Water woes in Maitland not a township problem, Augusta councillors
say
By Monica Whitney -Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD A whiff from a jar of greenish-brown tarry liquid
that smelled like furnace oil was not enough for Augusta councillors
to take definite action on water problems in Maitland.
Herb Richardson, who lives near the Ultramar site on Church
Street, presented council at its Monday night meeting with the
jar of gooey liquid, in an attempt to get action on contaminated
water he says has been caused by soil remediation work at the
Maitland tank farm. The site was purchased by Ultramar, a fuel
distribution company, from Universal Terminals last year. Richardson
and another homeowner across from Ultramar, Jeff Elliott, said
their water turned foul when work to remove contaminated soil
began last December
Richardson said the jar was left on his doorstep by someone
unknown to him, with a note attached stating the contents were
scooped out of a hole at Ultramar, just 100 yards from his well.
Ultramar had been providing Richardson with bottled water
after one water test result showed a trace of petrochemical residue
was present. Other tests conducted by a lab in Ottawa indicated
there were no detectable pollutants in the water and it is drinkable,
but both Elliott and Richardson remain unconvinced the water
is safe. Ultramar has since stopped purchasing water for Richardson,
he said.
Elliott has complained the water is foul smelling and has
stained clothing and bathroom fixtures.
Richardson also said drinking the water and the stress of
the situation caused a red rash on his face. The rash disappeared
when he stopped using the household water, he noted.
"Is there anyway the township can help me?" Richardson
asked council. "I can't sell my house, I can't rent my house.
We need your representation with us to get them to do something."
However, Reeve George Vail said council's hands are tied,
and the township is not liable in this situation. If there is
any liability, it lies with Universal Terminals and/or Ultramar,
Vail said.
Nobody is denying the soil is contaminated, Vail said, but
the township cannot become involved where it is not liable. "We're
not trying to sound like we don't want to help our ratepayers,
but as soon as we stick our foot in there, then if there's a
court action... it could get into something very costly and the
rest of the ratepayers are going to ask why we stuck our nose
in."
Universal Terminals has put money aside in an escrow account
to deal with the contamination and for possible compensation
to homeowners.
"Certainly, there's nobody in the township office who
has the expertise that the Ministry of the Environment has,"
said Councillor Jane Fullarton. "They're the ones who are
monitoring that cleanup,"
"I hope you guys aren't involved in this and helping
to cover it up, George," Richardson stated to Vail. "Nobody
is giving us any help at all."
"I feel for you people, but we have to be careful as
a township," Vail said. If there had been spills at the
site reported to the MOE in the past, it is not likely that agency
would have reported back to the township, because "it's
not our property, it's not our product, it's not our facility."
"I know that's a hard pill to swallow, but it's not for
us to go in there and order them to do anything," Vail said.
"All we're asking for is some help and understanding
in how to go about this," Elliott said.
Vail stressed the council cannot take sides in the issue,
but must remain neutral. After speaking with the township solicitor,
Vail said council may receive some direction on whether it can
put some pressure on MPP Bob Runciman or MP Joe Jordan. "But
we have to be careful it doesn't put us into a libelous position
where it could end up costing the taxpayers of this township
big dollars."
Councillor Doug Barton stressed Ultramar was not at fault
with any contamination issues, and it is Universal Terminals'
responsibility to clean up the site under order of the MOE. "Ultramar
is not the problem," he said. "Universal Terminals
has been the problem for the last 40 years. That whole area didn't
just become contaminated overnight.
"Ultramar is trying to be the go-between to help get
things done," Barton said. "The township is not an
environmental body. We don't run the environment. We depend on
the MOE to do those things. We don't have the expertise to do
that."
Requests made for increased funding
By Tim Ruhnke -Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Members of town council are mulling over
several requests for additional funding as part of the 2001 budget
deliberations.
Representatives from four different municipal departments
and agencies presented their budget proposals to council Monday
night. Council members heard from public works, the fire department,
Tourism Prescott and the library board. This was the second in
a series of council budget meetings that began two weeks earlier.
The groups are seeking increases of various amounts. Although
those increases may amount to only a few thousand dollars in
some cases, council is also facing the reality of a significant
loss in assessment from which the town can collect tax dollars.
The combined increase being proposed for the town's public
works and environmental service departments totals nearly $49,000,
although the actual proposed increase is higher. Town Engineer
Clyde Solomon described his proposal as a "bare bones"
budget that does not include capital items. He noted the public
works budget from 1990 is bigger than the one now being discussed
by council.
It was noted surplus funds from last year's public works budget
have gone to the town's general account. The surplus resulted
from work that was not done.
Solomon noted the department has to carry out line painting,
stop sign replacement, catch basin cleaning and road sealing.
About $41,500 should be spent to see those projects completed,
according to Solomon; the budgeted amount is less than $20,000.
Solomon suggested the only way to generate additional revenue
from the public works and environment budgets would be to increase
the charge for plastic and paper garbage bags sold by the town.
Council was advised earlier this year paper bags cost about twice
as much as plastic even though customers pay the same amount
for both.
The town would receive an additional $27,000 per year if it
raised the price of a paper bag from $1.25 to $2, and an additional
$7,600 by increasing the price of a plastic bag from $1.25 to
$1.50.
Revenues from parking meters are also included in the budgets
submitted by Solomon. Council is still considering a request
to remove meters from downtown; parking meter revenues have been
allocated for sewer upgrades and the town's $22,000 yearly contribution
to a Brockville hospital capital fund.
What is missing from the budget working papers are commitments
to fund major capital projects like the reconstruction of Churchill
Road. Solomon pointed out $9 million was spent last year on infrastructure
improvements, including road work.
"I'd have no problem doing the minimum one year... as
long as we remember these streets have to be addressed soon,"
he noted.
The fire department is proposing a budget of just over $219,200.
The 2000 budget figure was just under $183,000; actual costs
incurred totalled $185,564.
Fire Chief Bill Lawrence explained many of the proposed increases
deal with required equipment purchases and maintenance. For example,
12 bottles that go with Scott air paks must be replaced at a
cost of more than $13,000. The fire chief also noted a desire
to increase the department's ranks from the current 25.
The chief also noted some of those increases can be attributed
to the anticipated loss of dispatch which will accompany the
disbandment of the Prescott Police Service in favour of municipal
OPP service. The fire department is requesting use of the entire
fire/police building when the police service leaves at some point
later in the year.
Building modifications would cost an estimated $2,500; Lawrence
said firefighters would provide the labour at no charge.
Tourism Prescott is seeking a net increase from the town of
about $8,000 on a total budget of $26,100. In noting most of
the group's work is done by volunteers, President Bob Sonier
noted they often find themselves at meetings with paid officials
from other communities. Unlike most municipal services, he added,
Tourism Prescott incurs expenses "...in the hope of generating
income."
As for the public library, the board is seeking a municipal
grant of just over $55,000. The board budgeted for a grant of
just under $55,000 last year; council approved a grant of $50,218.
Board member Evelyn Dales told council the board is prepared
to do its share in terms of fundraising and plans to resurrect
the Prescott "Friends of the Library" group. In raising
the profile of the library, she explained, the board hopes town
residents will see the value of the library and the tax money
being spent on it.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead, chair of the finance and corporate
services committee, said council must now decide how to deal
with the requests. She added town officials must also get a better
understanding of the bigger financial picture before addressing
specific items.
"We need a handle on the final figures," Beckstead
said.
The next town budget meeting is scheduled to take place May
28.
Get set for a weekend of exciting Harbour
Days action and fun in Prescott Town
PRESCOTT Harbour Days is about to set sail for another
year.
The Victoria Day weekend festival presented by Tourism Prescott
in conjunction with other groups and businesses in the area has
something to offer to people of all ages.
The Farmers Market at the corner of King and Centre streets
will be open Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. Live entertainment will
be provided by "Three in the Tree" from 11 am to 1
pm.
The Legion will host a breakfast Sunday from 8 to 11 am and
a steak and chicken barbecue from 3 until 6 pm. Live music by
Elise and Company will begin at 5 pm. Artists will be "Painting
in the Park" Sunday afternoon (rain date Monday) in the
marina and lighthouse area. Live entertainment will appear at
the amphitheatre beginning with the Parr Christie Singers at
2 pm and the Brockville Steel Band at 3:30 pm.
Fort Wellington will open its 2001 season Saturday. The national
historic site will be offering free admission and plenty of special
activities Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Monday's highlights include the soap box derby in the morning
on the George Street hill. The waterfront will play host to games
for the kids, a teddy bear picnic, petting zoo, pony rides, a
Barbie doll showing and a free lunch. Free boat rides for the
kids will be offered at the marina from 9 am to 3 pm.
To coincide with the start of Harbour Days, the BIA is holding
its first big "sail" of the season Saturday. King Street
will remain open during the sale.
For a complete listing of Harbour Days events and activities,
check the special section in this week's Prescott Journal.
THIS WEEK
Fort Wellington opens for season
PRESCOTT Fort Wellington National Historical Site of
Canada officially opens for the summer 2001 visitor season this
Saturday, May 19. The fort will be open daily from 10 am to 5
pm until Sept. 30.
Special activities are planned for Sunday, May 20 in conjunction
with Prescott's Harbour Days. The smell of 19th century cooking
will be in the air, as several settlers in period costume will
be demonstrating period trades, including woodworking and tinsmithing.
Musician Roger James will be strolling around the fort playing
songs from days gone by and riflemen from the Royal Canadian
Rifle Regiment will be firing their rifles throughout the day.
The official firing of the fort's six-pound field gun will be
at 11 am. Admission is free on this day.
GCC presents Shakespeare spin-off
MAITLAND Grenville Christian College junior classes
will be presenting Macbeth: A Kid's Cautionary Tale Concerning
Greed, Power and Mayhem and Other Current Events Friday,
May 25 and Saturday, May 26.
This is a comic retelling of Shakespeare's Scottish tragedy,
to be held in the school auditorium beginning at 7:30 pm each
day. Tickets are available at the door. For more information,
contact the college at 345-5521.
The performance had been originally scheduled for May 11 and
12, but had to be changed because GCC was competing in another
drama festival that weekend.
Spring book sale at the library
PRESCOTT Stop by the Prescott Public Library and pick
up gently-used books now at the spring book sale.
There is a great selection of fiction and non-fiction hardcovers,
paperbacks and children's books at drastically-reduced prices.
All proceeds from the sale help support the library.
The Prescott library on Dibble Street West is open Mondays,
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 5:30 pm and from 7 to 9 pm;
Fridays from 2 to 5:30 pm; and Saturdays from 1 to 5 pm.
Today is Camp Day at Tim Hortons
PRESCOTT Wednesday, May 16 is Camp Day at all Tim Hortons
stores.
The Prescott location and other stores across the country
will donate their coffee sales for the day to the Tim Hortons
Children's Foundation. The foundation sends more than 6,000 children
on camping adventures each year.
The camps run by the foundation help kids build their leadership
skills, self-confidence and self-esteem.
A total of $3.3 million was raised chainwide during last year's
Camp Day.
KINGSTON & DISTRICT CRIME STOPPERS
1-800-222-8477
Riding mower stolen from garage of home
AUGUSTA Crime Stoppers Kingston and District and the
Grenville County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police
are seeking the public's assistance in solving a recent theft
from a County Road15 residence in the Township of Augusta.
Sometime during the weekend of April 20-22, the garage of
the residence was entered and a riding lawn mower stolen. The
Cub Cadet 789 twin-engine model has a serial number 722958.
The 18-horsepower unit is valued at $3,600.
Anyone with information on this theft, or any other criminal
activity, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Callers do not have to identify themselves and they may be
eligible for cash rewards.
Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display or any other
form of caller identification.
Temperature rises at Augusta meeting
Owners of chip wagon ask for fairness
MAYNARD A chip wagon will be allowed to operate in North
Augusta this summer, even though the activity is disallowed by
a bylaw.
Jeff and Lori Veltkamp, residents of Elizabethtown Township,
purchased a chip wagon in North Augusta which had been operated
previously by Betty Perrin for four years.
However, they have since discovered the township does not
have a specific bylaw that covers the operation of chip wagons,
and the business falls into the restaurant-zoning category. This
bylaw requires the operation has a 150-foot frontage.
Since the location does not meet the requirement, the Veltkamps
must get a minor variance at a cost of $150. The procedure would
have delayed the opening of the chip wagon for six to eight weeks.
Council was informed Monday night during a lengthy and often
heated debate among several people that another restaurant is
already operating in North Augusta that does not have the stipulated
frontage. Twice Reeve George Vail banged his gavel in an attempt
to bring order to the meeting.
The Veltkamps are asking the same courtesy be extended to
them, since a chip wagon is technically not a restaurant. "If
you have that law, it should be fair to everybody," Mr.
Veltkamp said. He noted he is not asking the other restaurant
be shut down.
Mr. Veltkamp produced a 160-name petition in support of his
operation.
While Vail commented "two wrongs don't make a right,"
he said he would be willing to put his "foot out on a limb"
and allow the operation to set up immediately, but the wagon
would be shut down right away if there was even one complaint
before the minor variance was granted.
Councillor Jane Fullarton objected to the reeve's idea, suggesting
the council needed legal advice and information before making
a such a decision. She said she was not aware the North Augusta
restaurant was in contravention of the bylaw.
"We can't just ignore every bylaw that's in the book
by an arbitrary action," Fullarton said.
The council passed a resolution 3-2 supporting the operation
of the chip wagon on Perrin's property, but Perrin must apply
for the minor variance immediately. One complaint will shut down
the business until the variance is received.
Prescott parking concerns to be addressed
PRESCOTT Town officials have agreed to look into parking-related
concerns raised by a Kingston Crescent resident.
In a presentation to council May 7, Helen Paquette complained
about the truck and trailer parked on the street near her home.
"We pay high taxes, and I just don't think it should
be allowed," she said in reference to the parked vehicles.
"I'd appreciate if something could be done."
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead suggested there may be a safety
issue if the parked vehicles impede the flow of traffic on the
street. Council also sought clarification of whether on-street
parking is permitted in that location.
It was acknowledged at the meeting Paquette's initial request
was received late in the previous council's term and had not
been addressed. Town officials agreed to look into the complaint
and report back to council.
Tractor-trailers are not permitted to be parked in residential
areas. Council has the authority to regulate parking on public
roadways.
Big Bikers pump for foundation
PRESCOTT More than $7,000 was raised in this area for
the Heart and Stroke Foundation May 3.
Twenty-nine members of Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving
(OSAID) peddled down Edward Street May 3 on the Big Bike.
The South Grenville District High School branch of OSAID raised
$765 for the tri-counties branch of the Heart and Stroke Foundation,
and rode the Big Bike about 3 kilometres in and around the Fort
Town.
Two other rides took place: Kriska Transport raised $3,000,
and DuPont, Maitland site, raised $3320.
Smokers' Helpline a
phone call away
KINGSTON Help is now available to improve the odds for
people who want to quit smoking.
Smokers' Helpline is a new, toll-free support service operated
by the Canadian Cancer Society. The number for the Smokers' Helpline
is 1-877-513-5333.
The province-wide service is available from 9 am to 9 pm Monday
to Thursday, and from 9 am to 5 pm Friday. Term Care.
Township council wants speed limit reduced on County Road
26 near Maynard
MAYNARD Vehicles may soon have to slow down to 60 kilometres
per hour on a stretch of County Road 26 near Maynard.
Augusta council passed a resolution Monday night asking the
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville to consider a speed zone
extension east and west of the village.
The current speed limit on the road is 80 kilometres per hour,
with the exception of the area through Maynard, where it is 60
kilometres.
The decision supports a request from the More Than Just Babysitting
Child Care Centre (MTJB) located in the area, and a recommendation
from the Grenville OPP the speed limit be lowered.
In a letter to council, MTJB, which fronts on the highway,
requested council lower the speed limit from the Maynard subdivision
to Hillbloom Orchards and erect signage advising drivers of children
in the area.
Because of hills in the road both east and west of the centre,
the visibility of oncoming vehicles in impaired, MTJB president
Louise Campbell stated in the letter. The speed of traffic along
this portion of the road is a major concern, she wrote, and there
are repeated instances of excessive speed in both directions.
The potential for traffic and pedestrian accidents is substantial,
and weather and slippery roads compound the problem, Campbell
stated.
At the request of the Augusta police service board, Grenville
County OPP conducted a speed survey on County Road 26 May 8 and
9 in the area of the Maynard landfill site, MTJB, the Maynard
cemetery, church, village and the truck centre. The survey was
conducted between 6:15 am and 5:20 pm both days.
The report from the OPP indicates more than 1,300 were clocked.
Westbound vehicles approached the 60-kilometre zone with a reduced
speed to an average of 69 kilometres. More than 50 per cent of
the vehicles approached the zone in excess of 80 kilometres per
hour, the report states.
The OPP recommended the 60-kilometre zone for Maynard be moved
eastward to the intersection of County Road 26 and Merwin Lane
so vehicles turning west from Merwin Lane realize they are in
a 60 kilometre zone. It was also recommended a "60 Km/h
zone ahead" sign be posted on County Road 26 east of Merwin
Lane to warn westbound traffic of the reduced speed zone ahead.
It was also recommended the 60-zone west of the village be
extended westerly by .8 kilometres to the intersection of Blue
Church Road. Detachment Commander Brent Hill also advised adequate
warning for eastbound traffic that the 60 zone is approaching
and that there be a speed sign east of Blue Church Road for traffic
turning east off that road.
Council's resolution requests the united counties consider
the speed-zone extension as soon as possible in the interest
of public safety.
Car seat clinic set for Saturday
PRESCOTT A car seat clinic sponsored by the Leeds, Lanark
and Grenville Health Unit will be held this Saturday, May 19
in downtown Prescott near the clock tower.
The event runs from 10 am to 1 pm.
Members of Prescott police, OPP, firefighters and the health
unit will be on hand to check the proper installation of child
safety seats in vehicles.
Parents are asked to bring along the seat, the installation
instruction booklet and the child who normally uses the seat.
Information will be available at the clinic on buying the
correct seat for the age and stage of development of the child,
and on seat/vehicle compatibility.
Health officials await arrival of West Nile
virus
PRESCOTT Health officials in Eastern Ontario are preparing
for the arrival of an unwanted visitor.
The West Nile virus, which is native to north Africa, the
south of Europe and Asia, is spread by mosquito bites. It first
appeared about two years ago in the New York City area; birds
bitten by infected mosquitoes are believed to have carried the
virus north.
Confirmed cases of the virus in birds and mosquitoes have
been reported in upstate New York, although no cases involving
humans have been reported in St. Lawrence County to the south
of Leeds and Grenville. Health officials believe it is only a
matter of time before the first case will be reported on the
Canadian side of the border.
Although most humans who come into contact with the virus
will not get sick or at worst will suffer flu-like symptoms,
exposure to West Nile could be life-threatening to some people.
Older people are more susceptible to the virus; the average age
of those who fall ill to the virus is in the sixties, according
to Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health for Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark.
Inflammation of the brain is one of the potential complications
of contracting the virus. Nine people in the United States have
died from West Nile-related complications. Although Gardner noted
the human burden of the illness is very low compared to other
things, outbreaks in Romania and Israel have involved much higher
numbers.
"The potential has to be managed," he said. "We
always work with potentials at public health units."
Health officials in various levels of government are launching
systems designed to monitor the progress of the virus. The public
is being reminded to take steps to reduce the number of mosquito
bites they receive.
In addition to using repellant and not going out early in
the morning and at dusk when mosquito activity peaks, people
should also deal whenever possible with stagnant pools of water
near their homes or on their properties where mosquitoes might
breed.
The virus cannot be spread from one person to another, according
to health officials.
Crows and other members of the same family of birds (including
ravens and blue jays) are more susceptible to the virus. Clusters
of dead birds may be an indication the virus has arrived.
Anyone who comes across unusually high numbers of dead birds
is asked to contact the health unit at 345-5685, preferably during
normal business hours. Information on the virus is available
on the unit's Web site: www.healthunit.org.
Model train enthusiast recreates Prescott's past
By Monica Whitney -Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Like his model trains that stay on a steady
course around the track, Norm Fortier is a man who has steamed
straight ahead into making Prescott the best it can be.
A Prescott native and model train enthusiast, Fortier has
also become known for a number of volunteer activities in town.
He has been involved with minor hockey for 30 years, as a
coach and as president of the Prescott Minor Hockey Association,
now known as South Grenville Minor Hockey.
At the finish of this year's midget tournament, Fortier was
presented with the Gord Modler Memorial Trophy. The annual award
is given out to an individual or organization that has worked
within the community for a number of years.
The popular Sunday evening summer concerts at the marina amphitheatre
are staged weekly by Fortier, who has been carrying the entertainment
torch single-handedly for many years.
The concert series began 19 years ago at the Fort, and the
location was changed following the construction of the amphitheatre
by the Kinsmen Club in 1991 as part of the waterfront development.
The variety of entertainment continues to attract large crowds
of all ages.
The cost of the bands and singers are paid for through service
clubs, the town, and through free-will offerings. But Fortier
needs help organizing the concerts.
In a recent speech made at a men's group meeting on volunteers
in the community, Mayor Robert Lawn noted Fortier's achievements
with the successful concerts and his need for help. The year's
concert lineup includes eight shows, and begin July 8.
Fortier and his wife Joan have also been delivering Meals
on Wheels for about 23 years.
In his free time, the former St. Lawrence Printing pressman
has created a miniature Prescott that reflects memories from
his childhood.
An oval 16-foot by eight-foot railway track encircles many
of the Prescott landmarks built throughout the 1800s that he
fondly remembers.
The working model train and town display, increased in size
by four feet over the past two years, depicts Fortier's own hand-made
replicas of many of the buildings that graced the south side
of Prescott's King Street.
The models include the old CPR yard and roundhouse where the
waterfront pathway is now located, the former Lee McKnight building,
the post office where BiWay is now, the old town hall at King
and Centre streets and the neighbouring market building and fire
hall, and The Prescott Journal and Glasgow House buildings.
A tiny DLD (Dominion Lighthouse Depot) building and yard is
included, complete with helicopter pad and Coast Guard ships.
The entire scene from the past is lit up with working street
lamps and flashing signals.
Fortier grew up on Sophia Street close to the tracks and nurtured
a fondness for trains that lasted a lifetime.
"Trains always fascinated me," Fortier said, who
credits the gift of a train set as a child with setting him on
the right track.
"It's time consuming but very relaxing," he said,
noting he tries to work on the hobby each day, where the set
is stored in a cavernous room above a King Street business.
Fortier said he feels pride in his accomplishment to preserve
something of Prescott's past.
"It's a lot of work, but it's enjoyable," he said.
He'll gladly show the set to anyone who asks, especially children,
and often takes his creation to model train shows throughout
Eastern Ontario.
Two years ago, Fortier set up a two-month-long display at
the Forwarders' Museum in Prescott.
He is one of 15 members of the Leeds and Grenville Model Railroaders
who meet monthly. The group has constructed a 30-foot by 15-foot
train display, depicting many landmarks along the waterfront
from Cardinal to Brockville.
Fortier admits model trains are an expensive hobby, but believes
in using the best quality products, such as nickel and silver
track, so the sets will last.
Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital
EDWARDSBURGH A Gatineau, Quebec man was airlifted to
an Ottawa hospital after being injured in a motorcycle accident
last Friday afternoon.
Grenville County OPP reported the 43-year-old man was southbound
on County 44 just north of Ventnor Road shortly after noon when
the rented 2001 Harley Davidson he was operating left the roadway
on a left curve, entered the west ditch and rolled several times.
The driver was ejected from the motorcycle. His injuries were
not considered life threatening, according to police.
The road was closed for about one-and-a-half hours following
the accident. Conditions were clear and dry at the time; alcohol
was not a factor. Charges are not pending, police indicated in
a news release. The driver's name was not released.
OPP BRIEFS
Marijuana plants found just north of town
PRESCOTT Thirty-two marijuana plants were found May
13 near an empty miniature greenhouse in a wooded area west of
Edward Street and north of Highway 401. Grenville County OPP
officers located the plants after receiving an anonymous tip.
The plants were 12 to 16 inches in height and would have had
a value upon maturity of $17,000. Anyone with information is
asked to contact Sergeant Paul Brisson or Constable Rick Foley
at the detachment in Prescott (925-4221).
Anonymous tips involving the cultivation of narcotics are
of great assistance to the Leeds and Grenville Drug Eradication
Program. Officers remove the narcotics, which are then destroyed
at a safe location. Those who report the location of narcotic
cultivation are not subject to charges, an OPP release stated.
Their names will not become public information, according to
the release.
Crossbow stolen from residence
CARDINAL The theft of a crossbow was reported to OPP
May 11. The theft occurred during the overnight hours at a residence
on Meadowland Drive. The X1 Legend Magnum Compound Bow is camouflage
black/green and includes among other things a fibre optic sight
and three green and brown arrows.
The investigating officer is Constable Chuck Doran, who can
be reached at the Grenville County detachment (925-4221). Anyone
with information on the theft can also call Crime Stoppers.
Housing authority trailer taken
CARDINAL A black trailer belonging to the Leeds and
Grenville Housing Authority was stolen from a Helen Street residence.
The trailer theft was reported to OPP May 10.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Barr
or Crime Stoppers.
Tires, rims removed from vehicle
AUGUSTA The tires and rims of a vehicle were stolen
during the overnight hours of May 10-11, according to the OPP.
A vehicle parked at the Maynard Store was found placed on wooden
blocks.
Contact Constable Doran at the detachment (925-4221) or Crime
Stoppers (1-800-222-8477).
Trampoline stolen from yard
EDWARDSBURGH A trampoline was stolen from the front
yard of a County Road 44 residence.
The theft was reported to OPP May 10. The circular trampoline
is a Canadian Tire model #840200-4. Anyone with information is
asked to contact the investigating officer, Constable Elaine
Barr, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Community effort greens Maynard schoolyard
By Monica Whitney -Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD A spring rain and mud could not dampen the spirits
of community and parent volunteers, staff and area businesses
from pulling together Saturday at Maynard Public School to create
a natural outdoor classroom for students.
The immense project - more than a year in the planning stages
- involved the planting of green areas and the construction of
pathways that will incorporate a variety of natural habitats.
Principal Rick Skinner said while it was difficult to stamp
an actual cost on the project because of the number of donations
and the volunteer labour involved, it could be valued at close
to $8,000. DuPont contributed $1,000, the school's parent council
chipped in $1,500, and students sold blue spruce seedlings this
year to add $2,500. Nitrochem donated the use of its boom truck
and operator to plant ash, red oak and hard maple trees on the
school property. Each tree, with its root ball, weighed about
500 pounds.
Several individuals and businesses donated such items as cedar
posts, topsoil, compost, cedar hedging, shrubs, manure and wood
chips. Some trees were purchased through a grant from the Grenville
Land Stewardship Council.
Skinner said what impressed him most about the greening project
was the amount of volunteer labour and material donated. "People
just showed up," he said. "It's been great." The
response has been so encouraging, the school will likely continue
to expand plans to add more shade trees and a gazebo, Skinner
noted. School office administrator Linda Holmes has been the
driving force behind the effort, he said.
The naturalized areas will allow students to enjoy the science
curriculum in an outdoor educational classroom, which will include
flower and butterfly gardens and bird houses, Skinner said. A
woodland peace garden with an arbour will have trees dedicated
to individuals who had close associations with the school.
Connie Mitchell, a parent at the school and owner of Future
Releaf, an environmentally conscious gardening and landscape
service that focuses on the use of native plants, prepared the
designs for the green areas and diverse habitats.
In the planning, Mitchell tried to touch on different eco-systems
using native species. For example, berry-producing shrubs will
encourage a bird habitat area. Most of the grass in one garden
area will be eliminated and replaced with plants and mulch to
reduce watering.
Now that most of the brute work is finished, Mitchell said,
the students will become more involved in the project to increase
their appreciation for the environment. "Kids learn better
when they're outside," she said. "Good stewardship
belongs right here at the local level. It gets kids turned on
to nature and learning."
Regional unemployment rate drops sharply in
April: HRDC
KINGSTON The Prescott area bucked the regional trend
last month when it came to Employment Insurance (EI) claims,
according to statistics released Friday by the Human Resources
Development Canada (HRDC) office in Kingston.
Most HRDC centres in Leeds and Grenville, Lanark, Renfrew
and Frontenac counties reported a decrease in EI claimants. However,
the Prescott office had 1,155 active EI claims at the end of
April compared to 1,144 at the end of March.
The region experienced a 6.5-per-cent decrease in claims last
month.
The regional unemployment rate decreased from 8.5 per cent
in March to 7.4 per cent in April.
There were fewer people in the labour force and the number
of employed people rose marginally, according to an HRDC release.
Manufacturing and trade sectors rebounded to some extent from
the March slowdown. Increases in accommodation and food services
jobs were also reported.
SCHOOL SCENE
ALGONQUIN PUBLIC SCHOOL Grade 3 testing began Tuesday,
and continues today. Further testing will be held next week from
Tuesday, May 22 to Thursday, May 24.
On Thursday, May 17, a parent council meeting will be held
at 7 pm at the school.
Grade 3 to 5 students will compete at the Maynard Public School
(MPS) track and field meet Thursday, May 17 and Friday, May 18.
The OPP puppet show tackling bullying will be Friday at Algonquin.
On May 23, grades 4 and 5 students travel to Carleton University
for recreation day.
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL The parent council is
busy getting ready for its community yard sale, which will be
held Saturday, May 26 from 8 am to 1 pm.
There is also a community breakfast and our French Immersion
Grade 5 class will be having a bake sale.
On Friday, May 18, our Kindergarten to Grade 3 students will
travel to the Brockville Arts Centre to see lets "Let's
Do Munsch." The hot lunch is pizza. Happy Victoria Day weekend.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL Our annual track and field meet
will be held at South Grenville District High School Friday,
May 18 for students in Grades 3 to 8.
Mrs. Lynch's class will be having a bake sale here Tuesday,
May 15. The hot lunch this week is pizza. All money collected
for Jump Rope for Heart needs to be in by Friday, May 25.
MAITLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL Good luck to Mrs. Kellar and
her Grade 3 students as the students participate in the provincial
testing this week.
The Grade 4 and 5 students are testing their math skills Thursday,
May 17. Students in these classes will be having a math contest
from 9 to 11 am in the gym.
On Tuesday, May 22, these students will watch the DuPont science
presentation.
It will be held in the gym starting at 9 am. Everyone is welcome.
MAYNARD PUBLIC SCHOOL The planting day here Saturday
was very successful as volunteers and staff pitched in to "green"
the school yard.
On Tuesday, Grade 6 students, as part of the OPP Very Effective
People Program, visited the Brockville court house, fire station
and ambulance depot.
Our track and field meet will be Thursday, May 17 and Friday,
May 18.
Primary classes rooms 1 and 5 travel to the Science and Technology
Museum in Ottawa May 18.
To raise money for their graduation trip to Montreal, Grade
8 students have begun selling ice cream bars once a week. They
will continue the fundraising effort until the end of the school
year.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL May 17 is track and field
day for all students as part of the physical education curriculum.
Students will jump rope for the Heart and Stroke Foundation
May 19.
There will be no classes May 21, Victoria Day. Hamburgers
will be available May 22.
Grade 6 testing continues May 22 and 23.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL To the parents who came out
to plant shrubs here last Tuesday, your help was appreciated.
Thank you.
Jack Henry of Grenville Land Stewardship Council led the access
to funding and facilitated the planting.
Parents' participation in the Grade 2 communion retreat helped
to make it a success.
With parents pitching in, the bake sale Friday raised almost
$200 to go towards the play structure.
There is an air of anticipation surrounding the release of
St. Mark's yearbook, which parents are currently helping students
put together.
Our Grade 3 students are busy doing their testing.
Pizza is on the menu this week and hamburgers next week.
"Remember I like it. Let's Read it Again" is the
literacy strategy this week. Practising reading with your children
is recommended.
SOUTH EDWARDSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL Jump Rope for Heart
activities are ongoing in gym classes this week.
On Friday, May 18, Grade 1 and 2 students will view the Robert
Munsch exhibit at the Brockville Arts Centre.
On Tuesday, May 22, cartoonist Ron Lindsay will visit the
school. Then Wednesday, Theatre Essentials will perform "She
Shoots, She Scores."
Friday, students' talents shine in the school's talent show.
Family members are welcome for the afternoon show.
On Friday, May 25, a recognition assembly will be held at
11:10 am in the gym.
Sign-up for summer parks program fun begins
MAITLAND NEWS -Jane Fullarton
MERC will be offering a parks program again this summer. The
summer parks program offers recreational activities weekdays
for children age four to 11 for six weeks during the summer holidays.
The program takes place at the MERC Hall and activities include
special events and theme days, arts and crafts, games and lots
of fun. The program is not day care. It runs from 9 am to noon
and from 1 to 4 pm. Lunch hour is not supervised.
There is a cost for the program and the weeks available are
July 2 to 6, 9 to 13, 16 to 20, August 13 to 17, 20 to 24 and
27 to 31. Additional information is available from Suzanne Jensen
at 348-3074.
MERC is also offering a backyard swim program. There will
be two sessions this summer. The first session is from July 2
to 13 and the second is from July 30 to August 10.
The swim program is introducing a new level of instruction
this year. "Mom and Me" is designed for children age
six months to three years, accompanied by an adult. Spaces are
available in all levels, from "Mom and Me" to level
12. For more information call Tina Atchison at 348-1894.
Registration for the summer parks program and the backyard
swim program will take place at the MERC Hall Saturday, June
9, from 9 am to noon.
There will be a teen dance at the MERC Hall Friday, May 18
from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. Students in grades 5 to 8 are welcome.
Volunteers are needed to help with supervision. Call Moira Taylor
at 348-3140 if you can help.
Time to make reservations for June 2 BBQ
WALKER HOUSE NEWS -By Willy Sieling Heuvel
A tremendous thank you to Betty Ring and Jeannine Marion for
taking over for me last Thursday, the senior games, coffee and
lunch at Walker House. The winners of the bridge were: 1st, Pat
Hayakawa and Maudie Jackson; 2nd, Margaret Nesbitt and Irene
Homer; 3rd, Zelda and Gary Arnott.
Thanks also to Bea Hemsley for looking after the game.
Reservations for the BBQ June 2 must be in by Tuesday, May
29, so meat etc. can be bought. The dinner starts at 5:30 pm.
See you there.
Please put this on your calendars: dinner and a play at Morrisburg
Playhouse Aug. 2. I have ordered 15 tickets, so get your name
in soon.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st,
Findley Hill (who also won the door prize); 2nd, Joyce Nesbitt.
Tuesday cribbage high hand, Sam Covey and Jean Annable;
high score, Jeannine Marion; 2nd, Sam Covey and Eleanor Gilligan;
3rd, Alice Crowder. Wednesday day/evening bridge 1st, Ann
Steiner; 2nd, Sam Covey; Charlie Steiner won the door prize.
Thursday evening euchre 1st, Alice Crowder; 2nd, Myrtle
Shahan; 3rd, Jean McCrady; Pat McPhee won the door prize.
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