| The
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 |
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Town council has returned to some familiar territory on the issue of what to do about the town hall and public library.
Council decided last Wednesday not to proceed with building a new town hall/library on the downtown parking lot site. Instead, council's original plan to renovate the Dibble Street municipal building is being reconsidered.
During an emotional and sometimes heated debate, a majority of council members indicated they would not support using the parking lot design prepared for the previous council, nor would they approve of spending more money on a new design for a building at that site.
Architect Ralph Vandenberg had told council a week earlier the estimated cost of constructing the two-storey building, based on the original design, would be up to $150 per square foot, or $1.8 million. A scaled-back version may fall in the range of $125 per square foot, according to Vandenberg.
When council met last week to discuss their options, each was polled as to whether he or she supported going with the original design, and then whether to call for a new design for the parking lot site.
The continuing frustration over the status of the town hall project emerged once again. Some council members argued over what took place last summer when a small ad hoc committee dealt with the renovation option; some concerns were expressed over how the project was put to tender.
A few pointed remarks were made during the course of the debate. For example, Councillor Terry McConnell told Mayor Robert Lawn "you are only the mayor, and you're not the boss."
By the end of the discussion, most council members expressed some degree of willingness to review the renovation option.
The only one who did not indicate a willingness to reconsider the renovation option was Councillor Jim French, who said he has no interest in a project that will cost at least $1.3 million. French, who remarked the option to purchase his hardware store and use it for municipal offices and the library had "thankfully" been removed from further consideration, suggested earlier in the meeting council consider building a new library adjacent to the existing facility on Dibble Street.
A community-based committee could spearhead the project and raise money for it, he noted.
A small municipal building could be constructed on another site, according to French.
Lawn said renovation plans developed last summer were not grandiose. However, he acknowledged they were "... a little bit better than bare bones."
As for the lengthy process of making a decision on the town hall/library issue, Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said council's ongoing discussions, power struggles and inability to proceed with a plan are "disgracing this town." Although she questions the long-term wisdom of council's decision, the councillor said staff need a decent place to work and renovations should not be short-changed.
"Let's have a meeting and sit down and look at it," Beckstead said.
But the councillor also questionned whether anything would be done given council's track record on the subject.
"It doesn't really matter (what we do); it could change next week," she remarked.
McFarland commented council's "foolery" last year "threw our credibility out the window" in terms of the funding application for library renovations.
She added renovating 360 Dibble is "the only option that makes sense."
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Bingo International would not survive if a smoking ban were to be implemented in Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal, according to the company's owner and president.
Brian Nolan, who is also a non-smoker and was on the board of the local branch of the lung association, has "reams and reams" of material to document his concerns about prohibiting smoking in bingo halls, bars, restaurants and other indoor public places.
Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, is emphasizing the need to protect public health as he and other officials visit municipal councils in the tri-county area. The group made a presentation to Prescott council last Wednesday and Augusta council Monday, and will be in Spencerville Monday night to speak to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council.
Statistics compiled by Bingo International in March indicate two-thirds of players were in the smoking section; the March average was a total of about 130 players per session. Nolan said the feedback he has been receiving from smokers suggests many would not return if a smoking ban were implemented.
"They'll tell you they will not be here," he remarked.
A survey conducted for the health unit indicated a majority of respondents would be as likely or more likely to go to businesses once a smoking ban is in place.
But Nolan doubts that would happen. He argues losing a large percentage of smokers would undercut the viability of Bingo International, a business that contributes to the community in a number of ways.
Forty-two local and regional charities shared in revenues totalling more than $770,000 in 2001. Volunteers from those charities help out on the bingo hall floor.
Bingo International employs 29 full- and part-time personnel with an annual payroll of more than $270,000.
The Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal received $120,000 in licence fees last year from Bingo International, and an additional $23,417 in taxes.
"I have all the respect in the world for Dr. Gardner," Nolan said, "but he's not an expert on business. "We lose one business, and it's one business too many."
A glass wall divides the smoking and non-smoking sections at Bingo International. Each side has its own card-purchasing counter, canteen and washrooms.
Nolan said additional costs were incurred to accommodate non-smokers. He also noted one-third of the 540 seats in the four-year-old facility on County Road 2 east of Prescott is non-smoking, more than exists at some other facilities.
Dr. Gardner said there is a need to protect the public from second-hand smoke. The only effective way to do so, he stated, is to eliminate the source.
"No ventilation system is 100 per cent adequate to deal with indoor smoke," the doctor told Prescott council last week.
Nolan agreed, but noted "there are ways to make it somewhat better." He went on to state the health unit should keep its focus on education, an area in which he believes the health unit has "failed miserably."
The uncertainty being created by the issue is stressful to many business owners and staff alike, according to Nolan. "People who work here aren't blind," he said. "They know we can't run this business on 90 or 100 people per session."
Bingo International experimented with smoke-free bingo two years ago. Four sessions were scheduled; the fourth was cancelled due to decreasing attendance.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
JOHNSTOWN -A local company has earned a top award in the Eastern Region Ontario Global Traders Awards held last Thursday in Brockville.
Measurements International Ltd. on Pirelli Drive won the Partnership Award of Merit for its exporting achievements.
The Ontario government recognized leading small and medium-sized exporters in Eastern Ontario for outstanding achievements and contributions to the province's prosperity with the 2001 Global Traders Awards, presented by Bob Runciman, Leeds-Grenville MPP and the minister of economic development and trade.
The awards program was launched by the Ontario government in 1998 to champion and celebrate the success of the province's exporters and to encourage more companies to expand into global markets.
Duane Brown, president of Measurements International, said the award is particularly meaningful to the company's 22 employees.
He noted they were excited about the company's standing at the ceremony, and pleased the award would give them some recognition and publicity at the local level.
Measurements International does 98 per cent of its business overseas, Brown said. The firm started about 15 years ago in space leased in Prescott. About eight years ago it moved to Pirelli Drive.
Measurements International manufactures high-quality test and measuring instruments for the metrology and power industries, Brown explained. This is a specialized field of high-precision and electrical and temperature metrology. The company has grown into one of the industry's premier companies providing new, innovative, standards technology, the president said. It has successfully delivered automated "turn-key" systems to every national laboratory responsible for maintaining reference values for temperature, resistance, voltage, power and current to the best obtainable accuracy.
The award recognizes the marketing partnership between Measurements International and Isothermal Technology in Merseyside, England. The local company has also established marketing partnerships with two other firms in the United States and in Switzerland.
Brown's growth strategy involves increasing the company's marketing partnerships and expanding the product line around the world. While his company will not advance to the Global Traders provincial finals in May, Brown said "next year we'll be ready for it. We're going to do our best."
Judges reviewed 230 nominations from across Ontario to select winners for the four regional Ontario Global Traders Awards ceremonies this year. Other ceremonies were held in Guelph, Niagara Falls and in North Bay. Regional award recipients from various categories will compete for the top provincial award in Toronto May 15. The categories with divisions for regional award, award of merit and honourable mention are leadership, innovation, market expansion (product and service), partnership and student achievement.
Other Leeds and Grenville companies recognized at the Brockville ceremony were Pensa Technology Solutions Inc. of Brockville (innovation award of merit); Til-Tek Antennas of Kemptville (market expansion - product award of merit); and Maple Leaf Environmental Equipment Ltd. of Brockville (market expansion - product honourable mention). They were competing against companies from Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville and Peterborough.
Runciman noted the companies "deserve our applause for taking risks, for creating new jobs, and helping to sustain the economic lifeblood of communities throughout Ontario."
Exports generate the equivalent of more than 50 per cent of Ontario's gross domestic product and sustain 1.6 million jobs in Ontario.
SPENCERVILLE The next public meeting to discuss plans to establish a food bank in South Grenville is set for this Thursday, April 11 at 7:30 pm at the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal municipal hall in Spencerville.
The primary purpose of the meeting is to elect a board of directors. A draft constitution will also be presented.
The "Food For All" steering committee that was formed in January is hoping a food bank to serve residents of Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal will be open this September.
A board of directors must be in place in order for food bank organizers to incorporate and apply for charitable status.
As an interim measure, the steering committee had asked Prescott council to provide a tax receipt to the owner of a property being considered as a site for the food bank. Council discussed the request during an in-camera session Monday night.
Steering committee member, Rev. Blair Paterson, told The Journal Tuesday council decided to turn down the request.
PRESCOTT The Prescott Police Service has received provincial funding to offset the cost of hiring new officers, Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman announced last Thursday.
The town's police department received $16,829 under the Community Policy Partnerships Program, which provides matching funds for up to 50 per cent of the costs associated with hiring additional front-line staff.
"This is an important program because it helps municipalities hire more officers thereby making streets safer for all citizens," Runciman stated in a news release.
Police departments in Brockville and Gananoque have also received provincial payments.
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE The local branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association will be hosting a symposium in conjunction with its annual general meeting Tuesday, April 16 at St. John Bosco Parish Centre in Brockville.
The symposium begins at 6 pm with exhibits and a reception. Pharmaceutical company representatives will display the latest technology in diabetes care; many local resource and service providers will also be on hand.
Following the election of a new branch executive committee during the AGM from 7 to 7:30 pm, nurse educators Cheryl Allen and Joanne Koster from Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston will speak on health-care strategies for parents of children with diabetes.
The parish centre is located at 175 Windsor Dr. For more information, call the association office in Brockville at 345-0992.
PRESCOTT - Prior to council's decision not to proceed with plans to construct a new town hall/library on the parking lot site, concerns about the proposal were raised by a vendor at the Prescott Farmers Market.
Eli Countryman told council last Wednesday the market, which operates at that location Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays in summer and fall, has a long tradition. The loss of that space would be a detriment to the market and the downtown as a whole, according to Countryman.
As part of the proposal to put up a building on the parking lot site, the farmers market would be moved to Centre Street between King and Water streets. Centre would be closed to traffic during market operating hours.
Countryman noted the Centre street proposal would reduce the amount of space available to vendors. The accompanying loss of parking from the municipal lot site would also hurt business, he noted.
Countryman said the market accounted for one-third of his farm's sales last year. Losing the parking lot site would "...probably put me out of business," he added.
There are plans to improve the market this season, according to Countryman. He said he has leads on new vendors, and there are provisions to draw younger people to the market.
In the event the parking lot site is unavailable, Countryman suggested the market be relocated to the parking area in front of Valu-mart and Canadian Tire; both stores are expected to close later this year and reopen in the FAI commercial development east of the Ontario Provincial Police station. However, he added this alternative is not ideal; many of the customers of market vendors are seniors who live within walking distance of the downtown location.
"We firmly believe in the decision to renovate the old hall," Countryman said on behalf of the vendors.
MAYNARD - A local group of young conservationists is hoping to have some fun as its members learn more about the great outdoors.
The Youth Association of the Grenville Fish and Game Club was formed in January. The association's executive consists of President Matlock Guse, Vice-President Kyle Jensen, Secretary Chase Holmes, Treasurer Travis Stephenson and Press Reporter Marc Paquette.
The Grenville association is an example of a "Get Outdoors Club" sponsored by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
The youth conservation program is open to youngsters under the age of 17 who have an interest in outdoor activities. Membership in the fish and game club is not required in order to join the youth association.
More than 30 youngsters have enrolled. Paquette said the response is better than expected.
As a club, the Grenville group is trying to earn performance crests for conservation, education, fundraising, outdoor exploration and public relations. Individual members can earn pins for a number of "outdoor fun" areas, including fishing, hunting, archery, camping and canoeing.
The association meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the fish and game club on North Campbell Road. However, "meetings" are not as boring as they may sound. One recent get-together was a visit to an indoor archery range.
"We want to have fun" while learning about the outdoors, Guse said.
Activities in the works include a roadside clean-up later this month in Augusta Township, a weekend summer camp and a jaunt aboard the fish and game club's pontoon boat Little Dreamer. The group is also planning fundraising activities.
Association members receive discounts on firearm safety courses offered through the Grenville club. Each member also receives a "Get Outdoors" t-shirt.
For more information on the youth association, contact Lynn Holmes at 925-3408 or visit the fish and game club's Web site at www.grenvillefishandgame.com.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce has reiterated its concerns about building a new town hall/library on the downtown parking lot site.
At the direction of its board of directors, the chamber polled members who live or pay taxes in Prescott. Of the 73 respondents who indicated a preference one way or the other, 59 opposed using the parking lot site for a new town hall/library.
Chamber Vice-President Lewis Beach presented the survey results to Prescott council last Wednesday. Council decided later that night not to proceed with plans to build on that site.
Beach said he and the other chamber directors (Brent Laton and Sharon Spychi) found there were strong responses for renovating the Dibble Street building. Some clearly do not want to see another town hall torn down in Prescott, he added.
The loss of parking spaces had been cited as a key factor in the chamber's opposition to the parking lot site two years ago. Beach acknowledged that is still the case for many respondents, especially those who have been in business in town for more than 10 years.
He added some respondents expressed their displeasure about being asked for their opinion on the subject once again.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead asked Beach if the chamber would be so adamant about keeping the parking lot in place if some business were willing to invest $1.5 million in a building on that site. Beach responded by saying there would probably be some underground parking associated with that building.
As was the case two years ago, the chamber is prepared to form a committee that would work with council to resolve the ongoing uncertainty on the town hall issue.
"It would be nice to see if there could be some compromise now," Beach said.
The Dibble Street renovation plans are now being reviewed by council.
MAYNARD - The Grenville Fish and Game Club Youth Association is pitching in to make the community a nicer place.
The association will host a roadside clean-up Saturday, April 20 along county and township roads in the Maynard area. GFGC will provide orange safety vests and garbage bags; volunteers are advised to provide their own work gloves and boots. High school students trying to meet their community service requirement are invited to participate.
Volunteers are to meet by 8 am at the club on North Campbell Road; the clean-up is scheduled to end at 4 pm. Parental waivers are required. Youth association mentors will be on hand to sign community service forms.
For more information or to register, contact Chase Holmes at 925-3408.
PRESCOTT - Two cases of fraud involving bank cards are being investigated by the Prescott Police Service.
Town police received a report April 3 from a 17-year-old female; an investigation revealed her TD client card had been stolen from her purse during a visit to Oxford Station.
The card was then used at the bank branch in Prescott. The investigation is continuing.
The next day, Prescott police received a report of fraud involving a bank machine at a local bank.
Further details were unavailable; the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about these or other incidents in town is asked to call the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
In all, town police investigated 57 general incidents and three motor vehicle accidents between March 31 and April 7.
MAYNARD - Augusta council has appointed a new chief building official to fill the position that has been vacant since January.
Doug Beesley will also serve as the tile drainage inspector, municipal law enforcement officer and zoning administrator. Beesley told council at its Monday night meeting he has been enforcing the Ontario Building Code since 1984.
He noted he has an "open-door policy" and encouraged the public to call him at the township office. "I'm here to help you with your building and planning needs. My job is to facilitate safe buildings," he said.
Beesley has previously been employed by the City of Brockville as the inspection officer for four years, and also worked for North and South Elmsley townships and the Town of Hanover as chief building official and planning administrator.
He replaces Greg Trizisky, who resigned from Augusta Township late last year. Clyde Solomon, municipal engineer for Prescott, was the acting chief building official in the interim.
MAYNARD - Two Augusta residents are hoping for some quick answers with regards to a building permit submitted to the township in February.
Greg Kinghorn and Susan Willard told Augusta council at its Monday night meeting they were informed by the acting building inspector, Clyde Solomon, a two-storey garage more than 13 feet in height could not be constructed on their Hall Road property according to a township bylaw.
The couple presented council with about 10 examples of out-buildings in the township that are higher than the bylaw limit. The owners of these structures were not required to pay a variance fee of $125, they said.
As well, Kinghorn and Willard said the height bylaw was not enforced in these instances, and they are asking for similar consideration. A precedent has been set by previous inspectors who did not adhere to the bylaw, Willard said.
Reeve George Vail said "two wrongs don't make a right," but the township's new chief building official would look into the matter.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The regional unemployment rate rose sharply in March, according to figures released Monday by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
Last month's jobless rate was 9.2 per cent. The regional unemployment rate in February was eight per cent.
An HRDC news release states an increase in job seekers was the main cause of the rise in unemployment. Employment decreased in the goods-producing sector, primarily in construction. Fewer people were employed in accommodation, food services, health care and social assistance. Increases were reported in public administration, scientific and technical services.
The regional unemployment rate in March 2001 was 8.5 per cent.
In terms of employment insurance (EI) claims, a slight decrease was reported last month in the Kingston-Pembroke management area. The Prescott HRDC office recorded the highest percentage increase in the region; there were 1,318 EI claimants drawing benefits at the end of March, a 4.4-per-cent increase over the previous month.
Both Brockville and Gananoque HRDC offices reported decreases in EI claimants in March.
HRDC notes the unemployment rate is not determined through assessment of EI claimant data.
PRESCOTT - Refurbishing or replacing Prescott's sewage treatment facilities will be the subject of an open house this evening (Wednesday) in Johnstown.
The public session will be held from 5 to 8 pm at the Community Centre on Sutton Drive.
The open house is part of an environmental assessment study process which precedes the construction phase. Public information packages will be available at the drop-in session.
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is committed to participating in the study. A portion of the township including the industrial park east of Prescott could be serviced by the new facility. Augusta council is considering the extent to which it would take part in the process; the municipality has until this Friday to indicate its intentions, town officials said Monday.
A petition signed by many residents of Riverview Heights was submitted to the township earlier this week. The petition calls on the municipality to remain involved in the project. Augusta Reeve George Vail said at Monday's township council meeting he encourages residents to attend the open house and provide their input.
Preliminary estimates place the capital cost of the project in the range of $16 million. About one-third of costs would have to be covered at the local level if other governments provide funding.
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Organizers of this month's Mayors' Community Walk in Brockville are happy with the way things are coming together.
"It has been going tremendously well," says Frank Bolger, chairman of the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville's fundraising committee.
"We've visited most councils in Leeds and Grenville and, as far as I can sense, all councils are on board."
Bolger expects most mayors and reeves from across the United Counties will participate, as will Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan and Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
The two-kilometre walk through downtown Brockville, scheduled for April 27, will wind down National Volunteer Week and is a fundraiser for the bureau.
Local businesses, groups and individuals are also encouraged to participate. Bolger says the bureau has made presentations to various service clubs in South Grenville and expects "fairly good representation from them."
All proceeds from pledges received by walkers will be divided equally between the Volunteer Bureau and charities of the walkers' choice.
"Please get your pledges and join us," Bolger says. "It's important to us the first Mayors' Walk be a success."
The Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville has existed for 25 years and oversees approximately 10,000 volunteers, attracting, training and placing them with groups that need assistance, such as hospitals and nursing homes.
For more information on the Mayors' Community Walk or the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville, contact the bureau at 342-7040.
SPENCERVILLE - The Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department will hold its annual barrel races Saturday at the Spencerville Mill.
The fundraiser, which has been held for more than 40 years, is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm. Eight tickets will be drawn and put in barrels, which will be released from the dam to race down the South Nation River to the bridge.
Cash prizes will be awarded. Tickets are available in advance from fire department members or Spencerville area stores; tickets can also be purchased at the event.
Proceeds will go towards the general funds of the fire department. For more information, call Jim Purcell at 658-3123.
NORTH AUGUSTA - A drug possession charge was laid April 2 after OPP Constable J. Nussey stopped a vehicle leaving the North Augusta Fire Hall. The vehicle had three occupants. During an investigation, the constable located approximately $30 worth of marijuana. Shawn Hubert, 20, of Brockville was charged with possession of a controlled substance; he is to appear in court April 26.
CARDINAL - A traffic stop that took place during the early-morning hours of April 6 led to an arrest. OPP Constable J. Butcher stopped a vehicle on Bridge Street at about 2:30 am. The driver was arrested and charged with exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit. Christopher White, 21, of Iroquois is to appear in court May 3.
EDWARDSBURGH - A Montreal man is scheduled to appear in court May 7 to answer to a speeding charge. Grenville County OPP pulled over a vehicle northbound on Highway 416 April 2 at 1:35 pm. Joseph Stark, 28, was charged with travelling at 165 kilometres per hour in a 100-km zone.
PRESCOTT - The Cenotaph Relocation Committee at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 (Fort Wellington) has raised about $18,000 of its $30,000 project goal.
The current total includes proceeds from a recent draw held March 29 at the Legion Hall. John Mickle of Prescott won the top prize of $1,000. Scott Bernie of Brockville took home the second prize of $500, and Jack Fortin of Prescott pocketed $250, the third prize.
The cenotaph was moved last year from beside the library on Dibble Street West to the area just south of the Fort Wellington parking lot. Additional landscaping and other items are planned for the new site.
Only five ladies took advantage of the craft night, but we thoroughly enjoyed the evening as we twisted copper wires to form bonsai trees. Each took on its own personality as we added "polished rock" leaves.
Our next craft night May 6 at 6:30 will feature scrapbooking. Jane from The Gift Lane will introduce some of the equipment and techniques used in creatively keeping old pictures. Each person will prepare a page using his or her own memories.
Be sure to sign up early for this popular new craft; call Walker House at 925-5300.
Friday we "warmed" our new dishes with chili and salads. Bill Webster from Alarm Force shared many important points about personal safety. Everyone attending could identify with a need for these personal devices. Esther, Ruth and Ann are noted for their help.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Audrey Kingston; door prize, Ed Zackon. Tuesday night cribbage high hand, Bea Hemsley; high score, Myrtle Shahan; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; 3rd, Pete Lowry. Thursday night euchre 1st, Jean McCrady; 2nd, Jeannine Marion; 3rd, Denise Monette; door prize, Eleanor Gilligan.
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The Edward Jessup Branch of the United Empire Loyalists will hold its annual general meeting Saturday, April 20 at the United church hall in Addison.
The day will start with social time at 11:30 am. The church ladies will serve a roast pork dinner at noon.
The annual general meeting will follow dinner.
Guest speakers Peter and Angela Johnson have held positions at the branch and dominion level.
Angela recently concluded a term as president of the Toronto branch; Peter is editor of the association's newsletter, The Loyalist Gazette.
A special item to be raffled off is a Humberstone plate. Humberstone, Ontario's first commercial pottery, was located near Maitland in 1796.
For meal reservations or more information about the organization, call Fraser Carr at 925-4930 or by e-mail at fraser.carr@recorder.ca.
The local branch would also like to hear from more Loyal descendants and is willing to help people complete their family trees.
SPENCERVILLE - The top prize in the 2002 Spencerville Fair's mammoth pumpkin contest has grown since last year.
An Internet seed auction has enabled the pumpkin committee to boost the first prize in this year's competition to $500. One seed sold for $170, according to committee member Bob Marcellus.
In addition to prizes being offered in senior and junior divisions, top competitors also receive keeper trophies from the Spencerville Agricultural Society.
Get into the fun by purchasing a pack of seeds now available at stores in the area. The stores include Home Hardware, Dixie & Egan and Nancy's Gas Bar in Spencerville, Beach Home Hardware in Prescott and the Pittston General Store.
Seeds are also available at locations in Kemptville, Brinston, Iroquois, South Mountain, Dixon Corners, Addison and Brockville.
The 2002 Spencerville Fair will take place the week after Labour Day.
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is encouraging children and their families to steer clear of TV, video games and the Internet for seven days.
"TV Turn-off Week" began Monday. The purpose is to promote physical activity and healthy eating. About 2,000 students and their families representing eight schools in the tri-county area are taking part in the program; none of the participating schools is located in South Grenville.
Although an exception is made for homework, the Internet is off limits through Sunday as are TV and video games. Children watch an average of three hours of TV each day; students spend up to 30 sedentary hours in school each week.
A mere 43 per cent of children between five and 12 and 33 per cent of youngsters 13 to 17 were considered active enough for optimal health, according to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Institute. Health officials also claim watching television encourages an unhealthy diet because there are many commercials for junk foods.
As an incentive to stay away from TV, video games and the Internet for the week, participants are eligible for prizes donated by Canadian Tire and the tri-county health team; these rewards include bike helmets and sporting goods.
PRESCOTT - Town council has agreed to purchase 10 trees as part of a local fundraising project.
Council members voted last Wednesday to buy 10 young Colorado blue spruce from the Central Public School Parent Committee. The four-year-old trees are between 16 and 24 inches in height. The price of the trees is $12 each or two for $20.
Orders are to be returned to the school by April 12.
Proceeds will be used to complete a play structure and purchase two basketball poles and nets.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Being one's own boss is becoming a more popular option at a time when layoffs and an absence of job security are taking their toll.
Twenty-seven participants graduated last week from the Self-Employment Benefits (SEB) Program, which is funded by Human Resources Development Canada and presented locally by Grenville Community Development Centre (GCDC). About half of the class consisted of South Grenville residents; the other participants live in North Grenville or Leeds County.
GCDC offers the eight-week course three times per year. This latest group, which was split into two classes, was by far the largest to date.
Ben TeKamp, local co-ordinator of the course, said interest in the course continues to rise. More people are considering starting their own businesses in response to layoffs and the recent high-tech downturn, he noted.
From coming up with an idea and researching it to arranging the financing, the program offers insight into the challenges entrepreneurs face as they take a concept and try to develop it into a successful business. In addition to being inundated with information on all aspects of operating a small business, each participant prepared a business plan that will be reviewed later this month at the GCDC board level. TeKamp monitors the progress of the participants and offers advice on dealing with those crucial early months of the business.
"Commit yourself to enhancing your skills," he stressed.
"I always wish and hope the next millionaire I get to meet is one of you people," TeKamp said to one of the graduating classes last Thursday.
North Augusta resident Lisa Spicer and her partner Debbie Rayner plan to open a bakery/restaurant and bulk food store later this spring in Prescott. Spicer said the SEB program made her more optimistic about the future of her business. "It really helps you look for what you need," she added.
Another graduate who found the course helpful is Prescott resident Marie Comeau, whose sewing/alteration and home decorating business ("Marie's Sew it Seams") will be based at her home. "I didn't realize just how much I didn't know" about starting a small business, Comeau said.
The program is available to those who are eligible to receive employment insurance benefits. Participants will continue to receive benefits while attending the course.
The next session begins in June. TeKamp had already received about 50 applications as of last Thursday.
For more information, contact GCDC at 925-4275.
By Krista Somerville
On Tuesday, April 2, the Pancake Pals 2 met at the Roebuck Hall in Roebuck for their fifth meeting.
President Stephanie Connell called the meeting to order with Kelsey Dillabough beginning the pledge. Secretary Emily Robinson did the roll call with everyone saying what they had for supper. She then read the minutes of the last meeting.
The leaders and members discussed the menu of the upcoming achievement banquet and the plans for the evening.
The members worked on their notebooks, their recipe boxes and the club display board to be seen on achievement day. Place cards for the guests were made, and a seating plan was also made. A couple of members made popcorn and nachos and dip for a snack. Some of the senior members showed everyone their skit for achievement day while they ate, and then the meeting was adjourned.
The Pancake Pals 2 appreciate the Roebuck community for allowing us to use the hall.
MAYNARD Augusta Township council has announced dates for meetings to discuss the 2002 budget.
The meetings will be Monday, April 15 and Thursday, April 25. Both sessions begin at 6:30 pm at the township office in Maynard. They are open to the public.
MAITLAND - The Augusta Library has received a $5,000 Computer Access Program (CAP) grant. CAP is a federal program designed to help provide free public access to computer equipment and training.
The library has purchased a new computer, new 17-inch monitor for the existing CAP computer, a flat bed scanner, two small computer desks and two chairs. In addition, the funds have purchased computer software, cables and a subscription to Electric Library. This addition brings the number of computers for public use at the library up to six.
The Augusta Volunteer Fire Department presented its proposed 2002 budget to Augusta Township council April 2. The budget proposal asked for an additional $9,800, mainly to cover increased insurance costs and the purchase of additional safety equipment.
The department hopes to purchase three additional self-contained breathing apparatuses, which are used anytime a fireman has to enter a smoke filled building or is working around toxic fumes. These units are equipped with an automatic "man down" alarm that sounds if the fireman is incapacitated.
The fire department is also asking that council purchase a new tanker truck this year at a cost of approximately $180,000. Last year, council placed $60,000 into a reserve fund to help purchase a truck for the fire department. The department has started a fundraising campaign to purchase a new equipment truck at a cost of approximately $100,000.
PRESCOTT - It has often been said someone's junk is another's treasure.
This adage was proven to be true last week as a local trucking company gave its old computer equipment to two area elementary schools.
Kriska Transportation donated computers, monitors, keyboards and a printer to Central Public School and Boundary Street Public School Thursday afternoon.
"When you hear about all the junk going into our landfills, it's a good idea to recycle and give the kids a chance," said Mary Langer, human resources manager at Kriska. "Kids are the number one thing, they are our future so if we can help them out at all to get a step up, it will be a bonus."
Langer said the computers, mostly 386s and 486s, were expendable after Kriska upgraded its equipment recently.
"Some of them work on their own, others can be used for parts," she said.
Each school received 17 keyboards, approximately 15 computers and five monitors.
"We're very appreciative," said Harold Johnston, the computer contact at Boundary Street. "We've been trying to improve our labs - that's been a focus over the past few years. Our first priority is getting something that will run the same word processor (as the other computers.)"
Jerry Whissell, Central's computer representative, said Kriska's donation will be put to good use.
"We'll definitely get rid of some of our old 286s," he said. "Students are using computers a lot for the Internet and for research. These will be used effectively."
On Tuesday, April 2, the Fort Town Concert Association held its last concert of the season, and it was memorable.
It was Mozart's Cosi fan tutte performed by an exciting young group of singers. The performance was co-produced by Jeunesses Musicales of Canada and the Atelier lyrique de l'opera de Montréal.
Each act began with the presenter describing the plot, the characters, and their conversation so that although the opera was sung in Italian we were able to follow and enjoy the lively drama. The presenter, Claude Webster, then seated himself at the piano and provided a full orchestral accompaniment, played with great panache.
The comedy was introduced by the presenter and picked up by the men in the opening scene. Don Alfonso in a rich baritone taunts the young lovers Ferrando and Guglielmo saying that they can't be sure that their relationships with the sisters Dorabella and Fiordiligi are secure. Offended, the two launch into glorious arias and duets, a strong baritone and a lovely tenor. They are joined by the young ladies whose voices soar in beautiful harmony attesting to their true love. The plot thickens, and the challenge is on.
Overacting underlines the comic nature of it all, and we are blessed with an evening of sheer delight aware that these young people will make the future rich for lovers of music. In contrast to the sisters, their maid Despina, with a lighter voice, added to the comedy in her many disguises and changes of voice while also adding to the texture in the company ensembles. Fiordiligi was sung by Anik St. Louis, Dorabella by Isabelle Ligot, Despina by Tracy Smith Bessette, Ferrando by James McLennan, Guglielmo by Patrick Mallette while Sebastien Ouellet sang the instigator of the plot, Don Alfonso.
I'm sure that we can look forward to seeing these names in bright lights in the not-too-distant future.
A very good house showed their pleasure with spontaneous applause after each scene and aria. We must be grateful to the Fort Town Concert Association for its keen interest in giving the younger members of the community and opportunity to hear this glorious music. It arranged to have students from grades 7 and 8 from Spencerville bused in for an afternoon at the opera. We must also be grateful to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for providing an ideal setting for both the afternoon and evening performances.
Series tickets for next season's concerts are now available at a reduced rate from Graham Cudlipp c/o Blue Heron Inn, RR1 Prescott.
PRESCOTT - The Anglican Church Women will present the Trash and Treasure Sale Saturday, April 20 from 9 am to noon at St. John's Anglican Church.
The sale will take place at the church hall on James Street in Prescott.
PRESCOTT - The Seaway Men's Ecumenical Group will host its next breakfast meeting Saturday, April 20 at 8 am at St. Paul's United Church, corner of George and Dibble streets.
The all-you-can-eat breakfast will feature sausage, pancakes and maple syrup. The guest speaker will be Reverend Michael Pollesel, rector of St. John's Anglican Church, whose topic will be stewardship.
Tickets will be available at the door; all are welcome to attend.
Bingo International President Brian Nolan, noting concerns
about a proposed no-smoking bylaw
Time will tell if the blood-letting that accompanied Prescott council's decision last Wednesday to douse the flicker that was a new town hall/library on the parking lot site will have an affect on this council's ability to work as a unit in the second half of its three-year term. Depending on whom one listens to, the last eight or nine months of the town hall saga can be chalked up to either a reassessment of the Dibble Street renovation plan and all the other options town officials could come up with, or a pissing contest between two elements within the group of council members supportive of the renovation plan to varying degrees. This brief fling with considering the parking lot site was either an effort to assess a reasonable option or a sign of just how circuitous some on council were prepared to go to make a point and show the mayor how upset they were with the way he supposedly handled the call to tender the project.
The town is now more or less where it was last summer: there is support for renovating 360 Dibble, but there are serious concerns about cost estimates and the extent of work being considered for the 71-year-old former high school. Perhaps council made the right call when it opted to put further discussion on hold last summer as it appeared there was an impasse over the scale of renovation plans. But it has also become clear this project could have been well on its way by now; after all, the "straw poll" taken last Wednesday shows there is just as much and possibly more support now for renovating the municipal building than there was near the start of council's term.
Most if not all members of Prescott council have expressed their frustration about this prolonged fiasco and how their antics have made the town a laughing stock. The only problem is they continue to do and say things which make the situation even more frustrating to themselves and the people they were elected to represent. We applaud council for acknowledging there is a problem and recognizing the need for compromise at a time when much of the community appears to support the renovation plan as it did in the summer and fall of 2000.
However, as we have seen time and time again in the 14 months since council voted 4-3 to make renovating 360 Dibble the preferred option, there is a big difference between admitting you have a problem and actually doing something about it. Based on some of the comments made last Wednesday and at previous meetings, this council is going to have to heal its internal wounds before the municipal building and the town's reputation can be repaired.
Tim Ruhnke
Although Bruce Springsteen isn't necessarily my favourite artist of all time, his music has served as both consolation and inspiration at certain times in my life. After a weekend that gave me some appreciation for what the Biblical character Job went through, I had to turn to The Boss for comfort Sunday night, specifically the song Atlantic City.
These lyrics in particular jumped out from the audio stream:
"Down here it's just winners and losers and don't get caught on the wrong side of that line. Well, I'm tired of comin' out on the losin' end."
Bruce, my friend, you have no idea. Bear with me as this column serves as a much-needed shoulder to cry on.
The weekend of which I speak began Friday with a much-anticipated trip to Toronto. My friend Tanya had lined up some free Blue Jays tickets and I was looking forward to renewing acquaintances with her, the Boys of Summer and several other friends in the Toronto area I hadn't seen in a while.
Perhaps it was with too much zest that I started my trek down the 401; at least that's what an OPP officer told me near Gananoque when I was pulled over for speeding. Now, no one enjoys a speeding ticket, but try getting one when you only have several days left in a three-year Young Drivers safety program that would have given me a free year of insurance. All things considered, I think it's the most expensive ticket I'll ever get.
However, to put it in boxing terms, that was only a body shot compared to what else was in store. When I got to Oshawa, I found myself in bumper-to-bumper traffic, caused by a closure of the highway westbound from Whitby to Pickering. Compounding the problem was the fact that I had been "holding it in" since Port Hope.
The ensuing detour and bathroom break made me nearly an hour late to meet my friends, but I shrugged that off. "At least the check engine light hasn't come on," I told myself.
Needless to say, minutes later, it did.
My speedometer froze, I couldn't accelerate, the radio shut off and I was in trouble. After pulling over and turning the car off, I turned the ignition and...nothing. Again, nothing. Again, nothing.
Just when I was ready to give up, I gave it one more turn, and it started. However, the same problem reared its ugly head the following morning, and again later Saturday afternoon.
It's getting fixed this week. If the past weekend is any indication, it won't be cheap.
Before the recent Midget and Bantam hockey tournaments of the March 22-24 weekend become too much a part of history, we'd like to devote a bit of space to congratulate our news staff for the excellent coverage they provided on the two simultaneous tournaments in Prescott and Cardinal. Congratulations to sports editor Jon Kuiperij and news editor Tim Ruhnke for their on-site news and photo coverage and to senior reporter Monica Whitney who looked after general news backup for the weekend.
What our readers, and most important of all, the tournament organizers, are not aware of is that there is almost as much time spent back at the newspaper office as at the arenas downloading, editing and identifying photos and paginating the six-to-eight pages we carried over the next two weeks. Thanks to the Journal staff for their professional and comprehensive coverage.
*****
Retiring Tory Premier Mike Harris's decision to get out of politics and to get out fast and completely is probably the closest he has ever come to his own "common sense revolution".
A look at the messes he has created in our education system, our health care system and in our municipalities is reason to believe that his purported "revolution" lacked common sense. In the case of health care, and in education in particular, it is now obvious that Harris and his advisers did not know what they were doing. These are no longer state-funded services. Our hospitals now have to depend on lotteries and private donations in order to just barely treat patients.
Our schools are also going begging to raise enough funds for text books, chalk, paper, and other school supplies that were once a given. What used to be fundraisers to pay for school trips and other classroom extras are now deemed necessary just to keep classrooms functioning above third world levels. New curriculums have been introduced to help reduce pre-university study from 13 years to 12 years, but somebody at Queen's Park forgot that teachers and students needed new textbooks for the new curriculums.
Likewise the Ontario Tories haven't even paid lip service to the problem of sending our universities and colleges two sets of graduates next year. This means that double the number of high school grads next year will be seeking an ever-shrinking number of post secondary vacancies. Nobody in Ontario is even daring to think about the turmoil that will burst open next summer.
Premier-elect Ernie Eves has about two years to fight the two-headed dragon Mike Harris has left as his legacy. He has to pull off some popular legislation that will help his present MPPs improve their popularity in their own ridings, and he is going to have to move considerably to the left to halt the provincial Liberals from outflanking him and massacring him and his party at the polls in 2004.
In the meantime, anyone want to buy a ticket on a chance to win an obsolete sewage treatment plant?
*****
Heard some grandparents recently discussing the sacrifices they had made in order to leave their children and grandchildren a kinder, gentler life than the long hours and physical hardships they had experienced. And as soon as they all agreed, they criticized their kids for taking life too easy and not working as hard as they had
*****
One of the most influential and successful politicians ever to serve the Province of Ontario at Queen's Park was the Hon. G. Howard Ferguson of Kemptville who represented Grenville County from 1905 to 1931.
A strident Tory, back in the days when patronage was a proven privilege, Ferguson was Minister of Lands and Forests, Minister of Education, premier of the province from 1924 to 193l, and then Canadian High Commissioner in London. When he was minister of education he changed the high school curriculum from four years to five years to allow students from rural areas and small towns to take the equivalent of their first year of university at their local high school, thus saving parents an extra year's board and tuition while obtaining a university degree. Mr. Harris, in his wisdom, decided to change this 75-year-old tradition which will translate in a year or two into four years of study at a university for an arts degree instead of the present three years.
And what about the students from small towns and rural areas? "Let them eat tuna fish" seems to have been Harris's Tories' attitude.
*****
The Ottawa Citizen's Sunday Magazine gave Donald Graves' book on the Battle of the Windmill - "Guns Across The River"- a generous review this past Sunday, but took some of the shine off the event by stating that today the 1838 battle site is in a park near Upper Canada Village. Placing a site within 25 miles of its location is close enough, we guess, if you are from Ottawa, which is located on the northern outskirts of Kemptville.
The Editor;
It is very disappointing to find so much disharmony among our town council members over a replacement town hall.
We seem to be no closer to a decision than we were several years ago. Did we really elect these people to a position of leadership and trust? Wrangling and disrespectful language will never solve our problems. Could we try for a little teamwork and put personal ambitions aside?
Betty Elliott, Prescott
The Editor;
I would like to suggest Prescott council purchase a small merry-go-round for their own use. At taxpayers' expense, of course.
They apparently love to go around in circles.
The situation to date would be laughable if it were not so sad.
My sympathy to his worship, Mayor Lawn.
Daunt Fleming, Prescott
The Editor;
On Tuesday, I attended, along with 100 or so other people, a superb presentation of Mozart's opera Cosi fan tutte by the Atelier Lyrique de L'Opéra de Montréal brought to Prescott through the courtesy of the Fort Town Concert Association.
By a remarkable coincidence, 50 years ago to the very day, as a young university student, I had attended my first opera at Covent Garden in London, and it was also Cosi fan tutte. Through the intervening years, I have been fortunate enough to attend several fine operas in many parts of the world but, in my opinion, last Tuesday's performance by those outstanding young performers would be hard to beat anywhere.
We are so lucky to live in a small community which manages to attract such talent - thanks, of course, in large part to the hard work of the dedicated volunteers of the Fort Town Concert Association.
In view of the quality of the performance, it was sad to see that there were several rows of seats not occupied. Perhaps your readers do not realize what they are missing. Hopefully, next year on April 15, there will be standing room only for Bizet's Carmen.
Jane Stuart, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
Japanese school kids are the most highly-stressed children in the world. The Japanese education system is in many ways the opposite of the Canadian system. When I attended South Grenville I seldom opened a book; at university I read from morning to midnight.
In Japan it's primary school and high school that are the times of intense study. Once accepted into university it's a four-year drinking binge where everyone graduates.
Students are under enormous pressure to do well in entrance examinations. Exams are taken for junior high school, high school, and most importantly university. High school students preparing for university entrance exams go through a two-year period known as juken jigoku ("examination hell").
Passing the exams and entering a top university is the difficult part. Once accepted, graduation is assured and a career is set. Getting into a top university pretty well determines a person's career path for life. Even getting into a good kindergarten sets the course for top primary and high schools, leading to university.
Japanese children seem to have very little time to enjoy their younger years, to simply be kids. They attend school on Saturdays, vacations are short, and after-school activities are highly structured by over-eager parents.
Once exam hell starts all Japanese attend juku, evening cram schools, where they drill entrance exam material until 11 pm most weeknights.
The children who come to my English class after their regular school day are often falling asleep on my table. They look as exhausted as the adults do.
I suppose if they had experienced a different lifestyle they'd never be able to cope with the endless exhausting toil of a salaryman's life.
The Japanese school system seems to have lost its way. Entrance exams are such a huge concern that curricula and teaching styles at public schools have been geared towards this as well.
It's as if knowledge and learning no longer matter. Rote memorization has replaced the whys and hows; exam-taking skills have replaced thinking and research skills.
The goal is to cram in facts that will be asked for on entrance exams and get them to stay there until the test is over. After that who cares? It's not as though any of this knowledge is needed. After getting into a good university the student will land a career as a salaryman in an office and won't need to think anymore.
If a woman, she'll get a job as an OL ("office lady") and hand out tea until she finds a husband. After marriage she'll become a housewife, and she'll cater to a couple of kids and a husband who is never around.
When I tell my teenaged students we don't have entrance exams, cram schools, or juken jigoku in Canada they're surprised.
When I tell them that system only exists in a few countries, Japan and South Korea and a few others, they're amazed. They assumed that life must be this way everywhere.
In many ways Japan is still isolated from the rest of the world. Despite their love of all things American, they don't know very much about other countries.
Travel is popular, but it's the brand of tourism that isolates the tourist on buses, provides Japanese-speaking interpreters, and feeds them Japanese food.
They travel around in an air-conditioned microcosm of Japan, not really engaging the culture they're observing. It would be cheaper to watch TV at home, and probably about as informative.
I can only hope that, as younger Japanese kids begin to backpack the world after university in ever-increasing numbers, they'll come to realize that life doesn't have to be this way.
***
Note: This is one in a series of columns written by Prescott native Ryan Murdock, who now resides in Tokyo. He graduated from South Grenville District High School in 1991. Murdock's travels include a three-month solo journey through all seven Central American countries. He is writing about his experiences in Japan, China and North Korea.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
CARDINAL - The Rideau/St. Lawrence Community Credit Union has opened a branch in Cardinal, providing residents with a banking alternative and a range of services.
Located at the Cardinal and District Resource Centre on New Street, the local branch merged with the former CASCO employees' credit union. But whereas that credit union was known as a "closed bond" and provided limited services to only CASCO employees and their relatives, Rideau/St. Lawrence offers the works to anybody who comes through the door, much like a traditional bank.
The credit union sets itself apart from banks in definite ways, however, explained Rideau/St. Lawrence CEO Pierre Marcotte. The full-service financial institution is owned by its members, who actually share in the profits and become part owners, Marcotte said. The members have a vote at the annual meeting and have a say in the overall direction of the credit union, regardless of the size of the accounts.
"Members share in our success," Marcotte said. "They get a piece of the action; if we do well, they do well."
Marcotte also noted personalized, individual service - something that has been disappearing and eroding at banks - also sets the credit union apart.
Rideau/St. Lawrence also has branches in Smiths Falls and Kemptville and two in Brockville.
Credit union members will find the same services and accounts as at a bank plus added benefits, Marcotte said. Among the services are loans and mortgages at competitive rates, investments, non-profit accounts that are service-charge free for community organizations, home equity lines of credit, business accounts, debit and credit cards and travel insurance.
"We're not big, but we're going to do big business," Marcotte said, also pointing out the friendly and personal service is part of the credit union philosophy.
The Cardinal branch will be staffed Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays by Dawn Murray and Mandy Deir. Hours of operation right now are shorter than at a bank, "but if the demand is there we'll fix that," Marcotte said.
He also added this credit union will be a continuation of the work started by CASCO. The CASCO credit union was operated out of the home of Ruth Hooke for a number of years. Marcotte added she was a devoted employee (now retired), and "thanks to her we have this base to work from. Otherwise, we'd have no starting point."
President of the Rideau/St. Lawrence board of directors, Gerry Carey, said the concept of credit unions is much like that of co-operatives in which people help each other.
He began a credit union in the rural southwestern Ontario town of Mitchell in 1954, and since then has been advocating the neighbourly and community-minded principles of credit unions.
There are more than 230 credit unions across Ontario affiliated through Credit Union Central of Ontario. All deposits are insured up to $100,000 with the Depositors' Insurance Corporation of Ontario. The national financial system holds more than $50 billion in assets.
The Rideau/St. Lawrence Community Credit Union was formed in Nov. 2000 by the amalgamation of the former Brockville Community Credit Union and the former Rideau/St. Lawrence Savings.
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
EDWARDSBURGH - Many Edwardsburgh residents who live on private roads are upset they are not receiving the same curbside garbage collection service as those who live on public roads.
"We seem to be behind the eight-ball," says Joyce Magee, who lives on Tuttle Point Road. "They're going to charge us (taxes) for services they're not providing."
Magee says she wasn't informed until recently that the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is providing door-to-door waste collection on public roads only.
"It wasn't until April 4 that I heard about this," she says. "They may not maintain private roads, but they collect taxes and allow buildings on them. If you're giving out building permits, you have to be willing to do something in return."
Lawrence Levere, treasurer of the Empire Hanna Road Association, recently made a presentation to the Public Works Committee asking for curbside pick-up service on Empire Hanna Road.
"What is becoming plain to me is that while the township is comfortable taking full tax revenue from residents of private roads, (it) is unprepared to provide any services whatsoever to those same residents," Levere stated in his presentation. "No gravel, no grading, no snow removal... now...you will not be providing garbage removal on our road."
Levere pointed out the muncipality collects approximately $40,000 from the 13 residential dwellings on the 1.3-kilometre road.
Public Works Committee Chairman Bill Sloan says township residents on private roads do still receive some services from the municipality.
"They still get fire protection and a few other things," says Sloan. "I live on a private road myself, and the garbage truck can't turn around at the end of it. Not too many private roads are really accessible for the garbage trucks; most of them are too narrow."
Levere disagrees, pointing out recent construction of homes on Empire Hanna Road has seen many large vehicles going down the road without any problems.
"I had a contractor come out and check our road and he said it was fine," Levere says. "Some private roads are not accessible and I guess they don't want to make exceptions."
Sloan says, "We discussed (Levere's presentation), but if you start (servicing) one road, you have to do them all."
Private road residents have to bring their garbage to the nearest public road in order for it to be picked up by the township.
Magee says she has a difficult time lifting a bag of garbage into her car, and doesn't feel she should have to drive a mile down the road to leave her garbage on County Road 2.
"I'm physically not able to haul the garbage," she says. "I'm also concerned about being (charged) for littering."
Levere adds, "There are a number of retired people on (my) road and it could become an issue for some people."
Magee plans on making a presentation to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council at its meeting Monday night in Spencerville.
CARDINAL - Cardinal in Bloom 2002 will hold a wine tasting event early next month to raise both money and public awareness for the program.
The tasting, to be held May 3 at the Cardinal Legion, will feature wine from Pelee Island. Many door prizes will be available to be won, including a night at Pelee Island's VIP suite as well as a tour of the winery.
"It'll kind of be like a social hour," says Cardinal in Bloom committee member Lori Pennell. "It's a fundraiser to raise money that will go back into the community as well as let people know the program is on again."
Tickets are available at General Dollar in Cardinal, from committee members or at the door.
Students at Benson Public School will participate in a poster contest this month to help advertise the local contest later this summer.
Judging for the bloom contest will take place Aug. 11 with Awards Day scheduled for Aug. 12. There will be no registration this year - the entire area will be judged.
"There are a lot of people with beautiful gardens that might win, but they don't register or don't have the opportunity to register," Pennell says. "It's a good way to get everybody involved."
Pennell says the committee will focus on maintaining or increasing floral displays, as well as improving the cleanliness of and planting more trees in the village.
CARDINAL - Interest in increasing in the Junior Stamp Club held monthly at the Cardinal Branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library. Organizer John Dugan Sr. reports there are about 12 regular members who share in the fun of trading and collecting postage stamps.
New members are welcome to join. Participants also have a chance to learn about geography through the activity.
A number of people have donated stamps to the club; Dugan said more donations are always appreciated.
The next meeting will be held Wednesday, April 17 at 7 pm. For more information, contact Dugan at 657-1081.
CARDINAL - The Cardinal Fish and Game Club annual mud pout derby will be held Sunday, April 28 at Sawmill Creek, just east of Cardinal.
All children and youths 16 years and under are welcome to participate. There will be prizes, hot dogs and drinks available. The weigh-in will take place between 3 and 4 pm.
Membership in the club is not necessary to participate in the junior derby, although anyone wishing to join can do so at the event. The club is looking to increase its membership base, reported club spokesman John Dugan Sr.
The annual pike derby has been scheduled for Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5.
Irving H. Miller, a long-time Prescott businessman who resided at 458 Ann St., Prescott, died at his home Sunday, March 17, 2002. He was in his 88th year, and his health had deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks.
He was born April 14, 1914 at Middlesex, Vermont, U.S.A., to Guy I.S. Miller and Laura Miller (nee Noak). The family moved to Clarenceville, Quebec when he was three months old. From 1930 to 1947 he farmed in Clarenceville and Huntingdon, Quebec. In 1947 Mr. Miller moved to Prescott and operated a tea room and soda bar on King Street with his wife Irene (nee Darby) and his father Guy until 1952. He then started a real estate and insurance business under the name Irving H. Miller Ltd. He operated this business for 30 years and retired in 1982.
His life centered around his family, home, business and friends. For 30 years he and his wife spent summers at their cottage on the St. Lawrence River. He also enjoyed curling, golfing, lawn bowling and shuffleboard. He was an avid fan of the Ottawa Senators. The couple wintered in Florida for several years and also enjoyed travelling together.
Mr. Miller was a member of Amity Lodge No. 80 and delivered Meals on Wheels for 19 years. He was also a dedicated visitor to shut-ins at nursing homes and hospitals. He had a good sense of humour and his warm, compassionate ways endeared him to many.
He is survived by his wife Irene; son Guy Miller (wife Shirley) of Paris, Ont.; daughters Wanda Wilson of Prescott and Joan (Rick Linnen) of Athens, Ont. He was the cherished grandfather of Steven (Jill) Durant, Cynthia Durant, Dr. Carol Miller (Paul), Patti (Scott Boug), Lynne (Robert Shier), Diane (Dan Rutherford), David Miller (wife Erica), Nancy (Nino Dettorre) and Rodney Linnen (wife Christine).
He will be sadly missed by his great grandchildren Daniel, Brandon and Holly Durant, Ethan and Alexander Chilcott, Trianna and Talia Boug, Mitchell and Katelyn Shier, Kylie, Isaac and Samuel Miller, Melissa and Michael Dettorre, Ethan and Jacob Linnen.
Mr. Miller is also survived by his sister Hilda Miller of Fredericton, N.B.; sister-in-law Marguerite Miller of Pakenham, Ont., and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; sisters Grace Bullock and Fern McCullough and by his brother Herbert Miller.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Wednesday, March 20. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Blair Paterson at St. Paul's United Church, Prescott, Thursday, March 21, 2002 at 11 am. Interment will be at Sandy Hill Cemetery. His daughter-in-law, Shirley Miller, gave the eulogy.
The pallbearers were Steven Durant, Rodney Linnen, David Miller, Nino Dettorre, Dan Rutherford and Dan Throop.
Memorial donations may be made to the roof fund at St. Paul's Church and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Rita Marion Payne, 392 East St., Prescott, died Friday, March 29, 2002 at Brockville General Hospital. She was 88.
She was born Oct. 11, 1913 at Toronto, Ont., the daughter of Richard Sendall and Rachael Maude. She married Fred Payne Dec. 3, 1934 at Mount Dennis Church, Toronto.
Mrs. Payne is survived by her daughter Charlotte Wyman of Prescott; grandson Mark (Cathy) of Waterloo; granddaughter Jennifer Wyman of Prescott; great grandson Matthew Wyman; sisters Marjorie Graham of Oakville and Phyllis Rickman of Ladner B.C.; brother Richard Sendall of Dundas; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Payne was predeceased by her husband, the Archdeacon Fred Payne of St. John's Anglican Church; her sister Doris Donald; and her brother, Stan Sendall.
Her interests included traveling, baking, reading, curling, her grandchildren and great grandson Matthew. She had a life-long love of Dachshunds.
She was a deeply faithful woman who always believed prayer and belief in God would get us through all that came our way.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Tuesday, April 2. The funeral service was at St. John's Anglican Church April 3 at 1 pm, with Rev. Michael Pollesel officiating.
A committal service will take place later in the spring at Blue Church Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Paul McConnell, Brent McAllister, Tammy Ferguson, Ross Hutton and Mark Wyman.
Donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society would be appreciated.
June Ellen Street, a life-time resident of the area who resided at 351 Churchill Road, Prescott, died peacefully Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at Brockville General Hospital. She was 72.
She was born June 17, 1929 at Throoptown, Ont., the daughter of Charles Richard McMullen and his wife, the former Anna Lavina Forsythe.
Mrs. Street lived all her life in this area; she attended school in North Augusta and Prescott. She left school and worked at Domtar Paper Products and the Superior Silk Mills. She was working at the silk mill when she met her husband-to-be, Ralph Street. They were married in Prescott July 2, 1960 at the former Calvary Pentecostal Church on Henry Street.
Mrs. Street's main interests were her home and family. She especially enjoyed her grandson during the past couple of years after the family moved from Florida. She enjoyed sewing and knitting for friends and relatives until rheumatoid arthritis took over her body in the late 60s. She also liked to collect dolls and other knick-knacks that she had arranged in cabinets and on shelves throughout the house. During vacation time she and her family put on many miles travelling in their RV; they went from coast to coast in Canada and as far south as the Florida Keys.
Mrs. Street was a trooper, and although she was always in some degree of pain, she was always there for her family whom she loved dearly.
She is survived by her husband Ralph Street of Prescott; sons Charles (Barbara) of Johnstown and Steven (Catherine) of Spencerville; grandson Will; sister Gladys (Mrs. Tom Walsh) of St. Catharines; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her mother Anna (Mrs. Gerald Deane); her father, Charles McMullen; brothers Raymond and Arthur McMullen and a sister, Ruby McMullen.
Visitation was at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14. The funeral service took place in the chapel of the funeral home March 15 at 11 am, with Pastor Gordon Chrissley officiating. A committal service and burial will be held in the spring at Sandy Hill Cemetery, Prescott.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
James Fredrick Lockett, Wellington House, Prescott, died Sunday, March 31, 2002 at his residence. He was 84.
Mr. Lockett was born July 19, 1917 at Kingston, Ont., the son of Garnet Lockett and Lorene Douglas. He married Marjorie Lockett (nee Hunt) June 15, 1944 at St. John's, Newfoundland.
He had been employed as a life insurance salesman, and also owned and operated the Prescott Bowling Alley and a gas station in Prescott. His interests included his family, fishing and playing cards at the Legion until his sight failed.
Mr. Lockett is survived by his sons Robert (Linda) of Prescott, Steve (Ruthe) of Prescott, Tom (Rosemary) of Orleans and John (Gisele) of Kanata; grandchildren Dave (wife Riki), Stacey (husband Ravi Shinh), Shawn (wife Lisa), Amy, Jeremy, Geoffrey, Melinda, Lance and Angele; and his brother David of Kingston.
He was predeceased by his parents and by his sister Lorene Chambers.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Tuesday, April 2, where a Legion memorial service took place in the evening. The funeral service was held in the chapel of the funeral home April 3 at 11 am, with Rev. Michael Pollesel officiating. Cremation was at Cataraqui Cemetery April 3.
A committal service will take place later in the spring at Blue Church Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to CNIB, Royal Canadian Legion and the restoration fund at St. John's Church.
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - The Prescott Golf Club will tee off the 2002 season this week as the course opens for business.
As of Monday, club manager and head professional Thom Miller expected the course would be open today.
"It's the normal time of year for us to be open," Miller said, noting last year the club opened April 13.
"The course is in better shape this year because of the mild weather. There was no damage done to the greens this year; most damage to golf courses over the winter is caused by ice."
Miller said greens are the most susceptible to damage from winter weather because of the shortness of the grass.
"It's quite expensive maintenance," he said. "We put chemicals down in the fall to try and minimize ice damage but they usually wash away."
There are no major changes to the course this year, Miller said, except on the second hole. Reconstruction of the hole began last fall with a new tee box, a reshaped fairway, enlargement of the pond and the installation of a fountain in the pond.
"The look is basically the same," Miller said. "It might have shortened the hole by ten yards or so. The fountain should look very attractive."
Both Miller and club president Tom Langer said membership is similar to last season.
"The membership is excellent," Langer said. "There's a good waiting list also; it speaks very highly of the club."
Miller said the club will have approximately 800 members, although 30 to 40 are social members only.
"Our membership is affordable and the product is good," he said. "It's relatively inexpensive golf... we're still the cheapest quality golf course and it attracts people."
Miller said membership and greens fees have gone up slightly this year.
Major events on the club's calendar this year include qualifying competitions throughout June, the Men's and Senior Men's Invitational June 8, the Ladies' Invitational July 23, the Club Championships Aug. 24 and 25 and a charity tournament for diabetes Sept. 2.
PRESCOTT - Last month's midget "AA/AAA" hockey tournament in Prescott was the most successful in the 30-year history of the competition, according to tournament chair Lorne Raycroft.
"I rate the tournament in dollars and cents," Raycroft said when asked to compare this year's tournament to the past. "It was the best ever money-wise; it wasn't attended as well as in the past but teams paid a bit more and we watched our money."
Although final numbers aren't in yet, Raycroft expects the midget tournament and the bantam tournament in Cardinal combined to raise more than $18,000 for the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association.
Coaches and managers of many participating teams raved about the midget competition's professionalism and organization during the tournament and several have e-mailed Raycroft with their compliments afterwards.
"My kids and I had a great time and loved everything about it," stated Northern Massachusetts representative Tony Dalessio. "It was definitely one of the best run tournaments I have been to."
Rick Bert, representing Welland, said, "I just want to tell... your team of organizers that you all did a great job, the weekend was awesome on the ice and off. We were treated like gold in town, out of town and everywhere."
West Michigan's Patrick Cavanagh added, "I wanted to write and let you know how impressed I was with the Prescott tournament. You have a great staff and support with good teams and officials. Thanks again, we will be back for next year."
Raycroft, who has chaired the tournament for the past five years and has served on the organizing committee since 1984, said one of the unfortunate things about this year's event was a lack of billets.
"We were lucky to billet three teams," he said. "It's tough to get billets now - we used to be able to billet six to eight teams. They still get a good hockey experience but St. Louis, Oakville and Washington got the experience of the small-town families."
However, the major controversy was the fact the Rideau St. Lawrence Kings were not permitted to participate.
To qualify for the tournament, the Kings needed a top-three finish in the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association standings or a strong playoff showing. They were unable to accomplish either.
"It's not fair to have two home teams. It's South Grenville Minor Hockey's tournament," Raycroft said. "Do the (midget) "B" (Rangers) belong? It's our tournament."
Raycroft said he considered expanding the tournament field to 20 teams to try and accommodate the Kings but it did not make sense financially.
PRESCOTT - A sure sign of spring will be present today and tomorrow as many birds are set to fly in Maitland.
However, these birds will be of the non-singing variety, as the Leeds-Grenville badminton senior championships are held at Grenville Christian College.
Boys' and girls' singles and mixed doubles competition is slated for today while boys' and girls' doubles and the conclusion of singles action is on tomorrow's schedule.
South Grenville District High School and GCC will compete against teams from Gananoque, Rideau, Athens, North Grenville, TISS, BCI and St. Mary's.
South Grenville coach Matthew Robinson says the Giants' early season results at Leeds-Grenville warm-up competitions have been "encouraging."
At the North Grenville Invitational last Wednesday in Kemptville, Eric Delorme was boys' singles champion while Andrew Fortier and Peter Veltkamp teamed up to take the boys' doubles crown. Lisa Weststrate and Dustin Drury reached the final in mixed doubles; Lisa Barber was a semi-finalist in girls' singles. Anisa Aubin and Tommy Johnson qualified for the semi-final in mixed doubles.
At a warm-up event Friday in Gananoque, Amanda McGuire and Lindsay McLaughlin were finalists in girls' doubles.
BELLEVILLE - The Brockville Blazers midget girls' basketball team won all three of its games at a tournament in Belleville last weekend to take the gold medal.
The Blazers rallied from a two-point halftime deficit to knock off Belleville 46-34 in the Quinte Tournament's championship game.
Brockville's comeback was keyed by a 20-4 run in the third quarter which saw Amy Solc and Kim Usher combine for ten points.
Lindsay Coombes and Shannon Campbell helped shut down Belleville's inside game with strong defence, according to Blazers co-coach Dave Walker.
Brockville easily won its first two games of the tournament.
In their opening contest, the Blazers hammered the Lindsay Wildcats 61-20.
Jenna Beatty led Brockville with 21 points and ten rebounds; Sam Joudoin and Heidi Rienstra knocked down eight points each.
Rookies Meagan Blair and Erin Durant were instrumental in a fourth-quarter surge that saw Brockville score 20 points, Walker said, as was Jocelyn Campbell.
Alex Ward recorded seven steals and six assists while committing only one turnover.
In their second game, the Blazers jumped out to a 19-2 advantage and coasted to a 52-24 victory over the host Quinte Wildcats.
Brockville pressed on defence and forced numerous Quinte turnovers.
Beatty had 16 points and 12 rebounds while Rienstra scored 11 points.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Do you know coaches or officials that have made a significant contribution to athletics and sport development?
If so, you might consider nominating them for annual awards sponsored by 3M Canada and Fox 40.
Each year, 3M, in collaboration with the Coaching Association of Canada, honours a male and female coach in both high performance and developmental sport for outstanding contribution to coaching and athletic development.
Coaches nominated must be certified by the 3M National Coaching Certification Program (Level 2 minimum); the four winners will receive a $1000 coach education bursary while the runners-up in each category will receive a $500 bursary.
The Fox 40 Sport Official Award is presented each year to a male and female official (judge, referee, umpire) in both high performance and developmental sport for outstanding contribution to sport development.
Winning coaches and officials will receive their awards at the Sport Leadership 2002 conference in Montreal this November.
To nominate a coach or official, or to obtain additional information, visit the Coaching Association of Canada Web site at www.coach.ca or contact Julie Long at (613) 235-5000, extension 2378.
Nominations must be received no later than April 30.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Grenville Fish and Game Club will begin its annual turkey contest later this month.
The competition will run from April 25 to May 31; weigh-ins will be held daily from 8 am to 2 pm at Mike's Trail & Tackle in Tincap.
Each hunter who harvests and weighs-in a turkey will be entered into a draw for cash prizes; there is also a special prize for the overall high scoring turkey.
Tickets are available at the weigh-in or by calling Matt DeVries at 657-1845, Lynn Holmes at 925-3408 or Mike Stephenson at 658-2054.
PRESCOTT - The Prescott Curling Club is holding its annual closing mixed bonspiel this week.
Play began last night with draws at 6:30 and 8:30; draws will be held at similar times tonight, tomorrow and Friday. Saturday will feature games at 9 and 11 am as well as 1, 3 and 6 pm.
As of last week, a full field of 24 teams, or 96 players, was expected to participate.
The final night will also include a potluck dinner, awards and karaoke.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Action Shooting Group at the Grenville Fish & Game Club (GFGC) is looking for people in eastern Ontario who might be interested in forming a Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) club.
The group has received approval from the GFGC to organize a CAS match later this year.
Anyone interested in joining the CAS club is invited to attend
the GFGC's meeting April 20. The meeting will be held at the GFGC's
clubhouse on Campbell Road North, north of Prescott. For more
information, contact Fred Guse at (613) 652-4656.