A Verona Lion's legacy

Jun 03, 2010

Councilors Jim Hicks and Bill Robinson cut the ribbon at the dedication of the Donna Clarke Pavilion in Verona

The official opening of the Donna Clarke Pavilion took place in Verona on May 29 and many came out to honour the former Verona Lions Club member, who donated a bequest from her estate to partially fund the outdoor building. A number of Lion members formed the committee to develop and undertake the project, which was completed in January at the Verona Lions Hall site. Also instrumental in the project and named on the plaque were the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation, the Frontenac Farmers’ Market, Rivendell Golf, contractor Steven Peters, and R. W. Electric.

Lion member Louise Day spoke first at the ceremony and gave a history of the Verona Lions Club. Lion president Wayne Conway made the official dedication and spoke of Donna Clarke, who served the community both as a teacher and as a long time Lion member.

Councilor Jim Hicks, a friend of Clarke, spoke at length of their friendship and ended his speech with these words: “Donna had a passion for life and gave everything she did her best. I’m sure she’s looking on us today very pleased that the money she donated has been put to very good use.”

The pavilion will be used for the Frontenac Farmers’ Market, The Lions Jamboree, The Lions Garlic Festival and the Verona Cattail Festival. It will also be available for rentals for wedding parties and family gatherings.