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MAYNARD A public meeting and open house to discuss the closing of the Maynard landfill site and the future of waste management in Augusta Township will be held this Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Grenville Snowmobile Hall on Charleville Road.
The licenced area of the Maynard site will have been exhausted by spring 2001. The township is proposing to expand its existing waste-transfer station at the site to include the transfer of residential waste and recyclables only. All other waste streams will be diverted to the North Augusta landfill site or to existing Brockville transfer stations. The transfer station will be enhanced to encourage a higher recovery of recycling material and to allow for on-site compacting.
The open house from noon to 7 p.m. will allow the public to review the background information and to comment on the project. A meeting with council to receive comments from the public will be held at 7 p.m.
PRESCOTT St. John's Anglican Church will hold its annual trash and treasure sale on Saturday, Oct. 14. The sale at the church hall on James Street West will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.
PRESCOTT A car seat clinic for parents-to-be and parents of young children will be held in the Canadian Tire store parking lot on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sponsored by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit, the clinic will focus on the correct and safe installation of child car seats. Parents are asked to bring their child with the car seat in the vehicle and to discuss any concerns, questions or problems.
There will be trained inspectors on hand, as well as members of the Prescott Police, OPP and community volunteers. Canadian Tire has donated a booster seat as a draw prize.
The clinic is being held in co-operation with the Canadian Automobile Association and the Eastern Region Car Seat Coalition. There is no charge for the clinic.
PRESCOTT A Well Baby Clinic is held each Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Prescott Health Centre auditorium at 555 King St. W.
This is a social time for parents of babies, and staff from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit are on hand to weigh and measure your baby, as well as answer questions on such topics as parenting, safety and care of babies.
Toys are available for the toddler siblings of the babies.
Public health nurse Gael Bullard said this clinic is excellent for the mental and emotional health of new parents.
By TIM RUHNKE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Town council has rejected a request from the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce board of directors that council delay making a final decision on the municipal building issue until the new council takes office in December.
Five of the six members of council who attended Monday's council meeting voted to file the request, which came in the form of a letter written by chamber president Robert Lawn. The directors had approved the request at a Sept. 21 meeting.
In addition to voting on the chamber's request, council heard a presentation from Ken Durand, chairman of the chamber's town hall development committee. After noting that the chamber recognizes council's authority to make a decision on the fate of town hall, Durand pointed out that the municipal election is less than six weeks away. The decision to renovate or construct a new building will affect the town's finances for up to 20 years, Durand noted. Three members of council have indicated they will not be seeking re-election.
Durand also stated the chamber's position on the issue. "The chamber supports the option of renovating the existing town hall building if only the two alternatives are to be considered. However, the cost of either project may be too expensive, and other alternatives should be considered before council proceeds to make a final decision."
Most members of council did not appear to be swayed by the chamber's request. Coun. Jo-Anne Beckstead said she has been amazed at the strong crusade the chamber has led on the town hall issue. She sees the prospect of having a new town hall built downtown as a wonderful opportunity for the community. Beckstead added she thinks council is "an intelligent bunch" like the chamber.
"I apologize, but I'm never going to see your side of it," she said. "I'd like to proceed... and let history prove us right or wrong."
Coun. Evelyn Dales cited a magazine article which describes how Orangeville benefitted from a restored town hall and opera house in its downtown core. Prescott would bring back some of its heritage by building a new town hall where it once stood, according to Dales. She added that people always seem to say why things cannot be done; a new town hall could be the beginning of a rejuvenated downtown that people would like to see happen, according to Dales.
Council was elected to govern for three years, Coun. John McAuley noted. The present council may decide to postpone a decision, but council will continue to govern until November and make decisions, he said.
Deputy Mayor Craig Worden said deferring a decision on town hall would not be in the best interest of the community. Worden said previous councils did nothing to deal with the condition of the municipal building, and the one council that is willing to do something is being attacked.
Worden said something needs to be done to make downtown more viable, and he sees the town hall project as a start.
"I don't mind getting jumped on," Worden said.
Coun. Frank Whiten was the only member of council who spoke in favour of the chamber's request. He said proceeding with either option would be a waste of taxpayers' money. Council is not listening to people in the community and has not considered other options with respect to town hall, he added.
If money fell out of the sky there would still be better places to put it than spending a lot on town hall, according to Whiten.
Councillor Michael Berrea supported the council motion to file the chamber's letter. Mayor Doug Hayes did not attend the council meeting Monday night.
By TIM RUHNKE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The CCGS Griffon is expected back in service by early November after the vessel was rammed last week by a freighter on Lake Erie.
The Prescott-based service vessel and light icebreaker was struck Sept. 25 at about 1:30 a.m. while anchored off Pelee Island. A 730-foot freighter, the Atlantic Huron, is believed to have strayed from a shipping channel, according to Gary Sidock, director of operational services for the Coast Guard's Central and Arctic operations.
The 250-foot Griffon has a crew of 25 with four cadets, most of whom were asleep when the incident occurred. No one was injured in the incident; the point of contact was the Griffon's port bow, which is away from the area in which crew members sleep.
Damage was confined to the top side of the vessel, Sidock said. The integrity of the hull was preserved. The Griffon was able to sail under its own power to Amherstburg, where it was inspected and given the go-ahead to proceed to Sarnia. Repairs were to begin yesterday, according to Sidock. Although he indicated it would be hard to say exactly how much repairs will cost, Sidock expects the final figure will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The accident is being investigated by the Transportation Safety Board and the marine safety department of Transport Canada.
To make up for the temporary loss of the Griffon, the Coast Guard has activated the Samuel Risley stationed in Parry Sound. Sidock said the vessel will continue with the Griffon's work program and is expected to arrive in the Prescott area by early next week.
By JEFF LEE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT In less than a week, two student rallies to protest the cancellation of after-school activities took place at South Grenville District High School.
Last Tuesday, students walked out of the school, while Friday in a student-organized rally, about 350 students gathered on the front lawn to listen to fellow students deliver short speeches. Event organizers wanted to get the message out that not having sports and struggling to run clubs have left students feeling frustrated as teachers and the province continue their dispute.
"We are here because our message should be heard," said Grade 12 student Matt Hands, reading a speech prepared by student Mike Coulter. "We cannot allow our voices to be drowned out by powerful unions and provincial parliament. The students of this school must speak now, together, as one, and we must be heard by those who would have us be silent."
Student council president Emma Parrott, an organizer of the rally, said she wanted to let students know that teachers are struggling with this year's increased workload.
"The teachers don't have time to run extra-curricular activities," she said. "It's not physically possible for them to run extra-curriculars. And right now all we can do is show our Giant spirit. We are still proud to be Giants."
She said that the rally wasn't to point fingers at teachers, the government, the unions or the school board, rather to allow students to express themselves in a positive way.
Students cheered several times during the 40-minute rally and held signs that read "Lets' put students first" and "We are not bargaining tools." Dan Beattie, an OAC student, said it was the most school spirit he had seen in several years.
"It was amazing how the students came together for the rally."
Parrott said all 17 school clubs are continuing to be run by students, but all school sports have been cancelled. Normally, six sports teams per semester are run, and many have midget, junior and senior divisions.
She said that extra-curricular activities have been a big part of her high-school experience, and school life without these activities would be hard to fathom.
Beattie said that students have organized football and soccer games after school to give students an outlet.
Principal Brenda Ramsay acknowledged the students' efforts in organizing the rally, adding that the event allowed students to vent their frustrations. But her main concern was the safety of the students. Several teachers and school administrators supervised the rally.
Students were required by school administrators to bring notes from parents explaining their absence from the fifth period Friday.
Unlike during Tuesday's walkout that seemed to catch the school off guard, on Friday, 17 barriers were set up along the roadside. However, most students were gathered near the podium beside the school's front entrance.
Following the protest, activities were set up at the school's fields for the students.
Depending on how long extra-curricular activities remain cancelled, Ramsay said a forum may be organized, bringing together the various groups.
PRESCOTT A new property standards bylaw is on the books in Prescott. Town council approved the bylaw Monday.
Coun. Evelyn Dales said the bylaw will give the municipality more power to deal with property owners who fail to maintain certain standards.
"If a building isn't kept up, we can have (the owners) fix it," she said.
The bylaw specifies timeframes in which compliance is required. The previous municipal statutes had few, if any, specifics to compel property owners to take action, according to Dales.
The new bylaw also deals with old cars, something the councillor noted has become a problem and does not look good to people who visit Prescott.
"We haven't had a good bylaw for derelict vehicles," she said.
Dales added she would like to see some sort of annual inspection system which would include municipal properties. The existing system is for the most part based on complaints made to the town, she noted.
The new bylaw could also be used to deal with the problem of absentee landlords and certain properties in the downtown area, according to Dales. She sees the new bylaw as part of a comprehensive plan which could lead to a rejuvenation of downtown Prescott.
PRESCOTT Craig Worden is now serving as deputy mayor of Prescott.
Town council agreed Monday to appoint Coun. Worden to the position for the remainder of council's present term. He succeeds Coun. Jo-Anne Beckstead, who was appointed to the position in December 1999.
A councillor is to be selected by council to serve as deputy mayor for a period of six months. This is intended to give each of the six councillors a chance to be deputy mayor during each three-year term of council. Worden also had a term last year. Worden was again appointed to the position at the beginning of the council meeting and he was chairman of the meeting in the absence of Mayor Doug Hayes.
By TIM RUHNKE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The open house at the Canadian Coast Guard district base in Prescott was a resounding success.
Just under 1,900 people visited the Prescott base during the open house on Sept. 26. Bill Mullin, acting supervisor of field services at the base, estimated that approximately 1,000 of the visitors were students.
"Our expectations were exceeded by the turnout we received," Mullin said. "We were very happy."
Among the visitors to the base were Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and her husband, John Ralston Saul, who arrived Tuesday evening and toured the Nadon and the Simcoe before attending a formal reception at the base.
In addition to the Nadon (Roch II), visitors were also allowed to board the CCGS Simcoe and the Caribou Isle. A series of displays and demonstrations was set up to give the public a better understanding of what goes on at the facility.
Mullin said it has been many years since the last open house. The Coast Guard was part of the marine division of Transport Canada until 1998 when it became a branch of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
One of the main functions of the Prescott base is the maintenance of aids to navigation such as buoys, foghorns and lighthouses. Search and rescue, icebreaking and pollution incident response are among the other areas for which base resources are allocated. The base's area of operations extends from Montreal to the southern end of Lake Huron.
Mullin noted that many visitors did not realize that the base is a manufacturing facility as well as a maintenance centre. They were also unaware of the base's radio communications department, which opened five years ago, he added.
The open house appears to have been quite an eye-opener for many visitors. Andrew Haggith, 13, of Brockville, noted it is different seeing the ships up close compared to seeing them on television.
"I never knew all the controls and stuff," he said. "It's pretty cool."
Phyllis Coville and J.P. Marcil live near the base but were unaware of all the things that go on there.
"I walk over here all the time," Marcil said. "You don't know what they're doing."
Marcil said he is amazed by the size of the base and the various projects being handled by the Coast Guard. "It's fantastic," he added.
Coville was also impressed by the range of activities on display at the open house. "We loved it. I wouldn't miss that trip for the world," she said.
Staff at the base deserve credit for the success of the open house, according to Mullin. "Everybody worked together as a team," he said.
Prescott Mayor Doug Hayes, who works for the Coast Guard, congratulated Coast Guard staff for putting on "a very special day." He described the open house and visit by the governor general as "a momentous occasion."
Although Mullin said there are no definite plans to follow up this open house with another one, he suggested a follow-up may be in order next year after the construction phase at the base has ended and contracting equipment has been removed from the site.
PRESCOTT A visit by an RCMP vessel on a voyage of rediscovery was enough to bring Canada's governor general to Prescott last week.
Her Excellency, the Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, and her husband John Ralston Saul were the guests of honour at a reception marking the visit of the RCMP vessel Nadon.
The governor general arrived at the Canadian Coast Guard base last Tuesday evening, Sept. 26. After being greeted by Prescott Mayor Doug Hayes and receiving flowers from student Hallie McFarlane, Clarkson met crew members and toured the Nadon and then the Simcoe. A formal reception was held a short time later in the helicopter maintenance facility at the base.
The Nadon, also known as St. Roch II, left Vancouver July 1 on a voyage of rediscovery, which has included navigating the Northwest Passage, and will continue all the way around North America.
The original St. Roch is a 104-foot, wooden-hulled schooner that made numerous historic voyages beginning in the 1920s. Commander Henry Larsen and his crew made the first west-to-east voyage through the Northwest Passage as part of a secret war mission during the early 1940s. The St. Roch was the first vessel to transit the passage in both directions.
The schooner was also the first vessel to circumnavigate North America and the first to do so in both directions. The St. Roch, which has been designated a Canadian historic site, is now on display at the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
The governor general said she was thrilled to see the St. Roch II and her crew in person in Prescott. Clarkson added she was delighted to be able to drive down from Ottawa on a wonderful autumn night.
She noted the voyage of rediscovery has captured the hearts of many Canadians and is an inspiration.
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien was also invited to the reception, but the prime minister was unable to attend.
The initial voyage of the St. Roch was an important one in terms of Canadian sovereignty, according to the governor general.
"The Northwest Passage is ours; you have helped us reinforce that," she said.
In wishing the crew the best of luck for the remainder of their voyage, the governor general noted it is important to preserve the original ship for future generations.
RCMP Sgt. Ken Burton, captain of the St. Roch II, described the voyage as a unique Canadian millennium project. Burton said that during the trip, the crew has found that there is more that keeps this nation together than keeps it apart.
"We are indeed a country from sea to sea to sea," Burton said.
The voyage of the St. Roch tells a universal human story of duty, dedication and sacrifice, according to Burton. The voyage of rediscovery is a symbol of living the dream of Henry Larsen and others who battled the Arctic ice.
Following the speeches, the governor general and her husband made their way through the crowd and chatted with many of the people at the reception. Among the guests at the reception were three of Larsen's children.
Doreen Larsen Riedel said it is fantastic that the voyage of rediscovery is sparking interest in the trips her father led half a century ago. She said people were drawn to her father like a magnet; he was a shy and humble man who was small in stature but commanded loyalty and respect.
Prescott Mayor Doug Hayes said it was very encouraging to see how eager children who attended the open house were to learn about the ships and their history. Hayes noted it was heartwarming to see 14 busloads of students from an Ottawa elementary school named after Larsen.
Family members left Prescott the next day to fly to Norway, where a road was being renamed in honour of Larsen, who hailed from the area.
As for the Nadon, its voyage of rediscovery will continue down the Eastern Seaboard and through the Caribbean to the Panama Canal. If all goes according to plan, the Nadon will be back in Vancouver the week before Christmas.
PRESCOTT Prescott Coun. Evelyn Dales says she wants to ensure that residents hear both sides of the charity casino debate.
Dales took time during the new business portion of a town council meeting Monday to present a number of documents which deal with non-commercial or charity casino opportunities and problem gambling. The councillor said council must keep the public as informed as possible.
A referendum to be held as part of the November municipal election will ask voters if they favour having a charity casino located in Prescott.
The councillor made reference to a letter from KPMG to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation which indicates the potential gaming revenues a charity casino could produce in Prescott and other communities in the Kingston to Cornwall corridor. But Dales also referred to an article which appeared in Canadian Public Policy. The article questions the value of casinos and raises concerns about the economic and social costs of casinos.
The charity casino would merely redistribute money from the local economy, according to the article. Dales said there are different numbers coming in and no studies have measured the full scope of the casino issue.
In terms of addiction, Dales cited references to the costs associated with the estimated three to eight per cent of adults who are problem gamblers.
When questioned by Coun. Frank Whiten about the negative form in which the information was being presented to council, Dales said she had heard from two different sources that the local newspaper (The Prescott Journal) would not present a negative side to the casino issue. She went on to suggest it may be council's role to present other information because the local paper has indicated it will not publish anything that is contrary to the pro-casino position.
When questioned about this, Journal publisher John Morris said Dales' summation about the Journal's stand on the casino is strictly heresay and untrue.
"If Dales is so intent in getting all the facts about a casino out in the open, then why doesn't she pick up her phone and give me a call? At least my number is listed," stated Morris. "If she wanted to be honest on this issue, she would have named her two different sources who supposedly said the local newspaper would not present a negative side to the casino issue. Once again everybody in town is out of step except Coun. Dales."
Coun. Mike Berrea responded to Dales' presentation by saying it is not up to council to provide all casino-related information to residents. People can use information they already have to make an informed decision, he said. Berrea said he was glad that Dales had "presented all the cons," but he added there are many reasons to vote in favour of establishing a charity casino in Prescott.
Dales insisted she does not want to come across as being totally negative about the casino proposal. However, she said she is concerned that the community is not hearing everything about the effects a casino would have on the local economy as well as the potential human and social costs.
By TIM RUHNKE - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The Town of Prescott may not be able to afford either town hall option being considered by council, according to the chairman of a Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce subcommittee.
Ken Durand, a chartered accountant who heads the chamber's Town Hall Development Committee, told council Monday that building a new town hall downtown or renovating the existing building on Dibble Street West would tie up the town's resources for 20 years and would limit council's ability to spend and borrow money.
Durand presented a report which lists a number of points for council's consideration. He estimates that the cost of building a new 12,400-square-foot town hall at the intersection of King and Centre streets and financing the project would total $3.4 million over a 20-year period. The total cost of renovating the municipal building would be $2.1 million, he said.
Durand pegs the cost of renovating the three-storey building at $1.2 million; the cost of constructing a new building downtown would be about $1.8 million.
The chamber would like to see council consider other options. "The chamber's original position was that the town hall be relocated to the first floor of the existing building, and that the library not be expanded, and the second floor of the building be mothballed," states Durand's submission to council. "This alternative would result in a lower cost to the town for its facilities while still providing adequate space."
Other options suggested by Durand and the chamber include renovating the existing building over a five-year period, the suggestion by Coun. Frank Whiten to construct a new building beside the existing one and then tear down the old one, and purchasing existing buildings for a town hall and library which would not necessarily be in the same location.
The loss of parking associated with the proposed downtown location of a new town hall is a major concern for the chamber, according to Durand. The town has not included the cost of replacing those spaces has not been included in the town's financial comparison of the town options, he notes.
The suggestion by Mayor Doug Hayes to convert King, Water and Henry streets to one-way streets to create angle parking would be costly, according to Durand.
He also said there is a need for another public meeting. Current information is more reliable than what has been available in the past, and the chamber agrees there has been much misinformation on both sides of the town hall issue.
"Since this issue will have a significant impact on the town, council should have the input of taxpayers, based on reliable information, before council proceeds to make a final decision," the submission reads.
The need for a significant space increase for the library is also being questioned by the chamber. Plans for a renovated municipal building include a first-floor library of approximately 5,700 square feet. The existing library is approximately 3,200 square feet.
Durand said it has been a long and arduous summer with lots of discussion on the town hall issue. He also said he found everyone on council and town staff to be very co-operative and willing to work with the chamber. "In the end, while we may differ, all of us are interested in arriving at a decision that is in the best interests of the taxpayers of Prescott," Durand stated at the end of his written submission on behalf of the chamber.
By Betty Warren
Ontario Public Library Week is Oct. 16-21. There are many activities planned at our library.
On Monday Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., the library board will hold a wine-and-cheese reception for all the volunteers who have given of their time and talents during the past year. This is also the time for the official launch of the four new computers courtesy of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
This night will see the beginning of the "Dreamers & Doers" Wall. Three members of our community are being honoured for making significant contributions to their community, and they are Mark Darroch, Don Filewod and Denise Maloney.
Library Week is also Amnesty Week, so you can bring back all those overdue books without fear of fines or questions.
Guess the number of 'bookworms' in the jar. This is our contest for Library Week, and the winner will receive a gift certificate from Leeds County Bookstore. All members are eligible.
Oct. 19 is the date for a book and bake sale at the library from 1 to 8 p.m. All books will cost only 25 cents, and proceeds will go to the Friends of the Augusta Library.
On Saturday, Oct. 21, there will be a special storytime for children ages three to eight. Erin and Sara, two very dedicated student volunteers, will be reading Hallowe'en stories to the children and making a craft with them. To register your child for this activity, drop in or give us a call at 926-2449.
Our regular storytime for preschoolers this month will be held Oct. 11 and Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. You can call or drop in to register. We can always use help for our storytime, so if you can spare an hour on a Wednesday morning, please let us know.
I'm making a plea for volunteers again. The library is going through a very busy time due to the arrival of our new computers and our preparation for the automation of our circulation system. We need volunteers who would be willing to shelve books, help keep the shelves tidy, and help patrons find books. Any time you have to help us would be appreciated. Our afternoons are busy with the school children and during the evenings, we are busy helping students find books for research projects, and there are always books to put away. If you can help, please give us a call or drop in to see us.
We are also looking for volunteers with computer knowledge to provide computer assistance on an as-needed basis. Occasionally we encounter problems that could be addressed over the phone. If you would be willing to provide the library staff with your phone number, we would be most grateful.
Ready, explore, learn, travel, live a fantasy, read: It's in your hands.
PRESCOTT Fire Prevention Week is about to begin, but local fire officials are hoping the public will keep fire safety in their thoughts on a regular basis.
Fire prevention officers from Prescott, Cardinal, Edwardsburgh and Augusta got together recently at the Prescott fire hall to talk about the upcoming theme week (Oct. 814), the value of being prepared for a fire emergency and ways to avoid such a situation.
This is the third consecutive year that the theme of Fire Prevention Week is "The Great Escape." Dozens of lives in North America have been saved as a direct result of the campaign to get people to devise and practice home escape plans, officials say.
"Too often you hear about kids and adults not knowing what to do," said Robin Yandeau of the Cardinal Fire Department.
Fire-escape plans should identify two ways (if possible) out of each room of a house or apartment. A preferred exit route should be indicated; occupants of two-storey houses or of apartments above the ground floor should discuss in advance whether it is safe to use windows as escape routes.
Yandeau said parents should answer their children's questions and tell them what they should and should not do when trying to leave the scene of a fire. For example, children should be told that the plastic seals placed on windows during cold-weather months can be broken if they need to use the window to exit the building. Children should also be told not to hide when fire strikes; practising fire-escape plans is a good way for youngsters to retain information, according to Yandeau.
"By showing your children what to do in the event of a fire, you will simply ease some of the panic, and that alone may save their lives," he noted.
Cardinal and Augusta will participate in the Great Escape on the evening of Oct. 11. Area residents are being encouraged to practise their fire escape drills that evening.
Firefighters in Edwardsburgh will participate in the fall fair to be held Oct. 12 at South Edwardsburg Public School. Fire drills will be conducted at many local schools; several prizes will be awarded at each school in the township.
The Prescott department will host a Fire Safety Day Oct. 14 in the parking lot at Giant Tiger.
Fire officials recommend that each family's escape plan include a meeting place outside the building. Fire officials stress that in the event of a fire, no one should re-enter the building until firefighters have indicated it is safe to return.
"We can replace a building; we cannot replace a life,"said Brent Norton of the Prescott Fire Department.
Each dwelling is required to have at least one working smoke detector. Fire officials recommend one detector on each level of the residence.
The inconvenience of ensuring that a smoke detector has fresh batteries and is working properly is a small price to pay for having a life-saving device in the home, according to fire officials.
"It's irritating, but taking it away does not solve the problem," he said. "We've got to teach people it's a good sound, not a bad sound."
Smoke detectors should be replaced after 10 years. Fire officials also recommend the use of carbon monoxide detectors in homes. Battery-operated devices are now available.
Educating children is not the only purpose of Fire Prevention Week. Adults must also be aware of what to do and where to go if there is a fire.
Fire officials expect that high heating-oil prices will lead to greater use of woodstoves this winter. In some areas, building permits are required to install wood-burning stoves.
Jane Fullarton
The next seniors' luncheon will be held in Maitland at the MERC Hall on Oct. 11. The menu includes roast pork, dressing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw and pie for dessert. The luncheon starts at noon and this month features music performed by Eithne Dunbar of the Irish Cultural Society. Please call VON Home and Community Support at 342-3693 by Oct. 6 to confirm your attendance. Transportation can be provided.
Help is needed to get the Maitland Ski Trails ready for the winter season. If you can help with the clean-up, call Wayne Brohman at 348-3432.
The Augusta Township Council will be hosting an open house and public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Grenville Snowmobile Hall at 4901 Charleville Rd. to discuss the closing of the Maynard landfill site. The Maynard landfill site will reach capacity by the end of this year, and a new strategy for waste management in Augusta Township must be developed.
The open house, which will take place from 12 to 7 p.m., will provide an opportunity for residents to review the options presented to council and have any questions answered by Greg Trizisky, Augusta landfill manager. The public meeting to be held at 7 p.m. will allow council to receive input from the public.
ALGONQUIN PUBLIC: Today, Wednesday, Oct. 4, Grade 3 to 5 students are competing in the cross-country meet at Grenville Christian College. School photos will be taken on Thursday, Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 6.
BENSON PUBLIC: Students are competing in the Grenville Christian College cross-country meet today, Wednesday, Oct. 4. Meet the Teachers Night is this Thursday, Oct. 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Photos for the kindergarten A students will be on Friday, Oct. 6.
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC: On Wednesday, Oct. 4, Boundary's cross-country team is travelling to Grenville Christian College to participate in a meet. Our junior girls won the cross-country meet at Iroquois Locks last Tuesday.
On Thursday, Oct. 5, we are having our annual Fun Fair from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Please come and join in the fun. On Friday, Oct. 5, the hot lunch is pogos.
CENTENNIAL '67 - NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Curriculum information evening was held on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at Centennial school. School clothing goes on sale this week. On Wednesday, Oct. 4 our cross-country team is participating in a meet at Grenville Christian College after a strong showing at last week's Kemptville meet. On Friday, Oct. 6, primary and junior students will welcome Mosquito Point Productions, a Native peoples performance group.
CENTRAL PUBLIC: Congrat-ulations to our senior girls cross-country team, which finished first in the Kemptville meet last Thursday. Good luck to the whole team, which is travelling to Grenville Christian College today, Oct. 4. School pictures will be taken Thursday, Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 6. On Oct. 2, Grade 7 students received Hepatitis B shots.
MAITLAND PUBLIC: Parent council is getting ready to start the annual fall fundraiser. Packages will be coming home soon for the "tried and true" muffin mixes, various types of cookie dough, cheese and spices!
Community members: If you have not been approached by one of our students by Oct. 17 and are interested in purchasing any of these products, please contact the school at 348-3436.
Our cross-country team participated in our first meet of the school year. All our athletes ran hard, and we are very proud of the effort of our whole team. Some notable finishes were Rhys Larry (2), Eric Connell (6), Kyle Hall (10) and O.J. Knol (12) in novice boys. There were 134 runners in this category. In the novice girls division, Jennifer Pettem finished fourth, Robyn McMullen eighth and Ashley Connell twelfth.
In the peewee boys division, Todd Kirkey came in sixth and Kyle Jensen placed seventh, while on the girls' side, Colleen Johnston-Berresford crossed the line in eighth, followed closely behind by Jessica Hinton in ninth. Our top finishers in the junior category were Jason Overton (35) and Kristen Jensen (23). Congratulations to all!
MAYNARD PUBLIC: The Grade 7 students had their Hepatitis B shots on Monday, Oct. 2. Also Monday, dental screening was performed on kindergarten A and Grade 8 students. The kindergarten B students will have their dental screening clinic on Thursday, Oct. 5. The cross-country team is competing at the Grenville Christian College cross-country meet today, Wednesday, Oct. 4.
The junior kindergarten students will go on a field trip to Upper Canada Playhouse on Thursday, Oct. 5. That evening there will an open house at 7 p.m. This Thursday and Friday, there will be a book fair.
The news reported daily of student protests against the lack of extracurricular activities in our local schools, and in practically all schools across the province, is particularly frustrating and disheartening to me. As principal of South Grenville District High School in the 1998-99 school year, our students, staff and community had to live through a similar situation which was most toxic and did not contribute to any measurable improvement in the teaching/learning situation at our school. Do we not learn from our mistakes?
Like the situation of two years ago, little action is presently being taken by the people who can solve this problem: the Ontario government and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation. These two groups, led by Premier Mike Harris and Earl Manners, are the key players in a province-wide conflict that has immobilized the heart and soul of our schools extracurricular activities. Rather than summarizing the ill effects of Bill 74 or taking sides in this ill-advised standoff, I would call on both sides to offer the olive branch of truce and sit down together to work out a solution which would benefit our students immediately!
The government and the teachers' federation have wasted much time and money in mounting opposing public relations campaigns to explain their side of this on-going story. These precious resources would be better spent in bringing the main "combatants" to the bargaining table and working out a deal that would benefit our most important resource: the students of Ontario.
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot! The demographics tell us very clearly that there will be a huge need for new teachers in the near future as the "baby boomers" of my age group retire from education in the Ontario school system.
What a great way for the Ontario government to promote your education system, by conducting almost three years of an anti-teacher campaign which has made Ontario not the place for a new teacher to start an educational career! Come on Mike and Earl. Drop the boxing gloves, shelve your egos and work together to find a solution that will bring the joy back to teaching and put the students back into extracurricular activities!
As a concerned citizen of this community and this province, you should be contacting your local board of education trustees, the members of the Upper Canada District School Board's executive council, the OSSTF executive and your MPP, Mr. Runciman, to ask them when an end to this stupidity will take place!
Let's take action now and put pressure on those people involved in the political side of education to bring extracurricular activities back to our students!
David P. Dargie
By JEFF LEE - Journal Staff Writer
JOHNSTOWN Township of Edwardsburgh Deputy Reeve Bill Sloan wants to bring the experience he has gained over the past six years on council to the newly amalgamated municipality of Edwardsburgh and Cardinal.
Sloan, who has been deputy reeve on Edwardsburgh council for the past three years following three years as a councillor, will be running for one of two seats in the west ward of the new municipality which will consist of three wards, each represented by two councillors. The new council will be headed by a mayor elected at large.
With the amalgamation being one of the newly formed council's most immediate tasks following the Nov. 13 election, Sloan said he would bring his knowledge of municipal government to aid in making the process as smooth as possible. He has been involved in the entire process, from negotiating with Cardinal to working with the its councillors on the Transition Board.
"There are going to be growing pains," Sloan said. "There are always going to be growing pains.... It's going to be a lot of hard work over the next three years, I know that.
"But I think my experience, six years being on council, and that I understand how it works, is what I can bring to amalgamation. Whenever we negotiated with Cardinal, I've been on that. And now the transition board. ... [We] were just trying to get the best for the both areas, and work together with the rest of council"
Sloan, who has been married to Joan for 34 years, works for 3M Canada. The couple has two children: Robert and Stacey, who is married to Dennis Porter and has a daughter, Abigail, 2-1/2. Sloan was born and raised in Cardinal and has been a life-long resident of the area.
Sloan said that doing the best for the new township is what he hopes he will be allowed to do, which includes trying to keep the taxes as low as possible.
Sloan said he is pleased with the current council's record in this department, while still making the money work for its taxpayers. In order for this to happen, Sloan said municipal government has to be committed to think not just about what can be done today but what can be done several years down the road.
"I think everything is running pretty smoothly [in Edwardsburgh]," he said. "We are trying to keep the taxes down. But still we are trying to improve our roads. We pave new roads every year and upgrade.... We kept buying new equipment. You have to keep your equipment up to date because if you don't, one year you are going to be out a lot of money. We try to replace a truck or [any piece of equipment] every year. It's an ongoing process. You have to keep everything going or else if you ever get behind, you will never get caught up again."
The Edwardsburgh Community Centre is an example Sloan cites as being turned around and made to pay for itself and therefore no longer a drain on taxpayers. (Sloan has been on every Edwardsburgh council committee.)
"A few years ago, [the community centre] was costing the taxpayers money. But the area now is paying for itself."
Although Sloan said that some municipal properties are fundamentally unable to support themselves, citing the pool in Johnstown as an example, it doesn't have to be that way for everything.
"Our arena really looks good now. There has been a lot of remodeling and painting. We have one of the nicest ones in the area. We got a new roof. It's just improved everything."
Also, in the last few years, the ice has been put in August, rather than waiting until the Spencerville Fair ends. Early ice generates more money, because with the in the new insulation, the compressor doesn't have to run as often.
"That's the aim, to keep things paying for themselves so you don't have to keep putting more of the taxpayers' dollars into things.... You just have to manage everything to have things keep paying for themselves."
Another project that stands out in Sloan's career is the new fire hall being built just south of Spencerville on County Road 44. "The completion of this fire hall is a big boost for the township, for Spencerville and the whole township. We bought a new van, since I have been on council. We bought a new fire truck.... The rescue van was bought three years ago. and now we a new tanker/pumper coming."
Sloan said that in order to be able to keep improving a municipality, council can't rest on its past successes but rather has to plan for the future.
He said that in order to keep progressing, a municipal government can not be shortsighted.
"You have to think down the road, three or four or five, ten years. You got to look ahead. That's the big thing, you can't just sit still. You have to be looking towards the future."
Sloan said that part of the reason he wants to be a councillor in the municipality of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is to be part of helping the new municipality more forward together.
Sloan said he would like to see high technology firms come to the area. He said the municipality should be able to attract some to this area with the completion of Highway 416. "High tech is the way to go. We are not going to get any of these big factories, because we don't have the facilities."
Sloan, who was acclaimed the Township of Edwardsburgh deputy reeve in the 1997 municipality election, said that despite the job of councillor being difficult at times, the rewards far exceed any hardships.
SPENCERVILLE The Township of Edwardsburgh council has decided to give notice of its intention to apply in conjunction with the Town of Prescott for funds from the provincial government's Ontario Small Town and Rural Development Initiative (OSTAR).
OSTAR is a $600-million initiative for infrastructure and economic development. The government has stated that "public health and safety is OSTAR's priority in the first round of investments."
Reeve Dave Dobbie said at the Sept. 18 regular council meeting that the money would be used to upgrade or replace Prescott's sewage plant, in which the Township of Edwardsburgh has about a one-per-cent stake because of Johnstown's usage of the plant.
OSTAR is one of three provincial government's infrastructure initiatives included in the 2000 Ontario budget.
SPENCERVILLE Council approved the appointment of members to the Nutrient Management Plan Bylaw Committee.
The committee is going to review a bylaw that would require livestock operators to prepare a nutrient management plan.
The following people make up the committee: Coun. Peter Martin, Deputy Reeve William Sloan, John Beking (who is vice-president of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario), Steven Henderson, Stanley Reid and Frederick Ford.
SPENCERVILLE Council approved the hiring of two municipal employees.
Terry Peacock has been hired on a six-month contract as the municipality's chief building official, municipal law-enforcement officer and zoning administrator. Steven Campbell has been hired for one year in the recreation department, replacing an employee who has taken a leave of absence.
Meanwhile, council waived the three-month group insurance benefits waiting period for the two new employees.
Reeve Dave Dobbie said that a benefits package was part of the Peacock's contract negotiations.
SPENCERVILLE Council said the new firehall project is about $10,000 short of its goal of $595,000. Anyone who makes a donation over $20 will get a tax receipt. Cheques should be made out to the Township of Edwardsburgh.
PRESCOTT The Prescott Police Service investigated 48 general incidents between Sept. 25 and Oct. 1.
Two motor vehicle accidents were investigated.
On Sept. 19, police investigated a case of fraud at Mac's convenience store on Edward Street. A male was arrested and charged with two counts of fraud. This person will appear in court Oct. 20 in Brockville.
Prescott police investigated a case of mischief Sept. 25 at a Henry Street West business. A neon sign was damaged by an employee of that business. Damage to the sign was estimated at $300. The investigation is continuing; charges are pending.
On Sept. 26, police investigated a case of wilful damage to a vehicle parked in the lot at South Grenville District High School. The hood of a vehicle was scratched; damage was estimated at $250. Police returned to the high school the next day to investigate a second case of damage in which the driver side door of a vehicle was scratched. Damage in the second case was estimated at $500. A suspect was interviewed, and the investigation is continuing.
On Sept. 27, Prescott police investigated the theft of a heart-shaped ring from an Edward Street residence. The ring is valued at $150.
A hit-and-run accident was investigated by Prescott police Sept. 29. The accident occurred in a parking lot at 503 Douglas Dr. A parked vehicle was struck and sustained an estimated $1,000 damage to its left side. A male was charged with failing to report an accident.
Officers on patrol Sept. 29 observed a vehicle being driven erratically on Douglas Drive and Boundary Street. A male was arrested and charged with dangerous driving. He will appear in Brockville court Oct. 27.
On Sept. 30, Prescott police conducted a RIDE check at various locations in town. A total of 120 vehicles were checked; one 12-hour suspension was issued.
Anyone with information about these or any other offences is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
PRESCOTT Former Prescott resident Anita Mayer was one of 55 Holocaust survivors to be honoured last Wednesday at a ceremony held in the West Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The ceremony noted the 55th anniversary of their liberation from Nazi oppression during the Second World War.
Mayer, a 45-year resident of Prescott who moved to Toronto about two years ago, was among the survivors who were chosen from across Canada to participate in the ceremony.
"I was certainly honoured to be honoured," she remarked.
A number of federal cabinet ministers, MPs and other officials attended the ceremony. Also on hand were her daughters Ruth and Margi, her granddaughter Rebecca Chelski and her friend Molly Faessen, who lives near Spencerville.
One greeting Mayer made note of was from Canadian Alliance leader Stockwell Day. "Mr. Day congratulated me and said 'Canada thanks you,'" she noted.
Each recipient received a certificate signed by Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray and Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women Hedy Fry. The honourees also participated in a ceremony to reaffirm their Canadian citizenship.
"All these people were very accomplished," Mayer said.
The honourees came to Canada after the war and helped make the country what it is today, she added.
Earlier in the day, the honourees sat in the gallery of the House of Commons. Their presence was noted during the session.
Mayer was a young woman living in the Netherlands when she was captured by the Nazis. Jews and members of other ethnic minority groups were sent to concentration camps, where millions of people were killed before Germany surrendered to Allied forces in 1945.
Mayer survived her ordeal and eventually moved to Canada in 1951.
The generation that grew up after the war did not hear much about the Holocaust because it was not considered "history" at that time, according to Mayer. However, many Holocaust survivors were not ready to talk about their wartime experiences.
Mayer recalled that her neighbours did not know what happened to her for many years. Some Holocaust survivors never talked, and their stories were never told.
Mayer wrote her autobiography, One Who Came Back, nearly 20 years ago.
She has been a guest speaker at schools in Toronto. Mayer makes a point of telling them to "stand up and be counted" if a dictator or leader tells them it is okay to do something they know is wrong, especially if it involves attacking someone because of his or her ethnic background or skin colour.
By Willy Sieling Heuvel
A tremendous thank you to all those wonderful people who donated baked goods for the tea held last Saturday at Walker House for the historical society. I'm very thankful for your support! The same heartfelt thanks to those who helped serve it: Bea, Eleanor, Jean, Karen, Marjorie and Valerie. You are great!
A board of management meeting is scheduled for tomorrow (Oct. 5) at 10 a.m. If you have concerns, please attend.
Our next lesson with Henry Vyfvinkel is Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. Sorry, folks, but the class is filled up. The next one after that will be Oct. 26 and all the Thursdays in November.
Have a great Thanksgiving.
Winners at the card tables last week were: Monday bridge: Isobel Locke, 1st; Andy Britnell, 2nd; Sam Covey won the door prize. Tuesday cribbage: high score Eleanor Gilligan; high score Sam Covey; 2nd, Myrtle Shahan; 3rd, Eleanor Gilligan. Wednesday bridge: 1st, Sam Covey; 2nd, Joyce Nesbitt; Ed Zachon won the door prize. Thursday euchre: 1st, Eleanor Gilligan; 2nd, Hilda Hutton; 3rd, Marie Shahan; Jean Annable won the door prize.
PRESCOTT Here's a chance support the New to You Store at St. John's Anglican Church and have some fun at the same time. Johnstown resident John Cullen, a political cartoonist and caricaturist, will be at the shop each Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon to draw caricatures for a 25-cent donation to the thrift shop.
PRESCOTT A different type of blessing will be given Sunday afternoon on the steps of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Prescott. A blessing of the animals will be conducted by Father John Appelman beginning at 2 p.m. Dogs, cats, other small animals and birds are among the pets expected at the service. Pet owners at the parish are being asked to ensure that their animals are leashed or in cages or carriers. Oct. 4 is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, an Italian monk remembered for his love of all creation.
PRESCOTT Police officers in the Prescott area will be looking out for seat-belt use and impaired driving Saturday. Police agencies throughout North America will be participating in "Operation Impact 2000." Members of the Prescott Police Service will be conducting spot checks and RIDE checks on Saturday. Ontario Provincial Police personnel are also participating this month in Operation Impact.
MAYNARD A long-time resident of the Prescott area will running for the position of deputy reeve of Augusta Township in the November municipal elections.
Dwain Swerdfiger, who is retired as a self-employed auctioneer and furniture mover, said he feels he has the time to devote to Augusta residents. "I like the idea of working for the people of the township," he said.
Swerdfiger has been a candidate in three previous Augusta elections, most recently in the 1997 race when he finished second for reeve.
A resident of the Prescott area for more than 50 years, Swerdfiger said there are four main areas in which he would like to work if elected to council: better roads, better street lighting, lower taxes and amalgamation with Prescott.
Swerdfiger said he is also available to give rides to people voting on election day. A resident of Charleville Road, Swerdfiger is married to Doris and has three children who live in Peterborough, Washington and Florida. His hobbies include fishing, card playing and coin collecting.
By TIM RUHNKE - Journal Sfaff Writer
ALGONQUIN The resurrection of passenger rail service between Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia gave two local friends a chance to relive the joy of travelling by train.
Laurie Irving and Laurie Symons made the journey to Cape Breton Island earlier this summer, and they are still talking about the fun they had down east.
Irving is a teaching assistant at South Grenville District High School. Symons operates the Algonquin General Store.
Symons' brother works at trainweb.com, a Los Angeles-based firm which publicizes rail travel and special routes. She heard about the return of the Cape Breton passenger line and invited her friend to come along for the ride.
Irving had taken the train to Cape Breton twice as a youngster; it was Symons' first train trip to the region. Both agreed to write travelogues and take photos which would be posted on the Internet.
The pair left Brockville by train on July 30 and arrived in Halifax the next day. The nine-hour journey to the island departed August 1.
Many passenger rail lines were taken out of service during the 1980s and 1990s. Service on the Cape Breton line returned this year.
The train is known as the Bras D'or; Irving and Symons were passengers on its thirteenth run. One of the things they discovered was that there are a lot of people who have a keen interest in railways and their history.
"I did not realize there are so many avid train buffs," Irving said.
Adding to the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape and atmosphere were attendants who wore tartan vests, local cuisine and sing-alongs featuring the music of local artists such as the Rankins and Rita McNeil. There was even a girl who stepdanced while the train was in motion.
"We just shared many laughs and talked to everybody on board," Irving said.
Irving and Symons noted that people in Cape Breton waved to passengers as the train went by. Irving recalled seeing a man on a ladder turn precariously and wave.
The sound of the whistle and the "clickety-clack" as the train headed down the track added to the experience, they said. More than 600 photographs were shot during the trip.
The two friends did not rule out making a return trip at some other time of the year.
"We'd love to see it in the fall," said Symons.
BROCKVILLE Leeds and Grenville has been rewarded for exceeding last year's workfare placement target.
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Social Services Department created 484 community placements in the fiscal year which ended March 31, 2000. The target set by the province was 292, according to Social Services Administrator Dorothy Theobald.
Social service delivery agencies are paid a bonus of $1,000 for each placement which exceeds the provincial target. In the case of Leeds and Grenville, a payment of $192,000 was issued.
The bonus payment received by county social services does not go directly to the municipalities in which the placements occurred, according to Theobald. The money is to be redirected into human services programs offered by the department. The cost of running the department is shared by municipalities in the county.
There were 29 placements involving nine agencies in Prescott during the 19992000 fiscal year. No targets are set for individual municipalities, according to Theobald.
Ontario's work-for-welfare program went into effect during the previous term of the Progressive Conservative government. The program requires eligible social assistance recipients to complete placements with government agencies or non-profit organizations. These part-time jobs are designed to give welfare recipients work experience while improving their skills and self-confidence. The government has maintained that workfare placements are not meant to replace paying jobs.
In a recent letter to the editor, Community and Social Services Minister John Baird congratulated the county's social services department for exceeding last year's placement target. Baird also applauded "...welfare recipients who stepped up to the plate and embraced opportunities to work.
"All of these people deserve a hearty pat on the back for a job well done."
The minister went on to state that more can be done to give people "...a chance to break free from the cycle of welfare dependency."
Francis Herbert (Herb) Martineau, 139 Park Street West, Prescott, died Sept. 14, 2000 at Brockville General Hospital. He was 81.
He was born Nov. 19, 1918 at Quyon, Que. to Leo Martineau and Delia Chevrier. Mr. Martineau is survived by his wife, Luella Martineau (nee Sherwood), whom he married Dec. 31, 1941 at St. John's Anglican Church, Prescott.
A resident of Quyon until he was 14, Mr. Martineau's family then moved to Kemptville. In 1940 he moved to Prescott. During WWII Mr. Martineau served as a corporal in London, England and Italy from 1941 to 1946. Upon his discharge from the army he returned to Prescott, where he remained until his death.
Mr. Martineau was employed at A.L. McAuley's Chev Olds as an auto mechanic, and after the business was sold, Mr. Martineau then ran his own Supertest station at the west end of Prescott. After closing his business he worked at Black and Decker in Brockville until he retired.
An active sportsman, Mr. Martineau was well known in Prescott and area, especially for his involvement in Senior Men's Hockey. He also played and coached softball, and enjoyed bowling, playing darts and fishing.
He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 50 years.
Besides his wife, Mr. Martineau is survived by his daughters, Alberta (Mrs. Bob Byers) and Joanne (Mrs. Bob Ferguson); his son John; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren; his sisters, Eileen (Mrs. Bern Patrick), Mary Workman, Bea Anderson and Cathy Chapman; his brother Winston and his wife Vivian; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home Sept. 17 from 2 to 4 and from 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral service was in the chapel of the funeral home Sept. 18 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Gerry Ring officiating. The committal service followed at Sandy Hill Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Bill Martineau, Bob Ferguson, Bob Byers, Donald Gould, Geoffrey Patrick and Paul Caron.
Donations to St. John's Restoration Fund or Brockville General Hospital would be appreciated.
Ralph Fischer, 470 Jessup Street, Prescott, died Sept. 19, 2000 at St. Vincent de Paul Hospital, Brockville. He was 69.
Mr. Fischer was born Dec. 1, 1931 in Germany to Rudolf Fischer and Karoline Wolter, who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Annette Fischer (nee Charbonneau), whom he married April 11, 1953 at St. Mark's Rectory.
He is also survived by his son Paul and his wife Patricia of Ottawa, and his daughter, Sharon Fischer of Toronto.
Gardening, reading, travelling, walking and bike riding were his favourite hobbies. Mr. Fischer had been employed as a shirt cutter at Hathaway Shirts.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott. A mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mark's Catholic Church on Sept. 23, 2000 at 11 a.m, with Father J. Appelman officiating.
Cremation took place at Cataraqui Crematorium Sept. 22, and a committal service will be held at at Sandy Hill Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Rudy Bekkedam, Dick Champagne, Tom Quigley, Bobby Ward, Terry Hetherington and John Hume. Honourary pallbearers were Evan Leclair and Dar Whitley.
Donations to St. Vincent Palliative Care and the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
John Lee (Jack) Earle, 76, died Monday, Sept. 25, 2000, at Brockville General Hospital.
He was the beloved husband of the former Valarie Morrissey of Brockville, and a dear father of Jo-Ann Vasku and her husband Herb of Orleans, Wayne Earle of Brockville, and Corey Earle and his wife Lesley of Mallorytown.
Mr. Earle is fondly remembered by grandchildren Valarie and Renata Vasku of Orleans and Charlotte and Harley Earle of Mallorytown. He is also survived by his sister Marnie Davies of Pierrefonds, Que., and by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Earle was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Helen Earle, his brother Donald Earle and his wife Millie, and by his brother-in-law Al Davies.
Friends called at the Irvine Funeral Home and Chapel, Brockville, Sept. 27. The liturgy of the Christian Funeral was celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. Interment followed at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.
In remembrance, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society will be gratefully acknowledged.
Cardinal resident John Fahrngruber on his pitch to the council Monday to construct a BMX racing track in the village.
SNEAKY MOVE BY LABOUR: In a move to counter the positive publicity over 300 thousand small, non-union businesses will receive this month during Small Business Week, the Ontario Federation of Labour circulated, via fax, what looked at first glance to be an official Dept. of Labour memo, to most of these small businesses last Thursday and Friday. With the request to "Please Post", the memo was titled "Hours of Work, Health and Safety Alert". It was adorned with a Province of Ontario trillium and addressed: "Memo: To All Employees". This fax was a cheaply masked attempt to get employees of non-union businesses to form a union.
In a list of lies and half-truths, author of the memo, Wayne Samuelson of the Ontario Federation of Labour, accuses the Ontario government of changing labour laws so that "Your Employer" can: "* make you work a 60-hour week; * force you to take your vacation a day at a time; * pay you less overtime; * make you work in an unsafe workplace".
Mr. Samuelson's real pitch comes in the last lines of his little poster which states: "If you don't have a union to protect you, call toll-free _________". People like Mr. Samuelson who bask in the perks of six-figure union salaries and who have little better to do than accuse small business owners of getting rich off the sweat of their employees, wouldn't know a small business from a stretch limo. We would say that probably 75 per cent of the small business owners in small towns across Ontario, such as Prescott, think a vacation is something a doctor gives you to prevent the flu, and usually have their 60-hour week in place by Friday night so they'll be fresh for the longer hours they face on the weekend.
We're sure Mr. Wayne Samuelson would like to receive some calls from some of Ontario's small business owners as well as from their down-trodden employees. If you want to send the message "Wayne Samuelson, you are a lazy, fat-cat union executive who squeezes exorbitant union dues from your members" call him toll-free at 1-877-230-1999.
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ALLIANCE GUTS TORY PARTY: Although we have long been removed from the Christmas card lists of most ranking federal Tories in Leeds and Grenville, even without putting our ear to the ground we can still hear the silent rumbles of tiny Tory feet stampeding toward much greener Alliance Party pastures. After three successive Liberal wins in Leeds and Grenville in 1997, it would seem like the Liberals had finally broken the Tory spirit and left its once-powerful poll organization in disarray. These grass-roots poll organizations are in disarray today, but it is the Alliance Party that has done it, not the Liberals.
In the 1997 federal election Joe Jordan won over Sandra Lawn, 19,123 to 15,636 for a margin of about 3500 votes. The real story in that election, however, was that Doug Aldridge of the Reform Party received 10,483 votes, about half from the Liberals and half from the Tories. Now, with the Alliance Party (successors to the Reform) already off the mark with former Tory candidate hopeful Doug Brown winning the nomination, it looks like the Tories will fall to third place in the polls should an election be called this fall. If so, it has been the Alliance Party that has gutted the Tory party in Leeds-Grenville, not the Liberals.
John A.H. Morris,
Managing Editor
Jeff Lee
What to buy for my sister's wedding? With the wedding just over a month away, an expensive airline ticket paid for and some precious holidays booked off, I'm finding it hard to come up with that just-so-perfect wedding gift.
It wouldn't be so difficult if I could buy for one and not the other. Her fiancé DJ, short for Don Johnson, likes the more traditional guy gifts, camping and hunting gear. This I find easy to shop for. Patterns and fine china are more difficult.
But these wedding gifts are supposed to be things that both can use in their new life together, which means no camping gear or hunting gear. So, on one hand the problem stems from the whole universal gift thing, and on the other hand it's mostly Kyra's fault.
With the wedding taking place on the west coast of the U.S.A., the registration list is All-America. Access to the list isn't a problem, even though she is living in Chicago; it's posted to a website for everyone to see. But for us Canadians, getting the gifts is a problem, eh. I s'pose I could do e-commerce but I just don't quite trust that whole cyber-buying experience. It might have something to do with e-commerce being all the rage back a little while, and then all those e-companies having financial problems. Regardless, I don't trust it.
Darting across the border is out since the local stores here aren't listed as potential gift -buying places on her website.
I can use that argument, but for how long?
All I really know is that I'm feeling a little pressure over what to buy.
I figured buying the airline ticket and using up some holidays would be enough. But that still, at least in my mind, seems to be a little short.
Kyra mentioned that we are going to be needed to take part in the whole preparation thing, as well as doing certain duties throughout the event.
They range from sorting out the flowers to taking pictures, although a photographer will be at the function for seven hours. She agreed to cover the wedding at her four-hour rate. Even with seven hours of photographs Kyra wants some else to take pictures: "You never know, she could get in a car accident with the film."
With an argument like that, how could you possibly defend the position that seven hours of photos, even if she is involved in a fiery car crash, are enough. But if you add on the photography duties, plus the flight costs and spending part of your holidays at your sister's wedding, maybe I don't even have to get her a gift?
John A.H. Morris
Yes, Glenda, there was a Prince Charming and yes, his name was Pierre Elliott Trudeau and yes, he was in Prescott in 1972 to open the Historic Military Pageant. He was the first-ever prime minister to attend an official, public function in Prescott, although there have been prime ministers over the years who have made private visits to friends in town. These include Sir Wilfrid Laurier (friend of J.P. Wiser) and the Rt. Hon. John Diefenbaker (friend of Herb Caldwell).
The prime minister who probably made the most visits to Prescott was Sir John A. Macdonald. None of these was of an official nature and almost all of his visits went unnoticed. In his early years in the House of Commons in Ottawa he travelled back and forth from his constituency in Kingston via railway, taking the Prescott-Ottawa line from Ottawa to connect with the Grand Trunk line at Prescott, and vice-versa on the return. Sometimes the Prescott-Kingston leg of the trip was done by steamship from the Port of Prescott.
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According to a conversation we were privy to at lunch at Kriska Kitchen recently, Trudeau captured the hearts of many of the ladies of Prescott who even today have a soft spot for the old geezer.
And why not? He had that captivating gaulic charm and the good looks and charisma of an exciting latin lover. His IQ competed with his libido as the reason for his universal popularity as a politician, a man, a father, a lover, and in the past 15 years, a Canadian Icon.
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We were fortunate to have been his host during the staging of the historic military pageant, and to have had personal exposure to this man who seemed to adopt a mischievous twinkle in his eye when greeting his admiring public, especially children.
Several scenarios still stand out as part of his two-hour visit to the Fort Field that afternoon. First was the evasive action he took underneath the official platform when the military show was interrupted by rain. When his 6' 4" RCMP personal body guard caught up with him he was huddled under the platform with about 25 youngsters he had invited to join him, gathered about him, chattering excitedly.
He just smiled and shook his head "no" when his body guard said "sir, we cannot look after you properly when you are underneath these."
Just before he entered Wilfrid Weir's horse-drawn chaise to leave the Fort Field, he ducked into the large crowd in a spur-of-the-moment move to shake hands with some of his admirers.
The move looked spontaneous, but it wasn't. It was planned and had the approval and co-operation of about 30 plain-clothes security men. There were eight of these men around him at all times, and the other 20 or so were close to him, frisking unsuspecting spectators and then steering them unobtrusively into the prime minister's path. If you were in the scoop you would have known that all those dark suits, seen speaking into their lapels, were undercover agents.
We haven't divulged this before today, but anyone who was in that crowd around the official platform back in 1972 who shook Pierre Trudeau's hand, had been searched very secretly by two or more RCMP officers in plain clothes.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau introduced the word "charisma" to Canadian politics, and gave it special meaning. No political figure had done this before, and nobody has done it since.
***
Prescott was honoured last Tuesday evening by a visit to a ceremony at the Canadian Coast Guard base by Her Excellency, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, and her husband, John Ralston Saul. All who met them were impressed with their warmth and sincerity, and felt quite easy in their presence when the couple showed they were in no hurry to leave the reception and seemed quite comfortable doing a little walk-about, chatting with the guests.
The reception put together by the Coast Guard, RCMP and especially the Municipality of Prescott, was hometown genuine. The attractive tables of nibblies and dribblies were the work of Prescott town hall staffers Rosemary Spencer, Laurie Kirkby, Shauna Faber and Roberta Hasketh, assisted by special helpers Lisa Faber, Sarah Spencer, Suzie Visser, Bobbie Kirkby and Anna Condie.
Many thanks to the Coast Guard and the municipality for an impressive evening.
By MONICA WHITNEY - Journal Staff Writer
A Cardinal resident with an enthusiasm for BMX bicycle racing is hoping the council will give its stamp of approval to the construction of a regulation track within the village.
John Fahrngruber said at council's Monday meeting that the proposal would ultimately stimulate Cardinal's economy and benefit youth.
Fahrngruber, along with members of the Kingston BMX Association Tracey Hulme and Peter Brierley, told council the plan is to build a 350-metre-long track on one-and-a-half acres of land behind the tennis courts and east of the railway tracks in the village.
The track would consist of a series of dirt bumps, hills and curves constructed with four to six inches of clay cover.
The cost to the village would be about $40,000, and would also include a gazebo and an announcer's tower. The cost would be less if the village used its own construction equipment, and there would be no charge for the services of a consulting engineer from the cycling association. "Build the track - the rest will come," Fahrngruber told the council. "It's addictive. I know the kids will come." The BMX enthusiast also predicted the scheme "could turn into a lucrative business for Cardinal."
He said he polled 40 local businesses, and 100 per cent were in favour of the track. Owners indicated it would be a good use of taxpayer's money, he said, and would also give youth a safe, exciting activity. The Cardinal BMX club would be sanctioned by the National Bicycle League and the Ontario Bicycle Association, and would be run similar to a minor hockey league, Fahrngruber explained.
A weekend race could attract as many as 150 racers and a total of about 500 visitors from a wide area around Cardinal, including from northern New York State, the delegates said. These people would help pump money into the local economy. "There's money to be made from this," Fahrngruber said.
He noted he had confirmation that a sporting goods shop would open in the Cardinal mall if a BMX track was constructed.
Brierley, director of the Kingston track association, said it is expected BMX racing will become a demonstration event at the 2004 Olympics. "In five to seven years, you could have (local) children in the Olympics.
"We're going to have every kid in town on this track," Brierley said. "I guarantee it. It's big - it's getting bigger all the time."
There are now seven BMX tracks in Ontario, five of which are sanctioned.
The cost to each club member would be $150 a year in fees, which includes insurance, a subscription to a monthly international BMX magazine, medals and ribbons, an annual banquet and use of the local and other tracks. While a professional BMX bike can cost as much as $1,500, "an $89 Canadian Tire special" is adequate for BMX racing, explained Hulme, president of the Kingston Association. "It's not an elite sport."
Other required equipment includes a full-face helmet with a mouth guard, and a long sleeve shirt and pants. Injuries in the sport are minimal, the delegates said.
"Every kid in town should be able to afford this," Brierley said.
Maintenance on the site is also low, Brierley said. "Once it's built, it will take care of itself," he said.
The Kingston track was built and financed by the city, and operates as a licensed non-profit organization. The track is governed by the NBL and follows its rules of conduct, and all track officials are licensed and trained. Its membership fluctuates between 40 and 70 riders, Brierley told council.
Coun. Jim Pakeman wondered "how can we conceivably expect 60 members here" if Kingston can only attract 40. Pakeman said he is in favour of anything for children and he is a promoter of sports, however a plan of this size would need the support and a base membership to survive. "It would be a concern. For any organization to survive you need the numbers."
The delegates explained that with fewer activities for youth in Cardinal than in Kingston, the track would draw more local people, as well as attract riders from a large surrounding area.
Pakeman suggested Fahrngruber come up with firm research and information on interest in the sport. "Before you could expect a commitment, we would like to see some literature. Certainly I'm not saying no. I'm saying I need some data."
Coun. Joe Scott also suggested "council needs all the information it can get" and that it may be a decision for the new municipality.
For more information on the BMX racing, you can contact Fahrngruber at 657-3321.
CARDINAL The village fire department has planned a number of events throughout October to mark Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8 to 14.
The theme for this year's prevention week is Fire Drills: the Great Escape! This is the final year of a three-year campaign to encourage everyone to develop a home escape plan and practice it with their families. A fire in a home can turn into a raging inferno faster than could be imagined, according to the fire marshall's office, so it is critical everyone knows what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds.
Cardinal Fire Prevention Officer Robin Yandeau is encouraging everyone to take part in the local events to promote fire safety in the home.
* The village fire whistle will sound Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. sharp to signal everyone to practise their fire escape plan.
* The fire station will be open for anyone who would like to visit and see the trucks and equipment following the fire drill from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
* The fire department is sponsoring a contest for elementary school students to draw an escape plan for their own homes. Entry forms are available at Benson Public School, and participants must drop off their completed fire plan drawing at the fire hall during the open house Oct. 11.
* Fire department personnel will visit with the Girl Guides Oct. 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the United Church to discuss fire prevention.
* A demonstration of CPR skills and a simulated medical assist with the fire department will be held with the Girl Guides Oct. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m
CARDINAL The village fire department has a plan to build a "first rate" training facility in Cardinal.
In a letter to Cardinal council Monday evening, Fire Chief Graham Van Camp and firefighters association president Jeff Baldwin stated the department has "an excellent opportunity to enhance the quality of training for our department and the soon to be amalgamated Department of Edwardsburg/Cardinal."
The department has a chance to purchase a 70-foot-long mobile home for $3,000, which could be used for such exercises as smoke training with self-contained breathing apparatus, search and rescue, fire cause and determination, confined space rescue, ventilation techniques, hose line advancement and scene management.
The facility could also benefit fire departments from neighbouring towns such as Prescott and Iroquois, the letter stated.
The fire department proposed council grant the use of a portion of the old brush dump property at the northwest corner on the north side of the dump road. The department has access to free fill (top soil and rock) that could be used to properly excavate the area.
The area could also be used for the department's auto extrication training, which would eliminate the need to use space beside the public works building.
Councillors agreed the training facility was an excellent idea that they would like to explore further.
CARDINAL The village has won three blooms in the National Communities in Bloom competition, organizer Lori Pennell said.
The awards were announced at a convention held in Edmonton last weekend, and was attended by several Cardinal residents.
Viking, AB was awarded five blooms to place as the most beautiful village for its size in Canada.
See next week's Cardinal News for a photo and more details on the convention.
CARDINAL Joe Scott, a Cardinal councillor for the past nine years, has decided he will not be a candidate in the November municipal election.
In making his announcement to council at its Monday meeting, Scott said, "I don't know another council that got along any better than this council." The councillors "always found common ground.
"I will be sitting on the outside, but watching with great interest in the new council" of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, he said.
Scott is employed as a dispatcher with the Prescott Police Service.
CARDINAL Jack Walsh, Clerk of the Village of Cardinal, has been appointed as a director for the board of the new Rideau St. Lawrence Utility.
Council had passed a bylaw at a meeting Aug. 28 to restructure Cardinal Hydro to merge with electrical utilities in Prescott, Westport and South Dundas along with Canadian Niagara Power.
Each municipality is allowed one representative on the board of directors.
CARDINAL The village council has passed a resolution Monday evening supporting a Canada Post stamp issue to honour and recognize the valuable service of volunteer firefighters. The decision was in support of a resolution from the Town of Hanover.
CARDINAL The annual Harvest Supper at Sacred Heart Church on Middle Street will take place Thursday, Oct. 5 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The buffet meal will consist of ham, casseroles and desserts.
CARDINAL Come out and have fun at the Royal Canadian Legion Halloween Dance Friday, Oct. 27 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Entertainment includes band revivals and 1950s and '60s music, and there will be cash prizes and door prizes. Free bus service will be available after midnight. The dance is open free to the public.
MORRISBURG Upper Canada Village will be bustling with activity as villagers race against time to prepare for the winter months ahead, much as our ancestors would have done more than 130 years ago.
Harvesting field and garden crops was a lot of work in the 1860s, but it was also a festive time. See how careful planning went into winterizing and how harvest time was celebrated during Preparing for Winter at UCV until Monday, Oct. 9. A special Harvest Home church service will also be held Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. at Christ Church, featuring a guest choir and period music.
Throughout the village visitors will find characters from the past busily getting ready for the cold season as farmers, servants and women folk tend to an array of fall activities. Visitors will see how to make sauerkraut and apple cider.
Costumed staff will be drying apples and pumpkins to prepare for a hard winter ahead. Mattress covers will be stripped of their old lumpy contents and restuffed. Some village women will be spinning and weaving and quilting a patchwork quilt patterned after one from UCV's own collection.
The regular season of Upper Canada Village will come to a close on Oct. 9.
CARDINAL The South Grenville Jr. 'B' Rangers home opener included a special ceremony honouring area residents that have contributed to Jr. 'B' hockey in South Grenville.
The honourees received plaques presented to them during the 20 minute ceremony, which also included four of the 2000/2001 Rangers receiving awards.
Jim Farmer, Cal Polite, Joe Doyle, Norm Fortier, Mitch Collison and Francis "Nig Roode" received the special plaques. The current executives - Andy Lawrence, Jim Bennett and Erwin Kelso were also honoured Saturday night.
They have been together as executives for the past 18 years.
The ceremony included a trip through the history of Jr. 'B' hockey in South Grenville, starting with the Spencerville Bruins to today's South Grenville Rangers.
Farmer and Polite represented the former Spencerville Bruins. Farmer, along with the late Don Baker, formed the Bruins in 1969.
Polite, having followed the Bruins for several years, bought the team in the late 70s, running it until 1984.
Norm Fortier was the first coach of the Prescott Saints, which were formerly known as the Prescott Comets.
Fortier turned the team over to Joe Doyle and Frank Lapensee, and with two seasons, the team had won the Gill Cup.
In 1962, Mitch Collison and Francis "Nig Roode" took over the Cardinal Broncos. The team moved to Spencerville in 1964, playing out of there until 1970 the new rink was built.
The Broncos won the Gill Cup in 1967 and 1968.
In 1984, Cardinal's team combined with Spencerville's.
Then in the late 1980s, Cardinal, Spencerville and Prescott teams amalgamated to form the South Grenville Jr. 'B' Rangers.
Following the presentations, Kevin Beach, 12, of Johnstown sang a moving rendition of O Canada accompanied by Lynn Barkley of Cardinal on keyboard.
Awards
Rangers' Ryan Lawless received the Most Valuable Defencman award. Rangers' Andrew Hare received the Most Improved Player award, and Matt Seary received the Most Valuable Player award.
IROQUOIS On Tuesday, Sept. 26 the Seaway Locks Cross-country meet 2000 was held, with a number of area elementary school teams competing.
The overall winner was Lyn-Tincap. In the individual titles, Cody Johnson of Algonquin Public School won the novice boys division. Meaghan Graham of Lyn-Tincap won the novice girls title.
Maynard Public School's Mike Thomas won the peewee boys title.
Iroquois's Brittany Elliott won the peewee girls title.
Maynard Public School's Steve Craig won the junior boys division. Brittney Markell of Dixon's took the junior girls title.
In the senior division, Maynard took both of the top spots.
Geoff Millard won the senior boys while Becky Graham won the girls title.
Team winners
Team division winners were Algonquin, novice girls; Algonquin, novice boys; Lyn-Tincap, peewee girls; Algonquin, peewee boys; Boundary, junior girls; Maynard, junior boys; Maple Ridge, senior girls; and Maynard, senior boys.
PETERBOROUGH The Rideau St. Lawrence Kings midget team came away with a tournament victory on the weekend.
Strong goal tending and a stingy defence held the opponents to one goal, while the defence filled the net 18 times.
Game one saw the Kings defeat Pickering 6-0. Game two, the Kings dropped Weston 4-0, and in game three, the Kings handled Sudbury 4-1.
In the championship game, the Kings powered by the Markham Waxers 4-0.
The midget Kings will play their home games in Spencerville and at the Leo Boivin Centre in Prescott.
The regular season kicks off on Oct. 9 in Spencerville at 8 p.m.
This year's roster features Mike O'Reilly and Cory Chevrier in goal. On defence, Peter Veltkamp, John Chant, Kevin Running, Sean Crozier and Craig Reilly.
The forwards are Jarold Whelan, Marty Welch, Brian Johnson, Justin Jager, Blair Trewartha, Pat Foley, Scott Morrison, McLean Koekkoek and Chris Leeder.
Jay Jager is the head coach, with Jamie Monds assisting.
The trainers are Ron Morrison and Bruce Trewartha, with O'Reilly managing.
CARDINAL The South Grenville midget 'B' Rangers held an exhibition game in Cardinal against the Char-Lan Rebels.
The Rebels were no match for the South Grenville team. The Rangers pounded them 8-1 and not just on the scoreboard. The Rangers took it to the Rebels along the boards.
The scoring for the Rangers were two for Adam Lawrence, two for Drew Lawrence, and singles to Dustin Swan, David McKinnon, Ricky Denis and Matt Gibson.
Assists went to Andrew Fortier, Mike Hogeveen, Derek June, Matt Hands, Josh Kirkby, Ted Livingston, Swan, Lawrence and Denis.
The Rangers go to Char-Lan Monday for a rematch. The Rangers next home game is on Oct. 10 against the Brockville Warriors at 9 p.m. at the Leo Boivin Centre in Prescott.