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MAYNARD Homeowners in Augusta Township may see an increase in their taxes in 2001, but Reeve George Vail expects this to be coupled with improved services and prosperity for the people.
In a New Year's Day message, Vail said a reassessment of industrial taxes from the provincial level, down through the counties and the municipalities, could affect residential rates.
The spin-off from industries getting a break, he said, may be new industries moving into Augusta, and retaining the ones that are here.
Downloaded services, such as the land ambulance service now being managed by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, will also contribute to increased taxes, Vail said.
He feels, however, that better service will be provided in the case of the ambulance issue being handled at the local level.
"Truly, people realize, if we want to maintain or improve services it will cost more," Vail said. "On the good side, it will be better in the long run. The money has to come from some place if responsibilities are turned over to us.
"People know its inevitable and I want people to be prepared."
The reeve does not expect amalgamation to be in the forefront this year.
"As far as Augusta is concerned, it is not an item. It has to benefit the residents of this township, otherwise I have no need for concern over it. Amalgamation is on the back burner, but we don't close the door to things."
Vail would like to see co-operation and shared services between neighbouring municipalities continue.
Road maintenance, fire, policing, equipment and personnel are areas of co-operation that can be shared, he said. "We help one another out now and I'm willing to continue. We have a good system."
Vail said he's looking forward to being Augusta's official representative on counties council, which holds its inaugural meeting Jan. 10. He has already been appointed to the St. Lawrence Lodge committee, and expects further appointments at the first meeting.
"I'm looking forward to the coming year," Vail said. "I want us to be really proactive in trying to bring business to Augusta Township and really be there for the people. I hope for a prosperous 2001 for everyone."
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE The mayor of the new municipality of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal expects hardships along the way as both the council and staff learn the ropes, but he is confident that the meshing of the township and village will be a success.
"I would think that there are going to be some rocky roads for the next three to six months," said Dave Dobbie Tuesday morning at the swearing in of the council of the amalgamated township and village. "But I'm sure the staff and the council will be able to overcome [the difficulties] and be able to mesh the two former municipalities into one.
Dobbie said this change in mind set might be the biggest challenge facing the new municipality but that he is confident it will happen.
This isn't the first time the township and the village were one. Prior to 1878 and the incorporation of the Village of Cardinal, Cardinal was part of the Township of Edwardsburgh. The incorporation severed the township's political link with the village, states the Edwardsburgh Township History, published by the Edwardsburgh Historians. However, the village continued to have close ties with the township since many township residents were employed by the Edwardsburgh Starch Company and many other village businesses the book states The two municipalities are once again sharing both economic and political ties.
In the lead-up to the amalgamation, the council-elect met with both municipal councils to discuss political issues affecting their municipalities. At the Edwardsburgh meeting, the council-elect decided to employ a committee system rather than a committee-of-the-whole format. The township has used this system for many years, Dobbie said, with a good deal of success.
Committees such as the Roads Committee will be established consisting of three councillors along with residents of the municipality. The original deadline of Dec. 29 has passed for residents to be part of committees; however, because the municipality didn't get the necessary numbers needed to fill the committees, people can still respond either by correspondence or by phone if they wish to sit on a committee.
"The committee system, in my opinion works very well," Dobbie said. "Any issues that come to the floor for a certain committee are of course diverted to that committee. And they have the opportunity to make recommendations to council, and in most cases council accepts the recommendations. This means our council meetings are more fluid."
The council will discuss the committees at its next regularly scheduled meeting, Dobbie said.
The council consists of four veterans of municipal government: Mayor Dave Dobbie, and councillors Peter Martin, Bill Sloan and Marie Thomson. The three "rookies" are Dan McDonald, Peggy Taylor and Frank Noccey, although Noccey has sat on both the former
Township of Edwardsburgh Planning Committee and the Committee of Adjustment.
Dobbie said the process of meshing Edwardsburgh and the village is going to be a learning experience for the entire council. The whole amalgamation process is new for each and every one of us," he said.
He said he expects that the staff of the newly-formed municipality will also have to learn as it goes about the day-to-day operation of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
The Transition Board, which consisted of both councils and wrapped up at the end of December, has put together the township structure, Dobbie said.
"It's not perfect," he said. "And I'm sure that the new council will modify parts of the structure that they put together..."
OTTAWA - The first baby of 2001 in this area was born in Ottawa to Tammy and Richard Grima, who reside on a large farm between Cardinal and Johnstown.
Ashton Richard Lee Grima made his debut Jan. 1 at 12:30 a.m. after almost 48 hours of labour. He weighed six pounds, three ounces.
"He's safe and sound. He's like a miracle," said new mom Tammy from her hospital room Tuesday morning, with the tiny baby gurgling close by. "He is sweet."
The couple had planned to have the baby at Ottawa Hospital following prenatal care by an obstetrician/gynecologist in that city and by Dr. Bhatt in Prescott.
The new family expected to return home Tuesday afternoon, where dad Richard manages a 32-head purebred Charolais beef cattle farm. A pony named Buddy that came as a Christmas gift also awaits its new little rider.
"It's been pretty exciting for us," Richard said, noting the family has gained wide media attention for the New Year's birth. "It'll just be nice to have them home."
While the newspaper, television and radio exposure was at times stressful and upsetting, Richard said the hospital staff were "out of this world, super people."
The Grimas own Tropical Exposure tanning studio and hair salon on King St. W. in Prescott, and Tammy also works part-time at the Royal Bank in Prescott. Right up until the birth of her son, she had been working at her mother Carol Kirkby's Village Pantry store in Spencerville.
"Tammy's a pretty active woman," her husband said. "Now she'll be able to enjoy her son and have a relaxing time hopefully.
"It's just been a whirl-wind of year for us," he said, explaining they were married in July after living together for more than seven years.
PRESCOTT The St. Lawrence Seaway continues to be a vital transportation link for industry and agriculture in North America.
The 2000 shipping season, the 42nd in the history of the seaway, ended Dec. 26 as the last ship passed through the St. Lambert Lock near Montreal. Guy Véronneau, president of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, stated in the release the 2000 season's results are similar to those of the previous year in terms of commodity movement and revenues.
Traffic on the Montreal/Lake Ontario section of the seaway totalled 36 million tonnes this past season, a decrease of 1.3 per cent from the 1999 total.
"We have maintained the healthy level of traffic typical of the last five years, despite low water levels in the Great Lakes and reduced grain shipments," Véronneau stated.
Cargo traffic on the Welland Canal totalled an estimated 37 million tonnes during the 2000 season, a decrease of 1.5 per cent from the previous year's total.
The leading commodity to pass through the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System in 2000 was steel; 4.6 million metric tonnes of it passed through the system, an increase of 18.3 per cent over last year.The volume of grain shipments decreased by 6.2 per cent in 2000. Commodities associated with the steel industry declined by approximately one per cent.
In terms of overall results, the corporation surpassed its business plan targets for the third consecutive year.
The St. Lawrence Seaway includes 15 locks and connecting channels. Maintenance of the system's infrastructure is carried out during annual winter closures.
The 2001 navigation season is scheduled to begin March 23; this would be the earliest opening date on record. The 2000 season opened March 27 and continued for 275 days.
Although the seaway is closed, the Port of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River remain open during the winter.
PRESCOTT The Prescott Police Service investigated a total of 110 general incidents between Dec. 18 and Jan. 1, but things appeared to be relatively quiet during this past holiday season.
Town police stopped an additional 720 vehicles during that period as part of the Festive RIDE campaign. No impaired driving-related charges or licence suspensions resulted from those RIDE checks.
Prescott police received a report Dec. 23 from a woman who said her client and credit cards were stolen and $1,800 had been removed from various accounts. The investigation is continuing.
Two break-ins occurred on Dec. 28 and/or Dec. 29 at Fort Town Floor Fashions and Hollywood Hits on Water St. In the latter case, a Play Station unit and 27 games with a combined value of more than $1,500 were taken. The break-ins remain under investigation by town police.
Anyone with information about these and any other offences is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
PRESCOTT A New Year's Day tradition made quite a splash again this year in Prescott.
Divers from both sides of the international border gathered at the municipal dock near Sea'N Sky Scuba to take the plunge and explore the bottom of the St. Lawrence.
The annual polar bear dive has been held for several years and continues to attract participants from throughout Ontario and elsewhere.
Derrick Clark, a year-round diver from Ottawa, made the return trip to Prescott Monday. Clark found his 35-minute dive so enjoyable he wanted to do a second dive.
"For this time of year it's mild," Clark said of the air temperature (-9°C) and relatively light winds which compare favourably to past dives.
He said there was more ice on the river at the dock area and upstream than there has been on New Year's Day in past years. The water temperature near the shore was at the freezing mark.
Clark said the dive is a challenge in terms of a diver's equipment. His colleague, Abdul Southam, said the event showed that he has to work on his diving equipment.
But Southam added he enjoyed his dive, which was his first in Prescott at this time of year. He also noted that Kevin Benish and the folks at Sea'N Sky were quite helpful and supportive. Divers were treated to a sauna and dinner.
Southam noted that divers in this stretch of the St. Lawrence have access to shipwrecks as well as various fish species and numerous objects at the bottom of the seaway.
Clark said he plans to return next year and continue to make the New Year's Day dive a tradition.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The end of an era in the Prescott area will provide some relief to youngsters in other countries.
The Odd Fellows and Rebekah lodges based in Prescott are taking much-needed medical equipment they are no longer lending to local residents and donating it to a Brockville-based group which will send it to Ukraine and Belarus for use by children.
The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs formed a cancer, polio and tuberculosis group in the mid-1930s, according to Loans Cupboard Chairman Howie Countryman. Bingos and euchre nights were held, with the proceeds going towards the purchase of crutches, wheelchairs and other items many families could not afford to obtain on their own. "We loaned it to people free of charge," Countryman noted.
But some of the equipment is showing signs of age and is no longer suitable for use locally. The lodges do not plan to replace the equipment and have opted to discontinue the equipment loan service.
Instead of throwing it away, Countryman got in touch with Karen and Steve Henderson of Brockville, who are involved in Canadian Aid for Chernobyl and the effort to assist children who live in Ukraine and Belarus in the former Soviet Union. The equipment is still of use over there, and Karen "just about flipped" when she heard how much would be donated by the lodges, Countryman said. "They need everything" over there, he added.
Five hospital beds and about 35 walkers were among the items donated by the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. There were an estimated 40 to 50 pairs of crutches and at least 10 commodes. Four pick-up truck loads were gathered Dec. 11 at the Henry St. W. hall and taken to Kriska Transportation, which has agreed to store the items and eventually ship containers to Europe.
Countryman, who with the help of assistant Robert Reid have been handling the loans cupboard for more than a decade, is asking anyone who still has borrowed equipment and is no longer using it to return it to him; the number to call is 925-4569. He estimated there may be enough items left to fill another pick-up truck.
Any additional items will be added to the shipment expected to go out sometime in February, according to Countryman.
Those items still needed by local residents do not have to be returned, he said. "If it's still in use, keep it."
PRESCOTT The holiday season appears to have been a successful one for local retailers.
Merchants contact by The Journal indicated sales were at or above those of last Christmas.
Wilf Peters reported a "very busy" season at his three stores in downtown Prescott. Peters said sales were "way ahead" of last year for just about everything satellite dishes, big-screen TVs, appliances and other big-ticket items.
Business continued to be strong throughout the holidays, according to Peters. "It was just as busy after Christmas," he said.
Angie Astleford, manager of Biba on King St. W., said business was good this holiday season and compared favourably to the previous year.
"A lot of people stayed in town to shop," she said.
Astleford added some customers made note of the fact they had gone to places like Ottawa and did not find much difference there in terms of prices.
The one disappointment came Christmas Eve a Sunday which Astleford said was a bust in terms of sales; there was no last-minute rush. She said Saturday, Dec. 23 was the biggest day of the season. The store also did well Boxing Day, she added.
Jane Burton's first holiday season as operator of The Gift Lane in downtown Prescott was a good one. She said she was not sure what to expect going into the season, but sales were better than she expected.
Burton said some customers were surprised that merchants would refer shoppers to neighbouring stores.
Although the holiday season for many retailers begins in early November, Burton noted the upswing began with the Light Up the Night parade Nov. 24. It was if someone flipped a switch and the Christmas spirit began, she remarked. The holiday season accounts for 40 per cent of The Gift Lane's total business for the year, according to Burton.
In noting she found the busy season to be tiring but fun, Burton added she continues to be impressed and overwhelmed by the people in this community who have offered their support since she took over the store last spring.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The value of working together to improve life in Prescott cannot be overlooked, according to Mayor Robert Lawn.
In a year-end interview conducted Dec. 30, the mayor outlined his objectives for the new council which is entering the second month of its three-year mandate. Instead of focusing on specific issues with which council must deal in the months ahead, Lawn talked about the ways in which he hopes the town will try to meet the needs of the community.
The mayor said that everybody has been disappointed by the economic downturn and job losses Prescott experienced in recent years. "But I think every community believes tomorrow is going to be a better day," he added.
"I'm hoping we can help to improve the outlook for our community," Lawn said. "My general feeling is people are a little bit up."
The mayor said the new council continues to familiarize itself with the issues and is not quite ready to develop the "team focus" for which he is hoping. "We are still in a 'getting to know you' phase," Lawn said.
Lawn said one of his goals is to improve communications between council and the electorate. The town has begun to advertise on a monthly basis dates and times of various council and committee meetings.
The mayor is offering to meet with individuals and groups and is hoping other council members will also try to be accessible to the public. Lawn is considering a regular event such as a mayor's breakfast as part of an effort to open those communication lines which he notes go both ways.
Co-operation involving Prescott and its immediate neighbours is something Lawn plans to work on in the months to come. "To me, that's how we are going to survive: working as a larger geographic group," the mayor said. Communities are interdependent on one another and cannot afford to operate in isolation, according to the mayor.
Lawn also noted the need for co-operation between the town and various community organizations and service clubs, as well as among council members and municipal staff.
The mayor said it may not be as easy to do as it sounds, but better communication and co-operation is a foundation on which the town should be based. Although he acknowledged there are a number of challenging issues facing council, Lawn is upbeat about the town's prospects.
PRESCOTT A Boxing Day fire that caused extensive damage to a house in Prescott has been ruled an accident.
More than 20 firefighters responded to the call that went out at about 12:30 p.m Dec. 26. Thick smoke was billowing out of a building at 357 West St.; flames destroyed much of the centre and upper level of the home.
No one was home at the time of the incident. The two adult occupants, a woman and man in their 20s, had left the house earlier that morning. Her three young children were not at home that morning.
No firefighters were injured. Air paks were used extensively because of the thick smoke inside the house.
Portions of the main level of the house were spared from major structural damage; however, smoke damage was extensive.
The fire originated in the downstairs stairwell, according to Fire Chief Bill Lawrence. Although he maintains the fire was accidental, Lawrence said he could not confirm with certainty the actual cause of the blaze.
Firefighters doused the flames and managed to get rid of most of the smoke within an hour of their arrival, but residual smoke and the threat of hot spots between walls made it important for firefighters to remain on the scene and monitor the situation throughout the afternoon and evening. Aside from a couple of hot spots that had to be doused later in the afternoon, Lawrence said there were no additional problems with respect to the state of the building.
An ambulance was dispatched to the house that evening after the woman who lives there returned and complained of chest pains, the fire chief said. The victims of the fire were able to make temporary living arrangements.
Estimates pegged damage to be in the range of $75,000. The homeowner is insured. Lawrence indicated the structure may have been left in tact, but a fair amount of rebuilding would be required. Walls would have to be replaced.
SPENCERVILLE With a healthy dose of winter weather, the third annual Spencerville and District Winter Festival should be bigger and better than its two previous editions the chairman festival committee says.
"Last year we probably had the worst winter conditions for a festival - freezing temperatures and no snow," said Larry Dempsey. "But the festival was still bigger than the [previous] year."
Dempsey said that if the wintery weather continues, he expects this year to be the best year yet for the festival, which will run from Jan. 19 to Jan. 21.
While most of the activity for the three-day festival will occur on the fair grounds in Spencerville, a number of events will be held at the Spencerville Mill, including a Christmas tree bonfire on Friday. Also on Friday, between 5 to 11 p.m., there will be musical entertainment held in the mill as well as ice skating. Christmas trees can be dropped off at the mill until Jan. 19.
On Saturday, a fundraising breakfast for the new Spencerville library will be from 9 to 11 a.m.at the Drummond Building. Then Sunday, a brunch will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., also at the Drummond Building.
Some form of entertainment will accompany both breakfasts; however, Dempsey said that times and dates are still finalized for the performances as well as other festival events.
On Saturday, a mid-distance dog sled race will be held. Dempsey expects anywhere from 15 to 40 teams will compete in the 18-mile race, which will start from the grandstand and loop around to Limerick and back. Also, there will be a lumberjack competition.
In the evening from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., there will be a dinner and dance. Tickets can be purchased at the Village Pantry or the municipal building, both in Spencerville.
On both Saturday and Sunday, throughout most of the day, there will be horse-drawn sleigh rides.
On Sunday, the South Nation River will be converted into a drag strip for snowmobile races, with drivers from Quebec, Southern Ontario and the U.S. expected to go head-to-head with local racers. The races will be held at the mill.
Also on Sunday, there will be a hockey game between the OPP and the Edwardsburgh Volunteer Fire Department and a five-kilometre Fun Race as well as a mutt sled race, which is open to all dogs 35 pounds and up.
The first Seniors' Luncheon of the new year will be held on Jan. 10 at the MERC Hall. This month's luncheon will be catered by the volunteers and the menu will include chicken pot pie, cole slaw and carrot cake. The entertainment will be provided by a quartet from the Brockville Lady Barbershoppers.
The Seniors' Luncheon is an excellent opportunity for area seniors to have an outing where they will meet neighbours and friends. The luncheon is from noon to 1:30 p.m. Call Cheryl Battams at 342-3693 to confirm your attendance.
The Augusta Public Library is looking for volunteers to help in a number of areas. The Friends of the Library need new members to be able to continue their work. The Friends volunteer at the library and help run special events such as the recent used book sale.
The Friends have held many fundraising events over the years to help purchase enhancements for the library. If you have a little extra time to give to your community consider becoming a Friend of the Augusta Public Library. Call the library at 926-2449 for more information.
The Augusta Library is also looking for young volunteers to act as helpers with its computers. The library now has five computers with Internet access for use by patrons. Student volunteers are needed to help library patrons if problems arise while they are using the computers.
Students with excellent computer skills could provide help with searches on the Internet, and could provide technical support. Students who volunteer at the library could earn hours toward the secondary school requirement for community volunteer service. Call the Augusta Public Library if you can help.
Johannes Henricus (John) Vanderspank, RR 2 Iroquois, died Dec. 10, 2000 at Winchester and District Memorial Hospital following a three-month illness. He was 72.
He was born August 10, 1928 in Schyndel, the Netherlands, the son of Johnannes Vanderspank, who died in 1983, and Johanna Van Eyndhoven, who died in 1974.
A resident at his last home for the past three years. Mr. Vanderspank had also resided in Metcalfe, Balderson and Cardinal. He had been retired as a real estate agent, farmer and merchant. Mr. Vanderspank was a member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal.
He married Rosalina (Rose) Gelissen Oct. 22, 1952 in Ottawa.
Mr. Vanderspank is survived by his sons John (Geraldine) of Ferguson Falls, and Bill of RR 2 Iroquois; daughter Rosemary (Ronald) Crawford of RR 2 Iroquois; brothers Piet (Jacqueline) of Vanier, Harry (Jet) Jos, Mies, Theo (Gonny), Chris, Toon (Ria), all of Holland; sisters Petra (Bill) Vanden Tillaart of Metcalfe, Marie, Jo (Jan) Vermeer, Riek (Hank) Simons, all of Holland; and sister-in-law Jo Vanderspank of Holland. He was a brother-in-law to Mary (Bert) Vandenberg of Stittsville.
Mr. Vanderspank was a grandfather to John Gerald, Amanda, Brandi, Jamie, Matthew and Cody Vanderspank, and Jason and Leslie Crawford. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Betty; brothers Cor and Wim, and a sister Joke Vanderspank.
Mr. Vanderspank immigrated to Canada in Feb. 1951. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and curling. He spent many years camping with his foster children. He was a foster parent to 60 children over a period of 21 years. He started out as a milkman in Ottawa, worked as a farmer in Metcalfe, then as a merchant in Balderson. From there he moved to Iroquois as a farmer and then on to Cardinal as a merchant. He was very proud of becoming a real estate agent where he remained until his retirement in 1995. He spent his retirement gardening, golfing and curling.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, Dec. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral was held Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Cardinal, with Father Bill Powell officiating. Interment was at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Cardinal.
The honourary pallbearers were Carl Gilmer, Gerald Wynands, Martin Pepers. Active pallbearers were Paul Brunet, Hans Vanderspank, Jamie Vanderspank, Ronald Crawford, Jason Crawford and Leslie Crawford.
Orville Bernard of Prescott and formerly of Spencerville, who experienced life in three centuries, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000. He was 103.
Mr. Bernard was born April 4, 1897 on a small farm in Quebec's Eastern Townships, one of eight children. He left home at the age of 12 to work on farms in the area for 50 cents per day, room and board included. In 1923 he, his wife Hester Smith, whom he married in 1921, and their five children moved to Renfrew to make a fresh start. They later had five more children.
He worked for local farmers before moving to North Gower in 1942. By 1945 the family had saved $500, enough for a down payment on their own 100-acre-farm northwest of Spencerville. The farm was later passed to Mr. Bernard's son Ronald, and is now operated by his grandson Tim Bernard.
Mr. Bernard had milked 18 cows when he was farming; today, his grandson milks 40 and their farm has expanded to 300 acres.
After retirement at the age of 65, Mr. Bernard built a bungalow and stayed on the farm for a few years after his wife died in 1978. He lived with two daughters in Kemptville before returning to the farm to live with his son until 1998, when he moved into his 70-year-old daughter Bernice MacDonald's home in Prescott.
Mr. Bernard was the loving father of Glen Smith of Kemptville, Ralph (Rene) of Renfrew, Orville Jr. (Reta) of Brockville, Ronald (Isabel) of Spencerville, Corrine Pigeon of North Gower, Viola Perrin (John) of Prescott, Bernice MacDonald of Prescott and Delta Grant (Mansel) of Cardinal.
He was the father-in-law of John Sauve of Perth and Willis Brown of Prescott. He had 40 grandchildren, 77 great grandchildren, 25 great, great grandchildren and one great, great, great grandchild.
He was predeceased by daughters Mildred Sauve and Vivian Brown, son-in-laws Horace Cryderman and Gordon Cunning and daughter-in-law Joyce Bernard.
Visitation was held at the Grant Brown Funeral Home, Purcell Chapel, Spencerville, on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral service was held in the chapel Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. Interment took place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Maitland.
Memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be gratefully acknowledged.
In a newspaper article written about Mr. Bernard when he was 102, he had credited "a combination of hard work and living a good, clean life" as the reasons for his long, healthy life. He was witness to a century full of change and was happy he was healthy heading into the next one. "I'm thankful I'm still going and still able to navigate on my own," he had said. "I worked hard all my life but didn't abuse myself. I guess that's why I've lived so long.
"We never know what the good Lord has planned for us. I'll just have to wait and see."
PRESCOTT The MacEwen Petroleum sign is now a fixture in the north end of Prescott.
The company built a new service station and convenience store at the intersection of Edward St. and Irvine St. The business opened Nov. 9 and is being run by proprietor Gail Barton.
It is not the first time a gas station has been located at that site. MacEwen purchased the property earlier this year and created "a bright new look for this Edward St. corner," Barton said.
The new MacEwen outlet is the only service station in town that now sells diesel. The business is also set up to allow customers to pay at the pump if they so desire.
Hill-Court Convenience store offers a variety of snack and grocery items and includes a coffee nook. Wide selections of video, DVD and Play Station rentals are also available.
The business employs two full-time and five part-time staff. "We're local people who have lived in the community a very long time" and who can offer friendly service, Barton said.
She also pointed out that MacEwen is a family business based in Eastern Ontario that also has outlets in Quebec and New York.
Although she indicated things are going well at the new MacEwen outlet, Barton noted there were a couple of minor glitches when the business opened. Computer problems meant that gas was being pumped more slowly than usual; a debit machine at the pumps also malfunctioned. Those problems have since been corrected.
SOUTH GRENVILLE Motorists should be prepared for changing road and weather conditions this winter, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Drivers should plan ahead by checking weather forecasts and road condition reports before they leave. The toll-free number to call for road condition information in Eastern Ontario is 1-877-401-8777. Information is also accessible on the ministry's web site: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english. If a storm is expected, drivers may want to consider delaying their start time or cancelling the trip. Motorists should give themselves extra time to get to their destination if a storm is expected or road conditions are in question.
Keeping a vehicle in good mechanical condition is advised. It is also recommended that motorists should top up the gas tank on a regular basis; they should also have in the vehicle a blanket, an extra heavy coat, high-energy food items and hot beverages.
Motorists who get stranded should try to stay calm and remain in the vehicle. The ministry also notes lighting a small candle inside the vehicle can warm the interior by as much as 4.5°C.
Windows should be kept open slightly to allow fresh air to enter the vehicle. Run the engine sparingly.
The ministry also suggests inexperienced winter drivers or those who need to brush up on their skills consider taking an advanced driver course that teaches emergency driving techniques.
New mom Tammy Grima of Prescott, just a day after the New Year's birth of her son that gained wide media attention.
When the TV show "Survivor" ended this summer, I felt a little trepidation as to whether or not I could survive without Survivor. Oh, I knew they would eventually make it off the island, and I had been preparing myself for weeks for that eventuality.
However, before I knew it, the highest-rated summer series in TV history that had actually got me to figure out how to stop the blinking 12:00 on my VCR had drifted from my mind that is, until I saw Rich, who was the summer's $1 million winner, standing their on TV in all his naked glory holding a singing-mounted bass where a fig leaf should have been for a year-end wrap up of what was of 2000. That was enough to jolt me out of a tryptophan-induced sleepiness, which may have also been enhanced by the mashed potatoes, ham, cranberries, sweet potatoes, peas, stuffing, carrots, bread and pies stuffed down along with the turkey.
But there he was, and with that my mind flashed back to how it all began: contestants hurling themselves and their supplies off the boat to signal the start of the summer's sleeper hit. Now, I can't seem to shake the new show - Survivor II: The Australian Outback, which is slated to begin Jan. 28 - out of my head. The need to know what be will is clinging to my every thought like sand to Rich's butt.
My thirst for answers lead me to the Internet and the CBS Survivor Web site. In terms of who was chosen, the Web site wasn't much help, giving me only a partial list of contestants. Apparently, a 30ish "hunky," "dreamy" Jeff Varner, graduate of the University of North Carolina and "media whorish," made the cut. Others "unofficially" are a Sherrie Crooke of Pensacola, Florida; a John Ryan of Atlanta, Georgia who works for LML, "likely" a company called Linus Media Labs, LLC; a Brent Henderson of Austin, Texas, reportedly a swimmer, Maralyn "Mad Dog" Hershey, reportedly a nickname acquired while on the Washington D. C. police force; and a Roger Bingham, a reported high school shop teacher.
Still feeling parched, I stumbled upon survivoursucks.com., which delivered me 13 names. Its list included Varner, Hershey and Bingham but not Henderson, Ryan and Cooke. As of Jan. 1, 2001, a Debb Eaton, confirmed by AP, had been added to the list.
The list reports an Alicia Calaway, a personal fitness instructor from New York, N.Y.; an Amber Brkich, a recent graduate from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania who hasn't ruled out a relationship with a fellow Survivor; a Colby Donaldson, who is in his twenties and a runner from San Angelo, Texas; a Debb Eaton, a 45-year-old widow and corrections officer from New Hampshire; an Elisabeth, no last name given, a 23-year-old recent Boston College graduate, where she captained the Eagle's softball team; a 30-year-old Jerri Manthey, who lives in Los Angeles and is pursuing an acting career; a Keith "Iron Chef" Famie of West Bloomfield, Michigan who owns restaurants in Detroit and Birmingham, Michigan, and has an affinity for exotic foods like "snake wine," which is made using seven snakes; a 38-year-old Michael Skupin of White Lake, Michigan, father of three, who is the co-founder and president of a software publishing company; Michael Olson, a student at South Dakota State University, majoring in music and a 40-year-old Tina Wesson of Knoxville, Tennessee, mother of two and a runner.
I'm feeling better that now at least I have something to cling to, and although the show's first episode is still nearly a month away, I'm secure in the knowledge that, like Christmas, Survivor II will be here and gone, for some perhaps gone not fast enough, before we know it.
We received the glad tidings during the festive season when our adopted grand daughter, Miss Luci, told us the good news that she was in the family way, with the blessed event to be near Valentine's Day.
Miss Luci's splashy wedding was missed in this column last year, over-shadowed by the plans for our own gala, coming out party as an official senior curmudgeon, but in terms of doggie nuptials, Miss Luci's was something to bark at, a real bow-vow!
The reason we pledged part of our first pension cheque to Luci's wedding was that she is a Yorkshire Terrier, the same heritage as our Dad, the late Jack Morris, who was a native of Bridlington, East Yorkshire, where the Yorkies there drop their growls when they bark, much like the Yorkie humans who drop their vowels when they talk.
Anyway, we missed Jack's wedding, so we vowed that if ever we got a chance we would be part of the next Yorkshire wedding in our family.
To tell the truth, we had our doubts about Luci's wedding last summer to that smooth-barking, slick little Yorkie named Suede, whose lineage is supposed to go all the way back to the Grand Old Duke of York in the capital of all of Yorkshire and home of city slickers known to curl their upper lips at those Yorkies of lesser lineage who hail from the East coast.
The main problem, we thought, of this Luci-Suede betrothal, was that it was an arranged marriage, and not only that, it would be a mixed marriage. Luci was raised an Anglican, her ancestors being Church of England adherants, while Suede was raised as an agnostic by fur-trading forebearers, and had only recently been converted to catholicism by his adoptive parents.
Our minds were put at ease at the brief wedding service where there were no traces of religious dogma evident from either sponsoring family.
The service and reception were held at the Klitbo Canine Arms Resort up near North Augusta, with an extended honeymoon at North Augusta's well-known Jendan Poochie Suites and Spa.
Miss Luci chose for the service a knee-length ensemble of silver, black and tan fur. Her long, tan hair was gathered into a pony tail, set at a jaunty angle over her dark brown eyes by a diamond brooch, a gift from the groom. Her long, luxurious eyebrows (similar to those of great, great grandfather Jack's) were combed carefully over her face, forming an exquisite, blonde veil. Her delicate tan ankles and calves were groomed carefully to accentuate her knee-length silken coat of fur.
The groom was dressed in a short, silver fur ensemble, with his black bow tie matching the black clasp that held his top knot in place. This was a gift from the bride.
For the ceremony The Kennel was decorated with small fire hydrants and miniature trees and bouquets of dogwood. The bride and groom came down the aisle on matching leashes, held by their adoptive grandmothers, to the strains of "If You Knew Luci" and then swept joyously down the aisle after signing the CKC registration ledger, to the traditonal canine chorus of "Who let the dogs out!"
The wedding banquet at the Klitbo Arms was prepared and served by Martha Berries' Canine and Feline Catering Service. The sit-up dinner started with small bowls of Euchanuba pellets soaked in beef gravy, followed by paté of squirrel garnished with Iams dry kibble. The main course was ground beef mixed with mashed potatoes and carrots, served with Yorkshire Pudding and prepared exclusively for this event. Ms. Berries said the gourmet entrée was called Border Collie Pie, and was similar to what British Shepherds are served on the Yorkshire Moors.
The many toasts were responded to from generous bowls of Genuine Cold Retriever.
Miss Luci is resting quietly at home under the care of Nana Beth and says that in view of the fact that she has ballooned from five up to six-and-a-half pounds, she will not be appearing again in public until she has regained her puppy figure.
CARDINAL Businesses and community members are helping to ensure elementary school children continue to receive enriched and diverse learning, despite cutbacks to education.
The staff and the parent community advisory council of Benson Public School in Cardinal are in their second successful year of a business and community partnership program. The project sees local groups sponsor a classroom to provide students with extra learning resources not available through the Ministry of Education.
The focus of the program is to develop quality learning opportunities for the students, which challenge and promote intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth. The program strengthens the partnership of the school community with the professional and business community as it enhances the concept of Benson as a community school and assists in the development of resources in the classroom.
Cardinal businesses, organizations and one local family recently donated more than $1,650 to provide such classroom items as new dictionaries, puzzles of Canada and the world, science resource texts, building blocks and music posters. One classroom developed a homework kit with its donation that promoted one-on-one reading in the home.
While the support is a boon to the classrooms, project co-ordinator and a parent of children at Benson, Donna Patrick is angry the school has had to turn to outside help to provide education. The advisory council is composed of parents, teachers, administration and community member Lynn Barkley.
"The government has taken so much out of the education system, we're trying to put a little bit back in, and we're very thankful," Patrick said.
"I hate what's happening. It's just not fair. These children need more.
"I think the cutbacks are very unfair to our children and to the teachers, to the administration and staff, to everyone involved in a school," Patrick said. "We're trying to continue on giving our children the kind of education we (as parents) had. But yet, they had the funds to provide all of the textbooks or computer programs.
"It's very, very difficult on the budget that's been given to continue to provide the necessary elements for their education.
"I get very angry that I have to do this. But I want to do this because it's for my children, everyone's children, because every child benefits from anything extra."
One teacher at Benson who did not wish to be identified commented that it is these visual aids that "really enrich the students' learning. We are so grateful as teachers to our sponsors. They're just wonderful people in our community willing to help."
Benson Public School modelled its business partnership program after South Branch Elementary School in Kemptville, which started its own sponsorship about three years ago.
A representative of the CASCO union Local 483 which sponsored a classroom at Benson stated in a letter, "We believe this is a wonderful program and we are proud to have our name affiliated with it. This community needs voluntary people like you to step forward and help, since the provincial government has decided to take a step back and watch."
"That is why we have gone to the community and asked for a financial contribution," Patrick said, commenting on the letter.
Other sponsors at Benson include GT Automotive, the Cardinal Legion, 730 Truck Stop and the Road Ranger Restaurant, Schrader Auto Care, Dundas Bus Lines, the Cardinal Lions Club, the Islander Hotel, St. Lawrence Medical Centre and the Kempffer family.
The Benson teacher commented that part of the problem to providing adequate resources for the classrooms stemmed from the government alotting funding to schools before curriculums had been developed for the school year. This lump sum payment also had to be spent within a limited and short time span. The teacher felt it would have been better for the money to be staggered.
"It was like going around Toys R Us throwing toys into a cart without thinking about it," Patrick said. "It was like making a cake without a recipe. The teachers had to buy everything they thought they were going to need without having the curriculum or the guidelines."
The business/community partnership program has allowed "the extra resources needed that enrich our children's learning and give them more diverse learning," the teacher said.
"We've been able to afford things that we never had before. The more you can do that, the better they're going to learn."
"It's very little money when you're dividing it per student, yet what the teachers can buy enhances the learning so much," Patrick said. "That's important."
Mary Walsh, manager of the Islander Hotel in Cardinal which donated to the project, said it is vital businesses have community spirit and become involved in supporting the community.
"Everybody understands how the government is cutting back," she said. "We can't complain without trying to do something."
JOHNSTOWN South Edwardsburg Public School in Johnstown formed its first business association recently with Total Stationery, located in Cardinal.
The school's Grade 4 and 5 students were asked by store owner Tracy Kavanaugh to prepare and then sing a commercial jingle, which is airing on Q102.9 FM, said school council member Kim Lasenba.
Total Stationary, in return, donated two new colour Canon Bubble Jet printers to the school.
"It was a thrill for the kids to hear themselves on radio," said Lasenba. The printers will be a great benefit to all the students, and especially to the Grade 5/6 and 7/8 classes, she said.
Lasenba also noted the importance of supporting local businesses for school purchases.
The partnership with SEPS evolved through Kavanaugh's desire to help local children and schools, she said. "I know schools don't have a lot of money."
CARDINAL The R.C.S.C.C. 338 Defiant of Cardinal now has its own identity with the approval of its official crest.
After a year in the planning, designing and approval stages, the National Navy League of Canada has given its assent to the Sea Cadets for the use of a crest design conceived by L.C. Nikki Stewart.
All the local cadets submitted designs which were voted on by the members themselves.
Stewart's winning entry incorporates a bright yellow rope border enclosing a lighthouse and waves.
The crest will be used on cadet uniforms and the corps flag.
Carol Coughler, president of the Cardinal branch of the Navy League, which acts as a sponsor and fundraiser for the cadets, said the adoption of the crest gives the group an identity.
The cadets held their Christmas spaghetti and lasagna supper Dec. 19, with gifts donated by businesses from Cardinal, Prescott, Iroquois and Morrisburg.
Debbie Mustard has been appointed the new treasurer for the Navy League, taking over duties in December.
The sea cadets meet weekly at the Cardinal and District Resource Centre, participating in such activities as navy operating methods, sailing procedures, knot work, marine navigation, drill, citizenship, leadership, physical fitness and respect.
The group became a full-fledged commissioned corps on Oct. 3, 1999. The program is open to all youth age 12 to 18.
CARDINAL T'is the season to be jolly for the South Grenville Jr. 'B' Rangers, a team that has been struggling all season long in the Eastern Ontario Jr. 'B' Hockey League, after the Rangers bagged two wins in the last three games.
The Rangers, who only have 4 wins during the regular season, started things off Dec. 23 by beating the Brockville Tikis, which sit in second place in the Rideau Division of the EOJBHL. The Rangers 3-2 win came down to a shoot out. The Rangers were to face the Gananoque Islanders on Dec. 27 but the game was cancelled. After the week layoff, the Rangers faced the Tikis in a re-match Dec. 29 in Brockville. But this time, it was the Tikis that would take the win, beating the Rangers 5-2. The next day in Cardinal, the Rangers bounced back, edging out the Gananoque Islanders 3-2.
Rangers' General Manager Tom Hare said his team has been playing some strong hockey over the last month. The team has been able to take eight of a possible 12 points during the team's last six games.
Hare stated that credit also should go to the coaching staff.
"The coaches deserve a lot of credit for the way in which they have handled the team," he stated. "The coaches [which include Head Coach George Willard, assistant coaches Anthony Gilmer and Glenn Libby and Trainer Bill Lawrence] have continued to work hard with the boys during practices and have maintained a positive attitude in the dressing room."
He said in spite of the team's record, which is 4-22-2, the team has played, for the most, with a lot of enthusiasm, discipline and have kept a high level of team spirit. He added that this is a reflection of the character of the coaches and the players we have.
With the absence of second goalie, Mick Wells, who was in California for Christmas, the net-minding duties have fallen on the shoulders of Alex Last.
"Alex has carried the load and has played excellent in goal, having played three games in a row and winning two of three," Hare stated.
Hare said that in entire team has been playing solid defence, giving up only seven goals in the four recent wins.
In the first win against Brockville, the Rangers scored both of their goals in the first period. Tom McCrea scored at 7:06 unassisted, and with 14 seconds left in the period, Andrew Hare scored. Andrew Hare also scored the game winner in the shoot out.
In the loss against Brockville, Assistant Coach Anthony Gilmer said the long layoff hurt the team, which never really got into the game. In a penalty-filled game, the Rangers scored two back-to-back goals in the third period, sparking the team and closing the gap to 4-2. Zack Brown scored at 13:40 unassisted, and at 12:07, Jason Denio scored, assisted by Andrew Hare and Lucas Spencer.
The Tikis scored at 9:21 in the third. It was Hugh Hammond's third goal of the game, which gave the Tikis the 5-2 win.
Gilmer said the high number of penalties by both teams broke the flow for his team, which he said performs best with five-on-five hockey. In the loss to Brockville on Dec. 29, Andrew Hare was selected as the team's MVP. In the game against the Islanders, the Rangers' Shawn Coville scored first at 14:37. His goal was unassisted. The Islanders answered at 8:11 in the first. Charles Taylor scored, assisted by number 72 and number 22.
In the second period, at 5:01 Phil Benes scored, assisted by Tyler Rasa and Alex Last. Then at 3:23, Ryan Mahe scored unassisted. The Islanders scored at 14:39 in the third to narrow the gap, but the Rangers held on for the win.
The Purcell Insurance Atom 'C' Rangers played in back-to-back tournaments over the Christmas holidays.
On Dec. 28 the Rangers participated in the South Stormont Atom 'C' Tourney. The Rangers were blanked in the opening game by Kemptville 4-0; however, the team regrouped and beat Kingston 2-1, and South Stormont 4-3 to capture the B Championship.
On Dec. 29 the Rangers participated in the Athens Atom 'C' Tourney and went undefeated to capture their second B Championship.
The Rangers defeated Kingston 3-0, tied Smiths Falls 0-0, and defeated Gananoque 2-0. Kurtis Merkley recorded three shutouts. Goals and assists were recorded by Zach Stitt 4 goals, 1 assist, Ryan Joudoin and Chris Noonan 1 goal, 3 assists each, Jordan Grootjans 2 goals, 1 assist, Jamie McFarlane 1 goal, 2 assists, Jacob Temple 1 goal, 1 assist, Adam Patrick and Chris Bryden 2 assists each, Mark Wynands 1 goal, Marc Paquette and Kyle Lavery 1 assist each.
The South Grenville Atom house Team 1 and Team 2 met for yet another exciting game.
Each time these teams meet you can be sure of a close hockey game. The first period saw both teams skating hard, with Team 1 out shooting Team 2. But strong goaltending from Jacob Casselman helped Team 2 hold off the opposition. In the second period, Team 1 took advantage of a shortened bench on the part of Team 1, as the flu bug kept big centre Joe Murray off the ice, and Josh Newton missed several minutes due to a rib-crunching check along the boards. They were able to score three times on goals from Travis Stephenson, Mike Campbell and Jordan Daw. Assists went to Denis Heldens, Campbell and Jonathan Arcan.
Back for the third period, Josh Newton got the best kind of revenge as he picked up the loose puck in the neutral zone, side stepped the defence, stepped over the blue line and took a long hard shot that bounced over Team 1 goaltender Trent Blanchette's shoulder. Brad Selleck took advantage of a bad penalty for Team 1 and rushed from his own end to bring the score to within one. With renewed energy Team 2 was hoping to tie the game when the game clock sounded giving Team 1 the 3-2 win in the Saturday, Nov. 18 game.
The SG Atom house Team 2 hosted a big and quick hockey club from Massena, New York for an exhibition game at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Massena wasted no time in catching the Rangers off guard with their speed and passing ability to score three quick goals in the first five minutes.
The Rangers were able to recover and with solid goaltending by Jacob Casselman the team was able to shut the door on the American squad. The Rangers never gave up and were able to close the gap. Hank Heykoop made a sharp pass to Michael Marchand who scored his first of the season, driving the puck past the goaltender from the open corner. New defenceman Connor Cleary also scored his first goal of the season with a long low shot from the point. The Massena team scored once again on a power play late in the third period to go home with the 4-2 win.On Tuesday, Team 2 made its first trip through the snow to meet Morrisburg at the Cardinal Community Centre. Centre Joe Murray made a fast impact scoring in the first minute with a hard backhand shot into the top corner of the Lions' net on a pass from Hank Heykoop. Heykoop scored unassisted and assisting on three others. The line of Murray, Heykoop and Ryan Gilligan combined for 12 points with each of them scoring twice. Luke Casselman tied up the opposition in front of their net. Rangers' goalie Jacob Casselman lost his shut out bid with four minutes left with Lions' Adam Bogle scoring. The final score was 6-1 for the Rangers.
SMITHS FALLS The South Grenville Rangers Peewee 'B' team travelled to Smiths Falls last week to compete in the 21st annual Hershey Tournament. The Rangers were successful in winning their pool and advancing to the semi-finals.
The Rangers met the Smiths Falls Bears on Thursday and defeated the Bears in a close 43 victory. The Bears outshot the Rangers by 23 shots; however, Rangers' goalie Ryan Wynands kept the Bears at bay. Kirk Donovan scored two goals for the Rangers, with singles going to Josh Rupert and Kurtis Summers.
Second game action saw the Rangers beat the Cobden Muskrat Voyageurs 32 in another close game.
The Rangers came out hot, scoring all their goals in the first period. The Muskrats scored goals in the second and third period. Josh Rupert of the Rangers scored twice; Nathan Smail added the single.
In final round-robin action the Rangers met the Perth Blue Wings. The Rangers quickly got on the scoreboard in the first period with goals by Nick Amoyette and Kirk Donovan. Jon Baldwin and Eric Selleck added singles in the second period to take a 40 lead. The Blue Wings scored with 2:09 left in the third period to give the Rangers a 41 victory.
The Rangers met the Brockville Canadian Tire Warriors in semi-final action on Saturday. The Warriors opened the scoring in the first period, but Josh Rupert tied the game with 1:33 left in the period.
Second period action saw Brockville score the sole goal to take the lead. Kurtis Summers of the Rangers opened the scoring in the third period to tie the game. Brockville quickly followed suit with two goals 36 seconds apart. The Rangers answered the call with goals from Shane McNeely and Kurtis Summers to tie the game again. The Warriors scored with 3:18 left in the third period. The Rangers pulled their goalie in the last minute and a half of the game and pressured the Warriors; however, South Grenville lost the well-fought battle 54.
The evenly matched game saw each team with 30 shots on the opposing net. Goalie Luke Beckstead was between the pipes for the Rangers.
Rangers travel to Brockville this Friday in tournament action against the Kingston Township Titans at 4 p.m. at the Youth Arena.
NOVA SCOTIA Team Ontario, competing in an international hockey tournament has one win and two ties in round-robin play.
Adam Gibson, 16, of Maynard, who is in his first year with North Bay Centennials of the Ontario Hockey League, is playing defence for the Team Ontario's Under 17 squad. In both exhibition and round-robin play, Gibson has one goal and four assists.
Team Ontario beat Finland 5-1 in exhibtion play on Dec. 27. Gibson picked up a goal and an assist.
In round-robin play on Dec. 28, Team Ontario beat Germany 3-1. Gibson earned two assists. The following day, Team Ontario played Team Pacific, which is comprised of players west of Ontario, to a 1-1 tie. Gibson had one assist. On Dec. 30, Team Ontario played the Czech Republic to a 3-3 tie.
On Jan. 2, Team Ontario took on Team Alantic. The score was not available at press time.
Team Ontario has three games left in round-robin play. The tournament wraps up Jan. 4.