Fewer break-ins reported in county
Year-end report issued by local OPP detachment
PRESCOTT - There was a significant decrease last year in
break and enters, according to the 2001 report of the Grenville
County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The Grenville County detachment is based in Prescott and has
a satellite office in Kemptville. The detachment serves the townships
of Augusta, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, North Grenville and Merrickville-Wolford.
Staff Sergeant Brent Hill, Grenville County detachment commander,
noted in the annual report "2001 was a challenging year"
as a result of new police service standards which went into effect
in Ontario at the beginning of last year.
"I am pleased to report that the OPP, as an organization,
met and often exceeded all of the standards required by the legislation,"
Hill stated.
The number of incidents investigated by Grenville officers
decreased slightly in 2001. Last year's total was 2,019; the
total for year 2000 was 2,069.
However, there was a fairly significant decrease in the number
of calls for OPP service. The county-wide total in 2000 was 8,495;
there were just under 8,000 calls the following year.
Just over 26 per cent of the incidents investigated by Grenville
County OPP officers occurred in Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal. Augusta
accounted for about 17.5 per cent of the incidents in Grenville.
More than 47 per cent of the caseload was based in North Grenville.
There was a significant decrease last year in break and enters.
OPP officers investigated 109 cases in the county in 2001, 26
of which were in Augusta and 21 in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. The
previous year's total for the county was 187.
Hill stated one of the detachment's three goals in 2001 was
to keep the number of break and enters in check.
There was also a marked decrease in assaults. Grenville County
OPP investigated 174 actual cases last year compared to 220 in
2001.
Decreases were also reported in cases involving theft, fraud
and drugs.
However, there was a significant increase in a group listed
as "other Criminal Code" offences.
In terms of motor vehicle accidents, 111 occurred in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
last year. There were 108 accidents in Augusta Township in 2001.
Hill noted in the detachment's annual report the OPP has installed
a breathalyser unit at the Canada Customs building in Johnstown.
Customs officers received expanded powers of arrest for Criminal
Code matters, including impaired driving.
The OPP detachment has been preparing to expand its coverage
area to include the Town of Prescott. However, the Ontario Civilian
Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS) decided last December
not to approve the disbandment of the Prescott Police Service.
The OPP is seeking a judicial review of the OCCOPS decision.
However, the grounds on which the appeal will be based have yet
to be disclosed. There is also no word on how long the appeal
process will take, although Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn indicated
last month he had heard it could take three months to get a court
date.
Prescott council voted Jan. 2, 2001 to seek a municipal policing
contract with the OPP.
OPP meets or exceeds standards
Staff Sgt. Brent Hill
Ontario Municipal Board approves Dixon Road
milk distribution centre
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD - Darlene and Robert Jones will finally be able
to proceed with the building and operation of a transfer station
for a commercial milk distribution centre on Dixon Road north
of Algonquin.
The Joneses won the right to proceed with the development
following an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) approval issued March
4.
The couple, owners of R & D Dairies Ltd., a distributorship
for Sealtest milk products, originally requested a land zone
change and official plan amendments from Augusta council at its
August, 2000 meeting. Then reeve Adrian VanSchie said at that
meeting he did not expect there would any objections to the rezoning.
However, the council at the time did receive several complaints
to the distribution centre from area residents.
VanSchie said at council's Oct. 2000 meeting it could not
proceed with the Jones's application based on the objections,
which dealt mainly with noise, increased traffic and threats
to safety and the environment.
The Joneses appealed to the OMB following that meeting, and
the notice of the decision was included in Augusta's correspondence
list at its meeting Monday night.
The OMB order states the appeal was filed by the Joneses "from
council's refusal or neglect to enact a proposed amendment to
the official plan for the Township of Augusta to redesignate
the lands comprising Lot 30, Concession 7 from rural to general
commercial in order to permit the establishment of a transfer
station..."
The order also states the appeal was instigated because of
council's refusal or neglect to enact an amendment to the zoning
bylaw from restricted rural to a site-specific designation.
Mrs. Jones, who attended Monday's meeting, is angry the previous
council did not see fit to approve the changes when the request
was first made a year-and-a-half ago. Mrs. Jones said council
members present at the Oct. 2000 meeting who agreed the OMB should
handle the situation were VanSchie, John McCrea and Doug Barton,
who is now deputy reeve.
"They just didn't want to deal with it," she said,
adding the previous council would not allow a public meeting.
The OMB hearing cost the Joneses $27,000 - money the couple
had put away for a retirement nest egg. The debt was accumulated
through lawyer and planner fees, hearing fees, having to conduct
a noise study at a cost of $5,200 and other expenses, Mrs. Jones
said. She estimates the debt will take about four years to pay
off.
There was no foundation to the complainants' objections, Mrs.
Jones said.
There are existing businesses on Dixon Road, she noted, including
a transport repair shop, two sand pits and a 43-unit mobile home
park, each of which has an individual septic system.
Mrs. Jones added the official planner involved in the case
was in favour of the business and did not feel it would have
a negative impact on the area.
"What bothered me the most was that the complainants
wouldn't give an inch," Mrs. Jones said. "We're not
people to go out and destroy property," she said, commenting
her family is conscientious with a desire to just run their business
and raise their family.
"For us it's going to be a long-term investment. It's
our livelihood."
The three main complainants listed in the OMB ruling were
Greg Zeran, owner of the mobile home park; George Davidson, a
neighbour to the Jones property; and Don Worden, a resident of
the park. Prescott lawyer Barry Laushway acted as counsel for
the Joneses.
The distribution centre will be located on the Joneses' 8.93-acre
property - land that has been in Mrs. Jones' family since 1952.
Her family, the Dixons, have been residents of the area for about
100 years, she said.
Sealtest established a distribution centre in Brockville in
1978, and the Joneses purchased the distributorship in April
2000. The move to Dixon Road will provide a more centralized
location for R & D Dairies' operations, Mrs. Jones said.
The company's territory includes Smiths Falls, Merrickville,
Mallorytown, Brockville, Prescott, Cardinal and Iroquois. Sealtest
delivers the milk to the centre, from where is it distributed
in the Joneses' three five-ton trucks to various facilities.
Their customers include five hospitals, retirement homes, grocery
and convenience stores, 12 public schools and high schools.
Four full-time, one part-time person and one student are employed
in the enterprise.
The couple was able to obtain financial assistance from the
Prescott-based Grenville Community Development Centre to build
the 28-foot by 42-foot distribution centre.
Some conditions apply to the OMB approval. Among them is an
indoor refrigeration unit must be installed within three years
of the board decision, and any expansion of the business, including
vehicles, is permitted only with a noise study satisfactory to
the Ministry of the Environment.
When asked during media question period if council had any
comments on the OMB decision, Reeve George Vail stated he was
pleased the decision went in favour of the Joneses. He noted
the appeal was expensive for the couple and said he felt some
of the restrictions may be unnecessary.
"For us it's going to be a long-term investment."
Darlene Jones
Damage, power outages caused by wind
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Numerous power outages, downed trees and
other damage was reported throughout the region as high winds
wreaked havoc late Saturday night and Sunday.
Gusts of 100 kilometres per hour and higher were reported
in portions of Eastern Ontario and northern New York as a cold
front made its way through the area. The winds picked up considerably
in Prescott at about 10:15 pm Saturday.
Hydro crews were kept busy Sunday and early this week restoring
power to some areas of South Grenville.
No injuries associated with the wind storm were reported by
local police.
THIS WEEK
Free family skating night is Thursday
PRESCOTT - The Town of Prescott, Prescott Valu-mart and The
Prescott Journal will present a free family skate night tomorrow
(Thursday, March 14) in Prescott.
The annual event will run from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Leo
Boivin Community Centre. The Valu-mart Raccoon, Bick's Pickle
and Bick's Relish Jar will be on hand.
Hot dogs, pizza, soft drinks, coffee and hot chocolate will
be offered free of charge.
Two meetings of town council are scrapped
PRESCOTT - A previous booking and computer problems led town
officials to cancel two recent meetings involving Prescott council.
The March 5 council meeting was scrapped because the health
centre auditorium had already been booked by a pre-natal class.
Council would normally have met Monday, March 4, but the meeting
was rescheduled to the following day to enable town officials
to attend the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce awards
banquet.
Council members were then to have attended a committee-of-the-whole
meeting Monday, March 11 to discuss the municipal budget. However,
computer problems which began last week prevented certain budget-related
information from being available at the meeting. Three members
of council would have been unable to attend Monday's meeting.
Town council is scheduled to meet this Monday, March 18 at
7 pm at the health centre.
Telethons raise more than $3.8 million
EASTERN ONTARIO - Telethons held this past weekend generated
considerable financial support for two organizations in the region.
More than $3,464,000 was raised during the University of Ottawa
Heart Institute's 11th annual telethon which aired Saturday night
and Sunday on CJOH-TV and CBOT-TV.
More than $400,000 was raised Sunday during the Easter Seal
Society telethon broadcast on CKWS-TV.
Justice reserves decision in fatal van accident trial
BROCKVILLE - Closing arguments were made last week in the
trial of a man charged in connection with a July 2000 accident
in Augusta Township that killed five people and injured 10 others.
Baljit Singh Bajwa, 19, was the driver of a shuttle van that
was eastbound on Highway 401 west of Prescott when it went out
of control and rolled several times. Bajwa is charged with criminal
negligence causing death, dangerous driving causing death and
criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
Ontario Court Justice Charles Anderson is presiding over the
trial; his decision will be handed down May 3.
New residence
for seniors accentuates flavour of historic Prescott home
Wiser Hall plans to host open house early next month
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - The public will soon get a chance to have an inside
look at Wiser Hall.
The historic waterfront property (also known as Whitehall)
in the west end of Prescott was purchased last year. Owners Bob
and Teresa Pelda have spent several months having the large turn-of-the-century
house refurbished and made into a retirement home. The project
is nearing completion.
An open house is tentatively scheduled to be held Saturday,
April 6 and Sunday, April 7.
Eight rental units have been created in the top two floors
of the house; each unit has its own bathroom and sleeping quarters.
An elevator is being installed this month. In addition to a kitchen
and dining room, Wiser Hall boasts a large living room and other
common areas featuring the style of the early 20th century. There
are also separate fitness and activity rooms, and the large grounds
include a number of gardens, fountains and a gazebo near the
river.
"We're all very proud of it," Mr. Pelda said. "We
hope Prescott is too."
Mrs. Pelda, a registered nurse, is executive director of Wiser
Hall.
"We're not a nursing home," she explained. "We
are promoting an independent and healthy lifestyle."
Residents will not have to sign in and out; they can come
and go as they please, according to Mrs. Pelda. A medical call
system will be made available to tenants, and Mrs. Pelda added
she is not opposed to residents who may require light assistive
care. Wiser Hall will also have a live-in housekeeper.
Enjoying the splendour of Wiser Hall will come at a premium
price. In addition to services and exclusivity, Mrs. Pelda noted
residents will enjoy an ambiance and quality of life not being
offered elsewhere.
"This is just such a comfortable place," she said.
Mrs. Pelda expects the occupancy date will be May 1. The target
market includes Eastern Ontario, Quebec and northern New York.
An estimated $350,000 is being spent on renovations and improvements
to the property; this does not include the amount being spent
on furnishings and art.
Most of the work at Wiser Hall is being done by local people.
Mr. Pelda, who owns Ottawa-based Quad Construction, said he is
pleased with the "wonderful" job they have been doing.
The Peldas also indicated they appreciate the community support
they have received during the project.
The Peldas have purchased a house in Prescott and plan to
make the move from Ottawa later this spring.
Driver charged after two vehicles collide
PRESCOTT - A man faces charges in the wake of a two-car collision
last week, according to the Prescott Police Service.
The collision occurred March 5 at about 4:50 pm. A pick-up
truck operated by a 64-year-old man was southbound on Edward
Street; a car driven by a 29-year-old woman was northbound on
Edward. The truck turned left at Wood Street and into the path
of the car. The driver of the truck was arrested and charged
with impaired driving and driving in excess of the legal blood
alcohol limit; he is to appear in Brockville court. A police
news release did not include the names of the drivers.
In all, town police investigated 43 general incidents and
two motor vehicle accidents between March 3 and March 10.
A 19-year-old man was arrested by Prescott police March 5
on an outstanding warrant. The man was searched by the arresting
officer and found to be in possession of marijuana. The same
man was arrested March 8 and found to be in possession of marijuana.
He was charged with possession of a narcotic and will appear
in Brockville court.
On March 9, police investigated the theft of items from trailers
parked at a trucking company on Churchill Road. Four Husky roll-away
cabinets and three cases of Hellmans mayonnaise were taken. The
value of the property was unknown when the news release was issued.
Anyone with information on these or any other offences in
town is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252
or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
First annual VON fundraiser set for March
22 in Prescott
PRESCOTT The first annual VON fundraiser will take place
Friday, March 22 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion
Branch 97, 141 Henry St. W.
Lunch will feature chicken à la king and biscuits,
and will be served by the hospitality class at South Grenville
District High School. Homemade desserts will also be served;
baked goods will be available for sale.
Tickets are being sold at Doyle's on King Street West and
from the VON; call 925-3731.
Proceeds will go to Victorian Order of Nurses programs.
OPP NEWS
Break-ins occur during the day
AUGUSTA - Grenville County OPP investigated two break and
enters March 5. The break-ins on Weir and Cedar Grove roads took
place during daylight hours; there was evidence of forced entry
at both locations. Among the items taken were satellite receivers
with cards and a home computer. Constable E. Barr is the investigating
officer. Anyone with information is asked to contact the detachment
at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Man charged with uttering threats
CARDINAL - OPP responded to a disturbance on Helen Street
March 6 at 6 pm. A man was arrested at the scene and transported
to the detachment in Prescott. Gerald Peters, 49, of Cardinal
is charged with two counts of uttering threats. He is to appear
in court March 22. Constable J. Blanchette is the investigating
officer.
Driver does not provide breath sample
EDWARDSBURGH - Police pulled over a blue pick-up truck on
County Road 44 March 9 at 2 am. The driver was taken to the detachment
in Prescott where he refused to provide a breath sample, according
to an OPP news release. Scott Cameron, 45, of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
was charged with impaired driving and refusing to provide a breath
sample. He is to appear in court March 22. Sergeant M. Francis
is the investigating officer.
Police lay impaired charge
EDWARDSBURGH - OPP Constable T. Johnston responded to a traffic
complaint involving a black pick-up truck on the shoulder of
Highway 416 northbound March 9. The vehicle was found to be stopped
at the edge of the travelled portion of the highway. Andrew Walker,
23, of North Grenville, was arrested and charged with impaired
driving. He is scheduled to appear in court March 22.
Police seek witnesses to accident
EDWARDSBURGH - Grenville County OPP are seeking witnesses
to a collision that occurred March 11 on Highway 401 near mileage
marker 728. A mid-size white vehicle attempted to pass a tractor
trailer in the westbound lanes at about 10:15 pm. The vehicle
hit the "rumble strip" at the edge of the roadway,
overcorrected and struck the tires of the rig. The vehicle entered
the median and proceeded eastbound on the highway without stopping
at the scene of the accident. The truck driver was not injured;
the rig sustained minimal damage. Constable T. Johnston is the
investigating officer. Anyone who has information about this
incident is asked to contact the OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-222-8477.
Council threatens
action as abuse continues at Maitland recycling depot
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
MAYNARD - Recycling continues to be a problem at the Cedar
Street depot in Maitland.
Councillor Jane Fullarton commented at the Monday night council
meeting the bins are still being overfilled, causing the bins
to topple over and the debris to blow around in neighbouring
yards, creating unsightly messes. She also noted regular household
garbage is also being left at the site, something that is not
permitted.
The issue of abuse at the station was raised at council's
January meeting, and councillors had warned the depot would be
removed if the situation persisted.
Fullarton said she has had recent calls of complaints from
neighbourhood residents about the mess, and she had to personally
clean up the area. "I can understand the property owners'
frustration," said Fullarton, who is a resident of Maitland.
The bins are emptied weekdays only, Fullarton said, but changes
need to be made.
"It obviously gets good use, but I hate to discourage
recycling by abandoning the site."
The bins tend to overflow on weekends, Fullarton added.
Suggestions raised by councillors at the meeting included
fencing the area, securing the bins to a backing, removing the
site entirely, changing the location, or creating an additional
location. The same problem does not exist at the depot at the
MERC hall site, which stays clean and orderly, it was noted at
the meeting.
Fullarton said about 140 homes use the site, and an additional
station may help relieve the "annoying" situation.
"Maybe we're expecting too much" by asking people to
bring all their recycling to one location, she said.
"It's too bad people abuse something they have that works
very well," Reeve George Vail said.
"I almost feel that site may disappear," said Deputy
Reeve Doug Barton.
"I can understand the property owners' frustration."
Augusta Councillor Jane Fullarton
Augusta begins list of municipal budget items
MAYNARD Budget deliberations have not yet begun in Augusta
Township, but several councillors put in requests at the Monday
night meeting to have items added to the 2002 list of expenses.
Deputy Reeve Doug Barton noted among the budget costs this
year is the capping and levelling of the Maynard landfill site.
According to Ministry of Environment regulations, the former
dump hill needs to be levelled, and then a cover of two-and-a-half
feet of clay and eight to 10 inches of top soil added. The landfill
was converted to a transfer station last fall.
The township will also need to make provisions to replace
two older public works trucks that will soon be beyond use and
repair, Barton said.
Councillor Jane Fullarton said the exterior of the Augusta
public library in Algonquin will need painting this year, and
some boards need replacing.
It was also suggested at the meeting money be set aside in
the budget to have a study conducted on train whistles in the
township and requirements necessary for them to be silenced.
Civic leaders anticipate heated debate on
merits of proposed smoking ban
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The debate has yet to begin, but civic leaders
in the Prescott area are expecting some heated discussions when
councils consider enacting bylaws to ban smoking in public places.
The district health unit is hoping municipal councils in Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark will place restrictions on smoking in restaurants,
bars, sports facilities and other indoor areas in which the public
may gather. A recent survey conducted on behalf of the health
unit shows a majority of respondents in the tri-county area would
favour bylaws to limit smoking.
Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce President Pat Dewar
said in an interview the chamber should be aware of and discuss
any subject which could affect the business community. Dewar,
a former smoker, also said she is aware some businesses will
oppose a ban because of fears it will have a very negative impact
on sales.
Survey respondents showed varying degrees of support for a
smoking ban in various types of locations. The lowest rate of
support about 50 per cent was for smoking being banned
in bars.
Dewar, who operates an 18-unit inn just west of Prescott,
noted 12 of those 18 rooms are designated for non-smoking guests.
She expects the entire operation will be smoke-free sometime
in the future, although Dewar acknowledged a ban on smoking would
likely hurt business in the short term.
"There is a scary transition," Dewar said of the
implementation phase of a smoking ban.
However, she added there would be long-term benefits about
being able to promote her business as a non-smoking environment.
"They (smokers) are a dwindling group," said Dewar,
who noted more guests are asking about non-smoking restaurants.
The survey also noted a majority of respondents would be more
likely or as likely to frequent public places to which smoke-free
bylaws apply.
The issue of municipal bylaws is expected to arise when health
unit officials present survey findings to councils throughout
the region, including Augusta, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Prescott.
"It's going to be a really hot issue," said Prescott
Councillor Jim French.
The councillor said enforcement and the negative effects a
bylaw could have on business from both sides of the river are
among the issues that will emerge as part of the debate on the
merits of a smoking ban. However, French declined to indicate
whether he is in favour of such a ban.
Mill foundation to hold AGM
SPENCERVILLE - The annual general meeting of the Spencerville
Mill Foundation will be held Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30 pm at
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 604.
The agenda will include reports on the past year and plans
for the future. The election of officers will also take place.
Members and friends of the foundation are invited to attend.
Some provincial
government services would be affected by OPSEU strike
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Disruptions to some provincial government
services are expected if members of the Ontario Public Service
Employees Union (OPSEU) take strike action.
As of press time, a tentative deal between the province and
OPSEU had not been reached. The union was in a legal strike position
as of early this morning. Wages and job security are among the
main issues in the labour dispute.
A government notice published in some newspapers notes certain
services will be unavailable in the event of a walkout. Some
services involving driver and vehicle licensing will be affected
by a strike or lockout. Hours of operation at land registry offices
will be reduced. Certificates for birth, death, marriage and
change of name will not be issued.
Workplace and employment services will be limited, and government
information centres will be closed.
Hospitals will remain open but certain government-operated
health services will be unavailable if there is a strike, according
to the notice. For example, no new or replacement health cards
will be issued. The ministry and seniors INFO lines will not
be available, and there will be no processing of applications
for assistive devices.
"Although the Government of Ontario will continue to
work hard to provide services to the public, it won't be business
as usual," the notice stated.
The government has indicated it will provide up-to-date, pre-recorded
information on services through a toll-free telephone number
(1-866-933-9233) and a special Web site address (www.ontarioservicesupdate.com).
Alternative school reports increase in registration
PRESCOTT - Alternative schools in the region are experiencing
an influx of students, according to the Upper Canada District
School Board.
The T.R. Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing
Education has several campuses, including one at South Grenville
District High School.
Leger's third trimester of the 2001-2002 academic year begins
this month. Many campuses are reporting an increase in new registrations;
figures for the Prescott campus were unavailable.
The so-called new curriculum now in place at high schools
will also be offered at alternative schools after 2003. T.R.
Leger Principal Brenda King noted adult learners who attended
high school more than a decade ago may have difficulty adjusting
to the new curriculum, which is based on skills learned in elementary
school. The new curriculum is generally accepted to be much more
rigorous than what preceded it.
School officials believe the upcoming change in curriculum
has something to do with the recent influx in enrolment.
"The best advice I could give an adult right now is to
return to school before 2003 and get that Grade 12 diploma,"
King stated in a news release.
By signing up during the March registration period, students
can complete three credits by the end of June.
For more information about courses offered at T.R. Leger School,
call 925-1834 or the administrative centre at 1-877-875-3437.
Prescott firefighters surprise chief
Bill Lawrence honoured for 30 years of service
PRESCOTT - Bill Lawrence vows he will get back at the people
who set him up for a pleasant surprise.
Prescott's fire chief thought he was walking into just an
ordinary meeting of the firefighters' association last Tuesday
night. Instead, Lawrence ended up on the receiving end of a tribute
in recognition of his 30 years of service to the community, 15
of which have been as chief.
"We've been trying to get you for a long time,"
Fire Captain Lorne Watling told Lawrence.
On hand to greet the chief were most of the members of the
volunteer fire department as well as Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn,
department Chaplain Gerry Ring and Lawrence's wife Karen.
Lawn, a former principal at South Grenville District High
School, recalled the days when the chief was a student and head
boy at South Grenville. "He told everyone he was running
the school," the mayor remarked.
Lawn made presentations on behalf of the town and the Ontario
fire marshal's office. A 30-year service bar was pinned to the
Lawrence's 25-year medal. The mayor said taking part in the gathering
was a highlight of his term to date.
"It (the fire department) wouldn't be the organization
it is without your leadership," Lawn said to Lawrence.
Reverend Ring said it has been "an honour" to serve
under Lawrence's direction. Ring credited Mrs. Lawrence with
providing support, love and guidance to her husband. She received
a bouquet of flowers from the firefighters.
Lawrence had "eyes like saucers and hair down to here"
when he applied to become a firefighter 30 years ago, it was
noted at the get-together. But he was always there and took direction
well in the early days, firefighters were told.
For his part, the chief thanked everyone for their kind words.
Lawrence said if he is a good chief it is because of the people
who surround him.
"I know this community is proud of its fire department,"
the chief said.
Fire officials urge caution when using lacquer
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Office of the Fire Marshal is reminding
the public to be careful when using lacquer and other flammable
solvents.
With spring just around the corner, many people's thoughts
turn to home renovations. However, lacquer and other solvents
can be extremely dangerous if used incorrectly. The fire marshal's
office in Ontario has recorded several incidents in which improper
use of flammable solvents has resulted in death or serious injuries.
Vapours are highly explosive if they come into contact with an
open flame or spark. Lacquer and other solvents should be used
only in well-ventilated areas that have no ignition sources,
including pilot lights found on furnaces, water tanks and gas
stoves.
For more information, contact your local fire department or
the Office of the Fire Marshal in Toronto (416-325-3152).
March of Dimes canvass results announced
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Prescott area came through during the
Ontario March of Dimes annual door-to-door campaign.
More than $1,400 was raised in Prescott in January as part
of the Brockville-area canvass that collected more than $17,000
to enhance the lives of Ontarians who live with physical disabilities.
Campaign co-ordinator Wendy Bowes noted 26 canvassers braved
cold January evenings.
Geraldine Haystead and Diana Beck served as captains who distributed
and retrieved kits and maintained close contact with canvassers,
according to Bowes. Adam Massey volunteered to canvass Johnstown
and raised additional money for the March of Dimes.
The organization raises money to provide accessibility, employment,
independent living, recreation and integration services and a
post-polio program.
The March of Dimes was founded more than 50 years ago; volunteers
at that time knocked on doors to raise money to find a cure for
polio.
Men's group breakfast adds taste of Irish
flavour
PRESCOTT - The upcoming breakfast meeting of the Seaway Men's
Ecumenical Group will have a St. Patrick's Day theme.
The event will be held this Saturday, March 16 at St. Paul's
United Church, corner of Dibble and Centre streets. Irish music,
singalongs, limericks and poems will follow the breakfast which
begins at 8 am. Tickets can be purchased at the door; everyone
is welcome to attend.
Edwardsburgh
Lions Club gives back to the community
Sixteen-member group donates more than $7,500 to other
organizations
SPENCERVILLE - The Edwardsburgh Lions Club has capped yet
another year of fundraising efforts by donating more than $7,500
back into the community.
The Lions' annual lottery was held March 2 at the County Road
44 club house.
Club Secretary Earle Coffin said those receiving funds this
year were the Boy Scouts ($1,667), Girl Guides ($625), Spencerville
Minor Ball Association ($2,500), Grenville Fish and Game Club
($1,600 to assist with its Little Dreamer boat program) and the
Grenville County OPP detachment ($800 to sponsor bike rodeos
at four schools).
Each year, the club sends out invitations for community groups
to participate in the draw for funds, Coffin explained. Nine
organizations with total requests for $17,500 sent in applications
this year, he said.
Participants names are drawn lottery style.
Those who submitted a request for funds but were not chosen
received consolation prizes of $100 each.
"It's simply public service to make our community a better
place," Coffin said of the donations.
The 16-member Edwardsburgh Lions Club fundraises throughout
the year to sponsor the annual draw, Coffin said.
About 75 per cent of its funds are turned back to the local
community.
Other annual activities of the club are fund raising for the
Diabetes Association through its Case for a Cure drive each September,
and the Lions Foundation Dog Guides of Canada walk.
The Edwardsburgh Lions Club will celebrate its 25th anniversary
this June.
Healthy lifestyle choices are important before
and during pregnancy: health unit
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - Healthy lifestyle choices before and
during pregnancy are crucial, according to the Leeds, Grenville
and Lanark District Health Unit.
Fifty per cent of women do not plan their pregnancies, the
health unit reports in a news release. This means women are often
unaware they are pregnant for some time.
Studies have shown alcohol, tobacco or drug use by the mother
or father can harm the developing fetus, especially very early
in pregnancy.
Women may be at risk of having a miscarriage, a baby with
birth defects or a low birth weight baby.
Low birth weight is when a baby weighs five pounds, eight
ounces (2500 grams) or less at birth. Parents-to-be should not
believe low birthweight is desirable or is nothing to be concerned
about, according to the health unit.
Low birth weight babies are more likely to have medical and
developmental problems such as anemia (not enough red blood cells),
poor vision or blindness, and brain damage. A baby born with
low birth weight may have learning difficulties and behavioural
problems later in childhood.
Cigarette smoking can make a woman less fertile and therefore
make it harder to get pregnant. Smoking during pregnancy is especially
dangerous because each cigarette smoked denies the unborn baby
of 20 minutes of the proper amount of oxygen needed to grow and
develop.
Second-hand smoke is also harmful to both the mother and the
unborn baby.
As for alcohol, the health unit notes "no one knows how
much alcohol will put your baby at risk. The safest choice is
to stop drinking before you try to conceive and during pregnancy."
For more information about healthy lifestyles before pregnancy
or on pre-pregnancy planning, call the district health unit's
Health Action Line at 1-800-660-5853.
A quiz on pre-conception health is available on the health
unit's Web site: www.healthunit.org.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at St. John's
PRESCOTT - St. John's Anglican Church will host two St. Patrick's
Day events next week.
A shamrock luncheon will be served Friday, March 15 from 11
am to 2 pm at the church hall on James St. W. A baked goods table
will also be set up at the luncheon. Tickets can be purchased
at the door.
"Paddy 'O' Furniture: An Irish Delight" will be
presented Sunday, March 17 at 7 pm. Tickets are available from
choir members and at the door.
Healthy eating
education session sponsored by diabetes association in Brockville
BROCKVILLE - The tri-county branch of the Canadian Diabetes
Association will present a nutrition information session Tuesday,
March 19 from 7 to 8:30 pm at St. John Bosco Parish Centre, 175
Windsor Drive.
Dietitians Heather Deegan and Dianne Oickle of the district
health unit will be on hand to discuss "Fabulous food and
a healthy you." Although March is National Nutrition Month,
every month is nutrition month for people with diabetes.
Admission is free. The session is presented in conjunction
with St. Vincent de Paul Diabetes Education Centre. The association's
tri-county branch serves Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties.
For more information, contact the association at 345-0992
or the education centre at 342-4461, extension 2269.
Homeowners advised to upgrade wells now
MAYNARD - Augusta residents are being encouraged to take advantage
of grants to assist in upgrading their wells.
Under Ontario's clean water program, it will eventually be
a requirement for all well casings to extend above ground level,
Deputy Reeve Doug Barton said at Monday night's council meeting.
There are funds available to assist with the upgrades, Barton
noted. Funds to cover approximately 50 per cent of the cost of
having the work done are administered by the South Nation Conservation
Authority, Rideau Lakes Conservation Authority and the Ontario
Federation of Agriculture, he said.
Homeowners would access the funds from the authority that
governs the watershed in the area in which they live.
"I would just like the people of the township to know
that someday it will likely become a law, and the way it looks,
it will be passed down to our building inspector to go around
and inspect these," Barton said.
"There is assistance available now. This may be the time
to try and access some of these funds, and at least help defer
the cost of getting it done before it does become a law."
Funds are also available for property owners wanting to decommission
an old well, Barton explained. "Get some information and
start working on it," he advised.
Good friendship and food on the menu at centre
WALKER HOUSE NEWS
By Marnie Lippiatt
Our series on healthy living has proven to be very interesting.
We have been introduced to several new foods. The following lunch
has been a pleasant mix of good food and good friendship. Next
week (March 20), we will be talking about "B"ing smart
with food. We will discover the many ways to include "B"
vitamins in our diet. Everyone is welcome, but please call 925-5300
so we can set a place at the table.
Mark your calendar for the next craft night. We will be making
a "gem" tree April 1 at 6:30 pm. Ron Shannon will also
be talking about other projects that can be made from polished
gem rocks.
We are planning a chili lunch April 5 to be followed by a
speaker. Bill Webster will be discussing the benefits of a personal
safety device (a bracelet or necklace). Alarm Force can also
be combined with a home security system. Plan to join us and
find out the reasons for using a system like this.
Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Charlie Steiner;
2nd, Kitty Wormington; door prize, Audrey Kingston. Tuesday night
cribbage high hand, Pete Lowry; high score, Hugh Evely;
2nd, John Baynham; 3rd, Jean McCrady. Thursday night euchre
1st, Bea Hemsley; 2nd, Hilda Hutton; 3rd, Pete Lowry; door prize,
John Baynham.
SCHOOL SCENE
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL - Auditions are ongoing for the
school play "Oz," and there are also tryouts for the
school choir. There will be an intramural basketball league for
grades 6 and 7 (girls and boys) beginning Tuesday, March 19.
Art club will continue on Wednesdays after school, and French
club on Fridays after school. We had our enrollment mass for
our Confirmation class Sunday, March 3. It was wonderful to see
so much participation. Confessions will be heard March 20 in
the morning, and we will be having a school mass in the afternoon.
Our Grade 7 trip to Quebec City is gearing up for the end
of April
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