Renovation plan back on table
Council will not proceed with proposal to build town hall
on parking lot
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Town council has returned to some familiar territory
on the issue of what to do about the town hall and public library.
Council decided last Wednesday not to proceed with building
a new town hall/library on the downtown parking lot site. Instead,
council's original plan to renovate the Dibble Street municipal
building is being reconsidered.
During an emotional and sometimes heated debate, a majority
of council members indicated they would not support using the
parking lot design prepared for the previous council, nor would
they approve of spending more money on a new design for a building
at that site.
Architect Ralph Vandenberg had told council a week earlier
the estimated cost of constructing the two-storey building, based
on the original design, would be up to $150 per square foot,
or $1.8 million. A scaled-back version may fall in the range
of $125 per square foot, according to Vandenberg.
When council met last week to discuss their options, each
was polled as to whether he or she supported going with the original
design, and then whether to call for a new design for the parking
lot site.
The continuing frustration over the status of the town hall
project emerged once again. Some council members argued over
what took place last summer when a small ad hoc committee dealt
with the renovation option; some concerns were expressed over
how the project was put to tender.
A few pointed remarks were made during the course of the debate.
For example, Councillor Terry McConnell told Mayor Robert Lawn
"you are only the mayor, and you're not the boss."
By the end of the discussion, most council members expressed
some degree of willingness to review the renovation option.
The only one who did not indicate a willingness to reconsider
the renovation option was Councillor Jim French, who said he
has no interest in a project that will cost at least $1.3 million.
French, who remarked the option to purchase his hardware store
and use it for municipal offices and the library had "thankfully"
been removed from further consideration, suggested earlier in
the meeting council consider building a new library adjacent
to the existing facility on Dibble Street.
A community-based committee could spearhead the project and
raise money for it, he noted.
A small municipal building could be constructed on another
site, according to French.
Lawn said renovation plans developed last summer were not
grandiose. However, he acknowledged they were "... a little
bit better than bare bones."
As for the lengthy process of making a decision on the town
hall/library issue, Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said council's
ongoing discussions, power struggles and inability to proceed
with a plan are "disgracing this town." Although she
questions the long-term wisdom of council's decision, the councillor
said staff need a decent place to work and renovations should
not be short-changed.
"Let's have a meeting and sit down and look at it,"
Beckstead said.
But the councillor also questionned whether anything would
be done given council's track record on the subject.
"It doesn't really matter (what we do); it could change
next week," she remarked.
McFarland commented council's "foolery" last year
"threw our credibility out the window" in terms of
the funding application for library renovations.
She added renovating 360 Dibble is "the only option that
makes sense."
Council's actions "disgracing the town" - Councillor
Jo-Anne Beckstead
Bingo International
makes case against no-smoking bylaw
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Bingo International would not survive if
a smoking ban were to be implemented in Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal,
according to the company's owner and president.
Brian Nolan, who is also a non-smoker and was on the board
of the local branch of the lung association, has "reams
and reams" of material to document his concerns about prohibiting
smoking in bingo halls, bars, restaurants and other indoor public
places.
Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health with the Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, is emphasizing the
need to protect public health as he and other officials visit
municipal councils in the tri-county area. The group made a presentation
to Prescott council last Wednesday and Augusta council Monday,
and will be in Spencerville Monday night to speak to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
council.
Statistics compiled by Bingo International in March indicate
two-thirds of players were in the smoking section; the March
average was a total of about 130 players per session. Nolan said
the feedback he has been receiving from smokers suggests many
would not return if a smoking ban were implemented.
"They'll tell you they will not be here," he remarked.
A survey conducted for the health unit indicated a majority
of respondents would be as likely or more likely to go to businesses
once a smoking ban is in place.
But Nolan doubts that would happen. He argues losing a large
percentage of smokers would undercut the viability of Bingo International,
a business that contributes to the community in a number of ways.
Forty-two local and regional charities shared in revenues
totalling more than $770,000 in 2001. Volunteers from those charities
help out on the bingo hall floor.
Bingo International employs 29 full- and part-time personnel
with an annual payroll of more than $270,000.
The Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal received $120,000 in
licence fees last year from Bingo International, and an additional
$23,417 in taxes.
"I have all the respect in the world for Dr. Gardner,"
Nolan said, "but he's not an expert on business. "We
lose one business, and it's one business too many."
A glass wall divides the smoking and non-smoking sections
at Bingo International. Each side has its own card-purchasing
counter, canteen and washrooms.
Nolan said additional costs were incurred to accommodate non-smokers.
He also noted one-third of the 540 seats in the four-year-old
facility on County Road 2 east of Prescott is non-smoking, more
than exists at some other facilities.
Dr. Gardner said there is a need to protect the public from
second-hand smoke. The only effective way to do so, he stated,
is to eliminate the source.
"No ventilation system is 100 per cent adequate to deal
with indoor smoke," the doctor told Prescott council last
week.
Nolan agreed, but noted "there are ways to make it somewhat
better." He went on to state the health unit should keep
its focus on education, an area in which he believes the health
unit has "failed miserably."
The uncertainty being created by the issue is stressful to
many business owners and staff alike, according to Nolan. "People
who work here aren't blind," he said. "They know we
can't run this business on 90 or 100 people per session."
Bingo International experimented with smoke-free bingo two
years ago. Four sessions were scheduled; the fourth was cancelled
due to decreasing attendance.
Local exporting firm honoured at Ontario Global
Trader Awards
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
JOHNSTOWN -A local company has earned a top award in the Eastern
Region Ontario Global Traders Awards held last Thursday in Brockville.
Measurements International Ltd. on Pirelli Drive won the Partnership
Award of Merit for its exporting achievements.
The Ontario government recognized leading small and medium-sized
exporters in Eastern Ontario for outstanding achievements and
contributions to the province's prosperity with the 2001 Global
Traders Awards, presented by Bob Runciman, Leeds-Grenville MPP
and the minister of economic development and trade.
The awards program was launched by the Ontario government
in 1998 to champion and celebrate the success of the province's
exporters and to encourage more companies to expand into global
markets.
Duane Brown, president of Measurements International, said
the award is particularly meaningful to the company's 22 employees.
He noted they were excited about the company's standing at
the ceremony, and pleased the award would give them some recognition
and publicity at the local level.
Measurements International does 98 per cent of its business
overseas, Brown said. The firm started about 15 years ago in
space leased in Prescott. About eight years ago it moved to Pirelli
Drive.
Measurements International manufactures high-quality test
and measuring instruments for the metrology and power industries,
Brown explained. This is a specialized field of high-precision
and electrical and temperature metrology. The company has grown
into one of the industry's premier companies providing new, innovative,
standards technology, the president said. It has successfully
delivered automated "turn-key" systems to every national
laboratory responsible for maintaining reference values for temperature,
resistance, voltage, power and current to the best obtainable
accuracy.
The award recognizes the marketing partnership between Measurements
International and Isothermal Technology in Merseyside, England.
The local company has also established marketing partnerships
with two other firms in the United States and in Switzerland.
Brown's growth strategy involves increasing the company's
marketing partnerships and expanding the product line around
the world. While his company will not advance to the Global Traders
provincial finals in May, Brown said "next year we'll be
ready for it. We're going to do our best."
Judges reviewed 230 nominations from across Ontario to select
winners for the four regional Ontario Global Traders Awards ceremonies
this year. Other ceremonies were held in Guelph, Niagara Falls
and in North Bay. Regional award recipients from various categories
will compete for the top provincial award in Toronto May 15.
The categories with divisions for regional award, award of merit
and honourable mention are leadership, innovation, market expansion
(product and service), partnership and student achievement.
Other Leeds and Grenville companies recognized at the Brockville
ceremony were Pensa Technology Solutions Inc. of Brockville (innovation
award of merit); Til-Tek Antennas of Kemptville (market expansion
- product award of merit); and Maple Leaf Environmental Equipment
Ltd. of Brockville (market expansion - product honourable mention).
They were competing against companies from Ottawa, Kingston,
Belleville and Peterborough.
Runciman noted the companies "deserve our applause for
taking risks, for creating new jobs, and helping to sustain the
economic lifeblood of communities throughout Ontario."
Exports generate the equivalent of more than 50 per cent of
Ontario's gross domestic product and sustain 1.6 million jobs
in Ontario.
THIS WEEK
Food bank to establish board of directors
SPENCERVILLE The next public meeting to discuss plans
to establish a food bank in South Grenville is set for this Thursday,
April 11 at 7:30 pm at the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal municipal hall
in Spencerville.
The primary purpose of the meeting is to elect a board of
directors. A draft constitution will also be presented.
The "Food For All" steering committee that was formed
in January is hoping a food bank to serve residents of Augusta,
Prescott and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal will be open this September.
A board of directors must be in place in order for food bank
organizers to incorporate and apply for charitable status.
As an interim measure, the steering committee had asked Prescott
council to provide a tax receipt to the owner of a property being
considered as a site for the food bank. Council discussed the
request during an in-camera session Monday night.
Steering committee member, Rev. Blair Paterson, told The
Journal Tuesday council decided to turn down the request.
Town police receive provincial funding boost
PRESCOTT The Prescott Police Service has received provincial
funding to offset the cost of hiring new officers, Leeds-Grenville
MPP Bob Runciman announced last Thursday.
The town's police department received $16,829 under the Community
Policy Partnerships Program, which provides matching funds for
up to 50 per cent of the costs associated with hiring additional
front-line staff.
"This is an important program because it helps municipalities
hire more officers thereby making streets safer for all citizens,"
Runciman stated in a news release.
Police departments in Brockville and Gananoque have also received
provincial payments.
Latest in diabetes care available at symposium
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE The local branch of the Canadian
Diabetes Association will be hosting a symposium in conjunction
with its annual general meeting Tuesday, April 16 at St. John
Bosco Parish Centre in Brockville.
The symposium begins at 6 pm with exhibits and a reception.
Pharmaceutical company representatives will display the latest
technology in diabetes care; many local resource and service
providers will also be on hand.
Following the election of a new branch executive committee
during the AGM from 7 to 7:30 pm, nurse educators Cheryl Allen
and Joanne Koster from Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston will speak
on health-care strategies for parents of children with diabetes.
The parish centre is located at 175 Windsor Dr. For more information,
call the association office in Brockville at 345-0992.
Market improvements in the works
Vendors want downtown facility to stay where it is
PRESCOTT - Prior to council's decision not to proceed with
plans to construct a new town hall/library on the parking lot
site, concerns about the proposal were raised by a vendor at
the Prescott Farmers Market.
Eli Countryman told council last Wednesday the market, which
operates at that location Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays in
summer and fall, has a long tradition. The loss of that space
would be a detriment to the market and the downtown as a whole,
according to Countryman.
As part of the proposal to put up a building on the parking
lot site, the farmers market would be moved to Centre Street
between King and Water streets. Centre would be closed to traffic
during market operating hours.
Countryman noted the Centre street proposal would reduce the
amount of space available to vendors. The accompanying loss of
parking from the municipal lot site would also hurt business,
he noted.
Countryman said the market accounted for one-third of his
farm's sales last year. Losing the parking lot site would "...probably
put me out of business," he added.
There are plans to improve the market this season, according
to Countryman. He said he has leads on new vendors, and there
are provisions to draw younger people to the market.
In the event the parking lot site is unavailable, Countryman
suggested the market be relocated to the parking area in front
of Valu-mart and Canadian Tire; both stores are expected to close
later this year and reopen in the FAI commercial development
east of the Ontario Provincial Police station. However, he added
this alternative is not ideal; many of the customers of market
vendors are seniors who live within walking distance of the downtown
location.
"We firmly believe in the decision to renovate the old
hall," Countryman said on behalf of the vendors.
Fish and game club
youth association has plans to get outdoors and have fun
MAYNARD - A local group of young conservationists is hoping
to have some fun as its members learn more about the great outdoors.
The Youth Association of the Grenville Fish and Game Club
was formed in January. The association's executive consists of
President Matlock Guse, Vice-President Kyle Jensen, Secretary
Chase Holmes, Treasurer Travis Stephenson and Press Reporter
Marc Paquette.
The Grenville association is an example of a "Get Outdoors
Club" sponsored by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and
Hunters.
The youth conservation program is open to youngsters under
the age of 17 who have an interest in outdoor activities. Membership
in the fish and game club is not required in order to join the
youth association.
More than 30 youngsters have enrolled. Paquette said the response
is better than expected.
As a club, the Grenville group is trying to earn performance
crests for conservation, education, fundraising, outdoor exploration
and public relations. Individual members can earn pins for a
number of "outdoor fun" areas, including fishing, hunting,
archery, camping and canoeing.
The association meets every fourth Thursday of the month at
the fish and game club on North Campbell Road. However, "meetings"
are not as boring as they may sound. One recent get-together
was a visit to an indoor archery range.
"We want to have fun" while learning about the outdoors,
Guse said.
Activities in the works include a roadside clean-up later
this month in Augusta Township, a weekend summer camp and a jaunt
aboard the fish and game club's pontoon boat Little Dreamer.
The group is also planning fundraising activities.
Association members receive discounts on firearm safety courses
offered through the Grenville club. Each member also receives
a "Get Outdoors" t-shirt.
For more information on the youth association, contact Lynn
Holmes at 925-3408 or visit the fish and game club's Web site
at www.grenvillefishandgame.com.
Majority of respondents to chamber survey
oppose putting town hall on parking lot
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce has
reiterated its concerns about building a new town hall/library
on the downtown parking lot site.
At the direction of its board of directors, the chamber polled
members who live or pay taxes in Prescott. Of the 73 respondents
who indicated a preference one way or the other, 59 opposed using
the parking lot site for a new town hall/library.
Chamber Vice-President Lewis Beach presented the survey results
to Prescott council last Wednesday. Council decided later that
night not to proceed with plans to build on that site.
Beach said he and the other chamber directors (Brent Laton
and Sharon Spychi) found there were strong responses for renovating
the Dibble Street building. Some clearly do not want to see another
town hall torn down in Prescott, he added.
The loss of parking spaces had been cited as a key factor
in the chamber's opposition to the parking lot site two years
ago. Beach acknowledged that is still the case for many respondents,
especially those who have been in business in town for more than
10 years.
He added some respondents expressed their displeasure about
being asked for their opinion on the subject once again.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead asked Beach if the chamber would
be so adamant about keeping the parking lot in place if some
business were willing to invest $1.5 million in a building on
that site. Beach responded by saying there would probably be
some underground parking associated with that building.
As was the case two years ago, the chamber is prepared to
form a committee that would work with council to resolve the
ongoing uncertainty on the town hall issue.
"It would be nice to see if there could be some compromise
now," Beach said.
The Dibble Street renovation plans are now being reviewed
by council.
Roadside clean-up set for April 20
MAYNARD - The Grenville Fish and Game Club Youth Association
is pitching in to make the community a nicer place.
The association will host a roadside clean-up Saturday, April
20 along county and township roads in the Maynard area. GFGC
will provide orange safety vests and garbage bags; volunteers
are advised to provide their own work gloves and boots. High
school students trying to meet their community service requirement
are invited to participate.
Volunteers are to meet by 8 am at the club on North Campbell
Road; the clean-up is scheduled to end at 4 pm. Parental waivers
are required. Youth association mentors will be on hand to sign
community service forms.
For more information or to register, contact Chase Holmes
at 925-3408.
Prescott police investigate bank card fraud
PRESCOTT - Two cases of fraud involving bank cards are being
investigated by the Prescott Police Service.
Town police received a report April 3 from a 17-year-old female;
an investigation revealed her TD client card had been stolen
from her purse during a visit to Oxford Station.
The card was then used at the bank branch in Prescott. The
investigation is continuing.
The next day, Prescott police received a report of fraud involving
a bank machine at a local bank.
Further details were unavailable; the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about these or other incidents in
town is asked to call the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252
or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
In all, town police investigated 57 general incidents and
three motor vehicle accidents between March 31 and April 7.
Augusta Township hires new chief building
official
MAYNARD - Augusta council has appointed a new chief building
official to fill the position that has been vacant since January.
Doug Beesley will also serve as the tile drainage inspector,
municipal law enforcement officer and zoning administrator. Beesley
told council at its Monday night meeting he has been enforcing
the Ontario Building Code since 1984.
He noted he has an "open-door policy" and encouraged
the public to call him at the township office. "I'm here
to help you with your building and planning needs. My job is
to facilitate safe buildings," he said.
Beesley has previously been employed by the City of Brockville
as the inspection officer for four years, and also worked for
North and South Elmsley townships and the Town of Hanover as
chief building official and planning administrator.
He replaces Greg Trizisky, who resigned from Augusta Township
late last year. Clyde Solomon, municipal engineer for Prescott,
was the acting chief building official in the interim.
Garage builders want changes
MAYNARD - Two Augusta residents are hoping for some quick
answers with regards to a building permit submitted to the township
in February.
Greg Kinghorn and Susan Willard told Augusta council at its
Monday night meeting they were informed by the acting building
inspector, Clyde Solomon, a two-storey garage more than 13 feet
in height could not be constructed on their Hall Road property
according to a township bylaw.
The couple presented council with about 10 examples of out-buildings
in the township that are higher than the bylaw limit. The owners
of these structures were not required to pay a variance fee of
$125, they said.
As well, Kinghorn and Willard said the height bylaw was not
enforced in these instances, and they are asking for similar
consideration. A precedent has been set by previous inspectors
who did not adhere to the bylaw, Willard said.
Reeve George Vail said "two wrongs don't make a right,"
but the township's new chief building official would look into
the matter.
Regional unemployment
rate increases to 9.2 per cent in March: HRDC
Prescott office reports rise in number of EI claimants
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The regional unemployment rate rose sharply
in March, according to figures released Monday by Human Resources
Development Canada (HRDC).
Last month's jobless rate was 9.2 per cent. The regional unemployment
rate in February was eight per cent.
An HRDC news release states an increase in job seekers was
the main cause of the rise in unemployment. Employment decreased
in the goods-producing sector, primarily in construction. Fewer
people were employed in accommodation, food services, health
care and social assistance. Increases were reported in public
administration, scientific and technical services.
The regional unemployment rate in March 2001 was 8.5 per cent.
In terms of employment insurance (EI) claims, a slight decrease
was reported last month in the Kingston-Pembroke management area.
The Prescott HRDC office recorded the highest percentage increase
in the region; there were 1,318 EI claimants drawing benefits
at the end of March, a 4.4-per-cent increase over the previous
month.
Both Brockville and Gananoque HRDC offices reported decreases
in EI claimants in March.
HRDC notes the unemployment rate is not determined through
assessment of EI claimant data.
Open house will offer residents of Prescott
area information on sewage plant options
PRESCOTT - Refurbishing or replacing Prescott's sewage treatment
facilities will be the subject of an open house this evening
(Wednesday) in Johnstown.
The public session will be held from 5 to 8 pm at the Community
Centre on Sutton Drive.
The open house is part of an environmental assessment study
process which precedes the construction phase. Public information
packages will be available at the drop-in session.
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is committed to participating in the
study. A portion of the township including the industrial park
east of Prescott could be serviced by the new facility. Augusta
council is considering the extent to which it would take part
in the process; the municipality has until this Friday to indicate
its intentions, town officials said Monday.
A petition signed by many residents of Riverview Heights was
submitted to the township earlier this week. The petition calls
on the municipality to remain involved in the project. Augusta
Reeve George Vail said at Monday's township council meeting he
encourages residents to attend the open house and provide their
input.
Preliminary estimates place the capital cost of the project
in the range of $16 million. About one-third of costs would have
to be covered at the local level if other governments provide
funding.
Community walk is moving forward
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Organizers of this month's Mayors' Community
Walk in Brockville are happy with the way things are coming together.
"It has been going tremendously well," says Frank
Bolger, chairman of the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville's
fundraising committee.
"We've visited most councils in Leeds and Grenville and,
as far as I can sense, all councils are on board."
Bolger expects most mayors and reeves from across the United
Counties will participate, as will Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan
and Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
The two-kilometre walk through downtown Brockville, scheduled
for April 27, will wind down National Volunteer Week and is a
fundraiser for the bureau.
Local businesses, groups and individuals are also encouraged
to participate. Bolger says the bureau has made presentations
to various service clubs in South Grenville and expects "fairly
good representation from them."
All proceeds from pledges received by walkers will be divided
equally between the Volunteer Bureau and charities of the walkers'
choice.
"Please get your pledges and join us," Bolger says.
"It's important to us the first Mayors' Walk be a success."
The Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville 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.
For more information on the Mayors' Community Walk or the
Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville, contact the bureau at
342-7040.
Barrel races ready to roll
SPENCERVILLE - The Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department will
hold its annual barrel races Saturday at the Spencerville Mill.
The fundraiser, which has been held for more than 40 years,
is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm. Eight tickets will be drawn
and put in barrels, which will be released from the dam to race
down the South Nation River to the bridge.
Cash prizes will be awarded. Tickets are available in advance
from fire department members or Spencerville area stores; tickets
can also be purchased at the event.
Proceeds will go towards the general funds of the fire department.
For more information, call Jim Purcell at 658-3123.
OPP BRIEFS
Marijuana found in car during traffic stop
NORTH AUGUSTA - A drug possession charge was laid April 2
after OPP Constable J. Nussey stopped a vehicle leaving the North
Augusta Fire Hall. The vehicle had three occupants. During an
investigation, the constable located approximately $30 worth
of marijuana. Shawn Hubert, 20, of Brockville was charged with
possession of a controlled substance; he is to appear in court
April 26.
Driver arrested, charged on Bridge Street
CARDINAL - A traffic stop that took place during the early-morning
hours of April 6 led to an arrest. OPP Constable J. Butcher stopped
a vehicle on Bridge Street at about 2:30 am. The driver was arrested
and charged with exceeding the legal blood alcohol limit. Christopher
White, 21, of Iroquois is to appear in court May 3.
Speeding charge will go to provincial court
EDWARDSBURGH - A Montreal man is scheduled to appear in court
May 7 to answer to a speeding charge. Grenville County OPP pulled
over a vehicle northbound on Highway 416 April 2 at 1:35 pm.
Joseph Stark, 28, was charged with travelling at 165 kilometres
per hour in a 100-km zone.
Cenotaph fundraising drive continues
PRESCOTT - The Cenotaph Relocation Committee at Royal Canadian
Legion Branch 97 (Fort Wellington) has raised about $18,000 of
its $30,000 project goal.
The current total includes proceeds from a recent draw held
March 29 at the Legion Hall. John Mickle of Prescott won the
top prize of $1,000. Scott Bernie of Brockville took home the
second prize of $500, and Jack Fortin of Prescott pocketed $250,
the third prize.
The cenotaph was moved last year from beside the library on
Dibble Street West to the area just south of the Fort Wellington
parking lot. Additional landscaping and other items are planned
for the new site.
Learn the craft
of scrapbooking
WALKER HOUSE NEWS - By Marnie Lippiatt
Only five ladies took advantage of the craft night, but we
thoroughly enjoyed the evening as we twisted copper wires to
form bonsai trees. Each took on its own personality as we added
"polished rock" leaves.
Our next craft night May 6 at 6:30 will feature
scrapbooking. Jane from The Gift Lane will introduce some of
the equipment and techniques used in creatively keeping old pictures.
Each person will prepare a page using his or her own memories.
Be sure to sign up early for this popular new craft; call
Walker House at 925-5300.
Friday we "warmed" our new dishes with chili and
salads. Bill Webster from Alarm Force shared many important points
about personal safety. Everyone attending could identify with
a need for these personal devices. Esther, Ruth and Ann are noted
for their help.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st,
Andy Britnell; 2nd, Audrey Kingston; door prize, Ed Zackon. Tuesday
night cribbage high hand, Bea Hemsley; high score, Myrtle
Shahan; 2nd, Bea Hemsley; 3rd, Pete Lowry. Thursday night euchre
1st, Jean McCrady; 2nd, Jeannine Marion; 3rd, Denise Monette;
door prize, Eleanor Gilligan.
Local United Empire Loyalists branch to hold
annual meeting
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The Edward Jessup Branch of the United
Empire Loyalists will hold its annual general meeting Saturday,
April 20 at the United church hall in Addison.
The day will start with social time at 11:30 am. The church
ladies will serve a roast pork dinner at noon.
The annual general meeting will follow dinner.
Guest speakers Peter and Angela Johnson have held positions
at the branch and dominion level.
Angela recently concluded a term as president of the Toronto
branch; Peter is editor of the association's newsletter, The
Loyalist Gazette.
A special item to be raffled off is a Humberstone plate. Humberstone,
Ontario's first commercial pottery, was located near Maitland
in 1796.
For meal reservations or more information about the organization,
call Fraser Carr at 925-4930 or by e-mail at fraser.carr@recorder.ca.
The local branch would also like to hear from more Loyal descendants
and is willing to help people complete their family trees.
Mammoth pumpkin prize grows
SPENCERVILLE - The top prize in the 2002 Spencerville Fair's
mammoth pumpkin contest has grown since last year.
An Internet seed auction has enabled the pumpkin committee
to boost the first prize in this year's competition to $500.
One seed sold for $170, according to committee member Bob Marcellus.
In addition to prizes being offered in senior and junior divisions,
top competitors also receive keeper trophies from the Spencerville
Agricultural Society.
Get into the fun by purchasing a pack of seeds now available
at stores in the area. The stores include Home Hardware, Dixie
& Egan and Nancy's Gas Bar in Spencerville, Beach Home Hardware
in Prescott and the Pittston General Store.
Seeds are also available at locations in Kemptville, Brinston,
Iroquois, South Mountain, Dixon Corners, Addison and Brockville.
The 2002 Spencerville Fair will take place the week after
Labour Day.
Health unit encourages TV-free week
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District
Health Unit is encouraging children and their families to steer
clear of TV, video games and the Internet for seven days.
"TV Turn-off Week" began Monday. The purpose is
to promote physical activity and healthy eating. About 2,000
students and their families representing eight schools in the
tri-county area are taking part in the program; none of the participating
schools is located in South Grenville.
Although an exception is made for homework, the Internet is
off limits through Sunday as are TV and video games. Children
watch an average of three hours of TV each day; students spend
up to 30 sedentary hours in school each week.
A mere 43 per cent of children between five and 12 and 33
per cent of youngsters 13 to 17 were considered active enough
for optimal health, according to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle
Institute. Health officials also claim watching television encourages
an unhealthy diet because there are many commercials for junk
foods.
As an incentive to stay away from TV, video games and the
Internet for the week, participants are eligible for prizes donated
by Canadian Tire and the tri-county health team; these rewards
include bike helmets and sporting goods.
Spruce up Prescott
PRESCOTT - Town council has agreed to purchase 10 trees as
part of a local fundraising project.
Council members voted last Wednesday to buy 10 young Colorado
blue spruce from the Central Public School Parent Committee.
The four-year-old trees are between 16 and 24 inches in height.
The price of the trees is $12 each or two for $20.
Orders are to be returned to the school by April 12.
Proceeds will be used to complete a play structure and purchase
two basketball poles and nets.
Program makes
self-employment work
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Being one's own boss is becoming a more popular
option at a time when layoffs and an absence of job security
are taking their toll.
Twenty-seven participants graduated last week from the Self-Employment
Benefits (SEB) Program, which is funded by Human Resources Development
Canada and presented locally by Grenville Community Development
Centre (GCDC). About half of the class consisted of South Grenville
residents; the other participants live in North Grenville or
Leeds County.
GCDC offers the eight-week course three times per year. This
latest group, which was split into two classes, was by far the
largest to date.
Ben TeKamp, local co-ordinator of the course, said interest
in the course continues to rise. More people are considering
starting their own businesses in response to layoffs and the
recent high-tech downturn, he noted.
From coming up with an idea and researching it to arranging
the financing, the program offers insight into the challenges
entrepreneurs face as they take a concept and try to develop
it into a successful business. In addition to being inundated
with information on all aspects of operating a small business,
each participant prepared a business plan that will be reviewed
later this month at the GCDC board level. TeKamp monitors the
progress of the participants and offers advice on dealing with
those crucial early months of the business.
"Commit yourself to enhancing your skills," he stressed.
"I always wish and hope the next millionaire I get to
meet is one of you people," TeKamp said to one of the graduating
classes last Thursday.
North Augusta resident Lisa Spicer and her partner Debbie
Rayner plan to open a bakery/restaurant and bulk food store later
this spring in Prescott. Spicer said the SEB program made her
more optimistic about the future of her business. "It really
helps you look for what you need," she added.
Another graduate who found the course helpful is Prescott
resident Marie Comeau, whose sewing/alteration and home decorating
business ("Marie's Sew it Seams") will be based at
her home. "I didn't realize just how much I didn't know"
about starting a small business, Comeau said.
The program is available to those who are eligible to receive
employment insurance benefits. Participants will continue to
receive benefits while attending the course.
The next session begins in June. TeKamp had already received
about 50 applications as of last Thursday.
For more information, contact GCDC at 925-4275.
Pancake Pals prepare for achievement day
By Krista Somerville
On Tuesday, April 2, the Pancake Pals 2 met at the Roebuck
Hall in Roebuck for their fifth meeting.
President Stephanie Connell called the meeting to order with
Kelsey Dillabough beginning the pledge. Secretary Emily Robinson
did the roll call with everyone saying what they had for supper.
She then read the minutes of the last meeting.
The leaders and members discussed the menu of the upcoming
achievement banquet and the plans for the evening.
The members worked on their notebooks, their recipe boxes
and the club display board to be seen on achievement day. Place
cards for the guests were made, and a seating plan was also made.
A couple of members made popcorn and nachos and dip for a snack.
Some of the senior members showed everyone their skit for achievement
day while they ate, and then the meeting was adjourned.
The Pancake Pals 2 appreciate the Roebuck community for allowing
us to use the hall.
Budget meetings set
MAYNARD Augusta Township council has announced dates
for meetings to discuss the 2002 budget.
The meetings will be Monday, April 15 and Thursday, April
25. Both sessions begin at 6:30 pm at the township office in
Maynard. They are open to the public.
Budget review
sought by fire department
MAITLAND NEWS - Jane Fullarton
MAITLAND - The Augusta Library has received a $5,000 Computer
Access Program (CAP) grant. CAP is a federal program designed
to help provide free public access to computer equipment and
training.
The library has purchased a new computer, new 17-inch monitor
for the existing CAP computer, a flat bed scanner, two small
computer desks and two chairs. In addition, the funds have purchased
computer software, cables and a subscription to Electric Library.
This addition brings the number of computers for public use at
the library up to six.
The Augusta Volunteer Fire Department presented its proposed
2002 budget to Augusta Township council April 2. The budget proposal
asked for an additional $9,800, mainly to cover increased insurance
costs and the purchase of additional safety equipment.
The department hopes to purchase three additional self-contained
breathing apparatuses, which are used anytime a fireman has to
enter a smoke filled building or is working around toxic fumes.
These units are equipped with an automatic "man down"
alarm that sounds if the fireman is incapacitated.
The fire department is also asking that council purchase a
new tanker truck this year at a cost of approximately $180,000.
Last year, council placed $60,000 into a reserve fund to help
purchase a truck for the fire department. The department has
started a fundraising campaign to purchase a new equipment truck
at a cost of approximately $100,000.
Kriska donates computer equipment to two elementary schools
in Prescott
PRESCOTT - It has often been said someone's junk is another's
treasure.
This adage was proven to be true last week as a local trucking
company gave its old computer equipment to two area elementary
schools.
Kriska Transportation donated computers, monitors, keyboards
and a printer to Central Public School and Boundary Street Public
School Thursday afternoon.
"When you hear about all the junk going into our landfills,
it's a good idea to recycle and give the kids a chance,"
said Mary Langer, human resources manager at Kriska. "Kids
are the number one thing, they are our future so if we can help
them out at all to get a step up, it will be a bonus."
Langer said the computers, mostly 386s and 486s, were expendable
after Kriska upgraded its equipment recently.
"Some of them work on their own, others can be used for
parts," she said.
Each school received 17 keyboards, approximately 15 computers
and five monitors.
"We're very appreciative," said Harold Johnston,
the computer contact at Boundary Street. "We've been trying
to improve our labs - that's been a focus over the past few years.
Our first priority is getting something that will run the same
word processor (as the other computers.)"
Jerry Whissell, Central's computer representative, said Kriska's
donation will be put to good use.
"We'll definitely get rid of some of our old 286s,"
he said. "Students are using computers a lot for the Internet
and for research. These will be used effectively."
Mozart opera brings season to a close
FORT TOWN CONCERT REVIEW - By Gib Jamieson
On Tuesday, April 2, the Fort Town Concert Association held
its last concert of the season, and it was memorable.
It was Mozart's Cosi fan tutte performed by an exciting
young group of singers. The performance was co-produced by Jeunesses
Musicales of Canada and the Atelier lyrique de l'opera de Montréal.
Each act began with the presenter describing the plot, the
characters, and their conversation so that although the opera
was sung in Italian we were able to follow and enjoy the lively
drama. The presenter, Claude Webster, then seated himself at
the piano and provided a full orchestral accompaniment, played
with great panache.
The comedy was introduced by the presenter and picked up by
the men in the opening scene. Don Alfonso in a rich baritone
taunts the young lovers Ferrando and Guglielmo saying that they
can't be sure that their relationships with the sisters Dorabella
and Fiordiligi are secure. Offended, the two launch into glorious
arias and duets, a strong baritone and a lovely tenor. They are
joined by the young ladies whose voices soar in beautiful harmony
attesting to their true love. The plot thickens, and the challenge
is on.
Overacting underlines the comic nature of it all, and we are
blessed with an evening of sheer delight aware that these young
people will make the future rich for lovers of music. In contrast
to the sisters, their maid Despina, with a lighter voice, added
to the comedy in her many disguises and changes of voice while
also adding to the texture in the company ensembles. Fiordiligi
was sung by Anik St. Louis, Dorabella by Isabelle Ligot, Despina
by Tracy Smith Bessette, Ferrando by James McLennan, Guglielmo
by Patrick Mallette while Sebastien Ouellet sang the instigator
of the plot, Don Alfonso.
I'm sure that we can look forward to seeing these names in
bright lights in the not-too-distant future.
A very good house showed their pleasure with spontaneous applause
after each scene and aria. We must be grateful to the Fort Town
Concert Association for its keen interest in giving the younger
members of the community and opportunity to hear this glorious
music. It arranged to have students from grades 7 and 8 from
Spencerville bused in for an afternoon at the opera. We must
also be grateful to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for providing
an ideal setting for both the afternoon and evening performances.
Series tickets for next season's concerts are now available
at a reduced rate from Graham Cudlipp c/o Blue Heron Inn, RR1
Prescott.
Get set for Trash and Treasure Sale
PRESCOTT - The Anglican Church Women will present the Trash
and Treasure Sale Saturday, April 20 from 9 am to noon at St.
John's Anglican Church.
The sale will take place at the church hall on James Street
in Prescott.
Men's group serves
all-you-can-eat breakfast
PRESCOTT - The Seaway Men's Ecumenical Group will host its
next breakfast meeting Saturday, April 20 at 8 am at St. Paul's
United Church, corner of George and Dibble streets.
The all-you-can-eat breakfast will feature sausage, pancakes
and maple syrup. The guest speaker will be Reverend Michael Pollesel,
rector of St. John's Anglican Church, whose topic will be stewardship.
Tickets will be available at the door; all are welcome to
attend.
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