Waterfront trail to be expanded
Flowers, trees and signs to be added in next phase
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - An expanded waterfront trail, improved signage
and an arboretum are among the elements of an ambitious plan
presented to town council Monday night.
Fort Wellington Superintendent Pam Buell and other fort staff
were on hand Monday night to outline details of the next phase
of a waterfront master plan at the national historic site.
The plan will expand on the Millennium Pathway created two
years ago. The paved walkway extends from the eastern edge of
Prescott along the shore of the St. Lawrence River to the marina.
The plan was developed in conjunction with the town, Parks
Canada and members of the community, according to Buell. In noting
the walkway is a suitable use of the property, Buell said the
waterfront is something the community cherishes and would like
to see remain open to the public.
Cameron Smith, a landscape architect with Public Works Canada
who has been working on the waterfront concept the past few months,
said there are very few places along the St. Lawrence that can
boast so much history in such a small geographic area.
The trail transcends the many different uses the area has
seen during the past 200 years. Interpretive signage and viewing
areas will give visitors a better understanding of the military
and industrial uses the waterfront area has seen over the years.
Native perennial plants, wild flowers and grasses will grow
along portions of the trail. A historic arboretum to be located
at the eastern end of the trail will include a picnic area; species
of trees will be identified, and the role each species played
in development of the fort will be described.
Walking trails will be established to link the existing walkway
and the fort. Smith said the trail project will return the area
to what he called "redeemed open space."
The main trail will not be lit; the intent is to emphasize
the natural and historic flavour of the trail, according to Smith.
The removal of telephone poles and wires along King Street
East in front of the fort is being sought as part of the master
plan.
A portion of the local Parks Canada capital budget will be
allocated for the project this year, Buell said. She added the
goal is to extend the trail east and west to include the Battle
of the Windmill site and Centennial Park.
"It's not just this one little part of the trail,"
Buell said of the overall plan.
As for making this next phase of the waterfront master plan
a reality, there is optimism the project will receive considerable
financial and community support. Consultant and millennium committee
member Mike Laking told council he expects to be successful in
obtaining Human Resources Development Canada funding through
the Youth at Risk program. He expects an announcement will be
made no later than next Wednesday.
Laking said a dozen young adults will be working in the community
this summer.
But support is not limited to federal funding, according to
Laking. He said he has lined up in-kind donations with a total
value of $160,000.
"I'm very excited about the whole thing," Laking
said.
Buell gave credit to the volunteers who have served on the
millennium committee and who share an appreciation of the waterfront
area and its potential.
World Youth Day Cross arrives in South Grenville
next week
PRESCOTT - A four-metre high wooden cross will be carried
through Prescott and other communities next week in a gathering
organized by local Catholic churches for all Christians.
The event is a celebration that gathers together young people
from around the world at the invitation of Pope John Paul II.
The cross was presented to world youth by the Pope in 1984.
Since that date, it has been on an uninterrupted pilgrimage around
the world as a sign of hope, peace and reconciliation, explained
St. Mark's Parish co-ordinator Diane Jozefowicz.
Millions of people have touched the cross, she said, and millions
have been touched by its simple message of love.
On this leg of the journey, the cross is being carried from
Montreal and is expected to arrive in Cardinal Monday, May 13.
Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Cardinal at
noon.
Mass will again be said Tuesday, May 14 at 8 am at St. Mark
Church in Prescott.
Joining in the celebration will be singers from the St. Joseph
school choir and the Grade 7 and 8 students, or portageurs, who
will carry the cross from Prescott to Grenville Christian College.
School children from St. Mark and St. Joseph schools will
leave St. Mark Parish Centre at abut 9:30 am with the cross.
The group will walk south on Edward Street to King, and then
walk west on King as far as Sophia Street.
The Grade 7 and 8 students will continue with the cross to
DuPont Park on County Road 2. Following lunch, the trek will
continue to Grenville Christian College, where an ecumenical
service will be held at about 4:30 pm.
The public is welcome to join in the local church services
and the walk, as well as the cross hand-over rally at Upper Canada
Village Friday, May 10 from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.
The cross has been on a journey across Canada since April
2001. Following the pilgrimage through South Grenville, it will
continue on to Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Belleville, Trenton
and many other communities in preparation for World Youth Day
2002 celebrations in Toronto July 18-22.
A World Youth Day yard and bake sale fundraiser will take
place outside St. Mark Parish Centre Saturday, May 25. Donations
will be appreciated.
Within the Archdiocese of Kingston, more than 2,000 youth
day registrants from around the world have been invited to stay
with families and share Canadian cultural, religious and faith
experiences.
St. Mark's parish will be hosting 110 participants from other
countries during this event.
For more information and international updates, visit www.wyd2002.org.
Set sail for Harbour Days
PRESCOTT - The Fort Town will be where the action is this
Victoria Day weekend.
The annual Harbour Days celebration will begin Saturday, May
18. The three-day festival has something to offer people of all
ages.
The Prescott Farmers Market will be open Saturday morning,
offering vegetables, flowers and plants. The Rotary Club of Prescott
will serve lunch at the market in the clock tower square at the
corner of King and Centre streets.
To coincide with Harbour Days, many merchants in town will
be taking part in a "Whale of a Sale." A portion of
King Street will be closed to traffic as the coast guard, police,
fire and other services and businesses demonstrate what they
do. There will also be a fashion show.
Fort Wellington National Historic Site will open its doors
for the season Sunday, May 19. Admission at the fort will be
free that day; special activities are planned.
Weather permitting, hot air balloon rides sponsored by Pilot
Insurance will be offered on the fort grounds each morning and
evening of Harbour Days. Proceeds will go to the cenotaph project
being undertaken by the Prescott branch of the Royal Canadian
Legion.
The branch will serve breakfast Sunday morning and a chicken
barbecue late Sunday afternoon.
An Anglican church service will be held Sunday morning at
the Kinsmen Outdoor Theatre on the waterfront, followed by the
annual blessing of the harbour.
Live music will be in the air later that afternoon at the
outdoor theatre.
Monday, May 20 will be kids' day in Prescott. A soap box derby
presented by the Prescott Kiwanis Club will take place on George
Street between Dibble and King streets. The Grenville Fish and
Game Club will offer free rides on its Little Dreamer boat; climb
aboard at the harbour.
The waterfront area will also be the site of other events
for youngsters and their families Monday morning and afternoon.
A party to mark the 100th birthday of the teddy bear will be
held. There will also be games, a petting zoo and pony rides.
Giant Tiger will host a free lunch for the kids.
In case of rain, most events on Sunday and Monday will be
cancelled.
.
THIS WEEK
Future of playground to be discussed tonight
JOHNSTOWN - The future of the playground structure at South
Edwardsburg Public School will be discussed tonight (Wednesday)
at a community meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:30 pm in
the school gym.
The play structure was deemed off limits to students and other
users of the facility several weeks ago after an assessment conducted
by the Upper Canada District School Board revealed a number of
deficiencies. The estimated cost of bringing the structure up
to standard is in the range of $10,000.
Tonight's meeting is being presented by the South Edwardsburg
school council in conjunction with the board.
OPSEU, government come to terms on deal
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Provincial government services were starting
to return to normal this week following a 54-day strike by the
Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).
Government and union representatives reached a tentative agreement
late last week. OPSEU members ratified the deal on the weekend.
The agreement includes a wage increase of 8.45 per cent over
a three-year period. Tens of thousands of government workers
went on strike March 13.
The vehicle and driver licence bureau on King Street East
in Prescott reopened Monday; the office was closed for the duration
of the strike. The land registry office on Centre Street was
also expected to return to regular operating hours by next Monday;
the office was not open weekday mornings during the strike.
In order to deal with backlogs, the government has advised
there will be delays in processing certain documents such as
birth, death and marriage certificates.
Van driver acquitted of most serious charges
BROCKVILLE - The driver of a van involved in a fatal accident
west of Prescott in July 2000 has been found not guilty of criminal
negligence.
Baljit Singh Bajwa, 20, was the driver of an unlicensed shuttle
van that went out of control following a tire blowout and crashed
on Highway 401 near Blue Church Road. Five people were killed
and 10 were injured.
Justice Charles Anderson acquitted the driver Friday of the
most serious charges against him multiple counts of criminal
negligence causing death and bodily harm. However, Bajwa was
found guilty of dangerous driving based on an incident that occurred
prior to the fatal accident.
Bajwa will return to Brockville next month for sentencing.
South Grenville food bank receives big offer of support from
store owner
PRESCOTT - Organizers of the South Grenville food bank have
received a big boost from the owner of the local Canadian Tire
store.
Dominique Pressault has offered to supply the food bank with
equipment and supplies.
As reported in last Wednesday's Journal, food bank
officials have made arrangements to lease a portion of a Henry
Street building across from the Legion parking lot. Pressault
met with food bank representatives last Thursday.
"We will provide anything they need, (from) fixtures
like racking to store food and counters to present it, to office
equipment like desks, cabinets and fax machines, to paint, facia,
cleaning supplies and tools," Pressault said.
"Our first mandate is to look after the exterior and
interior of the building, to make it fully functional."
Some of the materials to be donated are now being used at
the present location of Canadian Tire; a new store is slated
to open this fall on Prescott Centre Drive near the OPP station.
Pressault noted he does not want to put a dollar figure on
the size of his store's donation because the project still needs
approval from Canadian Tire's Foundation for Families program.
"We will definitely help them out a lot," he said,
adding he is confident Foundation for Families will approve the
project. "This will be highly regarded by the corporation,
I'm sure - providing food and shelter to people in need."
Heather MacKay-Kelso, chairperson of the "Food For All"
board of directors, said Monday she was "blown away"
by Pressault's offer. "I was speechless," she added.
MacKay-Kelso noted she and other food bank officials appreciate
the support being pledged by Pressault. Now that materials appear
to no longer be an issue, volunteers can focus their attention
on refurbishing the building that will house the food depot and
office.
"We just need the manpower," she said.
The next meeting of the food bank steering committee and board
of directors is set for May 15 at 7 pm at the Prescott Golf Club.
Food bank organizers are hoping the facility will be open
this September. "Food For All" will serve residents
of Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal.
Another town hall decision in the works
Prescott council receives expression of interest in Dibble
Street building
PRESCOTT - The next chapter in the never-ending story of what
to do about town hall and the public library will likely be written
later this month.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead gave notice to Prescott council
at its meeting Monday night she intends to put forward a motion
at the May 27 council meeting. The motion will involve setting
a budget figure for proposed renovations to the Dibble Street
municipal building, according to Beckstead.
Having ruled out other options, council opted several weeks
ago to reconsider plans to renovate the municipal building. Some
councillors indicated the cost of renovating would have to be
less than the $800,000 proposed last summer before they would
vote to proceed with refurbishing the three-storey structure.
Council is nearing the completion of its 2002 operating budget
deliberations; the renovation option will be considered when
council reviews the town's 2002 capital budget.
It was also acknowledged Monday the town had received its
first formal expression of interest in the Dibble Street municipal
building.
Former councillor Charles Street of the Greater Prescott Graphic
Development Corporation indicates in an April 30 letter to the
town it should undertake renovating the municipal building and
library. If not, council should declare the property surplus
and allow organizations like the corporation to submit proposals.
"Regardless of the dithering of the current council the
people of this community have needs and concerns that must be
addressed," the letter states.
The building could be used for municipal offices and meeting
rooms as well as a library and youth centre large enough to house
the Air Cadet squadron and other groups.
The development corporation was formed "...with the purpose
of making the great community of Prescott Greater," the
letter states.
Council decided several weeks ago to seek expressions of interest
in the property. Although renovating the municipal building remains
an option, council decided to advertise the property without
actually offering to sell it.
The corporation letter also states council has ignored and
disregarded the wishes of the people who elected a pro-renovation
mayoralty candidate.
Council voted Monday to refer the letter to the town's corporate
services committee.
Municipal offices were moved to temporary quarters on Edward
Street nearly one year ago in anticipation of the municipal building
being renovated.
Flashing traffic lights will return each night
PRESCOTT - Town council has voted to make another change to
the traffic lights at the intersection of King and St. Lawrence
streets.
Council decided last month to have the lights return to regular
operating status beginning May 18 and ending Labour Day. Flashing
yellow and red lights have been in effect since last fall.
However, Prescott council voted 4-3 Monday night to have the
lights return to flashing status from 9 pm to 8:45 am beginning
May 20 and ending Labour Day.
Councillor Terry McConnell, chairman of the town's transportation
and environmental services committee, said he had received comments
from people who do not believe the red, yellow and green signals
are needed 24 hours a day.
McConnell said he has been advised the signals can be programmed
to switch to flashing and back at fixed times; this option represents
a compromise, according to the councillor.
Councillor Garry Dewar supported the proposal, adding he does
not believe signals still need to be in place at the intersection.
But Councillor Nancy McFarland said the signals are needed to
slow down traffic on King Street and help pedestrians going to
and from the pool and other nearby facilities.
McFarland and councillors Jo-Anne Beckstead voted against
the proposal; Dewar, McConnell and Councillor Jim French voted
in favour. Mayor Robert Lawn cast the deciding ballot in favour
of overnight flashing lights.
Proceeds from carnation sales will go to local
MS Society
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada will be selling bouquets of carnations May
9, 10 and 11 at a number of locations in the area.
Carnations will be sold at all three banks in Prescott and
at Valu-mart and Giant Tiger. Flowers will also be available
in Cardinal at the post office, Village Square Mall and 730 Truck
Stop, and in Spencerville at the Royal Bank. The captain of carnation
sales in Prescott and Spencerville is Dorothy Loker (925-3888);
the Cardinal captain is Betty Byers (657-4643).
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling disease of the central
nervous system that is usually diagnosed in people between the
ages of 20 and 40. The cause and cure of MS remain unknown; Canada
has one of the highest MS rates in the world.
The Leeds Grenville chapter, which has more than 150 clients,
is seeking volunteers. For more information, call the MS office
in Brockville at 342-6396 or 1-800-233-0811.
Tourism Prescott seeks moderate funding increase from town
council
PRESCOTT - Spending money on tourism is an important investment
in the community, town council has been told.
Tourism Prescott, a committee of town council, is asking the
municipality for an operating grant of $24,022. The volunteer-based
committee promotes and develops the tourism industry in the Prescott
area.
Craig Worden, chairman of Tourism Prescott, told council at
a budget meeting last Wednesday night the committee requires
a certain level of funding to maintain its programs. In noting
council has made cuts to previous funding requests, Worden, a
former town councillor, said it would be difficult to pare down
the tourism budget.
Council agreed last year to give Tourism Prescott about $17,150
in 2001; the committee had been seeking more than $23,000. The
actual amount spent last year was about $19,000.
Marketing and advertising costs comprise much of the Tourism
Prescott budget. More than $8,000 has been allocated to lure
brochures, maps and ads in vacation guides and other publications.
Expenditures total $27,222. The proposed budget lists other
revenues of $3,200.
Councillor Jim French, who chairs the town's finance committee,
asked if Tourism Prescott has sought funding from Augusta or
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships. In noting no requests had been
made, Worden indicated it would be more appropriate for council
to make such a request.
There continue to be many positive comments about how visitors
are welcomed and treated in Prescott, Worden told council. "They
tell us Prescott cares about them," he said.
"It's hard to put a dollar value on what it does for
the town."
Tourism Prescott has also spearheaded a new signage project
which will see $4,000 spent on directional and street signs.
Worden emphasized the need to make travellers aware of the points
of interest in Prescott.
The committee is also involved in organizing or presenting
major events such as the Highland Fling, Shakespeare in the Park
and Harbour Days.
"We appreciate your efforts. We really do," French
said.
Council has now received budget proposals from all town departments
and committees. Another budget meeting will take place tonight
at the health centre. French said he would like to have the town's
operating budget "under control" by the end of the
meeting.
Fort Wellington branch of Legion marks 75th
anniversary of charter
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - Seventy-five and still going strong.
That seemed to be the theme at Royal Canadian Legion Branch
97's 75th anniversary celebration Saturday evening in Prescott
as zone commanders and past presidents joined Legion members
for a dinner, presentation of awards and a dance.
"This probably means even more to the town of Prescott
than it does to the branch," said Ed Greene, who served
as president from 1968 to 1969 and again in 1978.
"We've been a spark in this town for 75 years, and we're
very proud to be a member of this society."
Fort Wellington Branch 97's charter dates back to May 2, 1927.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn congratulated the Legion on the milestone
with a brief speech after the dinner.
"To think, for 75 years, this organization has played
the role it has in this community, it's something to be proud
of," Lawn said.
Zone G3 Commander Ron Goodwin added, "All members of
the branch are to be congratulated for their support and dedication
in reaching this (milestone). The branch continues to promote
the aims and objects of the Royal Canadian Legion while at the
same time supporting various endeavours within your community."
Although the Legion charter was granted in 1927, the Prescott
organization actually dates back to 1920.
Following the dinner, awards were presented to volunteers,
past branch presidents and past presidents of the Ladies' Auxiliary.
Greene, chairman of the cenotaph relocation committee, was
honoured as Legionnaire of the Year, the first time ever Branch
97 has presented the award.
"We've had fabulous support with the relocation of the
cenotaph," said Greene. "Town hall was condemned and
we felt the cenotaph should be in a more prominent place."
The cenotaph relocation project is expected to be completed
by Remembrance Day.
As far as the Legion's membership is concerned, many seemed
optimistic the branch is headed in the right direction.
"We were worried about the Legion a few years ago and
where it was going - what would happen when all the veterans
are gone," said Robert Nuttall, master of ceremonies during
the evening.
"We needn't have worried... what has evolved is a very
fine nucleus of individuals who have carried on in our stead."
Greene added, "Our sons, daughters and friends are taking
over, and we have 500 strong. Membership is very strong in our
branch."
"We've been a spark in this town..."
Ed Greene
Man dies in two-car crash on Highway 416
EDWARDSBURGH- A Brockville man died of injuries he sustained
in a two-vehicle accident late Monday afternoon.
Grenville County OPP report a Honda Civic driven by Gholan
Vatanpour, 43, of Toronto was southbound on Highway 416 just
south of the Glen Smail Road overpass when it collided with a
Chevrolet Lumina driven by Donald Earl Young, 68, of Brockville.
Young, whose vehicle sustained extensive damage, was pronounced
dead. Vatanpour was transported to Brockville General Hospital
where he was treated for minor injuries and released. Two passengers
in his vehicle were not injured in the collision.
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal firefighters responded to the accident
call and provided extrication services. The southbound lanes
were closed to traffic for six hours.
Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact the
OPP in Prescott at 925-4221. The collision is being investigated
by OPP Technical Traffic Investigator Robyn Howard and Constable
C. Doran.
New beds at St. Vincent de Paul offer local treatment for
stroke recovery
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
BROCKVILLE - Patients recovering from strokes will now be
able to receive treatment closer to home.
A five-bed, specialized in-patient rehabilitation unit opened
last month at St. Vincent de Paul Hospital in Brockville. Patients
from South Grenville who are suffering the after-effects of a
stroke will also be able to receive local follow-up after discharge,
explained hospital Administrator Mark Edmonds.
Previously, patients from this area travelled primarily to
St. Mary's of the Lake Hospital in Kingston. Treatment could
also be sought in Ottawa and Smiths Falls.
Friends and family of the patient will no longer have to travel
such long distances, and will be able to take a more active role
in the patient's care, Edmonds said. Since a patient's average
length of stay in the unit is four to five weeks, travelling
can place tremendous strain on a family, he added.
If a family member can visit more often, the patient can be
reintegrated into the community quicker, the administrator said.
"Families play such a large role in rehabilitation."
The unit will provide a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment,
giving patients access to nursing care, physiotherapists, social
workers, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists
and recreation therapists.
Five physiatrists - doctors specializing in physical medicine
and rehabilitation - will visit weekly from St. Mary's of the
Lake. It's a way of bringing the doctor to the patient, which
provides much better care, Edmonds said.
The new unit can also serve patients with neurological deficits,
such as multiple sclerosis.
Not only will the unit make life easier for patients and their
families in Leeds-Grenville, Edmonds said, but it also frees
beds in Kingston for more patients in that area. "It's as
if the region got five additional beds," he said. "It's
enhanced the whole system."
The rehabilitation beds were directed by the Health Services
Restructuring Commission in 1998 as part of the transition of
St. Vincent de Paul Hospital from an acute-care hospital to a
provider of complex continuing care, palliative care and rehabilitation
services. When the restructuring process is complete, the hospital
will receive another 17 beds. A study on a new building is yet
to be completed as part of that process; a date for finalizing
those future plans is not yet known, Edmonds said.
St. Vincent de Paul comes under the umbrella of the Sisters
of Providence and Providence Continuing Care Centre, a provider
of non-acute health care and a centre for related research and
learning. Other sites of the centre are St. Mary's of the Lake,
Long-Term Care (Providence Manor site) in Kingston and Mental
Health Services site, formerly Kingston Psychiatric Hospital.
The province has committed $500,000 per year toward the cost
of the unit, Edmonds said.
Walk raises money and awareness for volunteer
bureau
BROCKVILLE - Last month's Mayors' Community Walk in Brockville
was quite beneficial for the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and Grenville,
organizers say.
"It went wonderfully well, better than we had hoped,"
said Frank Bolger, chairman of the bureau's fundraising committee.
"We had a pretty good turnout from a lot of areas (throughout
the United Counties)."
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, Councillor Seeley Pillar and Augusta
Reeve George Vail were among the dignitaries who participated
in the two-kilometre walk through downtown Brockville April 27.
Vail made one of the more substantial contributions, according
to Bolger, raising approximately $2,500.
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor David Dobbie was unable to attend,
as were Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan and Leeds-Grenville MPP
Bob Runciman.
"The thing that pleased me the most was the money we
raised; it was unbelievable," Bolger said. "This will
help us a lot to accomplish what we wanted to accomplish."
Bolger said total pledges exceeded $17,000 and estimated,
with contributions from financial backers of the event, the total
raised by the walk was approximately $25,000. The bureau will
hold a meeting this week to finalize figures.
Another goal of the walk was to increase public awareness
of the bureau, which Bolger felt was also achieved.
"We certainly increased our profile," he says. "A
lot more people are now aware of the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds
and Grenville."
The bureau has existed for 26 years and oversees approximately
10,000 volunteers in Leeds and Grenville, attracting, training
and placing them with groups that need assistance, such as hospitals
and nursing homes.
For more information on the Volunteer Bureau of Leeds and
Grenville, call (613) 342-7040.
Local teacher will serve as bargaining unit
president
KEMPTVILLE - South Grenville District High School teacher
Carson Kilpatrick will serve as teacher bargaining unit president
for the 2002-2003 school year, Ontario Secondary School Teachers'
Federation (OSSTF) Upper Canada District 26 announced last week.
Kilpatrick, currently teacher bargaining unit vice-president,
was elected to the position April 26. John McAllister, a former
district officer and retired teacher, was elected president of
OSSTF District 26, replacing Greg McGillis.
"I'm looking forward to taking over and meeting the challenges,"
said Kilpatrick, who becomes president of the bargaining unit
July 1. "I hope to improve communication and member involvement,
to improve representation of teachers in the classroom, to rebuild
a positive relationship with the board and with the OSSTF, and
to redefine how the Teacher Bargaining Unit president assists
members."
McGillis served as president of OSSTF District 26 for five
years but, according to an OSSTF release, appeared to pay a price
for five years of difficult relations both with the Upper Canada
District School Board and the government.
"I have no regrets," McGillis said. "I think
that people just felt it was time for a change... I'm looking
forward to spending more time with my family and preparing to
re-enter the classroom."
A high-flying attraction coming to town
PRESCOTT - There will be plenty of high hopes at this year's
edition of Harbour Days.
The eight-storey Pilot Insurance balloon is scheduled to visit
Prescott May 18-20. Tethered balloon rides will be offered at
Fort Wellington Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings from about
9 to 11 am and evenings from 6 to 8 pm, weather permitting.
Proceeds from the rides will be donated to the Prescott Branch
97 of the Royal Canadian Legion and its cenotaph project.
There will also be a draw for a sunrise or sunset balloon
flight for two during the fair. The draw will take place Thursday,
May 16; entry ballots are available through Brister Group Insurance
Brokers (925-5901) and the Legion.
Prescott is the first stop of the season for the Pilot balloon
program. The Harbour Days visit is being assisted by Brister
Insurance.
Home improvement scams are out there, police warn
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Ontario Provincial Police is alerting
residents in the eastern region to the presence of home improvement
scams.
Uninvited workmen show up at a residence and offer driveway
sealing, painting or home improvement services. The work they
say needs to be done may not be needed, according to police.
In some cases the work that is done is of poor quality and
could costs victims a large portion of their savings. Victims,
many of whom are senior citizens, have lost thousands of dollars
from such scams; in some cases, cheques have been altered to
larger amounts. The fees charged are sometimes excessive given
the work done.
Homeowners are reminded to ask for an estimate and a phone
number where a company official can be reached. Two or three
quotes should be obtained for any major repairs or renovations.
Anyone who believes he or she may be the target of scam, or
who knows of someone else in that position, is asked to contact
the local police.
Residents of Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships can
call the Grenville County OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221).
The Prescott Police Service can be reached at 925-4252.
Rabies clinics begin today
PRESCOTT - Rabies vaccinations for pets will be available
at special clinics to be held today and next Wednesday, May 15
from 2 pm to 6 pm at the public works garage on Sophia Street.
The annual clinics are presented by the Leeds, Grenville and
Lanark District Health Unit in conjunction with local veterinarians.
Health officials note the most effective way to prevent human
cases of rabies is to vaccinate pets. Low-cost vaccinations will
be provided at the clinics.
Pet owners attending the clinics are being asked to keep their
animals on a leash or in a carrier.
For more information, call the Health Action Line at 1-800-660-5853.
Ghetto blaster and CDs stolen from residence
PRESCOTT - The Prescott Police Service investigated 49 general
incidents and one motor vehicle accident between April 28 and
May 4.
On May 5, town police investigated a break and enter at a
Park Street West residence. A JVC ghetto blaster valued at $300
and 20 CDs valued at about $250 were taken.
The theft of a licence plate from a Wood Street residence
was investigated by police May 1. A 52-year-old man was charged
with possession of stolen property and is to appear in Brockville
court.
A tee sign with a value of between $700 and $800 was stolen
from the Prescott Golf Club. Town police investigated the theft
April 30.
The sign was located the next day behind a Churchill Road
residence and returned to the golf club.
Lawn ornaments with a total value of $100 were stolen from
a Park Street home; police investigated the theft April 29.
Anyone with information on these occurrences or any criminal
activity in town is asked to call the Prescott Police Service
at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Prescott man charged with sexual assault of
18-month-old
BROCKVILLE - A Prescott man has been charged in connection
with an incident in Brockville involving an 18-month-old girl.
Davis Evan Provencal, 54, of Hyde Street faces charges of
sexual assault, sexual touching and public intoxication. The
charges stem from an incident that took place last Wednesday
afternoon in an apartment in Cartier Court, according to Brockville
police.
The toddler was taken to Brockville General Hospital and transferred
to CHEO in Ottawa where she was examined.
Provencal was arrested in a convenience store parking lot
in response to a public intoxication call, Detective Sergeant
John Moran told The Journal. Police then received a separate
call about an alleged sexual assault of a girl, according to
Moran. The suspect is known to the victim's family and had visited
their apartment that day, police reported.
Provencal was scheduled to appear at a bail hearing Monday
in Brockville.
OPP BRIEFS
Fire damages stolen vehicle on Lords Mills Road
AUGUSTA - Constable Large of the Grenville County OPP detachment
responded to a vehicle fire call Saturday, May 4 at about 9:50
pm on Lords Mills Road. The Augusta Fire Department extinguished
the fire. The blue Ford Taurus had been stolen in Brockville.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating
officer at 925-4221 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Speeding stop leads to impaired driving charge
AUGUSTA A Lyn man was charged after the vehicle he was
operating was stopped for speeding. OPP Constable Boutilier pulled
over the vehicle May 5 at 2:40 pm on County Road 18. Steven Neilsen,
40, was charged with impaired driving. He is to appear in court
June 14.
No one injured in eight motor vehicle accidents
SOUTH GRENVILLE Members of the local Grenville County
detachment investigated 77 calls between April 29 and May 5.
Thirty-six calls for service were in Augusta; the other 41 were
based in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
Twenty-four calls received by the OPP were for police assistance,
and 16 involved traffic complaints. Eight motor vehicle accidents
were investigated; no one was injured in those accidents, some
of which involved deer.
Cinderella school play to be staged for public
PRESCOTT - Students of South Grenville District High School
will stage Cinderella's Glass Slipper this weekend.
Show times for the musical are Friday, May 10 at 7 pm and
Saturday, May 11 at 7 pm.
Tickets are available at the door.
Saturday is tree planting day in Augusta
MAYNARD - Educational sessions to promote the proper planting
and care of trees will be held simultaneously at four locations
in Augusta Township this Saturday, May 11.
The demonstrations mark the end of a three-year program to
replace trees lost in public areas during the Jan. 1998 ice storm.
The program funded by the provincial and federal governments
sought to achieve a high level of community involvement and educate
the public on the importance of trees to the health of the their
communities.
The program has been delivered with the assistance of recreation
committees in North Augusta, Roebuck and Maitland and the Maynard
Cemetery Board. South Nation Conservation has provided administrative
and technical support to the project.
Demonstrations will begin at 9 am at the Maitland Recreation
Centre, the Roebuck Community Hall, the North Augusta Community
Centre and the municipal office in Maynard.
Tree planting experts will conduct a demonstration at each
site, followed by a question and answer period.
Twenty-five trees will be given away by lottery to local residents
in attendance at each site.
Proposed tax increase clarified
MAYNARD -An article that appeared in last week's Prescott
Journal stated the proposed 2002 tax increase on an Augusta
Township home assessed at $100,000 would be about $5.
However, the amount is $4.86 for every one per cent in the
mill rate, which translates to an increase of $12.15 on $100,000
worth of assessment, explained township CEO Nigel White.
This figure represents the municipal portion of the bill only.
The final tax increase will not be known until at least the end
of May, when the county sets its tax ratio and Augusta knows
the amount of education and county taxes it needs to pay.
Seats are still available for trip to museum
WALKER HOUSE NEWS
By Marnie Lippiatt
We have reserved a table at the sidewalk sale on May 18 at
the town clock. Members are encouraged to bring their donations
of items to Walker House before noon May 17. Please have items
clean and priced.
We will also be selling the tickets on our quilt. We need
a few more volunteers to help at the table. Please call 925-5300
for information.
Walker House will be hosting bridge for the senior games this
Thursday, May 9. Bea Hemsley is the co-ordinator for this part
of the games. We will have six tables.
We still have some seats on the bus to the Museum of Civilization
May 30. We plan to leave at 2 pm and return in the evening.
This will allow time to visit the Imax theatre as well as
see the displays. "The Human Body" and "Wild California"
will be the two movies showing.
Card game winners: Tuesday night cribbage high hand,
Jeannine Marion; high score, Cindy Burnside; 2nd, Eleanor Gilligan
and Bea Hemsley; 3rd, Jeannine Marion. Wednesday night bridge
winner, Valerie Schulz; 2nd, Audrey Kingston; door prize,
Doris Mossman. Thursday night euchre 1st, Bea Hemsley;
2nd, Gladys Somerville; 3rd, Hilda Hutton; door prize, Jerry
Monette.
Tim Hortons Camp Day set for next Wednesday
PRESCOTT - The annual Tim Hortons Camp Day will take place
Wednesday, May 15.
Proceeds from coffee sales next Wednesday at the Prescott
location will be donated to the Tim Horton Children's Foundation.
Four million dollars was raised chain-wide during last year's
Camp Day.
Almost 9,000 children between the ages of nine and 12 are
expected to attend a foundation camp this year.
The foundation operates five camps in Ontario, Quebec, Nova
Scotia, Alberta and Kentucky. A sixth camp near Brantford will
open in June. Summer camp sessions are 10 days, and winter camp
sessions are five days.
Name the trail contest opens
PRESCOTT - A contest is under way to select the name of the
waterfront trail in front of Fort Wellington.
The "millennium" trail established two years ago
is being renamed to reflect its historic location and landscape.
The second phase of the waterfront trail projects will include
the addition of native plant gardens, interpretive signage, benches
and an arboretum.
Contest entries are to include the suggested name of the trail
as well as the submitter's name, address and telephone number.
Entries are to be sent to Fort Wellington National Historic Site
of Canada, Box 479, Prescott ON, K0E 1T0. The contest deadline
is June 20.
The winning name will be announced July 1 during Canada Day
celebrations at the fort. The winner will be the first person
to plant a commemorative tree in the arboretum. Signs with the
winning name will be placed at both ends of the trail.
Council payments and expenses total nearly
$37,000 in 2001
PRESCOTT - The town has issued its 2001 statement of remuneration
and expenses for members of Prescott council.
The seven members of council received a total of nearly $37,000
last year. Mayor Robert Lawn received an honorarium of $8,314
for the 12-month period.
An additional $2,200 was noted for conferences, mileage, employer
benefits and subscriptions.
Of the six councillors, Jim French had the highest total.
Remuneration, conference expenses and employer benefits amounted
to just under $5,800.
Terry McConnell was next at about $4,875, followed by Nancy
McFarland at $4,102 and Jo-Anne Beckstead at $3,940. Rounding
out the councillors were Garry Dewar at $3,904 and Seeley Pillar
at $3,797.
The base honorarium for councillors last year was just over
$300 per month.
Council has noted in the past remuneration for members of
Prescott council is among the lowest for towns of a similar size
in Eastern Ontario.
Town council voted itself a slight increase in remuneration
at the beginning of this year. Similar increases were also approved
for municipal staff.
Galaxy of Stars will shine this weekend at
VON fundraiser
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The "Galaxy of Stars" fundraiser
for the local branch of the VON will take place this Saturday,
May 11 at 7 pm at the Brockville Arts Centre.
The concert will feature music for people of all ages. Scheduled
to perform at the fundraiser are the Andrews
Family known for its unique playing of old-time fiddle, Celtic
and bluegrass music; Tom Wilson and His Western All-stars, the
oldest established country band in the area; the Rideau Mellowdears,
a male chorus of more than 20 voices; and Rival Currants, a teenage
band that won last year's Colonel Bill Watson Memorial Cup at
the Brockville Legion's talent show.
Tickets for Galaxy of Stars can be purchased at the arts centre
box office.
For more information, contact Penny White at 342-4076.
Giant omelette expected to stir the crowd
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The local branch of the Lung Association
is cooking up what it hopes will be a world record.
An attempt to make the world's largest omelette will take
place this Saturday, May 11 at the Brockville Memorial Centre.
Sixty thousand eggs will be poured into a specially-built 44-foot
pan at 10 am. The omelette will be cooked and then served to
the public at noon.
Admission is free; entertainment will include music, dancers,
egg decorating and face painting. A beer tent opens at 11 am.
This project could raise up to $12,000 to help find a cure
for asthma.
To sponsor a dozen eggs and be part of a world record, or
for more information, call Richard Welburn at the Lung Association
office in Brockville (345-1034).
Soap box derby hits the street May 20
PRESCOTT - Dust off those racers and get ready for some downhill
fun.
The Kiwanis Club of Prescott is hosting its annual soap box
derby Monday, May 20 at the George Street hill south of James
Street.
Registration opens at 9 am; races begin at 10 am. The event
is open to hobby and kit cars.
Kar kits are still available from the club.
For more information, call Chris Slater at 925-3404 or Jim
Holmes at 925-4800.
Big sale at Legion
PRESCOTT - A trash, treasure, arts, crafts and bake sale will
be held this Saturday, May 11 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Royal
Canadian Legion Hall on Henry Street.
Antiques and stamp collections will also be available at the
sale. To book a display table, call 925-2165.
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