| 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 |
HOME
| NEWS | EDITORIALS
| CARDINAL | SPORTS | OBITUARIES
| ARCHIVES | CLASSIFIED
BACK ISSUES | PUBLISHING INFO
| ST. LAWRENCE
PRINTING CO. LTD. |LINKS
SPENCERVILLE The annual barrel race is set for this Saturday, April 21 at the Spencerville Mill.
Sponsored by the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department, the event will feature eight barrels being released from the dam to race down the South Nation River to the bridge.
First prize is $100; second place wins $50; and third place takes home $25. Five prizes of $10 each will be awarded.
Fire Chief Jim Purcell said the races have been a popular spring event for about 40 years. The fun gets underway at 2:30 pm.
Tickets on a barrel can be purchased in advance from any firefighter and at several businesses in Spencerville or on Saturday prior to the race. Proceeds go toward fire department equipment purchases.
SOUTH GRENVILLE Daffodils sold in Prescott, Cardinal and Spencerville during the Canadian Cancer Society's annual campaign at the end of March raised $6,158.71 for the organization.
Prescott daffodil campaign chairman John Christofolakos reported 16 boxes of flowers each containing 50 bunches were sold during the three-day event in town, raising $4,091.50.
One unsold box was donated to a local church.
Forty-five volunteers sold the daffodils from various locations in Prescott.
Cardinal organizer Dorie Coons said 27 volunteers raised $2,067.21 at selling locations in the village and in Spencerville.
PRESCOTT The circus is coming to town.
The Moscow State Circus will be staging two performances Friday, April 27 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. Show times are 5 and 8 pm.
The circus has been an important part of the culture of Russia and other countries which belonged to the former Soviet bloc.
The Moscow State Circus promises to provide a glimpse of the glory of Russia's impressive cultural heritage enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life.
Advance tickets at discounted prices are available at Lane's Smoke Shop, 170 King St. E.
PRESCOTT The Seaway Men's Ecumenical Fellowship group will hold its monthly breakfast meeting Saturday, April 21 at St. Paul's United Church.
Mayor Robert Lawn will be speaking on the role of volunteers in community life.
The breakfast begins at 8 am. Women are welcome to attend.
SPENCERVILLE Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday night accepted Spencerville as the location for the amalgamated township's municipal hall in a recorded vote of 5-2.
In voting for the Spencerville location, council accepted the Transition Board recommendation that Spencerville be the location of the hall for the amalgamated municipalities of the Township of Edwardsburgh and the Village of Cardinal and that the Cardinal office be maintained as a satellite/hydro office.
About 90 people attended the regular council meeting April 16, held upstairs at the municipal building. Those in attendance of the meeting allowed council to conduct its business; however, on a couple occasions Mayor Dave Dobbie banged his gavel, asking the audience to be quiet and allow council to continue.
Council also voted down 5-2 in a recorded vote Councillor Peggy Taylor's recommendation to stop any alteration to either municipal buildings until all Transition Board recommendations were reviewed by council. The resolution, which was seconded by Councillor Dan McDonald, also stated that before council move forward with municipal hall renovations, an audit of each former municipality be made and reviewed by council and an official plan and zoning bylaws be reviewed and revised by council. The resolution had been bumped twice. Opposition had been mounting since Taylor first tabled the resolution several weeks ago. At the April 3 council meeting, the ratepayers association, a grassroots organization based in Cardinal, presented council with a petition with 1327 names on it requesting council to locate the municipal building in Cardinal and not Spencerville.
Taylor and McDonald voted in support of slowing down the municipal hall process, while in the second resolution voted against its Spencerville location.
Taylor had introduced the resolution to slow down the amalgamation process, which she said was occurring too quickly. Taylor added that the reality of the recommendations are now sinking in for taxpayers, since services have been withdrawn from the Cardinal office.
Councillor Peter Martin disagreed council was moving too quickly to have Spencerville designated as the main municipal building and for renovations to begin.
Martin said the Transition Board passed a resolution April 2, 2000 in a 7-3 recorded vote that stated the main municipal building should be in Spencerville and a satellite/hydro office be in Cardinal. He noted coverage in the media, for example, shed light on the decision but at the time no delegation or petitions resulted.
"I can assure you that this council does not make decisions hastily, and I can also assure you that the finances of your municipality are in excellent hands," he stated.
The current council consists of four former Edwardsburgh councillors: Dave Dobbie, Marie Thomson, Councillor Bill Sloan and Peter Martin. He said this provides continuity from the Transition Board, which was comprised of both the councils.
He said the most difficult consideration for him was developing a organizational structure and now that staffing has been done, they, and the citizens of the municipality, need a place to carry out the "business of the municipality."
"A central office with consolidated staff, who can discuss issues face-to-face, with ready access to records and systems must be established, and very soon, so that we can make other important decisions, and provide services efficiently and wisely."
Councillor McDonald said with the Cardinal building designated as a satellite office, the issue of services available needs to be a dressed.
During the discussion over the resolution to locate the hall in Spencerville, Taylor said more important than the location of the hall is the provision of a full range of services at both locations. Currently, the satellite/hydro office provides services for ratepayers to buy dog tags and garbage tags, in addition to paying their hydro bills.
Mayor Dave Dobbie said the issue of services could be addressed at the administration committee, comprised of councillors Frank Noccey, Peter Martin and Peggy Taylor.
Former Cardinal Reeve and spokesman for ratepayers association Larry Dishaw, which is opposed to having the main office located in Spencerville, said after the meeting they were not surprised by council's decision to locate the hall in Spencerville. He said the association will be looking into ways to challenge the decision, for example, by seeking an injunction or even a "reverse amalgamation." Dishaw said the association, which has been holding its meetings at the Cardinal municipal building, will be seeking legal advise and has money set aside for the process. Dishaw said he was not aware of the amount.
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD Ten Augusta Township employees have joined the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) to fight against what one spokesman says was a fear of losing their jobs.
Wayne Johnston, a part-time employee with the roads department for the past eight years, said the step was taken to join the union because of increasing insecurity among employees. "They got nervous," he said Monday in an interview.
The nervousness was a result to what Johnston said were changes in the operation of the roads department by superintendent Keith Couture.
The employees' main concern was with snow plow operators being asked to plow without the aid of wingers, Johnston said. It was a safety concern, he noted, because "as drivers, we didn't feel comfortable without wingers. We couldn't work out a happy medium."
The employment status of Richard Stephenson brought issues to a head, Johnston said. The 13-year truck driver and back hoe operator has not worked for the township in eight weeks following a disagreement with Couture. While his supporters maintain he was fired, Reeve George Vail said at an April 9 council meeting the issue was a misunderstanding and Stephenson was definitely not fired. A settlement is currently in litigation, with Stephenson represented by Prescott lawyer Barry Laushway.
The union agreement was finalized last Wednesday following an Ontario Labour Relations Board hearing called to settle a township challenge over who was allowed to vote. The ballots of 10 workers were counted, with the final vote coming in at 8-2 in favour of the union.
Originally, there had been eight protested votes for part-time employees. It had been ruled four of those votes would be ineligible, since those employees had accumulated few, if any work hours in the past year.
A second hearing is scheduled for April 24 in Toronto to decide on the eligibility of assistant clerk Linda Robinson and building inspector Greg Trizisky.
Employees are optimistic Stephenson will return to work, Johnston noted.
"When Richie (Stephenson) got terminated, that brought it all to a head," Johnston said. "We could see a pattern starting. We were protecting our buts a little bit or we would all be history. He (Couture) has his favourites picked and it doesn't look good for some of the other ones.
"We're hoping with a union council would be forced to sit and listen to our concerns," Johnston said.
Johnston noted as well his strong words could have him marked and put his own job at risk, since, he said, the union agreement can offer little protection to part-timers like himself. "I can see it coming this summer," he said. "I'm sure Couture will get his ounce of flesh. He always has. His attitude is that it's his way or the highway. That's what's killed us."
Attempts to reach Vail for comment on the union issue were unsuccessful, however he has stated in the past council could not comment on personnel matters. Deputy Reeve Morris Stark said Monday he doesn't anticipate any hard feelings between council and staff.
By Monica Whitney -Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The future of an important piece of Ontario's history appears to be in doubt.
The Stockade Barracks restaurant will close Saturday, April 28. The East Street business is located in a historic building that pre-dates the War of 1812.
"Declining business over the past two years and a growing focus on more profitable venues led to the decision to close," states a Jessup Food and Heritage Ltd. media release issued Monday.
The company is owned by Paul Fortier, the Prescott native who opened the restaurant in 1990 as a unique dining experience for groups.
The original Stockade Barracks was built in 1810 by Major Edward Jessup, the founder of Prescott who intended the building to be used as a schoolmaster's residence. In 1812 the British army began using the building as a military barracks and later as a garrison hospital to Fort Wellington. The Jessup family sold the property to the British army in 1823.
The restaurant takes its patrons "back in time" by offering traditional dining in an early 19th-century atmosphere.
The "heritage dining program" established at the Stockade Barracks was also put into place by Fortier at Fort Henry in Kingston and Fort York in Toronto. Jessup Food and Heritage Ltd. also assumed responsibility for food service programs at Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg.
The Prescott restaurant was the subject of a lengthy dispute in the early 1990s when Fortier applied for a liquor licence. Despite the objections of town council, as well as hearings of the Liquor Licence Control Board of Ontario and the Ontario Municipal Board, a licence was eventually issued.
The Barracks has offered candlelight dining Friday and Saturday evenings while maintaining service at other times to larger groups.
Fortier could not be reached for comment prior to press time. The media release does not indicate how many jobs are affected by the closure of the restaurant.
As for the future of the property and the possibility it may be sold, the release states the company will maintain it "...until an innovative alternate use is found..."
The site is the oldest surviving barracks and the second oldest military building in Ontario. An Ontario Heritage Foundation plaque located on the property notes part of the site's history. Elements of a museum established in the building prior to the opening of the restaurant was retained, but the restaurant is now the primary use in the landmark building.
"The Barracks has played an important role in Prescott since 1810," Fortier stated in the release. "And we hope that we can find some use for the building so that it continues to hold a position of prominence."
By Tim Ruhnke
Journal Staff Writer
The Stockade Barracks and Hospital Museum at 356 East St.
PRESCOTT It was business and not politics that determined where in Leeds and Grenville a charity casino will be located, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) officials say.
The findings of a consultant's report show Gananoque and Leeds and Thousand Islands is the best market for the casino, according to OLGC Communications Director Jim Cronin.
A market analysis conducted by KPMG and commissioned by the OLGC concluded the potential gaming revenue from a casino in Gananoque/Thousand Islands exceeds $47 million per year. The two communities were combined in the KPMG report because the two markets they represent are "indistinguishable," Cronin said in a recent interview.
A Brockville casino would have a revenue potential of more than $32 million per year. A Prescott site would draw more than $29.6 million per year, according to the report.
When asked how a combined Brockville/Prescott market would fare against the combination of Gananoque and Leeds and Thousand Islands, Cronin said there is no need to go back and review the report.
"We have made our decision... and we stand behind our research," Cronin said.
He added the proposed site which is owned by the Ministry of Transportation, straddles both municipalities and is close to Highway 401 and other major routes in the region is "ideal." Proximity to Kingston and Watertown was also cited as an advantage for the selected site.
The OLGC board's recommendation also got the nod from Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Tim Hudak, noted Cronin.
But business leaders in Prescott believe the decision was made long before the March 30 announcement. Mike Boyles, executive director of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce and the Prescott Business Improvement Area, said the choice was made long before KPMG did its study.
He cited a similar case in which a proposed jail was taken from the Prescott area and awarded to Brockville; Prescott was on the verge of getting a charity casino more than two years ago, but a moratorium was imposed before an agreement could be signed.
"There isn't really anything we can do about this," said Boyles, who insists politics was the overriding factor in the casino decision.
In a March 30 interview, OLGC CEO Ron Barbaro rejected such a suggestion.
As for the figures included in the KPMG report, Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn indicated they could be useful for other initiatives the town may wish to consider in the future.
The OLGC will host a job fair sometime this summer for the hundreds of casino jobs being created. The casino is expected to have at least 400 full-time workers; an estimated 200 temporary construction jobs are be created.
Construction is to begin this summer and be completed in time for a spring 2002 opening. Subtrades interested in bidding on the charity casino project have until April 17 to submit invitations for information. The 58,000-square-foot building which will house 450 slot machines and 18 gaming tables has an estimated project construction value in the range of $25 million.
MAYNARD Augusta council will be ordering independent water tests at some residences in Maitland, following ongoing complaints of foul water at homes near the Ultramar terminals on Church Street.
Jeff Elliott, who lives across the road from the terminals, told council at its meeting April 9 the water at his home is undrinkable and has an unbearable smell.
To illustrate his complaint, Elliott showed council members a new white bath towel with dark stains he said were caused after just a few washings at the home.
Elliott maintains the water problems have become progressively worse since Ultramar began soil remediation work at the site last November. He said the water tested fine when he and his wife Sue purchased the home in October. The company is currently digging test holes down to bedrock at the site that is causing the problem, Elliott said.
Representatives from Ultramar's Montreal office vowed at a public meeting in February to make water analysis and address any concerns over homeowners' water quality. But Elliott said he has yet to receive any satisfaction.
"I've got dirt coming through my water like you wouldn't believe," Elliott said at the council meeting. "They're saying our water's okay."
Elliott commented he just installed a new toilet in the home that is already covered with black chips. There is also a black film around the bathtub. The home owner said he can't stand the smell of the water, and noted he often smells worse after taking a shower than he did before.
The well for his home, at 80 feet deep, is 40 feet from where the company is digging, Elliott said.
Deputy Reeve Morris Stark asked Elliott and Herb Richardson, another Maitland resident who spoke about water problems, to choose an independent water analyst to run tests at Ultramar's expense, with the results to be sent to the township office.
KINGSTON The regional jobless rate continues to increase, according to figures released last week by the Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) centre in Kingston.
The unemployment rate in the area including Brockville, Cornwall and Smiths Falls was 8.5 per cent in March, up from 7.4 per cent in February. Fewer people joined the labour force last month, contrary to the trend of the last few months.
There were fewer jobs in the manufacturing and trade sectors, stated an HRDC news release. Educational services, accommodation and food services showed moderate increases as other sectors experienced little change in employment activity.
The regional unemployment rate in March 2000 was eight per cent.
The number of Employment Insurance (EI) claimants at the end of March in the Kingston-Pembroke area was 4.6 per cent higher than at the end of February.
The Prescott office reported 1,144 active claims last month compared to 1,119 in February. A 15.2-per-cent increase was reported by the Brockville office; its claim total went from 1,232 in February to 1,419 in March.
The seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate in March was seven per cent. Using the three-month moving average used to determine the regional unemployment rate, the national rate would increase to 7.5 per cent.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The goal of people living independently and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible and providing quality home-based health care was the focus of a public meeting held in Prescott Monday, April 2.
The board of directors of the Access Centre for Community Care in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, which has offices in Smiths Falls and Brockville, held its monthly meeting and public session at the Prescott Royal Canadian Legion to open lines of communication with the people it serves and raise awareness of its services.
The access centre is a gateway to long-term care, home care and school health support, and co-ordinates a number of health care services.
Beth Morris, a Prescott-area resident and one of 11 board members for the centre, said at the meeting access centres came into existence in 1997 as a result of the Ontario government's desire to improve and simplify the public's access to home and community-based health services and long-term care. Forty-three access centres blanket the province.
"We know that the services we provide are important and we know that we have many challenges in meeting the diverse needs in our communities," Morris said.
"We are committed to staying in touch with the people of Prescott and the rest of the tri-county area.
"Our role is a broad one," she noted. "Not only do we provide information and assess client needs, co-ordinate services and link clients to existing community services, but we also identify the gaps in services." Community services are then co-ordinated to fill the gaps.
A range of service options can be accessed with one telephone number, Morris explained. The access centre means convenience and information on other services not provided directly by the organization, she said. The centre ensures quality school care for children who have special medical needs; helps people of all ages return to their homes earlier by providing quality home care after surgery or a hospital stay; and helps the elderly, people with disabilities and those who are seriously ill stay in the comfort of their own home as long as possible.
The centre also assists in finding care for loved ones for whom living at home is no longer a safe option, Morris said.
Each month in Ontario, 170,000 people receive home care services through their local access centre. In Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, an average of 3,000 clients use access centre services each month. In Prescott alone, 32 new cases came on board since January.
The centres are funded 100 per cent by the Ministry of Health and do not charge for their services. The annual budget for the tri-county centre is about $19 million. Access centres are governed by a volunteer board of directors and managed by a professional staff. There are about 120 staff people connected with the local centre.
The numbers of clients continue to steadily grow, Morris said, and will continue to grow for the next 10 to 15 years, "largely due to baby boomers and seniors living longer."
Consequently, Ontario's senior population is expected to grow by 160,000 in the next five years and by 360,000 over the next decade. About 62 per cent of clients are over the age of 65.
A key role of the access centre is as a co-ordinator. Case managers visit clients, assess the needs, then arrange for the appropriate care to be delivered by service providers.
"Once quality care is being furnished, we continue to monitor and assess the client on an ongoing basis to ensure care continues to be appropriate," Morris said.
Clients may receive professional services such as nursing, homemaker and personal care, nutritional counselling, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, respite care and social work in the home setting or in schools. Medical supplies and equipment may also be available.
For the most part, the services available through access centres are provided by organizations or companies that have service contracts with the centre.
They are engaged through an open competitive bidding process designed to make available the best quality service at the best price, Morris said.
Examples of people who may benefit from the services are a young girl with cerebral palsy, whose balance and motor skills are affected and has special education needs. A mother with a young family who requires followup care after surgery and early release from hospital could also benefit, Morris noted.
In another situation, a 68-year-old bachelor is retired, has diabetes and has recently suffered a stroke. He lives alone on a hobby farm, is unable to drive, and has visual and hearing problems. With a goal to promote renewed independence in this case, a plan would be co-ordinated for his care that could involve daily nursing, diabetes instruction, personal care and housekeeping, occupational therapy to address home safety such as grab bars in the bathroom, and nutritional counselling.
The Brockville office of the Access Centre for Community Care can be reached at 345-0060, or 1-800-267-4403.
MAYNARD Augusta Township must spend more than $2,500 to determine if a site has any heritage significance before it can be reopened and expanded as a gravel pit.
Council was informed at its April 9 meeting by Kostuch Engineering Ltd. of Ottawa the site on part lots 2 and 3 of Concession 8 in Limerick Forest just north of Roebuck may have archaeological or heritage importance.
The Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation has determined the gravel pit has the potential to cause impacts to significant cultural heritage resources and recommends an assessment be performed by a licensed archaeological consultant.
The ministry's determination is based on the property's proximity to a large wetland area and is marked by the presence of a prominent knoll at its southern end. The knoll is the highest point on the landscape for some distance around, and would therefore have been attractive to early inhabitants of the area, the ministry states.
Following the cultural heritage resource assessment, the township would be required, if necessary, to mitigate through either avoidance or documentation and removal any adverse impacts to any heritage resources found. No demolition, grading, filling or any form of soil disturbances can take place on the land prior to the issuance of a letter from the ministry indicating all heritage resource concerns have been addressed. The work undertaken must meet licensing and resource conservation requirements.
The township is seeking a licence to excavate 25,000 tonnes of gravel per year from the 7.8-hectare quarry site. A portion of this site (17 per cent) was quarried in the 1960s and 70s by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and in 1989 and 1990 by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. That portion of the pit has been restored and the remaining portion of the lot reforested with red pines.
The archaeological assessment is to be carried out by Heritage Quest Inc. of Kingston. The investigation will include a review of archaeological, historical and environmental literature, a review of aerial photographs, historic maps, land registry records and census roles and a field study of the area.
The $2,589.40 cost of the assessment includes five days work for a principal investigator at $400 per day, transportation, photography and report production expenses.
MAYNARD Augusta council will be looking at the possibility of work on McCully Road, following a complaint at a meeting April 9 on the condition of the road.
Andre DeDekker, a long-time resident of the road located north west of Domville, presented council with a letter outlining his concerns of severe road dust problems.
Living on the road has become unbearable because of the dust caused by a heavy increase in regular vehicle traffic, as well as a marked increase in the number of school busses, dump trucks and construction vehicles that use the road, DeDekker's letter stated.
Elderly residents have difficulty breathing, and twice daily vacuumings are required because of the dust, he said. Outdoor patios cannot be used in the summer, and clothes need to be dried inside, he noted.
DeDekker said he has been a resident of the road since 1948, and nothing has been done to the road in the past 30 years except new gravel. Not even the ditches have been cleaned and calcium applications by the township roads crews don't last long, DeDekker added.
"I spend most of my summer watering the road."
Reeve George Vail said he understands the concern regarding
the condition of the road, and that council would look into the
matter, noting it was a budgetary item.
JOHNSTOWN The harvest has begun for a Johnstown-based commercial fish farm.
Eastern Tilapia began shipping truckloads of mature fish to market in early February. Company President Ken Durand Jr. said he and the staff have been very busy during the past several months getting the operation to this point, and that hard work is now paying off.
Eastern Tilapia buys at least 20,000 tilapia fry (very young fish) from Florida and grows them until they are about 1.4 to 1.5 lbs., a process that usually takes between eight and nine months to complete. Eastern ships 3,000-6,000 fish per week to stores in Toronto; tilapia is considered a staple in the diet of some Asian cultures.
Approximately 170,000 fish are kept in about 20 separate lots at the company's facility located off Frederick Street. The fish are housed in large tanks filled with recirculated warm water. Wastes are treated and removed; liquid oxygen is added to the tanks as part of the effort to provide suitable living conditions for the fish. Durand said the survival rate exceeds 90 per cent, and the company has yet to suffer any major losses.
Eastern Tilapia has five full-time workers and one part-time worker. Co-owner Phil Burton, who also puts in full days at the fish farm, said he was amazed by how many different species of fish are sold at Toronto stores. As someone who worked for others most of his adult life, Burton said he now understands how much hard work goes into both sides of a business.
Laura Palmer works as a senior fish culture technician. Dennis Lees and Fernando Escobar are fish technicians. Melinda Durand, Ken's wife, also works part-time at the fish farm.
"We couldn't run this place without the dedicated staff we have," said Durand, who studied aquaculture at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Lindsay.
Eastern Tilapia spent the better part of a year operating without income coming in, not unlike a farmer who works the land for months before harvest time. Durand said there have been a lot of hurdles to overcome and there probably always will be, but he finds the business is very rewarding, especially now that he can see the returns. Tilapia prices have been holding steady; live fish have been selling for between $3.30 and $4 per pound, with fillets going for $11 to $12 per pound.
Eastern has started to send fish to Cornwall and is looking into an opportunity in Brockville, according to Durand. But he said he is happy with the existing Toronto market; if the company can tap into Ottawa and Montreal, "even better."
He said there are no immediate expansion plans; the company is attempting to refine and perfect what it now does. Even if further expansion occurs, Durand has no plans to move the company to another community.
"There'll always be a fish farm here," he said. "We like this area. People stop and ask how are the fish growing."
Durand noted the support offered by the Grenville Community
Development Centre (GCDC) and the Self-Employment Assistance program
GCDC manages on behalf of Human Resources Development Canada.
GCDC provided start-up advice and access to seed money which proved
to be invaluable, according to Durand.
Jane Fullarton
The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art will hold its annual Fine Art Show and Sale at the MERC Hall on May 4, 5 and 6.
The show will feature the work of 27 member artists and two guest artists.
William Carey, a wood turner from Carp, will display a collection of wooden bowls and vases he has created. Peter Doef, a sculptor from Merrickville, will display his works in stone and concrete.
The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art was founded in 1981 and currently has 30 members who work in various mediums. This year's show will feature paintings in oil, water colour, acrylic and collage, drawings in pencil and conte, works in porcelain enamel and pottery.
The show starts Friday, May 4 from 7 pm to 9:30 pm, and continues Saturday, May 5 from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, May 6 from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission to the show is free and there will be a free draw for an original framed watercolour by Alan Bain.
Yuk Yuks on Tour is coming to the MERC Hall on May 12. This pub-style evening of entertainment is a fundraiser for MERC programs.
Doors open at 7:30 with a cash bar and pub food available. The comedy starts at 9 pm with three or four comedians featured.
Tickets are available from any MERC board member, by calling MERC at 348-3963 and leaving a message, or call Moira Taylor at 348-3140.
Weight Watchers is coming to the MERC Hall Monday, April 23 at noon. Call Toni Price at 348-3175 for details.
KINGSTON Help is now available to improve the odds for people who want to quit smoking.
Smokers' Helpline is a new, toll-free support service operated by the Canadian Cancer Society. Trained professionals provide information, advice and support in such areas as knowing what side effects and other changes to expect after quitting and coping with nicotine withdrawal. There is also information on avoiding temptations and relapse triggers, help on what to do in the event of relapse, and how to get back on track.
The number for the Smokers' Helpline is 1-877-513-5333. The province-wide service is available from 9 am to 9 pm Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 5 pm Friday.
Funding for the service has been provided in part by the Ontario Tobacco Strategy, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Councillor Peter Martin, commenting at a council meeting.
DO GIFT HORSES BITE?: One would think the Town of Gananoque and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands would be overwhelmed with appreciation of the fact the Ontario government chose this lucky duo as the location for the new eastern Ontario charity casino. Not so, according to news reports coming from the anointed pair, and with the shortage of answers to some of their questions on financing services for the new casino property, we don't fault their scepticism. It is estimated the cost of servicing the casino site will be about $800,000, to be split between the two municipalities. Their annual take from the casino operation will be about $1.175 million each, but the Leeds council isn't happy with having to pay half the cost of the infrastructure to support the needed services. They want the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, as the developer, to pay the full shot for services. Their major concern about sharing costs with Gananoque is that only a small portion of the casino site is within Gananoque's borders which, they argue, will leave the town with extra infrastructure capacity which can be used to attract new businesses to the proximity of the casino but inside Gananoque's borders. We don't think the Ontario government anticipated such a negative response to its political payback plan.
We thought Prescott was being treated shabbily by the Harris government when we were given a broken-down sewage treatment plant that needs about $15 million in repairs, instead of the casino. Guess Prescott was just born lucky!
NORWICH PLAN REVISITED: It is hard to believe but it has been about 30 years since Prescott's King Street received a much-needed facelift using the famous formula of the Norwich Plan as its guide and inspiration. For about $400 per storefront a redecorating scheme was devised through colour co-ordination and minor architectural changes that gave King Street a fresh, new look, that served to entice shoppers and downtown visitors. The Downtown Business Improvement Area executive has decided to investigate another Norwich Plan makeover and the buildings on King Street are ready for it. We hope there is as much enthusiasm and co-operation this time as there was in 1972 when the project was spearheaded by Chamber of Commerce president Ed Byrum and Norwich committee chair, Sandra Lawn.
CAN WE SAVE THE BARRACKS: There was disappointing news from Paul Fortier this week when he announced he was closing the Stockade Barracks Restaurant which had become a minor part of his popular and rapidly expanding food catering business, Jessup Food and Heritage Ltd. Declining revenues and a focus on more profitable locations such as Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry and Fort York led Paul to decide to close the 10-year-old Prescott business. We understand the doors are still open to suggestions for alternative uses for this priceless property and popular restaurant. We have some suggestions that should interest local historical groups which we hope to discuss with Mr. Fortier with the hope of keeping the attraction in Prescott. We'll keep our readers posted.
John. A.H. Morris, Managing Editor
This small-town scribe considers brushes with heads of state to be fairly significant. Let me clarify that: the first contact is a big deal, the others much less so. Jean Chrétien's visit to South Grenville District High School falls into the latter category.
My first brush with the PM took place five years ago on Parliament Hill. The sitting MP had managed to snag the West Block for a county council meeting, including a quick visit and photo opp with the PM. He was whisked into the room, worked it in record time and then was off to his next appointment. Six minutes and it was over... but it was still pretty cool.
The PM's trip to Prescott last November was cool for a different reason. As he was leaving the building Mr. Chrétien paused for more than just a few seconds in order for me to deal with what I realized moments later was drained camera batteries. Thankfully, I got a good shot of the prime minister surrounded by some eager students, but I would have been SOL had the PM decided to head right for the campaign bus. Mind you, six days before the election it had probably become clear to the inner circle of Liberaldom a majority government was just about in the bag.
My "first" brush with Ontario Premier Mike Harris occurred a few years ago in the tiny community of Corbeil southeast of North Bay. I was part of the veritable crush of local and national media on hand at a home for the aged where staff and family celebrated "Granny" Meilleur's 117th birthday. Mr. Harris was among the guests to speak and have photos taken with the "birthday girl." Mr. Harris left the party as cake was being served. As photographers and videographers and well-wishers were doing their thing trying to get shots of the woman who probably wanted everyone to leave her the hell alone, I turned my attention to a more selfish pursuit: free food. No one was sitting at the premier's table, the cake was already there and would have been chucked.
Once I felt fairly confident the premier would not be returning, I helped myself to his piece of cake. It wasn't the best cake I'd ever tasted; mind you, it was from one of those monster confections assembled in part from materials recovered from the shop floor of a sawmill.
Perhaps this story actually began many years earlier when my father and I were turned away at a golf club because I was wearing blue jeans. The more I think about it, the more I come to the conclusion Mike Harris was in that pro shop that day. Instead of playing the "nice" course, we had to settle for a mediocre par-three offering. Golfers know it's just not the same thing.
Eating the premier's cake is about as close as I'll ever get to sweet revenge.
John A.H. Morris
Ottawa's Economic development Corporation recently released a global marketing research report which featured the slogan: "Ottawa: Technically Beautiful".
The EDC spent $200,000 for this marketing slogan which has received nothing but ridicule from the political and business communities.
None of the slogan's detractors, however, seem to understand that the slogan has been successful well beyond its creator's wildest dreams.
It is so bad that it has gained immediate national and international attention and given Ottawa at least $20 million worth of exposure.
In fact, the slogan even outstrips the pathetic image the Canadian Alliance Party has created for Stockwell Day, thus exposing the nation's capitol to something it has never been accused of before on the world scene, which is having a sense of humour (Ottawa Senators not included).
Various Prescott civic groups have held think tanks to come up with slogans suitable of selling our small town, but none of them have been bad enough to be acceptable.
The one that came the closest to being really, really bad, was something like: "Visit Prescott on the river and watch our historic sewage flow by".
Granted, we can't copy Ottawa's "Technically Beautiful" slogan without the risk of copyright infringement, but we can come close enough to be far enough away from "Ottawa: Technically Speaking".
Let's take for instance: Prescott: Technically Challenged; or maybe: Prescott: Aesthetically Void. With Prescott and maybe even all of South Grenville ready to enter cyberspace, we like the slogan: Prescott: Virtual Memories.
This would be for those who remembered that we once had an Economic Development Commission which was seen by Prescott council as wasting its time on telecommunications.
Of course, one could get quite sarcastic with derivations of the technical beauties of Ottawa, such as Marlen Cowpland and Sheila Copps.
Let's try a few on Prescott and see how they fit.
* Prescott: Wired for rotary phones.
* Prescott: Wired for a .005 SBX switch.
* Prescott: Wired to our water tank.
* Prescott: Technically historic.
* Prescott: Technically loyalist.
* Prescott: Technically technical.
* Prescott: Town on the move.
* Prescott: Where is it going?
* Prescott: Where is it now?
* Prescott: East of Brockville, Bob.
* Prescott: Who won the election, Bob?
* Prescott: Voted for Joe Jordan, technically.
* Prescott: Brown with envy.
* Prescott: We're not Ogdensburg.
* Casino de Prescott: Don't bet on us.
* Prescott: Go fish.
* Prescott: Artistically artistic.
* Prescott: Connecting our dots.
* Prescott: 10 Commandments, 12 cops.
Tourism Prescott is free to use any of these intellectually challenged slogans.
* * *
Our e-mail has been churning out letters to the editor from disgruntled Augusta residents who live at RR4 Prescott and the second thing they have all had in common is that not one of them knew how to spell Charleville, like in Charleville Road. Although this north-south township road that runs from Maynard to Charleville (and beyond) is pronounced Charlieville Road by about 107% of the Augusta residents, it is actually spelled Charleville.
Charleville is named after Charles Lane, a pioneer farmer, businessman and justice of the peace whose activities were concentrated around Augusta Centre and the hamlet of Charleville. The name was given to the settlement in the mid-1850s when a post office was set up there.
Historical puritans will have to guard the name of Charleville vigorously in future years to keep the colloquial pronunciation of Charlieville from usurping the proper name.
CARDINAL A half-motorcycle, half-car at a Shanly Road home has attracted the attention and stares of many people, and could be the jump start of an area cruising club in support of charities.
Dan Kelly, nick-named Rockabilly Dan/Elvis and known for his '50s-style charm, created the road-worthy trike over the last two years. The front half is part of a 1982 Honda 900 Custom motorcycle, while the back is the rear half of a 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle semi-automatic.
The idea to build the trike was formulated after Kelly was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in 1990. A six-month stay in hospital left him with 13 metal pins and two metal sheets in his left leg.
With an average motorcycle weighing 700 pounds, Kelly was no longer able to support a machine of that size.
The self-standing trike will be licensed as a motorcycle, but will have seatbelts in the back bench seat and offer more security and stability than a bike, Kelly explained. The three-wheel vehicle is powered by the beetle's engine.
At one time the trike had the original roof from the beetle, but was removed after a Highway 401 ride where the front of the vehicle lifted from wind generated from a passing tractor-trailer.
The trike has become a family adventure, with Kelly's wife Erin and their 13-month-old son Tavis looking forward to taking trips in the vehicle. It offers a comfortable, car-like ride, he said.
Kelly expects to put in another four years of work into the trike to get it the way he wants it. Already, about $6,000 has been invested in the project.
The 195-horsepower trike has many performance Porche parts on it, making it basically the same as a Porche 911, Kelly said. With a custom paint job, more chrome, a new starter and a stereo system, Kelly expects the trike to be a show piece that could be entered in bike and car shows.
He plans to start a "Just Cruising Club" for hot rods, vintage cars and motorcycles for Cardinal, Prescott, Brockville and surrounding areas.
A typical "Show and Shine" event would see participants meet at a '50s-style diner in Brockville and then travel to another diner for a show, where people would be asked to make a free-will donation to a local charity to see the vehicles.
A Show and Shine usually attracts about 15 to 20 cars and several motorcycles, and is a chance to meet others with similar interests, Kelly said. "It's our way to have a good time and help people."
Anyone wishing to sponsor the trike can contact the Kellys by e-mail at dekellys.yahoo.ca.
Dan and Erin Kelly show off their three-wheeled trike at their Shanly Road home. The trike was fashioned from a motorcycle and a Volkswagen Beetle. Image by Monica Whitney
The Editor;
There has been a surprising amount of debate over the issue of the township hall for the new Edwardsburgh/Cardinal municipality. This is surprising, because this issue was part of the merger talks between the two former councils, and decided upon as part of the deal that saw the merger take place. It is ludicrous to now entertain the foot-stomping masses from the former municipality (including the former reeve who struck the deal) as they attempt to renege on what has already been decided.
The spearheading petitioners would have everyone believe their objection is purely out of financial concern (although estimates quoted are inaccurate and attention-gettingly high). I have heard their alternative proposals for the township hall that would involve changing its function to everything from a library to a museum. Would that not also involve the same financial resources to renovate? Believe me, the concern is more about a ward of this new municipality being used to getting its own way, and threatening to take their ball and go home if they don't get it.
A while back one of the petition spearheaders referred to Cardinal as being treated as a poor second cousin in this merger, not long before the last major snow fall of the season. I thought about this quote on my way to work that day through almost a foot of snow which almost saw me stuck several times. I couldn't help but think of my kids walking in snow halfway up their shins to catch their school bus half a mile away as I cruised through Cardinal's bare, paved streets.
Even the sidewalks were down to the cement at 6:30 in the morning! If this is poor treatment then give me some of that! I hope the present council has more appreciation for its history than, say, a municipality that would landfill a historic old canal in favor of a shopping mall. The township hall in Spencerville deserves its place as a wonderful link to our past (including the last time Cardinal belonged to Edwardsburgh) and should be preserved as a working historic hall, with much more character than an antiseptic pile of new mortar and bricks. Which building do you think tourists would rather visit? I'd go as far as to suggest it be prominent in our new crest, like so many other municipalities who have a treasure such as this. (Can anyone say Brockville?)
Finally, I urge council not to bend to this vocal minority, and further, to warn them that this is just the beginning; there will be an incessant lobby whenever Cardinal is not shown preferential treatment in the future.
Maybe we should let them take their share of what renovations to the township would cost them and ask them to use it to pay for a municipal separation. Because if this is how the honeymoon looks, imagine what the marriage will be like!
Graham MacPherson, Clover Hill
The Editor;
I am writing this letter concerning the joining of Edwardsburgh and Cardinal because I love the environment of Cardinal and I have a lot of friends who live in Edwardsburgh. I go to school with many people who live in that area. Have you wondered why Cardinal joined the Township of Edwardsburgh? If you are reading this letter then you must wonder and care the same as I do.
Why send a petition around concerning the town municipal buildings if council already knew that they were going to have it in Spencerville? I guess the reason the petition went around was to let council know that not everybody agreed with their decision. I don't think that we in Cardinal are ready to lose our municipal building or the historic site of our library (it was our Centennial project). I read in the paper that the municipal transition grant could be used for other things. Some examples could be the parks; some of our playground equipment is in bad shape. I'm sure there are other places to use it and maybe we should think about it before we make any changes that cannot be reversed.
Cardinal, Johnstown and Spencerville are very different towns. I like going to the Spencerville Fair and visiting my friends on their farms. I like swimming on the swim team against Johnstown and visiting family there. I also like the idea of having easy access to the river and camping off the Thousand islands with my family and friends. I enjoy the Labour Day weekend festivities in Cardinal. It is kind of neat to think that now we don't just have Cardinal events to participate in, but we also have the events of Spencerville and Johnstown.
We have to get used to the idea of being one. It's like going to a new school for the first time. You have to get to know the people and spend time there before you are comfortable and learn to know and trust them.
You need common goals in order to have something to work towards together in a new community. It takes time and you can't get it done overnight.
Amber Winsor (Cardinal resident)
Grade 8, St. Joseph's Catholic School, Prescott
CARDINAL The Cardinal Fish and Game Club junior mud pout derby for youth 16 and under will be Sunday, April 29.
The derby takes place at Sawmill Creek, just east of Cardinal. Hot dogs and drinks will be served to ticket holders; tickets are available for purchase at the event.
Prizes will be awarded at 4 pm. Also at that time, trophies for 2000 fishing and hunting categories will be awarded.
The annual pike derby will be held Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6.
Weigh-in times are from 11:30 am to noon and from 7:30 to 8 pm each day at the Legion boat ramp. Prizes are $100, $75, $50, $30 and $20.
Tickets are available from Mustard's Variety in Iroquois, Rona and Pro Hardware in Cardinal, and from MacEwen in Johnstown.
Ronald R. Thomas, 495 Boundary Street, Prescott, died Sunday, April 1, 2001 at Brockville General Hospital. He was 77.
Mr. Thomas was born March 9, 1924 at Treorchy (Rhondda Valley) South Wales, the son of Rees Thomas and Kathleen Walsh. He married Marion Verla Thomas (nee Fawcett) Sept. 2, 1944 in Kingston.
Mr. Thomas served in World War II with the RAF, and moved to Prescott in 1954. A Rotarian since 1951, he received the Paul Harris Fellow award, the club's highest honour. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Heart Foundation, Leeds and Grenville Land Division, Probus Club, Shrine Club and an active member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Prescott. He was a member of Augusta Township Council from 1968 to 1976, holding the position of reeve from 1972 to 1976. Mr. Thomas was employed as a sales representative with London Life Insurance for 35 years.
He is survived by his wife Marion; son David of Prescott; daughter Sandra (Mrs. Adrian Van Schie) of RR 1 Prescott; grandchildren, Kevin Thomas, Derek Van Schie (April), all of Prescott, and Craig Van Schie (Jacquie) of Barrie; brother Islwyn Thomas (wife Margaret) of England; sister Mary Edwards of South Wales; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Mr. Thomas was predeceased by his sisters Megan Vokes and Eileen Lynch and his brother David, all of Wales.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott April 4 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service was held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church April 5 at 1 pm. A committal service followed at Maynard Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Kevin Thomas, Derek Van Schie, Craig Van Schie, Foch Healy, Tony Boileau and Jim Clatworthy. Honourary pallbearers were Andy Britnell, George Roberts and Earl Nielsen.
Memorial donations to St. Andrew's Church would be appreciated.
Mary Lucy Mae Sherwood, 365 Vankoughnet St., Prescott, died Thursday, April 5, 2001 at her home. She was 87.
She was born Dec. 19, 1913 at Glen Stewart, Ont., to William Sherwood and Pearl McLeer. She had been employed as an assembly line worker at Parke Davis Mfg.
She is survived by her sisters, Luella Martineau and Winnie Webber, both of Prescott; a sister-in-law, Janet Sherwood of Prescott, and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; brothers Albert and Clarence, and brothers-in-law Slim Webber and Herb Martineau.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, April 7 from 7 to 9 pm and April 8 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm.
The funeral service was held in the funeral home chapel April 9 at 2 pm, with Rev. Gerry Ring officiating. A committal service will be at Blue Church Cemetery at a later date.
Donations may be made to St. John's Anglican Church Restoration Fund.
Evelyn Mary Johnstone, 953 Woodland Drive, Prescott, died Saturday April 7, 2001 at University of Ottawa Heart Institute after surgery and a brave struggle for a healthier life ahead. She was 81.
She was born Feb. 9, 1920 in Matilda Township, Ont., the daughter of Howard Locke and Louise Hayunga. She had been married to Archie Johnstone.
After many years on the farm east of Hainsville, where Archie and Evelyn had many friends, popular wiener roasts during the summer at the back of the farm, and fun trips of shopping with friends in Ogdensburg, the couple moved to Prescott.
Mrs. Johnstone quickly became a dear friend to all she met. She loved and lived for her bridge games. Her mind was challenged most when watching game shows and doing crosswords. Her door was always open for coffee and tea and her latest baking from the kitchen.
Mrs. Johnstone enjoyed sharing her love of history and taking short trips with her grandchildren and niece.
She was notorious for her knowledge of family genealogy and loved sharing it with her family. She took many bus trips throughout the United States and the east coast. she loved the mountains on the west coast, and her favourite trip was to Alaska, where she enjoyed all aspects of the state and encouraged others to visit.
Mrs. Johnstone had many boarders and became like a mother to most people, as they always remained close to her after leaving the home. She was a member of the Brinston Women's Institute and the United Empire Loyalists.
She was the beloved mother of Ronald (Rosemary Butler) of Ottawa, and Marnie (Darcy) Primrose of Brockville. She was the loving grandma of Rhonda (Marcel) Pinon, of Carleton Place, Elizabeth Johnstone (Jody Keeler) of Brockville, D.J. Primrose (Terrie Dobbie) of Brockville and Natalie Primrose (Chris Milne) of Mississauga. She was the cherished great grandma of Meagan and Lauren Pinon and Jacob Johnstone-Keeler. Mrs. Johnstone was the only aunt to Patricia Tarbuck, of Toronto and Barbara Dunlop of Mississauga. She was a dear friend of Jan and Magda Bikker of Amherstview, and the older sister of Duane (Isabel) Locke of Prescott, Helen (Lorne) Bouck, of Iroquois, Ruth (Herschell) Reilley, of Belleville, and Catherine (Clare) Brown, of Iroquois. She will be sadly missed by nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents and husband.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, April 10 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm.
A ceremony in celebration of her life was held in the chapel of the funeral home April 11 at 2 pm, with Rev. Myra Garvin officiating. Cremation took place at Cataraqui Crematorium April 11. A committal service will be held at a later date at Hainsville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or to the charity of your choice.
Thelma May Coyea, of Wellington House, Prescott, died Thursday, April 5, 2001 at her residence. She was in her 80th year.
She was born May 7, 1921 in Domville, a daughter of Ray Baker and Minnie Lawrence. She married Bill Coyea June 27, 1942 in Maynard.
Mrs. Coyea enjoyed lawn bowling, playing darts, knitting and reading. She had been employed in the sewing room at Fischl Gloves in Prescott.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Coyea is survived by her daughters, Carol (Mrs. Hubert Earl) of Brockville and Ann (Mrs. Norman Pigeon) of Spencerville; sons, Ronnie (wife, Ilona) of Maitland, and Kim of Prescott; grandchildren, Lisa (Mrs. David Hong), Michael Earle, Krista (Mrs. Greg Gray), Craig and Cory Coyea, Allan (wife, Natalie) Pigeon and Amy Pigeon; nine great grandchildren; sisters, Mona Duncan and Wanda Swan of Prescott and Bev Warren of Brockville; brother Bud Baker of Delta and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, a brother, Ken Baker, and a sister, Audrey Baker.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, April 8, from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm.
The funeral service was held in the chapel of the funeral home April 9 at 3:30 pm, with Rev. Blair Paterson officiating. A committal service followed at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
The pallbearers were Allan Pigeon, Amy Pigeon, Lisa and David Hong, Michael Earle and Gregory Gray.
Donations may be made to Palliative Care at Wellington House, the Alzheimer Association or St. Vincent Palliative Care.
PRESCOTT The loss of the Easter weekend could have meant a slice off the revenue it generates for the Prescott Golf Club's season, the club's manager and golf pro said.
But what looked like a possible miss for the club this year, turned into a hit with all 18 holes open for the long weekend. As of April 8, just days before the before the weekend, tarps still covered the greens.
Manager and golf pro Thom Miller said as the weekend neared, he had doubts as to whether or not the club would be ready, but in a few short days the snow was gone and the course dry.
"It was a tremendous opening weekend. It was really busy from 8 am until 3 pm, a real bumper weekend," he said. Miller added this is the best he has seen the course "winter" in the 15 years he has been at the club.
With some courses still not open in other parts of Eastern Ontario and Northeastern U.S., Miller said a lot of out-of-towners played the course this past weekend.
Greens superintendent Neil Dufour said business was definitely good since the club's opening April 13.
"We opened up Friday, and the parking lot hasn't been empty since," said Neil Dufour Monday.
In a winter that seemed to many was not going to end, Miller said the date is only about a week behind the traditional opening date. But with the northeast wind, the club is now already about a month ahead in terms of dryness.
"We'll have to turn the water on this week," Dufour said.
He said the course is in excellent shape, and the fairways will only get greener once the crew starts cutting the grass, probably at the end of the week, Dufour added. And the greens could be down to a low playing height within a week, he said.
Golf carts were able to be used Saturday on the entire course, several days early than in past seasons. Carts use is limited when the course is considered too wet.
The back nine is usually wetter than the front nine, with the 18th fairway a wetter section of the course. In the past, earlier in the season, carts were forced to detour parallel to Boundary Street when coming up the fairway, but not this year. Miller said the 18th hole has really dried up quickly.
The course is essentially completely open, with the exception being the first tee. The tee was rebuilt last year, and it will be a week or two before it's playable.
On Monday, greens crew members were constructing a spot near the 9th green, just off of the parking lot, where a soft drink machine will go.
And in addition to the six water coolers stationed throughout the course, this year a beverage cart will roam the course, stocked with soft drinks, beer and sandwiches.
The beverage cart will operate from 10 am to 6 pm, seven days a week, starting May 1.
Miller said it seems membership numbers are on par with last year, and should hit 800. A waiting list has been started with about 45 names on it. Already, 30 new members have signed up as members, replacing those who weren't going to be members this season.
Once the flags are in the ground, the season generally only picks up steam. Already, Thursday, April 19, the men's and men's senior leagues will start. After the first week, the members will be members will be slotted into different divisions.
LONDON The Brockville Blazers bantam girls basketball competed in the OBA provincial championships this weekend in London.
The Blazers' record at the championships was one win and two losses. Brockville beat Windsor 49-42. Blazers' Jenna Beatty had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Lindsay Coombes has 12 points, and Heidi Rienstra had 11 points and four steals.
Brockville lost to Mississauga 41-19. Blazers' Heidi Rienstra had six points, and Jenna Beatty pulled down 10 rebounds. Brockville was edged out by Whitby 34-29. Blazers' Linday Coombes had eight points, including two three pointers with less than one minute left to almost steal the win.
The Blazers ended a successful with an overall record of 30-12 (wins, losses).
The Brockville Blazers bantam basketball placed third at the Eastern Ontario Championship held the March 24 weekend in Kemptville.
In round-robin action, Brockville beat Ottawa 27-20. Blazers' high scorers were Jenna Beatty with 10 and Megan Brazeau with seven.
Next, Brockville beat Gloucester 'A' 30-16. Blazers' high scorers were Lindsay Coombes with seven. High rebounder was Beatty with 12.
In semi-final action, Brockville lost to Cornwall 32-25. Blazers' high scorer was Heidi Rienstra with 11.
In the bronze-medal game, Brockville beat Gloucester 'A' 19-12. Blazers' high scorer was Beatty with six.
BROCKVILLE Plans are quickly falling into place for the 2001 racing season at the Brockville Ontario Speedway just north of Brockville.
The speedway will open the 2001 campaign Friday, May 18 under the leadership of Paul and Cheryl Kirkland. There will be some changes this season. The track will add a fifth class of weekly competition with a Rookie Four Cylinder Division. The rules are very similar to those of the four cylinder class at the Cornwall Motor Speedway.
Rules in the Rookie Four Cylinder Division include:
* CSA approved helmet is mandatory, 1980 Snell or newer. Because the windshield has been removed, eye protection in the form of full-face visor is mandatory.
* A Fire-rated racing suit must be worn.
* A full six-point roll cage 1 1/2* o.d. x .0125", minimum
* Each car must have a reinforcement right front wheel and nuts with tube.
* Each car must have a tow hook front and back, mounted on bumper and must be visible to safety staff.
All decisions of the technical inspector are final. Any car that departs from the reality of the intention of this class will be disallowed. Management reserves the right to disallow any entries.
Those wishing information on the new class can find complete rules at www.brockvillespeedway.com. A new computerized scored system is being added, which should solve many disputes over positions and ensure a level playing field for competitors. The 358 Modifiers will be required to have a transponder aboard their machines to work with the new scoring system. The BOS will host two events in the 2001 Super DIRT Series for the 359 Modifieds with 100-lap events scheduled for Tuesday, June 26 and Friday, Sept. 14.