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PRESCOTT High-performance boats will make their way up and down the St. Lawrence River Saturday as part of one of the largest events of its kind in North America.
Prescott is one of five stops on the annual 1000 Islands Poker Run. More than 120 powerboats are expected to take part in the competition, and several events are being held in the Fort Town on Poker Run Saturday.
A group of larger boats is scheduled to dock at the marina in Prescott at about 2:15 pm. The other group of Poker Run participants will arrive at about 3 pm but will not dock in town. All boats will take part in a grand start just after 3:30 pm, at which time they head back upstream to Gananoque.
The Poker Run is not a race, although spectators will be able to check out the power and speed of the participating boats, many of which appear at similar events throughout the .
The participants follow a route which includes checkpoints along the way.
A sealed envelope containing one playing card is given to each boat at each checkpoint. The crew with the best poker hand at the end of the run is declared the winner.
Poker Run participants leave Gananoque at 10 am and stop at checkpoints at Clayton, Alexandria Bay and Brockville before heading for Prescott.
Large crowds gather at Prescott's waterfront each year to watch the high-performance boats. A number of activities will be staged at or near the marina Saturday morning and afternoon.
The Poker Run is not the only reason to be in downtown Prescott this Saturday.
The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will present a giant community garage sale Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm at the municipal parking lot at King and Centre streets.
Local businesses are donating the items to be sold. Items can be dropped off at the Royal Bank Friday morning and afternoon. Larger items can be taken directly to the sale Saturday from 7 to 8 am.
Proceeds from the event will be used by the chamber for activities in the community. Items not sold at the sale will be donated to charity.
In addition to the garage sale and Saturday Farmers Market, kids will receive free balloons courtesy of the Gift Lane. The BIA and Tourism Prescott will offer face painting for the kids. Free horse and wagon rides will also be provided Saturday morning at the clocktower.
The Antique Jeep Club of Canada will have many of its cars on display at the marina beginning at noon Saturday. These beauties were built between 1948 and 1952. The cars are expected to remain at the waterfront for much of the afternoon.
The Rotary Club of Prescott will host a barbecue in the marina area Saturday.
The Prescott outdoor theatre has been booked from 3 pm to dusk for a concert. Further details were unavailable at press time.
There will also be numerous garage sales held throughout town as part of the special activities associated with the 1000 Islands Poker Run.
For more information about Poker Run activities being held in Prescott, call the town at 925-2812 or Tourism Prescott at 925-1861.
MAYNARD Water is in critical shortage in the north and central areas of Augusta Township, Reeve George Vail reported at council Monday night.
The shortage is so extreme, residents are being asked not to water lawns, flower gardens or shrubs, Vail said. All available water is required to be in reserve if needed for firefighting efforts. "It's very serious. There are few places left to get water," he said, noting areas from which firefighters could normally pump water have dried up from the summer's drought conditions.
Among the areas now dry are at the DeJong Bridge, a creek on the sixth concession east of County Road 15 and at the Charleville Bridge. Water remains only at the Steve Polite and John Anstead gravel pits.
The water shortage in Augusta also means roads are dusty and can not be graded, Roads Superintendent Keith Couture said following the meeting. "Fire protection comes before road grading. We're into major, major problems (for fire protection)," he said.
Vail also asked residents to be aware of the green flashing lights attached to firefighters personal vehicles used during emergencies, and to allow them the right of way.
A burning ban remains in effect throughout Leeds and Grenville. Non-compliance could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and being handed a bill for firefighting efforts, Vail said.
From Nov. 2000 to Aug. 20, 2001, the Augusta fire department was called to 22 grass or brush fires, compared to five similar fires during Nov. 1999 to Aug. 20, 2000.
"It goes to show you how busy these guys are," the reeve said.
SPENCERVILLE - A level-two drought has been declared by the South Nation Conservation Water Response Team, it was noted by Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday.
Residents are being asked to voluntarily cut back on unnecessary water use to help prevent an upgraded level-three drought.
The correspondence also inquired as to whether or not the municipality had in its Official Plan emergency drought measures. Council was advised it didn't. Mayor Dave Dobbie suggested it would be a good idea to have such measures adopted.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Good news for anybody who lives in Prescott: there is no shortage of water, despite recent drought conditions.
Henry Flagg, operator at the local water filtration plant on Corrine Street, said in an interview Monday the system has had no difficulties meeting the increased demand for water.
There is an unlimited supply of water from the river, he said, noting rationing would likely never take place in Prescott.
The filtration plant was designed to pump two million gallons of water per day for a population of about 10,000 people, Flagg said. "We're able to handle it quite nicely. That's comforting." The system is running at about 40 per cent capacity, he added.
Average daily water use in periods of normal rainfall range from 700,000 to 800,000 gallons. During this season's extended dry spell, Flagg reported water use between 1.2 and 1.6 million gallons per day. On a monthly basis, July 2001 water use was about 27 millions gallons, while July 2000 records show water use registered 20.6 million gallons. The low for this year was in February, when 17.7 million gallons poured through taps.
The largest single user of water in Prescott is the golf course, while the largest commercial user is Prescott Finishing on Walker Street, Flagg said.
The town water system also has plenty of reserve, the operator said. The Hyde Street water tower holds 500,000 gallons, and an underground reservoir on the south side of the plant contains an additional 350,000 gallons. As well, the water distribution system holds a "substantial amount" of water, thereby acting as reserve.
"We could handle a major fire quite nicely - no problem at all," Flagg said.
River temperature is up slightly this summer to 22°C (72°F) from 18.5°C (65°F) in July 2000. However, the increased temperature does not affect water quality, he said. Injections of chlorine are paced accordingly, and each Monday water samples are sent to Environmental Technology Research Labs in Kingston for testing. Samples are taken from five different locations in town.
"If there's any question, the lab immediately calls back," Flagg said. "It tests every organism you can think of. Those micro-organisms get a pretty good dosage of chemicals before it ever gets to you. We've been fortunate to have extremely good water quality."
Flagg explained the first-stage disinfectant chlorine dioxide is injected into the raw water. This chemical is made on site and leaves no residue, he noted. The water then passes through the filters and is treated with chlorine.
SOUTH GRENVILLE Portions of Augusta and Edwardsburgh townships will be affected by a power interruption Saturday, Aug. 25, according to Hydro One.
The outage is scheduled to run from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Spencerville and Domville were listed as affected areas. Most of Edwardsburgh will be affected except parts of Concessions 1 and 2. Parts of Lots 1 through 19 and Concessions 1 through 7 in Augusta will also be affected.
The alternate date for the power interruption is Saturday, Sept. 1.
For more information, call Hydro One at 1-888-664-9376.
PRESCOTT The final Sunday summer concert of the season will take place this weekend at the Kinsmen outdoor theatre.
Gary and Mickey Code will perform at the amphitheatre Sunday, Aug. 26 at 6:30 pm. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
The concert series has been made possible through the support of numerous community groups, individuals and the town.
PRESCOTT The Cape May Light will make is final appearance of the season next week.
The cruise ship is scheduled to arrive in Prescott Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 7 pm and depart the next day at 3 pm. The 224-passenger vessel stops in the Fort Town on its voyages between Quebec City and Buffalo.
The Canadian Empress is scheduled to make more than one dozen stops in Prescott between Aug. 23 and Oct. 26. The Nantucket Clipper's final visit of the season took place Monday.
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE The Lung Association of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville plans to cook the world's largest omelette next May to raise money to fight asthma.
The special project was launched Friday in Lyn. Eggs will be sold for use in the omelette, with proceeds going to the association. It is anticipated the omelette will include 165,000 eggs and will be cooked in a special frying pan more than 13 metres in diameter.
The association is hoping to get students involved. For each dozen eggs sold, the student can submit a suggestion for the name of the frying pan.
For more information, contact Richard Welburn at (613) 345-1034 or by e-mail at lanark@on.lung.ca.
Asthma affects one in five children and is the leading cause of hospitalization of children in Ontario.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD An Augusta resident says somebody on council "screwed up" when an authorization was made to accept potentially contaminated soil at the Maynard landfill site.
Duaine McKinley asked council at its Monday night meeting to account for the action, as well as a number of other "procedural irregularities" in the township.
McKinley noted a "significant amount of granular material" had been transported from a location in Brockville and deposited in the landfill.
The material originated from an area near the Laurier substation in Brockville, "and we all know how substations are notorious for PCB contamination," he said. "We don't seem to have a clear certificate for that material."
He also noted it is not within the mandate of the landfill to accept industrial waste from Brockville.
"If it was totally clean, I have no argument. But we don't know that, because we don't seem to have any documentation stating that," McKinley said.
"We've got product coming in we don't know the source of."
McKinley questioned who gave authorization for the fill. "We're at risk and that's not acceptable. Somebody screwed up here." He also noted there were no records of the township having been paid the tipping fees for the potentially contaminated soil.
"This is not acceptable. The whole issue smacks of incompetence, or perhaps worse. I think council better find out. I hope you give us some answers."
Councillor Doug Barton confirmed about 60 loads had been delivered. "It's a plus on our side, because not only are we receiving the tipping fees, but we will also be able to use it for cover. We will accept more of that type of product if it becomes available, also because it's a savings to the community, not an expense."
Barton was not certain if the loads had a certificate of non-contamination before they arrived in Maynard, but noted he would be checking into the matter.
He explained during question period other soil delivered to Maynard was from the Ultramar site in Maitland, which had contained hydrofluorocarbons. However, he said once the material is spread out, the contamination dissipates into the air, and is no longer considered to be hazardous.
McKinley's other concerns ranged from public documents that could not be immediately located in the township office to personnel issues.
PRESCOTT Town firefighters have volunteered their time to make improvements to the area in front of the fire hall.
Town officials were advised recently by fire association directors they would like to replace the asphalt with interlocking paving stones. Firefighters would provide the labour at no cost; the town would provide the materials.
Fire Chief Bill Lawrence estimated materials would cost in the range of $5,000 to $8,000.
Mayor Robert Lawn suggested firefighters submit a written proposal.
Lawrence also noted the siding is starting to fall off the building.
The fire department has also expressed an interest in obtaining a rescue boat.
The most comprehensive book on the history of Prescott ever published will have its official launch and initial sale Saturday, August 25, at a garden party and lawn social at the historic waterfront home of Mrs. Jean Wadds, 741 King Street West.
Morrises' History of Prescott: 1800-2000, written and published by John A.H. Morris, publisher of The Prescott Journal, will be for sale at this fundraising event sponsored by the Grenville County Historical Society and the Forwarders' Museum Board, in co-operation with Mrs. Wadds. It will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm and the public is welcome to attend.
The sponsoring groups are requesting a five dollar donation from those attending and refreshments will be served. There is plenty of free parking one-half block east of the Wadds' residence at Centennial Park.
The new book updates the highlights of the history book published in the town's first official history book by the late Jack Morris in 1968, along with many historical facts and anecdotes brought to light through several years of research by author John Morris.
"This is the reason for the book's name Morrises' History of Prescott" according to the author. "It is a combination of the research and study both my Dad and myself have carried out over the past 50 years as editors and publishers of The Journal. Attaching our family name to it gives it a unique identity that will last for many decades to come."
"The writing of this book has taken up practically all of my spare time over the past four years," Morris stated this week in anticipation of Saturday's sale and signing.
"It seemed that almost everything I researched turned up an important and related piece of interesting town history and if I hadn't put the brakes on my research this past April, I would probably still be digging and writing."
The hard cover book contains 536 pages, there are over 4000 names in the index, and it is well illustrated. The laminated cover contains a process colour reproduction of a painting of the old town hall on King Street by artist Thelma Cameron, and on the back of the cover is a 1999 King Street scene by Prescott artist Marilyn White.
Commenting on the content of his book, Morris said that even life-long residents of Prescott will be amazed when they read it and discover what an interesting and colourful history the town has had.
One thing that will surprise most people who read the book, Morris stated, is the fact that Fort Wellington was never garrisoned or used during the War of 1812. "In fact," he said, "construction of the fort did not start until the spring of 1813, about four months after the capture of Ogdensburg, and it was not completed or ready for occupancy until late in December of 1814, about two weeks after the Treaty of Ghent ended the war of 1812-14."
The book contains a detailed history of the Wiser family and of Wiser's Distillery, the first to be published locally, and there is an interesting chapter on the follies of Knapp's Roller Boat, a controversial invention which was supposed to revolutionize the shipping industry around the world. It was invented by Prescott lawyer Frederick Augustus Knapp in 1897.
The exploits of Prescott heroes such as Major James Walsh, Lt. Wm. Sharpe, 'Sarah' Deschamps and Alex Huton are also detailed by author Morris, as well as biographies of many of the municipal and political leaders in Prescott over the past two centuries.
He also presents interesting anecdotes about the early councils, the fire and police departments, Citizens Band and the early boards of trade and education.
For military historians the book has detailed accounts of the Capture of Ogdensburg, Battle of the Windmill, early militia and cavalry units, as well as the IV Hussars and their successors, the IV PLDGs.
Even some of the classic battles fought on Saturday nights on 'Blood Alley' leading to the Ogdensburg ferry are mentioned in a chapter titled "A Bridge Too Far" by Ogdensburg author Daniel J. McConville which deals with the commercial and social intercourse between the two towns during the P&O Ferry era.
Following Saturday's official launch, the book will go on sale on Monday, August 27 at the Prescott Journal Office, The Gift Lane, Beach's Home Hardware gift shop, the Historical Society headquarters on Edward Street and the book store at Fort Wellington.
It will sell for $49.95 plus GST in Canadian funds, and $33 in American funds. Part of the proceeds from the book sale this Saturday afternoon are being donated by the author to the Historical Society and Forwarders' Museum.
"The one aspect of the book of which I am most proud," Morris stated, "is the fact that it was produced entirely in Prescott by the staff of The Journal and St. Lawrence Printing. Our staff here did it all, right from the first research projects right through to the printing of the process colour cover. The only thing that was not done in our plant in Prescott was the bindery work which we took to Smiths Falls. Readers will be surprised that such professional and quality book work can be done right here in Prescott.
"The fact I had a 536-page book and over 100 illustrations and dozens of templates stored on the hard drive of my computer, along with the fact that it was converted to lithographic film with a few clicks of a mouse, never ceased to amaze me during this process. In fact, there were times when it downright scared me," Morris stated.
By Tim Ruhnke -Journal Editor
Ken Durand
PRESCOTT The local business community is supporting the effort to have train whistles silenced in South Grenville.
Directors of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce voted last Thursday to endorse the elimination of whistles in Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
Town officials in Prescott indicated a few weeks ago they were prepared to initiate the process to ban whistles in the municipality. Augusta council opted not to proceed with such a process, and a committee of counties council voted down a similar request.
Ken Durand, a member of an ad hoc committee that asked Augusta council last year to consider having whistles eliminated in the township, told his fellow chamber of commerce directors there is an economic development issue associated with train whistles.
In noting Brockville has established a whistle-free area, Durand said municipalities which have eliminated train whistles may have a small competitive advantage in terms of attracting businesses. Noise pollution is also a growing issue which affects businesses as well as the quality of life in a community, he added.
With an average of 70 trains per day on the CN line, each blowing whistles at public railway crossings in the township, there are more than 400,000 whistles per year. Rail traffic on the line has increased in recent years and is expected to increase further, it was noted at the meeting.
"The reality is there is a noise pollution problem," Durand said.
More than 340 communities in Canada have passed bylaws to stop train whistles. The use of warning lights, barriers, fences and other devices has reduced the need for the traditional practice of blowing train whistles at crossings, it was noted at the meeting.
"The basic issue is whistles no longer have to be a safety feature," Durand said.
Once a municipality decides to proceed with a ban on train whistles, CN and Transport Canada would assess the situation to ensure safety guidelines were met before a municipal ban on train whistles could be implemented. "If they're not satisfied, the process ends."
Durand believes standards are already being met at crossings in Augusta and Prescott.
In terms of liability, Durand said it would be no worse if whistles were eliminated. The ad hoc committee did not find any examples of lawsuits resulting from the removal of train whistles, he noted.
The group is expected to ask Augusta council to reconsider the matter this fall.
Durand noted he is still not used to the whistles several years after he moved into a house near the CN line.
PRESCOTT Matt Hubbard is in the fitness business, in a manner of speaking.
Hubbard operates Kinquest Kinesiology Consulting, a company which tries to fit jobs to the people who perform them. He is a recent graduate of the human kinetics program at the University of Ottawa. He has a bachelor of science degree and is a certified kinesiologist.
By studying body movement and human muscles and working with chiropractors, massage therapists and physiotherapists, Hubbard realized the value of preventive measures in terms of workplace procedures and other activities. Although Hubbard recognized the contributions being made by those health care professionals, he also considered what he could do to reduce the need for people to obtain those services; getting companies to develop safer work practices would be one way to accomplish that goal.
Hubbard has developed an office ergonomics package. Everything from lighting and room temperature to chairs and desks is part of the assessment process.
People who work at a desk with a computer all day are susceptible to repetitive stress injuries. Hubbard said something as basic as using a keyboard can result in the tearing of tiny fibres of muscle. A desk that is too high, a chair that is too low, and the distance between a person and a keyboard are among many factors which could contribute to a chronic ailment that affects productivity and increases the need for treatment, according to Hubbard.
"We weren't made to work like that," he said.
Hubbard worked with paramedics in Ottawa; he recalls sitting all day is more of a problem than the lifting paramedics are required to do from time to time.
"Sitting is the worst position for the back," said Hubbard.
Hubbard also provides advice on physical screening tests and ways to reintroduce an injured worker to the workplace while minimizing the risk of further injury.
Although he said humans seems to be inherently habitual, Hubbard believes it is never too late for people to deal with their bad habits. His goal is to reduce workplace injuries and time lost to chronic ailments. For those who have their doubts about kinesiology and the value of a properly designed work station, Hubbard offers a personal testimonial and "piles and piles of studies" to back up his assertions.
"It has worked for me," he said.
The company is currently based at the home of Hubbard's parents in Crystal Rock. As for the future, Hubbard is hoping to relocate and assemble a staff of certified kinesiologists and expand his program base.
Kinquest Kinesiology Consulting's Web site address is www.kinquest.ca. The number to call is (613) 341-1318.
PRESCOTT Evan Morgan is doing something millions of people in Haiti and other developing countries do each day: walk for water.
The resident of Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia is walking across Canada to raise money for the Cup of Cold Water Project. The goal is to drill wells in 1,000 communities in Haiti, the Caribbean nation in which life expectancy is extremely short because many people do not have access to safe water.
Morgan set out on his 8,500-km journey April 1 in Victoria, B.C. He passed through South Grenville last week on his way to St. John's, Newfoundland.
Morgan, a retired businessman who is being accompanied by his wife Donna and a support vehicle, does not consider himself to be athletic.
"I'd call this a faith walk," Morgan said.
The initiative is affiliated with the Fellowship of Christians. But all denominations and groups are helping the cause by offering their financial and moral support, he said.
The Morgans hosted a Haitian student in 1994; their son went to Haiti and observed how the lack of safe water impacted Haitians.
Morgan noted a 10-year-old Haitian has done more walking for water than is being attempted as part of the cross-country trek. "Access to safe water must be seen as a basic human right and a key factor in the fight against disease," according to a project information release.
The project drilled its first two wells in Haiti in June. Morgan said momentum is building as he crosses the country and word spreads about his walk. During his interview with The Journal on County Road 2 near Johnstown, a man who saw coverage of the walk on television stopped to make a donation and talk to Morgan.
"I am overwhelmed emotionally by the people," Morgan said.
The project had collected pledges and promises totalling between $80,000 and $100,000 as of last week.
Morgan hopes to reach his eastern destination in late October or early November.
The project's Web site is www.cupofwater.org.
PRESCOTT Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion will host its annual picnic this Sunday, Aug. 26 at the Johnstown Motel.
The event, which includes a steak barbecue and corn roast, runs from 1 to 5 pm. Sign up and pay at the bar.
Those who attend the picnic are reminded to bring lawn chairs.
BROCKVILLE Leeds-Grenville has been rewarded for surpassing its workfare placement target last year.
The social services administration board which delivers social assistance programs in South Grenville and the rest of the counties created 1,095 workfare placements in 2000-2001. The target for the year was 451 placements.
As a reward for surpassing the target, the provincial government has given Leeds-Grenville an additional $748,500 on the condition the money be invested in local services such as assisting vulnerable children, supporting the homeless or child care.
"Leeds-Grenville has worked hard to help people find the dignity that comes with a job," Premier Mike Harris stated in an Aug. 14 news release.
The province's workfare program requires eligible welfare recipients to make themselves available to work short-term jobs at a government agency or community-based organization. Community and Social Services Minister John Baird thanked managers, caseworkers and the entire welfare staff in the counties for their efforts. "When people move from welfare to work, everybody wins," Baird stated.
Nearly 600,000 people have left welfare rolls in Ontario since Harris and the Progressive Conservatives were first elected in 1995.
"Some folks said that our reforms to welfare wouldn't help people get their lives back on track," the premier stated. "But we didn't listen to the naysayers and cynics who thought that welfare was an incurable condition."
The Spencerville & District Optimist Club is seeking participants for its first soap box derby to be held Saturday, Sept. 29.
Having participated in the Prescott Kiwanis Soap Box Derby earlier this year, committee chair Doug Bowbeer and his fellow optimists decided to host their own event.
The upcoming derby will take place on Goodin Road west of County Road 44. Registration will be on race day at 9 am; races begin at 10 am.
Those interested in taking part should contact club members to pre-register and order their car kits. Drivers must be between the ages of eight and 16; helmets must be worn by all drivers.
Entries could come from local businesses and service clubs. This could be a great family project.
Race day will be fun for the whole family. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, sun screen, hats and enjoy the event.
For more information or to pre-register, call Doug Bowbeer at 258-9918, Brian Purcell at 658-5497, or Mike or Bea Ostrander at 925-2289.
MAYNARD Recreation enthusiasts in Algonquin have been encouraged by township council to get themselves organized with a proper committee and members who work together.
Lorrie Dejeet presented council at its Monday night meeting with a plan and estimates to build a canteen at the Algonquin ball diamond, but was informed a proposal for a dugout had already been submitted.
Dejeet told council she did not expect a dugout would ever be completed, and did not want to lose out on its allotted funding.
Augusta council set aside $3,300 in its 2001 budget for each of six recreation committees within the township for capital expenditures. However, the money must be used by the end of December.
Dejeet noted Algonquin is the only area without a canteen or lights at its ball diamond. About 60 children are involved with ball teams at the diamond each summer, she said.
Councillor Kathleen Thur, who is also chair of the township recreation and ball committees, suggested Dejeet organize a committee "for the betterment of Algonquin." She said the canteen proposal would be considered by council.
Later in the meeting, Thur commended all recreation groups in the township for their dedication and involvement in the township.
Pointe Stables, owned by Barbara Taylor of Maitland, held its first annual Children's Horse and Pony Show Saturday, Aug. 18. Passersby on County Road 2 will have noticed the picturesque scene as 35 participants ages two to 17 took their turn in the corral.
Andrea Stewart, barn manager at Pointe Stables, said traditional English classes including walk trot were held in the morning with lots of fun events and games taking place in the afternoon. The children took part in barrel racing, apple dunk, and a water cup race in which the rider had to carry a full cup of water around the course while riding one-handed trying not to spill.
Stewart described the event as relaxed and lots of fun with all the children going home with ribbons or prizes. Pointe Stables currently has eight horses, 10 miniature donkeys, sheep, chickens and ducks, and is located south of County Road 2 along the St. Lawrence River in the Village of Maitland.
Longtime Maitland resident Linda McKittrick has retired after a 30-year career teaching. McKittrick began her teaching career in Parry Sound before coming to this area. McKittrick and her husband Ken, who is also a retired teacher, eventually settled in Maitland. Linda McKittrick taught at Maitland Public School for 18-and-a-half years. She also taught at South Edwardsburg Public School for two years and at Maynard Public School for the last five years. McKittrick taught every grade from junior kindergarten to grade seven, and also worked as a full-time librarian for a year and was a computer resource person.
McKittrick said the biggest change she saw in education during the course of her career was the advent of computers and technology into the classroom. She said computers have opened up a wealth of information to students doing research. "In the past, students often had difficulty finding enough information on a given topic, now students can get too much information on their topics. The hardest thing they have to do is sift through the information to find what is relevant to their assignment and they have to wade through good and not so good information to find out what is accurate."
McKittrick loved helping students with their research skills. In the future, McKittrick plans to spend more time with her family, particularly her new granddaughter, take riding lessons and plans to do some travelling with a trip to Nova Scotia slated for this fall.
McKittrick and her friend, retired teacher Sandra Wells, plan to start a consulting business - L and S Consulting - to help school libraries.
The Spencerville & District Optimist Club is seeking participants for its first soap box derby to be held Saturday, Sept. 29.
Having participated in the Prescott Kiwanis Soap Box Derby earlier this year, committee chair Doug Bowbeer and his fellow optimists decided to host their own event.
The upcoming derby will take place on Goodin Road west of County Road 44. Registration will be on race day at 9 am; races begin at 10 am.
Those interested in taking part should contact club members to pre-register and order their car kits. Drivers must be between the ages of eight and 16; helmets must be worn by all drivers.
Entries could come from local businesses and service clubs. This could be a great family project.
Race day will be fun for the whole family. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, sun screen, hats and enjoy the event.
For more information or to pre-register, call Doug Bowbeer at 258-9918, Brian Purcell at 658-5497, or Mike or Bea Ostrander at 925-2289.
MAYNARD Recreation enthusiasts in Algonquin have been encouraged by township council to get themselves organized with a proper committee and members who work together.
Lorrie Dejeet presented council at its Monday night meeting with a plan and estimates to build a canteen at the Algonquin ball diamond, but was informed a proposal for a dugout had already been submitted.
Dejeet told council she did not expect a dugout would ever be completed, and did not want to lose out on its allotted funding.
Augusta council set aside $3,300 in its 2001 budget for each of six recreation committees within the township for capital expenditures. However, the money must be used by the end of December.
Dejeet noted Algonquin is the only area without a canteen or lights at its ball diamond. About 60 children are involved with ball teams at the diamond each summer, she said.
Councillor Kathleen Thur, who is also chair of the township recreation and ball committees, suggested Dejeet organize a committee "for the betterment of Algonquin." She said the canteen proposal would be considered by council.
Later in the meeting, Thur commended all recreation groups in the township for their dedication and involvement in the township.
Pointe Stables, owned by Barbara Taylor of Maitland, held its first annual Children's Horse and Pony Show Saturday, Aug. 18. Passersby on County Road 2 will have noticed the picturesque scene as 35 participants ages two to 17 took their turn in the corral.
Andrea Stewart, barn manager at Pointe Stables, said traditional English classes including walk trot were held in the morning with lots of fun events and games taking place in the afternoon. The children took part in barrel racing, apple dunk, and a water cup race in which the rider had to carry a full cup of water around the course while riding one-handed trying not to spill.
Stewart described the event as relaxed and lots of fun with all the children going home with ribbons or prizes. Pointe Stables currently has eight horses, 10 miniature donkeys, sheep, chickens and ducks, and is located south of County Road 2 along the St. Lawrence River in the Village of Maitland.
Longtime Maitland resident Linda McKittrick has retired after a 30-year career teaching. McKittrick began her teaching career in Parry Sound before coming to this area. McKittrick and her husband Ken, who is also a retired teacher, eventually settled in Maitland. Linda McKittrick taught at Maitland Public School for 18-and-a-half years. She also taught at South Edwardsburg Public School for two years and at Maynard Public School for the last five years. McKittrick taught every grade from junior kindergarten to grade seven, and also worked as a full-time librarian for a year and was a computer resource person.
McKittrick said the biggest change she saw in education during the course of her career was the advent of computers and technology into the classroom. She said computers have opened up a wealth of information to students doing research. "In the past, students often had difficulty finding enough information on a given topic, now students can get too much information on their topics. The hardest thing they have to do is sift through the information to find what is relevant to their assignment and they have to wade through good and not so good information to find out what is accurate."
McKittrick loved helping students with their research skills. In the future, McKittrick plans to spend more time with her family, particularly her new granddaughter, take riding lessons and plans to do some travelling with a trip to Nova Scotia slated for this fall.
McKittrick and her friend, retired teacher Sandra Wells, plan to start a consulting business - L and S Consulting - to help school libraries.
Submitted by Marina Gilmer
South Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Johnstown was again the place to be on Aug. 12 to celebrate 48 consecutive years of reunions of the descendants of the late Gawn Gilmer and his wife, Mary Ann Wright. Seventy-six family members and eight guests were present for a delicious pot luck dinner.
The children and young adults enjoyed a ball game which was arranged by Evan Cowan. Those children not participating in the ball game could swim or play on the swings and slides. Candy and balloons were also available to the children.
Following the dinner, President Carl Gilmer presided over a short business meeting.
There were three marriages, five births and two deaths since the 2000 reunion. Stephanie Gilmer led family members in a minute of silence and a short prayer out of respect for Winnie Keays in her 100th year and for Gordon Froats.
Toonies were presented to Lindsey Dawn Hoogwerf, youngest girl present, and Shanley Langstaff, youngest boy present.
Scrolls which had been signed by family members, along with trillium pins, were presented to Evelyn Bowbeer and Clarence Gilmer, the oldest members present.
Recognition was given to Betty Gilmer Catlin of Tennessee, having travelled the farthest to attend this reunion. Wayne Gilmer was recognized as a first-time attendee.
A certificate in recognition of 45 years of marriage was presented to Betty and Herbert Catlin. "Thinking of you" cards were signed by family members are were to be sent to Doris Hunter, Charles Seeley and Isobel Finney.
The new president for next year's reunion will be Sheldon Gilmer, with Dale Gilmer as the new vice-president.
Ashley Sloan read a poem she had composed. Dwight Gilmer gave a very interesting presentation on a trip to Minnesota and points west. He also had a display of photos from this trip.
The 49th reunion will again be held at the community centre in Johnstown on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, with registration at 11 am.
By Willy Sieling Heuvel
and Valerie Schulz
Please remember to have your final payment in for the trip to Stratford by the end of the month, as expenses have to be paid. I am on holidays this week and will be back to work by the 27th.
Elsie Lawrence has again graciously offered to teach the quilting classes at Walker House. They will start Sept. 13 at 1 pm and at 7 pm. Also, the quilting group has again donated a quilt for us to raffle off. This group of ladies has donated numerous quilts as fundraisers to keep Walker House going. This last one is called "Bed of Roses" and is truly beautiful. Tickets will be out soon. Draw to be held at the Christmas open house in December.
As you all know, Willy is retiring and leaving us at the end of October. A dinner in her honour will be held at the Prescott Legion on Friday, Sept. 28. A portion of the ticket price will go towards a gift. A social hour from 5 to 6 pm will be followed by dinner. Tickets can be purchased at the town office at Edward and Churchill; tickets must be purchased by Friday, Sept. 21. Hope you will all attend; it's open to anyone, not just members of Walker House. Let's give Willy a good send-off. Please let Valerie Schulz (925-2914) know if you would like to do something special that evening.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st, Ed Zackon; 2nd, Jim Campbell; Andy Britnell won the door prize. Tuesday cribbage high hand, Helen Barr; high score, Hilda Hutton; 2nd, Pete Lowry; 3rd, Jerry Moore. Wednesday evening bridge 1st, Margaret Nesbitt; 2nd, Audrey Kingston; Eleanor Gilligan won the door prize.
Thursday euchre 1st, Jeannine Marion; 2nd, Hugh Evely; 3rd, Hilda Hutton; Helen Barr won the door prize.
A Medicine Hat, AB visitor at the Ontario Travel Information Centre in Johnstown
BE PREPARED, NOT PANICKY: The inevitable occurred this past week when confirmed cases of West Nile virus were reported for the first time in Ontario. Even though those two cases involved dead birds and not humans, the national media were quick to jump on the story since at least 10 people in the United States have died from the virus in the past two years.
But before residents of South Grenville start freaking out about the arrival of this potentially life-threatening virus, consider the facts. West Nile virus, which humans can receive from being bitten by an infected mosquito, is rarely fatal. Many people carry the virus but show no symptoms and do not get sick. Older persons are more susceptible to the virus, but all of us can reduce the risk by minimizing the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes. There have been confirmed cases in upstate New York and it is only a matter of time before West Nile is confirmed on this side of the river, but its imminent arrival should not be accompanied by panic. Yes, the virus will pose a risk to some people and could ultimately take lives here as it has in the United States and in other parts of the world. Yes, anyone who comes across a dead crow, raven or blue jay (birds which are quite susceptible to the virus) should report it to the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (345-5685). Give the health unit a call or visit its Web site at www.healthunit.org for more information about West Nile. But it must be noted there have been no confirmed cases to date in this region, and health officials continue to stress the mosquito-borne disease usually causes nothing more than flu-like symptoms that can be treated.
We should be prepared and put things in perspective by noting the risk and taking precautions instead of overreacting to something that has yet to become a serious threat to public health in South Grenville.
TOO LITTLE OF A GOOD THING: The scattered showers experienced in South Grenville during the past several days did not put much of a dent in the drought-like conditions which continue to take their toll on farmers and have led to extended bans on open burning and water advisories in many communities. As water levels approach record lows and stories of wells running dry emerge, the true extent of the situation is becoming clear. A few gully-washers or the occasional storm will not put a damper on extreme forest fire risks or fill reservoirs and bone-dry creek beds. Local residents who draw their water from a well or municipal supply must continue to do their part by cutting back on any unnecessary use of water. A dirty car is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
Tim Ruhnke
Long live zucchini! This tending-to-be-large summer squash is truly the king of the home garden, and queen of the kitchen.
Perfectly proportioned, beautifully coloured and packed with all the goodness of the earth, zucchini reigns supreme.
Okay, so that sounds a bit on the corny side, and you probably think there's something wrong with my beaner. But seriously, isn't this the most versatile, prolific food in existence? Sort of like bunny rabbits, but much more useful.
Knowing zucchini's want to produce at alarming rates, we only put two little zucchini plants in the garden this year, instead of last year's three. Surely, that alone would nip the problem in the bud. Enough for our needs, and no waste. Wrong.
Early on in the season, co-workers became accustomed to seeing bags of zucchini on the office coffee table with a sign attached, "Free to a Good Home." We don't ask anymore if anybody wants some, we just hand it out, and say, "Here, have some zucchini." When that wore out, there was the most delicious, cheesy and creamy zucchini lasagna. And then the rich and zesty spaghetti sauce with zucchini chunks and mushrooms. The Friday night meatloaf is now lightly streaked with a lovely greenish tinge; lemon zucchini cookies with lemon icing are the kids' favourites. Sliced finger-size and raw, or breaded and deep fried with a bit of cheese, it's perfect for dipping. Thickly sliced in rounds, it marries beautifully with fresh tomatoes and parmesan cheese and baked in a savoury dish.
And I'm not sick of it yet, as I sit writing this, with a cup of coffee on one side of the keyboard, and slices of moist and gently spiced zucchini walnut bread on the other. The bread experiments have produced variations with chocolate and coconut (another kid preference), raisins or just plain and simple. Already there are a number of loaves in the freezer, and the muffins will soon be following.
But the buckets of zucchini in the kitchen are still full, and a survey of the garden patch on the weekend revealed several more good size elongated creatures, and even more bright orangey-yellow blossoms ready to burst out.
I'm not quite at the groan stage, but really, we need to come up with more uses. So thoughts have turned to non-food applications. I'll mention these, but remember, you didn't read them here. That's because I read about these ideas in another newspaper many years ago, but that writer was later scolded in a letter to the editor for wasting food. So blame her (or him). Here goes: The big ones could be baseball bats, with a hose nearby to spray off afterwards and more backyard fun. Again, the big ones could be hollowed out to form canoes for the younger set and their dolls or action figures in the bathtub or backyard.
I haven't tried these uses yet, and I'm not sure I will. But one thing is certain: one zucchini plant next year.
John A.H. Morris
Prescott council set out six alternatives for new town hall facilities for the town last week and if they need any help in prioritizing them we offer out humble opinion. Our first choice is to renovate and preserve the present town hall, and our second choice would be to purchase the Stedman/True Value building on King Street and convert it to a town hall-cum-library-cum-downtown meeting place.
Renovating and preserving the old high school building on Dibble Street is by far our first choice, however. It is not only the least expensive avenue open to us at present, but it can also be renovated in stages over the years with a minimum strain on the town budget. We can also explore the possibility of a series of fund-raisers that will help lift some of the burden from the taxpayers.
The most important aspect of saving this building is that it is part of our heritage in Prescott and it has played a significant role in our town's development. We agree with Mayor Robert Lawn that every attempt must be made to retain this building. Several compromises will probably have to be made to restore the building to an efficient, usable state, but as long as its handsome exterior is maintained we will have a building we can refer to with pride for at least another 70 years.
Seldom a day goes by that we do not hear a local resident decrying the fact that the majestic old town hall on the corner of King and Centre streets was torn down in 1960 to make room for a supermarket and municipal parking lot.
We are sure that today there would be a fight to keep that 1874 structure at all costs, but in 1960 those against tearing it down were indeed, few in number. If the present municipal building goes under the wrecker's ball in the near future, it will be déjà vu all over again in another 50 years when today's youth lament this building's demise.
At this point in Prescott's history we should do our utmost to preserve important buildings, even though they may not be perceived as being of a historic nature today. Good examples of our willingness to tear down instead of renovating have been the old town hall and market building, J.P. Wiser's home known as Rushton Hall, and all his distillery buildings as well as his handsome brick barns, the original Jessup home on Wood Street, along with several Water Street stone buildings of the 1830-40 era.
We have, however, done a commendable job in preserving a great number of historic buildings in Prescott. These include the Legion Hall (the original town hall built in 1851), the Stockade Barracks, the Colonel's Inn, the Moran-Hooker building, and several, 100-year-plus homes including the three Wiser mansions on King Street West. Our sincerest appreciation to the persons who have purchased, renovated and maintained these beautiful homes.
Even if it takes a decade to refurbish the old high school/municipal building, we think it is worth it and we believe that those who succeed us in Prescott will appreciate the foresight and legacy. Those on council who think the majority of taxpayers are against renovating the present town hall would be surprised at the amount of support there is for keeping the building.
***
We wonder if it is exceptionally difficult or inconvenient to deliver gasoline to our service stations in Prescott, and if this is the reason gas at the pumps in Prescott this past week has been five or six cents a litre more expensive than at service stations in Iroquois, Cardinal, Spencerville, Brockville, and other eastern Ontario communities. We also wonder why gas being sold on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 67.9 cents a litre is worth 72.9 cents on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, especially since it all comes from the same in-ground tank at the service station.
We know prices automatically increase at the 401 service stations every weekend, but do the local stations get that much extra weekend traffic that they have to pass along an increase of three or four dollars a tank full to their regular customers? Somewhere along the line someone is doing an effective job of price fixing.
***
Looks like South Grenville taxpayers will be getting a small break on the final instalments of their municipal taxes this year.
Prescott property owners can expect their final tax bill early in September, with payment due in October. Augusta will be getting its bills out around the end of August and will be expecting payment September 28.
Edwardsburgh-Cardinal will be sending out their final tax bills the end of this month and will be expecting payments September 30. The burghers of this new burgh are also getting tough on tax delinquents and have handed many of them in for collection.
We understand that Prescott has about a 25 per cent delinquency rate in its property taxes, which is way too high for the town to absorb. We hope someone on council questions the status of our tax arrears at the next meeting.
The Editor;
Prescott town hall: the perfect mountain out of a mole hill. A simple project that got complicated. This project was so simple that the town engineer with the help of municipal staff could have designed and subcontracted it out and it would have been built by now. Hindsight is great, allowing for the fact that hindsight is 20/20 and that the majority rules but may not always be right.
A brief history: many years ago the school board decided that the building no longer suited their needs and that it would be more feasible to build a more modern and efficient building and sold the building to the Town of Prescott. Future councils being satisfied that this was a good location built a library and attached it to the existing building and later a war memorial was added.
In 1982/83 the council of the day decided that a new town hall was needed and decided that it would only spend what was necessary to maintain the building while it studied the various options. It was not neglect by any council that led to the current condition of the facility; it was time.
Years of expecting that it wouldn't take long, elections came and went, people came and went, budgets came and went and time marched on. Things like changes in provincial governments, funding cutbacks, zero budget increases, budget shortfalls and various other things prevented the timely process, but the consensus for a new facility was always supported by the majority of council members, of whom three are current members and were involved. There was never a majority of support to save the old building.
For over 17 years the process has lasted until the spring of 2000 when during a committee-of-the-whole meeting after all the options had been studied and considered the decision to build a town hall on the existing site and attach it to the library and tear down the old building was agreed to by all of council. It was also decided to hold a public meeting to make the public aware of that decision. A new town hall should have been completed in time for the election in the fall.
That should have been the end of it, but things went from bad to worse. Now $150,000 later nothing has been done except a decision to do nothing. It appears that the majority of council lacks the whatever to handle this project. It is time to hire someone to determine the needs, size and location for a new facility.
Let's get on with it soon; an election isn't that far away.
Frank Whiten
(Editor's note: Whiten is a former member of Prescott council.)
The Editor;
I am writing in reference to the "Fort Town Diary" of Aug. 8. Mr. Morris commented on the "lack of initiative" in taking advantage of promotional opportunities and a "little more than a g'day g'day" in greeting the various ships that are calling on Prescott. I do agree that the Fort Wellington staff are doing a great job at providing tourists with an entertaining glimpse of Prescott's heritage. We are, after all, The Fort Town, and Tourism Prescott is very appreciative of their partnership with Fort Wellington.
The Town of Prescott's tourism arm is doing its best at promoting the town with a budget that continually shrinks. We are a small but dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly at promoting Prescott. We attend meetings all over eastern Ontario, we organize and work events such as Harbour Days, The Highland Tattoo, and the RCMP Musical Ride, and we work bingos to raise funds for such things as attractive and informative signage. At the same time, we are tending to our businesses and caring for our families.
Plain and simple.... We are tired! We don't need criticism, we need help! Where are these people who "could and would become involved with an aggressive welcoming campaign? Our meetings are always open to the public, and we welcome input and attendance. For information on tourism meetings call Pat Dewar at 925-3228 or Mike Boyles at 925-4324. Get involved!
Pat Dewar
RR 1, Prescott
A Diary Entry: How's about convening a special "Tour Boat Think Tank" later this fall aimed at getting more people involved? You've got our support and participation.
The Editor;
It's déjà vu all over again. It is hard to believe but some members of this council have made a ridiculous situation completely outrageous. Councilors McConnell and Dewar's statements that they need more time to study the town hall debacle obviously means they have done absolutely nothing since being acclaimed to office and even long before that when the town hall was the main topic on the agenda of the previous council. I am sure all the information on alternate locations and buildings is on record for them to read. I wonder what their agenda really is? All of a sudden the idea of using the True Value/Stedmans building pops up out of nowhere. (It couldn't be back room deals could it?) This is not even worth mentioning unless the owner out of goodwill sells it to the town for one dollar. Nah, not even in your dreams. No disrespect intended.
Councilor Beckstead doesn't seem to have Prescott's best interests at heart as she has said that money was never the issue and she will not vote in favour of anything other than her $2 million edifice on the downtown parking lot.
Councilor Pillar wants the town to go into the real estate business again by purchasing the Daniels hotel lot. It would go nicely with the other town lot where that very elusive hotel was to be built.
The amount of money to be spent on renovating the existing town hall should not have come as a surprise; did they really think costs were going to go down? Building new, wherever, would have come in higher as well. If they had just got on with it we would be well on the way to having a building that would serve admirably for many years to come (if they remember to maintain it) with lots of room for expansion. The expansion would come when council brings in all the new industry and business that they are working so hard to bring to town. They are, aren't they? We know some of them are trying to move forward. The others just continue to make themselves, and unfortunately Prescott as well, a laughing stock.
And one last item: if they cause us to lose our library because of their dithering, they ain't heard nothing yet.
Gavin Robertson
Prescott
CARDINAL An era of inn-keeping will soon come to an end in Cardinal, as the Walsh family seeks to sell the historic Islander Hotel and Coach House Dining Room.
Beverley Walsh purchased the property in 1972 along with her husband, the late Jack Walsh. She and the hotel managers, their daughter Mary Walsh and her husband Scott Kuipers, plan to sell the business by auction in September.
The family had put the property up for private sale and through a real estate company more than a year ago. But there was little interest, and relying on Beverley's "great faith in auctions," decided to sell through Hands Auction Services of Algonquin. The property had been listed previously at $220,000.
The business includes a tavern licensed to seat 111; a dining room licensed for 55; seven third-floor hotel rooms, four of which are renovated; and a four-bedroom private suite on the second floor. At one time, the private apartment housed the entire Walsh family: Jack and Beverley, and their five children, Jack, Margaret, Mary and Elizabeth, all of whom reside in Cardinal, and Barbara, who lives in Prescott. All the children had roles in the operation of the hotel.
The dining room, with its original beams and hand-made chandeliers, has accommodated weddings, milestone birthday parties, business meetings and wine tastings. The dining room was decorated by John King, formerly of Prescott and now an interior decorator in Montreal. The family has also been involved in catering.
The present three-story, red brick Islander Hotel was built about 1897 by the Dillon family, on the site of the International Hotel. The Kennedy family owned it for three years until purchased by the Walshs in 1972.
While the Walshes were feeling an underlying need to move on with their lives and try new challenges, they said it was a recent "tax hunt" by the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council that forced the decision to hang up the towel for good.
The business has been doing well, they said, with profits increasing steadily in the five years Mary and Scott have been managing the enterprise. But the family found themselves unable to pay property taxes for almost four years.
The family had drawn up a payment schedule with the former Village of Cardinal, but Mary noted this written agreement was not honoured by the new Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Township council when it came into being in January. "The new government decided to toss that out," Mary said.
The township stopped cashing the family's cheques, and they were notified in May they would have to pay up, or the property would be registered for sale, she explained. In June, they were informed of a possibility of drawing up a new deal with two years to pay.
"We could have borrowed the money and we could have gone ahead and shifted the debt from this hand to this hand, but that was the last straw. We were ready to sell the year before for personal reasons," Mary said.
"There was a way to do it, but we just thought, enough. They (Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council) are showing so little support for the village and the way we were treated over that agreement was really damaging to us. We were ready to go anyway," she explained.
"When you're in a small business, you need to have the community behind you and we always have. The village has always backed us and helped us in whatever way they can. You need to have local government behind you. And that's not something you can trust right now," Mary said. "That was the catalyst to get us to auction. In a strange way, maybe Mr. (Mayor Dave) Dobbie made it easier for us."
Beverley noted "it was a break in trust because we had a good agreement with the village and it was working very well." She felt if the agreement had been honoured, it would be more likely they would have continued with the business. "We wouldn't be moving this quickly. It's scary the way the township is treating the village."
Mary felt it was important "not to waste any time and let the debt get any higher." The time was right "to cut our losses and go now."
Open houses of the property are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 29 and Wednesday, Sept. 5 from 2 to 3 pm or by appointment. Sealed bids will be accepted prior to the live auction scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15 at 11 am.
For more information contact Carrie Hands at 926-2919, or check out the Web site at www.handsauction.com.
Plans are now finalized for the Cardinal Community Festival taking place Labour Day weekend.
The fun kicks off Friday, Aug. 31 at 6:30 pm with a mixed slo-pitch ball tournament, and continues on Saturday. Contact David Arrowsmith at 659-2781 for more information.
More excitement gets underway Saturday, Sept 1 at 10 am with the Yves Houle Mini Carnival on the filled-in portion of the canal. Judging for the largest sunflower contest and children's decorated bikes and doll carriages contest is set for 10 am in the parking lot of Village Square Mall.
The line-up for the festival parade will be on the filled-in portion of the canal at the mall, beginning at 10:30 am. The Cardinal Figure Skating Club will be sponsoring a canteen at the arena beginning at the same time.
The parade begins at 11 am. The route is Dishaw Street to Helen Street, to Shanly Road, to Dundas Street, to Lewis Street, to John Street, to Victoria Street, to Dundas Street, to Bridge St. to the Village Square Mall. The distance is 2.4 kilometres.
A highlight of the parade is expected to be a visit by the Norwood, New York brass marching band. Members will lead the marching section, and then perform a concert in front of Fire Station No. 2 following the parade.
Afternoon entertainment begins at 12:30 pm with a Lions Steel Band concert and Bordertown playing at the arena. Admission is free to this event sponsored by the Cardinal Lions Club. The canteen will be open.
The United Food Processors' Union, Local 483 is sponsoring a chicken barbecue at the arena from 2 to 6 pm. Tickets are available in advance at General Dollar.
Bordertown will perform again for a Lions dance at the arena from 9 to 1 am. Tickets are available at the door.
The mini carnival and ball tournament continues Sunday, Sept. 2, and breakfast will be served at the Legion from 8 to 11 am. Register for the Ride N' Stride for Cancer at 9 am at the Legion. Contact Peggy Taylor at 657-1728 for more details.
The Cardinal Girl Guides will have a barbecue and ice cream stand at the Legion park, beginning at 11:30 am.
Children's races start at noon in the park. Prizes, food and fun are compliments of Local 483.
At 1 pm, a fish pond and face painting will begin, and S & H Express children's entertainers will perform. A euchre match will be held at the Legion Hall.
A DJ will start at the Legion at 4 pm, and at 4:15, an ecumenical church service will be celebrated at the pavilion by the Cardinal Ministerial Association.
Gala fireworks, sponsored by the festival committee and the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal firefighters, will close the festival Sunday, Sept. 2 at about 9 pm.
Participants in the various events are encouraged to support the festival by purchasing a prize draw button.
CARDINAL The Great Ride n' Stride for Cancer continues to be a large part of annual community festival activities in Cardinal.
Now in its third year locally, the event promotes exercise and fresh air while supporting cancer research and community programs.
Participants may cycle on four different routes ranging from the Children's Scurry of five kilometres, to Hills no Spills at 46 kilometres. Walkers and runners can choose a five kilometre route through the village, or the 10-kilometre out-of-town route.
Participants can organize a team from family members, a company or community group. Volunteer time on the day of the event is also needed, and donations can be made without physically taking part in the fundraiser. The average Great Ride n' Stride participant raises $150. Incentive prizes, such as hats, T-shirts watches and cameras will be awarded based on the amount of donations collected.
Registration takes place at the Legion pavilion from 8 to 8:45 am Sunday, Sept. 2. All pledge forms should be turned in at this time. Cyclists are encouraged to wear a helmet and sunscreen, and bring identification and water.
Last year's event raised about $4,200. Across Ontario, 52 Great Ride n' Strides raised more than $900,000.
The event is organized by Peggy Taylor, the Cardinal, Augusta, Prescott, Edwardsburgh Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society and several local sponsoring businesses. For more information, contact Taylor at 657-1728, or the cancer society at 1-800-367-2913.
CARDINAL A local team of firefighters is moving forward as it prepares for a national competition next month in Quebec.
Rob Ashdown, Dave Grant, Brian Moore and Kevin Patrick are members of the four-man combat challenge team representing Station 2 of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department. The team was in North Bay during the August long weekend to take part in a regional competition which put the firefighters' physical endurance and speed to the test.
Each member of the Cardinal team ran a personal best in North Bay, Grant noted in an interview. The team knocked 47 seconds off its combined time at a July 1 competition in Kanata.
The competitions simulate situations firefighters face during the course of their duties. Each competitor must among other things climb stairs, hoist and work a fire hose and drag a 175-lb. mannequin backwards as they race against the clock.
The Cardinal team placed 11th out of 25 teams in North Bay. Team members completed the course in times ranging from 1:52 to 2:31. Using the top three times, the Cardinal group managed to complete the course in a combined time of 5:52. The team's time in Kanata was 6:39.
"We thought we would be under six minutes," Grant said. "We'd been training hard."
In addition to setting up a course and practising as a group, individuals carry out their own conditioning activities such as running and weights. Training can add up to more than 10 hours per week, according to Grant.
Being able to compete with firefighters from larger centres gives the team a sense of pride, he said.
"When you get on the course being a career or volunteer firefighter doesn't matter. You're in the same gear," Grant said.
There is also pride associated with representing the Cardinal area, he added.
"We're pretty pleased with what we're doing."
The team is preparing for an upcoming national competition in Shawinigan. The Cardinal contingent will have to compete in a wild card event Sept. 15 to qualify for the finals.
"I feel that we are probably going to knock some time off," Grant said.
Donations from businesses, community groups and the municipality have offset the costs incurred by team members. "It never hurts to have more funding," Grant said.
At the Aug. 7 meeting of council there were two delegations. The first delegation was from Upper Canada Networks. Vic Allen advised UC Net is a non-profit organization which is attempting to bring "broadband" access to the area for more efficient internet access and to entice other businesses to the area. UC Net believes it has future clients in Casco, the Edwardsburgh Industrial Park, Mitel and the Ogdensburg Business Park.
UC Net asked council for a contract allowing them to place three antennas at the ports to help create a link between Prescott, Cardinal, and other communities to form a broadband loop within Leeds and Grenville. They have had their systems people inspect the grain elevator and they see no reason why it won't work. They have also checked into environmental concerns and find with the size of this antenna the wavelengths will not cause any environmental concerns. (Some wavelengths have an intensity resulting in injury to wildlife.)
They believe their work will be a service "for the people." Part of the network is to connect schools, hospitals and medium and small businesses, including information service providers such as Ripnet, which can come onto the UC Net backbone. They will then provide homeowners with higher speed. This will bring competition into the market. As UC Net is a non-profit corporation, "costs will be passed on to the consumers."
UC Net has its history in the South Grenville Economic Development Corporation and uses government funding to develop network infrastructures. The federal government will give them $1 for every $2 they raise.
The second delegation was a representative from the Rideau St. Lawrence Utility Company. Gerry Fulford, a board member, brought council up to speed. They have faced a number of challenges in their first year including union and non-union employee mergers. They have finalized the union contract with salary matching between the previous work forces and a 2.5 per cent increase in year two and three of the contract.
In addition, they were paying a premium insurance for pensioners insurance and they had no pensioners. That payment is now gone.
The union contract also allows seniority to be set aside and skill used as a job determinant.
Rideau St. Lawrence has fibre optic installed in Cardinal and Prescott. They are using a consultant to help determine options for the fibre optic. To put the line in will cost $1 million over five years. That is just too much money. Like UC Net, they are exploring options.
Fulford advised South Dundas spent a lot of money on fibre optics in Morrisburg. The debt is high. They have ten customers and need 500 to make it work. The problem, Fulford advised, is finding a way to the "real" customer base. The wireless issue is security. When you use fibre optics you don't have the concern of others "listening in." The issue is cost. How much is a customer willing to pay to have the security of fibre optics?
Rideau St. Lawrence also needs to create an unbundled electrical bill. They need software and computers between the retailer and the consumer. Currently they are facing a fast track. They are 45 per cent ready. Others are not too far behind. They expect the market will open when 80 per cent of the hydro user utilities are ready. By Dec. 2001 they have to be on target to get a full licence for the market that opens in 2002. Fulford believes they will be ready.
Fulford also advised that currently hydro bills are prepared in Prescott.
They still use the clerk at the Cardinal Municipal Office but that will soon end. There is one meter reader employed and that person handles the area well.
Fulford advised the board for Rideau St. Lawrence meets once monthly but were to only meet once each quarter. They will report to council once each quarter in the future.
The following are the relay results of Cardinal Sea Shark swimmers at the Prescott swim meet Aug. 11:
Seven- and eight-year-old boys
Cardinal Shark Bait - Michael Edwards, Gunner Gill, Auston Wickware, Devon Bonvie - fourth in freestyle relay, fourth in medley relay
Nine- and 10-year-old girls
Cardinal Tadpoles - Taylor Bonvie, Chelsea Edwards, Brittany Leggo - fourth in freestyle relay, fifth in medley relay
Cardinal H20 Girls - Carrie Calhoun, Holly Alexander, Megan Tobin - first in freestyle relay, and first in medley
11- and 12-year-old girls
Cardinal Stingrays - Amanda Smith, Krista Schrader, Kristen Jessome, Kelsey Tobin - first in freestyle and first in medley relay
11- and 12-year-old boys
Cardinal Mudpouts - Mitchell Davies, Justin Rust, Danny Calhoun, James Halladay - third in freestyle relay, second in medley relay
13- and 14-year-old boys
Cardinal Superheroes - Joel Jodoin, Tyler Halladay, Jonathan Baldwin - second in freestyle relay and first in medley relay
15-year-old and over girls
Cardinal Charlie's Angelfish - Brooke Jodoin, Charlene Smith, Nicole Bernier, Laura Commerford - second in freestyle, and first in medley relay
The Cardinal Sea Sharks swam to a first-place finish in St. Andrews against five other teams Sunday, Aug.12. The Sharks had 27 swimmers participating at the meet. The team was coached by Julia Jodoin and Diana Simpson.
The Sea Sharks brought home four medallions for the top swimmers in their respective age categories. Billy Myers won the medallion for top seven- and eight-year-old boy, Mitchell Davies won the medallion for top nine- and 10-year-old boy, Kristen Jessome won the medallion for top 11- and 12-year-old girl, and Joel Jodoin won the medallion for top 13- and 14-year-old boy.
In the individual events, the sharks recorded the following results:
Six-year-old and under girls
Taylor Bonvie: fifth in freestyle, sixth in backcrawl, sixth in breastroke
Keisha Halladay: sixth in freestyle, fifth in backcrawl, fifth in breastroke
Six-year-old and under boys
Gunner Gill: sixth in freestyle, fourth in backcrawl
Seven- and eight-year-old girls
Megan Tobin: fifth in freestyle, fifth in butterfly, fifth in backcrawl
Seven- and eight-year-old boys
Billy Myers: second in freestyle, first in butterfly, third in breastroke
Devon Bonvie: fifth in freestyle, fourth in butterfly, fourth in breastroke
Shane Riddell: third in freestyle, fourth in backcrawl, sixth in breastroke
Nine- and 10-year-old girls
Brittany Myers: seventh in backcrawl
Carrie Calhoun: second in individual medley, fourth in butterfly
Holly Alexander: fourth in freestyle, third in butterfly, second in backcrawl
Nine- and 10-year-old boys
Danny Calhoun: seventh in freestyle, fifth in backcrawl, fourth in breastroke
James Halladay: fourth in freestyle, first in butterfly, first in breastroke
Mitchell Davies: first in freestyle, first in backcrawl, third in breastroke
11- and 12-year-old girls
Kristen Jessome: first in individual medley, second in freestyle, first in butterfly
Krista Schrader: first in freestyle, sixth in backcrawl
Amanda Smith: fourth in individual medley, fourth in backcrawl, fourth in breastroke
Kelsey Tobin: first in backcrawl, first in breastroke
Erika MacDonald: second in individual medley, fourth in freestyle, second in butterfly
Charlene Smith: sixth in individual medley, seventh in freestyle, fifth in breastroke
Laci Riddell: seventh in backcrawl
11- and 12-year-old boys
Justin Rust: first in individual medley, second in freestyle, fourth in breastroke
13- and 14-year-old boys
Tyler Halladay: fourth in individual medley, second in freestyle, third in breastroke
Joel Jodoin: first in individual medley, second in butterfly, first in backcrawl
15 years and over girls
Brooke Jodoin: second in individual medley, second in freestyle, second in butterfly
Relay results:
Seven- and 8-year-old girls
Cardinal Minnows: Taylor Bonvie, Keisha Halladay, Megan Tobin - sixth in freestyle relay and sixth in medley relay
Seven- and 8-year-old boys
Cardinal Shark Bait: Auston Wickware, Gunner Gill, Devon Bonvie, Shane Riddell - second in freestyle relay and second in medley relay
Nine- and 10-year-old girls
Cardinal H20 Girls: Brittany Myers, Carrie Calhoun, Holly Alexander, Jessica Halladay - fourth in freestyle relay and second in medley relay
Nine- and 10-year-old boys
Cardinal Mudpouts: Billy Myers, Mitchell Davies, Danny Calhoun, James Halladay - first in freestyle relay and first in medley relay
11- and 12-year-old girls
Cardinal Macos: Erika MacDonald, Amanda Smith, Laci Riddell - first in freestyle relay, first in medley relay
Cardinal Stingrays: Krista Schrader, Kelsey Tobin, Amanda Riddell, Charlene Smith - fifth in medley relay
13- and 14-year-old boys
Cardinal Superheroes: Joel Jodoin, Justin Rust, Tyler Halladay - first in freestyle relay and first in medley relay
15-year-old and over girls
Cardinal Charlie's Angelfish: Brooke Jodoin, Kristen Jessome - second in freestyle relay, and first in medley relay
PEMBROKE The under-12 Prescott Gunners had their fans on the edge of their seats as the play went end to end for both the Gunners and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
With both teams playing tight defence, there were only a few good scoring chances when the other team got too close to their opponent's net.
In the second half, the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G) finally broke through Prescott's defence, netting the first marker of the game.
The Gunners, after coming in first in the round robin, were not going to be denied as they turned their game up a notch pressuring SD&G deep in their own end.
Fullback Stuart Taylor beat an opposing forward to the ball and passed it to forward Matt Leeder who crossed the ball into the front of the net. Forward Rob MacMillan then buried the equalizer into the back of the net.
The game ended in a tie, forcing a 10-minute overtime, which was scoreless. This forced a shootout.
Each team sent up the mandatory five shooters with each team scoring four times bringing on sudden death. Prescott sent up three players, who scored two out of the three shots, then keeper Mike Wilson nailed down the victory by denying the third SD&G shooter.
Prescott goal scorers in the shoot out were Peter Roy, Mike Froom, Steve Craig-Pettem, Stuart Taylor, Gavin Bush, and Brett Drew.
Player of the game, which was picked by the opposing team, went to Gavin Bush.
In round-robin play, Prescott ended with a record of 3-0-1, which was good for top spot over the SD&G Blazers by virtue of head-to-head competition.
The Gunners beat the Blazers 2-0 in round-robin play. The other Prescott wins were 2-0 over the Nepean Fieldhawks and 3-1 over West Carleton.
The Gunners only loss was 3-1 to the Cumberland Cobras.
Prescott goal scorers in the tournament were Rob MacMillan (3), Matt Leeder (2), Steve Craig-Pettem (2), Peter Roy (1) and Josh Whelan (1).
Assisting on the goals were Gavin Bush (4), Matt Leeder (4), Steve Craig-Pettem (2), Zack VanAllen, Stephen Joudoin, Peter Roy, and Stuart Taylor.
Gunners' keeper Mike Wilson ended the tournament with two shutouts and only five goals against. Players of the game went to Matt Leeder, Steve Craig-Pettem, Gavin Bush and Mike Wilson. The other players contributing to the Prescott win were Matt Lajoie, Matt Cockshott, Evan Culic and Corbin Stone.
League play
Prior to the tournament, in Ottawa Carleton Soccer League action, the under-12 Prescott Gunners were back to their winning ways by defeating South Nepean 4-0.
A strong passing game gave Prescott a definite edge to the game by moving the ball deep into the South Nepean half, creating many good scoring opportunities.
Gunners' keeper Mike Wilson earned his fourth shutout of the season with the help of a strong defensive effort from fullbacks Brett Drew, Stephen Joudoin, Stuart Taylor and Zack VanAllen.
Gunners' goal scorers were Gavin Bush, Josh Whelan, Mike Froom and Steven Craig-Pettem. Assisting on the goals were Matt Lajoie (2), Peter Roy (2), Matt Leeder and Mike Froom.
The Gunners will finish the regular season play next week against Kanata.
A win or tie will guarantee the Gunners first place in the west division.
PRESCOTT It's that time of the soccer season again- when players run a little faster, kick a little harder, sweat a little extra - playoff time.
In Saturday under-6 action of the Prescott & District Minor Soccer League, Star Security beat Lanes Smoke Shop 4-0. Scoring was Christian Zahn (2), Curtis Ross and Patrick Purcell.
Playit Star beat Prescott Chiros 1-0. John Lawless scored.
Beck's Construction beat Tichborne Auto Supply 2-0. Alex Boswall scored both goals.
Brent Scott Insurance lost to Grenville Fish and Game 2-1. Allysha Malcomnson scored for Brent Scott. Lane Bailey scored two goals.
In the second morning game, Star Security beat Tichborne Auto Supply 1-0. Curtis Ross scored.
Grenville Fish and Game netted a 3-1 win over Playit Star. Scoring singles for Grenville were Bradley Moore, Lane Bailey and Brianna Malcomnson. Cameron Smith scored one goal for Playit.
Beck's beat Lanes 4-0. Alex Boswall scored three goals. Spencer Cook scored one goal.
Brent Scott beat the Chiros 3-0. Alexander Molder scored all three goals.
Under 8
On Tuesday, Playit Star beat IDA 1-0. Drew Johnston scored.
Tropical Pools beat DBL Computing 6-2. Scoring for Tropical were Jamie Sturgeon (3), Megan Graham (1), Richard Champagne (1) and Amy-Lynne Bryden (1). Damian Van Hyning scored for DBL.
Grenville Pharmacy beat SLP Printing Devils 1-0. Matt Edgley scored.
Windmill Web Spiders beat Prophet's 4-3. Windmill goals were scored by Michael Lawless (2) and Devin Lebrun (2). Scoring for Prophet's were Brandon Graham (1), Tyson Lefebvre (1) and John Wood (1).
Hometown Heating burned Colour Pallette 6-3. Scoring for Hometown were Ryan Van Stralen (2), Lukas Henderson (2), Brett Van Stralen (1) and Ronnie Harrison (1). Scoring for the Colour with singles were Phillip Biccum, Lucas Stitt and Trent Corney.
On Thursday, Hometown Heating beat Playit Star 3-2. Three goals were scored by Ryan Van Stralen. Scoring for Playit were Drew Johnston and Richard Joudoin.
Prescott IDA beat DBL Computing 4-1. Scoring for IDA were Sean Blackburn (2), Austin Murphy (1) and Christine Leonard (1).
Colour Pallette beat Grenville Pharmacy 5-1. Scoring for the Pallette were Phillip Biccum (2), Lucas Stitt (1), Joey Sargent (1) and Trent Corney (1).
Prophet's and SLP played to a 2-2 tie. Scoring for Prophet's were Tyson Lefebvre and Brandon Graham. Scoring for SLP were Taylor Byers and Christian Saumier.
Tropical played Windmill to a 2-2 tie. Tropical's Richard Champagne scored two goals. Payton Marriner and Devin Lebrun each scored one goal.
Under 10
On Tuesday, TD Bank beat Becker's 4-1. Scoring for TD were Sean Perrin (3) and Alanna Lasenba (1). Justin Dalrymple scored for Becker's.
Beach Home Hardware beat Hansen 1-0. Dustin Rennick scored.
Royal Bank beat Kiwanis 1-0. Kurtis Lavery scored.
Bank of Montreal beat Splash 2-0. Scoring singles were Warren Pinder and Jeffery Gaw.
Kinsmen beat Mac's 1-0. Scoring for Kinsmen were Jessie Hyland and Andrew Berkhand. Chucky Gamble scored for Mac's.
On Thursday, Kinsmen beat TD 5-0. Goal scorers were not available.
Beach beat Becker's 3-0. Scoring singles were Cody Patneaude, Mason Amell and Joshua Lebrun.
Mac's edged out Kiwanis 1-0. Robert Deeks scored.
Bank of Montreal beat Royal Bank 3-0. Matthew Suatac scored two goals. Jeffery Gaw netted one goal.
Splash beat Hansen 1-0. Ian King scored.
Under 12
In the wrap up to league action Wednesday, Kriska beat Shriners 7-5. Scoring for Kriska were Clayton Dunnington (3), Joshua Perrin (2), Carrie Calhoun (1) and Brandon Spencer (1). Scoring for the Shriners were Joshua Gould (3) and Roberto Noonan (2).
Freer Electric beat Seaway Valley Pharmacy 2-0. Ryan Armstrong and Curtis Biccum each scored one goal.
Giant Tiger beat DWJ Plumbing Pythons 2-0. Scoring for Giant were Rachel Reindorf and Daniel Norton.
Techcan Titans lost to Star Security 1-0. Reilly Grootjans scored.
On Monday, Freer Electric beat DWJ 4-2. Curtis Biccum scored two goals. Jacob Temple and Ryan Armstrong both scored one goal. DWJ's Brock Murphy and Haley Francis each scored one goal.
Shriners beat Giant Tiger 5-0. Scoring for the Shriners were Joshua Gould (2), Chris Noonan (2) and Joshua Couperous (1).
Seaway Valley beat Techcan 2-0. Kristian Knapp scored.
Kriska and Star played to a 0-0 tie.
Under 16
On Monday in league action, Watermark Printing beat Kriska 3-0. Allan Robertson scored two goals. Ryan Grant scored one goal.
Playit Star beat Gateway Packaging 1-0. David Code scored.
In playoff action Wednesday, Watermark Printing beat Nitrochem 3-2. Allan Robertson scored three goals. For Nitrochem, Erin O'Keefe and Robin Rivet-Crowe both scored one goal.
Kriska beat Gateway Packaging 2-0. Kyle McDougald scored two goals.