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By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The town's preliminary budget numbers are in, and municipal leaders must now deal with the prospect of increased costs and a smaller base from which to collect taxes.
Prescott council met Monday to get a better handle on the municipality's financial outlook. What they saw was a reduction in assessment and the prospect of having fewer tax dollars with which to operate.
Using last year's taxation data, the town would have a shortfall of $200,000 because of the lost assessment.
Among the many documents discussed by council was a comparison of this year's proposed budget areas involving municipal tax revenues and those incurred in 2000. The comparison shows a net increase of more than $501,000 over last year's total based on the 2000 total of $3,377,000.
There are proposed increases in public works, finance and administration, police and other departments. The town will also receive less funding this year from the province's fund designed to offset costs associated with the downloading of services.
Deputy Mayor Jo-Anne Beckstead told The Journal the numbers are always high at the beginning of the annual budget process. But the finance committee chairperson conceded this year could be "...a little tougher."
Complicating matters are the new provincial measures which limit the extent to which a municipality can impose tax increases on industrial and commercial sectors. These caps will place an increased burden on residential properties.
"We have so much on the horizon...And no money to do it with," Beckstead said at the meeting. "We have to look at where the room is."
Council members will meet with department heads and other officials to discuss their respective budget proposals and justify any increases. Beckstead indicated any tax increase should be accompanied by an improvement in services; ratepayers want to see something for their money, she noted.
Councillors did not comment at the meeting on whether they expect or would support a tax increase.
Although council is many weeks away from finalizing the town's 2001 budget, there are items which must be dealt with in the interim. One of them is a new Zamboni for the Leo Boivin Community Centre. The model owned by the town is 25 years old, has logged more than 9,000 hours of ice time and is at the point where breakdowns are inevitable and becoming more serious.
Some town officials are concerned the loss of the machine during the upcoming season would force the closure of the arena and a significant revenue loss. A new Zamboni would cost $68,000 and may take up to five months to deliver. Beckstead said this item should be made a priority.
A decision to proceed with the purchase could come at next Monday's council meeting.
Town Treasurer Laurie Kirkby also noted the need for the town to acquire new computer software, additional memory and related items.
Council also discussed Mayor Robert Lawn's goals and action plan proposal. The plan covers such items as the budget process and the development of a five-year financial plan for various municipal services.
Although there was some debate as to how much weight the proposal should be given by council at this time, members appeared to accept the plan as a framework or working document.
The next budget meeting is scheduled to take place May 14.
MAITLAND Hundreds of works are expected to be on display this weekend at the 10th annual South Grenville Guild of Fine Art Show and Sale.
The show is being held at the MERC Hall in Maitland Friday, May 4 from 7 to 9:30 pm, Saturday, May 5 from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, May 6 from 11 am to 4 pm.
Works on display will include paintings in oil, watercolour and acrylic, as well as sculpture and turned wood. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.
The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art was formed in 1992, and has since grown to include 35 members.
PRESCOTT Professional truck and school bus drivers from Eastern Ontario will test their skills at a competition to take place Saturday, May 5 at the Kriska warehouse.
The 14th annual championships begin at 9 am and run all day outside the warehouse at 850 Sophia St. Admission is free.
The event is being presented by the Eastern Ontario chapter of the Transportation Health & Safety Association Council of Driver Trainers. Drivers will compete against each other and the clock on a challenging obstacle course.
New and antique trucks will be on display. Several organizations will also be on hand to make safety presentations.
Net proceeds from the event will go to CHEO and Ontario Guide Dogs for the Blind.
As a safety measure, through traffic on Kriska's property east of Sophia will not be permitted during the competition.
PRESCOTT The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit will host low-cost rabies vaccination clinics Wednesday, May 9 and Wednesday, May 16 from 2 to 6 pm at the public works garage at the north end of Sophia Street.
Dog and cat owners are required to have their pets vaccinated. Special clinics are being held at various locations throughout the region; shots are administered at reduced fees.
Dogs should be leashed and cats should be in carriers when being taken to the clinics, according to the health unit.
For more information, call 345-5685.
PRESCOTT The annual Kiwanis soap box derby will be held Monday, May 21, as part of Harbour Days festivities.
Hobby class and "Kit Kars" registration begins at 9 am on the George Street hill. Races start at 10 am.
Kits to build a derby car and more information on the derby is available by contacting Chris Slater at 925-3404. Trophies will be awarded as prizes in the various divisions.
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE The Edwardsburgh/Cardinal fire department hasn't been kept busy fighting grass fires like other area departments, said the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal fire chief.
Jim Purcell said the grass fire activity in his township has not been out of the ordinary in comparison to surrounding municipalities.
While other departments like the Augusta's seemed to have been jumping from one grass fire to another this past weekend, Purcell said Edwardsburgh/Cardinal's most recent grass fire was a couple a weeks ago, and it was not even that severe.
But the combination of dry conditions and strong winds seemed ripe for grass fires as the Augusta department responded to seven fires from Thursday to Sunday.
Augusta Fire Chief Fred Boisvert is at a loss as to why exactly there has been so much activity in the township, because last year he could only recall responding to one grass fire. Boisvert said that since the recent counties-wide ban on open fires, which carries a maximum fine of $25,000, took effect, the number of grass fires seems to have increased.
Friday afternoon both the Augusta and Prescott departments responded to a grass fire on Maple Avenue, north of Prescott, just off County Road 18. About 28 firefighters fought the flames. A strong wind blew the creeping fire southeast, keeping firefighters busy for more than four hours and burning about 20 acres. Boisvert said the cause of the fire is unknown.
He said township residents have been pretty good in terms of not burning bush, despite the busy weekend. However, he admitted, some residents have not heeded the ban, although information has been disseminated through various media.
"Some little old lady was having a fire," he said. "And I pulled up. She must have wondered what I was doing there."
Boisvert had received a call about a brush burning, but in this case, it wasn't serious.
Boisvert said if residents are to burn brush, then its better sooner rather than later. (Under non-ban conditions, residents are required to call the fire department prior to open burning.)
"They should be burning brush when there's snow on the ground," he said.
However, Boisvert added, the best way for residents to clean up the brush on their property is to take it to the landfill site.
He said what is needed to quell the number of fires is rain.
"We had a sprinkling the other day," he said. "But the wind just dried it up. I'm hoping for a good rain, one that wouldn't just dry up. The grass needs it to green up because underneath there is still a lot of brown (grass)."
PRESCOTT Mayor Robert Lawn says he is making progress following a procedure to repair a blocked artery.
Lawn is recovering at home this week following an angiogram performed last Thursday in Kingston. A procedure was successful in correcting the mayor's right coronary artery that was 99 per cent blocked.
"I thought I was probably invincible," the mayor said Monday. "I learned I am not."
The mayor was admitted to Brockville General Hospital early last week and transported from the intensive care unit to the coronary unit at Kingston General Hospital for tests. It was there doctors confirmed the blocked artery and opted for the procedure.
Lawn indicated in an April 19 interview he had not been feeling well for some time and had made a doctor's appointment. Lawn gave a similar indication to chamber of commerce directors at a meeting the same day.
Doctors later concluded he suffered a mild heart attack that day. He continued to work the following day and made a presentation on volunteers at a men's fellowship meeting a day later.
The next few days in hospital proved to be a trying time, according to Lawn's wife Sandra.
"You always worry until you really know," she said.
Lawn was able to watch part of the procedure in progress. He was impressed by the technology that enabled him to see how the blocked artery was being corrected.
The mayor returned from Kingston the day after the procedure was performed. Mrs. Lawn said her husband maintained a good attitude.
She described the outpouring of support and best wishes from friends, colleagues and the community as a whole as "quite overwhelming" and "absolutely delightful."
Mr. Lawn said Monday he is making progress in terms of both his physical and emotional recoveries.
Lawn noted he has a follow-up appointment with an internist in a few weeks. He said he has been led to believe he may not have to expect a recurrence of the artery blockage.
As for a return to the mayor's chair, Lawn said he expects to back on the job early next week. He also suggested the possibility of "sneaking back" to town hall as early as this Friday.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead is deputy mayor and will fill in for Lawn during his absence.
SPENCERVILLE Entrants in the annual Spencerville Fair Mammoth Pumpkin Contest can purchase a package of seeds until Monday, May 7.
This year, the winner in the junior competition (age 12 and under) will be awarded a prize of $100. Juniors must do the majority of the work of growing the pumpkin themselves. Top competitors also receive keeper trophies from the Spencerville Fair Agricultural Society.
Seeds are available at Nancy Baker Fuels, Dixie and Egan Feeds and the Home Hardware in Spencerville; from Bill Horner in Brinston, at the Pittston General Store; Rooney's Feeds in Iroquois; Brockville Co-op, Rooney's Feeds and the Co-op in Kemptville; Rick's Gas Bar, South Mountain; Beach Hardware in Prescott and Walter Froom in Shanly.
For more information on the contest, contact Froom at 658-5237. Fair board directors Robert Drummond and Sheila Bush attended the spring meeting of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies at Merrickville April 28. There are 234 fairs each year within 15 districts in Ontario. Spencerville is in District 1 and is hosting its 146th fair this year, to be held Sept. 6 to 9.
PRESCOTT A fashion show will be held Thursday, May 10 at South Grenville District High School.
The show will feature local students wearing clothes and outfits supplied by area retailers. The runway walks take off at 7 pm; refreshments will be available.
The first SGDHS fashion show took place last fall. A portion of the proceeds from the shows will go to leukemia research.
For more information on tickets or the show call Jenn at 925-4881 or Diana at 657-4743. Tickets will be available at the door.
MAITLAND Grenville Christian College junior classes will be presenting Macbeth: A Kid's Cautionary Tale Concerning Greed, Power and Mayhem and Other Current Events Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12.
This is a comic retelling of Shakespeare's Scottish tragedy, to be held in the school auditorium beginning at 7:30 pm each day. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, contact the college at 345-5521.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The man who has become synonymous with music in Prescott over the last 50 years is taking his last bow.
Music master Walter Hofmann is retiring once again, this time as the driving force behind the Fort Town Concert Association's classical music series.
Mr. Hofmann had not yet closed the curtain on a 26-year career as head of the music department at South Grenville District High School, and he was in charge of the fledgling Prescott Youth and Music concert performances. This was later to become the now-popular concert series which showcases classical talent through Jeunesses Musicales of Canada, a non-profit organization that brings high-quality musical productions to communities.
In honour of Mr. Hofmann's dedication and service to music in Prescott, the concert association presented the Walter Hofmann Award to the winner in the instrumental section at the Lions Stars of the Festival evening held in Brockville May 1.
Later this month, Mr. Hofmann will receive the Jeunesses Musicales regional award for outstanding service to the organization and to music in the community.
Mr. Hofmann, who has always considered music an art form as well as a science and never to be thought of as a frill in life or education, conceived the idea of classical concerts in Prescott in 1982, along with Russell McNeil, then-superintendent of the Leeds and Grenville Board of Education.
The first concert by the St. Onge Trio of Montreal was held in the new United Church hall. Being the performances were such a novelty, the first series of four concerts was well attended, with more than 100 people attending each show. Attendance waned over the years, with the association struggling to keep afloat at times. In the last two to three years, however, interest was revived and attendance shot up.
Both Mr. Hofmann and his wife Elisabeth were "deeply involved" in organizing the series in the early years. They co-ordinated the hall, refreshments, accommodations, selected the performers, looked after ticket sales and promotions, and at times Mr. Hofmann wrote critiques.
"It was a wonderful innovation," Mr. Hofmann says of the concert series. "Before 1982 I had thoughts of organizing some small classical performances in the evenings. There were enough people in the area interested. I had a notion it would go well in the area, and I figured myself participating actively in performances, though I never did."
Mr. Hofmann, now 78, suffered a stroke five weeks ago, and he and his wife of almost 55 years feel it's time to give up their Windmill Road home for something easier to manage. They plan to relocate to Almonte where they will be near their daughter Luci Carleton, her husband Neil and their three grandchildren. Luci is a kindergarten teacher and accomplished pianist who promotes music with her students and in the community. What may make the move from Prescott less difficult, they said, is Almonte is "tremendously progressive in terms of music."
Still, leaving Prescott and its memories will not be easy for the couple. "We'll miss Prescott. We're leaving behind a community that was dear to us," Mr. Hofmann said. "We have so many personal friends."
Mr. Hofmann was forced to leave his native Czechoslovakia at a time of political turmoil in 1938. He had been pursuing private music studies in his quest of a career as a professional musician and had studied music with his grandfather, who was responsible for the community's three brass bands.
Having received his basic training with the 28-member family band, Mr. Hofmann was soon part of the British-based wartime Czech Military Band, which performed more than 500 concerts in the British Isles and Europe.
The Hofmanns' memories of Prescott began in 1949. Childhood sweethearts, the young couple moved to Canada where members of Mrs. Hofmann's family had already emigrated. Mr. Hofmann found work with the Louis Fischl Glove Company in Prescott, and his early musical involvement in town started in 1950. He became bandmaster of the Prescott Citizen's Band, and he recalls performing concerts in front of the old King Street town hall on Friday nights. He became music director and leader of the popular Prescott High School girls marching band in 1951, and also played trumpet and violin with local dance bands.
In 1955, he was teaching vocal music in Augusta Township elementary schools. In 1957, Mr. Hofmann was asked to start a music program at SGDHS, and he took several courses to qualify for his teaching certificate.
He soon established several bands at the school, including concert, stage, German, dixieland, beginners and girls marching bands. Band trips under Mr. Hofmann's direction included excursions to the Maritimes, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ottawa, Germany, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Florida.
When he retired in 1984, Mr. Hofmann had been the longest serving teaching member at SGDHS.
Through all his successes, Mr. Hofmann credits his wife with being his main critic and encourager. She used her sewing skills to make all the bands' uniforms, acted as chaperone on trips, and kept home and family running smoothly. His own secret, he said, is being "disciplined and clear in mind."
"My wife made a fantastic contribution," he said, noting she continues to sew for their home, herself and her grandchildren. Together, they handmade many of the pieces of furniture in their home.
Looking back, Mr. Hofmann said they had "a nice, quiet, harmonious life." These times are being recorded in his memoirs to leave something for their family. Mr. Hofmann has been writing for several years, and is now as far as 1960.
The Hofmanns have instilled in their family an appreciation and love for music. Their three grandchildren in Almonte, Laura, Jennie and Ian, all have individual talents in singing and in playing piano and violin. Their daughter Shirley and her husband Jean-Maurice live in Switzerland, where Shirley plays piano and euphonium. They have two children, Lena and Carlo. Son Hank is a statistician with Statistics Canada in Ottawa, where he lives with his wife, Marian.
Singers of the Atelier Lyrique de L'Opera de Montreal under the direction of Bernard Uzan, and accompanied by pianist Claude Webster, delighted the audience at St Andrew's Church with their presentation of Donizetti's opera Daughter of the Regiment.
The opera, with less than two hours of music in it, was a showcase for the lead soprano, Lambroula Maria Pappas, in the role of Marie. Marie, an apparently poor, battlefield foundling, adopted by the 21st Grenadiers of France, grows up with the regiment, falls in love and in a fairytale ending turns out to be a member of the nobility and ultimately is permitted to marry her hero. Pappas's portrayal of Marie was superb, her singing effortless and her body language exquisite, a great asset in a presentation sung in its original language, French.
Tenor James McLennan, as Tonio, Marie's lover, hit all the high Cs in the first act but the concentration he required to do this detracted from his role characterization. In the second and final act he appeared more at ease and his aria to the Marquise declaring the depth of his love for Marie was especially moving.
Both Marcia Whitehead, mezzo-soprano, in her role as the Marquise de Birkenfeld, who finally confesses to be Marie's mother, and Alexander Dobson, baritone, the fatherly sergeant of the regiment, were very well cast. With clear powerful voices and a shared sense of comedy and strong dramatic talent they were excellent foils for Marie's youthful excesses.
Adding greatly to the appreciation of the evening was the light-hearted "setting of the stage" and then unobtrusive piano accompaniment provided by Claude Webster.
This performance was the final presentation in the Fort Town Concert Associations 2000/2001 season. Their new season gets underway in October with the Impact Brass Quintet, followed by internationally acclaimed Stuart Goodyear, piano, the Joe Trio and closes with Mozart's light-hearted opera, Cosi Fan Tutte.
PRESCOTT Town officials have begun the process of finding a replacement for the position of Walker House programmer.
Willy Sieling Heuvel is scheduled to retire in October. A recruiting process to find her successor was given the nod April 23 by the town's community and protective services committee.
The position is to be advertised beginning in June. A shortlist of applicants will be made and candidates interviewed in August. A selection team will recommend its choice to council in time for its first meeting in September. Training is to begin October 1, and the new programmer would start November 1.
The programmer is responsible for delivering various activities and services to older adults in town. Walker House, located at the corner of King and Mary streets, is the base of operations.
The programmer reports directly to the Walker House Board of Management, a volunteer board appointed by town council.
PRESCOTT The business community in Grenville County will continue to benefit from the services of a local economic development agency funded by the federal government.
Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan was in Prescott Friday afternoon to announce an Industry Canada contribution of $580,000 to Grenville Community Development Centre (GCDC).
The money will assist GCDC in its ongoing effort to provide loans and venture capital for small- and medium-sized businesses in Grenville County.
GCDC manages a venture capital portfolio, assists new and existing businesses and promotes Grenville County. GCDC has created or maintained more than 800 jobs since its inception in 1990. A community-based board of directors oversees GCDC operations.
GCDC Chairman Vic Allen said he and other board members find it rewarding to have the government recognize the local effort through continued funding commitments. There is a sense of satisfaction associated with helping to create new jobs and maintain those which already exist, according to Allen. Hundreds of companies have benefitted from GCDC's access to funding and the mentoring staff provide, he noted.
GCDC Vice-Chairman Harold Sheridan said the funding announcement is a vote of confidence and an endorsement of the work done by staff and volunteers.
Of the $580,000 federal contribution, $300,000 will be used for loans and investments, according to GCDC Executive Director Heather Lawless. The remaining $280,000 will be in the form of operating funds.
Industry Canada representative Jean-Pierre Spénard noted the government's net cost of creating jobs through GCDC is very little.
The announcement does not represent additional money; funding for the project was allocated in the February 2000 budget and is built into an existing financial framework, according to an Industry Canada release.
Jordan pointed out he is a former customer of a community development centre. He said he knows that starting a small business can be a risky venture, but GCDC has "a track record of success" and an understanding of the local economy.
"They've got their finger in just about everything," the MP said.
Allen also stressed the need for community development centres across the region to collaborate.
"In a world economy, scale is important," he said.
A similar federal funding commitment of $500,000 to Brockville-based 1000 Islands Community Development Centre was announced April 18. GCDC is one of 52 community futures development corporations in Ontario funded by Industry Canada.
The offices of GCDC are located in the Moran-Hooker Building on Water Street in Prescott.
PRESCOTT Town officials are considering tougher measures to deal with cats.
The town received a letter in March from Ron Dalton, a McAuley Road resident who stated he had a problem with neighbours' cats urinating under his deck. Dalton wants the town to adopt Brockville's policy on cats.
The request was discussed April 23 by the town's community and protective services committee.
Prescott does not at the present time require cats to be licensed. Although the existing bylaw notes cats are not supposed to be allowed to roam, there is no enforcement or penalty mechanism in place. The municipality does not employ a designated bylaw enforcement officer, although such a move has been suggested as part of an operational review being undertaken by council.
"I agree it's frustrating, but it's a question of enforcement," Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said in reference to problems such as those faced by Dalton and other residents.
The Brockville bylaw requires cats to have identification in the form of a tag or collar. A bylaw enforcement officer can capture and take into custody any cat that does not have an ID tag or that is trespassing any place other than the premises of the cat's owner. The owner would then have to pay an impound fee of $15 plus any other expenses or veterinarian fees incurred. A fine would also be imposed if the owner is convicted of an offence under the city's bylaw.
The committee agreed to review the town's existing animal control bylaw, including cat-related provisions.
BROCKVILLE The Township of Edwardsburgh-Cardinal is one of five municipalities in Leeds-Grenville to receive funding for drinking water studies, local MPP Bob Runciman announced Monday.
The township will receive $2,410.20 from the Ontario Small Town and Rural Development Infrastructure Initiative (OSTAR) to cover a portion of the engineering study required as part of the province's Drinking Water Protection Regulation.
The cost of the township's approved study is $5,356, according to a news release issued by Runciman's office.
"Safe drinking water is our priority," the Progressive Conservative MPP stated in the release. "Funding through OSTAR will help to ensure that municipalities can meet the province's tough new water standards."
Funding is also being provided to North Grenville, Merrickville-Wolford, Westport and Leeds and the Thousand Islands, the Leeds-Grenville MPP reported.
PRESCOTT Mike O'Keefe hopes up-and-coming businesses will be able to bank on his experience.
The new business development officer at the Grenville Community Development Centre (GCDC) started work last week. O'Keefe succeeds John Doherty, who left GCDC to become executive director of the Valley Heartland Community Development Corporation in Smiths Falls.
O'Keefe grew up in the Almonte area and spent more than 20 years in the banking profession including a three-year stint as manager of the Bank of Montreal in Prescott before taking early retirement last November. The long-time Brockville-area resident has been a GCDC director and investment committee member and is familiar with the organization and the people who work there.
"We have a very, very good staff and board," he said.
O'Keefe said his predecessor put solid business practices in place. As a business development officer for GCDC, O'Keefe oversees a portfolio of existing clients and develops relationships with new ones. "We work very closely with the client... We don't just shove facts and figures at them," O'Keefe said.
As is the case with a loans officer, things like solid planning, credit history and debt servicing are important considerations O'Keefe stresses when dealing with clients hoping to open a business or expand an existing operation. Developing a bankable idea and helping it through those difficult early days is something with which O'Keefe has a great deal of experience from his banking days.
Promoting Grenville county is another aspect of O'Keefe's job at GCDC.
He acknowledged there are those people who are down on the local economy and less than optimistic about the outlook for South Grenville. But he also noted one has to have a positive outlook to be successful in a job like his.
"I'd dearly love to see that kind of negative energy take a 180-degree turn," O'Keefe stated.
Barely one week into the new job, O'Keefe had already made two trips to Kemptville and several new contacts. He is looking forward to helping businesses get off the ground and build a solid future.
O'Keefe's wife Marian teaches a Grade 2/3 class in Brockville. They have two sons: Ryan, a banker in Kitchener-Waterloo, and Ian, who has returned to school and is studying e-business at Seneca College in Toronto.
GCDC is a federally-funded program overseen by a volunteer board of directors.
PRESCOTT The town's administrative offices will open in their new and temporary home by the middle of next week.
To make way for proposed renovations to the Dibble Street municipal building, the offices will be housed in the former bank building at the corner of Edward Street and Churchill Road. The main move is to begin Monday; offices of the town's clerk, treasurer and engineer will be closed that day and possibly Tuesday. Town CAO/Clerk Andrew Brown suggests people wait until Wednesday before going to the new location.
The office phone number (925-2812) and mailing address (Box 160) will not change as a result of the move.
The May 7 council meeting will be held as scheduled in the Dibble Street chamber. Future council and committee meetings will be held at the new location.
The town has leased the building for six months and can extend the lease on a month-by-month basis. Proposed renovations to the Dibble Street building are to be completed this fall.The public library will remain open at its present location.
PRESCOTT A town councillor says he would have voted to stick with the Prescott Police Service if he had known council was leaning toward the more expensive of two Ontario Provincial Police options.
The OPP costing proposal submitted last October and endorsed by council in early January included two options. The main difference between them is an additional sergeant; the first option with that extra position was pegged at $1,146,000 per year, while the second option carried an estimated cost to the town of $1,045,000.
Councillor Garry Dewar voiced his concerns about the more expensive option during a municipal budget meeting Monday night. To prepare for a hearing to enable the change in municipal policing to proceed, council was asked whether there would be a need to debate which option would be selected.
Dewar led what became a lively debate by saying he assumed council would go with the less expensive option. The councillor said the decision to go with OPP was about saving money, adding he was surprised others on council prefer the more expensive option.
"If I had known I would have stayed with our own police force," Dewar said. "We have a good police force."
The councillor went on to suggest sticking with the existing municipal service would have saved money, especially if police dispatch service were to be contracted out. Other councillors told Dewar maintaining the status quo would have cost the municipality a lot of money because of new provincial standards and the prospect of higher staffing costs and renovations to the police department's facilities. They also pointed out the cost of the municipal service this year would be comparable to what the more expensive OPP option would cost.
Dewar questionned the value of adding an additional sergeant's position to the OPP contingent. He said town police have been getting along fine with 11 officers, and taxpayers are not going to accept paying for an extra sergeant.
"I'd rather leave a person off and have them tell us we need him," Dewar said.
Councillor Terry McConnell said he became convinced about the first option following a lengthy conversation with Staff Sergeant Brent Hill. McConnell noted some councillors were not in on the initial OPP presentation late last year. McConnell and Deputy Mayor Jo-Anne Beckstead indicated they support having Hill appear before the entire council.
A presentation by Staff Sgt. Hill is expected prior to next Monday's council meeting.
PRESCOTT A major development in the north end of Prescott has cleared another hurdle, but the final green light has yet to be given.
Town council voted April 17 to agree to enter into a site plan agreement for a commercial development to be built on more than 20 acres south of Highway 401 and east of the Ontario Provincial Police detachment.
The owner of the 22-acre property is FAI Canada Development Corporation.
Councillor Garry Dewar, chairman of the planning and development committee, said negotiations between the town and the developer are underway. Dewar added the subject was first discussed by the previous council during its term of office.
The municipality will provide water and sanitary sewer service to the property, as well as road access. Dewar said at last week's council meeting the first phase of servicing would cost approximately $250,000, with the developer paying a yet-to-be-determined portion of that amount.
Proceeding with the proposed development would also necessitate the need for traffic signals to be installed at the intersection of Edward Street, the existing eastbound ramp to Highway 401 and the road leading to the development. A Ministry of Transportation official notes in a Feb. 28 letter the ministry has reviewed a traffic impact analysis report submitted by the town and agrees signals would be needed.
Dewar said Edward Street and the existing driveway to the OPP detachment would be modified to accommodate the new access road. Dewar noted at a budget meeting Monday construction of the road could begin in mid-June.
Calls to FAI had not been returned as of press time. The sign posted at the site promotes the property as a factory outlet centre.
Dewar said council is not in a position to indicate the names of prospective tenants. It will be up to them to state their intentions, he noted.
"I assume they will come to town and announce," the councillor said.
PRESCOTT Seniors will age better and live longer if they volunteer their time to community activities, Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn told about 35 people at a gathering April 21.
Lawn was speaking about the role of volunteers in the community at the monthly breakfast meeting of the Seaway Men's Ecumenical Fellowship group at St. Paul's United Church.
Volunteering is critical to longevity and successful aging, he said. Robust, strong aging is dependant on the close ties with other people. "We do not outgrow our need for other people," he said. "Social interactions protect us from stressful life events."
Social support networks, such as volunteering, will help people feel cared for, loved and esteemed, Lawn noted. Strong social bonds and friendships are needed to survive. "Loneliness breeds illness and death."
This is a challenging time for communities, Lawn said, with a number of volunteer organizations requiring assistance. He made particular note of Prescott Youth for Life, various library friends groups, and the organizers of the summer Prescott concerts at the amphitheatre.
However, "All is not well in volunteer land," he said. "There is a need for vibrant volunteers in the community." There needs to be more communication between service groups to increase efficiency, he said, and volunteers need to be properly recognized.
Volunteers also need to be asked for their help, he said. "If you know someone who has time and energy, approach them. Some of them are just waiting for the invitation. People we rub shoulders with would volunteer if asked."
An encouraging sign is more people are now volunteering than any other time in history, Lawn said, with the number of volunteers in the 15-to-24 age group having doubled since 1988.
Other "heartwarming statistics" show the number of volunteers is equal to 578,000 full-time jobs across Canada.
It is important for young people to know volunteering will enhance job possibilities, and will get their skills and attitudes in front of people who have jobs to offer, Lawn said. Children are also more likely to become volunteers if they see mom and dad helping out, he said.
The men's fellowship group gather for its next breakfast business meeting Saturday, May 12 at St. Paul's United Church at 8 am.
Moira Taylor, president of the Maitland Education and Recreation Committee (MERC), received word from the Trillium Foundation that MERC's application for funding has been declined. MERC plans to build an addition to the MERC Hall that would include a new kitchen, washrooms and storage area all on the same level as the auditorium.
This is MERC's second attempt to get a Trillium grant. Last year Taylor sent in the first application which was declined because a formal lease agreement between the township and the MERC board was not included in the application. MERC was encouraged to try again once their paperwork was all in order.
This second application was refused because Trillium is now saying it will not fund additional square footage. They will only provide money to refurbish existing space. Taylor expressed great disappointment at this latest setback, but stresses there is an opportunity to try again.
Toni Price, co-treasurer of MERC, says the MERC board has committed $10,000 to the project and promises another $10,000 as a contingency fund in case there are cost overruns.
The board has raised another $4,000 mainly through corporate donations. MERC fundraising efforts continue with Yuk Yuk's coming to the MERC Hall on Saturday, May 12. Doors open at 7:30 pm with comedy starting at 9 pm. Tickets are available from any MERC board member or by calling Moira Taylor at 348-3140.
The May seniors' luncheon will be held at the MERC Hall May 9 at noon. The menu features cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, green salad and cheese cake for dessert. Call VON Home Support at 342-3693 to confirm your attendance.
KINGSTON Crime Stoppers and police services in the area would like to remind the public about the old adage, "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is."
Many people are burned each year by purchasing a piece of equipment or vehicle before checking the source. Reports of break-ins at homes and businesses appear in newspapers on a regular basis. Millions of dollars worth of products are stolen from stores. Even thieves can only use so many stereos and computers.
Thieves sell such items at rock-bottom prices to "unsuspecting" purchasers. The purchaser, when caught in possession of these items, may be on the hook for criminal charges of possession of stolen property.
You could lose the property and receive a criminal record. Is it worth the risk?
If you suspect something may be stolen, check it out with the police before you buy it. If you don't, the next call to the police or Crime Stoppers may be about you.
Anyone with information about stolen property can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Callers do not have to identify themselves, and they may be eligible for cash rewards. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to caller identification.
PRESCOTT Members of council will discuss the issue of town hall tenants at an upcoming meeting, but a date had yet to be set as of earlier this week.
Prescott council agreed last week to conduct a committee-of-the-whole meeting to discuss other uses of the soon-to-be renovated municipal building on Dibble Street West. Although not considered an official council meeting, committee-of-the-whole involves all council members and is open to the public.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said last week the town is "not that far ahead" in terms of finalizing its plans for the renovated municipal building. However, she noted there is a need to have the meeting soon.
"I do believe groups deserve an answer one way or another," said Beckstead, who chairs the finance and corporate services committee.
The local air cadet squadron uses much of the third floor of town hall for classes and training. Prescott Youth for Life had been using part of the ground floor as a drop-in centre before temporarily relocating to King Street because of heating problems at the municipal building. The chamber of commerce and at least one other party has expressed an interest in using a portion of the renovated facility.
User groups will be invited to participate in the upcoming discussion, town officials indicated last week.
The town hall tenant issue was to have been discussed at a finance committee meeting earlier this month. Beckstead apologized for what she described as an oversight which led to the subject being overlooked at the committee meeting.
To make way for proposed renovations, municipal offices will be relocated from town hall to the former bank building on Edward Street beginning May 7.
SOUTH GRENVILLE The Ontario Provincial Police will be talking safety at a number of upcoming events in the area.
Members of the Grenville County detachment will be demonstrating a "roll-over" vehicle at Kriska Safety Days this Saturday, May 5.
Officers will be conducting bicycle rodeos at schools in the area this month. Road safety for bikes, scooters, skateboards and roller blades will be covered at the rodeos.The "OPPIES" puppet show will be presented Friday, May 11 at Maitland Public School and Friday, May 18 at Algonquin Public School. Show times at each school is 9 am.
The show will demonstrate how to handle bullying in the school yard and how not to be a bully. Parents are welcome.
By Judith MacLean
Cadets from 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Squadron competed in the annual exertion competition in Kingston April 22 and 22. Competing against 13 other teams from across Eastern Ontario, the team from Prescott performed exceptionally again this year. The team earned trophies for first place in borden ball as well as the top small squadron award.
The busy schedule continues in May on the 1st with regular training and on the 5th with Cadets Caring for Canada, which this year will involve moving the squadron out of its long-time home in the municipal building.
Training continues on the 6th with a day of orienteering; sports at SGDHS will be held on the 8th. The annual parent/cadet pot luck dinner will be held on the 15th at the Legion. The 22nd will again be regular training at the high school. The monthly band practice will be held on the 24th, but at this time the location has yet to be determined.
The 26th will be another day of orienteering followed on the 27th by a day of gliding at the Brockville airport. We end our monthly activities with regular training on the 29th at SGDHS.
Don't forget we meet every Tuesday evening from 6 to 9 in Gym C at the high school for youth ages 12-18. Come see what we're all about.
A board of management meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, May 3, starting at 10 am. Any concerns or what have you, bring it to the attention of the board.
Next week (Thursday, May 10) the senior games are having their bridge games at Walker House starting at 10 am. Would anyone donate some sandwiches and/or cookies and squares, please? Just give me a call by Tuesday so I know what to prepare. Thanks! As you can see, we are serving the lunch.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st, Findlay Hill; 2nd, Isabel Locke; Ted Crosbie won the door prize. Tuesday cribbage high hand, Jeannine Marion and Hilda Hutton; high score, Louie Bocsy; 2nd, Eleanor Gilligan; 3rd, Jean Annable. Thursday evening euchre 1st, Alice Crowder; 2nd, Pat McPhee; 3rd, Eleanor Gilligan and Jean Annable; Bea Hemsley won the door prize.
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL On Thursday, May 3, the Canadian Half Pints basketball team from Picton will be here in the afternoon to entertain students in the gym. Grade 7 students will also be getting Hepatitis B shots Thursday.
On May 4, the hot lunch is corn dogs. On Tuesday, May 8, there is a parent council meeting at 7 pm.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL The Canadian Half Pints basketball team will do a presentation on bullying here Thursday, May 3.
The hot lunch this week is chicken nuggets. Thursday, May 10 is a busy day at the school with Central's Jump Rope for Heart event and Oliver the Fiddler preforming for the Grade 4 students.
The Grade 3 and 6 students will be involved this week in provincial testing.
MAITLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL Thank you to all the budding farmers who took home our recently hatched chicks. We know they will be well cared for.
Parents are reminded to please take home their child's cross-country ski equipment. It is being removed this week to the outside storage shed, and we will not be responsible for it over the summer.
OPP officer Cindy McDonald from the Prescott detachment has arranged for our students to participate in a safety rodeo. Any student who has a bike, scooter, inline skates or skateboards are encouraged to bring the gear (or have them brought) to the MERC parking lot Thursday, May 3 from 12:45 to 2:45 pm.
Students who do not participate in the rodeo can still benefit from this program as they will hear about safety rules and see inspections in progress.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Confirmation went really well for the Grade 6 students.
The Grade 8 students had their graduation pictures taken last Friday. Track and field is now going on for Grade 5 to 8 students. Cameron Verstegen won the chess tournament; Katie Allard won the checkers tournament. Congratulations!
May 3 is pizza day, and May 8 is chicken nuggets day. A parent council meeting will also be held May 8.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL May has arrived, and with it, hopefully lots of sunshine, flowers and enjoyment of the outdoors. Catholic Education Week begins Sunday, May 6 with the celebration of first communion at the Sacred Heart Parish in Cardinal. Monday will feature a mass at St. Mark's Church for students and staff.
On Tuesday, May 8 phase two of our greening project will take place with the planting of shrubs in our Peace Garden.
On Wednesday, our Grade 2 students will hold a first communion retreat. Our hot lunch this week is hamburgers and next week is chicken.
EDWARDSBURGH A 1999 Yamaha 600 Grizzly ATV was removed from a trailer on a County Road 44 driveway. Police were called to investigate the theft April 27. Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Chuck Doran at Grenville County OPP or call Crime Stoppers.
AUGUSTA A Honda generator and a variety of power tools were taken from the Outdoor Education Centre located on Barton Road and managed by South Grenville District High School. The break, enter and theft occurred sometime between April 16-26, according to Grenville County OPP. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Constable Tyler Boutilier at the detachment (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
EDWARDSBURGH OPP are investigating the April 26 theft of a Coleman "Powermate" generator from a Pitt Road residence. The unit's serial number is 77071226; the generator was encased in a homemade steel frame on wheels.
A dark blue pickup with white cap was observed in the area earlier in the day.
The investigating officer is Constable Elaine Barr, who can be reached at the Grenville County detachment in Prescott.
RENFREW A truck driver from Prescott was not hurt in a two-vehicle collision near Renfrew the morning of April 24.
A Renfrew woman sustained serious injuries when the car she was driving on Highway 17 veered onto the north shoulder, veered back onto the roadway and struck a tractor-trailer driven by Raymond Fraser. The car then rolled over after entering the north ditch, according to Renfrew OPP.
CARDINAL A woman was arrested and charged with assault after OPP responded to a complaint April 18 at a Meadowlands Drive residence.
Gay Rust, 38, is to appear May 25 in Brockville court. The victim, Sally Kavanagh, sustained minor injuries.
Police reported the incident started as a dispute between the victim and the accused's teenage daughters. Constable Mike Mulkins of Grenville County OPP is the investigating officer.
AUGUSTA A portable generator was stolen from the garage of a County Road 15 residence. OPP received the call April 20; someone reportedly entered the garage and removed the unit which is housed in a black frame. the Coleman generator is green and the serial number is 76920610. Also taken was a Briggs & Straton motor serial number 19G412
Call Constable Mulkins the OPP detachment in Prescott or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
AUGUSTA Police were also called to a County Road 15 residence April 23. A Cub Cadet riding lawn mower with deck and snow blower attached was taken from a garage.
Anyone with information about this break, enter and theft is asked to call Senior Constable Larry Kemp of the North Grenville detachment (258-3441) or Crime Stoppers.
JOHNSTOWN An Edwardsburgh township man was charged with breach of recognizance after being detained by customs officers at the Port of Prescott bridge authority. OPP were called in to assist at about 11:15 pm April 19.
Mark Steward, 31, was arrested and charged with four counts of the same charge. Constable George Duke is the investigating officer.
EDWARDSBURGH Two sets of impaired driving-related charges were laid by OPP officers April 20 and April 22.
In the first case, local officers were advised by the Perth Communications Centre a tractor-trailer was travelling westbound on Highway 401 near Highway 416 in an erratic manner. The rig was pulled over at the Edward Street off ramp. Howard Meigs, 52, of Pointe-des-Cascades, Quebec was charged.
The second case involved a westbound vehicle pulled over by police who were conducting routine patrol on County Road 2 near Blair Road. Charged was Gerald Lafrance, 44, of Edwardsburgh township. Both drivers were given a 90-day administrative driver's licence suspension.
SPENCERVILLE A spring dance will be held Saturday, May 5 in the Drummond Building.
The show starts at 9 pm and will feature the band "The Posse." A midnight lunch will be served. The dance is being presented by the Spencerville Agricultural Society.
For ticket information call 658-2778 or 658-2437.
Prescott Deputy Mayor Jo-Anne Beckstead, in reference to town budget deliberations
WILL IT BE FAREWELL, STOCKWELL? Canadian Alliance leader Stockwell Day has until this Friday to convince those in his party who doubt his leadership abilities that he is the man with the plan to continue to lead Canada's semi-united right to victory over the Liberals in the next federal election.
Like the majority of Canadians at this juncture, we don't know if Mr. Day can survive the long knives in his own party and then turn his back on the many gaffs he has initiated in his short term as leader of the opposition in the House of Commons. Normally, a party leader as inept as Mr. Day has been these past few months, would be turfed out as leader by his party. Problem is, however, there is no pretender or contender for the nation's right wing crown waiting to take over.
The logical thing for the Alliance backroom boys (and Deb) to do in a case like this would be to take a page from the Tory Book of Contenders and look for a popular and experienced right wing candidate among the ranks of some of the other parties. In the latter part of the last century the Tories were not shy in their attempts to lure leadership candidates away from their original parties. Among those who come to mind are Duff Roblin, Paul Hellyer and Claude Wagner, with Roblin and Wagner reaching the final ballot stage. And didn't the Liberals lure Jean Charest to the other side of the fence?
If the Alliance wants to cast around for a strong leadership candidate they might consider Paul Martin, the Liberals' minister of finance and it seems, perpetual prime minister in waiting. Martin wants oh, so badly, to become prime minister but his way is blocked, and probably permanently, by Prime Minister Jean Chretien who has his own agenda.
About Martin being a dyed-in-the-wool Liberal, forget it. The only political philosophy Canada's present-day Liberals adhere to is "whatever it takes to get re-elected". Similarly, the Tories have gained their niche in parliament over the years by campaigning as Red Tories and governing as Right Wing Tories.
Paul Martin, one of Canada's most successful entrepreneurs, is cast from the same right wing mould as Rocket Richard and Gordie Howe, and his desire to become prime minister far out-shines the social conscience that most Liberals profess. He could certainly unite the right as leader of the Alliance and at the same time leave Jean Chretien to shag balls on Shawinigan golf courses and Brian Tobin jiggin for cod in Newfoundland or on Dow's Lake.
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING ON KING STREET: Although there has been little rain this spring to clear away the accumulation of winter sand and grit, Prescott's work crew has done an excellent job keeping King Street clean and attractive. The marina area and adjoining "hotel lot" to the east have also had their winter debris removed and afford an attractive view of our waterfront to visitors approaching along King Street from the east. A special thanks from the main street merchants and citizens of Prescott to town foreman Hans Vanhelden and works crew members David Pope, Gary Minkhorst, Ed Yandeau, Wm. Shanahan and Steve Summers. Your efforts are appreciated and we hope you keep up the good work.
John A.H. Morris, Managing Editor
I'm blazing mad. I'm still spitting fire, and already it's several days past first hearing of a town council committee discussion to alter the signals at King and St. Lawrence streets.
At a committee meeting last week, members voted to ask the police services board to allow the traffic signals at the intersection to be set at flashing yellow and red during the fall, winter and spring months.
What?! Prescott needs more traffic signals and stop signs, not fewer.
Presumably, the three-season end to full signals would allow a quicker flow of traffic during the off-season. Summer-season signals would continue to allow safe passage across King for those travelling to the park and pool area.
How confusing for drivers. Today you come to a full stop and wait. Tomorrow you slow down and go. Or just go without slowing down. Fast.
Free reign from a 60-km zone on Country Road 2 to speed into town. No full stop until you reach George Street, and then only if that light is red. Or it's a head start on getting up speed before reaching Dead Man's Curve in the other direction.
The stops in both directions at this intersection do seem unreasonably and frustratingly long, especially if you're sitting at St. Lawrence waiting to turn left onto King, or if you just want to cross over St. Lawrence and there's no traffic.
So I needed to do a little research on waiting times here. Since I don't have a stop watch, I used my trusty Seiko second hand on my watch, with a fresh battery installed just moments before the test. For simplicity, I included the yellow caution times.
Travelling east/west on King, the green times in at 56 seconds, and the red at 32 seconds.
Going north/south on St. Lawrence, the green is 25 seconds long, while the red is 60 seconds. Wow! A whole minute to sit and gaze and relax.
Even if I'm out by a second or two either way, this is still not an unreasonable amount of time to wait.
These lights are needed in all seasons. It would be foolish to change them. We do not need any more reasons to increase speed in Prescott.
Cars accelerate from 0 to 60 in the one-block stretch on Dibble from Centre to George. Some reach top flight on the stopless stretch on George from King to Park.
A business owner on Edward near Park says lights are needed at that corner. He's been at the location long enough to see the hazards of picking up speed coming down the overpass, and the dangers for school children crossing Edward. Since Wood Street west of Edward does not have access to Centre Street, Edward and Park becomes a busy and dangerous intersection with long delays.
Everyone has a story to tell of a hazardous corner in town. Let's not create more dangers.
This week's Diary features some of the ladies who have put their stamp of success on Prescott over the years and who will no doubt continue to do so.
First in mind is Mrs. Jessie Jenkinson who in 1930 was the first woman to be elected to the Prescott Board of Education. The second woman to crash through the kitchen's glass ceiling was Mrs. Mary Burke, the first woman to be elected to the Prescott municipal council. She served on council from 1938 to 1944 and in her second election in 1940 led the polls.
The first Prescott woman, in fact the first woman in this riding, to be elected to the House of Commons was Mrs. Jean Casselman-Wadds, elected in a by-election in 1958, serving until 1968. This was just the first of several firsts for Mrs. Wadds.
When elected in 1958 she joined her father, the Hon. Earl Rowe, as the first-ever, father-daughter team to serve in the Canadian House of Commons. In 1961 she became the first Canadian woman to be appointed by the Canadian government as a delegate to the United Nations, and during her decade in the House of Commons she became the first woman in Canadian history to be appointed as a Parliamentary Secretary.
Her most famous first, however, came in 1979 when she was the first Canadian woman to be appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Britain. Needless to say, she was the first Prescott lady to hold this office as well.
There is another first in this appointment, we think, in that Mrs. Wadds was appointed for two consecutive terms, the first by the Progressive Conservatives and the second by the Liberals. Such honours are seldom, if ever, shared by these historic parties.
The Prescott Chamber of Commerce had been in existence for 73 years before Mrs. Bea Price became the first woman to be elected to the board of directors. Bea's battering down the gates of this male bastion cleared the way for Marian Preston to become the first woman to be elected as president of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce in 1977.
The record holder in terms of length of service of any lady in public office in Prescott is former mayor Sandra Lawn, our chief magistrate from 1977 to 1991.
Elaine Turner, we believe, when she was named manager of the Prescott Branch of the Royal Bank of Canada, was the first woman to hold this position in any of the three local banks, and in 1999 Christine Endicott became the first woman editor of The Prescott Journal, or any of its predecessors, dating back to 1816.
With Brenda Ramsay being the first woman to serve as the principal of South Grenville District High School, the only major ceiling left to crash through in Prescott now is that of minister or priest of one of our ancient churches.
Three Prescott women made a mark for themselves as managers of Prescott industries in the 1940-60 era. These were Elizabeth Elliott of Elliott's Lumber Co., Muriel Hodgson of Prescott Paper Products, and Marian Preston of Domtar-Sunoco.
Prescott, we imagine, has been like most small towns in Ontario in its attitude toward women. Going through the lists of teachers in Prescott public schools, it seems that all female teachers were either single or widows. This accounts for the fact that the teachers we encountered when we transferred to Prescott Public School in 1947 were Miss Campbell, Miss Kingston, Miss Allen, Miss Armstrong and Miss Joynt.
Teachers up until that time had to be single and if they married while under contract they had to resign. This held true for both elementary and high schools. We end this bit of trivia with the fact that the first woman to teach high school in Prescott was a Miss McPherson, daughter of principal Moses McPherson (1874) and sister of Prescott's famous Dr. C.F. McPherson.
* * *
This is a big weekend for South Grenville artists, with the SG Guild holding their annual show and sale at the Maitland Recreation Hall Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It grows in popularity as well as in quality every year.
Being featured this week at another show at Frametastic Gallery on King St. is Johnstown artist Eleanor Reid, a senior citizen who has never taken art lessons but who enjoys painting, especially animals.
Gallery owner Marc Cardinal said he had a bare wall at his gallery in May so he decided to convert it to a bear wall with seven canvasses of bears from around the world done by this neophyte exhibitor.
The Editor;
Pursuant to the grievous passing of Mrs. Goldie Connell, may I request this message be included in your letters.
As a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, having worked closely with Goldie in areas of Remembrance of War fatalities and veterans' comforts, I wish to let it be known that her dedication, through her long tenure as president of the Maynard Women's Institute, has been an unforgettable boon to the Legion.
We assisted her and the institute in the preparation of a program for their annual Remembrance ceremonies and following our annual church parade, held on the Sunday immediately preceding Nov. 11, we attended the Maynard ceremonies for many years. Goldie was extremely helpful during our annual poppy placing on the graves of veterans. The map of Maynard Cemetery which she made detailed in fine form, the resting place of those from Maynard who served.
May I quote from a letter we received from Goldie dated Nov. 24, 1995, written under the logo of the institute, in part:
"Maynard Women's Institute is proud to have begun this annual service some 50 years ago, involving the local church, Augusta Firefighters, Cemetery Board and the Youth Groups, and especially Branch #97 has made it a fitting and moving tribute to our Service men and women.
"Each year, we purchase a wreath as our contribution to the Poppy Fund and its fine work. We appreciate the effort your Branch makes to appear at the service, and the financial assistance in caring for this sacred plot. It is our hope that this will continue, as we each pay our small tribute to the sacrifice made by our local men and women."
R.H. Nuttall
Copy of a letter sent to Mrs. Brenda Byrd and Sue Chillson;
Hey, my name is Pat Giesecke. I am a player on the Washington Little Capitals and am writing you to show my appreciation for your kindness.
Sorry I have not gotten to you sooner but I have been busy; between schoolwork and hockey and lacrosse there is little time for much else. For someone to devote so much time to accommodate others who they have never met before in their life is an enigma to me and is deserving of much more than what you get. Maybe it is the Canadian hospitality that is not present in the states. I'm not sure what it is, but I am thankful for it.
You have given us (the players) a great time at that tournament and your hospitality was certainly appreciated.
Pat Giesecke
Note: The author was billetted during the 29th annual AA/AAA midget hockey tournament held March 23-25 in Prescott.
CARDINAL CASCO is joining forces with the community again this year in planning Earth Day celebrations.
The local company has teamed up with Benson Public School over the past few years to celebrate the event.
Among the activities are a polar bear adoption, in which each class at Benson is inventing a polar bear name related to Earth Day. The class that suggests the best name for the bear will receive an adopted polar bear from CASCO, and will become the school's and CASCO's Earth Day 2001 mascot.
All members of the community are invited to participate in a garbage pick-up taking place the week of May 14. CASCO will supply materials for the clean-up, including rubber gloves and waste bags.
CASCO and Benson will plant two trees in the schoolyard and one on the company's property to add to the trees planted during previous year's Earth Day celebrations. Progress engineer at CASCO, Nicole Labarre, said the trees symbolize the company's ongoing commitment to protect, respect and preserve the environment.
A producer and supplier of corn-derived products, CASCO began waste minimization in 1994 when it began annual waste audits at the facility. The results of the waste audits were used to design and implement a 3R's program that would be sustainable into the future, CASCO environmental and refinery manager Marek Siczek explained.
Four years later the program continues to be successful, he said, with the success rooted in the involvement of all employees at the plant. All employees actively participate to ensure targets are met and the program is improved each year.
The 3R program is just one of several environmental initiatives undertaken by CASCO, Siczek said. The company works in co-operation with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment to meet its commitment to pollution prevention and waste minimization. The Cardinal plant has been recognized by the MOE P4 Awards office for its pollution prevention initiatives.
In 1999, the Cardinal plant received the highest honour the Recycling Council of Ontario (RCO) can offer an industry committed to waste minimization. On April 22, 1999, CASCO was one of just four recipients of the Platinum Business Award for outstanding efforts in waste reduction. The award is given to businesses that divert more than 95 per cent of its waste stream from the landfill site by applying the 3Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle.
The facility has been able to eliminate almost all of the waste that once went to the landfill such as packaging materials, including cardboard, plastic stretch wrap and metals, Siczek said.
In 1996 and 1997, the CASCO Cardinal plant received the RCO Gold Business Award. The platinum category was added in 1998 and CASCO was eligible because the plant diverted 97 per cent of its waste from the landfill site during that year.
On April 9, 2001 council met with Jim Johnston of Kostuch Engineering Limited and Scott Smith of the South Nation Conservation at a special meeting on the topic of the Raycroft Drain.
Johnston advised the Ministry of Transportation initiated the petition for work to be done on this drain about two years ago. The proposed drain is limited to the area west of the 416. Residents were concerned about the amount they are being assessed under the act and the benefit they would receive from the work.
There are two rates of assessment: "benefit" and "outlet." It was pointed out that under the Drainage Act "benefit" means a land owner whose property touches upon the drain itself. Other residents being assessed receive "outlet" from the proposed drain. Outlet assessment is at a lesser rate than benefit. All residents assessed under the act own property receiving drainage from the area to be worked upon.
Johnston advised there are three dams that have to be removed and about 12 acres under water right now. Thirty years ago residents recall the area was good bush and agricultural land.
Residents wanted to know why nothing was previously done with that drain. They were informed the drain was constructed in 1905 as a ward drain. It has not been maintained. Most ward drains were changed to municipal drains in the 1960s.
Residents were also concerned about the South Nation Conservation Authority wanting to build a dam to protect a fish habitat. Here, "fish habitat" means a place where fish could live, not necessarily where they do live. Residents were advised they could help to prevent the dam from being built if they work to clear out the dams on their property. The SNCA would monitor the water levels in the area. If they determine the dam is not needed, it will not be built.
Smith advised SNCA does not have the authority to require the dam be built. However, they are on contract with the federal department of fisheries and it is that body which will determine whether the dam is needed to protect the fish habitat. They will base their decision on information received from SNCA.
Johnston advised residents may choose to add to this proposal or file a separate petition. To do so would be time consuming and costly and it may be fiscally wiser to wait and see what happens when the work is done and residents clear up the dams on their property.
This matter received second reading that night and will be brought for third reading after assessed residents have had a chance to appeal as set out in the drainage act.
Peggy Taylor may be reached at peggytaylor@ripnet.com.
CARDINAL The Cardinal Fish and Game Club handed out its 2000 trophies Saturday for hunting and fishing categories. The awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the junior mud pout derby at Sawmill Creek.
In the under-eight age group, Ryan Robinson and Mackenzie Allen won the mud pout division; Jordan Witteveen and Mackenzie Allen won for rock bass and sunfish; and Jordan Witteveen and Ryan Harper won the perch category.
In the nine to 12 age group, Jason Witteveen won for small mouth bass; Lacey Mallett and Josh Burgman won the mud pout division; Jason Witteveen and Nicholas Ault won for perch; Nicholas Ault also won the pickerel category; and William Snyder and Jason Witteveen won the pike division.
Winners in the 13 to 16 age class were Ryan Sloan for mud pout and Matt Whitney for pike.
Seniors winners were Scott Cook for pike; John Dugan Jr. for small mouth bass, biggest buck, and duck; Michael Heafey for biggest doe; and John Dugan Sr. for goose and wolf.
CARDINAL The Presbyterian Church in Cardinal is hosting its annual rummage sale this Saturday, May 5 from 9 am to noon.
Grade 8 students from Benson Public School will be holding a bake sale at the same time to raise funds for their year-end trip.
CARDINAL A turkey smorgasbord is on the menu tomorrow, Thursday, May 3 to continue the celebration of St. John's United Church's 118th anniversary.
The meal will be served at the church hall from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome.
CARDINAL The annual Cardinal Community Choir spring musical concert will be held Sunday, May 6 at St. Andrew's/St. James Presbyterian Church.
The performance of gospel music, which begins at 7 pm, will feature guest musician Don Morrell of Williamsburg on the saxophone.
CARDINAL The Cardinal Girl Guides are asking for donations of vegetable seeds or plants they can grow to help feed needy people.
The guides will be maintaining a garden this summer, and then the harvest will be donated to the Brockville food bank. Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact leader Lori Howell at 657-1146.
John Graczol, 110 King St. E., Prescott, died Sunday, April 15, 2001 at Kemptville District Hospital. He was 63.
Mr. Graczol was born June 8, 1937 in Budapest, Hungary, the son of Janos Graczol and Ilona Hovarth. He immigrated to Canada in 1956, settling in Montreal where he worked for a short time. He also met and married his wife Margaret (Peggy, nee Rhicard) in Montreal. Mr. Graczol enjoyed spending time with his children and family members, especially his grandchildren.
He enjoyed family gatherings, playing euchre, cribbage, horseshoes and tinkering with cars. Mr. Graczol had been employed as a tool and die maker at Prescott Machine and Welding.
Mr. Graczol lived life to the fullest and expected everyone around him to do the same. He will be fondly missed by everyone with whom he came in contact.
He is survived by his sons John of Prescott, Paul and his wife Shirley of Prescott and Pete of Seeleys Bay; a daughter, Sue of Prescott; grandchildren, J.R., Dana and Kelly; six sisters and five brothers, all of Hungary; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Graczol was predeceased by his parents and by his wife.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home Wednesday, April 18, 2001 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service was held in the funeral home chapel April 19 at 11 am, with Pastor David Downing officiating. Cremation was at Cataraqui Crematorium April 19.
The honourary pallbearers were Bill Davis, Wayne Nowlan, Walter Bradley, Ron Halladay, Tom Donaldson and Bryan Coville.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Edwin (Poppa) Billinton died in Brockville Monday, April 23, 2001. He was 87.
Mr. Billinton was born in Leeds, England Oct. 31, 1913, the son of the late Edwin and Jane Billinton. At the age of 21, he married Nettie Skidmore on April 27, 1935. Mr. Billinton was very successful as an electrical contractor, however, he decided to move to Canada where he felt there would be more opportunity for his family and his career.
Mr. Billinton and his family first resided in Winnipeg where he was employed by CN. After several years at CN, he and his family moved to Montreal where Mr. Billinton was employed by Consolidated Engines working on the mid-Canada line, extending power to Northern Canada and the Canadian Arctic.
Mr. Billinton wound up his career in the electrical industry working for Emerson Electric in Napanee where they resided until 1978, when he and Nettie moved to Spencerville following his retirement.
He was very athletic, playing professional rugby for 16 years for Bradford Northern in England. While in Winnipeg, he captained the Manitoba Cricket Team that played in the National Championships. His competitiveness lasted well into old age, when at the age of 75, he was known to challenge young men to push-up competitions.
Mr. Billinton was a real people-person who loved interacting with others, particularly with his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife Nettie. He was the loving father of Roy (Joyce), Jack (Marilyn), all of Saskatoon, Molly Faessen (Martin) of Spencerville, and Nancy Gamble (Samuel) of Burlington. He is survived by two brothers, George and William Billinton of England. He was a dear grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
A private funeral service was held at the Grant Brown Funeral Home, Purcell Chapel, Spencerville, Wednesday, April 25, 2001, with Richard Woodland officiating. Interment was at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
The pallbearers were grandchildren Robin Billinton, Steven Billinton, Nancy Faessen, Adam Faessen, Joanne Plaxton and Susan Gamble.
Memorial donations made to the Alzheimer Society would be gratefully acknowledged.
Bessie Hitsman, of Bayfield Manor, Kemptville, died at her residence Thursday, April 19, 2001. She was 94.
She was born Dec. 29, 1906 at Grange Town South Wales, the daughter of Abraham Budner and Amelia Marsner. She was predeceased by her husband John Jay Hitsman.
Her favourite activities were gardening, singing hymns, church and her family.
Mrs. Hitsman is survived by her daughters, Rose (Mrs. Jim Colligan) of Cardinal, Cynthia Hadlock of Ogdensburg, Jean (Mrs. Alec Beatson) of Cardinal, Shirley (Clarence Daub) of Prescott, Linda (Mrs. Larry Warren) of Prescott and Margaret Hanes of Prescott; her sons, George (Eugene) of Iroquois, Harold and his wife Marilyn of Prescott and Doug of Prescott; daughter-in-law Dorothy Hitsman of Prescott; son-in-law John Lewis; numerous grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; sons Arnold and Gerald; and daughters Muriel Keeler, Blanche Lewis and Mildred Lavallie.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, April 21, 2001 from 7 to 9 pm, and April 22 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service was held in the chapel of the funeral home April 23 at 11 am, with Rev. Angelia Bailey officiating.
A committal service followed at Maynard Cemetery. The pallbearers were Mark Colligan, Kevin Billings, Gary Lewis, and Larry, Arnie and Art Hitsman.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
CARDINAL The Cardinal Community Festival Committee is inviting poster contest submissions that depict the theme "Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Building on our History Together for a Better Tomorrow."
Three age categories will be judged: eight years and under; nine to 18 years; and over 18 years. Each category will be judged on originality, interpretation of theme and artistry.
The winner from each category will receive a cash prize of $100, donated by the Cardinal Royal Canadian Legion.
The submissions must depict the festival theme on paper 11 by 17 inches. The posters must be in colour and be done by hand; no computer-generated art will be accepted.
The artist's name, age group and phone number must be included.
Entries can be dropped off at the General Dollar store in Cardinal, or at the municipal office in Spencerville. The deadline for submissions is May 31.
One of the suitable winning posters may be incorporated into a logo to be used on T-shirts that will be sold as a fundraiser for the festival.
MAITLAND Two local high schools finished in the top 15 fifteen at the Grenville Christian College (GCC) Track and Field Relay Classic.
The South Grenville District High School (SGDHS) track and field team finished eight out of 21 schools, while GCC's team rounded out the top 15 at the meet Wednesday, April 25.
SGDHS earned at total of 77 points to secure eighth spot overall, edging out Gananoque Secondary School, which had 75 points. Rideau District High School finished in seventh with 81 point. Meanwhile, GCC earned 32 points to squeeze out their spot.
Thousand Islands Secondary School claimed first overall with 373 points.
Renfrew District High School came in a distant second with 198. South Carleton High School finished third with 139 points.
Relay classic rankings are determined by a descending point system where a first-place win earns 10 points, second place eight and so on through to sixth place, which earns one point.
Three competitors comprise a team and, therefore, qualify to earn points.
* Saturday, April 28 - Queen's University meet
* Saturday, May 5 - Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS) - Kinsmen meet
* Wednesday, May 9 - LGSSAA championships at TISS (Athletes must finish in the top four positions to qualify for EOSSA.)
* Wednesday, May 16 - EOSSAA championships at Grenville Christian College (Athletes must finish in the top six positions to qualify for the East Regional meet.)
* Thursday, May 24 - East Regional in Belleville (Athletes must finish in the top four positions to qualify for OFSAA in Toronto.)
* Thursday, May 31 to Saturday, June 2 - OFSAA in Toronto.
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Local senior athletes are going tête-á-tête in nearly three weeks of competition, ranging from euchre to golf, in this year's senior games.
The approximately 150 participants, aged 55 and over, who compete in an average of four events, are taking part in the Area 'B' games of the Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA).
The games started April 24 with euchre at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 in Prescott and is schedule to finish May 16 with a golf tournament at Cedar Valley in Brockville club.
(OSGA branch winners then have the option to compete at the District level, which for area 'B' competitors will be held at Kemptville District College June 9. Area 'B' competitors are from Brockville, Cardinal and Prescott,)
However, despite success of this area's games, organizers say that without more volunteers at the organizational level, the future of the games could be in jeopardy.
"We need more people to come to the meetings and get involved," said OSGA area 'B' secretary Gusteva Welch.
The Brockville-based organizing committee lost two key members, leaving the three remaining members - Welch, Jean King and Doreen Malone - to fill the void and organize this year's games. Maureen Maskell died and Mark Darroch left.
Welch said the Maskell and Darroch each had an extensive network of contacts and an intimate knowledge of the organizational needs of the games. And although the three members have since established their own contacts, Welch admits its too much for three people to run.
One suggestion being floated to keep the games, Welch said, is to have Cardinal and Prescott run the games instead of Brockville. Although people from those communities have in the past helped out, these two communities would become the principal organizational headquarters.
"It would be good to get a fresh group of people involved," she said. "And, of course, we could lend our hand to them with the organization of the games.
The logic behind such a decision is if it were spread out over a larger area, then possibly more people would become involved.
"People want to play the games, but they don't want to help," said OSGA chair Jean King. And as Welch noted, people also are eager to run the events.
Participants can, if they wish, compete at higher levels. There are three different levels of competition - local, district (involves four area winners) and the provincial games called Actifest, which is held at a different location every two years.
This year the optional District 9 games, a non-Actifest year, will be held June 6 in Kemptville. OSGA also has winter games but this branch is not yet involved.
Everyone is invited to watch the games; however, Welch noted that generally the people at each event are also competing.
Welch said a significant component to the events is the social aspect.
"It's almost like a family get together for the participants," she said. "During the breaks, during lunch, people are chit-chatting. It's very social. You see people that you haven't seen for a year, and you meet new people too."
The non-profit organization charges nominal registration fees for the games to help offset costs. Funds are also raised through donations from area businesses and various OSGA fundraising events. Various organizations, such as area Legions and churches, also donate the use of facilities to the organization.
Branch meetings are held at the Brockville Legion every third Wednesday of the month except July and August. The May meeting has been cancelled.
In June, a meeting will still be held on the third Wednesday at 9:30 pm at the Brockville Legion 96 on 180 Park St.
But, after the June meeting, Welch would not commit to a fall meeting. She said the organizing committee needs more volunteers if it is too continue.
Ontario Senior Games Association Area 'B'
Games schedule
* Wednesday, May 2, 5-pin bowling at Gratton Lanes in Smiths Falls
* Monday, May 7, walking at Thousand Islands Secondary School in Brockville
* Tuesday, May 8, horseshoes at Legion 105 in Cardinal
* Wednesday, May 9 tennis at the YMCA and shuffleboard at Legion 96, both in Brockville
* Thursday, May 10, snooker at the Legion 96 in Brockville and bridge at the Walker House in Prescott
* Wednesday, May 16, golf at Cedar Valley in Brockville
Note: lawn bowling will be held in June, scheduled according to weather.
SOUTH GRENVILLE The wild turkey hunting season opened last week, and all successful wild turkey hunters are required by law to report to an Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) checkstation.
Hunters must bring their intact bird to the station on the day of the kill. The season opened April 25. after the peak breeding season, and runs through the end of May. Only bearded turkeys may be hunted. Although the majority of male turkeys have a characteristic beard, some females also exhibit this trait and can also be hunted.
To take part in the hunt, participants require a valid Ontario licence to hunt small game and a wild turkey licence. (To qualify to purchase a tag, hunters must first take an Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters [OFAH]/MNR Wild Turkey Hunter Seminar.)
In the 2000 season, more than 12,600 turkey licence were sold and 2,659 birds harvested.Once native to Ontario, wild turkeys disappeared from the province about 100 years ago because of a loss of habitat and unregulated commercial harvest. In 1984, the OFAH, in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation and the MNR, launched a re-introduction program that began with 247 birds.
The ongoing re-introduction effort continued throughout the winter of 2000/2001 when 429 wild turkeys were captured from flocks here in Ontario. Another 188 birds were transferred from Tennessee, bringing the total of 617 wild turkeys to 38 different release sites in the province. This year's efforts further bolster the population of these birds that now number well in excess of 30,000.
For more information, contact the Kemptville District MNR at (613) 258-8204 or visit the Web site at www.mnr.gov.on.ca and click on Fish and Wildlife.
The South Grenville Atom House Team 2 captured the UCMHA District Consolation Championships.
Despite playing some of their best hockey of the year at the end of the season, Team 2 fell three points short of making it into the top four in their league. However, the team made up for the disappointment by capturing the East Division Championships over Morrisburg, then defeating Brockville, the West Division winners, to capture the district championship.
Playoffs started with a round-robin format. South Grenville Team 1 and Team 2 squared off. As always this season, the two teams played a close checking game, with a one-goal difference in favour of Team 2 to snag the 4-3 win.
Team 2 then travelled to Morrisburg for the first game of the season in the Lions' Den. The Lions were determined. Having finished last in the regular season, they battled Team 2 to a 3-2 win.
Next Team 2 hosted North Dundas for the 2-0 victory to advance along with Morrisburg for a best two-out-of-three format for the East Division Championship. The two teams tied 3-3 in the first encounter. Team 2 won the next two games, 3-1 and 2-0 to take the East.
In the first game between Team 2 and Brockville, Team 2 bumped Brockville 3-1. Brockville took the next game by the same score, capitalizing on a fatigued Team 2, which had competed in a recent Kingston tournament.
With the two teams tied at one game apiece, game three was to decide the overall winner. Team 2 served as hosts in Cardinal, where, after battling for two periods, the game was still tied at 0-0.
Early in the third, Taylor Hanes, using his size and strength along the boards, stripped the puck from a Brockville defenceman. Taylor made a nice pass from behind the net to Ryan Gilligan, who found Joe Murray floating in the high slot. Murray made no mistake finding the back of the net for the game winner. Team 2 goalie Jake Casselman was solid in net, playing the best game of the year as goalie coach looked on.
With Brockville pressing and their goalie pulled, Murray picked up a loose puck in his end, skated around the net and lifted it high over everybody for an insurance marker and the 2-0 win.
Coach Charlie Murray stated it was a total team effort with no end-to-end superstars. Murray added that his players passing, back-checking and overall hustle earned them the championship.
The South Grenville Atom House Team 2 members are Jake Casselman, Luke Casselman, Stanley McNairn, Fletcher Weymeher, Taylor Hanes, Hank Heycoop, Cody Chretien, Jeremy Groulx, Mike Marchand, Brad Selleck, Josh Newton, Joe Murray, Connor Cleary, Nick Perry and Ryan Gilligan.
The coaching staff is Charlie Murray, Nelson McNairn and Shane Francois. Trainers are Kevin Casselman and Darryl Newton. The manager is Carol Casselman.
TEAM Pts
Over the Hill Gang 155
Slowpokes 145 1/2
Cindy's Sweethearts 133 1/2
Flo's Fluffies 132
Golden Gals 131
Busy Bees 95
GAMES WON: Lynn McCubbin, 4; Alice McCarroll, Lorna Underhill, 3; Linda Wing, Susie Visser, Linda Lanktree, 2.
HIGH SCORES: Darlene Bouchard, 122; Lynn McCubbin, 100 (x 2).
LEADERS
MOST GAMES
Carol Pidgeon 57
HIGH SCORE
Shirley Roode 171
SPARES MOST GAMES
Janet Hutton 16
SPARES HIGH SCORE
Janet Hutton 140
CARDINAL The Winning Edge Bulldogs tamed the Kingston Beasts 3-1 in the Edge's tournament at the Cardinal Community Centre April 27 to April 29.
The Bulldogs beat out the minor peewee team the Ottawa Young Sens to win the tournament.
In the major atom side of the three-day tournament, the Casselman Pirates captured the tourney title by defeating the St. Lawrence Islanders 6-2.
The King Cobras from Alexandria Bay and the Bulldogs also competed in the tournament.
On May 11 to May 13, the Bulldogs peewee and bantam girls teams
will be hosting a tournament in Cardinal. Five teams will compete in the peewee side, while four bantam teams will lace up the skates for the three-day tournament.
PRESCOTT - The ladies all score an eagle on the 19th green with their delicious culinary delights.
The Ladies Club had a potluck meal at its early bird meeting April 24. Ladies captain Heather MacKay-Kelso welcomed all the golfers. Club captain Dale Walker did a quick rundown of the new handicap computer system and volunteered to assist anyone in learning how to use it.
The people in charge of the various events:
* Alice Baynham, daytime 9 holers
* Audrey Moore, morning 18 holers
* Candy Alexandria, ringers and birdies
* Kitty Workman and Jean Randall, prize patrol
* Lorna Roberts, CLGA representative
Tournaments:
* Dale Duncan and Heather MacKay-Kelso, A.B.C.D. best ball
* Mary Yandeau, intersectionals
* Sheila Bush, valley league
* Joan Graham, Peggy Devine and Mary Singleton, ladies friendly
* Bonnie LaBranche and Fran MacKay, ladies invitational
* Nancy Dye and Diane Throop, ladies club championship
* Kathryn Lander and JoAnne Veltkamp, 4-lady scramble
* Carolyn Willan, Norma Martineau, Jan Shoen, Linda Langstaff, ladies closing
* Judy Stead, liaison reporter
The junior Giants play Thursday, May 3 against Gananoque at home, scheduled start is 3:30 pm, and then Tuesday, May 8 against St. Mary in Brockville. The senior Giants play St. Mike May 3 in Prescott. On May 8, the Giants play St. Mary in Brockville in double header action. Start time is scheduled for 3:30 pm.