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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 Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD - Householders in Augusta township with a residence assessed at $100,000 will pay a nickel a day more in municipal property taxes this year.
Township council adopted the 2002 budget and tax rates at its Monday night meeting. The 3.47 per cent increase in taxes reflects only the municipal portion of the bill, and does not take into account the county or education levy. The county has approved its budget increase.
Augusta taxes for 2002 are set at $501.23, up from $484.43 last year. This equates to $16.80 per year, $1.40 per month, 32 cents per week or five cents per day extra a homeowner will need to pay. Taxes are due Sept. 30.
The township has budgeted $3.4 million in expenses for the year, which includes $667,600 for capital and reserves. The budget is $75,197 more than what was actually spent in the township in 2001.
CAO Nigel White noted a reallocation of funds from the roads budget meant to purchase gravel will be applied to the cost of a fire truck, allowing the township to order and receive the truck next year. The move will have a positive impact on homeowners' insurance rates, he said, since Augusta will be seen to be maintaining the stardard of its fleet. As well, an adequate level of road work will still be accomplished, White said.
Capital construction projects for 2002 include 1.8 kilometres on Merwin Lane from Concession 3 to Concession 2; 1.5 kilometres on Merwin Lane from Concession 2 to County Road 2; one kilometre along Weir Road and work at the intersections of Klitbo Road and South Branch, Rocky Road and Campbell Road and Hillbrook Road.
Major expenses outlined in the budget include $351,600 for administration; $1.2 million for public works; $523,000 for waste disposal; $509,000 for policing and $367,000 for fire protecion.
Total revenue expected to be collected from such areas as governments grants, fees and service charges is just over $1.2 million, which leaves the township having to come up with more than $2.1 million from property taxes.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Residential property taxes in Prescott will increase by 3.6 per cent if town council approves a proposed municipal budget.
Council members held what was likely their final budget meeting of 2002 Monday night. The town's proposed operating budget calls for an average increase of $53 for each residential property and $262 for each commercial property.
The proposal is based on an additional $100,000 in taxation and the removal of just under $50,000 from reserves to offset a higher tax increase and balance the budget.
The budget and accompanying tax levies are expected to be put to a formal vote at next Monday's council meeting.
Overall, the proposed municipal tax hike amounts to about 1.7 per cent. However, council agreed Monday to follow through with a three-year plan that will see a reduction in industrial tax rates to meet a provincial threshold. An additional one-third reduction this year means other sectors such as residential will have to take on more of the burden of any tax increase.
If approved, the proposed budget would generate an additional $93,000 from the town's residential and multi-residential property owners.
Commercial property owners would contribute an additional $43,725 compared to last year. The town's 13 industrial properties would see a total decrease of about $54,200.
In terms of the proposed capital budget, renovations to the Dibble Street municipal building remain in the works as does the proposed reconstruction of Churchill Road between Edward and Boundary streets.
The Churchill project and more than $1 million in work associated with the FAI development in the north end of town will be paid for through debenture. Other capital items listed in the proposed budget include Web site development, sewage plant environmental assessment, a new photocopier system, telephone system and computer upgrades.
Improvements to the Boundary Street railway crossing are also being planned as part of the Churchill Road project tendering process.
Council agreed Monday to include a commitment of $4,000 to initiate a study that could pave the way for the elimination of train whistles. The study will determine what measures if any are necessary to permit the ban on whistles.
Council members also discussed whether to proceed with a review of Prescott's official plan. Mayor Robert Lawn reiterated his concerns about the plan he said had not been reviewed in 13 years. The mayor said the document, which sets out general planning and land use principles for the municipality, is out of date and needs to be re-examined.
Some councillors balked at the review and its estimated cost of $40,000 which Lawn acknowledged was too high.
A compromise calling on council members to read the existing official plan and discuss the possibility of hiring a consultant to conduct a review was approved by a vote of 4-3.
Lawn said later in the meeting council's decision not to proceed with an official plan review was "mind-boggling."
Council also agreed to review the possibility of initiating a community improvement plan. The mayor said he hears talk about improving main street and the waterfront area on almost a daily basis. With a plan in place, tax breaks and incentives could be offered as a way to improve undeveloped properties and deal with absentee landlords who may be unwilling to make upgrades.
The official plan review and community improvement plan are to be discussed at an upcoming committee meeting.
PRESCOTT - More than 100 drummers and pipers will be in the Fort Town this Saturday for the third annual Prescott Highland Tattoo.
Fort Wellington will once again play host to several bands and singers who will bring Scottish and Celtic music traditions to life. Organizer Mike Boyles is hoping for another big crowd at this year's fling.
Festivities at the fort field begin at 1 pm with a performance by the Celtic singing group Boru's Harp.
Meanwhile, band members will gather in Centennial Park early Saturday afternoon and form a parade which will head east on King Street at about 1:30 pm and arrive at the fort field at about 2 pm where they will be greeted by Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn and Fort Wellington Superintendent Pam Buell. MC Colonel Red George Macdonell (played by Peter Bevan-Baker) will introduce the bands.
Scheduled to perform at the fort are the Brockville Pipe Band, Highland Mist Pipes and Drums, Sons of Scotland and South Glengarry Highlanders.
The "Mass Bands Tattoo" will take place at about 4:30 pm.
In case of rain, the event will be moved across the street to the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Spectators are reminded to bring their own chairs and blankets to the fort field.
The Rotary Club of Prescott will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks at its refreshment booth.
Admission to the Highland Tattoo is free. A collection will be taken at the event.
The annual tattoo is presented by Tourism Prescott, Fort Wellington, the Town of Prescott and several other community partners.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The regional unemployment rate fell slightly last month, according to figures released by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
The jobless rate for the region that includes the Prescott area was 8.8 per cent in May. A rate of 8.9 per cent was reported for April.
The goods-producing and service sectors reported employment increases last month, a news release stated. Agriculture posted the biggest jump in goods-producing; more people were employed in May in accommodation, food services and information, culture and recreation.
The regional unemployment rate in May 2001 was 6.5 per cent.
All HRDC offices in the Kingston-Pembroke management area recorded decreases last month in the number of employment insurance (EI) claimants. The Prescott office reported 917 claimants at the end of May compared to 1,068 at the end of April a decrease of 14.1 per cent.
MAYNARD - The Township of Augusta has joined a long list of municipalities offering their support for the pediatric cardiovascular surgery program at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Township council approved a motion Monday that calls on the provincial government to re-evaluate a decision to relocate the unit to Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto. The Augusta motion notes "...the discontinuation of the program could endanger the lives of children in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec with special cardiac needs."
Reeve George Vail and Councillor Bill Bucker spoke in favour of the motion; all five members of council voted in favour of the resolution.
The government announced recently Dr. Wilbert Keon would be reviewing the recommendation to move the cardiac unit from Ottawa.
SOUTH GRENVILLE Bookmarks to benefit Brockville General Hospital and St. Vincent de Paul Hospital will be sold this week in Prescott and Cardinal.
The bookmarks will be available Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14 at TD Canada Trust and the post office in Cardinal. They will also be on sale June 14 at Village Square Mall. Volunteers will also be selling bookmarks Friday, June 14 at all three banks in Prescott as well as the post office, Doyle's, Beach Home Hardware, Valu-mart, Canadian Tire and Giant Tiger.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
JOHNSTOWN - A community effort to support Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) has raised $3,325 for children and staff services at the Ottawa facility.
Sixteen charities and one anonymous donor from Leeds and Grenville that benefit from Bingo International near Johnstown contributed to a fundraising challenge spearheaded by Lorne Bender, past chair of Bingo International Charity Association.
The CHEO Challenge encouraged charities to donate portions of their earnings from Bingo sessions as part of the hospital's telethon miracle match, held June 1 and 2.
Bender, who is also chairman of the South Edwardsburgh Recreation Association, started the challenge with a donation from that group, which is based in Johnstown.
Bender said he was pleased by the number of charities that accepted the challenge and contributed.
"It gave an opportunity for charity associations to do something in common," he said. "I just felt young people are dear to my heart, and if there is a place to meet their needs, (CHEO) is the place to go."
Bender, who worked locally for 36 years as a principal and teacher, said the hospital is close to his heart. He had three grandchildren who benefitted from CHEO services, and said he also knows several neighbourhood children and other families who have needed the hospital in the past.
He noted he has always had good experiences with staff and treatment at CHEO.
The hospital "made (the patient) feel they were an individual and such an important person. It's a case of wanting to be able to do something for the children. Our children and grandchildren depend on us to be their guardians of their health."
Charities that donated to the challenge are Cardinal Lions Club, Athens Aero Jr. B Hockey Club, Brockville Tikis Community Hockey Club, Cardinal and District Resource Centre, Cardinal Royal Canadian Legion, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Firefighters Association, Grenville County 4-H, Nation Masonic Lodge, Prescott Rotary Club, Royal Canadian Air Force Association, St. James Masonic Lodge, South Edwardsburgh Recreation Association, South Grenville Parents Association, Spencerville Mill Foundation, Spencerville Royal Canadian Legion and TISS Parents Committee.
Norma Lamont, director of special projects for the CHEO Foundation, said the local donation actually means $6,650 has been given to the hospital, since the contribution will be matched equally by a corporate sponsor.
The money will be used for equipment, research, games, books, toys and upgrading for education of hospital staff, Lamont said.
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - A number of workers from Procter & Gamble (P&G) operations in Brockville will be in South Grenville later this month to volunteer their time as part of a United Way Day of Caring.
Approximately 360 P&G workers will be pitching in Monday, June 24 in many communities in Leeds and Grenville to help non-profit groups, schools, municipalities and other organizations. Among the projects to be done in the Prescott area are a clean-up of Kelly's Bay and the construction of a new roof for the shelter at the beach, the painting of the band shell at the marina, the cleaning of windows at the VON office and the painting of gym and stage walls at Benson Public School in Cardinal and bleachers at the community centre in Johnstown.
The rain date for the Day of Caring is Monday, July 8.
P&G will pay the wages of employees while they take part in the community projects, according to a news release. Agencies and organizations receiving the support are to supply lunch, refreshments and materials required to complete the projects.
The United Way of Leeds and Grenville hopes the Day of Caring will encourage more people to volunteer their time to support groups in the community.
For more information, contact the local United Way office in Brockville at 342-8889.
GANANOQUE - A gala preview of the Thousand Islands Charity Casino will take place Thursday, June 20.
A limited number of tickets went on sale yesterday. Proceeds will be shared equally between the United Way of Leeds-Grenville and Maple View Lodge in Athens. Charitable receipts will be issued. Tickets are not available in South Grenville; however, they are on sale at several convenience stores and other retailers in Brockville, Gananoque and Kingston.
The official public opening of the charity casino located on the Gananoque/Leeds and Thousand Islands line near Highway 401, is expected to take place Saturday, June 22 at 11 am.
The site was selected last year; Prescott was one of four communities in the running for the new facility which is owned and operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
MAYNARD - A public meeting to discuss Augusta Township's draft dog bylaw has been scheduled for Thursday, June 27.
The meeting will be held at the Grenville Snowmobile Club on Charleville Road, beginning at 8 pm. The later start time would allow more people from the rural farming community to attend, suggested Deputy Reeve Doug Barton, who is also chairman of the ad hoc committee which redesigned the bylaw.
A public meeting was first held in the township last November, and the committee has been studying reforms to the bylaw since then. The draft deals with the regulation, control, protection and identification of dogs in the township. It also addresses nuisance and aggressive dogs, fee and licensing requirements and the operation of kennels.
PRESCOTT - A bake sale sponsored by St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church women will be held Saturday, June 15 beginning at 9:30 am in front of Flower World on King Street West.
By David Dickenson - Journal Staff Writer
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The Leeds and Grenville Entrepreneurship Centre gave out awards for a business plan competition Friday in Brockville council chambers.
South Grenville District High School Grade 9 student John Lane of Prescott took home third place and a $200 prize in the competition with his company Diabolic Skateboard Manufacturing.
The local skateboarder who builds his own skateboards claims the idea stemmed from always breaking skateboards while attempting to land tricks with his friends.
"Me and my friends are always coming up with ideas while skating," explained Lane.
"We usually break a lot of skateboards, so I figured there had to be a way to make them more durable."
"I usually went through a board a week, and my friends would make theirs last a month, explained Lane.
"I can't even count the number of test boards I went through before finding the right formula making them."
"I'm extremely proud," explained John's father, Art Lane. "I knew he had the potential to succeed with whatever he does, and he researched this and really worked hard at it. He's learned the value of work and good products."
John Lane also received a summer company award from the Provincial government's ministry of economic development and trade, which referred him to the Leeds and Grenville contest.
"With this and the award from the provincial government John had enough to rent a storefront for the summer," explains John's mother Nancy.
"He is going to be opening his skateboard store in the front of Grandma's Restaurant."
John Lane added, "When summer is over and I go back to school, I can just sell off my product to wholesale outlets and still keep things going."
"I have some trademark clothing for the store, and I wand to go to Ottawa to do a skate video to sell too."
The retail price of a professional skateboard is about $95, but Lane's homemade boards were predicted to run about $65-70 and be on par with the top boards on the market.
"About 40 per cent of the cost of the pro boards is from the graphics on them," claims Lane.
"A lot don't have the quality, and that's more important than a graphic. Mine will be both strong and appealing."
The winner of the business plan competition was Craig Reilly of Brockville with Kasce Snap-Em Socks, used to keep pairs of socks together in the laundry, and second place went to Andrew Fielding of Brockville with mobile sales of Canadian memorabilia with his idea "Canadian Stuff Eh!"
MAYNARD - Augusta Councillor Jane Fullarton has set the record straight on township expenses.
"There is no money missing from Augusta Township," Fullarton told a gathering at the Monday night council meeting following a delegation from resident Calvin Lamb regarding budget concerns. "You can trace where every dime goes."
Lamb questioned comments made by Gill Cyr at a previous meeting in which that resident claimed there was too much money spent on wages and money had been misplaced. He also noted a Prescott Journal story from that meeting in which Cyr was quoted.
Fullarton stressed she needed to put the issue to rest before it was blown out of proportion. The township has received a clean bill of health from its auditors, and its financial statements are accurate and appropriate, she said.
The statements are public documents and can be seen at the municipal office, Fullarton added.
The figures on wages shown in the budget are not itemized, but are a compilation of salaries along with benefit expenses. She said it was a serious statement to be accusing the township of misplacing money, and its records "are absolutely and unequivocally" accurate.
Cyr insisted money has been misplaced and told Fullarton: "Don't try to twist things around."
Cyr approached Fullarton after the meeting had been adjourned, and a brief shouting match ensued.
MAYNARD - Augusta Township is looking to honour its most outstanding community citizen again this year.
Councillor Jane Fullarton, also the township's representative on the library board, told council Monday night nominations are now being accepted for the annual Dreamers and Doers Award, sponsored by the public library board.
The award is presented each October during public library week.
The recipient should be active in the community in leadership and volunteer roles, Fullarton said.
"We know we have a lot of hard-working volunteers in Augusta and we're looking to recognize them."
Fullarton added it is volunteers who make communities valuable and special places in which to live.
Award nomination forms are available at the public library in Algonquin and after this week at the Augusta Township office in Maynard.
The township is also inviting applications to fill two vacant positions on the Augusta library board.
Letters can be sent to council expressing interest in the positions, and council can then appoint the new members.
PRESCOTT - The popular Heritage Day Camp for children age seven to 13 will be offered again this summer at Fort Wellington National Historic Site.
Participants dressed in period costumes enlist to travel back in time to 1846 when the Fort was occupied by the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment and their families. As part of the experience, children will have the opportunity to learn about Fort Wellington and Canadian history while taking part in activities such as cooking outdoors, making crafts and playing sports from that period.
Two sessions will be offered: July 22 to July 26, and July 29 to Aug. 2.
The camps run Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Space is limited; there is a registration fee.
For more information or the register, contact Elizabeth LeBlanc or Leslie MacPherson between 10 am and 5 pm at 925-2896.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
BROCKVILLE - There is good news for local businesses and organizations that wish to provide barrier-free access and services for customers.
Education for Quality Accessibility Canada (EQA) is a Brockville-based non-profit organization that provides information, education, assessments, inspection and consulting services to any group or business across Canada interested in making their premises accessible to physically disabled people.
Since about one-fifth, or 18 per cent of the population is disabled at some point in their lives, businesses have plenty of motivation to provide things like handicapped parking, doors that swing open properly, level entrances, ramps, handrails, washrooms large enough to manoeuvre a scooter or wheelchair, and lower counters, explained Robert Greene, the project co-ordinator for EQA.
An establishment that does not provide accessibility risks losing the business of the physically disabled person, and also that of the accompanying people, Greene said.
EQA has no authority to impose regulations or guidelines for accessibility on businesses, but seeks to work with clients to teach them what true accessibility needs are, and how to get the best value for their money when constructing or renovating to provide premises that are barrier free.
The first week of June was Canadian National Access Awareness Week, and EQA will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this October.
John McClintock, chairman of the 12-person board of directors, founded EQA with a group of disabled friends who decided there were too many barriers in this area, and they needed to do something about it.
The Brockville office is the Canadian headquarters, and its services are provided free-of-charge nationwide. An 11-minute video produced in Brockville with local actors is available, and EQA will also hold speaking engagements.
EQA offers a star reward system for establishments that provide accessibility services. Three-star accreditation means a person can get in the premises with a wheelchair or scooter, and it offers barrier-free washroom facilities.
A proper washroom is essential, Greene explained, since "bladder control is very important for a handicapped person."
In addition to those services, having designated parking, a phone located at a lower height so a person in a wheelchair can reach it, or lower counters would quality for four stars.
The highest accreditation - five stars - means the premises have an electric door opener as well.
EQA provides a bright, blue and white door decal indicating the number of stars for buildings that are approved accessible.
The sites - such as restaurants, pharmacies and hotels - are also listed in an accessibility guide distributed throughout the region to places such as hospitals, tourist areas and nursing homes, so people know which places they can access easily.
Greene noted Prescott is weak in terms of handicapped accessibility. TD Canada Trust and the Royal Canadian Legion each rate five stars, and St. Paul's United Church has been approved for four stars. Bingo International east of Prescott also rates five stars.
From Gananoque to Upper Canada Village, 140 sites are listed as having at least three stars; one-third have five stars.
When Green first started as EQA's only paid employee just over a year ago, only 38 sites had been identified as being accessible.
A manual of guidelines - such as how to layout a washroom or how high to install a doorknob - is given free to anyone interested in renovating for accessibility.
"Which way a door swings can really hinder a person, and they can get trapped in double doors," Greene said.
"Pulling or turning a knob can be an effort."
The Ontario Building Code does cover some accessibility requirements, but it is not complete, Greene said.
The Ontario Disability Act, passed within the last year, sets out requirements for accessibility in public buildings and businesses, but the act "has no teeth in it," and applies no pressure for owners to make sites handicapped accessible, Greene explained.
EQA has been involved to a large degree in the renovations at Brockville General Hospital, and McClintock has been asked for his comments regarding accessibility at the parliamentary library. It has also had requests for information from Thunder Bay, Cornwall, Carleton Place and other cities.
The office, located at the Brockville Commercial Centre on King Street East, is nearing the end of its two-year $45,000 Trillium grant, and is now looking for new funding sources.
Although all services are free, many organizations that have benefitted from services have made donations, Greene said.
Six members on EQA's board are handicapped. One member, Marianne MacDonald of Cardinal, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and uses a scooter for greater mobility, is angered by not having the freedom to go where she wants. She prefers not to patronize businesses that are not accessible to her scooter.
"It's just not fair that you can't go and do what you want because somebody put a three-inch curb in front of you."
Doors are one of the hardest things for her to manoeuvre, and counts on others' kindness and help. But that's not always the case. She's had people slam doors in her face, and often finds people don't care.
"We've got to go outside our own little box and get out and help people, because it's just not fair. I think it's sad; a lot of people don't know what people with disabilities go through. If you don't live it; you don't know it. We've got to be flexible and help everybody."
Without organizations like EQA, people with disabilities would not have a say, MacDonald noted.
Other EQA board members from South Grenville are Charlie Bowers and Shirley Robinson.
Marianne MacDonald
PRESCOTT - Two men face charges after Prescott police officers broke up a fight early Sunday morning.
Police were called to a disturbance on Dibble Street East at VanKoughnet Street at about 3:12 am. Officers observed a fight in progress; two men were assaulting a 27-year-old man, according to a police news release. The victim received facial injuries and required medical attention. Arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm were Jason Ford of Prescott and Christopher Rogers-Brown of Smiths Falls. The news release did not identify the victim. The two suspects are scheduled to appear in court July 5.
In all, town police investigated 74 general incidents between June 2 and June 9.
Police remind the public to lock their vehicles and store any items of value in the trunk where they cannot be seen. On June 5, police investigated two cases of theft involving parked vehicles. A small amount of cash was taken from an unlocked vehicle parked at a St. Lawrence Street residence. Numerous CDs and a pair of sunglasses were taken from a vehicle at a Jessup Street residence; those items were valued at $800.
Town police also investigated the theft of a two-person tent from the back yard of an Edward Street residence. The tent is valued at $60.
The Prescott Police Service has received several complaints about youths running through gardens and vandalizing them. Parents are being asked to speak to their children about this type of behaviour.
Anyone with information on these or any other offences is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
OTTAWA - Prescott resident Bob Garand was among the 800-plus bikers who helped raise $160,000 in pledges for prostate cancer May 25 at the Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
Garand raised just over $4,000 from local businesses and friends, placing twelfth among ride participants. "It was just a great day all around," commented Garand. "It raised a lot of money and it was really fun talking with all the other bikers."
The 324-km poker run ride began in Orleans and went through Pakenham, Calabogie and Perth before finishing at the Lone Star Ranch in Ottawa. The parade of motorcycles was 11 km long, with two bikes in each row.
PRESCOTT - Many creative suggestions have already been received to rename Prescott's waterfront trail in front of Fort Wellington.
The "Name the Waterfront Trail Contest" organized by Parks Canada will accept name suggestions until next Thursday, June 20. As of Monday afternoon, 14 entries had been received.
It is hoped an appropriate name will be suggested in keeping with the historic location and landscape, explained Area Superintendent Pam Buell.
The existing trail was constructed in the fall of 2000 and has been known as the millennium pathway. The contest is part of Parks Canada's ambitious plan to add features to the trail to make it more pleasing and educational. Native plant gardens, a historic arboretum, interpretive signage, benches and identifier signs are the priority in the next phase of the project.
The winner of the trail contest will be the first to plant a commemorative tree in the historic arboretum. Signs with the winning name will be placed at the beginning and end of the trial. The contest winner will be announced July 1 during Canada Day celebrations at Fort Wellington.
Entries for the contest are to be sent to Fort Wellington National Historic Site of Canada, P.O. Box 479, Prescott, Ont., KOE ITO. A name, address and phone number must be included with the submissions.
By Richard Bennett, Group Committee Chair
Scouts Canada - 1st Algonquin Group
Scouter Bryan Rennie, Scout Dane Perrin, Scout Jonathan Bennett and Scouter Greg McGinnis of 1st Algonquin Scouts were present at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa Saturday, June 1 for the presentation of the highest award available to youth in the Scouts program - the Chief Scout's Award.
Dane and Jonathan were part of a group of 84 Scouts and one Venturer from the Voyageur Region to receive their respective section's highest award, Chief Scout's and Queen Venturer. All youth were accompanied by their scouters, family and friends, who had been there to encourage and help them through the long process of completing all the requirements leading up to these awards.
After a photograph of the whole group of recipients, they paraded into the cathedral. The recipients were welcomed by the Regional President, John Udd, and the Regional Commissioner, Marilyn Johnson. The national anthem was sung, and invocation was given by Canon Fairlie of Christ Church Cathedral. The guest speaker was Ms. Diane Stuemer, who with her family, spent four years sailing around the world. Her message to the youth was - fulfill your dreams. After the presentation of awards to the recipients, a reception was held in the cathedral hall.
Congratulations to all the youth who completed the requirements for these prestigious awards, and their leaders and families for supporting them. They have demonstrated perseverance and dedication and have acquired skills that will be of help to them as they become the leaders of tomorrow.
EDWARDSBURGH - Crime Stoppers Kingston/1000 Islands and the Grenville County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are seeking the public's assistance in solving a break-in and theft that occurred at a Hurley Road residence in the Township of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal.
The victim noticed May 10 someone had entered a shed and stolen a Coleman generator. The serial number from the unit is on file with police.
Anyone with information about this theft is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Callers do not have to identify themselves, and the information they provide could make them eligible for cash rewards.
The local Crime Stoppers program does not subscribe to call display or any other form of caller identification.
PRESCOTT -The Central Public School Parent Committee is hosting a yard and bake sale Saturday, June 22 from 8:30 am to 1 pm at the school on Jessup Street in Prescott.
Kids clothes, movies, home items, cribs and baked treats will be among the many items available at the sale.
Hot dogs and drinks will be sold from 11 am to 1 pm.
Table rentals are available; all proceeds will go to student activities.
For more information, call Tracey Faber-Hoogwerf at 925-0520 or Danielle Eaton at 925-3744.
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE The district health unit is encouraging youngsters to ensure physical activity is part of their daily routine.
Youngsters should add an extra 30 minutes of physical activity to their day, according to Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Children and Youth. Active children have less anxiety and are better at problem-solving than inactive children, the health unit notes in a news release. Sports help kids improve skills and co-ordination, are fun and provide time to be with friends.
Four tips recommended by Sport Manitoba for supporting children's involvement in sports are as follows:
* Encourage the child to participate Children should never be pressured, intimidated or bribed into it. Let youngsters explore opportunities and make their own choices. Children are less likely to drop out of a sport, and they can learn a lot in the process.
* Enjoy the child's participation Resolve to enjoy the sport as much as you can. Learn some basic rules, skills and strategies; this understanding will help support the child's performance.
* Support the child emotionally Children need to know their parents are there for them. Sport is a great place to learn more about emotions fear, anger, guilt, surprise, sadness, happiness and enthusiasm and how to manage them.
* Deal with winning, losing and playing the game How they played the game should be most important. By avoiding competitive-based questions about a performance, parents can show their support by helping children evaluate their participation by asking how things went, what could be improved and whether they had fun playing the game.
"Parents need to provide and support opportunities for their children to be active every day," the release states.
Call your municipal recreation department for details of minor sports programs offered in your community.
For more information about the value of physical activity, call the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit's Health Action Line at 1-800-660-5853.
EDWARDSBURGH - An investigation of a reported abduction led police to charge the alleged victim with public mischief. The male complainant advised OPP June 7 he had been hitchhiking on Highway 401 eastbound when he was picked up by two men. The vehicle reportedly exited the highway, turned around and headed westbound in the opposite direction. The complainant reported the men did not respond to his requests to let him go, according to a police news release. The complainant reportedly called police after escaping from his abductors at Angelo's Restaurant (Exit 721). The police investigation revealed the complainant fabricated the report; police discovered he had missed court in Cornwall for a second time. Charged with public mischief is Bill Banks, 34, of South Glengarry; he is scheduled to appear in court July 12.
EDWARDSBURGH/CARDINAL Grenville County OPP responded June 7 to three break and enters police suspect were related. Each incident occurred overnight at residences just west of Cardinal. Hand and power tools were removed from out-buildings; in one case nothing was stolen, but items were moved to the front lawn. Constables T. Johnston and S. Runciman are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call the detachment in Prescott (925-4221).
EDWARDSBURGH - An Edwardsburgh-Cardinal man faces numerous charges in connection with a number of break and enters. On June 6 at about 5:45 pm, OPP responded to a break and enter that had just occurred on Ventnor Road. Upon arriving in the area, police located a man on a bicycle. Police found him to be in possession of stolen property. Carl Thompson, 42, was charged with five counts of break and enter and five counts of possession of property obtained by crime. The break and enters had occurred in the two days prior to the arrest. A majority of the property, including hand tools, was returned to the owners. The total value of the stolen property is less than $5,000. Thompson is scheduled to appear in court July 12.
AUGUSTA - One person sustained serious injuries in a two-car collision that occurred last Thursday morning on Highway 401 just east of Blue Church Road. An eastbound Acura Integra driven by Deborah Migras, 28, of Toronto was attempting to pass a transport that was reportedly losing sand-like debris from its rear end when the driver noticed a Ford Focus in her blind spot. The driver tried to correct her actions but caught the south shoulder, re-entered the passing lane and struck the Focus driven by Julie Marshall, 28, of Brockville. The Focus rolled over and came to rest on the south side of the eastbound lanes; the Acura came to rest in the median. Marshall was transported by ambulance to Brockville General Hospital. Migras was charged with careless driving, OPP reported in a news release.
MAYNARD - A new soccer field in North Augusta is already causing quite a stir in the township.
In a letter to council, Paul Solomatenko expressed his concern regarding the location of the nets and the potential for damage to his home from stray soccer balls.
The field is open for anyone to use for any activity, including golfing, and can not be under the supervision of soccer league representatives at all times, he said.
Solomatenko gave notice to the township he would seek compensation for any damage to his property as a result of activity at the field. He also noted he was not satisfied with responses from the North Augusta recreation association or Councillor Kathleen Thur, who is chairman of the recreation and ball committee.
Thur said the association had done everything possible to prevent damage, adding she had suggested neighbouring homeowners contact police if problems arise.
Reeve George Vail added he is also concerned about the nets and the fact they do not go right to the ground. "I believe very strongly we're going to get into a liability situation here" if a ball hit a vehicle, he said. "It may not have happened yet, but all it has to do is happen once and we're in for a paint job."
The reeve told Thur she would be responsible for monitoring the situation.
CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL: On Monday, several students from grades 5 to 8 attended the Wings enrichment conference.
On June 11, Centennial '67 hosted its annual popular ball tournament.
Today is bus orientation day at NEPS for students new to Kindergarten in the fall.
Grade 3 students will open their store Friday, giving all primary students an opportunity to purchase treasures at yard sale prices.
Centennial '67 students are enjoying their new tetherballs and outdoor volleyball.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL: Several junior and senior students attended a conference called "Wings" Monday, June 10.
Rooms 7 and 9 will travel by coach to Toronto Friday for their year-end trip.
The track and field championships were held Friday, June 7. Congratulations to all our athletes who qualified.
Studio C dancers performed for the primary classes Friday, June 7.
BROCKVILLE - The local branch of the VON will celebrate Seniors Month hosting "An Afternoon of Music & Nostalgia" Monday, June 17 from 2 to 4 pm at St. John Bosco Parish Centre on Windsor Drive in Brockville. For more information, call the VON at 342-3693 or 1-800-465-7646.
SGDHS student John Lane, who won a provincial award for
his business plan
to manufacture and market skateboards.
Economic development is one of those terms that just about everyone believes is a good thing at election time but not so good at budget time. Many municipal councils that would like to be perceived as being pro-business and supportive of companies looking to stay or move to town choose to push economic development aside when it is time to decide how to maintain basic services without raising taxes.
Prescott council has approved spending as much as $30,000 to consolidate municipal Web sites, but has rejected spending a smaller amount to review the town's official plan the one document that more than any other could make Prescott a destination for companies wishing to relocate. Although council has agreed to consider initiating a review of the official plan that has not been updated since the Sandra Lawn era, it was clear at Monday's budget meeting some councillors question the value of spending money on revising the plan.
There is nothing wrong with being apprehensive about spending taxpayers' money at a time when some people believe the town cannot afford the projects it already has in mind. The only potential problem with such apprehension involves leadership and foresight. Eyes will often roll when there is talk at the council table of writing five-year plans and discussing concepts of little or no interest to a majority of voters.
However, there are some ratepayers who would like to see their elected officials look at the bigger picture and think ahead to the future needs of the community. Council members are expected to ensure clean water comes out of the tap and streets are passable including Churchill Road! Unfortunately, managing the day-to-day activities has a way of consuming the entire three-year term of council and preventing our civic leaders from doing anything about the long-term outlook.
Forty years after the old town hall was torn down, there are still those who bemoan the decision and the lack of foresight on the part of the people in charge of things in those days. Previous councils have been criticized for neglecting the Dibble Street municipal building and allowing it to decay. Say what you will about all the time and money spent during the past few years to resolve the problem, but the folks who have been struggling to deal with this mess do not appear to have been well served by those who preceded them.
Hiring a consultant and trying to spark interest in planning matters will never be the most popular thing a politician will do, but ignoring the long-term issues in an effort to focus on short-term situations is no way to run a business.
Tim Ruhnke
David Dickenson
Being the new sports guy I felt it fitting that my first column be on sports. A sports nut all my life, I understand that sporting has never been perfect, and is ever changing, but I never in a million years would have expected sports to change as much as it has.
Hockey is a good example. With the shift from skill to size being apparent in today's NHL in order to combat the headhunting of each teams resident goon the game has slowed and scoring almost halted.
My Edmonton Oilers in their heyday had enforcers like Dave Semenko, but he just did his job and faded into obscurity while allowing Gretzky, Messier and Kurri to net their hundreds of points each season.
In today's sports the exploits of the enforcer have taken over and become a sideshow to the hockey itself.
I often wondered why such a great game as hockey and a league as the NHL is still only the fourth largest sport in the United States, and as much as I hate to give them credit they realized that any sport which allows its athletes to become a sideshow for being violent and disrupting the game, shouldn't be the top sport.
Guys like Tie Domi, Gary Roberts and Darcy Tucker are examples of the new age hockey. They helped lead the Leafs into the later rounds of the playoffs by roughing up the opposition with dirty play such as going for the knees and checking from behind.
These guys were not out to protect their players, or be a pest to opposing snipers; they were there to knock players out and take the attention away from the game and its stars. It truly is sad.
The game itself is suffering from this, and the depletion of skill throughout expansion is very apparent, where as over the years the league never looked as weak as it does now. The players with skill don't have the chance to showcase it, usually being out of the lineup with a concussion or some other form of injury from the goonish bruising.
Gone are the days of enforcers and the goon era has begun, with players out to literally hurt each other, and size becoming a must to impose second thoughts in the minds of those who check from behind, or go for the knee.
I love a hockey fight or a hard check as much as the next guy, but not at the price of the game. I want to see the skill and grit they showed at the Olympics, and not the sheer brute size and brawn brought up because all other roster spots are filled.
Lets get the refs to get back in the game, and the management to start throwing out harsher suspensions to end this headhunting madness.
John A.H. Morris
Probably the best thing that Mike Harris has done for Ontario taxpayers has been to quit politics and disappear from public view while successor Ernie Eves is left with a weak comic opera cabinet with which to try and put the province's health care system, education system and municipal affairs financing back together again.
An example of Harris's lack of management of provincial affairs came to light last week when the public found out to just what extent the executive and board of directors of Ontario Hydro have been ripping off the Ontario public the past several years.
The only salaries and bonuses being bandied about so far have been those of Hydro One chief executive Eleanor Clitheroe and Ontario Power CEO Ron Osborne. Clitheroe, on top of her $2.2 million annual salary, received performance bonuses ranging from $345,000 to $806,000 a year between 1999 and 2001. Osborne's pay envelope contained a salary of $1.75 million and this year's bonus is expected to bring it up to a respectable $2.3 million.
What makes it difficult for those of us who have been overcharged for our hydro usage to pay these and other undeserved salaries, is that these multi-million dollar executives and Hydro's well-compensated board of directors have piled up billions of dollars in debt in their operations, including a recent $2.5 billion over-run on the cost of firing up the Pickering nuclear generating station.
When these greedy and not-so-competent Hydro executives started voting themselves multi-million dollar golden hand-shakes which were supported by the board of directors, Premier Eves was 100 per cent right in forcing the board's resignation. What Eves doesn't need, however, is a redneck yahoo like Chris Stockwell as his minister of energy.
Eve's next crucial test will come next summer when Harris's ill-conceived "double cohort" plan for high school graduates sends them looking for college or university seats that do not exist, thus throwing our post-secondary institutions into the same untenable position as our woefully underfunded elementary and secondary school systems.
*****
We hope Prime Minister Jean Chretien is taking notes on how Mike Harris has pulled his Houdini act, because his strong adherence to the pork barrel policies of Quebec politics and his blatant defence of government contract corruption, is an embarrassment to Canadians.
Instead of trying to find ways to stay in power, Chretien should be searching for an honourable exit from politics. His heir-apparent, Paul Martin, will not only attract the Liberal vote outside Quebec, but also those of thousands of Progressive Conservatives who find neither Joe Clark nor Stephen Harper to their liking. Unfortunately, we still think Chretien is so obsessed with himself that he will corrupt the voting formula in the next Liberal leadership review and find a way to seek re-election.
*****
We have received many compliments by mail, e-mail, in person and by telephone on our book on the history of Prescott, but one letter we received recently really catches the spirit of those pioneers, new and old, who have provided us with such a rich heritage. The letter was from Bill Whitney of Fort McMurray, formerly of Prescott. He writes:
"What a great book! You deserve congratulations on putting it together, with posthumous congrats to your father who built the core.
"Prescott really has a fascinating history. Many exciting and courageous people played out small parts on the stage, and some played large parts too. We should never try to judge people in the past with only our present day standards, but it is certainly true that putting yourself in someone else's boots back then is a legitimate mental exercise. To rely on your own power to break the sod on a farm, or start up a new business when there were no safety nets, or lead a group of militiamen across the ice to capture Ogdensburg in the dead of winter certainly took pluck.
"Your book allows us to imagine these events.
"Prescott's key location may have had something to do with its rendezvous with history, but more likely it has more to do with the grit and determination of its inhabitants, who weren't far removed from their own ancestors, who carved out their own future from the savage wilderness.
"Thank you for your important contribution to history and our remembrance of our (almost) forgotten past."
Thank you, Bill Whitney, and we hope your kind words about those who have contributed to Prescott's greatness the past 200 years will find them encouraging in helping to cure the economic and intellectual doldrums that plague us here today.
Copy of a letter sent to Ontario Premier Ernie Eves, Health Minister Tony Clement and Leeds-Grenville Bob Runciman and others
Ever since they were born (starting 20 years ago), I have taken my children for a medical check-up each year. I and my doctor have always considered this to be an act of preventative medicine. OHIP has always paid for this service.
This year, our family has saved enough money to send my daughter on a student exchange. Knowing that a medical certificate would be required, we delayed the annual medical to avoid duplicating, and wasting the time of doctors, other medical personnel and medical facilities.
I have now been informed the OHIP-funded medical is not allowed, as a third party has requested a certificate. This apparently is because there are too many groups requesting medical certificates; transport truckers, school bus drivers, children going to camp, to name a few that were quoted to me by an OHIP employee. I could understand needing to pay for a medical if more than one is required in a year. However, I fail to see the logic in refusing an annual medical for anyone. Is it not better to know that a trucker, a school bus driver, children have been cleared medically, than have them ill and possibly creating more medical, or other, problems? Does preventative medicine no longer have any bearing in Ontario?
It seems once again our government has taken an extremely short-sighted view of our medical system. Preventative medicine does not seem to be a part of their overall view of the health of Ontarians. Once again, the government is hitting the low and middle working classes with a cost they can ill afford. The extra $75 for a medical, plus $20 for the certificate, is an extra burden on people who are already overloaded with everyday expenses.
Perhaps the government should revisit the law, and allow at least one medical funded by OHIP, whether requested by a third party or not.
I am asking the fee for my daughter's annual medical check-up be paid by OHIP. I do not feel this is an unreasonable request as she has always been entitled to one, but not this year.
I look forward to hearing from each of the people to whom I am sending this letter.
Linda Chapeskie, RR4 Spencerville
The Editor;
Please allow us to publicly thank the Fort Town Concert Association for allowing Dr. Jim (James Labens), trombonist, to perform at our school May 29.
Through their generous effort, Dr. Jim was able to entertain while educating our young students in grades 1 through 5. A knowledgeable and talented gentleman, Dr. Jim played a variety of instruments sackbutt (first name given to a trombone), the garden hose, conch shells and the didgeridoo. His passion for music was evident and energized the children.
On behalf of the students and staff at Maitland Public School, we would especially like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Boag and Marguerite of the Fort Town Concert Association for their involvement in bringing to our community, without cost to us, such a wonderfully enriching educational experience.
Eileen McCrae
Office Administrator
Maitland Public School
Editor's note: James Labens also performed at Maynard, Boundary Street, Algonquin, North Edwardsburgh and South Edwardsburg public schools.
Jane Fullarton
The Maitland Education and Recreation Committee is accepting applications from graduating high school students for the MERC Bursary.
Susanne Jensen, a member of the Bursary Selection Committee, says the MERC Bursary is designed to recognize achievement in education, recreation and volunteerism. The MERC Bursary is for Maitland residents who are graduating from high school this year or who graduated last year and are returning to post secondary school this fall.
All applicants must reside in Maitland and have completed 20 hours of community service work, 10 hours of which must benefit the Maitland community directly. MERC awards a $100 prize to all applicants who are Ontario Scholars and additional bursaries are awarded, in an amount to be determined annually. Deadline for applications is June 30.
Applications can be obtained from MERC Board members or from the office of your high school. Completed applications can be returned to the MERC Bursary Selection Committee by mailing them to MERC, Box 272, Maitland, K0E 1P0.
The annual Maitland Garage Sale is being held Saturday, June 15 from 9 am to 1 pm rain or shine.
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The emphasis will be on creating seasonal job opportunities for young adults during the upcoming Hire a Student Week.
The Prescott Human Resource Centre for Students is one of the local sponsors of the special program which will be launched Monday, June 17 with a flag-raising ceremony at the marina in Prescott. Amelia Mayer, summer employment officer at the Prescott centre, said the goal is to increase awareness as well as create as many jobs for students as possible.
The centre, which is located on the second floor of the federal building on Centre Street, offers a wide range of services for students and employers. In addition to job listings, the centre helps young adults with the process of seeking employment.
Hire a Student Week is being presented in partnership with the Employment and Education Centre in Brockville and the Brockville office of Human Resources Development Canada.
A "Humble Beginnings" information booth will be at the Prescott Golf Club Thursday, June 20 from 9 to 10 am. A number of prominent local residents will be on hand to describe their first summer jobs, according to Mayer. The booth will also be set up at the YM/YWCA in Brockville June 18 and at the 1000 Islands Mall June 21.
As for the number of summer job opportunities in the Prescott area, Mayer said things have picked up since earlier in the season. Of the 91 job openings on file at the centre as of last Friday, less than half had been filled.
"There are still jobs to be had," Mayer said.
Many of the employment opportunities involve tourism, agriculture or manual labour. Mayer noted the arrival of warmer weather has produced an increase in the number of odd jobs posted at the centre.
For more information, call 925-2508.
MARNIE LIPPIATT
Those who went on our Magog trip enjoyed a delicious pot luck at Walker House Friday.
We spent an interesting evening reminiscing, laughing over pictures and once more "stuffing" ourselves with delicious food.
We still have a few people to make at least their deposit for the fall trip. The final payment is to be made before the end of July so tickets and accommodations can be verified.
We are still having a coffee Tuesday mornings and lunch-bunch Wednesdays.
Why not join us at least once a month? Maybe a rainy day would be suitable when there is no golf or gardening.
Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Bea Hemsley; 2nd, Margaret Nesbitt; door prize, Sam Covey. Tuesday night cribbage high score, Hilda Hutton; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; 3rd, Pete Lowry and Betty Magocs; door prize, Lou Baldwin. Wednesday night bridge winner, Andy Britnell; second, Margaret Nesbitt; door prize, Sandy Leduc. Thursday night euchre 1st, Bea Hemsley; 2nd, Mary Reynolds; 3rd, Lou Baldwin; door prize, Myrtle Shahan.
CARDINAL - Local business operators have joined forces to form the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Ward 1 Business Association.
Thirteen local business people have had two meetings to get the association off the ground as a positive influence in strengthening the ties in the business community.
At the last meeting the association named Charlie Burrell president and Marj Kempffer secretary/treasurer.
"We've sent out letters last week to the businesses in town," explained Kempffer. "It looks like we're going to start as a small executive council and grow. We just want to be a positive force in the community."
The association hopes the views of businesses in the area would have more clout at township council as an organized group.
"We have some concerns of where taxes are going in the village proper, and other issues associated with our businesses," explained Burrell. " As an association, we may be able to be looked upon more favourably by council."
SPENCERVILLE - Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Township has split the job of clerk-treasurer in two, with former clerk-treasurer Russell Trivett taking over the new position of township treasurer. The CAO/clerk job is open for applications, and the township hopes to fill the vacancy by the first of August.
"We split the job Russell was doing," explained Mayor Dave Dobbie. "Russell will focus on the financial aspects of treasurer, and the new CAO/clerk will be the person responsible for the different department heads to answer to instead of a whole council.
"The new employee could focus on keeping their thumb on the pulse of the community," Dobbie said.
CARDINAL - The Cardinal Lions Club will be having a yard sale Saturday, June 15 in the parking lot at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.
The sale goes from 8 am until mid-afternoon, with coffee and breakfast being available. The cancer society has a table and will be selling pies at the yard sale.
For more information call Merv Smith at 657-3058.
CARDINAL Everyone is welcome to attend the last Junior Cardinal Stamp Club meeting for the season is today, Wednesday, June 12.
The club will meet at the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library, Cardinal Branch, beginning at 7 pm.
Organizer John Dugan Sr. expects the club will begin regular monthly meetings again in September.
CARDINAL The annual memorial service for St. John's United Church Cemetery will take place this Sunday, June 16. The service begins at 11 am.
For more information, call 657-3433.
CARDINAL A spring supper with turkey, potatoes, macaroni, salads, and desserts will be held tomorrow, Thursday, June 13 at St. Paul's Anglican Church on John Street.
The meal will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Take-outs are available.
JOHNSTOWN - The Bridgeview Restaurant is eyeing improvements including a covered patio and liquor licence.
The patio will be a fenced in 20x40 stone floor with a certified rubber awning overtop, overlooking the river.
"From the back of the restaurant you will be able to step right onto the patio, explained owner Janet Riddell. "If everything goes well it should increase business and be a nice place to sit."
Any residents with comments about the liquor licence application have to submit written notice to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario by July 5.
Howard C. Schoales, a former long-time resident of the Prescott area, died peacefully after a brief illness Tuesday, May 14, 2002, surrounded by his family at Kingston General Hospital. He was 83.
Mr. Schoales was the son of Frederick and Irene Schoales, and was born, raised and educated in Toronto. After high school, he began his working career with Canadian National Railways, first in Toronto and then in Montreal. During WWII, Mr. Schoales enlisted and was a driving instructor in the Canadian Army, posted primarily in Kingston. Following his discharge, he returned to Montreal and resumed his job with the CNR until 1953 when he began work with RCA Ltd. and was transferred to Prescott. He retired from RCA at age 65.
He and his wife Jeane resided in the Prescott area from 1953 to 1998, when they moved to Kingston due to health issues.
Mr. Schoales was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to wife Jeane of Kingston; daughters Lynne Schoales of Toronto and Brenda Humphry (Bud) of Prescott; grand daughters Kaelee Gilbert (Barry) and Dana Thain (Linn) and great grandsons Kaylan Cryderman and Jonathan Thain.
He is also survived by three of four sisters: Betty Mergny of Montreal, Jean Schoales of Toronto and Dorothy Mayberry of Australia.
Mr. Schoales loved birds and animals of all types. He raised and competed with his guinea pigs, racing pigeons and budgies. To this he added a love of dogs and cats. He was a skilled leather craftsman and woodworker in his younger years.
He was also an active football, baseball and lacrosse player during his school years, and was an ardent fisherman, and an expert at filleting fish. He was an armchair coach of just about all sports on TV, and was a devoted Toronto Maple Leaf and Argonauts fan. As long as Prescott had a bowling alley, Mr. Schoales was an active participant in league activities and followed that with many years as a member of the Prescott Curling Club.
The summer cottage the couple shared since 1954 was a special love, and it was a place where Mr. Schoales loved to be from April to October each year. Many young family members and friends learned how to fish, swim, water ski, snowmobile, make pie-irons, play cards, and just have a wonderful time under Mr. and Mrs. Schoales' guidance.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 17, 2002 at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott. Services were conducted by Rev. Gerry Ring.
PRESCOTT - Wellington House will be hosting a number of events in June as part of Long-Term Care Facility Month.
"We are encouraging community members to visit our facility and meet the residents and staff," stated Janet Code, director of nursing and assistant administrator.
The long-term care centre on Edward Street is hosting walks each Thursday.
There will also be a barbecue and bake sale June 23 from noon until 2 pm.
Wellington House residents and staff have decided to donate proceeds from the sale to the Alzheimer Society.
"This is a very important cause for us since many of our residents suffer the debilitating effects of this disease," stated Code, who added Wellington House has a long and proud history of raising money for important causes.
A picnic for Wellington House volunteers will take place June 26.
By participating in the upcoming events, Code noted, the community can get a better understanding of the changing long-term care sector "...and on top of that they can meet the wonderful residents of Wellington House to help celebrate their achievements and contributions."
For more information, call 925-2834.
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE Thirty-one additional long-term care beds are coming to Leeds and Grenville as part of the redevelopment of two facilities in the united counties, MPP Bob Runciman announced Friday.
A reconstructed St. Lawrence Lodge will be able to accommodate 252 residents, 12 more than at the present time. Nineteen beds are being added to Maple View Lodge in Athens as part of a redevelopment project due to be completed in 2004.
The St. Lawrence Lodge project is scheduled to be completed in 2005.
"While Leeds-Grenville has more beds per capita than the provincial standard, this allocation recognizes the aging population in our area and the ever-increasing demand for these services," Runciman stated in a news release.
CARDINAL - A photo caption in last week's Cardinal and District News incorrectly identified a Sea Cadet participating in the group's annual review ceremonies. The cadets demonstrating the setting up of sheer legs were in fact Richard Coughler and Shawn Mustard. The Journal regrets the error.
OTTAWA- Both the Prescott Jr. Gunners under-13 and under-17 teams brought home gold medals at the AT&T Ottawa International Icebreaker Tournament June 2.
The under-17 team started the tournament with a 1-1 shootout loss to the Nepean Toros, with David Thornhill scoring for the Gunners.
The Gunners rebounded from the loss to beat the South Nepean United Rangers 1-0, with Justin Deshiffart providing the lone goal, and Jordan Ladd and Brandon Stone scored in the shootout.
In their third game Prescott lost to the Nepean Hotspurs Reds 1-0, despite dominating the play.
In the elimination round, the Gunners faced the Cumberland Cobras. Finishing tied one apiece, with the Gunners won in a shootout. Thornhill scored the Gunners lone marker, while Kyle Lundy, Jimmy Sirmas, Jordan Porter, Cory Jones, and Stone scored in the shootout.
In the quarter-finals, the Gunners defeated the Nepean Hotspurs Krugers 1-0, on a nice header by Deshiffart.
In the semi-finals, Prescott and the Ottawa Royals finished scoreless, with the Gunners getting goals from Sirmas, Stone and Lundy to win the shootout and advance.
In the final the Gunners finished in a 1-1 draw with the Nepean Hotspurs Reds before heading into a shootout. Thornhill marked the Gunners lone goal in regulation time, while Sirmas, Lundy, Stone and Jones scored in the shootout, while Prescott keeper Lyle Drew stoned two Hotspurs in the shootout.
The under-13 team started the tournament with a 1-1 draw with Thornhill, before losing in the shootout, Stuart Taylor scored the goal in regulation.
The Gunners had trouble with their next two games, losing to the Ottawa Internationals 1-0 and Capital United 4-0.
In the first elimination round the Gunners knocked off first-seeded Cumberland 1-0, thanks to their strong defensive play and a goal from Rob MacMillan.
Prescott battled a tough Markham team to a 0-0 draw. It took six shooters to decide the winner, with Mike Froom scoring the winning goal and goalkeeper Mike Wilson stopping Markham.
In the semi-finals the Gunners once again faced Markham, with the same results, as Wilson held strong and the sixth shooter Peter Roy scored the winner.
In the finals the Prescott defeated a strong Montreal team 1-0, with Froom taking advantage of a direct free kick, which ended up the winner.
BELLEVILLE - South Grenville District High School capped its track and field season with a disappointing but gutsy performance at the Ontario Championships in Belleville.
The highly ranked Mandy Wallace entered the meet at the Bay of Quinte Centennial track ranked third in the junior girls 3,000-metre race, and in the top ten in the 1,500-metre race, and her coaches expected a good placing.
Wallace finished fourth in her 1,500-metre heat as a strategic move to not overwork herself and to take it easy on her injured shins.
She competed in the final heat of the 1,500-metres finishing eighth before pulling out of her best race, the 3,000-metres.
"Mandy I think was disappointed," explained coach Norrie Spence. "She worked so hard to get so far, but she's got a big future in running and has to respect the injury."
"She could barely walk because of the pain," Spence added. "It's just an amazing athletic performance, that she did so well despite being in such pain."
"She has bigger things to come."
BROCKVILLE - Local schools fared quite well at the Leeds and Grenville Elementary School Track and Field Championships at Thousand Islands Secondary School in Brockville Friday.
Several athletes had top six finishes to earn medals including Jessica Rupert of Maynard Public School, getting second place for top junior girl, and Matt Deeks of StJoseph School tying for second place for top senior boy.
"We got good weather and some great athletes to compete for the events," said event co-ordinator and Westminster Public School teacher Corey Fox. "We've done this for the last ten years or so, and everyone has a good time, and competes hard."
Top finishers for Prescott and area were:
Junior Girls
Jamie Froats of Maynard Public School, first, 60-metres and second, 100-metres.
Jessica Rupert of Maynard Public School, third, 100-metres, first in 200-metre, and first, triple jump.
Zoe Kamenz of Centennial '67, first, shot put.
Brittany Patenaude of Centennial '67, fourth, shot put.
Maynard Public School, first, 4x100-metre relay.
Senior Girls
Erika Kamenz of Centennial '67, fourth, 60-metres and third in high jump
Steacy Kenney of Central Public School, sixth, shot put.
Junior Boys
Gavin Bush of St. Joseph School, third in 60-metres, fourth in 100-metres and fourth in 800-metres.
Mike Froom of Central Public School, fifth, 60-metres.
J.J. Parsons of Central Public School, fifth, 400-metres and third, high jump.
Matt Leeder of Maynard Public School, first, 800-metres and first, 1,500-metres.
Matt Cockshott of Maynard Public School, sixth, long jump.
Josh Whelan of St. Joseph School, sixth, triple jump.
Maynard Public School, fourth, 4x100-metre relay.
Central Public School, fifth, 4x100-metre relay.
Senior Boys
Matt Deeks of St. Joseph School, first, 100-metres and first, 200-metres.
Justin Carriere of Centennial '67, sixth, 100-metres and fifth, 200-metres.
Brennan Barrett of Maynard Public School, fifth, 400-metres and second, 1,500-metres.
Scott Hall of Central Public School, third, high jump.
St. Joseph's Public School, fourth, 4x100-metre relay.
Maynard Public School, fifth, 4x100-metre relay.
Points Under-16
Gateway Packing 6
Kriska 5
Southport 4
Hartley Sports 4
Watermark Printing 3
United 0
Canadian Tire 0
Under-12
Star Security 8
Shriners 8
Beach Home Hardware 6
Kriska 4
Freer Electric 4
Seaway Valley Pharmacy 4
Grenville Castings 2
Giant Tiger 2
DWJ Plumbing 2
Hansen's Kavity Kickers 0
Under-10
Seaway Physiotherapy 8
Splash Well Drilling 8
Mac's 6
Danani Flooring 6
Royal Bank 4
Becker's 4
TD Canada Trust 4
Everton 3
Kinsmen 2
Colour Pallette 1
Grenville Pharmacy 1
Under-8
MTJB 8
Playit Star 6
Prescott IDA 6
SLP Printers Devils 6
Lane's 5
Conpendium Group Inc. 4
Windmill Web Spiders 3
Hometown Heating 3
Prophet's Trophies 1
Tropical Pools 0
Under-6
Prescott Chiros 10
Chevron Construction 8
Brent Scott Insurance 7
Star Security 6
Tichborne Auto Supply 3
Beck's Construction 3
Grenville Fish & Game 2
PRESCOTT - In a week full of matches, PDSA soccer boasted some strong games and performances from the kids.
In under-16 action Nicholas Maggio tallied two markers and was able to help Southport to a 3-3 draw against United.
In other PDSA action:
Under-16
Southport 3
United 3
Southport: Nicholas Maggio (2), Chris Hoogwerf, United: Josh Rupert (2), Chris Farrel
Kriska 2
Canadian Tire 1
Kriska: Jacob Casselman, Allan Robertson, Canadian Tire: David Code
Gateway Packing 4
Hartley Sports 0
Gateway: Steven Joudoin (2), Clayton Dunnington, Ryan Fisher
Watermark Printing 4
United 3
Watermark: Logan Gillard (3), Chris Maloney, United: Joel Haystead (2), Evan Lavalle
Kriska 6
Gateway Packing 0
Kriska: Ryan Davy (3), Samantha Joudoin, Adam Finlay, Dunnington
Southport 4
Canadian Tire 0
Southport: Matt Deeks, Tyler Byrd, Chantel Hache, Maggio
Under-12
Freer Electric 3
Hansen's Kavity 2
Freer: Nicholas Goodman (2), Willie Gauvin, Hansen: Michael Marchand (2)
Seaway Valley Pharmacy 4
Giant Tiger 1
Seaway: Chelsea Edwards, Robert Kimmerly, James King, Timothy Johnson, Giant Tiger: Trevor Madden
Kriska 5
DWJ Plumbing 0
Kriska: Trent Blanchette, Nicholaus Francica, Samantha Dougherty, Kayla McNally, Brandon Ell
Shriners 3
Beach Home Hardware 2
Shriners: Jessie Hyland (2), Jessica Rupert, Beach: Andrew Bernard, Miichael Thomas
Star Security 3
Grenville Casting 0
Star: Curtis Biccum (2), Cody Hache
Beach Home Hardware 5
DWJ Plumbing 0
Beach: Thomas (3), Torin Marcynuk (2)
Star Security 7
Kriska 3
Star: Biccum (2), Colton Reid (2), Daniel Norton, Robert Watson, Hache, Kriska: McNally (2), Joshua Newton
Giant Tiger 6
Hansen's Kavity Kickers 1
Giant Tiger: Trevor Madden (2), Ashley Dunnington (2), Shannon Shackles, Justin Dalrymple, Hansen: Marchand
Freer Electric 5
Grenville Castings 2
Freer: Kailee Byers (3), Goodman (2), Grenville: Matthew McPharlen
Shriners 6
Seaway Valley Pharmacy 0
Shriners: Nick Place (3), Kyle Jensen, Hank Haykoop, Hyland
Under-10
Royal Bank 5
Kiwanis 3
Royal: Ben Hutton (4), Mason Williams, Ryan Van Stralen (3)
Danani Flooring 4
Colour Pallette 2
Danani: Cody Patenaude (3), Mitchell Grant, Colour: Daniel Walker, Robby Deeks
Beckers 1
Grenville Pharmacy 0
Beckers: Austin Murphy
Splash Well Drilling 4
Kinsmen 2
Splash: Scott Stephenson (2), Devon Labrun, Damian Van Hyning, Kinsmen: Ian King, Ronnie Harrison
Macs 6
Everton 0
Macs: Cory Wilson (3), Josh Pitt (2), Jessica Dunnington
Seaway Physiotherapy 6
TD Canada Trust 0
Seaway: Trent Carney (4), Ryan Maggio, Sean Perrin
Everton 2
TD Canada Trust 1
Everton: Cody Leizert (2), TD: Troy Armstrong
Seaway Physiotherapy 9
Kiwanis 1
Seaway: Perrin (4), Carney (3), Danny Calhoun, Kiwanis: Rick Champagne
Royal Bank 2
Colour Pallette 1
Royal: Hutton (2), Colour: John Jackson
Macs 4
Becker's 1
Macs: Joshua Pitt (3), Jarrett Pitt, Beckers: Coleman Colpits
Splash Well Drilling 7
Grenville Pharmacy 0
Splash: Lebrun (6), Mike Morrell
Danani Flooring 4
Kinsmen 1
Danani: Patenaude (2), Tyson Lefebvre, Grant, Grenville: King
Under-8
MTJB 2
Windmill Web Spiders 0
MTJB: Spencer Cook, Devon Degray
Hometown Heating 1
Tropical Pools 0
Hometown: John Hayman
Lanes 3
Compendium Group Inc. 2
Lanes: Jesse Boyd, Mika Tuansky, Matthew Boyd, Compendium: Joey Sargent, Cody Adams
Playit Star 3
Prophet's Trophies 2
Playit: Tyson Bertrand (2), Alex Stephenson, Prophet's: Paul Dejong (2)
SLP Printers Devils 1
Prescott IDA 1
SLP: Payton Marriner, IDA: Cody Knapp
Compendium Group Inc. 3
Prophet's Trophies 0
Compendium: Sargent (2), Spencer Lee
Prescott IDA 2
Lanes 0
Goalscorers not available
Windmill Web Spiders 4
Hometown Heating 0
Windmill: Colwell (2), Alex Molder, Damian Haystead
MTJB 3
SLP Printers Devils 1
MTJB: Brett Van Stralen (3), SLP: Payton Marriner
Playit Star 9
Tropical Pools 1
Playit: Bertrand (7), Stephenson (2), Tropical: McAuley
Under-6
Tichborne Auto Supply 1
Playit Star 1
Tichborne: Calsey Sherick, Playit: Kyle Coligan
Brent Scott Insurance 5
Grenville Fish & Game 0
Scott: Cameron Smith (4), Kierson Sizer
Prescott Chiros 5
Beck's Construction 0
Chiros: John Lawless (4), Garrett Knapp
Chevron Construction 5
Star Security 1
Chevron: Curtis Ross (3), Courtney Crowder (2), Jesse Kennedy, Star: Mason Wyatt
Brent Scott Insurance 9
Beck's Construction 2
Scott: Smith (7), Taylor Bonvcchi, Beck's: Lara Alenik, Lucas McBride
Prescott Chiros 9
Star Security 0
Chiros: Lawless (4), Paige Dorey (2), Ben Smith, Zach Shankar, Travis McAuley
Chevron Construction 3
Playit Star 0
Chevron: Ross (2), Kennedy
Tichborne Auto Supply 3
Grenville Fish & Game 2