Renovation plan back on track
Prescott council votes 5-2 to refurbish Dibble Street
municipal building
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Town council has once again decided to proceed
with renovations to the Dibble Street municipal building.
Council voted 5-2 at its May 21 meeting to set a budget of
$800,000 for the project. Mayor Robert Lawn and councillors Jo-Anne
Beckstead, Garry Dewar, Nancy McFarland and Terry McConnell voted
in favour of the proposal; councillors Jim French and Seeley
Pillar voted against.
Beckstead, who has favoured constructing a new town hall and
library on the clock tower parking lot, put forward the renovation
motion Tuesday. The initial motion called for a budget of $900,000,
but she lowered the amount by $100,000 following a lengthy debate.
The town's 2002 budget deliberations are nearing completion.
The draft municipal budget may be put to council next Monday.
The resolution approved by council notes renovations will
proceed "...by way of construction/ project management."
Among the details not discussed at the meeting were how long
it will take the municipality to award a contract or complete
the project.
Beckstead explained it was time to make a decision once and
for all. The subject of town hall had been discussed on 42 separate
occasions by council since Dec. 2000, according to Beckstead;
council will be held accountable for the time and money spent
studying the issue.
Even though she has been opposed to renovating the municipal
building, Beckstead said the municipality and town staff have
suffered as a result of council's inability to act. "Although
it isn't what I wanted... There is other business we need to
be focusing on," she remarked.
Councillor McFarland agreed, noting council had become dysfunctional
and should be dissolved if it cannot make a decision on what
to do about town hall.
The mayor said the conditions in which council and municipal
administrative staff have been working are appalling, and the
municipal building and library are vulnerable to vandalism and
neglect. "Our stewardship as a council has been woefully
inept," Lawn stated.
Councillors Dewar and McConnell expressed a willingness to
proceed with renovations. Although he said he could support the
project, Dewar noted it would not be an open cheque book. McConnell
said council has come full circle again on the issue and other
options have been ruled out. "I think we're stuck with renovation,"
he said.
However, support for renovating 360 Dibble for $800,000 was
not unanimous. Councillor French said renovating the municipal
building would be "a waste of taxpayers' money to pump money
into a money pit." French suggested the building could be
donated to the historical society. A modern but small single-level
structure of between 4,000 and 5,000 square feet could be built
on town-owned land for about $100 per square foot, according
to French.
Councillor Pillar maintained there is room on the Dibble Street
property for nine residential units to be built. Pillar noted
he would still like to see a new building downtown.
"Do it and get on with it," he commented.
In noting the library would not be included to any great extent
as part of this renovation project, Mayor Robert Lawn noted he
would be willing to serve as chair of a library fundraising committee
at the conclusion of council's term of office. He estimates $250,000
will have to be raised; government grants may be available to
cover a portion of library project costs. "It's not going
to be easy," said Lawn, who went on to add "we can't
continue to ignore that library."
French suggested the library fundraising concept at a council
meeting earlier this year. A motion put forward last week by
French to look into the possibility of consolidating the public
library and the library at South Grenville District High School
was rejected by council.
It was time to make a decision
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead
Doors Open offers inside look at many local
heritage buildings
Public can visit numerous sites throughout region this
Saturday and Sunday
SOUTH GRENVILLE - A celebration of local heritage will take
place this weekend when Doors Open arrives in the Prescott area.
Numerous historic buildings and sites in the Brockville area
including a dozen in South Grenville will be open
to the public this weekend as part of the new community-based
program being held at different times of the year throughout
Ontario.
Volunteers will be at each site to give local residents and
tourists alike to greet visitors and answer questions.
Some of the volunteers will be dressed in period costume to
heighten the heritage experience.
Graham Cudlipp, a member of the Brockville-1000 Islands Doors
Open committee, indicated he is excited about the prospects of
this program.
Doors Open has the potential to become a significant draw
for the Prescott area which Cudlipp noted has an abundance of
historic buildings and properties.
"I think it's just going to be a wonderful experience,"
he said.
Doors Open is aimed at providing an opportunity to visit sites
not usually open to the public. However, Doors Open also includes
sites such as Fort Wellington and the Battle of the Windmill
which are open to the public during tourist season.
Both of those national historic sites will be open Sunday
from 10 am to 4 pm; guided tours at the fort begin at 11 am and
1 pm. A blacksmith will be at the fort during the day.
Also open Saturday from 10 to 4 and Sunday from noon until
4 pm will be Wiser Hall (formerly Whitehall) on King Street West.
John Morris, author of Morrisses' History of Prescott 1800-2000,
will be at Wiser Hall Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 pm to sign
copies of his book which will be on sale during the signing session.
The Coast Guard boat house on King Street West will be open
Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Guided tours (including the Simcoe)
will be offered on the hour.
Two bed and breakfast establishments Blue Heron Inn
on County Road 2 in Riverview Heights and Colonel's Inn on East
Street in Prescott will be open Saturday and Sunday from
2 to 4 pm.
Several Doors Open sites will be open to the public Saturday
from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 2 to 4 pm.
Four of those five sites are churches: St. John's Anglican,
St. Andrew's Presbyterian and St. Mark's Catholic in Prescott
and the Blue Church on County Road 2 west of town.
Forwarders' Museum in downtown Prescott will also be open
during those hours.
Homewood Museum on County Road 2 east of Maitland will also
be open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 pm.
Blue and gold Doors Open signs will be posted at each site.
There are no admission fees; merchandise and refreshments
will be on sale at some sites.
"I am looking forward to a great weekend," Cudlipp
said.
The Doors Open program was launched in Canada two years ago
in Toronto.
In this inaugural year of the province-wide program, 17 community
clusters representing more than 40 communities are participating.
Morrisburg has joined with Brockville-area communities in hosting
Doors Open sites this weekend.
The program is presented by the Ontario Heritage Foundation,
an agency of the provincial government, in conjunction with other
public- and private-sector partners.
For more information about the Doors Open program, visit the
Web site at www.doorsopenontario.on.ca.
PARTICIPATING SITES IN PRESCOTT AREA
* Battle of the Windmill
* Blue Church
* Blue Heron Inn
* Coast Guard
* Colonel's Inn
* Fort Wellington
* Forwarders' Museum
* Homewood Museum
* St. Andrew's Presbyterian
* St. John's Anglican
* St. Mark's Catholic
* Wiser Hall
"I am looking forward to a great weekend."
Committee member Graham Cudlipp
THIS WEEK
Blood donor clinic taking place today
PRESCOTT This is the day to give the gift of life.
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is conducting a blood donor
clinic today (Wednesday, May 29) from 2 to 8 pm at South Grenville
District High School. All blood types are needed.
High school students will be given an opportunity to donate
between 1 and 2 pm.
The Prescott clinic is being sponsored by the Grenville Fish
and Game Club, Prescott Kinsmen Club and the high school.
Province-wide smoking policy is preferred
PRESCOTT Prescott council has endorsed a resolution
calling on the provincial government to develop uniform smoking
regulations for all public places in Ontario.
The original resolution from the Town of Halton Hills notes
unfair business competition is created when each municipality
has different restrictions on smoking.
A province-wide policy would create a level playing field
and fair competition, according to the Halton Hills motion.
Prescott Councillor Terry McConnell said at the May 21 meeting
of council he agrees regulations imposed across the province
would be a fairer way to deal with the subject.
Municipalities in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties are
being asked by the district health unit to enact bylaws to ban
smoking in indoor public places.
Anglicans to celebrate diocese anniversary
SOUTH GRENVILLE Anglican church services in the Prescott
area this Sunday will be affected by the 140th anniversary celebration
of the Diocese of Ontario being held in Kingston.
There will be no mid-morning Anglican services in Cardinal,
Crystal Rock, Prescott or Maitland. The diocese service in Kingston
begins at 10:30 am at the Royal Military College sports arena.
For those who are unable to attend the Kingston service, there
will be a 7 pm service this Sunday at St. Paul's Anglican Church
in Cardinal.
Anglican churches to the east of Cardinal belong to the Ottawa
diocese.
Air and Sea Cadets conduct annual reviews
SOUTH GRENVILLE Local Air and Sea Cadet squadrons will
conduct their year-end reviews this weekend.
The Prescott-based Air Cadet review and change of command
will take place Saturday, June 1 at 1:30 pm at the Leo Boivin
Community Centre.
The Cardinal-based Sea Cadet squadron will have its annual
review and awards ceremony Sunday, June 2 at 2 pm at the Cardinal
and District Community Centre.
Law Enforcement Torch Run to arrive in Prescott and Spencerville
Friday
Annual event raises money for Special Olympics
SOUTH GRENVILLE Members of the Grenville County detachment
of the Ontario Provincial Police and the Prescott Police Service
will be taking part this Friday in the annual Law Enforcement
Torch Run for Special Olympics.
The local portion of the torch run will begin at 2 pm at Fort
Wellington. Participants will head west on King Street to the
Royal Bank; the bank will host a barbecue that afternoon with
proceeds going to the torch run.
The torch will then be transported to Spencerville where OPP
officers and bank staff will walk from Bennett to Centre and
Ryan streets, the community centre and across the field to Centennial
'67 Public School. The Spencerville portion of the event is scheduled
to begin at about 2:45 pm.
The Spencerville Royal Bank branch will collect donations
until this Friday. The public is invited to take part in the
local legs of the run.
OPP officers also raised money last week by pumping gas at
Bayview Convenience in Johnstown and donating their tips to Special
Olympics.
The detachment in Prescott (925-4221) is also accepting donations.
Contributions can also be made along the route Friday.
The 2001 law enforcement torch run raised nearly $1 million
in Ontario. The money helps provide local, year-round programs
of fitness, recreation and competition for mentally-challenged
athletes.
Playground fundraiser
set for Saturday
JOHNSTOWN - There will be plenty to do this Saturday at South
Edwardsburg Public School.
A garage sale, barbecue and student-teacher ball game will
take place at the school as part of the fundraiser for a new
play structure. The garage sale begins at 9 am, with other events
taking place later that morning.
Face-painting and free babysitting service will be offered.
The play structure at the school has been off-limits to students
and the public since an assessment conducted earlier this year
determined the unit does not meet new standards. It was decided
to raise money for a new structure instead of upgrading the existing
one.
Children take centre stage at local drama
production
SPENCERVILLE - A drama production created by 12 children ages
six to 12 will be performed this Friday, May 31 at Spencerville
United Church beginning at 7 pm.
The performers from Spencerville, Prescott, North Augusta
and Kemptville will stage The Magic Trumpet, a play about three
children who want to be in the circus because a mean couple in
their town is taking away their summer holidays. They run into
a magician and rabbit who promise to make their world better
by turning them into circus animals. Only one girl and her dog
can save the children by locating the magic trumpet and hopefully
turning the circus animals back into children, explained director
Sheila Boardman.
The group has been rehearsing the play since September; the
children, their parents and Boardman made the props and costumes.
All proceeds from the event will go to Kemptville District
Hospital, a charity the children decided upon themselves, Boardman
said. "The kids chose the Kemptville hospital as they though
it would be nice to donate the funds raised to a good local cause,"
she said. "They brainstormed several charities and we discussed
and learned about each one they listed and then they voted. I
am very proud of the work these young people have done and how
committed their parents have been in bringing them to the club.
We are looking forward to having an entertaining and fun evening."
Boardman established the Children's Drama Club four years
ago. The members practised plays in her living room until the
club grew so popular, and it now rents the basement of the Spencerville
church. A small membership fee goes toward the rental of the
church and photocopying scripts, explained Boardman, whose mother
Debbie Boardman assists with the group.
Sheila, who volunteers her time to the club, said it has been
a rewarding experience. "The kids are great," she said.
"They love to perform and have been working very hard towards
this production."
Admission to the Friday evening performance can be paid at
the door.
Central PS marks its first half century
PRESCOTT - More than 100 people attended Central Public School's
open house Saturday afternoon to help the school celebrate its
50th anniversary.
Former and present students alike perused through photo albums
and other memorabilia in the school gymnasium.
A short program featured a congratulatory speech from Upper
Canada District School Board Chair Joan Hodge, a brief runthrough
of the school's history by former teacher Sandra Shouldice and
entertainment by Central's grade 7 and 8 students.
"This is just wonderful... it's great to see so many
folks here, very young and not so very young," said Hodge,
noting two of her children were Central graduates.
"I saw this school was built for $245,000; just (recently)
we got $13 million in funding for a high school in Smiths Falls.
It'd be nice to be back in those days again."
Shouldice, who taught at the school from 1966 to 1997, traced
Central's history back to its beginning. The modern building
was constructed in 1951 to replace a make-shift school which
was built for $30,000 after Prescott Public School was destroyed
in a 1932 fire.
The grade 7 and 8 classes concluded the program by performing
Central on Broadway, with scenes from Grease and Beatlemania.
Birthday cake was served afterward to those in attendance
at the open house.
Maynard school dedicates
peace garden
MAYNARD - In what was a joyous occasion for the community,
Maynard Public School dedicated its Peace Garden with a ribbon
cutting ceremony last Wednesday.
A crowd of about 200 people attended the ceremony and barbeque,
to celebrate the garden's opening and dedication.
"The main thing is the garden and events here give the
kids a better appreciation of the environment," explained
Principal Rick Skinner. "It gives them a real sense of the
rural community."
Throughout the past year students, staff and parent volunteers
have worked at the school enthusiastically to create and add
on to the peace garden.
The main entrance of the garden is marked with an arbor which
was built and donated to the school by Doug and Barb Reynolds
in memory of their late son Ryan, who was a student at Maynard.
In keeping with that theme, several areas of the garden are
dedicated to the memories of individuals who share a common bond
with the school.
The school hopes the opening will become an annual event to
give thanks back to the community, so they can enjoy the garden
to the fullest extent.
Skinner explained, "It's been a great demonstration of
community efforts, everyone was willing to lend a hand, and we
hope everyone will take the time to enjoy what they helped bring
the school."
Financial contributions to the event were courtesy of DuPont
Canada, the Maynard Parent Council, the Land Stewardship Council,
Ontario Works Program, the Royal Bank Spencerville and Prescott
Branches, Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment Foundation,
Tree Canada in association with Shell Canada, Little Tykes Incorporated,
and members of the North Augusta Fire Department who served as
the cooks for the barbeque.
Further plans are in the works for the garden including the
completion of an outdoor classroom and a butterfly garden.
Gravel money may buy
Augusta fire truck
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD Augusta Reeve George Vail's proposal to divert
money from the 2002 roads budget to purchase a fire truck was
up for debate again last Thursday night at a budget meeting.
Vail had suggested at a previous budget meeting a portion
of the $200,000 allotted to purchase gravel for roads be used
instead to either pave roads or to purchase a public works vehicle
or a fire truck.
The township set aside $60,000 in each of the 2001 and 2002
budgets for the eventual purchase of a fire truck. Taking $80,000
now from roads would allow the municipality to buy the much-needed
truck sooner, Vail explained.
"It's not good practice not to put gravel on, but we
can get by a year without putting gravel on," Roads Superintendent
Keith Couture told council and the small crowd last week.
The gravel program in Augusta involves two phases, in which
the north end of the township receives gravel one year, and the
south end the next year, Couture said. "Realistically, if
we did not gravel this year, we would not gravel next year, and
that way both ends would have the same amount of gravel."
Couture explained additional calcium would be used in the
absence of gravel to try to add stability to the road and for
binding and dust control.
"The concept is a sound one that way, but if it's a repetitive
process, if you do it more than that two-year span, your roads
are going to start (deteriorating)," Couture said. "But
we can certainly get by with not gravelling this year if we had
to do it that way."
A smaller quantity of gravel would still need to be stockpiled
for culverts and for shouldering, he said.
Councillor Jane Fullarton questioned whether shifting the
gravel money to buy a fire truck would be an actual saving, or
if it would simply defer costs. Councillor Bill Buckler and Deputy
Reeve Doug Barton also advised caution on withdrawing gravel.
CAO Nigel White will be looking at the budget figures again
to include the cost of increased calcium.
In other budget matters, resident Gill Cyr questioned the
$10,000 cost in the roads budget of a cat backhoe knuckle, a
machine used in ditching. He suggested this was wasteful spending
for the type of machine specified. Couture will be investigating
alternate equipment.
Salaries to township personnel also came under fire by Cyr,
who claimed the $700,000 paid to staff annually was about $200,000
too high.
"There's way too much money spent on wages. There's definitely
a wrong somewhere."
Cyr said far more money is spent on salaries than in previous
years, but there are no additional staff people. "There's
some money misplaced somewhere."
Dog owners reminded to comply
PRESCOTT Town police are reminding the public once again
to be responsible pet owners.
An increase in the number of dogs running at large has been
noticed by local officers.
There has also been a rise in the number of people who have
been bitten by dogs, according to police. A female received 36
stitches after being bitten in March. A male bitten by a dog
earlier this month required medical attention.
The Prescott Police Service is seeking the public's assistance
in complying with the bylaw. The Prescott Police Service will
initiate a zero tolerance policy with respect to the animal control
bylaw, according to a news release issued earlier this month.
The offences and associated fines include allowing a dog to
run at large ($65), permitting a dog to bite a person ($120),
keeping or harbouring more than two dogs ($65) and failing to
purchase an annual dog licence ($65).
As for dog licence renewals, town officials are considering
a return to door-to-door sales.
Mural pays tribute to Caldwell family's contribution to Iroquois
IROQUOIS - The Caldwell family of Prescott and their ties
with the social and economic history of the Village of Iroquois,
were showcased for the benefit of future generations on Saturday,
May 18, when a large mural depicting the Caldwell Linen Mills
was unveiled and dedicated on Carman Road, just a few hundred
yards from where the mill was originally located.
The Mural was sponsored by Geoffrey Caldwell and family of
Prescott in honour of his grandfather Robert Caldwell, the founder
of Caldwell Linen Mills, and his father Herbert 'Herb' Caldwell
who operated the company following Robert Caldwell's death.
Caldwell Linen Mills has been the mainstay of Iroquois' economy
since it was founded in 1923, and operates today as the St. Lawrence
Corporation.
The Township of South Dundas which was formed last year by
the amalgamation of the townships of Williamsburg and Matilda
and the villages of Iroquois and Morrisburg, is commemorating
its history, dating back to the Loyalist settlements, with large
murals.
In an accompanying ceremony May 18 a second mural depicting
Iroquois' main street (Hwy. 2) before it was flooded by the Ontario
Hydro power project, was also unveiled.
Robert Allen Caldwell, the mill's founder, came to Canada
in 1900 from Ireland and settled in Bracebridge, Ont. In 1910
he moved with his family to Iroquois to be the manager of the
Dundas Linen Mills.
In 1923 he started his own company, Caldwell Linen Mills,
in Iroquois, and in 1930, having expanded to his staff of 125
persons, he built a larger mill that served until 1956 when it
was moved to its present location of Hwy. 401 because of the
power project flooding.
Robert A. Caldwell died in 1934 and was succeeded by his son
Herbert H. 'Herb' Caldwell who ran the mill until his death in
1970.
Herb Caldwell was born in Ireland in 1899 and moved to Canada
with his family from Larne in Northern Ireland in 1900. He moved
to Iroquois in 1910 with his parents and attended school there,
but in 1914, at the age of 15, he ran away from home to join
the Canadian Army. After the war he returned to Iroquois, finished
his high school education, and then joined his father in business.
He married the former Eleanor Fowler of British Columbia in
1924 and in 1929 they purchased the large white mansion on the
riverfront in the west end of Prescott, now known as Wiser Hall,
where they raised their two children, Betty (Caldwell) Walker,
and Geoffery Caldwell.
At the May 18 ceremony Robert Caldwell, great-grandson and
namesake of the linen mills founder, was master of ceremonies
and gave a brief family history.
Speaking at a reception at the Iroquois Legion Hall following
the dedication and unveiling, Geoffery Caldwell, pointed out
that his grandfather and his father both looked upon their employees
as family members.
"Since that first mill was founded, records show that
over 1,700 persons have worked there over the years. Some family,
eh?" he concluded.
Fish and game club commissions painting
MAYNARD - What will start as a wild goose hunt will end as
a painting for the Grenville Fish and Game Club.
The club's goose hunt this fall in a twist will reap the rewards
of art this year, as the winner will be painted into the portrait
for the club, and be presented with an original copy. Prints
will then be sold to fellow club members.
"As the club has grown, we've never really had a print
of our own," explained club official Lynn Holmes.
"With so many clubs closing, and us heading over 500
members we could afford to take on a few extra projects."
Artist John Ryan of Huntington, Quebec, has been commissioned
to be present for the hunt and take pictures of the winner in
action to help him paint the winner into a piece of work for
the club.
Ryan has been an artist for 27 years, since completing his
bachelor of fine arts at Loyola College in Montreal.
His multi-image works have afforded him the luxury of travelling
and doing works for organizations and events such as the wheelchair
olympics and the retirement of Canadian national basketball coach
Jack Donohue.
Ryan explained, "This is great training for me as it's
something I normally wouldn't do."
"I met Lynn and some of the club members at an outdoors
show in Ottawa; he brought up the idea, and after some discussion
it took off from there."
Summer job assistance
for rural youth announced
TORONTO As many as 4,000 Ontario rural students have
the opportunity to gain valuable work experience close to home
this summer through a provincial ministry of agriculture and
food program.
"By providing work experience and income to our young
people, we can better secure the future of rural Ontario,"
Minister Helen Johns stated in a recent press release.
The government is providing employers in rural Ontario and
the agriculture and food industries with up to $1,120 in wage
supplements for each student they hire. Last year, close to 1,000
employers received the $2 per hour rebate on the salary paid
to young employees.
Funding will be provided to employers for up to 16 weeks,
any time up to Sept. 30.
The program is open to rural youth between the ages of 15
and 24, and up to 29 if disabled. Students must be hired by a
person to whom they are not related and be eligible to work in
Canada. They must also be planning to go back to school in the
fall.
The province has allocated $3 million toward the program.
Program information and applications can be obtained by calling
1-888-466-2372 (ext. 6-3480); by faxing the inquiry to (519)
826-3170, or by visiting the program Web site at www.gov.on.ca/omafra.
Information on the overall government youth employment program
is available on the Ontario government's site www.youthjobs.gov.on.ca,
as well as from the Job Grow hotline, 1-888-JOB-GROW.
Town council endorses
public health care
PRESCOTT - Town council supports Canada's public health care
system.
Council approved a motion to that effect last Tuesday following
a presentation by John McCrea of the Ontario Health Coalition.
The resolution also calls for the principles of the Canada Health
Act to be maintained by governments at all levels and adequate
funding be provided for the system.
McCrea, a former deputy reeve of Augusta Township, said many
of the existing problems with the system would be resolved if
more funding were made available. Upgrades to health care services
should also be upgraded where necessary, according to the resolution.
Highway 16 in need of repair
PRESCOTT An Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal council motion that
calls on the Ministry of Transportation to repair Highway 16
between Highway 401 and County Road 2 has been endorsed by Prescott
council.
In noting Highway 16 is the only connection to the Prescott-Ogdensburg
International Bridge, the resolution indicates the road is a
major access route to and from the Port of Prescott and the provincial
tourist information centre. Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council is
petitioning the ministry to repair or replace the southern section
of the highway in 2002/2003.
Prescott Councillor Terry McConnell said repairing Highway
16 would be in the best interests of the entire area. Councillor
Jim French agreed, adding he was surprised the international
link was not upgraded as part of the Highway 416 project.
Community effort leads to expanded playground at St. Mark
School
PRESCOTT - A three-year school and community effort to improve
the playground at St. Mark Catholic School has finally been realized.
The new $7,000 play structure installed earlier this month
at the rear of the school caps the revitalization program that
saw parents, staff and various community groups join together
in the project, explained Principal Judie Martin.
Still to be completed this summer will be grading, the addition
of a soccer field, the relocation of swings, basketball nets
and courts, a paved strip for games, an expansion of the parking
lot on James Street, tether ball posts and fencing.
One of the most dramatic changes to the yard was the demolition
this spring of a house at the rear of the school that fronted
on Park Street. The Catholic District School Board of Eastern
Ontario purchased the house and property about three years ago,
and its removal has increased the size of the playground.
The playground is for use by all students and community members,
Martin said. "I hope the whole community can enjoy and appreciate
it and help us look after it," she said, adding she hopes
playground users will respect the area and help keep it clean.
A tremendous amount of volunteer fundraising went into the
effort, Martin noted. The school council raised money through
bingos and other fundraising sales, and donations were received
from the community.
Other changes to St. Mark's yard during the past few years
included the removal of free-standing portables from the rear
yard to the front, where they were linked with the school to
provide a new library and computer lab.
A greening project at the front of the school on Edward Street
includes a peace garden and trees and bird houses adopted by
each classroom.
Cookbook sponsorships being sought
PRESCOTT - Town council has declined a request to sponsor
a charity cookbook being put together by a local businessman.
Marc Cardinal of Frametastic Gallery and Custom Picture Framing
asked the town for a sponsorship as part of an effort to publish
a booklet of nearly 300 recipes. Proceeds from the sale of the
booklet would go to the palliative care unit at St. Vincent de
Paul Hospital in Brockville.
Although some councillors indicated at a May 21 meeting the
project is worthwhile, they did not support a municipal sponsorship.
Councillor Terry McConnell said the move would set a precedent
for other businesses.
In opting to file Cardinal's request, council members noted
there are other ways to support the cookbook project.
Protect pets from the heat
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE -The Ontario Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) is reminding the public not to
keep pets in cars without protection from the sun and heat this
spring and summer.
Dogs are especially susceptible to heat; they have no sweat
glands and their lives could be in danger if they are left in
a parked car for an extended period on a mild day. A dog's normal
body temperature is 39°C; dogs can withstand a body temperature
of 41°C for only a short period of time before suffering
irreparable brain damage or even death, according to an OSPCA
news release.
Pets may also be in danger if left outside on hot summer days.
The society suggests dogs should be walked in the morning or
evening when it is cooler.
Dogs should also have access to water and a cool, sheltered
area in which they can escape direct sunlight.
Anyone who sees a dog suffering from the heat is asked to
contact the OSPCA shelter in Brockville (345-5520) or the local
police department.
OPP NEWS
Man struck in face by steel pipe
AUGUSTA A local man who reportedly struck another man
in the face with a steel pipe faces a charge of assault with
a weapon.
Grenville County OPP responded to an incident early Saturday
evening in Augusta Township. A vehicle on Charleville Road was
being followed closely by another vehicle which then passed and
nearly caused a collision, according to the driver of the first
vehicle. The second vehicle drove out of sight and then reappeared
from behind, a police news release stated. Both vehicles stopped,
and the second driver struck the other man with a steel pipe.
His windshield was also shattered by the pipe.
Mike Kelly, 23, of County Road 26 was arrested and charged.
Constable Blanchette is the investigating officer.
Stuck truck leads to impaired driving charge
EDWARDSBURGH OPP officers responded Saturday at 3:09
pm to a pick-up truck partially stuck in a swamp beside Glen
Smail Road. Witnesses identified the driver as still being in
the vehicle. Police spoke to the driver who was arrested and
charged with impaired driving. Duane Gore, 34, of South Dundas,
is scheduled to appear in court. The vehicle sustained limited
damage, and no one was injured in the mishap. Constable Blanchette
is the investigating officer.
Occupants of vehicle charged with drug possession
MAITLAND Two men face charges as a result of an incident
May 22 in the parking lot of MERC Hall.
OPP Constable Nussey observed a parked car with three occupants
at about 9:20 pm. An investigation revealed two of the occupants
were in possession of a small amount of a controlled substance,
according to an OPP news release.
Philip Kirby, 19, of Maitland and Robert J. Woods, 21, of
King Street in Brockville were arrested and charged with possession
of a controlled substance. They were released and are scheduled
to appear in court June 14. Further charges are pending in connection
with the ongoing investigation.
Garden tour to support Spencerville library blossoms
Edwardsburgh Friends plot special day Saturday, June 8
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
EDWARDSBURGH - Once again, local green thumbs have the opportunity
to tour area gardens while raising money for the Spencerville
library.
The Friends of the Edwardsburgh Public Library will hold their
annual garden tour Saturday, June 8, featuring five properties.
Pat and Chuck Lemaire, Arlene and David Bruce, Loree and John
Burley, Michelle and Richard McGuire, and Sherrye Emery will
be host gardeners for this year's event.
The tour will run from 9 am to 3 pm; a plant sale will be
held at the Edwardsburgh Lions Hall on County Road 44 from 8
am to 3 pm.
The McGuires, who live on Jordan Road north of Cardinal, began
developing gardens on their 21-acre woodland property nine years
ago. A bordered bed featuring spiral and poodle trees and a water
foundation sits in the centre of a circular drive leading up
to their home. A water garden with perennials, water lilies and
another fountain is adjacent to the driveway.
"We enjoy working outside, so it was just something to
do," Michelle says. "We just do it for ourself; we
never had intentions of doing this for others to see."
The McGuires also have created short trails through the property's
wooded area as well as a large pond.
Michelle says she and her husband were surprised when Louise
Burchell, Friends of the Edwardsburgh Public Library chair, approached
them about hosting part of the tour.
"We never thought people would really be that interested,"
she says. "But we want to help (the library) out, to raise
money."
The Lemaires' property, located in Johnstown, has an open
back yard with raised beds featuring an assortment of perennials,
annuals, bulbs, lilies and herbs. Hedges and flowering shrubs
define the garden's perimeter; an enclosed pool area with flower
borders and a large water garden should also be an attraction.
Numerous perennials, seasonal bulbs, shrubs and evergreens
fill Sherrye Emery's corner lot garden in Spencerville. Maintenance
is reduced by the use of groundcovers and stone pathways as well
as a minimal amount of lawn. Small grassy areas are incorporated
as part of the garden design.
The Burleys purchased their 1812 farmhouse on Totem Ranch
Road West ten years ago and eventually developed it into Memory
Lane Acres Bed and Breakfast. Hedging and a privacy screen create
a retreat in the property's front yard. Gravel paths lead through
the garden, past the swimming pools and seating areas.
Shrubs, both evergreen and deciduous, a large number of perennials,
old shrub roses and more than 50 varieties of irises are planted
throughout the many beds in the front garden and along a rail
fence. A large vegetable garden provides fresh produce for the
bed and breakfast as well as Loree's catering service.
The Bruces' 100-acre farm, located on County Road 21 east
of Shanly Road, features a garden which displays a collection
of plants from family and friends. Arlene has started several
varieties of Columbine and Buddleia bushes from seed and is experimenting
with a blueberry patch. Her perrenial borders include the Cimicifuga
'Brunette', Ligularia, many Campanulas and Hostas, four varieties
of meadow rue and 12 varieties of hybrid iris. Also on display
in the garden are original clay ceramics hand-made by Tekla Kluck
of Spencerville.
All proceeds of the event will go toward the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
Public Library, Spencerville branch. For tickets, call the library
at 658-5575.
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL: On Friday May 31, the hot lunch
is hot dogs.
There is a spirit assembly in the gym at 9:30 am.
On Saturday, June 1, Grade 7 students will be having a car
wash at the school.
Also on Tuesday, June 4, seven of our students are going to
a "Roots" conference to be held at G. Howard Ferguson
Park in Kemptville.
CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL: On May 28
many junior and intermediate students competed in the regional
track and field meet at South Grenville District High School.
While primary students participated in their NEPS track and
field meet, Kindergarten students visited a neighbouring dairy
farm.
On May 30, junior students participate in Enviornmental Connections,
an opportunity for outdoor education.
North Edwardsburgh students will be visited by Mr. Trombone
Man Thursday, May 30 - courtesy of the Fort Town Concert Association
- and Centennial '67 students present their spring concert.
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