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PRESCOTT The voters of Prescott made clear choices when they cast their ballots in the 2000 municipal election.
Retired high school principal Robert Lawn scored a decisive victory over his opponents, Craig Worden and Kelly Benish-Lennox. Lawn won all 14 polls and garnered a total of 1,291 votes, according to unofficial results. Worden placed second with 421 votes; Benish-Lennox received 99 votes.
In the race for the lone councillor seat, Seeley Pillar won with a comfortable margin over Ron Wilson. Pillar won all but one poll in collecting 1,030 votes; Wilson received 715 votes.
An overwhelming majority of voters cast ballots in support of having a charity casino in Prescott. The unofficial results show that 1,299 voters said 'yes' to the casino; 499 voters said 'no.'
Voter turnout in this year's municipal election was 52 per cent. Turnout rates in the 1997 and 1994 elections were 53 and 50 per cent respectively.
A humbled and soft-spoken mayor-elect told The Journal he was pleased with the results of the vote. Lawn and Worden spoke briefly after it had become apparent how the election outcome was shaping up.
"I told Mr. Worden I realize how hard he worked on the campaign and on council," Lawn said.
When asked why he received such a large majority of votes, Lawn said he could not answer that question. No one item stood out above any other, he noted.
Worden, whose term as councillor ends in early December, said in an interview he was surprised by the results of the race for mayor. "I thought it would be much closer," he said.
However, Worden was gracious in accepting that voters made their choice.
"I've had a very good three years," said Worden. "I am proud of our (council's) achievements."
As for Lawn, he is hoping to steer a council that is "forward-thinking" and acts as a team. Although he acknowledged the new council will have to face early in its mandate major issues such as the future of town hall and municipal policing, Lawn pointed out that these items will come as no surprise to councillors. They will have to do their homework and not put off important decisions indefinitely, he added.
Lawn added his biggest task now is to become more familiar with those and other issues facing the incoming council. He wants to see council develop working plans to guide the municipality through the next three to five years.
Pillar said he was pleased that voters had faith in his ability to represent them. "Their interests will be my top priority," he added.
Wilson said the voters made their preference known, adding he cannot complain about the outcome. "You can never guarantee who is going to vote and how they will vote," Wilson said.
Lawn and Pillar will be joined at the Prescott council table by Jo-Anne Beckstead (the lone member of the sitting council to return for another term), Garry Dewar, Jim French, Nancy McFarland and Terry McConnell. All five were acclaimed when nominations closed Oct. 13.
Lawn will succeed two-term mayor Doug Hayes, who did not seek re-election. The mayor-elect is familiar with the demands of being mayor. His wife Sandra was mayor of Prescott for more than a decade.
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The people of Prescott have voted overwhelmingly in favour of having a charity casino located in town.
But voters in the other three municipalities on the list of sites in this region have also indicated their support for having a casino in their communities.
Seventy-two per cent of Prescott voters who cast ballots voted yes on the casino question. Unofficial results indicate there were 1,299 'yes' and 499 'no' ballots cast.Similar referendums were held in Brockville, Leeds and Thousand Islands, and Gananoque.
Community support for a charity casino to be operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission is required before a business case is to be prepared for that municipality.
Municipal councils in Prescott and the other communities have 60 days to act on the results of the referendum. Mayor-elect Robert Lawn said Monday night he would support a casino bid if the citizens of the community were in favour. Other councillors have indicated they either support having a casino in Prescott or are willing to go along with what voters decide.
Just over half of the eligible voters in Prescott cast ballots in the municipal election.
The commission is expected to decide early next year which of the four communities in this region will be chosen as the location of the charity casino.
By MONICA WHITNEY - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD In a close race in Augusta Township, George Vail squeaked to the finish as the new reeve, just 18 votes ahead of John McCrea.
At the tension-filled and crowded municipal office in Maynard Monday night, it was not evident who would be declared the winner until the last poll - Number 12 at the Maitland Community Reform Church - had called in its results just before 10:30 p.m.
Until that point, Vail held 1,358 votes or 50.7 per cent, and McCrea had garnered 1,321 votes, or 49.3 per cent of the votes cast.
Morris Stark captured the deputy reeve seat early in the voting, winning all 18 regular polls and the two advance polls by a wide margin. Stark received 2,063 votes to the 620 ballots favouring his opponent, Dwain Swerdfiger.
Holding councillor seats will be incumbent Douglas Barton, who took the highest number of votes at 2,055.
Jane Fullarton, returning for a another term, placed second with 1,752 votes, while newcomer Kathleen Thur will become the third councillor with 1,454 votes.
Bill Buckler captured 1,124 votes, and Wayne Reid finished last with 1,060 votes.
Vail, a resident of Ashby Road just off Lords Mills Road who has completed two terms on council, won 10 of the 20 polls. His support was spread throughout the township, from an advance poll in Roebuck and from a regular poll in Domville, two in Roebuck, two in Maynard, two in Algonquin, one at MERC Hall in Maitland and one at the Masonic Hall on Edward Street north of Prescott.
McCrea, a resident of Roebuck who was seeking a second term on council and most recently served as deputy reeve, had support from an advance poll in Maitland, and from regular polls in Garreton, four polls in Maitland, 2 polls in North Augusta, at the Edward Street Masonic Hall and at Grenville Christian College.
Of the 6,360 eligible voters in the township, it is estimated 2,814 cast a ballot. The figure represents 44 per cent of the qualified voters.
Vail said the voter result shows the people were listening to all sides of the issues, and that he will have to work hard to represent all the voters.
He said he felt relieved after the tense race, but prefers a close competition to one where he would be a "shoe-in". "It shows that your opponent has good issues too, and it shows that you're going to have to stand up and take notice of the people."
The first business for the new council, Vail said, will be to discuss the direction for Augusta, treat the people fairly and honestly, and see the municipality "come up into the 21st Century."
"I'm duty bound to listen to the people," Vail said.
Stark, who retired from a career as a real estate broker, said he was honoured by the support of the Augusta residents, and looks forward to working for the people.
He plans to follow through with a campaign promise to institute a reasonable property standards bylaw.
With the township trying to attract new business and home development, the "unsightly blights" of mini auto wreckers and junk yards serve only to decrease tax dollars to the municipality and to Augusta.
Barton said he was "quite elated" by the support shown for him in the polls, and plans to offer as much assistance as he can to the new members on council.
SPENCERVILLE An elderly convicted murderer who escaped custody last week in Kingston was recaptured Saturday morning just west of Spencerville.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police Eastern Region Tactics and Rescue Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Beverly Street. James Lawrence Hutchison, 73, and a 34-year-old woman were arrested at the scene without incident, according to police.
Hutchison had been serving a life sentence at the Pittsburgh Institution in Kingston. He escaped custody Nov. 8 during a supervised community work placement at the Kingston Humane Society.
Hutchison was convicted in 1974 of murdering two Moncton police officers in New Brunswick. He was sentenced to death, but the death penalty was abolished in Canada in 1976.
Police indicated Hutchison has a lengthy criminal record which includes armed robbery, car theft and weapons offences.
Hutchison showed no resistance during what OPP Sergeant Kristine Cholette described as " a very quiet arrest." Members of the OPP's Combined Police Corrections Investigation Unit participated in the arrest. A battering ram was reportedly used to enter the residence. Police did not disclose details of what led them to conclude that Hutchison was at that location.
Hugh Mullen, who lives nearby, said he was working on his computer sometime after 7 a.m. when he heard three loud bangs. When he looked out the window he saw what looked like heavily armed army personnel.
Mullen observed Hutchison being led out of the building in handcuffs and wearing boxer shorts.
Hutchison was transported to Millhaven Correctional Facility shortly after being arrested. He faces a charge of escaping federal custody. The woman was released from custody later in the day; charges against her are pending, according to the sergeant. Although the woman has been named in published reports, police are declining to identify the woman until formal charges are laid. As of press time it was unknown whether charges had been laid.
The circumstances under which Hutchison and the woman knew each other are being investigated by police.
Mullen said he was relieved to hear that someone like Hutchison had been captured. "Who knows what could have happened" on the street with him nearby, Mullen added.
PRESCOTT - The South Grenville District High School alumni association arts and crafts show will be held Saturday, Nov. 18. This giant show will feature 220 tables of arts and crafts made by craftspeople from across the province.
Among the expected items are furniture, household decorating items and ideas, preserves, honey, fudge, cookies, cakes, lucky draw tables, quilts, baby clothes, jewellery and sun-catchers. Christmas ideas to help decorate for the home or office will be available, and gift ideas will be everywhere.
This 23rd annual alumni show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission proceeds and other funds raised from the show are used by the school for ongoing activities.
There will be four door prize ballot boxes placed around the school with prizes to be won at each box.
MAYNARD - Victoria United Church in Maynard will hold a special celebration this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. to mark the completion of the church's new roof.
The $22,000-project was funded through community canvassing, music nights, cookbook sales, teas, a car rally and popcorn sales.
The church's own choir will sing at the service, and fellowship and refreshments will follow.
Contact Rev. Mark Arnill at 925-2530 for more information.
PRESCOTT Wellington Rebekah Lodge 108 will host its annual fall tea and bazaar Wednesday, Nov. 22 at the Odd Fellows Hall at 454 Henry St. W.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be served; take out will be available.
Guests can also browse through crafts on display at the hall; they may find something for that hard-to-buy-for person.
PRESCOTT A Royal Canadian Legion service bureau officer will visit Branch 97 in Prescott Friday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Mel H. Harper will provide advice or assistance on such things as war disability pensions, treatment for entitled veterans, applications for benevolent fund assistance and appeals against adverse original applications for war veterans and widows allowance.
Anyone who would like to meet with the officer is asked to contact Shirley Martin or Al Babcock at the branch (925-2752) to arrange an interview.
PRESCOTT - Students honoured as Ontario Scholars (achieving 80 per cent average based on the best 6 OAC's) at South Grenville District High School commencement ceremonies held Nov. 4 were: Christine Best, Timothy Birbeck, Scott Bucking, Mark Chapeskie, Emily Greer, Carly Hibbett, Jennifer Howitt, Andrea Jackson, Kristen Jenkins, Sarah Jenkins, Stephen Kibbee, Cassandra Macintosh, Rebecca McKim, Dustin Payne, Michelle Pennell, Matthew Pringle, Susan Rennie, April Scott, Matthew Suddaby, Katie Weststrate, Amy Whitehorne and Meredith Woodland.
Those honoured as South Grenville Scholars - OAC (achieving 90 per cent average on the best six courses, were: Emily Greer, Stephen Kibbee and Cassandra MacIntosh.
A photo caption in last week's paper should have identified Bill Pakeman, not Jim Pakeman, as being vice-president of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce.
An article in that same paper misidentified Korean War veteran Andy MacKenzie, whose name appeared correctly in an accompanying photo caption.
The Journal regrets the errors.
Jane Fullarton
A municipal all-candidates meeting was held at the MERC Hall on Nov. 7. The event, moderated by Joe Kelly, was attended by all of the candidates for the Nov. 13 election and over 100 area residents.
Many municipal issues were raised but discussions focused on the Maynard landfill closure and specifically on strategies to increase recycling in Augusta.
The recycling depot in Riverview Heights was closed in October because of consistent misuse. Household garbage and furniture were routinely being left at the site. Local residents complained that the site was becoming a habitat for rats.
Council will monitor the area to be sure that now that the recycling bins are gone, garbage is no longer being left at this location. An alternate and more visible site for a recycling depot in Riverview Heights is a possibility in the future.
Residents are reminded to separate their clear glass from coloured glass by bagging one or the other when they are placed at the recycling depot or by placing them in the appropriate bin at the landfill site. Recycle metal lids with metal cans.
At its meeting in November, Augusta Council passed a resolution to have white lines painted on the road at the intersection in Maitland at George and Sarah Streets, and to have three "Children at Play" signs installed in the area. Responding to a letter of concern from Dave and Diane Sheridan regarding vehicles ignoring the stop signs at this intersection, the OPP was asked for recommendations.
Constable Tom Bergstrom, who investigated the concern, states "the stop signs are being ignored by some of the motoring public. I... will be notifying my platoon and other members of the office to be vigilant in enforcing this particular problem at the intersection."
PRESCOTT Grenville County OPP investigated 95 incidents for the week of Nov. 7-13.
Officers from the local detachment and the Leeds and Grenville Crime Unit are investigating a hunting accident that occurred on the morning of Nov. 9 in the area of Cedargrove and Pruner roads in Edwardsburgh township. Calvin Shedrick, 26, of Prescott, received a non-life-threatening injury to his left wrist. He was treated at Brockville District Hospital and released. As a result of the investigation, police have charged James Laprade, 26, of Gloucester, with careless use of a firearm. He is scheduled to appear in Brockville court in January. Detective Constable Debbie Walker is the investigating officer.
On Nov. 13 at 6:35 p.m., officers were called to investigate a break, enter and theft that occurred at a Branch Road residence in Augusta township. Items removed from the residence include a 25" Duraband colour television serial no. 12200704311, a Citizen VCR, a small colour television, a jewellery box and jewellery. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Tom Bergstrom at Grenville County OPP.
On Nov. 6, town police investigated a case of wilful damage. Both passenger-side doors and the trunk of a 2000 Toyota were scratched. Damage is estimated at $650.
Police investigated an assault Nov. 7 near Burger King on Edward St. A male youth was assaulted by another male youth, according to police. A 17-year-old male was arrested and charged with assault.
On Nov. 8, town police investigated the theft of an amplifier and keyboard from a vehicle parked on Wood St. W. The value of the stolen items is $1,400.
Police remind residents not to leave items of value in plain view in vehicles, even if they are locked.
Prescott police responded to a disturbance Nov. 8 at Boomers Sports Bar on King St. A 47-year-old Prescott-area man was arrested and charged with three counts of breach of probation and one count of breach of recognizance. The man appeared in Brockville court and pleaded guilty. He was given a three-month jail sentence.
Police investigated a break and enter Nov. 11 at an apartment on King St. W. Four bottles of liquor and 25 videotapes were taken from the apartment. Police believe the same person or persons attempted to break into a second apartment in the same building.
The Prescott Police Service is investigating a couple of thefts and are asking for the public's assistance. Three Pepsi machines were broken into sometime overnight Sunday; the machines are at Mr. Gas, the Prescott Service Centre and Grandma's Restaurant.
A red 1991 Pontiac Grand Am (licence no. 759 XZT) was stolen overnight Monday from behind the liquor store.
Anyone with information about these or other offences is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
PRESCOTT - Leeds-Grenville Green Party candidate Jerry Heath says he is concerned with "the old-line parties not doing what they should be doing," and that is thinking ahead.
Heath was in Prescott last week campaigning on King Street, spreading the party's core issue - the preservation of the environment and how it effects the population.
The candidate was acclaimed Nov. 1 as this area's Green Party choice in the upcoming federal election.
The party's policies meet the needs for today, tomorrow and the long term, Heath explained. He noted that concern for the environment was almost completely ignored during a recent national all-candidates televised debate.
He is concerned about sudden and unexpected weather events, such as the ice storm of Jan., 1998 and the heavy rain of this past summer. "We're saying the environment increases cancer, asthma, allergies," Heath said. "It's all related to the environment."
Throughout the past decade, insurance companies have been forced to pay out record settlements because of violent storms and severe weather, he said.
A program that deals with the environment and poverty will take the weight off increasing health care costs, Heath explained. "Health care is a huge issue for us. User fees won't make people healthy - it won't cure anything. A healthy population means lower health costs."
Heath said exposure time in the sun now needs to be limited to eight minutes. "You used to be able to go out and get a sun tan. Animals and plants can't wear sun screen. We don't know the effect of the sun on animals and plants."
Public health care needs to be universal and fully funded, Heath said. A healthy society starts with prevention, and steps need to be taken to remove the toxins building up in the soil, air and water. A publicly funded transportation system and a guaranteed annual income supplement to replace welfare, employment insurance, mother's allowance, disability pensions and parental leave benefits will also help ensure the health of society, he said.
The party is also concerned with justice, education and tax reform, he said. It plans to "tax the bads, not the goods. There's too much tax on employment. We need to shift taxes to tax pollution and energy waste, and take it off the backs of employers and ordinary people."
Heath expects that within 25 to 40 years there will be a significant environmental and economic collapse due to diminishing resources such as oil and gas. There will be food and fuel shortages, he said, and problems will be "increasingly severe if we don't take major steps starting right away." Increasing problems with ozone depletion and violent climate change can be expected, he said.
The party also advocates that corporations should be responsible for their products "from cradle to grave" cutting or eliminating pollutants and waste and reusing or recycling all components. Polluters and not the public should pay for the cost of clean-up, and renewable sources of energy are encouraged, he said.
Emissions that pollute air, water and soil need to be controlled, reduced or eliminated, Heath said. The party also supports organic farming, and promotes selective forest harvesting and protecting old- growth forests. Wetlands and wildlife habitats need to be preserved as well, he said.
The Green Party also plans to end corporate funding of political parties, and introduce an ecological bill of rights to guarantee all Canadians the right to clean air, water and uncontaminated food.
Heath is a retired engineer who has been an environmental and political activist for 30 years. He has worked with community groups to preserve forest land, create conservation area and promote alternative energy. He lives at Wild Apple Farm near Delta with his wife Eleanor Toren, where they built a straw bale studio, grow organic vegetables and press natural cider from their hundreds of wild apple trees.
PRESCOTT More than 50 floats are expected to help "Light Up the Night" Nov. 24.
Organizers of the annual Christmas parade are promising this year's event will be the largest of its kind ever held in Prescott. Numerous groups, businesses and individuals have already registered to participate in the event being organized by the Prescott Fire Department in conjunction with Light Up the Night festivities.
The parade marshall will be lifelong Prescott resident W.A. (Pat) Kingston. Doug Hayes, Su Villeneuve and Reverend Gerry Ring will be parade judges.
A record number of bands will take part in the parade. "We began booking bands immediately after the event" last year, said parade chairman Brent Norton. "Everything has just fallen into place perfectly this year, and we have started working on next year."
Parade organizers have confirmed that Mrs. Claus will be travelling to Prescott, and although she will not be riding along with her husband on his special float at the rear of the parade, spectators will see her riding on the back of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in a pickup truck.
Five thousand lights will be strung around the 1931 Bickle fire truck which pulls Santa's float.
The parade will follow the usual route. Beginning at 7 p.m. at the high school parking lot, the parade will proceed south on Edward St. to King St., then west on King to St. Lawrence where the parade will head north to the Newell and Hathaway parking lots where participants can be picked up.
Motorists and revellers are being asked to be extra cautious while travelling in town that night. Police and firefighters will be posted along the parade route to cover intersections and ensure the safety of parade participants.
Organizations still have time to enter a float in the parade. Register by leaving a message for Brent Norton at 925-4777.
In addition to the parade, Canadian recording artist Tammy Raybould will also help "Light Up the Night."
The 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Nepean will be featured in the annual parade and free stage show organized by members of the Prescott Fire Department and Fort Town Boosters.
Raybould, whose hit single "Loving You" has received considerable radio and video play, has a CD now on sale across the country. She has opened for 5440 and Sloan, played the main stage at Canada Day celebrations at Parliament Hill and performed at nightclubs in Toronto and New York City.
"When you meet Tammy and hear her music you know there's something special about her," stated Greg Adams, stage show co-chair. "Her infectious personality combined with her powerful singing voice is taking the music community by storm."
The stage show will also feature Ottawa's Circle of Stars, a talented group of students from Ottawa's Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as Santa Claus. The hosts this year will be Dawn Adams and Nikki Glock. A professional stage will enable those in attendance to get a good view of the stage.
In addition to appearing in the parade and opening the stage show, Raybould intends to meet and greet those who attend the karaoke which begins at 9 p.m. at the Legion Hall on Henry St.
For more information about this year's activities, contact Greg Adams at 925-2910.
PRESCOTT Joe Jordan believes he has earned the right to continue to represent the residents of Leeds-Grenville in parliament.
The incumbent Liberal MP opened his campaign office in Prescott Thursday. Jordan is seeking a second term in the House of Commons; his party is seeking a third consecutive mandate.
The MP said his re-election campaign team is doing things well as the Nov. 27 election draws closer. But Jordan added he is putting his faith in the residents of Leeds-Grenville.
Jordan won the riding in 1997 by more than 4,000 votes; Progressive Conservative candidate Sandra Lawn placed second.
The MP said in an interview he has "a pretty strong record" as the MP for Leeds-Grenville. "I think I have certainly stuck up for my riding," he said.
Jordan said he has demonstrated an ability to implement long-term planning as well as to adjust to changing circumstances. He believes the Liberals are best equipped to do both of those things.
In referring to the Canadian Alliance as "reformers with money," Jordan said he does not trust the party to work in the best interest of Canada. He feels the Alliance should be upfront about which services will be affected by the $22 billion in tax cuts being promised.
The Liberal candidate acknowledged that most Canadians favour tax cuts, but he wonders what impact Alliance's promised cuts would have on things like health care, the number one issue in the campaign. Jordan said he could not say that the health care system is without flaws right now, but the Alliance's suggestion of a two-tier system is not the answer.
Jordan decsribed the overall platform of the Progressive Conservatives as being "a bit more responsible." The incumbent added he prefers the Tories' agricuture platform to that of his party. However, Jordan added the chances of the Conservatives implementing their platform is not very good.
Locally, Jordan is stressing the importance of upgrading telecommunications infrastructure to create a booming technology-based corridor all the way down Highway 416. He said the initiatives he and the government have launched are providing economic development opportunities for the entire region. It is important to deliver sustainable development while maintaining social programs and the integrity of the environment, according to Jordan.
As for any criticism that he has always gone along with the government and does what he is told, Jordan pointed out that he voted against his front bench in the House of Commons seven times, more than any member in the opposition. Although he considers himself to be a team player, Jordan noted he is not afraid to criticize his party when it is necessary to do so.
"I'm trying to move the bar in a balanced way," Jordan said.
PRESCOTT - Search your cupboards, the 15th annual South Grenville District High School Spirit of Giving Campaign is in full swing. Non-perishable food items are now being collected for needy people this Christmas by students from the high school.
Dan Beattie, co-president of the campaign along with Melissa Brown, said students will be collecting food items at homes in Cardinal and Johnstown the evening of Monday, Nov. 20, and in Spencerville the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 21. Students will also be pushing grocery shopping carts along the Prescott Light up the Night parade route Friday, Nov. 24, collecting donations.
The Spirit of Giving campaign has about 100 students actively involved in the annual drive. These volunteers prepare a float for the parade, collect food items, organize the donations and make signs. Beattie said they are a committed group who use their own time to volunteer for the program.
Cash donations are used to purchase fresh food items for the Christmas hampers, such as turkeys, fruit and vegetables. The Prescott Kinsmen Club distributes the food baskets to local families in need. Last year, 235 families received hampers, and volunteers collected $8,000.
"We do it for the pure enjoyment of seeing people having a good Christmas," Beattie said. "We start with no money, and end with no money. The members don't want anything. It's a small town coming together."
PRESCOTT - The federal Canadian Alliance Party candidate for this area plans to stand up for Leeds and Grenville and bring jobs and prosperity to the counties.
Gord Brown, a native of Leeds-Grenville and currently a small business owner in Gananoque, opened his Prescott campaign office last Friday, along with long-time friend Tony Clement, the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Clement is the founding president of the Canadian Alliance.
The federal election is set for Nov. 27.
"It's time for a change and it's time to start putting Leeds-Grenville first," Brown said. "I know what it's like to grown up in a small town. I understand small-town life and I also understand small town politics. Municipal politics is really where the rubber hits the road."
Brown was elected twice to Gananoque Town Council, and chairs the Economic Development Committee that he said created innovative techniques to attract new industries and fill vacant industrial space in Gananoque. He is also chairman of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission.
"The issues in Prescott are the same as in Gananoque," Brown said. "I'm in business in Gananoque, so I understand the value of a buck."
Brown suggested the main issue concerning local residents is economic development. "Jobs are important, and I know how much Prescott has suffered from job losses. These people want to work. They don't want to leave our area. I understand that sort of issue first hand."
The candidate said he was able to turn Gananoque around economically, by getting aggressive and actively attracting new industry. "It's an issue of going after potential companies. We need to attract investment, but with our high taxes, we're not going to be able to do that.
"We've got people who want to work yet the companies won't come and invest in our country because of our high corporate and high income taxes.
"We're saying, cut taxes."
Brown said the Alliance Party proposes a new tax structure, which removes low income earners from the tax rolls and gives middle income earners the break "that they really need." The result will "then attract investment to create jobs and prosperity and end the losing of all our best and brightest to other countries."
Under a Canadian Alliance government, Brown said a family of four earning $26,000 or less will no longer pay income tax, removing 1.4 million low income Canadians from the tax rolls. A lower corporate tax rate, lower small business tax rate and a reduction in employment insurance premiums will all help businesses, he said.
Bringing jobs to this area is a priority for him, Brown said. Employees will be encouraged to become more productive through reductions in income tax, and with a single-rate tax, employees will no longer be penalized for working harder and longer and trying to get ahead.
"If we had a member of parliament who is willing to go to bat and stand up for the people of our riding we would be able to attract those jobs."
The Alliance platform also calls for a stop on charging GST on top of other gasoline taxes, and the elimination of the gun control bill and replacing it with a system that respects the right of Canadians to own and use firearms responsibly, Brown said.
The party plans to ensure stronger communities by making families a priority, encouraging equality and opportunity for aboriginal Canadians, welcoming new immigrants from around the world and restoring pride and resources to Canada's military so the country can fulfill its obligations within the global community.
PRESCOTT - A benefit dance in support of little Julia Brugmans will be held Friday Nov. 24 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Prescott Royal Canadian Legion.
Elise and Company and Cathy and Friends will provide the live entertainment, and there will be door prizes.
The money raised from the dance will help 18-month-old Julia begin living in her own home with her parents, Robert and Christine Brugmans, who reside near Oxford Station. Julie requires special care and equipment, as she suffers from Cerebral Palsy and respiratory difficulties. She has never lived outside of hospital.
For more information, contact Elise Castonguay at 258-9325, or the Prescott Legion at 925-2752.
PRESCOTT - The Fort Town Concert Association will be presenting its second concert of the season Tuesday, Nov. 21.
Violin and Co., part of the 2000-2001 Concerts of the Americas Series, will appear at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Prescott beginning at 8 p.m.
Judy Kang and Pierre-Richard Aubin are passionately interested in the chamber music repertoire and will present masterpieces by Saint-Saens, Ysaye, Bartok, Beethoven and Waxman during the concert.
Violinist Judy Kang trained at prestigious schools including the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and the Juilliard School of Music in New York. She appears frequently as a soloist in orchestral concerts and has taken part in several international festivals. She has also made several recordings.
A double prizewinner at the Canadian Music Competition, Kang also won first prize in the 28th CBC Radio National Competition for Young Performers in 1997.
Aubin is a piano accompanist at the University of Montreal and at the Conservatoire de Musique du Quebec a Rimouski. He holds a master's degree in performance from the University of Montreal and pursues an active solo and chamber music career.
For tickets or further information, contact Ann Steiner at 925-3200 or Marilyn White at 925-5050.
More than 1,800 needy and desperate children from around the globe will have a Christmas gift box of surprises to open this year, thanks to the generosity of several groups in South Grenville.
The active Operation Christmas Child volunteers in Prescott and Cardinal have been working for several months organizing the program that will bring a little holiday joy to under-privileged children in suffering countries. The small shoe box of treasures may be the only gift they receive in their lives, said Karen Van Ryswyk, one of the 30 students from South Grenville District High School in Prescott who have organized the collection of 88 boxes through the school.
"It's good to know you're going to help people even though they are so far away," Van Ryswyk said. "It does make a big difference."
This is the third year the high school's Christian High Life and Unicef groups joined together for the special program.
Last year, this area collected 749 boxes. This past weekend, 1,812 brightly-wrapped shoe boxes were sent to the Ivory Coast, Benin, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Nicaragua.
Of those boxes, 1,585 were collected through the distribution centre at St. John's United Church in Cardinal. The group had a target to collect 1,000 boxes from 24 churches in Morrisburg, Iroquois, Prescott, Spencerville and Cardinal and Seaway District High school in Iroquois.
The students were organized in their project by teacher Rick Swift, who collected boxes through Brockville's Trinity Anglican Church distribution centre.
Bob Lodge of the 730 Truck Stop near Cardinal arranged for the donation of a tractor-trailer to take the boxes to Cornwall and then on to a regional distribution centre.
Donna Patrick spearheads the annual drive in Cardinal that involves people filling a shoe box with a variety of small gifts, such as toys, balls, dolls or yo-yos, school supplies like markers or writing pads, hygiene items such as tooth brushes, combs and soap and other items like hard candy, gum, socks, T-shirts, jewelry and small picture books.
Patrick said she feels passion and excitement for the project that gives and shares with children of all faiths who have nothing. The program is about everyone joining together for the children because, "We love them and God loves them," she said.
The students at SGDHS organized the distribution of collection boxes to area elementary schools to be filled with items for the smaller shoe boxes. They received donations from businesses and hygiene products from local dental offices.
The volunteers used spares, lunches and after-school time to prepare the gift boxes. Student Brian Robertson said the project is important because "you get a good feeling about it. It's amazing to see the happiness it's brings these kids miles and miles away."
Student Kelly Pringle said viewing a general information video on the project sent home a strong message. "You see how important it is. Stuff we take for granted is big to them. We assume we get gifts at Christmas, but they don't."
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief organization with seven participating countries that began in 1993. Since the program's inception nine million children around the world have received a shoe box full of love, hope and compassion.
SPENCERVILLE Cookie lovers flocked to Spencerville United Church Sunday afternoon and by doing so helped the local public library.
The Cookie Walk attracted scores of people and raised money for the Friends of the Edwardsburgh Public Library. Thirty-two varieties of freshly baked homemade cookies were on sale at the community event.
Organizer Arlene Bruce estimated that more than 40 kilograms of butter and 20 dozen eggs went into cookie production Saturday. Approximately 30 volunteers, many of whom are young people, participated in the event.
"You couldn't ask for better help," she said.
In noting that organizers received a number of donations, Bruce noted the Hershey factory in Smiths Falls donated the chocolate and some decorations used at the cookie walk.
In addition to the long row of cookie tables in the church hall, visitors checked out demonstrations involving cooking, decorating and candle making. If being in a room full of cookies was not enough to please the kids, a Teddy Bear Centre in the upstairs hall provided youngsters with a chance to decorate cookies, create Christmas tree decorations and have their faces painted.
"Everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves," Bruce said.
Proceeds from the Cookie Walk will go to the library's Renovation 2000 project. Although final figures were unavailable early this week, Bruce indicated things went very well and the event is expected to record a profit.
Bruce said the future of the Cookie Walk will be discussed at a meeting next Tuesday. "It's a big commitment," she said of the effort that goes into planning such an event.
ALGONQUIN PUBLIC SCHOOL A parent council meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Parent-teacher interviews are scheduled for the evening of Nov. 23 and the morning of Nov. 24.
BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOL Eileen Johnston has joined our staff as a Special Resource Teacher. Our annual craft sale will be held on Thursday, Nov. 23 from 2 to 7:30 p.m. Any baked goods can be brought to the school any time on Nov. 23. Report cards for this term will be going home Monday, Nov. 20. Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled for the evening on Thursday, Nov. 23 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24. Students do not attend school Nov. 24, as this is a P.A. day.
BOUNDARY PUBLIC SCHOOL The hot lunch for Friday, Nov. 17 is hamburgers. Report cards go home Monday, Nov. 20. A photographer will also be in the school Nov. 20 to take family pictures from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Nov. 21, there will be a violinist sponsored by the Fort Town Concert Association here at the school, to perform for the students. Our Scholastic Book Fair runs from Wednesday, Nov. 22 until Monday, Nov. 27. There is dental screening for the Kindergarten A group on Nov. 22. Parent interviews begin Thursday, Nov. 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and again on Friday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. Nov. 24 is also a P.A. day for students.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL Dental screening took place Nov. 13 and 14. The hot lunch program continues this week. Staff and students are participating in our ongoing can collecting, using this as a form of fundraising. Preparations are being made for Central's float for the Santa Claus Parade.
MAITLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL Students are beginning to prepare for next week's Student-Led Conferences. Students will showcase all of their hard work they have completed since the beginning of the school year for their parents between Wednesday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 24. Parents are reminded to return their conference request form to the school no later than Thursday, Nov. 16.
Prescott Kinsmen have dropped off a large barrel for Maitland Public School families to deposit non-perishable food items for less fortunate families. Items will be collected in this barrel, which is located outside of Mrs. McCrae's office, until Friday, Dec. 15.
Maitland Parent Council is having a pre-Christmas 50/50 draw. The draw date is Dec. 15. Contact Kim Dunlop at 348-7104 if you are interested in buying or selling tickets. The proceeds from this draw are to provide funds for a school-wide trip or activity this winter for our students.
If you bought cheese, cookie dough or spices, pick up of these items will be at the school gym between 3:30 and 5:30 on Monday, Nov. 20.
MAYNARD PUBLIC SCHOOL Senior boys and girls are trying out and practicing for volleyball teams.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL There will be a mass in the gym at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17. All are welcome. We are still looking for two more volunteers to work at our Nov. 18 bingo. Please contact Anna Marie Minish at the school if you can spare some time. Many thanks to Mrs. Simpson, Mrs. Arcand and Mrs. MacLellan for their help with the pizza, hamburger and chicken nugget orders. A group of Grade 8 students is planning a yearbook to be sold in June. As part of the planning they need to know how many copies will be required. This makes an excellent gift for grandparents of graduates as well as the student themselves.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL First term report cards will be sent home Tuesday, Nov. 21. Interviews will be held on the evening of Nov. 23 and during the day Nov. 24, a professional activity day. Const. Rob Prophet, a member of the Prescott Police, has been assigned to our school as our adopted police officer. He will be stopping by from time to time to build a relationship with our little citizens. Pick up for MacMillan orders is Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. A dental screening will be held Wednesday, Nov. 22 for the Kindergarten A group.
S.E.P.S Student-led conferences will be held Thursday, Nov. 23, beginning at 3:45 p.m. Nov. 24 is a P.A. day for students, although the student-led conference begins at 8:30 a.m.
The Editor;
Deer hunting is a sport and not slaughter. I agree it is very enjoyable to see the fawns, does, and young bucks in the spring time. But hunting is a well known sport that has been around for decades. Hunting laws only permit one doe tag to each licensed hunter.
Which means not all the deer will be killed. There will be more born in the spring time again and we will have the pleasure of enjoying them in the spring. But when the fall comes hunting season begins and there will be men and women hunting for deer at no harm at all.
If it was slaughter and not a sport, society certainly wouldn't allow it. It's a simple kill with no harm at all to the environment. People should accept this harmless sport and not try to stop it. I could see someone trying to stop it if it became a danger to our environment or society, but so far it hasn't.
If people complain about hunters and don't want them hunting but they can stop it on their land only by putting up signs saying "Private Property" or "No Hunting". Other than that hunters will continue to hunt on their land as they wish.
Another point I would like to make people understand is that if you are to complain or put blame on men for hunting you better get your facts straight because women hunt too. The basic point I'm trying to get across is that hunting is certainly not slaughter and is a true harmless sport.
Most people would agree.
Katie Fowler
RR 4 Prescott
Donna Patrick of Cardinal, speaking about the children receiving
Operation Christmas Child boxes
SOME PROPER PLANNING PLEASE: Unfortunately, those responsible for setting deadlines for our weekly journal insist on having our Notebook in type on Mondays, so this week our fatherly advice has to be directed to our new mayor and council in a rather generic sense. What was brought to light during the last council's tenure was the fact there was little or no planning for the town's future. Just the day-to-day operation of the corporation seemed a daunting challenge. In order for Prescott to remain a viable and affordable community in which to live and in which to earn a comfortable living, the town needs commercial and industrial growth, followed by a population increase.
To obtain the latter, we have to have control of the former, and this is the challenge for our new council over the next three years. A good place for them to start is with Prescott's downtown core. The elimination of parking meters is essential, as is the purchase of the vacant Daniels Hotel property, which will give the town control over this controversial lot. As far as parking meters are concerned, Prescott is probably one of the last municipalities of its size in all of Ontario to hang onto this archaic system of raising funds and alienating business patrons.
GIANT PRIDE ALIVE: The attendance of so many teachers, the appearance of the school band, and the presence of so many of the school's support staff, all of who came out to say "bon voyage" to this year's graduates and academic award winners, helped stamp "Giant Pride!" on this most important of all South Grenville District High School ceremonies. Our congratulations also to Stephen Kibbee, the school's top academic achiever last year and his class valedictorian. His address was probably the best we have heard in almost 35 years of attending the SGDHS commencement. Although on an academic plane of his own creation, Stephen Kibbee was mature, sincere, relaxed and extremely witty as he aimed his farewell speech from South Grenville, to his fellow graduates, his friends and peers.
RUTH EVANSON'S MEMORY SHRINKS: With time to kill prior to the recent SGDHS graduation ceremony, we checked the school's grand entrance hall for some mention of one of the greatest teachers ever to teach in a Prescott school, including South Grenville, and certainly the most loved over her 37 years of teaching English in Prescott high schools. She is the only Prescott teacher who ever had a bursary established in her honour, which has amounted to tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, loans and bursaries for local graduates over the past 38 years. The fund still has thousands of dollars in capital investment, enough to keep it going for at least another decade.
We were disappointed no, insulted as we looked for evidence of the Ruth Evanson Memorial Library at South Grenville. Instead of a large plaque and portrait of Miss Evanson in her Master's cap and gown from Queen's University that used to welcome visitors to the library, we found a small plaque, less than 8 x 10 inches, stating "Ruth Evanson Library," hidden in the shadows on a wall outside the library.
We suggest that Richard Tobin and Mary Major of the Ruth Evanson Foundation suspend any further transfers of funds to the school's scholarship fund until proper recognition of "Miss Ruth Evanson, MA, 1900-1963," is re-instituted. The SG Alumni Association and all old PHS grads who had Miss Evanson as a teacher should let the school's administration know of their displeasure.
And come to think of it, why are there no teachers on the SGDHS "Wall of Fame"?
Tim Ruhnke
I can remember how neat it was as a kid to get up early Saturday morning and watch the Danny Burgess show on Channel 7. The reception was not always the best given the fact I lived light years away in Deep River, but that did not seem to matter. I can still picture all those kids crammed into a small set. The cartoons were okay, but I really looked forward to the McDonalds commercials. The power of advertising and the success of that franchise's marketing strategy was obvious: I lived two hours from the nearest McDonalds, but I had visions of shamrock shakes and cheeseburgers dancing through my head on a regular basis. Needless to say, this young Canadian was drawn to this American channel at a time when there were only four other channels on the dial, most of which were based in Ottawa.
Twenty-five years later, this not-so-young Canadian found himself drawn once again to Channel 7 and another Danny... Rather. I awoke in the wee hours last Wednesday, turned on the tube and learned that George W. Bush had been elected president of the United States. This did not exactly give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. But wait... What's this? Al W. Gore (the W is courtesy of David Letterman) had eaten away at Bush's lead in Florida. The CBS News panelists had a collective "deer in headlights" look about them as they scrambled to make sense of what was happening. Rather's Texas drawl became as thick as thieves as he improvised to fill time until the network could come up with actual news. When the story emerged, these veteran journalists had to acknowledge in their own way that the network had blown it big time. Rather said he was reminded of a sign in a West Texas saloon that reads, "Don't shoot the piano player; he's doing the best he can."
It was neat to watch these seasoned journalists flounder as one of the most interesting stories in American political history entered a new and more intriguing phase. There was John Roberts (who was known as J.D. Roberts when he was interviewing rock stars for City TV and MuchMusic in a previous life) standing outside the Gore compound in Tennessee. By the way, Gore did not win his home state; mind you, Chrétien did not win his home province in '97. I was hoping J.D. would make reference to the Canadian prime minister, and then Rather would say that Roberts, his possible successor as anchor of CBS News, got the name wrong: the prime minister's name is Jean Poutine.
A quarter of a century later, I found myself watching the same channel and realizing that of all the changes in the world only one really matters: McDonalds no longer makes shamrock shakes. But there is one thing that hasn't changed in all these years: I can still watch Channel 7 and think the United States of America is some sort of fantasy world in which Mayor McCheese would give Bush and Gore a run for their money.
John A.H. Morris
Moving right along with the epilogue of our history of Prescott which is starting to drag as facts become more difficult to track down and sometimes twice as long to verify, we are at the point where our story short list is getting shorter and manageable and the time has come to switch to another medium.
We are at a point now where we have to start selecting the photos for this historical book of knowledge of things Prescottonian. Thanks to many sources, including Theodore Shaver, Historical Society, Forwarders' Museum, the McCarthy and Knapp family descendants, along with many more individuals, our photo files are almost complete.
What we lack, however, are photos of the Prescott Citizens Band (circa 1900 to 1960), and some photos of curling, tennis and lawn bowling. If any of our readers have some of these photos we would appreciate a loan of them for a day or two so we can scan them and store them in our computer.
In fact, we are interested in almost any old photo of good quality that could be included in our book. If there are people in the photos it is best if they can be identified.
It seems that a great deal of the history of the Prescott Lawn Bowling Club has been lost, and we are trying to piece together a recognizable slice of the club's 110-year history. Photos from the 1920s, 30s and 40s would be appreciated.
***
The election dust has settled in South Grenville and the fallout being experienced in the U.S. has mostly been avoided on this side of the border. We would like to extend a sincere vote of thanks on behalf of the community to all of those who sought election in Monday's municipal voting.
Our special thanks and appreciation to those who were not successful in their bids for municipal office in Augusta, Edwardsburgh-Cardinal and Prescott. It takes a special kind of citizen to seek public office and the support of your peers in so doing. This takes courage and commitment, and we congratulate and thank all of you.
***
We teased members of the Grenville County Historical Society with a trivia quiz on Prescott history a few weeks back, but most of our historical questions and answers were so obscure (Prescott's first town hall was built in 1851 at a cost of 351 pounds) that our audience was almost blanked. The redeeming factor, we hope, was that it was an interesting history lesson.
Here's a piece of trivia not included in that quiz. As far as we have been able to ascertain, the family that has lived the longest in Prescott is the Fortier family, and instead of decreasing in numbers, they have been increasing.
According to a history of the Fortier family, compiled by the late Lenore (Norrie) Fortier, now in the hands of his nephew, Howard Fortier, the first member of the family to come to Prescott was Francis Xavier Fortier who moved here in 1834 from the family homestead in Sorel, Quebec. Francis Xavier was the great, great grandson of Antoine Fortier who came to Quebec with the French Army in 1675. He took his discharge in Quebec and received a land grant near Sorel.
Francis Xavier, the first of the Fortiers to move to Prescott, was a carriage maker and included in his family were three sons, James, Michael and George, with Michael learning his father's trade and remaining in Prescott. He was a veteran of the Fenian Raids, joining the Canadian militia in Prescott.
One of this sons was Charles Fortier (1869-1947) who was employed by the McCarthy Brewery company and by Wiser's Distillery. He was best-known as the town's fire chief, with a long-standing record as both a fireman and as chief. He was also a member of the Citizens Band for over 30 years and was one of the men involved in re-establishing the band in 1901.
His three sons were Knightly and Norrie, both deceased, and Charles, who spent most of his life at his home on Henry St. West, and who now lives at Wellington House. He will be 93 next month.
Although hard of hearing, Charlie has a good memory and passed some of this history on to us through his son Norman.
Another interesting part of the Fortier family history is that Francis Xavier's great, great grandson, Paul Fortier, owns the Stockade Barracks Restaurant and Museum on East St., the second-oldest home in Prescott today, built in 1810.
We suspect we might receive some challenges to the Fortier family's longevity record. We believe the Whitneys and Bakers could be contenders.
By Lynne Chagnon - For The Journal
SPENCERVILLE Voters in the soon-to-be amalgamated municipality of Edwardsburgh-Cardinal elected a council comprised of both newcomers and seasoned politicians when they went to the polls in Monday's municipal election.
Dave Dobbie, current reeve of Edwardsburgh Township, retained his seat at the head of the council table, beating out Cardinal Councillor Jim Pakeman for the post. Dobbie received a total of 1,672 votes while Pakeman tallied 851.
Two newcomers beat out Cardinal councillors Charlie Burrell and Dick Willis for the two Ward 1 seats on the new council. Dan McDonald got a total of 657 while Peggy Taylor tallied 558. Burrell's total was 358 and Willis received 189.
In Ward 2 current Edwardsburgh councillors Peter Martin and Bill Sloan won seats on the new council, easily beating out newcomer Diane McKee. Sloan tallied a total of 543 votes while Martin got 530. McKee trailed with 166.
In Ward 3 a newcomer and a returning councillor will represent constituents there. Newcomer Frank Noccey lead the polls in that ward with 546 votes while Marie Thomson placed second with 506. Incumbent George Dick was edged out with only 323 votes.
With a total of 5,643 eligible voters in the new municipality, turnout is estimated at 45 per cent. That is down slightly from the 50 per cent of voters who tend to turn out at Cardinal polls but up from the 35 per cent that tend to vote in Edwardsburgh.
"For the next three months there are lots of issues to deal with," noted Dobbie. "There are lots of wrinkles that have to be ironed out."
He said the new council will need to get together over the next few months to put a number of things in place before January 1.
McDonald said he was very appreciative of the significant support people in Ward I gave to him during his "first crack at municipal politics" and Taylor expressed surprise she had been voted in.
"I was sure they would go for someone with experience along with a newcomer like Dan with his credentials," she said.
Noccey, the third newcomer on the council, was also grateful to voters for giving him a shot at municipal politics.
"Number one on the agenda is completing amalgamation and then making it work," he said.
Thomson said the new council will have its work cut out for it "calming the waters" in the new municipality.
"We've got to prevent anyone from feeling they will lose their identity," she explained. "That's the biggest thing. It won't happen over night." She said it can be achieved by ensuring people know what is going on by talking to them and by holding as many open meetings as possible.
"Having a committee structure in the new municipality will help," noted Thomson. "More people from the community can get involved by sitting on the committees." Edwardsburgh currently uses the committee system but in Cardinal council discusses and deals with every issue itself.
Sloan cited completing the transition process and getting the newly-acquired port at Johnstown up and running as priorities for the new council.
"It's going to be an interesting three years," he noted. "There are lots of things to deal with."
Martin also cited getting amalgamation on track and ensuring everyone feels represented as priorities.
"We also have to work on maintaining the services we have provided all along," he added. "And with the elevator deal done we can now do some proactive things in economic development."
The new council will take over on January 1 when the amalgamation of Cardinal and Edwardsburgh goes into effect.
CARDINAL - The parent advisory council and the student council of Benson Public School will be holding a Christmas craft and bake sale at the school Thursday, Nov. 23 from 2 to 7:30 p.m. All proceeds from the bake table will go to the student council and their fund raising needs. Baked goods can be brought to the school any time on Nov. 23. A bin will be available for anyone to drop off non-perishable good to be given the Spirit of Giving campaign, being organized by South Grenville District High School. The student council will be hosting a canteen and the parent advisory council will be having a silent auction during the sale. Local businesses have donated merchandise for the event, and some students and other community members are making gingerbread houses for the auction. For more information, or to rent a table, contact Mandy Walsh at 657-3393 and leave a message.
CARDINAL - The congregation of St. John's United Church in Cardinal honoured volunteer firefighters from the Edwardsburgh and Cardinal departments at its service last Sunday. Rev. Arlyce Schiebout said firefighters paraded from the Cardinal station led by piper Maggie Bush to the church, where parishioners recognized the volunteers and prayed for them in their work
CARDINAL - The Cardinal Playgroup meets each Thursday at St. John's United Church Hall from 9 to 11 a.m. This is an opportunity for parents to socialize, while youngsters meet friends and participate in a play-based learning environment. The children also enjoy crafts, snacks and songs. The playgroup is open to everyone. For more information, contact Heidi Rylands at 657-1666.
CARDINAL The Cardinal Lions Club has honoured one of its members with the highest award within its ranks.
Dick Willis, a charter member of the club, was chosen to receive the Helen Keller Fellowship Award. The presentation was made Oct. 26, with Willis receiving a standing ovation from club members.
Willis was a founding member of the Lions in Cardinal in 1991, and became club president in 1995-96. He has held the position of secretary since 1996. Willis has also received two Secretary Awards for his outstanding work as a secretary.
The chairman of Region 30 Lions Clubs, John Brummell, said of the 20 clubs he visits in the area, "the Cardinal Lions Club is a model when it comes to how a club should be operated.
"It has great, hard working members who I know are making a difference in their community," Brummell said.
The Helen Keller award holds prestige and honour, Brummell added. Other Lions members to receive the award have been Larry Dishaw, Garry Tracey and Bob Lodge.
The award was established by the Board of Directors for Lions Homes for Deaf People to honour outstanding Lions Club members. For anyone to receive the fellowship, a minimum donation of $500 must be given by the club to Lions Homes for Deaf People, based in Oakville.
Through its fundraising efforts, the local club makes frequent donations to various charities, including the Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, the guiding and scouting movements, the local library and fire department, medical clinic and regional hospitals.
Most recently, the club donated $1,000 to St. Lawrence Lodge in Brockville.
Helen Keller was born a healthy child in 1880 in Alabama, and before she turned two years old, she was deaf, blind and mute. Through many years of hard work, her intelligence and passion for learning had become evident, and she began a lifelong journey of knowledge.
She graduated from college in 1904, and established herself as a unique woman of vision who devoted herself to the service of humanity. She championed women's rights, fought for the cause of workers and equality for minorities, and became a world crusader for the underprivileged and oppressed, especially the blind.
Keller eventually wrote 13 books and was a frequent contributor to magazines and newspapers. She made her last major public appearance in 1961 at a Washington, D.C. Lions Club meeting at which she received the Lions Humanitarian Award for her lifetime service to humanity and inspiration of the Lions program in sight conservation and aid to blind people. Keller died in June, 1968, just a few weeks short of her 88th birthday.
Lois Rowena (Smith) Cook, 82, of Rowley Street, Gouverneur, died Saturday, Nov. 11, 2000 at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital, Syracuse, NY, after diagnosis of and complications from cancer.
She was born Feb. 15, 1918, in Domville, Ont., to Bertha Kingston and William Cabourn Smith. After her mother's death, she was raised by her father and step mother, Ada Shepard. At the age of seven, she moved with her family to Theresa, NY. She graduated from Theresa High School, Deivert's Private Business School in Philadelphia, NY, and earned her Registered Nurse Degree in 1944 from Mercy Hospital in Watertown, NY.
Mrs. Cook married Joseph Cook of Watertown, NY, in June, 1947. Following his death in June, 1962, she obtained her Nurse Teacher certification from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, NY. She was a school nurse teacher in the Gouverneur Central School system from 1964 until her retirement in 1978 and continued to substitute teach until 1990. She was a member of the Gouverneur First Methodist Church, Gouverneur Travellers Club, Gouverneur Garden Club, and Sylvia Lake Association.
Mrs. Cook will be remembered for her caring nature, humour, wit, enduring friendships and her belief in the power of God. She will also be remembered for her many talents including antique restoration and refinishing, teaching, cooking and baking. She was an avid quilter, crafter knitter and gardener.
In addition to her husband Joseph, she was also predeceased by her brother Gordon, her sister Dorothy, and six step brothers and step sisters.
She is survived by three sons and their wives, Thomas and Carolyn of Lansing, NY, David and Nina of Hamburg, NY, and William and Juliet of Spring City, PA; six grandchildren, Joseph, Laura, Michael, Adam, Katherina and Elissa; her sister Marion Huddleston of Philadelphia, NY; her brother William Smith of Theresa, NY; many nieces and nephews and her beloved Kingston family relatives.
A memorial service will be held at the Gouverneur First Methodist Church with Rev. Alan D. Kinney officiating, on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lois' memory to the Gouverneur First Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.
Interment will be in the Sanford Corners Cemetery, Calcium, NY.
Vera Mary Devereaux, 275 Water Street, Prescott, died Oct. 22, 2000 at Regional Health Centre, Peterborough. She was 79.
She was born April 29, 1921 in Maitland to Alexander Jackson and Ida Pearl Holmes, who predeceased her.
She married Francis Devereaux Oct. 29, 1944 in Maitland.
Mrs. Devereaux is survived by son Bill Devereaux (wife Pamela Snow) of Peterborough; daughter Donna (Mrs. David Hurlbut) of Westport; grandchildren Chantelle and Tracy Devereaux and Jaime and Craig Hurlbut; great grandchildren Rachel, Miranda and Andrew; sister Joan Wallace of Millbrook; and brothers Roy and Philip Jackson of Brockville.
She was predeceased by brothers Wilbert, Alex and Bill Jackson and sisters Mae and Clara.
She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and playing bingo, and had been employed at Louis Fischl Gloves for 20 years.
Mrs. Devereaux had also worked at Black and Decker for 15 years.
Visitation was held at the Chris Slater Funeral Home, Prescott, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. until the funeral service in the chapel at 11 a.m. Father J. Appelman officiated at the service. A committal service followed at St. Mark's Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Rick Smith, Larry, Bob and David Jackson and Lee and Greg Adams.
Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
The Editor;
I would like to thank the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105 Cardinal for organizing the "All Candidates Meeting" for Edwardsburgh-Cardinal, which was held on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Legion. The meeting was very well attended, with a few people having to stand. President Ken Sorrenti with the help of Tom and Eleanor Beatson did a great job of moderating. The meeting enabled us to meet most of the candidates running in Edwardsburgh-Cardinal. I have heard many positive comments from the people who attended and they were generous with their praise for the Legion.
Scott Cook
The South Grenville Atom House Team 2 hosted its first international game of the season Nov. 7.
Ogdensburg came out flying to jump out to an early one-goal lead. The determined Rangers stayed with the larger U.S. team and tied the game. A breakdown early in the third period allowed Ogdensburg to score two quick goals. Ranger goalie Jacob Casselman stopped a barrage of shots, with solid defence by Jeremy Groulx, whose poke checking often turned back the opposing team. Groulx will be missed by his teammates for four to six weeks after suffering a broken arm at home.
The big Ogdensburg goalie stood his ground several times, stopping the speedy Brad Selleck and Fletcher Wehmeyer, who had accepted a quick behind-the-back pass from winger Michael Marchand and sped in all alone. The final score was 4-2 for Ogdensburg. Rangers scoring resulted from Joe Murray winning the battle along the boards and finding winger Hank Heykoop open. Heykoop also continues his magic touch of finding the open man in front of the net with his team-leading eight assists to Ryan Gilligan who continues to find ways to score.
After losing a close, hard-skating game to Ogdensburg, Team 2 Rangers travelled to Chesterville Nov. 10 to play the Devils. The Rangers were missing several players, which made it necessary to juggle the lines. The team got off to a slow start and found itself in a 3-3 tie after two periods. By the third period the Rangers had adjusted to new linemates and dominated the play, scoring five unanswered goals. Pinching defenceman Stan McNairn earned his first assist of the season, as did Nick Perry who also played a strong game. The final score was 8-3 for the Rangers.
Top point-getters for the night were Hank Heykoop and Ryan Gilligan, each with a hat trick and an assist. Brad Selleck added two goals and two assists. Big defenceman Luke Casselman lead the team in assists with four; Mike Marchand had three, Joe Murray had two and Cody Chrétien had one. Goal-scorers for the Devils were Graham Merkley and Jason Kerkoff.
Playing their second shorthanded game in three days took its toll on the Team 2 Rangers Nov. 12 as they lost 2-1 to undefeated Kemptville Team 1. South Grenville goalie Casselman made the biggest save of the game when he was able to stop Justin McCooeye on a clear breakaway and saved the rebound as well. Kemptville goalie Billy Torrans also played a solid game.
The first period was scoreless; the only goal of the second came off a play in which Luke Casselman stripped the puck from a Kemptville player and made a pass to Marchand, who fed the puck to Murray. He was able to hold off several Kemptville players to get the puck to Heykoop who found the back of the net. Kemptville took advantage of weary South Grenville legs in the third period and was able to score two unanswered goals. Torrans came up big in the final minute of play as the Rangers pulled the goalie for the extra-man advantage. He was able to stop Murray, Heykoop, Gilligan and Selleck who had several last-minute shots. Josh Newton and Connor Cleary had strong games on defence. Steven Morotti scored both Kemptville goals.
The South Grenville Novice #3 Zellers team is off to a quick start in the young season. The team is now a surprising 7-1-0 so far this year, and has outscored the competition by a combined 58-15.
Everyone on the team has contributed to the success, but a few notables so far have been Clayton Gionet with 13 goals, Dylan Heisel with 10, and three other players Ryan Van Stralen, Scott Stevenson and Ronnie Harrison all with nine.
A strong offence has been backed up by good defence and a steady performance by new goalie Mark Brunet, who volunteered to play goalie after the team failed to get one in the draft. Brunet picked up his first-ever shutout in a 4-0 victory over Morrisburg, and in a return match he collected his second in a 5-0 decision.
On Thursday, Nov. 8, the South Grenville peewee 'C' Rangers hosted South Stormont in Prescott. The Rangers defeated their opponents by a score of 5-1. Matthew Hayes and Matt Deeks scored twice for the Rangers, with Derrick Lavery adding a goal to round out the scoring. Assists went to Josh Joudoin, Ryan Landon, Michael Lawrence and Derrick Lavery. Corie Toye was in net for the Rangers.
On Saturday, Nov. 11, the Rangers dropped a 6-2 decision to Kingston. Matt Deeks scored the first goal, assisted by Shane McNeely and William Minish. The second goal was scored by Matthew Hayes, assisted by Shane McNeely. With a couple of minutes left in the game and the score 4-2 in favour of Kingston, the Rangers went with six attackers; however, Kingston was able to score an empty-netter and then add another goal before the game ended.
The peewee 'C' team is headed to the Silver Stick in Pembroke this weekend and will see league action again Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. in Morrisburg and at home in Prescott Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m. against Brockville.
The South Grenville Atom 'B' Rangers split a pair of recent league games.
On Oct. 24, the Rangers, which competing in the Upper Canada Hockey League, travelled to Potsdam where they came out on the winning side of a 7-2 game. The goal scoring was well spread out. Scoring goals for the Rangers were Cody Hache, Josh Parsens, Zach VanAllen, Jordan Villeneuve, Mike Froom and a pair from Matt Leeder. The Rangers started slowly but gained momentum as the game progressed. They held a definitive edge in shots on net.
On Oct. 25, the Rangers played host to the team from South Stormont. The South Stormont team came crashing out of the gates to take a commanding 3-0 by the three-minute mark of the first period. Coach Al Joudoin huddled the troops to help fend off the onslaught. The talk woke up the team as they battled back to tie the game. Mike Froom continued his torrid early season pace with the first two goals for South Grenville. Clayton Dunnington scored the next two South Grenville goals to tie the game at 4-4. South Stormont scored the eventual game winner with three minutes left in regulation. The Rangers pressed for the equalizer and had numerous opportunities but were unable to penetrate the South Stormont goaltender.
On Oct. 27, the Rangers travelled to Kingston to take on the Kingston City Peewee team, and left with a 3-1 win.
The Rangers outshot Kingston City 41 to 28, with Luke Beckstead stopping 27 out of 28 shots. Scoring for the Rangers were Eric Selleck, Mike Armstrong and Kurtis Summers. Assists went to Jon Baldwin, Kirk Donovan, Nathan Smail and Eric Selleck.
Friday night action at the Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Spencerville saw the Rangers face the Gananoque Peewees. The result was a 1-1 tie. Rangers goalie Ryan Wynands was hot in net, keeping Gananoque to just one goal despite being outshot 32 to 15. Meanwhile Kurtis Summers scored their only goal in the first period, unassisted.
On the weekend in Cornwall, the Rangers captured the silver medal in their first tournament of the season.
In round robin action, the Rangers defeated Cornwall 3-1. Goals for the Rangers went to Jonathon Baldwin, Kirk Donovan and Nick Amyotte. Assists went to Eric Selleck, Mike Armstrong and Josh Rupert.
The Rangers lost their second game 4-1 to the Glen Falls Jr. Ice Hawks. The lone Rangers' goal was scored by Kurtis Summers.
In their next game, the Rangers fought a close battle against Orleans to take the 3-2 win. In the evenly matched game, the Rangers outshot the Orleans team by one, 21 to 20.
Orleans opened the game with a first period goal. Scoring action for the Rangers started in the third period when Josh Rupert, Mike Armstrong and Jon Baldwin scored for the team. In the last 11 seconds of the game, Orleans scored to close the game 3-2. Assists for the Rangers went to Eric Selleck and Nathan Smail.
Semi-final action saw the Rangers once again meet the Glen Falls Jr. Ice Hawks. Jon Baldwin opened the scoring for the Rangers in the second period, assisted by Eric Selleck and Steve Prosser. Mixing things up a little, Selleck scored the Rangers' second goal, assisted by Baldwin and Prosser.
In the last 47 seconds of the third period, the Ice Hawks scored to close the game 2-1 for the Rangers.
In the final game, the Rangers came up against the undefeated Brockville peewee team. The Rangers lost the battle to Brockville with a final score of 5-0.
The Rangers travelled to Clayton, N.Y. Nov. 9 and came away with a 102 victory. Goal scorers for the Rangers were Jonathon Baldwin, Mike Armstrong and Nick Maggio with two each; singles went to Kurtis Summers, Eric Selleck, Josh Rupert and Steve Prosser. Saturday, Nov. 11 saw the Rangers lose a well-fought battle to the Westport Peewees. The Rangers took a quick 20 lead at the start of the first period; however, Westport moved ahead leaving the Rangers trailing 43 at the end of the first. The second and third periods saw both teams add two more goals each, leaving the game in a 65 loss. Goal scorers for the Rangers were Baldwin and Rupert with two each and Summers with a single.
The Rangers will meet the Westport Peewees again when they resume league play at home in Spencerville Friday at 7:30 p.m.
CARDINAL There will be a hockey camp for male and female players 11 to 13 on Nov. 24 (a professional development day for students) at the arena in Cardinal. The camp will run for two hours beginning at 10 a.m. The first hour will focus on skills; the second hour will be a scrimmage. The instructors will be AAA hockey coaches from the area.
There is a registration fee. For more information or to register call (613) 498-2125.
PRESCOTT The South Grenville Midget 'B' Rangers hosted an eight-team tournament Saturday at the Leo Boivin Community Centre in Prescott. In addition to South Grenville, teams representing North Dundas, Morrisburg, Kemptville, Orleans, Nepean, Renfrew and Pembroke took part in the one-day tournament.
The host Rangers lost the opener in a thriller which Orleans won 4-3 in a second overtime shootout. It was a goaltenders' battle; they both took on 10 shooters before Orleans came out on top.
The Rangers bounced back to score a convincing 5-1 victory over Pembroke and earn a spot in the B final against Nepean.
The hard-fought final saw Nepean edge the Rangers 32.
Adam Lawrence scored three goals and added an assist at the tournament. Dustin Swan had a goal and three assists; Andrew Fortier and Jeff Condie each had a goal and two assists. Josh Kirkby had four assists.
The tournament was a big success thanks to the efforts of team manager Penny Swan, tournament convenor David Sloan, parents and fans. Good work, Rangers!
The Rangers travelled to Massena for exhibition play and the N.Y. team was no match for the Rangers. The Rangers pounded them 11-2. Dustin Swan picked up the hat trick. Derek June scored twice, with Josh Kirkby picking up one, Ricky Denis picking up two, Adam Lawrence picking up two, and Jeff Condie picking up one.