Edward Street changes made
Town creates construction zone; second southbound lane
returns temporarily
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT The town has taken action to address safety
concerns on Edward Street south of the Prescott Centre Drive
intersection.
The busy street reverted to two lanes in both directions Tuesday
as crews installed overhead signs and flex posts along the centre
line north of the main entrance to South Grenville District High
School.
The move is meant to be a temporary solution to problems arising
from changes made to the street in early November when traffic
lights went into service at the intersection. The changes were
made by the Ministry of Transportation, which has jurisdiction
in the vicinity of the intersection that includes access to the
eastbound lanes of Highway 401.
Town Engineer Clyde Solomon told Prescott council members
who attended a committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday night work
on the street would take place after the morning rush hour Tuesday.
The area near the intersection has been declared a construction
zone. Solomon noted lines painted on Edward Streets are barely
visible or no longer there; the incomplete painting is seen as
warranting construction zone status.
The inside southbound lane was lost south of the intersection,
and was replaced in part by a northbound left turn lane. This
has led to a number of near-miss collisions, according to police
and town officials.
The overhead directional signs received ministry approval.
Ten flex posts, each about three metres apart, were to be erected
south of the stop line at the intersection. The posts will not
impede vehicles turning left into the main lot at the high school,
according to Solomon. Construction signs will also be posted
at and near the intersection.
The overhead signs will be finalized later this year once
a final decision is made on the distribution of lanes on Edward
Street. On an interim basis, though, overhead signs will indicate
two lanes of traffic in both directions.
When asked by The Journal if there would be a reduced
speed limit in the construction zone, Solomon said that determination
had yet to be made.
The town engineer told council members a flurry of e-mails
Friday afternoon was followed by notification the ministry had
accepted the town's proposal to establish a construction zone.
Solomon estimated the cost of erecting the flex posts and
other signage would approach $5,000.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead noted the temporary measures
will not alleviate all the problems on Edward Street, but they
do mark an improvement. "It will help," she said.
Mayor Robert Lawn indicated the town could not let the situation
stay the way it was. "We shouldn't have to wait for someone
to be hurt or killed before we take the needed preventative actions,"
he stated.
THIS WEEK
Numerous vehicles go off the road: OPP
SOUTH GRENVILLE More than three dozen motor vehicle
collisions were investigated last week, according to the Grenville
County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Twenty-three vehicles went into the ditch in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
and 15 were reported in Augusta; most of those occurrences took
place Saturday or Sunday. No major injuries were reported; all
were single-vehicle collisions. There were also two collisions
involving deer.
Road conditions played a role in 20 weekend collisions; most
took place on provincial highways, with only three occurring
on township or county roads.
Marina fees to increase by about five per cent
PRESCOTT Town officials have given the go-ahead for
an increase in marina fees.
The increases, which amount to about five per cent across
the board, received support from council members who attended
a committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday night.
Community Services Director Randy Pelehos noted there had
been no increases since 1999. The new rates remain lower than
those of other municipal or government marinas in the region.
A seasonal lease for boats 16 feet in length or under rises
from $250 last year to $265 in 2003. The nightly docking fee
for a slip with electricity and water increases from $1 per foot
to $1.05 per foot. The monthly fee for that same slip now costs
$18.90 per foot, up from $18 in 2002.
Pelehos said the seasonal slips are fully booked; there are
30 names on a waiting list.
CNIB crocus sale continues to grow
SOUTH GRENVILLE The annual Canadian National Institute
for the Blind (CNIB) crocus sale is now under way.
The potted crocuses will arrive just in time for Valentine's
Day. These little purple flowers will add a touch of spring to
any space.
Proceeds from the sale of crocuses will stay in the community
to support local CNIB services.
Order forms are available at a number of workplaces in the
region; orders will also be accepted at the Kingston district
CNIB office at (613) 542-4975.
Interim property tax bills are in the mail
PRESCOTT Interim tax bills issued by the Town of Prescott
were mailed earlier this week.
The first property tax payment of 2003 represents 50 per cent
of taxes from the previous year.
The interim payments are due by the end of February.
Calling all emergency volunteers
Prescott chosen to take part in provincial pilot project;
20-person team to be formed
PRESCOTT Prescott is one of seven municipalities selected
to take part in the Community Emergency Response Volunteers Ontario
(CERVO) program, it was announced last week.
The pilot project is aimed at providing grassroots support
to emergency professionals who may be called upon to cope with
natural disasters or major collisions or accidents that pose
a threat to public safety. Prescott council agreed last fall
to offer the town as a test community in the new provincial program.
A team of 20 volunteers will be formed at the local level.
Prescott Police Chief Bryan Somerville said the volunteers will
be trained to help their neighbours deal with a crisis situation
before emergency personnel arrive at the scene. "They can
initiate certain steps right there where it happens," the
chief added.
Once police, fire and other emergency workers arrive, volunteers
will take direction and offer whatever support is needed.
Although former or retired emergency response personnel or
medical professionals may be considered ideal for the volunteer
team and targeted for recruitment, Somerville noted applicants
can be from all walks of life. "Everybody out there has
expertise in a variety of ways," he said.
Volunteer training will include basic life-saving skills,
general emergency and disaster response skills, volunteer and
victim safety and decision-making and teamwork. One hundred per
cent of the town's training costs will be covered during the
first year of the pilot project. Funding decreases to 50 per
cent in the second year.
Training for the Prescott volunteers is expected to take place
in early March. Somerville said training would likely be offered
for two or two-and-a-half hours per night for seven days.
Applications are available at the police station (corner of
Centre and Henry streets) and at the municipal office (corner
of Edward and Churchill).
Somerville said being a member of the community team would
not likely mean a major time commitment on the part of volunteers.
Police checks will be done on prospective volunteers; the
volunteers will not be charged a fee for that service, Somerville
noted.
The other six municipalities taking part in the pilot project
include Barrie, Brampton, Carleton Place, Hamilton and Timmins.
Filling in town hall gym floor will be costly
PRESCOTT Filling in the gymnasium floor at the Dibble
Street municipal building will cost more than $40,000, according
to the construction manager of the town hall renovation project.
Brad Snelling provided a project update to members of Prescott
council during a committee meeting Monday night. Asbestos has
been removed from the building, and demolition work that precedes
renovations to the three-storey structure is under way.
"Things are going very well," Snelling told council.
He indicated most of the sub-contractors are ready to proceed,
but no formal agreements had been signed prior to Monday's report
from Snelling. He explained contractors throughout the area were
advised of the renovation project and invited to submit bids.
Between two and eight submissions were received for each sub-contract,
according to Snelling.
The rotting gymnasium floor will be removed as part of demolition
work; however, filling in the gym is not part of the current
renovation plan that has an estimate price tag of more than $834,000.
Snelling told council completing the gym area which would
eventually become part of the public library would cost an estimated
$43,500, an amount that is higher than what some town officials
had been expecting. Granular fill would cost $19,000, plus an
additional $11,000 for a concrete slab. Snelling recommended
placing the fill prior to municipal staff returning to the second
floor of town hall, a move expected early this summer.
Some councillors agreed they would like to see much of the
gym work done as part of proposed renovations. However, council
held off on making a commitment.
Snelling is expected to make a return visit to council next
month when finalized drawings are completed.
International curling comes to town
Scots play in Prescott as part of century-old Strathcona
Cup
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT A century of international curling tradition
made a return visit to the Prescott Curling Club Saturday.
Strathcona Cup 2003 features two groups of Scottish curlers
visiting rinks across Canada. The cup was first awarded during
the winter of 1902-03 when a group from the Royal Caledonian
Curling Club toured Canada and played against Canadian and American
curlers. The Scots, who lost the competition, were awarded a
cup by Lord Strathcona.
Since then, teams from one nation would visit the other on
an alternating basis, usually once every five years. The Strathcona
Cup is touted as the oldest international curling competition
in the world.
The visiting Canadian squad defeated the Scots in 1998. Gary
Cook, a Prescott curler who was a member of the Canadian group
in 1998, is a member of the 2003 organizing committee. Cook noted
this is the fourth time Scottish curlers have visited Prescott
as part of the Strathcona Cup.
"It's quite an honour to even get the tour to stop in
your town," Cook said.
Fifty-six Scottish curlers arrived in Canada Jan. 8. One group
has made its way from the Maritimes to Ontario; the other began
its curling tour in Winnipeg, visited the western provinces and
is now in Ontario.
The winner of the cup is determined by comparing total scores
of all games. Prior to Saturday's competition, Scotland held
a 39-rock lead.
Three Scottish rinks played in Prescott, and another three
played in Morrisburg.
Two of the six local teams were based at the Prescott club;
the one skipped by Kevin Payne and including Dan Cook, Harvey
Lippiatt and Dave Boyd played in Morrisburg, while the foursome
consisting of skip Tom McClelland, George Myers, Tony Gilson
and Joe Doyle played in Prescott.
The other local teams represented Gananoque, Brockville, Morrisburg
and the Alexandria area.
A random draw determined most of the Prescott players who
took part in the cup games, according to Cook.
The three eight-end games in Morrisburg did not change that
total; the Scots defeated the Prescott team by four, lost another
game by four and had the third game end in a tie.
There was also a win, lose and draw result posted in Prescott.
Gord McCrady's Brockville team defeated Ian Simpson 7-4, and
Grover Clair's Gananoque rink played Lindsay Scotland's team
to a 7-7 final.
Trevor Dodds and his Scottish rink defeated McClelland's team
12-2. "We got hammered," said Myers of the Prescott
rink.
All the teams got together for lunch at the Prescott club;
from there, the Scots headed to Belleville for a dinner and curling
Saturday night.
Lindsay Scotland, one of the three visiting skips who played
in Prescott, said the tour has been very tiring but fantastic.
He said his team has been "up and down" in terms of
its play, but the games have mostly been "good-humoured
competition."
Mr. Scotland, who said he favours the smaller, friendlier
curling clubs, described the Prescott club as "beautiful."
In noting this is his first trip to Canada, Mr. Scotland said
the people he is meeting are fantastic.
Cook said it is difficult to describe how much he enjoyed
being part of the 1998 tour in Scotland. "The hospitality
was second to none," said Cook, who added the experience
is a definite highlight for any curler.
Both groups of Scottish curlers are now in Toronto and are
scheduled to fly home Friday.
Historical society expands research capabilities
By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Members of Grenville County Historical Society
(GCHS) celebrated another year of accomplishments in preserving
the area's history at the volunteer organization's annual meeting
last Wednesday.
Betty Ring, who returns for a second year as president, noted
the society experienced a busy year of growth and the addition
of new volunteers who were able to assist with increased research
requests and archival activities.
The historical society's mission is to collect and preserve
Grenville County's history, including information on families,
events, buildings and business organizations.
Its archives is open to the public and offers a range of genealogical
and historical information. An extensive collection of birth,
marriage and death records, church and school publications, accounts
of industries and organizations, maps, books, newspapers, photographs,
documents, scrapbooks and publications can be accessed for a
nominal fee.
Among its projects in the past year, GCHS was able to expand
its resource centre located at Crane House, 439 Edward St. The
extra room allows for additional work space for Collections Manager
Valerie Schulz and for an artifacts room.
Research volunteers assisted 156 visitors discover information
on a variety of topics during the past year, and answered about
190 requests by mail. The society's Web site, web.ripnet.com/~gchs/,
also contains a wealth of information for researchers, and has
helped generate additional research requests, Ring said. Drop-in
visits to the centre are welcome Tuesdays from 10 am to 4 pm.
Government grants assist the society in employing a summer
student to keep the archives open Monday to Friday.
The research team also searched for information on variety
of topics for local schools, businesses and authors. Comprehensive
indexing, organizing and cataloguing data are ongoing and large
tasks accomplished by volunteers.
The society can also access information from other historical
societies.
A number of documents and books were acquired by the society
for its library in 2002. Topics include family histories, homesteads
and architecture of Upper Canada, and neighbouring counties.
Other active GCHS volunteers are Bonnie Gaylord, Norma Moug,
Fern Deschamps, Tim Hemsley, Sandra Shouldice, Sandra Robertson,
Ralph Street, Karen Pruner, June Blair, Linda Dowell and Gordon
Swoger. There are approximately 100 members.
The society can be contacted at 925-0489, or by e-mail at
gchs.ripnet.com.
PRESCOTT A program for adults with Type 2 diabetes will
begin next month in Prescott.
Rideau Valley Diabetes Services (RVDS) is offering the free
four-week program beginning Feb. 24.
The weekly two-hour sessions will cover topics such as eating
well with diabetes, self blood glucose monitoring and preventing
complications.
The sessions are facilitated by a registered nurse, a registered
dietitian and a registered chiropodist. RVDS is a non-profit
organization funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
and sponsored by Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital.
Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information,
call 1-877-321-4500.
Register for diabetes programPhone survey will assess Ontario
Provincial Police service
SOUTH GRENVILLE Local residents will have an opportunity
to comment on the Ontario Provincial Police as part of a telephone
survey now under way.
Volunteers, including some police foundations students from
Algonquin College in Ottawa, will be calling residents of Grenville
County during the next few weeks. "Policing for Results"
survey questions that will be asked deal with such topics as
police presence and the programs the OPP has to offer. "You
will have the opportunity to tell the OPP how we are doing as
an organization and within the community," a police news
release states.
The volunteers will identify themselves something like this:
"Hi. I'm (name of caller), a volunteer with the OPP. We
are conducting a survey on behalf of the local OPP detachments..."
The surveys should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete; input
received will be assessed and used in business plans for local
detachments. Calls will be placed weeknights between 6 and 9
pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm. The target is nearly 400
completed surveys.
The OPP appreciate the efforts of volunteers and survey participants.
Employers sought for career fair
BROCKVILLE A career fair to be held this spring in Brockville
is seeking participation from local companies.
The third annual Ultimate Career and Skilled Trades Event
is set for May 8. Students and other people will have an opportunity
to network with educators and employers as well as explore career
options and experience skilled trades at work.
St. Lawrence College Job Training Services is co-ordinating
the event.
Businesses and skilled trades interested in displaying information
about their organizations are asked to contact Glenna Schaillee
at the college (345-0660, ext. 3120).
Prescott Blossoms hosts public reception to celebrate its
achievements
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT The benefits of teamwork will continue to grow
in Prescott for many years to come.
As the current phase of Prescott Blossoms nears an end, a
public reception to mark the program's success to date took place
Friday afternoon in the community room at O'Reilly's Your Independent
Grocer.
The program, which received more than $145,000 in funding
from Human Resources Development Canada, began last summer and
wraps up next week. The project is aimed at giving young adults
additional job-related skills and work experience they could
use to pursue employment opportunities.
Eleven individuals were selected. Although much of their time
was spent working on the expansion of Prescott's Heritage River
Trail, team members also spent time making improvements to municipal
park areas near the waterfront and throughout town (including
planting more than 225 trees and shrubs) as well as at community
facilities such as the arena, health centre and food bank. The
project has been a collaborative effort involving the municipality,
Parks Canada and other public and private partners.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said the commitment of the people
who ran the program has given Prescott Blossoms team members
an excellent opportunity to be taught and trained. "This
has been a great success," said Lawn, who added another
positive effect of the program has been "...redirecting
the community's attention to the beauty of the waterfront."
Project supervisor Astrid Strader noted few areas of town
have not been touched by Prescott Blossoms. Although the work
may not have been the most glamourous, Strader said participants
and the community as a whole will benefit for many years to come.
"Prescott Blossoms 2002 is almost over, but Prescott
Blossoms is not," Strader said.
In noting team members have gained self-confidence and self-esteem
during the past six months, Strader also referred to the many
skills and subjects dealt with as part of the program. Participants
have been exposed to everything from forklift and hazardous materials
training to anger management, cooking and yoga and relaxation.
Team member Tamara Murphy said she had "never really
been a nature person," but the program has given her more
of an appreciation of the environment.
"I'm really glad I got a chance to do this," she
said.
Another program participant, Justin Bass, said he has more
respect for trees and wildlife. Bass added he appreciates having
being chosen for Prescott Blossoms, and he hopes others will
be given a similar chance in the future. "I recommend it
to all young people," he said.
Team member Tanya Telgen said she is aware of the legacy Prescott
Blossoms has established with the work it did in the trail area
near Fort Wellington. She is looking forward to seeing the results
of the group's work at the Churchill Road park when the plants
bloom this spring.
Telgen also spoke highly of the project supervisor and her
insight into horticulture and other areas. "Astrid is a
really decent person. I was really happy to meet her."
A funding application for the next phase of Prescott Blossoms
has been submitted. In addition to more planting in the trail
area, project officials also have plans to work with the St.
Lawrence Shakespeare Festival set for this June and July at the
amphitheatre.
Town contributes to festival
PRESCOTT The town has agreed to provide a limited amount
of funding to the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.
Council members agreed at a committee meeting Monday night
to give $750 to the festival to pay its membership fee to an
association of festivals that will give the Prescott event a
great deal of publicity throughout Ontario.
Mayor Robert Lawn said Monday some people believe the town
had agreed to provide more than $6,000 in seed funding to the
festival. Although council approved a motion in support of the
festival late last year, there had been no formal commitment
to provide municipal funding.
Lawn noted the festival planned for the waterfront amphitheatre
this June and July has been gaining momentum and has a solid
volunteer backing from the community. Tourism officials are excited
about the festival's prospects and support has been pledged by
a number of community groups and professionals, according to
the mayor.
The subject of festival funding was discussed Monday because
a deadline for the association membership was approaching, council
was told.
Although there was consensus around the table to give the
$750, some councillors appeared hesitant to grant additional
money at this time.
Councillor Garry Dewar said he would not be comfortable approving
any more money until he sees a budget prepared by festival organizers.
Rebates offered as part of initiative aimed at improving
access to high-speed Internet
BROCKVILLE High-speed Internet access is expected to
be available to every resident and business in Leeds-Grenville
through a recently-announced government and private enterprise
partnership, but it won't be free.
A $7-million broadband network is to be built throughout the
united counties in the next couple months. The provincial government,
through an Ontario Small Town and Rural Development Initiative
(OSTAR), has pitched in nearly $2.8 million for the project.
RipNET, a Brockville-based internet service provider, and 1000
Islands Community Development Corporation, which supports economic
development and small business growth, have partnered to create
the network.
Here's a run down on cost:
There are 3,500 Air Shark Wireless customer packages available
for a refund of $445. To qualify for the rebate, customers must
fill out an online application and prepay to reserve their equipment.
Visit www.ripnet.com/wireless to sign up. RipNET CEO Kingsley
Grant expects a huge demand for the rebates, with all 3,500 taken
by the end of the first week of February. By Monday afternoon,
about 100 units remained to be sold.
It is hoped all 3,500 units will be installed by the end of
August.
The equipment and installation for a basic residential package
without the rebate is $1,200. The ongoing monthly fee is $50.
A basic business package without a rebate is $2,500. The monthly
fee is $100.
More comprehensive packages are available. See the RipNET
Web site for additional information.
The project is being built in three stages. Phase 1 involves
tower sites in Brockville, Prescott and Merrickville to cover
all points in between and up to 25 miles out. This stage is to
be completed by May 1.
Phase 2, to be finished by Aug. 1, will include tower locations
near Ivy Lea, Lyndhurst and Portland serving immediate areas
and up to 25 miles out. At this stage, 90 per cent of Leeds-Grenville
will have access to the infrastructure.
Phase 3 will fill in shadow areas where the system is unable
to reach due to contour of the land, trees or reach. This is
to be completed by Oct. 2004.
Palliative care cookbook sales are heating up
PRESCOTT The Frametastic Client Cookbook in support
of Hospice of Providence Palliative Care Unit at St. Vincent
de Paul Hospital in Brockville is selling fast.
Marc Cardinal, owner of Frametastic Gallery and Custom Picture
Framing in Prescott, said about 600 books had been sold by the
end of January - raising $6,000 for palliative care.
The gallery, in conjunction with recipes from its clients
and money raised from sponsors, printed 1,000 cookbooks with
the goal of raising $10,000 to provide continued care and comfort
to terminally ill patients and their families. The books have
been on sale since early December.
To boost sales in the last stretch of the fundraising drive,
Cardinal has planned an incentive for buyers. Each of the last
400 cookbooks will be numbered. When all are sold, one number
will be drawn, and the purchaser of that book will receive a
framed print from Frametastic.
The book is now being sold in 23 locations from Gananoque
to Morrisburg, Cardinal said.
For more information about the book, its sponsors or selling
locations, visit www.frametastic.com/html/client1.htm.
This year's palliative care telethon will take place this
weekend on CFJR Radio and Cable 12 TV.
Small school shows it has a big heart
South Edwardsburg students collect items for Belarus kids
By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer
JOHNSTOWN - Students and faculty from the South Edwardsburg
Public School have collected more than 2,300 items to be sent
to an orphanage half way around the world as part of Canadian
Aid for Chernobyl.
The small - 125 student school participated in a two-week
campaign to collect items to be shipped in March to Belarus,
which was devastated by radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl
nuclear power facility in 1986.
"The response to our Chernobyl Project was overwhelming,"
said South Edwardsburg teacher Donna Greenhorn.
"Students, staff, parents and community members all contributed
very generously. Some students even brought in some of their
toys to share with the orphans."
The school collected a variety of items to send as part of
the shipment, since the items will be going to an orphanage which
has had little help in the past explained Greenhorn.
"I wanted to do something for them," said Grade
4 student Kirsha Martelle. "I brought some toys, while my
mom brought some toothbrushes, toothpaste and other stuff to
help them keep clean with."
Of the more than 2,300 items collected about half were clothing
and outerwear, while a variety of towels, soaps, hygiene products,
toothpaste, toothbrushes, school supplies, toys and blankets
and pillows were also collected.
"It was just so heart warming and gratifying to see our
children and community members reach out to these people in need,"
said Greenhorn.
"It's obvious that our members of our South Edwardsburg
community are caring, compassionate and generous people."
The campaign began two weeks ago after Dave Shaw, director
of the Brockville-based charity, gave a slide show presentation
about how the contamination has poisoned the area and continues
to affect the health of those who remain in the region.
"The Chernobyl Project succeeded in raising student awareness
of the plight of people living in the nuclear affected regions
of Belarus," said Greenhorn. "The whole school really
got into this; we sent pictures of the school and community and
many students sent letters to the orphans as well. The kids are
really hoping for a response to see how they are doing."
For more information on Canadian Aid for Chernobyl, contact
Dave Shaw at 342-8784. Donations can be mailed to Box 244, Brockville,
K6V 5V2. Tax receipts are issued for donations of $20 or more.
Rare infection leads to public concerns
BROCKVILLE The risk of contracting flesh-eating disease
is very rare, according to the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District
Health Unit.
Officials have been fielding many calls about the disease
following the death of a Lyndhurst man Jan. 18 at Kingston General
Hospital.
In a news release distributed Jan. 23, the health unit notes
there have been rumours of more than one case of flesh-eating
disease in the region.
Only one case of that condition had occurred as of the middle
of last week, according to the health unit.
Flesh-eating disease, also known as necrotizing fasciitis,
is a rare form of invasive Group A streptoccocal infection caused
by bacteria.
Common infections include strep throat, strep pneumonia or,
in rare cases, severe life-threatening infections such as flesh-eating
disease or toxic shock syndrome.
Antibiotics are used to treat streptococcal infections. "Most
cases of severe disease are single occurrences, and only rarely
do their household contacts become infected," the release
states.
"Casual contact with the person who had this condition
(such as working with the person) does not put people at an increased
risk of getting this condition."
The health unit noted the spread of communicable disease can,
in general, be reduced by good personal hygiene habits such as
frequent hand washing, thorough cleaning of wounds and cuts and
proper disposal of soiled tissues.
For more information, call the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
District Health Unit's Health Action Line at 1-800-660-5853 or
visit www.healthunit.org.
Invasive Group A streptoccocal infections are among the 76
diseases reportable to the medical officer of health so the health
unit can take appropriate protective action.
CORRECTION
A story in the Jan. 22 edition entitled "Fomer SGDHS
students are part of Academy Award-winning team" should
have identified the general manager of Maya Engineering as Kevin
Tureski.
The Journal apologizes for the error.
Lights added to MERC outdoor rink
MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton
The outdoor rink at the MERC Hall now has lights to allow
for use at night. Ray Avery, chairman of the MERC Board, reports
three poles have been installed around the perimeter of the rink,
and lights have been added.
The lights are on a timer and come on at 4 pm and go off at
midnight. The area is very well lit, Avery says, and looks beautiful
in the wooded setting. The MERC Board has used a portion of its
municipal grant to purchase a snow blower for use at the rink.
More volunteers are needed to flood and clear the MERC rink.
This is an excellent opportunity for students to earn their community
service hours. If you can help, call Brad Somers at 348-3395.
The MERC Board is making inquires of the Trillium Foundation
hoping to receive a grant to renovate the kitchen at the MERC
Hall.
Bill Carlyle, chairperson of the Augusta Library Board, has
resigned after serving for five years, with four of those years
as chairperson. Carlyle, who is a retired English teacher and
department head at South Grenville District High School, has
been a tremendous asset to the board with his knowledge of school
curriculum and love of books.
During Carlyle's term as chairperson, the board increased
the library book budget from $12,000 to $15,000 and undertook
a millennium project that automated the library's card catalogue
and added four computers for patron use at the facility. Carlyle's
focus as chairperson has been building positive community relations
and collection development. His low-key style, attention to detail
and dedication will be missed by the board. Carlyle, an active
volunteer, leaves to pursue other interests.
Cold weather course among February activities
AIR CADET NEWS By Judith MacLean
PRESCOTT The cadets of 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Squadron
will continue their busy schedule staring Feb. 1 with national
course interviews, as well as drill and exertion practice. We
continue on the 2nd with cadets attending the Zone Shooting Competition
in Kingston. Good luck, team!
The 4th is a night of regular training at SGDHS. On the 6th,
the band will meet for practice; this is also the night of the
sponsoring committee meeting. The 8th will see the cadets going
on their annual ski trip this year to Calabogie Peaks, while
the 9th and 16th are tentatively scheduled for first aid training
courses.
The 11th will be sports night, with the 15th being scheduled
as another drill team and exertion team practice.
The 18th will be CO's parade. The cadets will begin going
to Connaught for the weekend for the cold weather indoctrination
course. We end our monthly activities with regular training on
the 25th at SGDHS.
Don't forget, we meet every Tuesday evening from 6-9 in Gym
C at the high school.
The cadet program is open to all youth ages 12-18. Come see
what we're all about.
Sunday is folk night at St. Paul's
PRESCOTT A folk night will be presented this Sunday,
Feb. 2 at 7 pm at St. Paul's United Church, corner of George
and Dibble streets.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Admission is free; a free-will
offering will be accepted.
Local man wins new vehicle in second Canadian Cancer Society
lottery
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
JOHNSTOWN John Van Schie has found it pays to help a
good cause.
The RR1 Prescott resident won a car in the Canadian Cancer
Society Lottery in Ontario.
Instead of accepting the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL, Van Schie
opted for the alternate cash prize of $20, 287.95.
Cancer society officials, Van Schie and his wife Margaret
were at Bridgeview Restaurant Monday morning to take part in
the formal prize presentation.
Van Schie, a retiree who bought a ticket in last year's cancer
society lottery but did not win anything, said he was doubtful
at first when he got the call telling him he had won a car.
However, he soon realized the win was the real thing.
Marlene Gomes, manager of the society's Lanark, Leeds and
Grenville Unit, said no one from the tri-county area won a major
prize in last year's inaugural lottery.
There were two big winners this time around; Jack Allen of
Lanark won a 2003 Mercedes SL 500, which topped the lengthy list
of vehicles to be won.
As for his lottery win, Van Schie noted he has a large family
and a number of charities he would like to consider.
Any remaining money may be spent on a trip for he and his
wife, the lucky winner added.
Van Schie noted he also buys tickets in other large lottery
fundraisers.
All 200,000 tickets ($100 each) in this year's cancer society
draw were sold; three top prizes of $1 million were awarded.
Proceeds estimated at more than $4.7 million will go to fund
cancer research.
SCHOOL SCENE
CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL: Grade 3 students
at NEPS are enjoying the opportunity to sing in our new primary
choir. Rehearsals are held each Monday.
Junior students continue their story musicals with guest artist
Deb Dunleavy.
On Monday, our boys basketball team travelled to St. Michael's
for games. The team has a full schedule of practices and games
over the next month.
On Tuesday, 14 intermediate students participated in playground
leadership training. They will soon be leading noon hour activities
for younger students.
SOUTH EDWARDSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL: Our top two fundraising people
were Collin Reynolds and Reilly Shackles. Principal Hess treated
them to lunch.
Grades 3 to 6 very much enjoyed Ron Lindsay's art workshop
yesterday.
Last week's "Étoiles de la Semaine" (stars
of the week) for South Edwardsburg French students were: grade
1/2: Zachary Broniszeski, grade 3/4: Alex Farn, grade 5/6: Devin
Greengrass, grade 7/8: Cory Ford. Students are chosen for good
behaviour, effort, and participation. They are each given a certificate
and a small prize.
We extend a great big "South Ed." welcome to Mrs.
C. Shannon as classroom assistant in the Kindergarten class.
The month of January, our character building theme has been
"responsibility." There is a recognition assembly today
at 11:30 to celebrate students' success in this "character."
The hot lunch today is subs; next week, it's pizza.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL: A reminder to one and all that
St. Joseph School is a Catholic community. We always show respect
for one another and our environment.
This week we welcomed Liba David, who joined us from MASC.
Liba was working with our students on an organic art workshop
Monday and Tuesday. The students had an opportunity to view Liba's
own creations, and they were fortunate to be able to create their
own masterpieces.
A reminder that our hot lunch days are Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Next week is chicken nugget and pizza day.
We wish our boys and girls basketball teams the best of luck
as they participate in their first tournament Thursday.
Just a reminder to all that Friday is a Professional Development
Day. Therefore, there is no school on that day.
Congratulations to our students of the week: Kaitlin Norton,
Brandon Mead, Hope Dalton, Tess Cowan, Nick Purvis, Justin Dalrymple,
Payton Williams, Kory Chamberland and Brittany McParlan.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: During the next two weeks, students
in grades 1-3 will be completing mid-year assessment activities
in mathematics, reading and writing.
Friday, Jan. 31 is a Professional Development Day, and parents
are reminded there won't be any school for our students.
The hot lunch this week is chicken chunks (Wednesday for JK/SK
A and Thursday for JK/SK B to Grade 3).
Our All Star Reading Strategies this week are: Kindergarten
Book Awareness Strategies ("Check out the book");
Grade 1 Unstuck Strategies ("What's the sound/what's
the letter?"); Grade 2 Book Awareness Strategies ("Five
finger rule"); Grade 3 Unstuck Strategies ("Sliders").
Weave your way to upcoming lessons
WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT
Learn to Weave lessons start on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 1 pm. This
will be a series of lessons to learn the basics to set up a loom
and weave a project. Students will learn to make a warp and read
a pattern. Please call 925-5300 to register.
Wednesday night bridge has been cancelled until the weather
is a little warmer. Please keep this night open for bridge in
the spring.
We have ordered the tickets for Stratford theatre in September.
We will be seeing The King and I and Taming of the Shrew. Plans
are in progress for the trip. Please call to add your name to
the list.
Card game winners: Monday bridge 1st, Andy Britnell;
2nd, Mary Typhair; door prize, Geraldine Leclair. Thursday night
euchre 1st, Mary Reynolds; 2nd, Pete Lowry; 3rd, Louie
Bocsy; door prize, Alice Crowder.
Cold weather affects pets
SOUTH GRENVILLE Even though the recent cold snap has
passed, dog and cat owners are being reminded to look out for
their pets this winter.
Pets kept outdoors or that are allowed outside for extended
periods are at risk of developing frostbite or hypothermia, according
to Al Hickey of the Humane Society of Canada. Although old and
very young animals are most susceptible to snow, winds and the
cold, even the healthiest pets are at risk.
"Allowing pets outside for only short, supervised periods
during cold weather will help protect them from frostbite,"
Hickey stated in a news release.
Ice balls and salt that can cause discomfort in an animal's
paws pose another. The society recommends removing ice and salt
by gently and carefully placing the paws in warm water (never
hot), and then drying the paws with a towel.
Another hazard to consider is ethylene glycol, something found
in many products, including antifreeze. Small amounts of this
substance can kill an animal. Products containing ethylene glycol
should be kept away from pets and children.
For more information, contact the local branch of the Ontario
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter on Centennial
Road in Brockville (345-5520).
St. Lawrence College makes its pitch for additional funding
from the province
KINGSTON Officials at St. Lawrence College and other
colleges in Ontario are calling for increased funding from the
provincial government.
College enrolment has increased by 34 per cent during the
past 10 years, according to a St. Lawrence College news release.
During that same period, provincial funding has decreased by
42 per cent.
In 1990-91, the province chipped in $7,552 per student per
year. Per-student funding now stands at $4,379.
St. Lawrence College, which has campuses in Brockville, Cornwall
and Kingston, has approximately 5,000 full-time and 20,000 part-time
students. The college offers more than 70 academic programs and
employs a staff of about 1,000.
Glenn Vollebregt, senior vice-president of advancement and
corporate services, said St. Lawrence's ability to serve students
as well as local employers seeking skilled workers is being affected.
"Chronic under-funding, in combination with increasing enrolments
due to the double cohort, has put our college under tremendous
stress," Vollebregt stated in the release.
St. Lawrence College is supporting a request by the Association
of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario that the
province increase its funding by $1,372 per student. The college
notes funding for university and high school students ($6,800
and $6,700 per student per year respectively) would remain higher
than that for college students even if the proposed increase
were implemented.
Volker Thomsen, president and CEO of St. Lawrence College,
stated the increased funds would be used to add new equipment
and technology, hire additional staff and expand programs. This
would meet the needs of local employers as well as students and
the community, according to Thomsen.
Dave Ross, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Training, College
and Universities, told The Journal the ministry will be
considering the association's request as part of the transfer
payment planning process for 2003-04.
Palliative care telethon marks anniversary this weekend
BROCKVILLE The 30-Hour Telethon for Palliative Care
Services in the area will be broadcast this Saturday and Sunday
on CFJR Radio and Cogeco Channel 10.
This is the 20th anniversary edition of the telethon. Twenty-nine
different acts are scheduled to perform. The show starts Saturday
at noon and runs until 4 pm Sunday.
More than 350 volunteers work on the annual production, a
major fundraiser for Hospice of Providence palliative care services
at St. Vincent de Paul in Brockville.
The primary goal of the service is to enhance the quality
of life of those living with a life-threatening illness, as well
as their family members.
The telethon will take place at the Brockville Arts Centre.
Admission is free.
In addition to calling 342-6604 to make a pledge or going
on-line at brockvillemusicians.com, fish bowls will be set up
in Prescott as well as in Brockville and Athens.
Tax receipts will be available to donors.
Last year's palliative care telethon raised more than $63,000.
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