Town considers options as budget shortfall looms
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Town council is facing a no-win situation as
it proceeds with budget talks, according to the chairman of Prescott's
finance committee.
Councillor Jim French made the remark at the conclusion of
another in a series of budget meetings Monday night at the health
centre. Council faces a shortfall of $368,000 in its operating
budget and is searching for ways to avoid major service cuts
or tax increases.
A one-per-cent tax hike represents about $28,000, according
to Treasurer Laurie Kirkby.
A number of factors have contributed to the shortfall. In
addition to a reduction in assessment, the town has already approved
pay increases for staff.
The town also faces a significant hike in its share of the
joint services committee budget. The committee, which includes
the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Prescott, Brockville
and Gananoque, oversees welfare, ambulance, social housing, Provincial
Offences Act and other services.
The town's share of the $14.7-million budget last year amounted
to just under $950,000. Based on preliminary figures from the
committee, the town's share has increased by more than $100,000
to just over $1.05 million.
Although some of the projected increase had already been accounted
for in the town's budget estimates, the joint services committee's
estimates added to Prescott's pre-budget shortfall.
"Without considering any capital projects, we're in over
our heads," Councillor Terry McConnell said.
But Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead noted town officials faced
a similar task last year and managed to minimize the effect on
taxpayers. "There is usually a reasonable compromise where
you cut (costs) a little and raise (taxes) a little," she
said.
As for capital projects, revised cost estimates peg reconstruction
of Churchill Road between Edward Street and Massie Drive at $427,500.
Extending the project east to Boundary Road would cost an additional
$290,500. Neither estimate includes replacement of lateral sanitary
services underneath Churchill.
In noting the need to proceed with road repairs, McConnell
added George Street between Water and King streets must be reconstructed.
The town is already on the hook for an estimated $1.1 million
in expenditures associated with the FAI commercial development
in the north end of town. The municipality will consider a debenture
in the range of $2 million.
Although the town does have about $1.8 million in reserve
funds and more than $960,000 from the sale of the former PUC,
council members are reluctant to use much or any of the reserves
to offset a shortfall in the operating budget.
It was also noted a large percentage of reserve funds is unavailable.
In terms of this year's operating budget, council will consider
whether to proceed with a contribution of $50,000 to the marina
reserve fund and $33,000 for fire equipment. A portion of this
year's reserve payment has already been allocated for two large
riding mowers which have already been ordered.
Senior staff will review preliminary budget estimates and
recommend changes next Monday. Council will also hold a budget
meeting tonight at 7 pm; library board officials are expected
to present the library's 2002 budget to council.
The fire department is scheduled to present its budget to
council next Monday.
Prescott police chief opts for early retirement
Rick Bowie will leave post April 30; Bryan Somerville
is appointed acting chief
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - There will be a change at the helm of the Prescott
Police Service next week.
Police Chief Rick Bowie will retire effective April 30. Sergeant
Bryan Somerville has been appointed acting chief of police effective
May 1.
The Prescott Police Services Board announced the changes Friday.
Final arrangements for the early retirement were made by the
board at its meeting Thursday.
Bowie has served as chief since June 1990 when he succeeded
former chief Matt Hayes.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my staff
for their dedication and support over the years," Bowie
stated in a news release.
Bowie, who was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and the
Nepean Police Service prior to coming to Prescott, told The
Journal Monday he has "some irons in the fire"
with respect to his future, although he declined to elaborate.
"We have no plans in the foreseeable future to leave the
area," he added.
The outgoing chief said the people of Prescott "...are
for the most part pretty hard-working and caring of others in
the community."
As for his successor, Bowie said "I have full confidence
in Bryan."
Police board chairman Gordon Mills indicated Somerville will
remain in the position of acting chief until a final decision
is made on the request by the board and the Town of Prescott
to disband the municipal police service.
The Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services turned
down the request in December.
The Ontario Provincial Police, the agency that would provide
service in Prescott after the municipal force is disbanded, is
seeking a judicial review of the commission's ruling.
Somerville joined the town police force as a special constable
in May 1973. Following a brief stint with the Brockville police,
Somerville returned in 1975 and has been with the Prescott Police
Service ever since.
"I never expected this when I started here," Somerville
told The Journal Monday.
The sergeant said he is pleased and excited about his new
position, adding it will be a challenge.
"I hope to be able to maintain the level of service the
public expects," he said.
As for the uncertainty over the future of the Prescott Police
Service, Somerville said it is a difficult situation for officers
and civilian staff.
"We just don't have any control over it," he added.
"But we have qualified and professional staff."
Although Somerville will soon be the acting chief, he plans
to make himself available for some on-duty shifts. He does not
expect an additional officer will have to be hired.
Earthquake gives region quite a jolt
SOUTH GRENVILLE - A moderate earthquake felt throughout Eastern
Ontario and much of the Eastern Seaboard early Saturday morning
caused no damage locally.
The tremor struck at about 6:50 am. The epicentre was south
of Plattsburgh, New York, near the Quebec and Vermont border.
Emergency services in the Prescott area reported no damages
or injuries as a result of the quake. The town's dispatch service
received several calls shortly after the quake.
Media outlets throughout the region, including The Journal,
received calls and e-mails from people reporting the quake.
The earthquake measured 5.1 on the Richter scale, according
to the U.S. Geological Survey. Numerous aftershocks were also
recorded.
Seismic activity is not uncommon in Eastern Ontario, although
moderate quakes are relatively uncommon.
Prescott artist fulfils lifelong dream to paint
Original artwork on display at South Grenville Guild of
Fine Art show and sale
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - Local landscape painter Evan LeClair will be among
the 24 artists to display their original works at the South Grenville
Guild of Fine Art show and sale May 3 to 5.
The theme for the 11th annual event to take place at MERC
Hall in Maitland is "The Artists' Creative Visions."
Hundreds of original works created by the guild's local and area
artists will be on display.
The collection will include painting in all media, drawings,
pottery and sculpture.
LeClair fulfilled a lifelong dream when he began painting
as a retirement hobby in 1989. After a 43-year career in the
cutting department at Hathaway shirts in Prescott, a workshop
he attended given by a local artist at Walker House sparked his
interest and imagination. He started to sharpen the natural talent
he felt as a child growing up in New Wexford and attending local
schools.
"I've always had the desire," he says. "I got
brave enough to try my luck, and it's been good."
LeClair learned the basics of art through other workshops,
courses and reading, and continues to work at his talent.
"I love art," LeClair says. "I'll never know
art like it should be known; there's so much to learn. It's a
beautiful thing. But I'm pleased by where I am."
Much encouragement from other artists and his wife Nora has
been a great support in his painting and in trying new techniques,
he added.
LeClair has worked in all media, including watercolour, oil,
acrylic and pencil drawings. "But once a got into oil, I
knew where I wanted to be."
LeClair now paints exclusively in oil, and for the upcoming
show, all his paintings will have been painted with a pallet
knife, not a brush, his previous painting tool. The knife, he
says, gives his landscape scenes and still life paintings more
vibrance and depth.
"It's hard to believe I'm doing this," LeClair says,
glancing around the snug studio he created from an old barn at
the back of his King Street West home.
"I never thought I could do it; it's been a lot of steady
work." But, he adds, "I've come a long way in 10 years."
LeClair's work is also on display at The Gift Lane in Prescott;
he has sold a number of pieces in Canada, the United States and
in Europe.
Other exhibiting artists at the Maitland show are Deborah
Boivin, Helen Fenton, Joan Firth, Bill Fowler, Kim Gilligan,
Judy Grant, Joan Hastie, Leslie Hogg, Joan Hopkins, Liz Isola,
Solange Leman, Rosaleen Carragher Mallett, Rob Maloney, Christina
McCarthy, Mary Louise Olajos, Helga Palko, Nancy J. Roberts,
Diane Godwin-Sheridan, Sharon Stein, Yi Fang Shi, Linda St.-Onge,
Marilyn White and Chris Palko.
Works by South Grenville District High School students will
also be on display.
The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art was formed in 1992 by
a small group of artists in the area. The guild now has 35 members
who exchange views, ideas and interests, and endeavour to foster
the appreciation and development of visual art in South Grenville.
The group also donates books of art to public and school libraries
in the area.
The works of several of the artists can be found on the guild's
Web site: www.sggofa.com.
Hours for the show are Friday, May 3 from 7 to 9:30 pm; Saturday,
May 4 from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, May 5 from 11 am to 4 pm.
Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. There
will be a draw for an original work of art.
Chamber of Commerce remains neutral on issue
of no-smoking bylaw
PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce will
not take sides in the no-smoking bylaw debate.
The chamber's board of directors passed a motion Thursday
which states the organization shall remain neutral on the subject.
Municipal councils in Prescott and Augusta have been asked
by district health unit officials to enact a ban on smoking in
indoor public places. A presentation is to be made early next
month at Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council.
Bill Pakeman, a director and past-president of the chamber,
said the mandate of the chamber is to support small businesses
whether they permit smoking or not.
"I think this is outside our guidelines," said Pakeman,
who said the issue should be left to the politicians.
"There's no question smoking is bad for your health,"
he added.
Director Heather Lawless suggested the board may wish to consider
conducting a poll of members as it did on the Prescott town hall
issue. Pakeman said he does not believe a survey is necessary;
the board is "truly representative" of the membership,
he noted.
Although the board does not officially oppose a bylaw to ban
smoking, Pakeman and other chamber directors continue to voice
concerns about such a move and its effect on some businesses,
particularly those in the hospitality sector.
"I don't think they (governments) have the right to tell
private business what to do," Sharon Spychi said.
The subject arose in response to a request by Bingo International
President Brian Nolan to oppose the proposed smoking ban.
Parked vehicles damaged
PRESCOTT - Town police are investigating two recent cases
of wilful damage to parked vehicles in the Edward Street area.
The first case was reported April 15 at Tim Hortons. It appeared
a blunt object had been used to damage the 2001 GMC truck being
operated by an employee, according to a police news release.
Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $1,500.
The next day, Prescott police investigated damaged to a Chevy
parked at South Grenville District High School. The owner returned
to find one of his tires had been slashed.
In all, Prescott officers investigated 65 general incidents
and two motor vehicle accidents between April 14 and 21.
Town police conducted a RIDE check April 19. Thirty vehicles
were checked; no charges were laid.
On the same day, police investigated the passing of a counterfeit
$10 bill at a local bank.
Town police seized three rifles April 21 at the home of a
47-year-old man. A police investigation had revealed the man
was prohibited from possessing firearms. The man was arrested
and charged with careless storage of firearms and possession
contrary to an order.
Anyone with information about these or other offences in town
is asked to call the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Music to note anniversary of church
PRESCOTT - A musical evening to celebrate the 182nd anniversary
of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church will take place Sunday, May
5 at 7 pm.
The concert will feature the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Choir,
Athens Community Choir, Cardinal Community Choir, soloist Paul
MacIntyre and organ soloist Eugene Janssens.
A free-will offering will be accepted.
The church is located at the corner of Centre and Dibble streets.
Mazurek wins provincial Liberal nomination
More than 700 votes cast at meeting held in Prescott
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - A downtown Brockville businessman will lead the
Leeds-Grenville Liberal party in the next provincial election.
Stephen Mazurek was chosen as this area's provincial Liberal
candidate at an association meeting held Sunday afternoon at
South Grenville District High School. He was contesting the job
with Don Cameron of Kemptville and John Shepherd of Brockville.
There were 704 votes cast at the meeting. Members voted once;
individual vote counts for each candidate were not announced.
Cameron was the local Liberal candidate in the 1999 provincial
election.
Mazurek, 45, is part owner along with his brother John of
Tait's Bakery in Brockville and Smiths Falls.
A newcomer to the political scene, Mazurek vowed he would
not disappoint the people of Leeds and Grenville. "Today,
the Liberals of Leeds-Grenville have spoken," Mazurek told
the crowd after accepting the candidacy. "We have sent a
clear message to the PCs and Bob Runciman that we will be ready,
willing and able to engage in the next campaign."
The people's support and enthusiasm shown at the association
meeting "will only strengthen our resolve and deepen our
commitment" throughout the riding."
Mazurek noted there are numerous issues that need to be dealt
with, "and the PCs are going to have to be held accountable
for the policies of the last seven years. They may have changed
leaders, but they've still got the same show."
The new candidate also committed himself to beginning the
election "tomorrow." Among the issues at the forefront
for Mazurek are the lack of textbooks that have hurt children's
ability to learn; layoffs of environmental workers that have
put people's health at risk; the downloading of provincial responsibilities
which has resulted in a hodge-podge of services and financial
pain to municipalities; and forced amalgamations of communities
and school boards that have resulted in large cumbersome democracies
that are neither cost effective or deliver proper services.
Mazurek also pledged to stay focused on the issues and ideas,
and not be diverted into personality conflicts, blaming or mud-slinging.
The riding wants action, he said, and especially a government
that will work with the private sector to create jobs and economic
opportunity.
"Let's encourage industries to expand and grow in Leeds-Grenville,"
Mazurek said. Local and small businesses and industries need
to be nurtured and assisted to become world-wide exporters and
respected leaders, because "the days of the multi-national
corporations setting up shop and providing high-paying jobs will
be a thing of the past."
It is not just high-tech industries that will need this assistance,
he said, but there are many old, staple industries that can be
further developed and supported. "We have a great entrepreneurial
spirit in this area, we just have to develop it and give the
companies the proper financing and the proper capital in order
to grow." With the limited resources available, this will
take more co-operation between federal, provincial and municipal
governments, Mazurek said.
Mazurek encouraged his supporters to spread the news the Liberal
party is alive and well. "We are ready to give the PC party
a run for their money, in not only Leeds-Grenville, but in the
province of Ontario." He praised provincial Liberal leader
Dalton McGuinty, saying he is a well-respected and sincere person
who has assembled a strong and dedicated team that will govern
in all the interests of Ontario.
The immediate game plan for Mazurek is to meet as many people
in the riding as possible from all the communities.
Local heritage sites taking part in Doors
Open Ontario
PRESCOTT - The doors of many local heritage sites will open
in June as part of an Ontario tourism initiative.
The program, called Doors Open Ontario, involves the opening
of buildings of architectural or historical signifigance to the
public.
Eleven sites in the Prescott area have confirmed their participation
as part of the Brockville/ Thousand Islands Region June 1 and
2.
"It's to help tourists and showcase what's available,"
says Graham Cudlipp, Prescott contact for the program, "and
to get people into places not normally open to the public."
The Canadian Coast Guard, Battle of the Windmill, Blue Church,
The Forwarders' Museum, Colonel's Inn, Wiser Hall, Blue Heron
Inn, St. John's Anglican Church, St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church,
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and Fort Wellington will all
be open to the public at least one of the two days.
Sixteen other communities will participate in Doors Open Ontario
this summer, ranging from Ottawa to Windsor to Fort Erie to Red
Lake.
Toronto was the first community to launch the Doors Open Ontario
program; since 2000, the city has welcomed nearly 150,000 people
through the doors of such heritage sites as the Don Jail, Osgoode
Hall, the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, Anshei Minsk
Synagogue and the R. C. Harris Filtration Plant.
"We're one of the bigger areas (in eastern Ontario),"
Cudlipp says about the Brockville/Thousand Islands Region, which
will feature more than 40 sites.
"We've been very successful in generating enthusiasm
about it, and we're very fortunate to be a part of it."
For more information on Doors Open Ontario or a free copy
of the Doors Open Ontario Guide, call 1-800-ONTARIO (668-2746)
or visit the program's Web site at www.doorsopenontario.on.ca.
Town to spend $40,000 on two riding mowers
PRESCOTT - Town council has agreed to purchase two new lawn
mowers at a cost of more than $40,000.
Randy Pelehos, director of community services, told council
during budget talks last Tuesday the mowers the town has been
using for many years are not worth repairing. They do not have
adequate protective features and pose a safety hazard to town
workers who operate them and to the public, according to Pelehos.
Municipal staff cut 80 acres of grass at 27 parks and other
locations in Prescott.
The new Toro 72-inch front-mount mowers sell for $18,400 each
and will be paid for out of existing reserve funds and money
to be allocated for reserves this year. The mowers have been
ordered, town officials reported Monday at a budget meeting.
The old 1972 and 1980 mowers will be added to the collection
of surplus items the town will try to sell at a garage sale next
month at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Council also decided at last Tuesday's budget session to have
some playground equipment removed from Fairway Park at the north
end of Duke Street.
Pelehos said part of a playground structure was in poor condition
and should be taken down. Public works staff indicated the equipment
is not used much, according to Pelehos.
Wet conditions prevented removal of the structure last week,
town officials noted Monday.
On a general note, the community services director stressed
the need for a program to deal with maintenance and replacement
of aging facilities and equipment.
The town's recreation services budget in 2002 topped $678,000.
A similar amount is being sought for 2002.
The position of community services director was created in
2001. Pelehos was hired late last summer.
Administration budget higher
PRESCOTT - Town council is considering a proposed 10-per-cent
increase in the municipality's general government budget.
The proposal discussed briefly by council last Tuesday calls
for expenditures of $545,755. The 2001 general government budget
totalled just over $500,000.
Wage and benefit increases account for much of the increase.
The estimated cost of running council this year is $46,800,
a slight decrease from 2001.
The town's 2001 operating budget totalled about $5.5 million.
As of last week, estimated expenditures for 2002 added up
to more than $5.7 million.
Changes to electricity market will be discussed
at meeting
PRESCOTT - The ins and outs of the electricity market in Ontario
will be the subject of an information meeting tonight (Wednesday,
April 24) at 7 pm at the Prescott Health Centre, 555 King Street
W.
The meeting, which is being hosted by Rideau St. Lawrence
Utilities, will include a brief slide show presentation and a
question-and-answer period. Admission is free.
Ontario's electricity market will be open to competition as
of May 1.
Spring smorgasbord set for May 7
PRESCOTT - St. Paul's United Church presents its spring smorgasbord
Tuesday, May 7 in the church hall at the corner of George and
Dibble streets.
Dinner will be served at 4, 5 and 6 pm.
Tickets can be picked up at the church May 1, 2, 6 and 7 from
9:30 until noon.
For reservations or more information, call 925-1865.
Runciman prepares for challenge of security ministry
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
BROCKVILLE - Ontario's new top cop says he is looking forward
to the many challenges his new job will pose.
Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman was appointed Ontario's first
minister for public safety and security shortly after Ernie Eves
was sworn in as premier April 15. Prior to last week, Runciman
had served 14 months as minister of economic development and
trade.
The new public safety and security ministry combines the former
solicitor general and corrections ministries with additional
border security duties. As the biggest employer in the provincial
government, the ministry faces "some pretty significant
challenges," Runciman said.
The most immediate challenge is resolving the labour dispute
between the government and the Ontario Public Service Employees
Union (OPSEU) which represents correctional officers and many
other public servants.
In addition to resolving the dispute in the not-too-distant
future, Runciman said he hopes to improve relations between the
union and management.
The Leeds-Grenville MPP was Ontario's solicitor general and
corrections minister from 1995 to 1999. The six-term Conservative
MPP was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1981.
The public safety and security ministry oversees provincial
correctional institutions, police and fire services and Emergency
Measures Ontario.
The added responsibility of public security comes in the wake
of the events of Sept. 11.
A province-wide security audit is in the works. Runciman is
expected to meet with provincial security advisors as part of
his mandate.
"It's early times for me," he said of his introduction
to the new portfolio.
The minister said the government is still in the process of
defining its role in border security. Runciman indicated he hopes
for co-operation among the provincial, federal and state governments.
A new initiative Runciman is considering involves the formation
of a volunteer organization made up of retired professionals.
This group would fill in for local emergency workers called away
to respond to a natural disaster or terrorist attack.
In addition to the need for tighter security, Runciman noted
the terrorist attacks and their aftermath demonstrated "...how
critically important access to U.S. markets is." More than
1.5 million jobs rely on daily access to American destinations;
any disruption could be devastating to the economies of Ontario
and Canada, he added.
As for his stint as economic development and trade minister,
Runciman said it gave him insight and a greater appreciation
for economic issues. He also appreciated how "...a little
guy from Brockville..." got to meet and talk to business
leaders from all over the world.
"It was a wonderful experience," he said.
OPP BRIEFS
Two vehicles collide on ramp to Ottawa
EDWARDSBURGH - A Brockville man sustained serious injuries
in a two-vehicle collision April 18 on the ramp to Highway 416
just past the Highway 401 eastbound exit. Both vehicles were
on the ramp when they collided. Firefighters from Prescott and
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal responded; the jaws of life were used to
extricate one of the drivers. Andrew Kizell, 43, was transported
to Kingston General Hospital. The other driver, Cameron Smith,
18, of Kemptville, was not injured. There were no passengers
in either vehicle. Constable Steve Tavares is the investigating
officer.
Man sustains head injuries in ATV crash
EDWARDSBURGH - A 48-year-old man sustained serious head injuries
in an ATV accident April 15 on private property near Cedar Grove
Road.
The man, who OPP indicated was not wearing a helmet, was injured
when the ATV flipped at about 8 pm. Police, fire and ambulance
personnel responded; the man was transported to Brockville General
Hospital and as of Monday was recovering in Kingston hospital.
No charges will be laid, according to police. The man's name
is being withheld at the request of the family.
Vehicle was going wrong way on Highway 416
EDWARDSBURGH - Acting on a complaint, Grenville County OPP
located a vehicle heading northbound in the southbound lanes
of Highway 416 April 19 at about 12:30 am. A police cruiser with
emergency lights activated and travelling between 80 and 100
kilometres per hour followed the vehicle for a short distance
near County Road 20 before it stopped. Pierre Leduc, 43, of Osgoode,
was arrested and charged with impaired driving. He is to appear
in provincial court June 5.
Search warrant leads to drug possession charges
SPENCERVILLE - A Spencerville man faces drug possession charges
after police executed a search warrant April 18 at a County Road
21 residence east of Spencerville. Members of the OPP Leeds-Grenville
Crime Unit located a quantity of a controlled substance valued
at $350. Christopher Burchill, 25, was charged with two counts
of possession of a controlled substance; he is to appear in court
May 17.
Two men arrested during traffic stop
AUGUSTA - Constable Butcher stopped a vehicle on Highway 401
April 19 at about 9:15 am. He found the occupants of the vehicle
to be at large on conditions set by a justice of the peace. Peter
Townsend, 22, of Prescott, and John Kennedy, 40, of Perth Street
in Brockville, were arrested and charged with breach or recognizance.
They are to appear in court May 10.
Charges laid at RIDE check
AUGUSTA - A man was charged with driving while disqualified
after he was stopped by the OPP at a RIDE check April 19. Donald
Spencer, 26, of Prescott, was also charged with breaching a probation
order. He is to appear in court May 17.
Vehicle was going twice the speed limit: police
AUGUSTA - Police stopped a Volkswagen Golf on Highway 401
April 20 at about 4:45 pm. Michael Nazarian, 20, of Toronto,
was charged with speeding (200 kilometres per hour in a posted
100-km zone). He was issued a summons to appear in court June
4.
Seat belt campaign continues
SOUTH GRENVILLE - OPP officers in Grenville County checked
more than 1,850 vehicles during seat belt and RIDE checks conducted
last week. Twenty-six seat belt-related charges were laid; there
were also 10 seat belt-related warnings issued. The annual spring
seat belt campaign ends this week.
Roebuck Women's Institute elects new set of
officers
Submitted by Gail Salmon
ROEBUCK - The Roebuck Women's Institute elected its new slate
of officers at its annual meeting April 9.
This year's officers are as follows: President Lynn
McCaw; Past-President Deborah Findlay; Vice-President
Tamara Carew; 2nd Vice-President Pamela Perrin; Secretary
Joan Anstead; Treasurer Edith Jenkins; District Director
Gail Salmon; Alternate District Director Deborah
Findlay; Public Relations Gail Salmon; Curator Velma
Somerville; Financial Examiners Melba Francis, Mildred
Hall.
The convenors of standing committees and other areas are:
Agriculture and Canadian Industries Ann Ruigrok; Citizenship
and Legislation Gail Kilmartin; Education and Cultural
Affairs Pamela Perrin; Family and Consumer Affairs
Donna Hall; International Affairs Deborah Findlay; Lobbying
Mildred Hall; Social Melba Francis; Sunshine
Nell Weststrate; Rose Co-ordinator Donna Hall; Telephone
Committee Cathy Williams.
Looking for company, entertainment and involvement? Come join
us on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the Roebuck
Community Hall on County Road 18. Meetings are followed by a
light lunch and great conversation. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, contact Gail Salmon at 658-2595.
CNIB to host service day April 29
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Canadian National Institute for the
Blind (CNIB) will be hosting a service day next week for people
who are experiencing vision loss or know of someone who is.
The information session will take place Monday, April 29 from
10:30 am to 2:30 pm at Kemptville Home Support, 203 Sanders Street
in Kemptville. Residents of South Grenville are invited to attend.
The CNIB helps anyone whose vision problem cannot be corrected
using ordinary lenses and significantly affects the person's
ability to function normally. "You don't have to be totally
blind to use the services of the CNIB," states District
Manager Jane Hanley.
For more information, call the Kingston office at (613) 542-4975.
Youth volunteer corps clean-up
BROCKVILLE - The Youth Volunteer Corps of Brockville will
be out to prove young people can make a difference.
Volunteers will be taking part in a clean-up of downtown Friday,
April 26 as part of Global Youth Service Day. The clean-up will
begin at 3 pm; volunteers are to gather at 2:30 pm at the Youth
Unlimited activity centre, 224 King St. W. in Brockville; teams
of five to ten will rake, sweep and pick up garbage until about
6:30 pm. A barbecue and social will then take place at Youth
Unlimited.
The Youth Volunteer Corps, a national youth service program,
opened in 1999 and is hosted by the Employment and Education
Centre. The centre is located at 105 Strowger Blvd.
For more information, call Leslie Toupin at 498-2111.
Pancake Pals 2 serve food for thought at closing banquet
in Roebuck
By Krista Somerville
On Sunday, April 14, the Pancake Pals 2 held their Achievement
Day Program. The club met at Roebuck Hall at 1 pm to get ready
for their banquet.
The meeting was opened with the 4-H pledge. The seniors went
and practised the play they were going to do for their guests
that evening. The rest of the members were divided into groups.
The first group went to the kitchen with leader Pamela Somerville
to make the dessert for supper and to start preparing the food
that would be served that evening; the second group started to
set the tables with leader Darlene Dillabough, and the third
group worked on the display. Each group took turns at the different
stations.
Each member set the table for his or her guests. The tables
had white tablecloths, green napkins, rose bowls with green water
and a white floating candle as well as full place settings of
dishes. It looked very elegant and attractive for our guests.
The display was our exhibit board with the three meals of the
day and what we should have at each meal, our books, recipe boxes
and two place settings one correct and one that was not.
As our guests arrived at 5 pm the members greeted them (members
wore dark pants and a light coloured top) and sat them at their
tables. Bridget Cleary said the 4-H grace and the banquet began.
Each member served his or her guests caesar salad, cheese,
pickles, vegetables, ham, scalloped potatoes, buns and butter
and for dessert a yummy chocolate marble cheesecake with ice
cream, coffee and tea. The members had been busy all day making
the food that was served that evening and going over the manners
and serving techniques they had learned during the club.
After the meal, the seniors did their skit which consisted
of a mom and little boy going grocery shopping. The mom wanted
nutritious foods and the little boy was filling her grocery cart
with things he wanted and liked. I think our guests enjoyed the
skit and had a chuckle over it.
The members were then presented with a certificate of completion
for the club along with a cook/craft book donated by Roebuck
United Church. Each of these books was signed by three Roebuck
community ladies Melba Francis, Velma Somerville and Donna
Hall.
After the program, the members then took turns in the kitchen
cleaning up and doing dishes. The evening ended about 8 pm, and
the members and leaders went home very pleased but tired from
their successful day.
The Roebuck community is acknowledged for allowing the Pancake
Pals 2 to use the hall.
Sign up for scrapbooking workshop
WALKER HOUSE NEWS - By Marnie Lippiatt
We will be doing "scrapbooking" with Jane May 9
at 6:30 pm. Find some photos, news clippings or memorabilia you
wish to save, and join us. We will compile these treasures on
a keepsake page. There will be a charge for materials. For more
information and to reserve a spot, call 925-5300.
We will be leaving from the Walker House parking lot for Magog
Sunday, April 28. Please plan to be here so the bus can leave
at 9:30 am.
Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Audrey Kingston;
2nd, Ed Zackon; door prize, Mary Typhair. Tuesday night cribbage
high hand, Sam Covey with a 28; high score, Bea Hemsley;
2nd, Hugh Evely; 3rd, Sam Covey. Thursday night euchre
1st, Jeannine Marion; 2nd, Gladys Somerville; 3rd, Jean Annable
and Bea Hemsley; door prize, Myrtle Shahan.
OPP BRIEFS
Vehicle was going twice the speed limit: police
AUGUSTA - Police stopped a Volkswagen Golf on Highway 401
April 20 at about 4:45 pm. Michael Nazarian, 20, of Toronto,
was charged with speeding (200 kilometres per hour in a posted
100-km zone). He was issued a summons to appear in court June
4.
Seat belt campaign continues this week
SOUTH GRENVILLE - OPP officers in Grenville County checked
more than 1,850 vehicles during seat belt and RIDE checks conducted
last week. Twenty-six seat belt-related charges were laid; there
were also 10 seat belt-related warnings issued. The annual spring
seat belt campaign ends this week.
Maitland Comets prepare for upcoming season
MAITLAND NEWS - Jane Fullarton
Ladies' ball is coming to Maitland on Wednesday nights starting
May 15 at 8 pm. The Leeds and Grenville Softball League accepted
the Maitland Comets into its league last Thursday night. The
league currently has ladies teams from Johnstown, Roebuck, Lyn
and North Augusta.
The Maitland Comets is a midget girls team, for girls aged
18 and under, which formed last fall. The team has been practising
all winter in the gymnasium at Grenville Christian College. The
team is coached by Dale Dixon and Ron Morrison. Dixon says he
has a young dedicated team of 10 players that he hopes to build
over the next two years.
Members of the team are Mallory Dixon, Ashley Weir, Amanda
Watt, Jessica Watt, Carolyn Papatzimas, Megan Rooble, Erin Heibien,
Alex Johnson, Laurie Hall and Katie Morrison. Dixon said the
team could accommodate two more competitive players to round
out its roster.
Dixon plans to enter the team in several tournaments including
a Cobourg tournament in May, a Niagara Falls tournament in July,
and the Provincial Qualifiers in August.
Organizers are looking for anyone interested in forming a
Maitland Mountain Biking Club. For more information, call Wayne
Brohman at 348-3432.
St. Lawrence College leads province in survey
results
BROCKVILLE - St. Lawrence College is the provincial leader
in delivering quality academic programs and meeting customer
demands, the results of a comprehensive provincial accountability
survey indicate.
The survey released earlier this month by the Association
of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology also indicates the
graduate employment rate at St. Lawrence College is 92.8 per
cent - more than four per cent higher than the provincial average.
St. Lawrence College also achieved high customer satisfaction
levels with an employer satisfaction rate of more than 95 per
cent and a graduate satisfaction rate of almost 85 per cent.
Both results exceed provincial averages by more than three per
cent.
"We are extremely pleased with these results that show
we are achieving our primary goals of student and graduate success,"
St. Lawrence College President and CEO Volker Thomsen stated
in a news release.
"One of our key messages has been that 'Our Grads Get
Jobs,' and these survey results confirm that St. Lawrence graduates
not only are very successful in gaining employment, their employers
are very satisfied with the knowledge and skills they possess,"
said Glenn Vollebregt, senior vice-president of advancement and
corporate services.
The survey is a collaborative effort between the provincial
government and Ontario's 25 colleges of applied arts and technology
designed to highlight performance and accountability.
Results from the survey are used as a basis for performance-based
funding from the province.
The results of the provincial student satisfaction survey
were also released, with St. Lawrence College receiving an overall
satisfaction level of almost 73 per cent - an increase of more
than two per cent from last year.
St. Lawrence College has campuses in Brockville, Cornwall
and Kingston.
Diabetes association sells compost
BROCKVILLE - The local branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association
will be holding its annual sale of garden compost this Saturday,
April 27 and Sunday, April 28 from 8:30 am to 5 pm in the A&P
parking lot.
The mushroom-based soil conditioner can be purchased on site;
advance orders can be placed by calling the branch office at
345-0992.
Big Sisters auction bidding under way
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - Bids are still being accepted on the
Big Sisters Dream Auction Web site.
The ninth annual auction includes such items as sports memorabilia,
golf packages, travel vouchers, household items, professional
services and much more.
Check out the bidding at bigsisters-leedsgrenville.org; bids
will be accepted until May 10.
A live auction will be held May 11 at 1000 Islands Mall in
Brockville.
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