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Prescott Journal is published weekly by St. Lawrence Printing Co. Ltd., 231 King Street West, Prescott, Ontario, K0E 1T0, (613) 925-4265 - fax (613) 925-3472, e-mail journal@stlawrenceprinting.on.ca |
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By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE The council of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal accepted a bid Monday night for renovations to the municipal offices in Spencerville.
In a 5-2 recorded vote, council accepted the Prescott-based K.E. Construction Ltd.'s bid of $102,900. Councillors Peggy Taylor and Dan McDonald voted against the resolution. Taylor and McDonald have been the two dissenting voices on council for locating the municipal hall of the amalgamated townships in Spencerville. Taylor had tabled a resolution intended to grind the process of amalgamation to a crawl, including the council's decision on where to locate the municipal hall.
Taylor's resolution failed to pass in a recorded 5-2 vote April 17, when council voted 5-2 in favour of locating the building in Spencerville.
Council's decision to move forward on the Transition Board recommendation to have the municipal building located in Spencerville caused a strong reaction from some residents within the municipality. At a April 3 council meeting, a 1327-name petition requesting planned renovations of the Spencerville building be stopped was presented to council by a group calling themselves the Ratepayers Association. The association also wanted the municipal building to be located in the Village of Cardinal. Following the defeat of Taylor's resolution, former Cardinal Reeve Larry Dishaw said the Ratepayers Association will continue to fight council's decision, even exploring a "reverse amalgamation" to break up the two municipalities.
However, with the acceptance of the contract, the renovation process moves forward. Included in the bid is $85,000 in office renovations and $17,900 for a new roof. (Costs do not include the goods and services tax.)
The renovations involve converting the former Edwardsburgh Township Fire Hall into the municipal council chambers and ancillary rooms, including an entrance, records storage room, staff and committee room, kitchen and washroom.
In addition, alterations to the existing municipal offices include the construction of two rooms and two storage closets.
Alterations to the existing heating system will include two "split" air conditioning and hot water heating units, incorporating the existing the boiler to serve the new council chambers, and existing offices separately.
Electrical distribution and lighting will be altered using the existing 200 amp service to accommodate the new facilities. It is not anticipated, according to the plans, that the electrical service will be increased in capacity under this contract.
Included in the tender is additional work. The existing flat roof, which is over two levels will be converted to install a low pitch hip roof, with pre-finished steel roofing to match the existing municipal building in colour on two different levels.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Town council has opted for the lesser of two options when it comes to an Ontario Provincial Police contract.
The OPP contract policing proposal submitted to the town last October outlined two options, the main difference between the two being the first option included an additional sergeant. Option one came with an estimated cost of $1,146,000 per year, roughly the same amount now being spent to operate the municipal police service. The second option was pegged at $1,045,000.
Council voted January 2 to replace the existing Prescott Police Service with municipal OPP service. Although the first option has been favoured as town officials and the OPP went ahead with preparing a submission to the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS), the matter had never been voted on by council. OPP Staff Sergeant Brent Hill met with council Monday evening to discuss both options prior to the regular council meeting during which the vote was held.
Voting in favour of the second option were councillors Garry Dewar, Jim French, Terry McConnell, Nancy McFarland and Seeley Pillar. Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead and Mayor Robert Lawn voted against the motion.
Beckstead led the council debate by arguing the enhanced option would enable police to provide additional programs and deal more effectively with problems such as vandalism at a time when the town is hoping to attract new residents. In noting tax dollars have to be used to create a safe community, Beckstead said council "...shouldn't be looking to save money on the backs of our police force."
But other councillors indicated they could support the less expensive option.
Councillor McConnell said he got up in the middle of the night thinking about the options. In noting he would have loved to go with the first option, McConnell said the town does not have the money for the "Cadillac" option, and the second option will still put Prescott further ahead than it is now. After speaking to Hill Monday, McConnell became comfortable with his preference.
The councillor said he conducted a poll at his business that afternoon; the unanimous response was to choose the second option, McConnell reported.
Councillor Pillar said the good thing about the second option is the town could move up the level of the other option if needed. Dewar, the only councillor to speak in favour of the second option when council discussed the subject at an April 30 budget meeting, also noted the town could upgrade the police service if it had to. He said the $100,000 saved could be put to good use in other areas.
Among the reasons cited by council for choosing the OPP was a concern that new provincial policing standards would lead to additional costs for the existing municipal service. Some councillors indicated earlier this week they are confident the option they selected will meet those standards and be acceptable to OCCOPS.
Council also agreed Monday to submit to OCCOPS a brief which proposes the second OPP option as the alternative to the existing municipal service. OCCOPS will conduct a hearing in Prescott as part of the process to disband the town's police department and approve the OPP option. If approved, the transition would likely occur later this year; however, town officials are unsure exactly when the switch will be made.
PRESCOTT The Harbour Days festival will once again set sail this Victoria Day weekend in the Fort Town.
The three-day festival begins Saturday, May 19. Harbour Days is sponsored by Tourism Prescott in conjunction with a number of companies and businesses in the area.
The farmers market at the clocktower (corner of King and Centre streets) will be open early Saturday morning.
The Downtown Prescott BIA will present its first sidewalk sale of the season Saturday. In addition to offering great buys inside and outside the stores, many merchants will be picking up the GST and PST on purchases that day.
Sunday kicks off with a Legion breakfast with bacon, eggs, home fries, toast, juice and coffee, all for one price.
The blessing of the harbour is scheduled to take place at 11:30 following an outdoor Anglican church service.
"Painters in the Park," set for Sunday afternoon in the marina and lighthouse area, will feature local artists who will display their works and create new ones. Rain date is Monday.
The Parr Christie Singers will perform in the afternoon, followed at 3:30 by a performance by the Brockville Steel Band.
The Prescott Legion will be the scene of a steak and chicken barbecue with free entertainment.
Monday. May 21 will be Kids' Day at the Kinsmen Outdoor Theatre and town dock area.
The Prescott Kiwanis Club will present the annual soap box derby beginning at 9 am. The races will take place on the George Street hill north of King Street; sign-in is at 9, and the races begin at 10 am.
A teddy bear picnic will be held later in the morning. The picnic will include face painting and karaoke.
There will also be free boat rides, pony rides, a petting zoo and a free lunch. Games will be played from noon until mid-afternoon.
A Barbie doll showing at the outdoor theatre is scheduled to run early Monday afternoon.
For more information about Harbour Days, call 925-
Tourism Prescott is planning a number of other crowd-pleasing events for the summer.
The RCMP Musical Ride comes to town Friday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. The world-famous ride at the Fort Field will be preceded by the annual Naval Gun Run. The evening of entertainment is free, and also includes a performance by the Brockville Lions Steel Band.
The Scottish Highland Fling is set for Saturday, June 16, and Shakespeare in the Park will be presented Wednesday, July 18.
PRESCOTT The Carnation Campaign for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Leeds-Grenville Chapter, begins this week with the theme "MS Lives Here."
Bouquets of carnations will be on sale at various locations in Prescott, Cardinal and Spencerville this Thursday, May 10, Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12.
The local fundraising goal is $6,000 to provide assistance to more than 20 clients in the area. The chapter serves more than 135 clients in Leeds and Grenville counties.
The MS Society provides help in purchasing wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, home equipment and medical supplies, allowing people to continue to live at home and be independent in their communities.
MS is a potentially disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, affecting the control people have over their bodies.
PRESCOTT The Prescott Royal Canadian Legion is holding a craft and bake sale this Saturday, May 12 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Henry Street West branch.
On sale and ready for Mother's Day giving will be crafts, pies, cakes, preserves, squares, breads and cookies. The Legion welcomes any donations of crafts or baked goods for the sale.
The event is being sponsored by the Legion's Ways and Means Committee.
PRESCOTT A car seat clinic sponsored by the Leeds, Lanark and Grenville Health Unit will be held Saturday, May 19 in downtown Prescott near the clock tower.
Members of Prescott police, firefighters, OPP and the health unit will be on hand to check the proper installation of child safety seats in vehicles.
Parents are asked to bring along the seat, the installation instruction booklet and the child who normally uses the seat.
Information will be available at the clinic on buying the correct seat for the age and stage of development of the child, and on seat/vehicle compatibility.
PRESCOTT A fashion show will be held Thursday, May 10 at South Grenville District High School.
The show begins at 7 pm and will feature local students wearing clothes and outfits supplied by area retailers.
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.
SOUTH GRENVILLE Residents of South Grenville are being asked to count themselves in as part of the 2001 Census.
Statistics Canada representatives are delivering census forms to every household in the country. The statistical portrait drawn by census data is used to determine federal transfer payments and government services.
A short questionnaire will be dropped off at four of every five households. These forms include seven questions covering basic information such as age, gender, marital status, mother tongue and relationship.
A longer form will be given to the remaining 20 per cent of households. These forms include 52 additional questions on such topics as language, culture, education and income. Three new questions deal with the birthplace of parents, language used at work and religion. This is the first time since 1991 a question on religion has been asked as part of a census.
It is also noted this year's census defines common-law couples has been expanded to include two persons of the same sex who live together as a couple.
Respondents are to mail the completed forms by May 15 in postage-paid envelopes included with the forms. It is a federal offence not to return a completed census form. Statistics Canada and its employees are obliged by law to protect the confidentiality of personal information provided by respondents.
Anyone who has not received a census package by May 12, or who has questions about the forms, is asked to call the Census Help Line at 1-800-591-2001. The service is available from 8 am to 9 pm each day until May 31.
Statistics Canada also uses census data to prepare community profiles of municipalities, including those in South Grenville. The profiles list Edwardsburgh and Cardinal separately; they amalgamated at the beginning of this year.
Of the four municipalities in the area, the Township of Augusta came out on top in terms of average total income. Edwardsburgh's average total income came in just over $24,700. The average annual income in Cardinal in 1996 was $22,757, followed by Prescott at an estimated $20,400.
Augusta also had the highest percentage of university and college graduates, followed by Edwardsburgh, Prescott and Cardinal.
All four municipalities were under both the provincial and national income averages. Ontario's average based on 1996 Census data was $27,309. The Canadian average was $25,196.
Based on 1996 Census data, women outnumbered men 2,400 to 2,075 in Prescott. Similar findings were reported for Cardinal. However, there are more men than women in both Augusta and Edwardsburgh.
In addition to different levels of government, general census data collected from the more than 11 million households in Canada are used as a decision-making tool by business, industry, associations and the media, Statistics Canada notes.
Additional forms are also being delivered to farm operators. The Census of Agriculture includes 184 questions on everything from land use, crops and livestock to paid farm labour.
PRESCOTT The Ontario Works office in Prescott will soon be on the move.
The office, which is operated by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Social Services Department, has been located upstairs in the federal building at the corner of Centre and Henry streets. That location will be closed Friday, May 11 in preparation for the move.
As of Monday, May 14, the Ontario Works office will be located at 360 King St. W. The new telephone number will be 925-0001.
To apply for assistance, call 1-888-644-3444. For emergency service, call 345-4101.
PRESCOTT Town council has voted in favour of supporting a request calling on the provincial government and universities to ensure medical education in Ontario is financially accessible to all qualified students.
The request comes from Medical Students of Ontario, a group seeking municipal support for its effort to deal with "...unaffordable medical school tuition and its effect on the current physician shortage that is affecting communities across Ontario..."
Mayor Robert Lawn noted at the May 7 council meeting astronomical tuition fees hurt students from rural areas who cannot live at home while attending medical school. Councillor Nancy McFarland, who is also a nurse, said any incentive that can be offered to deal with the shortage of physicians is beneficial.
The town's resolution of support also calls for medical school tuition to be capped, and student loan programs be adjusted.
PRESCOTT Members of town council are no longer permitted at certain meetings of the Prescott Firefighters' Association, but the association's president insists the move is nothing personal.
Councillor Jim French told his council colleagues Monday night he was advised in a letter signed by Fire Chief Bill Lawrence and Association President Brent Norton he is no longer welcome at meetings of the association's membership. The councillor said he and fellow councillors Seeley Pillar and Nancy McFarland were kept out of a recent association meeting, adding he was told at that time about the decision.
Norton told The Journal after the council meeting French was given the letter because he is the chairman of the committee. The association president explained fire department officials and council now meet on a quarterly basis. Councillors do not have to attend meetings of the membership to hear from the association, Norton said.
In the absence of the quarterly meetings, he added, there have been occasions in which council members have attended association meetings.
Any council member is welcome to attend monthly get-togethers of the association's officers as well as practices conducted the third Tuesday of each month, according to Norton. He added the letter was not aimed specifically at French and was not intended to be taken personally.
As for French, he said in an interview after the meeting the town's volunteer firefighters do "an excellent job." He noted he would like to be co-operative and work with the firefighters.
However, he also said at the council meeting the association's decision may have something to do with things that took place while French served on a previous council. The councillor apologized to his colleagues for being put in such a situation.
In other business involving the fire department, town council voted Monday in favour of proposed terms of reference for a fire master plan to be completed. The review of municipal fire services will be overseen by a steering committee consisting of councillors McFarland and Pillar, Mayor Lawn, Fire Chief Lawrence or his designate and Town CAO/Clerk Andrew Brown.
The first meeting is set for later this month; a report is to be submitted by Dec. 1.
PRESCOTT Robert Lawn returned to the helm at town council Monday, less than two weeks after doctors unblocked his right coronary artery.
The mayor chaired the regular council meeting and took a few moments to comment on his recent situation and the care he received.
"I've been on a bit of a reduced schedule," Lawn remarked.
The mayor had not been feeling well for some time prior to being admitted to hospital more than two weeks ago. He reportedly experienced a mild cardiac episode a few days before entering hospital.
The mayor said he took time to "check out" Brockville General Hospital and Kingston General Hospital, the facility in which his artery was corrected.
"They treat people very well," he said of the two hospitals.
"The degree of care... was quite overwhelming to me."
Lawn noted he found the skill of the people and the equipment used to diagnose and treat his condition to be "quite mind-boggling."
The mayor said he was told by his doctor to stay off the job for a couple of weeks. Although he may attend a budget meeting next week, Lawn indicated he plans to follow the advice.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead is serving as deputy mayor.
The mayor also commended staff for the extra time they put in getting ready for the move earlier this week to temporary office space at the former Bank of Montreal building at the corner of Edward and Churchill. The new location is to open for business today; plans to renovate the Dibble Street municipal building necessitated the move.
"We cannot shut down for more than one day," the mayor commented. "The phone rings incessantly."
Monday marked the last meeting of council in that second floor location. Council chambers will be relocated to a different section of that floor as part of renovations.
PRESCOTT The town's 2001 budget has yet to be finalized, but council has approved the purchase of a new Zamboni and much-needed computer-related items.
Council voted Monday to spend more than $68,000 for a Zamboni to be used at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. An additional $21,175 will be spent to obtain computer software and hardware for use by the town's administration department.
The Zamboni that has been used by the town for 25 years has exceeded expectations but is now getting "fairly old and decrepit," Councillor Jim French said. Fearing the loss of the old unit during the upcoming season and the subsequent loss of arena revenue that would result, council agreed to order a new unit now so it would hopefully be available by September. Delivery might take up to four months.
French, who chairs the community and protective services committee, noted the purchase will be covered by reserve funds set aside by the previous council, a move the current council appreciates.
The town will also purchase software needed to handle water billings and accounts receivable. Councillor and finance committee chair Jo-Anne Beckstead noted staff have also been dealing with other computer glitches; the timing to obtain new equipment is good now that the town is taking over water accounts from the former PUC, the finance committee chair added.
The computer-related purchases will be accounted for in the 2001 municipal budget.
PRESCOTT The summer job season has begun, and students and employers are once again being encouraged to use the services of the student employment centre in Prescott.
The centre is located within the Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) offices at the corner of Centre and Henry streets. Summer Employment Officer Sarah Hough has returned for her second year at the Prescott office.
There are more than 330 HRDC offices for students in Canada. In addition to listing jobs and helping students deal with the process of landing a job, centres also assist employers.
In the case of Prescott, the centre does not screen or interview applicants on behalf of employers; its facilities can be made available for employers wanting to conduct interviews. The centre can also collect resumes and applications on behalf of an employer.
Hough also visits employers and tells them about the services the centre has to offer. She said the centre received nothing but positive comments and feedback last year, adding she finds students usually want to work and do a good job.
Students are encouraged to register at the centre. Hough reported 12 students had already visited the office by mid-afternoon on her first day of the season, even though the opening had yet to be widely publicized. The number had reached about 45 by the end of the week.
Hough provides one-on-one counselling; plans are also in the works to host a seminar in which students will receive information on how to go about finding a job.
In addition to dealing with secondary and post-secondary students, the centre offers an "odd jobs program" for younger students. Hough said a 13 or 14 year old who is willing to do yard work and other odd jobs can sign up. Homeowners are also encouraged to participate by hiring the youngsters; youngsters benefit by taking responsibility and gaining valuable work experience they can list on a resume, Hough noted.
Five homeowners called the centre during its first three days of operation, she reported.
As for older students, HRDC's Summer Career Placements program offers wage subsidies to employers who create career-related summer jobs. A student business loans program is also in place.
Even though the federal and provincial governments are spending money on student employment, Hough noted it is up to the students to take some initiative and find summer jobs.
"I am just there to help them along the way," she said.
Students can search the job bank on the Internet at jb/gc.hrdc-drfc.gc.ca. An automated tele-voice message system listing local jobs can be reached by calling 498-3097. The Prescott centre can be reached at 925-2508.
Katherine Lundvall is the summer employment officer at the King Street West centre in downtown Brockville. Employment counsellor Danielle Voyer works at the employment and education centre located on Strowger Boulevard at the corner of Central Avenue in Brockville.
BROCKVILLE The Big Sisters Association of Leeds and Grenville's eighth annual Dream Auction will be held Saturday, May 12 from 10 am to 4 pm at the 1000 Islands Mall in Brockville. There is also a huge silent auction.
The event will be televised live on Cogeco Community Television, and bidders can phone in their bids during the auction hours. On-line bidding is available at www.cybertap.com/~bigsisters.
Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that teaches young girls they can be strong, capable and creative. It promotes the personal development of girls ages six to 16 who will benefit from the friendship of a positive, female mentor.
For more information on the auction or Big Sisters, call the office at 345-3295.
Isn't it nice to see for a change criminals looking over their shoulders, unsure of who is friend or foe? This is one of the positive outcomes of an active Crime Stoppers program. There are others.
Contrary to what some believe, the "Crime of the Week" featured in the media is just one crime for which "tipsters" qualify for a reward. Anyone who provides information on any crime may be eligible to receive reward money.
Crime Stoppers welcomes and indeed needs "tips" from all segments of society. This is not an adults-only program; school-aged tipsters can and do call and help solve crimes in their communities. Why? For the same reason adults call: disgust with crime, anonymity and cash rewards. High school students hear and see things parents may never realize. Crime Stoppers provides an opportunity for callers to share what they know with police services without having to disclose their identity to anyone.Anyone who knows about a crime already committed or one that is about to be is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers is not a police resource; it is a community resource.
SOUTH GRENVILLE In the wake of recent break, enter and theft incidents, Grenville County OPP officers are seeking the public's assistance in reporting suspicious activity.
By obtaining an accurate description of a vehicle (including colour, make and model as well as a licence plate number) and a description of the occupant or occupants of a vehicle (including hair and skin colour and other details such as whether the person was wearing a ball cap), the public can offer valuable assistance to police.
An OPP news release notes callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous, and the information given is not released to the public. Callers are eligible for cash rewards if their information leads to an arrest or a crime being prevented.
Crime Stoppers can be reached toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). The number for the Grenville County OPP detachment in Prescott is 925-4221.
Summer Employment Officer Sarah Hough, referring to students
who use the services of the employment centre in Prescott
DESERTION TREND REVERSED: The "unite the right" movement that has seen an engagement party but not a sanctioned wedding between the western-based Reform Party and some of the nation's right-wing Progressive Conservatives, especially in Ontario, to form the new Alliance Party, saw the trend of Tory desertions to the Alliance reversed earlier this week when several Alliance MPs attended a Tory fund-raising dinner in Ottawa. These hard-core Tories, led by Joe Clark, certainly welcomed this giant chink in the Alliance armour as it signalled hope that if a "unite the right" movement is to become a national entity it has to be led by the historic Progressive Conservative Party and not a western niche party such as the Reform-cum-Alliance.
Cause of the Alliance breakup has been leader Stockwell Day whose inability to lead and ineffectiveness as Leader of the Opposition has caused dissention among his front benchers and back benchers, as well as this week's defection to the Tory fund-raiser. Mr. Day survived last week's caucus review of his status as party leader but most Canadian political pundits feel his leadership is not of a lasting nature and that he will be removed at next year's official leadership review if he lasts that long.
This will give both Alliance and Progressive Conservative party leaders time to recruit either Joe Clark or another prominent Tory to lead the "unite the right" movement. It is our feeling that if the Alliance Party is to grow to national status it has to be led by a leader from a traditional Canadian party with long-standing national roots and support.
The dilemma in Leeds and Grenville, however, will be where provincial MPP Bob Runciman places his support and that of his provincial supporters. By wooing so many supporters from the federal Progressive Conservative Party in the riding into the Alliance camp in the last federal election, he has weakened his position in the riding as well as that of the federal party. His unabashed support of Stockwell Day as a party leader during last fall's federal election campaign is turning into an embarrassing display of egg on his face.
SALUTING OUR VOLUNTEERS: All communities in Canada, large or small, benefit from the contributions of their volunteers, and Prescott is no exception. Where this town does differ from any other municipalities, however, is in recognition of its dozens of valuable volunteers. The town of Prescott and those who benefit from the contributions of volunteers, do very little to say thanks to those who serve so unselfishly. The time to have done something about this would have been the second last week of April which had been designated as national volunteer week. However, by starting now we can plan a meaningful event to honour community volunteers next year.
With the thousands of dollars our community saves through volunteerism, we should be able to find enough money to honour these citizens at a banquet each year. Donations could also be solicited from our many service clubs and fraternal organizations, as well as the Chamber of Commerce.
John A.H. Morris,
Managing Editor
Tim Ruhnke
Now that the summer job season has arrived for university and college students, I am reminded of how things used to be so much easier for young adults when it came to seasonal employment. There once was a time not all that long ago when decent full-time jobs were the norm rather than the exception.
Instead of heading for the tobacco fields or the assembly line, I spent two of my post-secondary summers at a provincial crown corporation. Its identity may become a bit clearer given I worked at a nuclear power plant and training facility. The public was never at risk because they kept me away from the reactor hall and control room. Mind you, there was the time I wanted to find out whether "heavy" water weighed more than tap water, but I digress.
Life was sweet in the mid-1980s. You could walk into a job interview with no qualifications other than the fact your father or mother worked there and voila: a unionized job that pays more than twice the minimum wage. Come to think of it, there was no interview. The one requirement was a physical, which we got to take at a separate nuclear research facility operated a short distance away by a federal crown corporation. Yes, they had plenty of jobs for their own offspring as well.
As was the case with other greenhorns in the stores division of the plant, I had to go through the usual rites of passage. The lads tried to get me to hand out some non-existent supplies. I didn't get nailed for the bucket of steam or can of checkered paint, but I did fall for the ever-popular 200-foot extension ladder. The longest one I could find was 100 feet, but the fire department told me to give up and concede defeat.
The plant was shut down a few years later, and I was fortunate enough to tour the site a decade later. Many of the buildings remained in tact, but the stuffings had been ripped out; paint was peeling off the walls, and a once vibrant facility was nothing more than an empty shell. Those cushy summer jobs are long gone, and I wish the students of today all the best in their quest for decent summer employment.
* * *
Permit me to vent one last time about the provincially-owned phone company that kept sending me bills in the amount of 39 cents. Seven months after I had my service disconnected and moved to a new region hundreds of kilometres away, I received a letter notifying me the company has applied for a local rate hike. The letter did not indicate how much of that hike would cover the cost of needlessly sending me bills, notices and a phone book long after our relationship ended. We've both moved on, so please, once and for all: let it go!
John A.H. Morris
Sometimes it is weird how an unrelated incident or even a memory will trigger another memory that one would never connect.
We had such a flashback one night last week that involved Johnstown Creek, mudpout, our mother and a bit of old-fashioned caning. Guess we could boil it down to mudpout and mother.
Heading back to Prescott from Ogdensburg in a relatively sober mood (this is where the relative is your wife, the designated driver) at a rather early hour so that the fresh summer crop of young Captain Canadas on the Customs would not accuse us of eating too late, we noted as we passed Johnstown Creek that there were no mudpout fishermen.
In fact, when we thought about it, we hadn't seen night time mudpout action at Bradley's Creek either, and just once, about three weeks ago, we spotted some 'pouters' in the late afternoon at Weir's Bridge on the Nation. Many, many years age when we were drowning worms on a regular basis, May was the best mudpout month because the evenings had warmed up and the mosquitoes had yet to appear and the sweet, pink bullhead fillets were firm and tasty.
And how did Mother get involved in this spring ritual? T'is a bit of a painful tale we'll recall for you.
The year was 1948 and it was a warm evening early in May with DST keeping the sun up an extra hour. Three of us decided to head down to Johnstown Creek on our bicycles right after supper (6 pm) and get an hour of mudpout fishing in so that we could be home before dark.
Well, the fish started to bite at about the same time as we had planned to head home, but with it being just a half-hour trip, we decided to stay a while longer. The "while" turned out to be at least an hour and by this time it was dark. Pedalling back to Prescott on old Highway 2 after dark with a string of a dozen mudpout slung over one handlebar and a 12-foot bamboo pole in the other hand made for a few frightening moments.
Our biggest concern was that the 'pouts would catch in our front fork and send us head-first into the ditch. Fortunately, there were hardly any cars on the road over 50 years ago and certainly no OPP cruisers.
We arrived at 320 Henry West very quietly at about 9:30 pm, dropping our bike to the ground at the top of the driveway and heading quietly on foot to the garage to get a pail of water to keep our fish fresh which we hoped would be our peace offering to Mom. On the way to the garage we had to pass the kitchen window which gave us a chance to observe a very agitated Mrs. Morris sitting at the kitchen table. Father, of course, was either out covering a meeting, at the Armouries, or at choir practice.
Seeing that mother was waiting for us we decided to prepare our defences while in the garage, which meant pulling our trusted shingle out of its hiding place and slipping it down the back of our jeans. Then we picked up our empty fish pail and proceeded to fill it up at the outside tap near the kitchen window.
The sound of the water hitting the empty pail spurred Mother into action and from behind the screen door came the order..."you get yourself in here this very instant!"
"I will Mom, but I want to get my fish into some fresh water. Boy, were they biting tonight."
"If you're not coming in, then I'm coming out," she warned us as she stormed out the door into the darkness.
As dark as it was, however, I could see she was armed with one of the three-foot hardwood dowels from our towel drying rack near the kitchen stove. These wooden rods were about one-inch in diameter and were great for caning wayward sons.
Our rack had six such dowels which we inherited from the McPherson ladies when we bought their house in 1947, and a year or two later when we reached high school and out-grew the caning practice, Mom was down to a single dowel.
Her aim was superb and she laid about six good ones across our shingle-coated buttocks before the stick broke in two.
Feigning great pain and fake tears we promised never to go fishing after dark again without permission, ever again, and that we would clean and fillet our catch before school the next morning so that we could have fish and chips for lunch the next day, which happened to be a Friday which our family observed as a "fish day" back in those days.
Father would have normally been informed of our errant ways when he came home that night, but because Mom had demolished another towel dowel she must have felt my caning was sufficient punishment.
Several years later at a Mother's Day dinner Mom confessed that she knew all along that I had something inside my jeans protecting my buttocks, but that being able to whack me without fear of hurting me was one of her favourite ways of reducing stress.
The Editor;
Your interesting and informative column in the May 2 edition of The Prescott Journal (Editorial page: Plan to change signal lights at intersection drives me mad) and the comments I heard all week got me wondering.
Good ideas given to officialdom somehow grow in complexity until it's impossible to find the germ of reality. They need a reminder: KISS! The question of the traffic signal at King Street West and St. Lawrence Street is a prime example. This signal has outlived its usefulness, no longer are large numbers of vehicles using this corner as an avenue to and from work. Often both they and their jobs have moved on. But do the traffic engineers see a simple solution? I will not even give credence to their plan by quoting it.
Possibly this suggestion is too obvious and too simple but I offer it anyway. Remove the existing signals and erect stop signs on St. Lawrence Street. Then install a user-operated pedestrian stop signal on King Street West (the kind where the pedestrian pushes a button to get a walk signal). This allows for year-round safe crossing of King Street West, especially by those who walk to and from the medical centre all year and all who use the beach and park in the warmer months.
An incentive to speed control for one or two blocks either side of the intersection could be a "community safety zone" with fines increased. Periodic police presence along the street would underline the speed-control aspect.
John C. Reynolds
Prescott
PRESCOTT The Grenville County Historical Society has purchased a number of books, which are available at its resource centre located at Dibble and Edward streets.
The publications available to the public are:
1851 Census of Oxford Township, Ontario, by Lorna Johnston
1851 Census of South Gower Township, Ontario, by Lorna Johnston
1851 Census of Edwardsburgh Township Ontario, by Lorna Johnston
Pioneers of Upper Canada 1783 -1839, by Doris B. Bourrie
Steamboat Connections: Montreal to Upper Canada 1816 -1843, by Frank Mackey
Discovery of Heritage Organizations and Institutions in Ontario, Ontario Historical Society
The Artifact: What Can it Tell Us About the Past? by Dorothy Duncan
Serve it Forth! by Dorothy Duncan
The historical society archives is open each Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Documents, publications and records can be accessed for information on such topics as family members, industries, properties or organizations. Contact 925-0489 or e-mail gchs@recorder.ca for more information.
By Willy Sieling Heuvel
Thanks to the people who donate squares, cookies and/or sandwiches for the senior games bridge lunch tomorrow. Very much appreciated.
A dinner barbecue is planned for June 2 starting at 5:30 pm. Hope the weather is kind and steak and salads can be on the menu. There is a charge for the dinner.
A trip to Kingston is in the making for Thursday, June 14. We will be using private cars and leaving Walker House at 10 am. If you are interested, call 925-5300.
Check with me to see whether or not your name is on the list for the Stratford-Niagara trip planned for October. Some of you have told me, but I may have forgotten. The list for the bus is getting full.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st, Audrey Kingston; 2nd, Margaret Nesbitt; Barb Martin won the door prize.
Tuesday cribbage high hand, Bea Hemsley; high score, Jean Annable; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; 3rd, Louie Bocsy.
Wednesday day/evening bridge 1st, Andy Britnell; 2nd, Sam Covey; Margaret Nesbitt won the door prize.
Thursday evening euchre 1st, Hugh Evely; 2nd, Alice Crowder, Jessie Shaver and Louie Bocsy; Bea Hemsley won the door prize.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
CARDINAL Opponents of the newly created Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal can feel assured they have a champion fighting for their cause in Central Ontario.
Lynne Boldt is the chairperson of a citizen's group known as Voices of Central Ontario (VOCO), which is representing the City of Kawartha, an amalgamation of 17 municipalities. She wrote The Journal last week, offering sympathy to the local residents and encouragement to reverse the amalgamation of the Village of Cardinal and Township of Edwardsburgh, which took effect Jan. 1.
While searching out amalgamation issues on the Internet, Boldt came across Journal articles on the local union and the township hall controversy. "We have been researching amalgamations far and wide in our efforts to get out of the mess we are currently in," Boldt wrote in her letter.
She said she is one of thousands of residents of a beautiful rural/agricultural area that used to be known as Victoria County. Following the governmental appointment of a one-man commission last year, "we have now taken 17 beautiful municipalities and forced them against their will to become one new disastrous city.
"Our name was stripped from us, along with all its historical heritage and identity as the last thing taken from us before this one-man commission left our county," Boldt writes. Her address is now Ward 6 of the City of Kawartha Lakes. She used to live in Fenelon Township.
The geographical area is spread over 407,000 hectares of land, Boldt notes in her letter. "We were told that the amalgamation would cost us $5.5 million. We are only just entering our fifth month of our new identity and already the cost has exceeded $19 million! Do 74 per cent of our citizens think we should give this amalgamation more time to work? Not on our lives!"
Boldt continues that "amalgamations do not work. They cost much, much more than they could ever attempt to save. Your local representation becomes nonexistent. Accountability of your government becomes a joke."
She writes the only reason amalgamation was promoted was so Premier Mike Harris could "handle fewer governments a whole lot easier than he could handle the multitude of legitimate concerns raised by locally-elected people representing their local constituencies."
Boldt has a strong message for people involved in amalgamation: "If you truly believe in democracy, in accountability, in equality, then do not give this time to work. Cut your losses now, and fight for what you had before you lose another day.
"You must be vigilant in reminding the government, at all levels, that they work for you - not the other way around. To change, and to change for the better, are two different things." Boldt also asks the residents of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal to remember Abraham Lincoln's quote: "No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent."
Just last week, Boldt organized a citizens' town hall meeting that attracted 400 people trying to find out how to de-amalgamate. The guest speaker was former Mayor of Toronto, John Sewell.
In the group's efforts to take care of its own backyard, it discovered there were many more communities in trouble because of amalgamation than it ever imagined, Boldt stated in her letter. She lists Flamborough/Hamilton, Chatham-Kent, Sudbury, Ottawa, Toronto, Haldimand/Norfolk, Kingston and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. "We care about them too," she wrote.
"The people of Ontario have had enough, while the government may think they have a majority government and steamroll over the entire province, we tend to feel enough is enough. We can only be steamrolled if we let them."
For more information on VOCO, visit the Web site at www.geocities.com/vocomail. VOCO was formed to address public issues through old-fashioned town hall meetings. On Sept. 16, 2000, the group held a funeral and wake to mourn the death of Victoria County, its municipalities and local democracy.
CARDINAL The Spring Fling Trade Fair sponsored by the Cardinal Lions Club has been cancelled again this year. It had been scheduled for Thursday, May 24 and Friday, May 25.
Organizer and Lions Club member Dick Willis said the confirmed participation of about 25 area merchants and businesses was not enough to proceed with the event. It was to have been held at the community centre.
The 2000 fair was cancelled when only 10 exhibitors signed up to participate. In 1999, the last year the show went ahead, there were 44 exhibitors.
Lions members, however, are now gearing up for their gigantic community yard sale and breakfast planned for the first week of June.
The Editor;
In regards to the renovations that have been done to the library in Cardinal I would like to clear up some of the rumours that are floating around town. The money that was used for these renovations to the library was raised by a dedicated group of people known as The Friends of the Cardinal Library. The renovations were not paid for by the residents of Cardinal "tax dollar."
The Friends bought and had installed the gas furnace and air conditioner, the new rug on the floor, the handicapped washroom and ramp at the front entrance. The Friends have also paid for the storage cupboards installed at the back wall of the library, the Internet connection for the Gates' computers and replaced books that were damaged by a leaking roof.
Yes, your tax dollars did pay for the new roof on the building. This roof still leaks and was installed with the slope going the wrong way. Every time it rains the water runs to the front of the building and cascades down upon whomever is entering or leaving the building, drenching them. In the winter when the snow melts off the roof the water freezes on the front entrance so deep that the ice has to be chipped away in order for the one and only door to the building can be opened.
The Friends of the Cardinal Library are continuing to raise funds to enhance the library. If you would like to assist please contact them.
Brenda Murray, past chairperson,
Friends of the Cardinal Library
Arnold Charles Smith, 772 Florence Street, Prescott, died Friday, April 27, 2001 at Brockville General Hospital. He was 72.
He was born Oct. 22, 1928 in Prescott, the son of Clarence Smith and Lottie Hall, who predeceased him.
Mr. Smith enjoyed working on cars, hockey, playing cards and bingo, and he loved to tackle welding projects.
He had been employed as a hoisting engineer at DuPont (Maitland site).
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Donalda (nee MacDonald); daughters Marilyn (Mrs. Jack Commerford) of Brockville, and Debbie (Mrs. Wayne Freer) of Prescott; his son Duane (wife, Christine) of RR 3 Athens; grandchildren, Jessica, Sam and Charlie Smith, Misty and Kevin Gleiser, Craig and Chad Freer, and Carrie and Kevin Commerford; great grandchildren Justin and Hayley; a brother, Gerald (wife, Sonia Smith); sisters-in-law, Florence (Mrs. David Grant), Annie (Mrs. Duane Murray) and Margaret (Mrs. Jim Tobin); and brother-in-law Joe (wife, Polly) MacDonald.
Visitation was at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Sunday, April 29, 2001, from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm.
A mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 30 at 11 am at St. Mark's Catholic Church. Father J. Appelman officiated. A committal service followed at St. Mark's Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Mike, Matt, Tom and Charlie Tobin, Brent and Kevin Murray, Mark Grant and Tom MacDonald.
Memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Margaret Aleda Brown, RR 1 Cardinal, died peacefully at Brockville General Hospital, Saturday, April 21, 2001, with her daughters at her bedside. She was in her 91st year.
She was born in Augusta Township Aug. 25, 1910, the youngest daughter of John Murray and Margaret Melissa Peters.
She was educated in Edwardsburgh Township and attended Spencerville High School. Prior to her marriage, she worked in Herman Baker's store in Spencerville.
On April 12, 1932, she married Lyall Brown, her husband of 69 years, at the Spencerville United Church Manse. During their married life, the couple farmed on Hyndman Road, then resided in Shanly, Spencerville and Prescott. They have lived with their daughter and son-in-law, Lois and Carl Gilmer on Froom Road, Cardinal, since June, 1997.
After her marriage, Mrs. Brown attended Heckston United Church, Shanly United Church and in 1953 Spencerville United Church where she was a faithful and active member until ill health prevented her from attending services regularly and sharing in the work of the church which she so loved to do. She was a dedicated member of the United Church Women.
Mrs. Brown's life was spent caring for those she loved. She and Lyall made a home for her parents for 28 years. She lovingly raised two daughters and nurtured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in her constant gentle, patient way. Wherever she was residing she took great pride in her home and carefully tended the beautiful flowers that surrounded it. Her delicate embroidery work is a treasure her family cherishes. She loved to quilt in the early years and many happy hours were spent with friends on Hyndman Road perfecting that skill.
She was also a member of the Women's Institute in Ventnor. Her kitchen was a gathering place and always smelled of home baking and preserves. For many years she enjoyed travelling with Mr. Brown on bus tours after his retirement and taking holiday trips with her family.
Mrs. Brown is survived by her beloved husband Lyall; daughters Lois and husband Carl Gilmer and Elizabeth and husband Garry Roddick, all of RR 1 Cardinal. Grandma will always be lovingly remembered by her five grandchildren, Doug (Elizabeth) Gilmer; Diane (Leonard) Carriere; Dawn (Gerald) Bailey, Dan (Tania) Roddick and David Roddick, and seven-great grandchildren, Jessica and Bradley Carriere, Jamie and Jenna Bailey, Michael and Zachary Roddick and Kaitlyn Roddick. These children were her pride and joy.
She will be missed by her cousin Ruby Kennedy, Prescott, and her brothers-in-law Ambert (Nelda) Brown, Iroquois, and Lloyd (Eileen) Brown, Prescott. Her nieces and nephews will never forget her warm, welcoming smile when they came to visit. Her many friends will always remember how she touched their lives in her quiet, gentle way.
Mrs. Brown was predeceased by her parents, three sisters and their husbands: Addie (Joe) Steele, Elsie (Roy) Holmes and Gertrude (Frank) Bailey; sisters-in-law Joy Brown, Laura Brown and brother-in-law Earl Brown.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott. Relatives and friends visited Monday, April 23, 2001 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. A service was held for Mrs. Brown at the funeral home April 23 at 6:45 pm by her Sisters and Brothers of Britannia LOBA No. 483, Groveton. She had been a dedicated member of the order for 63 years and served as chaplain for many of those years.
A celebration of Mrs. Brown's life was held in the chapel of the funeral home April 24 at 2 pm, with Rev. Arlyce Schiebout of St. John's United Church, Cardinal officiating. Lifelong friend of the family, Richard Woodland of Spencerville United Church, also officiated.
Interment took place at South Gower Cemetery. The pallbearers were her grandsons Doug Gilmer, Dan Roddick, David Roddick, Leonard Carriere, Gerald Bailey and nephew George Steele. Honourary pallbearers were her niece Norma (Bailey) Stoyles and nephew Lorne Steele.
A lovely lunch was prepared by the members of Wellington Rebekah Lodge 108, Prescott, and was served to family and friends at the Oddfellows Hall following the service and interment.
The memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the United Churches at Spencerville, Pittston and Cardinal and various other charities were appreciated by the family.
Vernabelle Irene Stephenson, RR 2 Prescott, died Saturday, April 21, 2001 at Brockville General Hospital. She was 78.
Born Dec. 19, 1922 at Englehart, Ont., she was the daughter of Alexander Peters and Nina Clark.
She married Elmer Stephenson Oct. 10, 1968 in Brockville.
Mrs. Stephenson enjoyed cooking, playing cards, knitting, crocheting, collecting bells and telling jokes. She was the owner and operator of Verna's Fish and Chip Shop and Verna's Restaurant, and would often donate roasts and other foods to needy families. She had a beautiful voice, and sang in the Maynard United Church Choir.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Stephenson is survived by her daughter Edith (Mrs. Richard Champagne); sons Barry (Diane) Brown and Dennis (Bonnie) Brown; brothers Calvin Peters, Robert (Cathy) Peters and Murray Peters; sisters Frances (Bert Groves), Beatrice (Marcel Seguin) and Norma (Buck Anderson); step children Reginald (Nancy) Stephenson, Gail (Tom) Provencal, Delbert (Gail) Stephenson; grandchildren Ric (Cheryl) Champagne, Rodger (Laurie) Champagne, Kevin (Vicky) Brown, Michael (Andrea) Brown, Leanne (Wil Crain), Jennifer and Chris Brown; and great grandchildren Robyn, Rik and Randy Champagne, and Ryan, Zachary and Emily Brown.
Mrs. Stephenson was predeceased by her parents; brothers William, Raymond, Ernest and Leonard; and sister Leona.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Monday, April 23, 2001, from 6 to 9 pm. The funeral service was held in the chapel of the funeral home April 24 at 11 am. Cremation was held at Glenhaven Cemetery April 24. A committal service took place May 1 at 3 pm at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Maitland.
Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Edith Fletcher died peacefully at the Mayfield Retirement Centre Wednesday, May 2, 2001. She was in her 102nd year.
She was born in Cardinal and spent her life there and in the surrounding area until she moved to Mayfield nine years ago.
In her younger years, she worked as a postal clerk at the Cardinal Post Office and also at the Bell Telephone office as an operator.
Mrs. Fletcher was a member of St. John's United Church in Cardinal and previously the Methodist Church. She was very active in church work and during this time she taught Sunday School and was a choir member for 59 years. She was also a member of several ladies groups and had three life memberships with these groups.
Mrs. Fletcher travelled across Canada and visited many European countries which she enjoyed immensely. She also spent time in Florida.
She was predeceased by her husband Ewart and her oldest son Willis.
Mrs. Fletcher is survived by two sons and two daughters: Earle of Cardinal, Charles of Scarborough, Phyllis of Ottawa and Eunice of Richmond Hill.
The funeral service was held at the Marsden-McLaughlin Funeral Home in Cardinal Saturday, May 5, 2001, with Rev. Arlyce Schiebout officiating. A burial service followed at St. John's United Church Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Jim, Bob and Tim Fletcher, John Steele, Sam Leone (grandsons) and Ryan Fletcher, a great-grandson.
Memorial donations were made to St. John's United Church and other charities.
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The Prescott Lawn Bowling Club is in the process of securing a Trillium grant of $16,000.
The money would go towards training volunteers on green maintenance and improving the club's greens, says club treasurer Doug McQuitty.
The club would also like to purchase a new mower, which allow costs $6,000, if the grant is approved.
Another area the club is focusing on is gaining new members.
McQuitty said the club would like to have between eight and 10 new members. McQuitty said 15 members is in the range the club would like to have this year.
He said the club, located on Dibble Street, would like to have some younger members, people aged 40 to 50. However, he added, lawn bowling is a for all ages.
The club, which belongs to the Ontario Lawn Bowls Association, the provincial branch of the Canadian Lawn Bowls Association, allows bowlers as young as Grade 7 to play.
"We like youngsters to be strong enough to play, and be willing to stick to it," he said.
But lawn bowling still continues to attract older players too.
"More than one of our senior bowlers is in their mid-eighties, and most are retired. Some work, and occasionally [can't come to bowl].
"Blind, or nearly blind people bowl, as do some handicapped people. We only insist that wheelchairs, walkers and canes are not allowed, as they are really hard on the greens."
To expose more people to the game, the club allows a grace period of a few weeks for those interested so they can come out and try it.
If they want to continue to play, a membership fee is charged for the season, which runs from about the end of April until mid-October.
To start lawn bowling, all that is needed is a pair of flat soled shoes, with no pattern on the soles.
The club has bowls (the balls which are thrown) and jacks, the little white balls which serve as targets.
Score cards and other accessories are supplied.
Lawn bowling is comparable to curling. However, there are some differences in the game. For example, the jack is position differently at each end, and may be moved during an end.
The club has a healthy tournament season, with four inter-clubs held per year. With 15 clubs in the area, Prescott lawn bowlers have the opportunity to visit a club nearly every weekend if they wish, says McQuitty.
The club's schedule is Monday and Thursday evenings. However other times can be arranged.
"Anytime players want to get together to bowl," he said.
Doug McQuitty
BROCKVILLE A last minute change in strategy may have kept the meet record for the 1500-metre run safe Saturday but not the first-place ribbon.
Windy conditions and a weak field had coach Bob Tucker and South Grenville District High School junior runner Mandy Wallace reconsider going for the Kinsmen-Thousand Islands Secondary School 1500-metre record of 4:42.7 held by Emily Tallen of Frontenca Secondary School since 1997.
"When you are going for the record, sometimes you can do it by yourself, but often you need someone to push you," said Tucker.
Although Wallace didn't get the record, she did clock a time of 4:57.2, while TISS runner Vicky Jones took second with a time of 5:11.2.
Tucker said that Wallace she still be a junior next year, and can go for it then.
Wallace said she felt really strong during the race, and wasn't disappointed by not attempting to break the record.
In the 800-metre run, Wallace also took first place, with a time of 2:28.7. In the race, Wallace made up the turn, taking the lead existing the first turn. She held onto the lead for the entire race.
She ran the first 400 metres at a slower pace, then pushed it for the last lap.
Meanwhile, n the high jump, SGDHS senior Nicole Jenkins cleared 1.50 metres, good for first place. Erika Jansmen of TISS took second with a jump of 1.45 metres.
Jenkins won the competition without a fault. She attempted 1.55 metres but wasn't able to clear that height.
Jenkins improved upon her performance from last week. At the Queen's Unversity meet, she made 1.45 metres. Jenkins said she is on track to meeting her personal best of 1.60 metres this season.
SGHDS junior runner Susan Knights had a strong run in the 3,000 metres, clinching second with at time of 11:46.70.
In the 800-metres,. she ran a 2:43.0 for seventh.
Giants Robert Verstegen threw 34.76 metres in the midget boys javelin, good for a third-place ribbon. Teammate Shane Pettifer had a strong showing in his three events: 3. discus; 5. shot put; and 7. javelin.
SGDHS had 23 athletes competing in the meet. SGDHS finished 16 out of 42 schools in the overall combined.
In the girls overall, SGDHS finished 12th, and the boys finished 22.
Grenville Christian College, which had 13 athletes representing their school, finished 32 in the overall combined.
The GCC girls finished 34 and the boys finished 23.
GCC midget boy Blake Chauvin won second in the pole vault with a height of 2.45 metres. Senior Charles Morris jumped 2.85 metres in the pole vault event, earning third place. Julia Taylor, in the senior girls 100-metre low hurdles, clocked a time of 18.32.
This year's meet saw 35 schools competing, down from 60 last year.
About 770 athletes competed, compared with previous years when 1,100 to 1,400 high school students competed at the meet
KINGSTON This past weekend the Eastern Ontario Icerays competed in the Annual Kingston Beast Spring Tournament.
The Icerays played four games and skated away with a 2-2-0 record (win, loss, tie), to finish third in the Minor Atom Division. The third place finish kept the Icerays out of hunt for the championship game.
First, the Icerays played the Kingston Beast, and took the hard-fought win 4-3. Leading the Icerays' attack was Payton Williams with the hat trick. Alan Waddell scored the Icerays' other goal.
Brodie Boulanger collected three assists, while Jane Moss and Alix Tait each earned one.
In game two, the Icerays played the Winning Edge Bulldogs. The Icerays stoned the Bulldogs 4-0. Icerays goalies Ryan Swank and Travis Coughlin were steady in net, to record the shutout.
Four different scorers found the back of the Bulldogs' net. After a scoreless first period, the Icerays found the net three times in the middle frame. Chris Tindal lead the attack, followed by Alex Whelan and Dan Viau. Brodie Boulanger completed the scoring with a shorthanded effort in the third.
Drawing assists were Tindal and Williams. The Icerays drew nine minor penalties in a somewhat chippy game.
In game three, the Icerays squared off against the Kingston Beast Two. This time the Beast stung the Icerays with a 5-4 loss. The Icerays overcame a 2-0 deficit to make a game of it.
Once again scoring was split four ways for the Icerays. They were Waddell, Scott Simpson, Williams and Boulanger. Assisting on the goals were Waddell, Simpson, Williams and Boulanger. The Icerays only drew four minor penalties compared to the Beast's eight.
In the final game of the round robin, the Icerays came up against a tough opponent in the Syracuse Stars. The referee's calls proved tough too, resulting in the Icerays having to fight a few of them. The Icerays dropped a tough 7-3 decision.
The three scorers were Cole Weedmark, Whelan and Williams. Drawing the assists were Jordan Barkley, Tindal, Matt Van Deist, Ryan Lewars and Whelan. The Icerays drew four minor penalties and had a goal called back.
Icerays goalies Swank and Coughlin shared the goaltending duties throughout the tournament.
The Icerays next tournament will be in Ottawa Friday, May 18 at the 9th Annual Young Senators tournament.
PRESCOTT The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association still needs a few volunteers.
Although the majority of elected positions have been filled, an initiation convenor, equipment manager and hockey equipment are still needed, following the association's elections held April 11.
The 2001/2002 officials are President Tracy Swan, Vice-President Greg Williams, treasurer Paul LaBrash, registrar Colleen Heward, secretary/public relations Carolyn Mason, ways and means Sandy Miller, Referee-in-Chief Dave VanStralen, referee assigner Penny Swan, ice scheduler George Prosser, rules and discipline Sue Sloan, novice convenor Laurie Montroy, atom convenor Rose Williams, peewee convenor Dean Montroy, bantam convenor Eleanor Hogeveen and midget convenor David Sloan.
Anyone interested in volunteering for one of the positions, may call any elected of the elected officials.
The association's registration will be held at the Leo Boivin Community Centre in Prescott Wednesday, May 16 from 6 to 9 pm and Saturday, May 19 from 9 am to noon. (Anyone who has currently played in the SGMHA will be required to pay a $50 late fee.)
According to the SGMHA press release, an early registration is needed so plans can be made for the upcoming hockey season. The release continues by saying that the number of teams requiring ice time has to be determined prior to the ice contract deadline of June 2001.
PRESCOTT The Brockville District Advertising & Sales Club Annual Golf Scramble hits the Prescott Golf Club links Wednesday, June 13.
Individuals or teams of four can sign up. The registration fee for ad and sales club members is $25 less than for non-members. Registration includes green fees, cart rental and dinner. (Companies can also sponsor a green.) To sign up for the scramble or for more information, contact Allan Price at 345-5838.
PRESCOTT Three players recently made holes-in-one at the Prescott Golf Club.
On Saturday, April 21 Dale Duncan dropped a shot on the 13th green using a six iron. She was playing with her husband, Fred, and Norma and Bill Martineau. Ed Henry teed off on the 4th hole, also with a six iron, for the second hole-in-one of the season. Henry's golf partners were Bill Craig and Claude Labranche.
The third one-in-one of goes to Brian Byrnes on the 15th hole with a seven iron May 3. Jeff Hopkins, Kevin VanAsseldonk and Brian Laushway were his golf partners.
On Saturday, May 12, the club opening event is expected to draw between 100 to 120 golfers. The event officially opens the club, although golfers have been hitting the links since April.
The opening is more a social event than a competitive one, with dinner and evening entertainment by Roger James. There are still spots available. To register, call the club's office at 925-5006, club house at 925-3908 or pro shop at 925-5370. The junior season kicks off with the spring meeting Sunday, May 20 at 3 pm in the club house. All juniors, players under 16, are asked to attend.
PRESCOTT The team of Marg Barton, Marg Stitt, Elsie Grimsgaard and Pat Dufield won the Ladies Opening Day golf tournament May 1 at the Prescott Golf Club. The team scored 148 points. Each team member won a gift certificate.