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Prescott Journal is published weekly by St. Lawrence Printing Co. Ltd., 231 King Street West, Prescott, Ontario, K0E 1T0, (613) 925-4265 - fax (613) 925-3472, e-mail journal@stlawrenceprinting.on.ca |
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By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Reading and writing skills could be improved, say chairs of local school boards after Grade 10 test results show more than 30 per cent of students did not make the grade on the province-wide literacy test.
In the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB), 64 per cent of students who took the reading and writing tests passed, while Catholic board students fared slightly better with 69 per cent passing the test. Both boards were about on par with the provincial average.
However, both chairs caution that test results may be lower because the procedure was flawed.
"This test for Grade 10 students didn't count," says UCDSB chair Joan Hodge said. "But from now on, next year, the students will only get their high school certificate if they do pass the test. Whether or not this had an effect, I don't know. I was told and I heard ... that [students] didn't take the test seriously."
Despite this, Hodge says, these weren't the results the board wanted. She said the board would have liked to have had better results.
Hodge says once the individual school results are released by the province, the board and teachers will have a better idea where improvements need to be made.
Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario Chair Nancy Kirkby says next year she expects the results - not only in her board but across the province - will be higher once passing the test becomes necessary in order for students to receive their high school certificate.
Kirkby was also critical of the way the test was evaluated. Although the test was part of the province's pilot project on Grade 10 testing, Kirkby says the evaluation process wasn't decided upon after the test was written by students.
"Usually these decisions are made before, not decided upon after, the test has been taken," she says.
Also, Kirkby says the test was based on the new curriculum, which these students hadn't been fully instructed on by their teachers.
Hodge says there needs to be a greater openness between the province and the board if improvements are to be made for next year.
There is a degree of secrecy surrounding the test, which includes not knowing what the province considers a passing grade on the tests, says Hodge.
The public board chair says she doesn't know if there will be this "secrecy" surrounding the testing in the future, but adds that everyone involved would benefit if the process were more open.
Joan Hodge
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - Town officials have been advised waterfront property owned by Parks Canada will not be made available for commercial or residential development.
Pam Buell, superintendent of the Fort Wellington National Historic Site, told a planning and development committee meeting Monday the idea of developing federal crown land in the east end of Prescott is "a non-starter."
The committee was making general enquiries about the status of the Parks Canada property to the south of the fort grounds. The town already owns a small portion of the so-called open space area to the west of the small parking lot on the south side of County Road 2.
Councillor and committee chair Garry Dewar said the committee did not have a specific project or prospective client in mind. But Dewar noted Prescott does not have many development options, and the waterfront area has a huge potential in terms of attracting new residents and expanding the municipal tax base.
Buell pointed out the land to the south of Fort Wellington is being kept open as part of an ongoing effort to retain site lines and the "commemorative integrity" of the military establishment. She told the committee she wanted to be upfront and honest in her response to any questions about developing the property.
"It would not be fair to let people assume it's available... and it's not," Buell said.
"You may not agree with it, but that's the position Parks Canada takes."
Buell cited the proposed relocation of the cenotaph to the fort grounds, and the Millennium Pathway, as examples of projects in keeping with the "vision" of the property. Both projects enhance the integrity of the fort area, according to Buell.
Proposals made in the past were rejected by Parks Canada because they detracted from the site, she added. Dewar noted the land owned by Parks Canada is one of the only areas left for development in town. Moving north would be difficult given the swampy terrain, the councillor said.
Dewar also reported officials in Augusta township did not respond favourably during recent discussions about developing the area to the west of Sophia Street near the rail line.
"We're in a crunch," he said. "We can't expand."
Some committee members had considered asking Eastern Engineering to develop a concept plan for a residential development for the waterfornt area in question. The item was dropped from the committee agenda following Buell's appearance.
Dewar said after the meeting he was not surprised by her response. The councillor added he does not believe there is any interest to pursue the matter further at this time; council has more pressing matters to address, according to Dewar. He indicated the town would be interested in discussing development-related matters with officials from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Prescott's neighbour to the east.
In response to a suggestion Prescott residents are paying a high price for keeping the waterfront property open, Buell said the town is getting a return from the fort in terms of thousands of visitors each year and jobs.
Councillor Terry McConnell voiced concerns about the condition of the shoreline and the dock area. Buell said the area is part of the local heritage and some people think the area is beautiful.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD - It was a standing-room-only crowd on hand Monday night at Augusta council to show support for a township employee who was asked by his supervisor to not return to work.
Former township councillor Don Biccum approached council regarding a personnel issue pertaining to roads employee Richard Stephenson.
Stephenson, who attended the meeting, indicated he was in agreement with Biccum acting on his behalf with council and the media.
Biccum was repeatedly urged by Reeve George Vail and Councillor Jane Fullarton to remain silent on the issue in the public meeting, noting council must hear personnel matters in an in-camera session.
The move to adjourn to closed session was made "for the protection of Mr. Stephenson," Vail said.
At least two members of the audience protested a private meeting, and as the delegation left the council chambers, one man shouted: "Richard, be careful."
Another supporter in the audience said: "We're trying to get his job back."
While council met in-camera, Biccum told The Journal Stephenson is a 13-year employee of the township who had been "advised to go home" about two weeks ago by Roads Superintendent Keith Couture.
The apparent dismissal was in regards to a dispute over working conditions at the township garage, Biccum said. Stephenson had also been requested by the superintendent to hand in his pager and keys.
Stephenson was later asked to report back to work by a member of council, but was again told to return home by the superintendent, Biccum explained. The supervisor had maintained Stephenson quit on both occasions, Biccum said.
Biccum said council was receptive and polite and agreed to give the matter more thought during his presentation in the closed session.
The purpose of the meeting was to ensure council had full information on the matter and obtain some closure for Stephenson, Biccum explained.
It is hoped the issue can be resolved "in house," Biccum said, without involving legal action.
Biccum, who was a township councillor from 1988 to 1997, said Stephenson had been a skilled and honourable employee who "never had a letter of reprimand in the history of his work. He is a well-respected young man."
This past weekend, Biccum said he had received 45 phone calls in support of Stephenson, whom he noted is "a good friend through council and the community."
Both Stephenson and Couture said they preferred not to comment on the issue. Vail was unavailable for comment by press time.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD Augusta Township councillors have been asked once again to take the bite out a of bylaw that calls for high licence fees on dogs that have been designated aggressive.
North Augusta resident Mark Baker looked for council's consideration at Monday night's meeting to lower fees for aggressive dogs.
Just one month ago at a council meeting, Maitland resident Stella Smith-Johnston petitioned council to have the aggressive animal designation removed from her pet dog.
Baker admitted at the meeting his lab-mix dog had bitten a child about a year ago, and the owner said he was sorry for what had happened. However, he noted the child had wandered into his home and was teasing the dog, named Sam. Since the incident, the same child has been in the home numerous times with no problems or provocation, he said. The child's skin was not broken in the incident, Baker said.
The ruling designating aggressive dogs is too black and white and there needs to be more consideration of the facts, Baker told council.
"I would never encourage or condone any animal's behaviour of that nature," Baker said. "I respect the safety and well-being of my neighbours and general public and I am willing to co-operate to ensure the future safety of our neighbourhood."
Baker questioned why the definition of an aggressive dog would cover both provoked and unprovoked bites. "I find, based on my own experience with animals, that any dog would bite if teased enough," he said. "By that definition we are all harbouring an aggressive animal and all should be subject to the same fines and levees."
Once a dog has been branded aggressive in Augusta Township, its owner is subject to pay a yearly licence fee of $125 rather than the standard $10 fee.
Baker noted he will be constructing a safe runway for the dog in which to play, and "the property will be fully fenced in for everyone's protection."
Liability and accountability to the person harmed by a dog should be sufficient "punishment" for a dog owner, Baker said.
He is already incurring financial hardship because of the fencing, he said, and the high fee would be a difficult burden to handle. "I don't feel it's just."
Bylaw enforcement Greg Trizisky said at the meeting Baker's dog had been quarantined by the health unit at the time of the attack because it had been in a fight with a rabid raccoon.
Reeve George Vail said council would abide by Trizisky's decision to label the dog aggressive.
MAYNARD Representatives of the North Augusta recreation and education committee are concerned with having to pay liability insurance premiums because the group is incorporated.
Jeff Grant, a member of the board of directors for the recreation association, told Augusta council Monday night the group was recently informed it would no longer be sheltered under the township's umbrella in terms of liability insurance.
The association is requesting council dissolve the corporation. Grant noted 10 per cent of the community-raised funds must be allocated for insurance, a cost once carried by the township when the group was not incorporated.
At one time, recreation associations in the township had been encouraged by council to become incorporated to benefit from provincial grants. However, Councillor Jane Fullarton indicated council was not aware of the liability issue when incorporation took place.
The North Augusta committee generates about $500 per month in Nevada ticket sales, Grant noted.
Before council would agree to dissolving the corporation, both councillors Jane Fullarton and Kathleen Thur strongly urged Grant to obtain more information.
Dissolving the corporation could mean the association would lose all licences to do any further fundraising, the councillors stressed.
"I don't want to you come back and regret this," Thur said. "Think about it in a global way."
"I'd hate to see us undo this and then lose all possibility of doing bingos or fundraising in the future," Fullarton said. She noted there are "excellent opportunities" to get funding from the government if a recreation association is incorporated.
Clerk Nigel White was instructed by council to obtain more information on whether the group could continue with its Nevada sales or other fundraising ventures if the corporation was dissolved.
"Before you take the steps, just make sure," Reeve George Vail said.
PRESCOTT Town council has officially endorsed a plan to relocate the cenotaph to the grounds of Fort Wellington.
The Millennium Committee of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 has been looking into the possibility of moving the World War II cenotaph from its present location beside the library and town hall on Dibble Street. Parks Canada has consented to having the cenotaph placed just to the south of the parking lot at Fort Wellington.
Prescott council was asked last month to give its consent to the proposed move. Council voted March 6 in favour of a motion to relocate the cenotaph.
With council's written consent in hand, Legion officials are hoping to obtain government funding to assist with the costs of moving the cenotaph. The goal is to complete the move in time to conduct a rededication on the July 1 weekend. Plans for the site include flagpoles, trees and some landscaping.
The Legion is also proposing to relocate the World War I memorial from its Centennial Park location to the Legion property on Henry Street. This proposal was not included in the town council motion.
"We haven't come to grips with that yet," said Mayor Robert Lawn, who added there does not seem to be the same urgency as in the case of the proposed cenotaph relocation.
Legion officials believe the memorial's existing location does not provide sufficient year-round public exposure.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The local air cadet squadron and Prescott Youth for Life want to be included in a renovated municipal building.
Representatives of the two groups made their pitches to Prescott council at its March 6 meeting. Although renovations to the Dibble Street facility are expected to begin this spring, plans have yet to be finalized.
The squadron has been housed at town hall for 40 years. Air cadets use most of the third floor of the building for a variety of uses, including classes, training, administration and storage.
Prescott Youth for Life has been using a portion of the ground floor as a drop-in centre for the past decade, although a boiler breakdown and a lack of heat in portions of the building forced the drop-in centre to be relocated for the winter months.
Steve Madden, sponsoring committee chair of 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Squadron, said not being able to return to the third floor would "negatively impact in a huge way" and could be the "death knell" of the squadron.
Fifty-nine young adults were enrolled in the squadron in February. Among the goals of the air cadets program is to develop leadership and good citizenship and to promote physical fitness. Council members received copies of monthly reports outlining air cadet activities. Madden said as he was putting together information to give to council he "...was amazed at how much the squadron does."
Madden said the squadron considers the municipal building to be its home. He asked council's permission for the squadron to return to the third floor once renovations are completed this fall; the group is already making plans to store or move some of its belongings out of town hall on a temporary basis.
Board member Robin Demeule said the support of town council is crucial to Youth for Life, a group formed in 1990 to provide a drop-in centre and activities for young people between the ages of eight and 18. The town has been providing rent-free accommodation and an annual grant of $3,000.
Both groups have been hurt by the loss of access to the gymnasium at the municipal building.
Even if the squadron were to retain access to the third floor, it would still require access to a gymnasium like the one at the high school.
"If we did lose South Grenville, we'd be in serious trouble," Madden said.
Although she indicated the room at the group's current King St. location lends itself better to a drop-in centre, Demeule said it is not the best location. Ten to 15 youths make use of the drop-in centre (open four weeknights a week) on a regular basis; the number could run between 20 to 25 on certain nights, according to Demeule.
One of the group's concerns is that continued funding by the United Way of Leeds and Grenville might be at risk if the drop-in centre does not return to town hall.
Madden noted the squadron is looking into other locations which meet some or all of the air cadets' needs. One option being pursued is the basement of the federal building on Centre Street; Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan has been enlisted to assist with the effort to get access to that facility, Madden noted. It was revealed earlier this week the federal government has declared the building surplus and is seeking a buyer.
However, he reiterated the squadron's desire to retain use of the municipal building.
Mayor Robert Lawn indicated council would take into account the group's requests.
"You pose another challenge to us," he told the Youth for Like delegation. "We are doing our best to come to grips with this."
Madden gave four council members a tour of the third floor after the meeting.
Plans for the renovated building and a tender to complete the project are expected to be in place by mid-April. Town officials plan to move administrative offices to a leased facility in early May.
PRESCOTT Town officials have yet to decide what the renovated municipal building will look like or how much it will cost, but they have set an official moving date.
May 7 is the day town offices are to be relocated to their temporary home at the former bank building at the corner of Edward Street and Churchill Road.
Council has reviewed preliminary drawings of the Dibble Street municipal building. Two sets of drawings are to be completed and put to tender in time for a council decision by mid-April. One set will include an expanded library to which council has yet to commit; it is seeking provincial infrastructure funding for the library project.
A preliminary drawing discussed at a finance and corporate services meeting Monday shows a large additional stack area to the right of the existing library area. The area which is now home to stacks of books would be replaced in an expanded library by a work area. The children's area would be similar to the one already in place at the front of the building.
A preliminary drawing also shows the reallocation of offices and meeting rooms on the second floor of the municipal building.
One of many items to be discussed by council is whether two users of the existing facility, the air cadet squadron and Prescott Youth for Life, will be able to return to the third and first floors respectively once the project is completed later this fall. Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead noted at a committee meeting Monday council must set aside time to consider the requests from both groups to stay. Councillor Garry Dewar added council needs to also consider other potential users and uses of the facility.
The preliminary drawings do not include allocating space specifically for use by the air cadets or youth for life.
Finalized drawings are expected to be ready for council's consideration at its April 2 meeting. Town Clerk/CAO Andrew Brown said work on layout and design of the building is about two weeks behind schedule. However, he added the tendering process should remain on track for April.
KINGSTON February marked another increase in Employment Insurance claims in Leeds and Grenville, according to information released this week by the Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) office in Kingston.
A marginal increase in active claims was reported by the Prescott HRDC office. There were 1,119 persons receiving EI benefits in the Prescott area at the end of last month, 20 more than at the end of January.
However, Gananoque and Brockville offices reported increases of 45 and 23 per cent respectively compared to EI claim totals at the end of January. The average monthly increase in the Kingston-Pembroke HRDC area was 9.2 per cent.
The increase in EI benefit claims was reflected in the regional unemployment rate. The rate rose from 6.5 per cent in January to 7.4 per cent in February. Fewer people worked in manufacturing and transportation sectors, according to the release. As was the case in the previous month, there was an increase in those working in educational services.
The regional unemployment rate in February 2000 was 7.3 per cent.
PRESCOTT - Municipal leaders are hoping a Ministry of the Environment (MOE) report on the town's sewage treatment plant will help convince the province to fund a replacement facility.
A ministry compliance report issued about three weeks ago and based on a recent inspection identified deficiencies at the 30-year-old plant which must be addressed. Although the municipality has been meeting the standard for primary sewage treatment, changes are needed to be made.
The town was given 60 days to submit an action plan to the ministry.
Although it is the first time certain problems or potential problems were noted in writing, town officials indicated they were not surprised by the findings.
It was noted the recent inspection was the first since the province handed over the facility to the town. Some town officials alluded to the fact certain requirements were not in place when the province built and ran the plant. The plant is operated by Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA).
Councillor Terry McConnell, chairman of the transportation and environmental services committee, indicated OCWA has an acceptable monitoring program in place.
The town submitted a funding application to the province for a new plant. About two-thirds of the estimated $15-million price tag would be covered by the province; the town would be on the hook for the rest but would recoup its expenditures from users of the facility.
Municipal leaders are awaiting word on whether the town's funding application has been approved; a decision is expected shortly. Council approved a motion calling for a copy of the MOE report be sent to the SuperBuild program and Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
"This is another step hopefully along the road," Mayor Robert Lawn said.
PRESCOTT - The federal building in downtown Prescott has been declared surplus.
The town was made aware of the move in a Feb. 19 letter sent by an official with Public Works and Government Services Canada. The property at the corner of Centre and Henry streets includes a two-storey building which is home to the post office and a Human Resources Development Centre. There are also county offices in the building, the letter states; most of the second floor and basement is vacant.
There is no indication in the letter that the federal agencies now located in the building will be relocating.
The town is being asked to indicate by March 31 whether it is interested in the property. Town officials noted at a finance committee meeting Monday they have no interest in the building at this time. Other levels of government are usually approached when properties of this nature are declared surplus.
Town CAO/Clerk Andrew Brown said the estimated market value of the property is $983,000, although the federal government would likely establish its own value for the property.
The local air cadet squadron has been looking into the possibility of using the basement of the federal building as the squadron's long-term future at town hall remains in doubt.
MAITLAND - Three people were injured Friday evening in a head-on collision that occurred in Augusta township.
Grenville County OPP reports two passenger vans collided at about 7:20 pm on County Road 2 about 1.5 kilometres west of Maitland. The eastbound van was being driven by Robert Boyle, 56, of Maitland. The other driver was Clarence Daub, 54, of Prescott.
The most seriously injured of the three, 56-year-old Shirley Ball of Prescott, had to be extricated from the westbound vehicle in which she was a passenger. She sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Brockville General Hospital; the two drivers suffered minor injuries.
Augusta and Brockville fire departments responded, as did paramedics from Leeds and Grenville ambulance. Police determined weather and road conditions were factors in the collision; alcohol was not. No charges will be laid. OPP Constable Jason Butcher is the investigating officer.
PRESCOTT - Mary Cook continues to educate young people and remind older ones what rural life was like during the Great Depression.
The famed Ottawa Valley author who grew up in the 1930s on a farm in Renfrew County shared some of her experiences with those who attended a pot luck lunch Friday at Walker House.
"The true pioneers are the people of the '30s," she said. They left a legacy of integrity, honesty and hard work; a man's success or failure was based on the sweat on his brow, according to Cook.
"The people of the '30s got nothing," she said. "They lived through the toughest of times."
Cook, who is in her 46th year of sharing her stories with CBC Radio listeners, said all but two of the characters to whom she refers in her stories are real.
Cook added children on the farm didn't really know how bad things were because there was always plenty to eat. She realized how bad things were when a quarter she had been handed by a visiting aunt was later taken away by Cook's mother who said the money was needed for lamp oil. The adage "Don't you know there is a depression" now had meaning, according to Cook.
"It was not a happy time for a lot of people," she said.
People may have been poor for money, Cook noted, but they were rich in so many ways. An example of this was the contact youngsters had with their elders. The house was always overflowing with relatives, Cook recalled. The only other option for many families at that time would be to send them to the poor house. Even though it meant more mouths to feed at home, the lessons of life taught by the older relatives were invaluable.
Cook said one of the mistakes of the last few decades has been the "...deliberate attempt to separate the young from the aged."
Another thing that was important in those days was to pay a debt. Cook offered the example of a woman who before she died made sure her daughter would give Cook a box containing a butter dish. The dish had been given to the woman by Cook's mother in return for a choir gown the woman made for Cook when she was a girl. Cook brought the box and dish with her to Walker House and read to the audience the letter attached to the box.
"Is it any wonder I'd rather storytell than give a speech?" Cook remarked.
She also noted her many talks to students in grades four through six at schools in the Ottawa area.
Following her visit to Walker House, Cook appeared at a book-signing at The Gift Lane. Dozens of people, many of whom indicated they have been reading her stories in books and newspapers and listening to her radio reports for decades, lined up to get books signed and speak to the author.
PRESCOTT Plans are in the works for a motivational speaker to speak in the afternoon of March 29 at South Grenville District High School.
Maj. Deanne Brasseur (retired), one of the first of two women in the world to be trained and qualified to fly the CF-18 Hornet, Canada's supersonic jet fighter aircraft, will use her sense of humour to "entertain, educate and motivate."
Brasseur will also speak at 7 p.m., where a dinner meeting will be held in the Drummond Building in Spencerville. The Spencerville and District Optimists are sponsoring Brasseur's visit to the area.
PRESCOTT A new business is hoping to bring its customers some peace of mind.
Star Security opened for business last October in the downstairs portion of the Playit Star building at the corner of Edward and Henry streets. The company moved to its current King Street West location in Prescott at the end of January.
The new company supplies a range of residential and commercial security services in both urban and rural areas. Star Security Administrator Kelly Benish-Lennox noted the company serves a wide area which currently extends from Gananoque to Long Sault. It is also the only company of its kind to be based in the Prescott area, she added.
One of the advantages of having a security system comes from knowing it will bring an immediate response from emergency personnel. Any time that can be saved in an emergency could make a difference, according to Benish-Lennox.
"A lot of people want that little bit of extra security," she said. "It provides peace of mind."
In addition to the more traditional systems which deal with intruders or fires, Star Security also supplies equipment and monitoring devices which can alert health officials to any personal medical emergency.
"Security just doesn't mean burglars or break-ins," Benish-Lennox said.
In less than six months, Star Security's workforce has grown to 17, including 12 promotions staff and four installers.
Star Security is an authorized ADT dealer. Star Security has moved up to 13th place in Ontario in ADT sales. The company may also be looking to hire additional staff given the popularity of ADT systems, according to Benish-Lennox.
Between 50 and 70 units are being installed each month by the company. Star Security hopes to build on those numbers as it expands into new territory.
Fort Wellington Superintendent Pam Buell, on the reluctance to permit development on federal crown land along Prescott's waterfront
Quebec's minister of culture, Diane Lemieux, stated last week: "I don't think there's really any such thing as an Ontario culture". Key to this statement is the opening phrase, "I don't think", because if Ms. Lemieux was capable of recognizing culture as anything but her own sugar pie, clog dancing and spoon playing, she would be overwhelmed and cowed by the vastness and richness of Ontario culture.
Unlike Quebec, Upper Canada (Ontario) has not closed its door to the world the past three centuries, and unlike Quebec whose language and culture are really a 300-year-old tragedy of self-imposed isolationism, Ontario has opened its doors to the people of the world and has adopted parts of their culture into the beautiful international mosaic we in Ontario find so fulfilling today.
While Quebec was circling its cultural and linguistic wagons back in the late 1700s, Ontario was welcoming thousands of United Empire Loyalists who fled here during and after the American Revolution. These new Canadians were English, Scottish, German, Irish and Dutch and they were not asked to check their language and culture at the border. Similar treatment was afforded the next large wave of U.S. Immigrants following the War of 1812, and the thousands of poor, sick and starving Irish who flocked to our shores in the 1830s were made welcome. Upper Canada became the compassionate terminal of the Underground Railway from the southern U.S. in the 1840s and 50s. Our culture was enhanced by the thousands of Ukranians, and Russian Jews who found refuge from death and persecution in our province at the end of the 19th century. The last part of the 20th century brought us millions of Italians, Indians, Poles, Germans, Czechs, Dutch, Vietnamese, Caribbeans, Chinese, Asians and Africans. They have all made wonderful contributions to our culture and have not demanded that they be recognized as hyphenated Canadians.
In her racist rush Ms. Lemieux overlooked the Shakespearean Festival at Stratford; the Shaw Festival at Niagara; the world's third largest film festival in Toronto, which is also the centre of Canada's literary and music publishing industry, the world-famous Royal Ontario Museum and the Science Centre; Ottawa's plethora of museums and arts venues; the scores of small communities across Ontario that each year showcase summer theatre, folk festivals, world-class fiddling, step dancing, and Scottish and Irish dance and piping competitions. And of course, that one cultural icon that Ontario residents become prouder and prouder of each year, our wine industry, which boasts such world-class vintners as Henry of Pelham, Jackson Triggs, Hillebrand, Inniskillen and Pelee Island.
Where in Quebec are there such multi-cultural markets as in Kitchener and St. Jacobs, St. Lawrence Market in downtown Toronto and
Ottawa's Byward Market? We have so much authentic culture in Ontario that our cup runneth over, and pseudo culturists such as Diane Lemieux are afraid some of our wonderful international heritage will spill over into Quebec.
When it comes to culture Ms. Lemieux knows about which she boasts, because we have been there. We have been to the weekend fights in Hull, the Christ-O-Rama at St. Anne de Beaupre, Le Zoo de Granby, the Big Zero in Montreal, the Vaudreuil Inn, Saturday night fetes at Lac Bleu and Val David, and we have seen re-runs of "He Shoots; He Scores!" with English subtitles. We know Quebec has a unique culture of its own.
Having paid my first visit to Ogdensburg recently, I now understand why some people choose to partake in a meal and one or two (or more) adult beverages: why else would anyone want to go there?! But seriously, ever since I arrived in Prescott I've been hearing from people who said Ogdensburg used to be "a happening place" and was fun to go to not that many years ago. Of course, they were usually referring to watering holes (the latter word being quite appropriate in some but not all cases).
It turned out the most enjoyable portion of this brief trip stateside was a visit to Price Chopper. (I guess that says a lot about my so-called life, or lack of one.) Even though the supermarket (grocery store) and the somewhat depleted shopping centre in which it is located is only a few kilometres from Prescott, I still suffered a minor case of culture shock. The absence of metric took a bit of getting used to, as did the presence of beer and fruit-flavoured, malt-based coolers.
Speaking of drinks, there is an entire row devoted to soda (pop)! Look, there's caffeine-free Coke! And Mountain Dew with caffeine, too much for folks on this side of the river to handle. Oooooh. There's A&W cream soda that used to be available throughout Ontario. Can you believe this: cherry 7Up (about $2.50 Canadian for a two-liter, not litre, bottle). Wow! Hats off to the Americans for having a seemingly endless supply of flavoured beverages.
It was so cool to see copies of The New York Times and The New York Post near the checkout area. The front page of The Post featured a photo of the lovely Jennifer Lopez and Puff Daddy or Puffy or whatever his name is these days. The only thing Canadian about the papers at this store is the newsprint on which most of them were printed.
For the record, there was virtually no cross-border shopping on this trek! Tempted as I may have been, I purchased nothing at Price Chopper. Other than the toll ($3 twice) I paid on the American side of the bridge, the only other expense was a few bucks for gasoline and two American quarters (81 cents Canadian) for a bit of air for a car tire. The clerks at that gas station on Route (Highway) 37 were not overly enthused (and who could really blame them) about having to figure out how much Canuck currency would be needed for me to get a whiff of American air.
Although I was not overly impressed by what I saw, I must admit the time of the year and the absence of actual plans took away from what may be a perfectly lovely jaunt. I pledge to give the Ogdensburg area a second look, and advise customs officers the only drinking and driving this motorist will be doing will involve something from an American soda (pop) machine.
There has been an explosion in the crow population in our neighbourhood this winter that has seen the usual flock of about a dozen suddenly grow to about 100. There are times when it sounds like 500.
Worried that maybe word had spread to the crow population throughout South Grenville about Mrs. Morris's cooking (especially her meatloaf) we decided to contact the biologists at the St. Lawrence River Institute in Cornwall to see if they had some other reason for this growing crow cacophony.
Biologist Brian Hickey assured us that we were not seeing an explosion of the crow population as much as we were witnessing a change of location for their roosting rituals, and that the woods just north of Riverview Heights provided a safe winter haven.
He said that it is common for crows to flock together in the winter months if they can find protected roosting and an adequate food supply. In the spring and early summer they will enlarge their territory and break up into smaller flocks, and then eventually into mating pairs.
They stay in pairs until their small clusters of four to five eggs hatch and then when their chicks leave the nest the crows form small flocks again, primarily for protection and the search for food. When food sources are found they are able to communicate its location to other members of the flock.
Mr. Hickey noted, however, that the crow population along the St. Lawrence valley from Prescott to Cornwall seemed to be growing, with three large flocks of over 500 each in the Cornwall area. He said they have become more visible in recent years because they have been able to adapt to the human habitat, along with the fact that they have very few natural predators.
Another factor that has brought them out of the woods and into the more urban areas in the winter is Hwy. 401 which produces very large amounts of road-kill every day which they feed upon.
Our personal theory on the presence of large flocks of crows, especially in our 'hood, has been the federal government's banning of firearms. Five or ten years ago if a small flock of crows decided to serenade us from the tall pines at the end of our garden we applauded with a few rounds of Remington 'longs'.
The survivors seldom came back!
The crow memory is short, however, and now they have not only taken over the stand of pines, but land on our deck and stick their tongues out at us. They are impervious to the sting of our BB gun, and are considerably larger than Miss Luci, our Yorkshire Wolf Hound, so we are now trying to find out if Chretien and his bleeding hearts have outlawed hand grenades.
We'll win this one, Sammy!
* * *
While piecing together some of the puzzle of Prescott's past, we have come across what we think are conflicting facts on our World War I history. We have come across several post cards of the 1916-17 era with photos of the 156th Battalion, CEF, forming up for a parade at Fort Wellington and also parading in what must have been battalion strength, on King Street.
There are also mentions on council and board of trade minutes of the 156th Battalion holding recruiting drives in Prescott at that time. In all of these photos the parades have been led by a brass band of about 20 members, which was probably the Prescott Citizens Band.
The 56th Lisgar Rifles Regiment is also mentioned in various documents of that era as doing considerable training in Prescott. The Citizens Band was associated with 56th Lisgar Rifles during World War I, although this is not recorded in the band's minute book.
The minutes skip from 1914 to 1918, but the band's cash book for the years was maintained. The only band member to draw any pay for the war years was band leader Joe Frattura, who was paid $20.83 a month from May to October in 1915-16 and $25.00 a month in 1917-18.
We surmise from this that members of the band were members of the militia and were paid for parades by the army.
Throughout the war years the town continued to pay the band $100 a year and fees were received from special appearances. An example of this was in 1917 when the following sums were received: dance $75; dance $75; church socials at $10 each Presbyterians, English Church, Separate School, Methodists, Catholics; Orange Parade $55; Firemen's field day $60; Spencerville Fair $75 and $36.
So, our question is: are the 156th Battalion and the 56th Lisgar Rifles Regiment the same units? Anyone willing to hazard an educated guess?
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT To go 30 hours without food, the strategy seems simply enough: Don't think about it.
But perhaps this is easier said then done.
"When you didn't think about the food, it wasn't too bad," said South Grenville District High School Grade 10 student Krystal Sobhin. "But the commercials on the radio were talking about food and it made it really bad."
Sobhin was one of 51 students, ranging from Grade 9 to OAC, who went without food as part of World Vision's 30 Hour Famine March 2 to March 3.
Participants were not to have any food after 7 am Friday until 1 pm Saturday, with water or clear liquids the things they could consume during that period.
The "famine" at the high school, which was organized by the school's Hilife club, a non-demoniational Christian group, is part of a world-wide effort to raise money for needy people. And according to a World Vision Web site, in Canada the 30 Hour Famine's also serves to educate young Canadians about the issues of poverty and hunger.
Last year, 11 SGDHS students raised about $500 for World Vision, a Christian organization which uses the money to fund disaster relief efforts, as well as long-term community development projects. The money raised in the 2000 30 Hour Famine went to, for example, food security in Rwanda, Sudan and Kenya, Cambodia Mines Awareness Training and Vocational Rehabilitation and relief and development work in Iraq, and Canadian programs.
This year, with the number of SGDHS participants up, Jesse Valkenier, Hilife co-ordinator and organizer of the 30 Hour Famine, said the goal is $2,500. The final tally is to be announced at a later date.
Hilife Co-President Karen VanRyswyk said that while the event is a lot of fun, it is also for a good cause.
In Canada alone, more than 2,200 30 Hour Famine events were held in 2000 with more than 165,000 people signing up to participate, raising more than $3.9 million.
Around the world, about $35 million was raised last year, with famine fundraising events taking place in Australia, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, the Netherlands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Up until a few years ago, the 30 Hour Famine had been a regular event at SGDHS for about 11 years. In 1999, the Hilife club started it up again.
This year, 23 of the 30 hours will go towards the 40 hour community service required of Grade 9 and 10 students under the new curriculum.
The hours during school hours do not count towards the 40-hour requirement.
"The nice thing for them is if they do it in 9 and 10, and if they want to work in the summer, they don't have these requirements hanging over their heads," said teacher Jill Summers, who participated in last year's event, along with fellow teachers Darlene Millar and Tony Chellew, both of whom took part again this year. Teacher Bernie Macada also helped supervision the students.
"Last year was fun," Summers said.
"They had a lot of fun. The Grade 13 students talked about it. It spread by word of mouth."
In an effort to keep their minds off food, students took part in various such as soccer and basketball games or playing cards and reading the newspaper. Also, Kingdom of Stone, Brockville-based Christian duo, performed Friday night.
About nine hours into it Friday afternoon, Grade 10 student Mike McCaw didn't expect to be more than "a little hungry" once Saturday rolled around.
However, the next day, the response was a little different: "I'm starving!"
"It wasn't too bad after school," he said, "but when I woke up this morning I was starving.
Grade 10 student Amanda Godwin said the lack of food makes you feel tired; added Krystal Sobhin while it also put you in a bad mood.
Grade 10 student Ashley Couperus said she felt guilty knowing that after 30 hours without food she would be able to eat, but for others this wasn't possible.
The Editor;
Just the other day I pulled into a local Tim Hortons for a coffee. When I looked into the smoking area, which is enclosed (like a fish bowl), I saw two young children; one must have been around two years old while the other only a few months. I thought to myself these poor helpless children who are stuck in there can't just up and leave on their own. As a pediatric nurse I know that an infant's lungs are the last to develop and don't fully develop until around the age of 14.
They also breathe twice as fast in one minute as adults do. More and more children are admitted to hospital every year with asthma and other respiratory distresses.
I am also a father of two toddlers and would support a no-smoking bylaw in public places. If people want to smoke in bars let them, just not in places where your children are.
Tony Dring RPN
Augusta Township received notification from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation on Monday, March 12 that its project proposal under the SuperBuild Sports, Culture and Tourism Partnership initiative is eligible to proceed to the application stage.
Members of the six Augusta recreation groups, Algonquin, Domville, Maitland, Maynard, North Augusta, and Roebuck, met last week to discuss the application to the SuperBuild Fund.
The recreation groups had not received any indication from Super Build on the status of their proposal to build or upgrade washroom facilities at each of their locations. It was decided at the meeting to go ahead and do the preliminary work on the application.
Individual recreation groups are preparing information on their group's history and background, the programs currently offered by the group and financial statements. They will also solicit quotes for the work to be done.
The application requests $144,916 towards a total project cost of $161,000. Fundraising ideas were also discussed. The next meeting will be held March 21.
In the letter of notification, Tim Hudak, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, says the ministry has received more than 500 letters of intent with requests for funding for almost $1 billion for round one of the funding. The program will have $300 million to invest over five years.
Because of the high demand the approval process will be very competitive. Hudak comments, "We'll also be looking for projects where partners are prepared to pay their fair share, so that the people of Ontario get the facilities they need at a cost they can afford."
There will be a St. Patrick's Day Dance for teens at the MERC Hall March 16 from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. Students in grades 5 to 8 are welcome. Volunteers are needed to chaperone. If you can help call Moira Taylor at 348-3140.
Maitland School is looking for adult volunteers for its in-school mentor program. If you have an hour or more a week to spare, call the school at 348-3436 for more information.
The lunch with Mary Cook as guest speaker was highly successful. Mary is a wonderful storyteller, and a large crowd was present for the pot luck lunch and Mary's delightful talk after. Thank you, Mary, for being with us and telling with humour about life in the "Dirty Thirties." Thank you, also, to Marilyn Ross for arranging the visit.
Our "Irish" dinner takes place right on St. Patrick's Day Saturday, March 17 starting at 5:30 pm. Reservations must be in by March 15 at 4 pm.
Someone, after seeing the poster, asked if "he" could come just for dessert. Remember "sex in the pan." I told him it would still be $10 per person. Come see what the "older adults" can put together.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st,
Kitty Wormington; 2nd, Findlay Hill; Mary Reynolds won the door
prize. Wednesday bridge 1st, Findlay Hill; 2nd, Eleanor
Gilligan; Andy Britnell won the door prize. Thursday evening euchre
1st, Eddie Arcand; 2nd, Louie Bocsy; 3rd, Jeannine Marion;
Eleanor Gilligan won the door prize.
ROEBUCK The Grenville Land Stewardship Council has organized a community meeting in partnership with Limerick Forest interest groups, to be held Saturday, March 24.
The stewardship council is seeking input from the public to help plan for the future and for the protection of the community forest.
The meeting will be held at the Roebuck Community Hall from 9 am to 1 pm.
Jack Henry of the Grenville Land Stewardship Council said the 14,000-acre forest within Leeds and Grenville was purchased by the united counties in the early 1900s. In 1940, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) signed an agreement with the counties to manage the lands.
Because of budget constraints, the MNR is no longer providing this service, Henry said. This situation leaves the land open for other uses, including the possibility "it could be taken over for a development if a wrong decision was made," he said.
The focus of the meeting is to raise the profile of the forest, increase awareness of its importance and obtain community support, Henry explained. About 200 interest groups, or stakeholders in the forest, have been invited to the meeting. Some of the groups include area snow mobile clubs, field naturalists, the Rideau Valley and South Nation River conservation authorities, Ducks Unlimited and Grenville and Area Fur Managers.
Several of the groups are expected to have displays and make presentations on the importance of the forest. There will also be presentations on the history of Limerick Forest and on the ecology of the forest and why it needs to be protected.
Area reeves, mayors and politicians have also been invited to take part in the public meeting and discuss methods of the various groups working together.
"There's a lot at stake here," Henry said. The stewardship council is a program of the MNR developed about five years ago, he noted.
PRESCOTT The Rideau Valley Diabetes Project is offering diabetes education programs in Prescott beginning Wednesday, March 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
The One-Step Closer programs are free sessions designed for adults with Type 2 diabetes. The program includes four weekly sessions. Preregistration is required. The educators will be a certified diabetes nurse, a registered dietitian and a chiropodist.
To register or for more information, call Helen McGuire at 283-8481 or 1-877-321-4500.
SPENCERVILLE - A proposed amendment to the official plan of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal will be the subject of a public meeting Monday, March 19 at 6:30 pm at the municipal building in Spencerville.
The special meeting, which will precede the regular meeting of township council, will deal with proposed policy amendments involving consents, minimum distance separation formulae and salt conditions in Johnstown. Any member of the public is entitled to attend the meeting and/or make written or oral submissions for or against the proposed amendments.
Proposed admendments are the Minimum Distance Separation Formulae and salt conditions in Johnstown.
A council decision on an official plan amendment may be appealled to the Ontario Municipal Board.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
CARDINAL Business is booming in Cardinal and the commercial sector may be able to look forward to successful times ahead, says the owner of the Village Square Mall.
Charlie Burrell said he has a positive outlook following the recent openings of new businesses at the mall. "Naturally, any new business that starts up is good news," he said.
The openings of Cardinal Creations and Tamra's Head to Toe Esthetics at the east end of the building last week marked the first time in the 10-year history of the mall it has been 100 per cent leased.
Total Stationery also opened in the mall last November, and expected later this month is the completion of the new walk-in beer cooler at the liquor store.
Burrell said there is a very low commercial vacancy rate in Cardinal as a whole. He sees the mall enterprise as a "small industry", since there are 25 to 30 employees directly connected to businesses located at the mall.
Burrell and his wife Gail are also the owners of the Cardinal Convenience property located near the mall, which closed in October. It will be reopening later this month under new management.
"I'm looking at a bright future for (the convenience store) right now," he said. Burrell noted he is contemplating the installation of a self-service gas station, to be located in front of the store. Plans include a one-bay car wash to complement the operation.
The owner, a Cardinal resident, has already started dealings with major gas suppliers, he said. If the venture is successful, it would be the first self-serve station ever in Cardinal.
The Editor;
Mayor Dave Dobbie and council are preparing to spend thousands of your tax dollars to renovate the municipal building in Spencerville.
At a Transition Board meeting held in Cardinal last year, a comment was made by someone at the table that it would cost $1,000 to upgrade this building. While neither I, nor probably anyone in the room at the time believed this figure, I understand council is now planning to spend anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000 to upgrade that facility.
As Mayor Dobbie and council know, a modern, specially-designed, state-of-the-art municipal building already exists in the township.
The assessment on my property increased significantly this year as I expect did the majority of yours. I just received my interim tax bill for representing 50 per cent of this year's taxes. I am sure my final tax bill for 2001 will exceed that of 2000.
As a resident of the former Township of Edwardsburgh and now a taxpayer in the new Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, I do not want Mayor Dobbie and council to waste my hard-earned tax dollars to duplicate something that already exists. This is gross waste of my money and yours.
I urge each and every one of you to voice your opinions on this matter. Contact Mayor Dobbie and/or your ward representative on council. Phone, write or fax the municipal offices. Your opinion counts. Make your voice heard. Act now, before it is too late.
E. Magee, Cardinal
The Editor;
It's time for a wake up call to the residents of Cardinal. Residents should think twice about what's happening to their community and the services they will lose because of the amalgamation with Edwardsburgh. If we continue to remain silent much longer, it'll be too late to reverse any decisions.
Residents of Cardinal, do you realize that you'll be losing your municipal office and what this loss actually means as a taxpayer?
The fact is the municipal building in Cardinal is the best choice for the new municipal office and Mayor Dave Dobbie knows it but does not want the taxpayers to realize it. Just ask one of your elected representatives what the actual 'dollars and cents' are of renovating the old Spencerville building versus using the Cardinal building as is. The answers may shock you.
A comparison was done of the two buildings and it was discovered that Cardinal's facility requires no renovations and is the more utilized location by the residents of the two municipalities.
The Cardinal location is already equipped with a ramp, a door and a washroom for the physically challenged, it already has enough office space to accommodate staff and costs thousands of dollars less per year for heat, hydro and general maintenance of the property. All of which council is aware of, but still insists on needlessly spending taxpayers' money on what they feel is the best choice.
Now to add insult to injury, the taxpayers of Cardinal and Edwardsburgh are going to pay for the renovations to Cardinal's municipal office to create a new library. Mayor Dobbie, this is an expensive way of eliminating Cardinal from ever having the municipal office. Now we will have a vacant Centennial building or worse, a demolished Centennial building. Ask yourself if this is the best choice, after Cardinal's library board has spent about $40,000 to make improvements to the building over the last few years.
We challenge any Cardinal taxpayer to ask yourself if you think you pay enough in taxes. Then ask yourself, who's going to pay for all these renovations? You guessed it. All of the residents of the new Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal! Ask any Edwardsburgh taxpayer. They already pay too much in taxes; Cardinal can now share in their misery. No wonder they are so eager to collect Cardinal's back taxes.
Mayor Dobbie recently stated how they rescued Cardinal by loaning us $100,000 to help with its cash flow problems. We find ourselves wondering if he's telling the whole story. It's easy to play the hero and save the day.
Millie Bennett , Gail Burrell Cardinal
Peggy Taylor
The March 5, 2001 council meeting began with a review of the minutes of the Feb. 19 meeting. I noted the discussion of the $50,000 held during the Accounts portion of the meeting and again at the end of the meeting after Closed Session was not noted in the minutes. Mayor Dave Dobbie advised that noting discussions of that nature during accounts was not a normal practice but that the minutes would be amended to reflect the discussion at the later portion of the meeting.
I requested the correction of the minutes reflect my request that any appeal of a bylaw or litigation matter be brought to the attention of council and not just the "Kamenz" appeal as was noted in the minutes. I was advised that in the future these matters would be brought to the attention of councillors.
Committee reports held a review of the January Library Board Report which was covered at a previous meeting. This report provided the suggestion that the municipal hall in Cardinal be used for a library. Sketches are underway as instructed at the board meeting.
The fire department sent a letter advising they had responded to a number of calls since the beginning of the year and that they were looking forward to working with council.
Council accepted a pricing on a winch for the Port of Prescott which will run about $95,000. The Red Cross will be selling lottery tickets province-wide and council approved the sale of its tickets in the township.
The Ault Subdivision draft agreement was approved. It has to be accepted by Ault's before it will be removed from draft status; at that time the details of the agreement will be public.
The engineers' report on the Raycroft Municipal Drain was deferred to the next meeting.
A notice of application dated Sept. 19, 2000 to the MOE for a Certificate of Approval for the application of bio-solids in the township was received. It appears council is being asked to approve the application. This request has been deferred until questions can be answered by the appropriate parties.
Under New Business, Councillor Peter Martin announced he was tendering a package for alterations to the municipal hall in Spencerville. He has four general contractors in mind and asked if there were any in Cardinal that council should consider. I could not think of any general contractors but another councillor mentioned one.
Councillor Bill Sloan asked if we could have the Assessment Office attend at the next council meeting to answer questions about the taxes. As well, he would like to ask a representative from Rideau St. Lawrence to attend a meeting.
A bylaw to authorize an interim tax levy in advance of the adoption of the estimates for the year was passed. This will allow the municipality to bill up to 50 per cent of the previous year's taxes as has been done in the past.
A speed limit change to 60 kilometres was passed for the first 1.8 kilometres of Cedar Grove Road. This road travels west of Highway 416 at Angelo's Restaurant.
The Optimist Club of Spencerville provided council members with a notice that Major Deanne Brasseur will be speaking on March 29 at the Drummond Building. The ticket price includes dinner. You may obtain tickets from Elizabeth Roddick at 657-3500.
Now is the time to let council know how you feel about the location of the municipal hall. Delegations are one way of getting a message to Council. Petitions are another, and don't forget use of letters to the editor or to council.
I believe public opinion is an important part of the democratic process. Let council know what you think about the Transition Board recommendation to have the municipal hall in Spencerville. Please, no matter which ward you are in, let council know how you feel. We are here to serve your needs and I, for one, welcome any input you may have.
I can be reached by e-mail at: pegon2000@yahoo.com.
Etta May Dillabough (nee Beach) formerly of Spencerville, died at Bayfield Manor Nursing Home, Kemptville, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001. She was 93.
Mrs. Dillabough was born in South Gower June 28, 1907, the daughter of the late Sanford and Ida Beach (nee Knapp).
She married William John Dillabough Feb. 23, 1928 at the United Church in Kemptville. She lived in Shanly and was a member of Shanly United Church and was also a life member of the United Church Women.
After the death of her husband William Nov. 1, 1973, Mrs. Dillabough moved in with her daughter Berniece in Spencerville, where she lived for seven years. She then moved to Bayfield Manor where she resided for the past 10 and a half years.
Mrs. Dillabough enjoyed attending church and church-related activities. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, particularly during the holidays when everyone was together.
She was the beloved wife of the late William Dillabough; loving mother of Lloyd Dillabough (Donna) of Westbrook, Lorna Montroy of RR 4 Spencerville, Berniece Gilmour of Spencerville, Muriel Ferguson (Carl) of RR 3 Prescott, Marilyn Milburn (Alex) of San Luis Obespo, California and Glenn Dillabough (Susan) of Winnipeg, Manitoba; dear grandmother of 21 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
She was predeceased by two daughters, Ruth Ryan and Darlo G. Dillabough; one granddaughter, Darlo Montroy; one sister, Ruby Dillabough; and two brothers, George and Frederick Beach.
Visitation was held at the Grant Brown Funeral Home, Purcell Chapel, Spencerville, Friday, March 2, from 3 to 4 pm. The funeral service followed in the chapel of the funeral home at 4 pm, with Rev. Patricia Swann officiating.
Spring interment will be at South Gower Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society will be gratefully acknowledged.
Mary Elizabeth Knight, a resident of St. Lawrence Lodge, Brockville, died at her residence Sunday, March 4, 2001. She was 92.
She was born Feb. 6, 1909 in Brockville, a daughter to Joseph Reid and Anne Bedlow.
Mrs. Knight was predeceased by her husband, Bernard Knight, whom she married Jan. 4, 1949 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Brockville. She was also predeceased by her parents; brothers Wilfred Reid, Joseph Reid and Richard Reid, and her sister, Aileen Reid.
She is survived by her sister Margaret Legare of Brockville, and by several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Knight enjoyed travelling to the U.S.A. for many years with her husband. She had worked as a homemaker.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Monday, March 5, 2001, from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mark's Catholic Church March 6, at 11 am, with Father J. Appelman officiating.
The pallbearers were Jeffrey McCord, Peter and Joe Reid, Jim Knight, and Joe and S. Brennan.
Burial will be at St. Mark's Cemetery in the spring.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent Palliative Care or the charity of your choice.
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE Prescott native Leo Boivin delighted fans young and old at the South Grenville Bantam House tournament Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Spencerville.
The former National Hockey League hockey player and member of NHL Hall of Fame spent the afternoon at the hockey tournament, signing autographs as well as participating in tournament events.
Karry Gobeil, manager of the South Grenville Bantam House Rangers, said having Boivin at the tournament was a way of introducing him to the younger hockey players who might not recognize the former hockey player.
"We asked him because we felt he's a celebrity, but the younger kids don't recognize him," said Gobeil, adding that Joanne Hewson suggested inviting Boivin to the tournament.
She said its important to let the children know who the community centre is named after, and that before Todd Gill, there was Leo Boivin.
Boivin played junior hockey for Eastern Ontario's Inkerman Rockets. Before breaking into the NHL, the rugged defenceman played for the Pittsburgh Hornets.
Boivin's career included wearing jerseys for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Boston Bruins, the Detroit Red Wings and the Minnesota North Stars, and in 1986 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. His professional hockey career spanned a total of 1,204 regular season and playoff games.
At the tournament, Boivin spent time signing autographs for hockey fans spanning two generations.
We had 40-year-olds, Gobeil said, asking Boivin to sign memorabilia from when he played hockey. Others had Boivin sign South Grenville towels.
"It was really a good thing," Gobeil said.
Boivin also drew the names for the 50/50 draw and for his hockey memorabilia giveaway. Derek Sloan won Leo Boivin's hockey memorabilia.
PRESCOTT The South Grenville Rangers lost their first game to Smith Falls 6-2 goals for South Grenville were made by Eric Spero and Curtis Bucking. Assists by Bucking and Rob Fullarton.
The Rangers hosted the bantam house tournament Feb. 17 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Game two was against Kanata, and the Rangers notched a 5-4. Fullarton scored twice and had an assist. Bucking scored a goal and had two assists. Spero scored a goal. Alex Hewson had a goal and an assist. Assists went to Matt Duguay and Jimmy Utman. The final game between the Rangers and Petawawa was tied until the third period when the Petawawa sealed the Rangers' fate and secured the 4-1.
Rangers' Eric Spero scored the lone goal, assisted by Daryl Miller and Bucking. Matt Saunders goalie for the Rangers played well all day. South Grenville Ranger MVP awards went to Matt Saunders, Matt Malony and Fullarton.
Coach Bruce Fullarton said the whole team played great hockey throughout the tournament. South Grenville Tournament Rangers include Bucking, Matt Duguay, Matt Fahrngruber, Fullarton, Justin Halliday, Alex Hewson, Andrew Jodoin, Matt Malony, Daryl Miller, Ryan O'brien, Matt Saunders, Ryan Sobhie, Eric Spero and Jimmy Utman. Blake Gobeil didn't play due to injury.
PRESCOTT Although the Prescott soccer league will not have final numbers until registration wraps up at the end of the month, the association's president said volunteers are needed to fill the various positions in the league.
Tom Carr said the Prescott and District Minor Soccer Association is always in need of coaches, convenors and referees.
And with the association growing over the past several years - last year numbers were around 550 - the association must stay vigilant to fill these positions.
"We won't know until final registration how may coaches we'll need," he said. "But we won't be turning anyone down."
Three convenors have been confirmed, but the association still needs two more for the Under 12 and Under 16 divisions. Convenors duties include handing out sweaters and soccer balls at the start of the season as well as handling any issues that come up during the course of the season.
Also needed are referees to preside over games. Carr said he is still waiting to hear back from the Brockville league as to whether or not a referees clinic will be held. In the past, Prescott's referees had receive their training in Brockville.
"We have to wait and see if we might have to set up a clinic here," Carr said.
He added the league will need probably need 12 referees, but it will depend upon final registration numbers. Referees will be paid; however, Carr said how much has yet to be determined. Also, a referee-in-chief is needed.
House league divisions
The soccer league will consist of six divisions: Jr. Tyke, Under 6; Sr. Tyke, Under 8; Atom, Under 10; Mosquito, Under 12; and Peewee, Under 16.
Prescott and District Minor Soccer Association registration dates:
Wednesday, March 14, from 6 to 8 pm; Saturday, March 17, from 9 am to 1 pm; Saturday, March 24, from 9 am to 1 pm
Registration will be held at the Prescott fire department located at the corner of Centre and Henry streets. There will be a registration fee and registrants are asked to bring their health card. A late fee will be charged. For more information, call Rob Carr at 925-1396, Tom Carr at 925-4985 or Leanne Burton at 925-0782.
PRESCOTT Thom Miller is doing double duty as the Prescott Golf Club's golf pro and operations manager.
Miller, who has been the pro for the past 14 year, replaces Steve Ling, the club's operation manager for less than a year, from July 2000 to February 2001, who left Feb. 9 to work at the Palewood Golf and Curling Club in Port Hope.
"Everything seems to be going well," Miller said.
He said he expects being both the club's pro and manager will be challenging but adds he is looking forward the challenge and is confident he can handle the added responsibilities of overseeing an 800-member club.
Miller, who spoke with The Prescott Journal about three weeks after he signed the contract, said the club's operations seem to be running smoothly and the Board of Directors appear to be happy with their decision. Miller has a one-year contract as the club's golf pro and manager. "It was something new for the club," Miller said. "It's something the club didn't have before [a golf pro who was also the GM] but so far so good."
He said combining the two jobs into one saves the club money, something he pitched to the Board of Directors during the decision-making process. Also, he said his 14 years of experience at the club allows him to hit the ground running.
Despite this, Miller said he was somewhat surprised by the amount of work that goes into pulling double duty. But he added once the season begins and members have all registered and the tournaments have been finalized, he expects things will be less hectic.
Now members are coming into pay their dues, which he or Nancy Dey, the club's office administrator, handle, and the season's overall budget is being finalized.
The club is in the process of a $25,000 "modernization of the kitchen,"
"The layout will be more cost-effective and efficient," he said.
W work is scheduled to completed by the time the annual spring meeting rolls around April 1.
Another change this year will be a new handicap system to replace the six-year-old one.
"Everybody will have to be trained on the new system," he said.
As the club's golf pro, Miller still owns and operates the shop in the lower floor of the club, but more of the day-to-day responsibilities will shift to Chris Veltcamp, whose title is pro shop manager. He has been working at the club for the past four years.
Miller will be dusting off some of the skills he has picked up over the course of his career. He has worked at the Picton Golf and Country Club as the club's pro and superintend for 10 years. He spent three years at the Shelbourne Golf Club the pro, superintendent and manager.
Miller said he thinks his past experience in management positions was a factor in getting the newly created position at this club.
And as the club's golf pro, Miller said he has an understanding of the club's operation as well as established relationships with its other employees such as Neil Dufour, the club's superintendent; Janet Murdock, the bar manager; Jeanne Elliot, the kitchen manager.
"I believe its much simpler to work with them, knowing their personalities, knowing the quality of their work," he said.
Miller said he is optimistic the upcoming year will be a good one.
"The tournament schedule is already full," he said. "We have a lot of customers returning to the club."
In addition to returning members, Miller said the corporate clients who hold tournaments at the club year after year appear to be satisfied with the serve and facilities.
One major change for the Prescott Golf Club is to promote the club during its off season.
"We are investigating [off-season promotion of the club]," he said. "We are looking to develop a colour brochure. I think its something the club always wanted to utilize but, in the past the club hasn't been promoted enough."
Miller said that once the Christmas season has passed, when the club is booked for parties, it basically sits empty until April, the exception being Friday evenings. (The office does have regular business hours during the off season.)
"There is literally no revenue coming in," he said. "We're looking to change that. We are looking to attract some business."
In addition to advertising the kitchen portion, Miller said, the club could possibly tap into the business-seminar market.
In addition to the possible expansion of off season services, Miller said, another possibility is to offer more services during the golfing season, for example, a Sunday morning buffet.
Miller said since the club already has the facilities to offer such services, the real leg work will be getting the promotional component.
"We would be working on a program to be implemented for the winter of 2002."
PRESCOTT With rep soccer in Brockville to kick off the season as part of the Kingston's soccer league, the Prescott Gunners organization is looking to expand the number of teams competing in the Ottawa league.
Rep organizer Dan Powers of the Prescott and District Minor Soccer Association said they looking to expand to 12 rep teams up from three over last year.
"We are hoping to grow in leaps and bounds this year," he said.
Powers said this year Brockville players have to compete in the Kingston league, which could place greater demand on Gunner's soccer program because of issues over travel distances and levels of play in the fledgling league.
"The idea behind the expansion," said Power, "is we can offer rep soccer which is feasible for Brockville and Prescott."
Now that Kingston has started its own rep soccer program, Brockville teams will have to compete in that league, where as in previous seasons they were allowed compete in the Ottawa league.
Prescott soccer has been steadily growing for the past several years, with about 550 players registered with Prescott minor soccer.
For the rep teams, where or not their will be enough players to draw from to field 12 teams won't be known until the first part of April when tryouts are held.
Powers said that will still leave plenty of time before the May deadline to pull out of any division where there are shortages.
Players interested in playing rep soccer should sign up when they register with the Prescott and District Minor Soccer Association at the Prescott fire department, located at corner of Henry and Centre streets. There are three dates: Wednesday, March 14, from 6 to 8 pm; Saturday, March 17, from 9 am to 1 pm; and Saturday, March 24, from 9 am to 1 pm
There will be registration for an Under 11 boys team and Under 12, 14, 16 and 18 boys and girls teams. A fee will be charged and players are asked to bring health cards.
For more information, call Rob Carr at 925-1396 or Dan Powers at 658-5410.