VOL. 174, NO. 41~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ October 13, 2004

PSAC walks

Parks Canada, union reach tentative deal

PRESCOTT ­ A tentative agreement between Parks Canada Agency and its unionized workers was reached late Monday night.

However, many federal public servants walked off the job yesterday as their union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, continued negotiations with the Treasury Board.

A picket line formed Tuesday morning outside the Prescott Coast Guard Base on King Street West. Labourers at the base in Prescott had already been taking part in rotating strikes. Other unionized public servants at the site were poised to join a nation-wide walkout yesterday if talks with the federal government did not produce an agreement by late Monday.

As of press time Tuesday, negotiations were ongoing.

Workers with the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) at the base went on strike Tuesday morning. The strike affects approximately 45 members of the union in Prescott.

"We're hoping for a settlement as soon as possible," said Geoff Fortier, president of the union's local 00054, which covers the three groups of Coast Guard employees on strike in Prescott. These groups include table 1 employees (administrative staff), table 2 employees (blue collar staff), and table 3 employees (technical staff).

The union, which is a subsection of PSAC, is striking primarily because of wages, which Fortier says have not kept pace with increases in the private sector.

Despite their eagerness to return to work, Fortier says the union will be out on strike until an acceptable settlement is reached.

In addition to members of the UCTE union, the strike also included members from other local members of PSAC, including employees of HRSDC in Brockville and Immigration Canada from Lansdowne.

About 4,800 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada ­ including five who work in Prescott ­ have been taking part in job action for the past two months. A series of rotating strikes was launched in August; on several occasions since then, picket lines formed outside Fort Wellington National Historic Site. The 2004 tourist season at the fort ended about two weeks ago; the site was closed for two days in September because of the strike.

THIS WEEK

Friday night operating hours return to library

PRESCOTT ­ Check out what is available at the Prescott library.

Oct. 18-24 is Public Library Week. There will be author readings, bedtime stories, door prizes and an open house Saturday, Oct. 23. For more information, call 925-4340.

As of this week, the library will once again be open Fridays from 7 to 9 pm.

The fall book sale gets under way Monday, Oct. 18 and continues into November. Proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase new books.

The library is located on the west side of the Dibble Street municipal building.

See the Limerick Forest for the trees Sunday

OXFORD STATION ­ Take a look around Limerick Forest this weekend.

There will be activities for people of all ages at the third annual open house Sunday (Oct. 17) from noon to 4 pm at Limerick Chalet, 1175 Limerick Road, north of Roebuck. There will be a scavenger hunt, create a moss garden or build a bird house. Tours include a nature hike, wetlands adventure and the Ducks Unlimited project as well as a forest operation tour.

There will also be a barbecue from 1:30 to 3 pm; donations will be accepted.

The open house is presented by the forest advisory committee and the Grenville Land Stewardship Council.

For more information, call 342-9246 ext. 16 or 342-8528.

Changes to policing in Prescott on menu at breakfast meeting

PRESCOTT ­ OPP Inspector Brent Hill will be the guest speaker at the Seaway Ecumenical Group's October meeting this Saturday morning at St. Paul's United Church hall.

The all-you-can-eat breakfast will be served at 8 am. Tickets are available at the door. All are invited to attend.

Hill, detachment commander of Grenville County OPP, will talk about the policing changeover in Prescott.

St. Paul's is located at the corner of George and Dibble streets.

Local MP Gord Brown is in the House

MP critical of the way government has handled Eastern Ontario funding

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

OTTAWA ­ Gord Brown has taken his place as this area's representative in Ottawa.

The Leeds-Grenville MP got his feet wet in the House of Commons last week as the new session of Parliament opened.

"It was quite a thrill to be part of it," Brown told The Journal Friday.

The Conservative MP was to make his first address in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon and was scheduled to deliver a speech sometime late last night or early this morning as part of the BSE debate initiated by Conservative leader Stephen Harper.

Brown indicated he was not prepared to support the Liberal government's throne speech, but he did not believe the minority government would lose a confidence vote over it last week. There had been a great deal of speculation the government might be defeated in a throne speech amendment vote.

"I never thought it (the government) would fall," said Brown, who added Conservative leader Stephen Harper brokered the deal that prevented a non-confidence vote.

Brown said the federal Liberals "got a little reality check" on the pitfalls of running a minority government.

The MP said none of the parties is seeking to have an election so soon after the last one ­ unless there is a significant shift in polling numbers. Brown added a party that causes an early election risks being punished harshly by Canadians.

The Conservative party amendments to the throne speech, which include tax relief, are to be presented next week. Brown said the proposals "should be supported by all the parties."

The Leeds-Grenville MP noted the Liberal throne speech did not include much, if any, reference to the plight of farmers, the gun registry, the sponsorship scandal and democratic accountability. Brown said the federal Liberals are not living up to what they promised, a situation he compared to the governing Liberals in Ontario.

Eastern Ontario money

Brown was also critical of the fact the federal government has yet to announce its plan to distribute $10 million in economic development funding to Eastern Ontario. The pledge was made in May prior to the federal election call.

The MP indicated the Eastern Ontario Conservative caucus was planning to issue a release Tuesday in response to the situation. There was speculation there would be an announcement by the federal government late last week. "It did not happen," Brown noted.

He said the Conservative caucus would be "...holding the government's feet to the fire" and making a lot of noise in connection with the funding pledge. Brown believes the May announcement was "solely made of political purposes."

The money is to be distributed through about 15 community futures development corporations (CFDCs); each one would be allocated about $650,000 and given criteria with which to approve funding submissions. Local officials have been told the program would call for the money to be spent by the end of next March. Brown said he hopes the time period will be extended to make it easier for the extra funding to be used more effectively.

North Edwardsburgh Public School marks 40 years

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

SHANLY ­ Turning 40 was a big deal at North Edwardsburgh Public School (NEPS).

More than 150 people gathered in the gymnasium late Thursday afternoon to note the school's anniversary.

North Edwardsburgh Public School opened its doors in Sept. 1964. The former Shanly-area elementary school is located a short distance to the east on the north side of County Road 21. The first Shanly school was founded in 1834.

Among those on hand Thursday was Knox Thompson, the school's first principal. Thompson recalled there were 212 students on opening day, but the official opening did not take place until late November. "It was the beginning of something new," he told The Journal. "It was a big, happy family."

Thompson noted he had been back to the school a few years ago as part of a reunion. The building is much as it was 40 years ago, but the education system has changed dramatically since the mid-1960s. Individual local school boards have been replaced by larger units. North Edwardsburgh and its sister school, Centennial '67, are now operated by the Upper Canada District School Board.

"I know where I am, but it's different," Thompson remarked.

In addition to noting the presence of many past staff and civic leaders who served the North Edwardsburgh school community, one person was given special recognition. Marlene Selleck, who has served as a school bus driver since the school opened, received special recognition at the gathering. In addition to receiving something from Director of Education Dave Thomas, Selleck was presented a gift by former NEPS student Mark Collins and his sons Curtis and Adam ­ representing two generations of a family that has been on board with the long-time bus driver.

"I'm speechless," she said after receiving the surprise honour. Selleck noted she had not originally planned to be a driver, but the guy who was going to be the driver did not get his licence.

Her daughter-in-law recently asked Selleck if she is still sane after being a school bus driver for 40 years. "I hope I am," she responded.

Elaine Whiteman, chair of the school's advisory committee, noted the group is trying to raise $25,000 to "create the perfect play structure" for the children. The old structure no longer met code and was removed in the spring.

About $10,000 has been raised to date. The school council is hoping the new structure will be in place next spring.

"We're only doing what the kids want to do," said Whiteman, who added council members want students at North Edwardsburgh and Centennial '67 to have good lifelong memories of the schools ­ just like many of their parents.

Some of those memories came back to life in the gymnasium. There were class photos and other momentos of past generations and their time spent at North Edwardsburgh. For Mark Collins, it has been nearly 25 years since his days as a student at NEPS.

"I had a great time going here," said Collins, who remarked the basketball nets in the gym seem to be a lot lower now than what he remembers. Collins and one of his classmates, Rhonda (Selleck) Cusson, believe today's youngsters are not allowed to do as much as they were back in the day. For example, everyone had fun on the old play structure and nobody got hurt; however, the structure would never be able to meet current standards.

Cusson remembers the Spencerville Fair visits and camping trips, especially the Grade 6 trek to Charleston Lake.

Partners in Caring program now in Prescott

Weekly get-togethers provide valuable service to participants

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - Providence Continuing Care's St. Vincent De Paul Hospital in Brockville has offered an adult day program called Partners in Caring for five years. The program has been such a success in Brockville, Gananoque, Kemptville and Portland that it expanded to Prescott Oct. 6.

The program runs from 9am to 3pm on Tuesdays and is held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on Centre Street. Organizers decided to bring the program to Prescott after receiving $35,000 in funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Program manager Denise Fraser is pleased the program has moved to Prescott. She says people from Prescott have attended the program in Brockville, where it is held at the St. Vincent site. About 125 people in total participate in the program at its five sites.

Fraser emphasizes the program offers members a vital service, allowing them social interaction they might not otherwise get. "We offer a broad-based program for people with Alzheimer's or who have suffered from a stroke or an acquired brain injury," she says. She adds the program is also good for those who suffer from Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis and have lost short-term memory. Although the program is open to adults 18 and over, Fraser says it typically attracts people 65 and older

Recreational therapist Tina Montgomery-Duke, one of two employees of the program in Prescott, says Partners in Caring provides a vital service to its participants and their caregivers. "It's just a good day for everybody - it gets them out of their homes," she says. Montgomery-Duke adds she thinks the program allows people with physical or mental disabilities the ability to stay in their homes longer than they would otherwise be able to. "I think it helps keep people in the community a lot longer," she said.

She says one of the most important aspects of the program is the fact that it combines a set routine with projects that stimulate short-term memory. "(The program combines) games like wheel of fortune with discussions and quizzes on current events," Montgomery-Duke says. The program also features sing-alongs, crafts, movies, and pet therapy. Lunch is usually provided by the VON's Meals on Wheels program, although participants do occasionally help to make their own lunch as a group activity.

One activity which the program encourages is reminiscence - asking members to recall memories from their past. "A lot of people (in the program) don't have short-term memory," said Montgomery-Duke, "but they can get a lot back through long-term memory."

Members of the program are also glad it has come to Prescott. Mabel Dunn, a five-year participant, says she appreciates not having to go to Brockville to take part in Partners in Caring. Dunn says she appreciates making crafts, as well as the social interaction the program provides.

Dunn's husband Les also values the program. "When she's there, you know she's going to be looked after," he says, adding he can run errands or shop without worrying his wife is going to fall. She has been wheelchair-bound for eight years following a stroke.

Registration in the program is easy, says Fraser. All prospective attendees have to do is be referred to the program by a doctor or community agency, such as the Access Centre for Community Care of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. There is a nominal, sliding-scale fee for the program. Transportation to and from the program can also be arranged.

Partners in Caring in Prescott is seeking more members to participate in the program. There are currently four people enrolled, and it can accommodate up to 10 individuals.

In addition, the program is seeking volunteers to come out and help. For more information about participating in the program or volunteering, call Denise Fraser at 342-4461 ext. 2357 or the Access Centre for Community Care of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville at 345-0060.

Fort Town concert series kicks off next week

PRESCOTT ­ Triple Forte will perform at the first Fort Town Concert Association event of the season Friday, Oct. 22 at 8 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (corner of Centre and Dibble streets).

The trio, which consists of David Jalbert (piano), Jasper Wood (violin) and Denise Djokic (cello), will offer well-known chamber music favourites and other compositions waiting to be discovered.

Jeunesses Musicales of Canada, an organization that brings professional musicians to big and small communities, presents the Desjardins concert series in conjunction with the Fort Town association.

Tickets will be available at the door. Season passes are available; prices are much lower for students. There is no admission fee for children under the age of 12.

The upcoming concert is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Caldwell.

For more information, call 925-5050 or visit www.forttownconcertassociation.ca.

The Fort Town group of volunteers has been bringing live entertainment to the Prescott area for more than 20 years.

Shakespeare company seeks loan from town to cover 2004 deficit

Bad weather cited as main reason for $4,000 shortfall

By Blake McKim, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The lack of an expected grant combined with the generally poor weather for the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival's 2004 season has resulted in a deficit of more than $4,000.

The Prescott-based Shakespeare company is asking the town for a loan to cover the operating deficit. The town's finance committee discussed the request Tuesday night. Its recommendation would likely go to council next Monday.

Festival Chairman Ken Durand cites the bad weather as being the main reason for the company's deficit.

"When the dust settled, we ended up short by slightly more than $4,000," he said. Durand adds the loan the company is seeking from the town will be used to pay Actors' Equity.

Durand also emphasized that the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company receiving a loan from the town is preferable to the company using the $12,000 "letter of credit" issued by the town earlier this year because it allows the company to pay its debts ­ specifically, the money owed to the actors' union ­ without making creditors go to a third party to get paid.

Durand also said the company ran a deficit because it did not receive the Trillium grant - $20,000 a year for three years - for which it had been hoping.

The grant submission was unsuccessful, Durand says, because the initial application processed by the company this past spring didn't have all the information Trillium required. The company has since submitted all requested information and expects to hear the status of the new grant (for 2005, 2006, and 2007) in December.

Despite the deficit, Durand is quick to point out that this year's Shakespeare Festival was a success, with both ticket sales and estimated attendance up an estimated 10 per cent. "Considering the weather - it rained or threatened rain nine of the 18 days of the festival - we think it was a success," he said.

Leeds-Grenville MP is in the House

KINGSTON ­ Prescott led the way when it came to a decrease in Employment Insurance (EI) claimants in the region, according to figures released by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) Friday.

The unemployment rate for the region of Eastern Ontario which includes South Grenville was 5.7 per cent in September, up slightly from the August rate of 5.6 per cent.

Job gains were reported in the services-producing sector, an HRSDC news release stated. Employment in health care increased, but there were fewer trade jobs last month.

The regional jobless rate is better than what it was this time last year; the Sept. 2003 rate was 6.6 per cent.

As for EI claimants, the Prescott HRSDC office reported 992 people were collecting regular or special EI benefits at the end of last month. This is 11.6 per cent lower than the August figure of 1,122.

Overall, there were 9.2 per cent fewer claimants in the Kingston-Pembroke management area last month. All HRSDC offices in the region reported a decrease in EI claims.

HRSDC notes the unemployment rate is not determined through the assessment of EI claimant data.

The regional jobless rate remains lower than the provincial and national rates.

Improving advice to farm community is goal of group

OXFORD STATION ­ A non-profit farm-related organization that has established a chapter in the Kemptville/Grenville area is having a meeting next week.

The Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA) will be hosting a session Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm at the Garden of Eat'n on Oxford Station Road.

The Winnipeg-based association's mission is to improve the quality of advice being given to farm producers and their families. CAFA members include financial planners, insurance brokers, accountants, agrologists and farmers.

The guest speakers will be CAFA President and CEO Donna Hastings, who will describe the association and its benefits, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada representative Jean-Denis Methot, who will talk about specialized business planning services and value-added enterprise programs.

There is a fee to attend; receipts will be issued.

To confirm attendance or for more information, contact Liz Robertson at 1-877-474-2871 or info@cafanet.com.

Province gives an extra $910,000 for local long-term care facilities

LEEDS-GRENVILLE ­ The provincial government has provided an additional $910,000 annually to improve long-term care in Leeds-Grenville, it was announced Thursday.

The funding is part of a province-wide investment of $191 million, according to a news release Thursday by the office of Leona Dombrowsky, MPP (Liberal) for Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington and regional minister for Eastern Ontario.

"Many of us have parents or grandparents in long-term care homes," Dombrowsky stated. "Our government is committed to ensuring the highest standard of care," she added.

The provincial funding will result in the hiring of an additional 600 nurses and 1,400 front-line staff as well as services to support patients with a high level of needs and to assist patients moving from hospitals to long-term care centres.

Tony Judd, a spokesperson for Dombrowsky's office, indicated there are nine long-term care facilities in the united counties area. The funding will be distributed using a formula that Judd said is based mostly on the number of beds. The money is also being allocated to meet new standards announced recently, according to Judd. Examples of these standards include full-time nurses being available at all times and residents receiving a minimum of two baths per week.

Wellington House in Prescott will receive an additional $131,400. St. Lawrence Lodge, located just east of Brockville, will receive just under $241,000.

The Liberal government also announced accommodation costs for long-term care residents will be frozen for the current fiscal year ­ the first time that has happened since 1993. There will also be an increase in the so-called comfort allowance with which low-income residents can obtain glasses, hearing aids, clothes, books, gifts and prescriptions. This is the first increase in 20 years, according to the release.

The MPP for Leeds-Grenville is Progressive Conservative Bob Runciman, who also serves as the leader of the official opposition in the Ontario legislature.

Kiwanis Club of Prescott seeks new recruits

PRESCOTT - Some community projects could be at risk if the Prescott Kiwanis Club is not able to boost its membership in the coming months.

The service club's secretary, Estelle Street, said the 10-member group needs new life breathed into its ranks if it is to survive into next year. "If we could get some people out, it would be wonderful," she said.

The club's focus is assisting children and youth; its motto is "kids priority one."

The community group is credited with carrying out a number of local projects. It was a partner in the creation of the Prescott Skate Park last year, and for 10 years has hosted the annual Harbour Days Soap Box Derby. Kiwanians have supported the Prescott Piranhas swim team and other local sports, including minor ball, soccer, hockey and figure skating. Members operate the Terrific Kids program in South Grenville schools and provide high school bursaries and educational materials. It donated an empathy belly and life-like infant doll to South Grenville District High School's parenting program.

The group fundraises for local palliative care efforts and St. John Ambulance, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Over the past seven years, the club's donations to other charitable organizations, hospitals, municipal activities and projects in which children are involved both locally and internationally have exceeded $80,000. Eighty-five per cent of total donations are directed to children's activities.

The Prescott Kiwanis Club celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Eight of its current members have received the Mel Osborne Fellowship, the highest honour that can be bestowed by the club.

The primary source of income for the group is working monthly bingos at Bingo International.

The club meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Bridgeview Restaurant. For more information, call Estelle Street at 925-5276, President Ian MacLean at 925-1310 or Vice-President Jim Holmes at 925-5186.

Cars splattered, vacant building trashed

PRESCOTT ­ Members of the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to 41 calls for service in Prescott from Oct. 4 to Oct. 11 at 7 pm.

Constable Kavanagh is investigating an incident that was reported Sunday at about 11:30 pm. Two vehicles parked in driveways on East Street were splattered with an unknown liquid that might be motor oil. The vehicles, a Grand Am and a Grand Prix, had been left unattended between 8:15 and about 11 pm. As of press time, it was unknown if the liquid caused any damage to the vehicles.

Last Monday at about 3:30 pm, constables Kavanagh, Meldrum and McConnell attended an abandoned house at 440 Dibble St. W. It had been reported youths were inside and were damaging windows. The residence has been the location of numerous deliberately set fires and is unsafe because of damage, according to police. Police remind the public (especially youths) it is still against the law (break and enter, mischief) to cause damage to the interior of an abandoned house.

An ongoing case of mischief is being investigated by Constable Meldrum. Constant traffic of youths has reportedly led to debris and garbage making its way into a pool at a West Street residence. This usually happens on weekends or during the night ­ whether the pool is operational or not.

Anyone with information on these or any other occurrences in Prescott is asked to contact the local OPP detachment at 925-4221 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. To seen an OPP response in non-emergency situations, call 1-888-310-1122.

OPP ­ GRENVILLE COUNTY NEWS

Vehicle was going the wrong way

EDWARDSBURGH ­ There were no collisions associated with a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction on both highways 416 and 401 early last Wednesday morning.

At about 2 am, OPP Constable Large received a traffic complaint about a vehicle that was heading south in the northbound lanes of Highway 416. The officer located the vehicle travelling westbound as it merged with the eastbound lanes of the 401. When the vehicle met the cruiser with its emergency lights activated, it failed to stop. With the assistance of Constable Shawn Steinburg, the vehicle was stopped before it entered the single lane of traffic in the construction zone.

Police report two other vehicles, including a transport, were involved in the incident. Both drivers had to take evasive action to avoid the other vehicle; no one was injured, and neither vehicle was damaged.

A 69-year-old Ottawa man was taken to the detachment in Prescott and charged with impaired driving. He is to appear in Brockville court Oct. 22.

Daytime break-in reported

AUGUSTA ­ A daytime break-in occurred last Wednesday on Second Concession. A list of stolen property was unavailable at press time; however, home electronic items were believed to be among the missing items. Constable Watson is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the detachment at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Minimal damage to tipped booth

SPENCERVILLE ­ Sometime late last Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, someone tipped over the telephone booth at the "park and ride" on County Road 21 at Highway 416. Damage to the unit was minimal. The investigating officer is Constable Blanchette.

More mailboxes hit by vandals

EDWARDSBURGH ­ Two more incidents of damage to mailboxes were reported last week. One took place on County Road 21 east of Spencerville, and the other occurred on Crowder Road. They appeared to be the only boxes damaged in their respective areas. Constables Blanchette and Kavanagh are investigating.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It was quite a thrill to be part of it."

Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown, commenting on his first week in the House of Commons

Editor's Notebook

Show us the money

When then-MP Joe Jordan announced just before the Victoria Day weekend (and the start of the election campaign) the federal government would be giving $10 million in economic development funding to Eastern Ontario, he indicated the money would be coming to this region no matter what happened in the election. Nearly five months later, we are still awaiting the announcement that the Treasury Board of Canada has agreed to follow through with that promise. We hear the money is there and government agencies that would be involved have been given an outline of how the money is to be allocated and spent, but civic leaders dare not mention the subject publicly for fear it could somehow jeopardize the funding. Given the way this campaign pledge appears to have been handled by Ottawa, we assert it is time to speak up and make the voters of this region aware of the situation.

Even though $10 million for the region would only mean about $650,000 to Grenville County, the funding could be put to good use ­ that is, assuming this is the federal government's plan. We hear applications for funding are supposed to be submitted this fall, and the approved projects must spend the money by the end of the current fiscal year (March 31, 2005). If this is the case, we wonder just how effectively this $10 million will be spent. There are those who have suggested the program has been, or is being, set up to fail. This might seem odd to state, but we hope the reluctance to move forward has more to do with bureaucratic red tape than the fact some Liberals were not elected or re-elected in June.

As has been noted before, we welcome the funding and credit the federal government for acknowledging this region's need for special attention when it comes to meeting the challenges of an increasingly competitive world. Rather than a handout or make-work project, the funding should be viewed as a tool with which Eastern Ontario can build a stronger economy that might not need so much government assistance in the future.

If the Liberal government is serious about following through with its commitment to Eastern Ontario, then it must set in motion the funding and give the public and private sectors of this region a reasonable chance to select and complete the projects it chooses to nominate for these funds. By extending the funding "window of opportunity," the feds would be sending a positive and responsive message to the community. Anything less would be a slap in the face to the region and evidence the May announcement was nothing more than just another ploy to get Liberals re-elected in Eastern Ontario ­ not unlike what their provincial colleagues in Ontario have been grilled for doing.

Tim Ruhnke

Communications people should be able to communicate

BLAKE'S TAKES by Blake McKim

During my time so far at The Journal, I have dealt with so-called "communications" people on a number of occasions. They are the people employed by companies, organizations and associations whose job is to relay important information to members of the media and be available to offer answers or clarifications about the information they give.

Maybe I am a little biased, having taken a communications course at college after finishing my university degree, but the level of information doled out by a number of so-called "communications officers" does not even qualify as communication.

An incident which happened to me a few weeks ago qualifies as a case in point. A Toronto-based organization which shall remain nameless targeted a local event for a demonstration. The news release sent by the organization identified two individuals as being available to take calls from the media and clarify the information in the release. When I contacted the first communications person, I got a voicemail message saying she would be out of the office for the week, but if the query was urgent to call her on her cell phone. I did that and left a message. I'm still waiting for her to call me back.

Then I called the second communications officer whose name was listed. He actually did call me back, but should have saved his breath. He seemed unqualified to do anything except reiterate the incomplete information given in the news release and then tell me several times that he wasn't able to answer my questions.

There are also communications people who are ignorant of your publication but still want coverage in it. Some "PR professionals" feel it's adequate to send off a random mailing of a news release which doesn't even identify your publication by name, or, even worse, know what type of paper you publish. A communications person from an organization in Ottawa (who, again, shall remain nameless) was initially clueless that The Journal was not, in fact, a daily paper.

It seems he forgot one of the first principles of effective public relations: to know your audience. One of the first things I learned in my PR classes is to always know a little bit about the media outlet you've targeted with publicity materials.

I don't totally fault communications people. I know that, particularly if they're working for a non-profit organization, they may be poorly paid and responsible for an extremely wide area. I also know that many organizations cannot afford a dedicated communications person, so public relations activities are lumped onto a receptionist or administrator's already-crowded roster of activities. Many communications people are obviously not trained to act in their role as organizational spokespeople.

My advice to organizations with communications people is simple. Please ensure your designated communications people are able to effectively communicate with members of the media. If they're not, don't even bother putting their name on the press release.

Expanded Prescott Public Library officially opens: 1974

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Oct. 14, 1964

* A committee of six local businessmen has been established by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce to study the shortage of doctors. Named to the committee were John Fenton, Jack Patterson, Don Irvine, John Morris and Ron Thomas. The sixth member has yet to be named. Although the shortage has been well publicized, there had been no organized effort to solve the problem.

* Prescott council will soon decide if there will be a plebiscite on the November election ballot. The community centre association has asked for the plebiscite to determine if voters would support a debenture being issued to raise money for construction of a new centre.

* In the "Focus on Teens" section of The Journal, an article by Lawrence Watkins chronicles a visit to the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. plant at Chalk River. Boys in the senior technical grades at South Grenville District High School were accompanied by teachers R.B. Martin, A.B. Baker, R.F. Zettler and V.J. Foster.

Oct. 9, 1974

* The official opening of the expanded Prescott Public Library took place last week. Mayor Pat Kingston was helped with the ribbon-cutting by Mrs. John Adams, whose library membership dates back to 1910. The floor space and book capacity has doubled at a cost of $58,000 for construction and $6,000 for new shelving and additional furniture. The hostesses for the event were Chief Librarian Ann Steiner, assistant Marjorie Ashton and student aide Bonnie Launderville.

* Hockey players and spectators will be better able to follow games at the Prescott Community Centre thanks to the donation of a new digital clock donated by the two Prescott branches of the Bank of Montreal. The new Challenger clock will be installed beside the existing clock. On hand for the presentation were Betty Gillard of the Churchill branch, Don Brawley of the King branch and community centre board members Wally White, Gord Mills, John Emerton, Bill Todd, Mel Gibson, Charlie McFarlane, Marion Fortier, Doug LaPorte and Verne Whiting.

Dealing with possum problem provides a taste of Texas culture

FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Jeffrey Morris

We love to have our stereotypes of Texas.

Any political bumbling and fumbling from George Bush will bring it out. So do King of the Hill reruns. And the movie Friday Night Lights will also give a pretty clear picture of the Texan obsession with high school sports.

On my first day in Texas many years ago I met a neighbour who informed me that he was "fixin' to mow his yard but his lawnmower done got broked up".

Texas, I learned, had its own culture and its own language.

In Texas, a kid could be stronger'an nine acres a' onions. Or you could be nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full'a rocking chairs.

Your team could get beat like a redheaded stepchild.

In Texas, gun control meant havin' a steady right hand.

It was after we moved to Seattle, the Bohemian anti-Texas, that we ironically had our most Texan experience.

I worked with a kid named Phillip, fresh out of school from the rural confines of College Station, Texas. Phillip was as Texan as they came.

His goal was to have one head from every animal up on his wall. "I'm fixin' to collect me the whole set," he would say, only partly joking.

His place was also unique. Imagine a new television series, "Texan Eye for the Gamblin' Guy," and you are close. He had a chair, a card table, his laptop with high speed, and four big screen televisions with remotes.

He even showed me the night vision goggles that he used when he serpentined out into the farmer's field behind his place to illegally set up his dish.

So when I came into the office and told of a nasty possum problem, Phillip decided he would fix me up.

Off we went in his big, gas-guzzling SUV to the local Target store, which if you are unfamiliar with Target is like Zellers times five.

As we pulled into the parking lot, he said to me very seriously, "Now lookie here, Klondike." He called me Klondike as I was one of the only Canadians he knew. "We're gonna get us a dish, and some cat food, and some anti-freeze. We put the dish of catfood and anti-freeze out in yer yard, and the possum'll come and eat it, then crawl away and die all peaceful and humane-like."

Right.

So in we go to Target, and he informs me that it might be a good idea to split up, not to buy those three items at once. Of course, as we split up, he bellowed out in his echoing big Texas voice, "HEY KLONDIKE! MAKE SURE IT'S THE TOXIC KIND. NON-TOXIC WON'T WORK!"

At that moment, I felt every pair of eyes and every security camera lense whiz over and zoom in for a good look of me.

Still, I wasn't sold on the idea of doing this, as much as I detested possums and the threat they would pose to our pets and children.

"Don't worry Klondike," he said, reassuring himself more than me. "I've done killed many critters this way.

"Of course, there was that time in scouts when I was 9..."

"Go on," he said.

"Well, I didn't kill it with anti-freeze, but we had this thing called a critter crawl, where we had to catch a critter and then there was a race. Well, I caught me a lizard, and I found this stuff in my parents' bathroom called No Doze. I asked my mom what they were for and she said they were caffeine pills to make you really alert and awake.

"Well, I gave my lizard some No Doze just before the race. As soon as the gates opened, the darned thing was halfway to New Mexico."

"Did you win?"

"No. I didn't know you had to catch it to win. Not long after that I got kicked out of scouts, but I don't want to talk about that. It's another story."

As we got back to the office, I stopped and thought.

"Phillip, we have pets in the neighbourhood, and squirrels. What happens if our neighbour's cat gets into this and dies."

Phillip giggled.

"You and me, Klondike," he said smiling, "we'll just call that collateral damage."

I never did use the toxic anti-freeze and cat food. I saw a dead possum on the road near our house that night and figured it was the same one, and none have been back since.

But I still have it in our shed.

So, I guess as long as the UN doesn't send inspectors around looking for pet foods of mass destruction in the possum genocide, I don't think I've broken any rules.

And that, my friends, is a taste of Texas.

SCHOOL SCENE

Algonquin Public School: Are you looking for gifts that "last a year long?"

Wouldn't it be great if you could do your Christmas shopping and, at the same time, support Algonquin? Who wouldn't appreciate a subscription to their favourite magazine?

Whether it's a renewal or a new order, by simply using your credit card, placing your magazine order online at www.QSP.ca and quoting Algonquin's account number (10393), you'll be getting your shopping done, the person to whom you're sending the magazine subscription will enjoy the gift throughout the year, and students at Algonquin will benefit with profits being tracked and returned to the school. What a great way to help us support our focus on literacy.

There are magazines for all ages and interests. It's good for you, it's good for the person receiving the subscription and it's good for us. Please place your orders now.

Benson Public School: During October, Benson recognizes students who are exceptionally trustworthy and honest. On Oct. 8, Danny Patrick, Erin Rylands, Willow Wood, Elizabeth Bygott, Alexius Devries, Nicholas Tobin, Meagan Vout, Sarah, MacDonald, Erin Dousenard, Jacob Rene deCote and Kristen Hamilton were presented with certificates honouring their outstanding behavior.

Our school advisory council, along with staff, is preparing this year's first major fundraiser. Benson will be holding a walk-a-thon Nov. 5. Please be ready for your friends, neighbours and relatives to approach you with their request to be sponsored. Many local businesses have already made donations of prizes.

Funds raised will go towards year-end activities, busing to special events and various arts programs not covered by regular funding. Benson is truly a community school, and we are very grateful for the support we receive.

Get your costumes ready. Our student council is busy preparing for Halloween activities. This year promises to be a frightfully good time.

Boundary Street Public School: Friday, Oct. 22 is an early dismissal day for schools in the Upper Canada District School Board. Students who walk to school will be dismissed at lunch (11:35). Buses will leave Boundary at noon to take students home.

The Kindergarten class has been invited by the Ontario Early Years Centre and MTJB Child Care Centre to attend a Mary Lambert concert on Monday, Oct. 18. We acknowledge them for inviting us. We are looking forward to the performance.

Students will be participating in bus evacuation drills next week. Staff from the Laidlaw Bus Company will be providing this training.

School photos will be taken by Christine Endicott next Wednesday and Thursday. All classes have received information on photo times and a list of tips on preparing for their photos.

The members of the cross-country team will travel to Memorial Park in Brockville this Friday, Oct. 15. Good luck to all runners. Keep up the great work you have done!

Hot lunch this week is chicken nuggets.

St. Joseph Catholic School: Congratulations to this week's Peacemakers: Colleen Dixon, Tyson Nugent, Marielle Hansen, Lisa Whitney, Nicholas Campbell, Effie Theodosiou, Tori Barabash and Andrew Moulton.

All are invited to join us in our Thanksgiving Celebration of the Eucharist Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 10 am at St. Mark's Church.

The smell of turkey pervaded the halls of St. Joe's last Thursday. A select group of students prepared a full course turkey dinner, which was enjoyed by staff as well as the student chefs.

The cross-country team had a very successful meet Oct. 6 at Grenville Christian College. All athletes represented our school with grace and determination. Our top three finishers were Robbie Deeks, who placed first overall in the junior boys division; Andrew Moulton, who placed fourth in peewee boys; and Jason Deeks, who placed eighth in senior boys. Our next meet is at Memorial Park in Brockville this Friday.

On Oct. 5, our senior girls soccer team came in second at the tournament at Iroquois Public School, and the senior boys placed third overall in their tournament at Nationview Public. Both teams played extremely well; we're certainly proud!

The first senior band practice took place Thursday after school. The tuning up of instruments was a sound to behold in the halls of St. Joe's.

The band will practise regularly Thursdays at 3:35 pm.

St. Mark Catholic School: On Friday, Oct. 15, mid-term reports will go home with our grades 1-3 students.

We will also be having a living rosary Friday at 9:15 am. All parents and parishioners are welcome to join us in the gymnasium.

Our Grade 3 runners will take part in the cross-country championships at Memorial Park this Friday.

Juno award winning performer Mary Lambert will perform at St. Paul's United Church Monday, Oct. 18 at 10 am for our Kindergarten students as part of early educator celebrations for the annual Week of the Child. Admission is a non-perishable item for our food bank.

Friday, Oct. 22 is an early dismissal day for our students. Buses will leave St. Mark at 12:05 and 12:15 pm and follow regular routes home. Parents are reminded to ensure there is adequate supervision for their children that afternoon.

Hot lunch this week is hamburgers.

Local principal appointed to North Grenville council

NORTH GRENVILLE ­ South Edwardsburg Public School Principal Randy Stevenson has been appointed to North Grenville council.

The appointment was made at a special council meeting Oct. 5. Stevenson, a Kemptville resident, was one of 12 people who put their names forward to fill the vacancy created by the recent death of Councillor Peter Nicol. Council opted to appoint his successor rather than conduct a special election.

North Grenville Mayor Bill Gooch noted council agreed Stevenson "...was the most appropriate person for the subject position at this time. We believe he will work effectively with the current council and serve North Grenville well."

Stevenson was sworn in last night. The council term ends at the beginning of Dec. 2006.

Money raised in character walk

JOHNSTOWN ­ The Terry Fox Character Walk held Friday, Oct. 1 raised just under $500 for the Terry Fox Foundation and cancer research.

The community event was hosted by South Edwardsburg Public School.

Credit union has no plans to return

Lack of support in Cardinal cited by Rideau-St. Lawrence

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - After coming to Cardinal in April of 2002 to much fanfare only to pull out after just one year, the Rideau-St. Lawrence Community Credit Union Ltd. has no plans to return to the village.

The credit union came in April of 2002, merging with the Casco Employees' Credit Union to provide services for everyone in the village, not just employees of Casco. It was located at the Cardinal and District Resource Centre and was touted as a full-service financial institution. It closed its Cardinal location in the fall of 2003.

Rideau-St. Lawrence CEO Pierre Marcotte indicated the financial institution pulled out of the village after a little more than a year because of the lack of support.

"As you know, we pulled out of the village about a year ago," said Marcotte. "We came in and we just didn't get the support from the local population to stay in Cardinal."

With the TD Canada Trust now pulling out of Cardinal in March 2005, there has been interest from some financial institutions about coming into the village since it would be the only financial institution in town.

Bruce Corbett a representative from Your Credit Union, which recently came into Williamsburg after the Bank of Montreal closed, was on hand at a meeting held by the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Business Association (ECBA) on Sept. 28 at the Cardinal Legion and expressed his company's interest in coming to Cardinal if it proved to be a good financial decision.

Corbett indicated to the crowd, despite their interest in coming to Cardinal, it would have to be a solid business proposal (somewhere in the range of $20 million in total assets). He explained Your Credit Union has to look after its current shareholders first, before creating another branch.

Despite interest from other institutions, Rideau-St. Lawrence Community Credit Union doesn't see a return to the village in the cards.

"This is not currently in our plans," explained Marcotte.

"The support wasn't there, and nothing has changed for us at this time."

The ECBA has been active in the campaign to get a financial institution into the village and switched its aim from TD Canada Trust to another bank or credit union after being notified Oct. 1 the bank would be proceeding with its plans.

ECBA President Bill LaBerge has indicated Your Credit Union brings experience from a similar situation which is currently happening in Cardinal which would make them an ideal choice for the village. He added they will be among the first financial institutions they contact about coming to Cardinal.

Youth choir being formed in the Spencerville area

Rehearsals begin Friday afternoon; musical drama to be staged in December

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - Youth in the Spencerville area will have a chance to explore their creative side with the creation of a children's community choir.

The choir will be directed by Heidi Woolford with the help of some community volunteers and will be working towards its big show in December.

The choir will rehearse Friday afternoons from 4:15 until 5:15 pm at township hall in Spencerville beginning this Friday, Oct. 15.

The sessions will run at least until their Christmas musical drama in December, but according to Woolford, they would like to continue to run it after the show.

Woolford explained dates for the big show are still being battered around, but the major event for the choir will be a Christmas musical drama, which the children will perform around Dec. 17.

Woolford explained she had been approached about running this kind of project before and believes it is a good idea.

"I really got the feeling from the community that there is nothing for kids in the area to do except sports," said Woolford. "This will give them another option."

Woolford explained the Christmas musical drama is entitled "The Greatest Gift of All" and was written by Janet McMahan and David and Bonnie Huntsinger.

"It's about what Christmas really means," explained Woolford. "It deals with the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a musical but it's also a drama, so there will be acting as well as singing which might interest some other children."

The children's community choir is set out for children of all ages. Woolford indicated anyone from pre-school up who wants to be part of this could join in the fun.

"I really can't wait," said Woolford. "It's just awesome to see kids have a good time and music brings out something in kids you might not always see. It's makes them smile, it makes their family and friends smile and puts them in a special place."

Woolford is a music teacher from Shanly who has been teaching music for four years. She has passed exams from the Royal Conservatory in Toronto.

Woolford hopes the show will become an annual event and is looking forward to getting rehearsals under way.

There is a nominal fee per family to join the choir to cover the cost of costumes and snacks for the performance.

For more information, contact Woolford at 658-2574.

Break-in at home

CARDINAL ­ A break-in occurred last Monday afternoon at a Walker Street residence. The complainant was only away from the home for a short period. Someone entered through a small window and also exited or entered through the front door. Reported missing from the residence are two XBox units and two games. There was no damage other than to the window.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable McConnell at Grenville County OPP (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Sale at St. Paul's Friday, Saturday

CARDINAL ­ St. Paul's Anglican Church on John Street will hold a garage, bake and plant sale this Friday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday, Oct. 16 from 9 to 11 am in the church hall.

For more information, call Joan at 925-2418.

Traffic at travel centre up slightly in 2004

Big improvement reported as season neared an end

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

JOHNSTOWN ­ A slow start this spring was followed by a busy finish at the Ontario Travel Information Centre in Johnstown.

Total attendance at the centre on Highway 16 across from the entrance to the international bridge will be slightly higher than last year, according to Manager Sandra Robertson. The centre's 2004 season, which began in mid-May, ended Thanksgiving Monday.

Robertson estimated about 6,500 parties visited the centre during its 2004 season. The 2003 total was about 6,200.

She blamed bad weather for a slow start to the 2004 tourist season in May and June. Attendance figures began to improve as the summer progressed and got much better in September and October. "It picked up quite a bit," she said.

Although the visitor count for October had not been finalized Monday, Robertson said the number was already higher than last October's total even though the centre is open three fewer days in the month this year compared to 2003.

The manager also noted what appears to be a trend. Traditionally, the centre would receive many visits from European travellers in the spring. It now appears the foreign visitors are coming later in the season.

About one in eight visitors to the centre in September were classified as non-English; many came from France, with Germany being the second most popular originating country. The percentage of non-English visitors was much higher at the end of the 2004 season than at the beginning and midway points, Robertson noted.

Although Johnstown does not have the same traffic volume as many of the other border crossings in Ontario, it boasts personal and friendly one-on-one service. One visitor from British Columbia noted in a comment book his stop at the Johnstown centre was the "best 20 minutes I've spent in this province" and "very helpful." Robertson said the man remarked staff at tourist information centres in other communities had "shoved books at him."

Robertson also noted it appears local residents are using the centre to plan their vacations. "I think that's definitely on the increase," she said. The Johnstown centre is also receiving more telephone calls than in the past, the manager added.

Although attendance was up in 2004, the centre did not face two challenges believed to have had a negative impact on visits last summer: the SARS outbreaks and road construction on Highway 16 in front of the centre.

Robertson acknowledged year-end totals remain lower than what they were 10 to 15 years ago when the centre's operating season was shorter than it is now.

The travel centre is operated by the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation.

Jr. B Rangers drop pair of games in weekend skid

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers were brought back down to earth after dropping games to the Brockville Tikis and Gananoque Islanders on the weekend to spoil their previously undefeated record.

The Rangers started the season reeling off six consecutive wins, but the team fell Saturday night as Brockville came out hard out of the gates to deal South Grenville their first loss of the season.

Despite its first losses, the Rangers coaching staff was quick to let the players know they learned a big lesson with the loss.

"It was a good reality check for us," said Rangers coach Rod Simmons. "We got out-worked and out-hustled the first couple of periods, but regrouped and put out a solid effort in the third period. Brockville was hungry, and anything can happen on any given day. We need to learn from the loss and make sure we come out and play hard for three periods of hockey."

Rangers forward Ben Bowden added, "The first two periods we just didn't have it. We weren't making hits and were slow getting to the puck. In the third, we really woke up and made a comeback."

Bowden explained he thought the 6-0 mark to start the season might have led to the team being a little over-confident.

"It was a lesson learned," explained Bowden. "Our good third period helped us and now we're ready to get back to playing our game."

The Rangers opened up scoring against the Tikis midway through the first period as David Lun scored from a Skyler Hoar feed to take a 1-0 lead.

The Tikis would answer back six seconds later to tie the game as Josh Ladouceur would snap a wrist shot over Rangers netminder Greg Richardson's shoulder.

The Tikis would respond once more in the first to build more confidence heading into the second period.

In the second period, the Rangers couldn't catch a break dealing with a slew of penalty calls, including a pair of five-on-threes called against them. Brockville would capitalize on the calls to score three goals in the period to take a 5-1 lead.

Richardson would get the Rangers emotions running late in the period as he stopped a Tikis penalty shot.

A whole new Rangers team emerged in the third period as South Grenville won some one-on-one battles and got to the puck first to make a game of it.

Adam Tousant missed a nice scoring opportunity on a break early in the period, but would make up for it assisting on both of Hoar's third period markers. Derek Rupert also assisted on both third period goals.

After pulling their keeper with two minutes left in the game, the Rangers provided constant pressure but were unable to score to fall 5-3 to the Tikis.

On Sunday, the Rangers travelled to Gananoque and dropped a 6-3 decision to the Islanders.

Rupert, Lun and Williams scored for South Grenville, while Lun, Hoar, Mark Williams, Matt Bailey and Tousant added helpers.

South Grenville will begin its inter-league play schedule Saturday when it hosts the North Frontenac Flyers at 7:15 pm at the Cardinal and District Community Centre. The Rangers will travel to Amherstview Sunday to play the Jets at 7:15 pm.

South Grenville Giants show character
in 71-0 defeat by favoured Red Rams

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants senior boys football team showed a lot of character by not giving up in a 71-0 loss to the BCI Red Rams Friday afternoon.

"We just didn't compete today," said Giants co-coach Jason Sloan. "We had a couple good series moving the ball and our reserves came up big, like William Blair-Beveridge and Josh Newton. Also, our offensive line made some good adjustments and leads later in the game."

Giants co-coach Shaun Saunders added, "We had a number of injuries and started running out of players, but that's no excuse. After the first series and a short kick it was the start of the end for us."

Giants slotback Matt Alkerton, who proved to be the best South Grenville weapon on the day saw the game as an indicator for the team.

"It shows us what we have to work on and practice more," said Alkerton. "We had some nice pass plays and runs, but just couldn't finish them all. Hopefully, we'll now have a better idea what to expect from teams."

The Giants were hoping for a good showing heading into the game against the perennial senior football favourite Red Rams, but quickly fell behind the gun.

South Grenville's quarterback Chad Hyland battling heavy pressure from the Red Rams defence was intercepted on the Giants' first possession of the game, which BCI turned into a quick 8-0 lead on a rushing touchdown and two point conversion.

The Red Rams continued to pressure the Giants to recover an on-side kick on the ensuing kickoff to regain possession and score another touchdown to up the lead to 14-0.

BCI managed to score another rushing touchdown to take a 22-0 lead.

After making some small steps on early offensive possessions, Alkerton sparked the Giants with a nice 25-yard kickoff return to give South Grenville their best field possession of the game.

After a Giants' fumble, South Grenville defensive back Scott Baker would intercept a pass to get the ball back for the underdog Giants.

Hyland managed to start moving the chains as he ran for a series of QB keepers for first downs, and connected on short passes to Alkerton and receiver Ryan Killick to gain some momentum.

After failing to convert, BCI continued its strong play to continue to dominate play taking a 37-0 lead at the half.

Things got worse for South Grenville as halfback Jacob McGuire and quarterback Chad Hyland weren't able to take the field in the second half due to injury.

Killick, who was moved to quarterback after Hyland was injured, got things going after an early interception as he managed to connect on a 35-yard strike for South Grenville's biggest play of the game.

Alkerton would continue to be the Giants most effective weapon on offence as he rushed for ten yards, while being on the receiving end for 88 yards.

Despite the 71-0 final score, the Giants' defence had some high points to look at as first-year player William Blair-Beveridge had a strong game to make a goal line stop to postpone a Red Rams touchdown.

Josh Latocha led South Grenville with seven tackles, followed by Baker with five and Mike Langlois with four. Langlois and Baker also had interceptions in the loss.

The Giants will look to put the game behind them when they take on the Gananoque Trojans Thursday at 1 pm in Prescott.

Giants cross-country program on the mend

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants cross-country team is undergoing a resurgence with some new blood this season.

Giants coach Mark Lewis explained the team is starting to garner some interest after having only one runner two years ago and three runners last year.

"We have 12 kids on the team this year, which is like a 300 per cent increase," explained Lewis. "We have a good nucleus of younger students including five Grade 9s and five Grade 10s. It's good to see some new faces like Andrew McCaw and Riley Perrin who do track; but are out here to get strength."

The Giants started the season at the Bengal Falcon Invitational Sept. 30 in Kingston bringing home some top finishes, including a 17th place finish from Mark Wynands in the midget boys event. German exchange student Helen Brecht managed a 12th place finish in the senior girls race. Braeden Elliott finished 22nd in the junior boys race.

At the Pirates Invitational meet Oct. 6 in Brockville, the Giants had a tough day with a number of South Grenville runners putting up below-average numbers while battling the flu.

Erika Kamenz was the top Giants finisher with an eighth place finish in the junior girls race.

"She ran to eighth while coming off an injury," said Lewis. "I was impressed, but I don't think she was too pleased. It was a bad day with the weather going from warm to cold; a lot of the kids were starting to get sick."

South Grenville will travel to Belleville this Friday, Oct. 15 to compete in a meet.

The Giants will also be hosting the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association championships Oct. 29 at Memorial Park in Brockville.

Major PW Kings drop trio of games

SPENCERVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence major peewee Kings had a tough week dropping games to the Cumberland Barons, Greater Kingston Predators and Gloucester Rangers.

On Oct. 2, the Kings
travelled to Navan and dropped a 5-3 decision to the Barons. The Kings led most of the game, but Cumberland came on strong in the third to take the win.

Ryan Vincent, Shayne Morden and Josh Pitt scored for the Kings, while Jayson Harmer, Dylan Casselman and Cody Johnson added helpers. Michael Lalande had a strong game in goal.

On Oct. 3, the Kings dropped a 5-2 decision to the Greater Kingston Predators after
RSL got into some early penalty trouble.

Johnson and Jordan Moran scored for the Kings,
while Harmer added an assist. Tyler Gallinger managed to keep the game close for RSL in goal.

On Oct. 5, the Kings travelled to Gloucester and fell short in a 4-2 loss to the Rangers. The Kings were down by one goal and pressing, but the Rangers scored on the empty net to quash the comeback.

Scoring for the Kings were Derek Froats and Moran; Casselman and Casey Crooke added helpers.

Little Rocks holding family Fun Day Sunday at curling club

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Curling Club's Little Rocks kids curling program will be holding its fun day this Sunday, Oct. 17.

The fun day will run from 1-3 pm at the curling club on 439 Henry St. W.

Kids between the ages of six and 12 are eligible to participate. Every child taking part is asked to bring a clean pair of running shoes.

There is no cost to take part in the fun day.

Tournament of Kings will feature local hockey talent this weekend

BROCKVILLE - The Rideau-St. Lawrence Kings host their annual tournament Oct. 15-17 at the Brockville Memorial Centre and Youth Arena.

Minor peewee, minor bantam and major bantam teams will be competing with free admission. South Grenville is well represented on the Kings teams with six players on the minor peewee, three on the minor bantam and one on the major bantam teams.

All content is copyright 2004 The Prescott Journal. No reproduction permitted without written permission.