Spencerville-area farmer elected OFA vice-president

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

VENTNOR ­ A Grenville County farmer has been elected to serve as vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) for the first time in three decades.

Geri Kamenz, a beef, pork and cash crop producer at Buckstop Farms on Ventnor Road near Spencerville, moves up from his previous executive committee post with the OFA. He was elected at the OFA annual convention Nov. 25 and 26 in Toronto along with Vice-President Bill Mailloux, a cash crop and turkey produce from Essex County.

The last time Grenville County had a representative at this level was in 1971 when Algonquin farmer Keith Matthie was elected to the vice-president post.

Kamenz said being he lives and farms in Grenville County, he will naturally always feel closest to and most in touch with local farmers and keep their interests at heart. It is always a feather in the cap for any community that can boast a leader at the top of an organization, Kamenz said. However, he stated he now has a responsibility to apply the same tenacity and dedication to all farmers in Ontario.

The more injustices Kamenz saw farmers facing over the years, the more he recognized he could make a contribution locally and provincially to work on the behalf of farmers, he said. Making his living as a farmer gives him an insight into the pressures of farming, Kamenz added.

The vice-president's post is a one year term of office, but at this point, Kamenz doesn't have plans for the top job. He's taking one step at a time, seeing each level as a new learning opportunity.

Ron Bonnett, a beef cow-calf producer from the Algoma district, was acclaimed as president at the OFA convention. He succeeds Jack Wilkinson.

In June, Buckstop Farms hosted a visit from Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to unveil a $5.2-plan to boost the Canadian agriculture industry and make the sector a world leader. Geri and his wife Heather began farming in 1985 in the Spencerville area, and the farm has grown to include a cow-calf and feed-lot farm, a specialized intensive hog operation, with the core of the farm being its grains and oilseed acreage. The family crops 850 acres of corn, soybeans, small grains and hay.

Besides his work with the OFA, Kamenz is also involved with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture Environment and Science Committee, Canadian Agri-food Research Council, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada's agriculture policy framework, Ontario Agricultural Adaptation Council, Canadian Standards Association (Environmental Management Systems for Hog Farms), Agri-food Canada's Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Advisory Committee, and other agriculture-related boards.

Former OFA vice-president Matthie sees Kamenz as quite capable and keen to handle his new responsibilities. He will be able to represent all agricultural issues and commodities, since Kamenz has a broad knowledge and respect for those issues, said Matthie, who was on the OFA executive from about 1965 to 1971.

Kamenz won't be able to show any favouritism to Grenville farmers through his new post, Matthie said, but being young, eager and having the expertise, he will be able to promote what is good for all commodities.

Three decades ago, farmers east of Toronto had only a sprinkling of representation on the OFA, Matthie said. Now, however, Eastern Ontario is well represented in the organization.

In partnership with his son and daughter-in-law Brian and Brenda Matthie, Keith Matthie farms 850 acres and has about 110 milking cows at the Algonquin farm.

The OFA is dedicated to improving the social and economic well being of Ontario farmers in co-operation with county, commodity and rural farm groups. For more than six decades, the OFA has dedicated itself to advocating on behalf of Ontario farmers. It is made up of 49 county and district federations representing local farmers in all areas of the province and represents every commodity area of Ontario agriculture.

THIS WEEK

Christmas party set for downtown Prescott

PRESCOTT ­ The Downtown Prescott Christmas Party is set for this Saturday, Dec. 7.

Santa's Workshop will be open in the morning and afternoon. Photos with Santa will be taken by Christine Endicott this Saturday and again Dec. 14.

Wagon rides will be offered from noon to 2 pm at the clock tower.

Many merchants will be taking part in the Christmas celebration Saturday by offering great deals.

Holiday season store hours begin this Friday, Dec. 6. A number of retailers will have extended hours weekday evenings and Sundays until Christmas.

Town hall renovation preparations begin

PRESCOTT ­ Demolition of the Dibble Street municipal building has begun, but that does not mean residents should expect the facility to be torn down.

The job of preparing the former high school for renovations began this week. Prescott council has given the green light to improvements that will enable administrative offices to return to the second floor of the building. Council set a cap of $800,000 for this phase of renovations, which is to include new heating an electrical systems, new windows and an elevator.

D.C. Snelling Ltd. has been hired by the town to serve as construction manager.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said Monday he is not sure when renovations will begin. The project will continue through the winter and is expected to be completed next spring.

The public library will continue to operate during the project.

Walker House opens its doors this Sunday

PRESCOTT ­ Walker House will host an open house this Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 4 pm.

The activity centre for senior citizens is located at 623 King St. W. at Mary Street. Everyone is welcome to attend the open house.

Light refreshments will be served. There will also be a Christmas sing-along. Crafts made by Walker House members will be on display.

Decorating contest part of winter festival

SPENCERVILLE ­ The Spencerville and District Winter Festival is hosting a house decorating contest this holiday season.

The decorations must have a winter festival theme and stay up until the event to be held January 17-19, 2003. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

For contest rules and to register, contact Jackie Barnard at 658-5679.

Jump team springs into action

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT ­ The Town of Prescott is among several municipalities within Leeds and Grenville that will have a chance to revitalize their downtowns and develop strategies to improve the communities through a provincial initiative.

A team of consultants known as a Resource Jump Team through the ministries of municipal affairs and housing and agriculture and food met with various community stakeholders and business leaders the week of Nov. 25 in separate sessions in Prescott, Brockville, Gananoque and Kemptville. The sessions included individual and group consultations and a bus tour of the counties and municipalities.

The Jump Team is part of the Ontario government's plan to kick-start specific areas in rural Ontario. Members are specialists in community marketing, downtown revitalization, community improvement strategies, tourism development and small business development.

The team acts as an economic development tool that helps communities address specific challenges and opportunities they have identified, explained Luigia Cistera, manager of regional economic development with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Following intense studies of an area, the group provides recommendations to address barriers to growth.

It is also a source of ideas for developing marketing themes for each area and a common umbrella theme to link the communities together for marketing as one region. The project also aims to raise the profiles of the communities of Leeds and Grenville as good places to live, work and invest.

Local governments, chambers of commerce and business improvement associations in Leeds and Grenville are working together to tap into the large consumer market that travels through the counties on highways 416 and 401; each year, ten million vehicles drive through the region via the 401.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn was among a group of business leaders who met with the Jump Team Nov. 26 at the Prescott fire hall. Prescott is looking forward to receiving the team's report which will lay the groundwork for future action by the community, he said. "To me, it's a potential catalyst for change downtown."

Lawn added he sees the project "as another opportunity to focus on our downtown." From the consultations, he is expecting good observation and advice, "which will lead us to a jumping-off point to do some work on downtown rehabilitation."

Lawn hopes the final report, expected in January, will allow the town to make some distinct moves to improve the downtown and waterfront.

Among the areas downtown Lawn pinpointed for some action include empty store fronts, buildings that need refurbishing, and ensuring items both residents and visitors require are available for sale, since, he noted, Prescott is the main shopping area in South Grenville.

A simple, 20- to 30-unit motel to cater to the burgeoning scuba diving market and festivals in town was also cited by business leaders at the meeting as being a need in Prescott. "Somebody could open another motel and pack it, and it doesn't have to be a fancy motel," said businessman Scott Hubbard. The diving industry, Hubbard said, "could be developed massively."

Jump Team member Joe Mazzei, manager of the Ontario Investment Service, said the Prescott and area diving attraction is already well known. But, he warned, "you have to pull through so people aren't disappointed. A disappointed tourist is not good for Leeds-Grenville."

Improvements cited by downtown business owner Wilf Peters included better lighting on King Street and in alleys, a recreation/sports facility for the South Grenville region and consistent store operating hours. Peters said he felt Prescott "is doing pretty good," but noted: "You get back what you put into it."

St. Lawrence Printing General Manager Lisa Taylor suggested affordable broadband access is "as essential a part of infrastructure for doing business as roads and sewers. You will not attract business without it." Broadband has an impact on education and health services that will increase exponentially in the next three to five years, Taylor said. With so many rapid changes, local people "are going to be so far behind the eight ball." High-speed Internet is a quality of life issue in trying to attract people and businesses to the area, she stated.

Chartered accountant Ken Durand agreed, adding businesses suffer without affordable broadband. He noted most business functions are now Internet-driven, and broadband is vital to attracting customers.

Downtown businessman Tom Doyle stressed the town needs a definite plan to be followed with completion of revitalization tasks as money allows. "We can't be doing things piecemeal." He also suggested revamping garbage containers so they are not see-through and at eye level, and giving some attention to second floor King Street residences.

Town officials consider Edward Street options

Report to trigger downtown renewal plans in Prescott

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Recent changes to Edward Street in the north end of Prescott continue to generate a lot of discussion among town officials.

Concerns have been raised since the ministry made changes several weeks ago to lane configurations on Edward Street between the Highway 401 westbound entrance and exit and the main entrance to South Grenville District High School.

The loss of one of two southbound through lanes is one of the main concerns voiced by town and school officials. The need for left turn lanes at the intersection with Prescott Centre Drive and the entrance and exit to the eastbound lanes of the 401 has also been questioned.

Town officials were asked by council last month to study the situation and report back to council.

An MTO communications officer indicated late Monday afternoon she had yet to receive information from local ministry officials about the Edward Street situation.

Councillor Terry McConnell said Monday a number of alternatives are being considered to deal with concerns about the existing crosswalk on Edward Street at Victor Road. Among the options being studied is eliminating the crosswalk and building a sidewalk on the west side of Edward from Victor to the main intersection to the north. Pedestrians would then cross at the lights.

McConnell, who chairs the town's transportation and environmental services committee, said building a sidewalk on the west side of Edward beside the cemetery would be cost-prohibitive. He also indicated adding a fifth lane to Edward Street in the area of the school and Prescott Centre Drive is not one of the options being considered at this time.

The principal of the high school asked council last month to consider placing overhead warning lights at the crosswalk or to conduct a study of the area in question.

Town officials are expected to come up with cost estimates on the alternatives being considered. A meeting with council members could happen later this month, it was noted Monday.

Town Engineer Clyde Solomon said there has been "a continuous dialogue" between MTO and town officials the past two weeks. The municipality is asking the ministry for a final report on the changes to Edward Street; Solomon said he expects to receive the report within the next two weeks.

Palliative care unit will benefit from cookbook sales

Copies of Frametastic client recipe book now on sale

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The Frametastic Client Cookbook is now available.

Marc Cardinal, Frametastic Gallery & Custom Picture Framing owner who started the project in 1994, is very happy to see the project come to fruition.

"We've been doing pretty well with sales," says Cardinal. "We had about 300 of the books sold before they've come out, and they've been pretty steady, but it's hard to keep track of as they are available from Gananoque to Morrisburg. So far, my mom's been one of our top sellers."

The content and cause have played a big role in the books sales, says Cardinal.

The book has raised over $3000 for the St. Vincent de Paul Hospital Foundation Palliative Care Unit in their pre-sales and hope to reach their goal of $10,000.

"We even had a man from Calgary buy one from visiting town," says Cardinal. "Apparently the staff at his store in Calgary went crazy about the book and ordered eight more."

Director of the Hospital Foundation, Trudy Patterson, expressed the unit's gratitude while meeting with Cardinal Thursday and buying a book.

"It's fundraisers like this that are so important to the palliative care unit," say Patterson. "We get almost 100 per cent of our funding from donations and special events. People like Marc, who take on projects like this really make a difference and help the unit to provide its patients with an end of life experience as positive as can be."

The cookbook features 250 recipes from Frametastic clients and has sponsorship from 36 businesses along the St. Lawrence.

The book is available at Frametastic, the Village Pantry in Spencerville and Bayview Convenience in Johnstown.

Public invited to attend MPP's Christmas party

BROCKVILLE ­ The annual Christmas reception hosted by Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman and his wife Jeannette will take place this Sunday, Dec. 8 from 3 to 5 pm at the Quality Inn/Royal Brock Hotel on Stewart Boulevard.

The public is invited to attend this informal holiday season reception.

Former Canadian boxing champion George Chuvalo is scheduled to appear at the get-together.

Music will be provided by the Bruce Ker Quartet.

The Christmas reception will also mark the launch of the MPP's new Web site: www.bobruncimanmpp.com.

The new site will provide insight into happenings in Leeds-Grenville and easy links to the Ontario government and its numerous agencies, according to a news release.

Find out more about government funding sources at open house

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ Organizations seeking extra funding but are not sure how to write a proposal or where to send it are invited to attend an information open house Friday, Dec. 13 at the Merrickville District Community Health Centre.

The forum presented by United Way of Leeds and Grenville will identify funding opportunities and programs and services available to local groups. Representatives from various government ministries and agencies will be on hand.

For more information or to register, call the United Way office in Brockville at 342-8889.

Volunteer's award on display at Prescott library

Queen's medal, certificate note efforts of Mary Johnston

PRESCOTT ­ An honour bestowed upon a long-time volunteer at the Prescott Public Library is now on display at the Dibble Street facility.

A Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal was awarded posthumously last month to Mary Johnston, a 30-year volunteer and library board member who passed away earlier this year. Kathy Johnston, Mary's daughter, decided it would be fitting for the medal and certificate that accompanies it to be put on display in the place her mother liked to spend so much of her time over the years.

"Patrons can see it and share in the enjoyment of it," said Kathy, who also volunteers at the library.

Librarian Jane McGuire noted Mary was "a prominent person" who made a valuable contribution to the library.

"It's a chance for everyone to see how special she was," McGuire said.

Mary Johnston was nominated by the Town of Prescott. The other South Grenville residents who received queen's jubilee medals marking the 50th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II are Fred Boisvert of Augusta and Molly Faessen of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

Medals were presented to 14 recipients in Leeds-Grenville last month in Brockville.

The award recognizes the contribution a recipient has made to his or her community and country.

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Icy road conditions blamed for head-on collision in east end

PRESCOTT ­ Six people were taken to Brockville General Hospital after being injured in a two-vehicle collision Thursday.

Prescott police report a 1993 Oldsmobile driven by Susan Jandron of Cardinal was westbound on County Road 2 just east of Boundary Street when the vehicle went out of control on the icy roadway and veered into the path of a 1991 Pontiac operated by Christie Thompson of Brinston. Both drivers and four passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital where they were treated and released. Town police, firefighters and three ambulances responded to the collision scene. Both vehicles sustained major damage and appeared to be write-offs, according to police. No charges were laid.

In all, town police investigated 61 general incidents and seven motor vehicle collisions between Nov. 24 and Dec. 1.

A Toshiba laptop computer was reported stolen from O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer Nov. 28. A part-time employee had taken his mother's computer from his residence to the store at about 2:15 pm. Shortly after 9 pm, the computer was discovered missing from the store. The value of the computer is estimated at between $3,000-$4,000. Constable Darren Davis is the investigating officer.

On Nov. 29, police received a report of an assault at the Prescott Youth Centre. A 13-year-old male was assaulted by a 15-year-old male, a town police report stated. There were no injuries; no charges have been laid. The investigation is ongoing; Constable Darren Davis is the investigating officer.

Three cheques received by a King Street-area business were returned by the bank in late November. Constable Rob Prophet is investigating the occurrence as a fraud.

On Nov. 29, a caretaker at South Grenville District High School reported vandalism had occurred on the roof of the school. Several drain vent covers had been smashed. Constable Mike Ostrander is the investigating officer.

Anyone with information on these or any other occurrences in town is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Six injured in head-on collision

AUGUSTA ­ Six people were injured Friday morning in a two-car collision on Second Concession Road. An eastbound Toyota Camry driven by Linda Kerr, 58, of Brockville entered the westbound lane and struck a Honda Accord head on, according to an OPP news release. Kerr and the other driver, Jeffery Nolan, 40, of Augusta Township, sustained minor injuries. Four children in the Accord were also injured. An 11-year-old boy sustained an injury to his eye area and was transported to Kingston General Hospital. A 15-year-old girl and 13-year-old boy sustained minor injuries; a six-year-old girl sustained a broken nose. Road conditions and visibility were factors in the collision; no charges are pending. Constable Will Kavanagh is the investigating officer.

Pick-up truck crashes into bridge

AUGUSTA ­ An Augusta Township man was transported to Brockville General Hospital Friday afternoon after being injured in a single-vehicle collision on County Road 15. Richard Chellew, 34, was the driver of a Dodge Ram pick-up that was southbound when it went out of control and struck the railing at the Bisseltown Creek bridge. Road conditions were a factor, according to police; no charges are pending.

Suspended driver faces charges

EDWARDSBURGH ­ A 41-year-old woman faces a number of charges as a result of a traffic stop Nov. 30 on County Road 21. The vehicle was stopped for having an expired plate. The driver was then found to be driving under suspension and without insurance. She was served a summons for court on charges of driving under suspension, using plates not authorized for the vehicle, having an expired validation sticker and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.

Suspensions issued at RIDE checks

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Grenville County OPP officers handled 402 vehicles this past weekend as part of RIDE checks. Two 12-hour licence suspensions were issued; there were also three liquor-related charges, two liquor seizures and three Highway Traffic Act warnings. RIDE spot checks will be a common occurrence this month, according to police.

The local detachment of the OPP in Prescott can be reached at 925-4221. The toll-free number for Crime Stoppers is 1-800-222-8477.

OPP NEWS

High school students plan second annual community Christmas dinner in Prescott

"Soup for the Soul" supper organized by Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Plans are well under way for the second annual "Soup for the Soul" community Christmas dinner.

The special holiday season event will be held Sunday, Dec. 22 at St. Mark's Parish Centre on Edward Street in Prescott.

Once again, the dinner is being organized by Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton, two 16-year-olds living in Prescott.

The friends, who are now in Grade 11 at St. Mary Catholic High School in Brockville, came up with the concept of a community dinner when they were in Grade 10; they put together a successful event that fed nearly 200 people last December.

The traditional turkey dinner is also in the works this year, according to Dodge. This year, however, organizers have their sights set on feeding between 300 and 400 people.

"We think there will be a lot more people this year," Dodge said. Freezing rain may have affected turnout last year.

Dodge and Eaton are considering pre-registration for this year's dinner. Dodge explained the intent is not to prevent people from attending the supper if they do not register in advance; organizers are just trying to get a better handle on how much food to prepare and serve, she noted.

One thing the young women are planning to do is organize a pre-arranged delivery service. This could result in better service and fewer trips for volunteer drivers, according to Dodge.

Last year, dozens of adults and children volunteered their time at the first Soup for the Soul: A Christmas Cuisine. One of the goals of the dinner is to create an environment in which people from all segments of the community can come together and share a holiday meal.

As for donations of food and cash for this year's dinner, Dodge said she and Eaton are pleased with the response to date

"We can always use more," she added.

For more information on Soup for the Soul, call Kaitlynn Dodge at 925-4665 or Mackenzie Eaton at 925-1383.

SCHOOL SCENE

ALGONQUIN PUBLIC SCHOOL: This year, our school day looks a little different than it did last year. Each day, up until morning recess, students in grades 1 through 5 are in straight grade classes. What this means is smaller class sizes.

What this also translates into is increased emphasis and opportunities across the whole school for reading and writing during prime time. This is in keeping with the advice received from literacy experts in a host of professional development sessions staff attended last spring. Among the recommendations made were:

* concentrate on building good reading and writing skills at an early age

* try to arrange smaller class sizes for English language instruction

* strive for a balance of shared, guided, independent reading and writing opportunities

* increase the emphasis on building reading comprehension skills and reading levels

* increase the variety of reading sources with a particular emphasis on non-fiction

* provide additional opportunities for students to take personal responsibility for their learning.

So that's what we're doing!

BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOL ­ The girls volleyball team competed in a tournament Monday in Iroquois.

A terrific kids assembly will be held Dec. 19 at 1 pm.

The hot lunch program offers pizza Tuesday, hot dogs Wednesday and subs Thursday.

CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL: Our intermediate girls volleyball team competed in the northeast regionals at St. Michael's Dec. 2. On Friday, Dec. 6, the boys team will compete at NGDHS.

Our grade 1 and 2 classes visited Fort Wellington Dec. 3 to participate in "A Barrack's Christmas" program.

Friday is red, white and green spirit day at Centennial '67.

Students at both schools are participating in the Spirit of Giving food drive.

All junior division students and teachers are busily preparing for our 25th anniversary grandparent dinner scheduled for Dec. 10 at the Drummond Building.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL ­ Advent is the time when we prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our first Advent celebration will take place this Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 10:15 am. Our Advent mass will take place Dec. 11 at 11 am. All celebrations will take place in our school gym. All parents and friends are invited to attend.

Our staff and students are busy collecting canned food items for the Spirit of Giving campaign. We are short of our goal of 1,000 cans, so all students are encouraged to bring in food as soon as possible.

Our school volleyball teams had a very successful season. All students practised very hard and certainly did our school proud. All students are to be commended on a job well done. Our coaches were Ms. Dunphy, Mr. Kelly and Ms. O'Brien.

St. Joseph's School Choir has been practising very hard for our upcoming performances at our school Advent celebrations, our Christmas mass and our afternoon of singing at Wellington House.

We acknowledge Ms. Goulet's Grade 6 class for organizing a school-wide collection of winter coats and boots for those who are in need this winter season. We collected more than 100 articles of clothing.

Congratulations to our students of the week: Kevin Cummings, Darlene West, Jonathan Johnson-Farmer, Jenna Durant, Andrew Dick, Thomas Polite, Normand Latendresse, Kaitlyn Whitney and Stephanie Hendriks.

ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: This week (Dec. 2), we celebrate the beginning of Advent season. We held an Advent paraliturgy Monday, Dec. 2 at 9:15 am.

On Dec. 9, 10 and 11, our students will be visiting Fort Wellington to experience "A Barrack Christmas."

Our All Star Reading strategies this week are: Grade 1 ­ Unstuck Strategy ("Give me a clue"); Grade 2 ­ Unstuck Strategy ("Look at the marks"); Grade 3 ­ Book Awareness Strategy ("Super see-through").

We will continue to create decorations for Santa's Workshop in downtown Prescott.

The hot lunch this week is hamburgers (Wednesday for JK/SK A and Thursday for JK/SK B to Grade 3).

Our school council has been working tirelessly fundraising for our school revitalization project, the purchasing of additional levelled books for literacy initiatives, new books for our school library and funds for educational resources. We appreciate all of your fine efforts!

SOUTH EDWARDSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL ­ Our senior girls volleyball team participated in a tournament at Seaway District H.S. yesterday.

A number of our senior students will be joining a conflict resolution workshop Friday at Johnstown United Church.

A Spirit of Giving barrel has been placed in our front foyer.

The hot lunch today is pizza; next week, it will be hot dogs.

Christmas spirit served at men's group breakfast

PRESCOTT ­ The Seaway Men's Ecumenical Group will host its holiday season breakfast meeting Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 am at St. Paul's United Church, corner of George and Dibble streets.

The all-you-can-eat breakfast includes fruit cocktail, a variety of muffins as well as tea, coffee and orange juice. The program features Christmas carols and poetry. Louise Mayes will play the piano.

All are welcome to come and enjoy the fun. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

This Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 4 pm, we are having an open house and Christmas get-together. Everyone is welcome to join us for light refreshments and a Christmas sing-song. Upstairs, we will have a display of the craft items members have made. The pool table and shuffleboard table will be open for a game. If you haven't been here for awhile or if you are just interested in what we do here, come and join us, ask questions and suggest programs we could try.

We have cancelled the cribbage Tuesday evenings. If you still want to learn how to play or would be able to help others, please call. We will arrange and afternoon or evening to play.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Peggy Devine; 2nd, Harry Nesbitt; door prize, Valerie Schulz. Wednesday night bridge ­ 1st, Sandy Leduc; 2nd, Mary Singleton; draw, Sandy Leduc. Thursday euchre ­ 1st, Pat McPhee; 2nd, Pete Lowry; 3rd, Louie Bocsy and Jean McCrady; door prize, Betty Magocs.

MAITLAND NEWS

Ski trail opening kicks off seasonal events

Maitland Cross Country Ski Trails will open Dec. 15, weather permitting, kicking off its 30th year of operation. Maitland Trails is a series of trails that winds through an area of mostly privately owned land south of Highway 401, north of the village of Maitland and west of County Road 15. Responsible use of the trails is a condition of public access to them, therefore, skiers and hikers are reminded there can be no dumping, vandalism and no motorized vehicles on the trails in winter or summer. If these rules are not followed, use of the private land will be revoked and the trails will cease to exist. If you notice any property abuse while skiing, please call Wayne Brohman, president of the ski trails, at 348-3432. Volunteers are needed to help clear and maintain the trails. Please call Wayne if you can help.

There will be a youth dance for grades 5 to 8 at the Maitland hall Dec. 6 from 7 to 10 pm, sponsored by Algonquin Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. There is a small admission charge. Parents are reminded to pick their children up promptly at 10 pm. No one is admitted to the dance after 8 pm. Please call Cindy at 348-1760 or Susan at 348-3088 if you can help supervise. MERC is considering holding a New Year's Eve Dance for grades 5 to 8. It would run for the regular time of 7 to 10 pm. In order for the event to run, eight to 10 parents who are willing to give up the first part of their New Year's Eve are needed to supervise. If you can help, please call Cindy or Susan.

All seniors in Maitland are welcome to attend luncheons on the second Wednesday of each month, sponsored by the VON Community Support Program and volunteers from Maitland. The next luncheon is Dec. 11 from noon to 1:30 pm at the Maitland hall. Enjoy a full turkey dinner and entertainment provided by children from Maitland Public School. Transportation is available. Call the VON office at 342-3693 by Monday, Dec. 9 to confirm your attendance.

Friends of the Augusta Library will hold their December meeting during dinner at the Buell Street Bistro Dec. 11. The group will meet at the Augusta library at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Call Joanne Edwards at 926-2637 by Dec. 6 if you plan to attend, so that reservations can be made.

Town takes time on Nevada ticket policy changes

PRESCOTT ­ Town council has yet to vote on revisions to Prescott's municipal policy on which charities are eligible to receive proceeds from the sale of Nevada or break-open tickets.

A bylaw on the subject remained at first and second reading at a town council meeting Monday. There has been a move towards imposing restrictions which would force vendors to distribute proceeds from ticket sales to charities either based in Prescott or that have a significant presence in the community.

Arboretum benches will replicate look of fort

By Astrid Strader, Prescott Blossoms Project Supervisor, Horticulturist and Garden Designer

Last week I talked about how donors of trees to the arboretum will be acknowledged on a main gateway sign to the trail. In phase three of the project, which will begin in spring 2003, benches and historical placards will be added to the waterfront. These have also been designed by Parks Canada and will be uniquely "one-of-a-kind."

The character of the benches will replicate the look of the fort and will be custom-made out of cedar. I'm told that working drawings are forthcoming and bids to construct the benches will be accepted to determine best price. Persons or businesses wishing to donate a bench as a memorial will get the same recognition as other donors to the waterfront project - their name on a leaf-like marker placed on the symbolic donor tree as part of the gateway signage. We invite you to drop in or call Melanie at the municipal office at 925-2812 for more information.

On behalf of the Town of Prescott and Parks Canada, Prescott Blossoms wishes to recognize, in appreciation, more donors of trees to date: Candy Alexander, Canadian Tire, South Grenville Girl Guide District, Bev and Foch Healy, Lions Club of Prescott, Frank Muschalla (our first out-of-towner - from Toronto), O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer and Strader-Ferris International. Once again, these are not all the donors but I will get the chance to name them all over the coming weeks.

The waterfront site has parts of which are very sandy and dry - perfect conditions for the tough pitch pine (Pinus rigida). It will grow to an average 20 m (60 feet) and is recognizable by its twisting, yellowish-green needles in groupings of three, about 10 cm (four inches) long. The high resin content in this species produced the name "pitch pine." Early settlers would often ignite pine knots for torches. The high resin content also made the wood decay-resistant and so, was popular for ship building.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"To me, it's a potential catalyst for change downtown."

Editor's Notebook

CONDITION REMAINS UNCHANGED: Now that Roy Romanow has offered his diagnosis of Canada's health-care system and what steps should be taken to make it better, some people have expectations governments at the federal and provincial levels will act. Unfortunately, many Canadians believe all the news releases and funding announcements the provincial and federal governments can muster from now until the next election will not lead to significant and lasting improvements any time soon. The bickering and posturing displayed following the release of Romanow's report came as no surprise to many Canadians who realized some time ago health care is as political an issue as anything else in this country.

We take issue with Health Minister Anne McLellan's assertion Canadians are in no mood for a tax increase to deal with their beleaguered health care system. While it may be true the existing tax burden remains a sore point with many of us, much of the frustration has more to do with mismanagement and government waste than the actual amount being paid. Could increased spending for health care come from a more efficient use of tax money? The auditor general makes valid points each and every year about government inefficiencies. McLellan's point may be correct, but what the minister does not say is she and her party colleagues have been governing this nation for nearly a decade and the health-care crisis has occurred under their watch. Ontarians can point the finger at Mike Harris and Ernie Eves for the state of hospitals and home care services, but it appears similar complaints are coming from just about every jurisdiction in the land.

The release of the Romanow report shed some much-needed light on a system that needs an infusion of cash and long-term planning. Unfortunately, given the extent to which political posturing seems to be accompanying the report, Canadians should not expect much improvement in the condition of their health-care system.

A DAY TO THANK VOLUNTEERS: With Dec. 5 being National Volunteer Day, we should take this opportunity to salute the many community-minded men, women and children in South Grenville who offer their services selflessly. From the various service clubs and recreation associations to school councils and minor sports coaches, much of what is good about this community is a direct result of the countless hours put in by individuals whose only reward may be the satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference. From the organizers of major events such as Light Up the Night and the big hockey tournaments in March to the man or woman willing to drive someone to a medical appointment, we extend our appreciation to those who make time for others in the community.

Tim Ruhnke

FORWARDING COMMENTS by Monica Whitney

Just a few glossy and fuss-free solutions to worry-free living

A lot of people's worst nightmares probably involve the dentist's office. That feeling of being helpless in a vinyl, reclining chair, staring up at a bright light with tears in your eyes with about 10 fingers (somebody else's) crammed in your mouth at one time is no picnic of lemon tarts and crispy chicken legs.

Over the music speakers you hear the whir of the heart-stopping drill, assorted other dental machines and soothing words of encouragement: "This won't hurt a bit." Let's not talk about the unmistakable dental office smell that seems to permeate right into the waiting room magazines.

Ah ­ but let's talk about those glossy magazines. I've spent a considerable amount of time in a dental office recently ­ in the waiting room thinking about the little one enduring the sights and smells of the inner rooms. Thankfully, the staff at the offic e was gentle and sympathetic.

There has been plenty of time to relax and peruse the selections while I waited. I don't often have time to just sit and look at a magazine, so this was fun. I came across a humour column in which the author wrote about her experience of reading magazines in a dental office, and how the article she was reading advised her to enjoy each of life's moments at the time, and not worry about what's coming next (like the dentist's bill).

It would indeed be easier to have the look of a totally satisfied woman with glamour to go and diamonds that free my mind while whipping up hassle-free and rich-tasting holiday entertaining treats if I weren't sitting in the dental office. I could come up with great gift ideas, take a three-mile run for a quick pick-me-up and plan my annual winter get-a-way with my makeup staying put and fresh as the morning breeze, if I weren't sitting in the dental office.

With all this free time because I'm no longer worrying, I can become a wine expert, decorate festively and chicly with twinkly silver things, and add a little pizzazz to smarten up my essential holiday wardrobe.

It's good I only get to read these magazines in the dental office, otherwise I would need to discover more stress-busting, fret-free, no fuss, common-sense relaxation tips to blend with the visibly and dramatically different me.

So I took that humour writer's column to heart, because if I actually worried about every little thing instead of enjoying the moment, I wouldn't have enough quality time, couldn't prepare a knockout celebration dinner with quickie party pleasers, zap my cholesterol or gift-wrap my hearth and home for warmest friends and family without a few sanity savers tucked up my sleeve.

By the way, the supreme-clean vac from the church sale works!

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Local Boy Scout represents Canada at world-wide jamboree

Dec. 4, 1952

* Prescott will renew its contract with the Ontario Provincial Police for 1953. Council had been previously notified by OPP headquarters the municipality would be assessed $3,300 per man instead of the present $2,590 for police services, effective Jan. 1. In view of time limitations, it was decided to renew the contract for another year instead of establishing a municipal force.

* Keith Matthie and Harold Healy of Algonquin won the Ontario trophy representing the Augusta Township 4-H Tractor Maintenance Club at the Provincial Inter-Club Competitions.

* With one change, Prescott's council for 1953 will be a carbon copy of the current administration, as all five members seeking re-election in Monday's voting were endorsed by the electorate in a tepid display of interest in municipal affairs. The newcomer, Eldon Francis, well-known young merchant, steps into the seat left vacant by the withdrawal of Albert McAuley from municipal politics. James Doyle was acclaimed as mayor.

Dec. 5, 1962

* A one-vote margin for H.G. "Bud" Johnson over O'Donnell O'Higgins for the Prescott mayoralty will bring on the town's first recount for the chief magistrate's office following Monday's voting.

Dec. 6, 1972

* The 1973 Augusta Township Council will see the most changes of any municipality in South Grenville. Ronald Thomas of Maynard, after six years on council, wrestled the vacant reeveship from Deputy Reeve Eldon Francis.

Dec. 1, 1982

* South Grenville District High School Principal George Lamacraft presented history awards to Grade 9 students Angela Young and Glen Code for their excellence in the study of history.

* Local Scout Sheldon Hoogwerf will be an ambassador for the country at the Boy Scout World Jamboree next July in Calgary, Alberta. The 14-year-old Domville boy will gather with 15,000 scouts from 114 countries. He is the son of Irma and Marines Hoogwerf and a member of the 7th Prescott Scouts.

Dec. 2, 1992

* Eighteen-year-old Graham Crate has been named as the TD Bank Student Volunteer of the Year for SGDHS. Presenting the award were Harold Sheridan, Principal Cal Wagner and bank Manager Pat Rowe.

FORT TOWN DIARY John A.H. Morris

J. Allison Robichaud makes an artistic detour from pallet to paper

Prescott's most successful and prolific painter, J. Allison Robichaud, has just published a book, his first ever, which provides an in-depth explanation of the philosophical struggle one must endure in order to become a better painter. His book, the Reflective Stepping Stones of a Painter, is self-published and goes on sale this weekend (Dec. 7 and 8) at an open house at his home at 584 Jessup St. The 128-page book represents a three-year effort by Robichaud to put into words what he often tells individuals, groups and seminars interested in his philosophy of becoming the best painter possible.

The book was printed by St. Lawrence Printing Co. Ltd. of Prescott and sells for $l9.95. Being launched at his annual open house this weekend, it will be sold locally at The Gift Lane. Mr. Robichaud will be joining two other Prescott authors, John Morris and Heather MacKay, at a triple-header signing there Saturday, Dec. 14.

Robichaud reveals the philosophical, educational and physical demands he has placed on himself the past 25 years to become a well-known and respected painter, particularly throughout eastern Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Besides being known for his bold, colourful and unique landscapes and his soft and intimate still life creations, he has earned the respect of fellow artists and collectors of fine art across Canada.

His ambition is to become well known and respected not only across Canada, but also in United States. He says the epitome of his personal success would be to have one of his paintings hung in the National Gallery.

This 71-year-old dynamo who has created over 2,000 canvases in his 25-year painting career, does four or five a week, and sometimes twice that number when he is preparing for a show in an Ottawa or Montreal gallery. Many of these are "plein air" creations and his book describes his constant search both philosophically and artistically to become "The best painter that I can be".

A native of Newcastle, N.B., Robichaud started painting abut 25 years ago when he was a safety supervisor for the Dow Chemical Company in Montreal. He became serious about his growing passion for painting about 15 years ago when he took early retirement from Dow Chemical to devote himself full-time to his new vocation. He and his wife Margot, an elementary school teacher in the area, moved to the Fort Town in 1989 and his career has been in an onward and upward mode ever since, with the value of his paintings increasing significantly every year.

J. Allison Robichaud's path to success has been self-directed and disciplined, as is detailed in his book.

He points out that originality comes from expressing one's point of view. "Going to workshops and painting with others is wonderful," he writes, "but if you want your work to have a distinctive look, to be original, you must realize that others cannot provide you with answers about how to achieve this."

Robichaud emphasizes throughout his book the need for a painter to be committed in order to succeed. "The word 'compel' is a word you must truly buy into," he writes. "Without this firm commitment and belief in the magic of the word, it becomes useless and another attempt at motivation fails."

He places the emphasis on becoming a better painter on consummate planning, and recommends serious painters purchase planning books and that they divide their books into five headings to be followed over a period of five or six years. The headings he has chosen for himself are 1) Basic work outline; 2) Educating oneself; 3) Seeking understanding; 4) Knowing oneself; 5) Marketing.

In his chapter on Work Ethics he devotes several pages to explaining how he has set out to achieve these five disciplines. One of the most important of these, he explains, is marketing, a skill that has been second only to his painting talents, in marking his success.

He explains that an aggressive marketing plan is necessary by deducing that.... "art is not a necessary item for living. However, if you want to decorate your house with excellence, the original fine art is what you use."

In advising neophyte as well as veteran artists how to become accomplished painters, Robichaud states that workshops, art courses, lectures and demonstrations are good and are useful, but that true learning must be accomplished by the individual. He writes that painters must develop skills through hours and hours of personal practice and learning, the same as great athletes practice small techniques over and over again until they become a natural instinct.

"The difference between being good and being great is hard work and an unflagging desire to win! Practice is the best instructor," he advises.

He advises this in one of his 43 'Questions of the Week' which he devised for his own educational betterment. "Study the masters selectively," he writes. "Choose one for each month and concentrate on how they worked their composition and colour harmonies."

Near the end of his book the prolific Mr. Robichaud, whose success is growing significantly, tells his readers his philosophy of art:

"Hopefully, I will be able to express myself in my own way. Unfortunately for me, at this time I feel I am still looking over my shoulder. To leave all of that and find my own way is the secret. The Robichaud look with a 'felt forward' space movement is where I want to go. Cowardice stops me from experimenting from my subconsciousness. I must overcome this barrier. If I have said "originality comes from being myself", then, I really must start being myself."

His final advice for those who want to improve is: "The journey to become a successful painter is an individual process. There are no easy solutions to get from the within to the without. It is a destructive process in the same way life is. The past is always there to haunt you, the future completely unavoidable until it arrives."

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Countdown to fatality

The Editor;

There is no doubt that our local government deserves praise for attracting the anchor stores for our new shopping mall, and their Churchill Road reconstruction project was a smooth motion. Thank you.

However, I must echo the comments of another recent writer, regarding the access into these new stores. I was told that a "traffic volume study" had not been conducted for the new intersection, but when I read in The Journal that one had been done, and by the same provincial government which had legislated our forced amalgamations and complicated higher hydro bills, it came as no surprise that they could screw up other things equally well.

Imagine overlooking a school the size of our SGDHS! However, this time such an oversight could cost lives! Putting traffic lights there was certainly necessary, but the altered turning lane assignments on Edward Street at Prescott Centre Drive are downright dangerous, both to pedestrians and to motorists.

Even if we were to add the requisite signage, and the more frequent arrows on the pavement of the changed lanes, it would astonish me if no other injuries did occur.

We must do whatever it takes to get back the second southbound lane between the new lights and the high school, to eliminate the bottleneck, and to remove the likelihood of head-on collisions in this foolishly re-assigned lane.

I most strongly urge Prescott town council to let common sense prevail and to act now, rather than waiting for the MTO to provide them with perhaps yet another flawed report.

Readers, please write to Prescott town council and this newspaper, and voice your opinions!

David Lewis

Prescott

Tear-open ticket bylaw could cost Prescott charities

The Editor;

As a supporter of an Edwardsburgh group which does not sell tear-off tickets in Prescott but does benefit from them at the Edwardsburgh bingo hall, I must ask your editorial writer and Prescott's town fathers, if they have really considered the ramifications of passing this bylaw?

Have you considered that the highest single sales location in the area for these tickets is the bingo hall, located in Edwardsburgh Township, where a large majority of the recipients of these profits are Prescott organizations. This one location probably sells 10 times the quantity of tickets in a week as all of the outlets in Prescott combined.

I realize that the council in Edwardsburgh is not a vindictive type group, and I for one would not encourage them to become such. However, I am certain that if Prescott continues their present course and passes this bylaw, then it is inevitable that Edwardsburgh council will come under pressure to pass a mirror bylaw.

What a windfall that would be for charities in Edwardsburgh, where tear-off tickets are a major portion of the income at the bingo hall, especially now with bingo revenues being drained off to the casinos. Too bad about those Prescott charities who could lose not only their tear-off ticket revenues, but who might then find that bingo was no longer worth their efforts without tear-off ticket revenues.

This bylaw could cost Prescott charities many thousands of dollars a year in lost revenue. How much more will be lost than gained by Prescott with such a parochial bylaw. No one will know until it is tried.

I can only suggest that Prescott charities using the bingo hall should pray that Edwardsburgh doesn't adopt the same principle.

Lyle Henderson

Brockville

Auditor reports financial success in first year of amalgamation

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - The first auditor's report for the amalgamated township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal was presented at Monday's regular council meeting, with records showing a surplus of $668,000 to be put in reserves.

"It was a clean audit," says Ross Markell of Craig, Keen, Despatie and Markell, Municipal Auditors. "They made great strides to have enough money put aside to cover future expenditures."

Markell noted the only main future liability towards township funds is the closing of the Pittston Road landfill site, but the township has the equity to cover it.

"It was a great first year, with a good financial basis," says Markell. "The township has the reserves which are necessary to have put away to help smooth future bumps in the road. It's a great financial start to things."

The township's total reserve funds now sit at $2,427,201 with a growth of $500,000 when compared to the combined Edwardsburgh and Cardinal totals from 2001.

Markell highlighted the areas in which revenue was much higher than what had been budgeted. These include $156,000 from user fees, $90,000 from building activity, $30,000 from administrative charges, $78,000 from grants and $213,000 in policing costs less than anticipated.

Markell also indicated that roughly $217,000 was returned from the money budgeted for the Cardinal public works crews to perform general road repairs.

Mayor Dave Dobbie was quick to point out, though, that the money did not come out of Cardinal. "What we did was keep Edwardsburgh's figures the same, and since we weren't sure for a figure in Cardinal got the public works manager to guess at the figures since there was no figure to go on," explained Dobbie. "He guessed really high on Cardinal, and the money came back."

Council was pleased with the financial report.

"I was quite surprised with the surplus being about $300,000 more than I anticipated; the auditors are always happy when we have money to put in reserves," said Dobbie. "We had good management by the staff and council and in my opinion kept close track of the money and questioned the managers on figures."

Community tree program is blooming

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The commemorative Tree Planting Program for Cardinal in Bloom is now under way with many people purchasing the trees in memory of a loved one.

"It was a really nice way to pay tribute to your loved ones," says Elaine Knudson, who was among the first to purchase a tree from Cardinal in Bloom. "I bought it in tribute of my parents; they lived in Cardinal most of their lives and the area really could use some trees."

The program is keeping with the recommendations of the Communities in Bloom judges to replant trees in the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

Several areas have been selected throughout the township in Cardinal, Spencerville and Johnstown as planting locations, when the trees will be planted in the spring of 2003.

As part of the program by purchasing a tree, you have the option between a linden or flowering crabapple tree with the tree being planted with a plaque in one of the sites.

In keeping with the Christmas season, Cardinal in Bloom will be holding a Christmas lighting competition to be judged the week of Dec. 16.

To order a tree or for more information contact Marj Kempffer at General Dollar at 657-1764 or Lori Pennell at 657-1400.

Spill provided training opportunity: manager

CARDINAL - Four OPP cruisers, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal firefighters, an ambulance and an EMS vehicle responded to Canada Starch Company (Casco) last Tuesday after about half of a 45-gallon drum of liquid ammonia spilled while being transported in a self-contained building just after 3 pm.

The spill resulted in no injuries or evacuation of the building. The clean up for the spill was however used as a training exercise for Edwardsburgh/Cardinal fire departments.

"This was something that was under control and could be handled ourselves," says Casco plant manager Paul Choquette. "But we have a good partnership we wanted to continue with the firefighters who had planned to have a training exercise here shortly anyways; we're still looking into how the OPP were contacted.

"Most of the ammonia had evaporated by the time the firefighters began hosing it down," said Choquette. "But it gave them a training opportunity that saved them staging it later."

Firefighters sporting rubber suits and breathing apparatuses worked in two-man teams in ten minute intervals until early in the evening hosing down the spill.

DISTRICT BRIEFS

Seasonal events beginning at United Church

CARDINAL - The UCW of St. John's United Church in Cardinal will be holding a bake sale this Saturday Dec. 7 from 9 am until noon.

Cardinal-Johnstown Pastoral Charge is inviting the public to its second annual Breakfast at Bethlehem Saturday, Dec. 14 also at St. John's United Church. Visitors will get to walk through the streets of Bethlehem and see and talk with costumed characters narrating the Christmas Story. Following the tour, a pancake breakfast will be held with children receiving a small gift.

For more information contact Gene Grey at 925-4152, Ann Brown at 925-2651, Donna Gladstone at 657-1671 or the church office at 657-4702.

Temporary services for bank site approved

SPENCERVILLE - Permission was given Monday for the Spencerville branch of the Royal Bank to install a holding septic tank and heated water line at Monday's Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal council meeting.

The permission for the tanks and lines at the temporary site beside the township hall was given on the condition that the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit approve the agreement. The branch on Bennett Street is being reconstructed.

The Royal Bank will pay for the cost of the tank and line.

Cardinal could be in line for a streetlight in 2003

SPENCERVILLE - Minutes from a Public Works meeting on Nov. 20 were brought up where a request for the installation of a streetlight at Walker Street south of County Road #2.

The request will be considered as part of the 2003 budget discussions and the Public Works Manager will verify that the stop sign in the area is in the proper location.

Emergency plan bylaw amalgamated

SPENCERVILLE - Council passed a bylaw Monday which amalgamated the emergency plans from the former township of Edwardsburgh and the village of Cardinal.

The new plan calls for the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Fire Department Station 1 in Spencerville to be the township's emergency headquarters with Station 2 in Cardinal becoming the township's alternate. The plan cost the township $2,500 in consulting fees.

CARDINAL'S PAST

Benson team wins volleyball championship

Dec. 1, 1932

* An organization meeting of the men of St. Paul's parish met and formed a men's club which will be known as the Church of England's Men's Association of St. Paul's Church. Officers elected were Patron Rev. Mr. Booth, Hon. President Wm Burchill, President R.H. Wallace, Vice-President A. Smail, Secretary-Treasurer Geo. Peters, Advisory Committee members A. Strader, R.J. Pearce, C. Flett.

Dec. 6, 1962

* With Reeve George Brown and the school board receiving an acclamation, only two of the sitting council retained their seats. Fred Byers headed the polls with 462 votes and Wilfred Van Camp, a councillor of a few years ago, was second with 406 votes. Fred Van Camp and Donald MacIntosh were also elected.

* The 1963 executive of the Cardinal branch of the Canadian Cancer Society was elected. The members are President Mrs. D.E. Baker, Vice-President Magdalene Feeney, Secretary Mrs. Alex Roy, Treasurer Mrs. Allan Mearns, Campaign Chairman Robert Grey, Publicity Chairman Cecil Dugan, Education Chairman Mrs. Anthony Bottan, Chairman of Women Services Mrs. J.C. McQuade.

Dec. 1, 1982

* Benson Public School emerged the winner at the 10-team public school volleyball tournament at SGDHS. Team members are Brenda Greer, Tammy Baker, Tammy Johnston, Julie Macintyre, Chris Peterson, Debby Bell, Kelly Laming, Kim Davidson, Diana Lee Deschamps, Heidi Linnen, Melissa Mason and Julie Ammell.

Dec. 2, 1992

* Casco's trucking division has been recognized as one of the province's best in 1992. The Casco trucking fleet has been named the recipient of an award of excellence from the Ontario Ministry of Transport. The award was given for the fleet's outstanding achievement in fuel efficiency, safety and productivity. Casco Distribution Manager Gary Banford said the second-place finish ranks it on a par with first-place winner T. Eaton Company and third-place finisher Canadian Tire.

South Grenville peewee B Rangers win B final at Char-Lan tournament

CHAR-LAN - The South Grenville peewee B Rangers came out of the weekend B champions at the Char-Lan tournament.

The Rangers opened the tournament with a 5-1 win over the host Char-Lan team as Jamie McFarlane led the Rangers with a hat trick, while Zach Stitt and Payton Williams chipped in singles. McFarlane and Nick Francica had two assists each, with Williams, Kyle Lavery and Andrew Bernard also credited with helpers. Williams was named the game's MVP.

In their second game the Rangers suffered a 6-1 loss to Almonte-Pakenham, with Stitt scoring South Grenville's lone goal with McFarlane picking up the assist. McFarlane was named the game's MVP.

The B final saw South Grenville take an 8-0 win over South Stormont for the championship. Adam Wyatt had the shutout in goal, while Stitt had two goals and Chris Sherman, Cody Haché, Jordan Grootjans, Torin Marcynuk, Williams and McFarlane adding singles. Williams had three assists, Haché had two, while Grootjans and Francica also had helpers.

Haché was also named the game's MVP.

In regular league action, the Rangers beat the Morrisburg Lions 5-3 Nov. 26.

Williams led the way with two goals, while Sherman, Haché and Grootjans added singles. Bernard, Stitt and Haché each had two assists, while Lavery and Marcynuk also had assists.

On Nov. 12, the Rangers scored a 4-1 win over Potsdam with Haché, Williams, Grootjans and Lavery providing the South Grenville markers. Dylan Hayes had two assists for the Rangers, while Chris Noonan, Haché, Francica and Lavery also had assists.

On Nov. 10, The Rangers scored a 3-0 shutout win over Alexandria with strong goaltending from James Dejeet.

Francica, Bernard and Lavery scored for the Rangers, while Haché (2), McFarlane and Williams had helpers.

On Nov. 5, the Rangers secured a 6-2 win over the North Dundas Devils as Francica and Haché had two goals apiece, with Williams and Stitt chipping in singles.

Ranger assists came from Grootjans (2), Williams (2), Marcynuk (2), Stitt and Lavery.

Rangers score big win over Hawks

CARDINAL - The South Grenville Jr. B Rangers were finally able to break into the win column against St. Lawrence Division teams as they hung on Saturday for a 5-4 win over the visiting Winchester Hawks.

The Rangers got goals from Ryan Lawless, Trevor Smith, Josh Kirkby, Shawn Coville and Peter Veltkamp in the win, while Devin Payne had a strong game in net for South Grenville.

On Sunday, the Rangers travelled to Williamstown where South Grenville fell to Char-Lan 5-1.

Coville provided the lone goal for the Rangers in the loss.

South Grenville still sits in a tie for third place in the division with Wesport with 23 points apiece, but the Rangers have three games in hand.

The Rangers will now have their second round of inter-divisional play as South Grenville hosts North Frontenac at the Cardinal and District Community Centre Saturday
at 7:15 pm, before travelling to Napanee on Tuesday, Dec. 10
to battle the Napanee Raiders at 7:30 pm.

Peewee C Rangers lose in B finals

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville peewee C Rangers had a good showing at their host tournament Saturday at the Leo Boivin Community Centre as they advanced to the B final before falling to a strong NGS-1 team.

South Grenville lost its opener of the eight-team tournament to Morrisburg 4-0, in a hard-fought match-up in which the Rangers weren't able to score on a hot Morrisburg goaltender.

In the Rangers' second match-up they rebounded from their loss for a dominant 7-0 win over North Dundas to advance to the B final.

Jared McGeough, Mark Charlesbois, Reilly Grootjans, Josh Newton, Orry Thorpe, Curtis Biccum and Jacob Temple all netted singles, while Kenny Polite had a strong game in goal to earn his first shut out of the season.

The B final saw South Grenville battle hard before losing a close 2-1 game to NGS-1. The first period was scoreless before Mark Charlebois scored the first goal of the game; NGS-1 answered back 26 seconds later to tie things before NGS-1 added another for the win. Jacob Weinsink had a strong game in goal for the Rangers keeping South Grenville in it until the final moments.

Morrisburg went on to claim the tournament's A final as it defeated NGS-2 4-0.

The tournament also featured a skills competition for the kids after the first round of games, pitting the fastest skaters, most accurate shooters and hottest goalies from each team against one another.

RSL minor bantams split pair of games

PRESCOTT - The Rideau St. Lawrence minor bantam Kings were able to manage a split in a pair of recent league games.

On Nov. 22, the Kings travelled to Carleton Place where they dropped a 4-1 decision to the Ottawa Valley Titans.

The Kings came out of the gates early to take a one goal lead as Mike Froom scored, with assists going to Brian Molloy and Mike Empey.

On Nov. 23, the Kings had better luck as they hosted the Nepean Raiders at the Leo Boivin Community Centre pulling out a 3-2 win.

RSL was able to get on the board late in the first as Jason Crooke put one in, with assists going to Matt Lajoie and Zack VanAllen.

The Kings suffered from a weak second period performance as goaltender Clarke Saunders fought to only allow two to keep the score close and the Kings in the game..

Midway through the third, Bobby Little was able to deflect a Tyrell Keicks point shot to tie things up.

The Kings kept momentum going as Brian Molloy potted the game winner on a slick passing play from Joel Haystead-Smyth and Peter Roy.

Giants junior boys basketball team looking to develop

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants junior boys basketball team is ready to get under way as it has whittled the number of players down to 14 from the 25 that tried out.

"We haven't really decided what we are going to do yet," says co-coach Bob Hoy. "We are more of a development team, so we keep 14 to get a better look at them all."

The Giants will compete in the Leeds and Grenville Secondary Association under new age limits so the junior boys and girls age groups will be the same.

"The age limits will keep the teams in the league at mostly grade 9s and 10s," says Hoy. "Everyone will pretty much be in the same boat. We'll just have to wait and see how we do in our games; right now it's too early to tell."

The juniors will play in a Referees Tournament at St. Mary in Brockville on Friday and Saturday along with Athens, St. Mary, BCI, North Grenville and Gananoque.

South Grenville opens up the tournament Friday when it takes on Athens at 4:30 pm, before battling Gananoque at 11 am on Saturday, with another game possible depending on how the Giants finish.

The juniors will also be in action Tuesday as they host North Grenville at 3 pm in their first regular season game of the year, with the seniors to begin immediately after at approximately 4:30 pm.

SG novice Lightning win 11-0 over Bruins

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice Lightning Bolts had a very strong showing as Nathan Peters had a shut out in an 11-0 win over the Canton, New York Bruins.

Broydon Stufko and Tyson Bertrend led the way for the Bolts with each scoring a hat trick, with Shane Riddell chipping in two and Bret Van Stralen, Nathan Hamilton and Cody Adams each adding singles.

Hamilton also had four assists, while Van Stralen (2), Stufko (2), Riddell (2) and Bertrend had the other Lightning helpers.

Midget house team #2 undefeated in three

CARDINAL - The South Grenville midget house team #2 continued its strong play going undefeated after three straight games last weekend.

On Nov. 29, South Grenville #2 and South Grenville #1 battled to a 6-6 draw at the Cardinal and District Community Centre.

Robbie Fullarton scored unassisted for the Rangers #2 to start things off with the lone marker of the first period. Ryan Fischer, David Code and Jason Taylor added second period markers for the Rangers #2, with Phil Lauzon and Mark Rundle picking up assists.

The Rangers #1 got on the board in the second as Oliver Last scored his first of three, and Justin Halladay and Mark Fahrngruber netted markers, with Daryl Miller and Justin Polasz getting assists.

Code and Fullarton added their second of the game for the Rangers #2 as Code and Lauzon had the assists.

South Grenville #1 tied things up as Andrew Jodoin and Last netted markers with Fahrngruber and Miller each getting an assist.

On Nov. 29, The Rangers #2 battled Brockville to take a 7-5 win with only seven skaters. Fullarton had a hat trick and two assists to lead South Grenville, while Code also had a hat trick and Fischer had a goal and three assists. Ryan O'Brien chipped in with three assists and Jason Beaudoin and Dan Meppelder each had an assist.

On Dec. 2, the Rangers #2 travelled to Smiths Falls to take a 7-0 win over the Bears.

Fullarton once again led the way with a hat trick and two assists, while David Wallace had a goal and an assist, Eric Spero a goal and two assists, Code a goal and three assists and Mark Rundle a goal.

The Rangers are undefeated on their season thus far.

Interbranch darts race in dead heat

IROQUOIS - The Men's Interbranch Dart League is in the midst of a tight race as Prescott #6 and Iroquois #5 lead the way with 77 and 76 points respectively. The two have a commanding lead as Iroquois #7 is the next highest score with 62, followed by Cardinal #4 with 56, Prescott #1 with 55, Cardinal #2 with 47 and Prescott #3 with 40.

The league's 180 club is also up to four members as Tom Coville, Bill Hutt, Rick Sayeau and Ron Bradford all hit 180 in November.

David Haynes leads the top five games won with 30 points, while Tom Rae with 24, Jerry Carr with 22, Sayeau with 21 and Kevin Laming with 21 round out the rest of the category.

Haynes also holds on to top spot in the top five high finishes with 138, while Bob Gaudet with 133, Wayne Bellinger with 120-106, Laming with 116-110 and Glen Adams with 107 are trying to close in on the leader.

Hutt leads the top five high scorers at 177-140x4-135-134-123-121x2, with Bobby Sayeau 174-140-125x2-121, Bob Juby 160-140x4-125x2-121, J.P. Pidgeon 160 and Jerry Carr 158-140x6-127-125x5124-121x2-120 close behind.

SG novice Raptors score pair of wins

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville novice Raptors had a successful run las week as they went undefeated in three games.

On Nov. 22, the Raptors travelled to Winchester where they defeated North Dundas 4-3, after coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the third.

Payton Marriner led the comeback charge with a natural hat trick in the game's final eight minutes to take the win. Matt Fox scored the Raptors other goal while Jody Sullivan, Shenda Harrison, Alex Stephenson and Zach Miller had helpers.

On Nov. 24, South Grenville had a strong showing as they hosted Athens #1, defeating them 4-1.

Fox led the way for the Raptors with a hat trick, while Miller added a single.

Fox and Dylan Dobbie were credited with assists.

On Nov. 25, the Raptors had a tough time with Athens #2 but were able to pull out enough to manage a 6-6 tie.

Fox had his second hat trick in as many days to lead South Grenville, while Sullivan, Stephenson and Marriner chipped in with singles.

Raptors assists went to Marriner (2), Miller (2), Sulllivan and Dobbie.

Cardinal ladies dart action on the mark

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Legion Branch 105 Ladies Dart League is in a dead heat at the end of November as there is a tie for top spot between the Slow Shooters and the Magnificent Trio with 48 points.

The Bye-Bye Birdies with 44, Hurt's Real Bad with 43 1/2, Three Blind Mice with 41, Rat Pack with 39, Don't Believe, Pray! with 38 and Naughty & Nice with 28 round out the rest of the standings.

Diana Hoy had 140 points for the high score for regular players, while Christine Veeley with 138 points had the high score for spares, Tina Summerfield with 108 points in the three dart finish for regular players and Jeanne Fox-Dibble with 53 points had the high three dart finish for spares.

There was a seven-way tie for most bullseyes for regulars with Edith Small, Gail Groulx, Elaine Whiteman, Anne Merrifield, Joyce Menard, Delaine Greenough and Ruth Hooke all sharing the honour with three apiece, while Lynne Seeley had three to lead the spares.

Hoy had the most games of the week with five, with Summerfield and Murial Allard tied for second with three apiece.

Allard also had the high score of the week with 100 points.

SG minor midget B pull out tie and win

CARDINAL - The South Grenville minor midget B Rangers had a successful weekend of league play going undefeated with a tie and win.

On Nov. 27, the Rangers hosted the Brockville Warriors at the Cardinal and District Community Centre coming out with a hard-fought tie.

Kirk Donovan and Kurtis Summers got things going for the Rangers with first period goals to take a 2-0 lead before Brockville got on the board with three unanswered goals to take a 3-2 lead.

Just over halfway through the third period, Sam Whitley scored for the Rangers to tie things up.

On Dec. 1 the Rangers travelled to Athens where they pulled out a 2-1 win over the Aeros.

Nathan Smail scored in the first period and Nick Maggio continued the Ranger momentum in the second to take a 2-0 lead before Athens was able to answer with one, falling just short.

The Rangers' next league game is tonight at 8 pm in Cardinal against the North Dundas Devils.