions Club Executive 2012/2013 year.
At the last regular meeting before our summer break, the new Executive was sworn in by Past District Governor, Lion Doug Galt. The evening ended with a standing ovation for our outgoing President Lion Brenda Dohla for the wonderfull job she did getting the club up and running. Best wishes to the new executive ( pictured below ).
On June 9, 2012 the Colborne & District Lions club had a table at the community yard sale being held at Salem United Church. The sale took place indoors in the Church hall because of the weather, but the dedicated yard salers found us. The result being many Lions have cleaned out basements and closets to donate to the sale and many took home other treasures to fill the space they created. As usual a good time was had by all.
Purina Walk for Dog Guides. On May 27th the Colborne & District Lions Club held the first local Purina Walk for Dog Guides. Two routes, one 1.2 km amd one 3.2 km were available for the participants, starting and ending at the Colborne Curling Club. Following the walk Hot Dogs, pop and water were available for the walkers.The event was a great success with many comments on how much fun the event was, and in addition, we raised approximately $2600.00 for Dog Guides, for the training of dogs to assist in providing a better and more independent life for people with various physical challenges. Our thanks to all the sponsers, the Colborne Curling Club for the use of the facility, and the Township of Cramahe for assistance in providing washroom/ washup facilities and safety cones along the walk route.
Vision Screening: Vision screening took place at all four elememtary schools in Cramahe Township with 89 children taking part in the testing. This is the second year Colborne & District Lions have done the screening and we planning to make it a yearly event.
Tree Planting: At last count we had planted 165 trees, with another 230 ordered to be planted in late April or early May. Updates will be added as the numbers are provided.
Cramahe Cleanup: On Earth Day the LIons got together at the Colborne Curling Club and cleaned up along the roads being used in the Purina Dog Walk next month. We cleaned the area, leaving it noty only more pleasant for the residents, but to give a good impression of our town to visitors coming for the Dog Walk. As usual a lot of fun was had by all at the same time.
On April 16th the A3 Zone Rally was held at the Colborne & District Lions meeting. At this meeting we also elected the new slate of officers for the 1012/2013 year. They are:
Past President - Lion Brenda Dolha
President - Lion Jim Peters
Vice President - Lion Paul Anstee
Secretary - Lion Cathy Galt
Treasurer - Lion Kendra Peters
Lion Tamer - Lion Sherrill Richmond
Tail Twister(s) - Lions Pearl Ann Coombes & Robin Rath
Membership Chair - Lion Hugh Moore
Directors - Lions Marie Lachner & Donnarene Knapp
They take their positions for the period of one year knowing they have the best wishes and support of the entire club.
Health & Wellness Fair. Colborne and District Lions presented a Health and Wellness Fair in Colborne on February 24, 2012. The public was invited to come out and see what services are available in the community which promote health and well being. The fair was held at the Keeler Centre from 10:00am to 6:00pm . Unfortunately, mother nature didn't cooperate and the snowstorm kept the crowds away, but those who braved the storm and attended had a wonderful day.(check out the photos under Club Projects)
At our regular dinner meeting on February 20th, we had our official visit from Zone Chair Harm Zylstra. Lion Harm talked about ways we can utilize the International President’s theme “ I Believe” to make our club even stronger, to grow in membership and enhance our presence in our community. (see article under club projects)
Starting 2012 off with a Celebration
On hand at our January 16, 2012 meeting, were District Governor Gord Taylor and his wife Carol to officiate at the investiture of our two newest members. Welcome Lions Robin and Marie. (see article under Club Projects)
On February 6, 2012, at our regular meeting, we enjoyed a presentation by Bob Lee QC, as he spoke to us about some of the highlights and extrordinary cases he dealt with in his 34 years as a Lawyer in the Ontario court system. I was a good night and included cake and ice cream in celebration of Lion Presedent Brenda's 30th wedding aniversary and Lion Vice Presedent Jim's birthday. (see article under Club Projects)
2011 in review.
The Colborne and District Lions Club was established in 2011 with 24 members and we held our official Charter night on April 2, 2011. In the neighbourhood of 125 people from around the district, many Lions and local dignitaries showed up for the festivities and a good time was had by all.
By way of introducing ourselves to the community, the Colborne and District Lions club took on the task of cleaning up roadsides on the east end of the Township, as part of Earth Day Activities. A full morning of collecting a winters worth of discards was followed by a Hot Dog lunch at the Municipal Depot and prizes were given out for the most interesting piece of trash collected.
On June 20th the new directors and executive was sworn in for the year 2011/2012. Thanks to Zone Chair Lion Harm Zylstra for officiating the program.
At Apple Blossom Festival in Colborne, the Lions had a booth where we sold water and handed out literature about Lions in general and the Colborne & District Lions Club specifically.
Lions in conjunction with the Music in the Square Committee provided a program of musical entertainment for ten consecutive Thursdays this summer. Funds raised from the 50/50 draw and water sales, were used to provide a bench in downtown Colborne.
Colborne & District Lions held a car rally around the Northumberland Hills ending up at the Millbrook Lions Club for dinner. 14 Lions participated in the rally, enjoyed the fall colours and spent some time on the roads less traveled around the area. A good time was had by all and we already have a a volunteer who will be designing the rally course for next year.
A large contingent of Colborne and District Lions (16 of our 24 members) attended the Charter night for the newly formed Batawa Lions Club and provided three gift baskets as booster prizes. In addition,twenty Colborne and District Lions attended the Regional Rally in Campbellford on Monday November 21st and we even took our baby Lion with us. We had, by far, the best attendance of all the district clubs, and I think we injected a bit of enthusiasm in the rest of them.
On November 7, 2011, the Colborne & District Lions Club held a community information night. Lions from around the district and some interested local people joined us for an evening of entertainment and information led off by Chad Morford and the Colborne Drumline. Lion Ray Christopher spoke about Lions Foundation of Canada and Dog Guides Canada, while Lion Janet Marrissen spoke about her involvement with the Foster Puppy Program and the future Dog Guides and Lion Laurie Scott spoke about Leader Dogs.
Colborne & District Lions attended the Remembrance Day Ceremony in Colborne.where Lion President Brenda laid wreath on behalf of the club.
The Colborne & District Lions Club entered a float in the Colborne Christmas Parade, and assisted the Legion in collecting non perishable food for the foodbank. Also during the holiday season we sold "Pink Mittens" ($10;00 a pair) in support of Breast Cancer research and Lions Christmas Cakes($15:00). Both made excellent Christmas presents, and suported worthwhile causes. By the way, we are still selling the Pink Mittens, and if anyone is interested in keeping their hands warm and helping a good cause, see any member of the Club.
All things considered, a pretty good start for our first year.
