THIS WEEK
Deadline for award nominations is Feb. 26
PRESCOTT There is still time to submit nominations for
this year's Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce awards.
The awards for community service and business achievement
will be presented Monday, March 10 at the chamber banquet to
be held at St. Mark's Parish Centre. The Connie Dickey Youth
Award will also be presented at the banquet.
The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Feb. 26. Entries,
which should include the name of the nominee and information
supporting the nomination, can be mailed to Awards Committee,
Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce, Box 2000, Prescott
ON K0E 1T0.
The guest speaker at the 2003 banquet and silent auction will
be former Prescott resident Steve McAllister, sports editor of
The Globe and Mail.
For more information on the awards or for tickets to the banquet,
contact Mike Boyles at 925-4324 or Lewis Beach at 925-4286.
Fort Town concert set to go this Thursday
PRESCOTT The Fort Town Concert Association continues
its 2002-2003 series this Thursday.
The Romantics cellist Benoit Loiselle and pianist François
Zeitouni will perform at 8 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian
Church.
The duo will share the stage with the great romantic geniuses
of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Chopin. Loiselle and
Zeitouni will also perform a piece by award-winning Canadian
composer Alain Beauchesne.
The Fort Town series is presented in conjunction with Jeunesses
Musicales of Canada and under the auspices of the Ontario Arts
Council. The Feb. 20 concert is sponsored by the Town of Prescott.
Special ticket prices apply to students. Children under the
age of 12 are admitted free of charge. St. Andrew's is located
at the corner of Centre and Dibble streets.
For more information, call 925-5050 or visit www.webify/ftca.
As part of the association's youth education program, The
Romantics will perform at St. Joseph Catholic School in Prescott
tomorrow afternoon.
Parish centre to host spaghetti dinner, euchre
PRESCOTT A spaghetti dinner will take place this Sunday,
Feb. 23 at St. Mark's Parish Centre, corner of Edward and James
streets.
The buffet dinner will be served beginning at 6 pm. A euchre
party follows dinner; prizes will be awarded.
Proceeds from the event go to Knights of Columbus community
projects.
For tickets, call 925-5274.
Premier stresses free flow of goods
Ernier Eves hears concerns from truckers, manufacturers
during South Grenville visit
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
JOHNSTOWN The Premier of Ontario is calling on the federal
government and his colleagues at the provincial and state levels
to ensure the flow of goods across the Canada-U.S. border is
not unduly impeded by military action in Iraq.
Ernie Eves held a news conference at the Port of Prescott
in Johnstown last Wednesday afternoon.
Prior to the news conference, Eves met with trucking industry
representatives at Kriska Transportation in Prescott.
Accompanied by Public Safety and Security Minister Bob Runciman
and a contingent that included Kriska President Mark Seymour
and Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, the premier said industry officials
are concerned about aspects of federal plans involving security
at border crossings. In noting delays that followed the terrorist
attacks on the U.S. in Sept. 2001, Eves said there are concerns
about the effect an anticipated American invasion of Iraq will
have on trucking companies that depend on cross-border shipping.
"They have to live it every day," the premier said
of truckers and measures being taken at the international border.
Eves used the example of Procter and Gamble in Brockville.
A two- or four-hour delay at the border would cost the manufacturer
millions of dollars a year.
The uncertainty surrounding the free flow of goods to and
from the states is not only affecting truckers and manufacturers
in the short term, according to Eves. Investment decisions are
also being influenced by concerns about how cross-border trade
is influenced by heightened security measures in the U.S. and
a war in Iraq, the premier noted.
Eves acknowledged public safety is essential, adding both
countries must take steps to protect their borders.
"We have to remain vigilant," Eves told reporters.
"We certainly can't afford to let our guard down."
The premier insisted Canada does not have to give up its sovereignty
by working with American law enforcement agencies at the border.
Eves, who grew up in Windsor, said he could relate to Prescott
and area residents when it comes to contact with American neighbours.
"I certainly understand the importance of an open border,"
the premier stated.
As the news conference neared an end, reporters shifted the
focus away from security, trucking and border crossings. The
premier was asked questions on health care, campaign contributions
and the Ontario Public Service Employees' Union.
During a media scrum following the news conference, Eves was
asked which is more important: security, sovereignty or the economy.
"I think we can have it all," the premier responded.
Following his appearance in the Prescott area, Eves travelled
to Cornwall to deliver a speech to the district service club
council.
Whether they sat or stood, hundreds of people flocked to
the waterfront area in the east end of Prescott to watch the
fireworks Saturday night. The 12-minute show put on by hands
Fireworks in conjunction with the Frost Festival proved to be
a big hit with spectators. Photo by Tim Ruhnke
Cold snap fails to break Frost Fest
Fireworks, dog sled races among festival highlights
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Using the name "Frost Festival" to
describe this year's edition of Prescott's winter carnival may
be an understatement.
A bitter cold spell made for difficult conditions at outdoor
venues, but many people braved the elements to take part in the
annual Fort Town festival.
Organizer Mike Boyles said it was "a cold but perfect
weekend;" most events were well-attended despite the weather,
he added.
The return of sled dog races Sunday afternoon at the Prescott
Golf Club gave the festival a boost, but the fireworks display
held Saturday evening near Fort Wellington sparked a lot of interest
and plenty of compliments.
"It was really great," said Brendan O'Hanlon, 10.
In noting he especially liked the finale of the 12-minute show
presented by Hands Fireworks, O'Hanlon said he almost did not
go because of the cold.
Although some people stood on or near King Street south of
the fort, others remained in parked cars at the fort and near
the waterfront.
Bob Coulter of Hands Fireworks noted company staff volunteered
their time to design, set up and stage the show, which was originally
intended to be a gift to a retiring long-time employee.
The display cost about $1,000 a minute, according to Coulter.
Boyles said the people at Hands worked very hard in the cold
to make the show a big success. "It was wonderful to have
this in a small town like Prescott," he said.
A full slate of teams also braved the elements Saturday morning
at the RCA ball field to take part in the annual Randy Kroone
Memorial Mixed Sno-Pitch tournament. The lumberjack contest at
Beach Home Hardware attracted a small but enthusiastic crowd.
"I knew it would be cold, but I didn't think it would be
this cold," Lewis Beach said.
A number of youngsters took part in a snowman-building contest
held as part of Frost Fest.
First prize was awarded to Taylor and Joseph Hare of King
Street East. Holly, Emily and Sarah Crozier took second place
for their Kingston Crescent entry, followed in third by Jonathan
and Jordan Bernier of McAuley Road.
Among the events that took place indoors were a Valentine's
dance as well as a spaghetti and meat ball dinner and breakfast
at the Legion, a roast beef dinner at Friendship Hall and the
always-popular free skate at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Horse-drawn wagon rides rolled through downtown Prescott early
Saturday afternoon, and dozens of huskies and other sled dogs
and their handlers took to the snow-covered links of the golf
club for a noisy but lively event.
Boyles said it was nice to get the sled races back at Frost
Fest. Last year's races were cancelled.
Outstanding citizens honoured
Journal publisher and former Prescott mayor among golden
jubilee medal recipients
BROCKVILLE Three residents of South Grenville who have
made significant contributions to their communities were among
18 Leeds and Grenville residents who were presented with a Queen's
Golden Jubilee Medal Monday night.
Prescott Journal Publisher John Morris, former Prescott
mayor and community activist Sandra Lawn, and Spencerville-area
resident and volunteer Muriel Irving were presented with the
awards at the Royal Brock Hotel.
The awards mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's succession
to the throne, and recognize significant achievement or distinguished
service.
Presenter Bob Runciman, Leeds-Grenville MPP, noted the local
recipients are among an elite group of about 46,000 Canadians
who are being honoured with the commemorative Jubilee medals.
The medal "is a tangible and lasting way to pay tribute
to individuals whose often unsung achievements have benefitted
their fellow citizens or communities..." Runciman said.
He added the presentation ceremonies are an opportunity to recognize
those who made Canada what it is today.
Canadians have embraced the Queen's golden jubilee and Her
Majesty's chosen theme for the year of giving thanks for and
celebrating long-time service to communities through volunteer
efforts, Runciman said. "We are blessed in Leeds-Grenville
with thousands of people who give freely of their time for the
benefit of their communities and their neighbours."
Augusta workers vote in favour of strike
MAYNARD A majority of Augusta Township's unionized employees
have voted in favour of strike action.
Henry Brugma, a representative with the Ontario Public Service
Employees' Union that represents staff in Augusta's public library,
municipal office and public works, said about 75 per cent of
the workers who voted Feb. 12 favoured taking action against
the municipality to back contract demands.
The employees will be in legal strike position this Sunday,
Feb. 23.
Brugma is hopeful a settlement can be reached this Friday
between the township and employees before Ministry of Labour
mediator Roger Brideau. "Hopefully, we'll get down to fruitful
negotiations."
Outstanding issues include wages, retroactive pay, a sick
plan and benefits, he said.
As of press time, The Journal had not received any
information from the township on how municipal services would
be affected by a strike.
Augusta workers and the township have been negotiating a first
contract since last April when union certification was received.
Local industry-college partnership is making the grade
By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer
MAITLAND A unique partnership between a local company
and St. Lawrence College in Brockville has other colleges across
the province modelling the program.
Nitrochem in Maitland has formed a relationship with the college
to deliver the Maintenance Management Professional certification
program (MMP). Now in its second year, the program has been extended
to include not only Nitrochem employees, but staff from other
area industries and the general public. Twenty-six students are
now enrolled in the program.
MMP is designed for individuals aspiring to management positions,
those already in maintenance management and looking for formal
training, individuals seeking full maintenance professional designation,
or those seeking only focused training in selected areas.
The certificate program is now being offered by seven other
colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario, and one in
British Columbia.
MMP is run in co-operation with Plant Engineering and Maintenance
Association of Canada (PEMAC) and the Colleges of Ontario Network
of Education and Training.
In 2001 and 2002, Nitrochem was recognized with two industry
awards: best maintained small plant/facility, and the best use
of technology/maintenance innovation award. David Jackson, Nitrochem
special projects manager and a PEMAC director for Eastern Ontario
and Atlantic Canada, said achieving the two major awards was
the catalyst in bringing the program to the area as a way to
keep their employees' continual improvement drive going and to
enhance their skills.
PEMAC's mission is to improve its members' professionalism,
performance, safety and outside recognition by providing specialized
training and certification, undertaking research, providing forums
for the exchange of information and acting as the public voice
for its members.
The relationship is a first for the college, explained David
Ashton, a training consultant for the college's training and
development centre.
"The relationship has been great, and it's been mutually
beneficial to both organizations."
The role of the college has been to assist the company achieve
its business goals and training needs. To a large degree, other
college programs were modelled after the one at the Brockville
campus, he said.
Continuing education is critical to the process of maintaining
a high degree of "up time" in industry, and taking
advantage of the expertise and professionals at the college is
the preferred method of delivering that knowledge, rather than
in-house, Jackson explained.
St. Lawrence College's program has "certainly satisfied"
and addressed Nitrochem's needs, Jackson said. "They (the
college) provide an excellent service for us, we receive a good
value for our dollar that we spend, and our employees are really
improving and recognizing the benefit of a good education."
Besides maintenance management, the program covers other aspects
of the business, including production and operations, human resources,
accounting and finance, as well as planned, preventive and computerized
maintenance.
The maintenance profession has changed, he said. Previously
the field was thought of as an unwanted cost to a company, and
the profession has now evolved to a point where industry sees
it as an opportunity to improve costs.
Changing technology in the field has provided an opportunity
to increase up time, reduce down time and improve equipment reliability,
Jackson said. "(Maintenance engineering) is a resource now.
Companies are investing in maintenance."
Among area companies now involved in the program include 3M,
Kemira, Shorewood Packaging, Trillium, Rehau Industries, Grenville
Castings, CASCO and Upper Canada District School Board.
As an extension of the program, Jackson will be establishing
a PEMAC chapter in this area within two or three months. The
branch would allow for a networking channel for the industry,
in which companies can tap into resources outside their own firm,
while helping to promote maintenance as a profession, Jackson
explained.
For more information about the program, call David Ashton
at St. Lawrence College at 345-0660, ext. 3317. Call David Jackson
at Nitrochem at 348-3681, ext. 309, for more information on PEMAC.
KINGSTON The regional unemployment rate rose in January,
according to figures released by Human Resources Development
Canada (HRDC).
The jobless rate for the area that includes South Grenville
was 6.7 per cent. The December 2002 rate was 6.2 per cent.
Employment reductions were reported in many sectors, according
to an HRDC news release. The goods-producing sector took the
biggest hit; health care was one of the only listed areas to
experience an increase in employment.
Although unemployment was on the rise last month, the regional
jobless rate is lower than the 7.3 per cent recorded in Jan.
2002.
All HRDC offices in the Kingston-Pembroke management area
reported increases last month in the number of Employment Insurance
(EI) claimants. There were 1,007 claimants drawing benefits through
the Prescott office at the end of January compared to 906 at
the end of December. This represents an increase of 11.1 per
cent, slightly higher than the 9.1 per cent rise in claimants
in the region.
HRDC notes the regional unemployment rate is not determined
by assessment of EI claimant data.
The national unemployment rate stood at 7.5 per cent in January.
Jobless rate is on the rise
KINGSTON The regional unemployment rate rose in January,
according to figures released by Human Resources Development
Canada (HRDC).
The jobless rate for the area that includes South Grenville was
6.7 per cent. The December 2002 rate was 6.2 per cent.
Employment reductions were reported in many sectors, according
to an HRDC news release. The goods-producing sector took the
biggest hit; health care was one of the only listed areas to
experience an increase in employment.
Although unemployment was on the rise last month, the regional
jobless rate is lower than the 7.3 per cent recorded in Jan.
2002.
All HRDC offices in the Kingston-Pembroke management area reported
increases last month in the number of Employment Insurance (EI)
claimants. There were 1,007 claimants drawing benefits through
the Prescott office at the end of January compared to 906 at
the end of December. This represents an increase of 11.1 per
cent, slightly higher than the 9.1 per cent rise in claimants
in the region.
HRDC notes the regional unemployment rate is not determined by
assessment of EI claimant data.
The national unemployment rate stood at 7.5 per cent in January.
Plan to deepen St. Lawrence Seaway is all wet, according
to town council
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT The St. Lawrence Seaway should not be deepened,
according to Prescott council.
At its meeting Monday night, town council supported a resolution
from the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands advising
the federal transportation minister it is opposed to funding
a feasibility study requested by the United States Army Corps
of Engineers.
The resolution states the economic and social fabric of the
Northern Ontario community would be adversely affected by diminished
water levels in lakes Huron and Michigan caused by increased
outflow to the seaway.
In supporting the motion, members of Prescott council expressed
concerns about the impact deepening the seaway would have locally.
Councillor Terry McConnell, whose family was uprooted during
seaway construction in the 1950s, said his former home area downstream
from Prescott was devastated by the creation of the shipping
route. A deeper seaway would not do the Prescott area any good,
he added.
Mayor Robert Lawn said there is considerable pressure on Canada
to contribute to the corps of engineers study. Seventy-five per
cent of cargo ships in service in 1959 could traverse the seaway,
Lawn noted. In 2003, the percentage has decreased to 30 per cent
and is falling.
"The seaway can no longer do the job it did," he
said.
In noting the seaway is responsible for 150,000 jobs and $3.4
billion in business in the United States each year, Lawn said
the waterway is no more important to them than it is to those
who live beside it.
One large vessel has a cargo capacity equivalent to more than
600 rail cars and 2,400 transport trucks.
Tourism Prescott executive director retires
PRESCOTT Tourism Prescott has no immediate plans to
hire a new executive director, according to committee chairperson
Graham Cudlipp.
At its Feb. 11 meeting, the volunteer committee that advises
town council and is involved in many tourism-related events and
programs accepted the resignation of Mike Boyles. "Mike
has done some great things for the community," said Cudlipp,
who added the committee accepted Boyles' resignation with regret.
"We wish him every success," in his retirement, the
chairperson stated.
Boyles retains his positions as executive director of the
Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business
Improvement Area. "And that's enough for me," Boyles
told The Journal Monday.
He went on to say there are no hard feelings; the committee
is made up of "nice people," but Boyles said there
are times in which working with the three organizations "puts
too much on your plate."
Cudlipp noted the committee opted not to seek a replacement
for Boyles at this time. "We are looking at restructuring
Tourism," the chairperson added.
Now that the subject of downtown revitalization is receiving
a great deal of attention due in part to the recent release of
a report by the provincial Jump Team, Cudlipp believes it is
possible financial resources may be made available to the committee
if Prescott receives government funding.
As for the many existing tourist-related events with which
Boyles is involved, he said a committee has been formed and will
work with Tourism Prescott and other groups.
Prescott Blossoms leaves a lasting impression on the community
PRESCOTT The official end of Prescott Blossoms may mark
a new beginning for both participants and the community as a
whole.
The young men and women who got together last summer and did
everything from plant trees beside Prescott's Heritage River
Trail and clean up municipal park areas to learn about nutrition
and cooking while gaining valuable experience and employment
skills received their walking papers Feb. 7 at the Prescott Public
Library.
Mayor Robert Lawn presented certificates to graduating members
of the Prescott Blossoms team. "It has been an honour to
know you and work with you," Lawn said. "You have made
a difference in this community."
Prescott Blossoms was made possible by nearly $150,000 in
funding from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
In noting it was her first visit to the Prescott Blossoms
program, HRDC representative Janet Coe said she did not feel
compelled to drop by sooner because everything was "working
so well."
Program participants expressed their appreciation to those
who helped guide Prescott Blossoms and made a special presentation
to Ed Yandeau of Prescott's public works department. Team members
chipped in and donated a white spruce tree in honour of Yandeau's
work with the project.
Parks Canada was one of the partners in Prescott Blossoms.
Pam Buell, superintendent of Fort Wellington, said the program
is a perfect example of the type of an active partnership aimed
at preserving the property for future generations. The Blossoms
team has made an outstanding contribution to the community, according
to Buell.
As for the future of Prescott Blossoms, additional funding
is being sought. Mike Laking, who submitted the first application
and serves as co-coordinator of the program, said Friday he expects
a new proposal to HRDC would be completed within the next couple
of weeks.
Laking also noted he is "scanning for grants." The
possibility of obtaining summer student positions is being considered.
There are still some trees and bushes to be planted near the
trail, as well as other related activities in the area. Laking
said he would like to see Prescott take part in a "dry run"
of the Communities in Bloom program this summer. The Blossoms
program could also take part in work to be done at the Rotary
Lighthouse or in conjunction with the Downtown BIA.
Buy tulips and support lung association
SOUTH GRENVILLE The Lung Association's annual tulip
campaign is under way.
The local association is contacting businesses and community
groups to get orders and arrange delivery. Individuals can order
bunches of tulips by calling Richard at 345-1034. Flowers will
be delivered Feb. 26.
CORRECTION
An article in the Feb. 12 edition indicated two elderly women
were injured when their car crashed into a house on King Street
in Prescott.
The article should have stated the passenger in the car was
a man.
The Journal regrets the error.
Ice rental fees will rise next season
PRESCOTT Ice rental fees at the Leo Boivin Community
Centre will increase by about three per cent next season, Prescott
council has decided.
The rate hikes were approved by council Monday night. Higher
operating costs for such things as electricity and gas were cited
as a reason for the increases. However, Community Services Director
Randy Pelehos noted the rate hikes do not take into account the
full effect of operating costs or projected capital costs such
as roof replacement.
An hour of prime ice time will cost $103 in 2003/2004 compared
to $100 being charged this season. Non-prime rates will increase
from $62 to $64 per hour.
Pelehos said the increases amount to about $7 to $8 per year
for figure skating club members and $5 to $6 for each minor hockey
player.
Connecting Leeds and Grenville communities is the key to
success
Jump Team unveils interim report at Brockville gathering
By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer
BROCKVILLE The four largest urban centres in Leeds and
Grenville - including Prescott - are being strongly urged to
work together and co-operate on issues if they are to enjoy economic
prosperity.
The communities of Prescott, Brockville, Gananoque and Kemptville
"in their own right believe they are the best on the planet,"
said Brian Coburn, associate minister of municipal affairs and
housing responsible for rural affairs, who addressed a gathering
Friday of area politicians, business leaders and economic development
professionals at the Royal Brock Hotel.
However, Coburn said too often communities build fences around
their own backyards. "Municipal boundaries should not be
a barrier to new ideas."
The minister launched the preliminary findings of the Resource
Jump Team, a provincial initiative aimed at providing innovative
development strategies and revitalization techniques to strengthen
the communities.
The team of six private-sector consultants hired by the ministry
toured the four municipalities last November and spoke with community
stakeholders to formulate a report that could assist in laying
the groundwork for future action.
The team acts as an economic development tool to help communities
address specific challenges and opportunities they have identified.
The intent is to provide recommendations to address barriers
to growth and a source of ideas for developing global marketing
themes from an outsider's perspective.
It is expected a final report will be prepared by the end
of March and will include input from Friday's session.
Putting innovative ideas to work is key to the project's success,
Coburn said. If the ideas can't get out of the lab and into the
economy where they can be put to work, "you're left standing
on the curb."
Jump team member Ron Wood, a marketing and communications
consultant, said the team saw a wide range of views, aspirations
and frustrations during the intense meetings and tours of the
communities.
All had strong hopes for the future, an intense desire to
get over the obstacles, and a common pride in their communities.
Downtown vitality was a shared concern, he added.
On the flip side, there is a feeling of disconnection and
disunity in the counties, Wood said. Benefits can be drawn from
teaming up and sharing expertise, knowledge and resources, he
added, noting pulling together is essential to compete in global
markets.
A common brand, or theme, that goes beyond touting the region
as a great place to live, work and grow needs to be adopted,
Wood explained. This distinct brand can still allow the partners
to retain their unique identities. A common Web site should also
be a goal of the four municipalities, he said.
In noting a visitor's experience to an area must live up to
a brand for it to sell, Wood said the region can draw on its
unique world-class history and geography, while marketing an
authentic strength, such as diving.
"You can make a claim there and back it up."
Wood suggested leadership as essential, and start by working
on one project together to build momentum and trust to move forward.
"You have to boil the blood, sweat and tears to get it
done."
The day-long meeting also included workshops on effective
community branding, downtown revitalization, and tourism development.
There was some criticism of the report during the session.
Dan Throop, a representative of Prescott's Money Concepts, said
acting on the findings will require strong leadership and immense
time commitment - something many people are already hard-pressed
to provide through their own family life, businesses and volunteer
work.
"How the heck are we going to get together without government
leadership and government money or some infrastructure that's
handed to us?" Throop asked.
To be successful, the program demands someone to help gel
the ideas, co-ordinate and solve the problems, Throop stated.
"The local governments have a hard time just governing their
own areas, let alone trying to put people together..."
Thousand Islands Playhouse Director Greg Wanless noted the
report lacked any external market perspective.
Brockville Economic Development Officer Dave Paul said the
report is weak in terms of "how-to" information to
access financial and human resources to implement the ideas.
However, municipal leaders were more positive. Prescott Mayor
Robert Lawn said he believes in the report and expects it will
be helpful. Area politicians are making progress and solving
critical problems, he said. "We have found a way to work
together in a way we haven't done before.
"The Government of Ontario is not going to do this project
for us," Lawn said.
The community at large needs to be prepared to make it happen,
he added, noting the report would sit on a desk otherwise.
Brockville Mayor Ben TeKamp was equally optimistic, noting
people want the Jump Team project to happen.
"It's the essence of something good; let's not let it
slide to the back desk of our office. Keep it to the forefront.
We have to work together as a region. We all have a stake in
this."
TeKamp added this area has a "pot of gold in terms of
opportunity. We need to have an attitude and a willingness to
work together."
Two injured in house fire near Roebuck
AUGUSTA Two people were injured late Sunday afternoon
in a fire that destroyed a house on County Road 18 north of Roebuck.
A man in his mid-20s received burns to his neck, face and
arms, according to an emergency dispatcher. The man was reportedly
injured trying to put out the fire. A woman of about the same
age suffered smoke inhalation. Both were transported by ambulance
to Brockville General Hospital.
Firefighters from Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal responded
but were unable to save the building located near Hall Road.
What was left of the building was eventually torn down. Firefighters
remained at the scene until the early morning hours and returned
Monday to assess the situation.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation as of
Monday. No further details were available at press time.
VON fundraiser lunch returns
PRESCOTT The second annual VON fundraiser is set for
Wednesday, March 5 at the Prescott Legion on Henry Street.
The lunch will be served from 11 am to 1:30 pm. There will
be a choice of two entrees (chicken and salmon) prepared by the
hospitality class at South Grenville District High School. Home-made
pie will be served for dessert. Take-out orders are available.
There will also be baked goods and crafts for sale; raffles
will be held at the event.
Advance tickets can be purchased at Doyle's on King Street
or by calling the VON office at 925-3731.
OPP NEWS
Canvassers should have proper identification
SOUTH GRENVILLE Police are advising the public anyone
who is canvassing door to door should have proper identification.
Grenville County OPP received a report Feb. 13; the Pittston
Road area of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal was being canvassed by a woman
claiming to represent Easter Seals. The organization advised
Constable Johnston it does not canvass door to door. The woman
was described by witnesses as being about 40 years old, heavy
set with long brown hair. She was driving an older brown van
with a spare tire attached to the front grill; a child may have
been in the van.
Door-to-door canvassers should have badges or identification
tags and some sort of printed information such as a pamphlet
or sheet. Some acknowledgement of payment should be given out
by the canvasser.
Anyone with additional information on this canvasser or similar
situations is asked to contact the Grenville County detachment
in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Bank machine damaged in break-in attempt
SPENCERVILLE The ATM machine at the Royal Bank in Spencerville
was damaged over the weekend.
A security company reported the damage Sunday at about 1:18
am; OPP Constable G. Thibodeau responded. The frame and top panelling
of the machine in the wall of the temporary bank location were
damaged.
Police believe someone tried to gain entry into the machine;
nothing was stolen.
Follow the local trails to good health
SOUTH GRENVILLE Information on 15 recreational trails
in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties can be found in a guide
being distributed through the district health unit.
The guide provides details on the many year-round trails which
provide opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing,
walking as well as a wide range of activities for all seasons.
There are no memberships required; "get the family together,
spend some quality time and enjoy active living," a health
unit release states.
To find out where to pick up a trail guide or for more information
on physical activity, call 1-800-660-5853.
MPP, mayors serve breakfast this Saturday
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE "Bob's Breakfast" will
be served this Saturday morning at the Royal Canadian Legion
on Park Street in Brockville.
Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman is sponsoring the event,
which is a fundraiser for the local United Way. Helping the MPP
and his wife Jeannette will be Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
Mayor Dave Dobbie and other civic leaders.
"It's impossible to over-estimate the achievements of
United Way in our area," states Runciman, who adds he hopes
the breakfast will become an annual event.
The menu will include eggs, pancakes, sausage, toast, juice,
coffee and tea.
Food bank AGM to be held early next month
PRESCOTT The annual general meeting of the Food For
All food bank will take place Tuesday, March 4 at 7 pm at St.
Paul's United Church, which is located at the corner of Dibble
and George streets.
The meeting will include the election of officers to fill
vacancies on the board of directors. All are welcome to attend.
The food bank, which serves residents of Prescott, Augusta
and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, opened in September and is located
on Henry Street across from the Prescott Legion.
PRESCOTT COUNCIL BRIEFS
Wireless provider can use water tower
PRESCOTT Town council has given Digital Networks the
green light to erect antennas on the Prescott water tower as
part of the company's plan to provide high-speed wireless service
to the community.
Council approved a bylaw Monday night that authorizes an agreement
between the municipality and the company. Digital Networks will
be charged $2,100 per year ($175 per month) plus GST. CAO/Clerk
Robert Haller noted the amount was negotiated and is higher than
the figure initially proposed by the company.
Building owner seeks zoning change
PRESCOTT A public meeting will take place next month
to deal with a proposed zoning amendment.
The owner of the former funeral home at the southeast corner
of Edward and Dibble streets is asking for a special exception
that would permit residential use of the building's first floor.
The property is currently zoned centre commercial; residential
use is permitted on upper floors, not on the ground floor.
A public meeting on the proposed zoning amendment will take
place Monday, March 17 at 7 pm at the health centre auditorium
on King Street West. Written submissions on the subject will
also be accepted at the municipal office at the corner of Edward
Street and Churchill Road.
Council costs outlined in report
PRESCOTT The Town of Prescott has released its 2002
statement of remuneration and expenses for members of council.
The seven members combined for a total of more than $38,000
last year. Mayor Robert Lawn received remuneration of $8,563.
Employer benefits, mileage and meetings, subscriptions, training
and conferences totalled an additional $1,450.
Five of Prescott's six councillors Jo-Anne Beckstead,
Garry Dewar, Terry McConnell, Nancy McFarland and Seeley Pillar
each received an honorarium of about $3,836 in 2002. Councillor
Jim French received $4,787, which includes an honorarium for
serving on the Prescott Police Services Board.
Members of Prescott council are among the lowest-paid of any
town council in the region.
Funding options available to groups
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE Organizations seeking government
funding are invited to attend an information session Wednesday,
March 26 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Gananoque.
The resource forum will identify grant opportunities and offer
insight into how to write funding proposals. Representatives
from a number of government ministries and agencies will be on
hand. Service groups, church and recreation committees and school
councils are among the organizations being encouraged to attend.
The event is being hosted by United Way of Leeds and Grenville.
For more information or to register, call 342-8889.
Smokers' Helpline offers toll-free support
SOUTH GRENVILLE Smokers trying to kick the habit may
be able to get the support they need from a toll-free telephone
service.
The Smokers' Helpline (1-877-513-5333) is a confidential service
provided by the Canadian Cancer Society. Trained "quit specialists"
help callers develop plans to kick the habit as well as refer
them to support services available in the community. The specialists
offer information on withdrawal symptoms, managing stress, dealing
with cravings and other related subjects.
Nearly one-third of all cancer deaths in Canada are tobacco-related.
Smoking kills an estimated 45,000 Canadians each year. One of
every two long-term smokers will die from smoking, according
to the society.
Health Canada reports that at least 3,500 non-smokers die
each year as a result of second-hand smoke.
For more information, visit www.cancer.ca.
Medals mark unique occasion for Morris family
Brother and sister receive Queen's Jubilee Medals
The announcement Monday evening in Brockville by MPP Robert
Runciman for Leeds-Grenville, that John Morris of Prescott was
one of the recipients of the Queen's Jubilee Medal for his riding,
marked an unique occasion for the Morris family.
Both John Morris of Prescott and his sister, Deborah (Morris)
Allan of Don Mills, Ont., were named recipients of Golden Jubilee
Medals, in recognition of their volunteer work in their respective
communities, making them possibly the only brother-sister recipients
of this honour in Canada.
"This is a great tribute to our parents, the late Jack
and Ida Morris," stated John Morris following Monday night's
ceremony. "They set an admirable example of volunteer service
in their adopted town of Prescott for the 50 years they lived
here," he said. "Volunteer work and community service
were part of our way of life when we were growing up in Prescott
and our parents certainly led by example.
"This is evidenced by the fact that both Deborah and
I share this unique honour bestowed on us on behalf of the Queen
for volunteer work in our respective communities. We are proud
to add these laurels to those of our father who was presented
with the Canada 125 Medal in 1992 by the federal government for
his contributions to the community," he concluded.
In introducing Morris at the Royal Brock gathering, Master
of Ceremonies Bruce Wylie outlined some of the recipient's many
volunteer contributions over the past 35 years.
This included serving on both elementary and secondary school
boards; on the board of directors for over 30 years and a five-time
president of the Chamber of Commerce; a founding member of the
Prescott BIA and founder of the Hwy. 416 Citizens Coalition;
past chairman of the South Grenville Economic Development Commission;
and a member of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission for eight years.
He pointed out that Morris's major achievements included the
founding of Prescott's historic military pageant, and his successful
lobby to introduce re-enactors to Fort Wellington.
Wylie stated that Morris's personal millennium project was
the researching, writing and publishing of Morrises' History
of Prescott 1800 - 2000. The 540-page hardcover book has
become the benchmark of smalltown history books in Ontario.
He was named the Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award
winner in 1980 and was the recipient this year of the Grenville
County Historical Society's Award of Merit for his work over
the years in researching, writing and promoting local history,
and making local citizens aware of Prescott's unique position
in the history of Canada.
Last year he was presented with his Golden Quill Award by
the Canadian Community Newspaper Association in recognition of
his 50 years of service to the industry.
Deborah Allan received her Golden Jubilee Medal from David
Caplan, MPP for Don Valley East, at a ceremony Jan. 26 in the
Don Mills Community Centre. She was one of 14 residents of Don
Mills to receive the award.
A journalism and public relations graduate of Ryerson University,
Deborah and her husband Bruce Allan purchased a home in Don Mills
in 1984 and have lived there since.
She is vice president of Communications and Investor Relations
for Symcor Inc. in Toronto, and was head of the media relations
team for the Canadian Olympic Committee at the Salt Lake City
Olympics.
In presenting her with her medal, Mr. Caplan noted she was
on the board of directors and former chair of the North York
Harvest Food Bank; a former sponsor and board member of the Boys
and Girls Clubs of Ontario; a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer;
and a member of the Centennial College advisory board.
Deborah's volunteer activities have taken her and her Siberian
husky, Blizzard, to the St. John Ambulance pet therapy program
at Sunnybrook Hospital's veterans wing almost every Sunday afternoon
for the past seven years.
One of her most significant volunteer achievements has just
concluded, whereby she served as an effective advocate and lobbyist
on behalf of her neighbours in their quest for funding for life
enhancing drugs for a senior resident in their neighbourhood.
Her advocacy touched municipal, provincial and federal governments
and healthcare agencies, and through this support was able to
obtain a free lifetime supply of this life enhancing drug, valued
at $600 per week, from the drug maker whose manufacturing facilities
are in the community.
Volunteer Muriel Irving recognized for her efforts
BROCKVILLE Described as a "cheerful dynamo,"
Spencerville-area resident Muriel Irving was a recipient Monday
night of Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.
The award recognizes Irving's decades of caring volunteer
work in her community. She has been a member of the Spencerville
Agricultural Society since 1964 and she provides the accompaniment
at the horse school during the annual Spencerville fair. She
is now involved with the children's program.
In introducing her at a ceremony held at the Royal Brock Hotel,
Master of Ceremonies Bruce Wylie noted Mrs. Irving has worked
side-by-side with her husband Jim at functions at the Royal Canadian
Legion since the mid-1960s, and also served for 19 years on the
North Grenville Board for Community Living.
Known as a good-will ambassador on Shanly Road where the couple
resides, Mrs. Irving is always ready to help a neighbour.
She personally acknowledges birthdays and new babies, and
responds for funerals, illnesses and accidents experienced by
her neighbours.
Mrs. Irving has turned her local church into the community
gathering spot, and has been the church organist for a number
of years.
She organizes parties for the neighbourhood, being the first
to arrive and the last to leave only after all the work is done,
Wylie said.
Mrs. Irving, who will turn 75 next month, said she "could
hardly believe it" when she received the phone call informing
her she had been chosen as a jubilee medal recipient.
"There are lots of other people who deserve it."
She noted she received a lot of support from her husband,
a former Edwardsburgh township councillor and reeve, while she
"was out flying around."
Sandra Lawn honoured for community involvement
One of the most active community service volunteers in the
history of Prescott, former mayor Sandra S. Lawn was presented
with the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal by Leeds-Grenville MPP
Robt. Runciman at a ceremony at the Royal Brock Hotel in Brockville
Monday night.
Her 15 years as mayor of Prescott (1976-1991) makes her the
longest serving mayor in the town's history, and in the position
as the town's chief magistrate she also served on the PUC, Library
Board and Board of Police.
Her municipal political career, including three years on council
prior to becoming mayor, was launched with her founding of Organization
Hope, which pioneered the initial refurbishing of Prescott's
main street and its buildings in the early 1970s.
Master of Ceremonies Bruce Wylie noted that Mrs. Lawn's service
to her community included leadership roles with the economic
development commission, planning board, housing authority, the
Grenville Disaster Relief Committee (1998 ice storm), and St.
Paul's United Church manse committee.
She helped coach the Prescott speed swimming team, served
as a director and president of the Brockville YMCA, and was a
member of the St. Vincent de Paul Hospital Board.
She also served in a volunteer capacity on several St. Lawrence
College and Queen's University committees.
In 1983, she was awarded the Prescott and District Chamber
of Commerce community service award.
Mrs. Lawn served on the board of the Eastern Ontario Model
Forest and was honoured with the Ross Silversides Forest Award
for her outstanding contributions to the vision of sustainable
forestry in Eastern Ontario.
Last year she was appointed chair of the Southeastern Ontario
District Mental Health Implementation Task Force by the Ontario
minister of health. The group is charged with the responsibility
of implementing reforms of the mental health system in Ontario.
She is also chair of the regional interagency conference on children's
mental health and development well-being.
Mrs. Lawn is an honourary member of the Vanier Institute of
the Family, member of the executive committee and chair of the
investment committee.
In 1996, she was appointed to a 12-year term on the Queen's
University Council.
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