Poker Run arrives in town Saturday
PRESCOTT High-performance boats will make their way
up and down the St. Lawrence River Saturday as part of one of
the largest events of its kind in North America.
Prescott is one of five stops on the annual 1000 Islands Poker
Run. More than 120 powerboats are expected to take part in the
competition, and several events are being held in the Fort Town
on Poker Run Saturday.
A group of larger boats is scheduled to dock at the marina
in Prescott at about 2:15 pm. The other group of Poker Run participants
will arrive at about 3 pm but will not dock in town. All boats
will take part in a grand start just after 3:30 pm, at which
time they head back upstream to Gananoque.
The Poker Run is not a race, although spectators will be able
to check out the power and speed of the participating boats,
many of which appear at similar events throughout the .
The participants follow a route which includes checkpoints
along the way.
A sealed envelope containing one playing card is given to
each boat at each checkpoint. The crew with the best poker hand
at the end of the run is declared the winner.
Poker Run participants leave Gananoque at 10 am and stop at
checkpoints at Clayton, Alexandria Bay and Brockville before
heading for Prescott.
Large crowds gather at Prescott's waterfront each year to
watch the high-performance boats. A number of activities will
be staged at or near the marina Saturday morning and afternoon.
The Poker Run is not the only reason to be in downtown Prescott
this Saturday.
The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will present
a giant community garage sale Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm at the
municipal parking lot at King and Centre streets.
Local businesses are donating the items to be sold. Items
can be dropped off at the Royal Bank Friday morning and afternoon.
Larger items can be taken directly to the sale Saturday from
7 to 8 am.
Proceeds from the event will be used by the chamber for activities
in the community. Items not sold at the sale will be donated
to charity.
In addition to the garage sale and Saturday Farmers Market,
kids will receive free balloons courtesy of the Gift Lane. The
BIA and Tourism Prescott will offer face painting for the kids.
Free horse and wagon rides will also be provided Saturday morning
at the clocktower.
The Antique Jeep Club of Canada will have many of its cars
on display at the marina beginning at noon Saturday. These beauties
were built between 1948 and 1952. The cars are expected to remain
at the waterfront for much of the afternoon.
The Rotary Club of Prescott will host a barbecue in the marina
area Saturday.
The Prescott outdoor theatre has been booked from 3 pm to
dusk for a concert. Further details were unavailable at press
time.
There will also be numerous garage sales held throughout town
as part of the special activities associated with the 1000 Islands
Poker Run.
For more information about Poker Run activities being held
in Prescott, call the town at 925-2812 or Tourism Prescott at
925-1861.
Community garage sale, antique cars among special events
and activities
Augusta water situation is critical
Shortage prompts call for residents to conserve
MAYNARD Water is in critical shortage in the north and
central areas of Augusta Township, Reeve George Vail reported
at council Monday night.
The shortage is so extreme, residents are being asked not
to water lawns, flower gardens or shrubs, Vail said. All available
water is required to be in reserve if needed for firefighting
efforts. "It's very serious. There are few places left to
get water," he said, noting areas from which firefighters
could normally pump water have dried up from the summer's drought
conditions.
Among the areas now dry are at the DeJong Bridge, a creek
on the sixth concession east of County Road 15 and at the Charleville
Bridge. Water remains only at the Steve Polite and John Anstead
gravel pits.
The water shortage in Augusta also means roads are dusty and
can not be graded, Roads Superintendent Keith Couture said following
the meeting. "Fire protection comes before road grading.
We're into major, major problems (for fire protection),"
he said.
Vail also asked residents to be aware of the green flashing
lights attached to firefighters personal vehicles used during
emergencies, and to allow them the right of way.
A burning ban remains in effect throughout Leeds and Grenville.
Non-compliance could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and being
handed a bill for firefighting efforts, Vail said.
From Nov. 2000 to Aug. 20, 2001, the Augusta fire department
was called to 22 grass or brush fires, compared to five similar
fires during Nov. 1999 to Aug. 20, 2000.
"It goes to show you how busy these guys are," the
reeve said.
Level-two drought declared
SPENCERVILLE - A level-two drought has been declared by the
South Nation Conservation Water Response Team, it was noted by
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council Monday.
Residents are being asked to voluntarily cut back on unnecessary
water use to help prevent an upgraded level-three drought.
The correspondence also inquired as to whether or not the
municipality had in its Official Plan emergency drought measures.
Council was advised it didn't. Mayor Dave Dobbie suggested it
would be a good idea to have such measures adopted.
Town water system keeps up with demand
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Good news for anybody who lives in Prescott:
there is no shortage of water, despite recent drought conditions.
Henry Flagg, operator at the local water filtration plant
on Corrine Street, said in an interview Monday the system has
had no difficulties meeting the increased demand for water.
There is an unlimited supply of water from the river, he said,
noting rationing would likely never take place in Prescott.
The filtration plant was designed to pump two million gallons
of water per day for a population of about 10,000 people, Flagg
said. "We're able to handle it quite nicely. That's comforting."
The system is running at about 40 per cent capacity, he added.
Average daily water use in periods of normal rainfall range
from 700,000 to 800,000 gallons. During this season's extended
dry spell, Flagg reported water use between 1.2 and 1.6 million
gallons per day. On a monthly basis, July 2001 water use was
about 27 millions gallons, while July 2000 records show water
use registered 20.6 million gallons. The low for this year was
in February, when 17.7 million gallons poured through taps.
The largest single user of water in Prescott is the golf course,
while the largest commercial user is Prescott Finishing on Walker
Street, Flagg said.
The town water system also has plenty of reserve, the operator
said. The Hyde Street water tower holds 500,000 gallons, and
an underground reservoir on the south side of the plant contains
an additional 350,000 gallons. As well, the water distribution
system holds a "substantial amount" of water, thereby
acting as reserve.
"We could handle a major fire quite nicely - no problem
at all," Flagg said.
River temperature is up slightly this summer to 22°C (72°F)
from 18.5°C (65°F) in July 2000. However, the increased
temperature does not affect water quality, he said. Injections
of chlorine are paced accordingly, and each Monday water samples
are sent to Environmental Technology Research Labs in Kingston
for testing. Samples are taken from five different locations
in town.
"If there's any question, the lab immediately calls back,"
Flagg said. "It tests every organism you can think of. Those
micro-organisms get a pretty good dosage of chemicals before
it ever gets to you. We've been fortunate to have extremely good
water quality."
Flagg explained the first-stage disinfectant chlorine dioxide
is injected into the raw water. This chemical is made on site
and leaves no residue, he noted. The water then passes through
the filters and is treated with chlorine.
THIS WEEK
Power outage to affect portions of townships
SOUTH GRENVILLE Portions of Augusta and Edwardsburgh
townships will be affected by a power interruption Saturday,
Aug. 25, according to Hydro One.
The outage is scheduled to run from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Spencerville
and Domville were listed as affected areas. Most of Edwardsburgh
will be affected except parts of Concessions 1 and 2. Parts of
Lots 1 through 19 and Concessions 1 through 7 in Augusta will
also be affected.
The alternate date for the power interruption is Saturday,
Sept. 1.
For more information, call Hydro One at 1-888-664-9376.
Last concert of season is this Sunday
PRESCOTT The final Sunday summer concert of the season
will take place this weekend at the Kinsmen outdoor theatre.
Gary and Mickey Code will perform at the amphitheatre Sunday,
Aug. 26 at 6:30 pm. Admission is free, but donations will be
accepted.
In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Leo Boivin
Community Centre.
The concert series has been made possible through the support
of numerous community groups, individuals and the town.
Final stop of summer for Cape May Light
PRESCOTT The Cape May Light will make is final appearance
of the season next week.
The cruise ship is scheduled to arrive in Prescott Tuesday,
Aug. 28 at 7 pm and depart the next day at 3 pm. The 224-passenger
vessel stops in the Fort Town on its voyages between Quebec City
and Buffalo.
The Canadian Empress is scheduled to make more than one dozen
stops in Prescott between Aug. 23 and Oct. 26. The Nantucket
Clipper's final visit of the season took place Monday.
Lung association takes aim at largest omelette
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE The Lung Association of Lanark,
Leeds and Grenville plans to cook the world's largest omelette
next May to raise money to fight asthma.
The special project was launched Friday in Lyn. Eggs will
be sold for use in the omelette, with proceeds going to the association.
It is anticipated the omelette will include 165,000 eggs and
will be cooked in a special frying pan more than 13 metres in
diameter.
The association is hoping to get students involved. For each
dozen eggs sold, the student can submit a suggestion for the
name of the frying pan.
For more information, contact Richard Welburn at (613) 345-1034
or by e-mail at lanark@on.lung.ca.
Asthma affects one in five children and is the leading cause
of hospitalization of children in Ontario.
Maynard landfill
deposits questioned by resident
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD An Augusta resident says somebody on council
"screwed up" when an authorization was made to accept
potentially contaminated soil at the Maynard landfill site.
Duaine McKinley asked council at its Monday night meeting
to account for the action, as well as a number of other "procedural
irregularities" in the township.
McKinley noted a "significant amount of granular material"
had been transported from a location in Brockville and deposited
in the landfill.
The material originated from an area near the Laurier substation
in Brockville, "and we all know how substations are notorious
for PCB contamination," he said. "We don't seem to
have a clear certificate for that material."
He also noted it is not within the mandate of the landfill
to accept industrial waste from Brockville.
"If it was totally clean, I have no argument. But we
don't know that, because we don't seem to have any documentation
stating that," McKinley said.
"We've got product coming in we don't know the source
of."
McKinley questioned who gave authorization for the fill. "We're
at risk and that's not acceptable. Somebody screwed up here."
He also noted there were no records of the township having been
paid the tipping fees for the potentially contaminated soil.
"This is not acceptable. The whole issue smacks of incompetence,
or perhaps worse. I think council better find out. I hope you
give us some answers."
Councillor Doug Barton confirmed about 60 loads had been delivered.
"It's a plus on our side, because not only are we receiving
the tipping fees, but we will also be able to use it for cover.
We will accept more of that type of product if it becomes available,
also because it's a savings to the community, not an expense."
Barton was not certain if the loads had a certificate of non-contamination
before they arrived in Maynard, but noted he would be checking
into the matter.
He explained during question period other soil delivered to
Maynard was from the Ultramar site in Maitland, which had contained
hydrofluorocarbons. However, he said once the material is spread
out, the contamination dissipates into the air, and is no longer
considered to be hazardous.
McKinley's other concerns ranged from public documents that
could not be immediately located in the township office to personnel
issues.
Firefighters offer to install interlocking
stones near hall
PRESCOTT Town firefighters have volunteered their time
to make improvements to the area in front of the fire hall.
Town officials were advised recently by fire association directors
they would like to replace the asphalt with interlocking paving
stones. Firefighters would provide the labour at no cost; the
town would provide the materials.
Fire Chief Bill Lawrence estimated materials would cost in
the range of $5,000 to $8,000.
Mayor Robert Lawn suggested firefighters submit a written
proposal.
Lawrence also noted the siding is starting to fall off the
building.
The fire department has also expressed an interest in obtaining
a rescue boat.
New book sheds
more light on the colourful history of Prescott
The most comprehensive book on the history of Prescott ever
published will have its official launch and initial sale Saturday,
August 25, at a garden party and lawn social at the historic
waterfront home of Mrs. Jean Wadds, 741 King Street West.
Morrises' History of Prescott: 1800-2000, written and
published by John A.H. Morris, publisher of The Prescott Journal,
will be for sale at this fundraising event sponsored by the Grenville
County Historical Society and the Forwarders' Museum Board, in
co-operation with Mrs. Wadds. It will be held from 2 pm to 4
pm and the public is welcome to attend.
The sponsoring groups are requesting a five dollar donation
from those attending and refreshments will be served. There is
plenty of free parking one-half block east of the Wadds' residence
at Centennial Park.
The new book updates the highlights of the history book published
in the town's first official history book by the late Jack Morris
in 1968, along with many historical facts and anecdotes brought
to light through several years of research by author John Morris.
"This is the reason for the book's name Morrises'
History of Prescott" according to the author.
"It is a combination of the research and study both my Dad
and myself have carried out over the past 50 years as editors
and publishers of The Journal. Attaching our family name
to it gives it a unique identity that will last for many decades
to come."
"The writing of this book has taken up practically all
of my spare time over the past four years," Morris stated
this week in anticipation of Saturday's sale and signing.
"It seemed that almost everything I researched turned
up an important and related piece of interesting town history
and if I hadn't put the brakes on my research this past April,
I would probably still be digging and writing."
The hard cover book contains 536 pages, there are over 4000
names in the index, and it is well illustrated. The laminated
cover contains a process colour reproduction of a painting of
the old town hall on King Street by artist Thelma Cameron, and
on the back of the cover is a 1999 King Street scene by Prescott
artist Marilyn White.
Commenting on the content of his book, Morris said that even
life-long residents of Prescott will be amazed when they read
it and discover what an interesting and colourful history the
town has had.
One thing that will surprise most people who read the book,
Morris stated, is the fact that Fort Wellington was never garrisoned
or used during the War of 1812. "In fact," he said,
"construction of the fort did not start until the spring
of 1813, about four months after the capture of Ogdensburg, and
it was not completed or ready for occupancy until late in December
of 1814, about two weeks after the Treaty of Ghent ended the
war of 1812-14."
The book contains a detailed history of the Wiser family and
of Wiser's Distillery, the first to be published locally, and
there is an interesting chapter on the follies of Knapp's Roller
Boat, a controversial invention which was supposed to revolutionize
the shipping industry around the world. It was invented by Prescott
lawyer Frederick Augustus Knapp in 1897.
The exploits of Prescott heroes such as Major James Walsh,
Lt. Wm. Sharpe, 'Sarah' Deschamps and Alex Huton are also detailed
by author Morris, as well as biographies of many of the municipal
and political leaders in Prescott over the past two centuries.
He also presents interesting anecdotes about the early councils,
the fire and police departments, Citizens Band and the early
boards of trade and education.
For military historians the book has detailed accounts of
the Capture of Ogdensburg, Battle of the Windmill, early militia
and cavalry units, as well as the IV Hussars and their successors,
the IV PLDGs.
Even some of the classic battles fought on Saturday nights
on 'Blood Alley' leading to the Ogdensburg ferry are mentioned
in a chapter titled "A Bridge Too Far" by Ogdensburg
author Daniel J. McConville which deals with the commercial and
social intercourse between the two towns during the P&O Ferry
era.
Following Saturday's official launch, the book will go on
sale on Monday, August 27 at the Prescott Journal Office,
The Gift Lane, Beach's Home Hardware gift shop, the Historical
Society headquarters on Edward Street and the book store at Fort
Wellington.
It will sell for $49.95 plus GST in Canadian funds, and $33
in American funds. Part of the proceeds from the book sale this
Saturday afternoon are being donated by the author to the Historical
Society and Forwarders' Museum.
"The one aspect of the book of which I am most proud,"
Morris stated, "is the fact that it was produced entirely
in Prescott by the staff of The Journal and St. Lawrence
Printing. Our staff here did it all, right from the first research
projects right through to the printing of the process colour
cover. The only thing that was not done in our plant in Prescott
was the bindery work which we took to Smiths Falls. Readers will
be surprised that such professional and quality book work can
be done right here in Prescott.
"The fact I had a 536-page book and over 100 illustrations
and dozens of templates stored on the hard drive of my computer,
along with the fact that it was converted to lithographic film
with a few clicks of a mouse, never ceased to amaze me during
this process. In fact, there were times when it downright scared
me," Morris stated.
Chamber endorses effort to eliminate train
whistles
By Tim Ruhnke -Journal Editor
"The reality is there is a noise pollution problem."
Ken Durand
PRESCOTT The local business community is supporting
the effort to have train whistles silenced in South Grenville.
Directors of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce
voted last Thursday to endorse the elimination of whistles in
Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
Town officials in Prescott indicated a few weeks ago they
were prepared to initiate the process to ban whistles in the
municipality. Augusta council opted not to proceed with such
a process, and a committee of counties council voted down a similar
request.
Ken Durand, a member of an ad hoc committee that asked Augusta
council last year to consider having whistles eliminated in the
township, told his fellow chamber of commerce directors there
is an economic development issue associated with train whistles.
In noting Brockville has established a whistle-free area,
Durand said municipalities which have eliminated train whistles
may have a small competitive advantage in terms of attracting
businesses. Noise pollution is also a growing issue which affects
businesses as well as the quality of life in a community, he
added.
With an average of 70 trains per day on the CN line, each
blowing whistles at public railway crossings in the township,
there are more than 400,000 whistles per year. Rail traffic on
the line has increased in recent years and is expected to increase
further, it was noted at the meeting.
"The reality is there is a noise pollution problem,"
Durand said.
More than 340 communities in Canada have passed bylaws to
stop train whistles. The use of warning lights, barriers, fences
and other devices has reduced the need for the traditional practice
of blowing train whistles at crossings, it was noted at the meeting.
"The basic issue is whistles no longer have to be a safety
feature," Durand said.
Once a municipality decides to proceed with a ban on train
whistles, CN and Transport Canada would assess the situation
to ensure safety guidelines were met before a municipal ban on
train whistles could be implemented. "If they're not satisfied,
the process ends."
Durand believes standards are already being met at crossings
in Augusta and Prescott.
In terms of liability, Durand said it would be no worse if
whistles were eliminated. The ad hoc committee did not find any
examples of lawsuits resulting from the removal of train whistles,
he noted.
The group is expected to ask Augusta council to reconsider
the matter this fall.
Durand noted he is still not used to the whistles several
years after he moved into a house near the CN line.
Consultant offers
advice to make workplaces safer
PRESCOTT Matt Hubbard is in the fitness business, in
a manner of speaking.
Hubbard operates Kinquest Kinesiology Consulting, a company
which tries to fit jobs to the people who perform them. He is
a recent graduate of the human kinetics program at the University
of Ottawa. He has a bachelor of science degree and is a certified
kinesiologist.
By studying body movement and human muscles and working with
chiropractors, massage therapists and physiotherapists, Hubbard
realized the value of preventive measures in terms of workplace
procedures and other activities. Although Hubbard recognized
the contributions being made by those health care professionals,
he also considered what he could do to reduce the need for people
to obtain those services; getting companies to develop safer
work practices would be one way to accomplish that goal.
Hubbard has developed an office ergonomics package. Everything
from lighting and room temperature to chairs and desks is part
of the assessment process.
People who work at a desk with a computer all day are susceptible
to repetitive stress injuries. Hubbard said something as basic
as using a keyboard can result in the tearing of tiny fibres
of muscle. A desk that is too high, a chair that is too low,
and the distance between a person and a keyboard are among many
factors which could contribute to a chronic ailment that affects
productivity and increases the need for treatment, according
to Hubbard.
"We weren't made to work like that," he said.
Hubbard worked with paramedics in Ottawa; he recalls sitting
all day is more of a problem than the lifting paramedics are
required to do from time to time.
"Sitting is the worst position for the back," said
Hubbard.
Hubbard also provides advice on physical screening tests and
ways to reintroduce an injured worker to the workplace while
minimizing the risk of further injury.
Although he said humans seems to be inherently habitual, Hubbard
believes it is never too late for people to deal with their bad
habits. His goal is to reduce workplace injuries and time lost
to chronic ailments. For those who have their doubts about kinesiology
and the value of a properly designed work station, Hubbard offers
a personal testimonial and "piles and piles of studies"
to back up his assertions.
"It has worked for me," he said.
The company is currently based at the home of Hubbard's parents
in Crystal Rock. As for the future, Hubbard is hoping to relocate
and assemble a staff of certified kinesiologists and expand his
program base.
Kinquest Kinesiology Consulting's Web site address is www.kinquest.ca.
The number to call is (613) 341-1318.
Providing safe
water is goal of cross-Canada walk
PRESCOTT Evan Morgan is doing something millions of
people in Haiti and other developing countries do each day: walk
for water.
The resident of Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia is walking across
Canada to raise money for the Cup of Cold Water Project. The
goal is to drill wells in 1,000 communities in Haiti, the Caribbean
nation in which life expectancy is extremely short because many
people do not have access to safe water.
Morgan set out on his 8,500-km journey April 1 in Victoria,
B.C. He passed through South Grenville last week on his way to
St. John's, Newfoundland.
Morgan, a retired businessman who is being accompanied by
his wife Donna and a support vehicle, does not consider himself
to be athletic.
"I'd call this a faith walk," Morgan said.
The initiative is affiliated with the Fellowship of Christians.
But all denominations and groups are helping the cause by offering
their financial and moral support, he said.
The Morgans hosted a Haitian student in 1994; their son went
to Haiti and observed how the lack of safe water impacted Haitians.
Morgan noted a 10-year-old Haitian has done more walking for
water than is being attempted as part of the cross-country trek.
"Access to safe water must be seen as a basic human right
and a key factor in the fight against disease," according
to a project information release.
The project drilled its first two wells in Haiti in June.
Morgan said momentum is building as he crosses the country and
word spreads about his walk. During his interview with The
Journal on County Road 2 near Johnstown, a man who saw coverage
of the walk on television stopped to make a donation and talk
to Morgan.
"I am overwhelmed emotionally by the people," Morgan
said.
The project had collected pledges and promises totalling between
$80,000 and $100,000 as of last week.
Morgan hopes to reach his eastern destination in late October
or early November.
The project's Web site is www.cupofwater.org.
Legion picnic to be
held Sunday
PRESCOTT Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion will
host its annual picnic this 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.
Those who attend the picnic are reminded to bring lawn chairs.
Workfare placements
exceed target
BROCKVILLE Leeds-Grenville has been rewarded for surpassing
its workfare placement target last year.
The social services administration board which delivers social
assistance programs in South Grenville and the rest of the counties
created 1,095 workfare placements in 2000-2001. The target for
the year was 451 placements.
As a reward for surpassing the target, the provincial government
has given Leeds-Grenville an additional $748,500 on the condition
the money be invested in local services such as assisting vulnerable
children, supporting the homeless or child care.
"Leeds-Grenville has worked hard to help people find
the dignity that comes with a job," Premier Mike Harris
stated in an Aug. 14 news release.
The province's workfare program requires eligible welfare
recipients to make themselves available to work short-term jobs
at a government agency or community-based organization. Community
and Social Services Minister John Baird thanked managers, caseworkers
and the entire welfare staff in the counties for their efforts.
"When people move from welfare to work, everybody wins,"
Baird stated.
Nearly 600,000 people have left welfare rolls in Ontario since
Harris and the Progressive Conservatives were first elected in
1995.
"Some folks said that our reforms to welfare wouldn't
help people get their lives back on track," the premier
stated. "But we didn't listen to the naysayers and cynics
who thought that welfare was an incurable condition."
Spencerville
Optimists to host first soap box derby
Organizers searching for derby car drivers
The Spencerville & District Optimist Club is seeking participants
for its first soap box derby to be held Saturday, Sept. 29.
Having participated in the Prescott Kiwanis Soap Box Derby
earlier this year, committee chair Doug Bowbeer and his fellow
optimists decided to host their own event.
The upcoming derby will take place on Goodin Road west of
County Road 44. Registration will be on race day at 9 am; races
begin at 10 am.
Those interested in taking part should contact club members
to pre-register and order their car kits. Drivers must be between
the ages of eight and 16; helmets must be worn by all drivers.
Entries could come from local businesses and service clubs.
This could be a great family project.
Race day will be fun for the whole family. Spectators are
encouraged to bring lawn chairs, sun screen, hats and enjoy the
event.
For more information or to pre-register, call Doug Bowbeer
at 258-9918, Brian Purcell at 658-5497, or Mike or Bea Ostrander
at 925-2289.
Rec. committee encouraged
MAYNARD Recreation enthusiasts in Algonquin have been
encouraged by township council to get themselves organized with
a proper committee and members who work together.
Lorrie Dejeet presented council at its Monday night meeting
with a plan and estimates to build a canteen at the Algonquin
ball diamond, but was informed a proposal for a dugout had already
been submitted.
Dejeet told council she did not expect a dugout would ever
be completed, and did not want to lose out on its allotted funding.
Augusta council set aside $3,300 in its 2001 budget for each
of six recreation committees within the township for capital
expenditures. However, the money must be used by the end of December.
Dejeet noted Algonquin is the only area without a canteen
or lights at its ball diamond. About 60 children are involved
with ball teams at the diamond each summer, she said.
Councillor Kathleen Thur, who is also chair of the township
recreation and ball committees, suggested Dejeet organize a committee
"for the betterment of Algonquin." She said the canteen
proposal would be considered by council.
Later in the meeting, Thur commended all recreation groups
in the township for their dedication and involvement in the township.
MAITLAND NEWS - Jane Fullarton
Horse and pony show marks Maitland weekend activities
Pointe Stables, owned by Barbara Taylor of Maitland, held
its first annual Children's Horse and Pony Show Saturday, Aug.
18. Passersby on County Road 2 will have noticed the picturesque
scene as 35 participants ages two to 17 took their turn in the
corral.
Andrea Stewart, barn manager at Pointe Stables, said traditional
English classes including walk trot were held in the morning
with lots of fun events and games taking place in the afternoon.
The children took part in barrel racing, apple dunk, and a water
cup race in which the rider had to carry a full cup of water
around the course while riding one-handed trying not to spill.
Stewart described the event as relaxed and lots of fun with
all the children going home with ribbons or prizes. Pointe Stables
currently has eight horses, 10 miniature donkeys, sheep, chickens
and ducks, and is located south of County Road 2 along the St.
Lawrence River in the Village of Maitland.
Longtime Maitland resident Linda McKittrick has retired after
a 30-year career teaching. McKittrick began her teaching career
in Parry Sound before coming to this area. McKittrick and her
husband Ken, who is also a retired teacher, eventually settled
in Maitland. Linda McKittrick taught at Maitland Public School
for 18-and-a-half years. She also taught at South Edwardsburg
Public School for two years and at Maynard Public School for
the last five years. McKittrick taught every grade from junior
kindergarten to grade seven, and also worked as a full-time librarian
for a year and was a computer resource person.
McKittrick said the biggest change she saw in education during
the course of her career was the advent of computers and technology
into the classroom. She said computers have opened up a wealth
of information to students doing research. "In the past,
students often had difficulty finding enough information on a
given topic, now students can get too much information on their
topics. The hardest thing they have to do is sift through the
information to find what is relevant to their assignment and
they have to wade through good and not so good information to
find out what is accurate."
McKittrick loved helping students with their research skills.
In the future, McKittrick plans to spend more time with her family,
particularly her new granddaughter, take riding lessons and plans
to do some travelling with a trip to Nova Scotia slated for this
fall.
McKittrick and her friend, retired teacher Sandra Wells, plan
to start a consulting business - L and S Consulting - to help
school libraries.
Spencerville Optimists to host first soap box derby
Organizers searching for derby car drivers
The Spencerville & District Optimist Club is seeking participants
for its first soap box derby to be held Saturday, Sept. 29.
Having participated in the Prescott Kiwanis Soap Box Derby
earlier this year, committee chair Doug Bowbeer and his fellow
optimists decided to host their own event.
The upcoming derby will take place on Goodin Road west of
County Road 44. Registration will be on race day at 9 am; races
begin at 10 am.
Those interested in taking part should contact club members
to pre-register and order their car kits. Drivers must be between
the ages of eight and 16; helmets must be worn by all drivers.
Entries could come from local businesses and service clubs.
This could be a great family project.
Race day will be fun for the whole family. Spectators are
encouraged to bring lawn chairs, sun screen, hats and enjoy the
event.
For more information or to pre-register, call Doug Bowbeer
at 258-9918, Brian Purcell at 658-5497, or Mike or Bea Ostrander
at 925-2289.
Rec. committee encouraged
MAYNARD Recreation enthusiasts in Algonquin have been
encouraged by township council to get themselves organized with
a proper committee and members who work together.
Lorrie Dejeet presented council at its Monday night meeting
with a plan and estimates to build a canteen at the Algonquin
ball diamond, but was informed a proposal for a dugout had already
been submitted.
Dejeet told council she did not expect a dugout would ever
be completed, and did not want to lose out on its allotted funding.
Augusta council set aside $3,300 in its 2001 budget for each
of six recreation committees within the township for capital
expenditures. However, the money must be used by the end of December.
Dejeet noted Algonquin is the only area without a canteen
or lights at its ball diamond. About 60 children are involved
with ball teams at the diamond each summer, she said.
Councillor Kathleen Thur, who is also chair of the township
recreation and ball committees, suggested Dejeet organize a committee
"for the betterment of Algonquin." She said the canteen
proposal would be considered by council.
Later in the meeting, Thur commended all recreation groups
in the township for their dedication and involvement in the township.
MAITLAND NEWS - Jane Fullarton
Horse and pony show marks Maitland weekend activities
Pointe Stables, owned by Barbara Taylor of Maitland, held
its first annual Children's Horse and Pony Show Saturday, Aug.
18. Passersby on County Road 2 will have noticed the picturesque
scene as 35 participants ages two to 17 took their turn in the
corral.
Andrea Stewart, barn manager at Pointe Stables, said traditional
English classes including walk trot were held in the morning
with lots of fun events and games taking place in the afternoon.
The children took part in barrel racing, apple dunk, and a water
cup race in which the rider had to carry a full cup of water
around the course while riding one-handed trying not to spill.
Stewart described the event as relaxed and lots of fun with
all the children going home with ribbons or prizes. Pointe Stables
currently has eight horses, 10 miniature donkeys, sheep, chickens
and ducks, and is located south of County Road 2 along the St.
Lawrence River in the Village of Maitland.
Longtime Maitland resident Linda McKittrick has retired after
a 30-year career teaching. McKittrick began her teaching career
in Parry Sound before coming to this area. McKittrick and her
husband Ken, who is also a retired teacher, eventually settled
in Maitland. Linda McKittrick taught at Maitland Public School
for 18-and-a-half years. She also taught at South Edwardsburg
Public School for two years and at Maynard Public School for
the last five years. McKittrick taught every grade from junior
kindergarten to grade seven, and also worked as a full-time librarian
for a year and was a computer resource person.
McKittrick said the biggest change she saw in education during
the course of her career was the advent of computers and technology
into the classroom. She said computers have opened up a wealth
of information to students doing research. "In the past,
students often had difficulty finding enough information on a
given topic, now students can get too much information on their
topics. The hardest thing they have to do is sift through the
information to find what is relevant to their assignment and
they have to wade through good and not so good information to
find out what is accurate."
McKittrick loved helping students with their research skills.
In the future, McKittrick plans to spend more time with her family,
particularly her new granddaughter, take riding lessons and plans
to do some travelling with a trip to Nova Scotia slated for this
fall.
McKittrick and her friend, retired teacher Sandra Wells, plan
to start a consulting business - L and S Consulting - to help
school libraries.
Gilmer family
celebrates at 48th annual reunion
Submitted by Marina Gilmer
South Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Johnstown was again
the place to be on Aug. 12 to celebrate 48 consecutive years
of reunions of the descendants of the late Gawn Gilmer and his
wife, Mary Ann Wright. Seventy-six family members and eight guests
were present for a delicious pot luck dinner.
The children and young adults enjoyed a ball game which was
arranged by Evan Cowan. Those children not participating in the
ball game could swim or play on the swings and slides. Candy
and balloons were also available to the children.
Following the dinner, President Carl Gilmer presided over
a short business meeting.
There were three marriages, five births and two deaths since
the 2000 reunion. Stephanie Gilmer led family members in a minute
of silence and a short prayer out of respect for Winnie Keays
in her 100th year and for Gordon Froats.
Toonies were presented to Lindsey Dawn Hoogwerf, youngest
girl present, and Shanley Langstaff, youngest boy present.
Scrolls which had been signed by family members, along with
trillium pins, were presented to Evelyn Bowbeer and Clarence
Gilmer, the oldest members present.
Recognition was given to Betty Gilmer Catlin of Tennessee,
having travelled the farthest to attend this reunion. Wayne Gilmer
was recognized as a first-time attendee.
A certificate in recognition of 45 years of marriage was presented
to Betty and Herbert Catlin. "Thinking of you" cards
were signed by family members are were to be sent to Doris Hunter,
Charles Seeley and Isobel Finney.
The new president for next year's reunion will be Sheldon
Gilmer, with Dale Gilmer as the new vice-president.
Ashley Sloan read a poem she had composed. Dwight Gilmer gave
a very interesting presentation on a trip to Minnesota and points
west. He also had a display of photos from this trip.
The 49th reunion will again be held at the community centre
in Johnstown on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, with registration at 11
am.
WALKER HOUSE NEWS
By Willy Sieling Heuvel
and Valerie Schulz
Quilting classes begin in September at Prescott's Walker
House
Please remember to have your final payment in for the trip
to Stratford by the end of the month, as expenses have to be
paid. I am on holidays this week and will be back to work by
the 27th.
Elsie Lawrence has again graciously offered to teach the quilting
classes at Walker House. They will start Sept. 13 at 1 pm and
at 7 pm. Also, the quilting group has again donated a quilt for
us to raffle off. This group of ladies has donated numerous quilts
as fundraisers to keep Walker House going. This last one is called
"Bed of Roses" and is truly beautiful. Tickets will
be out soon. Draw to be held at the Christmas open house in December.
As you all know, Willy is retiring and leaving us at the end
of October. A dinner in her honour will be held at the Prescott
Legion on Friday, Sept. 28. A portion of the ticket price will
go towards a gift. A social hour from 5 to 6 pm will be followed
by dinner. Tickets can be purchased at the town office at Edward
and Churchill; tickets must be purchased by Friday, Sept. 21.
Hope you will all attend; it's open to anyone, not just members
of Walker House. Let's give Willy a good send-off. Please let
Valerie Schulz (925-2914) know if you would like to do something
special that evening.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st,
Ed Zackon; 2nd, Jim Campbell; Andy Britnell won the door prize.
Tuesday cribbage high hand, Helen Barr; high score, Hilda
Hutton; 2nd, Pete Lowry; 3rd, Jerry Moore. Wednesday evening
bridge 1st, Margaret Nesbitt; 2nd, Audrey Kingston; Eleanor
Gilligan won the door prize.
Thursday euchre 1st, Jeannine Marion; 2nd, Hugh Evely;
3rd, Hilda Hutton; Helen Barr won the door prize.
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