Value of athletics noted by Pound
Former IOC vice-president speaks at chamber banquet
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Local communities have a lot to do with the ultimate
success of athletes, according to the former vice-president of
the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Dick Pound emphasized the value of athletics and ethics during
a speech he delivered Monday night at the Prescott and District
Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet.
Pound, a former Olympian and long-time IOC member, referred
to his own background as a young athlete in Ocean Falls, a small
pulp and paper company town in British Columbia. The town had
an indoor pool and the paper company hired excellent coaches.
A considerable community spirit was created, according to Pound;
swimmers in Ocean Falls felt they could take on the best swimmers
the world could offer. Residents of the town got involved and
held fundraisers to enable swimmers to travel from the isolated
community to meets in Vancouver and other centres to the south.
Pound, who competed in the Olympics, noted sport promotes
good health, self-discipline and self-respect. Athletes learn
to accept success or failure and can empathize or bond with other
athletes, things that can be used in other facets of life.
Pound said communities have allowed themselves to fall behind
when it comes to athletics, which he described as "...a
pyramid that must be built up from the bottom." There are
huge gaps in sports leadership and organization at the grassroots
level, according to Pound.
"Our school systems have completely dropped the ball,"
he remarked. Pound suggested communities like Prescott should
pick a sport and try to excel at it. "The world is your
oyster," he said. "It is a matter of community will."
Pound went on to note youngsters who take part in sports are
far less likely to end up as delinquents. Athletics can assist
youth as they cope with a very difficult time in their lives,
he said. Sports can provide the fundamental values young people
are desperately seeking, according to Pound.
As chair of the Olympic movement's anti-doping agency, Pound
said those who violate drug policies to get a jump on the competition
destroy the integrity of athletics. In noting athletes must be
part of the solution, Pound said parents and the public can be
of some help by showing no support for athletes who try to beat
the system and those who assist the cheaters.
"There is no room for admiration of people who cheat,"
he said.
Pound maintains those Olympic athletes who won medals but
tested positive for banned substances should lose their medals.
He said he is working on his colleagues on that issue.
Despite the scandals that have shadowed the Olympics in recent
years, Pound noted the games are a great success story. The public
separates the problems from the athletes and the competition,
he indicated. Proof of that is Canada's success at the recent
Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and the pride shown by Canadians.
Pound said both the men's and women's ice hockey teams deserved
to win gold medals. "I kind of thought we played six Americans
and a referee," he said in reference to the women's final.
Pound also presented the gold medals to members of the Canadian
team.
"I got to kiss 22 sweaty women," he noted to an
appreciative crowd of 200 at the banquet.
SLP/Prescott Journal receives business achievement
award
Family-owned St. Lawrence Printing maintains tradition
dating back to 19th century
PRESCOTT - The company that reports the news made some news
of its own Monday night.
St. Lawrence Printing (SLP), publisher of The Prescott
Journal, received the Corporate Service Award for business
achievement at the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce
annual awards banquet.
St. Lawrence Printing Company Limited was incorporated in
1949; ownership of The Journal was transferred from W.E.
Crateau to the company at that time.
The Morris family has been involved with the business since
the 1940s; family members have owned 100 per cent of the business
since 1964.
St. Lawrence Printing and its associated companies operate
a sheetfed printing business, a commercial web printing business,
The Leeds and Grenville Business News, The Winchester
Press, The Manotick Messenger, The Barrhaven Independent,
The Packet (serving Osgoode-Rideau) and, with a partner,
The Tupper Lake Free Press and The Gouverneur Tribune-Press.
The Canadian operations employ approximately 45 full-time and
20 part-time staff.
The Morris family has been involved in community newspapers
in Eastern Ontario for 75 years. Jack Morris, John Morris and
Robin Morris have all served as president of the Ontario Community
Newspaper Association, something no other family has accomplished
in the history of OCNA.
John Morris has been publisher or editor of The Journal
for almost 40 years, longer than anyone else in the community.
Mr. Morris accepted the award Monday night on behalf of the company.
The first edition of The Journal was published 112
years ago this week. In addition to covering local news and events,
the newspaper strives to provide a voice for the local community
and a forum for constructive discussion of community issues not
available elsewhere.
Publicity given to local organizations and events adds up
to an investment of thousands of dollars The Journal willingly
makes in the community each year.
The Journal also provides placements for high school
and college co-op students interested in pursuing a career in
journalism.
The Journal has produced four chamber of commerce community
service award winners Wilfrid Crateau, Jack Morris, Mervin
Dickey and John Morris. A fifth has been added; this year's winner,
Norm Fortier, was a long-time employee of the company. No other
business in Prescott has produced anywhere near the number of
community-minded citizens.
Two members of the Morris family have written comprehensive
histories of Prescott Jack in 1967, and John in 2001. Both
books were printed and published by St. Lawrence Printing so
the rich heritage of the area would be preserved for future generations.
The Journal has been based in the same building on King Street
since 1890. The building had been home to the telegraph/telegram
office and Prescott's first telephone exchange. The Journal carries
on a newspaper tradition that has been in existence since 1816
with the publishing of the town's first newspaper, the Grenville
Gazette.
Youth award winners show they care about their
communityFortier is honoured for 50 years of service
Dodge and Eaton set a good example.
Robert Caldwell
PRESCOTT - Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton have crossed
the generation gap and set a good example for their peers.
The two friends are co-recipients of the 2001 Connie Dickey
Youth of the Year Award. Dodge and Eaton were honoured Monday
night at the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce annual
awards banquet.
In presenting the award, Robert Caldwell noted the recipients
were thinking of others at a time when many teenagers had other
things on their mind.
The Prescott residents are Grade 10 students at St. Mary High
School in Brockville. The concept of hosting a community dinner
was conceived on a bus ride home from school one afternoon in
early October. The school project evolved into "Soup for
the Soul: A Christmas Cuisine" and involved 50 student volunteers
and adults who pitched in prior to and during the Dec. 23 dinner.
"When you lead by example, others will follow,"
Caldwell said.
Dodge and Eaton organized the entire event everything
from contacting businesses and service clubs for donations to
seeking help to prepare and serve the food. Their efforts received
a great deal of support from the community, and more than 180
meals were served at St. Mark's Parish Centre or delivered to
those who were unable to get to the hall that evening because
of freezing rain.
Dodge and Eaton "...maintained a sense of humour and
passion for this project when many adults said it couldn't be
done," the nomination stated. The girls showed they care
about their community by recognizing a need to show support to
the needy and lonely at Christmas time and doing something about
it.
They have already begun planning the 2002 edition of the holiday
season community dinner.
In accepting the award, Dodge said what means most is everyone
came together and showed their support for others in the community.
Eaton added, "We're very proud of Prescott right now."
In addition to organizing the dinner, the two friends have
volunteered in other ways. Both have collected door receipts
Saturday nights at South Grenville junior "B" Ranger
home games in Cardinal. Dodge has worked with Prescott Loyalist
Days and the Kidney Foundation. Eaton does peer tutoring to help
students at the high school achieve higher marks.
The annual youth award is presented in memory of the late
Connie Dickey. Caldwell noted she was a young woman who made
a difference and set an example for other young people in the
Prescott area. Dodge and Eaton are carrying on that tradition,
Caldwell added.
PRESCOTT Norman Fortier said he was not looking for
recognition.
The man who has volunteered his time in a variety of ways
for more than 50 years received the Community Service Award for
2001 at the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce awards
banquet Monday night at St. Mark's Parish Centre.
Fortier has been involved in minor sports, youth organizations
and a successful series of summer concerts at the amphitheatre
on Prescott's waterfront.
In addition to serving more than 30 years in minor hockey
as a coach and eventually president of the association, Fortier
is credited with spearheading the drive to build the room above
the canteen at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Fortier was also a leader with the local Scouting movement.
In recent years, Fortier has played a lead role in organizing
Sunday night concerts at the amphitheatre in July and August.
He also is a driver for the meals on wheels program.
Fortier told The Journal he was surprised to receive the award.
"I've really enjoyed what I've done," he said of his
volunteer efforts.
In noting he feels honoured to have been selected, Fortier
told the audience he accepts the award on behalf of all the volunteers
in Prescott.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said volunteers are the foundation
of a community. Fortier is a good example of someone who continues
to contribute even in his later years, according to the mayor.
THIS WEEK
Youngsters can dig up history of fort
PRESCOTT - Fort Wellington National Historic Site is offering
a March Break program next week for children between the ages
of eight and 13.
Four afternoon sessions are planned in the historic setting
of the fort's original blockhouse. On Monday, March 11, youngsters
can enlist in the "New Recruits" program to become
a soldier in the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment.
"Fort Pleasures and Pastimes" is the theme of the
Tuesday session which will be filled with traditional crafts
and games of a bygone era.
"Afternoon Archeologists" will be offered Wednesday
and Thursday to close out the week. Children will be able to
dig up the dirt on the fort's past when they explore history
through hands-on activities with original artifacts.
The fort can accommodate 25 participants per session. Snacks
will be provided. A small fee will be charged at each session.
For more information or to register for the March Break program,
contact Elizabeth LeBlanc at 925-4746, extension 104.
Crocus sales support local CNIB services
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - This year's crocus campaign was a great
success, according to the Kingston district office of the Canadian
National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
The office reports 8,500 pots of crocuses were sold during
the fourth annual campaign, netting more than $15,000 for CNIB
services in the region.
The CNIB offers assistance to those whose level of vision
causes difficulties in their day-to-day lives.
"We can help you get the most out of your remaining vision
and provide you with the tools and aids to cope with the challenges
of living with vision loss," stated CNIB Crocus Campaign
Chair Joyce Stevenson.
For more information on CNIB services, call (613) 542-4975.
Income tax assistance available from CCRA
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA)
offers businesses and individuals personal and general tax information
from a variety of sources.
For business tax information, call 1-800-959-5525 weekdays
from 8:15 am to 8 pm. CCRA suggests calling before 10 am or after
2 pm for faster service.
For general tax enquiries, call 1-800-959-8281 weekdays from
8:15 am to 10 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 1 pm.
The automated Tax Information Phone Service provides a limited
amount of general information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call 1-800-267-6999 or go on-line and visit www.ccra.gc.ca/tips.
Firefighters
claim victory in Battle of the Badges
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - An announced crowd of 550 watched area firefighters
down the local police 13-9 in a Battle of the Badges hockey game
last Wednesday in Prescott.
The game featured the involvement of two former National Hockey
Leaguers; noted pugilist Dave "Tiger" Williams played
for both teams while Eddie "The Entertainer" Shack
refereed the contest. Proceeds from the game went towards Prevention
Awareness for Life and The Firefighter/Police Fund in New York.
Many children did not recognize Shack when they entered the
Leo Boivin Community Centre and saw him signing autographs, but
the older crowd seemed to appreciate the presence of the 65-year-old
Sudbury native.
Shack lived up to his nickname during the game as he carried
around a microphone to talk to the crowd and heckle the players.
Williams proved he could also be a threat with the gloves
on, scoring several goals for both squads - one of which inspired
his patented riding-the-stick celebration. He began the game
with the Prescott firefighters, which inconvenienced the plans
of firefighter Brent Norton.
"I was planning on dropping the gloves with you first
thing," Norton said to Williams in the dressing room before
the game.
Williams wryly returned, "We can still arrange that."
Tim Markus, the goaltender for the firefighters' squad, kept
his team in the game early as the Prescott Police, OPP Grenville
County detachment and Royal Canadian Mounted Police team carried
the play.
Two Williams goals helped the firefighters to a 4-2 lead after
the first period; Williams switched teams with three minutes
left in the second period and the firefighters ahead 8-5.
Although Shack called several "questionable" penalty
shots against the firefighters in an effort to tie the game and
force a shoot-out, the police were not able to get any closer
than three goals the rest of the game.
"I thought it was a great game," said Markus, actually
a member of the Coast Guard.
The New Wexford resident stared down Williams several times
in the latter half of the contest, making a couple nice glove
saves.
"I just wanted to force him to shoot," Markus said.
"It was great, a once-in-a-lifetime chance."
The game was the first of "nine or ten" Battle of
the Badges games in Eastern Ontario over the next month, Williams
said before the game.
"I'll probably be doing this for a couple more years,"
said the 48-year-old, who was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan,
and now resides in Vancouver. "It's a good deal - you see
parts of the country you don't usually see, and it's a win-win
situation for everyone."
Williams splits time on the tour with former NHL sniper Marcel
Dionne and also has several business interests out west.
Shack said he will end up refereeing 100 Battle of the Badges
games this year.
"It's a lot of fun, with the people and the charities,"
he said. "There's no cross-checking, no high-sticking, no
shoving - just good hockey, and that's what it's all about."
Town police advise public to keep vehicles
locked
PRESCOTT - The Prescott Police Service reminds the public
to keep their vehicles locked after a string of thefts took place
last week.
On Feb. 26, police investigated four thefts from vehicles
parked on Russell and Park streets in the east end of town. A
Nokia cellular phone valued at $200 and a green fire department
emergency light were taken.
Three days later, town police investigated thefts from vehicles
parked on George, Park and Prince streets. An AM/FM CD player
valued at $200, plus cassette tapes, tools, cigarettes and change
were among the items taken from those vehicles.
Police advise vehicle owners to remove items of value or place
them in the trunk.
Town police investigated 51 general incidents and one motor
vehicle accident between Feb. 24 and March 3.
A 15-year-old male was charged with possession of a weapon
and uttering threats after police investigated an assault complaint
Feb. 27. The incident occurred on King Street and involved a
12-year-old male. The 15-year-old had a knife, according to police.
The suspect will appear in the youth division of the Ontario
Court of Justice.
Charges are pending as police continue to investigate the
reported assault of a 15-year-old youth at South Grenville District
High School. The investigation began Feb. 26 and is continuing;
no additional details are available.
During a patrol March 1, police observed a group of youngsters
acting in a suspicious manner at the high school. A town officer
approached the scene and detected an odour of marijuana. A 15-year-old
male was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana; he
is to appear in the youth division of the Ontario Court of Justice.
Police are investigating two cases of vandalism involving
spray paint that occurred earlier this week. A vehicle at a Wood
St. E. residence was spray-painted, and a nearby residence was
also spray-painted. The extent of damage to the vehicle and residence
was unknown at press time.
Anyone who has information on these or other offences in town
is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
It is time to get cracking on Easter Seal
egg campaign
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The third annual Easter Seal Paper Egg Campaign
is under way.
Shoppers can purchase vibrant paper eggs at local retailers,
sign them and have them displayed in store windows. Proceeds
from the colourful campaign will support children and young adults
with physical disabilities.
Easter Seal Society President and CEO Charlotte Gibson stated
in a news release advances in equipment and technology change
and enhance the lives of many children. "But the costs
from $10,000 to $40,000 a year are enormous and often out
of reach," Gibson went on to state. "You would be amazed
by how far every 'toonie' goes toward supporting those families."
All money raised will be used at the local level. The campaign
continues through the month of March.
For more information or to join retailers in the paper egg
campaign, call Sandra Johnson at 1-888-667-0043, extension 226.
Most respondents
to survey favour limits on smoking in public places
Health unit to ask municipal councils to enact bylaws
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
SOUTH GRENVILLE - A majority of respondents to a recent survey
supports bylaws to ban smoking in public places, according to
the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.
The survey, conducted by the Carleton University Survey Centre,
polled 1,485 residents of the tri-county area. Health unit officials
will be presenting the survey's findings to municipal councils
in the region, including Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health, told The
Journal a definite majority of respondents support a ban
on smoking in indoor public places.
"For us, it's fundamentally a health care issue,"
he said.
The survey indicated a range of support for smoke-free public
areas. At the high end of the scale, 81.2 per cent of respondents
favour a smoking ban in sports and recreation facilities. However,
support for a ban on smoking in bars drops to 49.9 per cent.
A majority of survey respondents would be more likely or as
likely to frequent public places if a no-smoking bylaw were in
place. Some bar and restaurant owners in communities in which
the smoking debate has taken place have been adamant their businesses
would be hit hard by a smoking ban.
"Businesses will focus on their own economic well-being,"
Dr. Gardner said.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said his personal preference would
be in line with what health officials are proposing. But Lawn,
a member of the board of health, added as mayor he must look
at the issue from other perspectives including those of
businesses and their clientele.
"At this stage, I'd like to get the pulse of our community,"
the mayor said in an interview. As of the beginning of this week,
Prescott council had yet to discuss any proposal to enact a smoking
ban.
"It's not an easy thing to come to grips with,"
Lawn said.
Gardner noted many respondents who support smoke-free bylaws
cite health reasons as the main factor. Most people seem to be
aware of the serious health effects smoking and second-hand smoke
can cause, according to health officials.
Survey respondents who do not support a ban tend to note the
rights of smokers as being the reason, Gardner indicated.
"For us, we feel the evidence on the negative impact
on health is compelling," he said.
Issues relating to enforcement of a smoking ban as well as
the time process involved in implementing the ban are critical
points, Gardner added. He added answers to those questions could
come out of the consultation process.
The process that could result in smoking being banned in public
places may take about a year to complete, although Gardner said
he hopes it would be sooner if possible.
Lawn has doubts as to whether Prescott and other small municipalities
could enforce such a bylaw on their own. He expects a counties-wide
system would be needed.
A majority of survey respondents favours implementing restrictions
all at one time. The health unit also reports smoking status,
education and gender are significant factors in the findings.
About one in four adult Canadians are smokers, according to
national statistics.
"...it's fundamentally a health care issue."
Dr. Charles Gardner
World Youth Day cross coming to county
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston is
hosting a visit this week by the World Youth Day cross.
The cross is scheduled to be at St. Michael High School in
Kemptville early this afternoon. By mid-afternoon, a procession
is expected to take the cross to Holy Cross Church on Clothier
Street West for praise and worship, mass and a silent vigil which
will end late tonight.
The four-metre-high cross, which was entrusted to the youth
of the world at the first World Youth Day in 1984, has been travelling
throughout Canada since last April.
The cross is scheduled to be taken through South Grenville
in May on its way to Toronto and World Youth Day celebrations
to be held July 23-28. The event brings together people between
the ages of 16 and 30 at the invitation of Pope John Paul II.
Catholic parishes in South Grenville have been encouraging members
in that age range to register for the week-long event.
More than 2,000 youth day registrants from around the world
have been invited to stay with billets in the Kingston archdiocese
the week before the main celebrations in Toronto.
For background information and international updates, visit
www.wyd2002.org or contact Mary Carr at the archdiocese at (613)
548-4461, or your local parish.
OPP NEWS
Man crushed by pick-up truck that fell from jack
NORTH AUGUSTA - A 40-year-old Augusta Township man was killed
Saturday afternoon when the pick-up truck he was working under
fell from the jack that was supporting it.
Grenville County OPP officers, ambulance and the Augusta Fire
Department responded to the call at about 1:30 pm. Brent Healey
was crushed to death by the truck at a residence on Land O'Nod
Road, an OPP press release states.
OPP are treating the occurrence as an accident.
Husband and wife die two weeks after crash
AUGUSTA - An elderly couple died in hospital almost two weeks
after a motor vehicle accident Feb. 16. Donald Robichaud, 81,
of Dixon Road, was driving a vehicle Feb. 16 at about 7:30 am,
when he apparently suffered a fainting spell. The vehicle left
the road and then struck a tree, a press release states. His
wife Maude was a passenger in the vehicle.
The couple was injured in the collision, and the driver had
to be extricated. The OPP reports he was conscious and verbal
at the scene and his injuries did not appear to be life threatening.
The Robichauds were transferred to Brockville General Hospital
by ambulance. Police were notified Feb. 28 both had succumbed
to their injuries suffered in the accident. Age was also a factor,
the release states.
Home destroyed in late-afternoon blaze
AUGUSTA - A County Road 21 home owned by Roy Conklin was destroyed
by flames Sunday at about 6 pm. OPP was called to assist with
diverting traffic for about three hours. It is believed the fire
started in the kitchen area of the house, a press release states.
Due to high winds, firefighters had difficulty controlling the
flames and smoke.
The fire is not suspicious in nature, the OPP reports.
Break and enter nets computer and electronics
AUGUSTA - Items with a value of approximately $4,500 were
taken in a daylight break and enter Feb. 27 at a home on the
Second Concession of Augusta township. Items missing include
a personal computer, three satellite receivers and a camera.
There was no evidence at the scene, and no suspect information
has been obtained, the OPP reports. Const. Barr is investigating.
Police release weekly review of incidents
PRESCOTT - Members of the Grenville County OPP investigated
73 occurrences between Feb. 25 and March 3. Of these, 23 incidents
were investigated in Augusta Township and 50 in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
Incidents included 20 vehicle-related calls; five motor vehicle
collisions (none with injuries); 35 calls for police assistance,
three break and enters and a house fire.
Senior Const. Ozon charged 128 people with speeding during
February. Two of the charges were people driving in excess of
50 Km/h over the speed limit. Two seat belt charges were laid,
as well as 10 Highway Traffic Act charges.
Anyone with information on these or other occurrences is asked
to call Grenville County OPP at 925-4221, or Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-8477.
Community walk
part of effort to increase profile of volunteer bureau
United Way agency serves all of Leeds and Grenville
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE - In an effort to raise public awareness and
money, the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville will hold
a Mayors' Community Walk next month in Brockville.
All mayors and reeves from across the United Counties have
committed to participate in the April 27 event, as have Leeds-Grenville
MP Joe Jordan and Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
"The walk is not to raise money for our general operating
funds," says Frank Bolger, chairman of the bureau's fundraising
committee.
"It is for our public relations and to promote volunteerism,
to attract additional volunteers, which is very badly needed."
Bolger, a resident of Maitland, says the mayors' walk will
be an annual event and has received "excellent financial
backing from generous organizations and groups."
Local businesses, groups and individuals are encouraged to
participate as well.
All proceeds from pledges received by walkers will be divided
equally between the Volunteer Bureau and charities of the walkers'
choice.
According to Bolger, the bureau has existed for 25 years and
oversees approximately 10,000 volunteers, attracting, training
and placing them with groups that need assistance, such as hospitals
and nursing homes.
"It's important to the well-being of Leeds and Grenville
to have a good volunteer base," Bolger says.
"We have not been successful enough; we have attracted
volunteers but we need more. Over the next few months you will
see a greater (public relations) push from us, and we need funding
for the increased (public relations.)"
The bureau offers a drivers-in-action program, which involves
volunteers driving seniors, the disabled and others who need
assistance to doctors' appointments and for treatment.
It also has an income tax assistance program in which volunteers
are trained by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency to prepare
income tax returns for seniors, single parents, low-income families,
unemployed, disabled persons and shut-ins throughout Leeds-Grenville.
These services and other programs are provided at no charge
as a community service by volunteers who have been interviewed
and referred to all non-profit organizations requesting help.
For more information on the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and
Grenville or the Mayors' Community Walk, contact the bureau at
(613) 342-7040.
Simplified approach pays off for company
PRESCOTT - Simplified is both the name and philosophy of a
Prescott company that is putting its energy to good use.
Simplified AC Services the "AC" stands for
auxiliary cabinets makes products used in large facilities
which require uninterrupted supplies of electricity.
The company is located on Susan Street in the facility that
also houses Bremm Metal Products.
Simplified President Gerry Walker pointed out the company's
core working group was formed as part of Rescorp International's
power division and has been together for more than three years
in the same location. The power division became Simplified when
it was acquired last September.
Simplified assembles cabinet units which may house transformers,
batteries, breakers and other equipment to ensure a steady supply
of electricity. Assembly takes place at the company's 4,900-square-foot
facility.
As the name suggests, Simplified produces equipment which
eliminates some of the complexities associated with previous
technology. In general, the cabinets are 24"X70" to
54"X78" and are 30 inches deep. Although multiple cabinet
units may be required at a work site, Simplified ensures those
units have common features and are easy for operators of UPS
systems to fit together and understand.
The completed cabinet units are supplied to distributors in
the pan-American market. Vice-President of Corporate Affairs
Jesse Long said there is still a large market to untap, and Simplified
offers a high-quality product that other manufacturers do not
offer.
With a workforce of five, Simplified has been making great
strides this year and projects sales in the range of $3 million.
Walker said the concept of "protecting hydro supplies"
is recession-proof. Large operations cannot afford to be affected
by any disruptions to their electrical grid; a reliable source
of energy is vital to their operations, Walker noted. The events
of Sept. 11 emphasized the need for effective back-up systems,
he added.
By offering a compact and uniform line of cabinetry that is
easier to put together, Simplified enables clients to save on
installation costs.
The company takes pride in the fact in more than 260,000 hours
of service during the past three-and-a-half years, no failures
involving their products have been reported. Walker said it is
also an indication of the company's success in making a complex
product easier to deal with from the user's perspective.
Walker noted the company has received the full support of
Grenville Community Development Centre, a federally-funded corporation
that encourages economic development and investment through loans
and other business support services. TD Canada Trust has also
provided support, he added.
In terms of expansion, Walker indicated Simplified may add
the manufacturing of the basic cabinet frames to its operations.
Talent show to take centre stage tonight
SOUTH GRENVILLE DHS GIANTS
By Laura Parrott
South Grenville is buzzing as the countdown to March Break
is nearly over. Many fun activities have been taking place to
make the time before the holiday a little more bearable. One
of these is the student talent show which will be taking place
at the school tonight!
The show will run from 7 to 8:30 pm and contains a variety
of entertainment suitable for all ages. There are bands, singers,
dancers and much more. There is a minimal admission fee which
is to be paid at the door. The money raised will go back into
school clubs.
Varsity rugby is here! South Grenville will have both girls
and boys rugby this spring. Both coaches and players have been
working hard to get into shape for the fast-approaching season,
but there is still one vital part of the team missing; equipment.
The rugby program at SGDHS is starting with a $0 budget, and
very little else except dedication. The most important piece
of gear that the team is looking for right now is soccer and
football cleats. Both women's and men's cleats of all sizes are
needed. If you have any that you would like to donate they can
be dropped off in the main office of the school in care of Coach
Southin.
The rugby team is also looking for another vitally important
donation from the community: the valuable time of people with
personal rugby experience. If you have played on a rugby team
before or have coached rugby your help would be greatly appreciated.
Anybody who would like to volunteer is asked to contact Coach
Southin at 925-2855 ext. 3413.
South Greville's senior and junior football teams are set
to run this upcoming fall. To help raise desperately-needed funds
for the teams they will be holding a tree sale. Blue spruce trees
which are guaranteed for one year (with free replacements) will
be sold around the community. If you would like to purchase a
tree you can contact Coach Southin. All orders must be placed
before April 20.
Much like the rugby teams, the football teams are also in
desperate need of equipment. Any individuals or local service
clubs that would like to donate to the football program are asked
to contact Coach Southin.
All help is greatly appreciated to keep our rugby and football
teams alive!
Light lunch will follow information sessions
WALKER HOUSE NEWS
By Marnie Lippiatt
Friday's pot luck was delicious. Joyce Brown, our speaker,
appraised several antiques and collector items. Many pieces had
a personal story but could also be dated by their own markings.
Thanks to everyone who shared their treasures and "pots."
Just a reminder to the board its next meeting will be on Thursday,
March 7 at 10 am.
The health unit has declared March nutrition month. We will
be having an information series. Each Wednesday morning in March
at 10 am we will cover a different topic. A light lunch will
follow. It will include something that we have made during the
session. We will cover the ABCs of healthy eating. Next week's
topic will be "Up the Antioxidants." Please call 925-5300
for more information.
Card game winners last week: Monday bridge 1st, Charles
Steiner; 2nd, Eleanor Hatch; door prize, Mary Reynolds. Tuesday
night euchre 1st, Myrtle Shahan; 2nd, Hilda Hutton; 3rd,
Pete Lowry and Jeannine Marion; door prize, Hugh Evely. Thursday
cribbage high hand, Eleanor Gilligan; high score, Hugh
Evely; 2nd, Myrtle Shahan and Pete Lowry; 3rd, Jeannine Marion.
Gerry Carey receives
agriculture award
PRESCOTT - Local resident Gerry Carey has been honoured with
a provincial award for his long-time and outstanding contribution
to agriculture.
Carey was recognized with the 2001 Eastern Ontario Soil and
Crop Improvement Association Award of Merit at the Grenville
Federation of Agriculture annual banquet in Roebuck Feb. 22.
The award was presented by the Grenville Soil and Crop Improvement
Association.
"It's always nice to be recognized by your peers, especially
when you didn't expect it," Carey said of the recognition.
The award is given annually to those who have shown a genuine
concern for and who have made an outstanding contribution to
the general welfare of agriculture within their community as
selected by the county soil and crop improvement associations.
While Carey is no longer an active farmer (he keeps a 10-acre
"indulgence property" near Roebuck), he maintains involvement
in the organizational development of agriculture in the area,
he noted.
He continues as a member and director for the Grenville Federation
of Agriculture, and serves as a director of the Co-operators
Insurance Company. Carey is also chairman of the Rideau-St. Lawrence
Community Credit Union, and serves on the editorial advisory
board of the Farmer's Forum newspaper, based in Kemptville.
As a young farmer in Perth County and a 1948 graduate of the
Ontario Agricultural College, Carey produced farm-separated cream,
feeding hogs and veal calves.
Among his first successes was the organization of farmers
to work together to achieve more than they could individually.
Motivated by his frustration over the lending policies of banks,
he encouraged 10 other farmers in 1954 to each contribute $2
to start a credit union in Mitchell, Ont. The agency helped many
farmers obtain operating loans and other credit when banks were
reluctant to extend credit for farm enterprises, Carey explained.
"Credit unions help to keep the trade honest," Carey
said. "If the only place you could get money was from a
bank, then you're done. They (banks) write their own ticket."
He was elected a director of the Ontario Cream Producers Marketing
Board, and became an OFA field service representative and manager
for eastern and northern Ontario from 1968 until his retirement
in 1989.
Carey has been an active member of the Prescott Kiwanis Club
for 18 years, and is involved in the Seaway Men's Christian Fellowship
group. At St. Paul's United Church in Prescott he is a member
of the church council and chairman of the ministry and personnel
committee. He is also a volunteer driver for the Victorian Order
of Nurses.
Carey is a strong believer in the co-operative philosophy
of people working together and helping each other. "When
times get tough, that's when co-ops thrive," he said. "It's
self help - neighbours helping neighbours."
Community volunteerism is also high on Carey's list of worthy
projects. "I like doing it and I'm able," he said.
"It's nice to give something back. As long as a person's
able, why would you sit back and watch the tube? "
Time to learn the ABCs of healthy eating
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - "The ABCs of healthy eating"
is the theme of this year's national nutrition month.
During March, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health
Unit and Dietitians of Canada are hoping to reinforce the importance
of healthy eating. The public is constantly exposed to new and
conflicting messages in the media when it comes to food and nutrition,
according to a health unit news release.
Certain terms such as "antioxidant" and "free
radical" become buzz words, but many people do not fully
understand them or how they are important to health. Other items
such as calcium, vitamin D and folic acid are among the nutrients
that are often mentioned as playing a role in preventing certain
diseases.
"It is important that we understand the role these nutrients
play in our overall health, and how to get adequate amounts of
nutrients by choosing a variety of healthy foods," the release
states.
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has registered
dieticians who provide current and reliable information on nutrition
and healthy eating. The national nutrition campaign promotes
registered dietitians as a trusted source of credible information.
For more information on healthy eating or related community
events, call the health unit at 345-5685 or 1-800-660-5853 and
ask to speak to a dietician. The address of the health unit's
Web site is www.healthunit.org.
The Web site for Dietitians of Canada is www.dietitians.ca.
Food demonstrations to be held
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Tips on healthy eating will be on the menu
at food demonstrations being held by the Leeds, Grenville and
Lanark District Health Unit.
Valu-mart in Prescott will be the site of a free demonstration
this Sunday, March 10 from noon to 2:30 pm. A similar presentation
was scheduled for yesterday afternoon at Van Camp Freshmart in
Cardinal.
For more information about the demonstrations and healthy
eating choices, call the Health Action Line at 345-5685 or 1-800-660-5853
or visit the health unit's Web site at www.healthunit.org.
Men go curling
PRESCOTT - Members of the Seaway Men's Ecumenical Group will
take to the ice at the Prescott Curling Club this Saturday morning.
The group will meet for breakfast at 8 am at NanC's Place and
then proceed to the club on Henry Street.
Health Eating
Club kicks off 4-H season
Submitted by Krista Somerville
The first meeting of Healthy Eating Around The Clock was held
on Feb. 28 at the Roebuck Community Hall. The meeting began at
7:15 pm. Our club leaders are Debbie Connell, Darlene Dillabough
and Pamela Somerville. They handed out the agenda for the night
and the planned dates for the other meetings.
It sure looks like a fun and exciting club, because it looked
like we were going to do some cooking as well as some eating.
Each member introduced themselves along with mentioning a food
that began with the same letter as their name. Election of officers
was the next item on the agenda. The results are as follows:
President - Stephanie Connell; Vice-President - Jeffrey Connell;
Secretary- Emily Robinson; Treasurer - Dustin Brown; Press Reporter
- Krista Somerville. Krista is also a youth leader in this club.
She had prepared a game to get everyone acquainted. We played
it and it sure was fun to see how everyone interpreted the game
differently.
We then discussed our club name, and then we discussed it
some more. We decided to think about it as the night went on.
The leaders then handed out the forms that we need to fill out
and bring back to the next meeting. Along with those pages we
were handed out our manuals, duotangs and other pertinent information.
Book requirements were discussed and the leaders assured us there
was going to be a prize for the best ME page. A ME page is a
page with a picture of yourself and lots of information about
yourself. We finally agreed upon a name for our club. It will
be "Pancake Pals 2."
Krista then had another warm-up game for us. After we completed
this we discussed our achievement program which is going to be
a catered banquet. The next meeting will be a double meeting
at the Roebuck Hall on March 13 with lots of cooking. The menu
for cooking and eating on that day was discussed and agreed upon.
The leaders are hoping to have a trip to Brockville to see
some food chain kitchens and tour a grocery store. A light snack
was enjoyed by all and the meeting was adjourned.
SCHOOL SCENE
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL - Report cards for the second term go
home today.
The senior girls' basketball team played in the regionals
Monday while the senior boys played in Iroquois.
Hot lunch this week is hot dogs.
The primary classes go skating Friday, March 8.
Next week is March Break. Classes resume Monday, March 18.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL The public speaking competition
was held Tuesday, Feb. 26. Congratulations to all those who participated.
In the junior division, third place went to Christopher Walasek,
second place to Kory Chamberland, and first to Torin Marcynuk.
In the senior division, third place went to Joshua Joudoin, second
place to Joshua Whelan, and first place to Janna Whelan.
March Break is March 11-15. End of term report cards go home
March 5.
Auditions and rehearsals for this year's performance of "Oz"
will take place through the months of March, April and May. The
performance will take place in late May.
Grade 7 and 8 numeracy and literacy programs, and art, French
and chess clubs continue each week.
The Grade 5 students had a wonderful time at the NAC for the
fascinating Beethoven concert and interesting visit to the Parliament
Buildings. The Beavertails were tasty and well appreciated. Thanks
to all parents who accompanied the students and volunteered their
time.
The grade 7 and 8 basketball teams competed at the regionals
Monday, March 4. The girls were at South Grenville, and the boys
will be at Seaway District High School.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL Congratulations to St. Mark
students who competed in the Royal Canadian Legion public speaking
contest Saturday, March 2. Congratulations also to the bronze,
silver and gold medal winners in the "Go For Gold"
reading challenge in Mrs. Milks' and Miss Shields' Grade 3 classes!
March Break begins this weekend, and school will resume Monday,
March 18. Report cards go home this week, and interviews will
be held after the break.
Hot lunch this week is pizza and after the break is chicken
chunks.
The new star strategy this week is "What's the Sound/What's
the Letter?"
Advance bids accepted for Big Sisters auction
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville is
accepting pre-bids as part of its ninth annual dream auction.
Although the event will be held May 11, the public is being
invited to go on-line and pre-bid on items in both the live and
silent auctions. Additional items which include descriptions
and pictures where applicable will be added on a regular basis.
Pre-bids will be accepted until May 10 at 8 pm.
Proceeds from the event will go directly to services Big Sisters
provides to promote the personal development of girls between
the ages of six and 16.
To pre-bid or for more information about the organization,
visit www.bigsisters-leedsgrenville.org. The telephone number
of the local office in Brockville is 345-3295.
The Dream Auction will take place at the 1000 Islands Mall
and will be broadcast live on Cogeco Community Cable.
Charity casino
suppliers must register
GANANOQUE - An information session for businesses interested
in supplying goods and services to the 1000 Islands Charity Casino
will take place March 13 at the Glen House Inn.
Only businesses registered under the Gaming Control Act,
1992 will be able to sell their products or services to the casino
being built on the boundary between Gananoque and Leeds and Thousand
Islands. Two sessions one at 2 pm, the other at 6 pm
will be offered to explain the registration process.
The inn is located on the Parkway about five km east of the
100 Islands Bridge.
In a media advisory issued Feb. 27, Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob
Runciman urges businesses in the area to attend one of the two
sessions. "This is an opportunity to qualify as a supplier
to the casino and I am hopeful that the needs of the casino,
both in products and services, can be met locally," Runciman
stated.
Construction of the $54-million casino located on the boundary
between Gananoque and Leeds and Thousand Islands is under way;
the facility is expected to open this summer.
A job fair to recruit staff for the 1000 Islands Charity Casino
attracted more than 2,300 applicants.
The fair was held Feb. 22 and Feb. 23. Applicants submitted
resumes and took part in initial mini-interviews as they applied
for one or two positions at the new facility.
The many positions to be filled by the Ontario Lottery and
Gaming Corporation involve everything from security and marketing
to game operations and hospitality.
An estimated 160 full-time and 190 part-time jobs will be
created at the casino.
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