De-amalgamation discussed openly at council meeting

Mayor of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal seeks provincial approval for referendum

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE - A possible fall referendum on the de-amalgamation of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal might be in the cards after Monday's council meeting.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie revealed Monday he had sent a letter to Premier Ernie Eves, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing David Young and Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman requesting the right to hold a referendum on the possibility of the de-amalgamation of the township.

Dobbie told council he had sent the letter as township resident Pat Grant made her presentation on the subject of de-amalgamation.

"I've already started the process with a letter," said Dobbie. "I sent off the letter without council knowing and so far it's been about ten days."

The mayor agreed with the stance of Grant, who feels amalgamation was forced and services have not been improved, costs have not decreased and taxes have not been lowered.

"The discord and ongoing community upset has not subsided and seems to be growing," said Grant. "Our elected, poorly-paid politicians have been saddled with more than their share of discontentment, a much greater workload, and observing this has discouraged people from running for office or even voting. When the government can force such a thing on communities, people just give up and don't bother to vote anymore."

Dobbie pointed out how the municipality of Kawartha Lakes has been allowed to put a referendum on the ballot and Chatham-Kent wants to hold a referendum.

"When the amalgamation took place, we did have a gun put to our head," said Dobbie. "We were summoned in front of a provincial council in Kingston and Brian Coburn, the assistant minister of municipal affairs and housing told us 'you better get this done or we're going to do it for you.' We decided to do something big enough to satisfy them, yet small enough we didn't get lumped in with a larger group of municipalities."

Ralph Walton, manager of Municipal Governance and Structures Branch of Municipal Affairs and Housing, indicated Monday a referendum must be approved by the minister.

"A referendum must present a binding question to the voters," said Walton. The municipality would have to be able to implement the result, which they cannot. It would seem likely a written proposal and special legislation would be needed to de-amalgamate."

Dobbie also indicated the savings have not been what was expected; the amalgamation that took effect in the year 2000 has also affected grant money.

"In the good old days each municipality would get a grant," said Dobbie. "Now we can only collect one, and it's like a double kick in the ass."

Grant indicated the amalgamation has also ruined a good relationship between the former municipalities of Edwardsburgh and Cardinal.

"It's not just the people of Cardinal who are upset," said Grant.

"None of us want it; we need to get both sides together and see what they want to do so we can settle it. I haven't been to Cardinal since the amalgamation because it's different now. It may cost money and cause an initial state of upset, but most things that make us happier, cost us something. I for one, am prepared to return to the good old days when we were good neighbours, good friends and separate communities."

Other members of council were more leery of the idea of de-amalgamation.

"If there was a referendum and it wasn't allowed by the government, it would be very discouraging to a lot of people," said Deputy Mayor Marie Thomson. "I don't have the confidence the government will give the power back to the municipality."

Dobbie indicated he felt he had the right as mayor to make the request for de-amalgamation without first consulting council, since council would play a factor in approving the referendum if the government gave its approval.

Dobbie explained to Grant that council would wait for a response to his letter before any further action was taken.

Grant indicated an urgency to get the issue addressed.

"I don't know when the cutoff date would be," explained Grant, "but we need to get on this before it's too late. I fought for nine years to get sewers in Edwardsburgh and if I have to I'll fight another nine to get this done."

Council agrees to public meeting on fluoridation of town water

Discontinuing practice would require referendum

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ A public meeting will be held to discuss the merits of fluoridation.

Prescott council decided Monday to go ahead with a meeting, tentatively scheduled for April 28, to deal with the issue of whether the town should continue with fluoridation of the municipal water supply.

The subject arose during a budget meeting the previous Monday. An equipment failure several weeks ago at the water treatment plant has meant staff have been adding fluoride manually instead of using an automated system. The cost of replacing the equipment is about $15,000.

In his report to council Monday, CAO/Clerk Robert Haller said fluoridation is more than just a budget issue. Haller provided council members with written materials supporting and opposing fluoridation as a dental health measure.

In Dec. 1962, voters in Prescott opted in favour of fluoridation. Haller noted the only way to remove the practice is to conduct a referendum. In order for that to happen as part of this November's municipal election, council must approve a bylaw approving the referendum question by May 14.

A public meeting must precede such a move, and 20 days notice is required prior to the public meeting. With this in mind, town officials indicated a decision on whether to hold a meeting was needed as soon as possible.

No member of council spoke against conducting a public meeting. "After reading this, I'm not too comfortable," Councillor Terry McConnell said of the material provided in Haller's report.

The Fluoride Action Network (FAN), "an international coalition to end water fluoridation," indicates on its Web site most of western Europe has rejected the practice. In noting the widely-held belief that fluoride needed to be ingested in order to be effective, FAN states the dental establishment now concedes this is not the case.

In addition to claiming fluoridation is either unnecessary or does not work, FAN goes on to claim elevated fluoride exposure may lead to a wide range of physical problems such as bone disease and abnormal bone development.

Haller's report also includes materials from provincial and federal health agencies and a dental consultant with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. "Water fluoridation is the safest and most cost-effective method of reducing tooth decay in children," writes Dr. G. Robert Bowes.

With information coming from both sides of the fluoridation debate, councillors indicated those positions should be presented to local residents. "I think a public meeting is a good thing," said Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead.

Councillor Garry Dewar said no one on council really knows the facts when it comes to fluoridation. However, he indicated he is in favour of a public debate on the subject.

Haller said he had not received any phone calls or public input on fluoridation since the press reported on the subject last week. Mayor Robert Lawn indicated he had been approached Monday by someone who said she would be preparing an essay against fluoridation. The mayor said if he has one regret, it is the fact the timing of the meeting and subsequent decision on a referendum is so tight.

Haller apologized to council Monday for the manner in which the fluoridation issue arose during a budget meeting. He said the matter warranted council's consideration even if there had been no equipment problem at the water treatment plant, which is operated on the town's behalf by the Ontario Clean Water Agency. The equipment problem occurred about a month before council was advised of the situation, but town officials say there was no public health risk associated with that problem or the steps taken to maintain fluoridation. However, the handling of the fluoride could be a health and safety issue for plant operators.

Council could choose to go ahead with replacing the equipment at the plant and not putting the fluoridation matter to a vote at election time.

See next week's Journal for more details of the public meeting, who will be invited to speak at that meeting, and general information on fluoridation.

Extra-curricular safe for now as high school teachers escalate job action

PRESCOTT ­ Teachers at South Grenville District High School have escalated their job action against the Upper Canada District School Board.

As of Monday, local teachers and other members of District 26 of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) are not covering the duties of absent teachers or taking part in certain administrative duties. The move comes after bargaining failed to produce a new collective agreement.

"We are really disappointed no settlement has been reached after negotiating this week," bargaining unit President Carson Kilpatrick stated in a news release issued Friday. "We remain anxious to get back to the bargaining table and resolve the outstanding issues," added Kilpatrick, who works at South Grenville.

The union has been without a new contract since Sept. 2001.

Teachers initiated their job action several weeks ago. In the beginning, teachers commenced arriving at school no more than 15 minutes prior to the start of classes and leave no more than 15 minutes after the end of classes each day.

As of now, high school teachers remain available for extra-curricular activities.

Although teachers have now curtailed the inputting of report card marks as part of the job action escalation, they will continue to conduct student assessment and report marks to the school office. "It is not our intention to jeopardize the future of students currently applying for post-secondary programs," Kilpatrick stated.

Joan Hodge, Upper Canada trustee representing Grenville County, told The Journal Sunday she hopes the escalation will be "as low-key as possible" and will not affect students. "I guess we have to wait and see what happens," she added.

Hodge, a member of the board's negotiating team, said no new date for talks had been set as of the weekend.

Rhonda Kimberley-Young, chair of the teachers' negotiating team and vice-president of OSSTF, stated in a news release progress was made at the bargaining table last week. However, she added "...there are still a number of outstanding monetary and non-monetary issues."

District 26 represents about 900 high school teachers employed by the public board.

Local restoration specialist draws new life from old buildings

Brad Hubbard receives award of merit for grist mill project

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE ­ A restoration specialist based in Spencerville has received a certificate of merit from the City of Ottawa for his role in the historic restoration and rehabilitation of Watson's Mill in Manotick.

Brad Hubbard of Hubbard and Co. was presented with the honour Feb. 17 at the Ottawa Architectural Conservation Awards Ceremony. The award recognizes the successful restoration of the 1860 working grist mill. Hubbard's work on the mill that was constructed of limestone cut from the banks of the Rideau River involved stabilizing the foundation, repointing the stone and replacing stone lintels and sills.

Hubbard, who began his business in 1981, said his deep appreciation for older buildings was inspired by the 1832 Alpheus Jones house in Prescott, located across the street from his family's home. Hubbard fondly recalls when he was in Grade 3, the owner at the time, Harry Clarke, handed him a paint brush and hired him to paint a back shed on the property. The rest is history.

Since then, Hubbard has been involved in the sensitive rehabilitation of older buildings in Eastern Ontario and New York state. Among his projects are the Windmill lighthouse east of Prescott, Stockade Barracks and other stone houses in Prescott, a Georgian home and carriage shed in Perth, the township hall in Spencerville, Laurier House in Ottawa, and the courthouse and city hall in Brockville.

He was involved with the conversion of the old Winchester fire hall and town hall to a live theatre and museum, the restoration of a mill in Morley, N.Y., and structural work to a late Victorian era house west of Prescott. While he has completely restored about 25 stone homes (some of which he brought back to life after decades of abandonment), Hubbard has also built reproduction stone homes.

Hubbard's own home, office and workshop is an 1840s general store and doctor's office.

As a sideline to his business, Hubbard started a furniture shop specializing in reproduction pine furniture based on early Ontario styles. His handcrafted creations, available by custom order or through his Spencerville showroom, include dining room sets, flat back cabinets, jam cupboards, armoirs and deacon's benches.

The spin-off business led to the creation of the bar furniture for pubs in Toronto and Blue Mountain.

Over the years, Hubbard has worked on several projects that received awards, but the recent architectural award from Ottawa was the first time he was personally acknowledged for his work. "It's nice to be recognized," he said, noting it is the efforts of his dedicated employees who helped him achieve the award.

Among his key employees are mason Tony Grootenhuis and millworker and furniture maker Janusz Drezin. Hubbard employs five permanent staff, and in the peak summer season, the number swells to about 12.

Canoe poker run will start season of activities at Spencerville Mill

By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer

SPENCERVILLE ­ A canoe and kayak poker run later this month will highlight fundraising efforts for the Spencerville Mill Foundation.

Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, participants will begin paddling on the South Nation River at the Weir Road bridge, continue to Ventnor and then finish at the Spencerville Mill. Prizes will be awarded at the mill for the paddlers with the best poker hand of cards picked up at five checkpoints along the route.

To register or to donate prizes for the event, contact organizer Bill Hooper at 658-2146.

A $5,000 grant from the Ontario Cultural Strategic Investment Fund will be used in a joint project with Friends of the Edwardsburgh Public Library to produce an educational video that will highlight the mill and village and promote the community. Project co-ordinator Louise Burchell said the video is to be produced by media arts students from South Grenville District High School. The students will also be creating a walking tour of the village. The grant is also expected to fund a curriculum-based program for elementary students at the mill.

Mill foundation directors are also planning to submit an application for funding to the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The priority on the directors' wish list of renovations at the 134-year-old stone grist mill is public washrooms and a wheelchair ramp.

Once the mill is accessible, directors hope to open it for community and public functions, such as weddings, reunions, craft shows, seminars or workshops.

Also included on the renovation wish list is an on-site museum showcasing items native to the Spencerville area. A walking trail along the South Nation River is in the long-range plans.

Volunteers with a knack for roofing, painting, stone work, carpentry and cleaning are being recruited. For more information on volunteering at the mill, call 925-2113, 925-1640 or 658-5803.

The mill foundation held its annual general meeting March 31. New officers, including a chairman to replace retiring chairman Ted Barnard, will be elected by the directors at the first meeting April 28.

Directors for 2003-04, in addition to Barnard, are Tony Ferrey, Lyle Henderson, Bill Hooper, Brad Hubbard, Nancy Baker, J.P. Connell, Al Gillis, Frank Noccey, Brian Purcell, Dave Sloan and Bill Woodhead.

Regional jobless rate increases in March

KINGSTON ­ The regional unemployment rate rose by more than a full percentage point last month, according to Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).

The jobless rate for the Eastern Ontario region that includes South Grenville was nine per cent in March compared to 7.9 per cent in February. A seasonal employment slowdown continued last month, an HRDC news release stated.

Most sectors reported employment decreases; the information, culture and recreation service sectors were exceptions.

The jobless rate hike did not translate into increases in the number of Employment Insurance (EI) claimants.

There were 1,073 active claims on file at the Prescott HRDC office at the end of March, a slight decrease from the total of 1,108 at the end of February.

The Kingston-Pembroke HRDC area reported an overall EI claimant decrease of 0.7 per cent last month.

HRDC notes the regional unemployment rate is not determined through an assessment of EI claimant data.

The regional rate of nine per cent recorded in March of this year is lower than the March 2002 rate of 9.2 per cent.

The "local" region includes the counties of Leeds and Grenville, Lanark, Prescott and Russell and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

Student selected to be local NDP candidate

LEEDS-GRENVILLE ­ Chris Fairon says he is raring to go.

The 18-year-old student will be the New Democratic Party's flag-bearer in Leeds-Grenville the next time voters go to the polls in a provincial election.

Fairon, a Cornwall resident who noted Monday he would soon be moving back to Brockville, studied for five years at Grenville Christian College (GCC) in Maitland.

"I have always been interested in politics," he told The Journal Monday.

Fairon said instead of being cynical about politicians, he decided to become a candidate and try to improve the system from within.

In noting he attended a private school on a scholarship, Fairon said in a party news release issued on the weekend he opposes the Progressive Conservative private school tax credit. "I don't believe anyone should be able to buy a better education for their children, or better health care for themselves," he stated. "Everyone deserves a fair shot, and that's what the NDP is all about."

The party's "publicpower" platform is aimed at ensuring "...that when it comes to our schools, our health care, our electricity, our water, our government looks after our interests," according to Fairon.

"The sooner Ernie Eves calls an election the better."

Progressive Conservative MPP Bob Runciman is seeking an eighth term as this area's representative in the Ontario legislature. Steve Mazurek is the Liberal candidate.

Anglican bishop to attend services

PRESCOTT ­ The new Anglican bishop of the Diocese of Ontario will be making his first official visit to South Grenville during the upcoming Holy Week.

The Right Reverend George Bruce will preach at and preside over the Maundy Thursday service April 17 at 7:30 pm at St. John's Anglican Church in Prescott. The bishop will also attend the Good Friday service the following morning at 10 am at St. James church in Maitland.

The Great Vigil of Easter service will take place Saturday, April 19 at 7:30 pm at St. John's.

These three joint services involving the Prescott and Augusta (Maitland and North Augusta) Anglican parishes are open to anyone who would like to attend.

Bruce, a former dean of St. George's Cathedral in Kingston, was elected bishop last June and was consecrated in the fall. The retired Canadian Armed Forces colonel also served in the Diocese of Ottawa.

Judicial hearing set for June 13

Fate of Prescott Police Service hangs in balance

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ The future of policing in Prescott could be decided in a Toronto courtroom later this spring.

A judicial hearing will be held June 13 to determine if an Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS) decision to turn down a request to disband the Prescott Police Service was justified.

An OCCOPS panel indicated in Dec. 2001 it was not at that time prepared to approve the disbandment request made by the town. Prescott proposed entering into a municipal service contract with the Grenville County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Citing unresolved issues ­ including the OPP's refusal to offer employment to Prescott Constable Darren Davis even though all other constables working for the town police department would be hired ­ the panel indicated in its written decision it would be prepared to reconsider the disbandment request if certain conditions were met within about one month of the release of the decision. The OPP indicated in Jan. 2002 it would seek a judicial review of the matter.

Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said last week he would be talking to the town solicitor about the judicial hearing process. However, Lawn indicated most of the work associated with making the case against the OCCOPS ruling has been completed.

Municipal representatives have stated they do not believe OCCOPS has the jurisdiction to insist the OPP and Davis agree to arbitration as a condition of disbandment. As part of its review of a disbandment proposal, OCCOPS is to ensure police service in the affected community will not suffer and that workers directly affected by disbandment are being treated fairly.

At a Jan. 20 meeting, The Journal asked town officials how much the disbandment process has cost the municipality. When reminded of the request at Monday's council meeting, Lawn indicated a figure would be made available.

The town/OPP proposal would also see the loss of several civilian positions, most of which involve dispatch service based at the police and fire hall in downtown Prescott. The OPP would use its own communications services, and the town would contract out fire dispatch.

The OPP has indicated it would be prepared to hire one of those dispatchers.

Daffodil sales exceed expectations

PRESCOTT ­ The CAPE (Cardinal, Augusta, Prescott, Edwardsburgh) branch of the Canadian Cancer Society contributed more than $6,440 to the society from its annual daffodil campaign in South Grenville.

This is "by far the best we've ever done," said Prescott Daffodil Chair John Christofolakos. In Prescott, $4,822 was raised from daffodil sales, which represents a 20 per cent increase over last year.

In Cardinal, organizer Dorie Coons reported 23 volunteers sold $1,619.65 worth of daffodils, down by just $100 from last year. Beryl Zackon said sales were slower than in previous years in Spencerville, but she will continue to sell daffodils this week at the Village Pantry and Royal Bank.

Christofolakos is pleased by the sales, considering weekend weather conditions of below-average temperatures combined with freezing rain and snow. In other areas, including Toronto, the daffodil campaign continued into this week because of poor weekend sales, he said.

Christofolakos credited the new pricing structure for the higher sales. Bunches of 10 blooms were sold for $6 each or 2 bunches for $10, as apposed to previous years in which the bunches were sold for $5 each. Many purchasers opted to buy two bunches, he said.

Slow down, steer clear of emergency vehicles

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Motorists are being alerted by the local OPP to a new provision of the Highway Traffic Act that requires drivers to use caution when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.

The amendment, which was approved Thursday by the provincial government, requires motorists to slow down and, wherever possible, move to an alternate lane when coming up on a police car or other emergency vehicle with its red lights flashing and parked in an adjacent lane.

The new law is aimed at improving the safety of the public and emergency response personnel. Several OPP officers have been killed in collisions involving stopped vehicles since 1995, noted Grenville County OPP Community Services Officer, Constable Holly Howard, in a news release.

The new offence carries a minimum fine of $400 and three demerits. Increased fines (up to $4,000), driver's licence suspensions and jail time are among the penalties that could be imposed for a first or subsequent offence, according to Howard.

The constable said most motorists slow down when approaching emergency vehicles parked at the side of the road. She reminds drivers to slow down and watch for people exiting vehicles. "Public safety is paramount, as is officer safety."

Prescott council receives progress report on renovations to municipal building

Window work nearly done; council receptive to filling gymnasium floor area

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Renovations at the Dibble Street municipal building are going well, according to Construction Manager Brad Snelling.

Plans for the three-storey facility include the return of municipal administration offices and the council chamber. Council has approved about $840,000 for the renovation project.

The replacement of exterior windows is about 90 per cent complete, Snelling told Prescott council Monday night. Exterior painting has been hampered by the weather, according to the manager. The electrical contractor is now on site, and many of the demolition-related items have been addressed.

Snelling told council contracts for flooring, painting, masonry, dry wall and ceilings have yet to be awarded.

Councillor Garry Dewar said he had been approached by a local contractor who voiced concern he was not contacted about the project and did not see it advertised in the paper. In response, Snelling and Prescott CAO/Clerk Robert Haller indicated officials followed regular practices by contacting local people they were aware of and making use of regional bid depositories.

Haller said the process has been "incredibly open," adding he cannot imagine how local contractors would not be aware of the renovation project.

Dewar also expressed concern council was not consulted on a decision involving an electrical room in the municipal building. Although the councillor noted he thinks the work is being done very well, he said the project is still being overseen by a committee of council which should be consulted when changes to the plan are being considered.

Some other councillors indicated council was no longer serving in that capacity.

Haller said minor changes could not be delayed if the project is to be completed this summer. Modifications have been made to address budget concerns, but Haller maintains the project and the service being provided by the manager has been "excellent."

It now appears council is ready to give the green light to filling in the gymnasium floor. The old, rotting wooden floor has been removed. Snelling said it would be nice for council to make a decision one way or the other; by doing so, workers would know how to handle establishing a nearby elevator shaft.

The former gymnasium is being eyed for future expansion of the adjacent public library that continues to operate during the renovation project.

Easter party in Johnstown

JOHNSTOWN - The South Edwardsburgh Recreation Association will be holding its annual Easter Party this Saturday, April 12 at the Johnstown Community Centre.

The afternoon's festivities will run from 1 until 3 pm and include many activities for the children such as face-painting, games, Easter crafts, door prizes and making an Easter basket.

Successful trade show will lead to bigger things

Spencerville event draws more than 550 people to Drummond Building

SPENCERVILLE ­ The first Spencerville Spring Trade Show held last weekend was so successful, volunteer organizers are already planning how to make next year's event ever bigger and better.

Hosted by the Spencerville Agricultural Society, more than 550 visitors came to view the products and services displayed by 51 vendors, explained organizer Mary Tessier. Organizers had been expecting about 500 visitors. Close to 100 door prizes were donated by vendors, which allowed for a door prize draw every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the three-day show.

It is estimated $2,500 was raised by the agricultural society, which also presents the annual Spencerville Fair.

Organizers received "incredible feedback and comments" on the professionalism of the show from vendors and visitors, Tessier noted. Surveys completed by vendors indicated they were amazed by the professional organization. Many of the vendors have already booked a table for next year, she added, noting the number of available places could be increased to as many as 100.

Exhibits ranged from landscaping, pools and health and skin care, to computers, upholstery and financial services.

Presenting the show required hundreds of volunteers hours from members of the agricultural society, said society President Sheila Bush in noting the contributions of executive directors Tessier and Janet Davidson.

Carmen to be presented in Prescott next week

Fort Town concert series continues Tuesday, April 15 at St. Andrew's church

PRESCOTT ­ The opera Carmen will be presented Tuesday, April 15 at 8 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Prescott.

The opera, to be performed by Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal, is the fourth and final instalment in the Fort Town Concert Association's 2002-2003 regular season.

Bizet's Carmen is a four-act opera that tells the story of a soldier struck by the charm of a beautiful gypsy girl who leads him to his doom.

The opera was first performed in 1875 and became an instant hit.

The Montreal-based opera company enables young Canadian singers to receive professional operatic training while acquiring solid practical experience.

The Prescott appearance is being presented under the auspices of Jeunesse Musicales of Canada and the Ontario Arts Council. The April 15 concert is sponsored by The Colonel's Inn.

Tickets for adults and students are now available. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge.

The concert is free for new members with the purchase of a subscription to next year's Fort Town series.

For more information about tickets or the association, call 925-5050 or visit www.webify.ca/ftca.

As part of the association's music education program, the opera company will give a special performance for some students from Central, Boundary Street and South Edwardsburg public schools on the afternoon of the concert.

Tax return required for certain government credits and benefits

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ Canadians who do not have to pay taxes may want to consider filing individual returns to claim certain credits or benefits, according to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA).

A person is required to file a return in order to receive a GST credit or Canada Child Tax benefit. Students who earn a small amount of income can build up future RRSP contribution room by filing returns now. Students may also be able to carry forward of transfer tuition and education amounts by filing returns and putting those amounts on record, according to CCRA.

Consult a tax guide for more information on credits and benefits or visit the CCRA Web site at www.ccra.gc.ca. The toll-free number is 1-800-959-8281.

Citizenship award program seeks nominees

LEEDS AND GRENVILLE ­ Nominations for the first annual Citation Award for Citizenship are now being accepted.

"I believe there are a number of people and organizations in our collective communities that should be nominated for their efforts in helping newcomers successfully integrate into Canadian society," Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan stated in a news release.

In terms of eligibility, nominees must be Canadian citizens or active Canadian organizations. The individuals or organizations must also have contributed to the integration of permanent residents or refugees in an exceptional way.

The nominator must indicate a description of up to 500 words in length of the nominee's achievements, a one-page biography of the nominee and two letters of support from co-sponsoring organizations.

Nominations forms are available at Jordan's constituency office or at www.cig.gc.ca or by calling (613) 957-9313.

Completed nominations are to be postmarked no later than Friday, April 18.

Twenty citations will be issued in Canada this October during Citizenship Week.

Federal Building sold to Ottawa developer

PRESCOTT ­ Some details of the sale of the Federal Building on Centre Street in Prescott have been released by a realtor involved in the transaction.

Frank Whiten, a listing agent of the property with Homelife DLK Real Estate in Brockville, said the purchaser is from the Ottawa area and has also bought and developed other properties in town. The realtor is unable to disclose the purchaser's name until the deal closes May 30.

While Whiten was also unable to state the purchase price of the building, he noted it had been listed at $299,000, reduced from an original asking price of $395,000.

The purchaser plans to continue purchasing properties in Prescott as each becomes stable and profitable, Whiten said, adding the purchaser viewed this structure as an excellent property.

The Federal Building has housed the Canada Post offices since April 1966, and was constructed during the previous year. Human Resources Development Canada also has its offices in the building.

There is plenty of office and storage space of various sizes remaining, in addition to an 1,100-square-foot area on the main floor, Whiten said. There is also an elevator.

Men's group to meet in new location later this month

PRESCOTT ­ The next get-together of the Seaway Men's Ecumenical Group will take place Saturday, April 26 at St. Mark's Parish Centre.

The meeting begins at 8 am with breakfast that will include pancakes, fresh maple syrup, sausages, beans and a variety of fruit. All are invited to attend; breakfast tickets can be purchased at the door.

The guest speaker will be Edie Benish of Sea 'n' Sky. She will talk about scuba diving in the Prescott area.

The change of location is due to renovations planned for the hall at St. Paul's United Church.

OPP BRIEFS

Driver faces drug possession, false statement charge

PRESCOTT ­ An Ottawa man faces numerous charges as a result of a vehicle stop that occurred March 31 on Highway 401 near Edward Street.

OPP Constable Foley pulled over an eastbound Lexus for speeding at about 6:20 pm. The driver failed to identify himself and was arrested, according to a police news release. A search revealed the man had in his possession a quantity of marijuana. Francis Stocker, 26, is charged with speeding, failing to give identification, driving while under suspension, making a false statement and possession of a controlled substance. He is scheduled to appear in Brockville court April 25 to face the controlled substance charge and May 6 to face the Highway Traffic Act offences.

Fires set near elementary school a growing concern

JOHNSTOWN ­ Concerns have been raised about three recent cases of mischief at South Edwardsburg Public School. Fires were set in close proximity to the school on three occasions, the most recent of which damaged the exterior of the building. In one occurrence, four outside lights were damaged. These activities are becoming more severe in nature and constitute criminal charges of mischief and arson. Anyone with information is asked to contact constables Duke, Boutilier or Howard at the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221).

Shed continues to be target for mischief

CARDINAL ­ Acts of mischief are recurring behind the post office on Dundas Street. OPP Constable Runciman responded to a recent case April 1. The shed behind the building was damaged, but nothing was removed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating officer, Crime Stoppers, or leave an anonymous tip with the secretary at the Grenville County detachment in Prescott (925-4221).

Youths flee on foot through cemetery

MAITLAND ­ On the afternoon of April 4, OPP Constable Jeff Arnold responded to what police described as a single vehicle collision on County Road 15 just north of Highway 401. A red 1996 Caravan was found in the east ditch near the cemetery. A 15-year-old male, the driver, was arrested at the scene. Three other occupants of the van fled on foot through the cemetery. A 15- and 16-year-old were found near a residence on Meadowview Road; the other 15-year-old male was located at a residence near County Road 26. Charges are pending against the driver. The vehicle is owned by the driver's parents, according to police.

Thieves take off before anything is taken

SPENCERVILLE ­ Nothing appeared to have been taken following a break and enter at the Drummond Building. OPP Constable Blanchette responded April 5 at about 11:58 pm. Considerable damage was done to a rear door through which entry had been gained. Culprits made their way through the building and broke into the kitchen area. It is believed they left the building when the audible alarm sounded. Numerous items left at the scene were collected as evidence. The constable is in the process of interviewing witnesses; anyone with information is asked to contact him at the detachment in Prescott.

Town considers changes to farmers market bylaw

By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor

PRESCOTT ­ Proposed changes to operations at the Prescott Farmers Market are aimed at improving the downtown attraction, town council has been told.

The bylaw covering the clock tower lot market has been reviewed, and a revised version was introduced at first and second reading Monday night.

Among the proposed revisions is a new set of operating hours. Under the existing bylaw, the market was open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 am to 1 pm. Vendors had to be in place by 9 am but could leave at any time prior to 1 pm, CAO/Clerk Robert Haller noted.

The proposed bylaw would note vendors must still be in place by 9 am, but were not to leave before 1 pm. It is felt there is a need to ensure a minimum number of hours, council was told. A first offence would result in a warning; a second offence would result in a permit suspension, and a third would result in the loss of a yearly permit.

Eli Countryman, a vendor who co-ordinates the market association, said about half the vendors usually stay until early in the afternoon. "It's not going to make that much of a difference," he added.

An afternoon session between 1 and 7 pm would also be established as part of the revised bylaw. Vendors for that session would not be allowed to set up before 1 pm unless they attended the morning session. Haller noted extending the operating hours "would not seem to affect parking issues" and "would provide a greater service to residents and visitors."

The market season would also be extended. At present, the season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31; the new season would run from April 15 to Dec. 31.

If approved, the bylaw would prohibit the sale of used goods or antiques. However, special events such as a community garage sale could still be permitted at the clock tower site.

Countryman also spoke about the need to ensure in the market's code of ethics that vendors do not use "distressed" pricing. By selling the same goods at much lower prices, regular vendors whose livelihood depends on market sales are hurt.

In terms of issuing one-day permits ($10 each) and checking on market operations, Jane Burton of The Gift Lane has volunteered to perform that function. Full-year permits cost $75 and will continue to be available at the municipal office.

Countryman said the Prescott market is now eligible for grant money of up to $10,000 as part of an Ontario association. There are plans this year to provide canopies to each vendor.

The bylaw was not given third and final reading Monday night. Input is being sought from the BIA, chamber of commerce and interested parties.

Martial arts students will support local church

PRESCOTT ­ The Loyalist TaeKwon-Do Charity Break-a-thon will take place Saturday, April 26 at St. John's Anglican Church. The club's first intramural patterns and sparring competition is also a fundraiser for the church's restoration fund.

Each student will be given two chances to break a board. If successful, he or she moves on to another round of board-breaking; an extra board is added each round until a winner emerges.

The club will collect pledges and is seeking sponsors for its tournament program. Charitable receipts will be issued on request. For more information, contact Thomas Gobeil at 925-0359 or loyalisttkd@sympatico.ca.

Deadline to file returns nears

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Avoid a late-filing penalty by submitting income tax returns by the end of April.

Anyone who owes tax money as part of his or her 2002 individual return is required to file on or before April 30.

For those who file their returns on paper, a cheque or money order payable to the Receiver General should be attached.

For more information, visit the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Web site at www.ccra.gc.ca.

Funding announcement ensures future for Brockville Rifles, according to Jordan

OTTAWA - The Brockville Rifles will benefit from a funding announcement made Thursday by Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan and National Defence Minister John McCallum.

The federal announcement secured the second phase of funding for the Land Forces Reserve Restructure.

The announcement confirmed with the second phase of the program there will be funding for an immediate increase of 750 Army Reservists for the 2002-2003 fiscal year and another 750 reservists for 2004-2005.

"This announcement is significant for Canada and Leeds-Grenville," Jordan said in a news release.

"The Brockville Rifles and reserve units across Canada have been ensured a future with this announcement of increased resources for people and equipment."

Jordan noted the militia makes it possible for the army to accomplish the many tasks assigned to the government. The number of citizen soldiers across Canada currently stands at 15,500, with the announcement's goal of raising that number to 18,500.

"The militia is a cost-effective solution to the growing demand for soldiers to meet Canada's international commitments and fill vacant defence establishments at home," said Jordan, noting the critical role the reserves played during the 1998 Ice Storm of Eastern Ontario and Upper New York State.

The Brockville Rifles is a regional regiment that serves South Grenville.

Preparations are under way for the annual Beaveree

7th Prescott Scouts, Submitted by Scouter Karen

District bowling for Scouts and Venturers was held in Kemptville March 23, and we had more than 75 bowlers striving for the trophy, with Morrisburg taking it home this year. Everyone had a good time, and some of us who haven't bowled for many years discovered some unused muscles that were temperamental the next day.

Constable Holly Howard visited our troop March 25 and talked to us about the Block Parent program and Neighbourhood Watch. She also presented to us a story on safe Internet use. We were surprised how easy it is for someone to get information about us in a chat room when we answer questions we think are pretty innocent.

It was a good reminder that we really don't know who we are chatting with ­ just because someone says he is a 13-year-old certainly doesn't mean that is the case. It was a good and timely reminder to all.

Plans are under way for the various activities coming up. 7th Prescott will be hosting the annual Beaveree this year, and there will be more to follow on that. Spring camp plans are being made, and the Pennsylvania group will be visiting us in May. We are expecting about 130 from Pennsylvania to camp with us, so we are busy preparing. Another event coming up is the Scoutrees program.

We are planting this year in Winchester, and this is the big Canada-wide event where we raise funds in the form of sponsorships; part of that money stays in the groups, and the rest is contributed to World Scouting.

This money helps provide programs in very poor countries, and is a real effort to promoting world peace and co-operation ­ not to mention planting trees is a great thing for our environment right here at home. Your donation goes a long way, so please consider this very worthy program.

Good luck to everyone who is fortunate enough to hold a ticket in our upcoming raffle, and see you at the Kub Kars.

Council meeting postponed one week

PRESCOTT ­ The next meeting of Prescott council has been moved to Monday, April 28 at 7 pm at the health centre on King Street West.

The meeting had been scheduled for Easter Monday (April 21).

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Our elected, poorly-paid politicians have been saddled
with more than their share of discontentment."

Editor's Notebook

LET THE CAMPAIGNING OFFICIALLY BEGIN: Based on the volume of material coming out of the fax machine and through e-mail, there must be at least one election coming soon (not counting the municipal election in November). Although we have not conducted a scientific study on the subject, the marked increase in good news announcements, photo opportunities and political party rhetoric would suggest it won't be long before Ontarians will be going to the polls, and the feds may not be that far behind.

This, of course, is not exactly late-breaking news. The airwaves have been chock full of ads highlighting political party leaders, giving pats on the back to the alleged improvements being made to education and health care, and taking aim at the alleged gutting of education and health care. It is clear the many players in the upcoming election are positioning themselves; for example, many government releases refer specifically to "the Ernie Eves government."

The bottom line is the public (as well as reporters and editors) should be a bit more vigilant when assessing the value of material coming from any and all sources these days. The balance between accepting things at face value and being sceptical has become an even more difficult objective to achieve. For the sake of us all, here is hoping there will soon be an election call that will "legitimize" all of this campaigning that seems to be taking place.

ALL FOR ONE... WELL, MAYBE NOT: Just when the anti-amalgamation talk in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal seemed to have faded into an extended lull, along comes a formal pitch to have voters decide whether they want to scrap the amalgamated township and revert to the Township of Edwardsburgh and Village of Cardinal.

De-amalgamation seems to fly in the face of what Ontario was all about in the mid- to late '90s. However, at least one municipality will be going to the polls this November to indicate whether they believe bigger is better.

In a way, allowing voters to decide the fate of their communities seems to be the natural and fair way to proceed. After all, the decision to amalgamate was not given to voters (although they had a say in the process). On the other hand, pulling the plug on the new set-up a few years after it was created may not be long enough to give an accurate assessment of its effectiveness.

Still, the fact Mayor Dave Dobbie has indicated his support for putting the question to a vote may come as a surprise to many in the southern reaches of the new township. The municipal affairs minister must still sign off on the proposition before the voters can decide the fate of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, but the people who have been complaining about amalgamation may finally get their chance to do something about it.

Tim Ruhnke

Preserve memories and treasures with proper information

FORWARDING COMMENTS by Monica Whitney

One of the great parts of my job is finding a photo and the information that accompanies it for the Portraits of the Past feature that appears each week at the top of this editorial page.

I tramp through the dusty archives here, search through old filing cabinets, pick the brains of friends, strangers and acquaintances, and pour through history books of the area.

I get a charge out solving a historical puzzle and frustrated if I can't. It's also a pleasure and a relief to have all the identifying information for an old photograph provided for me with the photo, though with even a date, name or an event to identify the photo, I'm steered in the right direction. The photos that come with very little information are a mystery, but I sometimes pass them along to you for answers.

The keeper of a great amount of historical information that is also accurately catalogued is the Grenville County Historical Society, located at Edward and Dibble in Prescott. This volunteer-run organization dedicated to the research and preservation of Grenville County history has helped solve many of my photo puzzles. If you're looking for information on your family, a place or event, check it out. At this time of year, the historical society is open on Tuesdays. Call 925-0489, or e-mail gchs@ripnet.com.

During my searches for suitable portraits of the past at the society, I've found plenty of candidates. But some, unfortunately, may never see this page because the original owner included absolutely no clue as to what or who it is or any information with it.

This frustration has led me to start taking more proper care of my own family photos, scrapbooks and albums. It's a tedious job labelling and dating photos of current family events, but somebody (I hope) will thank me 50 or 100 years from now when a search is on for more portraits for this page.

We all know who's in the photo when it's taken and then tucked away in a shoe box or album. You know which baby is which at the time, but how often, maybe even just a few years later, do we hesitate in naming which of our children is in the photo? And will we remember the exact year of the event or the occasion a little ways down the road?

There's that tattered bit of newspaper; if it was important enough to cut out and save and stick in a scrapbook, it is important enough to take 30 seconds to scribble on a date and the paper in which it appeared. Our memories are not always perfect, and someone, perhaps even our own family, will appreciate the extra effort years from now when they have all the information at their fingertips. A minute spent now identifying memories will ensure our future treasures are never lost.

If you have an old photo from the South Grenville area you would like to share with our readers, e-mail it or bring it by the office. It can be scanned and returned, and a permanent electronic copy will be kept here.

Early plans for international bridge call for lift span at Sophia

FROM THE ARCHIVES

April 9, 1953

* Classes will begin next week by RCA Victor to train female operators for work in the radio assembly section of the million-dollar plant now nearing completion opposite the CNR station. Upon completion of the course, the 25-30 trainees will be transferred directly to the assembly lines in the new plant. The first radio and television sets will actually be assembled in the training rooms at the DLD.

* A consulting engineer's report has indicated a high-level bridge across the St. Lawrence at Ogdensburg would be considerably more expensive than the proposed lift-span bridge, and it is probable that the Ogdensburg Bridge Authority would not be able to finance its construction.

However, the proposal to build a lift-span bridge has been opposed in Canadian quarters because it might require frequent raising and lowering, and would therefore interfere with river and highway traffic.

Current plans call for a lift-span structure, 540 feet long with one flanking span of 270 feet at each end. The vertical clearance is 65 feet over the main navigational channel with the span lowered, and 135 feet in lifted position. The bridge would extend from the foot of St. Lawrence Avenue in Ogdensburg to Sophia Street in Prescott.

April 10, 1963

* Fluoridation of Prescott's water supply moved a step closer at a meeting of Public Utilities Commission when a delegation of municipal council discussed the proposed means of financing. It was agreed the initial capital outlay of $6,700 for installation be raised by a special levy on all consumers, with operating costs then to be absorbed in the regular rates. The fluoridation question was approved by a majority of electors last December.

April 11, 1973

* Kathy Jackson, Grade 10 honours students at SGDHS, was judged top public speaker at the Prescott IOOF contest. She wins a two-week trip to the United Nations. Runner-up was Will Thurber; other entrants were Debbie Cyr and Doug Hayes.

Dana Wert continuing 80-year-old family newspaper tradition

FORT TOWN DIARY by John A.H. Morris

When we announced about a month ago to our youthful editor that we would be having a journalism intern from Loyalist College working on the Journal for three weeks in April, and that she was the great granddaughter of the man who was our initial printer's trade teacher at the Journal, he said that it sounded like it was "payback time".

And so it is, as we welcome Loyalist College senior Dana Wert to the Journal staff for the next three weeks to gain some writing and photography experience. Dana is the daughter of Bill and JoAnn Wert of Kingston (formerly of Prescott), and her grandparents are Regina and the late Jim Wert, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank McCaw, all of Prescott.

It was her great grandfather, the late George Wert who, along with his son Pete, took me under their wing for a couple of summers at the Prescott Journal in the late 1940s to teach me my California type case configuration, how to compose a printing job, lock it up, and slide it into place on the Journal's l0" by 15" hand-fed Gordon press (800 impressions per hour), and how to operate the press without losing any fingers.

We have fond memories of the late George Wert, a skilled tradesman and always a gentleman, a man so typical of his time, who took pride in his work and who was loyal to his employer.

He was a native of Iroquois and went to work about 1920 for the Iroquois Post and Matilda Advocate where his brother-in-law Alf Keeler was editor-manager. Like so many young men of that era (young Herb Caldwell also of Iroquois included) George joined the Canadian army at age 15 and was serving in the trenches in France when it was discovered he was only 16. He was shipped back to England and served as a hospital orderly for the final two years of the war.

When he came back to Canada he went to work for the Bell Telephone Company, stringing telephone lines in the Kemptville area. It was on this job that he met his wife, the former Lillian James of Kemptville, whom he married in 1920, and settled in Iroquois where George went to work for the Post.

They moved to Prescott in 1933 when the Iroquois Post was purchased by Wilfrid Crateau, owner of the Prescott Journal. Crateau retained Alf Keeler to edit and compose the four page Post, and on Thursdays he would drive to Iroquois, pick up the four large forms of type, and bring them to Prescott where George Wert, after running the Journal through the large hand-fed Babcock newspaper press, would change the forms and run the Iroquois Post.

This routine continued until 1960 when George was forced to retire because of illness. He died in May, 1979, at the age of 79. Mrs. Wert died in 1995 at the age of 95.

My other teacher was George's son Pete, who started at the Journal as a printer's devil in 1938, worked there for 10 years, and then moved on to the Government Printing Bureau in Ottawa where he worked for 27 years before retiring in 1985. He and his wife, the former Donnella Henry of Prescott, presently reside in Ottawa. When we were talking to Pete last week about those old days at the Journal 50 years ago, he recalled that when he started there in 1938 his weekly salary was $2.00. "That's a week!" he said, "not an hour!" The work week then, and right up until the time he left in 1948 was 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and 8:00 am to l2 noon on Saturday for a total of 51.5 hours.

For Pete that worked out to about four cents an hour. "I wasn't complaining, though," he said, "I learned a good trade and I got a good job in the Printing Bureau that provided a good living and a good retirement."

Another good tradesman of another era, we said to ourselves.

By the time we got around to working at the Journal in the summers of 1947 and '48, the pay had improved, but not by much. We got five bucks a week, which was about 10 cents an hour. We later found out that the going rate for factory workers in Prescott without any particular skills, at that time, was 23 to 25 cents an hour. Our job was mostly that of a gopher and was probably not worth 10 cents an hour to that tyrannic troika of Crateau-Duck-Morris.

The first real job George Wert had us do after we had learned our type case, was to take all the display type (the large letters) that was not going to be used the next week, out of the Journal page forms and put the letters back into the proper compartments in the type cases. The term used for this procedure in the trade was to "throw in the type", and once you had memorized the cases, you could literally stand before a case with a line of type sitting in a make up stick in your left hand and throw the letters into the compartments with your right hand, picking up one word at a time.

It was George Wert who taught us the proper way to hand set type, which was upside-down and backwards, so that the image was transposed when transferred to paper. This ability to read upside-down copy has been of benefit to us as a reporter on many occasions. He also showed us that each letter had a notch in front and all you had to do to check if any of your letters were in your 'stick' backwards, was to check that all the notches lined up in your line of type.

Our attempts to set up an 8 by 10 poster for a lawn social, complete with upside-down lines and backwards letters, was still tacked to the press room wall in 1964 when we returned to the Journal as the owner.

We doubt if any of Dana's unedited stories will meet the same fate. Welcome back to the Prescott Journal, Dana Wert!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Proud Canadian supports U.S.

The Editor;

I attended the demonstration in Ottawa to support our friends and allies, the U.S.A., in their objective to liberate a country forced into a dictatorship using religious beliefs to support them. I was not there to promote war, but to promote freedom of choice, beliefs and ideas which this country stands for. There are many, many ways Canada can support this cause, military and/or medical support only being an example of different avenues. The very public criticism of our supporter (U.S.A.) from our government is very unacceptable to me as a taxpayer.

I do not burn flags, rip them or degrade our country in any way. Others should think twice before they take such actions against a country which has provided them with rights not so easily obtained elsewhere.

On Saturday I dressed as Uncle Sam to show my support for this noble cause, but under the stars and stripes that I wore was a very proud Canadian.

Dean Kirkby
Prescott

SCHOOL SCENE

BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL: The grade 7s and 8s are busy selling tickets for an Easter basket draw. All proceeds go towards Grade 8 graduation and Grade 7 year-end trip.

There will be a parent council meeting tonight (Wednesday, April 9) at 7 pm. Please come out and support the school.

On Friday, April 11, the Jump Rope for Heart demonstration team from Mallorytown will be here at the school at 9:45 am to demonstrate its skills.

The hot lunch Friday is subs.

On Monday, April 14, there will be a French immersion information night for the new French immersion students coming to Boundary in September. The meeting will start at 6:30 pm in the gym.

The Fort Town Concert Association will entertain students next Tuesday.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL: This weekend, St. Joseph students participated in the Rideau-St. Lawrence Science Fair. Our students did very well. The following students won in their respective categories: Jr. Analytical Science (second place) ­ Monique Glenn and Stephanie Hendriks; Monique and Stephanie also won the Pensa Documentation Award; Jr. Life Project (third place) ­ James King; James also won the Trillium Jr. Health and Nutrition and Wellness Award; Jr. Biological Science (second place) ­ Tim Hayman; Tim also won the DuPont Jr. Chemistry Award; Jr. Botanical Project (first place) ­ Mark Wynands and Joel Gillis; Joel and Mark also won the Botany and Agrology Awards; Jr. Mechanical Science (second place) ­ Jessica Barabash; Jessica also won the Jr. Engineering Technology Award; Jr. Product Testing (first place) ­ Kaitlyn Whitney.

Congratulations to all of our students.

Our Grade 7 students are off to Quebec City this week. Students have been learning about Quebec City this year in their history program, and this trip is certainly the highlight.

Our grade 7 and 8 students are busy preparing some songs from the musical Grease for the talent show which will take place May 2 in the school gym. Our grades 4-6 students have also begun their auditions for the talent show.

Just a reminder that we continue to collect cans for the Prescott food bank as part of our Lenten project this year. We are nearing the 500 mark. Don't forget, our goal is to reach 1,000 cans. We have two weeks left!

Congratulations to our students of the week: Courtland Whitney, Samuel Cleary, Christopher Walasek, Mason Williams, Emily McDougald, Jessie Hyland, Payton Williams, James King and Kris Maloney.

ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Father Appelman was at our school Monday to hear Lenten confessions by our Grade 3 students.

Our Catholic School Council meets this Thursday, April 10 at 7 pm in the school library. All parents are welcome to attend.

Next week is Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday. We praise Jesus by bringing symbolic palm branches into our homes, schools and churches.

Our All Star Reading Strategies this week are: Kindergarten ­ "Sound it Out/Word power with rhyming parts/What's the letter?/What's the Sound?;" Grade 1 ­ Ways to Respond ("Act it Out"); Grade 2 ­ Unstuck Strategies ("Tricky words").

School fundraiser is growing

MAITLAND NEWS by Jane Fullarton

The Maitland Public School Parent Council is raising funds to purchase shade trees for the school yard. This fundraiser in partnership with the Kinsman Club offers four-year-old blue spruce trees for sale. The trees are eighteen to 24 inches tall and will be delivered May 17. The parent council is hoping to purchase some fairly tall shade trees to be planted in the fall in the area of the play structure. For information or to order a tree, call Cindy Turton at 348-1760. The deadline for orders is April 25.

The second date for soccer registration will be held April 12 from 10 am to noon at MERC Hall. If your child is aged four to 13 and would like to play soccer in Maitland on Saturday mornings, be sure to attend this registration or call conveners John Wilson at 348-3563 or Al Peters at 348-7189.

The MERC Board is looking for expressions of interest in the Summer Parks Program to assist in planning the duration and timing of the program.

If you would like to have your child attend the parks program, please drop by MERC Hall Saturday morning between 10 am and noon to make your preferences known. The MERC Board is looking for committee members to help organize the program. If you are interested in helping on the committee, call Marilyn Cybulski at 348-3125.

Never too late for corned beef

WALKER HOUSE NEWS by MARNIE LIPPIATT

On Friday, 20 people enjoyed delicious corned beef and cabbage. After several delayed dates, we finally had a little luck and were able to serve our St. Patrick's Day lunch. It was certainly worth the wait. We appreciate the efforts of the cooks and helpers.

We were pleased to find someone who bought our quilt off the frame. It saved a lot of trouble selling tickets. The ladies have already stretched a new one with the snow ball design bordered with cranberry. If you would like to see the current quilt, come to Walker House or call 925-5300.

Board members are reminded of the meeting Monday, April 14 at 10 am.

Card game winners: Monday bridge ­ 1st, Bea Hemsley; 2nd, Andy Britnell; door prize, Ruth Britnell. Tuesday night cribbage ­ high score, Mary Reynolds; 2nd, Jeannine Marion; 3rd, Jean McCrady; hidden score, Lorraine Gere. Thursday night euchre ­ 1st, Mary Reynolds; 2nd, Jean Annable; 3rd, Jeannine Marion; door prize, Lou Baldwin.

Local students win awards at regional science fair

SOUTH GRENVILLE ­ Several award winners at this year's Rideau-St. Lawrence Science Fair hail from the Prescott area.

St. Joseph Catholic School came a close second for the Elementary School Achievement Award presented following the regional competition held Saturday in Brockville.

Several projects submitted by St. Joseph students received individual awards. They are listed above in School Scene.

Two projects from Maynard Public School also received awards Saturday. Rachel Reindorf and Tahneen Williamson placed third in the junior botanical category and received a mechanical design award for their "An Environment to Protect Plants" project. Jason Lefebvre and Kenny Byrd received the Leeds Land Stewardship Award for "The Device that Delays Heat Transfer."

Offers to purchase made on village's hotel and grocery store properties

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - Offers have been made on two of the village's most historic businesses.

According to Dale Charbot of Royal LePage, the realtor for both the Islander Hotel and Coach House Dining Room and Van Camp's Freshmart on Dundas Street, offers have been made on both properties, but he could not go into any further detail on the bids.

"There are offers on the two sites," said Charbot, "but they're still a long way from being sold. I wish they were, but they are still just offers at this stage."

Members of the Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Business Association are pleased with the possibility.

"It really is wonderful news," said treasurer of the business association Marj Kempffer. "Any new business coming into the village is great news."

The Islander was purchased in Sept. 2001 by Cardinal native and National Hockey League veteran Todd Gill and his wife Krista. Gill purchased the hotel for $99,000; it had previously been owned by Beverly Walsh and her late husband Jack Walsh who purchased the hotel in 1972. It was run by the Walsh family until its closure Nov. 30, 2001. The Islander was built about 1897 by the Dillon family, on the site of the International Hotel. The Kennedy family owned it for three years until it was purchased by the Walshs.

The closure of Van Camp's Freshmart on Dec. 31 left the village without a local grocer for the first time in more than 100 years. The family business was started by George F. Van Camp in 1921 when he opened a grocery store on the corner of Lewis and Munroe streets. George ran the business until 1947 when his son Matthew Van Camp took over. In 1960, the store moved to its current location. In 1967, Matthew passed on the store to his two sons Graham and Kevin, with Graham and his wife Lou Ann taking over store operations in 1975 which they ran until its closure. Over the years the store changed from the Red & White, to Valu-mart and finally to Freshmart.

TD bank celebrates 100 years in Cardinal

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

CARDINAL - The TD Canada Trust branch in Cardinal celebrated its 100th anniversary Friday.

"One hundred years is certainly something special," said branch Manager Peter Topps. "We invited some former staff here and it's nice to see some of the customers coming in and recognizing them."

Customer Service Manager Betty Baldwin added, "We have a lot of the historical pictures of the community up and the customers really seem to like that. We have an older group of customers that come in and have been doing so for years, it's been fun."

One of the bank's retired employees, Rigtje Baker who worked at the branch from 1980 until 1997, returned to help out with the event and help honour the branch and its customers.

"I worked here nearly 20 years," said Baker. "I really loved the job; I always did and the interaction with the people. I was there at their last anniversary ten years ago and was asked to be here."

Baker was amazed at all the changes at the branch over her 17 years on the job and remembered some of the old methods used while finding her initials in a handwritten bank book.

"We didn't have the posting machines or adding machines when I first started," said Baker. "We would pull up all the accounts on cards and if they were messed up it would be a scramble to find them; it really got a lot easier with computers."

The bank originally opened at its current site on Dundas Street on April 4, 1903 on a lease basis and was purchased outright by the bank in 1929. The largest expansion of the bank took place in 1962 with a small addition as well as work on the floors, ceilings, furniture and air conditioning. The branch's continuous operation since 1903 makes the location one of the 30 oldest-established branches in Canada.

When asked about the future of the Cardinal branch given the closure of many smaller bank branches across Canada, Topps said "We've been given no indication about its closure. There's no reason for me to be able to speculate on the future of the banking industry."

Gill Street fire blamed on kerosene heater

CARDINAL ­ A malfunctioning kerosene heater is being blamed as the cause of a fire at 518 Gill St. Sunday.

Edwardsburgh/Cardinal fire stations 1 and 2 were called to the scene Sunday at about 11:45 am. Deputy Fire Chief Graham VanCamp said an occupant of the small bungalow had lit the basement heater, and turned to walk away when it started on fire.

The fire was confined to the basement, causing electrical damage, although VanCamp said the main house suffered smoke and water damage.

The occupants, Claude and Frances Lacasse, were taken by ambulance to Brockville General Hospital, treated for smoke inhalation and released. A dog and cat survived the fire, which VanCamp estimates caused $15,000 damage to the house.

Two tankers, two pumpers, 17 firefighters, OPP, ambulance and hydro officials responded to the scene. Two firefighters remained on spark watch until about 3:30 pm.

According to police, foul play is not suspected.

Volunteers needed for adopt-a-spot gardens

CARDINAL - Cardinal in Bloom is searching for volunteers to take part in its adopt-a-spot program.

Volunteers are being sought to adopt gardens around the village where they will plant flowers purchased by Cardinal in Bloom and weed, water and provide general care and maintenance throughout the summer.

"We have a lot of volunteers coming back," said Cardinal in Bloom committee member Lori Pennell, "but there are some people who have done it for a long time and are getting away from it, or can no longer continue with it for various reasons."

Cardinal in Bloom is hoping to fill the volunteer roles in order to help continue its efforts to beautify the community.

"We have about 10-12 spots that need to be filled," said Pennell. "It would be great to get more so we could possibly add some more beds around the village."

For more information on the adopt-a-spot program or to volunteer, contact Tyler Deschamps at 657-4482

United Church plans Holy Week activities

CARDINAL - With Holy Week nearly upon us the Cardinal-Johnstown Pastoral Charge will be offering activities at the United Church from April 13 to April 20.

On April 13, there will be a Palm Parade and Passion Sunday with the celebration of Holy Communion at 9:30 am in Johnstown United and 11 am at St. John's United in Cardinal.

On April 17, there will be a Joint Maundy Thursday worship at 7 pm at St. John's United in Cardinal.

The Joint Good Friday Worship will take place April 18 at 10 am at St. Andrew's and St. James Presbyterian Church in Cardinal to be followed by the 10-kilometre Cross Walk to Johnstown with meditations along the route and stone soup lunch to follow. There will also be Good Friday Worship at 7 pm at Johnstown United Church.

On April 20, Johnstown United will host an Easter Worship at 9:30 am and at 11 am at St. John's United in Cardinal.

For more information, contact the pastoral charge at 657-4702.

CARDINAL BRIEFS

Theatre group ready for annual performance

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Lions Theatre Group is preparing for a pair of performances April 11 and 13 at the St. John's United Church on Dundas Street in Cardinal.

The group will be performing "A Knight to Remember" by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid at 7 pm April 11 and at 2 pm April 13.

The children have been working hard preparing for their roles; they started to learn the songs last October, before auditioning and learning lines.

This is the third year for the group with more than 32 children taking part in this year's production.

Stamp club hosting monthly meeting

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Stamp Club will be holding its monthly meeting tonight (April 9).

The meeting will begin at 7 pm at the Cardinal Public Library.

Local Lions support hospital fundraiser

WINCHESTER - Local Lions clubs are participating in a draw in support of Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

Clubs from Cardinal, Edwardsburgh, Chesterville, Finch, Iroquois-Matilda, Metcalfe, Morrisburg, Mountain, Osgoode, Russell and Winchester along with the North Dundas District High School Leo Club are working to raise money for the hospital.

The draw's top prize is a 16' x 11' playhouse/garden shed donated by Dundas Children's Fund with a value of more than $12,000. Second prize $1,000 and third prize $500.

The draw date is July 5 with tickets available by contacting members of the local Lions Club.

Navy League holding bake sale April 19

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Navy League will be holding an Easter Bake Sale Saturday, April 19 from 8:30 pm until 2:30 pm at the Village Square Mall in Cardinal.

All proceeds from the baskets go towards supporting the Cardinal Sea Cadets, RCSCC Defiant.

1933 commencement includes entertainment

CARDINAL'S PAST

April 13, 1933

* The annual commencement of the Cardinal Continuation School was held in the town hall. School board Chairman Percy Taylor presided over the program and presentations of musical items and a three-act play. Graduation diplomas were given to Hazel Adams, Andrew Browning, Della Mae Sisco, Stuart Adams, Carl Taylor, Robert Armstrong, Dorothy Duvall, Mathew VanCamp and Robert Cuthbertson, who also read the valedictory address.

April 10, 1963

* Reeve George Brown and David Baker, chairman of the building fund committee, turned the sod Sunday to mark the beginning of construction for the $90,000 Christian Education extension to St. John's United Church.

* The Toronto-Dominion Bank in Cardinal celebrates its 60th anniversary this month. The branch's continuous operation since 1903 makes it one of the 30 oldest-established branches of the 612 now operated across Canada by Toronto-Dominion.

The Cardinal branch was operated by The Bank of Toronto from 1903 until 1955, when amalgamation with The Dominion Bank resulted in the present bank. The bank remains in its original location. According to Manager G. Milliken, renovations completed last year make his bank equal to any city branch in appearance and efficiency. Four cages are operated on pay days. Milliken is the 11th manager of the branch; F.E. Kimball was the first, and he stayed until 1918. Present staff members are Lawrence B. Sayers, Lorraine B. Millar, Russell E. Pratt, Katherine Sorrell, Shirley M. Sisty, Dorothy Cameron and Beverley A. Armstrong.

April 11, 1973

* David McFasten has been appointed as the new postmaster in Cardinal to succeed Archie Campbell.

April 13, 1983

* After three months of debating the need for three policemen in Cardinal and pouring over more than 80 applications for the position, village council has settled the issue. David William Woodford, 28, has been appointed to the position of constable. His wife is the former Tara Arthurs of Cardinal. Ron Wood, a member of the local force for seven years, is acting chief.

April 14, 1993

* Lead by Victor Nikiforovos, an interdenominational group took part in Good Friday's "Walk with the Cross" through Cardinal streets. The walk started with a brief service at St. John's United Church and included stops for prayers at a number of locations throughout the village before ending at St. Paul's Anglican Church.

* Leeds-Grenville MP Jim Jordan presented a Canada 125 medal to Cardinal's Orpha Bottan, in honour of her community involvement. She has been involved with the Legion Ladies' Auxiliary, Cancer Society and St. Vincent de Paul Hospital Auxiliary.

Fish and game club membership sales
are continuing

CARDINAL - The Cardinal Fish and Game Club has started its annual membership sales campaign.

The club will be selling memberships at the same cost as last year at various locations in South Grenville, including MacEwen's Gas and Convenience Store in Johnstown, Rona Hardware in Cardinal and Mustard's Variety in Iroquois.

Author's Prescott visit rescheduled to Saturday

PRESCOTT ­ Ottawa Valley author Mary Cook will be signing copies of her books this Saturday, April 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at The Gift Lane on King Street West.

Cook was scheduled to appear in Prescott last Saturday, but the appearance was postponed due to bad weather and road conditions.

Upper Canada Playhouse increases playbill for 2003 season

MORRISBURG - The Upper Canada Playhouse will be opening its 20th anniversary season with the addition of three new shows to its 2003 playbill.

The theatre opens for the season with a performance of the comedy Lucien starring Marshall Button from April 22 until April 26. The one-man show features Lucien expressing his opinions about almost everything in the news speaking his unique mixture of French and English while trying to make sense of the world.

The show runs nightly at 8 pm with special matinees on Wednesday, April 23 and Saturday, April 25 at 2 pm, with the April 22 show starting at 6 pm.

The playhouse will also mark its 20th anniversary on April 26 with a gala performance at 8 pm with proceeds going to the Winchester Memorial Hospital's Renew The Vision Fund.

For more information contact the Upper Canada Playhouse at (613)543-3713.

South Grenville Giants win big at badminton tourney

By David Dickenson, Journal Staff Writer

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Giants got off to a strong start in its badminton season at the North Grenville Invitational.

At the tournament South Grenville athletes fared well with Andrew Fortier and Peter Veltkamp winning the men's doubles, Dustin Drury and Lisa Weststrate winning the mixed doubles and Eric Delorme defeating Luke Meppelder in an all South Grenville men's singles final.

"We had six of our nine senior students in the finals of the four team competition,' said coach Matt Robinson. "We were very successful in a lackluster turnout. It was a good chance to see some of the other teams and we played well, but this weeks LGSSAA (Leeds and Grenville Secondary School Athletic Association) will be a real challenge."

Robinson figures South Grenville will be solid with a large group of senior students back, though "rough around the edges."

The club has been practicing for one week after SGDHS decided to run a program despite Thousand Islands Secondary School and Brockville Collegiate Institute decided not to run a badminton program.

"We really wanted to give the individuals who were training all year a chance to play," said Robinson. "They've been coming to badminton club from September until December and we felt they deserved a chance to play so we've been patching together players for a team to give our six OACs a last hurrah."

Robinson holds high hopes for the 16 person team which he expects to be led by Delorme who qualified for the Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association last year as a Grade 11.

"Eric (Delorme) will be our guys for singles," said Robinson. "Also we will be running a mens and ladies doubles teams as well as a mixed doubles team
for LGSSAA. Hopefully we'll do well."

Spencerville native making a splash at Wayne State

DETROIT - Spencerville native Dustin Kingston has ended his college hockey career on a high note winning three of the team's highest honours for the Wayne State University Warriors men's hockey team.

Kingston was named the team's most valuable player, top scorer and was awarded the president's honour for academic success during the team's awards ceremony March 29 at Hockeytown Café in Detroit.

He finished the season with 17 goals and 41 points, which was enough to make Kingston the university's all time leading goal scorer with 65 goals and was an honourable mention for national player of the month for January.

The chemistry major also holds the distinction of being the only player to play in all of Wayne State's 141 games since the program's inception three years ago.

Kingston led the Warriors to their third consecutive College Hockey America Conference playoff title and the team's first appearance in the NCAA Division 1 tournament. Wayne State was eliminated in the NCAA regional semi-final by the top ranked Colorado College 3-2 on March 22 at Michigan's Yost Ice Arena.

Kingston played with the Brockville Braves before attending Wayne State.

Dustin is the son of Dale and Janice Kingston of Spencerville.

PDSA holding late registration period

PRESCOTT - The Prescott and District Soccer Association (PDSA) will be holding a late registration session tonight (April 9) from 6 pm until 8 pm at the Prescott Fire Hall.

The late registration period will allow those who missed out the first time to sign up for the 2003 season with a minimal late fee. This will be the final chance for kids to sign up for soccer in South Grenville before having to go on a waiting list.

More than 500 players are signed up so far for the season; 620 that participated last year.

"We've been getting a lot of calls from people who have missed the early period and still wanted to sign their kids up," said PDSA President Rob Carr.

"We really need to get everyone signed up and ready to go so we can start the kids playing the Tuesday after the long weekend in May (May 20). We plan to start practices for that week with games running from May 26 until August 23. Getting kids signed up earlier makes it easier to complete the schedules and decide the number of teams in each division."

The PDSA will be holding its bi-weekly meetings preparing for the season, to finalize plans for the season and inventory of equipment.

"We're still checking out what we have and need more of," said Carr.

"We're in the process of looking for sponsors to help out with that as well as sponsor teams. We've been a lucky bunch with most of the sponsors so great about everything. This year, we're hoping we'll be able to get some help to buy some smaller goals for the under six kids and maybe some new balls, due to the interest from parents of four year olds."

The PDSA will also be running four rep teams for the area including Under-10 boys, Under-11 girls, Under-14 boys and Under-18 boys teams.

"We possibly could add more," Carr explained, "but so far those four teams are where most of the interest has been from."

Coaches, executive members, referees and volunteers are still being sought to help out with activities throughout the season.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Rob Carr at 925-1396 or Leanne Burton at 925-0782.

Softball sign-ups set

SPENCERVILLE - The Spencerville softball league will be holding its 2003 registration April 10 at the Spencerville Arena.

The registration will be for boys and girls from ages 4-19 in different age groups ranging from t-ball to midget.

Last year the league fielded ten teams for a total of 123 participants and saw the completion of a second diamond which will be used this season.

For more information contact Stephanie Summers at 658-2225 or Debbie Seary at 658-3383.

SGMHA gets new volunteers to join 2003/2004 executive

PRESCOTT - The South Grenville Minor Hockey Association has elected its new executive for 2003/2004.

The executive was selected at the annual meeting last Wednesday. Some new faces are getting involved with the SGMHA.

Tracy Swan will continue in his fourth year as president, with Rose Williams as vice-president, Carolyn Mason as secretary, Paul LaBrash as treasurer, Colleen Heward as registrar, John Sherman as rules and discipline, Sandy Millar as way & means (fundraiser), Charlie Murray in charge of hockey development and Sean Roche as referee-in-chief, all returning to fill in the top spots on the executive.

Bruce Fox will be this year's tournament convener, while Tammy Smith is initiation convener, Sheila Boardman is novice convener, Cindy Fox and Debbie Johnson will share the duty of atom convener, Vicki Sargeant will be the peewee convener, Garry Todd the bantam convener and Ann Marie Polite will be the midget convener.

"We did very well this season," said Williams. "The tournaments were a success and we now have some fresh faces to help put some new ideas on the floor. Also, some of the new people on the executive have kids who are younger and will hopefully be around for a while, as some of the current members have kids who have already finished hockey. We have 37 people who will volunteer for the SGMHA, but that really isn't a lot considering there are more than 400 kids playing hockey in South Grenville."

The next meeting of the SGMHA will be May 3 at 6:30 pm upstairs at the Leo Boivin Community Centre.

Mixed three pitch to hold sign-ups

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Mixed Three Pitch league will be starting its registration period this weekend.

The first period will be Saturday, April 12 from 10 am until 1 pm at the Prescott Fire Hall.

On April 16 the league will be holding it's second session
from 6 pm until 8 pm at the fire hall.

The league is more than 15 years old and is looking for new members as the league is moving towards the future.

The league is actively fundraising to build a new outfield fence at one of the diamonds at RCA field.

The fencing is estimated to cost $3,000 to erect.

As part of its fundraising activities the league held a dance at the fire hall on April 15 and will be holding an early bird mixed slow pitch tournament in early May.

For more information on
the league or the fence fundraising call Paula Selleck at 925-1137.