Harbour Days warms hearts
Cold fails to dampen spirits at annual Prescott festival
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Harbour Days was cool in more ways than one this
year.
Below-normal temperatures may have kept some people away from
this year's Victoria Day weekend festival. But organizer Mike
Boyles said the weather did not prevent Harbour Days from being
a great success.
Boyles estimated up to 1,000 youngsters and their families
visited the waterfront Monday for kids' day which marked the
end of the three-day celebration featuring many activities that
were offered free of charge.
Community services was the focus of the first day of Harbour
Days. King Street was closed between Edward and George Saturday
morning and early afternoon as several federal and municipal
services and business displayed some of their programs and equipment.
Other action on main street included a Biba fashion show and
Studio C dancing.
"It was cold, but everybody was happy," said Boyles,
who added merchants told him they were pleased with how things
went opening day.
A partly cloudy sky and the odd sprinkle of rain or mixed
precipitation experienced on the weekend was in stark contrast
to last year's weather.
The second and third days of the 2001 edition of Harbour Days
basked in sunshine and temperatures in the 20s.
One attraction affected by the conditions was the Pilot Insurance
balloon. Steady winds kept the eight-storey balloon grounded
on the field at Fort Wellington for the entire long weekend.
Boyles said attendance at the church service and concerts Sunday
at the amphitheatre was also affected by the cold. "We can't
help the weather," he remarked.
The Kiwanis soap box derby got the third and final day of
Harbour Days rolling. Single-digit temperatures and sprinkles
of rain did not stop spectators and racers from spending part
of their Monday on the George Street hill.
Despite the occasional shower, hundreds of people flocked
to the waterfront area and the numerous activities being offered
to youngsters. In addition to celebrating the 100th birthday
of teddy bear, kids could mix and mingle with the animals in
the petting zoo, take a pony ride, have their face painted and
dig in at a free lunch presented by the Prescott Giant Tiger
store.
Again this year, the Grenville Fish and Game Club offered
free rides on its Little Dreamer boat.
Sean O'Sullivan, who drove from Ottawa to Prescott Monday
morning to attend Harbour Days, said he was impressed by the
number of activities held on the waterfront. His five-year-old
daughter Meghan enjoyed the many different things being offered
that morning.
"We've been busy ever since we got here," said O'Sullivan,
who noted he plans to return next year.
Another visitor who was impressed by Harbour Days was Linda
Campbell of Brockville, whose daughter Riley loved the petting
zoo and other events for children. Campbell expects they will
be visiting Prescott's waterfront a lot in future.
Boyles said Harbour Days is another example of how the people
of Prescott support their community and make visitors feel welcome.
"It's a good town," he added.
The Highland Fling, the next big event of the tourist season
in Prescott, will take place Saturday, June 15.
Augusta Township begins search to hire new
clerk-treasurer
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD - Nigel White, CAO and clerk treasurer for Augusta
Township since Feb. 2001, resigned from his position last week.
He will be taking a position with the United Counties of Leeds
and Grenville as the director of corporate services and treasurer.
White will be employed by Augusta until the end of June.
"It's a loss to me and the residents of this township,"
Reeve George Vail said in announcing the resignation last week.
"Everyone of us (on council) is happy for him, but we
let him know we are sorry to see him go.
"If a cloud has a silver lining," Vail said, it
will be White's work with the counties will filter down to the
municipalities within Leeds and Grenville. "He's a numbers
person and that's what he loves doing. That's what his training
is all about," Vail said.
At times during the past year, White came under fire from
some Augusta residents who felt matters were not being handled
properly in the township.
However, Vail praised White's efficiency while working for
Augusta, explaining he was pleased with the way the CAO had prepared
the 2002 budget and planned for future needs.
"It was a rocky year with all that negativism and he
stood up to it well," Vail said. "I'm really sorry
to see him go, but I wish him well in all his endeavours. He's
done a great job for the residents of this township and the employees.
He was easy to get to know and a likeable person."
White, a certified management accountant, said he is excited
about the new opportunity and the fact he will be using his corporate
management and professional accounting background. A resident
of Maitland, White noted he is pleased to be staying in the area,
and will continue to have an interest in township matters. "I
won't lose touch with the township."
Prior to his employment with Augusta, White worked for Brockville
PUC before it was sold to Hydro One.
The township will be advertising to fill the position.
Roll up your sleeves and save lives May 29
Blood donor clinic returns to high school in Prescott
PRESCOTT - Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is counting on
local residents to roll up their sleeves at a blood donor clinic
May 29.
Smaller community clinics are important to building up blood
reserves, and Prescott has shown its strong spirit and support
for the clinics in the past, reports Michelle Van Vliet, a communications
specialist with CBS.
"We love our community clients," she said, adding
people who live in small communities often have a strong sense
of social responsibility. A blood donor clinic can take on the
feeling of a social event, "and that translates into the
community working together to donate blood and successful donor
clinics."
Time and convenience are often the biggest barriers for people
to donate blood, Van Vlient said, so smaller clinics like the
one in Prescott are just the answer for CBS. "We're looking
at aligning ourselves more strongly with small clinics."
CBS in Ottawa services 24 Eastern Ontario hospitals. "We
count on the support of communities like Prescott," Van
Vliet said. The organization's goal is to collect more than 15,000
donations between now and September 3. "The support of the
Prescott community can help ensure that blood is available for
people who will need cancer treatment or emergency surgery."
The clinic is being sponsored by the Grenville Fish and Game
Club, the Prescott Kinsmen Club and the high school. Organizer
Lynn Holmes said the three partners hold the clinics twice each
year, and so far, 416 units of blood have been donated locally.
Anyone donating blood at this fifth clinic is eligible to enter
a draw to win a "Partners for Life" T-shirt.
The clinics are a high priority for the clubs because so many
lives can be saved as a result, Holmes said.
At the clinic last fall when the Sept. 11 tragedy was fresh
and painful in the minds of many people, 135 units were collected,
Holmes said. But, "every day is a crucial day blood,"
he added. "It's so easy to donate."
All blood types are needed, Van Vliet said. "We love
all kinds." Everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend,
she added. "The more the merrier."
While there is currently not a shortage of blood, CBS trying
to build reserves before people begin summer vacations.
One unit of blood can help save or improve up to four lives.
CBS is looking for 155 donors at the May 29 clinic at South Grenville
District High School. The public clinic runs from 2 to 8 pm.
High school students only may donate from 1 to 2 pm.
Appointments are encouraged; call 1-888-2DONATE.
Cancer relay shines light on value of cancer research
PRESCOTT - An all-nighter for a good cause is on track for
another year.
The third annual Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the Lanark,
Leeds and Grenville Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society, will
be held June 21-22 at the Lombardy Fairgrounds near Smiths Falls.
A media launch to promote the event took place last Wednesday
in Prescott.
The non-competitive relay attracted 1,145 participants and
raised more than $233,000 last year.
Teams of 10 people take part in the 12-hour overnight relay
by walking, running, strolling or travelling by wheelchair around
the fairgrounds track. In addition to a registration fee, each
participant is to collect pledges totalling at least $100.
Money is also raised through the sale of luminaries. These
candles in paper bags are placed around the track and are lit
at dusk. Each luminary bears the name of someone who survived
cancer or lost his or her life to the disease. More than 2,600
luminaries were sold at the 2001 event.
The event begins at 7 pm with a "victory lap" in
which cancer survivors walk the first leg of the relay in acknowledgement
of their courage and struggle. One hundred ninety-three survivors
walked the victory lap at the 2001 relay.
Teams camp out near the track using theme-decorated tents.
Live entertainment and activities are provided. Dinner, a light
snack and breakfast will be served to participants; the final
lap will take place Saturday morning at 7 am, followed by an
awards presentation and closing ceremony.
More than 220 volunteers took part in last year's rally.
"To be part of this event has made me feel I have helped
in a small way to fight this dreadful disease," said Annastasia
Cliffe, co-chair of the relay.
The society's mandate includes raising money for cancer research
and community services as well as raising public awareness of
ways to reduce the risk of getting cancer. The CAPE branch of
the Canadian Cancer Society represents Cardinal, Augusta, Prescott
and Edwardsburgh.
Relay for Life originated in the United States in the mid-1980s
and now boasts more than 2,700 events worldwide, 60 of which
are in Canada.
For more information about Relay for Life, call Amanda Gifford
at the society's unit office in Perth at (613) 267-1058. The
society's Web site address is www.cancer.ca.
Youth charged for making false accusation
to police
PRESCOTT - A 17-year-old has been charged with falsely accusing
someone of committing a break and enter, according to the Prescott
Police Service.
Town police received a report May 14 of a break and enter
at a James Street West residence. Police obtained a statement
from a 17-year-old witness who accused a man of the offence.
An investigation revealed there had been a break and enter; however,
the man had been falsely accused. The 17-year-old was charged
with public mischief and is to appear in court at a later date.
In all, town police investigated 71 general incidents and
three motor vehicle accidents between May 12 and May 19.
Just after midnight May 18, police investigated the theft
of a 1987 Lincoln Town Car from a parking lot on Henry Street
West. The vehicle was recovered later that morning in a farmer's
field north of Prescott. The vehicle had been gutted by fire.
Town police remind residents to lock their vehicles and not leave
their keys with the vehicle.
Town police received a complaint May 16 from a resident of
the James Street West area who claimed she had been threatened.
The complaint was investigated, and police indicated a man will
be charged with uttering threats.
Anyone with information on criminal activity in town is asked
to call the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-222-8477.
Benefits of immunization should not be taken
for granted
Vaccination program takes aim at preventable diseases
PRESCOTT - May is Immunization Month, and the Leeds, Grenville
and Lanark District Health Unit is reminding the public of the
positive effects of vaccines.
Although vaccination has become routine for most children
in Canada, there are still some who remain at risk because they
have not been or are not completely immunized against infectious
diseases.
Health Canada data indicate there were no reported cases of
polio or diphtheria in this country last year.
The number of new cases of measles, whooping cough, mumps
and other preventable diseases is a tiny fraction of the occurrence
rate prior to the introduction of vaccines.
"We tend to take these benefits for granted, as we no
longer see the devastating effects of these vaccine-preventable
diseases," a health unit release states.
Parents are being reminded of the importance of maintaining
and updating their children's immunization records.
Information on a child's vaccination history is collected
and forwarded to the local health unit when he or she enters
day care or school.
Colleges, universities and employers may also require vaccination
history to meet their administrative requirements.
For more information about immunization, call the Health Action
Line at 1-800-660-5853 or visit the Web site at www.healthunit.org.
A chicken pox vaccine has been licensed in Canada since 1998;
however, the vaccine is not yet included as part of routine Ontario
government-funded programs.
Police pumped
JOHNSTOWN - Members of the Grenville County detachment of
the OPP will be pumping gas at Bayview Convenience this Wednesday,
May 22 and Friday, May 24 from 11 am to 2 pm. Tips the officers
receive will be donated to the law enforcement torch run for
the Special Olympics.
Lowest bid for Brockville court house is $9.7
million
BROCKVILLE - A contract for the reconstruction and expansion
of the court house in Brockville has been awarded to a Mississauga
firm.
At just under $9.7 million, Ledcor Industries submitted the
lowest of four bids. Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman announced
the awarding of the contract Friday.
"I'm proud to be a member of the government that made
the decision to restore this wonderful historic building and
not allow it to be lost to the demolition hammer," Runciman
stated in a news release.
This is the second time the project has gone to tender. The
bids received during the first tender call in 2001 exceeded the
budgeted amount.
The expanded facility will house five courtrooms and new holding
cells as well as a central office for police, an enclosed area
for transporting prisoners, administration offices and interview
rooms. The roof
has been redesigned to enhance the heritage look of the King
Street West building.
Students encouraged to make use of employment centre in Prescott
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - There's a new face this year at the Prescott Human
Resource Centre of Canada for Students (HRCC-S).
Amelia Mayer, a third-year psychology student at Carleton
University, will oversee the office this summer, taking over
from Sarah Hough.
"I'm really excited to be in this," Mayer says.
"It's helping me interact with the community."
The 21-year-old Brockville resident applied for work through
the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWAP) and was referred
to the student employment office.
"It was a little intimidating at first," she says.
"But people have been supportive and the kids have been
great."
Mayer says 20 students have searched for jobs through the
office in the past three week, and four summer openings have
already been filled.
"There are jobs out there; kids just have to be a little
more creative and persistent," she says.
Mayer attended a career fair in Brockville last Wednesday
and visited South Grenville District High School Thursday to
let students know about the centre's services.
"We're just trying to get the word out that we're open,"
she says. "The jobs are a lot more for university students
at the beginning, since high school students aren't out yet.
But we're geared more towards high school students."
The centre, located above the post office on Centre Street,
is open five days a week and collaborates with the Employment
and Education Centre in Brockville as well as the Brockville
HRCC-S.
The office provides young people with job postings, resume
assistance, information on creative job searching techniques
and government programs and services. Individual and group counselling
is available to all students.
A unique initiative created to help students find temporary
work is called the "Odd Job Squad." Students can register
with the squad and indicate their work experience and availability;
they are then notified when jobs are available. Examples of odd
jobs include lawn work, moving, cleaning and painting, with durations
varying from hours to days to even weeks.
The HRCC-S is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment
Strategy.
For more information on the Prescott HRCC-S, phone Amelia
Mayer at 925-2508.
Prescott Web sites to be consolidated
Community launch expected sometime in late June
PRESCOTT - Prescott.ca will soon be the place to go for information
about the Fort Town.
The initial design of Prescott's new Web site was shown to
directors of the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce at
their monthly meeting last Thursday afternoon.
Waterloo-based eSolutions was hired by the town to design
the new Web site, a consolidation of several existing sites representing
the municipality, the Prescott library, economic development
and tourism. Company representatives Marc Trudel and Bev Robertson
presented to the directors an overview of the new Web site.
Town council voted earlier this year to allocate up to $25,000
for the Web site project. eSolutions was the successful bidder.
Town Clerk/CAO Andrew Brown said the plan is to provide a
good mix of text, photographs and graphics.
"We want it to be a community Web site," Brown noted.
The proposed home page features a panoramic view of Prescott.
There will be a kids' section, event listings and launch pad
for businesses and organizations. Links to other sites will be
included, and a search mechanism will allow Web site visitors
to find specific information on a Prescott-related subject.
"People can use this site quite easily," Trudel
said.
The new site will also have the capability of being used for
e-commerce. Tax bills and other fees could be paid electronically.
Judi Baril, a member of the town's Web site committee, said
the site will serve as teacher and service provider. In addition
to stating the history of a church, information about upcoming
services and who to call for more information could be listed.
Baril said eSolutions has listened to committee input and
produced a solid design. "We're impressed with what we've
seen so far," she said.
A member of town staff would be designated to update the Web
site, according to Brown.
There are tentative plans to launch the new Web site at a
community breakfast meeting sometime in late June.
Food bank progress
exceeds expectations
PRESCOTT - Organizers of a South Grenville food bank are making
headway in their efforts to open the facility later this summer.
The "Food For All" depot and office is being set
up on Henry Street across from the Legion Hall. Organizers have
been overwhelmed by pledges of materials and other support to
refurbish the building which had been used for storage in recent
years.
The first of three consecutive Saturday morning work bees
took place last weekend. Volunteers wash floors, remove old wallpaper,
clean windows, scrape and paint.
Prior to the work bees, some members of the food bank steering
committee and board of directors put in time at the site.
Heather MacKay-Kelso, chairperson of the board, noted more
volunteers are welcome to take part. The work sessions begin
at 10 am and continue into the afternoon.
Although work is ahead of schedule, food bank officials are
hesitant to move up the opening date at this time. The goal is
to have the facility in operation by September.
In addition to food drives being held by individual churches,
groups and businesses, the food bank is trying to organize a
major drive this spring involving schools in South Grenville.
The efforts of food bank officials were noted last week by
a dietitian with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health
Unit. Dianne Oickle congratulated the board and committee members
for being proactive.
She said the health unit receives many calls from people in
the Prescott area who are in need of food.
"A lot of our clients may need this service," she
added.
Oickle provided a number of pamphlets and fact sheets on cutting
the cost of cooking and making food dollars go farther. Resource
materials will be available at the food depot once it is open.
However, all is not well with the food voucher program run
by the Prescott Ministerial Association. Rev. Blair Paterson
of St. Paul's United Church reported last week the fund was down
to about $700 and may be depleted by the end of June.
"The program is in really dire straits," said Rev.
John Reynolds, a member of the food bank steering committee and
board of directors.
The program's funding woes prompted a public meeting in January
to discuss the possibility of establishing a food bank. A steering
committee was formed at that meeting. With a board of directors
in place, the food bank is applying for incorporation and charitable
status.
In addition to raising money through draws and donations,
plans are in the works for a spaghetti dinner to be held in conjunction
with the Legion. Dinner would be served at the hall, with an
open house taking place across the street at the food bank.
The new facility will serve residents of Prescott, Augusta
and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
OPP NEWS
Truck strikes cement post near Roebuck
AUGUSTA - The driver of a pick-up truck that struck a cement
post on County Road 18 near Roebuck Saturday morning has been
charged. Police responded to the accident just before 7:30 am.
The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported
to Brockville General Hospital. John D. Gray, 37, of Ottawa faces
charges of careless driving and driving while suspended. Constable
J. Butcher is the investigating officer.
Vehicle parked at side of road leads to charge
EDWARDSBURGH - Senior Constable Ozon observed a vehicle on
the shoulder of Highway 416 at about 3:20 pm May 16.
As a result of an investigation, Gerald Cadieux, 47, of Navan
was arrested and charged with having care and control of a motor
vehicle while his ability to operate it was impaired. He is to
appear in court May 31.
County Road 44 home ransacked overnight
EDWARDSBURGH - A home on County Road 44 just south of Spencerville
was found ransacked last week.
Grenville County OPP responded to the break-in May 17; it
is believed the residence was entered at night, and thieves may
have made several entries.
Numerous items were stolen; some items are unaccounted for
due to the condition the culprits left the home.
A scenes of crime officer collected evidence. Constable T.
Meldrum is the investigating officer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the detachment
in Prescott (925-4221).
Squadron needs more musical instruments
AIR CADET NEWS - By Judith MacLean
The cadets of 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Squadron, the staff and
sponsoring committee would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge
the residents of Prescott and Kemptville and surrounding areas
for their generous contributions at our tag day last month. We
would also like to make special mention of Yvon Joanette and
the group of student welders at South Grenville District High
School for producing new metal tag boxes for us.
May is another busy month with many activities scheduled.
Regular training nights are May 7, 21 and 28. The parent/cadet
awards dinner was held May 14 at the Legion.
Cadets Caring for Canada was held May 4 with the Cadets helping
with clean-up and beautification at four locations this year:
the Prescott Legion, the Presbyterian church, the Battle of the
Windmill site as well as Fort Wellington.
The cadets of 661 squadron held their spring camp-out May
10-12. This year we shared the experience with two other squadrons
in the area; we enjoyed a weekend of sports and comradery.
We will close out monthly activities with a day of gliding
at the Brockville airport to give the cadets an opportunity to
experience flying.
Adults interested in assisting with the Squadron Sponsoring
Committee may contact our chairman, G. Ring, at 925-2748.
The squadron band is interested in obtaining additional musical
instruments which are in good condition and that could be donated
or purchased reasonably to assist our growing-number band. Please
contact the squadron at 925-0246 if you have any information
which could assist us.
Remember that the Air Cadets program is open to all youth
ages 12-18.
We meet weekly Tuesday evenings in Gym C at South Grenville
District High School. You can contact us at 925-0246 or by e-mail
at 661_air@cadets.net.
High school hosts literacy reinforcement sessions
SOUTH GRENVILLE GIANTS by Laura Parrott
Giant Touchdown 2002 was launched May 15 at South Grenville.
Grade 7 and 8 students from Maynard, South Edwardsburgh and Boundary
public schools learned football fundamentals and enjoyed literacy
reinforcement sessions. Football players from the Giants team
conducted the literacy and football clinics. The players that
did a tremendous job of showing their expertise and skills included:
Matt Alkerton, Jon Baldwin, Dustin Drury, Mike Harris, Derek
June, Alex Last, Devin Payne, Matt Levere, Allen Robertson, Eric
Ruigrok, Matt Seary, Rob Versteegen and Ryan Wynands. Congratulations
on a job well done.
Local elementary school students quickly picked up the sport.
By the end of the day they demonstrated razzle dazzle types of
plays. Students will also be sharing their writing by accessing
a Web site created by media arts and English classes at South
Grenville. It contains information on football plays, skills,
positions and literacy tips.
South Grenville's girls rugby team received its first legitimate
win last week over Gananoque Secondary School. Although they
won by default because Gananoque could not field enough players,
they played a shortened game anyway. The lead scorer in the win
was South Grenville's Julie Crawford.
Despite the outstanding improvements being made by the girls
team, it remains in the shadow of a very powerful boys team.
The dominant men's team remains undefeated thus far in the season
and hopes to continue winning.
Alzheimer society to hold AGM later this month
BROCKVILLE - The Alzheimer Society of Leeds-Grenville will
host its annual general meeting Monday, May 27 from 5 to 6:30
pm at St. John Bosco Parish Centre, 175 Windsor Drive. The meeting
will be followed at 7 pm by a public meeting and volunteer recognition
which will include fun, games and laughter with special guest
and "jollytologist" Patrick (Pat) McAlpine.
Seating will be limited; to RSVP for the AGM or public meeting,
call 345-7392 by May 17.
Augusta budget meeting this Thursday evening
MAYNARD - A public meeting to discuss Augusta Township's 2002
budget has been scheduled for this Thursday, May 23, at 7:30
pm.
It is expected council will finalize the budget at this time.
The meeting will be held at the municipal office in Maynard.
MRI service offered across the river
Canadian company claims service at medical center is faster
and affordable
OGDENSBURG - A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facility
that promises efficient service at an affordable price to Canadians
has been established a few kilometres from downtown Prescott.
Thousand Island MRI, located in the Claxton-Hepburn Medical
Center, is guaranteeing exams within five days of confirming
an appointment.
The imaging facility is owned and operated by Quinte MRI,
a Canadian company based in Belleville. CEO and President Syed
Haider told The Journal the company plans to market its
services to residents of Eastern Ontario.
Under OHIP policy, the provincial health insurance plan does
not cover the cost of an MRI an Ontarian chooses to obtain in
New York. Patients from throughout the region must travel to
Ottawa or Kingston to get an MRI.
Even with an unfavourable rate, Haider believes the $500 U.S.
fee for an MRI is very competitive. He noted the cost of obtaining
an MRI at a clinic in Quebec could be between $800 and $1,200
Canadian.
"We negotiated a price with Claxton-Hepburn with Canadian
patients in mind," Haider said.
He explained Quinte was founded about four years at a time
when access to MRIs was becoming increasingly difficult in the
Belleville region. Although the provincial government has increased
funding for MRI services at hospitals, patients seeking MRIs
may still have to wait for several months. Hospitals do not receive
sufficient working capital to operate MRI units long enough to
meet the increasing demand, Haider said.
The Ogdensburg facility has been receiving about eight to
ten patients per day since opening at the beginning of this month.
Haider said the goal is to serve 500 Canadian patients in the
first year.
Quinte's contract with the medical centre was signed in March
and will run for five-and-a-half years. The centre has hosted
mobile MRI units in the past, Haider noted.
Quinte also operates MRI facilities in St. Louis, Missouri
and the Cayman Islands. The company is developing facilities
in Quebec, British Columbia, three American states, Mexico and
Bermuda.
Reserve your seats on the Shakespeare and
Shaw bus
WALKER HOUSE NEWS - MARNIE LIPPIATT
Our bus to the Shaw Festival and Stratford Theatre Sept. 25,
26 and 27 is filling quickly. We are accepting deposits to hold
your seat. Members will be given first choice. Please call 925-5300
for more information.
Wednesday is a busy day here at Walker House. The lunch-bunch
meets at 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome to bring their brown bag
lunch and join us. Tea and coffee are provided.
The art group meets at 1 pm. The last few weeks they have
talked about sketching flowers, faces and figures. Some people
use water colours or acrylics, and others are trying the water
colour pencils. A quiet afternoon with your art can be very relaxing.
The bridge players meet at 7 pm. Come and join our group for
a good evening of cards. This is probably the only place you
can have an evening's entertainment for a dollar and also have
the chance to win a door prize.
Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Eleanor Hatch;
2nd, Sam Covey; door prize, Barbara Martin. Tuesday night cribbage
high score, Eleanor Gilligan; 2nd, Pete Lowry; 3rd, Hilda
Hutton; door prize, Myrtle Shahan. Wednesday night bridge
winner, Bea Hemsley; 2nd, Jim Campbell; door prize, Kitty Wormington.
Thursday night euchre 1st, Pat McPhee; 2nd, Jeannine Marion;
3rd, Pete Lowry; door prize, Jean Annable.
Opening of new building marked another chapter in school's
history
(Here are excerpts from a presentation Sandra Shouldice
and June Blair prepared for a visit to Central on its 50th anniversary
in January of this year.)
The new two-storey, eight-room Prescott Academy school was
built in the 1860s and was a showpiece for local education. After
two years, it was decided to move the older pupils into their
own building and since 1871 Prescott has had a separate high
school. Some years later the word Academy was dropped and Prescott
Public School was used as a model school where local teachers
received their teacher training. Your grandparents and great
grandparents will remember that old school especially because
of its tragic end.
Then on a gray October evening in 1932, tragedy struck! The
fire siren sounded at 6:00 and the townspeople ran to the school.
They watched as the firemen fought the flames and cried when
the school bell smashed its way through the floors to the basement.
The original building was completely destroyed. All that remained
was the new addition built in 1922 to accommodate Blanche Campbell's
kindergarten.
What could they do but build a new school as soon as possible?
The senior grades went to school in the kindergarten room but
other classes had to go to the high school gym or into empty
rooms at a downtown hotel. The kindergartens stayed home and
their teacher took on the job of timekeeper for the construction
workers. She did a great job! A new school was built in just
two months and the kids moved into the second school in January
1933.
Unfortunately, it didn't last! It served for only 20 years
because it was built during the depression for only the insurance
money ($30,000 plus $1,500); it wasn't very good. By 1950, DuPont
was building its plant and RCA wasn't far behind. Many new people
came to live in our town, so we needed a new school.
The cornerstone was laid in 1951. Yard duty must have been
exciting for teachers who tried to keep kids safely away from
the construction work throughout the fall. Playground space was
limited even after it was built. The old building was not demolished
until that summer.
On Jan. 3, 1952, you lined up to enter the brand new building.
When you returned from Christmas vacation you started classes
in a beautiful new building. All month you would be working on
plans for the grand opening ceremony to take place Thursday,
Jan. 31. Congratulations on your fiftieth birthday, Central!
Celebrate birthday at open house Saturday
PRESCOTT - The community is invited to visit Central Public
School this Saturday to mark the school's 50th anniversary.
An open house will run from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Grade 8 students
will be serving a beef-on-a-bun lunch from noon to 1 pm as a
graduation fundraiser.
The open house is a culmination of months of planning and
reliving the history of Central and the other schools once located
on that site. Sandra Shouldice, who taught at Central for 31
years until her retirement in 1997, said putting together information
about the history of the school has given her a way to maintain
a connection with students.
"You sort of miss the contact with the kids," she
stated.
In addition to instilling a sense of pride in students who
now attend Central, it is hoped youngsters will recognize they
also have a role to play in the future and, eventually, history
of the school. A birthday bulletin board welcomes visitors to
the school. Students have been given an overview of the school's
past and what things were like when the school opened in 1952.
For Shouldice, taking a walk back in time to depict the history
of Central Public School has been a labour of love.
"You open up a photo album and stroll down memory lane,"
Shouldice said. "It's kind of a hard habit to break."
Call the school at 925-2777 to reserve lunch tickets.
A bigger red letter day for Prescott
Prescott Journal editorial, Jan. 1952
Prescott has enjoyed a number of "Red Letter Days"
in the past couple of years, but today is perhaps the greatest
of all in civic accomplishments as the new Public School is officially
opened. This function climaxes more than a year of hard work
on the part of the Board of Education members, the architect
and builders, and several years of planning. Such additions to
public buildings do not come about of their own accord, but are
the result of intensive study by the Boards responsible, as in
this case, by members who gave freely of their time and efforts
without thought of personal remuneration.
As the old Public School in its day was a model for educational
buildings, so is the new school. Vastly different in design,
it represents the modern trend for a building suited to today's
requirements in imparting education to our young people. To say
that the teaching staff will experience many advantages in their
work is to repeat the obvious, for many conveniences have been
incorporated into the new school of which the planners of the
old could not even dream.
When the new school was in the planning stage, a tenth room
was incorporated to take care of expansion in elementary school
population, but already that room is occupied. Thus it can be
seen without too great an effort at figures that if the new school
had not been provided another class would have been added to
that already "farmed out" for the past couple of years.
Now all the children are under one roof, receiving their education
together and playing together during their recess period.
The new school has cost a great deal of money, almost a quarter
of a million dollars, but the building which accommodated our
children since the time of Confederation also cost our forefathers
money, which no doubt, was as hard to come by in those days as
it is today, and when, we doubt, if there was as much assistance
from government sources. Many new homes have been erected in
Prescott in the past few years, and a great many more are planned
for this summer and succeeding years. Each one of these properties
will increase the tax revenue of the town and assist in paying
for this school and other civic improvements that have to come.
However close it is to all of us, we should not stop at the
question of material cost when we think of a building such as
our new school. We must anticipate the value the building and
its improved accommodations will have in the preparation of our
young people in their quest for education.
To the pupils and teachers we offer this new building, to
the parents and other taxpayers we offer congratulations; to
the members of the Board of Education, thanks for a big job well
done, and to the architect and builders the appreciation of all
concerned for a building which Prescott can be justly proud.
New school was a big deal
PRESCOTT - Garry Dewar remembers the move to Central Public
School was a big change.
The Prescott councillor, a member of Central's graduating
Grade 8 class of 1954, recalls the old two-storey school had
the senior grades housed on the upper floor.
"I had just made it upstairs" when the new school
opened in 1952, Dewar notes.
The one-storey structure offered a gymnasium and stage, something
the other building lacked. "We were all excited about it,"
Dewar said of the opening of Central.
Dewar's first teacher at Central was Arlie Morris (Beckstead),
who went on to teach Dewar's children who also attended Central.
"She was a really nice teacher," he said.
"I remember public school as a good place," he says.
Dewar adds it is hard to believe it has been more than 50
years since Central opened its doors for the first time.
"It's gone by really, really fast."
Opening of new school was exciting
Retired teacher recalls early days at Central
CARDINAL - Anna Armstrong recalls the early days of Central
Public School with fondness.
"It was exciting for everyone," says Armstrong,
who taught several grades during her 25-year tenure at the school.
"Everything was just spic and span - it was beautiful. I
remember the windows on the west side were right down, and you
could sit and watch the cars drive by."
Armstrong, 95, taught a year at Prescott Public School before
construction of the new school began.
"I taught two years down in the Pentecostal Church basement;
one year was Grade 5 and one year was Grade 7," she says.
"We had a whale of a time. People did everything they could
for us to make it decent out there.
"The poor children couldn't go out for recess,"
she adds. "I gave them 10 or 15 minutes; we had music and
they wandered around. The kids were great."
Armstrong, who now lives in Cardinal, taught full-time at
Central for 20 years before spending the last five teaching mornings
at Central and afternoons at Boundary Street Public School. She
was surprised when she recently found out Central has existed
for 50 years.
"The times are just flying. The years since I've been
out and the 25 years I was in Prescott went just as quickly,"
she says.
"I still like to hear about the school," Armstrong
adds.
"I read The Prescott Journal every week for the
School Scene, to find out what they're reading and where they're
going. I'm still very interested in what they're doing."
In 1952, many people did not own television
sets.
Teenagers paid seven cents for a pop and listened to records
on the juke box. The Princess Theatre (now the site of
Seaway Valley Pharmacy) was showing High Noon starring Gary Cooper.
Bread and milk were still being delivered to homes.
Central PS dedication
The Prescott Journal, 1952
The dedication of the new Public School was performed by the
Rev. Frederick Payne, rector of St. John's Anglican Church, who
was requested by Dr. T.H. Smellie, Chairman of the Board of Education
to perform the act of dedication.
Replying, Rev. Mr. Payne said:
"If this is your desire and the desire of the Members
of the Board of Education, and the people of the Town, I will
proceed with the act of dedication." Mr. Payne read Psalm
127 and continued "Let us pray. In the Name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
The Lord's Prayer was recited, followed by the prayers:
"O Holy Land and Saviour, who didst call little children
unto Thee, and bless them: Guide, we pray Thee, thy people in
the teaching of the young, that we may wisely order the work
in our schools. Grant alike to teachers and people to see and
know the greatness of this work, and give us grace to fulfil
it.
"Make us ever mindful of Thy presence in our homes, that
our children may be brought up in Thy nurture and admonition.
Give to the teachers aptness to teach and to the scholars willingness
to learn. This we ask, in Thy Name, O merciful Saviour, whom,
with the father and the Holy Spirit, we worship as one God, blessed
for ever, Amen.
"O most glorious Lord God, we acknowledge we are not
worthy to offer unto Thee anything belonging to us, yet we beseech
Thee graciously to accept the dedication of this place and we
implore Thy blessing on all schools and places of useful learning.
Grant that in this and all places so set apart, truth and sound
learning may for ever flourish. Give to the people of this Dominion
the will that they may live in the true faith and fear of God,
in humble obedience to the King and in brotherly love one to
another. These things we ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen."
The Dedication
"Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord, that it hath pleased Thee
to put into the heart of Thy servants to erect this place which
we do now dedicate and set apart for learning, and may the children
who here receive their instruction grow in wisdom as they grow
in stature. O Lord, bless them, their families and accept this
work of our hands and grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit
of this work show their thankfulness by making right use of the
same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
"The Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and
the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen."
Grenville 4-H Club takes a Walk on the Wildside
By Kathryn Connell
The first meeting of the "Walk on the Wildside"
Grenville 4-H Club was held at Debra Brown's house.
We started our meeting in her store and divided into two tribes.
Each tribe was given $500 for a scavenger hunt and the day's
expenses. Then we had to buy supplies for the hike, such as a
pan, fork, scissors, etc., so then we hiked one mile back into
the woods. Then we built a fire and purchased our food supplies
for the day. We had to collect dry wood for our fire and when
it was warm enough we cooked our lunch over the fire. Our lunch
was hot dogs and hot chocolate. We used our money for purchasing
information from Dustin Brown, youth leader, and our lunch.
We went back to the deer camp and we discussed the official
positions of the club. The following people were voted into their
positions: President, Jeffery Connell; Vice-President, Kyle Somerville;
Secretary, everybody. (That is why I am writing this report.)
We have 16 club members with two eager leaders, Debra Brown
and Rosemary McLaughlin. Dustin Brown is our youth leader. These
leaders should be commended for taking on a large group of 4-H
members for a very active outdoor club.
The second meeting was held March 10 at Debra Brown's house.
This was the best meeting.
It was the coldest, windiest day of the year and we had a
long hike planned. I think we were planning to do a six-mile
hike. We left the house and headed across an open field. We couldn't
see a thing; it was so cold and windy, but it was fun. When we
reached the bush we found water everywhere. Youth Leader Dustin
bravely led our group towards Saunders Country Store. He took
us through water, over water and then, finally into water. Boy,
did I get wet, but I continued to have fun!
We reached the store in Heckston and I was relieved of my
hike with the rescue of friends coming to my aid. Soon I was
drying out in a warm house and thinking of my club members still
hiking back into the bush to complete the long journey of three
miles home.
This hike was fun and today I laugh about my memories. I really
found out I can survive in the wilderness and the importance
of dressing for the weather. By the way, I wasn't the only one
who went home at the half-way point; about half of the club members
ended up cold, wet or tired and headed home a bit early.
The next meeting was at Debra Brown's home again. This meeting
was short and sweet: a discussion of achievement day. A hike
was taken to the bush where the achievement day will be scheduled.
Our final meeting on April 7 was to finalize the achievement
day plans. It was agreed we would build blue heron nests and
a floating barge. This is to help bring and keep blue herons
on the South Nation River. We discussed supplies required for
the day and night camping experience to be held April 27 and
28, again at Debra Brown's home. We quickly listed items from
clothing, food supplies, camping gear and tents and the discussion
of achievement requirements.
I can't wait for achievement day. It should be lots of fun.
Rusty Milkers receive hands-on experience
On the night of Thursday, May 9, the Grenville Dairy Club
"Rusty Milkers" met at Locus Lane Farms.
This was arranged by our President, Jeffrey Connell, who is
a family member of the farm. (We try to have all our meetings
at a dairy club member's farm.)
The night's meeting was on the judging of adult cows, heifers
and calves of different ages.
We cut our club into two groups first- and second-year
members in one group and all the older members in the second
group.
We were taught how to judge a cow properly while gaining some
hands-on experience. Then we were able to look at calves and
talk about what to look for in choosing a show calf.
We then made arrangements to have our next meeting at the
Ferguson Farm in Easton's Corners.
Surplus items to be sold at town auction
PRESCOTT - An auction of surplus items owned by the town will
be held tonight (Wednesday, May 22) at the Leo Boivin Community
Centre.
Viewing will be from 5:30 to 7 pm, with the auction beginning
at 7 pm.
Among the items up for grabs are tables, chairs, desks, tires
and commercial mowers. Some of the office furnishings to be sold
are from the Dibble Street municipal building
Gerry Morrell will be the volunteer auctioneer.
The Prescott Police Service will also have bicycles and other
found and recovered property up for auction at the arena.
Monster yard sale to be held this Saturday
PRESCOTT - A monster yard sale will be held this Saturday,
May 25 at 8 am at St. Paul's United Church.
The public can rent tables to sell their own wares. There
will be no charge for table rentals if proceeds are donated to
the church. There will also be a concession stand and baked goods
table.
Items should be brought in Friday, May 24 from 9 am to 5 pm.
For more information, call Charlie Bowers at 657-4410, Matt
Hayes at 925-4091, Mac Peterson at 925-4545 or Carl Robinson
at 925-5720.
Hundreds of pets receive rabies vaccine
Immunization clinics continue to be popular in Prescott
and throughout tri-county area
PRESCOTT - More than 500 pets were vaccinated during two rabies
clinics this month in Prescott.
According to the Prescott Animal Hospital, which administered
the shots, 225 animals were immunized May 8 and 289 more received
shots May 15.
The low-cost vaccination clinics were held at the public works
garage on Sophia Street.
Of the 289 pets vaccinated May 15, 209 were dogs; animal hospital
officials said the dog-to-cat ratio was likely similar the first
week.
The annual clinics were held by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
District Health Unit as part of Rabies Awareness Month.
Rabies is an infectious and contagious disease of the central
nervous system caused by a virus that is carried in the saliva
of infected warm-blooded mammals.
Two strains of rabies are prominent in South Grenville, according
to the health unit - the raccoon strain and the bat strain. Both
can be transmitted to healthy mammals, including humans, through
the bite of an infected animal. Since the virus is found in the
central nervous system of an infected animal, it can also be
transmitted through an open cut or through mucus membranes such
as the eyes, nose and mouth.
Human cases of rabies can be prevented through vaccination
of pets and by avoiding unknown animals. If bitten by an animal,
one should wash the wound immediately with warm soap and water
to remove as much of the saliva as possible.
Bats are regarded as the more dangerous carrier of the disease.
Their teeth are very tiny and sharp; one might be bitten by a
bat and not even realize it. People sleeping in the same room
where a bat is found, or children who have been alone in a room
with a bat, should consult their doctor regarding the risk of
rabies transmission.
The health unit recommends those who work with wildlife and
animals on a regular basis, such as trappers, veterinarians and
animal control officers, should consider the rabies pre-exposure
vaccine.
For more information, contact the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
District Health Unit at 345-5685 or 1-800-660-5853.
Big Sisters forms affiliation with Girls Incorporated
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - A community forum to discuss the new
affiliation between the local Big Sisters organization and Girls
Incorporated will take place tonight (Wednesday, May 22) at 7
pm at the fire hall in Brockville.
"This is really an exciting step for us, as we have recognized
for some time that more training opportunities around girls'
issues are needed by our volunteers, and that more programming
specific to the unique needs of girls is needed," Dale Pearson,
executive director of Leeds and Grenville Big Sisters, stated
in a news release.
Girls Incorporated is an internationally-recognized authority
on girls' concerns, according to the release.
Big Sisters will continue to make one-to-one matches with
adult female volunteers.
For more information about the new affiliation or the community
forum, call 345-3295.
Krazy Krafters design birch teapot gifts
By Karie Neddo
The 4-H Krazy Krafters began May 2 at the Roebuck Community
Hall. Their first meeting they elected: President, Kyle Somerville;
Vice-President, Krista Somerville; Secretary, Stephanie Connell;
Press Reporter, Karie Neddo.
Krazy Krafters' second meeting was held May 7 at the hall;
attending this was a special guest, Lisa Coville from the House
of Flowers in Prescott. Lisa assisted the members in designing
a beautiful birch teapot that was specially made for the members
to give to their mothers on Mother's Day.
All the members appreciate Lisa coming out and donating her
time and helping with out crafts.
Foundation marks 50th
anniversary
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The local branch of the Heart and Stroke
Foundation of Ontario is marking the 50th anniversary of the
organization with a dance this Saturday, May 25 at 8 pm at the
Shrine Hall in Brockville.
The country band Ambush will be featured at the celebration
event.
For more information, call the branch office at 345-6183.
The foundation's mission is to reduce the risk of heart disease
and stroke by raising money for research and health promotion.
|
