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SPENCERVILLE Organizers of the 146th edition of the Spencerville Fair are pleased with the outcome of this year's event.
Thousands of people attended the annual fair, which ran from Sept. 6 to Sept. 9. Although figures were unavailable Monday, attendance appeared to be higher than last year's record numbers.
As has been the case throughout most of the summer, the threat of rain was virtually non-existent as sunshine and above-normal temperatures dominated the forecast during the four-day fair.
Harold Malcomson, president of the Spencerville Agricultural Society, described this year's fair as a big success. Much of the credit for that success should go to the many volunteers who spent countless hours planning and running the wide variety of events and activities associated with the fair, according to Malcomson.
That sentiment was shared by Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Brian Coburn, who took part in the parade Saturday morning and spoke at the opening ceremony Saturday afternoon. Coburn noted the effort that goes into staging an event that showcases the contribution made by the agricultural community. The fact the fair is in its 146th year also illustrates the hard work and co-operation involved each year, according to the minister.
"With that kind of longevity it's not something that happened by accident," Coburn said.
Malcomson acknowledged the weather this summer affected many of the entries in the agriculture competitions. The hot and humid conditions this past weekend also made it difficult for some of the animals at the fairgrounds, not to mention a few of the exhibitors.
But many basked in the sunshine and attended the wide variety of activities presented at this year's fair. The demolition derby, tractor pull and horse races attracted large crowds to the grandstand.
Both the Spencerville Fair Ambassador Pageant and the Little Sir/Little Miss Pageant took place Friday night. Karen Van Ryswyk was crowned ambassador; 1st Runner-up and Miss Congeniality honours went to Julie Crawford. Jessica Dunnington and A.J. Laroque were named Little Miss and Little Sir respectively. The Shania Twin tribute show also took to the stage Friday night at the community centre.
As fair organizers began the task of cleaning up the fairgrounds Sunday, planning for next year's fair was already in the works. Malcomson said the board will go over its notes and meet next month to review this year's events and look ahead to the 147th edition of the fair.
JOHNSTOWN Security was heightened at the international bridge Tuesday morning in response to a series of terrorist attacks in the United States.
Several Ontario Provincial Police officers were dispatched to the Canadian side of the crossing. The southbound lane was closed for between 30 and 45 minutes Tuesday morning. The crossing was open as of press time Tuesday afternoon. OPP officers were assisting Canada Customs personnel with vehicle checks.
Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan condemned the attacks on the World Trade Centre towers, Pentagon and other American targets. Jordan, who met with government leaders in Ottawa Tuesday, referred to what happened in the United States as "a cowardly attack on innocent citizens.
"Our prayers go out to them," the MP added.
PRESCOTT Concerns about the way town council is doing business made for a lively debate Monday night at a committee-of-the-whole meeting.
What started as a discussion on a proposal by Mayor Robert Lawn to change council's committee system turned into an opportunity for some councillors to express their displeasure with the current situation.
The mayor had proposed council follow a committee-of-the-whole approach that would see all members of council meet to discuss issues from six policy areas. Each councillor would be assigned a general policy area and would be spokesperson for that department at council and committee-of-the-whole meetings.
Council had adopted a standing committee system at the beginning of its term. Each councillor who had previous experience at the council table was selected to chair one of four committees; the committee would include two other councillors, with the mayor being an ex-officio member of each committee.
Mayor Lawn indicated his proposal would give each member of council an assignment and give all members full opportunity to take part in committee discussions. Councillors Garry Dewar and Terry McConnell responded by voicing their concerns about the existing structure and what they believe to be council's inability to do its job.
Dewar said council has not been effective and is lagging behind on a number of issues. He went on to state the town is having money problems and 25 per cent of taxes are going unpaid.
"We have absolutely no control over the finances of the town," he said. "If we were a company we would be bankrupt."
McConnell said there are "too many things that aren't right." The councillor added he feels helpless as chair of the transportation and environmental services committee
Continued on Page because of what he believes has been the finance and corporate services committee's inability to take a lead role on certain issues, including the transfer of water services to the municipality. Having a committee-of-the-whole meeting every week is not getting the job done, according to McConnell.
"We're spinning our wheels," he said.
McConnell and Dewar said they favour returning to a committee system in place when McConnell served on council several terms ago. The mayor insisted his proposal would address the councillors' concerns, but he went on to state it was clear the proposal did not meet their needs.
Emotions appeared high during portions of the discussion. At one point McConnell said he did not want to enter into "a pissing match" with the mayor, adding the two have been good neighbours for almost 30 years and McConnell wants it to stay that way despite the serious differences emerging at the council table.
Finance committee chairperson Jo-Anne Beckstead, who was not present for the first half of Monday's discussion, said she likes the committee-of-the-whole system in which each councillor is responsible for a section of meeting business. The system is more transparent to the public because various issues can be dealt with at one meeting, she noted. With more people at the committee-of-the-whole meeting, Beckstead argued, more ideas could be suggested and discussed.
She said after the meeting she does not support any attempt by council to "micro-manage" municipal operations.
In light of opposition to his committee structure proposal, the mayor asked McConnell and Dewar to put together a proposal and present it later this month.
PRESCOTT St. John's Anglican Church is preparing to say goodbye to Reverend Gerry Ring.
A sold-out dinner and dance in his honour will take place Friday night at the Legion Hall on Henry Street. Ring, who has served at St. John's for nearly 11 years, is retiring this month.
The reverend's final service will take place Sunday, Sept. 14 at 10:30 am. A police, fire and Legion colour guard will form at the church. Following the service, a reception open to the public will be held at the Legion Hall.
For more information, call 925-3364.
PRESCOTT Author John Morris will appear at The Gift Lane Friday, Sept. 14 and Saturday, Sept. 15 to sign copies of his new book, Morrises' History of Prescott: 1800-2000.
Morris will be at the store from 11 am to 1 pm both days.
PRESCOTT The Seaway Men's Ecumenical Fellowship Club begins its new season of breakfast meetings this Saturday, Sept. 15.
The guest for the meeting is Brockville urologist Dr. J.M. Earle, who will speak on the subject of the prostate. The breakfast begins at 8 am in St. Paul's United Church hall.
Women are welcome to attend. For more information, call 925-5720.
PRESCOTT Town council is looking into how much it would cost to repair the Boundary Street railway crossing.
Councillors expressed their concerns about the condition of the level crossing at a meeting Monday. One estimate pegs the cost of repairs at $25,000, Councillor Terry McConnell said.
It was suggested the town contact CN and ask for a revised quote. The municipality would pay for the repairs.
Councillor Garry Dewar said the poor condition of the crossing is the second most frequent complaint he hears from the public; the most frequent is the condition of Churchill Road.
PRESCOTT The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs will host a roast beef dinner Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Odd Fellows Hall, 454 Henry St. W.
Dinner will be served at 4:30 pm and 6 pm. Take-out orders will be available. For tickets, call 925-2076, 925-4784 or 925-4957. There is no guarantee tickets will be available at the door.
Proceeds from the dinner will go to the board that oversee the hall.
PRESCOTT The 2001 Terry Fox Run will take place Sunday, Sept. 16.
The annual fundraiser for cancer research begins at noon at Knapp's Yamaha on County Road 18 at McIntosh Road.
More than 70 participants raised in excess of $8,700 last year.
The theme of this year's event is "Every 1 Makes a Difference." Walkers, runners, cyclists, and others are encouraged to obtain pledges and continue the cross-Canada Marathon of Hope one-legged runner Terry Fox started in 1980 but was unable to complete.
The annual Terry Fox Run has raised $300 million since its inception two decades ago.
The official start of the Prescott-area event will take place at 1 pm, and the run is expected to conclude at about 2 pm. The west-east route begins and ends at Knapp's; refreshments will be supplied to run participants.
Pledge sheets are available at a number of locations in the area. For more information about the Terry Fox Run, contact event organizer Sharon Spychi at 925-5700 or the Terry Fox Foundation at 1-888-TFOXRUN.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD Augusta residents continue to question council on decisions they say will negatively affect the township.
Four residents made separate and sometimes heated presentations to council at its Monday meeting, each citing specific concerns. Reeve George Vail was forced to restore order in the council chamber on at least one occasion.
Don Biccum insisted "a full explanation doesn't cut it" when Councillor Jane Fullarton explained why she did not declare a conflict of interest in a personnel issue.
Biccum questioned Fullarton for not declaring a conflict when her stepbrother was being considered for employment with the township last spring. Gary Hogeveen was hired as a full-time driver/operator for the roads department. He had been a seasonal township employee for about the past 10 years.
Fullarton noted legal requirements call for municipal employees and elected officials to declare a conflict of interest only when that person stands to gain financially. She said the employee's father was married to her mother, making him "technically" a relation.
However, Hogeveen's father died about four years ago, she said, and since then there has been a "significant rift" in the family.
"There isn't any relationship there that could have any financial benefit from him to myself," Fullarton said.
Biccum suggested Fullarton conveniently "disowned" her stepbrother for personal gain.
Fullarton encouraged Biccum to seek legal recourse. "You will be hearing from me again," Biccum said.
Reeve George Vail assured resident Glen Kirkland extra money spent on the construction of Lords Mills Road was necessary to repair mistakes made by a previous council.
"The way it looks you're trying to bankrupt us," Kirkland said, noting it has taken more than $700,000 to fix the road instead of the $500,000 that was figured into the budget. "This is totally unacceptable for a road that's going nowhere," he said.
Deputy Reeve Morris Stark explained to resident Gill Cyr converting the township's 1993 single-axle truck to a tandem will prove more efficient and cost effective than purchasing a new truck.
Cyr felt the conversion was unprofessional and poor planning. "This was wrong, and the chance of that truck going down the road right is small."
Cyr was also troubled by the fact there is now a municipal employees' union representing some township employees. Cyr wondered what happened "to our men to provoke them so bad that they felt they had to call a union to manage. Something is terribly wrong between either council or your management.
"The union costs me money. We don't want too many of these boo boos done anymore because pretty soon we're all going to be in a mess."
In response to a question from township resident Jim Bailey, Stark said the removal and demolition of an old guard shack at the Maynard landfill was necessary because of its deteriorated condition. Bailey felt it was a waste of taxpayers' money to pay for a rental trailer on the site.
Councillor Doug Barton, who also heads the waste management committee, assured Bailey the temporary structure will help ease the transition of the landfill site to a transfer station. Once the transfer station is operational, a building with a proper washroom and lunchroom will be constructed for the employees. Barton also said the cost to have the shack professionally moved was prohibitive.
SPENCERVILLE Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Chief Building Official Terry Peacock will be receiving a new computer system to aid in his work, council authorized at its Sept. 4 meeting.
The building official had the oldest equipment in the township and it was out of date, council said. The new system will network with other municipal equipment, and includes a large-size monitor, an Internet connection, battery back-up system, and a printer capable of printing heavy card stock for building permits.
The purchase will cost the township $3,553, including tax.
SPENCERVILLE Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council passed a bylaw Sept. 4 to enter into an antenna site licence agreement with Upper Canada Networks (UCNet).
Based in Kemptville, UCNet is a non-profit company dedicated to bringing affordable, high-speed wireless communication to Leeds and Grenville. The company plans to install three antennas and a receiver on the grain elevators in Johnstown. The equipment will aid in building a wireless Internet loop that would service the counties.
The Port of Prescott antennas would serve as a jump-off point for the wireless network in several directions, including across the St. Lawrence River to an Ogdensburg business park, UCNet CEO Vic Allen indicated at an earlier council meeting. The affordable Internet access would be available to businesses, individuals, schools and hospitals within the loop.
SPENCERVILLE A special meeting to determine the future of the administrative structure at the Port of Prescott elevator has been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 13 by Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council.
Councillor Peggy Taylor said at a Sept. 4 meeting time is of the essence, since the contract of the current general manager at the port expires Oct. 31. She also indicated the manager may be wanting to leave the job.
"It shouldn't be a slip-slap thing at the end," Taylor said, stressing the importance of reviewing a job description and advertising the position.
"We've done nothing to date and we've got to do something. We have to move and I think we should move on it as soon as possible."
The township took over ownership of the ports property from the federal government last October.
PRESCOTT Town officials want an in-depth analysis before making a final decision on the proposed reconstruction of Churchill Road.
Prescott council has yet to sign a contract to rebuild the decaying roadway from Edward Street to Boundary Street. Among the options being considered is reconstructing the section from Edward to Massie Drive this year, leaving the stretch between Massie and Boundary for next year.
However, council members agreed Monday to obtain additional information about sewer connections under Churchill Road before awarding a tender.
Councillor Terry McConnell explained Town Engineer Clyde Solomon suggested a camera be sent down to inspect existing connections between houses and the sewer line. Problems associated with some of the connections in the area prompted town officials to look into the matter.
The estimated cost of rebuilding Churchill Road is in the range of $600,000. The low bid submitted during a recent tender call falls within that range.
PRESCOTT After 25 years of service, volunteers with Prescott's Meals on Wheels program keep driving forward to provide a friendly face and nutritious food to local people.
The volunteer committee celebrated its 25th anniversary Monday with a luncheon at the Prescott health centre. The gathering was also a goodbye to Clara Marchand, who is retiring after 20 years with the organization, and to Irving Miller, retiring after 19 years.
"It's fulfilling for us," Marchand said, commenting on why she has volunteered so much time over the years delivering meals and acting as chairperson. "You might be the only one to be there in a day for them."
Marchand said she enjoyed the noon meal visits so much, she would often return for afternoon visits with the clients.
The time has come to take a reluctant rest from volunteer work, Marchand noted, adding she is also involved with the Rebekah Lodge, St. Paul's United Church and the lawn bowling club.
Meals on Wheels operates with about 45 volunteers, many of whom have been involved for more than 20 years. The volunteers pick up meals Monday to Friday from St. Lawrence Lodge in Brockville where they are prepared, and then deliver them to residents in Prescott. About 14 clients are currently served, at a cost of $3.25 each per meal. St. Lawrence Lodge is paid $3 per meal, and the remainder pays for administrative costs to keep the program running. Volunteer drivers provide their own vehicles and gas. Costs are kept low because no one is paid for their work.
One meal consists of a soup, meat, potato, vegetable, bread, butter and a dessert. There is often food left from the large portions for another meal, and the servings are geared to dietary needs.
Volunteer Joan Fortier says its the strong bond and friendship that develops with co-workers and clients that makes the work rewarding. "It's mainly because we like the people," she said.
"It's a good feeling you get when you finish with your run," said Ursula Noe, who has been with the program since its inception. "You get more out of it than we give to it."
Jane Dalgleish, who is also an original member, said Meals on Wheels "is a very valuable program for the community. I've always been proud to be a part of it and to be with such good friends. It's been no effort, really."
The Prescott Meal Care Steering Committee was first formed in Sept. 1975 with officers Sandra Lawn as chairman, Pam Snelling as recording secretary and Grace Scott as corresponding secretary, who also initiated a nutritional survey of seniors in Prescott. Others members visited neighbouring communities who had a meal care program and obtained information on forming the local program.
The group received a Local Incentive Program grant for $15,500 in Nov. 1975. Four employees - Melvin Parrott, Mabel Wills, Linda Gettings and Dan Jones - were hired to carry out the day-to-day operation.
St. Lawrence Lodge in Brockville agreed to supply the meals, and four hot boxes, charcoal and metal dishes were purchased from London, England. The price to the client was 85 cents, and an average of 21 meals were delivered Monday to Friday.
The steering committee did public relations work through local churches and organizations, and in March 1976 called a meeting to encourage Prescott and area residents to support a volunteer meal care program. The response was encouraging, and the first executive for the program was formed with Irene Angst, Carmel Glynn, Pam Dewar, Pam Snelling and Jane Dalgleish.
The first constitution was signed in Jan., 1978. The first chairpersons were Ursula Noe, Laurie Malowsky and Clara Marchand. Secretaries were June George, Beverly Willer, Jane Dalgleish and Sandi MacKay. Co-ordinators were Barbara Swoger, Lea McQuitty and Jane Dalgleish.
Anyone interested in volunteering with Meals and Wheels can contact Ursula Noe at 925-4494 or Suzanne Simms at 925-2988.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT The municipality will apply for funding to offset the cost of acquiring a search and rescue boat.
Council agreed at a committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday to apply for $25,000 in JEPP funding. The move follows a request made earlier this summer by the Prescott Fire Department.
Although a funding application has been made, council has not made a decision on whether a rescue boat will be purchased.
Fire department officials indicated the cost of a boat and related equipment could total $90,000. Much of the money to pay for the boat would be raised by firefighters, council members were told.
The Ontario Provincial Police operates a boat that is shared by Grenville and Leeds detachments. Although the coast guard provides search and rescue service, it operates on a volunteer basis and uses a standby system after business hours.
Town CAO/Clerk Andrew Brown reported to council the coast guard has an auxiliary search and rescue program which would enable a community-based volunteer group to receive training and some operational costs.
The OPP and the county fire co-ordinator support the Prescott department's request, according to Brown.
Although council members agreed to have a funding application submitted, there are mixed feelings on whether the town should get into the search and rescue business. Councillor Garry Dewar said he would not support the proposal if Prescott paid and neighbouring municipalities did not. It was noted Prescott has a much smaller waterfront area than Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships.
Councillor Jim French agreed costs should be shared. He pointed out the county is recommending a search and rescue service would cover the area extending from Maitland to Cardinal.
Councillor Terry McConnell said the search and rescue proposal is an excellent idea; however, he added "it's not going to fly" without the co-operation of neighbouring municipalities.
French noted "it's a dead issue" if the funding application is denied.
PRESCOTT A magnificent Victorian mansion nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence River returns to the line-up of stately homes selected to mark the fifth annual Grenville Historical Society House Tour, set for Saturday, Sept. 22.
With its elaborate gables, prominent chimneys, decorative shingles and brick work and sweeping veranda curving to overlook the river, the Isaac Wiser house is a popular addition to the tour.
The King Street West home was a focal point of the first house tour five years ago, and the home's beautiful interior never fails to impress. Each of the principal rooms features a different wood species, many with arched doorways and unique fireplace surrounds. It was built about 1892 for the son of J.P. Wiser, the prominent Prescott distiller.
An earlier example of Victoriana, the Benjamin French house on Dibble Street West features steep gables with gingerbread. This brick home was built in 1859 for the railroad tycoon who was superintendent of the Ottawa and Prescott Railway, providing a valuable link for previously isolated communities along its route. This house also features elegant woodwork and a beautiful staircase.
At about the same time and only two blocks away on James Street West, the congregation of St. John's Anglican Church commissioned a home for its rector, Rev. Richard Lewis, who succeeded the founder of this parish, Rev. Robert Blakey.
The gold-coloured brick was a step away from the traditional red used in most houses here. Inside, the large rooms with high ceilings are framed with deeply curved mouldings and door frames.
Stepping farther back in time, an early 1830s gristmill for grinding grain secured its place in history as the site of the now famous Battle of the Windmill. Interpreters at the site are happy to relate the story of the 1838 bloody skirmish as local militia successfully defended the banks against American interlopers. The mill was concerted to a lighthouse in the 1870s.
Many stone and wood buildings surrounded the mill at the time, but today only one remains. It was built in 1822 as a store and has been carefully restored by its present owners. The east wall still bears scars of cannon shot from that battle.
These sites may be visited in any order between 1 and 4:30 pm Sept. 22. Access is by ticket only.
Tickets are available in advance at Young's of Prescott, Flower World, Chris Slater House of Flowers, or at the historical society by calling 925-0489. The ticket folder includes a map and brief description of the houses. Admission includes a traditional afternoon tea, to be served from 1 to 4 pm at Walker House, 623 King St. W.
The house tour is the historical society's major fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the event help ensure the organization's volunteers can continue with their work of gathering and preserving the history of the area.
The society archives is open to the public each Tuesday for research. It is located at Dibble and Edward streets.
MAYNARD Augusta residents will now be required to follow a procedural bylaw established in 1998 before being allowed to make presentations at regular council meetings.
Reeve George Vail notified a full-house audience Monday night all delegates must submit a written notice to the township chief administrative officer before 4:30 pm on the Wednesday preceding a Monday council meeting. The submission must be signed, and the purpose of the presentation clearly stated. Written submissions should not be more than one page in length. Only one spokesperson per issue will be allowed to address council.
The reeve stated adhering to proper procedure was necessary so council could be adequately prepared with relevant information during presentations.
A number of delegates have appeared at recent council meetings in which councillors were not able to speak on the matter before obtaining more information.
SPENCERVILLE The new ambassador of the Spencerville Fair is looking forward to the upcoming year.
Karen Van Ryswyk was crowned ambassador Friday night at the community centre. Van Ryswyk, an OAC student at South Grenville District High School, was one of six contestants to vie for the title.
A crowd of more than 500 attended the event, which also featured a performance by Shania Twin, a tribute to the popular recording artist from Timmins, Ont.
This was the first pageant in which an ambassador was crowned. A queen was crowned at pageants in the past; however, young men are now eligible to compete. Iain MacPherson was one of the six contestants in this year's event.
Natalie Bruce, last year's Spencerville Fair Queen, recalled what seemed to be an eternity when she took to the stage in last year's pageant. She has represented the fair and Spencerville at numerous events in the area and at provincial get-togethers.
"It went by very fast, but it was enjoyable," she said.
Van Ryswyk said she will enjoy being fair ambassador because it will give her a chance to meet new people and represent her community. "I am looking forward to it," she said.
The ambassador said she was shocked to hear her name announced as the winner; all the other contestants were great, Van Ryswyk added.
Julie Crawford was chosen 1st Runner-up and Miss Congeniality.
The other contestants were Melissa Henderson, Brooke Hunter and Marissa Carver.
Ten girls and three boys were entered in the second annual Little Miss/Little Sir pageant which took place prior to the ambassador competition. After each contestant was introduced, three boys and three girls were selected for the final round; each was asked a question, and the judges left to make their decisions after all six had answered.
Jessica Dunnington was named Little Miss. The other two girls who made it to the finals were Jessica Halliday and Charlena Miller.
Little Sir honours went to A.J. Larocque. Chase Tetreault and Colin Reynolds were the other two boys who took part in the event.
The other girls who entered the Little Miss competition were Fiona Cleary, Julisa Tetreault, Jessica Miller, Paige Burnie, Megan Wheatley, Laura Wheatley and Meghan Evoy.
MAYNARD - The councils of Augusta and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal have each supported a request to allow tickets to be sold within the townships for a Lanark County fundraiser.
Pike Falls Classic, a non-profit motorcycle event that raises money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Lanark County, had requested permission to sell raffle tickets in each of the municipalities until May 5, 2002. The prizes in the raffle are a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a $1,000 gift certificate.
Both township councils supported the request at their most recent September meetings.
Ursula Noe, commenting on the benefits of volunteering for Meals on Wheels
FUN TIME HAD BY ALL: The 146th edition of the Spencerville Fair was hot stuff. Although some could have done without all that heat and humidity, event organizers could not have asked for better weather. A passing shower early Saturday morning did nothing to dampen spirits of the thousands who passed through the gates.
As is the case with other agriculture-based expositions in Ontario, the Spencerville Fair has faced the challenge of blending traditional competitions and the farming lifestyle with a fast-paced, technology-based society. Spencerville has resisted any urge to sell out and become a corporate-driven entertainment package that dabbles in agriculture. The annual exposition still looks, sounds and smells like a country fair. The farming community has taken more than its share of setbacks in recent years; too much rain last summer and not enough rain this summer has taken its toll on the community. The good thing about the fair is it brings people together and gives them a chance to celebrate a way of life that through its ups and downs remains an integral part of Eastern Ontario.
The Spencerville Fair continues to be the biggest little fair around, and it's all because of the hard work of volunteers who continue to serve their community year after year. They deserve a first-place ribbon for their tireless efforts.
BUILD IT AND THEY MIGHT COME: One of the challenges municipal councils face is to make the community attractive to new business without spending a lot of money to do so. Servicing an industrial park or building an access road are examples of how municipalities try to encourage companies to locate in a business-friendly community. The problem arises when taxpayers do not see an immediate return on such an investment. Economic development is one of those things in which it may be difficult to determine success until long after the money goes into the ground.
Town officials in Prescott are confident the money being spent on the road to the FAI development just east of the OPP station will end up being money well spent. With a 40,000-square-foot grocery store in the works and a big retailer soon to follow, municipal leaders are cautiously optimistic development on both sides of the 401 will soon become a reality. But they must also accept the apprehension some residents are bound to have given other proposals which have come and gone. Given the current financial position facing the town, the reluctance to spend is even greater. As much as we'd like council to show some foresight and leadership, the town can ill afford to spend a lot of money on the future when there are things in the present which must be addressed.
Tim Ruhnke
John A.H. Morris
Special thanks to the many persons who have written, phoned and expressed personal congratulations to yours truly on our book Morrises' History of Prescott: 1800 - 2000. We would also like to add special bouquets of thanks to Mrs. Jean Wadds for the generous invitation to hold our book launch and signing in her beautiful riverside gardens, and to members of the Historical Society and Forwarders' Museum Board who helped host the event. Proceeds from book sales and from donations to the lawn social realized about $400 for each organization.
Although we are sure of the accuracy of 99.9 per cent of the facts that appear in our book, we have been informed of a couple of misspellings of persons' names and at least one misidentification in a century-old photograph. This can be expected as we were copying names from previously published articles where the original spelling errors occurred.
We do have the advantage, however, of making corrections in our book if and when another printing is undertaken. It is hard for us to believe that this entire 540-page book, including illustrations, is contained on one computer disk which we can open up and make corrections or changes with relative ease. It is also easier to store on a computer disk than three tons of linotype metal and copper engravings which would have been the case if our book had been printed as early as 1965 using the technology we employed at The Prescott Journal at that time.
******
Having a book that is factually correct when one is recording history is very important and adds to the credibility of the author and publishers.
One of the more pleasant reads we have enjoyed the past few weeks as we attempt to wean ourselves from Prescott history has been Phil Jenkins' book River Song -- Sailing the St. Lawrence.
Author Jenkins uses the St. Lawrence River as a vessel to guide us through the history of Canada right from the arrival of the first Europeans to today's economic impact of the St. Lawrence Seaway. However, his interesting anecdotes of the section of the St. Lawrence that we are familiar with (from Cornwall to Prescott) are fraught with factual errors. Some of his embellishments make for interesting reading, but many of the events he describes along this section of the river did not happen the way he says they did.
Our first indication that Mr. Jenkins' research was either flawed or lacking was in his account of the Battle of the Windmill in 1838 where he states the invading Patriot Hunters from the United States killed over 250 British and Canadian soldiers and mutilated many of them, while they lost only 20 of their own men. The real casualty count from both sides was 48 killed (11 of these hanged after being taken prisoner) and a total of 89 injured.
His report of the invading force being launched from Ogdensburg in small boats is truly fiction, as is his description of the Windmill being within shouting distance across the St. Lawrence from the town of Ogdensburg. Three miles is a loud shout.
His account of local happenings during the War of 1812 are also suspect. He said the wife of the Sheriff of Ogdensburg, a Mrs. Jenkins, crossed the ice to Prescott following the invasion of her town by Canadian forces to retrieve a mirror taken from her home by Prescott plunderers.
Yes, the Sheriff of Ogdensburg's wife did cross the ice to Prescott, but the sheriff name was York, a hero of the battle who was taken prisoner. Mrs. York came to Prescott to negotiate her husband's release (successfully). Perhaps author Jenkins' notes were confusing because one of the Canadian Heroes of the battle was a Captain Jenkins.
During his sweep down the St. Lawrence River in November 1813 on the tail of the American army that was heading for Montreal, the River Song author had Col. Morrison of the British forces stopping at Fort Wellington in Prescott to reinforce his army from the fort's garrison. Fort Wellington was barely under construction in November, 1813, and was therefore not garrisoned.
Jenkins has forwarder William Gilkison building the first residence in Prescott in 1811 (Paul Fortier and Major Edward Jessup would contend this statement). Also in dispute is the statement that Chimney Island (Isle Royale) is located somewhere between Iroquois and Morrisburg, a considerable distance from its actual location of a few miles east of Prescott opposite Grenville Park.
In writing about the re-settlement of parts of Morrisburg following the St. Lawrence Power Project flooding in 1958, Jenkins refers to world-renowned body builder Charles Atlas as taking up residence in Morrisburg. Mr. Atlas happened to be George F. Jowett, an equally famous body builder who was returning to Dundas County after making his fortune in the United States.
This we know, not from research but from family history. George Jowett immigrated to Finch, Ontario in 1910 with my grandfather.
Although we enjoyed Mr. Jenkins' book, we have to wonder if he had this many errors in these few chapters, what sort of fiction exists in the other 23 chapters. Perhaps it would be best if River Song was moved from the history shelf to the historical fiction shelf.
Schools thinking of putting this book on their course of study should take the time to check out the entire book for historical accuracy.
The Editor;
As the owner and operator of Sea N' Sky Scuba I would like to respond to the letter "Boater describes close call with diver" from Jim Harkness. As a responsible diver and local business owner I agree with Mr. Harkness, a flag and float marker is required when diving in the St. Lawrence River. This is for the divers' safety along with the boaters' safety. At Sea N' Sky Scuba we promote and inform divers that a flag and float is required when diving. Most people that frequent this area for diving use the proper equipment, which includes surface markers such as a flag and float.
I am sorry that Mr. Harkness had a bad experience with two divers. We are constantly educating and promoting the proper use of safety equipment for all local and visiting divers that come to our area. I believe that this will help to ensure that everyone's time on or in the river will be safe and enjoyable.
The popular dive site (The Rothesay) located at the bottom of Merwin Lane has been maintained by a group of local volunteers. We have made a great effort to keep this site clean and well groomed. I think we have done a good job; maybe not a great job, but a good job. We will continue to pick up garbage and cut the grass as the season continues.
Kevin Benish, Prescott
Dear Mr. Morris;
Congratulations on completing your much encompassing "Morrises' History of Prescott 1800-2000." I know it must have been an all-consuming task.
I wish also to thank you for giving my rendition of Prescott's "Old Town Hall and Market House" such a prominent place on your book cover.
Thelma Cameron, RR5 Spencerville
Jane Fullarton
Registration for Maitland Sparks, Brownies and Guides took place Monday, Sept. 10 at Maitland Public School from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Sparks will meet at the MERC Hall on Monday evenings from 6:15 to 7:15 pm. Sparks is open to girls aged five to seven. Brownies will meet at Maitland school on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8 pm. The Brownie program is offered to girls aged seven and eight.
Roxanne McMullen and Lisa Sprague are this year's leaders. Sprague says one of the highlights of the Brownie program is the girls' involvement with the seniors at Rosedale. The Maitland Brownies visit Rosedale at Halloween and on other occasions to visit with the residents and sing for them. In April the girls bake cookies which they bring to a tea held for the residents of Rosedale.
Sprague says other activities are in the planning stage. The Maitland guides, for girls aged nine to 12, will meet at the Maitland Community Church on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8 pm. This season the guide leaders are Susan Clarke and Marcia Moulton. The Guides will have a very active year with lots of outdoor activities, including horse back riding, canoeing, camping, nature hikes, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. A Halloween party is also planned.
The first Maitland seniors' luncheon will be held Sept. 12. Call VON Home Support at 342-3693 to confirm your attendance.
Karate is being offered at the MERC Hall in Maitland starting Thursday, Sept. 13. Sensei Bill Williams will be the instructor. Williams holds a black belt in Shotokan and Chito Ryu has ten years martial arts experience. Introduction to Karate and street proofing will be offered for students aged six to nine, and runs from 7 to 8 pm. A youth and adult class will run from 8 to 9 pm. For more information call Williams at 348-1252.
Quilting is starting up again tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 13, at 1 pm and again at 7 pm. Elsie Lawrence will again be the teacher. Everyone is welcome. Beginner or advanced students will be taught on a one-on-one basis.
If anyone is willing and able to donate some cookies and or squares for the tea held Sept. 22 at Walker House for the open house tour by the historical society, it would be very much appreciated. To get an idea of what needs to be added, please give me a call at 925-5300.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st, Joyce Nesbitt; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; Eleanor Hatch won the door prize. Tuesday cribbage high hand, Myrtle Shahan; high score, Hilda Hutton; 2nd, Louie Bocsy; 3rd, Denise Monette. Wednesday evening bridge 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd, Andy Britnell; Valerie Schulz won the door prize. Thursday euchre 1st, Denise Monette; 2nd, Alice Crowder; 3rd, Jeannine Marion; Myrtle Shahan won the door prize.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE A natural recreation area in Cardinal will continue to be available for public use, township council has advised some residents who were concerned about the land's demise.
A group of Cardinal residents led by Daniel Tucker approached council at its Sept. 4 meeting, suggesting use of the parcel of land behind Meadowland Drive is being threatened by a local farmer. The municipally-owned land has been enjoyed for decades for its natural beauty, Tucker said.
The property, estimated by council to be about 25 acres in size, is a network of trails used by walkers, pet owners, bicyclists, hikers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, Tucker said.
The residents claimed they had been recently advised by Earl Riddell he would be growing cash crops on the property, and the land would no longer be available for public recreational use. They also told council the farmer had cut and baled hay from the land.
Mayor Dave Dobbie said he had received a letter Aug. 30 from Riddell asking if council would entertain the idea of him using the land, but noted "we have no intention of rezoning anything." Dobbie also said council had not discussed the matter and had made no arrangements with Riddell.
Councillor Dan McDonald emphatically stated open public space can not be assigned for individual use.
The land is a favourite gathering place used by young and old to relax, Tucker said. "In the past 10 years a group of neighbours has made the land more attractive for use by others by grooming a network of walking trails through the meadows and woodlots," he said.
"These trails are used by young and old from all over town in every season," Tucker added. "It is a great place to escape from everyday pressures, enjoy the pleasures of nature and enhance the frame of mind."
While Tucker noted he wishes no malice toward Riddell, he said the value the farmer sees in the land is the "consumptive use - how much hay it will produce, how much corn, or soybean.
"We see another value of this land. It may be only fields of grass, goldenrod and milkweed, but we see the nesting grounds for many birds," rabbits, foxes, deer and other wildlife, he said.
By rezoning the land agricultural, the residents fear an official park area would be lost. Tucker invited councillors to walk the trails to see the beauty and pleasure of the area first hand.
"If somebody is going to reap money from that land, it doesn't seem fair," Tucker said. "This is public land."
Dobbie noted the township should have an arrangement with somebody to cut the hay, and said council would do more research into the matter.
EDWARDSBURGH/CARDINAL Fun, five-kilometre walks to support Dog Guides of Canada will take place in Spencerville Sunday, Sept. 23, and in Cardinal Sunday, Sept. 30.
The walks are for "people and pooches of all ages," reported Cardinal walk organizer Mary Lewis. Now in its 17th year, the annual event has already raised close to $3 million for Lions Foundation of Canada, which provides dog guides to people with visual, hearing, physical or medical disabilities. More than 70 cities and towns across Canada are hosting walks this year.
Everyone is welcome to participate, with or without a dog, Lewis said. "We've got prizes for top fundraisers, lots of fun, and best of all, we're raising money for a great cause."
Sandy Turney, executive director of Lions Foundation of Canada, a founding member of Dog Guides of Canada, said "The walk is our biggest fundraiser. More Canadians in need will be able to get a dog guide this year thanks to the community spirit of people" in Cardinal and Spencerville, Turney said in a press release.
The Spencerville walk begins at 10 am at the Spencerville arena. Contact Beverly Potvin at 258-4578 for more information.
The Cardinal walk begins at 1 pm at 341 New St. Pledge forms and details are available by calling Lewis at 657-1110. Individuals or groups interested in assisting with the barbecue or prizes can also contact Lewis.
The Lions Foundation of Canada helps people with visual, hearing and physical disabilities. The foundation runs three dog guide programs: Canine Vision Canada, which provides assistance to people who are blind or visually impaired; Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada, which trains dog guides for people who are deaf or hard of hearing; and Special Skills Dogs of Canada, which provides dog guides to Canadians with physical or medical disabilities.
Canadians from across the country apply for dog guides to assist them with mobility, safety and independence. Since 1983, the lives of many adults and children have been enriched by the services of specially-trained dogs from Lions Foundation of Canada. All of these dog guides are provided at no cost to the client. The foundation is a registered charity and relies solely on individual and corporate donations.
Sandy McAleer of the Cornwall CNIB will be speaking about dog guides at the Cardinal and District Resource Centre on New Street Monday, Sept. 17 at 7 pm. She is a graduate of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, and will be accompanied by her dog guide Sport.
For more information on other walks, contact Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides at 1-800-768-3030.
The Edwardsburgh Official Plan is dated Oct. 6, 1997. On Page 12 it states: "With over 12,000 hectares of land under cultivation, agriculture is one of the central foundations of the municipal economic base." At Page 16 it reads: "The Township will operate on the basis of agriculture first when reviewing or evaluating development proposals within the Agricultural Resource Area."
Council has to date made one amendment to the official plan that removed the consents application in the RA zoned areas. Mayor Dave Dobbie advised at the time that the section relating to "Strip Development" affected the number of consents granted on poor or marginal rural property. He felt it would have no major impact on the agricultural community.
The second amendment being sought to the official plan is regarded as a nutrient management amendment. Its history started prior to April 2000. I was advised four citizens concerned about a barn proposal had approached council. In response to the concerns raised, council drafted a bylaw for the April 17, 2000 meeting. The draft limited the number of livestock units in the township to 150. That evening the council chamber was filled to capacity with members of the farming community concerned about the impact such action would have on their farming operations. I too was in the audience.
The bylaw was amended that evening to indicate 250 units after the number was bantered about a bit. Mayor Dobbie (then Edwardsburgh reeve) advised those present that council had no intention to take the bylaw past second reading that night. Following the election that year, council passed the bylaw with third reading on Nov. 20 (during the "lame duck period") after raising the livestock units cap to 300.
OMAFRA uses "livestock units" as a trigger for compliance with Minimum Distance Separation and for implementation of a Nutrient Management Plan. Livestock units for swine are set at five sows, four feeders or twenty weaners for one livestock unit. At 300 livestock units, the owner of the farm could have 1500 sows, 1200 feeders, or 6000 piglets. The livestock units for chickens are 125 caged layers equal one livestock unit, 200 chicken broilers/roasters equal one livestock unit and 500 pullets equal one livestock unit. The farm could then have a maximum of 37,500 caged layers; 60,000 chicken broilers/roasters or 150,000 pullets. Livestock units for dairy cows is one cow for one livestock unit unless the cow is a heifer and then it is two cows for one livestock unit. At 300 livestock units, 300 units is 300 cows or 600 heifers.
OMAFRA does not limit farm size. A separation distance is calculated based "on either the actual housing capacity or potential capacity according to tillable hectares" (MDS II, OMAFRA) with a maximum of 150 livestock units. It triggers nutrient management studies and establishes minimum distances between farms and neighbours.
The interim bylaw caps farm expansion at 300 livestock units (unless consent is granted). The requirements of OMAFRA remain constant. The reality for this township is that there are few farms exceeding the 300 units (one hog farm and one chicken farm that this person can think of). So why would we want to cap livestock units?
The Planning Advisory Committee and the Nutrient Management Committee reviewed a nutrient management amendment on June 26. At this meeting, the committees discovered some changes they felt should be made to better accommodate the communities involved. The OMAFRA member present made some mention that changes to the Minimum Distance Separation Formula were being considered at that level. It was made clear to the committees by the planner there were no changes being made to the official plan or the proposed amendment that would alter the Minimum Distance Separation Formulas established by OMAFRA.
At a public meeting on July 19 (required under the Planning Act) those present received, in addition to the Nutrient Management Amendment, a bylaw for consideration. The new bylaw effectively alters the Minimum Distance Separations established by OMAFRA. No member of council seems to know where that document came from. It is quite important to the farming community.
The bylaw, first provided to the public on July 19 and to this council following the public meeting, alters the Minimum Distance Separation Formula so that OMAFRA's formulaes only apply to a new livestock facility within the rural or agricultural zoned lands. Any additions being made to an existing farm would be limited to a "10 per cent extension of an existing building." If you have a barn 100 feet long, you can extend it by 10 feet.
Members of the farming community are concerned about this. Doug Cleary pointed out if you have a herd of 30, 10 per cent is three cows. This is normal growth, not an expansion. Any barn size alterations upon an expansion would be greater than 10 per cent. If an established farm is going to expand and must meet a Minimum Distance Separation Formula which is the same as a new barn, this is unfair as a farm operating for 50 years or more which has seen homes added to neighbouring land may not meet the requirements of a new barn. Further, he advised the Minimum Distance Separation Formula serves a primary purpose of establishing distances to prevent odour and noise more so than environmental concerns. The environmental components are triggered by the MDS, not addressed by it.
As OMAFRA's MDS II states, "A principle of land-use planning is the grouping together of incompatible land uses and the separating of incompatible land uses. The agricultural community generally acknowledges that even with the best management, noise and dust cannot be eliminated, and that odours are associated with livestock production. Should complaints about odours, noise or dust occur, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy will respond."
There is no reason for council to pass anything other than the amendment no. 2 to the official plan, being the nutrient management amendments. We don't need to hold on to the interim bylaw and we don't need to limit farm expansion by 10 per cent. These proposed amendments do nothing to benefit either the farming or the non-farming community.
They do not protect the environment, they do not enhance the economy, and they do not reflect a township which is supposed to operate on an "agriculture first" basis. They do not serve to pull a community together. They pull it apart.
CARDINAL VON home support for Leeds and Grenville is hosting a barbecue tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 13 to support United Way.
Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be available in front of VanCamp's Freshmart in Cardinal from 11 am to 1 pm.
All fundraising proceeds go directly to the 26 Leeds and Grenville agencies under the United Way umbrella.
Elton Milburn Bass, 5678 Skakum Rd., RR 4, Prescott, died Friday, Aug. 17, 2001 at his home. He was 91.
Mr. Bass was born Sept. 6, 1909 at Augusta Township, the son of Herbert Bass and Grace Baker. He married May Bass (nee Kelso) Dec. 16, 1931 at the United Church Manse, Maynard.
He is survived by his son, Orval Bass (wife Dena); daughter Audrey (Mrs. Roy Patterson); grandchildren Terry Bass, Marsha (Mrs. Mac Weir), Dwayne Patterson, Laurie (Mrs. Don Bell) and Melanie Patterson; great grandchildren Lindsey and Ashley Weir, Jamie Patterson, and Samara and Delaney Bell.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife and a brother, Lester Bass.
His interests included church and gardening, and he started at the Brockville Farmers Market in 1953. Mr. Bass had been the owner and operator of a dairy farm and market garden.
Visitation was at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Sunday, Aug. 19 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm.
The funeral service was in the chapel of the funeral home Aug. 20 at 2 pm, with Rev. Blair Paterson officiating. A committal service followed at Maynard Cemetery.
Pall bearers were Erwin, John and Clair Kelso, Gary and Dwight Spero and Carl Polite.
Memorial donations may be made to the VON or St. Paul's Memorial Fund.
Barbara Eleanor Typhair, 630 Sophia St., Prescott, died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2001 at Brockville General Hospital. She was 72.
She was born March 4, 1929 at Augusta Township, the daughter of Edgar Knapp and Elvira Knapp. She married Charles Wilbert Typhair May 23, 1948 at Spencerville.
Mrs. Typhair is survived by her daughters, Rosemary (Mrs. Joe Keeler), Pauline (Mrs James Bailey), Sandra Engelhart (friend - Mike Bulanda) and Debra (Mrs. Larry Himes) all of Prescott; her son, David Typhair (wife - Linda) of Prescott; grandchildren, Dale, Sherry, Jodie, Thomas, Robert, Chantal, Chuckie, Shaun, Virginia, Holly, David and Elizabeth; 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; twin sons Wilbert and William; and sisters Marguerite Derouin and Jacqueline Warren.
Mrs. Typhair's main interests were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, knitting, sewing and embroidery. She was an active member of Victoria United Church, Maynard.
She had been employed as a sewing machine operator at Hathaway Shirts, a production worker at Newell Brass Works, as a homemaker and a much-loved baby sitter.
Visitation was at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Aug. 27 and 28 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service was held at Victoria United Church, Maynard, Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 2 pm, with Rev. Blair Paterson officiating. A committal service followed at Maynard Cemetery.
The pallbearers were her grandsons, Dale, Jodie, Thomas, Robert, Chuckie, Shaun and David.
Charles Alzon Seeley, 3951 Weir Rd., RR 2, Spencerville, died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2001 at St.Vincent de Paul Hospital, Brockville. He was 58.
Mr. Seeley was born Feb. 11, 1943 at Dundas County, Ont., the son of Rae Seeley and Stella Herriman. He married Gloria Christine Seeley, nee Doran-Johns.
He is survived by his wife Gloria of RR 2 Spencerville; his mother Stella Seeley; his son Sheldon (wife - Christine) of Ajax, his daughter Kimberly Seeley of Richmond Hill; step-children Stacey Johns of Ottawa and Derek Johns of Prescott; grandchildren Madison and Hunter Seeley; and his sister Hilda Barkley.
Mr. Seeley was predeceased by his father Rae Seeley and a daughter, Myrna.
Mr. Seeley had been the owner and operator of Seeley Bus lines.
Visitation was at Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Aug. 20 and 21 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service was held in the chapel of the funeral home Wednesday, Aug. 22 at 11 am, with Rev. Doug Blair officiating. A eulogy was given by John McCrea.
The pallbearers were Bernie Blair, Wayne Salmon, Derek Johns, Garry Cooper, Brian Seeley and Sheldon Seeley. The honourary bearer was Ed Westlake.
Cremation took place at Cataraqui Crematorium Aug. 22.
KEMPTVILLE A limited number of additional game seals for archery hunting of deer will be available this fall, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has announced.
The move is being made to assist the management of deer populations and harvests as well as provide recreational hunting opportunities and related economic benefits, according to an MNR news release.
"This is an excellent management tool that will assist us in managing the deer population to meet the needs of the public, and we are confident the sustainability of the population will not be compromised," stated Kerry Coleman, area manager with the Kemptville MNR district office.
A flourishing deer population has caused significant crop damage in some portions of Kemptville district; there have also been concerns raised about an increasing number of deer/vehicle collisions.
The additional seals will be available for wildlife management units 64A and 64B (north and west of the Rideau River) and 67 (west of County Road 29). The seals will be valid from Oct. 15 to Dec. 31 of this year. The seals will be awarded on the basis of a draw.
Three hundred additional seals will be made available in management unit 67, and will be limited to the harvest of antlered deer only.
Hunters interested in the seals can apply by phone at (613) 258-8204 or in person at MNR Kemptville until Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 5 pm.
A valid outdoors card is required. Applicants must phone the district office after Oct. 1 to find out if they were successful.
Those who are successful can purchase the seals from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15; unclaimed seals will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis as of Oct. 16.
Additional game seals are being made available in several other areas of Ontario, including Kingston, Peterborough, Aurora and Owen Sound.
Revenue from the sale of the additional seals will go to the Special Purpose Account, a fund for provincial fish and wildlife management.
SPENCERVILLE Registration for 2000-2001 skating programs with the Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club will be Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, and Saturday, Sept. 22 from 10 am to 1 pm.
All registrations take place at the arena in Spencerville. A used skate and dress sale will take place at the same times.
Programs available for the season, which runs from Oct. 9 to mid-March, include Canskate, which is a six-level learn-to-skate session for all ages. Areas covered included forwards, backwards, stop, turn, spin and jump. The skaters move through circuits on the ice in each of the areas. The lessons are taught by a professional coach and each circuit is administered by a program assistants. The assistants are volunteers from the club's senior skaters and are trained to demonstrate and help develop the skills.
After the Canskate program, skaters who wish to continue in figure skating move to the junior program, which is offered three days per week. Lessons are taught in a group format by a professional coach in four areas: stroking, dance, freestyle and skating skills.
The junior program acts as a bridge for skaters moving from Canskate into the Skate Canada test program. It teaches skaters the fundamentals of figure skating and encourages them to work independently.
The test program is a private lesson format, explained club President Sandra McNamara. Each skater obtains a professional coach who instructs and prepares their skaters for testing at area test days. The Skate Canada tests are offered in four categories: artistic, dance, free skate and skating skills ranging in levels from preliminary to gold.
Professional coaches are also available for any skater who wishes to compete at any of the competitions offered by area clubs throughout the season. Professional coaches for the Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Club are Liane Carter, Donna Daw, Debbie Seary and Scott Waddell.
The club will also be offering a conditioning program at the Cardinal arena Monday evenings. This program is an on and off-ice session designed to help build speed, strength and stamina, McNamara said.
An annual year-end ice show will be held March 16 and 17. Lessons for the annual show begin Feb. 19.
The Edwardsburgh club is a member of Skate Canada. For more information, contact McNamara at 258-1646 or Gwen Salmon at 925-4087.