VOL. 173, NO. 35~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ August 27, 2003

Community copes well in aftermath of outage

RSL customers reduce use of electricity by 15 per cent during peak period last week

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The Prescott area fared well in the aftermath of the massive power outage that gripped most of Ontario and several American states earlier this month, according to local officials.

Although most of South Grenville was without electricity for only about five-and-a-half hours Aug. 14, the region was urged to conserve power as electricity generation in the province was restored gradually over the following week.

Fears of rolling blackouts led to calls for industry to reduce its use of electricity by 50 per cent as the work week began last Monday. Other hydro customers were also asked to conserve power and, in some communities, cut back on water use.

Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution (RSL), the local utility that serves Prescott, Cardinal, South Dundas and Westport, reported a reduction of 15 per cent during the peak period (8 am to 8 pm) for electricity use last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday compared to the previous week. "I think that is excellent," said RSL CEO John Walsh.

The local response was in line with the provincial average for conservation last week.

Walsh also noted there is evidence many people and businesses heeded the advice of utilities and civic leaders by running larger appliances and other electrical equipment during non-peak hours. Electricity use by RSL customers dropped by about eight per cent during the 8-to-10-pm period last week.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said it appeared everyone was making an effort to conserve in the days following the outage. "Generally speaking, people appreciated the seriousness of the situation," the mayor said.

Homes and businesses connected to town water were asked to conserve last week; the water treatment plant used generator power during peak hours in an effort to reduce electricity use and avoid those rolling blackouts that never materialized.

Police, fire and public works operations also used generators last week.

Ice-making at the Leo Boivin Community Centre was delayed for several days, and the Prescott library was closed from the beginning of last week to yesterday (Tuesday).

Lawn noted the power outage and its aftermath gave civic officials a chance to gain some insight at a time when the town's emergency plan is being reviewed. "What I learned is each of us did what needed to be done," said the mayor, who added the experience could prove valuable in fine-tuning the plan and becoming better prepared for the next emergency situation.

Prescott's newly-formed Community Emergency Response Volunteers team was not called into action.

Now that the state of emergency has ended in Ontario and things are returning to normal, Walsh believes it is important for provincial leaders to find out why Ontario was unable to isolate itself when problems originating in the U.S. caused the inter-connected distribution system to fail. The crisis also brings home the need to use energy wisely, according to Walsh.

"That message should have been out there already," he said.

Even though the Prescott area came out of the provincial crisis relatively unscathed, Lawn agrees there are lessons to be learned from the massive power outage.

"It gave us cause to stop and think what we take for granted," Lawn said.

THIS WEEK

Most offices, retailers closed Labour Day

PRESCOTT ­ The offices of The Prescott Journal and St. Lawrence Printing will be closed Labour Day (Monday, Sept. 1).

The deadline for display advertising for the Sept. 3 edition of The Journal is this Friday, Aug. 29 at noon. The deadline for classified ads is Friday at 5 pm.

Banks, government offices and most retailers will also be closed Labour Day. Local elementary and secondary schools begin their 2003/04 academic year Tuesday, Sept. 2. Motorists are reminded to be use extra caution weekday mornings and afternoons next week when driving near schools and school buses.

Sunday concert series ends this weekend

PRESCOTT ­ The 2003 Sunday concert series draws to a close this weekend.

Gary and Mickie Code and Running Kind will appear at the amphitheatre Aug. 31 at 6:30 pm.

As always, admission to the concert is free; however, donations would be appreciated.

Put a growth industry out of business

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Harvest time also applies to marijuana plants, and Crime Stoppers of Kingston and the 1000 Islands is asking the public to help uproot the illegal crops.

Large and small marijuana patches are set up at the ends of little-used bush roads, near hydro lines or abandoned buildings and between other crops or in wooded areas. The patches are usually hidden from casual viewing.

"If while out walking you come upon a cultivated patch of ground apparently concealed from easy view, you have likely stumbled upon a druggy's garden," Crime Stoppers notes in a news release.

Anyone who has knowledge of a marijuana patch or grow house is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Callers do not have to give their names; Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display or other forms of caller ID. The information callers provide could make them eligible for cash rewards.

Township seeks input on noise at Ultramar

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD ­ Augusta Township residents are being encouraged to make their views known regarding excessive noise generated at the Maitland Ultramar facility.

Reeve George Vail noted at Monday night's council meeting the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has responded to its request to be allowed input into the company's application to have extended hours of operations for shunting trains. The application from Ultramar is currently under review by the ministry's environmental assessment and approvals branch.

Ultramar, a heating oil distribution company, applied to the ministry earlier this summer seeking permission to shunt trains while unloading its product between 11 pm and 7 am during exceptional circumstances. The plant normally shunts trains during the unloading process twice a day, every second day. Ultramar is hoping to have the night-time restriction lifted in infrequent winter situations when there is peak demand for heating oil.

Township residents have expressed their concerns about noise levels at the plant, despite sound barriers now in place.

One woman who attended the council meeting who said she did not wish to be identified claimed Ultramar lied to residents regarding its operations. "I went to that open house at Ultramar (before the company opened last September) and they guaranteed that there wasn't going to be any extra noise" from shunting trains.

The resident, who noted she lives close to the Church Street plant, said sound barriers now in place that were designed to eliminate the noise do nothing but "bounce the sound back to us."

While Reeve George Vail explained Ultramar is aware the sound barriers may not have been manufactured properly, the woman stated it is more an issue the company is "lying to the people that live around there, and you (Vail) let it happen."

The woman said she asked many questions at the open house regarding noise, and Ultramar would not listen. "It's being looked into," Vail responded.

Councillor Jane Fullarton asked the resident to provide a written statement of her concerns that could be included with the township's submission to the MOE. "I think it would add weight to it if we had some statements from residents and what they're going through."

In noting she lives just two blocks from the Ultramar plant, Fullarton agreed the screeching noises from shunting trains has increased.

Residents with concerns of noise at Ultramar are asked to take written comments to the township office this week for inclusion with its submission to the ministry.

Food bank begins its second year

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The Food For All Food Bank is marking its first anniversary by continuing to serve the needs of South Grenville residents.

Since opening its doors to the public Sept. 3, 2002, the organization has distributed food, personal hygiene and household products to hundreds of people in the area.

"We've been very happy with the community's response," said Neil Dufour, chairman of the board of directors that oversees the food bank.

Dufour said he was not sure what the response would be when the food bank opened last September. "Things could not have gone any better," he said of the organization's first year.

The food bank has a client base of 372 families, about one-third of which are individuals. More than 200 clients visit the Henry Street depot in Prescott each month.

Bonnie Gommert recently started working full-time as the food bank's administrative co-ordinator thanks to a Human Resources Development Canada job creation program.

She said the food bank will be redoing its client applications in September. The organization is hoping to obtain a more complete demographic picture of who is making use of the facility.

An estimated 72 per cent of food bank clients live in Prescott, according to Gommert. Twenty-one per cent reside in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, with the remaining seven per cent living in Augusta.

Forty-three per cent of clients receive social assistance, and 35 per cent are on disability benefits. Nine per cent of clients are employed.

Summer has seen an anticipated reduction in donations. Gommert said the food bank has spent about $1,000 just to maintain supplies of basic foods used to fill core boxes. Each family receives a core box that includes pasta, canned fish, tomatoes, soup and canned vegetables. Clients are then given a choice of five additional items.

Gommert noted there are emergency situations in which additional items such as food and diapers may be given to clients. Under normal conditions, a client is permitted one core box per month.

Donations of bread and other baked goods are distributed whenever those items are available.

Registered charity

After months of waiting, the food bank recently received its charity number with which it can issue tax receipts. "It got to the point where we absolutely had to have it," Gommert said.

With the number in place, the food bank ­ a not-for-profit organization ­ can now issue tax receipts and become a full member of a provincial association of food banks.

In addition to corporate support that helped enable the food bank to be established, the organization continues to accept donations and hold fundraising events throughout the year.

Among the fundraising events in the works is a Halloween food drive being run in conjunction with the South Grenville District High School Energizers. Students will be going door to door in the Prescott area Oct. 31 to collect canned goods. Cash donations will not be accepted that evening; the intent is not to compete with Unicef, according to Gommert.

The food bank is also taking part in two bingos each month.

The success of the community resource can be attributed in large part to the volunteers who work at the bingos or stock the shelves and deal with clients at the food depot. Gommert noted there is a group of about a dozen regulars that enables the depot to be open to the public for four hours each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

However, there is always a need for more volunteers as well as donations of non-perishable food items. Dufour said people who were waiting to see if the food bank would succeed should come take a look for themselves.

For more information, call the food bank at 925-2444.

Dwain Swerdfiger takes another shot at seat on Augusta Township council

MAYNARD - Dwain Swerdfiger is making another bid for a seat on Augusta Township Council.

The Charleville Road resident is running for the position of deputy reeve in the November municipal election. Swerdfiger has been a candidate in several previous Augusta elections, and most recently in the 2000 race when he finished second to deputy reeve winner Morris Stark.

Retired as a self-employed auctioneer and furniture mover, Swerdfiger has been a resident of the Prescott area for more than 50 years. He noted he does not have any experience in municipal politics or as a member of boards or organizations.

If elected to council, Swerdfiger said an issue of high priority will be ensuring more township roads are paved. As well, he's concerned about the strong voices calling for an end to train whistles at crossings. "I think it's a good idea for these trains to toot their horns," he said. "Trains are a big thing; if you hit a train you don't have much of a chance."

The high rate of speed of traffic on Charleville Road is also a critical issue Swerdfiger would like to see addressed by the future council.

Swerdfiger has been married to Doris for 10 years, and has three children who live in Peterborough, Washington and Florida. Besides fishing, Swerdfiger enjoys playing cards and coin collecting.

Bill Buckler, currently a councillor in Augusta Township, has also announced his bid for the deputy reeve's seat.

The current deputy reeve, Doug Barton, was appointed to the position in autumn 2001 following the resignation of Morris Stark.

The deadline for nominations is Sept. 26. In addition to reeve and deputy reeve, there are three councillors to be elected in Augusta.

North Augusta prepares to host annual Labour Day Festival this weekend

NORTH AUGUSTA ­ Halloween is the theme of this year's Labour Day Festival in North Augusta.

The annual event kicks off this Friday evening with a euchre tournament and the start of a lobe-ball tournament. The fun continues Saturday with gelatin-eating and adult tricycle contests as well as a horseshoe tournament and loonie street dance at night.

Oldtimers fastball and a breakfast top the list of Sunday activities in North Augusta. The results of the Prince and Princess and junior art contest will be announced, and baked goods will be judged. There will also be a kid's scavenger hunt and a car rally.

The always-popular parade will make its way through the village Monday at noon. Other Monday activities include a horse show in the morning and several contests in the afternoon, culminating with a chicken barbecue and the 50/50 draw.

A Bavarian garden will be open throughout the festival, with Kathy and Friends performing there Monday afternoon; there will also be amusements for the kids and canteen and concession stands.

A Halloween house decorating contest is included in the weekend festival. Judging is set to take place Sunday. For more details on the North Augusta Labour Day Festival 2003, see the schedule that appears elsewhere in this week's edition.

Get a taste for baking at Spencerville Fair

SPENCERVILLE ­ The upcoming Spencerville Fair will once again be providing local bakers an opportunity to rise to the occasion.

The annual fair continues to maintain a baking tradition that has been passed down from one generation to the next. Countless family-favourite recipes for cakes, pies, breads, cookies and muffins have been entered in the fair's homecraft division.

Two new classes sponsored by Robin Hood Multifoods will give bakers a chance to showcase their abilities this year.

The top prize in the adult muffin class will receive Robin Hood's Best of Baking Festival Recipe Book. First prize in the beginner baker's cookie class is a mini personal radio.

For more information about these and other baking contests at the Spencerville Fair, check the prize list at www.spencervillefair.ca or call 658-3333.

The 148th edition of the Spencerville Fair runs from Sept. 11-14.

Information for candidates

PRESCOTT ­ Anyone interested in running in the November municipal election or heading someone else's campaign is invited to a candidate information night to be held Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Prescott Health Centre on King Street West.

Town CAO/Clerk Robert Haller will address the election process, including eligibility and nominations, campaign rules and budgets, bookkeeping practices and financial reporting. Municipal governance, the role of council and municipal structure and services will also be covered.

The information session begins at 7 pm. Attendance by candidates is not compulsory.

Nominations close Sept. 26. Prescott council consists of a mayor and six councillors.

Near-drowning prompts calls for increased supervision

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ A local man is hoping more parents and caregivers will keep a closer watch on their children following an incident at the riverfront that could have had a disastrous outcome.

Glenn Biccum was near his usual observation post at the town dock at the foot of Centre Street the evening of Aug. 13, keeping watch on his own teenage children, Mitchell and Tanya, who were swimming at the popular spot in the river.

A young girl, about four years old, had toddled down the ramp frequently used by swimmers and divers. Biccum was standing at the bottom of the ramp when he saw the girl just under the surface of the water. He explained she then bobbed up, with her face level with the surface.

"I was watching her, and then she went back down," Biccum said. He then dove in on an angle to retrieve her when she was about eight feet down.

"I just picked her up because I don't think she was coming back up," he added, recalling the chilling experience. "It was just a normal thing to do," Biccum said in downplaying his actions. "I wouldn't stand there and watch her drown.

"It was more luck than anything," Biccum commented, noting he usually doesn't go to the bottom of the ramp but stays up top on the guard rail. "It was no big deal, really. I'm just glad I was standing there to see it. People should be watching their kids a little more - or whoever is supposed to be watching them."

After Biccum scooped the coughing and spitting girl out of the water, she was passed into the arms of a tearful and visibly upset young woman at the top of the ramp.

Prescott Police Chief Bryan Somerville said his office did not receive an occurrence report on the near drowning, but he is aware of the safety hazards of swimming at the town dock area. The town has posted a "no swimming" sign at the shore further to the west, near where cruise ships dock.

Swimming in the area, however, is not an enforceable issue, Somerville said, and no law prohibits swimming there. Police officers will step in if there are complaints of bad behaviour from the swimmers or others in the recreational spot, the chief noted. As well, officers will often attend the area during the docking of a cruise ship to prevent incidents.

Somerville said he understands the lure of the town dock for swimming and recreation, since the water at the location is clear, clean and deep, with a high wall and ladder for jumping into the river. He also noted there is no other spot in town that is quite so attractive for diving and swimming.

Swimmers are still encouraged to use Kelly's Beach at the base of St. Lawrence Street; adjacent to the beach is the Prescott Pool, which has lifeguards on duty while the pool is open. However, a sign posted at the beach states it is unsupervised and cautions the public to use the facility at its own risk.

Vigilant adult supervision is strongly recommended at both areas, Somerville said. He added the river at the town dock is not the place to be for small children or weak swimmers.

OPP NEWS

Train hits tractor

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A Case tractor was struck by an eastbound VIA passenger train on the evening of Aug. 20 at the Blair Road crossing.

The tractor had become disabled on the north track.

No one was injured; no charges were laid.

Semi-tractor stolen

EDWARDSBURGH ­ Grenville County OPP received a report Aug. 19 that a white and orange Peterbilt model 379 semi-tractor had been stolen from a County Road 22 business sometime during the previous four days.

The police investigation is continuing.

Lawn tractor taken

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A 13-hp Toro lawn tractor was reported stolen from a driveway on Froom Road Aug. 22.

The investigation is ongoing, according to Grenville County OPP.

Engine, equipment removed from dock

EDWARDSBURGH ­ On Aug. 19, the Ontario Provincial Police received a report that a boat had been stolen from a North Channel Road dock.

The boat was found a short time later. It had been stripped of a Suzuki OB 9.9 four-stroke engine and an assortment of fishing equipment, police noted in a release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Grenville County detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477).

Chain saw removed

AUGUSTA ­ A Partner 5000 Plus chain saw was stolen from a garage on County Road 21.

The theft was reported to police Aug. 23.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Grenville County OPP detachment at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Volunteer drivers sought by local branch of VON

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ The VON Community Support Services Program is seeking additional volunteer drivers in the Prescott and Cardinal areas.

Transportation to and from medical appointments (more than 8,300 drives) was provided to nearly 300 seniors and adults with physical disabilities in 2002/03. The program continues to grow as more people become aware of it, according to the local branch of the VON.

To become a volunteer or register for the service, contact the VON at 342-3693.

Be aware of students and school buses

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Motorists are being reminded to use extra caution when youngsters return to school next week.

Elementary and secondary schools in the region reopen Tuesday, Sept. 2. In addition to being on the lookout for increased pedestrian traffic near schools, drivers should also keep in mind school buses will also be back on the road.

The fine for failing to stop for a school bus while its red lights are flashing is $405 plus victim surcharge of $95. A conviction also means six demerit points for the driver.

Officers with the Grenville County OPP and Prescott Police Service will be on the road next week to ensure things go smoothly for those returning to school. The public is encouraged to assist police and bus drivers by reporting information that could help lead to charges if a vehicle passes a bus when its warning lights are flashing.

Reduced speed limits will be in effect in some school zones. In community safety zones, fines for speeding are higher than usual.

Kelly's Beach passes water tests

PRESCOTT ­ Kelly's Beach continues to come up clean in water tests conducted by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

The public beach located just west of the Coast Guard base was found to have acceptable bacteria levels as of Friday. Unlike last summer, Kelly's has not been made off-limits to swimmers and other recreational users this season because of high bacteria counts.

The health unit conducts weekly monitoring of more than 20 beaches. To view the complete list, visit www.healthunit.org.

Use of electricity called into question

Augusta councillors upset ball diamond lights were turned on

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

MAYNARD - There has been criticism of how some members of Augusta Township council handled the recent energy crisis in which businesses, municipalities and residents of Ontario were asked to cut as much as 50 per cent in power usage.

At Monday night's meeting, Councillor Jane Fullarton - also a representative on the township library board - reported the public library in Algonquin had remained open last week. The air conditioning remained on and the facility was used as a cooling station by "a number of seniors" who were seeking relief from the heat, Fullarton said. The computers were turned off, she added.

She further reported air conditioning was required as fluctuations in temperature could have caused books to go musty very quickly, spoiling the collection.

Township resident Mary Daw criticized Fullarton for keeping the library cooling system on, suggesting Augusta should have being doing its part to conserve energy as requested by the provincial government.

In a related matter, Councillor Bill Buckler strongly objected to Reeve George Vail's and CAO Sharon Wilkinson's decision to allow baseball groups in the township to use lights for a total of two hours at the diamonds during the same week.

Buckler told Vail he was "upset and peed off" with Vail's actions. "You could have at least phoned me and told me what your decision was. We're supposed to be in an emergency... and here we are with lights on at ball diamonds." The councillor added he would not have liked to deal with someone who had lost food in their freezer because of the township's overuse of power.

Buckler requested Vail inform committee members of his decisions and actions; Councillor Kathleen Thur expressed similar concerns. Buckler is co-chair of the recreation committee, while Thur is chair.

Vail defended the action, saying baseball is an important part of the culture of Augusta Township. The players would soon be heading off to school and needed to get in their last games of the season, the reeve said.

He suggested Buckler and Thur were over-emphasizing the danger that could have resulted from the lights being on.

In his remarks at the beginning of the council meeting, Vail applauded township staff for their efforts in conserving energy last week.

Town police investigate assault, theft and mischief cases

PRESCOTT ­ Charges have been laid or are pending in connection with two assaults reported to police in Prescott last week.

The first case was reported Aug. 21 at about 2 am. A 44-year-old woman reported she had been sexually assaulted in her residence. No injuries were reported. Police noted in a news release the complainant knows the suspect. Charges are pending; the matter is still under investigation by Constable Mike Ostrander.

The second case was reported Aug. 22. A 52-year-old man told police he had been assaulted at a gas station. The man sustained minor injuries to his face. A 43-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with assault. No names have been released.

In all, officers with the municipal police service investigated 79 incidents and two motor vehicle collisions during the week of Aug. 18.

A 27-year-old woman told police Aug. 21 she had been threatened by a female. A suspect who is known to the complainant was charged with uttering threats, harassing phone calls and breach of probation. No names have been released. Constable Richard Champagne is the investigating officer.

A woman called police Aug. 18 after observing three males rummaging through the back of a pick-up truck parked on Centre Street. It was later revealed empty water jugs had been taken from the truck. One male was arrested, and the property was returned. Theft charges are pending; Constable Darren Davis is investigating.

On Aug. 19, police received a report that a cordless drill had been taken from the canteen at the Kriska ball diamonds. The drill is valued at $75. A suspect has been identified; theft charges are pending an investigation being conducted by Constable Davis.

A bank in town reported receiving a counterfeit $20 bill. The serial number is WWI4007710.

Cases from previous week

A black Telus cell phone was reported stolen Aug. 13 by a man working at 235 Water St. The phone had cell number 802-1285 attached to it. Constable Mike Lapensee is the investigating officer.

Reports of broken windows were received by police Aug. 14 and Aug. 17 respectively. The first incident occurred at a King Street apartment. The resident indicated someone had thrown a rock through the window. The second incident occurred at a home in the McAuley Road area. Both cases were reported during the late-night hours.

A 60-year-old Cardinal man was charged with theft under $5,000 after security at O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer reported a case of shoplifting.

Anyone with information on these or any other occurrences in town is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

House fire site investigated

AUGUSTA ­ The Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating a blaze that destroyed a two-storey house on County Road 26 west of Maynard.

No one was injured in the fire that started late Wednesday night. No one was home when the fire was noticed.

Augusta firefighters, the OPPv crime unit and fire marshal's office investigator were on the scene the next day.

The outcome of the investigation was unavailable at press time.

Terry Fox Run still giving boost to cancer research

Annual event set for Sept. 14 along Prescott waterfront

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Terry Fox's unbreakable spirit is alive and well.

The local Terry Fox Run for cancer research will take place Sunday, Sept. 14 along Prescott's waterfront. Participants can walk, jog, ride or skate on one of three routes which include Prescott's Heritage River Trail as well as walkways through the harbour and municipal dock areas.

Organizer Sharon Spychi said the bandshell at the amphitheatre will once again serve as the base for the annual South Grenville event. "The waterfront makes for a nice, scenic walk," she noted.

Terry Fox was a teenager when he lost his right leg to bone cancer in 1977. He set out on his Marathon of Hope in April 1980; Fox's objective was to run across Canada and spread the word about the importance of finding a cure for cancer.

After more than 4,000 kilometres into his east-to-west journey across Canada, Fox was forced to stop in Northern Ontario in September of that year; cancer had spread to his lungs.

A few months later, his dream of raising $1 for each Canadian was realized as the Marathon of Hope's total reached more than $24 million. Terry Fox died in June 1981.

Since then, an annual run named in honour of the one-legged runner has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for the Terry Fox Foundation. About 89 cents of every dollar raised by the Terry Fox Run goes directly to research.

Spychi noted she lost her grandmother and a very close friend to cancer. "I do it in their memory," she said of her volunteer work with the annual run.

"I don't know anyone whose life has not been affected by cancer."

The Prescott-area run raised more than $5,400 last year.

Pledge sheets are available at all local banks, Village Pantry and Drummond's in Spencerville, 730 Truck Stop, Becker's and Cardinal Convenience in Cardinal, Beach Home Hardware, MacEwen's and Mac's on Edward Street in Prescott, Lane's Smoke Shop, Tan & Tone and Walker House in Prescott, Maynard General Store and the Maitland Store.

On-line pledges can be made by going to www.terryfoxrun.org.

Participants are being asked to start between 11 am and 1 pm. Water and refreshments will be available.

In addition to seeking more volunteers, Spychi is also seeking a cancer survivor who would be willing to serve as a Terry Fox team member at the Prescott-based event.

Lawn signs promoting the Terry Fox Run have been made by Chuck Street and Prescott Blossoms. Spychi said anyone who would like to put up a sign in his or her yard is welcome to do so.

For more information on the run, to become a volunteer or obtain a lawn sign, call Spychi at 925-5700.

Labour Day tournament a go

PRESCOTT - The Labour Day Charity Golf Tournament for PolioPlus is set for Monday, Sept. 1 at the Prescott Golf Club.

The Rotary Club of Prescott is holding the golf tournament as part of Rotary International's fundraising effort to help eradicate polio worldwide by the club's 100th anniversary in 2005.

The Sept. 1 event is set to kick off with a shotgun start at 1 pm, with a four-person scramble format. Other fundraising events will take place at the course, including closest-to-the-pin and putting contests. For more information, contact Ken Durand at 925-0145.

Skateboard interest is building

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Kiwanis Skateboard Park has begun construction and is now seeking additional funds to complete the park.

Crews and volunteers have been working the past two weeks preparing the site for yesterday's cement pouring. The pouring and forming of the large pyramid, stair set, fun boxes, banks, quarter bowl and grind boxes is expected to commence by Friday.

The committee is now in the final leg of the project and requires additional funds to complete the park's second-year additions. Over the last year, the committee has raised more than $58,000, including a $25,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The grand opening of the park is expected to be on Sept. 20.

To make a donation call 925-1620 or 925-5276 or make a deposit directly at the TD Canada Trust in Prescott.

Caddies Club meets heroes at PGA Tour Championship

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK - Members of the Prescott Golf Club's Caddies Club got the experience of a lifetime Aug. 13 as they took in the final practice day of the PGA Tour Championship.

A total of 50 kids from the Caddies Club as well as the club's backshop staff, with 12 chaperons made the trip to Rochester, New York as an end of season trip.

At the course the kids were able to get close to the players to take pictures, get autographs and watch some of the world's best in action.

"Some of the kids came away with at least 50 autographs," said Caddies Club program co-ordinator Chris Veltkamp. "They got autographs from anyone and everyone including the big name guys like Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, John Daly and Tom Watson. They were pretty happy to get so close and get a lot of great autographs.

The highlight of the day for the kids had to have been a visit from Canadian golfer and Masters champion Mike Weir, who spent 10 minutes with the kids talking and answering questions as well as posing for a group shot with the kids.

"It was a good trip," said Caddies Club member Samantha Joudoin, 16. "We got to see a lot of the golfers we saw on TV. We talked to Mike Weir. He's Canadian and was the one golfer I was hoping to see. A lot of the younger kids also got to get a lot of autographs."

Fellow Caddies Club member Jonathan Baker, 11, added, "It was really fun; we got to see Mike Weir. He's one of my heroes."

Members of the club also got to experience some of the circus like atmosphere of the tournament with the kids meeting TSN Golf Analyst Bob Weeks, being seen on the Score's golf coverage and some of the kids getting interviewed by Rochester television news crews.

"It was a great trip," said Baker. "We got to take a coach up there and I talked to someone from TSN and got his autograph. I hope we get to go again next year."

Veltkamp added, "We got a lot of publicity while we were there, but when you see 50 kids with the same orange shirts on out there it stands out."

Veltkamp was impressed with how well the kids represented the club.

"I had people coming up to me and commenting on how well behaved and enthusiastic they were," said Veltkamp. "I didn't hear one complaint while we were there and the first thing I had to tell them was that we had already missed Tiger Woods.

"They absolutely deserved the trip; they were total gentlemen and ladies while they were there."

Panthers sign Gill

MIAMI - Cardinal's favourite son has found new life again as it was announced last Wednesday Todd Gill signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers.

Gill, 37, who will be entering his 20th season in the National Hockey League this fall, will bring experience to a young Florida blueline which last season featured five defencemen under the age of 30.

This will be Gill's seventh NHL team, having began his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1984-85, before making pit stops with the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks before joining the Florida Panthers.

In 1,007 career games, the six-foot, 180-pound defenceman has scored 82 goals and 270 assists for 352 points and 1,214 penalty minutes.

Last season, Gill endured a rocky season between the minor leagues before seeing action in five games with the Blackhawks, notching an assist and a plus-three rating.

Gill also spend time last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning American Hockey League affiliate Springfield Falcons and Chicago's AHL affiliate Norfolk Admirals. He totalled one goal and eight assists in 24 regular season games, and two goals and five assists in nine playoff games with Norfolk to tie for second on the team for playoff scoring.

Domville squirts win tournament

SPENCERVILLE - The Domville Aces Squirt fastball team came out of the Year End Tournament as champions Aug. 16 in Spencerville.

The Aces went undefeated through the tournament winning all three of its games, including a a seventh inning comeback to make the final where the team would face Algonquin.

Domville and Algonquin finished the regular season tied for first place, but Domville managed to come out on top in the final.

Members of the squirt team include: Dustin Rennick, Nathan Rennick, Luke Severson, Garrett Spicer, Ross Polite, Megan Dukelow, Matt McParlan, Ryan Van Koppen, Thomas Polite, Mike Lawless, Tammy Dukelow, Jerry Spicer, Tessa Merkley, Spencer Merkley and Scott Noccey.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It gave us cause to stop and think what we take for granted."

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn on dealing with the massive power outage

Editor's Notebook

CONSERVATION HITS AND MISSES: As much as Ontarians are being commended for conserving electricity during the aftermath of the Aug. 14 outage, each and every one of us should make an objective assessment as to whether we really did our fair share to ease the burden on an underpowered distribution system.

Many retailers and businesses appeared to make an effort by turning lights off or down and making minimal use of computer equipment and other appliances, but how many of us turned on a sound system or the A/C a couple of days after the premier asked us to conserve?

We may have rationalized the situation by believing our one little exception would not trigger rolling blackouts and create life-threatening crises for the people who really need a secure and reliable supply of electricity. Since it turned out there were no rolling blackouts, a few flicks of the on switch here and there did not hurt anyone, right?

Then there were the municipalities that had to make decisions about which services should be maintained, scaled back or cut. Augusta did a nice thing by offering a cooling station for seniors (especially when residents were being told to go without air conditioning), although we have to wonder how much the books at the library would really have suffered without A/C for a week.

After all, many libraries were closed all week and managed to get through the ordeal without any irreparable damage. Then there was the debate over allowing limited lighting at baseball diamonds. Some would argue the season is ending and ball is an important component of life in the township, not to mention the fact it's not that much power. Others would say it sets a bad example when Ontarians are being told by their leaders to eliminate non-essential use of electricity.

The numbers indicate many individuals and companies followed the premier's advice and cut back on their electricity consumption. Those who acted as if it were business as usual but claimed they were doing their part may be in for a tough time the next time the power goes off and stays off indefinitely. From all indications, there could very well be a next time.

BACK TO SCHOOL: As the start of the new school year approaches, here is hoping the days of work-to-rule job actions and government-led bashing of the teaching profession will be kept to a minimum.

It has been some time since all elementary and secondary school systems have been able to go an entire year without some labour dispute or other form of disruption that hurts the students more than anyone else involved.

Unfortunately, the fact there will be a provincial election before the end of the academic year is sure to inflame what has become a chronic outpouring of rhetoric that is not serving the best interests of Ontario students.

Tim Ruhnke

Plenty of sage advice to mark a momentous occasion

FORWARDING COMMENTS by Monica Whitney

I write this with a great deal of trepidation and uneasiness, as this is the Sunday evening of the day on which I will tick off another decade of life. So it is with a reluctant hand I put into words my thoughts on the subject.

With visions of fine streaks of grey hair and tiny facial wrinkles dancing in my head, I have also been ribbed for months by family and colleagues who seem to share the idea that turning 40 is definitely a turning point in one's life.

While I maintain I shall always be 39 and holding, the jokes about my age started with my sister. In a discussion of age some time ago, I told her I was "creeping" up to 40. She bluntly informed me I was in fact "steadily marching." Even my nine-year-old daughter tells me she knows something that is actually older than me. The book she was reading, she stated, was published in 1961.

I've also taken an unusual interest in spam e-mail that declares staying forever young really is possible, aging symptoms can be reversed, and anti-aging therapy will indeed stop the clock. It's all guaranteed to make me look and feel 20 years younger in three months or less, and I, too, will be an anti-aging miracle success story.

I have been told I'm only as old as I feel, and I should have fun, because you only get to go 'round once. And that song about being here for a good time and not a long time is stuck in my head.

Being the oldest in the news department here (but not by much), I have been frequently reminded of this momentous occasion. Good thing I'm not saddled with a late-year birth in addition to being 40, but that's another column.

I have yet to find a grey hair or a wrinkle (knock on wood), and I don't know how a 40-year-old is supposed to feel. I still get those annoying teenage pimples, and sometimes I do feel 18. So I can't be over the hill yet, right?

I haven't done anything differently or changed anything in my life to significantly mark this event. It has been suggested to me some women do dramatic things to bring excitement into their lives or as an attempt to stop the clock before the hand strikes 40 - things like dying their hair or losing weight. I'm not interested in the one, and the other's too hard - you guess which is which.

I feel I should change something, though. A milestone like this doesn't come along everyday. Good thing, too, as my older sister's birthday card so humourously stated, if I turned 40 every day, I would now be 584,000 years old, and that would really be lousy. With her experience of ticking off more decades than me (sorry, Sue), she informs me life only gets better with many opportunities ahead. It's not all downhill from here - but a smooth ride to the top with much enjoyment along the way. Sounds like words to live by as I go forward.

DLD scrambles to find employees during war years

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Aug. 31, 1933

* Local schools will open for the fall term Sept. 5. The public school staff is the same as last year, with one exception. Miss Margaret Jenkinson is taking the place of Miss Edna Kingston, who will be attending Normal School this year. The rest of the staff members are: Mr. A.H. Whiting, principal, Senior IV; Mr. A.G. Halliday, Junior IV; Miss Muriel Drummond, Senior III; Mr. H.A. Dilworth, Junior III; Miss Helen Joynt, Second; Miss Mabel Whitley, 1st Book; Miss Alice Relyea, Senior Primer; Miss Blanche Campbell, Kindergarten.

Aug. 26, 1943

* Mr. W.J. Ferguson, CNR agent at Prescott, retired after a faithful period of 48 years of service with the Grand Trunk and Canadian National Railways. He is being succeeded here by Mr. P.J. Buswell, of Cardinal.

* The Dominion Lighthouse Depot, which is engaged on war work as well as carrying on regular work for aids to navigation, is losing 49 employees due to school opening next week. Thirty-one school boys and 12 girls, along with six school teachers, have been employed at the DLD during the summer, and the loss of this help will handicap the work being done unless new help can be secured. Farmers and their sons and daughters are allowed to work three days per week, and anyone else able to work is asked to apply at the Selective Service Office. Men, women, boys and girls can all be used.

Aug. 27, 1953

* Bohdan Korsa, proprietor of the Daniels' Hotel, has sold the well known Prescott establishment to John Miller of Niagara Falls. Korsa took over ownership and management of the hotel following the death of this brother Nick Korsa, in 1950.

Aug. 25, 1993

* An open house will take place at the Algonquin heritage school house to allow residents to view plans for the proposed new library. The new library will merge with the old school house, retaining the heritage nature of the site, reported project organizer Dorothy Winmill. The library has operated in a leased portable classroom at Algonquin Public School since 1978.

Ontario government playing games with prices for electricity

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

Hydro One electricity charges have run the gamut from 3.051 cents per kwh to a high of 9.434 cents per kwh in the past year, with our premier, "Ernie the Slick", pegging the rate at 4.3 cents per kwh earlier this year. This cheap charge for electricity has prompted politicians and power brokers in Ontario to blame Ontario users for consuming too much electricity, and thus becoming the prime cause of the near-disastrous power blackout August 14, that left over 50 million people in Ontario and the Eastern U.S.A. without power for at least six hours.

The claim by Premier Eves and Hydro One bosses that we are getting a considerable break in the price of electricity over this time last year is just so many horsefeathers.

We did some of the math on this issue. In April, 2002, the cost of electricity for our home at 9.434 cents per kwh amounted to a power bill of $165.10. Added to this was a service charge of $14.60 plus GST, which brought our power bill to $192.28 for the month.

Using almost the same amount of power at a rate of 4.34 cents per kwh in July, 2003, saw our electricity bill come in at a reduced figure of only $89.37. But wait a minute! Our July '03 bill had added to it a basic service charge of $16.84; a charge by volume of $33.64; and a debt retirement charge of $12.46, plus GST for a total of $190.06 for the month. If a method could be found to store electricity we wouldn't be surprised if Hydro One followed the path pioneered by the natural gas suppliers and added storage charges to our bill!

Robbing Peter to pay Paul is not going to fool Luke for too long.

****

It seems the Ontario political pundits believe that Premier Eves and his MPPs did such a credible job in steering Ontario's power consumers through our electricity crisis that they have steam rolled over Howard Hampton and Dalton McGinty and have taken the lead in the polls. This probably means a fall election either September 25 or October 2.

To be fair to Mr. Eves, most of the major problems with education, health care, welfare, municipal convergence and infrastructure were visited upon him by his predecessor, Mike Harris. The former premier must have realized a couple of years ago that his political career was careening down the same slopes as his teaching and golfing careers. We've never seen a politician disappear from sight so quickly and completely as Mike Harris has in the past 18 months.

*****

For the past six months we have had this recurring dream so often that we actually believe that it will happen. Scenario is the federal Liberal leadership convention which goes down to the wire with Paul Martin stomping Sheila Copps on the first ballot. This is followed by cheers, demonstrations of support, and effusive thanks to his supporters by Mr. Martin, and a tearful promise of solidarity by Ms. Copps.

Dream over?

No way. The best is yet to come.

A bouncy Prime Minister Jean Chretien strides across the stage, gives Sheila Copps a hug and a kiss, and before taking the podium, gives Paul Martin a handshake and a brotherly hug. He is greeted with a standing ovation and a noisy chant of "Jean, Jean, Jean".

Taking this show of support as his cue for greatness, he quietens the crowd and in his best imitation of English and French announces his resignation as prime minister, to take place immediately, so there will be an immediate transfer of power. The crowd goes hysterical and we are surrounded by near-berserk Martin supporters. It is at this time in our dream that we realize we are a delegate at a Liberal convention, and we wake in a panic, only to realize this was just a dream.

This makes us wonder if our subconsciousness can will reality.

*****

There once was a time in Prescott's recent history where it was a rare occasion, indeed, that townspeople did not have to choose a council from several well-qualified candidates. By the looks of activity at the municipal returning officer's suite so far this month, electoral history might be repeating itself in Prescott.

*****

The Grenville County Historical Society, headquartered in Crane House on Edward St., would like to boost its number of members interested in volunteering for some of their ongoing programs. If you would like to learn some things about Prescott's history and help in some historical research, give Society president Betty Ring a call any Tuesday between 10 am and 4 pm at 925-0489.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Clergyman's attack on community was arrogant and self-righteous

The Editor;

This letter is in response to the letter to the editor of Aug. 6, 2003 written by Michael Pollesel. Apparently, Pollesel took a small discrepancy written by the journalist and turned an ant hill into a mountain regarding his whereabouts as of Jan. 1, 2004.

He has asked the journalist for an apology and then in the next paragraph he states there is a possibility he will resume full-time diocesan duties in Kingston. Please, "make up my mind for me." From what I am hearing most people in this community really don't care where Pollesel's whereabouts will be as of Jan. 1, 2004. And, if Pollesel is so uptight about defending the Anglican Church hierarchy then maybe he should exercise a little more dignity and integrity in his public correspondence.

I would also like to add that Pollesel's attack on this community regarding Christianity and religiosity was not only appalling but also arrogant, self-righteous, judgmental and downright rude.

To be blunt like Pollesel was in his letter to the editor, he wouldn't care if all the Christians in the community could fit into a phone booth on any given Sunday, as long as all the Anglicans would be much more monetary and send their 50 and 100-dollar bills to his church every Sunday.

I would also like to advise Pollesel that we have no iron curtains on our highways leading out of town, so if you don't like the people's faith and Christianity in this community then please feel free to leave at any time. If some of you out there think that this letter is brazen, it is meant to be just that, but please don't call it un-Christian ­ Michael Pollesel has already taken the prize for that.

Angela Countryman
Christian

Quality of Cardinal water remains high

The Editor;

I write in response to the letter to the editor that appeared in the Prescott Journal Aug. 20. In this letter, the author notes her concern for "several areas where cast iron pipes pre-dating the 1930s... and, the internal deterioration associated with same, increasing evidence of mineral contaminants can be found in the municipal water supply. This evidence is further compounded in homes on unlooped lines."

It is my duty to advise our customers that the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal operates the water treatment plant and the water distribution system in accordance with the Ontario Drinking Water Standards, as is required by law. In the annual drinking water inspection report conducted by the Ministry of the Environment Feb. 6, 2003, it was noted all samples taken and analyzed for the water treatment plant and the water distribution system in the year 2002 were well below the maximum acceptable concentrations stipulated in the standards. This report also noted in its conclusion that the water treatment plant continues to produce and distribute high quality drinking water. An accredited outside laboratory, which must notify the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Health of any deviation from the standards, analyzes our water weekly. In addition, the water is monitored and tested daily by in-house staff. The environment ministry does spot sampling and checks of the system.

Our dedicated staff of provincially-certified operators strive diligently to bring you high quality water. Our compliance report for the water system is available at the waste water treatment plant, 4000 John St., Cardinal, for review by the public during regular working hours Monday to Friday.

James E. Grant
Chief of Operations
Environmental Services

Cardinal viewed with disdain

The Editor;

On Aug. 20, about 50 Cardinal residents, mostly seniors, got another lesson on the inequities of the ward system at a public works committee meeting chaired by Councillor Bill Sloan.

This second meeting was also held at the water treatment plant in a room approximately 9'X15', with five extra chairs for the public (and with the air conditioning off, according to provincial guidelines).

The way residents were treated at this meeting just shows the total disdain with which this council views Cardinal taxpayers.

It's also interesting to note that the air conditioning was up and running in our municipal building that day to accommodate the police office, so why couldn't the meeting have been held there?

I think Mr. Sloan, who chooses where these meetings are to be held, is forgetting that he is an elected representative, paid for by our tax dollars.

All we want is a public meeting to explain what is happening over the water meters, before the fact, and also how much we are going to be burdened with extra costs and taxes.

Gail Burrell
Cardinal

Volunteer coaches are making a difference

The Editor;

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of the area's summer coaches and instructors. Our children, Zachary and Jacob, enjoyed participating in all of their summer activities and loved playing win or lose.

A lot of fun, time, enthusiasm, positive coaching and dedication went into each program. Thank you for your many hours of volunteering weekends and nights to coach and develop all the children of our community. We are all lucky to have such great community spirit. Also, thanks to all the parents who were positive and supportive towards all of the kids making a happy and enjoyable playing environment.

Thanks to Domville Aces coaches Dean Bologna, John Severson, Ryan Kirkby and Ross Polite, Prescott Chiros soccer coach Jon Fee, Prescott Pool instructors Lesley Hubbard, Eric Humes, Julie Putnam and Katie Graham and the Prescott Golf Club junior program with Chris Veltkamp.

Gauri and Jane Shankar
Augusta

Native tree and shrub planting starts this fall

By Astrid Strader, Project Controller, Horticulturist and Garden Designer

For results of Prescott's first (unofficial) Community in Blooms Garden Contest, stay tuned to next week's column.

A call for help went out and we were glad to assist, despite the blaring heat at the site of the new skateboard park near the RCA ball diamond. Skateboard park organizer Nancy Lane explains, "tying rebar is a tedious job and with all the Blossoms helping out, along with the many other volunteers, including the skateboarders themselves, we are saving as much as $1,000." The hard drive of leaders like Nancy Lane makes community projects successful.

The need for more shade was certainly obvious this week and so we will be looking at planting a selection of trees and shrubs through the Trees for Peace project. This project is co-ordinated through the Grenville Land Stewardship Council and I'm hoping our community will benefit from a major native tree and shrub planting campaign starting this fall. If you have any suggestions for large planting sites available, please e-mail me at ras@ripnet.com. If you are a private landowner, especially with water frontage, you can contact Chris Bellemore at the GLSC office at 342-8538 directly.

A while back, Prescott was submitted in the TVO competition "Greenest Town in Ontario." They announced the winner a few weeks ago on Studio 2, TVO's evening news magazine show. The prize was a documentary on each town that won - it was a tie between Orillia and Caledon, with Waterloo being the runner-up. Perth won it last year. Prescott got mentioned at the end of the program, which aired again last week.

What struck me most about the winners is how integrated each department, community organizations and citizens were with respect to environmental policies and practices. Notably, very creative recycling programs, preservation of natural heritage and the restoration of majestic native wooded areas.

While Prescott is much smaller, we certainly have begun work in these areas. I feel it's only a beginning but it is great to have recognition, which inspires creativity and community cohesiveness.

Even more wonderful, Prescott Blossoms has been nominated for the Urban Habitat Stewardship Award from Wildlife Habitat Canada. The attention comes from the holistic approach taken at the Prescott Heritage River Trail. Emphasizing the usefulness and beauty of the native species promotes the opportunity to educate people against the use of herbicides and pesticides. Plants are stronger and able to withstand the harsh climate here and promote the support of wildlife, demonstrating that everything in nature is useful and dependant on each other - that being selective starts a chain reaction with negative results not realized until it's often too late. A balanced ecosystem attracts beneficial insects, more varieties of birds and other wildlife. Winners of this prestigious award will be announced in the winter of this year. You can see more on their Web site at www.whc.org

With the municipal building renovation nearing completion, it's time to consider what kind of landscaping should be done for the front, which will include installation of wheelchair ramps. Cost, of course is the major issue and so how to get the "most from the least?" This is precisely where Prescott Blossoms should and could be involved. So, I will be presenting a simple heritage garden plan to council at the Sept. 8 meeting. Come out and show your support, otherwise, very little may be done indeed.

Sign language classes begin next month

BROCKVILLE ­ The local branch of the Canadian Hearing Society will be offering sign language classes in Brockville beginning next month.

Classes will start Wednesday, Sept. 17.

To register or for more information about sign language classes or the services of the Canadian Hearing Society, call 498-3933.

Registration for fall Guiding programs begins Sept. 8

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Registration to participate in local units of Girl Guides of Canada will take place in September.

Sign-up for Cardinal Guiding will be Monday, Sept. 8 from 6:30 to 8 pm at St. John's United Church in Cardinal.

In Prescott, registration is Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 8 pm at St. John's Anglican Church.

Divisions include Sparks (5 and 6 years old); Brownies (7 and 8 years old); Guides (9 to 12 years old); and Pathfinders (12 to 15 years old). New leaders are also welcome.

For more information, contact Dawn McNab, district commissioner of South Grenville district Girl Guides, at 657-1103.

Water meter controversy continues; public meeting being considered

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - Members of the Environmental Services/Public Works Committee bumped up their next meeting so they wouldn't have to wait a month to deal with the issue of Water Meters.

The committee wasn't able to provide answers to some of the questions posed by former Cardinal reeve Larry Dishaw at the last public works meeting a month ago.

Public Works Chair and Ward Two Councillor Bill Sloan indicated at last Wednesday's Public Works committee meeting the answers to the questions provided by Dishaw were not ready, as Cardinal Water Treatment Manager Jim Grant and township CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald haven't had a chance to get together to form a response since the two have each taken vacation time since the last meeting.

After the meeting public works meeting, Dishaw said he was disappointed with the lack of a response to the public about some of the questions they had.

"The people wanted to know this in a reasonable amount of time," said Dishaw. "It would have been reasonable to address at least one of the questions, but to not address one of them is unacceptable."

Dishaw also expressed his concern about the installation of meters.

"There are also other questions that people want answers to," explained Dishaw. "There is availability of folks to come in and answer questions like in Prescott where people were able to go away with answers. I just paid my tax bill including $230 for water in 2003, but if the meters go in then do I have to pay again? There are still questions that need to be answered."

Mayor Dave Dobbie reiterated the status of the decision to install water meters in the village of Cardinal.

"It was recommended from this committee that water meters go in," said Dobbie. "All the councillors will get a chance to vote on it."

The committee was looking at the tender costs and was going to contact Neptune and G.C. Toshack about a possible price for a collaborative deal, which would see the meters purchased from Neptune and installation done by Toshack.

"Toshack is interested in installing the meters and Neptune is interested in selling the meters," said Dobbie. "When you look at the provisional items, it's clearly less."

McDonald indicated a similar sort of deal was made by Merrickville for the installation of meters.

With more than 40 residents of Cardinal at the meeting, the committee decided to conductthe next public works meeting this Thursday, Aug. 28 at the municipal hall in order accommodate the increased attendance that is expected. At Thursday's regular council meeting, Sloan noted the Aug. 28 meeting had been cancelled and a public meeting on the meters was being looked into instead. Dobbie indicated the date for the meeting would be selected and advertised after a date suitable to all parties was reached.

Dobbie indicated that the former Cardinal Municipal Office would be the likely site of the meeting, unless construction for the re-location of the library conflicted.

AREA BRIEFS

Mayor praises staff response to power outage

SPENCERVILLE - The Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie is commending the municipal staff for all the extra work put in during the recent power outage.

Dobbie commended the staff at Thursday's regular council meetin in Spencerville and asked CAO/Clerk Stephen McDonald to prepare letters for him to sign and send out thanking them for their extra efforts.

"Both fire stations were still manned and Jim and Dave (Grant) and Mr. Baker and Mr. Stitch did a great job of getting the generators up and running," said Dobbie.

"The residents of Spencerville and Cardinal were never without sewage or sewage and water. Those people are a pretty valuable group."

Gas line concerns delay Shanly Road work

CARDINAL - Concerns are being expressed over buried gas lines during the Shanly Road construction project.

The Environmental Services/Public Works Committee was advised last Wednesday the Nine Mile Road project is approximately two weeks behind schedule, which will result in a Sept. 12 completion date.

Discussion was also held regarding the lack of cover on top of the gas line in some areas, with the curb and sidewalks required to be redesigned to accommodate work over the gas line.

Final property tax notices issued

SPENCERVILLE - All 2003 final tax bills for residents of the Township of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal have been mailed.

The due date for the bills to be paid is Friday (Aug. 29), with a penalty charged starting Sept. 1 for non-payment of taxes.

Anyone who does not receive his or her bill is asked to contact the municipal office in Spencerville at 658-3055 or 1-866-848-9099 (from the 989 and 657 telephone exchanges) on weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Weekend festival promises plenty of fun

CARDINAL - There will be plenty to do this weekend as Cardinal hosts its annual Community Festival Labour Day Weekend.

The weekend starts off with the Local 483 Union Levee at the Legion, with a public dance to follow.

The festival takes a break on Saturday, before picking up full steam on Sunday with a breakfast at the Legion, Ride'n'Stride for Cancer and Bike and Carriage Decorating Contest in the morning. The afternoon will feature the annual Labour Day parade, with a barbecue, races for children and adults, a children's fun fair and pig roast running through until the evening.

On Monday morning, kids with a need for speed will take to the Cardinal Legion hill to compete in the hobby and kit classes of the soapbox derby.

"The planning is done and now we're waiting for the weekend to come and enjoy the fun," said festival co-chair Nancy Toupin. "A full day is planned for Sunday and we hope everyone will come out and help us celebrate Cardinal and life along the St. Lawrence.

"We'd like to get a crowd like last year and get everyone out to have some fun and eat some good food."

See this week's Journal for a complete listing of events.

Soapbox derby ready to roll Monday on Legion hill

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Labour Day Festival's soapbox derby is getting ready to roll Monday, Sept. 1.

The event is sponsored by the Cardinal & District Resource Centre and the Cardinal Lions Club, races are open to all children between the ages of seven and 15 years old, with older kids required to be able to fit comfortably into the cars.

There will be a limited number of cars available from the Cardinal Lions Club or Resource Centre for those who don't have their own. All racers must provide their own helmet, with bicycle helmets and hockey helmets permitted.

Registration for the event is at the top of the Legion hill at Dundas Street running from 8:30 am until 10 am, with the races to follow.

The first 75 kids to register at the race will receive a free t-shirt and small treat bag.

The Cardinal Navy League will be hosting a canteen at the event.

Due to the races, the Legion road will be closed from 8 am until 2 pm Sept. 1, with no access to boaters and divers.

All racers are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Club champion proud to be part of Prescott Golf Club

By Monica Whitney

Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ Phil Patterson gets to keep his preferred parking place at the Prescott Golf Club. It's one of the perks that goes along with the honour of being the club's mens champion.

The six-time winner of the title says he doesn't do anything special to earn the championship - he just plays better than everybody else. "I try to be consistent and play the course the way it should be played and stay out of trouble," Patterson said.

High winds Saturday hampered his play somewhat and made the course more difficult, Patterson suggested, but he still came out with a total two-day score of 139.

Patterson plays golf about three to four times a week, and he credits his four-year-old son Shawn with allowing him more practice time, he said. Shawn is in the pre-links program at the club, and often goes along with his dad to hit balls. "He's a little club champion in the making," he said.

The 39-year-old Kriska Transport warehouse supervisor earned championship status in 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2003. His record was interrupted in 1997 by Dale Robertson; in 1999 by Steve McCaugherty; and in 2000 by Drew Edmunds.

To add to his honours, Patterson placed 16th of 120 players in Whistler, B.C., and 13th of 156 in Quebec in previous years in the Canadian Club Champions Championships with the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

Being recognized as the best player in the local club means a lot to Patterson, and he says he feels proud to associated with the club.

"The Prescott Golf Club has the best players in Eastern Ontario," he said. "We've got a real good bunch of guys and a great facility. We have a lot of fun."

Playoff champions crowned in Prescott and District soccer

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association crowned its playoff champions Saturday at South Grenville District High School.

Kriska Holdings Ltd. was the Under-16 champion, Shriners were the Under-12 champions, Colour Pallette was the Under-10 champion, Prescott IDA the Under-8 champion and Prescott Chiros the Under-6 champion.

Under-16 playoffs

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 5

Cody Warren (2), Matt Deeks (2), James King

Watermark Printing 2

Jordan McDougall (2)

Watermark Printing 6

Robert Amell (3), Jordan McDougall (2), Hank Heykoop

DWJ Plumbing & Sons 2

Nick Maggio (2)

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 6

Cody Warren (3), Matt Deeks (2), Jacob Casselman

Watermark Printing 1

Jordan McDougall

Grenville Towing 4

Evan Lavallee (4)

Watermark Printing 3

Robert Amell (2), Jordan McDougall

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 3

Cody Warren (2), Matt Deeks

Hartley Sports 2

Chad Hyland (2)

Hartley Sports 2

Chad Hyland (2)

Southport 1

Joshua Rupert

Grenville Towing 3

Aaron Lavallee (2), Riley Grootjans

Southport 2

Sebastian Last, Nick Gould

Watermark Printing 6

Robert Amell (5), Brandon Spencer

Gateway Packaging 3

Kris Maloney, Vince Francica, Curtis Biccum

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 3

Matthew Deeks, Cody Warren, Mike Marchand

Grenville Towing 0

No goal scorers

DWJ Plumbing & Sons 4

Nick Maggio (3), Joshua Joudoin

Canadian Tire 2

Matt Hayes (2)

Gateway Packaging 3

Curtis Biccum (2), Vince Francica

Grenville Towing 1

Aaron Lavallee

Watermark Printing 2

Jordan McDougall (2)

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 2

Matt Deeks (2)

Canadian Tire 2

Matt Hayes, Clayton
Dunnington

Southport 2

Nick Gould (2)

Hartley Sports 3

Chad Hyland (2), Andrew Wilson

DWJ Plumbing & Sons 3

Josh Whelan, Joshua Joudoin, Kyle Edmondson

DWJ Plumbing & Sons 5

Joshua Joudoin (2), Trevor Madden, Nick Maggio, Josh Whalen

Southport 1

Aaron Greengrass

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 3

Cody Warren (3)

Gateway Packaging 2

Curtis Biccum (2)

Hartley Sports 4

Chad Hyland (3), Ashley Gillis

Canadian Tire 4

Matt Hayes (3), Clayton Dunnington

DWJ Plumbins & Sons 3

Nick Maggio (2), Joshua Joudoin

Hartley Sports 3

Chad Hyland (2), Jacob Piette

Canadian Tire 5

Matt Hayes (4), Samantha Joudoin

Gateway Packaging 3

Curtis Biccum (2), Kris Maloney

Under-12 playoffs

Shriners 1

Sean Perrin

Giant Tiger 0

No goal scorers

B.W. Freer Electrical 4

Jordan Turcotte (2), Alanna Lasenba (2)

Seaway Valley Pharmacy 1

Mitchell Grant

Shriners 6

Sean Perrin (2), Tyson Lefebvre, Jasmin Moore, John Jackson, Matthew Sutuac

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 1

Ryan St. John

Giant Tiger 4

Kyle Jensen (2), Megan Colwell, Robert Deeks

Beach Home Hardware 1

Tashina Sorrell

Shriners 1

Matt Suatak, Sloan Jarvis (SO)

Beach Home Hardware 1

Tannis Olsen

Giant Tiger 3

Kyle Jensen (3)

B.W. Freer Electrical 0

No goal scorers

Seaway Valley Pharmacy 1

Steven DeJong

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 0

No goal scorers

Beach Home Hardware 2

Cody Patenaude, Jessica Francica

Grenville Castings 1

Ashleigh Spencer

Shriners 1

Sean Perrin

B.W. Freer Electrical 1

Zach Temple

Hansen's Kavity Kickers 3

Devon Lebrun (2), Troy Armstrong

Giant Tiger 1

Robert Deeks

Kriska Holdings Ltd. 3

Jeffrey Gaw (2), Wayne Noonan

B.W. Freer Electrical 2

Michael Thomas, Jordan Turcotte

Giant Tiger 3

Robert Deeks (2), Devon Deschamps

Grenville Castings 2

Andrew Bernard, Taylor Garswood

Shriners 1

Sean Perrin

Seaway Valley Pharmacy 0

No goal scorers

Beach Home Hardware 1

Zachary Campbell

Hansen's Kavity Kickers 0

No goal scorers

Hansen's Kavity Kickers 4

Troy Armstrong, Devon Lebrun, Kelsey Sargent, Halle McFarlane

Grenville Castings 2

Andrew Bernard, Taylor Garswood

Note: Playoff results for the Prescott and District Soccer Association's Under-10, Under-8 and Under-6 didvisions will be in the Sept. 3 edition of The Journal.

Also, playoff champion photos and more photos of award winning teams will appear in next week's paper.

Pirates win league and finish undefeated

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Pirates have won the Upper Canada Minor Boys Baseball Championship after sweeping Winchester Red 2-0 in the best-of-three final.

Prescott pulled out a 14-2 win Aug. 12 at Kriska Field to take a 1-0 lead in the series, before scoring a 9-4 win Aug. 18 to complete its undefeated season.

The Pirates went 16-0-1 in the regular season to finish in second place in the league with 33 points, behind Mountain which played five more games on the season and finished with 34 points.

Prescott managed to keep its undefeated streak alive through the playoffs as it also swept Morrisburg out of the playoffs in two straight games after a pair of 13-5 wins.

Members of the team include Lee Charlebois, Lucas Stitt, Ben Hutton, Pat Froom,
Mason Williams, Jarrett Pitt, Richard Joudoin, Cory Wilson, Ryan Van Stralen, Ric Champagne, Tim Kappax, Clark Seymour and Matt Leonard.

Sr. A Falcons seeking sponsors

PRESCOTT - The St. Lawrence Falcons Sr. A hockey team, which will call Prescott its home this fall, is looking for help.

The Falcons are looking for financial sponsors for the season.

The team is also selling season ticket packages and ticket bundles for home games.

St. Lawrence will play Saturday nights at 7 pm at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

The team's training camp will also get under way Sept. 6, with two sessions from 10:30 am until noon and from 7 pm until 9 pm. Camp will continue Sept. 7 from 10:30 am until noon.

Those interested in sponsoring or purchasing season tickets should contact Bryan Shepherd at 342-8047.

Annual Ride'n'Stride for Cancer ready to roll Sunday morning

CARDINAL - The fifth annual Ride'n'Stride for cancer research will take place Sunday morning in Cardinal.

Registration for the event is set to start at 8:30 am at the Cardinal Legion, with the start scheduled for 9 am.

This year's event is being held in memory of Tuffy Wells, with his wife Delores, sister Mary Lou Booth and brother Romain Wells as well as Tuffy's children and grandchildren taking part.

Volunteers are still needed to help out with various parts of the event.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Peggy Taylor at 657-1728.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal pools holding public swimming

CARDINAL - The Johnstown and Cardinal municipal pools are holding public swimming dates this week.

Both pools will be open for public swimming from 1 pm until 6 pm daily until Friday.

The Cardinal pool will also be open for swimming from 1 pm until 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

All public swim times are weather permitting.

Both pools are owned and operated by the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

For more information contact the Johnstown pool at 925-5822 or the Cardinal pool at 657-4504.

All content is copyright 2001 The Prescott Journal. No reproduction permitted without written permission.