| 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 is facing a no-win situation as it proceeds with budget talks, according to the chairman of Prescott's finance committee.
Councillor Jim French made the remark at the conclusion of another in a series of budget meetings Monday night at the health centre. Council faces a shortfall of $368,000 in its operating budget and is searching for ways to avoid major service cuts or tax increases.
A one-per-cent tax hike represents about $28,000, according to Treasurer Laurie Kirkby.
A number of factors have contributed to the shortfall. In addition to a reduction in assessment, the town has already approved pay increases for staff.
The town also faces a significant hike in its share of the joint services committee budget. The committee, which includes the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Prescott, Brockville and Gananoque, oversees welfare, ambulance, social housing, Provincial Offences Act and other services.
The town's share of the $14.7-million budget last year amounted to just under $950,000. Based on preliminary figures from the committee, the town's share has increased by more than $100,000 to just over $1.05 million.
Although some of the projected increase had already been accounted for in the town's budget estimates, the joint services committee's estimates added to Prescott's pre-budget shortfall.
"Without considering any capital projects, we're in over our heads," Councillor Terry McConnell said.
But Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead noted town officials faced a similar task last year and managed to minimize the effect on taxpayers. "There is usually a reasonable compromise where you cut (costs) a little and raise (taxes) a little," she said.
As for capital projects, revised cost estimates peg reconstruction of Churchill Road between Edward Street and Massie Drive at $427,500. Extending the project east to Boundary Road would cost an additional $290,500. Neither estimate includes replacement of lateral sanitary services underneath Churchill.
In noting the need to proceed with road repairs, McConnell added George Street between Water and King streets must be reconstructed.
The town is already on the hook for an estimated $1.1 million in expenditures associated with the FAI commercial development in the north end of town. The municipality will consider a debenture in the range of $2 million.
Although the town does have about $1.8 million in reserve funds and more than $960,000 from the sale of the former PUC, council members are reluctant to use much or any of the reserves to offset a shortfall in the operating budget.
It was also noted a large percentage of reserve funds is unavailable. In terms of this year's operating budget, council will consider whether to proceed with a contribution of $50,000 to the marina reserve fund and $33,000 for fire equipment. A portion of this year's reserve payment has already been allocated for two large riding mowers which have already been ordered.
Senior staff will review preliminary budget estimates and recommend changes next Monday. Council will also hold a budget meeting tonight at 7 pm; library board officials are expected to present the library's 2002 budget to council.
The fire department is scheduled to present its budget to council next Monday.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - There will be a change at the helm of the Prescott Police Service next week.
Police Chief Rick Bowie will retire effective April 30. Sergeant Bryan Somerville has been appointed acting chief of police effective May 1.
The Prescott Police Services Board announced the changes Friday. Final arrangements for the early retirement were made by the board at its meeting Thursday.
Bowie has served as chief since June 1990 when he succeeded former chief Matt Hayes.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my staff for their dedication and support over the years," Bowie stated in a news release.
Bowie, who was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Nepean Police Service prior to coming to Prescott, told The Journal Monday he has "some irons in the fire" with respect to his future, although he declined to elaborate. "We have no plans in the foreseeable future to leave the area," he added.
The outgoing chief said the people of Prescott "...are for the most part pretty hard-working and caring of others in the community."
As for his successor, Bowie said "I have full confidence in Bryan."
Police board chairman Gordon Mills indicated Somerville will remain in the position of acting chief until a final decision is made on the request by the board and the Town of Prescott to disband the municipal police service.
The Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services turned down the request in December.
The Ontario Provincial Police, the agency that would provide service in Prescott after the municipal force is disbanded, is seeking a judicial review of the commission's ruling.
Somerville joined the town police force as a special constable in May 1973. Following a brief stint with the Brockville police, Somerville returned in 1975 and has been with the Prescott Police Service ever since.
"I never expected this when I started here," Somerville told The Journal Monday.
The sergeant said he is pleased and excited about his new position, adding it will be a challenge.
"I hope to be able to maintain the level of service the public expects," he said.
As for the uncertainty over the future of the Prescott Police Service, Somerville said it is a difficult situation for officers and civilian staff.
"We just don't have any control over it," he added. "But we have qualified and professional staff."
Although Somerville will soon be the acting chief, he plans to make himself available for some on-duty shifts. He does not expect an additional officer will have to be hired.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - A moderate earthquake felt throughout Eastern Ontario and much of the Eastern Seaboard early Saturday morning caused no damage locally.
The tremor struck at about 6:50 am. The epicentre was south of Plattsburgh, New York, near the Quebec and Vermont border.
Emergency services in the Prescott area reported no damages or injuries as a result of the quake. The town's dispatch service received several calls shortly after the quake.
Media outlets throughout the region, including The Journal, received calls and e-mails from people reporting the quake.
The earthquake measured 5.1 on the Richter scale, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Numerous aftershocks were also recorded.
Seismic activity is not uncommon in Eastern Ontario, although moderate quakes are relatively uncommon.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - Local landscape painter Evan LeClair will be among the 24 artists to display their original works at the South Grenville Guild of Fine Art show and sale May 3 to 5.
The theme for the 11th annual event to take place at MERC Hall in Maitland is "The Artists' Creative Visions." Hundreds of original works created by the guild's local and area artists will be on display.
The collection will include painting in all media, drawings, pottery and sculpture.
LeClair fulfilled a lifelong dream when he began painting as a retirement hobby in 1989. After a 43-year career in the cutting department at Hathaway shirts in Prescott, a workshop he attended given by a local artist at Walker House sparked his interest and imagination. He started to sharpen the natural talent he felt as a child growing up in New Wexford and attending local schools.
"I've always had the desire," he says. "I got brave enough to try my luck, and it's been good."
LeClair learned the basics of art through other workshops, courses and reading, and continues to work at his talent.
"I love art," LeClair says. "I'll never know art like it should be known; there's so much to learn. It's a beautiful thing. But I'm pleased by where I am."
Much encouragement from other artists and his wife Nora has been a great support in his painting and in trying new techniques, he added.
LeClair has worked in all media, including watercolour, oil, acrylic and pencil drawings. "But once a got into oil, I knew where I wanted to be."
LeClair now paints exclusively in oil, and for the upcoming show, all his paintings will have been painted with a pallet knife, not a brush, his previous painting tool. The knife, he says, gives his landscape scenes and still life paintings more vibrance and depth.
"It's hard to believe I'm doing this," LeClair says, glancing around the snug studio he created from an old barn at the back of his King Street West home.
"I never thought I could do it; it's been a lot of steady work." But, he adds, "I've come a long way in 10 years."
LeClair's work is also on display at The Gift Lane in Prescott; he has sold a number of pieces in Canada, the United States and in Europe.
Other exhibiting artists at the Maitland show are Deborah Boivin, Helen Fenton, Joan Firth, Bill Fowler, Kim Gilligan, Judy Grant, Joan Hastie, Leslie Hogg, Joan Hopkins, Liz Isola, Solange Leman, Rosaleen Carragher Mallett, Rob Maloney, Christina McCarthy, Mary Louise Olajos, Helga Palko, Nancy J. Roberts, Diane Godwin-Sheridan, Sharon Stein, Yi Fang Shi, Linda St.-Onge, Marilyn White and Chris Palko.
Works by South Grenville District High School students will also be on display.
The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art was formed in 1992 by a small group of artists in the area. The guild now has 35 members who exchange views, ideas and interests, and endeavour to foster the appreciation and development of visual art in South Grenville. The group also donates books of art to public and school libraries in the area.
The works of several of the artists can be found on the guild's Web site: www.sggofa.com.
Hours for the show are Friday, May 3 from 7 to 9:30 pm; Saturday, May 4 from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, May 5 from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. There will be a draw for an original work of art.
PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will not take sides in the no-smoking bylaw debate.
The chamber's board of directors passed a motion Thursday which states the organization shall remain neutral on the subject.
Municipal councils in Prescott and Augusta have been asked by district health unit officials to enact a ban on smoking in indoor public places. A presentation is to be made early next month at Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council.
Bill Pakeman, a director and past-president of the chamber, said the mandate of the chamber is to support small businesses whether they permit smoking or not.
"I think this is outside our guidelines," said Pakeman, who said the issue should be left to the politicians.
"There's no question smoking is bad for your health," he added.
Director Heather Lawless suggested the board may wish to consider conducting a poll of members as it did on the Prescott town hall issue. Pakeman said he does not believe a survey is necessary; the board is "truly representative" of the membership, he noted.
Although the board does not officially oppose a bylaw to ban smoking, Pakeman and other chamber directors continue to voice concerns about such a move and its effect on some businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector.
"I don't think they (governments) have the right to tell private business what to do," Sharon Spychi said.
The subject arose in response to a request by Bingo International President Brian Nolan to oppose the proposed smoking ban.
PRESCOTT - Town police are investigating two recent cases of wilful damage to parked vehicles in the Edward Street area.
The first case was reported April 15 at Tim Hortons. It appeared a blunt object had been used to damage the 2001 GMC truck being operated by an employee, according to a police news release. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $1,500.
The next day, Prescott police investigated damaged to a Chevy parked at South Grenville District High School. The owner returned to find one of his tires had been slashed.
In all, Prescott officers investigated 65 general incidents and two motor vehicle accidents between April 14 and 21.
Town police conducted a RIDE check April 19. Thirty vehicles were checked; no charges were laid.
On the same day, police investigated the passing of a counterfeit $10 bill at a local bank.
Town police seized three rifles April 21 at the home of a 47-year-old man. A police investigation had revealed the man was prohibited from possessing firearms. The man was arrested and charged with careless storage of firearms and possession contrary to an order.
Anyone with information about these or other offences in town is asked to call the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
PRESCOTT - A musical evening to celebrate the 182nd anniversary of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church will take place Sunday, May 5 at 7 pm.
The concert will feature the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Choir, Athens Community Choir, Cardinal Community Choir, soloist Paul MacIntyre and organ soloist Eugene Janssens.
A free-will offering will be accepted.
The church is located at the corner of Centre and Dibble streets.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - A downtown Brockville businessman will lead the Leeds-Grenville Liberal party in the next provincial election.
Stephen Mazurek was chosen as this area's provincial Liberal candidate at an association meeting held Sunday afternoon at South Grenville District High School. He was contesting the job with Don Cameron of Kemptville and John Shepherd of Brockville.
There were 704 votes cast at the meeting. Members voted once; individual vote counts for each candidate were not announced. Cameron was the local Liberal candidate in the 1999 provincial election.
Mazurek, 45, is part owner along with his brother John of Tait's Bakery in Brockville and Smiths Falls.
A newcomer to the political scene, Mazurek vowed he would not disappoint the people of Leeds and Grenville. "Today, the Liberals of Leeds-Grenville have spoken," Mazurek told the crowd after accepting the candidacy. "We have sent a clear message to the PCs and Bob Runciman that we will be ready, willing and able to engage in the next campaign."
The people's support and enthusiasm shown at the association meeting "will only strengthen our resolve and deepen our commitment" throughout the riding."
Mazurek noted there are numerous issues that need to be dealt with, "and the PCs are going to have to be held accountable for the policies of the last seven years. They may have changed leaders, but they've still got the same show."
The new candidate also committed himself to beginning the election "tomorrow." Among the issues at the forefront for Mazurek are the lack of textbooks that have hurt children's ability to learn; layoffs of environmental workers that have put people's health at risk; the downloading of provincial responsibilities which has resulted in a hodge-podge of services and financial pain to municipalities; and forced amalgamations of communities and school boards that have resulted in large cumbersome democracies that are neither cost effective or deliver proper services.
Mazurek also pledged to stay focused on the issues and ideas, and not be diverted into personality conflicts, blaming or mud-slinging. The riding wants action, he said, and especially a government that will work with the private sector to create jobs and economic opportunity.
"Let's encourage industries to expand and grow in Leeds-Grenville," Mazurek said. Local and small businesses and industries need to be nurtured and assisted to become world-wide exporters and respected leaders, because "the days of the multi-national corporations setting up shop and providing high-paying jobs will be a thing of the past."
It is not just high-tech industries that will need this assistance, he said, but there are many old, staple industries that can be further developed and supported. "We have a great entrepreneurial spirit in this area, we just have to develop it and give the companies the proper financing and the proper capital in order to grow." With the limited resources available, this will take more co-operation between federal, provincial and municipal governments, Mazurek said.
Mazurek encouraged his supporters to spread the news the Liberal party is alive and well. "We are ready to give the PC party a run for their money, in not only Leeds-Grenville, but in the province of Ontario." He praised provincial Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty, saying he is a well-respected and sincere person who has assembled a strong and dedicated team that will govern in all the interests of Ontario.
The immediate game plan for Mazurek is to meet as many people in the riding as possible from all the communities.
PRESCOTT - The doors of many local heritage sites will open in June as part of an Ontario tourism initiative.
The program, called Doors Open Ontario, involves the opening of buildings of architectural or historical signifigance to the public.
Eleven sites in the Prescott area have confirmed their participation as part of the Brockville/ Thousand Islands Region June 1 and 2.
"It's to help tourists and showcase what's available," says Graham Cudlipp, Prescott contact for the program, "and to get people into places not normally open to the public."
The Canadian Coast Guard, Battle of the Windmill, Blue Church, The Forwarders' Museum, Colonel's Inn, Wiser Hall, Blue Heron Inn, St. John's Anglican Church, St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and Fort Wellington will all be open to the public at least one of the two days.
Sixteen other communities will participate in Doors Open Ontario this summer, ranging from Ottawa to Windsor to Fort Erie to Red Lake.
Toronto was the first community to launch the Doors Open Ontario program; since 2000, the city has welcomed nearly 150,000 people through the doors of such heritage sites as the Don Jail, Osgoode Hall, the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, Anshei Minsk Synagogue and the R. C. Harris Filtration Plant.
"We're one of the bigger areas (in eastern Ontario)," Cudlipp says about the Brockville/Thousand Islands Region, which will feature more than 40 sites.
"We've been very successful in generating enthusiasm about it, and we're very fortunate to be a part of it."
For more information on Doors Open Ontario or a free copy of the Doors Open Ontario Guide, call 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746) or visit the program's Web site at www.doorsopenontario.on.ca.
PRESCOTT - Town council has agreed to purchase two new lawn mowers at a cost of more than $40,000.
Randy Pelehos, director of community services, told council during budget talks last Tuesday the mowers the town has been using for many years are not worth repairing. They do not have adequate protective features and pose a safety hazard to town workers who operate them and to the public, according to Pelehos.
Municipal staff cut 80 acres of grass at 27 parks and other locations in Prescott.
The new Toro 72-inch front-mount mowers sell for $18,400 each and will be paid for out of existing reserve funds and money to be allocated for reserves this year. The mowers have been ordered, town officials reported Monday at a budget meeting.
The old 1972 and 1980 mowers will be added to the collection of surplus items the town will try to sell at a garage sale next month at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Council also decided at last Tuesday's budget session to have some playground equipment removed from Fairway Park at the north end of Duke Street.
Pelehos said part of a playground structure was in poor condition and should be taken down. Public works staff indicated the equipment is not used much, according to Pelehos.
Wet conditions prevented removal of the structure last week, town officials noted Monday.
On a general note, the community services director stressed the need for a program to deal with maintenance and replacement of aging facilities and equipment.
The town's recreation services budget in 2002 topped $678,000. A similar amount is being sought for 2002.
The position of community services director was created in 2001. Pelehos was hired late last summer.
PRESCOTT - Town council is considering a proposed 10-per-cent increase in the municipality's general government budget.
The proposal discussed briefly by council last Tuesday calls for expenditures of $545,755. The 2001 general government budget totalled just over $500,000.
Wage and benefit increases account for much of the increase.
The estimated cost of running council this year is $46,800, a slight decrease from 2001.
The town's 2001 operating budget totalled about $5.5 million.
As of last week, estimated expenditures for 2002 added up to more than $5.7 million.
PRESCOTT - The ins and outs of the electricity market in Ontario will be the subject of an information meeting tonight (Wednesday, April 24) at 7 pm at the Prescott Health Centre, 555 King Street W.
The meeting, which is being hosted by Rideau St. Lawrence Utilities, will include a brief slide show presentation and a question-and-answer period. Admission is free.
Ontario's electricity market will be open to competition as of May 1.
PRESCOTT - St. Paul's United Church presents its spring smorgasbord Tuesday, May 7 in the church hall at the corner of George and Dibble streets.
Dinner will be served at 4, 5 and 6 pm.
Tickets can be picked up at the church May 1, 2, 6 and 7 from 9:30 until noon.
For reservations or more information, call 925-1865.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
BROCKVILLE - Ontario's new top cop says he is looking forward to the many challenges his new job will pose.
Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman was appointed Ontario's first minister for public safety and security shortly after Ernie Eves was sworn in as premier April 15. Prior to last week, Runciman had served 14 months as minister of economic development and trade.
The new public safety and security ministry combines the former solicitor general and corrections ministries with additional border security duties. As the biggest employer in the provincial government, the ministry faces "some pretty significant challenges," Runciman said.
The most immediate challenge is resolving the labour dispute between the government and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) which represents correctional officers and many other public servants.
In addition to resolving the dispute in the not-too-distant future, Runciman said he hopes to improve relations between the union and management.
The Leeds-Grenville MPP was Ontario's solicitor general and corrections minister from 1995 to 1999. The six-term Conservative MPP was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1981.
The public safety and security ministry oversees provincial correctional institutions, police and fire services and Emergency Measures Ontario.
The added responsibility of public security comes in the wake of the events of Sept. 11.
A province-wide security audit is in the works. Runciman is expected to meet with provincial security advisors as part of his mandate.
"It's early times for me," he said of his introduction to the new portfolio.
The minister said the government is still in the process of defining its role in border security. Runciman indicated he hopes for co-operation among the provincial, federal and state governments.
A new initiative Runciman is considering involves the formation of a volunteer organization made up of retired professionals. This group would fill in for local emergency workers called away to respond to a natural disaster or terrorist attack.
In addition to the need for tighter security, Runciman noted the terrorist attacks and their aftermath demonstrated "...how critically important access to U.S. markets is." More than 1.5 million jobs rely on daily access to American destinations; any disruption could be devastating to the economies of Ontario and Canada, he added.
As for his stint as economic development and trade minister, Runciman said it gave him insight and a greater appreciation for economic issues. He also appreciated how "...a little guy from Brockville..." got to meet and talk to business leaders from all over the world.
"It was a wonderful experience," he said.
EDWARDSBURGH - A Brockville man sustained serious injuries in a two-vehicle collision April 18 on the ramp to Highway 416 just past the Highway 401 eastbound exit. Both vehicles were on the ramp when they collided. Firefighters from Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal responded; the jaws of life were used to extricate one of the drivers. Andrew Kizell, 43, was transported to Kingston General Hospital. The other driver, Cameron Smith, 18, of Kemptville, was not injured. There were no passengers in either vehicle. Constable Steve Tavares is the investigating officer.
EDWARDSBURGH - A 48-year-old man sustained serious head injuries in an ATV accident April 15 on private property near Cedar Grove Road.
The man, who OPP indicated was not wearing a helmet, was injured when the ATV flipped at about 8 pm. Police, fire and ambulance personnel responded; the man was transported to Brockville General Hospital and as of Monday was recovering in Kingston hospital. No charges will be laid, according to police. The man's name is being withheld at the request of the family.
EDWARDSBURGH - Acting on a complaint, Grenville County OPP located a vehicle heading northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 416 April 19 at about 12:30 am. A police cruiser with emergency lights activated and travelling between 80 and 100 kilometres per hour followed the vehicle for a short distance near County Road 20 before it stopped. Pierre Leduc, 43, of Osgoode, was arrested and charged with impaired driving. He is to appear in provincial court June 5.
SPENCERVILLE - A Spencerville man faces drug possession charges after police executed a search warrant April 18 at a County Road 21 residence east of Spencerville. Members of the OPP Leeds-Grenville Crime Unit located a quantity of a controlled substance valued at $350. Christopher Burchill, 25, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance; he is to appear in court May 17.
AUGUSTA - Constable Butcher stopped a vehicle on Highway 401 April 19 at about 9:15 am. He found the occupants of the vehicle to be at large on conditions set by a justice of the peace. Peter Townsend, 22, of Prescott, and John Kennedy, 40, of Perth Street in Brockville, were arrested and charged with breach or recognizance. They are to appear in court May 10.
AUGUSTA - A man was charged with driving while disqualified after he was stopped by the OPP at a RIDE check April 19. Donald Spencer, 26, of Prescott, was also charged with breaching a probation order. He is to appear in court May 17.
Vehicle was going twice the speed limit: police
AUGUSTA - Police stopped a Volkswagen Golf on Highway 401 April 20 at about 4:45 pm. Michael Nazarian, 20, of Toronto, was charged with speeding (200 kilometres per hour in a posted 100-km zone). He was issued a summons to appear in court June 4.
Seat belt campaign continues
SOUTH GRENVILLE - OPP officers in Grenville County checked more than 1,850 vehicles during seat belt and RIDE checks conducted last week. Twenty-six seat belt-related charges were laid; there were also 10 seat belt-related warnings issued. The annual spring seat belt campaign ends this week.
Submitted by Gail Salmon
ROEBUCK - The Roebuck Women's Institute elected its new slate of officers at its annual meeting April 9.
This year's officers are as follows: President Lynn McCaw; Past-President Deborah Findlay; Vice-President Tamara Carew; 2nd Vice-President Pamela Perrin; Secretary Joan Anstead; Treasurer Edith Jenkins; District Director Gail Salmon; Alternate District Director Deborah Findlay; Public Relations Gail Salmon; Curator Velma Somerville; Financial Examiners Melba Francis, Mildred Hall.
The convenors of standing committees and other areas are: Agriculture and Canadian Industries Ann Ruigrok; Citizenship and Legislation Gail Kilmartin; Education and Cultural Affairs Pamela Perrin; Family and Consumer Affairs Donna Hall; International Affairs Deborah Findlay; Lobbying Mildred Hall; Social Melba Francis; Sunshine Nell Weststrate; Rose Co-ordinator Donna Hall; Telephone Committee Cathy Williams.
Looking for company, entertainment and involvement? Come join us on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the Roebuck Community Hall on County Road 18. Meetings are followed by a light lunch and great conversation. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, contact Gail Salmon at 658-2595.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) will be hosting a service day next week for people who are experiencing vision loss or know of someone who is.
The information session will take place Monday, April 29 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at Kemptville Home Support, 203 Sanders Street in Kemptville. Residents of South Grenville are invited to attend.
The CNIB helps anyone whose vision problem cannot be corrected using ordinary lenses and significantly affects the person's ability to function normally. "You don't have to be totally blind to use the services of the CNIB," states District Manager Jane Hanley.
For more information, call the Kingston office at (613) 542-4975.
BROCKVILLE - The Youth Volunteer Corps of Brockville will be out to prove young people can make a difference.
Volunteers will be taking part in a clean-up of downtown Friday, April 26 as part of Global Youth Service Day. The clean-up will begin at 3 pm; volunteers are to gather at 2:30 pm at the Youth Unlimited activity centre, 224 King St. W. in Brockville; teams of five to ten will rake, sweep and pick up garbage until about 6:30 pm. A barbecue and social will then take place at Youth Unlimited.
The Youth Volunteer Corps, a national youth service program, opened in 1999 and is hosted by the Employment and Education Centre. The centre is located at 105 Strowger Blvd.
For more information, call Leslie Toupin at 498-2111.
By Krista Somerville
On Sunday, April 14, the Pancake Pals 2 held their Achievement Day Program. The club met at Roebuck Hall at 1 pm to get ready for their banquet.
The meeting was opened with the 4-H pledge. The seniors went and practised the play they were going to do for their guests that evening. The rest of the members were divided into groups. The first group went to the kitchen with leader Pamela Somerville to make the dessert for supper and to start preparing the food that would be served that evening; the second group started to set the tables with leader Darlene Dillabough, and the third group worked on the display. Each group took turns at the different stations.
Each member set the table for his or her guests. The tables had white tablecloths, green napkins, rose bowls with green water and a white floating candle as well as full place settings of dishes. It looked very elegant and attractive for our guests. The display was our exhibit board with the three meals of the day and what we should have at each meal, our books, recipe boxes and two place settings one correct and one that was not. As our guests arrived at 5 pm the members greeted them (members wore dark pants and a light coloured top) and sat them at their tables. Bridget Cleary said the 4-H grace and the banquet began.
Each member served his or her guests caesar salad, cheese, pickles, vegetables, ham, scalloped potatoes, buns and butter and for dessert a yummy chocolate marble cheesecake with ice cream, coffee and tea. The members had been busy all day making the food that was served that evening and going over the manners and serving techniques they had learned during the club.
After the meal, the seniors did their skit which consisted of a mom and little boy going grocery shopping. The mom wanted nutritious foods and the little boy was filling her grocery cart with things he wanted and liked. I think our guests enjoyed the skit and had a chuckle over it.
The members were then presented with a certificate of completion for the club along with a cook/craft book donated by Roebuck United Church. Each of these books was signed by three Roebuck community ladies Melba Francis, Velma Somerville and Donna Hall.
After the program, the members then took turns in the kitchen cleaning up and doing dishes. The evening ended about 8 pm, and the members and leaders went home very pleased but tired from their successful day.
The Roebuck community is acknowledged for allowing the Pancake Pals 2 to use the hall.
We will be doing "scrapbooking" with Jane May 9 at 6:30 pm. Find some photos, news clippings or memorabilia you wish to save, and join us. We will compile these treasures on a keepsake page. There will be a charge for materials. For more information and to reserve a spot, call 925-5300.
We will be leaving from the Walker House parking lot for Magog Sunday, April 28. Please plan to be here so the bus can leave at 9:30 am.
Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Audrey Kingston; 2nd, Ed Zackon; door prize, Mary Typhair. Tuesday night cribbage high hand, Sam Covey with a 28; high score, Bea Hemsley; 2nd, Hugh Evely; 3rd, Sam Covey. Thursday night euchre 1st, Jeannine Marion; 2nd, Gladys Somerville; 3rd, Jean Annable and Bea Hemsley; door prize, Myrtle Shahan.
AUGUSTA - Police stopped a Volkswagen Golf on Highway 401 April 20 at about 4:45 pm. Michael Nazarian, 20, of Toronto, was charged with speeding (200 kilometres per hour in a posted 100-km zone). He was issued a summons to appear in court June 4.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - OPP officers in Grenville County checked
more than 1,850 vehicles during seat belt and RIDE checks conducted
last week. Twenty-six seat belt-related charges were laid; there
were also 10 seat belt-related warnings issued. The annual spring
seat belt campaign ends this week.
Ladies' ball is coming to Maitland on Wednesday nights starting May 15 at 8 pm. The Leeds and Grenville Softball League accepted the Maitland Comets into its league last Thursday night. The league currently has ladies teams from Johnstown, Roebuck, Lyn and North Augusta.
The Maitland Comets is a midget girls team, for girls aged 18 and under, which formed last fall. The team has been practising all winter in the gymnasium at Grenville Christian College. The team is coached by Dale Dixon and Ron Morrison. Dixon says he has a young dedicated team of 10 players that he hopes to build over the next two years.
Members of the team are Mallory Dixon, Ashley Weir, Amanda Watt, Jessica Watt, Carolyn Papatzimas, Megan Rooble, Erin Heibien, Alex Johnson, Laurie Hall and Katie Morrison. Dixon said the team could accommodate two more competitive players to round out its roster.
Dixon plans to enter the team in several tournaments including a Cobourg tournament in May, a Niagara Falls tournament in July, and the Provincial Qualifiers in August.
Organizers are looking for anyone interested in forming a Maitland Mountain Biking Club. For more information, call Wayne Brohman at 348-3432.
BROCKVILLE - St. Lawrence College is the provincial leader in delivering quality academic programs and meeting customer demands, the results of a comprehensive provincial accountability survey indicate.
The survey released earlier this month by the Association of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology also indicates the graduate employment rate at St. Lawrence College is 92.8 per cent - more than four per cent higher than the provincial average.
St. Lawrence College also achieved high customer satisfaction levels with an employer satisfaction rate of more than 95 per cent and a graduate satisfaction rate of almost 85 per cent. Both results exceed provincial averages by more than three per cent.
"We are extremely pleased with these results that show we are achieving our primary goals of student and graduate success," St. Lawrence College President and CEO Volker Thomsen stated in a news release.
"One of our key messages has been that 'Our Grads Get Jobs,' and these survey results confirm that St. Lawrence graduates not only are very successful in gaining employment, their employers are very satisfied with the knowledge and skills they possess," said Glenn Vollebregt, senior vice-president of advancement and corporate services.
The survey is a collaborative effort between the provincial government and Ontario's 25 colleges of applied arts and technology designed to highlight performance and accountability.
Results from the survey are used as a basis for performance-based funding from the province.
The results of the provincial student satisfaction survey were also released, with St. Lawrence College receiving an overall satisfaction level of almost 73 per cent - an increase of more than two per cent from last year.
St. Lawrence College has campuses in Brockville, Cornwall and Kingston.
BROCKVILLE - The local branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association will be holding its annual sale of garden compost this Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 from 8:30 am to 5 pm in the A&P parking lot.
The mushroom-based soil conditioner can be purchased on site; advance orders can be placed by calling the branch office at 345-0992.
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - Bids are still being accepted on the Big Sisters Dream Auction Web site.
The ninth annual auction includes such items as sports memorabilia, golf packages, travel vouchers, household items, professional services and much more.
Check out the bidding at bigsisters-leedsgrenville.org; bids will be accepted until May 10.
A live auction will be held May 11 at 1000 Islands Mall in Brockville.
Newly-elected Leeds-Grenville provincial Liberal candidate
Stephen Mazurek in his acceptance speech
THE COST OF SECURITY: As Ontario's new "top cop," Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman must still try to balance the needs of his constituents and those of the province as a whole. As security minister, Runciman will be straying into territory many may consider to be federal jurisdiction.
As much as South Grenville could use some additional security-related jobs, the last thing this community needs is to have the appearance of an armed camp. The events of Sept. 11 may have been a wake-up call to those who had been ambivalent about border security, but Runciman has acknowledged the negative effect impeding the flow of people and goods across the border would have on the country's economy.
Runciman is on the right track when he indicates measures should be taken to ensure this province is prepared to deal with any threat to its well-being. However, forming a Canadian version of the National Guard and arming border patrols is not necessarily the way to go.
There has been plenty of rhetoric from both sides of the political spectrum during the six-plus years of Tory rule in Ontario. The Mike Harris government was accused of selling out to an American style of rule in such areas as health care, correctional services and education. The government being led by Premier Ernie Eves has created a large security ministry that will conduct a province-wide security audit to determine where Ontario may be vulnerable.
Most Ontarians will probably welcome a sincere and concerted effort to make their province a safer place to live. What remains to be seen is the extent to which residents will be comfortable with additional security measures. We cannot take public safety for granted, but Runciman and his cabinet colleagues should keep in mind we are the people who are immediately affected by any change in law enforcement at or near border crossings.
THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEERS: Being a volunteer is supposed to be a selfless and not a selfish act, but there is nothing wrong with taking the time to express our appreciation to those who give of their time to help others. As Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn says, volunteers make the community what it is.
As Canada recognizes the contribution made by volunteers this week, we add our thanks to the many men, women and children in South Grenville who do everything from coach minor sports and deliver meals to pick up garbage and serve on committees. At a time when government cutbacks have made volunteer services more important than ever, more community-minded people must come forward and do what they can when they can. We thank the countless volunteers who continue to make a difference, and encourage others to do the same.
Tim Ruhnke
As much as I dislike cigarettes and hope there will come a day when tobacco products are as rare as decisions at a Prescott council meeting (cheap shot), I have always been apprehensive about imposing a total ban on smoking. Whether it's a case of individual rights or the double standards governments are guilty of (imposing restrictions on a legal product which generates tax money not necessarily being spent on health care or educating the public on why smoking is a bad idea), the thought of going cold turkey is a bit tough to digest.
But when a cab driver smokes while he or she is working and doesn't even have the courtesy of asking the customer whether he or she minds, that person becomes a poster child for why rules and regulations may not be such a bad thing after all. The public needs some degree of protection when common sense and respect for others does not materialize. Why should the customer have to ask the cab driver to butt out? It amazes me someone who is otherwise polite, talkative and friendly can undermine respect by lighting up in a small confined area for which you are paying. Even if the window is rolled down, the sight of that burning cigarette next to the steering wheel did not give this passenger a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Choosing whether to go into this bar or that bar is somewhat different than the choice involving a mode of transportation that is the lifeline for many people whose mobility is limited for one reason or another.
For example, a friend and I opted recently to take a taxi to and from our destination (a bar) for the evening. Given the demand for service that often arises at that time of the night/morning on a weekend, we were faced with waiting for a cab or getting one from the company I vowed to boycott because of the actions of one of its drivers. I caved. Fortunately, this cab and its driver appeared to be smoke-free.
I'm not here to tell anyone to do business with one company or another; that is your decision to make. I was pissed off at the first cabbie's lack of consideration, but after thinking about it I am still apprehensive about telling someone else you shall not smoke in the bar or restaurant. Cab companies run the risk of losing customers like me if smoking is permitted in the taxi, but the decision should be theirs to make.
***
It's bad enough to allow the continuation of your boss's column to somehow not appear on the page on which it was to be placed, but the mistake is compounded when the missing material has to do with a lifetime achievement award he received from his peers at the Ontario Community Newspaper Association.
Sorry, John, and congratulations!
First of all, a 21-gun salute to Pam Buell and Libby Pilon and their staff at Fort Wellington for being selected as the top national or international tourist attraction in Ontario by Attractions Canada. We know the town joins with us in wishing the Fort staff the best of luck as they enter the Canada-wide competition. The winner will be announced in Edmonton early in May.
This is an achievement not only for the Fort staff, but for the entire town to be proud of, as it will give our town publicity throughout Canada and United States that will certainly help our ailing economy. We cannot stand back and proudly clap ourselves on the back over having Fort Wellington located in Prescott, but will have to show visitors to our town that Prescott residents are worthy of having such a prestigious attraction in their midst.
The timing of this Fort Wellington award could not have been better, as it will be followed up in a couple of weeks with the announcement of the development of a period flower garden in the large park south of the Fort that stretches the length of the very popular millennium pathway from the marina to Wexford.
A very capable local committee of enthusiastic volunteers has been working in co-operation with Parks Canada landscape architects to provide the funding and volunteer workers to develop what will become the largest period formal gardens of their kind in all of Canada. It is expected that a federal grant of several hundred thousand dollars for start-up money for the gardens will be announced in a couple of weeks.
Until a permanent name is found for the pathway and the gardens, we'll refer to them as Wellington Way. With this project (which will have to be a community volunteer effort in the years ahead to remain viable) is completed, it will be a major Canadian tourist attraction, probably more popular than Fort Wellington, and attract national and international publicity and interest.
*****
Prescott's popularity as a tourist destination has never been more evident than it appears it will be this coming season.
First evidence of this will be Tuesday, May 7, when a busload of retired professionals from our twinned town of Cobourg, will be visiting Prescott. Following lunch catered by the members of Walker House the group of from 40 to 45 retirees will be visiting Fort Wellington and The Windmill and possibly the Forwarders' Museum as part of a program organized by a committee from Tourism Prescott, headed by Jean Chaters.
This tour, organized at the Cobourg end by a travel agency, is a good example of Prescott's potential as an overall tourist attraction. We are very fortunate to have such active tourism anchors as Fort Wellington, The Windmill and Forwarders' Museum plus a score or more of historic homes.
*****
Prescott's historical features will attract several hundred visitors to town on the weekend of June 1-2 when the town takes part for the first time in the Doors Open Ontario program. Prescott is a spin-off of the Brockville entry in the program's first venture into Eastern Ontario. Doors Open Ontario is a joint effort of the Ontario Heritage Foundation and Tourism Ontario, designed to showcase the province's heritage.
During the two-day promotion the public is invited to open house tours of 11 Prescott sites including the Blue Church, Blue Heron Inn, Wiser Hall, Colonel's Inn, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, St. John's Anglican Church, St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church, Fort Wellington, The Windmill, Forwarders Museum and the Canadian Coast Guard complex.
*****
Another plus for Prescott tourism will re-appear this summer on Saturday, Aug. 11, when the town's original military pageant is revived by the Fort Wellington staff and Tourism Prescott through the efforts of Rene Schoemaker who helped establish the active group "Friends of the Windmill" which has done an excellent job preserving and promoting this valuable piece of local history.
Already confirmed for the pageant are Les Compagnies Franche de la Marine and the Fraser Highlanders from the Old Fort in Montreal. Both these groups were popular performers at the first pageant back in 1969. The fife and drum band from Fort York will be presenting a program of 1812 period military music. It is hoped that the ceremonial company of Canadian Guards and their military brass band will also be present to perform the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony. This is the same ceremony performed on Parliament Hill every morning during the summer months and is one of Ottawa's major summer tourist attractions.
*****
With so many events historical happening in the old Fort Town this summer, it would be a bonus if local residents, the business community in particular, dressed in period costume during some of these promotions to add to the town's historical atmosphere. We'll try to obtain some patterns and the names of local seamstresses who can produce these period costumes, and publish them in The Journal. Let's hope this final brief note survives the "continued" to Page 7 this week!
Our shared journey has come to an end. I hope that you've enjoyed it as much as I have.
A journey is like a life in microcosm. At the beginning we're energetic and naive, filled with wonder at the strangeness that surrounds us. By midway experience has dulled our shine; we see a little less, perhaps gripe a little more. By the end we're weary, a little wiser, ready to go home.
We've seen strange things together in these foreign lands: odd practices and unfamiliar ways of life. But look below the colourful surface and these people are just like us. They work too hard, sleep too little, and they all have secret hopes and dreams that only a few of them will bring to fruition. The surface variation is interesting, but we need to look below that from time to time and recognize our common humanity.
Different cultures have been the surface thread of this column, but I hope that you also recognized the underweave: life and time.
This life is short and it's the only one we have. Jack Kerouac, writer and Beat Generation Bodhisattva, envisioned "a great rucksack revolution" where people walked away from the system of work, produce, consume, work, produce, consume. They grew tired of living lives of "middle class non-identity" in "rows of well-to-do houses with lawns and television sets in each living room with everybody looking at the same thing and thinking the same thing at the same time..." They picked up their packs and voted with their feet.
While I don't suggest that everyone become Dharma Bums and go off tramping, I do suggest you shut off the TV, or better yet kick it in. Stop vicariously living other people's lives. Time is short and once it's gone you can't get it back.
There's more to life than tick-tock, nine to five, television on week nights and Hollywood on Friday. Have the courage to follow your dreams. You'll regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did do. The Great Enemy Time is ticking relentlessly just over your shoulder. He won't wait for anyone.
It's up to you to find your own path. Travel is only one possibility. It's the search that matters, not the arrival, and the journey is in the meetings along the way.
I found my revelations on the road. I can tell you that life looks different on a sand spit island in the middle of blue nowhere, or on windswept dunes at the edge of a great desert. Primal screeches from the heart of the lowland jungle resonate deep within in a way that TV never does. That's my real message. I hope it got through.
As I write these lines the Road Gods are beckoning me once more. I'm hefting my pack for Mongolia, for the wide-open spaces and endless skies of the Gobi.
Perhaps we'll meet again out there on the road. The world is large, but routes are few. Look for me at the crossroads, the junctions where trade routes intersect: in a dive bar in Bangkok, a café in Hanoi, or a hut on the fringes of Borneo. We'll share a drink and a few traveller's tales to while away the time. I'm looking forward to it.
For now it's farewell, but not goodbye. I hoist my pack and wave as I step onto the grassy plains. I take one step. Another. I wave once more. Then over the horizon, I'm gone.
This is the last in a series of columns written by Prescott native Ryan Murdock.
The Editor;
On behalf of the VON board of directors, staff and clients, our heartfelt thank you is extended to our family of volunteers during the National Volunteer Week of Appreciation.
VON volunteers make it possible for many individuals to remain in the comfort of their home and the enjoyment of their community. VON volunteers assist clients to remain as independent and as active as possible.
In the last year, our volunteers delivered 21,314 meals, provided 6,443 transportation drives, assisted 748 clients in order to attend a monthly luncheon, made 1,812 friendly visits, placed 9,278 reassurance telephone calls, co-ordinated 1,027 foot care visits, as well as supported the organization by sitting on advisory committees, co-ordinated fundraising events and provided admin. Support. Without the support of our volunteers VON would not be able to provide the extensive services that are currently available.
Join VON in showing your gratitude. Thank a volunteer!
L. Colleen Gray, Admin./Volunteer Manager
VON Brockville, Leeds & Grenville Branch
CARDINAL - In an effort to raise money and awareness for its program, Cardinal in Bloom 2002 will hold a wine tasting next Friday in Cardinal.
Wine from Pelee Island will be featured at the tasting, to be held May 3 at the Cardinal Legion.
Organizers have set a financial target of $1,000.
"We're hoping for 150 people, which is about the maximum number we can handle," says Mary Walsh. "We'd like to get at least 70 people."
Walsh says while the event is designed to raise money and public awareness for Cardinal in Bloom, she hopes people find it informative and find a certain wine they like.
"It's not a terribly formal thing," she adds. "We just hope for a good social get-together, and it could get everybody excited about (Cardinal in Bloom)."
Tickets are available at General Dollar in Cardinal or from committee members; they will also be sold at the door.
Many door prizes will be available to be won, and a draw will be held for a night at Pelee Island's VIP suite as well as a tour of the winery.
Cardinal in Bloom recently received funding of $2,000 from Edwardsburgh/Cardinal township towards its Adopt-A-Spot program. Lori Pennell, a Cardinal in Bloom committee member, says the money will be used for planting flowers in public area beds.
Students at Benson Public School have participated in a poster contest this month to help advertise Cardinal in Bloom; judging for the contest takes place this morning at the school.
CARDINAL - Organizers of the Cardinal Community Festival say planning for this year's event is moving along nicely.
"Things are really going along well," says Marj Kempffer, treasurer of the organizing committee. "A lot of organizations are adopting our theme: Everything old is new again."
Kempffer says the festival is looking to revive many events from yesteryear, such as pie-eating contests, a beauty queen pageant and a dunk tank.
"This festival used to be the festival of festivals, when people came from all areas and the streets were full," she says. "We're trying to bring that back."
Kempffer adds the committee is still looking for someone to run the softball tournament.
The Cardinal Community Festival will be held Labour Day weekend, Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. For more information, call 657-1764.
CARDINAL - A potential walkout by many CASCO Cardinal employees was averted by a tentative agreement between CASCO and the United Food Processors Union (UFPO) Local 483 Sunday evening.
The agreement was reached at 6:40 pm according to CASCO Cardinal Plant Manager Paul Choquette; the union would have been in a legal strike position at 12:01 am Monday.
The agreement will be voted on by the 171 union members today; Choquette was optimistic it would be approved, noting the union is endorsing it.
Representatives of the UFPO have declined any comment until after the ratification vote.
Choquette said negotiations had been "on-and-off" for the past three months.
CARDINAL - A potential walkout by many CASCO Cardinal employees was averted by a tentative agreement between CASCO and the United Food Processors Union (UFPO) Local 483 Sunday evening.
The agreement was reached at 6:40 pm according to CASCO Cardinal Plant Manager Paul Choquette; the union would have been in a legal strike position at 12:01 am Monday.
The agreement will be voted on by the 171 union members today; Choquette was optimistic it would be approved, noting the union is endorsing it.
Representatives of the UFPO have declined any comment until after the ratification vote.
Choquette said negotiations had been "on-and-off" for the past three months.
I attended the annual Volunteer and Employee Appreciation Dinner held at Fire Station No. 1. It was a nice evening.
I was introduced to a member of the township and the person responded to the introduction with "Oh, you're The Mouth Piece From Cardinal." I told her I would not have put it quite as eloquently, but yes, that would be me. She asked me how I would have put it, but before I could answer her someone changed the topic. My response would have been "You could have told me that you read my article with Preparation H close at hand."
In any event, it's nice to know the article is being read.
Council approved 1,500 for the capacity in the new waste water treatment plant being built in Prescott to service three municipalities. This number will include the Johnstown area for servicing. Residents will recall that taxation for such a project is on a user base.
The environment committee has requested a costing for an alternative to the Auto Thermal Digital System (ATAD). (Gee, I sure hope I got that name right.) This committee looks after the water and waste water treatment plant in Cardinal and is totally separate from the committee responsible for the WWTP project in Prescott.
The ATAD system is designed to generate its own heat to break down the waste to the sludge stage. Unfortunately, the system uses more external energy to get the job done than it should. Pumps are required to keep the temperature up. It is hoped that we can solve the problem and reduce expenditures on temporary fixes in that area in the next budget.
No one appeared before council from the health unit to speak on the smoking bylaw so the matter was not discussed. I should have said in my previous article that I don't necessarily agree with "all or nothing."
There were a number of residents present at the council meeting to speak about the garbage issue. Residents on private roads do not have garbage pickup at their homes but were advised that they could take the garbage to the nearest public road. There are a number of problems with that solution, the first of which is that it violates the bylaw which states that garbage is not to be placed anywhere other than in front of your own residence.
The next is, who is responsible for the garbage placed on the road if it has not been properly bagged or tagged. Then, if they are being taxed for pick up, they should be getting pick up.
Residents also spoke about the higher cost of using WSI over the township employees and the increased rates to residents utilizing the Scott landfill site.
Peggy Taylor is a councillor for Ward One and may be reached at peggytaylor@recorder.ca or (613) 657-1728.
CARDINAL - The annual mud pout derby sponsored by the Cardinal Fish and Game Club will be held this Sunday, April 28, at Sawmill Creek east of Cardinal.
There will be prizes, hot dogs and drinks available. Anyone 16 years and under is welcome to participate. 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.
CARDINAL - The first pike derby of the season will take place Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. Weigh-ins will be both days at the Cardinal boat ramp from 11:30 to noon and from 7:30 to 8 pm. Cash prizes are $100, $75, $50, $30 and $20.
Derby tickets are available at Bayview Convenience in Johnstown, Pro Hardware and Rona Hardware in Cardinal, Mustard's Variety in Iroquois, or from John Dugan by calling 657-1081.
The Cardinal Fish and Game Club is in need of memberships if it is to continue offering events and is to survive, Dugan reported.
EDWARDSBURGH/CARDINAL - Residents of the former village of Cardinal are being reminded open air burning is not permitted.
The ban applies to campfires and the burning of garbage, brush or leaves. Small confined fires used for cooking and which are supervised at all times are permitted, according to the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department.
Open air burning is allowed in the former Edwardsburgh township; however, permits are required. Permits can be obtained from the fire chief.
For more information, call Jim Purcell at 658-3123 or Graham Van Camp at 657-3442 during regular office hours.
CARDINAL - St. John's United Church will celebrate its 119th anniversary with special services and a buffet dinner to be held during the next couple of weeks.
Reverend Derek Shelley of Almonte United Church will be the guest speaker at the St. John's 10:30 am service this Sunday. Dan Roddick will be the guest soloist; during the church's evening service, to begin at 7 pm, the South Mountain Gospel Singers will be the special feature, with local talent also to be involved.
St. John's will also host a turkey buffet dinner next Thursday, May 2, from 4:30 pm until all are served. Tickets will be available at the door.
EDWARDSBURGH/CARDINAL This Saturday is amnesty day at the Scott Road landfill site.
Residents of the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal will be permitted to dispose of one white good item (such as a refrigerator, stove or freezer) at no charge. Up to four car or light truck tires per household will also be accepted free of charge Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm.
Tipping fees will remain in place for all other items. Proof of residency will be required.
Hazardous waste and regular household waste will not be accepted.
Olive Kavanaugh of Cardinal died Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at Winchester Hospital. She was 80.
Born Nov. 3, 1921 in Edwardsburgh Township, she was the daughter of Arnold McIvor and Kathleen McIvor (nee Dove). She was married to Jerold Kavanaugh.
Mrs. Kavanaugh was a life-time resident of the Cardinal and Spencerville area, and worked for many years at the Hathaway shirt factory in Prescott. She was a member of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105, Cardinal. She enjoyed playing cards, camping and spending time with her family. She also loved the company of her cat Smokey.
She is survived by her children: Joanne Kavanaugh, Ritchie (Merushe), Steve (Tracey) and Tim (Gloria), all of Cardinal; her brother Alton (Nina) McIvor of Brockville and her sister Donna (Lloyd) Dillabough of West Brook; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a sister, Madeline Kavanaugh; brothers Bernard and Lloyd McIvor; and by her sons Wayne and Randy.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Cardinal, Wednesday, April 17. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 2 pm, with Father Bill Powell officiating. Interment was at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cemetery, Cardinal.
The pallbearers were Garry Kavanaugh, Bob McDonald, Pat McDonald, Bun Lunny, Peter Graham and Ron Dillabough.
Memorial donations made to the Winchester Hospital and the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - The upcoming season for the Prescott Tennis Club will be highlighted by the hosting of an Ontario Senior Games competition next month.
Four divisions of seniors tennis (men's and women's 55-64 years of age as well as 65 and up) will be contested at the club May 10 and 11.
"It's great for tennis and it's great for the area," says club president Graham Cudlipp. "It's a win-win situation."
Cudlipp says tennis in District 9, Area B (Brockville, Prescott, Cardinal and Spencerville areas) was nearly non-existent at the last Ontario Senior Games competition two years ago.
Twenty-eight players, 20 of them men, will compete in Games action, with the top two finishers in each division going on to the District 9 finals June 13 in Smiths Falls. Winners at the district finals qualify for the provincial championships August 13-15 in Kingston.
Cudlipp credits Mallorytown resident Ray Charton, the tennis co-ordinator for District 9, Area B, for "rejuvenating" Senior Games tennis in this area.
"It's a very pretty setting with three courts, right on the river, and a clubhouse," says Charton, explaining why Prescott was chosen to host the competition.
"The courts were resurfaced two years ago, we have lights up on the north side, and the courts are in good shape," Cudlipp adds.
The club will open its season Saturday with a clean-up and warm-up day. There will be an all-member target practice and shoot-out, with day passes available for guests.
Other notable events scheduled at the club this season include ladies' opening day May 15, a new members welcome party May 25, a corn boil and club championship final matches Aug. 24 and the closing party Oct. 19.
When Cudlipp took over the club in 1998, there were 10 members. Last year's membership was 42 people, and the president is shooting for 50 as he looks to continue reviving tennis in the Fort Town.
"There used to be 200 people at this club, with waiting lists and big tournaments. It's a shame," Cudlipp says. "People are playing golf a lot more and we're trying to get the kids (interested), but soccer has really taken off here."
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - Both South Grenville District High School girls' soccer squads have begun the Leeds-Grenville season on the right foot.
The senior Giants blanked Grenville Christian College 4-0 last Tuesday in Prescott and battled BCI to a 1-1 draw Thursday in Brockville.
Meanwhile, South Grenville's juniors cruised past BCI 5-0 Thursday afternoon.
"In high school soccer, everybody is pretty much feeling out everybody else, because everyone makes the playoffs," says senior coach Scott Baird. "We're more (concerned) with improvement than results. The girls played outstanding against BCI."
Marissa Carver, Jenn Clarke, Amanda Watt and Jessica Watt notched South Grenville's tallies against GCC; Cristal Beattie and Ashley Weir shared the shutout for the Giants. Beattie was in net the entire game against BCI, with Kelly Kinch scoring the South Grenville goal.
"All our fullbacks (Mary Ellen Hough, Cindy Marshall and Lori Hall) have been great, and our goaltending has been very strong," Baird says.
Ian Ross, coach of the junior girls' team, admits the squad surpassed his expectations with its victory at BCI.
"The girls are really coming together," says Ross. "They walked right into it (with no exhibition games) and played well."
Amy Barker scored three times for the Giants.
Sam Joudoin and Nikki Stewart each scored and shared the shutout in goal.
"We have quite a few first-time players, but they seem dedicated," Ross says. "They seem confident; there's already talk about winning the league championship."
Both teams played yesterday at Rideau District High School; next home action for the Giants is tomorrow when Athens visits South Grenville.
Giants junior girls' coach Ian Ross
PRESCOTT - The Leeds-Grenville track-and-field season is out of the starting blocks.
Nearly 30 South Grenville District High School athletes competed at TISS yesterday in the first track meet of the season; four distance runners ran in the Bayridge Invitational Road Race Thursday in Kingston.
Susan Knights finished second in junior girls, Heidi Rienstra placed third in midget girls, Kyle Davy was third in senior boys and Jacob McGuire finished eleventh in midget boys.
Giants jump coach Norie Spence says this year's track-and-field team is comprised of approximately 50 students, with an "interesting and solid cross-section" of sprinters, hurdlers, jumpers and throwers.
"(Most of them) don't have a lot of experience but they're out to get better," says Spence. "We work on personal bests, no matter how good they are. It's to develop talent, have fun and get to know kids from other schools."
Last year, the school only had six members on an informal Leeds and Grenville Secondary Schools Athletic Association squad.
"We're working the numbers back up," says Spence. "It's nice to see the kids here at the school doing everything (soccer and rugby seasons began last week as well)."
Mandy Wallace and Knights will lead the Giants' hopes in running while Shawn Bradford is expected to have success in throwing events such as discus, javelin and shot-put. Spence is also looking for big things from long jumper Erin Heibein.
The track team will see action this Saturday in Kingston as well as at next Wednesday's Track & Field Classic at Grenville Christian College in Maitland.
PRESCOTT - It was nearly a clean sweep for Maynard Public School at Saturday's elementary basketball tournament in Prescott.
Maynard edged St. Francis 23-20 to win the junior girls' championship while the boys' squad reached the final before dropping a 40-30 decision to Lyn.
Seven schools participated in the tournament at South Grenville District High School, organized by Central Public School.
The Maynard girls' team defeated Iroquois 23-13 and Russell 31-21 in round-robin action before edging Central 12-11 in the semi-final.
Maynard's boys' team sandwiched tight victories over Iroquois (22-19) and Central (31-30) around an opening-round loss to Lyn, 31-25, before needing overtime to eliminate Benson Public School in the semi-final, 28-27.
Benson won the girls' consolation with a 20-15 victory over Iroquois. Central went 1-1 in the round-robin, defeating Benson 29-19 and falling 21-10 to St. Francis, before losing the semi-final to Maynard.
On the boys' side, Benson won its division after a 38-23 win over St. Francis and a 27-20 loss to Russell.
All three teams in the division finished with 1-1 records, but Benson had the best points differential in the preliminary round at plus -8.
Central beat Iroquois 40-29 before losing 31-16 to Lyn and 31-30 to Maynard; Central bounced back to knock off St. Francis 34-24 in the consolation final.
PRESCOTT - The South Grenville District High School's rugby coaching staff couldn't be happier with its teams' starts to the Leeds-Grenville season.
In their first taste of varsity rugby action, the Giant boys' and girls' teams were competitive at a instructional tournament Friday in Rideau
"We did great," Southin says. "Our guys went 1-1-1 and our ladies went 1-3, but they were all pretty close games and they learned a pile."
Southin, who coaches both teams along with Shawn Saunders, said the Rideau tournament was very beneficial to his squads.
"It was a wonderful teaching tournament," he says. "They explained stuff during stoppages in play... I just can't say enough; (convenor Richard Swann) did a hell of a job."
The boys' team won one of its games handily and earned a hard-fought tie against a more experienced squad.
"I could see their play steadily improving," Southin says. "The guys caught on quick."
South Grenville's girls' team easily won one of its games against a less experienced opponent, Southin says, and "measured up extremely well against the experienced teams."
The tournament featured games of two 15-minute halves; the Giants open the official Leeds-Grenville season this afternoon when they host BCI.
PRESCOTT - The Prescott Golf Club's senior men's league will begin its season tomorrow with a nine-hole competition at the club.
The loop features between 85 and 90 golfers each year, according to club president Thom Miller, and normally sees 65 to 70 players participate each week.
Weekly winners are awarded small prizes; the season runs until the middle of September.
Scoring is team-based, using the modified Stableford system which awards points for eagles, birdies and pars.
The senior opening was originally scheduled for last Thursday, but was postponed a week due to overall dampness of the course.
Miller says the course is now in great shape, "probably a month ahead of schedule," and he has been pleased with the turnout of golfers so far this season. Men's league play is scheduled to begin May 1.
The course's first hole-in-one of 2002 was recorded last Thursday by Jeff Gardiner of Prescott. Gardiner used a 7-iron to ace the 175-yard 13th hole while his playing partners Tom and Euny Murdock and Julius Korim looked on.
CARDINAL - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association may have ended its season last month but there is still plenty of hockey being played in Cardinal.
The Winning Edge Bulldogs spring hockey program features players ranging from novice to bantam girls. The Bulldogs draw players from all over eastern Ontario and even New York State, playing only tournament and exhibition games.
One of the teams, the major peewee "AAA" Bulldogs, is sporting new uniforms this year courtesy of donations from local and area businesses.
Tropical Pools and Spas, Schrader Auto Care, Finlayson Construction, Scorpions' Restaurant, Scorpions' Sports Bar, The Boar's Nest, General Dollar, Doug Byers' Furniture, Cardinal Convenience and Liberty Mutual sponsored the team this year. Ryan Sullivan of Cardinal and Nathan Murray of Prescott play for the major peewees.
The team competed in the third annual spring shoot-out April 13 in Cardinal, beating the Valley Stars 4-3 and Ottawa 67s 5-2 and losing 5-3 to Ottawa Hockey Skills International.
The Bulldogs get another crack at Hockey Skills International Sunday morning in Cardinal with an exhibition game at 11:30.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - A mild winter and concerted conservation efforts bode well for the Grenville Fish and Game Club's annual turkey shoot, which begins tomorrow.
According to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), the warmer weather and emphasis on conservation have led to a burgeoning wild turkey population and new hunting seasons.
Ed Reid, a biologist with the federation, says the mild weather and OFAH's commitment to reviving the wild turkey population has allowed the birds to fare extremely well.
The success of wild turkeys in eastern Ontario has led to new hunting opportunities in wildlife management units around Ottawa, Cornwall, Arnprior and Kingston.
According to OFAH, wild turkeys disappeared from much of their native range, including eastern Ontario, almost 100 years ago but are once again a part of Ontario's ecosystem, numbering more than 35,000 in the province.
OFAH began reintroduction efforts in 1984 to protect and enhance wild turkey habitat.
The Grenville Fish and Game Club's turkey shoot will run until
May 31; weigh-ins will be held daily from 8 am to 2 pm at Mike's
Trail & Tackle in Tincap.