Conflict of interest concern expressed
Former councillor wants Prescott council to drop hardware
store option
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Evelyn Dales felt something had to be said.
In a presentation to Prescott council Monday night, the former
town councillor expressed her concerns about the fact one of
three sites being considered as a location for municipal offices
and the public library is owned by a member of council.
The True Value hardware store on King Street West is owned
by Councillor Jim French. Although she acknowledged French has
declared a conflict of interest, Dales said council should not
even be considering an option that is "ethically suspect."
She said Prescott is a small community and suggested it is difficult
for French's position not to influence council's decision on
the subject.
"Will you do the right thing and take Mr. French's building
off the table?" Dales asked council.
Mayor Robert Lawn said the question could only be addressed
by council as a group. He did not state his own opinion on whether
it is appropriate for council to consider the hardware store
option.
The only other person who responded was Councillor Terry McConnell,
the main supporter of that option. "I don't think it's a
legitimate argument whatsoever," McConnell said in response
to Dales' concerns.
The councillor said he approached French on the possibility
of selling the store and renovating it. McConnell noted the store
is located beside the parking lot location the previous council
of which Dales was a member had chosen as its preferred
location for a new town hall and library.
The parking lot option was one of two rejected by council
last month when it narrowed its list to three; the other two
are to construct a building on the Daniels' Hotel property on
King Street West and renovate the municipal building at 360 Dibble
St. W.
French declined after the meeting to comment on Dales' presentation
to council, reiterating he has declared a conflict of interest
on the town hall issue and does not take part in council's discussions
on the subject. "It's up to the rest of council; it's not
up to me," French told The Journal.
Dales said later that night she has nothing against Councillor
French. She said she is uncomfortable with the situation and
decided she could not sit back at home as a taxpayer without
saying something.
In noting she probably would not have a problem with the proposal
if someone other than a member of council or his or her spouse
owned the store, Dales insisted it is the perception of impropriety
that should be addressed by council. She indicated she would
want advice from legal counsel if she were still a member of
council.
Dales, a member of the library board, said her presentation
to council was as an individual and not on behalf of the board.
In addition to voicing concerns about one of the options being
considered by council, Dales sought assurances the library would
be included in whichever option council selects.
Mayor Lawn confirmed later in the meeting the library would
be included. The municipal offices were relocated from 360 Dibble
to the former bank building on Edward Street; the library continues
to operate at the Dibble Street location.
"The library cannot continue to exist in that building
indefinitely all by itself," Lawn said.
Dales has not wavered from the idea of constructing a new
town hall and library on the parking lot site. She believes it
is important for municipal leaders to show vision by creating
a facility that will serve the downtown and the entire community
for many years to follow.
"Will you do the right thing and take Mr. French's building
off the table?"
Evelyn Dales
Status of police proposal in limbo
PRESCOTT The future of policing in Prescott remains
uncertain.
A town proposal to have the OPP provide municipal service
a move which would require the Prescott Police Service
to be disbanded was submitted last year to the Ontario
Civilian Commission on Police Services, the provincial agency
that must approve such proposals before they can be implemented.
In its decision released last month, the commission indicated
it would not approve the abolition of the Prescott Police Service
because of unresolved matters involving the OPP and its plans
with respect to offering employment to officers and civilians
currently employed by the municipal department. OCCOPS indicated
it would reconsider its decision if certain conditions were met
by Jan. 14. One of the conditions requires the OPP and Prescott
Police Constable Darren Davis to agree to binding arbitration;
the OPP indicated in the proposal it would be offering employment
to all town constables, except Davis.
OPP Sergeant Bill Lee told The Journal Friday provincial
police officials are still reviewing the OCCOPS decision. The
OPP plans to finalize its position prior to the date noted in
the OCCOPS decision, according to Lee.
OPP and town representatives met Dec. 17 to discuss the decision;
no other meetings are planned, although the sergeant noted there
is an ongoing dialogue.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said Friday the town is "caught
in the middle" because the fate of the Prescott proposal
is in the hands of other parties.
"We really don't have much of a say," the mayor
stated.
"To me, it's not a very good position to be in."
Lawn declined to speculate as to what action the town will
take if the conditions listed in the OCCOPS decision are not
met by the Jan. 14 deadline. The mayor did not rule out the possibility
of seeking a judicial review of the commission's ruling; however,
he noted there would be additional costs incurred by the municipality
if the matter were to be taken to court.
Until such time as the current proposal or any other proposal
is approved and implemented, the Prescott Police Service will
remain in tact and continue to serve the community.
The municipality has acted in good faith throughout the process,
according to Lawn. He said he feels badly for the officers and
civilian members of the municipal police department who are being
affected by the uncertainty caused by the disbandment process.
The mayor noted when council made its decision last January he
was hoping the transition would have been completed by May 2001.
"The town would like a completion of this process,"
Lawn said.
Several dispatcher positions based at the police and fire
station would be lost if the OPP were to take over municipal
policing. Provincial police have their own communications system
in place, and the town would contract out fire dispatch services.
The OPP has indicated it is prepared to hire one of the civilian
workers.
OCCOPS has indicated the town's proposal to switch to OPP
service would meet adequacy requirements subject to certain conditions
being met.
Province will fund one-third of Prescott sewage
study
PRESCOTT The Ontario government will fund one-third
of a town study aimed at assessing the need for a new sewage
treatment facility, Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman announced
today.
The province will provide $84,133 of the estimated $252,000
it will cost to do the environmental study, which is now underway
and is expected to be completed later this year.
Preliminary estimates indicate reconstruction of the plant
could cost about $17 million. The town has applied for SuperBuild
infrastructure funding; if approved, the provincial and federal
governments will each fund one-third of eligible project costs.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said he is pleased the province
has agreed to provide financial support for the study.
Runciman stated in a news release the provincial government
is committed to the project. "A modern plant offering secondary
sewage treatment will help protect the environment and will also
provide the infrastructure required for more industrial and commercial
development," Runciman stated. "This is great news
for the Prescott area."
Lawn acknowledged town officials are cautiously optimistic
the infrastructure funding application will be approved. A decision
on the application may not come before the assessment study is
completed, the mayor said. However, he added doing the study
is an important first step in the process.
The consulting firm of Ainley Graham has been hired by the
town to conduct the study.
The existing sewage treatment plant went into service more
than 30 years ago.
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta townships are being invited
to participate in the study; officials from those municipalities
were on hand in December at the first meeting of a study group
looking into sewage treatment options, according to the mayor.
The makings of a partnership are in place, he added.
The other municipalities have indicated the territory they
would like to see included in the project. The extent to which
neighbouring communities could receive sewage treatment service
from the town facility and how much service may cost
will become known as the study progresses, according to the mayor.
Lawn expects two or three public meetings will be held as
part of the environmental assessment process.
South Grenville welcomes new arrivals to begin
2002
SOUTH GRENVILLE It took a few days, but South Grenville
finally has its first babies of 2002.
Tracey Dumond of Spencerville gave birth to Makinley Kendal
Dumond Saturday, Jan. 5 at 2:35 pm in Ottawa Civic Hospital.
Makinley weighed nine pounds, three ounces. It was the first
child for Tracey and husband Ed.
Tracey says she wasn't necessarily hoping to have the first
baby of 2002.
"I was just hoping I wouldn't deliver on Christmas Day,"
Tracey says.
Ed and Mary Bruce of Spencerville and Brian and Pat Dumond
of Brockville are the grandparents.
Julie Larose of Prescott gave birth to Alice Louise Larose
at 9:48 am the following day in Brockville General Hospital.
Alice, who weighed eight pounds, 10 ounces, is the second daughter
for Julie and her husband Michel, joining two-year-old Jessica
Larose.
"For a while we thought it might end up (that Alice would
be born on New Year's Day)," Julie says.
Michel adds, "We didn't plan it that way from the start,
that's for sure."
Alice is named after Michel's deceased grandmother. Alice's
middle name of Louise has been passed along for generations in
Julie's family.
Alice's grandparents are Orval and Paulette Larose of Les
Cedres, Quebec and Leonard and Louise Maurice of St. Bruno, Quebec.
THIS WEEK
Town police report quiet start to new year
PRESCOTT The first week of 2002 was fairly uneventful,
according to the Prescott Police Service.
Only 32 general incidents were investigated by town police
between Jan. 1 and Jan. 7, according to Sergeant Garry Sluytman.
No criminal charges were laid during the period, the sergeant
reported.
"It's been very quiet," Sluytman said.
Groups invited to host Frost Festival events
PRESCOTT The annual Fort Town Frost Festival will take
place Feb. 14 to Feb. 17.
Four fun-filled days and evenings will consist of everything
from sled dog races, lumberjack competitions and sleigh rides
to a sno pitch tournament, tobogganing and free skating. There
will also be dances, a snowman contest and a giant Christmas
tree bonfire.
Church groups and service clubs are being invited to host
events during the festival. Winter carnival organizers will add
information on those events to others already planned.
Anyone interested in getting involved in the Prescott Frost
Festival or hosting an event is asked to call Mike Boyles at
925-4324.
Alzheimer Support Group to meet Jan. 17
PRESCOTT An Alzheimer Support Group meeting will take
place Thursday, Jan. 17 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at St. Paul's United
Church at the corner of Dibble and George streets in Prescott.
For more information, call Pat at (613) 345-7392.
Impaired driving cases on the rise: OPP
PRESCOTT Statistics show an alarming increase in the
number of cases involving people driving after they have consumed
alcohol, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.
The number of impaired driving and related charges and suspensions
stemming from the recent Festive RIDE program in the OPP Eastern
Region was almost 42 per cent higher than from the 2000 holiday
season campaign.
Almost 83,700 vehicles were checked during the five-week period
which ended at the beginning of January. OPP officers laid 88
impaired driving and related charges and 197 12-hour licence
suspensions.
When asked about the increase in charges, Senior Constable
Cindy MacDonald of the Grenville County OPP detachment in Prescott
attributed some of it to good police work. She also noted there
was an increase in patrols and vehicles checked by RIDE units.
MacDonald said she could not comment on whether more people are
drinking and driving.
Anyone who suspects he or she has observed an impaired driver
is urged to call police immediately.
Autumn rain not
enough to wash away concerns about drought conditions
SOUTH GRENVILLE Drought conditions may have eased somewhat
as 2001 came to an end, but residents of eastern Ontario are
being reminded of the value of water conservation.
Dennis O'Grady, general manager of South Nation Conservation,
said flows on the South Nation River are now normal or above
normal. O'Grady noted there is little or no ice on the river
and not much frost in the ground; some of the snow that has fallen
this season has melted, and above-normal temperatures have also
resulted in some rain early this winter.
But the region is not out of the woods yet when it comes to
an abundant supply of water, according to O'Grady. Autumn rainfall
was not enough to solve the problem which he notes has evolved
into a long-term concern.
A level-two drought was declared last summer in the South
Nation watershed, which includes Augusta and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal
townships. Residents were advised to conserve water use; in addition
to low water levels and reports of wells going dry, the persistent
threat of grass and brush fires kept firefighters busy through
much of the spring and summer. Bans on outdoor burning were in
effect throughout Leeds and Grenville.
Although the drought situation in portions of central Canada
improved during the fall, many areas are still well below normal
in terms of water levels and precipitation. Although isolated
areas near the Great Lakes have been blanketed by large amounts
of lake-effect snow, most areas are reporting below-average snowfall
for this time of year.
O'Grady pointed out it is difficult to get a full assessment
of the water situation in Ontario. Provincial budget cuts led
to the removal of groundwater monitoring about 15 years ago.
The province is now providing money to conservation authorities
to restore monitoring, according to O'Grady.
Projections indicate water levels in the Great Lakes region
will continue to be at or near record low levels this summer.
O'Grady said all Canadians should be making an effort to conserve
water including those who are hooked up to municipal water
and believe there is an unlimited supply.
The coast-to-coast drought was chosen top weather story of
2001 by Environment Canada. Its number two weather story of 2001
was the winter experienced in the eastern section of the country.
St. John's, Newfoundland, was dumped on by an estimated 500 million
tonnes of snow enough to fill the Skydome in Toronto 3,200
times, according to Environment Canada.
For more information on top weather stories, visit Environment
Canada's Web site at www.ec.gc.ca.
Winterfest is on the way
SPENCERVILLE Lace up your skates and pull on your woollies
- the Spencerville and District Winterfest is right around the
corner.
Organizers of the annual celebration of winter have packed
three days - Jan. 18, 19 and 20 - with indoor and outdoor fun
and excitement for all ages. Weekend-long activities include
sleighrides and skating at the mill pond and at the ball diamond.
Highlights of Friday, Jan. 18 are an old-fashioned bonfire
and skating party; warm up with hot dogs and hot chocolate during
the entertainment.
Saturday features a pancake breakfast, talent show, dog sled
races, scavenger hunt, taffy pull, figure skating show, lumberjack
contest, snowshoe races and other fun events. Saturday evening
brings a hip of beef dinner and a dance. For tickets for the
dance, call 658-5803 or 658-5679.
Among the events for Sunday are a hockey tournament, brunch
with clowns, indoor games, fashion show, dance demonstration,
snow angel contest and ice drags.
See inside this issue of The Prescott Journal for a
more complete listing of times and locations of all events.
OPP NEWS
Vehicle left scene of accident
AUGUSTA Police are asking for the public's assistance
in connection with an accident that occurred the night of Jan.
6 near Roebuck. A vehicle travelling eastbound on McCrea Road
failed to stop at the intersection of County Road 18; the vehicle
crossed the road, crashed through a wire fence and destroyed
a telephone box and several posts. The vehicle, which left the
scene, is described as dark blue. Anyone with information is
asked to contact OPP Constable Chuck Doran at the detachment
in Prescott (925-4221) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Man faces four counts of assault
AUGUSTA OPP officers were called to a County Road 2
residence Jan. 4 at about 2:43 pm in connection with an assault
investigation. A 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with
four counts of assault and one count of uttering threats. A 31-year-old
woman and three-year-old boy sustained minor injuries. No names
were released. The investigating officer is Constable Scott McRae.
Assault investigation leads to charges
EDWARDSBURGH A 42-year-old man was arrested and charged
with four counts of assault after OPP were called to a Blair
Road residence Jan. 4 at about 10:30 am to investigate an assault
complaint. The man was also charged with one count of uttering
threats. The victim, a 39-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries.
No names were released. Constable Mike Mulkins of the Grenville
County detachment in Kemptville is the investigating officer.
Impaired driving charges laid
AUGUSTA Grenville County OPP officers responded to a
single-vehicle accident Jan. 6 at about 9:53 pm on Highway 401
eastbound near the Maitland exit. George MacLean, 62, of Ottawa,
was charged with impaired driving and operating a motor vehicle
while exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit. He is scheduled
to appear Jan. 25 in Brockville court. Constable Chuck Doran
is the investigating officer.
Computer among items stolen
EDWARDSBURGH OPP officers were called to a Connell Road
residence Jan. 2 at about 10 am to investigate a break, enter
and theft. The home was entered through a window. A computer,
VCR and two television sets were taken. Anyone with information
is asked to contact the investigating officer, Constable Barry
Johnston, at the Kemptville detachment (258-3441) or call Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Speeding charge will go to court
EDWARDSBURGH A 21-year-old North York man was charged
with speeding (155 kilometres per hour in a posted 100-km zone)
after police pulled over a 1999 Honda travelling eastbound on
Highway 401 at about 2:24 am Jan. 2. The man is scheduled to
appear in Brockville court Feb. 5 to answer to the Highway
Traffic Act charge.
Residents encouraged to join committees
PRESCOTT The town can always use more volunteers, according
to Mayor Robert Lawn.
At its meeting Monday night, Prescott council approved a partial
list of appointments to various committees, boards and commissions
for 2002. The town has six standing committees consisting entirely
of council members.
Many of the committees and advisory boards include non-council
positions; in some cases, there are no council members on a committee.
Mayor Lawn thanked the volunteers who served on committees
in 2001 and those who have agreed to do so this year.
The community needs the active participation of its citizens,
he said. In noting council would be making further appointments
at an upcoming meeting, Lawn encouraged residents to consider
serving on a committee.
The committees and management boards involve everything from
Walker House and Forwarders' Museum to property standards and
economic development.
For more information about committees in Prescott, contact
the municipal office on Edward Street (925-2812).
Experience is
the key for new director
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Prescott's first director of community services
feels his background in construction and human resources will
help him in his new role.
"I have a lot of experience dealing with people, facilities
and equipment," Randy Pelehos says.
The 50-year-old Prescott native worked for United Parcel Service
(UPS) for ten years as national safety manager and director of
human resources for the company's Eastern Canada operation. Pelehos
noted he then ran his own construction and renovation business,
M & R Renovations, in Prescott for the past ten years before
being named community services director last month.
"They were looking for someone with good administrative
skills and a human resources background, as well as facility
management and construction experience," Pelehos says.
In his new position, Pelehos will oversee the maintenance
of municipal facilities, including ball diamonds, the pool and
the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
"This job covers a lot of departments, not just recreation,"
says Pelehos, adding other facilities such as the library, Walker
House and the marina are also under his supervision. "We
want to ensure the facilities are kept up to the community's
expectations."
Pelehos says another aspect of his job will be to act as a
liaison between council and community organizations, including
the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association and Prescott Figure
Skating Club.
"I will sit with groups to find out their concerns and
needs, whether they be financial, manpower or other," he
says. "Then we will determine how the town can help them
to ensure these organizations and groups continue to be assets
to the community."
Pelehos, who holds a bachelor's degree in history from Carleton
University, says he has received "a number of positive comments
from people happy to see a qualified local man receive the job."
The position was created to ease the workload of the CAO/clerk
in the absence of a recreation director.
Roebuck association looks for input on future of community
centre
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
ROEBUCK The volunteer board of directors of the Roebuck
Education and Recreation Association (RERA) is looking to the
community for help in planning the future direction of its community
centre.
Bill Buckler, president of the 14-member RERA for the past
nine years and recently sworn in as Augusta's newest councillor,
said decreasing revenues for hall rentals have forced the association
to take a closer look at its future.
Residents of the Roebuck area are encouraged to attend a public
meeting to be held Monday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 pm at the community
centre. The board is looking for input and suggestions to generate
more revenue.
"We have to change the way we do things," Buckler
said. "We're looking at what (the centre's) relationship
is to the community. We're no longer able to provide as in the
past because of financial constraints."
Hall rentals are the association's main source of revenue.
But, Buckler said, "we've come to a crunch financially."
The association also provides meeting facilities, a ball diamond,
outdoor recreation area with playground equipment, outdoor canteen
and washroom facilities.
Buckler is hoping the public can come up with some ideas for
other activities, such as a small soccer program, more dances,
an ATV club or space for business seminars.
"We're at a crossroads of what to do for the future,"
Buckler said. "What does the community want from the centre?"
He noted he feels confident the community has the resources to
secure the centre's future.
The 27-year-old community centre is owned by Augusta Township.
In Sept. 1999, Roebuck won the Caring Community Award. The hamlet
was selected as one of five of Ontario's most caring communities,
and received a $20,000 grant from the Trillium Foundation as
part of its award.
Roebuck earned its place in the winner's circle based on the
community spirit and volunteerism that raised more than $25,000
and secured three government grants to build the hall that opened
in 1975.
The award money was used for new front entrance doors at the
centre and washroom facilities. Buckler noted there is still
money remaining to build baseball dugouts, replace the playground
equipment and build a small soccer field.
Food bank among options to be discussed at
meeting
PRESCOTT The possibility of re-establishing a food bank
in Prescott will be discussed at a meeting to take place later
this month.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn told council Monday a food bank
is one of the options to be discussed in response to concerns
expressed by the local ministerial association.
The situation was outlined to council this past fall by Reverend
Blair Paterson, who indicated the association is running out
of money to issue food vouchers to those in need.
Although the association is seeking municipal support to maintain
the voucher program, Paterson indicated there is a need for a
food bank in Prescott. The association's request for support
was referred to the town's finance committee.
Lawn said he has been approached by two or three people since
the matter arose in the fall. He went on to state the meeting
to be held sometime this month will be a brainstorming session.
A food bank is one of a number of options which could be considered,
according to the mayor.
A date and time have yet to be confirmed; anyone interested
in taking part is asked to contact the municipal office on Edward
Street (925-2812).
Runciman sees good things in store for Leeds-Grenville
in coming year
Province pumping millions into major projects: MPP
BROCKVILLE Bob Runciman believes things are looking
up for Leeds and Grenville.
The Progressive Conservative MPP told The Journal Thursday
he believes 2001 was a fairly good year in the riding. Runciman
said many people in the region appear to be upbeat and positive
about the year ahead. "I'm not hearing many complaints,"
he added.
However, the MPP acknowledged there continue to be concerns,
many of which involve the state of the economy. Employment levels
remained reasonably stable despite losses in the manufacturing
sector, according to Runciman.
He noted the provincial government is funding several capital
projects in the riding. In addition to expanding and upgrading
Brockville General Hospital and constructing a corrections and
treatment facility at the site of Brockville Psychiatric Hospital,
the province plans to renovate and expand the courthouse in Brockville.
A $54-million charity casino is now under construction in Gananoque
and Leeds and Thousand Islands.
Runciman said those projects represent significant investments
in the community which are providing much-needed jobs. The MPP
is confident the economy will have rebounded when those projects
all of which are in Leeds are completed.
There are also a number of SuperBuild projects coming to communities
in the riding. SuperBuild enables municipalities to receive provincial
and federal funding to upgrade existing facilities or construct
new ones.
In looking back on 2001, Runciman noted the devastating events
of Sept. 11 and their effect on the world. Although things have
improved since then, the MPP conceded there are still security
concerns which need to be addressed.
In terms of border security, Runciman supports the idea of
an identification card that Canadians and Americans can use at
border crossings. This form of pre-clearance would ease congestion
that has been a problem at some crossings, the MPP said. Runciman
added the federal government has put forward some good initiatives
in the wake of Sept. 11.
As for the provincial Progressive Conservatives, Runciman
said it is "an exciting time for the party." A leadership
race is underway to determine the successor to Premier Mike Harris;
Runciman is backing former finance minister Ernie Eves, who appears
to be the leading candidate as 2002 begins. Party members will
vote for a new leader in March.
Runciman expects fiscal responsibility will continue to be
a trademark of the Ontario government. In noting Harris "took
on some difficult and challenging issues," the MPP stated
an important role of the new premier will be to manage the changes
initiated by the government in the last few years.
Council re-elects Marie
Thomson deputy mayor
SPENCERVILLE Marie Thomson will once again serve as
deputy mayor of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
Councillors Thomson and Bill Sloan were nominated for the
position at council's meeting Monday night; Thomson was selected
by secret ballot.
The election was necessary because council did not determine
last year whether the deputy mayor would serve a one-year or
three-year term.
Parents net rebate
from township
SPENCERVILLE Hockey parents in the former township of
Edwardsburgh can expect some money back again this year.
Council decided to give $55 to Edwardsburgh residents with
children registered in minor hockey. The annual refund, given
since 1994, is to help offset higher minor hockey costs.
The township used to give grants to minor hockey but withdrew
the grants several years ago. Edwardsburgh residents pay approximately
$100 more a season for minor hockey than residents of Augusta,
Cardinal and Prescott, according to Mayor David Dobbie.
Men's group hosts breakfast
Jan. 19
PRESCOTT The January breakfast meeting of the Seaway
Ecumenical Men's Group will take place Saturday, Jan. 19 at 8
am at St. Paul's United Church at the corner of Dibble and George
streets in Prescott.
The guest speaker will be John Reynolds, whose topic will
be the House of Lazarus. All are invited to the breakfast; tickets
will be available at the door.
GCC launches annual draw
MAITLAND NEWS
Jane Fullarton
Grenville Christian College will be having a launch of its
annual fundraising draw, Friday, Jan. 11 at 1000 Islands Mall.
The launch will help publicize the draw, express appreciation
for past community support and announce a name change of the
draw.
The Grenville Christian College draw is a charitable fundraiser
that was started in 1986. The proceeds of the draw are used to
provide scholarships for Ontario students attending Grenville
Christian College. Each year more than 50 students benefit from
scholarships provided by this fundraiser.
This year the name of the draw has been changed from the "Grand
Draw" to the "Super Lotta Grand Draw." The first
draw will be held Jan. 24 for $5,000. Draws for seven vacations
begin in February, with the final draw, for a number of grand
prizes, including a new home in Gananoque Rocky Acres or several
cash options, taking place June 20. Tickets are available at
the launch, at the school, Dave Jones Sports and Loeb or by calling
1-800-268-3253.
A new 10-week session of Weight Watchers will begin Wednesday,
Jan. 16 at MERC Hall from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm. Everyone is welcome.
For more information call Marilyn at 348-3125.
The first Maitland Seniors' Luncheon of the new year is Wednesday,
Jan. 9 at noon at MERC Hall. The menu is roast pork, roast potatoes
and vegetables and bread pudding with maple syrup.
The winter session of the Maitland Karate Club began Jan.
3. New members, including children, youths and adults are welcome.
To register or for more information, call Bill Williams at 348-1252.
Playgroup meets at MERC Hall Tuesday mornings from 10 am to
11:30 am. All local parents and caregivers are welcome. There
are toys, a story time, crafts, snacks and a chance to meet new
friends. For more information call 348-1760. The Mobile Toy and
Resource Library comes to playgroup Jan. 15 and 29, Feb. 12 and
26, and March 19.
The Social Dance Club meets on the second Friday of the month
at the MERC Hall. For more information call Martha McMullen at
342-7941.
WALKER HOUSE NEWS
By Marnie Lippiatt
Our annual meeting will be held tonight, Jan. 9. The pot luck
supper will be at 5:30 pm with the meeting to follow at 6:30
pm. Information will be available for the spring trip to the
Memphre Inn in Magog April 28, 29 and 30. Please plan to make
a deposit before the end of January to hold your spot.
We are starting a new night craft group. It will meet the
first Monday evening of each month. We will be learning the basics
of basket weaving and will complete a basket Feb. 4. A small
fee will be charged for the basket materials. Call 925-5300 for
a list of things to bring to the class.
We will be serving a "poor man's lunch" Jan. 18.
Stay for a game of pepper or shoot a game of pool if you have
free time in the afternoon. Call for reservations.
Our next evening supper will be Saturday, Feb. 2. Mary your
calendar.
Card game winners Christmas week were: euchre 1st, Hilda
Hutton; 2nd, Eddie Arcand; 3rd, Mary Reynolds; Pete Lowry won
the door prize. Winners this week: euchre 1st, Jeannie
Marion; 2nd, Gerry Monette and Gladys Somerville; 3rd, Myrtle
Shahan.
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