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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 |
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - A moderate property tax hike is in the works as town council nears the completion of its 2002 budget deliberations.
Proposed adjustments discussed Monday night in the latest of a series of budget meetings include provisions for a three per cent tax increase and the need to attain an additional $43,700 in savings or revenues to avoid imposing a larger increase.
The adjustments proposed by senior staff slashed a project budget shortfall by more than $300,000. Although council has yet to make a formal decision on the proposal, it appeared Monday most of the suggestions would be accepted.
Councillor Jim French, chairman of the town's finance committee, said the figures reviewed by council Monday would represent a tax hike of about 4.5 per cent.
Some budget items have been decreased or deferred in an effort to reduce the need to increase taxes. Among the more significant adjustments being considered are transferring $50,000 in public works wages to sewage operations and asking the joint operating committee of counties council to reduce Prescott's share by $50,000.
Many of the adjustments are in the fire department's proposed budget. Some council members indicated Monday they would be prepared to approve about $140,000 for the department this year instead of the almost $200,000 that has been requested. Town Treasurer Laurie Kirkby noted the fire department spent about $135,000 in each of the last few years.
The proposed adjustment allows for a three per cent increase in the honorariums paid to volunteer firefighters. Similar pay increases have already been approved for municipal staff and members of council.
In order to make up for lost revenue or higher costs, council is considering a number of fee and charge increases. Everything from dog and marriage licences and taxi fees to building permits and sewer and water connections are being reviewed. A water rate increase of 2.5 per cent effective July 1 has been proposed.
Additions and changes that arose during the budget meeting will be reviewed by town staff; revised figures will be presented at the next budget meeting set for Monday, May 27. French said he hopes that will be council's final budget meeting of the year.
The next regular council meeting has been rescheduled; it will take place Tuesday, May 21 at 7 pm at the Legion Hall.
Council also gave the green light Monday to prepare a tender for the reconstruction of Churchill Road between Edward Street and Massie Drive. Other smaller repair jobs including the Boundary Street railway crossing may be included as options in the tender process.
In addition to proposed dog licence fee hikes, council is considering another door-to-door sale of dog tags. Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said the town should be doing what it can to encourage responsible pet ownership.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD- The life of the North Augusta landfill will be shortened dramatically if township residents continue to use the site at current rates.
Deputy Reeve Doug Barton made the ominous warning at Monday night's council meeting. The site is filling rapidly, and may not last the expected six or seven years the township had counted on when it decided more than a year ago to convert the Maynard site to a transfer station, he said.
The North Augusta site was designed to hold about 30 per cent of the township's waste. Once the conversion took place last fall, township residents were asked to cart all household garbage to Maynard where it would be compacted and trucked away. North Augusta was to be generally reserved for larger items, such as shingles, building materials or furniture, Barton said.
The original expectation had been the North Augusta site would last until the United Counties ED-19 landfill site opened in about 2004, Barton explained. However, that date has now been pushed back to about 2014, or it may never open if the counties do not view it as being economically feasible, he said.
Augusta Township may be left in a position where it does not have its own landfill, and all household garbage will be trucked away, Barton said. Residents would have to cart larger items outside the township and pay for their disposal. "You'll have no place to take anything. Everything you want to get rid of will be costing you."
Barton strongly encourages residents to bring all household garbage to Maynard and increase recycling, even though it costs the township money. "It will extend the life of North Augusta."
Within the next three to four years, the township will need to look at door-to-door pickup, bag tags or other options, he said.
"The rules changed in mid-stream. If ED-19 was still coming online in 2004, we would be sitting in pretty good shape. But we know it's not going to (open).
"There's big dollars involved here. We do have to close this one (Maynard). Once North Augusta's full, we're going to have to close it. And the dollars aren't cheap to close it down."
PRESCOTT - Harbour Days is about to set sail on another fun-filled voyage.
The annual Victoria Day weekend festival kicks off this Saturday. The three-day event offers a wide variety of activities for people of all ages.
The Pilot Insurance balloon opens its 2002 summer tour at Harbour Days. The eight-storey-high balloon will be at Fort Wellington throughout the long weekend.
In addition to numerous events being held downtown and on the waterfront Saturday and Sunday, many merchants will be offering great deals.
Kids' day activities are set for Monday. Most of the action will be on the waterfront east of the municipal dock.
See the special Harbour Days section in this week's Journal for more details.
BROCKVILLE - Public schools in South Grenville are being spared from a study of possible school closures, consolidations and boundary changes.
The Upper Canada District School Board has identified the facilities it will be reviewing because of enrolment pressure or decline, the need for renovations and other factors.
Colin Vickers, the board's superintendent of education - planning and operations, told The Journal no schools in South Grenville are being reviewed as part of the formal process being initiated.
Some schools located north of Brockville and in North Grenville are being included in the study. However, none of the nine Upper Canada elementary schools in Augusta, Prescott or Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is being considered for closure of consolidation at this time.
Although South Grenville is not part of this study, Superintendent of Education Planning and Operations, Colin Vickers, noted there are concerns about declining enrolment at schools in the area.
"Systematically, over time, we'll look at all the schools," Vickers said.
Study results are to be presented to the board in October.
PRESCOTT The offices of The Prescott Journal and St. Lawrence Printing will be closed Monday, May 20 for Victoria Day.
The deadline for display and classified advertising for the May 22 edition of The Journal is Friday, May 17 at noon. Editorial-related items for that edition should also be submitted no later than Friday unless other arrangements are made.
PRESCOTT Fines for parking beyond the two-hour limit in downtown Prescott will not be changed, town council decided Monday.
The fine for violating the existing two-hour limit is $10 if the ticket is paid within seven days. If the ticket remains unpaid for more than seven days, the fine increases to $15.
Town Clerk/CAO Andrew Brown suggested the town scrap its permit system for the back row of the municipal parking lot at the corner of King and Centre streets. "We might as well open it up to everybody," said Brown, who added nobody is buying permits.
It was noted tickets have been issued for some vehicles parked in those spaces between 9 am and 6 pm weekdays. The same time period applies to free parking elsewhere in the lot and other areas formerly served by parking meters.
The meters were removed last summer for what council indicated would be a one-year trial period. Fines were increased in conjunction with the removal of meters.
PRESCOTT The Prescott Human Resource Centre of Canada for Students is now open for another season.
The centre, located above the post office on Centre Street, assists businesses and youth with their summer employment needs. In addition to job postings, the centre offers support services for students looking for work.
Amelia Mayer is the student employment officer at the Prescott centre.
PRESCOTT An auction of surplus inventory owned by the municipality will take place Wednesday, May 22 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Viewing will be from 5:30 to 7 pm, with the auction beginning at 7 pm. Among the items that are up for grabs are tables, chairs, desks, tires and commercial mowers.
The police department will also be auctioning off bikes, tools and other found and recovered items.
ROEBUCK - The Roebuck Educational and Recreational Association (RERA) has been approved for a $25,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, it was announced last Thursday.
The money will be used for new playground equipment at the community hall and to make improvements to existing playground structures, said Steve Polite, vice-president of the RERA board of directors who headed the committee to apply for the funding. The application for funding was made last fall.
"It's good news for Roebuck. We're ecstatic," Polite said about the funding. "When people find out they're going to be pretty impressed."
The new equipment will include a Little Tykes structure geared for children from ages three to 10 and a four-bay set of swings and over-head climbing devise for older children.
A twirling whirly-gig will be upgraded and reinstalled, and an existing teeter-totter and tunnel will remain. The entire structure will rest on a pea gravel safety surface, and will be installed near the existing comfort station, new outdoor fountain and picnic tables. Outdoor barbecues are also scheduled to be installed. The plan incorporates a small soccer field with nets.
Polite expects the equipment will be delivered in mid to late June, with installation by "the Roebuck forces" taking place shortly thereafter. Anyone wishing to volunteer to assist with the set up can contact Polite at 925-2122 or 658-2200.
The structure will be a great addition to the community with its many young families, Polite said. As well, he stressed "it's an area thing" that can be enjoyed by everyone. "Area people are invited to come out and enjoy this park."
The Roebuck ball park is also host to an active fastball program, Polite said. Six ball tournaments have been scheduled for this summer, and with the accompanying park and facilities, games can now become a family event, he said.
The funding for Roebuck was part of more than $853,000 recently given away by the Trillium foundation in the Quinte, Kingston, Rideau area. The foundation is an agency of the Ministry of Culture, and receives annually $100 million in government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative.
The funds are intended to be an investment in communities to help stimulate the economy, attract tourists, encourage volunteerism and boost community spirit.
MAYNARD - Recycling bins continue to be a problem in Maitland.
Moira Taylor, president of the MERC Hall, wrote in a letter to Augusta council she has received a number of complaints regarding the state of the overflowing bins at the hall.
Many people who rent the hall for weddings or other occasions use the front lawn for photographs, and the bins have become an unsightly and unacceptable mess, Taylor said. The MERC board has requested more bins to accommodate the overflow and a fence be built in front of the bins to hide them from public view.
She hopes the bins will not become a problem for prospective customers looking to rent the hall.
Deputy Reeve Doug Barton reported at the Monday council meeting he had spoken to Public Works Superintendent Keith Couture to suggest costs and options to make the area more attractive.
There have also been recurring problems with the recycling depot on Cedar Street in Maitland; council has threatened the bins' removal if residents do not take care of the site.
MAYNARD - An ad-hoc committee studying reforms to the township dog control bylaw has completed its work.
Deputy Reeve Doug Barton reported at the Monday night council meeting the committee members, some of whom are kennel owners, have met six times for lengthy time periods and have designed a new bylaw.
Barton suggested council review the draft and another public meeting be held sometime in June. Kennel permits that were extended to June 30 will likely be given another extension, he said.
A public meeting on the subject was held last November. The draft bylaw deals with the regulation, control, protection and identification of dogs in the township.
The draft updates fee and licensing requirements, addresses the operation of kennels and defines nuisance and aggressive dogs.
PRESCOTT - Fort Wellington opens its doors for the 2002 summer visitor season this Saturday.
The national historic site will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Guides dressed in period costume interpret what life was like in the 1840s.
The official opening of the season will take place this Sunday, May 19. Admission will be free, and there will be special activities throughout the day. The Union Jack will be raised at 10 am as a rifleman from the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment salutes and fires a rifle off the ramparts.
The smell of nineteenth century cooking will be in the air as several settlers dressed in period costume demonstrate period trades, including woodworking and blacksmithing. Children's activities will be offered in the blockhouse all day; a children's mock battle is planned for 2 pm. Fiddler Andrea Kidd will play songs from days gone by as she strolls around the fort.
The fort will also host a number of special events this season. A blacksmith will be on site Sunday, June 2 during the Doors Open Ontario program. Guided tours will be offered that day from 11 am to 1 pm; admission will be free.
Bagpipers and dancers will perform on the fort field at the annual Highland Fling set for Saturday, June 15.
One of the special activities planned for Canada Day is the announcing of the "Name the Trail" contest. The public is being invited to submit suggestions for the name of the riverfront millennium pathway. Fort officials have announced trail expansion plans which include an arboretum and gardens.
The popular "Shadows of the Fort" will return Thursday, July 18. The theatrical program is a guided walk through the fort at dusk. Two shows will be presented each Thursday night until Aug 15. Most of last season's shows were sold out; tickets should be reserved in advance to avoid disappointment.
Two sessions of the fort's Heritage Day Camp are set for late July and early August. The five-day camp sessions offer children a trip back in time to discover life in the 1840s. Youngsters come to camp dressed in period costume for this fun and educational camp.
As part of a "Thank you Canada tour," a group of more than 60 Belgians touring Canada to thank Second World War veterans for liberating Belgium will visit Prescott and the fort Thursday, August 1. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 will host the visit. Vehicles will be displayed on the fort field that afternoon; a ceremony is being planned for late in the afternoon at the cenotaph.
The fort field will also be the place to be Sunday, August 11 when a new event, "The Military Showcase," is presented. Several re-enactment groups will perform that afternoon as Prescott goes back in time to the 1600s and 1800s.
For more information, call 925-2896.
Fort Wellington, which is operated by Parks Canada, is the Ontario winner of the Attractions Canada award for the site of national or international interest. The fort will compete later this month in the Attractions Canada 2002 national awards.
PRESCOTT - Residents of South Grenville will get a chance later this month to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life.
A blood donor clinic will take place Wednesday, May 29 at South Grenville District High School.
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) will conduct the clinic from 2 to 8 pm. The Prescott clinic is being sponsored by the Grenville Fish and Game Club, Prescott Kinsmen Club and the high school.
To book an appointment or for more information, call 1-888-2DONATE.
PRESCOTT - A significant amount of damage was caused during a break-in early Sunday morning at a business on King Street East, according to the Prescott Police Service.
A member of the public contacted police after observing a man breaking a window at Mr. Gas. The suspect fled the scene and was observed leaving the scene in a pick-up truck being driven by another man. The suspect is described as being approximately six feet in height, having a slim build and wearing dark clothing. Although substantial damage to the building and alarm system was reported, nothing was taken from the premises.
In other Prescott police news, officers investigated 46 incidents and one motor vehicle accident between May 5 and May 12.
On May 12, police received a report of damage to several areas of the course at the Prescott Golf Club. Greens, flags and signs were damaged. The damage was estimated at between $1,000 and $1,500.
Anyone with information about this incident or any other criminal activity in town is asked to call the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Town police will have a booth this Saturday at the downtown sidewalk sale. Seat belt use and bicycle safety will be promoted at the booth. The public is invited to visit the booth and meet the officers who will be on hand to answer questions.
PRESCOTT - The next breakfast meeting of the Seaway Men's Ecumenical Club will take place this Saturday, May 18 at 8 am at St. Paul's United Church.
Following the all-you-can-eat breakfast, guest speaker John McCrea will talk about the future of health care.
Tickets will be sold at the door. All are welcome to attend.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
CARDINAL - Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) a year ago enabled Marianne MacDonald to finally put a name to the often debilitating symptoms she had endured for 18 years.
The Cardinal resident is relieved now that she knows she has something real, but it doesn't put an end to the pain.
"Putting a name on it helps," MacDonald says. She was shocked by the diagnosis, but "I was relieved finally to be able to know what it was, and then I could start fighting it."
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild such as numbness in the limbs or severe paralysis or loss of vision.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 but the unpredictable physical and emotional effects can be life-long. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.
At times, prior to diagnosis, depression had become a problem because MacDonald knew there was something wrong with her; she just didn't know what it was and couldn't get across to anybody how badly she felt.
MacDonald had experienced drop foot, vision problems, vertigo, fatigue and falls - all of which she now knows are symptoms of MS. At one point, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, because some symptoms are similar, she noted. "For some reason we just didn't put two and two together."
Sometimes, MacDonald just couldn't go on. She was flat on her back in bed. Her husband had to move her arms and legs, and a home-care service came in to help.
Moving residences frequently and not being able to develop a relationship with a doctor who could follow her symptoms over a period of time didn't help. She was also afraid of the outcome: with two young children, she wasn't sure she wanted to know all those years ago.
"I had a young family and I kept pushing and pushing," said MacDonald, who turned 51 this past Mother's Day. "You think you can do it all. You can work all day and be on PTA and teach Sunday school and overcome everything.
"Moms, especially, have a tendency to push ourselves over the point where we should. We don't want to get help for fear it slows us down, and we have to give up part of our motherhood."
MacDonald has flairs of pain occasionally, where she experiences feelings of pins and needles in her foot, and the side of her tongue is numb. She is sensitive to cool and windy temperatures that causes a pain so severe it feels like a shotgun has been blasted off in her face. "All you can do is sit and hold your face and hope it goes away. You can't think of anything but this pain."
Memory problems are also frustrating. Spasms can cause her to suddenly strike out or thrown things. Not being able to contribute to the family income is stressful. Hot water from baths or showers can worsen symptoms. "You never know what's lurking in the shadows and when it can pop out and get you. You never know when an attack is coming."
She gets around the house holding on to walls or chairs, and for any distance, uses a motorized scooter. Public places that are not wheelchair accessible are a barrier to her freedom and mobility. "You should be able to get in and go wherever you want to go. It's gotten to a point where I'll only go to places that make it accessible for me.
Still, MacDonald knows she has to keep going. "All I think about is today and where I'm at. I don't worry about what I did yesterday because I can't do anything about it, and I may not be here for tomorrow.
"So I'm not different from anyone else. I just take the one day at a time and live it."
MacDonald credits her family support for being able to live with her challenges. Her husband David, who owns Mad Macs in Cardinal, and her children Kaillee, 19, and Jordie, 23, have been understanding, loving and supportive, she said. "They (her children) have both grown up knowing I've had disabilities and I think because of that they're probably gentler, kinder adults."
The Leeds-Grenville Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada held its annual carnation campaign last weekend to raise money for research and client services. The local MS Society supports more than 20 people in the Prescott, Cardinal and Spencerville areas, and 150 across the two counties. Member services include nurse home visits, education and providing assistive devices, such as walkers.
The 5th Supercities Walk May 26 in Brockville hopes to raise $35,000 for the chapter. Fruit cakes and cookies are sold in the fall.
MacDonald sits on boards for the MS Society, Education for Quality Accessibility and the Ontario Disability Support Program.
The chapter needs volunteers to sit on the board or to assist with social activities, visiting clients or fundraising. Contact the MS office at 342-6396 or 1-800-233-0811.
Not only do the symptoms of MS vary from one person to another, but from day to day for any given individual. Symptoms include fatigue, tingling, numbness, painful sensations, blurred or double vision, muscle weakness, impaired balance, spasticity, tremor, changes in bladder, bowel, and sexual function, cognitive changes such as forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating, speech and swallowing problems, and mood swings.
The cause of MS and the cure are still unknown. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
Marianne MacDonald
KINGSTON The regional unemployment rate decreased slightly in April, according to figures released Friday by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
The jobless rate for the region which includes South Grenville was 8.9 per cent last month. The unemployment rate in March was 9.2 per cent.
The utilities sector reported an employment increase in April, a HRDC release states. More people were also working in the service-producing sector. Construction and manufacturing were the primary components of an employment decrease in the goods-producing sector.
The regional unemployment rate in April 2001 was 7.4 per cent.
A significant decrease in employment insurance (EI) claimants was reported throughout the region last month, according to HRDC.
The biggest reduction occurred at the Prescott HRDC office where there were 1,068 EI claimants on the books at the end of April, a decrease of 19 per cent from the March figure of 1,318. The average reduction in EI claims in the region last month was 10.5 per cent.
HRDC notes the unemployment rate is not determined by the number of EI claimants.
GRENVILLE COUNTY - A Prescott man faces numerous charges in connection with several break-ins that occurred throughout the county between Feb. 27 and April 1.
OPP Constable E. Barr has been investigating the residential break-ins which netted between $600 and $6,000 apiece, according to a police news release. Among the stolen items are satellite receiver program cards, personal computers and other electronics.
Some property has been recovered by police; however, a large amount remains outstanding.
Richard Gordon Coville, 30, has been charged with five counts of break, enter and commit theft and nine counts of possession of stolen property. He also faces one count of injury to an animal. Two dogs were traumatized during one of the break-ins; one of the animals required veterinary care.
The accused was remanded to custody at an April 18 bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court May 31.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Members of the Grenville County OPP detachment responded to a total of 81 service calls between May 6 and May 12.
Forty-three of the calls originated in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal; the others came from Augusta.
In addition to investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident and an explosive substance occurrence, officers with the Prescott-based detachment handled 11 other motor vehicle collision calls and eight liquor-related offences; 23 calls were for police assistance.
The OPP communication centre number is 1-888-310-1122.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Grenville County OPP officers issued more than 450 traffic tickets in April, according to a police news release.
OPP officers handed out a total of 180 tickets in April to motorists on highways 401 and 416 in Grenville County. There were 168 speeding tickets, 10 seat belt offences, one liquor offence and a ticket for failing to produce a valid insurance card.
An additional 127 tickets were issued last month in the Township of Augusta, according to the OPP. Ninety-one of those tickets were for speeding.
The April total for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal was considerably lower. Of the 23 tickets issued, 12 were for speeding and 10 for seat belt violations.
The Grenville County detachment serves the townships of Augusta, Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal, North Grenville and Merrickville-Wolford. The detachment is based in Prescott; a satellite office is located in Kemptville.
The detachment's traffic management officer is Senior Constable Gerry Ozon.
BROCKVILLE - A former Prescott resident has received a Teaching Innovation Award from the Upper Canada District School Board.
Neil Carleton, a teacher at R. Tait McKenzie Public School in Almonte, organized a live conversation between students and an astronaut aboard the International Space Station. Using amateur radio, one student from each grade level spoke directly to an astronaut Nov. 23.
Carleton also wrote and passed his amateur radio exam to prepare for the event. The Almonte school was only the second school in Canada to receive this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Carleton was one of three teachers who received the annual award from the board at its May 8 meeting.
MORRISBURG - Upper Canada Playhouse is inviting charitable organizations to take advantage of the playhouse's annual fundraising event.
Two matinee performances of Weekend Comedy set for Aug. 3 and Aug. 10 will be donated to non-profit groups in the area.
Each organization will receive approximately 20 tickets they can sell; 100 per cent of ticket sales will be retained by those groups.
"It's a great way for the playhouse to give back to the community that supports us," stated Donnie Bowes, the playhouse's artistic director.
The playhouse has more than 30 sponsors, some of which are located in South Grenville.
Organizations interested in the playhouse's charity event are asked to send a fax to (613) 543-4388; in return, an information/application form will be returned by fax.
Tickets will be distributed to qualified groups on a first-come basis.
PRESCOTT - The annual Tim Hortons Camp Day began this morning.
Proceeds from coffee sales today will be donated to the Tim Horton Children's Foundation.
Four million dollars was raised chain-wide during last year's Camp Day.
Almost 9,000 children between the ages of nine and 12 are expected to attend a foundation camp this year.
The foundation operates five camps in Canada and the United States.
MAYNARD - The next meeting to discuss Augusta Township's 2002 budget will be held Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 pm.
Councillor Jane Fullarton, who is also chair of the personnel and finance committee, reported Monday she expected council would finalize the budget at that time.
The meeting will be held at the Maynard municipal office.
BROCKVILLE - The local branch of the VON expects $5,000 was raised at its "Galaxy of Stars" fundraiser held last Saturday at the Brockville Arts Centre. Four hundred people attended the event which featured performances by several local groups.
Services provided by the branch include Meals on Wheels, Diners' Club, essential transportation, friendly visiting, telephone reassurance and foot care clinics.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, and health officials want the public to hear about the one in ten Canadians who have a communication disorder.
A communication disorder is a persistent difficulty in the understanding or use of spoken or written language. Early detection of such disorders is essential.
The Language Express Preschool Speech System in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville (a program involving the district health unit) receives many calls from parents concerned about their child's ability to make speech sounds correctly. Many parents find themselves in this situation.
There can be a number of reasons for speech sound difficulties, according to a news release. A child may have fluid in the middle ear, a condition that occurs during colds or if the child has allergies. Fluid slows and distorts sound waves entering the brain. It sounds like being under water and listening to someone talk above the water. It is difficult to make the sound if that sound cannot be heard clearly.
Some children have difficulty planning how to make mouth muscles move to make sounds; this is called verbal apraxia. Others may have weak muscles or have yet to learn the importance of using a specific sound in their speech. A registered speech-language pathologist can identify the reasons for a child's speech production difficulty.
For more information, call 1-888-503-8885 or visit the ages and stages section of the Language Express Web site at www.language-express.ca.
PRESCOTT - A monster yard sale will be held Saturday, May 25 at 8 am at St. Paul's United Church.
The public can rent tables to sell their own wares. There will be no charge for table rentals if proceeds are donated to the church.
There will also be a concession stand and baked goods table.
Items should be brought in Friday, May 24 from 9 am to 5 pm.
For more information, call Charlie Bowers at 657-4410, Matt Hayes at 925-4091, Mac Peterson at 925-4545 or Carl Robinson at 925-5720.
BROCKVILLE-The winners of the Col. Bill Watson Memorial Talent Contest held earlier this month at the Brockville Legion were as follows:
7 to 12 years: 1st, Laura Hess; 2nd, Brenda Seffings; 3rd, Andrew Killick.
13 to 18 years: 1st, Michelle Arthurs; 2nd, Marcie Venema; 3rd, Miranda Kenney.
19 years and up: 1st, Carla Vanderhelms; 2nd, Cory Coons; 3rd, Julie Vanston.
Bands (ages 10 to 25): 1st, Rival Current Band; 2nd, Milord Band; 3rd, Figure 2-4 Band.
DuPont Canada is among the sponsors of the annual regional talent show.
BROCKVILLE - The Alzheimer Society of Leeds-Grenville will host its annual general meeting Monday, May 27 from 5 to 6:30 pm at St. John Bosco Parish Centre, 175 Windsor Drive.
The meeting will be followed at 7 pm by a public meeting and volunteer recognition which will include fun, games and laughter with special guest and "jollytologist" Patrick (Pat) McAlpine.
Seating will be limited; to RSVP for the AGM or public meeting, call 345-7392 by May 17.
MS sufferer Marianne MacDonald, referring to barriers to mobility
ANOTHER BUILDING ISSUE: If and when the Prescott Police Service is disbanded, the question of what will happen to the section of the building at Henry and Centre streets that housed the municipal police department will need to be addressed. As Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn pointed out Monday during a town budget meeting, council has not decided what will happen when town police have left the building for good.
Council already has enough on its plate right now as it deals with the 2002 budget and tries to decide what to do about finding a permanent home for Prescott's municipal offices. But town officials know the departure of the police department would force certain decisions to be made. The loss of in-house dispatch service and other changes to communications infrastructure must be dealt with effectively to maintain the town's invaluable volunteer fire brigade.
The ongoing uncertainty about the status of the municipal police service and an impending judicial review of the decision not to allow disbandment complicates the situation. It may be difficult planning for an unknown departure date, but the last thing Prescott needs is another municipally-owned building with office space not being used.
If the town decides not to allow the fire department to use the rest of that building, council must have a viable alternative waiting in the wings.
CONSERVATION IS ALWAYS IN STYLE: Fears of a return to drought conditions in South Grenville this summer may not be realized. Environment Canada reported this week water levels on Lake Ontario were 13 centimetres above average in early May. Long-range forecasts indicate near normal temperatures and precipitation for the region and a return to more reasonable water levels.
But Environment Canada also warns the projected reversal in the downward trend may be temporary. Water levels took a tumble the past few years, both above and below ground. The drought may be over for now, but the experts are not going so far as to predict a long-term end to the possibility of drought.
Even though there are predictions water levels will remain at or above those of last year, we should not forget the lessons we learn when water becomes a scarce commodity. The new reality is the cost of providing and maintaining safe drinking water supplies will continue to escalate.
Conservation may not be a priority when spring showers seem to wash away any concerns about a drought in the weeks and months ahead, but allowing the water to flow out of that tap for no apparent reason makes no sense at any time of the year. The sooner we all buy into that reality, the better chance we have of avoiding being left high and dry.
Tim Ruhnke
Something that caught my eye recently was posted in a hallway at South Edwardsburg Public School. It seems some students in grades 5 and 6 were asked to select their favourite National Hockey League team from a field of six: Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, New Jersey and Colorado. The overwhelming choice of the sixth graders was Ottawa; Toronto finished a distant second. Ottawa and Colorado garnered an equal number of votes from the Grade 5 students polled. What I found a bit surprising was the absence of at least a trickle of support for the Canadiens. I realize the youngsters who were asked to choose their favourite team were toddlers when Montreal last won the Stanley Cup, and the team's performance in recent years has been, for the most part, mediocre at best. Mind you, I was a toddler when the Leafs last won the cup. I suspect the kids at South Edwardsburg will have kids of their own the next time the Leafs win the NHL crown.
But I digress.
I would have expected at least one of the youngsters would have named Montreal; after all, some of their parents and grandparents remain proud supporters of the Habs to this day. Maybe a few of the kids are getting to know and like the Canadiens during their impressive performance to get into the playoffs and dispose of the Bruins in round one. (The collapse in the Carolina series shows there is still some work to do.) Montreal may not be the powerhouse it was in the late '70s, but it is no longer the joke it had become in recent years. It's nice to see three competitive teams in the Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto triangle.
As for Ottawa being the most popular team, that distinction may be relatively short-lived. Many pundits do not expect the Senators franchise to be in Ottawa 10 years from now. Montreal and Toronto have a much better chance of long-term survival than their capital cousins, they say. At a time when the Senators are on the verge of something not seen by hockey fans in the Ottawa area since the '20s, it is unfortunate to think it may very well be game over for professional hockey in our nation's capital. Here's hoping the pundits are wrong; until then, go Sens go.
For the record, the outcome of game seven of the Ottawa-Toronto series was unknown as of press time.
Congratulations, ___________. (Insert name of winning team here.)
***
By the way, the results of another survey posted in the school hallway notes there is no strong preference for any particular potato chip flavour. Dill had a surprisingly strong showing, as did ketchup. In another survey, horses proved to be the most popular animal. I am happy to report dogs placed ahead of cats.
John A.H. Morris
John Raycroft, retired Prescott high school teacher, historian, and librarian, and a veteran of World War II combat in Northern Europe, gives us an insight into what the army experience, especially front line duty, was like for thousands of young, small town, Canadian boys 60 years ago, in his recent book A Signal War.
When November 11 rolls around each year, youths of 18, 19 or 20 years of age think of the veterans of World War II or the Korean Conflict as the old men of 75 years of age or older they see parading to cenotaphs across the nation, their chests festooned with ribbons and medals. Very few, if any, think of these ancient warriors as youths their own age 60 years ago when they volunteered to serve their country in a war that was being fought in countries about which they had only a vague knowledge of their whereabouts.
Raycroft gives his readers a rare insight into what it was like for thousands of young men from small towns such as Prescott, who had probably never travelled more than a few miles from their home towns in 1940, to say goodbye to their parents, siblings, and high school buddies and sweethearts, and head out, alone and lonely, into a completely different way of life, different countries, different cities, different world.
The author of this well written, fast moving and well researched account of his two years close to the front lines in the bitterly-fought final months of World War II, shows his readers via the pages of his own meticulous diary and his letters home to his mother, that he is in constant awe of the famous sites and cities where his wartime travels take him.
A Signal War is not only a very believable history text book for Canadian youths, especially those who are international travellers on the virtual cyberships of the internet, but also a personal tour of the European battles that followed D-Day in June 1944, for Canadians of another era who were of elementary school age, who had fathers, uncles and cousins among the 486,000 Canadian men and women who served in the Canadian Armed Forces in World War II.
We found A Signal War a compelling read because through it we were able to follow in minute detail the path of the Canadian Third Division through Belgium, Holland and Germany.
This was important to us because our own father, the late Maj. Jack "Joe" Morris was Intelligence Officer for the 3rd Div., and because of his wartime responsibilities, was ultra careful, both during and after the war, not to confide in any detail his route through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
We couldn't help but feel that there must have been a close association between artilleryman and signalman John Raycroft and IQ Officer Joe Morris at times during the savage front line fighting and the artillery barrages that pushed the Germans slowly and determinedly out of Belgium and Holland and finally into Germany for the final capitulation.
We mention this because most of the information sent back to Raycroft's regiment from his Forward Observation Officers (FOOs) over signal wires possibly strung by John Raycroft, would probably reach our father in his communications lorry, and be duly noted on the large topographic maps set up in the mobile IQ in the back of a LAD.
For us, A Signal War was like finding about three quarters of the missing pieces of the jigsaw puzzle of the 3rd Division's muddy and bloody trek through the wet winter of 1944-45 in Holland and Belgium which was made worse when the Germans opened the dikes to inundate these flat lowlands that had been reclaimed from the sea.
For any Canadians who had friends or relatives in the 3rd Div. during World War II, A Signal War is a book worth reading. It is exceedingly well researched, but unlike many military or war histories, it is not a cold collection of facts, figures, ordnance and body counts.
This is the story of a small town boy who joined the Canadian army in 1943 when he was 20 years of age, and how he coped with basic training through to his discharge about three years later.
The writing is refreshingly Raycroft. He is a master of the humourous understatement which helps keep his story moving at a fast pace throughout.
A Signal War is available at The Gift Lane at $29.95. If you or your father had John Raycroft as a teacher at South Grenville, this book should be a part of your library and would also make a great father's day gift. Tell him Joe Morris's boy sent you.
Registration for the Summer Park Program and the Backyard Swimming Program will take place Wednesday, May 22 from 6 to 8 pm, and Saturday, May 25 from 9 to 11 am at the Maitland hall.
Swimming lessons will be offered in two sessions. The first session will be held July 1 to 12 and the lessons will be available at Fraser's pool, 2386 2nd Concession, and at Taylor's pool, 16 Cedar Street.
The second session will be July 29 to August 9 at Reimer's pool, 23 Miekle Dr., and Taylor's pool, 3 West McLean Blvd. For more information, please call Tina Atchison at 348-1894 or e-mail atchison@recorder.ca.
A youth dance is being held Friday, May 17 at the Maitland hall from 7 to 10 pm. Students in grades 5 to 8 are welcome. Admission can be paid at the door.
Parent volunteers are always needed to supervise. If you can help, call Susan Clarke at 348-3088 or Cindy Turton at 348-1760.
The Annual Maitland Neighbours Garage Sale is being held Saturday, June 15 from 9 am to 1 pm, rain or shine. Everyone in Maitland is invited to join in. This is the time to start cleaning out your basements and sorting unwanted items.
To participate, just display your items for sale in front of your house and wait for the crowds of bargain hunters to arrive! MERC will advertise the event in the local newspapers.
OSGOODE - Things are falling in place for another fun-filled summer at Rideau Hill Camp.
The camp, located on Rideau River Road just north of the Grenville County line near Osgoode, is owned by the United Church of Canada and operated by the Seaway Valley Presbytery (which includes South Grenville) and a volunteer camp council.
The purpose of the camp is to help everyone involved build character through living, sharing and developing within a Christian environment. All denominations are welcome.
From the "Parents and Tots" program to "Leaders in Training," the camp offers programs for youngsters up to the age of 17.
Activities offered at the camp include crafts, drama, swimming in the newly refurbished pool, canoeing, hiking and camp fires.
In addition to activity leaders, the camp also has a registered nurse, certified lifeguards, canoe instructor, chaplain, cook, and kitchen staff. Nutritious meals and snacks are served in the dining hall; provisions are made for vegetarians.
Kerri Lynn Craig of Kemptville is the camp's director. She has been a camper, counsellor, lifeguard and program director at the camp.
The camp is always looking for more volunteers to pitch in with special activities or serve as a member of the board.
For more information or to register for the upcoming season, write to Rideau Hill Camp office, Box 902, Winchester ON, K0C 2K0, or visit the Web site at www.rideauhillcamp.com.
KEMPTVILLE - The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario has appointed a new superintendent of education.
Ann Perron, who is presently provincial co-ordinator of curriculum with the Institute for Catholic Education in Toronto, will become the new superintendent in August. She will succeed Kevin Lydon, whose retirement as deputy director/superintendent of education with the Catholic board takes effect in August.
Perron has also served as a teacher, elementary school principal and arts consultant.
The district board operates St. Mark and St. Joseph schools in Prescott.
By LAURA PARROTT
South Grenville's rugby season is drawing to a close with both teams playing very well. There are only a few games left in the regular season as they wait to see how well they are going to place. Despite injuries on both teams they have a very good chance of moving on together.
Along with rugby there have been a number of students very busy with the musical Cinderella's Glass Slipper which was presented last weekend. The three performances went very well, and the nearly 1,000 people who attended the play seemed to have enjoyed it a great deal.
With a cast and crew of nearly 50, it was by far the largest performance put on by South Grenville in a number of years. We would like to acknowledge the local businesses and individuals who helped us make the performance a great success.
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL - The Grade 3 testing is over and now our Grade 6 testing has begun. Good luck to all of our students.
There is a parent council meeting tonight (May 15) at 7 pm.
The hot lunch Friday, May 17 is hamburgs.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL Room 7 will participate in a Gauss math contest today.
Our annual track meet is this Friday at South Grenville District High School.
The hot lunch this week is burgers.
Monday, May 20 is a holiday.
Rehearsals are under way for "Central on Broadway" to be presented Friday, May 24 at 1 pm.
Our 50th anniversary celebrations kick off with a beef barbecue Saturday, May 25 at noon.
CARDINAL - Students of Benson Public School will participate in a program to bring an important resource to the Dominican Republic.
The school is taking part in the Great Water Race, a fundraising and educational event organized by Foster Parents Plan designed to teach students about the need for clean water in developing countries as well as Canada.
Theresa Lapine, teacher representative of Benson's student council, says the goal is to raise $2,000 through the program.
"That's the amount needed for one well in a third-world country," she says.
"This is the first year our school has done it; one reason is because the Dominican Republic is the country that (Benson's) foster child is from."
The school has sponsored eight-year-old Brenny Perez for the past three years.
A general assembly will be held May 23 to kick off the fundraising campaign.
Students will receive pledge forms and break off into multi-grade groups to increase their knowledge of the importance of clean water.
The program will end June 7 with the actual water race. Children will carry water through an obstacle course to gain an appreciation for the difficulty of getting water in the Dominican Republic.
Foster Parents Plan is a member of Plan International, a network of 59 countries around the world working with 1.3 million children.
According to Foster Parents Plan, restricted access to clean water is one of the most fundamental problems facing families in developing countries.
The World Health Organization estimates water-borne diseases are the cause of approximately half of all deaths of children in the developing world, 4.6 million deaths among children and adults, 80 per cent of all illnesses in the world at any one time and 50 per cent of all hospitalizations.
For more information on Foster Parents Plan or the Great Water Race, call Emma Porritt at 1-800-367-1418.
by SLt Robert Lepage, CO
Sub Lieutenant Robert Lepage, commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 338 Defiant, wishes to congratulate the coaches, team captains and the cadets who participated in the competitions held this year.
The first competition of the year was the Flotilla Weekend, held at the Cornwall Armoury on the first weekend in March, attended by all six corps in the Flotilla. The cadets competed in a variety of competitions at this weekend event.
Our cadets did extremely well in the Sheer Legs competition, taking second place overall. They were coached by Naval Cadet (NCdt) John Kirkham and Civilian Volunteer (CV) Pat O'Farrell, and captained by Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2) Richard Coughler.
In the Seamanship competition, a "Reach for the Top"-type quiz coached by NCdt John Kirkham, the cadets took fourth place, led by Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class (CPO2) Daniel Toupin as captain.
The first aid team, led by P02 Nikki Stewart and Leading Cadet (LC) Chris Riddell, took sixth place. The team was coached by CV Katie Jodoin.
The swim team was also coached by CV Katie Jodoin, and had an excellent finish.
Five of our outstanding swimmers ranked in the top three of their events, sending them on to compete at the provincial competition in April. At the provincials held in Trenton, our winners went up against some of the best swimmers in Ontario. The corps is extremely proud of Ordinary Cadet (OC) Joel Jodoin for his placement of first overall in his age group at the provincial competition.
The second competition this year was the drill competition, held in Kingston at the end of March.
This was the first time that Defiant has competed in such. Our team of 17 young people, coached by Private Lloyd Burke (Regular Force, Kingston), did extremely well for its first time out. Drill Commander PO2 Nikki Stewart and her fellow cadets performed a compulsory drill sequence.
The community of Cardinal and the surrounding area should be very proud of these young people who choose to belong to the cadet organization.
To be able to achieve these results, they have to work very hard and stay focused. As this is still a young corps, the members are still learning. These results show what the hard work and dedication of the cadets and staff can achieve.
All youth aged 12 to 18 who are interested in joining this team of young people are welcome at the Cardinal and District Resource Centre, 341 New St., on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, September through June.
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
CARDINAL - Two grenades and a fuse for a mortar device were removed from the municipal building in Cardinal last Tuesday afternoon by provincial police and military personnel.
The items were taken from a dormant museum display in the basement of the building, located on County Road 2. The Edwardsburgh/Cardinal satellite office was closed for approximately three hours after police instructed the lone office worker to leave the premises.
John Dugan Sr., who put together the display three years ago, informed the police of the grenades when he found them Tuesday morning.
"I went over there looking for a picture, and I noticed an older six-quart basket on the desk," he says. "I picked it up and there was a sheet of paper saying there was a hand grenade with a pin in it. Naturally, I thought it better be checked on, so I phoned the police."
Dugan says a Cardinal resident had dropped off the items for use in the display.
Ontario Provincial Police Constable Holly Howard, community services officer for the Grenville County detachment in Prescott, says police first notified its emergency disposal unit in Belleville. However, the unit was unavailable, so military personnel from the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton were called to remove the items.
"They thought (the grenades) might be dead but they carried them out in their hands and placed them in their truck," Dugan says. "It was better to play safe; if someone drops one of them, it might be game over."
Dugan says he doesn't know how long the devices were in the building, adding he didn't notice them when he visited the display two weeks before.
The resident of Cardinal says he would like to re-open the museum but likely needs a grant from the municipality to have someone oversee it, at least through the summer.
"It first opened three years ago on Labour Day weekend, and a lot of people came in," Dugan says. "They were very interested."
The display also features historic village memorabilia such as pictures, tins and boxes from Canada Starch and the sweater Todd Gill wore during his days in junior "B" hockey.
CARDINAL - Members of the Cardinal Sea Cadets (RCSCC 338 Defiant) will be holding their Annual Review and Awards Ceremony at the Cardinal and District Community Centre Sunday, June 2, beginning at 2 pm. Everyone is invited to attend the end-of-year display.
Elfriede Susanne Piotrow, RR 4 Prescott, died Monday, April 29, 2002 at Kingston General Hospital. She was 79.
She was born Jan. 1, 1923 in Germany, the daughter of Ludwig Schmidt and Maria Walter. She married Edward Piotrow.
Mrs. Piotrow is survived by her husband Edward; daughters Regina (Mrs. Nick Ciotoli) and Nina (Mrs. Randy Patrick); and grandchildren Lisa, Christina, Ryan and Brent.
She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Lieselotte Conradt, and her brother Friedel Schmidt.
Mrs. Piotrow worked as a homemaker at home, and enjoyed baking and spending time with her family.
Visitation was at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Wednesday, May 1, 2002, where the funeral service was held May 2 at 11 am. Rev. Michael Pollesel officiated. The committal Service followed at Maynard Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Randy Patrick, Nick Ciotoli, Rick Patrick, Clifford Blue and Albert Buiting.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
JOHNSTOWN - The play structure at South Edwardsburg Public School will be replaced, it was decided at a community meeting held last Wednesday night.
The school council will proceed with fundraising to replace the existing structure which does not meet new standards, a problem facing many schools and municipalities throughout the province.
Approximately 35 people attended the information meeting; a show of hands indicated all but a few were in favour of replacing the structure instead of repairing it.
The estimated cost of repairs to the structure, which was funded by the community 10 years ago, is in the range of $10,000. Several options for new but smaller play structures carry estimated costs of between $10,000-$15,000.
South Edwardsburg students have been advised not to use the structure; warning signs have been posted at the site which is also accessible to the public.
"We have to do something," Principal Harold Hess said. "We want to do the right thing."
The repair estimate provided by Playground Express was based on an assessment of the play structure.
Wayne Joseph, area plant supervisor with the Upper Canada District School Board, said there are few companies willing to take liability for playground equipment.
Several members of the audience said they would like to see cost estimates and structure options from other companies.
A significant portion of the structure is made of pressure-treated lumber. The school board has implemented a ban on using additional pressure-treated lumber and is awaiting word on whether the province will follow suit. Some people at the meeting questioned the value of repairing the structure now and finding out later the wood will also have to removed. By replacing the entire structure with other materials, the presence of pressure-treated lumber would no longer be an issue.
Suggestions from the floor included separate and smaller structures for younger and older students, as well as basketball nets.
Joe Martelle, co-chair of the school council, said play structure and fundraising options will be discussed at the next meeting to be held May 22. Martelle added the structure will be dismantled as soon as possible.
The school council has already planned its first playground fundraiser. A yard sale, barbecue and student-teacher ball game will take place Saturday, June 1. Service clubs in the area will be asked to contribute.
"We will need lots of volunteers," said Martelle of the fundraising project.
The board offers a one-time grant of $5,000 to a school that can raise $5,000 for playground equipment.
MARNIE LIPPIATT
Walker House hosted the senior bridge games Thursday, May 9. Ten couples participated, playing eight rounds of bridge. Ross and Shirley Morningstar finished first. Margaret Nesbitt and Irene Homer placed second, with Linda Larkin and Della Phillips finishing third. The first and second place couples move on to the next level of the games.
This is the last call for the bus to the museum. The feature exhibits are "The Vikings Nordic Display" and "The Inuit Tapestries from Arctic Canada." Please add your name to our bus list before noon May 17 by calling 925-5300.
Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Ed Zackon; door prize, Ron Shannon. Tuesday night cribbage high score, Peter Lowry; 2nd, Helen Barr; 3rd, Hilda Hutton; door prize, Mary Reynolds. Wednesday night bridge winner, Andy Britnell; second, Jim Campbell; door prize, Eleanor Gilligan. Thursday night euchre 1st, Pete Lowry; 2nd, Hilda Hutton; 3rd, Eleanor Gilligan; door prize, Mary Reynolds.
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE - This year's Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) bantam boys "C" and "D" provincial championships will be held in Spencerville.
The OASA recently accepted Spencerville Minor Ball's bid to host the championships, which will run Aug. 9 to 11.
"They were anxious to have (a community) in eastern Ontario hosting the event," says Stephanie Summers, who spearheaded Spencerville's bid. "We applied two weeks ago, and they asked us to list the diamonds we had, the hotels in the area, all the facilities. We could accommodate everything they asked for, so I was pretty confident."
Teams from across Ontario will compete in the tournament; last year's championships featured 13 squads.
Local participation is guaranteed as a representative team will be put together from the three bantam boys squads in South Grenville - Spencerville, Roebuck and Maynard.
"The top 12 players from those teams will make the rep team," Summers says. "There is an elimination tournament (in July) to qualify for the championships, but the host team always qualifies."
Summers will manage the rep team while her husband Steve will serve as pitching coach. Steve Polite will coach infielders and Keith DeDekker will oversee the outfield.
Summers notes Spencerville's second diamond, built last year by the minor ball association, was important in landing the championships.
"We'll be using both diamonds, and if there are 13 teams, we'll probably have some games Friday night," she says. "If there are more, we might need to use Johnstown for some games."
Opening and closing ceremonies will be held during the event; Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor David Dobbie has been invited to attend. Ruth Dukelow, who Summers notes has been associated with Spencerville Minor Ball for years, will be master of ceremonies.
Summers hopes the championships will regenerate softball interest in the Spencerville area.
"Spencerville's a community known for ball but ball's starting to disappear because of soccer, lacrosse and other summer sports," Summers says. "This might get some more interest back in it."
She adds local businesses should also benefit from the influx of people into the village.
"It should draw a lot of people into the community," says Summers. "For tourism and business, it should open things up and show people what we've got down here."
Organizers are looking for local businesses or service organizations to sponsor the rep team or the tournament; anyone interested is asked to contact Stephanie Summers at 658-2225.
Stephanie Summers
RIDEAU - South Grenville District High School's rugby squads were up against more than just two experienced teams last Wednesday.
Both the Giants girls and boys teams had thinned rosters as they travelled to Rideau District High School; many rugby players were involved in last weekend's play at South Grenville and had to participate in a dress rehearsal last Wednesday.
In addition, coaches and players were incensed by what they perceived to be "extremely questionable officiating," in the words of boys coach Ted Southin.
League convenor Richard Swann, also the coach of Rideau's girls squad, officiated both games.
"I was very upset," says Southin. "You can't coach and referee a game at the same time; regardless of whether he intended it or not, (the refereeing) was very biased."
South Grenville's boys team improved to 3-0 with a 22-17 come-from-behind victory; the Giants girls lost 20-17 to fall to 0-3 on the year.
"The girls deserved to win that game," Southin says. "I feel it was taken away from them by questionable calls. The girls played fantastic."
Chantay Richards, Ashley Bangma and Ruby Alexander scored the first tries of the season for South Grenville.
Ali Murray played an "outstanding two-way game," Southin says, before straining a ligament in her ankle late in the contest.
The boys got tries from Joel Stone, Jason Desrochers and Shane Beaulieu and a solid kicking performance from Tyler Stephenson in their victory.
"Tyler was instrumental in the win - he went three-for-four kicking," says Southin.
Giants forward Matt Gibson suffered a broken nose after colliding with teammate Clark Thomas.
Both teams were in action yesterday at Athens; results were not available before press time.
Southin says he has noticed quite a change in the girls squad after questioning players' commitment and team spirit last week.
"They were very upset about what I said, but they've come together as a team," he says. "I see a big difference from a week ago; our teams are now a 53-member club."
Both teams are in action tomorrow when they host Gananoque.
PRESCOTT - South Grenville District High School's girls soccer teams will close out the regular season tomorrow when they host Gananoque.
The senior Giants improved their record to 4-1-2 with a 1-0 victory over St. Mike's last Tuesday. Jenn Clarke scored for South Grenville with Cristal Beattie recording the shutout in goal.
"They were a pretty tough team," says senior team member Marissa Carver. "We had a lot of shots."
Teammate Megan Clifford adds, "They had a good goalie but we kept shooting right at her."
The two players agree good communication and a strong passing game have been keys for the team's success this year.
Both the senior and junior teams played yesterday at St. Mary; results were unavailable by press time.
It was the first action in two weeks for the junior squad, which is 3-1 on the campaign.
"The girls can get a little rusty (with a long layoff) and there's probably a little sliding there," says junior coach Tim Waring. "However, I've been impressed with these girls. They've been working hard."
Waring says the team has worked on passing plays and controlling the ball in practice the last couple of weeks.
The Leeds-Grenville playoffs begin Tuesday with semi-final action; the finals will be held May 23. Eastern Ontario championships are scheduled for May 30 with the provincial finals slated for June 6 to 8.
KEMPTVILLE - In order to conserve walleye stocks, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is reminding anglers to review the 2002 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary before the walleye season opens.
The walleye season opens Saturday in central, northeastern and northwestern Ontario. Walleye is the number one sport fish in the province, according to MNR, as more than eight million walleye are caught each year in Ontario.
Anglers are reminded not to fish without a valid licence, and fishing is banned in fish sanctuaries. Anglers also cannot catch and retain or possess more fish than the daily limit for that species.
If an angler inadvertently catches species for which the season is closed, the fish must immediately be returned to the water.
Unless a fish is being prepared for immediate consumption, it must remain in a state that will allow Conservation Officers to inspect it for species identification, total numbers and size.
A new maximum size limit is in effect this year, as walleye greater than 19 inches must be released.
There is an allowance to keep one trophy walleye over 25 inches.
The fishing licence limit remains at four fish and the conservation license limit is at two walleye.
The 2002 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary is available from license issuers, ministry district offices and on the ministry's Web site at www.mnr.gov.on.ca/ MNR/pubs/pubmenu.html.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The growing popularity of soccer and the emergence of lacrosse has impacted the Augusta Minor Ball League.
"Registration is down quite significantly," said Barry Andross, president of the league. "Lacrosse and soccer are taking the kids; we didn't really see it coming."
The league still features approximately 700 players and 61 teams, with squads based out of Cardinal, Domville, Maynard, North Augusta, Roebuck, Spencerville and eight other areas.
"We still have quite a few teams," Andross said. "We played well over 1,000 games last year, from t-ball to midget."
The strongest representation in the league is from Spencerville, which has 10 teams this year.
"We met our expectations," said Stephanie Summers, representing the Spencerville Minor Ball Association. "We were concerned about getting enough registration to (warrant) the second diamond which we built last year, but we got that."
Spencerville will field teams in t-ball, mosquito, mite, squirt, peewee girls, bantam boys, bantam girls and midget boys, with two squads in peewee boys. The bantam girls team is actually affiliating from Canton, New York.
Summers says advertising and the softball program at Centennial '67 Public School are the main reasons why registration in Spencerville was so strong this year.
"Centennial has always had teams," Summer said. "The school supports softball, especially (teacher) Kelly Blaede."
The Augusta league season begins Monday and runs until Aug. 5.
Prescott Mixed 3-Pitch League
Registration for this year's Prescott Mixed 3-Pitch League season is basically the same as last year.
"We have the same number of people as last year," said league president Paula Selleck. "We got what we were expecting, and we hope for more next year."
The six-team league will feature approximately 90 players this season.
"A few people called late, but we couldn't accommodate extra teams because our diamond time was already booked and the schedule was made," Selleck said.
The mixed 3-pitch season begins Monday as well, with all games played at the RCA diamond on Sophia St., and runs until Sept. 9.
GANANOQUE - Muskies Canada, a non-profit group of musky anglers dedicated to enhancement and protection of the muskellunge fishery, will hold an information session in Gananoque later this month.
The session, scheduled for May 25, will stress the importance of maintaining proper conditions for existing musky stocks to be nurtured through natural reproduction.
Guest speakers will include Marc Thorpe of Muskies Canada (Montreal chapter) and musky/pike research biologists from Canada and the United States. The session is open free of charge to any resident of Ontario and New York State.
For more information on the session, contact Jim Willis at (905) 523-5332. For additional information on Muskies Canada, contact Marc Thrope at (450) 975-4942 or visit the organization's Web site at www.trentu.ca/muskie/ mc.html.
BROCKVILLE - More than 20 athletes from South Grenville District High School participated in last weekend's Kinsmen Hungerford Invitational track and field meet in Brockville.
Distance runner Mandy Wallace continued her torrid season with victories in the junior girls 1,500- and 3,000-metre races. Susan Knights also had strong performances, finishing fifth in senior girls 800-metre and sixth in the 1,500-metre.
Other top South Grenville finishers included Erin Heibein, who placed second in junior girls long jump, and Shawn Bradford, who took third in junior boys shotput.
Bradford also finished ninth in junior boys discus; Katie Beatty was sixth in junior girls shotput and Kristina Godwin placed eighth in midget girls 80-metre hurdles.
The Leeds-Grenville Secondary Schools Athletic Association championships will be held tomorrow in Brockville.