THIS WEEK
Children's Christmas creations are here
This year's special section devoted to Christmas greetings
and the creative talents of local elementary school students
is included with this week's edition of The Prescott Journal.
Senior Lights Tour ready to roll tonight
PRESCOTT This year's Senior Lights Tour will take place
as scheduled tonight (Wednesday, Dec. 18), according to Art Hitsman
of the Prescott Kinsmen Club.
The bus tour of Christmas displays between Johnstown and Maitland
will pick up passengers at 6 pm at Wellington House and Mayfield
House, 6:20 at Walker House, 6:25 at Prescott Place and 6:30
at St. Mark's Parish Centre.
The local Knights of Columbus and Kinsmen Club sponsor the
tour and are providing three buses, including one that can accommodate
wheelchairs. Volunteers will be on hand to assist passengers.
The status of the post-tour get-together at the parish centre
was unknown at press time. Refreshments and entertainment were
to be provided.
All guests will be transported back to their pick-up zones
and escorted to their buildings.
A sign indicating the lights tour for senior citizens had
been cancelled was posted in front of the parish centre earlier
this week. However, the sign was changed Monday.
Breakfast will be served at Kriska Friday
PRESCOTT The public is invited to have breakfast this
Friday morning at the Kriska warehouse and training centre on
Sophia Street.
President Mark Seymour and his band of merry cooks will prepare
a hearty meal including eggs, bacon and pancakes to be served
from 6 to 10 pm. The event is a fundraiser for the Ken Seymour
Endowment Fund at the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation.
The fund was created in memory of the founder of Kriska who died
earlier this year.
Tickets will be available at the door.
Ministry unaware of safety concerns
Transportation official says Edward Street complaints
will be investigated
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
KINGSTON The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) will investigate
formal complaints relating to changes to Edward Street near the
Prescott Centre Drive intersection at Highway 401, according
to a ministry official.
But Bob Boutilier, senior project manager with Eastern Region's
engineering section, said Monday he was unaware of any formal
responses coming from Prescott council, South Grenville District
High School or any other party.
Changes to Edward Street that coincided with the installation
of traffic signals at the intersection in late October have prompted
concerns from town and school officials.
The addition of left turn lanes and the loss of one of two
southbound lanes between Prescott Centre Drive and the main entrance
to the school are among the items that have been questioned by
local officials since early November.
Boutilier explained the changes resulted from traffic volumes
and other research done prior to the installation of the signals.
It was estimated there would be "heavy movement" in
traffic patterns that would necessitate left turn lanes at the
intersection.
Boutilier said the changes were based on expected volumes
in one year after "full development" of the Prescott
Centre Drive area occurs.
Boutilier also noted traffic volume data was collected in
2001 when the school was open, even though the recent traffic
study conducted by MTO took place this summer.
"It's not an exact science... But we have a pretty good
handle..." on the situation, according to Boutilier.
He went on to note he was unaware of local concerns prior
to being notified The Journal was seeking a ministry response
to those concerns. Boutilier said he then contacted Town Engineer
Clyde Solomon to get more information on those concerns.
"Normally, we'd get a call from police" if there
were any specific problems, Boutilier said.
He also pointed out there are usually some problems immediately
after changes are made. Boutilier said he expects to see the
situation for himself during a visit to Prescott sometime this
week.
"If we see a situation that is potentially unsafe, we
will look at it," he said.
Dobbie becomes counties warden
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE - Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie was
acclaimed to the warden's post at the Dec. 12 meeting of Leeds
and Grenville counties council.
The 46-year-old politician takes over from outgoing warden
Harold Grier, who ends his term at the end of 2002. Dobbie figures
the job won't take away from his duties as mayor, but instead
be just another thing with which to juggle his time with.
"I already have quite a few jobs," joked Dobbie.
"At Upper Canada Village where I am the manager the provincial
government allows you to carry over vacation credits, with already
15 weeks banked up, and I'm sure they all be used up by December
of next year when the warden job finishes.
"I really don't expect it to be a problem as I already
go to four or five county meetings and it will just add a couple
more.
"My weekends will be pretty booked up and from time to
time a councillor may have to take my place at public appearances,
but it shouldn't happen too much."
With the position of warden rotating yearly between Leeds
and Grenville , Dobbie was one of four possible candidates for
the county's top elected post.
"I was the senior member of the four of us in experience,
not age," joked the mayor.
"I've been in municipal politics a long time and felt
it was time to make the jump. It's an honour, and I'm very excited
about the opportunity as it's the highest level of municipal
politics you can have."
Dobbie has spent over a decade in municipal politics including
two terms as reeve of the former township of Edwardsburgh before
being elected as the first mayor of the amalgamated Edwardsbugh/
Cardinal in November 2000.
Spirit of Giving prepares for distribution Sunday
Annual campaign making a difference in South Grenville
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - The annual Spirit of Giving Campaign is nearing
its completion with only sorting and distribution of the baskets
left to complete.
"Our last day of school we'll try to get some more student
donations," said Peter Veltkamp, co-chair of the high school's
Spirit of Giving committee. "So far from what we can tell
we did pretty well; we got about the same amount as in recent
years."
Veltkamp expects at least ten of the high school's committee
members to join the Prescott Kinsmen Club Friday at the high
school to help sort and box the toys, non-perishable food and
household items Friday and help distribute the holiday baskets
Sunday to the nearly 300 people who have registered.
"With work and the hustle and bustle of the season it's
hard to get people that don't have to work or have other things
to do to get ready for Christmas," explains Veltkamp. "In
the past years there haven't been many students at the high school
available to help out with the sorting, but the group at the
high school has been great and we expect to be able to have at
least ten students to give the Kinsmen a hand."
Sorting is slated to begin at the high school Friday after
school finishes.
"In past years the Kinsmen have been at it until about
10 pm," says Veltkamp. "With some extra bodies from
South Grenville to help out, it might make it a little easier
on everyone there."
The Spirit of Giving campaign made its last major drive last
weekend at the South Grenville Jr. B Rangers - Amherstview Jets
game Sunday.
"Last weekend we had Spirit of Giving day at the Junior
B Rangers game in Cardinal," says Veltkamp. "It was
one of the last chances for us to collect, and it gave us a chance
to try and grab a little bit extra."
Donations are still being accepted for the next couple days
in the barrels at schools in the community, Giant Tiger, Canadian
Tire and O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer or by sending them
to the Kinsmen Club of Prescott at PO Box 1150, Prescott K0E
1T0.
In addition to distributing holiday baskets, Spirit of Giving
will also be assisting the Food For All food bank with its ongoing
service to residents of Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
Community Christmas dinner will be presented this Sunday
PRESCOTT It is almost time to serve Soup for the
Soul.
The second annual community Christmas dinner will take place
this Sunday, Dec. 22 from 3 to 7 pm at St. Mark's Parish Centre
at the corner of Edward and James streets.
Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie Eaton are once again spearheading
the event aimed at bringing people together to share a meal this
holiday season. The two 16-year-old friends from Prescott organized
the first dinner in the fall of 2001 as Grade 10 students of
St. Mary Catholic High School.
"It's been a lot easier for us," Dodge said of this
year's effort to organize the event. Businesses have been very
supportive again this year, she added.
The food for the main meal enough to serve 350 people
has been purchased and will be ready to go Sunday, according
to Dodge. However, she noted people are welcome to bring desserts
to be served at the dinner.
About 30 volunteers will take part in Sunday's dinner. Many
are classmates of Dodge and Eaton; some are friends or work colleagues.
Members of the Catholic Women's League will assist with the preparation
of the meal.
Volunteer drivers will be available to deliver meals to those
who are unable to get to the hall. Dodge is asking anyone who
would like a meal delivered to call her at 925-4665 or Eaton
at 925-1383 before Sunday. However, organizers will try to accommodate
late delivery orders at the parish centre Sunday.
Santa Claus will make an appearance at the Christmas dinner.
Colouring books and crayons will be given to children.
Any leftover canned food items will be donated to the Food
For All food bank in Prescott. Dodge expects any leftovers from
the meal itself will be given to the Loaves and Fishes low-income
restaurant in Brockville.
For more information on "Soup for the Soul, a Christmas
Cuisine," call Kaitlynn Dodge at 925-4665 or Mackenzie Eaton
at 925-1383.
Grandparents Dinner celebrates 25th anniversary
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE - Twenty-five years after its inception, Centennial
'67 Public School's annual Grandparents Dinner is bigger than
ever.
With more than 220 people in attendance at the Dec. 10 event,
and CJOH news anchor Max Keeping as this year's special guest,
everyone had a lot to smile about.
"The kids really did a great job," said vice-principal
Susan Thain. "It really is a special thing that everyone
has worked very hard on.
"The children, with help from our wonderful volunteers,
made the decorations, set the tables, cook some of the food,
served as wait staff, and bused tables," explained Thain.
"And after all that is done, each class will entertain the
crowd."
The Grandparents Dinner is made possible by a committee of
volunteer parents with the cooperation of the school's staff
and students in grades 4-6. The committee organizes the food
required and each family contributes towards the dinner.
Louise Burchell, who was attending for her first year as a
grandparent, was thrilled with the experience.
"It was just wonderful; everyone puts a great deal of
effort into it to make it so special," said Burchell. "I
was involved as a parent helping out when my children were part
of the dinner and now it's my first year as a grandparent here
and it was extremely special.
"It's amazing it has carried on so long with how much
work goes into it and how hard the parents and children work
at it. But it's worth every second of it as it makes memories
for the children."
Twenty-five years ago the dinner was created by then principal
Gary Clark, who wanted to give the kids a chance to interact
with their grandparents and extend a hand to the elderly without
children or grandchildren.
"There were a number of kids without grandparents nearby
and many grandparents without grandkids or ones in the area,"
explained Clark. "It was something we felt was needed and
was a great treat for seniors without grandchildren who could
become grandparents for the day.
"It's a really neat event I helped carry on during my
nine years as principal, and it's really great that it's continued
and become a legacy for the school."
Clark was unable to attend the dinner this year due to medical
reasons but plans to be there for it the next chance he gets.
"I would have loved to make it this year, but unfortunately
I couldn't," says Clark. "I'm so pleased they've carried
on with it, and next year I'd love to attend."
Fire leads to heavy smoke and water damage in home
PRESCOTT No one was injured Sunday morning in a fire
that caused extensive damage to a residence at the corner of
Jessup and Zaire streets.
Prescott firefighters were called to 477 Jessup at about 9:14
am. At the time, smoke and flames could be seen coming from the
roof area of a two-storey addition to the house.
Twenty-three firefighters comprising four units responded
to the scene. The fire was confined to the trusses and rafters
of the roof, according to Prescott Fire Prevention Officer Norton.
Firefighters had extinguished the fire within half an hour; however,
there was heavy smoke and water damage to the upper floor. The
ceiling was removed as part of the effort to contain the blaze.
There was minimal damage to the main house.
Most of the firefighters and equipment returned to the fire
hall by 12:40 pm. A crew remained at the scene throughout the
day and night as a precaution.
No one was injured. A family of four occupies the premises.
Although the cause of the fire was still under investigation
Monday morning, Norton said it was being listed as accidental.
A damage estimate was unavailable early Monday.
Handwashing is effective way to control spread of virus
SOUTH GRENVILLE In light of a recent outbreak of the
flu, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is
advising the public to take measures to minimize the risk of
obtaining or spreading the virus.
Numerous cases of gastroenteritis have been reported in Eastern
Ontario in recent weeks. A number of hospitals, long-term care
centres and nursing homes in the region, including Wellington
House in Prescott, have placed limits on visits and taken other
precautions to reduce the risk to residents and staff.
The culprit is believed to be Norwalk virus, a contagious
organism and common source of non-bacterial diarrhea and vomiting
in humans. Although outbreaks are often associated with hospitals,
nursing homes and other institutions, the virus has also been
linked to banquets, schools, restaurants and swimming pools.
The health unit notes thorough hand washing using soap and
water is the simplest and most effective way to prevent being
infected by Norwalk. Proper washing of hands should take place
before preparing and eating food and after toileting or changing
diapers. Washrooms and all hand-contact surfaces should be cleaned
and sanitized daily or as needed, according to the health unit.
Infants should be watched carefully for signs of the virus.
Symptoms include a fever of 38.5°C or higher, dehydration,
repeated vomiting, listlessness and blood in bowel movements.
A physician should be contacted if these symptoms appear, according
to the health unit.
If a family member gets sick, handwashing may prevent the
spread to others in the family. Anyone who has been vomiting
or experienced diarrhea is asked not to visit long-term care
centres or hospitals until at least 48 hours after those symptoms
have stopped.
Contact a physician if symptoms persist for more than two
days.
For more information on Norwalk virus and other related illnesses,
contact the health unit at 345-5685 or go online to www.healthunit.org.
Churches in Prescott to host numerous Christmas services
PRESCOTT Special Christmas season services will be held
next week at churches in Prescott.
St. Mark's Catholic Church on Dibble Street West will conduct
Christmas Eve masses Tuesday at 7 pm and midnight. The Christmas
Day service will take place Wednesday at 11 am.
St. Paul's United Church (corner of George and Dibble streets)
will present Christmas with the Folks and Kids this Sunday, Dec.
22 at 11 am, there will be carol singing, a pageant and lunch.
In conjunction with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, St. Paul's
will host a joint service Christmas Eve at 8 pm.
Children from the Sunday school at St. John the Evangelist
Anglican Church at James and Centre streets will offer a presentation
during the eucharist this Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10:30 am. A eucharist
geared to families and children will be held at the church Christmas
Eve at 6:30 pm; the service will be followed by a birthday party.
A candlelight choral eucharist will take place Christmas Eve
at 9:30. St. John's will host holy eucharist Christmas Day at
10 am.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of
Centre and Dibble streets, will conduct its regular service this
Sunday, Dec. 22 at 11 am. A candlelight service will be held
Christmas Eve at 7:30 pm at St. Andrew's Knox Presbyterian Church
in Spencerville.
A joint service will also take place on Christmas Eve at 8
pm at St. Paul's United Church in Prescott.
Seaway Christian Church, located on Churchill Road, will host
a candlelight communion Christmas Eve at 7 pm. A blessing supper
and watch night communion service will be held New Year's Eve
at 6 and 10:30 pm respectively.
Town council rejects plan to designate Nevada ticket proceeds
to local charity
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Town council has decided to make no changes
to municipal regulations governing the sale of Nevada tickets.
Council voted 6-1 Monday night against adopting a bylaw that
would have required charities receiving proceeds from the sale
of Nevada or "break-open" tickets to be located within
the Town of Prescott. Prior to that decision, an amendment that
would have required those charities to be "...a local charitable
organization serving the residents of the Town of Prescott"
was voted down by a count of 5-2.
Existing regulations do not compel ticket vendors to give
proceeds to local groups.
Councillor Garry Dewar, the only person to vote in favour
of the bylaw and the amendment, said the amendment would have
covered about 99 per cent of the groups now receiving Nevada
ticket proceeds. Dewar maintains the town should be doing more
to help charities that serve Prescott, and this would be one
way to do it.
However, other members of council indicated they could not
support a bylaw that specified which groups could receive proceeds.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said she was not in favour of dictating
to store owners which groups they would be permitted to support.
Beckstead said she prefers an educational approach to encourage
stores to support local charities.
Mayor Robert Lawn said he has been trying to work together
with Prescott's municipal neighbours; Prescott is the business
and banking centre of South Grenville, and the bylaw would send
the wrong message, according to the mayor.
"The town is not an island," said Lawn, who added
council would end up micro-managing Nevada ticket licensing every
time a decision on whether a charity is considered local would
be made.
Councillor Terry McConnell voted in favour of the amendment
he called "a compromise" that addressed concerns about
supporting local charities. However, he did not vote in favour
of the original bylaw.
Councillors Jim French, Nancy McFarland and Seeley Pillar
joined Lawn and Beckstead in voting against the bylaw.
PRESCOTT Organizers of The St. Lawrence Shakespeare
Festival are seeking a commitment from the community as they
continue to make plans for the month-long event to be held next
June and July at the waterfront amphitheatre.
Since making her first presentation to Tourism Prescott earlier
this fall, Artistic Director Deborah Smith has been making the
rounds in the Prescott area recently to meet with service clubs
and other organizations, including Prescott council Monday night
and the chamber of commerce last Thursday.
Council approved a resolution supporting the festival and
allowing the Shakespeare company to use the amphitheatre.
"I honestly believe the stars are in Prescott's favour,"
she told council and chamber of commerce directors.
The festival will present 18 performances of The Tempest between
June 26 and July 25. Auditions were held recently in Ottawa and
Prescott. Smith said she received 250 applications from actors
across Canada.
In addition to advance ticket sales, the festival is also
seeking patrons and sponsors as well as community members who
would serve on a board of directors. Letters of support are also
being sought; the extent of community support is a factor in
the process of evaluating certain grant applications, Smith noted.
She also said word of mouth advertising, Web site links and
other forms of promotion from residents of the Prescott area
could also contribute to the success of the festival.
"I think we can do as good a job as Stratford,"
Smith said.
Tickets for the June and July performances will be available
at the beginning of January. Tickets sell for $16 (adults) and
$12 (seniors and children) each. Any business or group that sells
tickets will receive 15 per cent of the ticket price. Smith explained
this is one way to give something back to those who are helping
to promote the festival in its early stages.
"This community is giving us a gift... I have no problem
giving money back to storekeepers," she said of the ticket
plan.
Performances will take place Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays
and Saturdays, with the exception being opening night Thursday,
June 26. The festival will not conflict with Sunday evening concerts
held at the amphitheatre in July and August, or with the Shadows
of the Fort presentations held Thursday nights in July and August
at Fort Wellington.
The amphitheatre can seat 800, according to Smith. She said
a conservative estimate of 300 people per show would mean 5,400
people in Prescott this coming summer. Various sectors of the
local economy stand to benefit from additional spending by visitors,
some of whom may choose to stay for an extended period.
Although a volunteer meeting held Saturday afternoon at South
Grenville District High School drew fewer than a dozen people,
Smith is encouraged by the response she has been receiving from
businesses and groups in the area.
"It's a great idea," said volunteer Gerry Carey,
who suggested to Smith she should put everything down in writing,
distribute the information and indicate specific tasks volunteers
could perform.
If enough money is raised through ticket sales, sponsorships
and concession sales, funds could be put away for capital expenses
such as a large tent to cover the amphitheatre on a temporary
basis or a building that would enable theatre to be performed
or teaching offered during the off-season. The festival has a
budget of about $60,000.
The St. Lawrence festival has also been accepted by an association
of festivals that will distribute 50,000 brochures, many of which
will go to the Toronto area. The Prescott-based festival will
be noted along with other established productions in Ontario.
The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company, a non-profit theatre
group founded in April of this year, performed Romeo and Juliet
at Fort Wellington and parks on the St. Lawrence. Smith said
she was drawn to Prescott by its support and what she describes
as a "beautiful" waterfront amphitheatre.
The festival will be registering as a charity. Smith acknowledged
she would like to see the festival evolve and become her "paid
job." Until then, she plans to focus on developing what
she considers a labour of love.
"I love building things. I'm not going anywhere,"
she said.
For more information, contact Deborah Smith at (613) 989-1244
or visit www.stlawrenceshakespeare.com.
Municipal staff will receive gift certificates
PRESCOTT Full-time employees of the town will be getting
something in their Christmas stockings courtesy of Prescott council.
In recognition of and thanks for their work during the past
year, employees will receive $50 gift certificates that can be
redeemed at businesses in town. Council voted in favour of the
move at its meeting Monday night.
OPP NEWS
Disturbance results in arrest at motel
JOHNSTOWN A 43-year-old man from Montreal was arrested
following a disturbance at Johnstown Motel Friday at about 10:30
pm.
Grenville County OPP officers who responded to the call found
an intoxicated man at the rear of the residence. Police found
out the man had been released on his own recognizance Dec. 11
in connection with an impaired driving charge.
The man was arrested for breaching the recognizance and for
mischief; a window and vase at the motel had been broken.
Four officers took part in the arrest; the man had actively
resisted the first officers at the scene, according to an OPP
news release.
Constable Marty McConnell is the investigating officer.
OPP respond to 14 collisions on weekend
SOUTH GRENVILLE Local OPP officers responded to 14 motor
vehicle collision calls this past weekend.
Most of the collisions were the direct result of road conditions;
minor injuries were reported in only one of those mishaps, according
to police.
Seven collisions occurred in Augusta (two on Weir Road, the
others on county roads 18, 26 and 15, and on 2nd Concession and
Charleville roads), and the other seven were in Edwardsburgh/
Cardinal (four on Highway 416, the others on County Road 22,
Jochem Road and Froom Road).
Four of the 14 collisions involved deer.
Local squadron wins regional award
Prescott-based Air Cadets come out on top in the east
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT- The Royal Canadian Air Cadets 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe
Squadron from Prescott has received top honours at the provincial
level.
The Prescott-based squadron beat out 14 other squadrons in
Eastern Ontario to take home the George Moir Award as the top
cadet squadron for 2001-02 at the Ontario Provincial Committee
of the Air Cadet League of Canada annual general meeting Nov.
2 in Kitchener.
"This is a reflection of the hard work of the cadets,
staff and sponsoring committee," said commanding officer
from 1999-2002 Captain Donald Loker. "Congratulations, you
have all deserved this."
The current Commanding Officer Captain Doug Fraser was surprised
by the honour.
"We're a smaller squadron and we are competing against
some of the bigger squadrons," says Fraser. "This is
the second time we've won the award; it's hard to compete with
the larger squads and it's a rarity for a smaller squad to win
it, so it's very nice."
Loker added, "I had no idea we were even in the running;
it's very nice to get the recognition from our hard work."
The squadron was judged on a number of factors throughout
the year, including attendance, events, training, sponsors, organization,
competition, events and the training of recruits.
Fraser commended the squadron for its efforts. "This
award is something that takes a number of people, there is no
one person that can be singled out. Everyone had to do their
jobs no matter how small to show their training, and follow it
properly."
The squadron is planning for a busy start to the new year,
with a cold weather survival camping trip in January, three of
the cadets going for their pilot's licence and in early March
hosting an army unit from Matane, Quebec for four days.
"We had a good year and everything has gone well for
us," says Fraser.
"Hopefully, everything will continue as we enter the
new year."
The cadets who range from ages 12-18 meet weekly at South
Grenville District High School Tuesday nights.
Odd Fellows grand master comes to town
PRESCOTT - The highest ranking member of the fraternal order
of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs visited the Amity Lodge in Prescott
Thursday night to speak to its members in the Harmony Kemptville
District 53.
Terry Switzer, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ontario,
visited the district and gave a presentation of the fraternal
order and its work with Camp Trillium, which every year sends
children with cancer to camp.
"We as a group are here to try to help elevate the character
of man," explained Switzer. "We want to help people
in the community support people in need."
The club's main project is Camp Trillium, to which the Odd
Fellows and Rebekahs in Ontario sent 2,600 last year and budgeted
$3.5 million for the project.
"There are a lot of other groups and people who have
now become involved in the camp," explained Switzer. "But
that's been our main project for years."
The camp began in 1984 in London, after receiving a grant
from the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of Ontario and was the first
camp of its kind in Canada.
The fraternal group also helps out a lot with supplying medical
supplies such as crutches and canes to people who require them
on a temporary basis.
Stolen car bust leads to search in Augusta
AUGUSTA Several Ontario Provincial Police officers and
two canine units were kept busy last Wednesday morning as they
captured three men suspected of a residential break-in and car
theft in Augusta Township.
The incident began at about 4:30 am when police were called
by a man who reported his house on Limerick Road had been broken
into and his Honda Accord stolen. OPP Constable Large spotted
the vehicle at about 5:15 am travelling southbound on County
Road 15 near 6th Concession. The constable followed the car while
awaiting assistance.
The vehicle pulled into a driveway on McIntosh Road at about
5:35 am after the police cruiser's emergency lights had been
activated. Three men exited the vehicle and attempted to flee,
according to police. One man was arrested at the scene; the other
two entered a nearby wooded area.
One man was apprehended by Senior Constable Gerry Ozon at
about 8:40 am on County Road 2 near DuPont Maitland Site. A third
man was taken into custody at about 10:45 am at a Blue Church
Road residence. He was apprehended by Senior Constable Huffy
and his canine partner Houston from Morrisburg, and Constable
Holmes, an OPP emergency response member from Gananoque.
Early that same morning, a car that had been stolen the previous
Monday in Chatham was located on a ditch beside Cooper Road.
Darcy Smith, 20, of Glenco, Ont., Wylie Hreceniuk, 18 of Blenheim,
and Nicholas Blain, 19, of Blenheim, face charges of break and
enter, theft under $5,000 and possession of property under $5,000
obtained by crime.
Police indicated they had linked the men to overnight thefts
in Jasper and Kemptville and thefts from vehicles in North Augusta
during the night Dec. 10 and 11.
Constable Holly Howard, community relations officer with the
Grenville County OPP detachment based in Prescott, commended
a number of local residents who assisted police with their search
for the two suspects.
"People knew we were looking for somebody and they were
calling in," Howard told The Journal.
The public is being advised to keep a certain level of security
at the home and in their vehicles. Lock doors to the home and
vehicle, and remove items of value from the vehicle.
Keep fire prevention in mind this Christmas
SOUTH GRENVILLE The holiday season is a busy time for
many people, but fire prevention officials remind the public
to keep fire safety in mind.
Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle noted in a recent release
the number of fatal fires increases during the festive season.
There are a number of fire prevention tips the public should
consider at this and other times of year. These include keeping
lit candles away from children, pets and combustible materials
(including on or near Christmas trees), blowing out candles before
leaving the room, ensuring there are working smoke alarms on
every level of the home and knowing alternate ways of leaving
the home if a main exit is blocked.
"Smoking or cooking while under the influence of alcohol
are serious fire risks," according to Moyle. "Drink
responsibly and keep an eye on those who don't."
The base of the Christmas tree should remain immersed in water
at all times. Brent Norton, Prescott's fire prevention officer,
said some people tend to forget to check regularly and keep the
tree as fresh as possible.
"Houesholds get much busier this time of year,"
Norton said.
He also noted the importance of keeping things away from wood
stoves, fireplaces and other heating units that are in use. Cigarette
butts should be put out in metal containers and not just dumped
into garbage cans.
Norton also pointed out doorways outside the house should
be cleared of snow to ensure people can leave the building quickly
in the event of a fire.
"The fire department will do its very best to protect
you if a fire occurs, but ultimately, your family's safety is
your responsibility," Moyle stated.
Puppy mill bill receives support of local MPP Runciman
SOUTH GRENVILLE A private member's bill that targets
operators of so-called puppy and kitten mills has received the
support of Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
The bill, which was put forward by fellow Progressive Conservative
MPP Julia Munro, calls for a set of standards of care for breeding
and selling that includes increased penalties for individuals,
groups or companies that run the mills in which animals may be
abused or kept in unsanitary and dangerous conditions.
The private member's bill received third and final reading
in the Ontario legislature Friday.
Runciman, Ontario's minister of security and public safety,
stated in a news release issued Friday, acknowledged many people
had been seeking stiffer measures as part of amendments to the
Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
"This is an important step forward," he said.
The MPP's daughter, Suzanne Runciman, is an Ontario Provincial
Police constable based at the Grenville County detachment in
Prescott.
"My daughter... was involved recently in the rescue of
dogs from a puppy mill and one of the puppies rescued, Lucky,
has become a much-loved member of her family," Mr. Runciman
stated in the release.
The MPP went on to state anyone considering the purchase of
a puppy or kitten this holiday season or at any other time should
be aware of the animal's background and the environment in which
it was born.
Township water is vulnerable to contamination, residents
say
Augusta council urged to take action to protect groundwater
resource
By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD Augusta Township must do all it can to preserve
its most precious natural resource - water.
Two township residents, Gerry Carey and Matt Hayes, told council
at its Dec. 9 meeting Augusta should act to ensure residential
lot sizes are not less than one hectare (2.47 acres) in size,
since the area's sandstone rock underlay makes it vulnerable
to soil contaminants.
Hayes noted the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has
proposed lot sizes be regulated to one hectare, and that Augusta
is in a perfect position to take a leading role in approving
the standard.
Communities such as Riverview Heights, Maynard and Maitland
continue to grow with little regard for lot sizes, Hayes stated.
"Sooner or later, somewhere along the line, there comes
a saturation point to septic systems running into the ground
water. Water is our most precious commodity, and we are doing
nothing to protect that water."
While Hayes, a former Prescott police chief, said he recognizes
the township can not control existing lot sizes, but it can certainly
take a stand in future development of the township.
Clean water has already been a problem too close to home at
Maynard Public School, Hayes pointed out, when the school had
to import bottled water last year because of contamination of
its well. He also noted other area residential wells have registered
high coliform counts during water testing.
Carey, who was a member of a recent Leeds and Grenville groundwater
study committee along with Reeve George Vail, said he understands
it is not easy for municipalities to take a stand for one-hectare
lots. "But we are vulnerable folks," he said.
"This is a beautiful part of the country and people do
like living here," Carey said. "We see the St. Lawrence
down there and we think we've got all kinds of water. But the
privilege of living here means you've got responsibility."
Augusta needs to take a serious look at what stand it should
take, since it is so vulnerable to contamination, Carey suggested.
If the township is granting severances for less than one hectare,
the lot should have access to a public sewage disposal system,
he said, adding the issue could be addressed in a review of the
township's official plan.
Although Carey said he and Hayes did not poll community residents
for their opinions on the issue, they feel satisfied clean water
is a major concern of the majority of people.
Both Reeve Vail and Councillor Jane Fullarton acknowledged
water resources should be given consideration, and the issue
needs the township's utmost attention.
Luminaire event showcases the beauty of the season
MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton
Maitland Park Estates is the place to be again this year for
Christmas Eve to see the Luminaire or Festival of Lights. This
Maitland Christmas tradition is organized again this year by
Mike Ascough.
The Luminaire is made by lining the streets at eight-to-ten-foot
intervals with white bags filled with sand and a lit candle.
The effect created by this series of square white lights that
run along both sides of the streets is like a lighted runway;
some have named it "Santa's Runway."
The candles are lit at 6 pm Christmas Eve and will burn most
of the night, making a beautiful path for residents and visitors
to enjoy driving through or walking around.
At our house the walk around the neighbourhood Christmas Eve
after a dinner shared with brothers and sisters and nieces and
nephews is an important part of our Christmas tradition. This
is a time to appreciate the beauty of the season and the love
of family. The last few years a visit by the carolling Pettem,
White and North families and friends has added to our enjoyment.
Every year the sand and bags and candles are delivered to
our door without any effort on my part, and that is because Ascough
and his committee work together well in advance to make the event
go off easily.
This year, Ascough's committee consists of Gerry Morand, Kevin
Reimer, Jamie Price, Pat Doherty, Sean Lehman, Sean Sarry, Werner
Bischof, Henry Balder, Ray Avery, Jim Grimes, Gunter Haase, Reg
Dunlop, Ian Jack and Barry Halladay.
This group packages the sand, bags and candles into units
for the 140 households involved and delivers a package to each
household, collects the $15 cost from the participants and makes
arrangements for covering vacant lots and the park. These helpers
also help with lighting the candles, making sure every one is
lit at six o'clock.
Ascough reminds residents to clean away bags in the morning,
and asks motorists to drive slowly and carefully when viewing
the Luminaire. In case of rain on Christmas Eve, the Luminaire
is cancelled.
Maitland Park is located just south of the 401 at the Maitland
interchange. Everyone is welcome to come and view this beautiful
spectacle.
Scouts, Venturers will carry out purchases at Canadian Tire
store this Saturday
Submitted by Scouters Chris and Breeann Hoogwerf
November and December have been very busy months for the 7th
Prescott Scouts. Our "Fall" camp in November in Mallorytown
with the Cubs was very successful. We had a great time, even
when the snow started falling and falling, and by Saturday night
it was clear we were having a Winter Camp. We all had fun and
learned some new skills on our hike.
We also participated in the Remembrance Day services with
Branch 97 Royal Canadian Legion. We were very proud to be able
to share this experience, and we very much enjoyed talking to
the veterans who were kind enough to answer some of our questions
when we returned to the Legion for lunch. We left the Legion
that day feeling prouder to be Canadian and very grateful for
this great country we live in.
We have spent some time doing badge work and preparing for
the busy Christmas season that was fast approaching. All groups
from 7th Prescott were happy to be in the parade. The Beavers
and Cubs were on the float, and the Scouts and Venturers were
busy handing out suckers to the crowd. We hope we didn't miss
anyone.
We spent a couple of meetings at ceramics class, and we all
enjoyed that immensely. Our pot luck supper was a great success
this past week, and we discussed our upcoming events since we
don't have a regular meeting until the new year. Some of our
Scouts are working on their recycle badge and are collecting
pop cans to be sent for recycling in January. We talked to the
Cub leader Paul as well, and he might be interested in sharing
this program with his group.
The next event we have scheduled is going to be held this
Saturday, Dec. 21 at Canadian Tire in Prescott. We wanted to
do something to say "thank you" to the community that
has been very generous to us this year, so we decided to do a
"carry out your purchases" day. Anything you would
like carried to your car will be done by an eager member of the
Scouts and Venturers of 7th Prescott. We acknowledge Canadian
Tire for giving us this opportunity, and we hope to see you there.
Have a safe, happy and blessed Christmas season.
On a sad note, the Scouting community notes the death of Bill
Sheldrick, who was our district commissioner for many years as
well as Morrisburg's Scouter. He started the Can-Am camps many
years ago and founded Camp Sheldrick, our Scout camp in Winchester
Springs. He was a wonderful man and a big contributor to our
program, and he will be missed.
Maitland-area churches to host Christmas services
MAITLAND Churches in Maitland and area are celebrating
the Christmas season with a number of special services.
An Advent worship service will take place at Maitland Community
Church on County Road 2 Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10 am. Everyone is
also welcome to come and worship at a traditional Christmas morning
service at the church Dec. 25 at 10 am.
Father Claude Delorme will celebrate the Christmas season
Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 6 pm at St. Peter's Anglican Church in North
Augusta; at 7:30 and 11 pm at St. James Anglican Church in Maitland;
and at 9 pm at St. George's Anglican Church in South Augusta.
There are no Christmas Day services at the three Anglican churches
in Augusta Township.
Augusta library takes a break
ALGONQUIN There are still a few days left to pick up
your holiday reading from the Augusta Township Public Library
before it closes for a Christmas season break.
The library located in Algonquin will be open Monday, Dec.
23 from 1 to 8 pm. It will be closed from Dec. 24 through to
Jan. 1. The library will reopen for its usual hours of 1 to 8
pm Thursday, Jan. 2.
Town library closes for the holidays
PRESCOTT The Prescott Public Library on Dibble Street
West will be closed for the holidays beginning Christmas Eve
afternoon.
The library will be open Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 2 to 4 pm and
remain closed until Thursday, Jan. 2.
On that date, the library will be open from 2 to 5:30 pm and
from 7 to 9 pm and resume regular operating hours.
Time to celebrate the glory of winter
By Astrid Strader, Prescott Blossoms Project Supervisor,
Horticulturist, and Garden Designer
My gardening buddy, Mike, lent me a book a while ago. Ever
since I started reading it a few days ago, I haven't been able
to put it down. Written by what I think is one of Canada's best
garden writers, Marjorie Harris, it is funny, uplifting and mostly,
very informative.
So that Prescott Blossoms doesn't lose the gardening momentum,
we will delve into this book called Ecological Gardening,
updated and published by Random House of Canada, 1996. Near the
end, she tells of her own neighborhood rise to more conscious
gardening. Interested people met and organized to get more trees
planted on streets.
Prescott needs more trees; hardly any new trees have been
planted on the streets or in the parks in a long while. There
is town support for planting trees and we will be attempting
to get a few in before January, but it's not enough. Good planning
with a knowledgeable team (there are many more lovely trees and
shrubs available to choose from) and lots of neighborhood interest
can turn forgotten spaces into something inviting and beneficial.
I invite you to include these spaces when daydreaming of spring
and warmer days.
With every snowy drizzle and accumulation I smile. People
curse the dreaded winter weather like a recording, but I celebrate
the precipitation. It's just one of the reasons why it's good
to plant potted trees in the fall - they get lots of moisture
and settling in time before growth starts. And also, with the
snow, comes a silence that's restful and breathtakingly sparkling
on those clear and sunny days, with the promise of rebirth just
lying around the corner.
I see our community reflected in the "community"
of trees which are shaping the Prescott Heritage River Trail
- many shapes, sizes and personalities - all contributing to
a wonderfully rich landscape. We give thanks to our great community,
which has spirited this project onwards. The Town of Prescott,
Parks Canada, and Prescott Blossoms appreciates all the many
anonymous supporters who have given towards the project.
There will be shrub beds in amongst the trees, and with a
$100 donation, a grouping of two to three shrubs can be "adopted."
One of these shrubs is commonly known as black chokecherry (Aronia
melanocarpa). This native shrub does well in any type of
soil and looks great street-side and in garden borders for shape
and colour interest. The 2-m (six-foot) high arching slender
branches make a pleasing vase shape. The flowers grow in clusters
of nine to 20 small white flowers of which the outer ones open
first. The fleshy fruit develops in late June and are red wine
to purplish black in colour. The fall leaves turn a brilliant
red. The fruit is rich in pectin and can therefore be added to
fruits that have little, to set jams and jellies. Birds love
the fully ripe fruit after a frost, which sweetens them up. You
can call Melanie at 925-2812 for more information on adopting
shrubs.
Donors of trees: Leo Boivin, Brian and Dorothy Seeley, Robert
Strader, Ray Mason Cornerstone Builders, Prescott Public Library,
Oasis Institute for Healthy Living Inc. These are just a few
and over the coming weeks I will get the chance to name them
all.
Outgoing Chamber of Commerce president says there is reason
to be optimistic
JOHNSTOWN The outgoing president of the Prescott and
District Chamber of Commerce believes there is reason for optimism
in the local business community.
Pat Dewar presided over her final directors meeting last Thursday
at Bridgeview Restaurant.
Dewar said she is encouraged by much of what has happened
in the Prescott area in 2002. Among the items topping the list
are the arrival of O'Reilly's Your Independent Grocer and a new
Canadian Tire store in the north end of town, as well as plans
for a McDonalds restaurant near those stores. This increased
presence beside Highway 401 provides a golden promotional opportunity
for the town, according to Dewar.
Other positive signs are the expansion of Prescott Finishing
and renovation of the municipal building, the president said.
She also mentioned cultural activities such as Fort Town and
Sunday concerts, plans for a Shakespeare festival and the ongoing
presence of Fort Wellington, beautiful old churches and Prescott's
waterfront.
The opening of the Food For All food bank was cited as a major
achievement in 2002. Dewar also noted the birth of a business
women's network and a developing partnership between Tourism
Prescott and its counterpart in Brockville.
Dewar, who noted she has lived in many different cities and
rural areas, offered high praise for the community in which she
now resides.
"I think I live in the best place in the world,"
she said.
Vice-President Lewis Beach is in line to assume the role of
president in 2003. The election of an executive and directors
for next year will take place Jan. 16.
The chamber of commerce has approximately 140 members.
McFarland appointed deputy mayor
PRESCOTT Town council has selected Councillor Nancy
McFarland to be Prescott's next deputy mayor.
McFarland will serve as deputy mayor from Dec. 1 of this year
to May 31, 2003. The position is filled on a rotating basis from
within council, with the exception of the mayor.
The current term of council ends at the beginning of next
December.
Visit Santa's Workshop this week
PRESCOTT Time is running out to visit Santa's Workshop
in downtown Prescott.
Santa has set up shop at 228 King St. W.
The workshop is open weekdays and Saturdays from 10 am to
noon and 1 to 3 pm, and Sundays from noon to 4 pm.
Prescott BIA is once again helping Santa set up and run the
workshop, which has trains on display courtesy of the Leeds and
Grenville Model Railroaders.
The workshop will close for the 2002 Christmas season this
Sunday, Dec. 22.
CAO candidate interviews held
PRESCOTT Town council may be close to making a decision
on who will fill the vacant position of CAO/clerk.
Two candidates were interviewed by council Monday night. As
of Tuesday morning, there had been no announcement as to whether
either candidate had been offered the job.
Town Treasurer Laurie Kirkby is serving as acting CAO/clerk.
Former clerk Andrew Brown left his position with the town
in November to become CAO of South Dundas Township.
The town received more than 20 applications for the vacant
position.
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