Settlement offered to roads employee
Proposed deal was made to clear the books, township
reeve says
MAYNARD A former Augusta employee who the township maintains
quit his job last winter has been offered an employment settlement
package, but it is not yet known if the offer has been accepted.
Reeve George Vail told The Journal the township has
worked out the details of the settlement involving Richard Stephenson.
Vail said Stephenson and his lawyer Barry Laushway have requested
the employee's legal fees be paid by the township in addition
to the offer. The reeve could not cite details of the settlement,
since it is a personnel matter.
"I think he has enough of a settlement; he can pay his
own legal fees," Vail said. "The ball is in their court
and we're waiting for them."
Vail noted Stephenson has already received severance.
A 13-year truck driver and back hoe operator, Stephenson walked
off the job last February following a disagreement regarding
who would be lead hand while the roads superintendent, Keith
Couture, attended a convention dealing with new technology for
road building and equipment, Vail said. "He refused to work
for the person put in charge."
Vail maintains Stephenson was not fired, but quit his job.
To show good faith on the part of the township, the employee
was offered his same job back at the same pay, but with a probationary
period, Vail noted. "He refused, so therefore we made a
settlement to get on with life."
While Stephenson felt he could not go into specifics regarding
the situation, he did say in an interview last week he has "not
signed a thing, and I'm not going to sign anything ridiculous.
"We need to get this thing settled," Stephenson
said. "It shouldn't have happened in the first place. It
should have been settled in 10 minutes."
During a March council meeting, Don Biccum, who had been acting
as Stephenson's spokesman, said the employee had been dismissed
from his job because of a dispute over working conditions.
The reeve stated the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing
or liability on the part of the township, but was made "just
to clear the books. If there is a wrong here, this man quit."
"Richie (Stephenson) to me has done a good job,"
Vail said. "I have no fault with his work habits. I have
regrets Richie himself chose to handle it in this manner. I've
known him for years, and I feel bad he chose to go this route
and not try to work it out."
The employment situation fuelled heated debates at council
meetings this spring, and at one point ignited a request by angry
residents calling for the resignation of the five-member council.
Township employees also signed up with the Ontario Public Service
Employees' Union in April suggesting Stephenson's employment
issue triggered a feeling of inadequate job security.
However, Vail said job security in Augusta should never have
been in question.
"There is as much job security here as anywhere,"
he said. "No one who ever worked for this township was laid
off for lack of work. They're here till they are pensionned off
or quit on their own."
Stephenson is now employed by Steve Polite Sand and Gravel
as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. He had been employed
by the company for 20 years prior to starting work with the township.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
No end in sight to town hall saga
PRESCOTT The ongoing saga of Prescott's municipal
building appears to be taking its toll at the council table.
Mayor Robert Lawn made it clear to his council colleagues
last Tuesday he is unhappy with the situation facing the town.
Plans to renovate the 71-year-old former high school were put
in limbo last month when council voted against proceeding with
the project at a cost of $820,000, a price much lower than the
lowest bid received when the project was put to tender this spring.
The mayor said at the July 31 committee-of-the-whole meeting
he is concerned about the lack of progress being made, as well
as the immediate future of the public library if the rest of
the building is closed down and secured for the winter.
The mayor said council has to "bite the bullet and make
a decision" at the Aug. 13 meeting. "We need to get
on with the process," he said. "Time is passing and
we're not moving."
The mayor said council had already decided plans to rebuild
Churchill Road take precedence over the municipal building.
As for the status of the town's SuperBuild funding application
for library renovations, the mayor said he is not sure getting
the grant would change council's mind. Lawn added he does not
see anything around the council table to suggest renovating the
municipal building remains an option.
"We are drifting aimlessly at the moment," the mayor
said.
Councillor Terry McConnell indicated there are other options
available to the town. Among them are the Centre St. federal
building which houses the post office, the office building at
the corner of George and Henry streets, and the former grocery
store on King Street.
The mayor said he thought McConnell and Councillor Garry Dewar
had agreed at a recent council meeting to conduct their own study
at no cost to taxpayers. Lawn expects to see something in writing
when it comes to other locations for the municipal building.
Dewar said last week he did not recall making such a promise,
nor did he recall hearing McConnell make that pledge. Dewar did
not agree with the mayor's assertion the Dibble Street location
is dead. However, most councillors remain unwilling to spend
additional money on renovations until the status of the town's
SuperBuild funding application is known. Lawn said council might
not be able to wait for the grant; plans have to made soon, he
argued.
As for the municipality's continued use of the former bank
building on Edward Street at Churchill Road as a temporary location
for town offices, McConnell is in no hurry to make a move.
"I see no problem staying here for the winter,"
he said.
The current lease expires in November; however, town officials
noted earlier this year the lease could be extended on a month-by-month
basis.
Dewar said town hall "...should be a prominent building
in a prominent place." He agreed the Edward Street site
would be acceptable for use this winter.
In terms of a long-term solution to an increasingly complex
problem, McConnell acknowledged council and the community are
divided. "The tide has turned from Dibble Street,"
he said.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead noted the tide also turned on
the previous council as it prepared to proceed with a new building
at King and Centre streets. She said things changed when the
chamber of commerce got involved and it was suggested the existing
town hall could be renovated for $650,000.
"Now we say it can't be done," said Beckstead, who
also noted the previous council also looked at many alternate
sites. She said the immediate concern is with the library and
ensuring it can remain open this winter. Library options are
to be put in writing and presented to council next Monday.
Fire restriction remains in place
SOUTH GRENVILLE A ban on open burning is still in effect
in Leeds and Grenville.
A provincial fire ban was extended late last week to include
all of northeastern and central Ontario. The unusually dry weather
has created an extreme forest fire hazard. Fire crews continue
to cope with numerous grass fires, many of whioch are caused
by human negligence.
The Ministry of Natural Resources is advising the public to
refrain from lighting open fires of any sort. Anyone who intends
to burn something should check with the municipality before doing
so.
Eastbound lanes closed
following fatal accident
PRESCOTT Two people were killed Monday night when the
vehicle they were in lost control and rolled several times on
Highway 401 just west of Prescott.
Grenville County OPP reported an eastbound Chevrolet Blazer
entered the passing lane at about 7 pm. The vehicle went out
of control, rolled several times and came to rest in the south
ditch. The accident took place one kilometre west of mileage
marker 716 between the Edward Street and Merwin Lane overpasses.
A 21-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man, both from Ottawa,
were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 22-year-old
Ottawa man, was transported by ambulance to Brockville General
Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and released.
The names of the victims had not been released as of press time.
Firefighters from Augusta and Prescott were called to the
scene, as were Leeds-Grenville EMS and police. Tackaberry Construction
provided large construction lights to illuminate the scene of
the accident.
Eastbound traffic was rerouted onto Maitland Road and County
Road 2. One eastbound lane was reopened at 9 pm; normal traffic
flow resumed about three hours later.
A technical traffic accident investigator and scenes of crime
officer from Leeds County OPP are assisting with the ongoing
investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact police
at the Prescott OPP detachment (925-4221) or the Perth Communications
Centre (1-888-310-1122).
THIS WEEK
Children's story will come to life at fort
PRESCOTT A popular Canadian children's story will come
to life Thursday, Aug. 9 at 2 pm on the grounds of Fort Wellington.
The Thousand Island Playhouse's Young Company will perform
Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang. Mordecai Richler's famed
celebration of childhood has been adapted for the stage and is
being performed at parks and camps throughout the region.
Admission to the performance is free; regular admission fees
apply for those who tour the fort. For more information contact
Fort Wellington at 925-2896.
See history in action at Harvest Days
AUGUSTA The sixth annual Harvest Days event will take
place Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19 on County Road 18
south of Roebuck.
The event is presented by Antique Wheels in Motion, a non-profit
organization founded in 1996 by a group of antique equipment
collectors in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville counties. The club's
goal is to demonstrate the many ways crops were grown and harvested
more than 50 years ago.
In addition to viewing old equipment and cars, visitors can
check out the craft show Saturday and an open plowing school;
anyone who can bring a tractor and plow can take part and learn
to plow the proper way. An old-fashioned farmers' breakfast will
be served Sunday; live country music will be presented in the
afternoon. Parking and a canteen will be available on site.
For more information, call Garry Throop at 658-5391 or Dale
Countryman at 925-4866 (e-mail: countryman@cybertap.com).
Most ice rates will stay the same in Prescott
PRESCOTT Town council has approved a slight increase
in regular ice rates charged at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Council agreed at a committee-of-the-whole meeting last week
to raise the prime time hourly rate from $89 to $90. The hourly
rate for non-prime time use of the arena was also increased by
one dollar; the rate for the upcoming 2001-02 season is $63 per
hour.
Last year's rates for public skating, special events and sign
rentals are still in effect.
Dixie comes to town for Sunday concert
PRESCOTT The Dixie Consort will perform Sunday, Aug.
12 at the Kinsmen outdoor theatre on Prescott's waterfront.
The concert starts at 6:30 pm. Admission is free; donations
will be accepted. In case of rain, the concert will take place
at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
The 2001 Sunday summer concert season is supported by a number
of groups and individuals, as well as through donations made
at each performance.
Spencerville
Mill will be site of outdoor service Sunday
Rev. Danny Compton will be the guest speaker at the Outdoor
Service to be presented Sunday, Aug. 12 at 10 am at the Spencerville
Mill. This is the fourth annual service to be presented by the
Spencerville and Roebuck United churches.
Rev. Compton, who is in his seventh year as minister of the
United Church, Cumberland Pastoral Charge in Nova Scotia, will
deliver his message of "Faith That Regains the Vision."
Music will be provided by the South Mountain Gospel Singers,
Sara Warren Roberts, the new Spencerville Roebuck Praise Team
and student minister Doug Warren.
Activities for children will be offered. Those attending the
service can bring their own picnic lunch or buy lunch for a toonie
and support the local Jamaica Mission effort.
Rev. Compton will also speak to youth at their gathering Saturday,
Aug. 11 at 7 pm at the mill; the Christian rock band Bliss X
will perform.
In addition to free-will offerings, anyone who attends either
event is asked to donate a non-perishable food item to the House
of Lazarus.
Church members reach out through mission effort
SPENCERVILLE Three members of the Spencerville and Roebuck
United churches are reaching out in a community effort to help
young children and families in Jamaica.
The mission team of Ian Bain and sisters Brenda Crowder and
Donna Frank will travel to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Oct. 16 to 21
to assist in building a church and to work with orphans at the
Blossom Garden Children's Home.
"We're trying to serve in a capacity other than what
we're used to doing," Crowder said. " We're trying
to reach out, and a lot of people are doing a lot of work to
make it happen."
The trio needs to raise $5,000 and collect a number of items
required by the orphanage to make the mission trip a reality.
The church, local communities and businesses have come together
for the cause. A car rally and pig roast were held July 29 to
support the effort, and several local businesses and individuals
have donated gifts for an upcoming silent auction.
The pastor of the churches, Doug Warren, has donated tapes
of his contemporary piano recordings as a fundraiser, and during
the Spencerville Fair, a booth will be set up where people will
be invited to sign a banner for a donation to the cause. The
banner will be taken on the mission trip, so the local Jamaican
people can witness and feel the caring of people from the Spencerville
area. Photos of the Sunday School children will also be taken
to the orphanage.
Shirley Frank, Crowder and Frank's mother, and Suzanne Besner,
have taken on the job of trip co-ordinators, handling such details
as donations and paper work. The trip has been a year in the
planning stages.
"As opposed to a building, this is a family," Frank
said of their church. "We hope to spread God's love that
we experience here. We got the call, but they (the community)
answered.
"This trip has been so divinely guided, I can't even
put it into words," Frank explained.
Although the mission is only one week in length, Frank said
the three participants will be able to accomplish a lot. "We're
going to be instruments of God, and God can do anything,"
she said, noting they will not be limited by human restraints,
such as schedules or economic status.
During the trip, Crowder will be working in the orphanage,
which houses up to 70 children from birth to eight years of age.
"They're the smallest and the tiniest," she said. Known
as "economic orphans," the children come from homes
in which poverty is commonplace and parents are unable to provide
for the family.
"I felt I wasn't doing enough," Crowder said of
her reasons for wanting to be part of the mission team. "It's
not enough today to say 'I feel bad about it, it's somebody else's
problem.' That wasn't good enough for me."
Crowder said people often want to help, but are at a loss
as to how to go about it. The trip helpers and committees within
the churches "broke down the needs and how to accomplish
them" and assigned tasks, she said. "Everything has
come together nicely due to the support."
Frank and Bain will be assisting with the construction of
a church in a poor neighbourhood just east of Montego Bay that
also serves as a school for the children. The church pastor has
been able to construct four walls and pour a small amount of
concrete for the floor, and the roof is a ragged tarp.
The mission trip is being facilitated by Tennessee-based Mission
Discovery.
Each year, the organization co-ordinates trips to serve the
poor in places like Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, Honduras,
Belize, Mexico and The United States. Hundreds of participants
help to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the world's
poor.
A number of items are required by the orphanage, such as cough
syrup, liquid pain reliever, baby formula, toothpaste and toothbrushes,
baby bottles and diapers. Since each of the three participants
is only able to take 40 pounds of baggage, donations are needed
to purchase some supplies when they arrive. They hope to collect
enough donated lighter-weight items they can carry along, such
as sheets, wash cloths, cloth panties, rubber pants, socks and
summer clothing.
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
Silent auction to support trip
SPENCERVILLE A silent auction will be held at the Spencerville
Mill this Sunday, Aug. 12 to support the upcoming mission trip
of three members of the Spencerville and Roebuck United churches.
Among the items up for grabs are bike helmets, a wooden step
stool, cordless drill, skates, fleece jackets, and gift certificates
for pizza and movies, a hair cut and foot care.
All donations have been given by local businesses and individuals
to support the trip of Donna Frank, Brenda Crowder and Ian Bain
to Jamaica this October. The team will be building a church and
working in an orphanage.
The silent auction is being held in conjunction with the Spencerville
and Roebuck United Church fourth annual outdoor service at the
mill. The event begins at 10 am, and includes music by the South
Mountain Gospel Singers, Sara Warren Roberts and the local praise
team. The guest speaker is Rev. Danny Compton, minister of Cumberland
Pastoral Charge, Nova Scotia.
Participants can bring a picnic lunch, or purchase lunch at
the mill, with proceeds going to the mission effort.
Public's help could
lead to reduction in break and enters
SOUTH GRENVILLE Local residents are once again being
asked to be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
Break-ins continue to be a problem in the region. North Grenville
has been hit hard recently, according to Senior Constable Cindy
MacDonald, media relations officer with the Grenville County
detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Many break-ins occur earlier in the day during daylight hours,
according to MacDonald. Professional thieves appear to be stealing
vehicles from nearby areas, carrying out break-ins, dumping the
stolen vehicles and in some cases replacing them with others
from this area.
Vehicle owners are being advised not to leave their vehicles
unlocked or leave the key in the ignition. This applies to people
who live in urban or rural areas, MacDonald emphasized.
Anyone who observes suspicious activity is asked to call police
immediately and provide descriptions of any person or vehicle
involved. The OPP's toll-free number is 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous
tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The Prescott Police Department can be reached at 925-4252.
In the event of a life-threatening situation, call 411.
The OPP issued a similar request for the public's assistance
earlier this year. MacDonald said the response to that appeal
was good, and she hopes the public will continue to assist police
in an effort to reduce the number of break-ins and thefts in
the region.
Bale deadline extended
SOUTH GRENVILLE The Round Bale Decorating competition
has had its entry deadline extended again until Friday, August
17.
The decorative bale entries, which must advertise the 146th
Spencerville Fair, have to be ready for judging by Saturday,
August 25. This year's fair will be held Friday, Sept. 7 to Sunday,
Sept 9 at the Spencerville Fair grounds in Spencerville.
There are three categories to enter in the bale competition:
Best Display by a Community Group or Organization, Most Creative
Exhibit and Most Promotional Exhibit.
The community group category is open to groups or organizations
such as the 4-H clubs, church groups, guides, scouts, play groups
or sports teams. The most creative exhibit will be judged for
its originality while demonstrating a degree of creativity. The
most promotional exhibit's criterion is to promote a particular
aspect of the fair.
The entries must be of at least one bale, and must not be
more than three bales high. The exhibits must clearly indicate
the fair's name and dates it will be held.
All bales must be original in concept and remain on display
until after the fair's closing date.
To enter the Round Bale Decorating competition, call Paula
Carmichael at 658-5258.
Prescott council
agrees to consider the elimination of train whistles
PRESCOTT Town council has agreed to look into bringing
an end to train whistles in Prescott.
Council agreed at a July 31 committee-of-the-whole meeting
to initiate the process aimed at eliminating whistles at public
railway crossings.
The previous council received a request in May 2000 to initiate
the process to get rid of train whistles. In her presentation
to town officials, Augusta resident Brenda Humphry noted councils
in Prescott, Augusta and Elizabethtown-Kitley were being asked
to work together to extend a no-whistle zone east from Brockville;
a no-whistle zone had been created in the city two years earlier,
according to Humphry.
"The request to act jointly on this matter is due to
the close proximity of crossings in Prescott and Augusta,"
Humphry wrote. "Most residents of the two areas hear whistles
not only for the crossing closest to them, but also for the one
or two other crossings in the area."
A similar request to initiate a study was rejected several
weeks ago by a committee of the United Counties of Leeds and
Grenville. Augusta, Edwardsbugh/Cardinal and Elizabethtown-Kitley
are represented at the counties; Prescott is a separated town
and does not have a seat on counties council.
Town Clerk/CAO Andrew Brown explained to Prescott council
last week he had been approached about the train whistle issue
while on vacation. Brown noted the previous council had not taken
action on the initial request.
Prescott Councillor Garry Dewar said whistles have been "an
annoyance" to town residents for a long time and the town
should pursue the matter. Council members voted in favour of
a motion to initiate the process.
The process will involve the town, CN and the railway safety
branch of Transport Canada. The process includes an assessment
of public safety and whether additional safety measures and warning
systems must be in place before a whistling exemption can be
granted.
"The municipality is responsible for the cost of installing
and maintaining any additional safety measures including warning
systems required to eliminate whistling," a CN information
brochure states.
Level crossings in Prescott are equipped with warning lights,
bells and barriers. Some fencing beside the railway line was
erected by CN, Brown noted. The municipality received a bill
for a portion of that work, council was told.
The process could take between six months and one year to
complete.
Transport Canada notes restrictions should generally be on
a 24-hour basis.
Self-inflicted wound led to man's death, according
to SIU
MAYNARD The province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
is concluding its field work in connection with a shooting which
led to the death of a 33-year-old Prescott-area man.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate Fred Kirkey, 33, died
from massive blood loss and trauma caused by a self-inflicted
gunshot wound, according to SIU spokesperson Rose Hong.
Kirkey was near a house on a farm near Maynard when he reportedly
shot himself. Emergency response personnel were called to what
was described as an attempted suicide. Ontario Provincial Police
officers responded and an "exchange of gun fire" took
place, the OPP indicated in a news release circulated shortly
after the incident occurred. Witnesses have confirmed multiple
shots were fired.
Kirkey was transported to Brockville General Hospital where
he was pronounced dead a short time later. The SIU was called
in and began its investigation later that day. An autopsy was
performed July 24.
Hong said in an interview Friday no conclusions should be
made based on the preliminary autopsy results; their purpose
was to determine the cause of death. She could not provide further
details on the autopsy.
The SIU's investigation is ongoing, Hong said.
Two civilian witnesses, both paramedics, were still to be
interviewed as of late last week. The names of the officers involved
in the shooting have not been released by the SIU or OPP.
As the field investigation draws to an end, the SIU will review
all the evidence to determine what happened the morning of the
shooting.
Business as usual for customers of new-look
bank
PRESCOTT The name has changed, but for the most part
it is business as usual at two banks in South Grenville.
The former TD Bank branches in Prescott and Cardinal are among
hundreds in Ontario that completed a massive conversion to TD
Canada Trust during the long weekend.
The integration is one of the final steps in the multi-billion-dollar
acquisition of Canada Trust by TD. Branches in other areas of
the country had already gone through the integration of branch
networks and customer bases.
The exterior signage at the Cardinal branch was replaced in
the middle of last week. Signs at the Prescott branch were changed
Monday.
Allan Norton, manager of the TD Canada Trust branches in Prescott
and Cardinal, said TD customers had already experienced the most
significant service changes prior to Tuesday's launch of the
new name. For example, account holders stopped writing their
own withdrawal slips in June.
TD Canada Trust customers are being told they will have access
to expanded telephone and Internet banking services as a result
of the conversion.
The two branches in Prescott and Cardinal employ a total of
about 15 full- and part-time workers, according to Norton.
Lawn bowling club receives
grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation
PRESCOTT The Prescott Lawn Bowling Club has received
a community grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The club will receive $13,400 to purchase groundskeeping equipment
and repair existing greens, the foundation announced late last
month.
The Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism,
Culture and Recreation. The foundation receives $100 million
a year in government funding generated by Ontario's charity casino
initiative.
Funding applications are assessed by a regional grant review
team. Twenty-five grants totalling $1,161,000 were approved in
the first quarter of 2001-02 in the Quinte, Kingston and Rideau
area which includes South Grenville. The Brockville and District
Branch of the Canadian Red Cross Society received a Trillium
grant of $25,000 to train rural firefighters to become first
aid and safety educators.
"The grants are helping organizations transform good
ideas into realities building stronger, more prosperous
communities," Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Tim
Hudak stated.
For more information about the Trillium Foundation, call (613)
530-3857 or (613) 530-3863, or visit its Web site at www.trilliumfoundation.org.
Battle of the Bands
added to fair
SPENCERVILLE A new addition to this year's Spencerville
Fair is a battle of the bands.
The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 8 following the
musical entertainment of the parade bands. The battle is expected
to begin at about 1:30 pm and will feature local talent. The
event is being organized by the Octagon Club. For more information,
call Joshua Couture at 658-2543.
4-H Grenville
Milky Way Dairy Club report
Submitted by Stephanie Connell
The 4-H Grenville Milky Way Dairy Club: not just a new club
name but with two new leaders. It is their very first year leading
a 4-H group. These two friends have decided to take on the mission
of teaching children how to take care, judge, show and prepare
dairy calves for their every day lives and special occasions
such as judging nights, competition against other 4-H clubs and
fairs. These two men are Scott Connell and Brian DeJong.
In April, the first meeting was exciting for both the members
and leaders. This meeting was held at the Grenville Snowmobile
Clubhouse. All members had arrived: Jeffery Connell, Stephanie
Connell, Jeremy Boyd, John and Emily Robinson, Kailee Ruigrok,
Amber-lee Taylor, Conor Cleary, Tristen Jensen, Robbie Murray,
Darcy DeJong, Kyle Somerville and Kent Somerville, our youth
leader.
At this meeting the club picked their executives of the club.
The responsibility of the president position was given to Kyle
Somerville. Jeffery Connell was chosen to be vice-president,
Stephanie Connell became the secretary of the club and Kailee
Ruigrok had the honours of being press reporter. Another large
event that night was the discussion of the club name, which was
agreed to be the Milky Way. The club was also introduced to the
problems of foot and mouth disease and given facts on what it
was and what it can do. Debbie Connell helped the leaders at
their first meeting.
The second meeting was held at the DeJong's farm in May. A
new member was introduced to the club, Mark Wynands. As a start,
all members stand for the 4-H pledge. A visit from veterinarian,
Dr. John Donovan, Prescott Animal Hospital, came to talk to the
members about how to look for signs of health problems and how
to repair injuries on a cow. He also showed us how to determine
the height and weight of a cow or calf. Dr. Donovan gave an excellent
presentation. We learned a lot!
For the third meeting held at the Robinson Farm in June, judging
was the theme. Little did the members know that the leaders were
preparing them for a special event the next month.
In July, the fourth meeting was held at the Connell Farm.
The first thing on the "To Do" list was the 4-H pledge.
Next we again had to judge. Scott and Brian pointed out the most
important points when judging. They also told us the proper way
to tell someone our placings.
An announcement that night surprised all members. The very
next night was our judging night. We would have to judge animals,
objects and complete a quiz. Darcy DeJong, one of our club members,
received a prize for being the top 4-H member in his age group.
Scott and Brian are great leaders. They have educated us with
fun and interesting meetings. We all hope there will be more
in the future. Keep up the good work!
MAITLAND NEWS
Jane Fullarton
Backyard swim program nears an end
The Maitland Backyard Swim Program wraps up Aug. 10. This
summer's program ran for five weeks in two backyard pools. Instructor
Katie Price taught 12 classes with a total of 70 students in
levels from Mommy and Me to level 12. Price was assisted by student
volunteer Andrea McIntyre. Price said she has had some students
who worked really hard and have achieved four levels over the
course of the season.
"The Mommy and Me level was very enjoyable to teach,"
Price said. Each mom and child was able to work at their own
pace and the babies really enjoyed the water. The youngest participant
was seven months old. The summer parks program is on its mid-summer
hiatus. The program, co-coordinated by Alyssa Gerber and counsellors
Sara Price and Janey Brown, ran for three weeks during July.
Each week of the program featured a theme including Canadian
Survivor, It's a Small World and Fun in the Sun.
Sara Price said the water games and messy day were highlights
of the day camp so far. Katherine Beattie says her daughter enjoyed
the program so much she cried when it was time to go home and
is still talking about the fun she had. Beattie praised the counsellors
who are good with the children, and the program which has lots
of good ideas, lots of crafts, guest speakers and other fun activities.
There are two weeks left in the program including the week of
Aug. 20 to 24, and Aug. 27 to 31. The program runs five days
a week from 9 am to noon and from 1 to 4 pm.
The last two weeks of the program will be co-coordinated by
Sara Price with counsellors Sarah Wilson and Matt Price. Parents
can register their children on Monday mornings if the children
have not pre-registered.
The Maitland Community Church regrets it has had to cancel
Vacation Bible school for this summer. Reverend Joe Veltman said
organizers were still looking for one teacher and a few more
helpers as the deadline approached, forcing them to cancel the
program rather than try to run it short-handed. Veltman was hopeful
the program will be offered again next summer.
Fun in store for youngsters
at the Prescott library
PRESCOTT Children age four to 12 looking for a summer
activity are welcome at the Prescott Public Library.
Each Thursday from 2:30 to 4 pm beginning tomorrow, August
9, Sue Torrance will be doing craft activities. Pre-register
at the library, or by phoning 925-4340.
Children are also invited to join the library's summer reading
program. This year's theme is Summer Sleuth, and children are
encouraged to read mystery stories.
Readers have a chance to win stickers, a poster, activity
booklet and other prizes.
Branch picnic set for
Aug. 26
PRESCOTT Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion will
present its annual picnic Sunday, Aug. 26 at the Johnstown Motel.
The event, which includes a steak barbecue and corn roast,
runs from 1 to 5 pm. Sign up and pay at the bar; tickets will
be distributed later.
Those who attend are reminded to bring lawn chairs.
Little Sir and
Little Miss entries being accepted
Submitted by Paula Carmichael
SPENCERVILLE The 146th Spencerville Fair is fast approaching,
and organizers are busy preparing for numerous events. One of
these events is the Little Sir and Little Miss Spencerville Fair
Pageant. The event was received very enthusiastically last year,
so it will be running again this year.
The pageant for children ages five to nine will take place
Friday, Sept. 7. Children will participate in an interview and
a public introduction. Event judges will then announce three
girl finalists and three boy finalists. These six finalists will
be required to answer an impromptu question on stage.
Organizers have had positive feedback and are now accepting
entries. Do you know a youngster who would be a good ambassador
for the Spencerville Fair? If so, or if you would like further
information, call Paula Carmichael at 658-5258 before Aug. 25.
Space is limited.
The pageant will be held in conjunction with the Friday night
show and will begin at 7 pm, with the Spencerville Fair Queen
Pageant and Shania Twin Tribute Show to follow at 8 pm.
Plowing club members learn by doing
Submitted by Crystal Throop
GRENVILLE COUNTY The second and third regular meetings
of the Grenville 4-H Plowing Club were held on Sunday, July 29
at the farm of Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Wilson, RR3 Jasper.
Upon arrival, some of the returning senior members assisted
in staking out the lands needed for the members to plow throughout
the day.
Coaches Brian Maitland, Allan Wilson and Herb Dangerfield
were on hand to help with any problems incurred or questions
asked.
Before plowing commenced, each member was asked to complete
an ID quiz involving the parts of a hydraulic plow, designed
by club youth leader Crystal Throop. The majority of members
did a great job on the quiz, and all were willing to share their
knowledge with others if the need arose.
Taking turns, the members proceeded to complete the opening
split and begin the crown of their lands before the club stopped
for a barbecue lunch.
Club president Jeremy Wilson conducted the business at hand,
including details of the club's next gathering.
The double meeting will be held in conjunction with the Antique
Wheels in Motion harvest Days Show and Demonstration, "History
in Action," on Saturday, Aug. 18 at the farm of Mr. &
Mrs. Harold Campbell, 5875 County Road 18 south of Roebuck.
The members will once again have a turn at competitive plowing
in the form of a plowing school. IPM judges Mel McGuire and Allan
Hills will be present to help the members and assess the quality
of the lands.
After the conclusion of the business portion of the meeting,
the members returned to the field in order to finish plowing.
The club acknowledges Mr. & Mrs. Wilson for hosting the
meeting and generously providing the land needed for the members
to practise their plowing skills and the 4-H motto: learn to
do by doing.
WALKER HOUSE NEWS
By Willy Sieling Heuvel
We had a wonderful time at the dinner and Morrisburg theatre
last Thursday. Twenty-five people took advantage of the evening's
entertainment. The dinner was very good and the show was hilarious.
Upper Canada Playhouse has had excellent shows this summer and
folks the show we say is on until Aug. 12. Do yourself a favour
and go see it. The next one also sounds good; it's from Aug.
16 to Sept. 2.
To all those who promptly came in for the trip to Stratford
and beyond, thanks. The final installment is due by the end of
August.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st,
Sam Covey; 2nd, Eleanor Gilligan; Jim Campbell won the door prize.
Tuesday cribbage high hand, Denise Monette; high score,
Denise Monette; 2nd, Myrtle Shahan; 3rd, Pete Lowry.
Wednesday evening bridge 1st, Doris Mossman; 2nd, Bea
Hemsley; Audrey Kingston won the door prize.
The column was submitted before Thursday euchre results were
available.
Trail guide promotes value of physical activity
SOUTH GRENVILLE The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Trail
Guide has arrived.
The guide features 15 trails which offer easily accessible
walking, hiking, cycling, roller-blading, canoeing, kayaking,
skiing and snowshoeing routes.
The guide is presented by the Tri-Health Team, a group of
agencies promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Regular physical activity reduces the incidence of such things
as heart disease, hypertension, adult-onset diabetes, depression,
osteoporosis and certain cancers.
"Walking is one of the greatest activities to get you
started on the road or trail to physical activity,"
stated Tri-Health Co-ordinator Tania O'Connor.
"It's easy, it can be done almost anywhere, anytime,
and it's free! Walking can be a fun, social event with friends
and family or a solitary, relaxing time."
The trail guide is available at a number of locations in the
region. For more information, call the Health Action Line at
1-800-660-5853 or the health unit office in Brockville at 345-5685.
Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines to Healthy Active Living
recommend adults accumulate 60 minutes of light physical activity
each day. The time can be reduced to 30 minutes four days a week
once individuals progress to moderate physical activity.
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