Health officials insist West Nile virus risk is low
Infected crows found near Spencerville, Lyn first cases
in Grenville County
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
SOUTH GRENVILLE The first confirmed case of West Nile
virus in South Grenville is no reason to panic, according to
local health officials.
A dead crow found near Spencerville July 30 tested positive
for the virus, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit announced
last Wednesday.
The district health unit also reported a confirmed case of
the virus in another dead crow found July 29 near Lyn northwest
of Brockville.
The virus, which is spread to humans through the bite of an
infected mosquito, can result in flu-like illness and, in rare
cases, death. However, the risk of contracting serious illness
is considered to be very low. As of last week, there had been
no confirmed cases of humans in Canada being infected with the
West Nile virus.
Henry Garcia, the health unit's director of health protection,
told The Journal last week the infected crow was found
within about .5 kilometres of Spencerville. However, Garcia declined
to indicate a more precise location where the bird was found.
"It really doesn't make a difference," he said.
"The bird most likely didn't get it (the virus) there."
The important thing, according to Garcia, is the presence
of the virus in the region has been confirmed.
Garcia noted healthy people who are infected may never develop
symptoms. Some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms;
those whose immune systems are compromised or who are very old
or young may become quite sick.
There are a number of "common sense precautions"
available to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, Garcia
noted. They include using repellent, wearing light-coloured clothes
and hats that cover exposed skin, and avoiding places where there
would tend to be a lot of mosquito activity.
Crows are more susceptible to West Nile than other birds.
Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.
It is believed the virus cannot be transmitted from one person
to another.
The health unit does not test all dead crows reported by the
public, Garcia noted. In those cases, the unit makes note of
where the bird was found; the caller may then be advised to double-bag
the dead crow and throw it in the garbage or bury it.
In the case of the Spencerville-area bird, Garcia noted there
would be trapping and testing of mosquitoes in the area where
the dead bird was found.
The health unit receives "a couple of calls a day"
about dead birds and the virus, according to Garcia. Most people
seem to be informed when it comes to West Nile and the risk to
humans, although Garcia acknowledged some callers do not understand
at first why the health unit will not collect each dead bird.
To report a dead crow or for more information on West Nile
virus, call the district health unit at 345-5685 or visit its
Web site at www.healthunit.org.
Take steps to avoid mosquito bites
Henry Garcia, healh unit
Fast boats heading for Prescott as part of
annual poker run
By Dave Dickenson - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - The 1000 Islands Poker Run will be making a card
stop in Prescott Harbour this Saturday, Aug. 24.
The first group of boats will enter the harbour at approximately
1:40 pm and will remain until the second group arrives at 2:30,
when all boats will line up for a mass start to go to Gananoque.
Boats entered in the run will participate in a card draw,
re-fueling and a customs and immigration stop. This will enable
the public, to get a closer look at the boats before the re-start.
The run features offshore high performance sport boats which
range between 28 and 50 feet and can have more than 3,000-hp
engines.
"The boats are really something to see," explained
Gananoque 1000 Islands Poker Run organizer Nick Bowles. "The
style, graphics and engines are like poetry; they're so beautiful.
"The engine hatches will be up, so everyone can get a
good look at the card stops."
The poker run works as a standard game of poker with each
participant drawing a card at the five stops before returning
to the start/finish line to compare hands.
"The person with the best poker hand wins," explained
Bowles. Essentially, it's a really exciting and fancy way to
play poker."
The 210-kilometre poker run will start at 10:30 am in Gananoque
and make card stops in Alexandria Bay, Brockville, Prescott,
Rockport and Gananoque before returning to Gananoque for 4 pm
with an awards banquet for participants only hosted by the 1000
Islands Charity Casino.
Knowles anticipated 150 boats will participate in the run
as it's the largest poker run in North America and the only international
event of its kind.
"There is nothing in North America that compares to it,"
says Bowles. "One hundred spectators is considered a success
for most runs, and last year we had about 60,000 on shore throughout
the route.
"I've even received e-mails from Europe asking for the
program."
During the Prescott card stop the Prescott Rotary Club will
be having a barbecue at the harbour. The Prescott and District
Chamber of Commerce will hold a community garage sale Saturday
in the clock tower parking lot.
Local residents advised to conserve water
Drought may be declared later this month if water levels,
rainfall remain low
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
SOUTH GRENVILLE Although an official drought had not
been declared in the area as of Monday, officials at South Nation
Conservation (SNC) are asking the public to conserve water.
Residents are being asked to steer clear of lawn watering,
car washing and non-essential use of water as below-average precipitation
levels continue to affect water supplies throughout the 3,900-square-kilometre
South Nation River watershed which includes portions of Augusta
and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships.
Officials have noted conservation measures are voluntary at
this time.
"We feel that most people are responsible enough to help
preserve our most valuable resource when the need arises,"
stated Mary-Ann Wilson, acting general manager of SNC.
A level two drought was eventually declared in the region
late last summer. General conditions are not as of yet as dry
this year, according to the conservation authority.
However, stream levels and flows in portions of the watershed
including the Spencerville area are low enough to
be considered at drought level.
Richard Pilon, SNC water resources engineer, told The Journal
Monday the flow of the river at Spencerville is a mere fraction
of the average flow and at the same low level recorded last summer.
A level one drought has been declared in the Cataraqui region
extending from Kingston to Rideau Lakes. The area to the east
including South Grenville has received slightly more
rain. Precipitation and river flows are factors used to assess
the presence of drought conditions.
Pilon expects a drought may be declared in the South Nation
watershed if weather conditions persist.
A meeting of SNC's emergency water response team may be convened
next week depending on recent precipitation levels.
Pilon acknowledged it is more difficult to convince residents
of urban areas to conserve water; people in rural areas who do
not have access to municipal water supplies are more aware of
the value of the natural resource.
"They live with drier lawns and weeds," he said.
THIS WEEK
Bacteria levels remain acceptable at beach
PRESCOTT Acceptable levels of bacteria have been found
at Kelly's Beach for the second consecutive week, the Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit reported Friday.
The public beach, located just west of the Coast Guard base,
had been deemed off-limits for swimming and other recreational
purposes earlier this summer because of high bacteria levels.
The health unit monitors 25 beaches in the region on a weekly
basis; Kelly's Beach is the only site in South Grenville to be
included in the monitoring program.
Three beaches in Lanark County were closed as of Friday because
of unacceptable bacteria levels.
Swimmers are at greater risk of getting ear infections, skin
irritation and gastrointestinal illnesses when bacteria levels
rise.
For a complete list of beaches and their status, visit www.healthunit.org.
Severed cable results in loss of phone service
RIVERVIEW HEIGHTS Approximately 100 Bell Canada customers
in the area just west of Prescott were affected by a service
interruption late last week.
A Bell underground cable was cut at about 5 pm Thursday by
a gas company digging in the area, according to a Bell spokesperson.
Local telephone service was restored at about 1 pm Friday.
Bell Canada reminds the public to call the company before
digging.
Community garage sale to be held Saturday
PRESCOTT A community garage sale will be held this Saturday,
Aug. 24 from 8 am to 3 pm in the clock tower parking lot.
The sale is being presented by the Prescott and District Chamber
of Commerce. Chamber members are being encouraged to donate items
in good working condition.
Items can be dropped off this Friday, Aug. 23 from 9:30 am
to 5 pm at the Royal Bank. Large items should be dropped off
Saturday morning from 7 to 8 am.
Proceeds from the event will go to community projects. Any
items not sold at the garage sale will be donated to the Salvation
Army.
Last year's sale also coincided with the 1000 Islands Poker
Run. Power boats will arrive at Prescott harbour early Saturday
afternoon before heading back upstream to complete the major
international event.
The Prescott Farmers Market will also be open Saturday morning
in the clock tower parking lot.
Proceeds from the event will go to community projects.
Co-operative playgroup to disband because of new water regulations
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE An early childhood education program based
in Spencerville for almost 20 years is being forced to shut down
due to tighter government regulations on water.
Paula Carmichael, chair of the Edwardsburgh Co-operative Playgroup
located at the Nation Masonic Lodge, said Tuesday morning pre-school
programs can no longer be offered at that site because of new
"small water works regulations" passed on by the Ministry
of the Environment.
The playgroup is being required to install a chlorination
treatment system, which could cost up to $30,000, and then complete
weekly water testing at its own expense for the next two years,
Carmichael said.
There may be some government funds available for the equipment,
she said, but there is no guarantee it would be forthcoming.
The building is serviced by well water.
The centre is licensed to care for up to 16 children per day.
Enrolment fluctuates, and the centre had been operating up to
three mornings per week. Parents had already registered their
children for the fall program. Now, "they have nowhere to
go," Carmichael said.
"It's just so sad," she added. "For 20 years
we had this going. We offered to take in bottled water, but we
have to comply. For now, we can't continue."
The playgroup volunteer executive has been struggling to find
ways of financing the equipment, but Carmichael said there don't
seem to be any answers.
A general meeting to discuss dissolution of the corporation
will be held Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 pm at the Masonic Lodge in
Spencerville. All current members are encouraged to attend.
For more information or to offer support, call Carmichael
at 658-5258.
Door-to-door food drive set for Saturday
Air Cadets will blitz Prescott area in support of South
Grenville-area food bank
PRESCOTT Members of the local Air Cadet squadron will
be going door to door Saturday to collect non-perishable items
for the Food For All Food Bank.
The food bank, which serves residents of Prescott, Augusta
and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, is scheduled to open Tuesday, Sept.
3. The food depot and office is located across from the Prescott
Legion on Henry Street.
Doug Fraser, commander of the squadron, said earlier this
week he expects the blitz will begin at about 9 am and extend
into the afternoon. Cadets and other volunteers will canvass
the town and, weather and time permitting, Riverview Heights,
New Wexford and possibly Johnstown.
The food bank will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The local, non-profit organization is being run by volunteers
and has applied for incorporation and charitable status.
Prospective clients can pre-register at the food bank each
morning this week from 10 am until noon. Anyone seeking assistance
from the food bank is asked to provide documentation as part
of the screening process. Food bank volunteers are required to
sign a confidentiality form.
Canadian Tire job fair ends today at Prescott
fire hall
PRESCOTT The second and final day of a Canadian Tire
job fair takes place today (Wednesday, Aug. 20) from 9 am to
4 pm upstairs at the Prescott fire hall.
Full-time, part-time and temporary workers are being sought
to fill 50 jobs at the new Canadian Tire store being built just
south of Highway 401 near the Ontario Provincial Police station.
Candidates must attend the job fair in order to be eligible for
those positions.
The job fair is being presented in conjunction with St. Lawrence
College and the Brockville-based Employment & Education Centre.
The fire hall is located downtown at the corner of Henry and
Centre streets.
The new and much bigger store will open later this year and
replace the existing Canadian Tire outlet on Churchill Road.
South Nation River
fish being studied
By David Dickenson - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE - Tests and samples to help determine overall
fish population trends are being taken at the Spencerville Mill
and upstream to the headwaters by South Nation Conservation.
"This segment of the South Nation (River) has never really
been studied before," says SNC Senior Fish and Wildlife
Technician Naomi Langlois-Anderson. "It was kind of enticing
to be doing a bench mark study on this segment."
The process which involves setting a series of seven interconnected
nets which trap fish for inspection, requires a depth of six
feet.
With as many as 300 fish of various sizes and species trapped
and released in one netting, information gathered is helping
to determine population dynamics of species inhabiting the South
Nation River system.
"It will take many years of data collecting to determine
overall trends," says Langlois-Anderson. "But we are
also getting some baseline data which is useful in the short
term."
Nets are placed one day and checked the next day for fish.
The fish are then identified and counted with most of the fish
being released with some scale samples to determine age and tissue
samples to determine contamination taken.
South Nation Conservation also has a partnership with the
Ministry of the Environment to carry out the Sportfish Contaminant
Monitoring Program.
"Information on levels of metallic, mercury and Pcb for
use in the Guide to Ontario Sportfishing to tell recommended
limits of species of fish," explained Langlois-Anderson.
"Some of the data we are acquiring hasn't been updated since
1978."
Last year, hoop netting was conducted on the Plantagenet segment
of the South Nation to the mouth entering the Ottawa River.
In past surveys, 41 different species of fish have been identified
in the South Nation watershed. Similar hoop net studies have
been conducted on the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, which allow for
some comparisons to be made.
"The data provides details about such things as angling
pressures and spawning success and will help to better manage
the fishery," says Langlois-Anderson. "SNC will prepare
a fisheries management plan based on results from the current
study.
"We can find out what will benefit the aquatic habitat
which is really useful and needed to learn more about our system."
South Nation Conservation started testing and sampling at
the beginning of August and expects to be done by the end of
the month.
"The testing for each segment usually takes about three
weeks if everything goes well," explained Langlois-Anderson.
"We're just working our way along the 180 kilometres one
segment at a time."
Virus also affects horses and other animals
SOUTH GRENVILLE Taking precautions to reduce the risk
of getting the West Nile virus should not be limited to humans,
according to the Humane Society of Canada (HSC).
The mosquito-borne virus that can in rare cases lead to serious
illness can also affect animals.
"Horses can become ill and even die from the West Nile
virus," HSC Executive Director Michael O'Sullivan stated
in a news release issued earlier this month.
It was reported late last week five horses in Manitoba are
believed to have died from the virus.
Symptoms include fever, lack of co-ordination and partial
paralysis. A West Nile virus for horses is now available in Canada,
according to O'Sullivan.
As for dogs and cats, O'Sullivan noted they may also be at
risk. He advises pet owners to contact a veterinarian if they
have questions or concerns about the virus and its affect on
animals.
The society indicated precautions should be taken, but there
is no reason to panic about the arrival of the virus in South
Grenville.
Chicken barbecue to be held at community hall
in Roebuck
ROEBUCK A Woodland's chicken barbecue will take place
Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 4 to 6:30 pm at the community hall in
Roebuck.
The meal includes barbecued chicken, home-made baked beans,
roll, choice of two salads (potato, macaroni and cole slaw),
and choice of home-made pie or cake.
Take-out orders will also be available.
For advance tickets or to reserve tickets by Monday, Aug.
26, call 658-3159 or 658-2213. Tickets are also available at
Colonial Flowers in Brockville.
Drugs and cash seized as police make two arrests in Prescott
Monday night
PRESCOTT Two Prescott men face drug-related charges
after police made two arrests in town Monday.
Members of the Grenville County OPP, Leeds and Grenville crime
unit and Kingston Drug Enforcement Section were involved in the
arrests, as was the Brockville Police Service's canine unit.
The first occurred at 6:15 pm when a vehicle was stopped.
The driver had possession of what police believe is cocaine with
a value of approximately $1,000, according to an OPP news release.
Wayne Veenstra, 38, was charged with possession of a controlled
substance for the purpose of trafficking. He is scheduled to
appear in court Sept. 27.
At about 9:50 pm, the Prescott Police Service assisted with
the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Ann Street.
Officers seized what is believed to be cocaine with a street
value of about $10,000 and marijuana with an approximate street
value of $7,000. A large sum of cash was also located at the
residence. Wilfred Keeler, 59, was charged with two counts of
possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession
of the proceeds of crime. He is scheduled to appear in court
Oct. 4.
Further charges are pending, according to the OPP. Detective
Constable George Duke is the investigating officer.
OPP BRIEFS
Stolen power tools valued at almost $5,000
AUGUSTA An Algonquin Road residence under construction
was the scene of a break and enter sometime between 7:30 pm Aug.
12 and 6:30 am Aug. 13. Taken were power tools valued at almost
$5,000; most of the tools taken have the brand name Dewalt. Constable
C. Bisson of the Grenville County OPP detachment (925-4221) is
the investigating officer.
Mountain bike stolen in Maynard
AUGUSTA An overnight theft of a mountain bike on County
Road 26 in Maynard was reported to Grenville County OPP Aug.
12. The 21-speed "Downhill Hooligan" Supercycle is
blue and yellow with front and rear shocks and wide tires. Anyone
with information is asked to contact Constable C. Bisson at the
OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221).
Hydraulic jack lifted from garage
EDWARDSBURGH A hydraulic jack was stolen from the garage
at a County Road 44 residence Aug. 4 or Aug. 5, according to
the Ontario Provincial Police. The jack has an approximate value
of $200. Constable Pergunas is the investigating officer.
Police investigate mischief in Augusta Township
AUGUSTA Two incidents of mischief occurred recently
in Augusta Township. The first took place during the overnight
hours of Aug. 12; a front-end loader on Dixon Road was damaged
when someone entered it and poured grease inside the cab. The
workers cleaned up the mess and proceeded with their work, according
to an OPP release.
The second case occurred during the overnight hours of Aug.
17 on Hall, South Branch and Kyle roads. Numerous mailboxes were
smashed. Constable C. Bisson is the investigating officer for
both incidents.
Mischief is a criminal offence, police noted. A conviction
will result in a criminal record.
GCC hosts parenting seminar Aug. 26
MAITLAND A parenting seminar open to the public will
be held Monday, Aug. 26 in the dining room at Grenville Christian
College (GCC).
"Raising Kids in a Post-modern World" will feature
Paul Robertson, a Toronto-based youth culture specialist and
teacher who writes a column in the newspaper Christian Week and
has appeared on the television program 100 Huntley Street.
Practical parenting tips will be presented at the get-together,
which runs from 7:30 to 9 pm. "I am confident parents will
benefit greatly from this informative and interactive seminar,"
GCC Headmaster Dave Dargie stated in a news release.
The free seminar is being hosted by GCC in conjunction with
Fore Youth Brockville.
For more information or to register for the seminar, contact
Beth Garcia at 345-5521 or bgarcia@grenvillecc.ca.
Robertson will also conduct a full-day workshop for GCC staff
and members of the Community of the Good Shepherd.
Two accidents occur on residential street
PRESCOTT Three vehicles were demolished and two people
were taken to hospital by ambulance in two separate collisions
on Centre Street last week.
The first accident occurred Thursday, Aug. 15 about 4:45 pm
at Centre and Dibble Street West. A 1998 Pontiac driven by a
17-year-old Prescott male was heading west on Dibble when it
collided with a 1994 Dodge van travelling north on Centre driven
by Lorainne Campbell of Prescott. There were also two children
in the Campbell vehicle.
The Prescott fire department was called to assist. The youth
was charged with failing to stop; he was taken to Brockville
General Hospital with minor injuries. Constable Mike Lapensee
is the investigating officer.
Beverly Sparling, 46, of Brinston, was taken to hospital with
minor injuries following a collision at Centre and James Street
West Saturday at about 12:25 pm. Sparling had been driving a
1999 Honda north on Centre when the accident occurred at the
intersection with a 1993 Chrysler driven by Lesley McCoy, 23,
of Brockville. McCoy had been travelling east on James and stopped
at Centre Street, according to a police report. The cars collided
when the McCoy vehicle pulled away from the stop and attempted
to make a left turn onto Centre.
The McCoy vehicle struck a tree and came to rest facing north
on the Centre Street boulevard, wedged between two trees. McCoy,
who had two children in the vehicle, was charged with failing
to yield. Constable Terry Foster is the investigating officer.
High school council
seeks members
PRESCOTT The South Grenville District High School Community
Advisory Council is seeking additional members for the 2002/2003
academic year.
Parents and community members are being invited to take part
in what is hoped will be an active and productive year for the
council. The first council meeting will take place Tuesday, Sept.
24 at 7 pm in the high school library; the public is invited
to attend. For more information, call Judy Roberts at 925-5152
or the SGDHS office at 925-2855.
More American divers
expected to visit area
PRESCOTT Expect a lot more American divers to flock
to the Prescott area next year, local tourism officials have
been told.
A television crew from a New England-based diving program
visited the area last month. A feature on the St. Lawrence River
and its underwater treasures will air in March.
Pat Dewar, president of the Prescott and District Chamber
of Commerce, said last week the visitors were overwhelmed by
what they found in the region.
"Their parting words were 'be prepared for a lot of American
divers'" after the program airs, Dewar told chamber directors
at their monthly meeting last Thursday.
New members
PRESCOTT Two new members have been welcomed to the Prescott
and District Chamber of Commerce.
The board of directors agreed last Thursday to accept applications
from Prescott Police Chief Bryan Somerville and Kim Blackburn,
owner of Curves for Women, a new business opening in Prescott.
Membership in the local Chamber of Commerce is approximately
150.
Some local crops remain well behind schedule as season nears
an end
By Matt Wood
Special to The Journal
SOUTH GRENVILLE -- The erratic weather of early summer has
left local crops behind in their development.
Unlike last summer's conditions which were hot and dry, this
year's weather has been inconsistent. While rainfall levels have
been close to average this year, how it is coming has been a
problem.
"It's been one extreme to another," said Eli Countryman,
whose farm is located four kilometres west of Maynard. He said
when the rain comes and goes in spurts, it really makes life
difficult for farmers.
"It was an awfully wet spring," he explained. "The
spring set everything back."
His corn, which is usually ready by the second week of July,
is about three weeks behind. And due to a larger than normal
amount of weeds and bugs, the growth of crops like strawberries
and beans has been severely hampered.
With all the rain early in the season, it is now starting
to get a bit dry for Countryman's liking. Last year, his farm
went 43 days without a drop of rain. He doesn't want to see a
repeat.
Adrian Wynands, president of the Grenville Federation of Agriculture,
runs a dairy farm near North Augusta and grows forage for his
herd. He said his region has enjoyed good growing conditions
this year.
"In this area, farmers can't complain," he noted,
adding that crops in the area seem to be doing well. The barley
and corn are late, but coming on strong since the heavy rainfall
of a month ago and farmers have had a good second cut of hay
as well.
"We've got an abundance of moisture -- things are going
well," Wynands noted earlier this month.
Potatoes are a different story. Last year's crop out of New
Bruinswick and Prince Edward Island was terrible to begin with
which means by this time of year, just a couple of weeks before
the new crop is due, potatoes have to be imported from the U.S.
Combine a low supply with the poorly performing Canadian dollar
and the price of spuds is about three times higher than normal.
And there may not be a respite. Countryman said he had heard
this year's crop was just as bad as last year's.
However, local potatoes, like those Countryman grows, are
doing well. So well in fact, he has increased his potato acreage
from two acres to ten acres in the last few years.
"The spring set everything back."
Eli Countryman
Local Terry Fox Run moves to Prescott's waterfront
PRESCOTT This year's Terry Fox Run will have a much
different look than previous editions of the Prescott-area fundraiser
for cancer research.
The annual event set for Sunday, Sept. 15 will move from just
north of Prescott to the town's waterfront area.
This year's route begins and ends at the outdoor theatre located
beside Sandra S. Lawn harbour. Participants will start by going
east on Prescott's Heritage River Trail; they will turn around
at the end of the trail and head back for the marina area.
The route continues along the shore of the St. Lawrence to
George Street and then north to King Street. Participants head
west on King to Sophia Street; from there, they will proceed
south to Corinne Street, east through the Centennial Park area
to King Street and then back to the harbour.
Two complete trips on the route would add up to about 9.9
kilometres.
"I figured it would be a very nice thing" to have
the event on Prescott's river trail, organizer Sharon Spychi
said.
The MacIntosh Road (Second Concession) route had been used
the past several years.
Participants will have the option to stay on the riverside
portion of the route instead of heading up and down King.
Pledge sheets are available in local banks.
For more information about the Terry Fox Run or to volunteer,
call Spychi at 925-5700.
Changes to renovation plan to be discussed
PRESCOTT Town hall renovation plans will be on the agenda
at a special meeting of Prescott council set for Monday night.
The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 7
pm at the Prescott Health Centre.
Members of town council will meet with construction manager
D.C. Snelling Ltd., as well as Eastern Engineering, to discuss
plans to renovate the Dibble Street building.
Council has earmarked $800,000 for the project which will
include general upgrades to the facility and significant improvements
to the second floor which until last year had been housing municipal
offices and the Prescott council chamber.
During a committee meeting held earlier this month, council
members reviewed renovation plans in an effort to keep costs
below the cap of $800,000.
Major renovations to the portion of the facility that houses
the public library are not planned as part of this phase of the
renovation project.
D.C. Snelling was hired this summer to oversee the renovation
project.
Eastern Engineering drafted the renovation plans council considered
last year prior to shelving the plan.
After reviewing other options, Prescott council agreed earlier
this spring to proceed with renovations.
Vacant house damaged
PRESCOTT The Prescott Police Service has charged four
individuals in respect to a break-in at a vacant Dibble Street
West house early Sunday morning.
A neighbour to the house at 454 Dibble heard loud banging
noises and saw a light from what appeared to be a flashlight
from inside the house at about 3:20 am, a police report states.
The neighbour notified police; on arrival, police report hearing
sounds of glass breaking.
The older, large brick house has been abandoned for several
years and is in a state of disrepair. It is therefore difficult
to determine the extent of damage caused in the weekend incident,
police said.
The house is owned by a woman from Ottawa.
Charged with break and enter in the incident are a 16-year-old
girl from Cardinal; Craig Reynolds, 18, of Prescott; Miguel Brisson,
18, of Cardinal; and Ryan Fraser, 20, of RR 4 Prescott. The girl
was also charged with breach of probation. They were arrested
at the scene.
Grenville Christian College reunion attracts
large crowd
MAITLAND NEWS - Jane Fullarton
Grenville Christian College held its second annual Alumni
Reunion Weekend Aug. 9 to 11 at the college. Approximately 100
past graduates, spouses and children attended the event. The
weekend started with a round of golf on Friday afternoon, and
the fun continued with games and competitions throughout the
weekend.
There was a retirement dinner in honour of Kenneth MacNeil,
who started as a teacher in 1979 and later became headmaster.
Two students, Scott Edmunds from St. Pierre-Jolys, Manitoba,
and Jaishree Toleram Jeffrey from Dallas, Texas, who were part
of the first graduating class of 1977, attended the event.
Many graduates brought their children, one only a week old.
It was a weekend for shared memories, meeting friends, enjoying
delicious meals and sharing photographs with fellow alumni. Maria
Antonakis, formerly of Brockville, brought her newest CD. Alumni
Association Chairman Robert Creighton sent his videotaped greetings
from the theatre in Los Angeles where he is playing in Lion
King. Organizers were delighted with both the turnout and
the activities. There was lots of time to visit and get reacquainted
with old friends.
Plans for next year's event are already in the works.
Maitland Sparks need three new leaders to continue the program
this fall. Kim Dunlop says all three of last year's leaders have
moved on, and there are three openings for these fun and fulfilling
volunteer positions
Sparks is a program for girls aged five and six years. It
does not involve any badge work; instead, it focuses on arts,
crafts and outings. The meetings are held Monday evenings from
6:15 - 7:15 at MERC Hall.
The girls have participated in tours of the Brockville Museum,
the Brockville Police Station and the Brockville Fire Department
as well as programs at Fort Wellington.
If you have one hour a week to give, contact Kim Dunlop at
348-7104 to become part of the Sparks program.
Youth centre set for camping trip this weekend
PRESCOTT Young people between the ages of eight and
18 are invited to join the Prescott Youth Centre when it goes
camping at Grenville Park this Friday and Saturday.
For more information on the overnight camping trip, call the
centre at 925-2004.
The youth centre also held a car wash Saturday, Aug. 17 at
Beach Home Hardware. Proceeds will be used for the trip to Fort
Henry later this month.
The Prescott Youth Centre is located on King Street West and
is funded by the United Way of Leeds and Grenville.
Gilmer family gathers in Johnstown for 49th
reunion
Submitted by Marina Gilmer
JOHNSTOWN On Aug. 11, 81 family members and guests,
descendants of the late Gawn and Mary Ann (Wright) Gilmer, were
present at the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Johnstown
to celebrate 49 years of continuous reunions. A delicious pot
luck dinner was enjoyed by all those in attendance.
The children and young adults found the ball game a little
too warm, so they descended on the swimming pool to cool off.
Candy and balloons were also available for the children.
Sheldon Gilmer, president, presided over a short business
meeting.
Since the 2001 reunion, there was one marriage, seven births
and three deaths. A minute of silence and a short prayer was
held in respect for William (Bill) Stewart, Doris (Hunter) Coons
and Charles Seeley who had died during the year.
Toonies were to Kaitlyn Stewart, youngest girl present, and
Alexander Stewart, youngest boy.
Evelyn Bowbeer and Clarence Gilmer, the oldest lady and gentleman
in attendance, were presented with scrolls that had been signed
by family members.
Certificates in recognition of 40 years of marriage were presented
to Miriam and Robert Faber and Shirley and Guy Miller.
Certificates in recognition of 45 years of marriage were presented
to Preston and Muriel Gilmer and Keith and Marina Gilmer.
Glen and Joyce Hunter from Kelona, B.C. were recognized as
having travelled the farthest to attend this reunion. Gerry,
Dawn, Jamie and Jenna Bailey from Kincardine, Ont., were recognized
as the family attending for the first time.
"Thinking of You" cards were signed and will be
sent to Hilda Langstaff, Percy Gilmer, Delmer Adams and Hap Reid.
A committee was organized to arrange special events to celebrate
next year's 50th reunion. It will be held at South Edwardsburgh
Community Centre Sunday, Aug. 10, 2003. Registration is at 11
am. All families of the late Gawn and Mary Ann Gilmer are invited
to attend this special day.
Grenville Heifer Hustlers
practise clipping
By Robert Murray
The July meeting of the Grenville Heifer Hustlers was held
on July 16 at the home of the leader, Debra Brown. At this meeting
we practised clipping and leading calves.
We learned the proper techniques for clipping and were given
tips for showmanship when leading a calf.
The next meeting for our club was on Aug. 20; we went to watch
robots milk.
Some members of our club will be showing their calves at the
Merrickville and South Mountain fairs in preparation for the
achievement day, which will be held at the Spencerville Fair
in September.
Work to do inside and out
WALKER HOUSE NEWS - MARNIE LIPPIATT
We enjoyed good food with good conversation at our glad day
lunch. It was really nice to see a full house.
Mark Sept. 13 on your calendar. We plan to have an "inside
out" day. Our library needs to have some organization, and
we need your input. At the same time, we hope to have a group
decide on the future look of the flower beds and shrubs. A third
group will be required to man the kitchen and co-ordinate refreshments.
Call 925-5300 if you can participate.
Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Bea Hemsley; 2nd,
Isobel Locke; door prize, Ed Zachon. Tuesday night cribbage
high hand, Pat McPhee; high score, Jean Annable; 2nd, Hugh Evely;
3rd, Pat McPhee. Wednesday bridge 1st, Jim Campbell; 2nd,
Marjorie Kingston; door prize, Walter Kingston. Thursday euchre
1st, Myrtle Shahan; 2nd, Bea Hemsley and Mary Reynolds;
3rd, Alice Crowder; door prize, Cindy Burnside.
Ambassador pageant
still accepting applications
SPENCERVILLE Applications for the 2002 Spencerville
Fair Ambassador Pageant are still being accepted.
The annual competition is open to young men and women in Grenville
County who are between the ages of 17 and 23. Competitors will
be judged on their interview, community involvement, question
response, poise and personality.
Contestants do not need to live on a farm, nor do they need
to know a lot about agriculture. The successful contestant will
be eager and willing to learn about his or her community and
share enthusiasm for the fair with others.
The winner will represent the Spencerville Agricultural Society
for the duration of the fair and at community events throughout
the year.
For more information or to obtain an application, call Paula
Carmichael at 658-5258. The deadline for entries is Aug. 31 at
noon.
This year's pageant will take place Friday, Sept. 13.
Final trash and treasure
sale to be held at St. John's
PRESCOTT The final "Trash and Treasure" sale
at St. John's Anglican Church will take place this Saturday,
Aug. 24 from 8:30 am to 1 pm.
All items must be sold. In case of rain, the sale will take
place inside the hall.
The church will no longer accept "Trash and Treasure"
items except for pocket books, jigsaw puzzles and clothing for
the "New-to-You" shop.
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